Style Story: Prep School Chic

As far back as I can remember, I had a strong sense of personal style. I knew what I liked and what I didn’t like and I defiantly danced to my own drum. Not much has changed other than having the good sense not to show up to 6th grade dressed like an extra from the 1973 film Billy Jack – yeah, I did that. The Summer before we were to start High school, my childhood friend (still to this day) and next door neighbor told me she had to go to private school, uniform and all. I couldn’t imagine anything worse…the uniform part, of course. When she showed it to me I actually liked the androgynous styling possibilities but sadly creativity was off the books.

My prep school look includes a crisp white shirt, Tahari, with a Navy/red/creme Repp tie, Amazon under a shrunken Academy Navy blazer, Gap and leather belt, Mens Vintage Gucci. These are the essential building blocks for any young person forging a bright future post graduation. My classic vintage belt and bag, Louis Vuitton, are the adult, part of the look. My upper class prep goes downtown to party with some cuffed patched boyfriend jeans, Zara. I find the pairing of polar opposites so much more interesting than going with what’s expected. My red suede sling-backs, Sam Edelman, bring in another red element that goes back my tie and gives my look a fun naughty edge that would definitely get me sent home to change.

style-tip: adding a tie to your basic shirt and jacket or suit will give you some fun styling options

Style Story: Mob Wife

Funny how this is actually the name of a trend. The only mob wife part of my look is the fur coat which may or may not be, connected, a little backstory…In the early 90s I was working in the garment center in NY for Market Week. A friend of mine knew a guy who knew some guys that on a particular evening would have fur coats for sale at a good price. Coincidentally, I was l looking to buy a full length coat for my Mother so my friend and I went to, a place, to meet, some guys, for a coat. Enough said. My non mob wife look combines conflicting garments colours and textures for a kind of push-pull that makes a look interesting.

This icy silver sequins skirt, J Crew, is surrounded by casual pieces in shades of brown to not only take it down but warm it up. My camel coloured cashmere sweater, Amazon, is worn over, no tuck and gets belted at the hip with my Dads’ leather belt from the 70s, Carroll & Co Beverly Hills. The low slung placement over the sweater gives my body proportion with a longer length fitted skirt. I went with a pair of brown Chelsea boots, Sam Edelman, for their sleek style especially with the straight skirt but also for their weight. Because everything goes back to the heavy fur coat there needs to be a somewhat visible balance of weight. I’m able to bring the reflective silver/grey colours, upward with my gray pearls. I’ve layered together a triple stranded necklace with a lariat style that’s the same length for a chunkier look that feels balanced. There’s a quiet elegance that comes with a classic leather handbag, Vintage, it’s the perfect piece to finish and elevate my non mob wife look.

style-tip: Webster’s defines, trend, as a general direction in which something is developing or changing. it’s not meant to be executed literally rather interpreted with our own personal spin

*please treat your wardrobe well. many people worked very hard to get it to you