Looking Back At 2012

I was never a fan of all the hype on New Year's Eve, however, I do like looking back after the past year and remembering all the things good and bad that can happen in 365 days. All in all I think 2012 was a very good year for me. So much as happened its hard to believe it has only be just one year ago since we we're all sitting here writing our little reflections on 2011.

2012 started with all my friends traveling to Europe for months so I was left to navigate Manhattan alone. It was a great time to try new restaurants and make some new friends as well. Summer came and went in the flash of an eye and it was already back to school in the fall. It was great to have everyone back in the city ready to have fun. This past semester has been great. This past year I really discovered who I am as a person

Here are some of the highs and maybe lows of 2012:

• February Fashion Week events such as Lunch with Alexandre Birman and attending the Moncler Grenoble Show
• Managing to eat at almost every restaurant in Meatpacking 
• Visiting LA in March
• Getting my first pair of Louboutins....now thats exciting
• Moving into my very own apartment! Perhaps the most exciting thing of 2012
• Of course new friends were made, but some old friends were also lost
• The start and unfortunately end of a relationship
• Going out on break in style at Beaumarchais

I hope your 2012 was filled with as many memorable moments as mine. Looking ahead, 2013 has the potential to be even more exciting. I see Barcelona in my near future for one thing. I do, however, want to vow to take things a bit more slowly in 2013 and not rush so much. 

Happy New Year!

Fashion Friday: New Years Dressing

We are almost ready to ring in another New Year. Where does time go?! New Years Eve is a special occasion for many as well pull out the best of the best from our closet. Whether you are ringing in the new year in NYC, at home, or on the town, I hope you make it a black tie affair. One can never go wrong with a classic, black tuxedo for ringing in the new year in style. NewYears is not complete without lots of champagne on the side either!

Dolce & Gabbana Martini Slim-fit Wool and Silk-Blend Tuxedo Jacket
mrporter.com

DIOR tailored trouser
$510 - farfetch.com

Dolce & Gabbana Slim-Fit Cotton Tuxedo Shirt
mrporter.com

Rolex Explorer Ii Customized Watch
$19,835 - montaignemarket.com

Salvatore Ferragamo Antone Patent Loafer
bergdorfgoodman.com

Armani Collezioni Solid Black Silk Bow Tie
nordstrom.com

Wishing everyone a happy and stylish New Year!

Brasserie Beaumarchais

To celebrate the end of a semester filled with lots of hard work, a few friends and myself planned an evening at Beaumarchais, a trendy restaurant located in the meatpacking district. This has been hands down one of the most fun dinners I have had in the city thus far. 

Brasserie Beaumarchais has sophistication written all over it. From the velvet ropes outside the doors and doorman to the staff with their French accents. The atmosphere is refined and classic during the afternoon and evening hours, but once it turns dark and you make a late reservation like us (10pm), this place turns into a dinner party straight out of the south of France. There was an amazing DJ spinning, lights, and of course bottles of sparklers.

We enjoyed some Moet, my personal favorite, while we listened to the music and looked at all the beautiful people around us. I had the beet salad which was amazing, as well as the chicken. We all shared profiteroles for dessert. 

When we finished our meal, we didnt want to leave- it was just too much fun. Warning, as the night goes on everyone is up dancing around their tables. There was definitely more dancing than eating going on! I cannot wait to go back! 

Mega Sundae 

Merry Christmas to All

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I would like to take a moment to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. It is hard to believe another year has gone by already! There is a chance of a small layer of fresh snow in the Northeast so we may be having a white Christmas this year. While we are all probably excited for the presents under the tree, it is also imperative to remember that it is a time to enjoy being surrounded by family, loved ones, and friends. It is also a time for traditions. 

Happy Holidays!

5 Random Monday Thoughts and Giveaway Winner

• Exams, Exams, and more Exams!
• If there is one thing I continue to learn, its the importance of isolating one's self from others and not comparing. Its so easy to get stressed out over others instead of focusing on ourselves and our own path.
• Its cray that in one week it will be Christmas Eve....its looking like I will be one of those crazy last minute shoppers!
• Thoughts and prayers with everyone in Connecticut
• I cannot express how much I am looking forward to a very long winter break, and this in Aspen:

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And the Giveaway winner is........

Michelle from Southern Somedays. Congrats on the new key fob :)

A Fashionable Christmas Gift List

First off, don't forget that today is the last day to enter my Smathers & Branson Giveaway. Enter for a chance to win a needlepoint keyfob!

With Christmas just around the corner, I'm sure we are all thinking about gifts for others but we also have to spend a little time thinking about what we want too. I was thinking about what the ultimate fashionable wish list would be for me.....its fun to dream a little right? Who knows, we may just be surprised and get that gift we were not expecting. That is always the best surprise on Christmas morning. 

