Southern and Nautical Prep

As promised, here is the first blog post of a series that will further define the different types of preppy style. Being the end of summer now it only seemed fitting to begin with the Nautical and Southern Prep looks, as I associate these with the warmer months personally.

As the preppy style began to take off more and more, those is warmer climates needed to adapt the style into their own. The style took on a lighter flair down south with more pastels and madras prints in lighter fabrics. With this style, the Lilly Pulitzer shift dress in fun summer prints became a staple as did Jack Rogers sandals once Jackie Kennedy began sporting them. Not only has this aesthetic become the staple in southern states such as Florida but also a major styling of warmer months in other states. There is some overlap here as well to the nautical vibe which is why I chose to link them in the same post. The Southern Prep style undeniably has more fun patterns and brighter colors though. 

 

While I do enjoy some bright colors now and again, I do not find my closet particularly full of Southern Prep options. The closest photo even of myself for this option is below when I went to a glass blowing class a few years back. I sported green scallop hems shorts from JCrew with a Simply Southern tee and Sperry footwear. While I realize that these brands are iconic, I think I personally have more away from the brighter colors the older I am getting.

Staple pieces for this Southern Prep look include: shift dresses, madras prints, sandals, cardigans, white trainer type shoes, wedges, fun prints, and bright colors. 

Nautical is typically the vibe I personally lean toward more in the summer months. I am a sucker for a good seersucker! There is just something to me calming about being near water, despite the fact that I cannot swim, and this is most likely to occur in the warmer months, so I find a nautical vibe to be my primary summer wardrobe. The pearls and anchor prints with strips and shades of  blue are absolutely perfection to me in the summer months. 

More days than not as a matter of fact, you will find me during June, July and August wearing Vineyard Vines or some other nautical-like brand with my Jacks or Sperry's. This style was derived around leisure activities such as sailing, yachting, island hopping in New England or being at a lake house. This color palette includes a lot of blue as well in a nod to the sea. I was able to find a lot more examples of me donning this style of preppy as examples.

Staple pieces for this Nautical Preppy look include: Chinos, cable sweaters in a slimmer fit, Sperry boat shoes, anchors, stripes, along with blue and light green tones. 

Which of these 2 preppy styles is your favorite? Comment below... what are some of your go to summer looks? Be sure to subscribe for notice of future posts as they are published.

7 Types of Preppy Style

 I have branded online presence as That Preppy Italian Girl and have never written a series of blog posts in regards to "preppy" style and aesthetics... That is about to change right now! In the coming months, I will be delving into each type of preppy style in future posts. For now though, let's define, or outline what those types are.

It is first important to note that there are a lot of overlaps in the styles and brands that fall into an overall preppy look. Regardless of the type of preppy, there is always an element of sophistication and timeless pieces. Good quality pieces and proper fit are always a must! The preppy style always shows attention to detail, layering of pieces, somewhat androgenous aspects, and strong craftsmanship or branding. 

When putting together you own preppy wardrobe strong quality staple garments are a must! While branding is important, it is more important to always have good craftsmanship and quality pieces that will stand the test of time. Keep pieces classic and in a color scheme that shows restraint with neutral and natural colors (you will not find neon in a true preppy wardrobe). Always buy the best pieces you can afford and be sure they are well fitted to your body! 

All that being said, I have divided the style into 7 types of preppy style. We will overview them here and dive in more deeply in future blog posts (so be sure to subscribe to know when they are published).

1. The Ivy Look:

Of course this would be #1 on the list, as the preppy style itself began as an American style deriving from Prep schools and Ivy League colleges. Earlier in American style, the wealthy and educated wanted to stand out and denote themselves as elevated and cultivated among the masses. Think classic blazers, school uniform looks, loafers, and button downs. The oldest preppy brand in America, Brooks Brothers, is the epitome of this aesthetic. This style has not changed much in over a hundred years....

2. New England Prep:

Much like the Ivy League Look, the New England Prep style has the same classic time tested vibes with it's classic lines, argyles, darker hues, and understated silhouettes. A perfect brand example of this would be Keil James Patrick launched from the iconic blog of "Classy Girls Wear Pearls." Perhaps the most recognizable brand for this category in the most American closets though is Ralph Lauren.

3. British Countryside:

From the Ivy League to New England, it is only natural to next move to a British Countryside look. All 3 styles are very similar with only slight differences in their pieces. For British Countryside, think of a quail hunt in the fall wearing a warm field jacket with a gilet vest underneath.... Or a classic outfit covered in an iconic London Fog trench... This style is full of rich autumn colors and tweed fabrics. 

