The Shift Dress~ by Kipp

Don't fret, I haven't brought about a coup d'état, Richard will be back for the weekend. His work has just been a bit crazier than usual.

I am continuing with my homage to the classics this week and ending with the shift dress. This is the most flattering and versatile style of dress that you can have in your wardrobe.  First created in the 1920's this dress is timeless, but has made some slight changes. Its original style is a straight cut without any definition in the waist, classic of the 20's. It has now morphed to have definition, but the basic structure, sleeveless with a high scoop neck or boatneck, has remained intact. This dress can easily transition from work to cocktail and a variety of other social occasions. Bright colors and floral prints work very well as a shift dress.  The high neckline of a shift dress makes it the perfect place to wear a statement necklace (like below). However, that is a post for next week!

                (Ignore this poor girl's hair... we don't know what happened there.)

From The GARR- ijj ~ by Kipp

Summer Whites~ by Kipp

A fresh, crisp white ensemble like the one this woman is sporting is a perfect summer stable. White jeans are some of my summer weekend favorites and are easy to dress up and down. She was very sensible in breaking up this total white combination with a brown belt and scarf. It adds a completeness and sophistication to the look. This image is very Ralph Lauren and could easily be worn in a variety of locations.  How do you prefer to wear your summer whites?

Preppy Girl Theatre ~ by Kipp

Ballet Flats ~ by Kipp

Another classic style icon is most definitely the ballet flat. Immortalized by Audrey Hepburn these shoes leave us wanting nothing. Their comfort, beauty, style and ladylike demeanor make them the perfect shoe. I do adore high heels but there is nothing better than a bow ballet flat like the gorgeous ones shown above.  Flats go with everything from skirts, dresses, pants and jeans. You can never have enough ballet flats because you never know what color, pattern, or shape you are bound to need. J.Crew always has a good variety of preppy and comfortable flats. I am a huge advocate of adding a pop of color to one's ensemble with a bright shoe. Any of the J.Crew flats below would take any outfit to another level.

Preppy Girl Theatre ~by Kipp

Skinny Belts ~ by Kipp

Photo Credit for picture at the bottom of the page:  Unabashedly Prep

One of my favorite style accessories has to be the skinny belt. Though granted, there are few style items I dislike!  The beauty of the skinny belt is that it's versatile, easy to use, and oh yes, functional. Like headbands, they are something I always just pick up in every variety because you can always pair them with something! They can take a dress from boring to polished and add the extra element needed to any ensemble. Imagine the girl below without the belt, her outfit would not look nearly as complete. It is in these details that one can truly show that they have style. Anyone can throw on a pretty dress, but the creativity and the expression comes through when you articulate your personal style though details.

So ladies, before you walk out the door tomorrow, take another look. Could a skinny belt be just what your outfit needs?

From The GARR-ijj

Children - by Richard

Children absolutely freak me out!  The thought of runny noses, dirty diapers, and projectile vomiting absolutely scares me.  Plus, in today's economy, I am not sure how people afford four or five children.  Seriously, these parents had better hope for scholarships, and even then, I am not sure they are home free after college. 

In six months, I will be 35 years old and more than ever people ask, "when are you having kids".  Honestly, I feel like punching them in the face when they ask!  I guess if it ever happens one day, I will look much like the man pictured above (I know he is an actor, can't remember his name).  Especially, if I had a girl because I know how boys can be!  Regardless, I am content as we speak, and if I never have kids, I will certainly be just as happy! 

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

From The GARR - ijj - by Richard

James Bond - by Richard

James Bond is one of my favorite fictional characters of all-time (right up there with Flashman). What is there not to like (Aston Martins, Bond Girls, stylish clothes)? Hopefully, the new film will be in theatres soon, but I do hope is better than the last Bond film. The jury is still out on Daniel Craig in my opinion, but I do give him two thumbs up for his first installment, Casino Royale.

Great Gatsby - by Richard

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

On Safari ~ by Kipp

The safari look and outdoor adventure has always been a WASPy dream. Going to Africa on safari is on my top travel lists. The picture above is one of my favorites. I love what both the man and woman are wearing and again goes to show that classic style never goes out of fashion. One could easily wear both ensembles today.

The Garden Party ~ by Kipp

As we quickly approach the summer season, outdoor occasions become common place and the garden party becomes a standard. This is a wonderful time to be more casual and yet still be preppy and stylish. Seersucker, madras, and critter items are of course standards.  I like pairing a more structured seersucker blazer with a more casual solid colored Lilly dress. I am still undecided about the gentleman with the critter shorts and blazer.  I am just not a fan of shorts for men or women. They have a high probability of being ill fitting and look badly on most. 

In the summer it is also easy to fall in a pastel rut, but be sure to create innovative combinations. You'll be sure to catch the eye of everyone at the party!

