The Library

Your library.  Old boring books, deathly quiet, old ladies with glasses and granny sweaters...not really.  In fact, mine has an indie guy with long hair and a heavy set, but preppy dressed guy both in the 18-25 age bracket.  No one wears granny sweaters.

If you are anything like me, you read a lot.  I can go through up to three books a week just from going to the gym or reading before bed.  And that is if they are longer books.   

The modern library is a great place to get your fix on all of your easy reads, chicklit, biographies, and learn about your random interests without having to drop $15- $20 a pop on books you will only read once.  I always buy my few favorite authors, and have a plethora of books on my phone, but for those one read only books, this is a great way to get your fix.  Not only that, but most libraries have a network where you can order a book from another library if yours does not have it.  

In addition to all of this, some libraries have classes like genealogy, computers for beginners, scrap booking and whatever else you can imagine.  


mSa

Preppy Organizing when you are Out and About

I have to say, I am a serial organizer.  I clean my purse out about 3 times a week, when I was in school, I cleaned my bookbags EVERY day, and I am a bit OCD about surface areas.  I have been known to clean surface areas just in order to properly fall asleep at night.  With that being said, one of my FAVORITE was to preppy up my life is containers, bags, totes, makeup cases, etc.  So just to get you thinking, here's the main component of my purse.

  

Inside here, I keep my wallet, datebook, a koozie, a coffee cup koozie, a notebook, a small change purse with my USB keys, a fabric pouch filled with those great punch cards and coupons and the like I get from stores, a nice pen, a Lilly Pulitzer phone pouch, and a small pouch for something small should I need it in a pinch. 

Of course there are other things in my purse, but this is my way of organizing my most important belongings without getting one of those Horrid purse organizers with the pockets. Plus it keeps all my important papers from getting crinkled in the bottom of my bag.

This is just the start of my organizing.  Other suggestions I have is to keep a small folding basket in your car for when you are out.  Stash small bags in it in the trunk so they don't spill (since thieves target bags in cars), use it for tailgates, picnics, trips to the library, and anything else.  Mine is pink with a green grosgrain ribbon tied on it.

Enjoy your organizing!

mSA

Etiquette in the North

Hi all! 

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week.  I just wanted to quickly touch on a super important item.  

Etiquette.  I am NOT going to list the in's and out's of Emily Post's massive collection.  However, I am going to remind you that preps use their best judgment and their etiquette at all times.  Please, thank you, holding doors and allowing other drivers to get in front of you are only the beginning. Don't talk like you are a sailor! Brush up on your etiquette and host a party!  Summer is almost over, make sure you make the most of it!

The folks in the South have us Northerners beat in this and I think it is about time we give them a run for their money. Now I realize we will never be as gracious as Southern Belles, but I'm certainly going to try! 

Attempting to be a super gracious girl for the weekend.

mSa

Why I Talk About Money

Money is something preps don't talk about.  Just consult your Preppy Handbook or True Prep.  While I seem to be breaking this code with my blog, I can't help but notice the rampant materialism I notice in everyday life and I am striving to not let it overcome me.
I love seeing money in my bank account, not in the high price designer items I can buy that can wear out or go out of style.  Remember though: quality and longevity are everything. 

With that being said, here are my preppy rules for money:

1. Don't talk about it.  No one wants to listen to you brag.
2. If you have a working one, you don't need a replacement.  This goes for tote bags, appliances, most cars and even some items of clothing.  (Will anyone know the difference between your five pink cardigans? No one but you.)
3. Don't try to justify it. Say, "I want it", and buy it, but don't do it for every item.
4. Don't buy a ton of one item in every color all at once just because it is quality.  Buy them over time and they will wear out overtime.  Or, for that matter, loose your interest over time. 
5. Save save save! Better to buy a bigger boat instead of a new sweater every time the whim strikes. 
6. Don't be stingy.  Just because you don't throw money around does NOT mean you can act like a Scrooge.  Buy for fundraisers, give nice gifts, and buy better booze (if you already don't) when you have people over. 
7. Don't waste your money on consumables from fancy stores. In other words, learn to brew your own coffee.
8. You must own a cute preppy wallet to house your money. :)

Lilly Pulitzer

Just Madras

A cute cheapie

Or, make your own!! Try out your sewing skills and get some Lilly Pulitzer fabric a  cute clasp or zipper and go to it!  A wallet is basic enough to try sewing on your own even without a pattern.

mSa

Giveawy to check out!

