Going Sockless - by Richard

It has been a while since I posted last, and many thanks to Kipp for keeping the blog running.  I can promise that you will be seeing more pics of yours truly soon, and I have a basket full of new stories. 

Now, without question, every WASPy/Preppy guy must go sockless during the summer months.  And of course, loafers are the shoe of choice. One can pull off white bucks without socks, but my go to shoes are bit loafers and penny loafers.  It is also best to wear your trousers with no break.  It elongates your legs, and shows off your tanned ankles. 

So, ditch those socks!  Its over a hundred degrees outside. 

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

Navy Double Breasted Suits~ by Kipp

This gentleman looks perfectly dapper with his classic double breasted navy suit. Many men think that it can't be pulled off or looks a little pompous, but I absolutely love it! IF it is worn properly, and with confidence it takes the wearer to a whole new sartorial level. He has also perfectly paired it with a bright yellow tie to contrast the conservative nature of the navy and a lighter gingham shirt. He has also paired it well with aviator sunglasses and a dark brown document carrier. The only thing I would change would be the pocket square. Something a bit brighter in my opinion would have made this a completely parfait ensemble.

Mixing Prints~ by Kipp

Normally I tend to say stick with one bold print in an outfit. However, if it is divided by a solid like above then two prints can go well together. I am wearing a paisley Vineyard Vines silk skirt that is one of my summer favorites, a RL oxford, and a Smathers and Branson pink houdstooth headband.  This outfit is a great casual Spring/Summer ensemble that brings out the seasons colors. These two prints would look horrid if directly together, such as a print shirt, because the distance is too close. If you separate the prints it is much easier on the eye, and the houdstooth is only on a larger headband.  Summer is a time of bold prints, such as madras, so be careful and make sure you do not over do it or you will end up looking like a preppy mess.

Jack Rogers ~ by Kipp

Jack Rogers are an American classic. My favorite summer shoe and a kind of addiction. They are comfortable, come in any color variety and preppy. These shoes were created in 1960 in Palm Beach and immortalized by Jackie Kennedy who was known for sporting these perfect sandals. They are easy to dress up and down as well and can be used for a variety of occasions. However, I am not a big fan of the new wedge Jacks, I stick with the classics.  If you don't own a pair I suggest starting with white and collect them all!

From the GARR-ijj ~by Kipp

The Shirtdress ~ by Kipp

The shirtdress is a classic and easy option for the weekends. My favorites are made out of oxford cloth. They look complete with a belt like the one above and a pair of ballet flats. There is also something subtly sexy about the shirtdress. Brooks Brothers has many good options for this year and I have a couple of great ones from J.Crew as well.  Since they are so simple the fun is with the accessories like a statement necklace or bigger belt. Every woman should have at least one actual shirtdress in their wardrobe and not just the shirt that you steal from your significant other :)

Preppy Girl Theatre ~ by Kipp

Croquet & Champagne ~ by Kipp

This weekend we enjoyed some amazing weather and I was able to go outside for a little game of croquet.  I had not played in a while and when a friend suggested the idea I was thrilled! We had a wonderful afternoon. Unfortunately, I got so caught up in the game that posting on it was an after thought, so my pictures are not as good as I would have liked. It was a very casual affair so I wore a yellow Lilly lace dress with a cardigan and Jack Rogers. My friend was wearing white linen RL pants and RL button down in a very small blue gingham (which was originally tucked in as it should be) with brown loafers.

 So before the weather gets unbearably hot, I suggest everyone take some time off and enjoy a little croquet.

Lilly Pulitzer ~by Kipp

Today was a lovely day and I decided to throw on some Lilly. I have posted about Lilly before and I decided to show an ensemble of Lilly done my way. I love the cut of this dress and also the print. As I have stated before I feel that many of the Lilly prints are just too much; however, this one is perfect! It is a good combination of flowery print with a more elegant navy background. The flowers continue to cascade down the back of the dress as well. Due to the fact that the flowers are a statement and the dress is the main focus of this outfit I paired it with simple gold jewelry and white Jack Rogers.  This balance of bold and simple is necessary with Lilly in order not to be overwhelming. If done right Lilly can make for perfect summer dresses!

Perfect Pink ~ by Kipp

It baffles me how the vast majority of men care so little about their appearance and do not understand the powerful impact of a well cut suit or perfect ensemble; not to mention its effect over women :) This gentleman does not have that problem and is amazingly well dressed. I absolutely adore this light pink ensemble that he has paired with a navy and pink repp stripe tie tucked in to a pink v-neck sweater. The pocket square is also well chosen to continue with the pink and navy from the tie but in a different pattern. A tie and pocket square should always combine, but never match. The flower on the lapel is an accoutrement that seems to be having a bit of a return in style as of late. In my mind this man is wearing tailored navy pants and not the seersucker pants because then it would be a bit too much pink, à mon avis. This would be a great look for a race or polo match in the summer, or just a nice Sunday brunch.