Another popular brand in this category is the iconic English brand of Holland Cooper. 

4. Equestrian Style: 

Think fox hunts in the countryside, horse jumping competitions, and polo matches (also part of Country Club Prep, yet to come). This style full of jodhpurs and riding boots originates from the same theory of the Ivy League.... to give a nod to wealth and education... in this case, the affluence of being around horses for leisure.

The stye incorporates staple horse riding pieces with details in the styling such as horse bit accents and bridle designs. Brands that include this look include the previously discussed Ralph Lauren and Holland Cooper, along with Fairfax and Favor and the details of the less affordable Hermes staple accessories. Ariat is also a great American brand carrying many great pieces that work into this style, just be careful to not veer too far into Western wear. 

5. Country Club Prep:

Next up is the Country Club aesthetic, deriving again from a leisurely lifestyle but paying homage more to the sporty side of things.  Here is where the iconic polo shirts come from. Thinks tennis lessons, polo matches (also slightly tying to the equestrian style), rugby, and golf. This is by far the most casual of the preppy styles. Brands here include Ralph Lauren's Polo and Tommy Hilfiger with his famous rugby silhouette. 

6. Nautical Prep:

Another very common type of preppy look derives from a pleasure for being by the water. Again derived around leisure activities such as sailing, yachting, and lake house, I think you can begin to see a theme here. The nautical look is focused on stripes, seersucker prints, and nautical themes such as anchors. Popular brands for this look include Tommy Hilfiger and most notably though Vineyard Vines and Sperry with their footwear synonymous with boat life. This color palette includes a lot of blue as well in a nod to the sea. 

7. Southern Prep:

As the preppy style began to take off more and more, those in warmer climates needed to adapt the style into their own. The style took on a lighter fair down south with more pastels and madres prints in lighter fabrics. With this style, the Lilly Pulitzer  shift dress in summer prints became a staple as did Jack Rogers sandals once Jackie Kennedy began sporting them. Not only has this aesthetic become the staple in southern states such as Florida but also a major styling of warmer summer months in other states as well. There is some overlap here with the nautical vibe but also more fun and bright colors come out in this southern prep style. 

No matter what style of prep you choose, the constants of good quality pulled together outfits remain. Myself, I wear all of these types depending on the season. There is so much overlap that you do not need to be locked into just one style of prep. Comment below: which is your favorite style though? Also be sure to subscribe for notice of future posts as I dive more deeply into each type of prep style. 

Relaxation Day- 20 Ways to Find Daily Peace

 In today's high paced world it is more important than ever to take time to relax and engage in some self care. Find things that make your soul feel at peace. Below are 20 ways that help me relax. 

1. Color

This sounds a little crazy I know! Trust me when the coloring for adults craze first became popular years ago, I never saw myself going for it.... and I didn't for many years! One year though for Christmas I was gifted an adult coloring book and some fancy colored pencils... being I already had the tools then, I gave it a try... and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Something about sitting quietly and coloring was not only a bit cathartic but also brought me back to childhood... So now my advice is to not knock it until you try it....

2. Hot bath

Quick showers seem to become the norm when life gets a bit hectic but there is nothing like soaking in a hot tub full of pampering water. For me it needs to become a whole ritual... adding scented oils, bubble bath, or a Lush bath bomb. I don't think I could have sanity without at least one weekly soak! 

3. Pampering Rituals

Fitting into the hot bath thing is having a pampering ritual. This could be a trip to the spa or as simple as regular hair salon visits but it can also be pampering at home. I have a ritual for Sunday evenings myself of a long routine of self care (so long, it could be its own blog- and maybe I will write that). Every Sunday evening I perform a long list of self care processes that make me feel so refreshed to end a week ready to face a new one that I don't think Monday morning would be possible without them. I make sure to have clean hair, possibly doing a treatment such as a mask on my locks as well. I do a skin treatment at home, even if it is just a sheet mask. I pamper my nails with an at home mani/ pedi. I soak in a Lush bath bomb... my favorite is the AvoBath. I do my teeth whitening treatments... I exfoliate my lips with a scrub.... I moisturize and scrub every inch of my body.... I apply my self tanner.... 

As you can see it is a long ritual! But worth every step!

