Summering Abroad ~ by Kipp

Every summer my parents spend their months abroad and each year I have been lucky enough to join them for a couple of weeks. I am still currently in Europe but I thought that I would post a couple of pictures.  When traveling one must still keep up a certain style, whereas many people seem to think that vacation means that you can also wear your pajamas in public, this is not the case. As always European style can get a little interesting and some of the ensembles I have seen have been fairly shocking! 

The key to packing and keeping your style is having pieces that are very versatile and easy to change up. It is also crucial to take many accessories in order to be able to combine and dress pieces up and down as needed. The navy J.Crew safari dress below is one of my favorites for traveling and I have had it for years. Pencil skirts and simple ruffle tops are easy to switch around. I hope you are all enjoying your summer and I shall be back to posting soon!

My Annual Summer Party - by Richard

 This past weekend, I hosted my annual summer party at my home.  We invited all my snobby friends, and had a merry old time.  For the event, I broke out my new Rugby Summer Tweed Suit.  The suit is very fitted but feels wonderful.  Also, being that it is made mostly of linen (with a little silk), it breaths well.  With the rest of the outfit I wore:

Polo Bow Tie

Polo Pocket Square

Rugby Slider Belt

Brooks Brothers Extra Slim OCBD

No Socks

Polo Tartan Slippers

The Fastest Car I Have Ever Driven - by Richard

Yesterday, my dentist invited me over for a cigar and spin in his 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo.  I must say, this is the fastest car I have ever driven. The car will do 0-60 in 3.6 seconds and top out at 193 miles per hour.  It is almost impossible to hold this car to 35 miles per hour (in 35 mile per hour zones), and when I hammered down to move beyond a car, it accelerated so fast that I was at 100 miles per hour in seconds.  Truly, a wonderful Sunday afternoon. 

Don't You Just Hate Snobbish and Fake Wannabes - by Richard

I despise fake people, and even more, I despise fake snobbish people.  Years ago, I knew this witch of a girl that could pretend to fit in with preppy/in crowd very well.  However, she was a queen you know what, and did she ever irritate me.  She would be hateful just because she could, and she would say some of the most fake and stupid things. 

Once while at a gathering she repeatedly told this girl (while intoxicated) that she was going to run that town (New York).  I have never heard of the girl running the town since.  I don't really know the
exact point of this story, but I  despised that girl. Still do!

Canary Yellow Sweater - by Richard

Whether it is a cable knit, shaggy dog, or merino a canary yellow sweater is a wonderful choice. It pairs well with khakis and a blue shirt, and might I suggest and burgundy and navy repp tie to go with it. If you need to dress it up a bit more, throw on a navy blazer, or even a gray flannel suit. It is just a color that goes with almost anything. Other options include tweed in almost any color......it is just versatile.

WASP 101 on The Hunt - by Richard

Brooks and Rugby Advertising Early Fall Looks - by Richard

In the last couple days, both Brooks Brothers and Ralph Lauren Rugby have released ad campaigns for their early fall looks.  I have to say that I am impressed with both companies, and I ordered a couple ties from Rugby today.  The young lady leaning against the mailboxes is to die for, and I can only wish that females dressed that way when I was in college.  I remember girls coming to class in their pajamas.  It would not have been so bad had they slept in lingerie!

Click on the images in the gilted frames to see both ad campaigns. 

Interesting Blazers and Crazy College Memory - by Richard

First, let me say that these are both interesting blazers.  I have longed for a striped schoolboy blazer, but I have yet to find one that meets my fancy.  I do love the tartan piped blazer worn by Leighton Meester in this ad, and I have desired for Ralph to make a piped blazer in tartan or regimental stripes for some time.  However, I think I would prefer a gray flannel blazer with brass buttons and a piping as to a navy one.

So, that brings me to my story, and before I tell this tale, I realize it has been a while since I have told a story from ghosts of the past.  Heck, it has been a while since I posted pictures of my outfits, and I promise to do that more often.  I have bought so many new things it is ridiculous.  Anyway, on to the story.  In college, I had a friend name Chesley.  Chesley constantly wore his navy blazer!  Seriously, you would come in from class and find Chesley sitting on your couch with his OCBD, boxer shorts, and navy blazer.  He once wore it while playing intramural touch football.  But the one time that Chesley neglected to take his blazer off was during a fraternity prank.  Our school had been in the news for something or another, and the frat boys encouraged young Chesley to streak naked past the reporter when she was live on camera.  Chesley was up for the task. 

Sure enough, when the reporter was live on television, out of the blue came Chesley running behind the reporter stark naked with two exceptions.  He was wearing his navy blazer and a Jimmy Carter mask.  As he ran by, he let out a loud YELP and grabbed the young reporter on her backside.  Yes, that was my dear friend Chesley.  I haven't spoken to him in years, but undoubtedly, he is out there still wearing his blue blazer.  