Burberry long scarve
bloomingdales.com

Moncler Baumier Jacket
barneys.com

Christian Louboutin Harvanana
christianlouboutin.com

Fragrance
nordstrom.com

Hermès CDC Collier de Chien Dog Bracelet - Sanguine
createursdeluxe.com

Christian Louboutin Kios Card Holder
christianlouboutin.com

        Im linking up for Fashion Friday this week   

Smathers & Branson Giveaway

I am completely swamped with finals and the end of yet another semester. I find that online shopping is a study distraction that occurs far too often. Always on the go with multiple keys to my apartment, work, and mailbox, having a great key fob is a necessity.

I am teaming up with Margie from Smathers & Branson to host a giveaway for readers of Life Through Preppy Glasses. One reader will be receiving a non-mongrammed needlepoint key fob of their choice! Whats better than needlepoint?!

There are an array of choices and these are some of my favorite key fobs:

A good martini

 Sailor's flags on the "Got Rum"

 Anything nautical is always appropriate

Mandatory:

You must be a follower of Life Through Preppy Glasses via GFC, and visit the Smathers & Branson website and tell me which in-stock needlepoint key fob is your favorite. You will be receiving this exact one!

Additional Entries:

1.Become a fan of Smathers & Branson on Facebook

2.Follow Smathers & Branson on Twitter

3.Follow me on Twitter

4. Tweet about this giveaway mentioning @wes_holland and @SandBBelts

5. Post about this giveaway on your blog. Please be sure to leave a link to the post in your comment!

The giveaway will be running through Friday (12/14) at midnight with the winner being announced on Monday (12/17)! Good luck! Remember, you only need an email account to enter via GFC and not a blog. 

Fashion Friday: Hues of Red for the Holidays

Many of us will be finding ourselves at multiple holiday parties and events over the coming weeks. So why not look stylish and festive at the same time?

Red is perfect for any holiday occasion, and patterns such as plaid and tartan and textures such as cable knit compliment the season. Above, options are shown from Brooks Brothers, Barbour, and Jack Wills. All perfectly preppy styles. Pair any with a pair of chinos and good pair of drivers and you are set. 

Its the Holiday Season

The holiday season is one of my favorite times to be in New York. Us New Yorkers put down our guard slightly, with some people even going out of the way to hold the door for you. (Crazy, right? :) ).

Every year it is a tradition to see the tree at Rockefeller Center and stroll 5th avenue and look at all the stores with decorated windows and facades. My favorite holiday windows are usually at Bergdorf Goodman. They are always elaborate and over the top, yet comprehensible at the same time. 

Here's a look into New York dressed for the holidays:

Harry Winston

2012 Bergdorf Goodman Windows:

5 Random Monday Thoughts

Hello, December. Sneaking up on us so quickly.

• I cannot believe Christmas is in 22 days. Havent had a moment to stop and think about it!
• Speaking of Christmas, check out my Gift Guide over at Skimbaco Lifestyle.
• NYC is all decorated for the holidays. I will share images of the tree at Rockefeller Center and some department store windows. Its always a tradition to see them.
• I am sooo tired of hearing about the fiscal cliff. 
• As always, Ill leave you with some inspiration:

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5 Random Monday Thoughts

I hope every had a relaxing holiday weekend with lots of eating, drinking, and of course shopping. Its back to the grind until the next round of holidays.

• Vacations are never long enough. This Thanksgiving break was much too short
• Deadlines, Deadlines, Deadlines!!
• I took advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday- New Lilly and Jack Wills :)
• Im ready for snow and thinking of winter getaways like Aspen and St Moritz.
• Ill leave you with a little words of encouragement from Rihanna herself. This song has been on replay for me

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Ready, Set, Travel

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Today marks the busiest travel day of the year here in the States. I am sure many of you, like myself, are traveling to your Thanksgiving destination. Before you step out the door, make sure you packed some extra patience because lines are going to be long and traffic will be heavy. Wishing everyone safe travels and a happy Thanksgiving!

5 Random Monday Thoughts

What a month November has been! I think Im ready to say goodbye to it and welcome in December.

• Thanksgiving is this week and I have even had a moment to realize its the holiday...busy schedules!
• Recruitment has to be one of the most stressful things.
• I will be jetting off to Aspen this winter...so excited!
• Resort Collections have launched at Neiman Marcus. Winter has not even formally started but I think I'll just take warm weather now.
• I live you with some words of advice from Mark Twain:

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Check out my new feature at Monsieur Curations

Moncler: The Ultimate Winter Luxury

As many of you are planning and heading out on ski trips during the winter season, you will be sure to see the luxurious French designer Moncler all over the slops from Aspen to St. Moritz.

