Personally, I LOVE the back of this cape with the storm flap and the fact that it cinches at the waist, giving outerwear a much cuter silhouette. ‘Tis the season of the flat and I’ve had the honor, now that I walk to/from work again daily, to try out numerous brands of flats. I may wait until the the Target opens on State Street to find out! A true prep is someone who attended preparatory school often in “prep”aration to attend a Big 10, Ivy League, or New England private colleges/universities. We pop our freshly pressed Oxford shirt collars and we wear our colorful Lilly Pulitzer and kate spade to work. In Chicago, it’s not quite warm enough just yet (despite our streak of 9+ days in the 80s) for us to don our espadrilles, open-toe wedges, or gorgeous braided sandals (which I’m obsessed with and will blog about at a more apropos time) so we must stick to our interim shoe of choice: the flat. A few days ago, I read a short article in a fashion magazine that stated, “Capes are the new coats.” As a Midwesterner who has to deal with often hellacious winters, I would probably disagree with wearing a woolen cape during a Chicago blizzard. and after a few days of reflecting on my first entrance into the corporate world (I’ve worked since college, but for more ‘relaxed’ environments), I figured I’d impart some of my new-found wisdom onto you all who are perhaps preparing to enter the corporate workforce in the coming months after graduation. We then expanded to the surrounding suburbs and quickly grew into the largest independent broker in Illinois. Use code “TNUCKVIP” at checkout, J Press Private Sale : Shop now til May 23rd before the sale goes public on the 24th!! Oh la la…I think the new blog redesign calls for some semi-preppy colorful inspiration! Find 1173 listings related to Preppy Pet in Chicago on YP.com. I’m lucky enough to work in healthcare, where bowties abound and no one wears flip-flops around the office (only into/out of). And can we just discuss pullovers for football Saturdays? Newsletter Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more … For better or worse, appearances matter in the real-world workplace and it certainly does help you get taken more seriously… don’t ask why it just does. The shorts come in a fuchsia and white, too, and although are “pleated,” don’t think of daddy’s golf pants. * Limit themselves to mall shopping and chain stores. Sir & Madame. I went to the store right after work, so I arrived around 5:15pm. Nothing alleviates my work stress like a good shopping trip. Although I didn’t get the one-shoulder dress above, I did get this cowl neck top. Hot off the press: The Chicago Professionals for Easter Seals (CPES) is hosting its 3rd Annual Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball at the Burnham Park Yacht Club located on Chicago’s lakefront on Northerly Island. In light of movies like “The Artist” and “Midnight in Paris,” I could see this “highbrow, intellectual college-comedy” being a decent success. It refers to a stone that is shaped or polished as opposed to faceted… see? While it may not be as school girl as Alicia Silverstone in Clueless or Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl, I love the school girl elements: Varsity jackets, rimmed glasses, cute wrapped ponytails/braids, Oxfords and cardigans, and tartan/plaid elements in skirts, headbands or other accessories (Tartan/plaids don’t have to be as severe as Charlotte York- McDougall’s all-plaid dress in Sex and the City.). They gravitate towards long-established classic stores and boutiques unique to quaint New England towns. I love the kelly green and navy ones above, for the bargain of only $90 on Piperlime.com… they also run frequent 10-25% off sales 🙂 You can never go wrong with accessories from stella & dot and I love these green earrings-very versatile for year ’round wear. (Might I even get this to wear over Derby weekend?!?!). preppy days Ever since I scored this knitted cardigan from Zara , I have been getting some major school girl/preppy vibes from every outfit I top off with the piece. My personal suggest ions include: flats, flip-flops, Sperrys (no heels; most of the time you’re walking on a pot-hole filled street or uneven pavement) and something light and breezy. Chicago definitely has more of a "preppy and sporty" feel than, say, NYC, or LA, or SF. It posts once a quarter. I write about my home (as I did in the beginning), but also about decorating and fashion, as well as my life as a wife, mother of three young children, and … In addition to a fun pop of color with black and pearls, I love statement rings. Maybe I’m fashion backward and that’s why I’m not Rachel Zoe… but let’s be practical even when what we Google and see on the runways isn’t. Lip gloss and if need be, a wallet, are thrown into tote bags along with books. (This was the case with some of the Mad Men fits.). Plus, their merchandise for these launches goes FAST! The Mad Men line (see my post here!) There are preppy areas, hipster neighborhoods, college town areas, but also areas that are known for crimes and poverty. Christmas in Chicago. Would they stand-up against the wear and tear of Chicago streets? The shorts were purchased, but the top was not. I see the trend obviously coming back in for this Fall 2012 and wanted to share a few of my favorites available now. It lives and breathes “America”; that dream we all grow-up with and strive daily to achieve. They buy into classics rather than trends, and don’t change their lifestyles with fads. I also found that at such a young age, dressing for success has moved me through companies into positions where I’ve managed people who were 10+years older than I. What prep doesn’t love a good wool Schoolboy Blazer from JCrew or Rugby when it’s cold outside? See more ideas about chicago, my kind of town, chicago illinois. Sperry is a staple and it wouldn’t be Spring without adding a new pair to your collection. “From the beginning we wanted our wedding to be very ‘us,’ ” Jaime says. Or do you think it’s (as my mother would say) like walking in a black hole? Personalization was essential for Jaime Koziol (30 and a lawyer) and Tom Delaney (30 and an entrepreneur), who held their ceremony in Old St. Patrick’s Church in Chicago, Illinois, and had their reception for 330 guests at the nearby Morgan Manufacturing warehouse space. Homepage for the Preppy Realtor a Chicago based real estate agent. Even the richest of preps must cut back every once in a while, especially when the economy is going down the tubes. Sidea bar: I’ve often wondered what the difference is between a “cape” and a “capelet”-those more familiar with fashion: is it the cinching or tie-waist that makes a capelet- a capelet? Hitch hike? Here you find opening hours, addresses and more about shops for Holy Preppy in Chicago . With these new developments, I may have to stop into the Gap a little more often… if not for any reason other than they have pretty good yoga pants, too. I got my Portillo's fix (finally tried a chocolate cake shake, 10/10), saw the window displays at Macy's on State Street, and ate too much at Grandma's house. The outfits are cute (think scarves, JCrew cardis, Bass loafers and jeweled barrettes in true New England prep fashion) and the trailer (below from You Tube) makes the movie seem relatable. They’re the Louboutains of the flat world. So what do you think? Retail fit and quality. Ships in 2-4 business days. While I love a good pop of color or pattern in a pencil skirt, I couldn’t step out with all sorts of bits and bobs hanging from my clothes. I’ll squeeze in some day trips, too). Can we talk about something for a minute? I’d love to hear what you all think about my flat review! If anything, your style should reflect your personality. Oh, and they unfortunately frown upon needlepoint belts and pants with embroidery. If we Preps love anything more than a beautiful gingham or plaid bowtie, it’s knowing it was American-made (and safe in a frat house washing machine…). Okay, yeah…yeah…blah, blah, blah. Not only did I find them easy to scuff and the signature “T” emblem wore/scratch easily, they blistered the Hades out of my feet after one wear. And, believe you me-they are DELISHY! This Merino Knit Cape from Brooks Brothers ($268) serves this dual purpose: keeps you warm on your daily walk to your favorite cafe or at Saturday’s football game, while also being versatile enough to double as a sweater when you get chilly in class or at the office. These are some of my favorites, with a few others thrown in for effect. That being said, I incorporate this element into most outfits. Yeah, yeah… studies show that if you dress up for work, you’re more likely to be attentive and productive, but have you ever seen a sloppy prep? This boutique offers an incredible selection of classic apparel with a industrial, yet preppy feel. Preppies may not always match EXACTLY but they are always coordinated. The Registered Agent on file for this company is Andrea Chapelle and is located at 700 N Larrabee St Apt 208, Chicago, IL 60654. I’ll take that ANYday! I’ve seen cute pairs from Michael Kors and Sperry Top-Sider (photo to the left) to name a few. Dec 26, 2016 - Plaid Pumps, Plaid Clutch, Sweater (I’m wearing a size medium), Necklace and Bracelet c/o Charming Charlie / Rag & Bone Jeans (Black/Light Blue/Dark Blue) / J.Crew Coat (Also available here. Football and blazers aside (for now), I love to bring in any style (that’s not too outrageous) into my work wear. And of course, the cabs are all full and you’re staring down at your favorite Michael Kors watch (so luxuries we do not denounce during a recession) and notice you’re almost late for your reservation at RPM (I love you, Bill Rancic!) One of my FAVORITE spring colors is kelly green. I was pretty impressed with some of the new… directions they’re going in with their clothes. And then there’s the important question of what to wear to a Chicago street fest. Private garage parking isn’t cheap: roughly $235/month or $35/overnight and even for those who have found a parking place (I hear by the Lincoln Park Zoo is popular), you’re still subject to street cleanings, floods and the random ticked-off, ticket-happy cop. I definitely look to the Duchess for nods at key colors and styles (although I may can peplum… unlike K-Mid, this gal’s got hips!) These are also only $58 and a great price for their multipurpose uses! I also like how their outfits are laid out. We preppy gals wear our pearls with pride. Favorite. Trust me. But how? Preppy Hippie LLC is an Illinois LLC filed On April 22, 2011. email me 🙂. I first heard about this event through the Magnolia Club of Chicago (A social club, network, and forum for Chicago area professionals, gentlemen, and ladies founded on the premise that the Southern gentleman and lady society represents a state of mind/philosophy rather than being something innately geographic or academic—email magnoliaclubchicago@gmail.com for more information!) I can’t emphasize enough how much Banana Republic has stepped up their “concierge” service in the last few years. Being a former BR-ite when I was in college and busting my prep-hump for the “man” 4days a week (ugh, my parents wanted to teach me about “responsibility”… lame! A drawback to being an adult is we often never have a reason to go to shopping… except for weddings, special nights out, or for special purchases (although it’s been a dry summer in Chicago, I’m predicting heavy rain in the fall; prompting me to splurge on new Hunter wellies). I love this GUESS tweed cape for only $148 with contrasting brown trim-great way to get multiple looks out of a piece. But I digress… this blog post mainly stems from a DM I received on my Twitter account (@prep_chicago if you’ve been under a rock or in a coma) and needed more than 140 characters to truly answer: How do you keep your individual style in a conservative/corporate workplace? The black dress in the first picture was $39.50. To be economical, many of us preps in the big cities have begun to bike or walk (or for the fit prep, jog) everywhere in efforts to save a few bucks here and there. A few simple/basic, interchangeable pieces in your wardrobe will go miles, as we all know. Trina Turk for Banana Republic-Just in Time for Summer, Earrings, ring, bangles, you name it-the jewelry, Chicago Professionals for Youth (CPY) Annual Event. What girl doesn’t want to be greeted first thing after a stressful day with a watermelon mojito and a kobe beef slider? Beg for a ride? So enough about shoes (although I’ve found a ton of good deals lately) and more on the fall fashions. I hope you all enjoy my posts about all things Prep in Chicago: our fashion, local activities/events and hopefully you will meet like-minded people. Just Uber… a delightful new app that will change not only when you arrive but how you arrive Think Grandfather’s personal driver, but without the monthly retainer fee. Mike Ditka, former Chicago Bears coach, or as I know him from Kicking and Screaming, the kid’s soccer movie starring Will Ferrell, is the proprietor of this restaurant. Items like trenches, capes/capelets and fun knit ‘hose or stockings will always be on-point and are a fun way to add a little playful pop to your fall wardrobe. you waited three weeks to get. They come in a variety of prints and range roughly $128-$250, depending on the style and fabric/material you get. For instance, Shep and Ian, two brothers who created Vineyard Vines from the back of their SUV, unemployed and desperate. Brooks Brothers Friends and Family: Save 25% off May 9-12 with code “FNFBB3”, Tuckernuck: Save 20% off at the newest love child from Uscoop! Fall is one of my favorite seasons for clothes. Colors are always brite (favorites include pink and lime green). I’d scoped out the line a few weeks ago