“Happy Preppy Style” & School Daze

Hello-Hello, welcome to a Tue-Wednesday, business is so chaotic we are having to do a double post today.

We begin with a look at something with appeal for just about everyone, “Happy Preppy style,” part of a new book on interior design and decor, “Fresh American Spaces.”  The approach is intriguing.

We know what you’re thinking: you were there for the 1980s incarnation of preppy (and maybe even the 1960s original), and you cringe at the thought of crested blazers, the boat shoes you wore till the soles separated and your toes poked out, or your drawer full of wide plaid headbands. Relax. We’re not turning back the clock. We’re re-imagining preppy in a bold, modern way.

"Fresh American Spaces"

This is just one section of the new book from Annie Selke, it offers color palettes, themes, along with lots of photos and tips for achieving different looks, including one familiar to many of our treasured readers, nautical style.

"Fresh American Spaces" Make Your Own Signal Flags

There are plenty of “how-to” directions, including one on creating your own signal flags.

More from the book:

Happy Preppy is all about simplicity—function dictates form, appearance never outweighs comfort, and easiness is the word of the day. Is it still that happy-go-lucky style you remember? Absolutely. Is it kid- and pet-friendly? Check. Is it pretty? You bet. Is it precious? Never.

Much as we like to promote independent book stores, we also want to share Amazon’s page for the book, several videos are located on the page, including one on “Happy Preppy” style’s nautical flags wall we mention above.

"Fresh American Spaces" Amazon.com

This one is now on the “to read” list.

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Next, back to school styles, we have been seeing them everywhere online, as well as on some of the young ladies and gentlemen in the neighborhood crossing the palace moat on their way to class.  The offerings certainly are varied this year, it remains a mystery how parents can clothe and accessorize a child for anything less than half the national debt!

Below we show two ensembles from The Children’s Place.

The Children's Place

The store offers plenty of basics, like these Fair Isle Cardigans and the Polka Dot cardigan, all priced at $24.95.

The Children's Place

There are plenty of choices for your young man as well.

The Children's Place

On a fiscally friendly note, Children’s Place is running a special, everything is 15% off;  if shopping online use promo code Z4E2011 to receive the discount.

If opting for upscale looks, the fall Milly Minis collection offers some dressier looks, below we show the Cece Dress and Ribbon Cardigan with appliqued bows and grosgrain ribbon. (We’ll take one of the cardigans in sizes grown-up girls sizing.)

Barneys

Also cute, the Stone Island Long Sleeve polo for the young man at your palace, and on the right, the classic stripes of a sailor shirt on the Armor Luxe Breton top, all from Barneys.

Barneys

If looking for simpler styles, it doesn’t get much more basic than these Izod separates at JC Penney.

JC Penney

There are more basics, like the girls Polo Dress, the Long Sleeve Cardigan and the Girls Jumper, all pieces are by Izod and all are on sale for $17.99 – 18.99. The pieces are offered in many more colors than those we show here, brightening up the color scheme and looking a bit less uniform-ish.

JC Penney

Being more colorful doesn’t require a large outlay of cash,the American Living Plaid Sundress is $19.99, the eye-popping Pink and Green Zip Jacket is shown at a bargain price of only $5.99, and the Pants with Repp Tie Stripe Belt come in both navy and khaki, they are $14.99.

JC Penney

Moving again to pieces for your young man, JC Penney has a variety of options, below we show the Preppy Woven Shirt, $17.99 for boys sizes 8 – 20.

JC Penney

Kohl’s offers the Mudd Plaid Camp Shirts in a variety of colors for girls size 7-16.

Kohl's

Kohl’s has put together some outfits that have that “trying too hard” feel when taken all together, some of the elements might be cute on their own.

Kohl's

And there are always plenty of options for your little princess at Lilly. 

LillyPulitzer.com

Until next time, we hope all of your back-to-school adventures are excellent.