That Preppy Italian Girl

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Equestrian and British Prep Looks

Late fall always brings to mind more British and Equestrian style looks for me. The leaves are glowing in a vibrant array of colors and boots become a wardrobe staple. When I think of preppy equestrian and British countryside are what come to mind for me. Afterall, the whole preppy style vibe derived from wealth and educational status and what screams that more than a fox hunt or horseback ride through the English countryside?

As mentioned before, many of these preppy styles do overlap each other but I thought Equestrian and British Countryside were most similar to each other. With equestrian think jodhpurs with riding boots and horse bit accents in many pieces... whereas British Countryside is more tweed (though also in Equestrian pieces) with nods to local wildlife such as pheasant feathers being accented.

Equestrian Style incorporates staple horse-riding pieces with details in the styling such as horse bit accents and bridle designs. Brands that include this look would be Ralph Lauren and Holland Cooper, along with Fairfax and Favor and the details of the less affordable Hermes staple accessories. Ariat is also a great American brand carrying many great pieces that could work into this style, just be careful to not veer too far into the Western wear side.

For British Countryside, think of a quail hunt in the fall wearing a warm field jacket with a gilet vest underneath.... Or a classic outfit covered in an iconic London Fog trench or Purdy jackets... This style is full of rich autumn colors and tweed fabrics. Another popular brand in this category is the iconic English brand of Holland Cooper.

Staples for both looks include: plaids, tweed, riding boots, argyle, and cable knits. Typically, outfits are in darker fall hues as well such as hunter greens, browns, and deep plums and blues.

Here are some looks that would fit this aesthetic. The outfit below incorporates jodhpurs with some other wardrobe basics such as a warm tone cashmere pullover top and a jean jacket with accessories such as an Hermes twilly scarf and two-toned riding boots.

For the look below, I used more classic staple pieces of the aesthetic. You can never go wrong with a tweed blazer no matter how it is paired.... here are two looks: one casual and one for office.

For the last look, I tried to demonstrate that pieces you already own can be styled up to create an English countryside look. I simply threw a dark neutral blazer over a dress. Adding riding boots for colder months and slip-on flats in warmer months. Of course, an Hermes belt brings in the affluence of the look.

Which of these 2 preppy styles is your favorite? Comment below... what are some of your go to fall looks? Be sure to subscribe for notice of future posts as they are published. Also be sure to visit coco-n-dante.com for many pieces that fit this style including the tweed blazer shown above.

Monday, October 17, 2022

Halloween Home Decor 2022

Oh how I love Halloween! and all of fall for that matter... but there is something about the chills and scares that let you be a child again at Halloween!

With everything dying back in the flowerbeds now, it seemed like the perfect backdrop to throw in some spooky tombstones and recreate a graveyard theme.

At the top of the landing coming in the back door, it seemed like the perfect spot to park my "stick shift" and hang my coat for chilly evenings out.

Further into the kitchen, I stayed with a more whimsical Mackenzie Child theme adding a jar of Halloween candy on the island and using Paget Brewster inspired jars in the display.

Above my dining room window, I hung a welcome sign over bat sheers and a creepy cloth valance.

For a place setting I used pumpkin plates on a plastic plate charger with plastic party wear utensils and a Mackenzie Childs napkin.

Down the center of the table, I used a green tint sheer runner bunched up over a black runner with skulls, crows and pumpkins. I added some battery candles and twinkle lights for an eerie effect.

On the mantle, I used bottles and changing photos with usual decor covered in faux cobwebs for a spooky effect.

In my chicken on the buffet, I stayed with the skull and crow theme filling the fruit bowl with the macabre.

This carries through to the living room but changing to the color scheme of that room with more deeper red tones.

After a few years on hiatus, I decided to pull my spooky village pieces back out this year as well.

Coco is still finding the couch quite cozy wearing her skull bandana from the groomer amidst sull covered throw pillows.

Dante as well had no qualms sleeping amidst skeletons.

In the powder room, I thought it was a bit whimsical to add this skeleton bathing in her cauldron.

Finally in the hall, for a finishing touch I added some harlequin designs into the usual Venetian display.

For a full video tour of this year's decor click here. Let me know in the comments: Do you decorate for Halloween? Which display is your favorite? What kind of decor do you do? Subscribe to receive notice as new posts are published.

Sunday, October 2, 2022

Early Fall Home Decor

It is my favorite time of year again! I absolutely LOVE fall! The changing colors and the chill in the air... is there really anything better? I think not....

Fall overlaps a bit each year though with summer coming to an end so often it can feel odd to fully change over to all fall decor before Mother Nature does as well. I like to do some early fall decor each year to bring in the season change but not go overboard entirely. Just as scents in the crisp air change and colors darken to jewel tones in nature so should your home bring these elements in....

I always like to change up my candles and room spray scents as well as my cleaning products to bring in scents of the season. Right now I am using Mrs. Meyers Mum scent to clean and leave everything smelling like fall... you can get your set as well from Grove.co along with a discount by clicking the link.

Changing things in the garden and outdoor spaces is just as important to feeling that coziness of the cooler season as well.

However, it is really cozy to bring that outdoors feeling of autumn inside with florals such as sunflowers and leaves along with some natural pumpkins and gourds.

Coziness also comes from having inviting throws around as well.

Comment below: What changes have you made in your decor for fall?

Full video tour link available here:That Preppy Italian Girl

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Aspects of New England and Ivy League Prep

With fall just beginning and students headed back to the classroom, it seemed best to talk more in depth about the Collegiate Style of Preppy before September ends. When most people think of preppy this is the first thing that pops to mind, which makes sense after all since the whole aesthetic was derived from Prep schools and Ivy League colleges.

Earlier in American style, the wealthy and well-educated wanted to stand out and denote themselves as elevated and cultivated among the masses. Classic blazers, loafers, and button downs all lend themselves to this school uniform look. The oldest preppy brand in America, Brooks Brothers, is the epitome of this aesthetic. The whole stye has not changed much in over a hundred years...

Much like the Collegiate Ivy League look, the New England Prep style has the same classic time tested vibes with it's classic lines, argyles, darker hues, and understated silhouettes. A prefect brand example of this would be Keil James Patrick launched from the iconic blog of "Classy Girls Wear Pearls." Perhaps the most recognizable brand for this category in most America closets though is Ralph Lauren.

Staples for both looks include: plaids, tweed, loafers, argyle, chinos, and cable knits. Typically outfits are in darker fall hues as well such as hunter greens, browns, and deep plums and blues.

Here are some looks that would fit this aesthetic. The outfit below is in a lighter palette but still pulls in the argyle with classic chinos and a pair of lace up oxfords. Pearls are always a classic accessory as well.

For the look below, I used more classic staple pieces of the aesthetic. I paired a basic white button up with a sweater vest and tucked both neatly into a belted sidewalk skirt. The outfit is completed with traditional preppy accessories of dark tights, a head band and loafers.

For the last look, I pulled from the "school uniform" vibe by using a tartan skirt with a coordinating cardigan. I kept the dark tights and went for a ladylike heel to finish the look.

Which of these 2 preppy styles is your favorite? Comment below... what are some of your go to fall looks? Be sure to subscribe for notice of future posts as they are published.

Sunday, September 18, 2022

20 Must Do's for the Fall Season

Fall is my absolute favorite season! While many see fall as an end or beginning of an end, and it is in a way.... I prefer to see the beauty in the colors of changing leaves, the crisper air, and new scents as a reminder of the beauty that can sometimes be in an ending. Below are my top 20 must do's to celebrate the season and enjoy the changes that come with it!

1. Pick sunflowers!