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Erica's avatar

As someone who is solidly in Gen X and lived thru the preppy 80s, completely adhering to the Handbook (C',mon, admit it. Who had and who still has it? Raise hands. <hand up>), I love that prep has come back around. I still have the Norwegian fisherman sweater and my LL Bean Pea Coat. I never stopped wearing my Weejuns but now you've got me wishing I still had an old pair of 'boat shoes.' Sperry still makes the Topsider which competes a bit with that Miu Miu.

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Jennifer Alfano's avatar

I can't find my book! Amazing you kept those pieces. My mom still wears Sperrys.

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Christine Morrison's avatar

I have the book still, replete with my loopy 7th grade handwriting inside of my name so that friends would not claim it to be their own.

I am pitching a fashion essay collection with tales of love, loss, working in fashion and finding my authentic self — all told through what I wore — and this preppy handbook is featured prominently in flashbacks!

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Lacey's avatar

I’m a fan of anything nostalgic and preppy, so my heart leaped when I saw that Miu Miu elevated the docksider that was popular when I was in high school. I bought them immediately and they one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. I sized down a half size, so if you are hunting, you may be looking for the wrong size, which is what happened to me. I got lucky. Tuckernuck has a great pair of Sebago and there’s always Sperry.

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Kathy Leeds's avatar

I got the Sebago as a placeholder, or maybe not?

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Kathy Leeds's avatar

I've been obsessing over the Miu Miu moccasins for weeks! I check Google a few times a day to see if they're available. I did pre-order the suede through your link, but also - what do you think about the white scuffed up leather? Also, I want a Margaux but have nothing to put in it, except maybe a dog.

Love your hair and I have mine in a bob now too -a few months ago.

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Jennifer Alfano's avatar

A dog is better than a Margaux. I imagine that Miu Miu will restock, they did with the Church's collab. White leather could be good, especially in CA. Another member of the bob club! xx

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Kathy Leeds's avatar

Agree - I have two dogs, the least I've ever had!

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Robyn's avatar

I lived and still live in Virginia . 80’s preppy was a strong force, especially in college. I was a middle of the road prep. Collared shirts etc. just no animals on my clothing. My love of preppy clothes has never really left. Now I would say I’m preppy with an edge. Two things you mentioned, diving mocs/ Mocs/ boat shoes and a Barbour or Barbour like coat have been on my wish list for several years. Hopefully, this will be the year. One thing I will say. Those former preppy leaning stores were their best when they were full on prep like the J Crew cover above.

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Christine Morrison's avatar

Having grown up in Baltimore (Towson), where prep was a way of life, I am with you on this being part of my DNA. I love your nods to it through current fashion; an LL Bean tote bag (still trying to decide what to put on a new one through @ironicboteandtote) is another add to my mix.

I, too, have the chic new bob. Can't love it more. xx

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Jennifer Alfano's avatar

Another member of the bob club! Yes, to a boat n tote. Can't wait to hear what you put on yours. I have old ones (would like to figure out how to clean them, if anyone knows).

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Christine Morrison's avatar

Would love to know how to clean them other than washing often with oxyclean!

I am leaning toward "Clothes Minded" as the monogram as that is the title of the fashion essay collection I am pitching...I am holding out to buy it until I land an agent/publisher.

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Jax Sol's avatar

Disneyrollergirl had a fun post inspired by the overstuffed bags, looking at the what’s in my bag share phenomenon since the 2000s.

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Jennifer Alfano's avatar

Went back and read it. Love DRG and thank you for sharing the link!

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Jax Sol's avatar

YW, I love both your blogs!

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Christine Morrison's avatar

I am going to go find that post — love that concept!

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Kathy Leeds's avatar

https://www.zappos.com/p/sebago-portland-rough-out-beige-camel-beige-taffy/product/9906685/color/925019

I got these and I think they're great. So comfortable. I did order the Miu Miu in white to compare. Curious what everyone thinks of Sebago's???

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Lucy's avatar

I forgot to ask, anyone know the details on that burgundy/briefcase bag in the pic? ❤️

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Jennifer Alfano's avatar

It’s Hermes.

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Lucy's avatar

Thank you. ❤️

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Lucy's avatar

I still wear my Elsa Peretti bean necklace on occasion. the first piece of jewellery i bought myself as a teenager with money saved from a part time job.

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Sarah Shapiro's avatar

This is fabulous! Great round-up. It feels both preppy but in a new way and so inspired. Loving the barn coats and the navy and emerald green.

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Maria's avatar

What do you ladies think of blue ones?

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Jennifer Alfano's avatar

I say yes. Very Milanese chic.

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