Coming Home

I test drive a lot of styles, but when I’m in “default mode,” I’ll always reach for classic, preppy styling. It’s chicken soup for my fashion-frenzied soul. It’s “coming home.” You can attribute that to living on the East Coast my entire life, cycling my way through private elementary, middle, and high schools, and rounding out my education at the preppiest of all preppy post-secondary institutions, UVA (for undergrad) and Georgetown (for M.A.). It’s not only a look that feels comfortable/familiar — it’s also a sartorially interesting mix of masculine/feminine, of “softening” the near-priggish with the chic. Most nights of the week/weekend afternoons, I’ll slip into an oxford stripe tunic/shirt ($85, Polo) and pair with either leggings or skinny jeans (I’m very much loving my white skinnies at the moment, having debuted them in the unseasonably warm 70 degree weather this past Friday, and not caring a WHIT that I was breaking all kinds of supposed fashion laws):

I’ll finish with my classic brown leather Loeffler Randall wedge boots OR in the warmer weather, a pair of driving mocs (I am absolutely head over grommeted heels for these Tods loafers in either platinum — $365, MyTheresa — or Hermes orange — $425, Bergdorf Goodman):

I’d run errands in this by grabbing classic alligator-style wallet ($75, Opening Ceremony) and adding LRR (lather-rinse-repeat) daily jewelry, like a signet ring ($349, Sarah Chloe) and a borrowed-from-the-boys gold watch (Freelook, $349, Pink Mascara):

Perhaps a couple of leather-and-gold bracelets ($35 apiece, Vix):

I’d probably have to wear my uber-nerdy tortoise shell glasses if I’m driving anywhere, which I’ve owned since sophomore year of high school, and have not had checked/adjusted for over 10 years. (Not good. I really need to get on that. Also need to actually start wearing my glasses — I never do, but I seriously should.) I spotted these vintage cat-eye frames and thought about snapping ’em up ($39, ModVintageShop):

I’d cover up with a wear-with-anything field jacket (Barbour, $399, Orvis):

I’d just as readily pair the above topper with a denim button-down (Current/Elliott is all the rage — $278, Revolve Clothing — but you can find similar styles for less at Madewell), leggings, and classic rainboots (don’t you die over these slick Loeffler Randall wedge boots — $195, Loeffler Randall) in rainy spring weather:

I’d schlep my belongings around in an easy leather tote ($320, Clare Vivier), including an adorable Bendel girl umbrella ($68, Henri Bendel) and one of these covetable monogrammed Boulevard Bag wallets (good deal, too — $107, Boulevard Bags):

I also have secret love affair with nantucket red — that slightly washed-out, faded red color best seen on lived-in chinos and shorts. I’d pair a navy blazer ($188, J. Crew) with a white tee ($19, Madewell) and some nantucket red chinos (DKNY, $293, MyWardrobe):

Accents? How about a statement neclace ($210, Survolution) and these splashy Tory Burch wedges ($175, Simply Soles):

A sporty striped tote seals the deal ($315, Opening Ceremony):

Or maybe you’re a shorts gal? I love the idea of a gingham checked button down (I’m wearing one today! — AKA, $148, ShopLesNouvelles) with some nantucket red shorts ($42.50, J. Crew) and some of those TDF Karen Walker shades ($180, EyeGoodies):

I’d layer a vintage-style tee over the top — I just bought this uber-soft J. Crew style ($39.50, J. Crew), and have been literally wearing it with and over and under everything. I love slipping it over a tank and then adding a super bold necklace. Perfect blank canvas. A pair of Sperry topsiders in classic sahara brown ($75, Sperry) sort of

I’d finish with some wear-with-anything gold studs ($60, Jenny-Bird) and a leather wrap bracelet ($86, Hayden-Harnett)

And how about a bold burnished gold ring ($245, Opening Ceremony — I feel like Olivia P. owns this for some reason) and a brown leather oversized clutch ($149, SeeVivier):

Bedtime typically calls for crisp boxers and Splendid 2×1 tanks, but I also l.o.v.e a good set of classic striped pajamas ($94 for top, $74 for bottom — Journelle) —