Preppy Blogger of the Week: EKM's Epigrams

Please forgive the lateness of this post. I went to the doc this weekend, and I have bronchitis. Bronchitis! Ugh. I'm so depressed. I've seriously been sick for almost two weeks now. The weather here is gorgeous and I'm missing it all. I'm so tired of being in my bed. My laundry pile is ginormous. I'm getting behind on my orders. And I miss hanging out with my friends. Ok, enough whining. I just had to vent.

On with this week's PBoTW:

This week, Hopsy and I chose EKM's Epigrams. After one of the greatest bbm chats eva, I soooo love EKM. She totally gets me and I love her for that. And her blog is such a great read...full of wonderful stories and positivity. Love that! So, grab some coffee and settle in for an interview with one fab gal. I promise, by the end of reading this, you'll love her, too. ;)

1. How did you come up with your blog name?

I am a literature/word nerd (read: major book worm!), and love alliteration and terms that mean witty things. I would've loved to have used 'musings' but alas, I needed an 'E' word so there came 'epigrams'.

2. What preppy item could you not live without; aka the one thing you would take with you to a deserted preppy island?

Assuming there is clean water and limes for me to have lime water... :); I would say sun block and I guess I would have to invest in a Kindle so I could read as much as I wanted!! And by deserted, I hope that means resort!

3. Who is your preppy icon?

Well one of the first blogs I read was Hopsy's (KappaPrep) and fell in love immediately with her charm and her cheerfulness! Of course, any one would be jealous of her TDF Lilly collection! I also really love Megan's (PrettyinPinkMeg) style. She isn't always "preppy pink and green," but she is definitely classy and can put things together I would never imagine!

4. Where do you find your daily blog inspiration?

Sometimes it comes from conversations (many gchats with Muffy!), what's going on in my life, what's on my mind (which could be who knows what because my mind has a million things on it at all times!), or just something I might have read. I enjoy reading inspirational quotes and try to live up to "weekly wisdom," but I do fail at posting consistently!

5. What is your favorite preppy photo of yourself?

This picture is from this summer when SilverFox and I attended a reception in Auburn for his childhood friend/college roommate. He married in St. Lucia over Memorial Day (we went for the wedding) and had a nice reception for family and friends in Auburn! I love this Lilly print and the halter is very flattering. I am wearing my pearls I received for graduation from high school and my pearl/diamond earrings match the same ring that I received as a present from my parents for my first debutante ball. My antique sapphire/diamond ring I received for Valentines when I was 16 and my John Hardy black sapphire bracelet. I wear this jewelry everyday! Probably too dressy, but it is sentimental and I love it. I feel "nekkid" without earrings.

6. If you could have one celeb's wardrobe including shoes and bags, whose would you get?

I'm not sure of a celebrity, but I would gladly take Shasta's (MyBlondeReality) or Megan's (PrettyinPinkMeg) any day!!!!! I really love classic pieces that are timeless and these lovely ladies own a lot of pieces I would love to have!

7. What clubs, societies, or volunteer organizations are you involved in? Were you in a sorority in college?

I am an Alpha Delta Pi alumnae! I am currently VP Hospitality of the Public Relations chapter here at Auburn and I am an assistant copy editor for the student-run newspaper. So that is a lot of time. I used to volunteer more, but can't find as much time for it now! I was on Lobby Board last year which is a part of the SGA. I also was presented in a couple of debutante balls, we tried to do some philanthropic work with that, too. I know my mother is excited for me to turn 23 so I can be in Junior League. She is a sustainer and I know she will love to have me as a member! I look forward to other organizations that I can be apart of in the future!

8. What were your plans for the weekend?

This weekend was Auburn Homecoming! One of my best friends was Top 5 for Miss Homecoming so I was excited to see who would win! Although she didn't, another great girl did and she is in the same major as me, which is great!! My sister and I have had a very relaxed weekend! She has had some sinus crud so we didn't want to do much. She is 7 years younger than me, so it is nice to catch up with her.

9. Describe your perfect preppy outfit. Don't forget to include accessories.

I am definitely a spring/summer wardrobe type of gal--I know it's been said, but I just love a classic Lilly dress! Shift, Halter, Strapless, whatever! I love Tibi, too. But can't go wrong with LP! I'd pair it with Jack Rogers and a cute clutch. Although I usually just have my blackberry and my Lilly keychain wallet with me! I also always wear my RayBan sunglasses and I have a cute green polka dot Tucker Blair headband (my favorite is the orange/blue stripped-War Eagle!). I'd of course pair it with said jewelry wardrobe.

Preppy Blogger of the Week: Queen Bee Swain

A staple of the preppy bloggers, Queen Bee Swain is known for her humerous stories, fun pictures and love of all things regal and preppy! It was an honor to interview her along with my bbm bff, Kappa Prep.

