Preppy Palms

We just got back from our annual vacation to Florida and I am pissed. It is cold here. Too cold for March. I want to go back to live in the sunshine. And I want a palm tree. Just a little one that I can raise as my own.   I know how lucky we are to be able to get away and I appreciated every second of it.

The kids played. Together. Without fighting. Well not too much. The town we visit is on a little island and is very sleepy. We had no agenda, just the beach and the pool. There’s not much to do and that is exactly how I like it.

There are no gas stations on island. But there is a pink jeep.

And plenty of beautiful boats.

And lots of golf carts. And dogs on golf carts. It’s pretty much my idea of heaven.

The overall vibe of the island has a very old school southern preppy vibe to it. There are not many stores but there is a Lily Pulitzer store, which I happen to love. One of the best things about being a girl is getting to play dress-up. It’s great to find Y.O.P.S., (Your Own Personal Style), but I also don’t like anyone to be limited by labeling themselves.  Preppy style, and Lily Pulitzer can get a bad rap by some. I love things that are punk inspired, and I love things that are preppy inspired. I think we are free to try it all.

via yapstores.com

And oh my gosh I will keep bribing my daughter into those dresses as long as I can. They are too precious.

So do you do the preppy thing in your style? I am so Northern but so jealous of those Southern girls that make it look so effortless. I get so excited over monogrammed things I don’t know where to stop. Pillows, bags, jewelry!  And sometimes I just think I don’t look good in a really preppy style. But my tried and true piece, that I think everyone can wear, is the Ralph Lauren Polo Oxford shirt. I like it even better than the classic white blouse, because, let’s face it, those only look good when you first buy them, or if they are freshly drycleaned. The Oxford shirt just requires much less maintenance.

I think it belongs in everyone’s wardrobe. It’s preppy and classic, but I can look sexy or sophisticated. It provides the perfect balance to the colored skinny denim that you might feel are too trendy for you.

And, at the opposite end, I like to keep the shirt from being too preppy by pairing it with a distressed pair of boyfriend jeans.

Pair either look with cute loafers for day, or heels to kick it up a notch. I also love the classic polo for layered under a sweater, back to shorts, or even over a bathing suit.  The shirt doesn’t have to always play the star. It can also be the best supporting actor in your outfit. The key is to make the look yours. Pop the collar for an extra flair, knot it at the waist, wear it open like a cardigan, or just roll up the sleeves. If it feels to stuffy wash it a few extra times to give it that broken-in feel and look. Pair it with your chunkiest, funkiest necklace for a look that is just your style.   They make multiple types of fits and styles but I love the traditional 100% cotton slim fit white. The  classic white Oxford transcends all ages and styles, and it is and always will be in fashion.  Plus it works into your wardrobe 12 months out of the year. It’s an investment that is worth every penny. All images below via pinterest.

*INSIDER TIP –

Buy it in a fit that is versatile for you. When I was pregnant I would buy the men’s smaller sizes to wear to cover up my hideous maternity band on my pants. Then it fit more like a tunic because it ran longer. If you are really petite check out the boys section in sizes 14 and 16.

The reason we are so lucky to visit Florida every year is because of my husband’s parent’s that have a house there. We have such a great time staying with them. My mother-in-law raised 6 kids and has 14 grandchildren. I don’t know how she did it.

These magnets on her fridge might give me a clue…

Thanks for reading!

Suzie