I knew what I was going to call for this month’s Fab 40s’ theme: preppy! It was during May when we were all dressed in boho style that the idea came to me. Jennie, who used to be our most preppy, and who has now become one of our most boho, asked me if it would be hard for me to dress preppy. I had to think about that…I am not every very preppy in my sartorial ways even though I love so many elements of preppy: plaid anything, white and pinstripe shirts, navy blazers, and rolled up pant legs. I definitely have all these elements in my closet, but I would never call my style preppy. I have to many other things to add to my looks: patterns like paisly, texture in favor of sequins, and frequent short hems. Plus I always end up adding some element from one of the places I’ve lived making my style way more boho than preppy. But it was funny; when I was required to dress in a bohemian way, I struggled, yet for this look, my preppy came out easily. Maybe it’s the librarian in me!
RetroChicMama
For this month’s blogger collab, I invited someone I have admired for a long time: Michelle from RetroChicMama. I love Michelle’s style, but I love the story behind her blog even more. Wow! She has so many different experiences in her life–some of which I wanted way back from when I could daydream about what I would become when I grew up. Besides visiting her blog and becoming addicted to her beautiful style, do take a moment to read her story. It’s pretty awesome! As is her wide legged, casual blazer, preppy lewk!
Curlybyrdie Chirps
Well isn’t Mary perfectly preppy! Look at this striped dress–yes, I do not believe Mary has featured anything other than a super stylish dress (maybe there’s been a skirt or two, but she is OUR dress wearer!). The thing about Mary is I do have a hard time believing she is a day over 30. We (The Fab 40s) need to request her beauty regiment, because that lady looks like a twenty-something in my honest opinion. And that youthful dress proves it!
Sheela Writes
Is this a Blair Woldorf double? I do see it as so. Oh, Queen She, I’ve been meaning to watch Gossip Girl all over again, and you have pushed me over the edge into the binge. You may be all sultry shy sitting there, but I know better: you are a true vixen!! As per usual dear Sheela.
Fashion on the 4th Floor
Ok, the preppy outfit is amazing. Diane has rocked the look. But, for just a second I want my readers to notice something else: look at all the perfect lines. The “V” of her vest, the perfect symmetry of the handbag, the cross section lines of her body as well as her feet. I get really into editing pictures, and my goodness Diane, yes the outfit is amazing, but the edit is equally spectacular. Call me geeky, but this pic and styling could be an advert in a magazine!
A Pocketful of Polka Dots
Jennie, my preppy friend! Of course you got the preppy look nailed with a mix of stripes and gingham, perfectly worn jeans and riding boots, the blazer and pearls. I am so anxious to read your post to see what you thought of styling preppy–especially since you have become so much more bohemian in your style since May. It’s funny isn’t it? We are chameleons–especially when we have such fun playing dress up with one another. Great look here Jennie! And now, I’m off to read your post…You’re post sounds similar to mine from Boho May!
Cid Style File
When I look at Vero‘s styling it made me remember I missed something vital in my own interpretation of preppy: leopard! I love the shoes she’s got on here. Of course that bold yet subtle pattern makes the outfit–along with plaid, a vest, and some skinny maroon pants. Veronica even has the leopard accent with your handbag too. Yes! I love a hashtag (or two) for this: #leopardlove or #loveleopard. Take your pick!!
Fake Fabulous
I love this modern preppy rendition from Samantha! Everything is typically preppy–BUT the cold shoulder adds such a marvellous modern take to the preppy look. It’s still gingham, with pegged pants and tobacco pairings with the brogues and handbag, but the cut out shoulders and ruffle add a real youthful, 2016 spin to preppy today. I love this outfit, and Sam, I love your hair! That side sweep part with your grown out pixie are super chic!
Kremb de la Kremb
There are two proud pieces that I have been holding out for with this post: first my penny loafers! I am pretty darn excited to proudly wear these shoes again. I won’t go into the long story of the last time I wore this style of shoe, but I’ll leave a hint by saying that when I last wore penny loafers, I lost one during a very scandalous moment of my 16th year. (Please go ahead and ask if you’d like to know more…) The other proud piece of this outfit is my spectacular tee because, yes! Reading is sexy!! I’m a librarian by day, and of course, I wore this exact outfit to work, and these pictures were taken in my very own library. I’m so proud of being both a librarian and a reader. You’d think by definition I would definitely be preppy, but pretty much every librarian I’ve ever met also has a little spark of boho in her. Just check out a librarian’s jewellery–it’s usually always overly artsy! Which by the way, I scaled down my accessories for this post. I opted for heaps of sentimental gold, especially with the charm bracelet, and I even wore my glasses which I never ever wear. (They’re only for one eye, so I usually just let the other one see.) I guess there’s more to this outfit like plaid pants and a navy blazer that I added gold buttons to just to be a perfectly preppy as possible. Yep, it’s definitely in me!
Sshhhh!
I couldn’t resist! It is my library afterall!
So, are you a preppy dresser? If you are, what’s the signature to your preppiness?
(This post has been linked to #iwillwearwhatilike.)
Great look Ann!!
I think it’s so fun to go outside our box and try new styles!! Really it’s like Halloween but for everyday!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Totally! I love dressing up every day!! Today I wore denim culottes!! I feel really lucky that I have a lot of freedom to dress how I want at work.
