Preppy Wardrobe Staples

Preppy style is a classic and timeless look that is perfect for any occasion. It is characterized by its clean lines, simple silhouettes, and classic colors. Some of the essential pieces for a preppy wardrobe include:

• Button-down shirts: Button-down shirts are a staple of preppy style. They can be dressed up or down, and they come in a variety of colors and patterns. Having a plain white one at the very least is essential whether wearing it alone or layered under sweaters or blazers.

        Below is a perfect example from Ralph Lauen of a good button-down top to have in your         wardrobe. Bonus it's linen as well which makes it good for all seasons.

• Chinos: Chinos are another essential piece for a preppy wardrobe. They are a versatile pant that can be dressed up or down, and they come in a variety of colors. Styling should be fitted yet relaxed for the best look. 

        Below is a perfect pair from Talbots that are very versatile.

• Loafers: Loafers are the perfect footwear for preppy style. They are comfortable and stylish, and they can be dressed up or down.

        I absolutely love my pair from JCrew that are Italian leather.

• Sweaters: Sweaters are a great way to add a touch of warmth and coziness to a preppy look. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can find one that suits your style. Of course, the classic prep style is definitely a cable-knit version. These can keep you cozy in the warmer months or look just as wonderful in the spring draped over your shoulders. Also good are cashmere knit sweaters, they add warmth in the colder months without being bulky. For a basic preppy wardrobe, you should include a basic cardigan in a neutral color as well.

        For a lovely cashmere sweater, try this one from LL Bean available on Amazon.

A great cable-knit option is this one also from LL Bean. You could also go for a rollneck version too.

• Denim: Denim is a classic fabric that can be dressed up or down. It is a great option for a preppy wardrobe, and it comes in a variety of washes and styles.

        Denim is a must and can be found on any budget from Old Navy to Ralph Lauren to Tory         Burch. Denim is more about how the fit feels than the need to splurge on the pair. 

• Accessories: Accessories can add a touch of personality to a preppy look. Some popular accessories include scarves, hats, jewelry, and watches. You can never go wrong with a simple string of pearls though and I truly stand by my belief that pearls absolutely go with everything!
• Blazers: Another essential staple, these can either be tweed, linen or seersucker depending on the season. They can be worn over a dress or look just as pulled together with a pair of jeans. 

        There are so many options in blazers that it is hard to even list them all but here is a                 versatile one from Ralph Lauren.

• Sheath dresses: We can't leave off this essential piece. A good sheath dress can be worn alone as a casual look with sandals or dressed up with a blazer.

        I absolutely adore sheath dresses so much so that they were my unoffical work uniform             when I went to work in an office. So easy to throw on one piece and be out the door                 while still looking professional and so pulled together!  One of my favorite brands for this         was always Calvin Klein because they were budget friendly but had great style details. 

   With these essential pieces, you can create a preppy wardrobe that is both stylish and timeless. Comment down below: did I miss something essential? Which pieces are your basic go to's?

"May" New Beginnings Abound

May is a month of transition. The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and activities are starting to be outside more. This is a great time to start planning for summer activities, like vacations, barbecues, and outdoor concerts as well.

May is also a month of celebration. There are many holidays and special events in May, including the Kentucky Derby, Mother's Day, Cinco de Mayo, and Memorial Day. These are great opportunities to spend time with family and friends, and to reflect on the things you're grateful for.

My May Bucket list:

• Get my garden in.
• Celebrate events big and small as much as possible.
• Plan a short weekend trip.

May is a month of transition. It's a time of change and growth. So embrace the changes that are coming and use them as an opportunity to start fresh. What do you hope to accomplish in May?

A Run for the Roses

I can't believe it is that time of year again. You know it is spring when it is time for the Kentucky Derby. The Kentucky Derby is a horse race that is held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It is the first leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, which also includes the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. The Kentucky Derby is one of the most popular sporting events in the United States, and it attracts a large crowd of spectators each year. It is also no secret that I absolutely adore the day, whether at Churchill Downs, some other track, or just watching from home.

The Kentucky Derby is the oldest continuously run sporting event in the United States, and it has been held every year since 1875. There are so many reasons to celebrate the event. First of all, the Kentucky Derby is known for its elaborate hats and fashions. What is not to love about that? Second, the Kentucky Derby is a very exciting race. Often called the most exciting 2 minutes in sports, the race is 1.25 miles long, and it is often close and competitive. Third, the Kentucky Derby is a very glamorous event.

I always make it a priority to get myself a new dress and hat each year for the event as well. To me the Derby is almost like a fashion runway for the upcoming season. Here are some of the trends that you can expect to see at the Derby this year:

• Bright colors: Bright colors are always popular at the Kentucky Derby, and this year is no exception. Expect to see lots of pink, yellow, green, and blue dresses.

This Vince Camuto dress would be a perfect Derby dress with its detail, bright color, and lady-like appeal.

• Floral prints: Floral prints are another popular trend for the Kentucky Derby. Look for dresses, skirts, and tops with delicate floral patterns. Afterall, the Derby is the "Run for the Roses"!

Above is a prefect budget friendly option from Venus. The one shoulder aspect is a big trend this spring as well. 

• Gingham: Gingham is a classic pattern that is always popular at the Kentucky Derby. Look for dresses, skirts, and shirts in gingham checks.

This LoveShack Fancy gingham dress would be absolutely perfect for the Derby as well. Plus it combines two new spring trends in one, gingham and floral! 

• Hats: Hats are a must-have for the Kentucky Derby. Look for large, elaborate hats and fascinators with feathers, flowers, and other embellishments.

