Green & Lace

sweater | pants similar | booties | bralette | watch | sunglasses

Now that winter has finally decided to stick around (we had our first "real" snow this weekend), I have been wearing sweaters all the time. The relaxed and oversized fit is so cozy, but still looks like you put some effort into the outfit. This whole look is so effortless and the neutral color scheme is great for winter. Also on the topic of comfort, this bralette is pretty much life changing. I was shopping with my friends and they wanted to go to Urban Outfitters. Slightly out of my element, I browsed through the store and found a huge display of bralettes in so many colors. Best $20 I have spent in a long time. Shoutout to the fashion industry for basically making sports bras chic :) Not that they are the most practical shoe for snow, but I have also been loving my black booties. They give me just enough height and I can wear them all day comfortably! 

Side note- exams just started at our school, so if there are any days within the next week without posts that is why. Junior year is an important one so school has to come first :) 

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea

Winter Formal

dress | shoes | earrings | bracelet

dress | booties | necklace | headband | earrings

For the first time ever this year, our high school is having a winter dance. It's being sponsored by our junior class therefore it will hopefully be both a fun night and a precursor to prom in the spring! I'm excited because I love getting dressed up; yet I've found it's harder to find dresses fit for a winter formal than it is when the weather is warmer. While you're (for the most part) limited to darker colors, I like that you have the option to wear either sleeveless, or long sleeves. I've been looking at simpler dresses that can be dressed up and down so that I could it more than just to this dance and in a more casual setting. I'll be sure to update if I actually decide to purchase any of these picks, let me know your favorites!

xoxo,

Julianna 

Preppy by the Sea

On Wednesdays We Want Pink!

I am honestly so proud of myself because I have not purchased anything online for over a month, however this week I have been drawn to a few items and coincidentally they all happen to be pink! The Kate Spade cross body is currently part of the surprise sale and only $69, I can't decide if I should pass or purchase! A few weeks ago I tried on the Lilly Pulitzer elephant tank at In the Pink and fell in love, this will be my next purchase (hopefully at the Mid-Summer Sale!) Happy Wednesday and remember, wear pink and make the boys wink ;) 

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

What's on your wish list this week?

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea 

Thoughts For Thursday- Playing With Patterns

This year, I feel like styling patterns on patterns seems to be the trend and I actually really love it! Who says stripes and polka dots don't match? Forget the fashion rules we were all taught when we were little because this Spring it's time to play with patterns. A gingham button down shirt is one of my go-to items in my closet. In the winter they were perfect with a fair isle sweater and for the spring and summer they look adorable with Lilly shorts and striped skirts. In the Spring and Summer I definitely find myself wearing a lot more patterns and I am very excited to style them a little bit differently this year and get out of my comfort zone. 

Outfit 1: pants | shirt | sandals | belt | earrings
Outfit 2: shirt | skirt | flats | necklace | bangle
Outfit 3: shirt | shorts | flats | necklace | watch

I made this Polyvore over a month ago so I apologize if any of the items are sold out!

What do you think about pattern mixing?

xoxo,

Catherine 

Preppy by the Sea

Playing With Patterns by preppybythesea featuring button up shirts

When Life Gives You Lemons

It is that time of year again, we are all so done with school and there could not be any more tests and any less sleep. Let's face it, for most of us there is a good chance that life is giving us lemons. Instead of making lemonade, I would love to "inZEST" in some Kate Spade. I don't know what it is about this collection, but I love it! If you watch Hart of Dixie, doesn't this collection remind you of Lemon Breeland? Not only does this remind me of her because her name is Lemon, but this is 100% her style in a Kate Spade collection (especially the dress)! I have totally fallen in love with the scarf and it would be the perfect pop of color to any Spring or Summer outfit! 

Dress | Scarf | Shoes | Tote Bag | Clutch | Coin Purse | Charm Bracelet | Key Chain

What are your favorite lemon items from this Kate Spade Collection?

xoxo,
Catherine

Preppy by the Sea

Tastefully Teal

As you can probably see, teal is one of my favorite spring and summer colors.  I feel as though even though it is very bright and a statement color in itself, it matches a lot of patterns and other bright spring and summer colors. Without further ado, here are some adorable teal items that we can look forward to wearing this summer!

