5 Random Monday Thoughts

I am excited that we are getting ready to turn the calendars to April. March seemed to want to hold on to winter for yet another month, so here's to hoping that we finally turn to spring with April as we turn the calendar!

• Today only- select spring styles from J.Crew are 30% using code "ShopSpring"
• I have been struggling with a phase of my life with what is, perhaps, the most uncertainty regarding the future that I have had to experience....have you had a phase like this? What did you do to get through it?
• I had a wonderful trip to SuitSupply in Philadelphia this weekend- more on that later!
• Have you seen The Book Thief? Watched it this weekend and highly recommend it.
• I mentioned cocktails the other week, and have been pinning quite a few great recipes recently- Check out my food board to see what I think sounds good!

Follow Life Through Preppy Glasses's board Food on Pinterest.


Happy Monday!

Vineyard Vines: Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is coming out on May 2 and 3. While I have never attended, but hope to so day, I love the fashion of the derby. Each year, Vineyard Vines releases their Kentucky Derby collection which is filled with bright, preppy staples that are perfect for a day at the races. 

This year's collection is quite possibly one of my favorites yet. I would love to wear one of the looks to the Derby, but I would wear almost all the pieces around town in the summer. Here are some of my favorite looks from the new collection that give inspiration for the races. Note: all outfits pair well with a Mint Julep! 

Have you attended the Kentucky Derby?

All Photos Via Vineyardvines.com

Thinking Spring with Ralph Lauren

The calendar may just have turned to the start of spring a few days ago, but I am already itching to wear spring outfits- pastels, stripes, and even linen as we get into summer. This has been quite possibly the longest winter ever, so bright colors are very refreshing. 

While this outfit has not made a debut in public quite yet, it gave me spring fever thinking about all the perfect occasions for such an outfit- east brunch, a polo match in Palm Beach, graduation festivities, or dinner at the club. The outfit is quintessentially prep and classic Ralph Lauren. 

I selected light hues of colors that compliment and yet contrast one another. Spearmint green with light blue and bright yellow contrasted against navy. The orange belt adds an overall pop of color. The double breasted blazer is an iconic silhouette, and this one, constructed of a linen blend, is perfect for warmer weather and can be worn more casually as well. The outfit is finished with a pair of simple, suede loafers.

Are you yearning to wear spring outfits?

Blazer: Polo Ralph Lauren // Shirt: Polo Ralph Lauren // Pants: Ralph Lauren Purple Label // Pocket Square: Ralph Lauren // Belt: Hermes

5 Random Monday Thoughts

As I sit here typing this, it is probably not a shock that I am about to type: it is supposed to snow. While spring was ushered in with a mild day, it is back to feeling like January. I have never been yearning for summer so badly after this winter!

• This is definitely a typical Monday filled with the struggle of getting out of bed after a nice long week off for spring break.
• Have you seen the Ralph Lauren Spring Prep delivery? Simply perfect! 
• Currently have All of You by Peter Thomas on repeat...obsessed. Plus it sounds great in my new V-MODA headphones.
• Also loving the J.Crew spring line and with 25% off or 30% for cardholders it is quite tempting!
• I recently was turned onto a new Italian wine that I am loving- Ruché....have you had it before?

Stylish Headphones from V-MODA

Music has become an integral part of the everyday routine for many, especially those of us in the city running around the streets and subways. It is a source of distraction from the chaos around us. With that being said, I was always one to just use the small, white earbuds that we are all familiar with because it was just easy. However, the quality is definitely lacking. 

Since listening to music is a large part of my daily routine, I thought it was time to find a great pair of headphones. My hesitation with "classic" style headphones was their chunkiness and appearance. However, I was introduced to V-MODA and their Crossfade 100 headphones. These headphones not only pack some serious punch, by they are also incredibly stylish, with the company getting its design inspiration from Milan.

If you want quality audio as well as quality construction in a luxurious product, the V-MODA would be a great pair of headphones. I was impressed by the craftsmanship in the manufacturing and some of the key features of the Crossfade 100's such as noise isolation (perfect for traveling on buses, planes, etc.), its audio share cable, and not to mention its 5-star rating and not to mention receiving the DJ Tech Award "Best Headphone of the Year." DJs such as Avicii, Nero, and Empire of the Sun actively use these headphones.

The Crossfade 100's in matte black metal are very sleek and modern. They paired well with my iPhone on the go and are highly functional with SpeakEasy Mic Cable, and are also useful in the home or office with the addition of BoomPro Mic.

Disclaimer: Product received in exchange for review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Spring Footwear with Stubbs & Wootton

As winter slowly says goodbye and spring moves in, it is time to start breaking out spring footwear. While I am one to wear loafers and drivers throughout the winter without socks, once the weather turns warm it is almost a given that I will be running around town in loafers on a daily basis. 