Preppy Girl Theatre ~by Kipp

Kate Middleton ~ by Kipp

I have had a fascination with Elizabeth I since a very young age. So naturally, Queen of England sounded like exactly what I always wanted to do. Once William first started dating Kate I held a little bitterness for her but now I adore her! I think she is absolutely gorgeous and is handling the pressures of royalty with grace and good will.  She is also quickly becoming a major fashion icon, and I thoroughly approve of the transition her style has taken. She is taking classic style and yet putting her own spin on it and is really coming into her own. She incorporates modern designers such as Issa and knows how to pair them with classics in a superbly elegant way. What is your opinion of the new princess?

Ivy League Haircut - by Richard

Photo: Anderson Cooper

Some call it the Princeton and others the Cambridge Cut, but Anderson's haircut is without question an Ivy League Cut.  The look is achieved by having shorter cropped hair on the sides, and longer hair on top.  With a little product and a swoop to the side, your look is complete. 

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

Chess - by Richard

Chess is a very fun and strenuous game when played with a worthy adversary.  Perhaps, one of my best opponents was a young lady that I dated while in college.  Sure, she used distractions, but she was certainly a very strategic player.  The photo above does not accurately display today's youth, but I would encourage everyone to own a chess board and understand the rules.  It truly is WASPy. 

Read And Listen - by Richard

Preppy Girl Theatre (Sortive, ok.....she is just pretty) - by Richard

A Summer Stroll ~ by Kipp

 In my part of the country the weather has been shockingly mild. Mind you I am not complaining, normally by June we are all melting away. Today was a perfect day for a friend of mine and I to take a nice little walk from work to an event that was going on afterwords. The yellow was not intentional, we have a habit of color matching.  This friend of mine normally wears a lot of black which is why she isn't featured on the blog, but today the yellow and the houndstooth had me impressed. In defense of her choice of wearing Hunters, there was near monsoon proportion of rain and so they were appropriate this morning. I really enjoy my new schoolboy blazer and have been wearing it with a pocket square, but today since my blouse was more ornate I decided the pocket square would be too much.

 I hope you are all enjoying the weather and take a nice little stroll with a friend!

From the GARR ijj ~ by Kipp

A Lovely Older Gentleman ~ by Kipp

I know I've seen this man somewhere before but can't seem to place him. Help! However, he is a shocking reminder of my late grandfather who was so particular about every item of clothing he wore. Pink and navy was his favorite color combination and he frequently sported a double breasted jacket with gold buttons like the one above. I can almost smell the scent of his favorite pipe tobacco and hear his classic lines of advice. 

It just goes to show that your classic wardrobe will last a lifetime. I hope my future husband is just as well dressed as this man at his age!

Preppy Girl Theatre ~ by Kipp

Thigh Grabbing Congressman - by Richard

Once, I was traveling with an incumbent Congressman who still is a client of mine to an event in one of his remote counties.  I knew the location we were traveling to, and I warned my client that the owner of the location was quite lovely.  I proceeded further to tell him that he would want to run his hand up her thigh, but he should refrain (for many reasons) because she was married.

Upon arrival, I noticed the gleam in the Congressman's eye, and before you knew it, he wanted a picture with the attractive lady and her mother.  The mother was clearly more the Congressman's age, but that was not his style.  When I focused the lense, I noticed the Congressman wrapped his arms around both women (he was in the middle), and his hands were low.  Sure enough, the dirty old man had his hands on both women's thighs, and he gave me a wink just before I snapped the picture.  Wish I could tell you who it was, but then this story would lose me a client and not be any fun. 

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

What Would You Like To Do To Your Favorite Bully or Someone You Don't Like - by Richard

Photo Credit: Preppy Video Game (Bully)

We have all encountered bullies and people we don't like.  It's how you deal with them that counts.  I have never been bullied in person, but I have certainly been bullied on the Internet.  Sure, I would like to give Christian Chensvold a swirly from time to time, but in the end, ignoring them is best.  What would you like to do to your favorite bully, or person you don't like.  (Don't really do it, but sometimes talking about it and getting it out of your system just makes you feel better). 

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

Brooks Brothers Flatiron Store - by Richard

Brooks Brothers has apparently opened up a new concept store called the FlatIron Store.  It targets the younger crowd, and I suppose they are trying to compete with GANT and Rugby Ralph Lauren.  Surprisingly, I like what I see of the store, and they do have some wonderful items.  I also enjoy the library like feel of the store, and would love to have the ram head hanging on the wall.  Maybe I will kill one.