The brand has become renowned for their down jackets that are functional yet highly fashionable at the same time. I have posted about Moncler as my Top Pick in Milan Fashion Week before, and they remain at the top of my list of favorite designers. Thom Browne brings is classic, preppy inspired designs to the brand, creating a fusion between American and European style.

Moncler never disappoints with their avant garde runway shows, of which I have been fortunate to attend in the past. Since growing in popularity, the line has expanded from outerwear to also include knitwear, shoes, and accessories.

As the cold weather is upon us, here are some of my favorite picks from the F/W '12 outerwear collection.

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Source: store.moncler.com via Life Through Preppy Glasses on Pinterest

Source: store.moncler.com via Life Through Preppy Glasses on Pinterest

Source: store.moncler.com via Life Through Preppy Glasses on Pinterest

Quintessentially New York: The Palace

Featured in many Gossip Girl scenes and situated on a prime Madison Avenue location, The New York Palace is quintessential New York. That is to say, it is New York at its finest. 

During Sandy, a few friends and myself had a little staycation and we ended up at The Palace. I do not do that much traveling, but have done some. Let me say that this has been by far my favorite hotel I have stayed in anywhere in the world thus far. 

The Palace Lobby

The lobby greets guests with its beautiful chandeliers and large vases of floral arrangements which are changed daily. We stayed in The Towers which is a bit more exclusive than the regular rooms. As guests of The Towers, one receives their own, smaller reception desk as well as concierge, express elevators to the high floors, and larger rooms with complimentary wi-fi. 

This hotel exudes luxury right down to the bathroom fully stocked with Molton Brown products. All the staff I encountered were beyond nice and accommodating, especially the concierge desk. So if you ever find yourself in a Gossip Girl mood or in search of a little getaway, I highly recommend a stay at the New York Palace.

The Mercer Kitchen

The Mercer Kitchen, situated in the Mercer Hotel in the heart of SoHo, is a modern and chic take on one of Jean George's favorite places, the kitchen.

The Mercer Kitchen opened in 1998 and has been attracting crowds of sophisticated New Yorkers ever since. The space truly is a new take on the classic kitchen setting with a mix of industrial and modern design centered around the communal tables. Jean George is highly regarded in the restaurant world, and the Mercer Kitchen is no exception. 

I frequented the location this past weekend and was highly impressed by not only the food, but also the atmosphere and service. We indulged in a 3 course meal with a few bottles of wine. For starters I had the kale salad. Moving onto the entree I picked the chicken, and finished with a molten chocolate cake for dessert. Everything was delicious. George crafts his American menu at the Mercer Kitchen based on seasonal offerings and what is available at local markets.

I have found in my New York dining experiences that many trendy restaurants here are all about the atmosphere and scene instead of having good food as well. This is not the case here. The food was outstanding and it was coupled with a relaxing, chic environment at the same time. All in the heart of SoHo....what more could one want?

Fashion Friday: An Updated Approach to the Scarf

When one thinks of a scarf, the first thing that may come to mind are things such as cold weather, snow, wool- all things associated with winter. However, the scarf as taken on the ability to have a much more modern styling than the traditional knit scarf we all wore as children. 

Most specifically, I am loving the look of lighter weight, printed, silk scarves worn with blazers for men. This look adds a European feeling to one's look, and also brings some interest to a classic blazer. Choose a patterned option from designers such as Hermes, Gucci, or Etro and you will be sure to be catching eyes.

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5 Random Monday Thoughts

What a crazy week it has been! No other way to put it.

• First and foremost, as many of you know New York has been devastated by hurricane Sandy. The city is slowly coming back to life, but it is not the same. There are many relief efforts you can help with. The Daily News has set up a relief fund that you can donate to among others.
• After having a week off from school, I entered a mini "vacation mode" which is not good for mid semester!
• The Palace=amazing
• It definitely feels like winter here now as well....where did fall go?!?
• Countdown until Thanksgiving should officially start I believe :)

Perhaps this should be called "Weather Monday". It has just been so crazy here, but I love, love, love my city:

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Fashion Friday: The Shawl Collar

I am sure I have posted about the shawl collar before, but it is one of my favorite styles. It is perfect for fall and winter in the traditional sweater style, and many great shawl collar cardigan styles now exist as well. I love the shawl collar style for its simplicity yet the fact that it can be dressed up or worn casual. Furthermore, it is such a classic look which is something I always love. 

Take a look at some great shawl collar styles:

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