Since the slush is gone from the streets, I cannot wait to wear a pair of Stubbs & Wootton. If you are not familiar with the brand, they are renowned for their needlepoint, preppy slippers and are based out of Palm Beach. Their collections offer both classical and whimsical styles that are perfect to get into the spring and summer mode- the perfect time to add a little fun to your look!

I am waiting for the perfect occasion to sport my Persian Rug Slippers. Paired with a solid pant and top, these slippers are a great way to add a fun, whimsical touch to any outfit. Dressed up or dressed down, the Stubb is an effortless, easy piece of footwear to throw on. 

Stubbs has a myriad of styles that I love and that will be perfect for sporting during the spring and summer seasons. Whether you pick a classic, solid pair or a fun, nautical pair with anchors to pair with white pants, you really cannot go wrong! Here are a few of my favorite styles:

Photos: My own, Stubbs & Wootton

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5 Random Monday Thoughts

We welcome yet another week, one week closer to spring and warm weather! March is moving along quite quickly I must say.

• If you are in the Northeast, I'm sure I speak for us all when I say that even that one spring like day this weekend was amazing! Such a tease.
• I splurged quite a bit this week, and added some new pieces to my spring wardrobe. I am especially exited about being able to wear these new linen pants.
• Spring break is coming up rapidly. While many friends are off to Cancun and similar destination, I will just be enjoying some relaxing time off. Are you traveling for spring break?
• For the guys: I was recently introduced to a brand called, Suit Supply. They have a few stores across the globe and ecommerce as well. I am highly impressed with the quality/prices and am loving their campaign aesthetics. 
• I have been in quite a foodie mood lately and discovering amazing looking recipes on Pinterest. Dying to try this tomato tart- now all I need is the skills in the kitchen to make it!

Ralph Lauren: Urban Safari

During the summer, Ralph Lauren launched a campaign centered around the new RL 67 Safari eyewear collection. I instantly fell in love with the aviator and pilot style sunglasses that made up the bulk of the collection. I had my eye on a pair of pilot aviators that were featured in a lot of the national advertising campaigns for the collection. 

For me, the aviator style is the perfect shape and very classic. After eyeing them for quite some time, I decided to get my own pair and I am loving them. The green tortoise frames are unique compared to a traditional brown. While browsing the site for the glasses and after receiving them, I got very into this safari aesthetic, characterized by neutrals and olive greens. 

One of Ralph's spring deliveries in the Polo line is appropriately called "Urban Safari." This collection immediately caught my attention, and I am loving a lot of the products, especially the transitional weight knits. I have always been a lover of bright, preppy ensembles, but there is something about the simplicity and calmness that the palette of Urban Safari exudes. Additionally, military and utility details can be found throughout the collection.

Here are a few pieces that I have my eye on from the new collection:

Do you like the "Safari" aesthetic and neutral color palette as we transition from winter to spring?

Photos: My own, RalphLauren.com

Trending: The Sneaker

The sneaker or tennis shoe has evolved into more than just a shoe for the gym or very casual outfits. The sneaker is now stylish and fashion forward with some styles becoming icons of designers. Don't get me wrong, I love a good loafer, but shopping for cool sneakers has become a favorite. 

Ranging from high-tops to printed low-tops, trendy sneakers can add an interesting element to any outfit. While this look is not for everyone, sneakers are a great way to pull off a modern, urban look. I usually stick to preppy classics, but have been mixing my style up more, incorporating trendy pieces. The sneaker has been a great way to do this.

The high-top has been one of my favorite styles. If this style feels too urban for you, try pairing it with denim on the bottom, but a polo or shirt & cardigan on top to keep some more traditional elements in the look. Above, I paired a dark green pair of Gucci high-tops with slim denim and black polo.

I have a feeling the sneaker will be here to stay for a bit. Below are some of my favorite, current sneakers that make a statement:

The camo and stud sneaker has become synonymous with the Valentino brand.

Valentino

Lanvin

Maison Martin Margiela

Are you embracing the sneaker trend?

WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie Spring Summer '14

While the first signs of spring may not be outside, I have been looking to designers for my first signs of spring as many are releasing their S/S 2014 collections. One of my favorite accessories and leather brands, WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie released a new collection that is fresh and vibrant with bright colors perfect for the upcoming season. 

If you are not familiar with the brand, it is growing in popularity and can be found a major department stores. For me, the brand has a clean, refined, classic aesthetic that can be seen in each bag. The founders implement unique marketing concepts such as their Alpine Lodge at Pitti Uomo and draw their inspiration from interesting places. For the S/S 2014 collection, inspiration was drawn from an artist who spends half of their time in an apartment in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood and the other half in a serene glass house by the Baltic Sea. 

Blues are reminiscent of the sea while bright reds, yellows, and greens remind us of an artist's drafting table. Signature styles will be in the collection as always, such as the O'Hare shopper tote but updated with new fabrics such as rubberized leather and woven fibers. 

I am hoping to add a new, vibrant bag to my collection for the season. Have you been finding new favorites for spring and summer?