the new preppy // 9 May 2011

After such a wonderful, chilled out weekend and a plethora of bank holidays, I’m not quite sure how I’m going to go back to the 5-day week routine. Grin and bear it perhaps?! Also the new series of the Apprentice – one of my absolute favourite TV shows – starts tomorrow night, so there’s always something to be positive about!
Onto today’s post and one trend that I couldn’t help but notice is gathering speed is that of preppy chic. Maybe it’s the ‘Kate Effect’, or the popularity of Glee and collegiate clothing stores such as Abercrombie and Jack Wills, but swotty attire is most definitely making its mark. 3.1 Phillip Lim, Proenza Schouler and DKNY paraded this look on the S/S11 catwalks, and the high street has fallen in line. It’s not just pashminas and pearls anymore – think nautical stripes, Oxford brogues and mongrammed blazers, and imagine you’re en route to either Henley or the Hamptons, depending on where you ‘summer’. Whatever your sloaney style, carry it off with an air of confidence, because one must always look fabulous… mustn’t one:

{images via Pinterest}

{1. French Connection Sydney v-neck jumper – £52 / 2. Jigsaw stripe ribbon straw trilby – £46 / 3. Belle and Mimi lace-up brogues – £50 / 4. Ralph Lauren white polo-dress – £158 / 5. Peacocks belted bootcut jeans – £25 / 6. Jack Wills Oldbury classic shirt – £59 / 7. Fiorelli Strawberry Lane handbag tote – £55.20 / 8. Paul’s Boutique logo blazer – £56 / 9. Jigsaw winter cotton checked scarf – £22 / 10. Jack Wills Cottersmore Breton Crew jumper – £69 / 11. L.K. Bennett Abelia leather loafers – £125 / 12. Ray-Ban wayfarers sunglasses – £115 / 13. French Connection tabby knits pleat skirt – £67 / 14. Jane Shilton topaz bag – £59 / 15. Pieces Maya stripe clutch – £28}