Barbour - by Richard

I am thinking about buying a Barbour Jacket for this fall, however; I don't know a lot about these jackets. I do know that the royal family wears them, and that the oil cloth versions need dressing. But, other than that, I know very little about these timeless jackets. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

Nice Sweater - by Richard

We have posted on pops of color before, but this is another good example of it done right. Sweaters, watchbands, and socks are all good ways to achieve that perfect pop.

And He Says I Am A Poseur - by Richard

Photo Credit: Ivy Style

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

A personal favorite!

Plaid Wallpaper Looks So Nice - by Richard

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

Madras Done Right - by Richard

It is easy to screw up madras, but above is an example of the fabric worn correctly. The conservative shirt, tie, and trouser pairs well with the muted madras. The key is to keep everything simple with the fabric.

A WASP Never Leaves Home Without - by Richard

Tory Burch~ by Kipp

I have had a love/hate relationship with Tory Burch. I will say that many of her clothing items are quite cute and preppy and I have some very nice items. However, her iconic ballet flats and many of her handbags I do not condone. The massive logo that she puts on almost everything is an eye sore and is a tacky display of branding. That is why I was pleasantly surprised as of late with some of her new items. Like the bag above, it seems they are listening to those of us who like the items but do not like a massive logo. I absolutely adore the bag above. The color goes with everything and it is the perfect shape and size. Every woman needs at least one classic bag like above that is elegant and goes with absolutely everything.

I hope that Tory Burch will continue this trend and take the logo completely off her shoes and reduces them on her handbags. If this occurs, there will be a lot more Tory in my wardrobe.

From The GARR-ijj~ by Kipp

Vintage Ads~ by Kipp

Vintage ads are a visual pleasure. The black and white photography and the sense of longing for a better era.  It is also a testament to the fact that classic style never goes out of fashion. What these women are wearing could easily be worn today.  I quite enjoy the Hermès ad on the left. It makes one long to pack everything into trunks and hop on The Orient Express.

The Proper Way To Wear A Hoodie - by Richard

Though I never strive to wear a hoodie, if one must wear one, I suppose the picture above is the proper way to do it(No sport coat and cute girl in hand).

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

I Must Have Missed This Episode of Gossip Girl - by Richard

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

I Just Don't Know - by Richard

Though I love a good double breasted blazer, I just don't know about this one. Elbow Patches? Though typically very prep, this just looks a little overdone. What are your thoughts?

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

Tweed Jackets and Bright Pants ~by Kipp

As I came across these photos, I realized just how well the combination of a more winter jacket and a spring pant went together. This works for a transitional season and it allows for more use of tweed! It is a nice contrast to bright pants with a seersucker or navy blazer.  This look is much more put together and dapper as well. Although it just so happens that both of these handsome gentlemen are making the combination with a pale yellow pant, it could also just as easily be combined with a Nantucket Red or a green pant. Ladies, you too can do this combination, although I would suggest a brightly colored skirt instead of pants for a more feminine look.

So don't store away your tweed just quite yet; rematch them for the season with a brightly colored trouser!

From the Manor ~by Kipp

Dancing - by Richard

I wish we could restore ourselves to a time when we all got dressed in our tuxedos to go out and dance. For me, I have the tux, but no dance moves. And personally, I think I have failed myself for not knowing how to formally dance. Maybe, I will learn.

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

Oxford Cloth Fun Shirts - by Richard

The Fun Oxford Shirt is only for the Jedi Warriors of Prep. These shirts are famously made by Brooks Brothers, and they can be a lot of fun on weekends. As always, they look great with the prep exoskeleton, the navy blazer. And, if you are looking for a proper tie to wear with these shirts, try a navy spotted one. So, after you learn to wield your preppy light saber and become a Jedi Warrior, go out and buy a fun oxford shirt.

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

The Oxford Cloth Shirt - by Richard

The oxford cloth shirt is legendary in the prep world, and the shirt has been placed on a high pedestal of late. The shirts are probably most traditionally worn with a button down collar, but stores like Brooks Brothers and Rugby have made them with club and spread collars. The colors you are likely to find these shirts in are:

Blue
Pink
Yellow
Ecru
White
Blue Univesity Stripe
Red University Stripe

Colors that look great, but are more difficult to acquire:

Pink University Stripe
Yellow University Stripe

Also, oxford cloth button downs with a flap pocket have made a resurgence of late. So, the point is there are numerous styles and colors, and you should put some in your closet today.

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

I Just Need To Shoot Something - by Richard

Every now and then, WASPy men get in pissy moods, and just have an urge to shoot something. Rather than shoot the people who upset me, I usually go with my father and shoot targets. This morning, I did just that! I was not in the mood for pictures this morning, so I will describe my attire: Cotton Safari Jacket Blue OCBD Jeans Bean Boots. My father has a huge collection of guns, and I fell in love with his new Taurus Judge. It is a hand gun that packs quite a punch, and wow, it is loud. So, just remember, shooting targets to releave stress is good, but shooting people will get you five to ten in the state pen (probably more).

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard