A note to my dearest preps,

My dearest preps,

Last night I hosted the final girls night of the summer with some of my best girlfriends, and my best friend Chris of course! We had appetizers, drinks, laughs and then a midnight indulgence of chinese take-out! Sitting around the table last night I realized how summer has flown by. Although I am sad to see the sun set earlier and earlier, I am excited to begin the new school year. While I have a bunch of visits planned to see friends at school, it never gets easier saying goodbye at the end of summer.

During the school year I like to keep in close touch with my friends. With the endless means of communication out there sometimes it's nice to sit down and write a hand written letter. Plus, who doesn't love opening their mailbox and seeing something addressed to them! As much as I love texting, talking on the phone, skype, twitter, Facebook...the list goes on...there is something much more intimate about a hand written note. But of course a prepster has to be writing on appropriate card stock! Cards are an expression of your personality and your emotions toward the person you're writing to; so it's important to pick your stationary appropriately. I have found several preppy stationary items that I send out to all of my friends when technology just doesn't cut it. Take a look:

I love PreppyCards.com! 

They have the cutest designs for all different seasons and occasions. The designs are simple but are enough to show your personality! 

 I have a bunch of the flat note cards with designs from several of the collections. These note cards are a great choice to send a hand written note on! 

This is the bag collection, just one of the many collections to choose from!

This is the nautical collection, another collection to choose from, perfect for summer!

Note cards aren't the only thing PreppyCards makes! They make invitations, return labels, letter heads, calling cards, bookplate labels, seating cards, and much more!

Sarah Pinto is another great place to get note cards from! This is a cheaper alternative, but  by no means lesser of an option!

These preppy postcards are perfect for sending a "just thinking of you" note on! You an personalize these as well which adds an extra expression of yourself! 

Sarah Pinto also makes planners and notebooks in many of the same, fun and preppy designs! If you like the postcards in a particular design, why not make that your signature pattern and purchase some other stationary in it!

Definitely check out these personalized note cards if you're looking for a more intimate means of communication! 

Do you guys ever hand write notes to your friends? If so, what stationary do you use? 

Share your preppy paper choice with us!

Preppily yours,

The Practical Prepster

Thrifty Tuesday!

Hey!

Well, the Lilly Sale we've all been waiting for is finally here!! For the next three days the Lilly Endless Summer Sale is upon us! Go check it out right now because items FLY out of there! I'm in love with this sale and most importantly with the prices of this sale! This is a practical prepster's opportunity to pick up a few Lilly staples to expand your preppy wardrobe!

Also, the J. Crew Factory website is having a promotion for an additional 30% off the prices marked in red! Sometimes the retail prices of J. Crew can be a little out of a practical prepster's price range. J. Crew Factory has many similar classics for a fraction of the cost! On top of that, us practical prepsters always love a sale! Check out the Preppy Promo page at the top of my blog for the promo code to get 30% off your red priced items! 

 Here is one item, in my J. Crew Factory shopping bag!

I love this puffer vest in the candied cherry! This color is perfect to brighten up your fall wardrobe! 

These sales are both just in time for my back-to-campus shopping spree! Yayy! Happy shopping!

Have you guys bought anything from either sale yet? Any other good sales we should know about?

Preppily yours,

The Practical Prepster

Hitting the Road Again!

Hi guys!

I've been super busy this week so I apologize for the lack of communication. Monday I was working at VV, then I tutored then I had a defensive driving class. Tuesday, I had last day at my internship (thankfully) then I had my cousin highlight my hair (which by a miracle actually came out nice). Wednesday I was working at VV again. We got a million boxes of shipment in so that kept us busy all day! After work, I tutored again, then I had to take the second part of the defensive driving class. On top of all of that, I had to get packed for a road trip that Chris and I are taking today to Washington DC to sign the lease for his apartment that he's living in during the school year. We are leaving in about an hour to drive down, so I have to keep this quick. Then, Since he wants to leave his car there we are taking the Bolt Bus back to NYC and then a train home. Pretty much, we won't be home until around 2am, as long as everything goes according to schedule. Today won't be all work though, once we've moved Chris in, we're going to head to Georgetown to check out the VV store there, go to dinner, and hopefully get a chance to go to Georgetown Cupcakes. I've had them a few times and they're delish! As if one road trip isn't enough, me, Chris and my sister, Jane, are leaving for one final summer getaway to my house upstate again. I know that seems repetitive, but its fun, easy to get to, and an inexpensive getaway that we all enjoy! With all of this in mind, needless to say I may not be on here for a few days again. So, since I will be of on some adventurous road trip, I thought I would leave you with a road trip playlist. This playlist is a little more specific though. Chris and I LOVE country music and usually no matter where we are going the country playlist is on! I figured, I would share one of our country playlists with you, which seems appropriate since we are headed off into the country tomorrow morning! (Since I am posting so many songs, I won't be posting the videos to all of them, but get on YouTube and check them all out!)

Preppy (Country) Playlist No. 3

1. New Strings-Miranda Lambert

2. Keepin' It Country-Jake Owen

3.She's Country-Jason Aldean

4. Footloose-Blake Shelton

5. Pontoon-Little Big Town

6. Truck Yeah-Tim McGraw

7.Gunpowder and Lead-Miranda Lambert

8. My Cowboy- Jesse James

9. Tattoos on his Town-Jason Aldean

10. Fake I.D.-Big & Rich ft. Gretchen Wilson

11. White Liar-Miranda Lambert

12. Take a Back Road-Rodney Atkins

13. Walmart Parking Lot-Chris Cagle

14. Country Boy's World-Jason Aldean

15. American Living-Rascal Flatts

16. Creepin'-Eric Church

17.Barefoot Bluejean Night-Jake Owen

18. Honey Bee-Blake Shelton

19. Country Must be Country Wide-Brantley Gilbert

20. Take a Litte Ride-Jason Aldean

Do you guys have any road trip songs you can share with us? 

Enjoy and I hope you guys have a great weekend!

Preppily Yours, 

The Practical Prepster

Weekend Playlist!

Hi'ya!

It's the weekend! Yay! Unfortunately I don't get to enjoy the beautiful weather we're having because I have to work the entire weekend! Since I have to get going to work, I am going to keep today's post short and simple! 

No matter my mood, music can help me through anything! Whether I'm happy, sad, mad or just thinking, a good song can come on and completely change my mood! So, since I am in a good mood, despite the fact I'm missing out on the sunshine because of work, I figured I would share some cheer-up tunes with ya! 

Preppy Playlist No. 2

1. Let Go-Frou Frou

2. Smile-Uncle Kracker

3. We Own the Night- Lady Antebellum 

4. Slide Along Side-Shifty 

5. Upside Down-Jack Johnson

6. Fearless-Taylor Swift

7. Reality-Kenny Chesney

8. Hummingbird Heartbeat-Katy Perry

9. Semi Charmed Life-Thrid Eye Blind

10. Weight of the World-Chantal Kreviazuk

 

Enjoy!

Preppily yours,

The Practical Prepster

Flats for Friday!

Hi again!

It's a gloomy day by me so I thought that sharing some cute new flat suggestions would be a good idea. Since no one likes slipping and sliding around in flip flops out in the rain, I've found a couple of preppy flats that are excellent for a rainy day. The great thing about flats is that they can be worn during almost any season. They can be worn on a rainy summer day with a dress or skirt or even on a fall day with a pair of skinny jeans! Unfortunately, finding flats that are within a pratical prepster's budget isn't always the easiest thing. However, I think I've found a few that won't break anyone's wallet and that will spice up any outfit, no matter the weather or season!

Old Navy: Cap Toe Ballet Flats

These color flats are definitely on my back-to-school shopping list! I love the capped toe and the gold accents! These will look great with a pair of skinny jeans and a green top with gold jewelry! Perhaps thats what I'll wear on the first day! These flats are available exclusively online for $24.94! Can't wait to get mine!

Old Navy: Printed Ballet Flats

I love leopard! I have about three pairs of leopard flats but I wear them so often that I'm in the market for new ones! When I came across these I thought they were perfect for a fantastic price ($19.94)!

Old Navy: Bow-Tie Ballet Flats

These bright flats will be sure to add a pop to your outfit for a price that won't break the bank! These fun and vibrant flats only cost $19.94. I have several Old Navy flats and they are extremely comfortable  and are durable considering the great price!

Target: Merona Mali Flat

I am a sucker for Target shoes! Target makes extremely comfortable shoes at a very affordable price. I know these are technically loafers but what I great addition to a flat collection these would make! Along with the Old Navy Cap Toe flats, these are definitely on my back-to-school shopping list! The sea foam green color is unique and will definitely draw attention when you head back to school! Can you believe these only cost $19.99?! 

Payless: Lower East Side Chelsea Flat

I have these flats and they are super comfortable! The best thing about them, aside from the price ($16.99), is that since they are nude they go with almost any outfit! I wear these to work, out running errands or even out at night!  They come in several color too!

PROMO ALERT!

Old Navy is having a promo offer today only! At check out save 25%! Check out the promo code on the promo page! The tab at the top of my blog! 

What do you guys think? Share some of your favorite flat suggestions with us!

Preppily yours, 

The Practical Prepster

Want-to-try-it Wednesday!

Hey preps!

I just got home from work and I have some cool news to share with ya! Yesterday Shep, one of the owners of Vineyard Vines, came into the store! Unfortunately, I wasn't working so I didn't get the opportunity to meet him. However, he was so impressed with the staff and the condition of our store that lunch was on his tab today! I also had a meeting with my manager so I could be updated on some of the exciting changes coming to Vineyard Vines. For those of you who don't know, Vineyard Vines has officially changed its logo from the plaque logo to the whale. So, the new brand logo went from this...

to this...

In other news, I thought I would change things up a little bit and share some products that perhaps you preps may want to to try! 

Having a clear and clean complexion is extremely important to me. I am constantly on a mission to find the best skin care regiment for my skin type. I think I have finally found a practically priced routine that keeps my skin clear. Have you guys heard about Simple, a UK brand that was recently brought to the US? Anyway, I have been using their moisturizer following washing my face with Aveeno Positively Radiant daily cleanser. I always have a hard time finding a reliable moisturizer because sometimes they are too thick or thin for my face. However, the Simple daily moisturizer seems to be the perfect weight for my skin. I have tried all different combinations of products from Clinique to Clean and Clear, yet I think that the Aveeno and Simple combination takes the cake! The only other thing I am in the market for is a good toner. I have been using the Clinque Clarifying lotion. However, it tends to be pricey and since I am a practical prepster, I am looking for something that can fit into a more practical budget. Any suggestions? 

Here is the regiment...

Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 

Simple Purifying Cleansing Lotion

Are there any good skin care products out there that you swear by? What are they? What are your secrets to a clear and glowing complexion? 

Fill us in!

Preppily yours, 

The Practical Prepster

Back from Vacation!

Hey guys!

Sorry, I'm a day late! I just got home from my internship and I was super busy yesterday catching up on things and unpacking. 

Anyway, I had a nice vacation with my cousins wandering around the countryside, hanging out with good friends and going on exciting adventures. We went horseback riding, we saw a motocross show, a monster truck show and of course, uor favorite, the demolition derbies. I had a blast with everyone but I must say, it's nice to be home!

 Here are a few picture updates for ya!

Here is my and my cousin, Krystina, getting ready to ride. Notice I have on a Vineyard Vines tee!

Krystina, me and Danielle on our horses!

Jane, Krystina, me and Danielle in the lake!

Me ridding!

Our bonfire! 

One of my friends in the demolition derby!

Me and Krystina out on the quad!

Me and Krystina rocking the shades and cowgirl hats!

Monster truck show!

Just a little problem at the monster truck show!

A crazy motocross driver jumping high into the country sky!

Keepin' it Country!

 Also, look what came!! My Maybook! I love it! I'm already using it! Have you guys ordered yours yet?

What do you guys think?

Have you guys checked out Lands' End lately? 

Their fall line is great! Sometimes Lands' End can be a little frumpy so usually I opt for the Lands' End Canvas line. However, I'm loving the chinos from Lands' End traditional line. The chinos come in fun colors that are perfect for your back-to-school wardrobe. These chinos come in several styles including the recent ankle length trend as well as full length, straight leg and skinny fits. These pants will definitely brighten up your back to school look!

Here are some of the colors that I like!

Also, there is free shipping on orders over $50 when you use the Promo Code SILVER and the Pin 8709! What practical prepster doesn't love a deal!

What do you guys think? Have you started working on your back-to-school wardrobe?

Preppily yours, 

The Practical Prepster