1. Madewell | 2. Sperry Top-Sider | 3. J. Crew | 4. Kate Spade | 5. Vineyard Vines | 6. Southern Tide | 7. Kate Spade | 8. Vineyard Vines | 9. Tiffany & Co. | 10. Tory Burch | 11. J. Crew | 12. Jack Rogers

It's the final stretch! Two more months and it will be summer (and the perfect season to wear teal)!

xoxo,
Julianna

Preppy by the Sea

Preppy by the TEA loves mugs!

There is nothing I love more than being cozy on a cold winter morning and having a hot cup of coffee or tea! Recently I have become obsessed with mugs, they are so cute and add a little something to your basic morning routine! Here are a few that I have my eye on!



1. Anthropologie | 2. C. Wonder | 3. Waechtersbach (On Zappos) | 4. Sur La Table | 5. Tiffany & Co. (you could say I'm a little obsessed with this one!) | 6. Kate Spade | 7. Barnes and Noble | 8. Sur La Table | 9. C. Wonder | 10. www.themonogrammerchant.com |

Mugs are so adorable and come in so many shapes and patterns, they are inexpensive and make great gifts (maybe even fill them with some extra goodies!) Happy Friday! 

xoxo,

Catherine 

Preppy by the Sea

Preppy by the TEA loves mugs! by preppybythesea featuring colorful coffee mugs

Preppy Trends 2013

I decided to make a Polyvore of my favorite preppy trends of 2013!  Choosing what to put on the list was difficult as there were so many good fashion statements this year, but I carefully chose what I think were the best ones. Enjoy!

1.  Quilted vests- They have been huge this year! Plain colors such as sand, navy and black along with patterns such as stripe and herringbone were major sellers at J. Crew.  They add character to your outfit and personalize your style!

2. Boots- Riding boots in both dark and light leather have been so popular and add class and sophistication to your outfit.  They go with almost anything and brands such as Frye are so stylish!  And, of course, Bean Boots are both cute and practical as they are good for dreary winter weather.

3. Dark nail polish- My favorite Essie colors this year consisted of deep reds, dark blues, and metallic such as gold and pewter.  Especially good for winter, these versatile colors were popular.  Will they be next year too?

4. J. Crew Chino Shorts- These shorts are adorable and timeless.  I own a few (okay A LOT!) of pairs as they are good for the golf course, shopping downtown, or just relaxing on a summer day.

5. Boot Socks- These decorative socks have been so trendy this year! Worn with bean boots, short boots, or even tall riding boots these socks add pattern and style.

6. Lacoste Polos- Classic summer tops in a variety of colors that show your preppy sophistication and will never go out of style.

7. Flannels- Not only are they comfortable, but a major trend of 2013.  Cute, slouchy, and plaid, flannels from LL Bean and occasionally J. Crew have been top sellers and are perfect for a lazy day at school.

8. Pearls- These pearls (pictured from J. Crew and Kate Spade) are not only statement pieces but give your look a cool vintage-like feel.  I'm seeing them more and more in stores and around town and girls wearing them more.

9. Decorative Sweater- Jeweled sweaters are definitely a trend of 2013 as this was the first year I've seen them in stores and I love them.  Also new and popular this year are sweaters with pictures (like the J. Crew skier sweater pictured.)

10. Jack Rogers- Although they have been around forever, I saw more Jack Rogers this summer than ever before. In a variety of colors and styles these are my go to summer shoes.

11. Lululemon Leggings- I wish I could wear my leggings everyday!  These pants are comfortable and easy to match with an oversized sweater, socks and bean boots.

12. Sperrys- The more natural styles have been especially popular this year, but these classic shoes are a must-have piece for your wardrobe.

13. Bright Lilly Patterns- I loved Lilly's new summer patterns this year! They're always so bright, pretty, and preppy and make for cutest summer dresses around!

14. Coats- Wax coats similar to those from Barbour have been so popular this fall and winter! I have one myself (from Jack Wills) and it's definitely my go-to jacket.  Also, dark colored quilted jackets are so classy and were a spring and fall trend this year.

