Prep School

UPDATE: The SUPER friendly folks at Butterscotch Blankees, who produce the block lettered blanket featured below, are offering Magpie readers 20% off their orders through the site from now through April 20th!  WOOT!  Just use coupon code “fashion” at checkout.

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One aspect of my personal style that does not enjoy much of the spotlight is East Coast preppiness.  (For your own guide, check out this preppy style guide — $28, Amazon.)

I don’t know that you can grow up in the private schools of D.C. without developing some sort of relationship with the Waspy look, whether it be positive or negative.  I, for one, embraced it, and it consistently weaves its way into my daily wardrobe picks.  Though I have a quality collection of basics (oxfords, polos, plaids, and pastels — with a healthy dose of Lilly P.), I occasionally feel the need to supplement and enhance with some grown-up investment pieces, like this Hermes scarf ($325, Hermes) —

Kinda ideal with a roomy brown-and-Hermes-orange tote ($160, See Vivier) and these classic brown loafers (Tod’s, $425, Bergdorf’s):

And — how about this iPad case ($49, Zazzle) to seal the deal?!

And before we stray too far from the iconic Hermes line, check out this Hermes-inspired blanket (get it personalized with your own initial! — $130, Butterscotch Blankees):

One of my LRR (lather-rinse-repeat) looks?  A pearl necklace (Marni, $680, Barney’s), a blazer ($198, J. Crew), a crisp button-down ($59, Madewell), skinnies, and some spiffy flats ($135, Shopbop):

I’d finish with a architectural white bag (Alexander McQueen, $1,415, Liberty):

A leather watch (I own a similar style by La Mer — $93, Shopbop) and some simple gold studs (Elizabeth + James, $125, Shopbop) finish the look:

I’m also loving this prim little navy-and-white blouse $110, Aritzia) with white skinnies and simple brown leather flats ($110, MustHaves):

I’d pair with a navy striped clutch ($25, Dorothy Perkins) —

— and how about some leather/rope bracelets ($95 and $110, Giles and Brother)?!

Other prepster staples?  Anything tortoise (necklace — on sale for $58, Yochi; sunglasses — $225, Sir Jack’s) and a simple brown leather tote ($328, J. Crew):

And some iconic Stubbs and Wootton sloafers ($400, Stubbs and Wootton) featuring a prepsta crest are never out of style…

The above would look perfect with one of these nautical-inspired necklaces ($195, Steven Alan — PSST, check out the entire Orly Genger line while you’re at it!  Love it!)

And while we’re talking boats, nothing screams preppy like a pair of classic Sperry boat shoes.  Milly has updated the classic in some amazing spring-friendly colors ($125, Piperlime):

For lounging/prepping for a night out, you’d find me in this awesome monogrammed, oversized oxford ($98, Claridge and King) with some oversized pearl studs (love the chain-link detailing around the edges — $38, Macy’s):

And speaking of monograms, I’d keep my beauty products in this lovely little Pucci-inspired pouch ($64, Monogram Goods):

Feels like home to me.