1. How did you come up with your blog name?

 I have been a coxswain for nine years- I was on the boys team in college (the gender of the coxswain doesn't matter on college teams)- my mother always said that I looked like the Queen Bee in the boat directing the rowerboys about. A few of the rowerboys actually will call me their QueenBee!

2. What preppy item could you not live without aka the one thing you would take with you to a deserted preppy island?

2- I would have to say that I'd bring a book- Social Climbers by Beth Dunn. It's like Bergdorf Blondes/Debutante Divorcee and The Preppy Handbook had a baby- a fun and light read with lots of lists of all things Preppy. I'm the kind of person that is always reading a book and the thought of being stuck somewhere with nothing to read is my worst nightmare- thankfully this book is one that you can read over and over again!

3. Who is your preppy icon?

3- Kate Middleton (Prince William's girlfriend), although she is more of a Sloane Ranger (the British version of a Preppy). She is always so well turned-out and posh-looking. She is an even bigger fan than QueenBee of knee-high boots. Kate's taste is understated, chic and timeless- everything one would hope for from -fingers crossed- the future Queen of England. She is a fan of skiing, shooting and polo- all things the British Royal Family are very keen on and recently has started to lend her efforts to charity galas. Ooooh I have such high hopes for her and plan on throwing an engagement and a wedding party for her!

4. Where do you find your daily blog inspiration?

4- My inspiration comes from the myriad of other Preppy bloggers out there and various bits of my day-to-day life- whether it be a piece of clothing I just have to gush about, to a recipe I need to share or something that happened in my life I thought was worthy of sharing. I'd also have to say that above all else, I try to put out only positive elements. The J.M. Barrie quote, "Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves." is a personal source of inspiration and a goal I strive to achieve on a day-to-day basis.

5. What is your favorite preppy photo of yourself?

5- This photo is of QueenBee, mid August this year at the 106th NWIRA Regatta, with the trophy for the Men's Championship Eight (the fastest race and boat in the regatta). The trophy is as old as the regatta and insured for just over $8,000. The official regatta photographer insisted that a picture of just me and the trophy be taken as it is clearly almost as large as I am. What is fun about this too is that I am in my favorite Lilly Pulitzer sundress and in winning this race, I beat two of the rowerboys that raced in the Men's Eight for the USA and won bronze at the Beijing Olympics!

6. If you could have one celeb's wardrobe including shoes and bags, whose would you get?

6- I am going to have to say Princess Marie Chantal of Greece. She is a Miller sister (their father founded Duty Free shops)- one sister married a von Furstenberg, one married a Getty and MC married the heir to the Greek crown. Like Kate, MC is always so polished looking and anything she wears is nothing short of flawless- you know that she understands and appreciates grooming. I believe that she'd have a killer wardrobe with all of her royal galas and functions she attends, plus she is a fan of fur! *

7. What clubs, societies, or volunteer organizations are you involved in? Were you in a sorority in college?

7- I attended a Catholic university so we did not have a Greek system (I am not sure if this is applicable to ALL Catholic schools or not, but most of my friends that attended Catholic universities also did not have a Greek system). This is the only aspect of my college career that I wish I could have changed, I always thought it would be great fun and had I gone to University of Wisconsin surely would have pledged. I am a current member of the Junior League of Saint Paul, Minneapolis Rowing Club and University Club of Saint Paul (a former F. Scott Fitzgerald haunt). I just do not know how I'd live without philanthrophy, rowing and a great pool!

8. What were your plans for the weekend?

8- This past weekend was the first weekend that I have been home in over a month- I've been on the road for family events and regattas! I excused myself from an event on Friday evening to go shopping- totally needed some "me" time. I went out on Saturday evening in Uptown for a triple-birthday for a few college teammates and then on Sunday I volunteered at the North Star Challenge regatta as the dockmaster.

9. Describe your perfect preppy outfit. Don't forget to include accessories.

9- I'm sure it's cliche, but I'm going to go with a Lilly Pulitzer shift- maybe something from the Fall 2008 line- as it could be worn with a turtleneck underneath and knee high boots when the temperature takes a nose-dive South, or just by itself with strappy sandals. For sure my KEP Designs twisty pearl necklace and my pearl earrings and the Brahmin toasted almond croc purse of mine. I'm fairly certain that you'd be able to look poised and polished just about anywhere in this outfit!

*Editor's note: As much as I love Miss Queen Bee Swain, I am not a fan of fur (unless it is faux, of course!) so just a reminder that all the Preppy Blogger of the Week's answers do not always reflect the attitudes or values of the this blog owner! :)

Happy Monday!! :)

xoxo

Camping

This has been our third weekend in a row to camp. I think I'm done for a little while. Even in our sweet trailer, I feel like I'm roughing it. I'm not the outdoorsy girl I thought I was. No matter how many purchases at Cabella's I make.

Right now, all I want are my 1000 thread count sheets, Blackberry access, and a Starbucks down the road.

We go for Round 4 in early November. So, I must remind myself of why I love the outdoors.

...the way the sky looks before the rain.

...the fact that calories don't count when you're in the wilderness.

