style: prep-tastic

As I've mentioned before, I grew up in Connecticut, so I've always had a soft spot for the preppy look. At times, I've embraced it wholeheartedly, at times a little ironically, and sometimes, it feels perfectly in tune with the moment in fashion. When I was debating what to wear to September Fashion Week last year, one of my good friends told me I should go super-prep, since it was 1) easy to put together from my closet, and 2) totally current. I stuck to cute dresses by the designers whose shows I was seeing, because I wanted to look like everyone else, but I may get a little more adventurous for this February.

And by adventurous, I mean... preppy.

I got this bag from the most addictive online shopping site, Stylefind.com, which aggregates every store you could possibly want to shop at in one site. Their Editor's Picks are spot on, and you can sort by designer, store, type of clothing, or trend. Love. I chose this amazing Cole Haan purse, on sale from $400 to $200 from Nordstrom, and I've been carrying it almost every day since it arrived. Camel seems to go with everything lately, and I just can't get enough of it.

And, for those of you who chimed in on the Splurge v. Steal post last week, the 'steal' was on the left, by Jessica Simpson! They're on sale for $49 on her website, and you can use the coupon code CAPT10 for 10% off your first order. Mine arrived within 48 hours, and I'm obsessed. The splurge are from the Prada Spring 2011 collection, and totally stunning. I'll be notifying the random winners today!

J. Crew shirt and pants, vintage boots (last seen here), gifted Old Navy faux-pearl necklace, gifted Cole Haan purse (courtesy of Stylefind.com), Aqua chain necklace, Alexis Bittar bracelet.