15. Colored Cords- I love corduroy pants because they go with everything and now come in a variety of colors! Stores like Madewell and J. Crew have made cords in green, burgundy, and pink; all colors that I love to wear!

So, after reading this very long post ;), do you agree or disagree with my thoughts on trends? Do you think these fashions will withstand the test of time? Overall, it was been a great year for preppy fashion and I can't wait for an even better 2014!

xoxo,

Preppy by the Sea

Christmas Gift Guide For Her!

I have been seeing gift guides all over Pintrest, Instagram, and other blogs I follow so, I thought I should create one! I hope some of you have preppy family members because some of the things I have listed are fairly preppy! Let me know if you want to see more gift guides!

1. Lilly Pulitzer iPhone Case I have this one pictured however, Lilly has so many cute cases that any girl would love! ($28)

2. Kate Spade Bow Ring- So adorable, who wouldn't want this ring!? ($48)

3. Butter London Trio- the perfect red trio for the holiday season! ($36)

4. J. Crew Factory Crystal Link Bracelet- This bracelet is perfect for stacking! (Normally $36.50, on sale for $18)

5. People Style Watch Subscription- What girl doesn't like to keep up with the latest fashion? ($18/year)

6. L.L. Bean "Boat and Tote" Bag- This is probably the most durable bag and perfect for weekend trips! It comes in many different colors and you can even get it monogrammed! (Small- $27.95, Medium- $33.95, Large- $39.95, XL- $45.95) 

7. Kate Spade Anchor Earrings- Every girl loves Kate Spade and Anchors! ($32)

8. C. Wonder Snowflake Cutting Board- I am literally dying over how adorable this cutting board is, so cute for winter! ($38)

9. J. Crew Factory Bow Scarf- This bow pattern is to die for and it would look so cute with almost everything! (Normally $46.50 on sale for $23)

10. J. Crew "minimergency kit" - perfect to keep in her purse, she will be ready for any emergency! ($24)

11. Vineyard Vines Baseball Hat- This hat is perfect to cover up a bad hair day or for summer beach days! ($20) 

12. L.L. Bean Women's Flannel- As the cold weather approaches, a flannel is the perfect gift! L.L. Bean is always reliable for good quality and they are very soft and warm! ($39.95)

xoxo,

Preppy by the Sea 

Christmas Wish List

As the holiday season is quickly approaching, I though that it would be fun to show you what I would like! Leave me comments below, I'd love to hear what you are asking for!

Fairisle sweater
vineyardvines.com

Vineyard Vines party top
vineyardvines.com



Obviously I am into sweaters this year, and I am absolutely loving the ones Vineyard Vines has!

Flannel pj
factory.jcrew.com



Every year on Christmas eve, my sister and I get new pajamas and these pants from J. Crew Factory are too cute!

Black pants
lululemon.com



I have to admit I wear leggings quite frequently especially because I ski every weekend! Lululemon leggings are so comfortable and they often have cute bands at the top!

Factory straight and narrow cord
factory.jcrew.com



J. Crew cords are my favorite plus who doesn't love pink!?

J.Crew j crew socks
jcrew.com



Faire Isle has been a slight obsession this fall/winter and these would look super cute with bean boots! 

J Crew graduation necklace
jcrew.com



The perfect statement necklace! 

Kate Spade white pearl earrings
saksfifthavenue.com



I have been drooling over these Kate Spade earrings, they are so timeless and classy! 

Brooks Brothers bow tie bracelet
brooksbrothers.com



One again I have fallen for a KJP product....

Bracelet jewelry
factory.jcrew.com



I love this bracelet, perfect for stacking!

Revlon beauty product
amazon.com

Essie nail polish
target.com



Lipstick and nail polish make the perfect stocking stuffers! 

Monogram 1/4 Zip Sweatshirt by CharlestonMonograms on Etsy
etsy.com


If you have been reading the blog, you most likely know I love monograms so, naturally I'm asking for a monogrammed quarter-zip sweatshirt! 

Happy Holidays!

XOXO,

Preppy by the Sea