"Invest in GOLD"

During these mild (according to my professor) yet still pervasive economic hardships, it is important that those of us just beginning to embark on our real world journeys spend our hard earned cash wisely. Apparently the men of the past were on to something- GOLD. If I have learned anything in my business courses, it is that investing in gold is a wise and almost always safe decision.

That being said, the chunky gold watch is definitely something worth investing in. Of course, a pure gold watch would cost the equivalent to mercedes downpayment. Thus, I bring you some of my favorites that are a bit more attainable for the hourly payed intern such as myself.



Nixon "The Time Teller"



Nixon "The Cannon"



Michael Kors "Large Gold Runway Watch"


Obviously, purchasing a fashion gold plated watch is not the financially sound equivalent as investing in a long term asset such as gold. However, it will look damn good on your wrist this spring.

Cuff Love

At 5'7, a cuff is normally not advised for someone of my stature. However, this spring/at this very moment, I am addicted to casually rolling up my raw denim and exposing the slightest bit of ankle. Many of the spring 2011 runway shows had models gliding down the catwalks in sexy skinny jeans and patterned pants casually rolled up, exposing the peak of the ankle bone (fibula, for those of you interested in anatomy).

I can't control this addiction. I roll up my jeans with canvas sneakers, TOMS, bucks, deck shoes, and even driving mocs. I can't get enough of this carefree, no fuss look. Pair it with a nicely fitted double pocket shirt and I'm sold. Tomorrow I'm doing this look with slim khaki trousers, khaki canvas slip ons (monochromatic anyone?) and a nicely broken in denim shirt. Who's excited? This cowboy is.

Bespoken Spring 2011




Buckler Spring 2011


Woolrich John Rich & Bros. Spring 2011



Iceberg Spring 2011



And now for my favorite two looks....

Gilded Age Spring 2011



Let's just say if there was a flood, my pants would be safe. Seriously.

Marching Towards Monochromatics

Technically it is still winter season; However, I cannot help but begin to prepare my closet for my favorite season- SPRING. I have wasted countless hours - scratch that- hours have been rightfully utilized clicking away at spring 2011 fashion shows. Allergies aside, spring weather allows one to vary his or her wardrobe from day to day, hour to hour. One day might call for a simple, but well fitting, t-shirt and jeans while the next might call for a slouchy cardigan and boots. Regardless, one thing that will for sure be happening this spring: Monochromatics. More specifically for men- various shades of gray and camel.

Canali Spring 2011


Hermes Spring 2011




Iceberg Spring 2011



I am loving this for spring. I appreciate that monochromatics are relevant even when mixing patterns and texture. As a side note, while an all camel outfit can look expensive and modern, it can also look like you are a Dixie cup of spiked fruit punch away from joining a cult. Wear with caution.

Trust me, I'm an expert.

As a lover of fashion, my style has definitely changed over the years. Having an appreciation of an eclectic array of designers makes it difficult to maintain a consistent look. However, one philosophy set forth by my father can keep it simple: stick to what you know.

I know Ray-ban makes excellent, stylish, quality eyewear. Ralph Lauren is the king of a good polo. You want a modern shoe with a European edge? Aldo is your place to go. Looking for a trench for this rainy slump Texas has fallen into? Burberry is the godfather of trenches. From Gant to Falconable, men's dress shirts are more than covered by masters of this craft.

But what about denim? Almost every label and designer has a line of denim making it impossible and at times overwhelming for a buyer. The solution? Stick with what you know. While nothing may have gotten between Brook Shields and her Calvin's, my denim budget only budges for Levi's.

The American icon has revamped itself over the past decade making it more stylish, modern, and relevant than the iPad. The best part? Every look you could ever want, Levi's produces. From the modern skinny jean to the classic and updated Levi 501 my father has worn for 50 years, this brand covers it all, and oh-so beautifully. Any color, any cut, Levi's has it. Levi's can take you from a busy chaotic day in style and lead you into an elegant and sophisticated night out in GQ fashion.


Levi's Jeans classic 501


Levi's Jeans 559 Relaxed


Levi's 514 Slim Straight


And my favorite right now...

Levi's Jeans 510 Skinny Jean


However you like your denim, Levi's Jeans are the expert and my personal go to for all my denim goods. Levi's Jeans are definitely sticking to what they know best-creating perfect jeans.

JDP Reviews: Cole Haan 'Air Grant'

I'll be honest, I was a little put off by the "Nike Air" tab on the side of the moc. Don't get me wrong, I like Nike, but something about it on my leather mocs just kind of cheapens them for me. But who's getting that close to my feet, anyway?

After wearing these sinfully attractive shoes for a full day I must say, any wariness I had due to the Nike Air logo was completely trumped by how incredibly comfortable these shoes are. Every step just feels better and better. Not to mention how good they look. A man even approached me to inquire as to who they were by and where he could pick up a pair.

