I can do Prep...or can I?

Like most women sometimes I start to feel a little bored and dare I say it, "old". The fact that I am quickly approaching 30 (the new benchmark for when a women supposedly should have achieved all sorts of things like my first million and a house full of kids, or be labelled a failure) didn't help.

But the difference between most "women" and true "fashionistas" is what we do when we start to feel the pangs of discontentment. Whereas most women would assess their lives and make the necessary changes to get them back on the road to achieving their goals (sensible? yeah right!) but me on the other hand, I prefer to turn to the only source that can make me feel better - Fashion and more accurately my quickest fix - internet fashion, for some much needed style inspiration (which everyone seems to be handing out in droves, qualified to do so or not), as well as some online retail therapy. What better way to spice up your life without having to bother with crowded malls, rude shop assistants and sore feet at the end of the day, right?

Now I'm not advocating going bankrupt and abandoning your life's ambitions to shop but as a wise woman once said, "I like my money where I can see it...hanging in my closet". Okay so Carrie Bradshaw isn't exactly a "real" woman per se, but the lessons she taught are, and this is one I live by.

So where would my quest begin? There are certain websites which are actually more like online fashion bibles to me, magazine sites like: Elle, Vogue, even Marie Claire to get an idea of whats hot and right on trend in the fashion capitals of the world or Saks, Barneys, Macys, H&M, the Piperlime to do some serious damage to your credit card or if you'd like to get the word on the street it doesn't get much better than blogs such as The Man Repeller or My Style Pill.

So as I perused these sites I noticed one overwhelming theme across most of them which I found interesting, the preppy chic look. Surely a person quickly approaching 30 couldn't dare pull off a look as youthful and fresh as "preppy chic", or could I?

So after my initial amusement wore off at the thought of someone as mature and I'll admit "safe" with her style being able to pull off the preppy look and still look sophisticated, without being accused of acting too young for my age, I decided to take on the challenge.

So I picked a few key "preppy" pieces which I think could work for women, whether 18 or 38 years old.

Of course no discussion about "preppyness" (not even a real word) would be complete without discussing the ultimate Prep Queen...Blair Waldorf, granted she was a fictional character, she more than any other person (real or fictional) had girls all around the world trying to pull off the preppy chic look. Although Gossip Girl may have ended, the fashion it inspired is definately eternal!

Have a look at some of these looks inspired by the Queen of the Upper East Side herself using pieces bang on trend for the moment, but also classic enough for women of any age to accomplish.

1. Simple Black and White


Photo source: www.collegefashion.net


Everyone seems to be loving this trend at the moment and it never goes out of style, especially when you add a pop of colour with a bright headband or bag like Blair. A classic black skirt, fitted or flaired and crisp white shirt are timeless. I could see this outfit on Leighton Meester (Blair) or a mature woman like Nicole Kidman.

2. The Always Classic Cool Blazer

Photo Source: http://www.elle.com/fashion/trend-reports/true-prep-best-spring-trends#slide-1

The blazer is perfect in every season and can work with most outfits to add a pop of prep to a simple outfit or to keep you warm on Autumn evening. Its best to stick to basic colours when it comes to blazers because colourful fashions come and go but black and white are always chic. 

3. Cute Shorts

Photo: http://www.elle.com/fashion/trend-reports/true-prep-best-spring-trends#slide-2

I jadorrrrre these shorts by Rebecca Taylor because they are preppy and stylish on sooooo many levels. The pleats in the front, the polka dots, the colour! To die! Wear them with wedges, flat pumps, mocassins or loafers...they translate from day to night. 

4. Jeans for All Seasons

Source: www.posh24.com

Okay, so if Blair's exit from the small screen left an opening for the "Queen of Prep" spot, it has most definately been filled by Emily Van Camp (Revenge's Emily.. or Amanda, who can keep up?). Her Hamptons ready style and enviable wardrobe have us tuning in each week, I'll admit I watch mostly to see what she'll be wearing.

Jeans are definately her staple and she proves, denim does not equal sloppy. Teamed with heels and a blazer, the oh-so humble denim jeans convert from a comfy lounging at home staple to stylish out-on-the-town look.

Paired with "barely there" make-up and well groomed hair I bet even I could pull off the preppy chic look, update my wardrobe, and my self-confidence.