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

Photo Credit: Matchbook Magazine

Donegal Tweed - by Richard

In the spirit of fall coming soon, I am posting one of my favorite fall pieces.  It just doesn't get much better than a good brown donegal tweed.  The coat is so grand, it can even make these horrific paint splattered trousers look human.  I realize that Ralph was going for the dishevelled painter look, but who in their right mind wears their good trousers while painting?  Regardless, the jacket pulls it all together, and the outfit would be perfect, minus the paint. 

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

Preppy Girl Theatre (Emma Watson)

A beautiful young lady that will inspire hearts for generations to come!  No other post is required today!

Fall and The Holiday Season Will Be Upon Us Soon - by Richard

With 90 degree plus weather almost daily, I cannot wait till the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp.  Hopefully, we will actually have a winter this year, and I remain positive that it will happen. 
There is just so much to look forward to in the fall and winter:

Football Games/Tailgating
Tweed
Sweaters
Corduroy
Barbour Jackets
Christmas
Christmas Parties
Thanksgiving Family Parties
Downton Abbey
Plaid, lots of wool plaid
etc. , etc.

Can't wait, I just can't wait. 

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

My New Lilly Shorts ~ by Kipp

Normally I hate shorts. However, I was wandering around our local Lilly store and I came across this pair. Between the seersucker and the scalloped bottom I had to try them on. I was surprised how well they fit and although they are a tad bit short they are a great new addition to my spring wardrobe. I also love that this outfit combines two of my favorite color combinations : navy and pink as well as navy and yellow !

The problem with many shorts is that people do not get the right size. Many girls opt for shorts that are two sizes too small and basically look like undergarments. This is flattering on probably 5 people and the length of shorts should never be that short. Shorts are something that I do not recommend buying online, you have to try them on. The cut is of the utmost importance and finding the right pair takes time and dedication.

From The GARR-ijj ~ by Kipp

Cover-Ups ~ by Kipp

Cover- ups are a key style element in the summer. Whether you're headed to the beach or off sailing a cover up is one of the most essential pieces of clothing. Many preppy brands make some very cute and light cover- ups like the one above that can easily transition into being wearable to a very casual lunch or icecream in town. I believe the one above is Vineyard Vines. I like to stick with a darker neutral color like navy so that it matches more of your swimwear. These types of tunics are easy to wear and though are a little shorter than one would normally allow for a dress are perfect for the beach!

Rumors Say There May Be A New Flashman Movie In The Works - by Richard

Rumor has it that there may be a Flashman movie in the works for 2013.  I know there was a previous Flashman movie many years ago with the book Royal Flash as the inspiration.  I have not seen this film, but I have always wondered why movie producers have not used this colorful character to make movies in the spirit of James Bond films.  Perhaps producers have finally been turned on to our guy Flashy. 

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

WASP 101 Now Has Over 1,000 Posts and More Than 2 Million Views

WASP 101 has officially been online since 2008 and we now have over 1,000 posts and overy 2 million views.  In addition, we have 312 followers!  When I started this blog years ago, never did I think it would still be going today, or that we would have the success we have had.  I have met many wonderful people through this experience, but mostly, I want to say thank you for viewing our blog. 

A CELEBRATION IS IN ORDER!

Ben Silver - by Richard

 

While on my travels to Charleston, I did make a stop at Ben Silver.  We have posted on Ben Silver before, and I have been to the shop once before as well.  As always, Ben Silver has a lot to look at and Ben Silver likes it's products a lot.  Now that being said, their items are of high quality.  Some of my favorites include their shoe collection (Alden, Crockett and Jones, Zelli), glasses frames, and umbrellas.  The shop is a lot smaller than one would think after looking at their catalogue.  The staff was friendly but the gentleman working there was a follower.  I don't like being followed around in a shop when browsing.  If I have a question, I know where to find you.  Still yet, I enjoyed my visit but made no purchases.  Maybe next time I will buy a frame.  I have always loved the blonde tortoise shell frame, but they just don't look right on my face.  Oh well!

,

Reader's Inquiry (Summer Sandals) ~ by Kipp

Tommy Hilfiger

Dear Kipp.

First, I "LOVE" the WASP101 blog.  Love it.  I'm a Preppy as well, despite being my parents being Austrian Catholics!

But I have one issue - I don't like Jack Rogers flipflops at all.  Sorry if that offends!

But what else can pass for preppy sandals?  Can Saltwater Sandals or perhaps tasteful gladiator or roman sandals pass as Preppy as they are also girly?

