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

Sporty Spring Look

The casual, contemporary looks are gaining popularity in the fashion world. This style exudes an effortless, downtown, relaxed short of air. Specifically, I have been loving the trend of tailored and detailed fleece pants- an updated, fashionable alternative to the otherwise undesirable sweat pant. Some may call them "designer sweats", but styled correctly, there is nothing traditional about these fleece pants.

Designers such as Philip Lim and Alexander Wang have been incorporating stylish fleece pants into their collections for a few seasons. This style of pant is an alternative to jeans in some settings, and not to mention highly comfortable! While I do not tend to put complete "downtown" looks together, I added a preppy flair to a pair of fleece moto pants by Ralph Lauren Black Label.

The sleek, slim-fitting silhouette of the pant gives this look an overall modern, updated aesthetic. I paired the dark navy pant with a cream polo. This look is absolutely effortless to say the least. Suede red tennis shoes add a pop of color and interest to the outfit. A nautical bracelet infuses more preppy aesthetic. This outfit would be perfect for running to the tennis court, a relaxed outside lunch, or running weekend errands.

Have you been wearing the fleece pant trend?

Pants: Ralph Lauren Black Label // Polo: Polo by Ralph Lauren // Bracelet: Kiel James Patrick // Shoes: Cole Haan

Finding Spring Fashion Trend Inspiration

I love a good coffee table book- it can add interest to a room and also be a conversation starter. Not to mention, most are great sources of information as well. While I am not one to generally follow "trends" and tend to stick to more classic style and dressing, I do like to stay up to date on current colors, fabrics,  and styles. 

I came across a great coffee table book that compiles all the trends from Mercedes Benz Fashion week Spring 2014 into a book that is perfect for the living table, or in my case, on top of my vintage suitcases in the living room. The SFP look book series features all the renowned designers including Rebecca Minkoff, Michael Kors, J. Mendel, and an array of others and takes their runway shows and compiles them into high quality images. 

This perfect is perfect for perusing with a cup of coffee when you are looking for a little inspiration for that next outfit. If you are looking to add to your coffee table book collection and love fashion, I recommend the SFP fashion look book. This book would also make a great reference tool for a fashion student or someone who works in the industry.

Where do you search for your fashion inspiration?