Cole Haan Air Grant- because top siders have become WAY too common.

JDP Reviews: Vineyard Vines Polos

After years of pridefully sporting our beloved pony over my heart, I decided it was time I branched off and allowed a new friend into my collection:



I mean really, how can you deny that modest smile? When I had first heard of VV I promised myself I would never partake in the east coast trend that would soon die out. What respect did this Whale deserve? Who was he, to come literally diving into our world and take the stage our pony and croc had spent decades creating?

Nonetheless, it has occurred to me that times are changing and our friendly Whale has comfortably established himself in our homes.

I'll get to the point. The VV classic pique polo wears incredibly well. It is loose and roomy but by no means sloppy. The placket stays stiff and doesn't curl up like other brands. Tucked in or out, Shep and Ian know how to make a polo look damn good.

Whale of a Time

To be honest, I never really go "shopping" for myself. But sometimes, you just cant pass up a good deal. So, this past weekend, while accompanying a friend to Nordstrom, I found these:


I figured it was time to replace my old Cole Haan Gunnisons. After all, they do have a hole in the heel from wearing them so much.

Later after a Central Market lunch we found ourselves at St. Bernards Sports store where I purchased my first series of these:


Sans popped collar, of course. We leave that to our friends above the Dixie.

And lastly, I purchased a replacement pair of the classics:


Reviews to come.

Sweet Wednesday

So we (Sarah and I) couldn't wait for the cake to cool before we (she) frosted it. And yes, we consumed half the cake in one visit.


Picture taken post bottle.

Summer Read

I can't put this down.

Follow the Method...

Why is this hand soap in every preppy's bathroom I have been to lately? And yes, because of that, it is now in mine.

Shammy Sham Sham

So I'm all moved in to my new apartment. I love it. My room is now my escape and I actually look forward to coming home after a long day. My parents came in town and stayed for a couple of days which was nice. Daddy put up my curtains and momma cleaned my room and made sure all my laundry was done when she left. Still needs some work. I really need to iron my dust ruffle and shams (Hi, I am a woman). Faux wood floors are more difficult to keep clean than I had perceived. I'll be purchasing a Swiffer, stat.

Myy internship ended and I'm back on track applying for another one. I have applied for three so far and will be applying for two more this coming week. Poppa needs to start makin' real money.

I like to make my bed before I go to sleep. Is that odd?

Summertime and the Living is...Monotonous

This internship thing has really been a bummer on my summer. The most valuable things I've learned are how to deal with various personalities in a confined area, patience, and that auditing is a snooze. I'm fortunate to be getting paid so I shouldn't complain, however 40 hours a week for 6 weeks for an internship is excruciating.

On the bright side, I'm in the process of moving into my new apartment. I love it so. I really like this area of Austin so much. Elegant homes and good restaurants. Not to mention the plethora of attractive people jogging in the mornings/evening. Maybe I'll be one of them....maybe. It's an older and smaller complex which seems to be common in the area. We've already met the girls that live across the breezeway and they are so precious and friendly. Many of the other tenants are post-grad, grad student, law students and nurses since we live down the street from a hospital.

I'm really looking forward to enjoying the remainder of summer, post internship of course.

Don't Call my Name, Don't Call my Name....

Personally, I think Lady GaGa is a wacko and I don't understand most of what she does. Though I am Christian and don't appreciate the rosary scene or religious references, I can't stop watching the video. It's so weird and almost whimsical in a way.

I desperately want to understand whats going on here. Who is Alejandro? Why can't she be with him anymore? What's on her head? Why are the dancers wearing stilettos? Who the eff is Roberto/Fernando? Where can I learn that dance routine? Side note, if you look past the elementary school bowl cuts, the guys are kind of attractive.




Do you think the dancers are wearing Louboutins?

Random Questionnaire

I snagged these questions from a fellow blogger.

Favorite color: Navy blue

Favorite Brands/Designers: Polo Ralph Lauren (shocker) and Brooks Brothers.

Favorite Restaurant: lunch- Eatzi's in Dallas TX; Dinner- Perry's in Austin, TX

Hobbies: Running (slowly), enjoying the sun, cooking Paula Deen recipes, attempting to learn golf, drinking (I am in college)

Favorite thing about yourself: I tend to find humor in most situations.

What does your room look like (color scheme, theme, etc.): Basic beige walls, navy sheets with white duvet. Nautical striped throw pillows and a white upholstered accent chair. Classic dark wood dresser.

If you could have dinner with 2 people (dead or alive) who would they be: My grandfather on momma's side and Jackie O.

What is your next “big splurge”: I want some ostrich cowboy boots.