when I first received my flyer (with a $25 off coupon AND coupon for a FREE limited edition Trina Turk bangle!!!!) I wanted to pass these goodies onto you before they fly by! Who goes to Tennessee?) ahh… kelly green. Note: there’s also a matching Cabochon ring. Cheers! For on the boat or in class, the J Crew Cafe Capri can never go wrong. Also on sale are some uber cute Tory flats. bracelet from Banana Republic… they too, run pretty good sales every now and again and you could probably snag this for under $35 in a week. We vacation on Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Delray Beach, and on the coast of Maine [note: Midwestern preps vacation in Door County, own a beach house in Michigan or Lake Geneva]. But like the perfect pair of black heels or the right color Sperrys, you want to make sure you’re making a sound investment in shoes that could cost you over $200 or more. done outside as opposed to at Equinox, FFC or our high rise’s gym. People WILL notice!). I do find it hard to figure out which trends will work for me, which are appropriate for work and going out (Chicago has it’s own sense of style, after all) and this is my attempt to make sense of it all. We’re here to figure out. After all, haven’t we all adopted a “pet” project before? your own Pins on Pinterest Check it out! Most are college educated, but they may or may not be professionals. They are confident and unafraid to express their own styles and be daring in their fashions. Dresses, suits, skirts, appropriate heels, you get my drift. For those who prefer Hunter Wellies to Uggs (note: from here on out thou shalt call them “FUggs” for a true Chicago prep knows our winters are rough and FUggs provide no traction on our un-salted city streets) and think the poor horses that pull Michigan Avenue carriages for tourists would have a happier life in Barrington Hills as polo ponies, then you are prep. You know what an Etchells is and where to find one on a balmy, summer day, you believe that Lincoln Park should not be the only location of a RL Rugby in Chicago and you wear JCrew ribbon flip-flops and not Old Navy 2/$5’ers. When I think of fall colors for men, I think of golds, navy blues and crimsons… a throw-back to our collegiate colors. There’s nothing better than Spring comin’ ’round the corner in Chicago (or that it’s been very Spring-esque already)… we dream of getting our daily training for the Bank of American Chicago Marathon (new record: registration for the race filled in under 6 days!) Most hipsters are 20-something's and early 30-somethings. I expect Trina Turk to go just as fast!Most of the Trina Turk items were right in the front of the store, complete with beautiful back-splashes. Unlike coats that you usually shed when you arrive at your destination, I think some capes can be worn like a sweater. We make do with what we have, for lack of a Vineyard Vines (closest is Nashville and really? Fall 2012 colors and styles aren’t just for “back to school”. “That meant nothing … The blog is run by Maggie who lives in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Every season, I refer to the Pantone color guides to see what’s in style color-wise. We dream of green grass to walk our cute puppies on, and lounging around Newberry Park with our lattes. But that’s okay, because you wore your favorite Ducks or Hunters to work or class today to combat the bah-humbug weather. Hell, if all else fails-stay prep, get noticed, become CEO and change the dress code (and allow koozies!). The color easily pairs with a Jackie cotton cardi from JCrew or a cashmere cardi from JCrew (seeing a pattern?!) I love these Viv Striped flats for summer (pictured)! Some of the prints, like the Pisces, came in a few different colors. I’ve quickly learned the Gap, like most stores, run frequent sales. I’d be remiss to not at least touch on fall trends and colors for the gents. I first fell in love with the cape trend about two years ago when I got a steal of a deal on a tweed cape from Ann Taylor Loft. Banana Republic has cute dandelion crops  and JCrew has this gold skirt I am dying to pick up. Polo Dress. Comprehensive? but it’s true. We will delight in polo games on North Avenue Beach, we will attend events at Junior League, Union League and alike crawfish broils, we will host Kentucky Derby watching parties and we will NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES reference “GTL” (note: these three individual activities [gym/SPRAY tan/laundry] are prep: for we are healthy, [faux in winter] tan and know how to do our own laundry. We do not need an acronym to describe such feats)….