You don't need to blow the budget finding the perfect hat either though. This fascinator above is from Amazon under $15!

No matter what your style, you're sure to find the perfect outfit for the Kentucky Derby this year. So, get creative and have fun with your fashion! I can't wait to reveal my dress for this year next weekend! Watch my Instagram for posts. Comment down below how you plan to celebrate.

April Showers

 April is a month of new beginnings... winter is officially over and warmer weather with brighter days is ahead. There is no better time to start enjoying the outdoors with the sun shining and the birds singing!

It is not only time to get the yard even ore ready and plant but also time to shift around the wardrobe and bury all those winter coats and heavy sweaters. I want to pull out my dresses and brighter colors. I want to see all the baby animals in nature and revel in seeing the robins return.

There are also so many wonderful things to celebrate in spring as well. Easter, Mother's Day... and let's not forget the Kentucky Derby!

My April "Bucket List" Items:

• Go to an outdoor farmers market.
• Go on a picnic.
• Be outside as much as possible.
• Try a new recipe with fresh ingredients for spring.

Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth, so it's the perfect time to get out and enjoy the outdoors. There are so many things to see and do in the spring, so get out there and make some memories!

Comment below: How are you celebrating this first full month of spring? 

Easter Decor 2023

There is nothing like the arrival of Easter and the clocks changing with Daylight Savings time to make it seem like warmer weather is right around the corner! The lighter color palettes are so cheery and bright. I love to make these additions around my home to brighten things up. I hope by viewing my decor, you get some ideas for your own home as well. 

                              

I began, of course, by changing the front door wreath. This wreath below is actually a garland I wired onto a grapevine wreath and added a bow to. For the backdoor, I simply used a cheap sign from Dollar Tree and spruced it up with a nice ribbon bow at the top.

In the kitchen, I simply added a few touches on the island. I truly wanted to do less in holiday decor this year while still having smaller touches throughout the house.

I tried to add these touches by changing out the floral arrangements to match the season and add small spring and Easter touches as well. For the arrangement above, I added a bouquet of spring flowers from MacKenzie Childs along with a Michael's pick of a bunny that I was drawn to because the bunny is made entirely of hydrangea petals. 

Below, I made full use of the packaging that Chanel sends their smaller products in by filling the box with carrots and florals of hydrangea and Lavendar also from Michael's. 

                                     

Adding in seasonal collections as well, even if a smaller collection adds to the cheerfulness for me. In the living room, I decided to display my collection of hand painted Orthodox eggs. 

                                     

                                     

                                                                 

Another small touch I make easily, from season to season is to change out my throw blankets and pillow covers. I get my pillow covers rather inexpensively on Shein in the home section.

It is also important to me to display items or have some touches that are truly me. I of course and Italian and so love touches that remind me of my heritage.  When I found this straw Easter gondola a few years ago, I knew I had to pick it up. This year I chose to use it as a centerpiece on the dining room table. 

Over by the TV I also incorporated in my love of yoga by adding this golden dog in Sukhasana pose.

You can view my full home Easter decor for 2023 here, as well. 

Comment down below, how do you add touches of Easter or spring to your home? Do you like to change things with the seasons as well? Make sure to hit subscribe to receive notice of future posts as well. 

"March"-ing Into Spring

 Oh, how spring is fast approaching! and I plan to enjoy and celebrate every minute of it! The days are getting longer and brighter. Daylight savings time comes to an end and the first official day of spring hits this month as well. 

I am already beginning to see the changes in nature. The sunrises almost seem more vibrant. Green shoots are sprouting up as daffodils, hyacinths, and crocus try to peak through the frosty ground. Signs of new life and new beginnings are all around. 

Nature is showing us that all things are reborn just as Persephone emerges from the underworld in Greek mythology, I too am trying to embrace my emergence into a new chapter.

My March "Bucket List" Items:

• Begin planning my garden.
• Begin transitioning my wardrobe.
• Be outside as much as possible.

Comment below: How are you embracing the coming of spring this month? 

A Festive Carnevale Tablescape!

 That magical time of year has rolled around again, where we begin Lent and can look forward to Spring. Carnevale, much like the French Mardi Gras is a beloved celebration in Italian culture. In fact, while many associate the celebration more with Venice, the longest running Carnevale celebrations in Italy are actually held near the town of Puglia in the Calabrese region where my ancestors migrated from. While we now only celebrate one night with a decadent meal and good wine, some areas of Italy still revel in the celebrations for weeks or even months leading up to Ash Wednesday.

Just as in years past, I tried to bring in many elements and colors of the traditions into my tablescape. The traditional colors of course are purple and gold. It is also customary to throw beads just as it is in the French celebration, but Carnevale is most widely known for its elaborate masks. Within the Carnevale celebration the masks are in fact worn to hide one's identity as it is the only time of year as well that the classes intermingle in the festivities. 

On the mantle I also added a bead element as well as displaying my own Venetian made Carnevale mask.

I added a mask even onto the chicken fruit bowl I often change up for different holidays. Inside I decorated using glittery gold and purple picks as well as beads. I thought leaving the wine decor around was fitting as well.

For the table setting, I used my everyday Fiesta dishes for a bright color element with gold chargers underneath. In the center, I used a Venetian style jester bowl. I strewed beads coming out of this as well and just used some colorful netting as filler around a glittery picks with purple candles. 

Let me know in the comments below if you celebrate Carnevale, or Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday? What do you do for the festivities? Also be sure to subscribe to receive notice of future posts. 

Buon Carnevale!