Summer Shoes: The Slip-On

During the spring I wrote about my love for sneakers and the popularity they have gained. As we transition into summer, a high-top is not the most ideal to wear in hot weather, however, giving up the ease and casualness of a sneaker is not necessary. For the summer, a slip-on style is the perfect alternative to high-tops and winter sneakers.

The slip-on...well...slips-on, making is very easy and effortless. This trend is perfect for summer weekends and a great travel shoe for getting through airport security with ease. Additionally, the slip-on has become a modern alternative to finish off a more casual suit look. From suede to canvas and spikes, there is really an array of options when it comes to the slip-on. Here's a few of my favorites for all price ranges.

1. Gucci Woven Straw & Suede- I love the mixed textures of this shoe. The color palette would pair well with summer white pants or khaki shorts for a more casual look.

2. Rivieras- You cannot go wrong with a pair of Rivieras for the summer! They are so easy and comfortable. I love the French color theme of this pair. A great option to infuse a little European flair into any outfit.

3. Armani Jeans Canvas- The text overlay of this slip-on brings a modern appeal. A perfect option for those summer morning coffee runs or errands on the weekend.

4. Fred Perry 'Kingston Stampdown'- Fred Perry, for me, means iconic, classic styles that have an air of sophistication. This pair embodies the brand's preppy flair and would be great travel shoe whether going to the beach or the city.

5. Maison Martin Margiela Leather- I love the bright, bold color of this pair. They would add a vibrant splash of appropriate summer color when paired against a navy chino or short.

Celebrations

To say that the past week and a half have been hectic would be quite an understatement. It was the end of an era as I finished my undergraduate career recently, started a move, and continue the search for that perfect job.

Graduations turned into holidays as we celebrated a surprisingly warm and sunny Memorial Day this week. There has been a lot to celebrate as I welcome the summer with open arms. Celebrations can be big or small, but they are always necessary! For me, a large celebration is not always needed- a bottle of good champagne and good company is perfect.

As the book closes on this major part of my life (how is college over?!) I am excited for the upcoming summer and future, but not without a nervous undertone. It is definitely an exciting time, however. In the meantime, I will be sure to be enjoying champagne by the pool and maybe even host a summer party.

Cheers!

5 Random Monday Thoughts

Summer is just around the corner- so close I can feel it (almost)...can you? May has been quite a busy and hectic month to say the least.

• Memorial Day Weekend is rapidly approaching. Cannot believe it is already next Monday! Check out my recommendations for packing your bag.
• Warby Parker, the eyewear brand we all love, is also prepping for warmer weather with the release of their summer eyewear collections. I am loving all the different shades of tortoise!
• Summer Travels- have you been to Portugal? Did you love it?
• I cannot get enough of passing spring afternoons at Ladurée in SoHo with pastries and coffee. Definitely a must do if you are visiting the city soon!
• This week my Pinterest board feature is men's fashion. So many good looks and new summer collections, I am just dying to shop :)

Follow Life Through Preppy Glasses's board Men's Fashion on Pinterest.

Summer Street Style with Bonobos

I was excited when Bonobos reached out to me about teaming up to discuss my favorite summer style and street style. The online menswear company is known for their quality clothing and preppy, classic style so it is right up my alley. The recently released a new collection of garment dyed chinos that will be great for spring and summer weekends. These new chinos are casual with rich color and have a broken-in feel that makes them easy to wear. Whether you are going downtown, uptown, or "out east" for the weekend, these pants will be an easy go to.

So what is my favorite summer style? It is what these chinos embody- effortless, casual, yet still sophisticated. I recently wrote about iconic east coast style, and, for me, that is the perfect summer look. A good nantucket red pant paired with navy is a fail proof summer outfit. Additionally, chinos would pair well with the ultimate summer fabric, bright linens, and a pair of loafers for a super easy outdoor dinner party look or a casual afternoon lunch.

The team at Bonobos put together some great street style looks together with nantucket red if you are in the city. Both are the looks below are essential for summer in my books. The nantucket red pant can be worn slightly more sophisticated with a navy blazer or more casually with a white linen shirt. In both instances, a cuffed leg adds a bit of modernity and ease.

Sometimes the weather get quite unbearable here on the east coast during the summer. I have experienced quite a few heat waves in my life! Moreover, the heat gets to be excruciating in the city during this time. That being said, sometimes a super casual outfit is necessary for comfort- I am talking a tank top. Incredibly easy, cool, and perfect for the beach or the hot city sidewalks.

Going away for Memorial Day-perhaps the Hamptons? Any of these looks would work well for Memorial Day festivities, however you may be celebrating the unofficial kick-off of summer. Transition from a warm day in a tank top into a waterside dinner outfit with the nantucket reds and navy blazer. 

