The Official Preppy Handbook Turns 35!

"The Official Preppy Handbook" turns 35 this year!  This book was totally my reference guide back the 80's.

My outfits back then consisted of wrap skirts, Lanz dresses, espadrilles (monogrammed of course), white blouses with Peter Pan monogrammed collars, Topsiders, Bermuda bags, pearls, add-a-bead necklace, and grosgrain pony bows.

I have aged but my outfits remain much the same!

The good thing about remaining true to one style is that clothes and accessories last for many years.  These are the staples of my conservative, preppy-style wardrobe:

Puffer vests, Ralph Lauren crew neck sweaters, fair isle sweaters, and J Crew cardigans.

Burberry Brit quilted jacket

This pink J Crew pea coat is actually on my search list!

Love my Chanel cap toe flats, Ferragamo Varas, and Tory Burch Revas

Last year when I left Florida to live in Georgia, I had one pair of boots.  Now I have nine pair!  Love the Ralph Lauren tartan boots, the Burberry Brit check boots, Hunter boots, and monogrammed boots.

Ralph Lauren ocbd shirts NEVER go out of style and look great under vests or sweaters.

Tartan is a must for a preppy wardrobe and I'm constantly adding new pieces to my collection.

Of course, the Lilly Pulitzer classic shift is my go-to outfit during the summer.

I still love Bermuda bags today and love finding cute ones on eBay.

Ferragamo headbands are very classic and preppy.

I do love pocketbooks and these are some of my favorites from my collection...The Louis Vuitton Speedy, Chanel Classic Flap bag, Ferragamo bags with the Vara bow, and Kate Spade Quinn bags.

Love the totes from Lands' End.  They are a classic and sturdy way to haul loot!

This classic double-breasted blazer with gold monogrammed buttons has been a staple in my closet for 30 years!!!  The material is a very thick knit and is very warm in the wintertime with a turtleneck sweater.

I wear pony caps all the time and have a bunch of them.  The monogrammed cap and plaid cap are nice accessories to a preppy wardrobe.

I have been a fan of Sperry Topsiders for over 30 years and love wearing them during the summer months.

Gingham blouses are so versatile and I love wearing them layered with sweaters under vests or just with a cardigan.  I also think they look cute with Lilly Pulitzer patterned classic shifts.

Last, but not least, you have to have a cute umbrella.  These two by Lilly Pulitzer and Burberry and just a couple from my umbrella collection.  Of course, my umbrellas coordinate with my outfits!