I don't have any examples to send you links from but I have blue, white and red Saltwater Sandals that I wear with shorts and sometimes with sundresses.

Would be interested in your take on sandals.


Thank you for the question. I always enjoy hearing feedback from our readers!! 

First off, it is not a capital offense to not like Jack Rogers. That's fine! There are plenty of other options out there.   However, you are going to have to have a bit more of a keen eye as to what to look out for. In the summer, if I'm not in the mood for Jacks my first instinct is to go for an espadrille. Not only are they comfortable but also elongate the leg with the bit of a heel. Espadrilles can also be extremely versatile and can easily be dressed up in the summer. Ralph Lauren and J.Crew make some very charming, not too high, espadrilles that are open-toed.

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Espadrilles

Brooks Brothers Thong

If you want to stick with something flat I recommend staying far away from gladiators/roman sandals. They can look very trashy very quickly. The trick is to stick with something simple, leather, and maybe a bright color. You also must remember that the purpose of any shoe is to be comfortable but also be flattering to your legs. That is where my issue lies with most of the Saltwater Sandals. Unless you have the thong version, then those are fine.  This is also my problem with gladiators. They make your feet look heavy and chunky and are not feminine at all. The best guideline to preppy/waspy clothing for women is to always be feminine. Also note that the width of your feet is very important when it comes to sandals. The sea green J.Crew strappy sandals are very pretty but only if you have very narrow and dainty feet. The thinner the strap the wider your feet will look. If you have wider feet you should wear something with thicker straps and maybe a heel to mask the width (such as the orange J.Crew ones below).

Brooks Brothers

J.Crew Strappy Sandals

J.Crew Strappy Sandals

 All shoes shown in this post are still available at their respective online retailers.

Grady Ervin & Co - by Richard

Last week, my work brought me to Charleston, SC and I had the pleasure of visiting Grady Ervin & Co. during my spare moments.  Grady Ervin & Co. is a good example of the dying breed of traditional clothing stores that actually have staff that know something about classic fashion.  The store was a preppy paradise with needlepoint belts, loafers, bow ties, and very interesting fish plaques for belts.  The staff was decked out in bows and tortoise shell glasses, and there was a couple brown dogs (not sure of breed...maybe boykins) running around the shop (they are pictured below).  So, if you are visiting the beautiful town of Charleston, make a pit stop at Grady Ervin & Co.  You will be greeted by a wonderful staff and a pleasant environment. 

The staff member assisting me was Joel Hodges. Joel did not know he was talking to WASP 101's Richard or that I would write a post on my visit.  So I can assure you the customer service was genuine.  Again, stop by the store....you will enjoy the experience. 

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

Swimwear ~ by Kipp

Heading to the beach or on vacation is like a parade of horrid summer swimwear. This is when I believe it is best to stick with some of the classics. Gingham, nautical stripes, pinstripe, and J.Crew has some adorable large navy and white polka dotted pieces.  I recently acquired a yellow eyelet bathing suit from Rugby that I am completely addicted to. However, I would recommend starting J.Crew as they have the largest selection of preppy swimwear.

Of course a hat is also a necessary accoutrement of summer swimwear! Not only are they stylistically pleasing but highly functional in protecting your face from aging! SPF is a WASPs best friend this time of year so make sure your purse is stalked with it and Evian spray!

Running into Richard ~ by Kipp

Every once in a while Richard and I cross paths and I always try to snap a picture of that day's sartorial creation. Today Richard was looking very dapper in khaki pants, brown suede loafers and a linen plaid blazer. 

Preppy Style Fits Everyone - by Richard

The good thing about WASP/Preppy style is that the clothes you wore when you were sixteen will still look good on you when you are sixty-five.  Take this gentleman for example!  His OCBD shirt and classic navy and yellow repp tie would look natural on a much younger gent, but looks equally  good on this older gentleman.  I love the fact that he leaves his tie undone, and his collar unbuttoned.  I would not recommend making a practice of this, but he pulls it off somehow. 

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

I Just Bought a Barbour Jacket - by Richard

Yesterday, I purchased a Barbour Jacket, and it should be here sometime next week.  The model was the Beaufort model if I remember correctly, and now, I can't wait for fall of the year to wear it.  I will keep you posted. 

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

Happy 4th of July ! ~ by Kipp

Fourth of July is one of those holidays that has a habit of bringing out some of the tackiest ensembles you can see. T-shirts with American flags and badly fitted jorts are a nightmare. Hopefully, you are able to sail away with your own well dressed friends and enjoy the wonderful day. If you do have to be on land however, and want to embrace the red white and blue color scheme, I recommend the perfectly understated choice of the lady above. It is very elegant and not completely in your face with Americana.

On behalf of Richard, Crawford, and I, we wish you a most happy fourth of July!