Thoughts for Thursday- Spring Shoes

Maybe it does't quite feel like spring yet in New England, but I can only hope the mild weather  is just around the corner!  To get everyone excited for spring, heres a guide to shoes you can wear all through spring!

Spring Shoes by jrosefenton featuring stripy shoes

Ok, remember that although its nice to have the designer name on your shoes, definitely don't count out Old Navy and TJ Maxx for knockoffs that are just as cute. So, I'll break it up into two categories, BUY REAL and LOOK FOR A DEAL to help you decide where to splurge and save!

1. Jack Rogers- BUY REAL 

When can I wear them?- After April vacation (or mid-April) until the end of summer!

What can I wear them with?- Anything from casual chino shorts and a simple tee to your favorite fancy summer dress.  

My thoughts-Spring and Summer wouldn't be the same without by Jack Rogers.  I have two pairs, one is solid navy, the other pink and gold and I wear both of them all the time.  My favorite spring shoes by far!

2. Sperrys- BUY REAL

When can I wear them?- Right now! it's totally okay to start wearing your Sperry shoes in March; I know I have.

What can I wear them with?- T- shirts and shorts, spring jeans, or even a casual dress!

My thoughts- I wear these adorable boat shoes all the time because they are practical and adorable.  They do make Sperry look-alikes for much cheaper, but I personally think this is something you have to buy in full…be authentic and buy original Sperrys!

3. Loafers- LOOK FOR A DEAL

When can I wear them?- All through the year, but especially starting in March and throughout spring.

What can I wear them with?- Jeans, shorts, and casual dresses, but for some reason I'm not a fan of loafers paired with skirts.  I think it looks a little disjointed.

My thoughts- Although I love the J. Crew cheetah print loafers, I'm POSITIVE you could find another cute pattern at a bargain store for much less.  On the other hand, the whale C. Wonder loafers (also pictured) are one of a kind, and those your would have to buy full price. 

Side note- how cute are those whale loafers?! I think I may buy a pair when they go on sale!

4. Sandals- LOOK FOR A DEAL

When can I wear them?- Beginning of May or end of April.  Pretty much when the weather, where ever you're living, is nice.

What can I wear them with?- A very put-together casual look along with skirts and dresses

My thoughts- What girl doesn't want a pair of Tory Burch sandals?  That being said, what girl wants to go out and pay over $200 for a pair of seasonal shoes? Someday I will invest in a pair of these adorable sandals, but for now I'll go for something equally as cute but cheaper.  But, if you're dying for a pair of these (gorgeous) sandals, go for it! I'm all for it, they're a statement piece and a spring and summer classic!

5. Rainbow Flip Flops- BUY REAL

When can I wear them?- April all the way into fall or as soon as the weather warms up 

What can I wear them with?- Casual day-to-day spring attire…even casual dresses!

My thoughts- These are my go- to shoes in the spring and summer.  They are comfortable and support your foot well.  Definitely something to buy for the brand, they last for ever and are worth every penny!

6. Flats- LOOK FOR A DEAL

When can I wear them?- Late winter all the way through spring and even summer.  Flats are good for all seasons, really.

What can I wear them with?- Shorts, jeans, skirts, dresses; flats are the most versatile of all the shoes pictured.

My thoughts- Once again, I love the Tory Burch and Brooks Brother flats pictured, but I'll opt for a plain nude flat and a floral flat knockoff for less.  I do plan on investing in a pair of Tory Burch flats at some point, but I'm more likely to see if a pair of flats is cute as opposed to the brand.  Whatever you buy, make sure they're versatile, decent quality, and most of all, preppy!

I hoped this helped you on your journey to shoe shopping and got you excited for spring. Or maybe I just gave you something to read on a Thursday night.  Either way, I hope you enjoyed this post… I enjoyed making it!

xoxo,

Julianna 

Preppy by the Sea

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