What is your favorite summer style?

Photos: Bonobos

5 Random Monday Thoughts

It is funny how a little sun can make you feel quite happy. As I write this, we are on our third day of 80 degree weather...its been much needed! Not to mention the month of May is flying by.

• Hard to believe that it is my last day of college classes...for at least the near future. Where does time go?!
• Getting in to the summer mode and inspired by the Ralph Lauren catalog featuring images from the south of France and Capri. All the beach towels are beautiful and geometric. I found some great alternatives at a site I almost forgot about- One Kings Lane
• To enjoy this day of beautiful weather, I am embracing a completely east coast style today...loving it!
• Have you been getting a lot of emails lately about Italian style? I always have loved it, but recently noticed a push for it. The "Italian Casual Style" boutique on Gilt has some great pieces. I personally love the Valentino trousers.
• Not sure I will be able to travel this summer, but looking for ideas. Where are you headed this summer?

Follow Life Through Preppy Glasses's board Partout Dans Le Monde on Pinterest.

Jaguar Partners with Thomas Pink

There are a lot of things to love that are British- scones, tea, Harrods, Barbour. In this instance, it as a partnership between two iconic British luxury marks, Jaguar and Thomas Pink. The partnership is centered activities that will engage the consumer with the brands while highlight the attributes of these companies, namely contemporary design, luxury materials, and refined craftsmanship.

 “Thomas Pink is a natural fit to partner with the Jaguar brand in North America. With meticulous attention to detail and progressive luxury products, the two iconic British brands boast a shared tradition of excellence which can be seen in both Jaguar’s transformed model lineup and in Thomas Pink’s crafted fashions,” said Jeff Curry, Brand Vice President, Jaguar North America.

The partnership is launched during BritWeek, a series of events celebrating the fusion of creativity between the UK and California. The brands joined forces at the the finale party hosted by Jaguar May 2 at the London Hotel in Hollywood. Additionally, May 9-10 Jaguar will be hosting a special version of its driving academy while Thomas Pink hosts a pop-up style academy and tailoring workshop at the welcome reception.

I think this collaboration works perfectly with the aesthetics of both brands. I envision myself wearing a tailored, brightly striped Thomas Pink sport shirt while cruising around in a Jaguar. Gilt is currently having a boutique featuring Thomas Pink shirting starting at $79- the perfect way to get into the spirit of this collaboration!

5 Random Monday Thoughts

It's great to be sitting here writing this on a sunny morning- it seems like they have become a rarity here in the northeast. The Kentucky Derby was this past Saturday. I would love to hear about if you went, went a party, and especially what your wore!

• In the home stretch of school which means lots of projects and deliverables. Cannot believe it is all coming to a rapid end.
• Summer is on my mind and Ralph Lauren is having a private sale right now. I love all the beach towels, especially this art deco one.
• El Vez just opened in New York (if you are familiar with the one in Philadelphia) and I checked it out. Must say, I am definitely partial to the Philadelphia one, but Stephen Starr does not disappoint!
• I need to start thinking about graduation gift ideas. Watches always seem appropriate. Movado is on RueLaLa- thoughts on the brand? Passé or still cool?
• Since it is Cinco de Mayo (any plans?!) I thought I would do my "food" board as the featured Pinterest board. It has become more drinks than food- filled with great sounding sips!

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

Iconic East Coast

With summer on the horizon, I cannot help but begin to think about the beach and all the perfect things associated with summer. We are fortunate on the east coast to have a myriad of quintessential beach towns and escapes. When I think of iconic east coast, I think of places such as the Hamptons- with its beautiful homes, beaches, hydrangea lined gardens, and effortless, sophisticated style.

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Other inherently east coast places that come to mind for me are Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Newport and Cape Cod. All of these locations embody the same nautical, preppy style. I have not been to any of the 3 previously mentioned locations, but would love to make a visit. I have only heard amazing things. I already have my eye on the "41 North" hotel in Newport, RI. It looks absolutely stunning with the marina as a backdrop.

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All of this thinking about summer on the east coast reminded me of my favorite coastal styles, namely navy and nantucket red. I inspired a look that would be a perfect choice for any of the destinations above. Chinos, a polo, and a light cardigan for chilly mornings or evenings- nothing can get more simple! I love the detailing of the monogrammed logo on the pocket of the polo as compared to a traditional pony. Aviators and navy drivers to match the polo tie the look together for the perfect east coast prep outfit.

Polo: Ralph Lauren // Chinos: Ralph Lauren // Cardigan: Ralph Lauren // Aviators: Ralph Lauren // Drivers: Ralph Lauren