4. Go for a Walk

I have never been one for intense cardio type activities, but if you are, then a run could be just the same. I hear many who do run talk about the runner's high they feel after. For me an outdoor walk gives me that peaceful feeling and I know I did something good for myself as well. 

5. Be in Nature

I also love to be outside, especially near water. There is something so calming and peaceful about nature and the sounds. This doesn't mean though that you need to travel somewhere wonderful. The same results can be found for me right in my backyard even. Lately, I really enjoy just sitting even and feeding the birds and squirrels that visit me daily in the yard. Just find your own sanctuary and visit it regularly. 

6. Read

A few years ago I was finishing up getting my Masters degree and when asked what I wanted to do afterwards my first goal was to just read a book... one that was not a scholarly work. Just a take me away type of novel. I find reading to be very relaxing and creating this nook recently with loungers so I can read outside has been one of my best investments this summer.

7. Gardening

I never had been one to think I had the green thumb but was inspired this spring to give gardening a try. I ordered some seedling trays and seeds and all the things you need, determined I would have a kitchen garden this year. I began the seeds in trays in my home office window way back in March. I nurtured them and worried about the water levels and amount of sun. Come April I lovingly carried the trays in and out for warm afternoon sun but avoiding overnight frost. By May, I was ready to place them in the soil and begin what I hoped would be an abundant organic produce section at home.... 

What really happened though was that I confirmed my lack of a green thumb. Despite all the effort and care I placed into my little seedlings, my only harvest all summer was just enough Romaine lettuce to make exactly 2 BLT sandwiches. :) While this all may sound like a futile effort that resulted in defeat, I did enjoy the process and would attempt it again next spring.

My flowers in the yard on the other hand came out much better, as they usually do. I find great pleasure in adding beauty to the yard through planting colorful annuals and perennials. I would have found great pleasure in having my own home grown produce as well but apparently that is for another year. 

8. Yoga

As I have already stated above, extreme, or any type really of cardio, was never my thing.... But yoga... now that's something I can get behind! I love the feeling of flexibility and muscular putty you are left with after a good session. Throw in some goats as well and Namaste!

9. Listen to Music

No matter what genre you enjoy the most there is always something good for the soul in listening to music. Sometimes we can't take a long period to just relax and have to plow through the endless list of "to do's". Those tasks sure do go faster and are more enjoyable with some good tunes in the background. 

10. Cook

There are days where I simply can't! Just can't! The last thing I want to do is think about what I want to eat and actually get up and prepare it... these are certainly the days where DoorDash orders or a meal service like Hello Fresh come in handy.... other days though it is very relaxing to be in the kitchen and create a delicious dish. I think this goes back to the gardening thing as well where I said about the satisfaction of having done it yourself. I will say that one BLT I grew the lettuce for was in fact the BEST BLT I ever ate! Yum!

11. Nap

Remember back in preschool and kindergarten where a nap was a scheduled event into the day? Me too! and I miss it! It feels like a such a luxury when I can just lay down after lunch and take a midday siesta! I think these Europeans are on to something and we should start a petition here in America to get this nap time added back into our normal days. Who is with me?

12. Meditate

Like everyone else, I am sure, this one is struggle for me....it is hard to sit and just focus the mind on a single thought and do nothing else. I try and try... I downloaded apps to assist even but I have to admit I often fail. The rare times I do succeed though, even though its only for about 5 minutes, I do have to say I emerge back into the day with a new sense of focus and clarity. It's definitely worth the trys. 

13. Enjoy Pets

I do not know what I would do without my 2 pups! They bring so much joy and laughter and love into my life everyday. I almost am at the point that I do not trust people who don't like animals. Studies have shown the benefits of pets for years so I am not sure how much I actually need to write about this. 

14. Aromatherapy

Certain scents are associated with relaxation and different responses. For example, I have not taken a Tylenol in years.... I use lavender oil to treat my headaches (don't knock it, it works!). This category though doesn't have to entirely relate to essential oils and new age hooey... it can be scents as well that remind us of good times. I love the smell after a spring or summer rain...it feels renewing.  I love the smell of a cherry cigar... it reminds me of my uncle in childhood and watching his twisty clock under a dome in his study with all of the leather bound books. I love the smell of Youth Dew by Lancome on an older lady when I pass her... it reminds me of my grandma. What smells relax you and take you back to good memories?