Thanks Jodie.
Love, Ann
Love this!!!
Jaymie
Thank you Jaymie!!
A x
I love Everything about this post, Ann! You look so perfectly preppy, and your graphic tee is just too, too cute. So glad you took these photos in your library – perfect venue And it is nice to see you in your every day environment. I am glad you chose preppy this month and it was really fun to see everyone’s interpretation. Even funnier so many had to Google it. 🙂
It was funny to hear of everyone needing to Google this month’s theme. Why is that I wonder? We all obviously know preppy–we’re in our 40s after all, so we lived through the polo shirts of the 80s!
And yes, it was fun to shoot in my library. With my kitschy tee I just couldn’t resist. And guess what? I do have liberty to wear that graphic tee at work! I love it!!
Let’s see….it must be Diane next month. I wonder what she’ll have us up to!
Love, Annie
I don’t own a single polo shirt, my friend GRIN never have and never will 😛
Actually me neither come to think of it!! Although I think I did receive a hand-me-down from fancy neighbor Lisa Frandsen, but it didn’t fit! A x
OMG I’m in love with preppy Ann… She is one STUNNING lady!!!!!!!!! Ackkkk Ann seriously, you are KILLING it here. I’d never have thought you’d suit preppy so well but you look gorgeous in the glasses and blazer (with just your little touch of rock chick in the tee)!! 🤓
You probably know I’m a big fan of preppy – I even did a preppy style post on the blog today, great minds and all that…!
Catherine x
http://notdressedaslamb.com
P.S. Thank you for introducing me to the wonderful Mary – why have I not discovered her before…?!!!!!!!
I’m on my way over to check out you preppy girl! And link up of course. I think because of our age we all have a mandatory bit of preppy in us–I mean we lived through the 80s so of course we got it!
Isn’t Mary stunning! She has such a youthful face too. I really don’t believe she’s in her 40s although she is purely fabulous!
I’m so glad to see you are getting some sort of notice Catherine–I hope the email was better. I changed something, but I don’t know if it’s the right something if you know what I mean. I have too many widgets going on in my dashboard!
Thank you Catherine!!
Love, Annie
I’m not sure you want to know this… But I didn’t get an email for this post! I clicked through from Samantha’s, so I don’t know what on earth’s going on 🙁
I’m going to look into this! I think it’s because when I look at the subscription list it has you as “unsubscribed.” Let me verify though….
I will get to the bottom of this! Cuz lord knows I want you as a reader!! A x
Sshhhhh…. I love that shot Annie!
I love the calmness (and the smell) of a library, especially if it has old books.
You look perfectly preppy to me but (of course!) with your usual twist of individuality and fun personality.
Reading is indeed sexy!!
XXX
I had to include the reality Sam!! Hahaha! No, I’m not that bad–although I am the one to quiet the kids down in the quiet section!! Hahah! And yes, I’m all for sexiness!! Heehe.
What are you reading right now?
Love, Annie
Re-reading an oldie..One hundred years of solitude. X :o)
Trying to remember if I read that one–or maybe just tried a dozen times or so and could never do it! That’s a tough one. You reread a lot of classics don’t you? A x
Annie I was a bit nervous about this months theme, my first thought was I have no clue how to be preppy. Actually this theme turned out be a fun one. I had to give it a bit of Cid Style with the leopard print loafers, since I have never owned a pair of fab penny loafers. Great looks and I love your plaid pants and that tee is perfect! 🙂
Leopard is the new penny loafer for preppy, don’t you think!?
I’m glad you had fun. Me too! As always. We are a great group if I do say so myself!!
Hehehe. A x
I LOVE your fun, preppy look, Ann!
Andrea
Andrea’s Wellness Notes
Thank you so much Andrea!! It is fun to try out and embrace all sorts of styles. A x
You are positively darling this month, Annie!! Honestly, I’ve always thought of your style as already being preppy, you know, so to see you in your element was a wonderfully affirming, wonderfully pleasant treat. Preppy with a touch of rock n roll.
Really? You consider me preppy? Interesting. I never really do, but maybe I am a bit….So interesting!
I like the touch of rock ‘n roll bit. I try with this mullet/shag thing goin’ on, but really I’m just too cute to be rock ‘n roll. You know that word you hate. That’s me!
Love, Annie
Ha, this is always fun. To see how differently everybody styles a theme outfit. There are very good examples among these ladies, but for me you are the preppy winner. Preppy but still a little twist.
Greetje
Awww, thanks Greetje! I think it’s because of my job: hehehe. Wannabe Sexy Librarian!! ;P
A x
OMG … so cute! How did I miss this month’s Fab 40’s? Anyway, you all look great. Love your chic library look!
OXOXO
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.com
Thank you so much DL. I must say…we miss you! It appears as if your blog is seriously taking off, and I am so happy for you. I have to let you know I had such fun living vicariously through you at NY Fashion Week. That must have been something! Still on my bucket list…. Will you go again do you think?
A x
Yay! It was so fun to work with you and get to know you better through this collab Michelle. I really admire so much about you–not just your impeccable style!
Thanks for participating!
Love, Ann
Now this month we’re all Googling the next theme! Hhaha! Always on our toes aren’t we?!
You know who is fun? YOU!!
Mwua! Annie