Everyone loves free stuff.  Especially when it is high quality! 
If you want to win free stuff (specifically a Smathers and Branson needlepoint belt), check out Let's Be Preppy's Blog http://letsbepreppy.blogspot.com/

The Basics

So I have been gathering ideas for posts and here is my first post on topic. 

Being a thrifty prep can be confusing.  It is not about living cheaply, but making wise purchases to fit your lifestyle.  Here are my rules for shopping:

1.  It must be high quality.  If it is adorable, but is falling apart after 2 washes, your wasted your money.  Good clothes last a long time!
2. It must fit with at least 3 of your current belongings. If you see an adorable shirt on sale, but it doesn't go with your own personal style, you will never wear it as much as you should.  It is a good idea to pick a style and stick with it.  You don't want to give your friends and family style whiplash or look as though you don't know who you are!  (This should be true for anyone, not just preps!)
3. Make sure you have high quality items that can go with your less expensive or homemade items. 
4. Don't be afraid to be crafty.  Like that cute plaid wristlet at the store?  But it's $75...?!  Make one!!
5. Things EVERY girl should have (regardless of how much money you spent on them)

• There is no way to get around it, you need a little black dress. High quality, good fit and a classic cut.  If you want a trendy one, make sure you have a classic that will always be in style first.
• A nice summer dress.  (This is where you splurge and get your Lilly!)
• Good earrings: a pair of pearls, a set diamonds and something you can dress up an outfit with such as a good pair of dangly earrings.
• A good watch.
• A bathing suit you would feel comfortable in if you were going to have your picture on the cover of a magazine (with your front at back showing!) that your grandma would be able to show to her friends.  In other words, no thongs(!) and you must not be hanging out.  In addition to the bathing suit, have a classic coverup please!
• Button down oxfords in several colors, but of course, white!
• Cardigans. Lots in every color! (Do you have a signature color?  Get more) These are wonderful for any season when you need a little extra, or to change an outfit.  I always have one in my bag or car.  A sweatshirt is not an option every day!
• Shoes: A pair of classic black pumps, ballet flats and a nice pair of sandals (not flipflops).
• A good pair of each: dress pants, khakis, jeans, and shorts (Madras are nice) (not too short!). Add more of your fav to your wardrobe. Remember, no rips, tears or sequins here!
• 2 skirts: one fall/winter, one spring/summer
• Hair is a personal choice, but I use a lot of headbands, ribbons and bows to dress up my 'do!
• As far as bags go, if you have a nice tote (Think LL Bean or Vineyard Vines), a good, classic purse and a nice clutch to go with your lbd, you are good to go!
• Workout wear.  It is workout wear, not going to the mall wear.  Don't confuse the two.

This is where I stop on the necessaries!  If you have these, you could go to any event and never be underdressed, or look unprep.  You can add more to each category of course, but I am a big believer in having the basics first then adding.  I for instance, have more than 2 purses (in fact, they are kinda my weakness), but I don't have to dress up often in the winter and have only one, nice LBD.  Make your wardrobe work for you.  You can add other types of dress blouses, if you have to dress up for work a lot, add more pants if you live where it is cold and have more shorts if you live in the South.
Remember, the initial investment may seem like a lot if you don't have any of these, but you can start with basics and work your way up.  Wait to buy the dresses until you think you will need them, don't buy diamond earrings and not get button downs.  You can always wear cute critters until you have real diamonds or pearls.  Those can always make a great gift from someone who wants to get you something nice.  Clothes first! Replace items as they wear out and you won't ever have to drop a ton on clothes again! (Unless you want to, of course!)