What is your favorite joke, quote, or saying: "God doesn't care where you go as long as you show up."

Anything else you would like us to know about you (random fact)!? I still watch Golden Girls reruns daily.

Vicariousness

Hey y'all. So it has come to my attention that as I sit in a cubicle 8 agonizing hours a day interning, my friends are embracing life. Thank goodness for facebook and excellent photo quality. One of my best friend is in Spain for the summer salsaing with the gorgeous chicos y chicas.

Meanwhile, another former classmate has been in Australia since January. Australia dosn't really appeal to me, personally. However, given the opportunity I wouldn't turn down a free trip. Plus, the pictures are magnificent.

However, my friend who is definitely embracing every moment would be my friend Marlana. She spent a year in Argentina and Chile where she inevitably fell in love. As of yesterday, she is engaged to an amazing Chilean who balances her perfectly. ¡ Felicidades! I am so happy for them! I hope it's a summer wedding so I can wear a seersucker or linen suit.

I couldn't be happier for all my friends and their amazing experiences and life changing events. I wish all of them the best. Cheers!

Chick-a, Chik-a What?

Hey y'all. So my friend and I, whom I will refer to as "Boo" being that is her given nickname, decided to make some good ol' southern comfort food for dinner. What did we prepare with such love and tender care this evening? Chicken Pot Pie, of course (recipe via one of the Deen boys).

It wasn't until the pie was half baked that we realized we prepared the dish sans milk, a careless error on my behalf. However the meal proved to be no less delicious. Accompanied by some of my world famous sweet tea, our meal was comfort food at it's finest. I need to start cooking more often, and I don't mean my regular pb&js and cereal. Boo is a wiz in the kitchen, though, so I know I will never go hungry with her in my life.

In other news, I got a Blackberry. Welcome to the 21st century, JDP. It's about time I join the rest of modern civilization.

il finale

Hey y'all. So this semester is almost done and it can't end soon enough. However this semester has proven to be my toughest yet. My GPA is really going to feel the pressure once grades are posted.

So since I will be studying all weekend starting tomorrow, tonight we shall toast. I'm going downtown with some friends I haven't seen in a while. I don't go "out" often but when I do I always enjoy myself.

One thing I do like about Austin is how casual most parts of downtown are. I feel comfortable in some shorts, oxford and loafers.

I better chill a bottler of Pellegrino for tomorrow's hangover.

Toe Expose

Hey y'all. So, like most of us, with summer comes rainbow flip flops. I wear my rainbows almost daily. They are easy to slip on and off and, like everything else with preppy style, look better with age.

I am lucky enough to have a part-time job and a boss who allows casual dress (which includes shorts!). Now, even though I am tucked away in a cubicle punching numbers into a database 98% of my workday, I do occasionally venture out of my cupboard and cross paths with the main boss every so often.

That being said, I doubt he, or anyone else to be frank, cares to see my toes. Not that I don't maintain the appearance of my flanges. I take pride in my feet, they are always clean and maintained, and sometimes even attractive I would say.

However, even I realize toes are almost as inappropriate as cleavage in the workplace. Both have a place and time for exposure, and it isn't at the break room.

So what is one to pair with a pressed pair of chino shorts and Brooks polo? Ideally, it would be a pair of these woven Cole Haans. Just imagining those on my bare ankles gets me giddy. But seeing as how generic grape jam is a current major food group of mine, I had to settle for a look alike. I found a pair very similar at a salvation army while looking for shorts the other day.

Before your dinner revisits you, I assure y'all that they were brand new and not worn, or so they soles
would appear to say. Either way I sterilized them and now my very VERY casual office summer look is complete.

Until I have another free night, later y'all.

It's been a while

Hey y'all. So I have taken some what of a hiatus from the blog world. School has gotten the best of me and I have grown inconsistent with my normal routines.

I started running, as I have mentioned in earlier posts, and joined a gym. I met my goal weight!

Nonetheless, it's starting to feel like summer here in the South, which means it's time to pack up the jeans and hike up the shorts! Most of my shorts from last year are getting pretty lose around the waist thanks to some heavy cardio and lack of funds for proper nutrition (pb&j and hard boiled eggs are the bulk of my diet).

Well just thought I'd like y'all know I'm still alive.

Stride with Prep

Hey y'all. So I got a few gift cards over the holidays and since I already have a hearty amount of polos and oxfords, I figured I would spend them on athletic gear since I plan on sticking to jogging as a hobby.

What does a preppy jogger wear, though? I've been wearing navy blue track pants, random t-shirts, asic running shoes and a baseball cap....I guess one really can't do much or care much when you sweat as much as I do during activity. I suppose I should take tips from LRW.

Also, what's your take on a visor? Anyone?