... waiting patiently for my sweet shy boy to catch up,

... remembering how perfectly cute he is when he finally does.

... capturing pictures of things I take for granted most days,

...and of things I didn't even know existed.

Remember, tomorrow is the last day to win that super cute apron! Oh, and Kappa Prep and I decided to make Preppy Blogger Club Mondays a bi-weekly thing, so check back next week for our new selection. :)

Happy Monday, folks! Let's spread lots of love today to those we know and those we don't, ok?

xoxo Y

The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.

Leviticus 19:34

Preppy Blogger Club Mondays: Beantown Prepster

Welcome to another edition of Preppy Blogger Club! This week, we are featuring Beantown Prepster! And if you follow this little lady, you'll know that she recently sat in on Martha Stewart show! She was an audience member! LUCKY GIRL! Let's see what else this gal is all about!

1. How did you come up with your blog name?
I'd stumbled across preppy blogs last fall and I was racking my brain trying to come up with a cute one that involved preppy and Boston... I was on my way to meet a friend at the Beantown Pub next door to the law school when it it me! Beantown Prepster. It's not *that* creative but I thought (and still think) it's really cute!

2. What preppy item could you not live without aka the one thing you would take with you to a deserted preppy island?
Well I love my pearls, but I'd probably have to say a headband! My current fav is my cream colored headband with a huge bow I picked up in Oxford a couple of months ago. I have the most unruly, thick hair ever and headbands save my life! When my hair is curly, headbands tame it while still looking cute and when it's straight headbands keep it out of my face. Nothing says preppy like a cute headband!

3. Who is your preppy icon?
I don't know that she is necessarily known for being preppy, but Audrey Hepburn is my style icon. My Nannie gave me a set of all of her movies last year for Christmas and I also have a few books about her. Not only was she classy, beautiful and always put together, but she also was an amazing philanthropist. Whenever I'm in a rut and can't think of anything to wear, I think about Audrey and her classic style... Cropped black pants, flats, a sweater and cute accessories! I also love Jackie O. and often purchase pieces that remind me of her.

4. Where do you find your daily blog inspiration?
It's hard sometimes to find inspiration! I often write about my life, things I'm thinking about, things I see that I love, and things that I hate! I generally write about whatever happens to be in my head but when I get stuck I take inspiration from other bloggers (Thanks Hopsy!), the Brit, etc.

5. What is your favorite preppy photo of yourself?

I generally despise photos of myself even though I'm not bashful about uploading them... I'd say my favorite preppy photo would have to be the one of me the night of the NCAA tournament where my alma mater became the NCAA Champions for the first time since my senior year! I was rocking my Carolina pride the way only a prep can... with a popped polo and pearls! (Sorry it's a little blurry!)

6. If you could have one celeb's wardrobe including shoes and bags, whose would you get?
I'd have to say Reese Witherspoon. I think she looks cute as a button all of the time! Her dresses are always simple, yet stunning and she always has the cutest accessories when the paps catch her tooling around town with her kids. I also think that Eva Mendes always looks stunning too.

7. What clubs, societies, or volunteer organizations are you involved in? Were you in a sorority in college?
Through school I'm involved with NWLSA (National Womens Law Student's Association) I'm the Public Relations Chair of the Executive Board. I've also very recently gotten involved with the Law Student Committee of the Women's Bar Association. I also volunteer sporadically with CASA. This May I'll be joining the Junior League of Boston. (I almost joined this May but decided to wait until this spring to join because I was afraid that school would keep me too busy!)

In college I did go through rush (or recruitment as they prefer). I LOVED going through rush. It was the best memory I have of college. It was totally a blast. I was offered a bid and decided not to join at the last minute before initiation. I thought the cost was a tad ridiculous! All of my roomies were in sororities so I just went to all of their events and saved myself $3k a semester!

8. What were your plans for the weekend?
This weekend I'm heading down South to see my Nannie! The Brit and I are flying out Friday night to Charlotte and will be there until Sunday night. We're so excited. The Brit has never experienced "The South" and has no idea what he's in for! We're going to eat ourselves silly and I'm going to take him to some of my favorite spots in Boone & Blowing Rock. It should be a blast! I'm interested to see if he can understand the accents!

9. Describe your perfect preppy outfit. Don't forget to include accessories.
Whenever I'm hating all of my clothes and feeling gross, I turn to my favorite preppy staples. My perfect casual preppy outfit for fall is this:

• A Ralph Lauren button down oxford (either my lavender or blue&white striped)
• classic dark cropped jeans (or regular length)
• Sperry Topsiders ( I prefer the Bluefish 2 eye boat shoe)
• Navy cable knit sweater either layered on top or tied around my shoulders
• Pearls in the ears
• Wide tortiseshell headband
• Big sunglasses!!

Stay tuned this week for pictures from camping, an update on Mr. Churchill and his fund and a some great upcoming giveaways!

Happy Monday! Love fresh starts!

xoxo Y