15. Get a Massage

I know I have already listed a lot about pampering yourself and my whole extreme rituals in this but this deserves more attention as well. Go to a spa... have a treatment... get a massage... sit in a sauna.... get a facial. This is all definitely worth the splurge even if you can only go once a year! If you don't take care of yourself first, you can't take care of someone else. It is wonderful to do all the at home pampering you can but nothing replaces having a professional treatment as well. Massages are so relaxing... you literally melt away on the table... not only that they help flush toxins out of the body! Can't afford a massage?...While not as "melting", sitting in a sauna is a more affordable option to also flush toxins. A good HydraFacial as well, not only will flush puffiness, it will leave you glowing! Treat yourself! You will not regret the splurge.

16. Get Engrossed in "mindless" TV

Aside from my pups, this has to be my #1 way to relax and shut off. By time the day ends sometimes at 9-10pm, it seems to late to go for a walk or do some yoga, but it is not too late to indulge in a guilty pleasure. My guilty pleasure is mindless reality TV.... 

I feel bad sometimes for wasting the time to sit there and watch the Real Housewives but it is an hour I need for myself. You don't need to focus to watch it... there is no need to multitask or mentally analyze... you just indulge in the moment and scandal. 

17. Turn off the screen

This suggestion may sound counterintuitive since I just listed to turn on trashy TV but it truly is the best to turn everything off. No anxiety over checking texts and notifications over each ping on the phone or computer.... no emails needing immediate attention.... no phone calls.... no noise.... NOTHING! It is very freeing!

18. Practice Gratitude

A common cause of stress preventing relaxation is worry over things we may not have... this could come in many forms from comparing ourselves to the Jones' to finances and meeting bills to career aspirations not coming true to any other number of worries we may have.... so how do we tackle this?

Be grateful! Look at what you do have and appreciate it... if you don't appreciate the life you have, how can it get any better?

For myself, a huge stressor is being a caregiver to so many... I am an only child with two aging parents and also still have a 93 year old grandma I help care for.... it can be a lot sometimes, I am not going to lie. When it starts to weigh on me too much though, I just remember how grateful I am to still have my parents together and alive.... I am blessed to have known all of my grandparents and still have one still alive. There is always a bright side, even to the things that cause us stress. 

Just remember your worst day is what someone else would wish to have!

19. Write It Down

Another huge and common cause of stress is having too much to do! It is stressful to try to remember everything... but you know what? We don't have to anymore! We have digital assistants like our smart phones and Alexa's. We have lists we can make and dates we can write in a calendar. Myself... I am still more of a paper and pen type of gal though and call myself the "post it" queen! I could not live without lists and reminders... they take some stress off because you remember the items that need tackled. Yes... there is still stress in having a long to do list but there is even more pleasure in crossing items off that list. 

20. Do Nothing 

I relate this item right back to the meditation suggestion... easier said than done, right? If you can tackle this though and maybe just sit outside and zone out and hear the birds chirping you will feel so relaxed! 

How do you relax when the hustle and bustle gets to be too overwhelming? Comment below with your tips and make sure to hit subscribe to know when new posts are published. 

Small Joys of Nature

 I have to apologize for not having posted in so long.... my goal is to at least post 2-3 times a month... if you watch my Life Last Week vlogs as well though then you know, July was a rough month. I did not even make it to the festival for Our Lady of Mt Carmel this year to see the babydoll dance... Which wasn't even missed during COVID!

My mom became ill though and was diagnosed with a new heart condition. She stayed with me for about a week after her discharge home and it was during that time that I began to spend even more time in the backyard just sitting and relaxing. When you stop and look around more you notice more in nature as well though. I always was enjoying the yard with all the flowers and secret nook sitting areas but wasn't truly paying attention to everything around me. 

I enjoyed watching the hummingbirds come to the feeder outside my kitchen window.... I knew there was a groundhog who made occasional visits to forage for wild strawberries and clover in the lawn... I even knew there were squirrels who would come when I threw stale bread for the birds... what I didn't know was the enjoyment those squirrels would end up being!

It has now become a daily ritual to spend time just enjoying the squirrels as if they were my personal outdoor pets provided by nature. They began to come daily to collect the peanuts I had to offer and before I knew it, there would be days there were up to 6 in the yard at a time.... each with their own personalities. Some more timid than others and some so bold as to come right to me if I was even in the yard for another reason as if to tell me it was time for their peanuts!

I think this is a daily ritual now that will stay through the fall. Comment below....How are you enjoying your backyard? Do you have little pets from nature as well?