WiW: My husband is afraid. But preppy scared me. - YouLookFab Forum

Category

What I Wore

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

WiW: My husband is afraid. But preppy scared me.

AM

Veteran

I was a little concerned about being described as preppy in my month of pics post -- and because the moto jacket was well received by many; and because Firecracker told me to create edge with a belt, and CocoLion had said in an earlier post to use bolder make-up when doing high contrast, and gauche/caro of oz said they didn't want to scare me (so I decided to scare my husband instead). And I looked in the mirror and thought my hair and glasses were just too safe, and perhaps coming across as preppy. Well. I just had to try and rough things up. No man has every liked my fuzzy saddlebag wrap - but I don't care.

This may be too far over the line but I just had to do something to feel less safe (and less preppy). Honest comments, please.

31 replies

Latest reply was from AM

approprio

(website)

Veteran

Your saddlebag wrap might just be the coolest thing I have yet seen in a WIW. Kind of like a collaboration between Rei Kawakubo and Jim Henson. Where can I buy one?

Tania

Veteran

I love it. You look like you are having fun too!

Vildy

Veteran

You look amazing and completely non-preppy. I want to know where you
can get one of those fuzzy saddlebag wraps, too!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Looks fabulous. Like a beautiful feathered bird. Very fun. How does the saddle bag wrap attach to your jacket?

Two more things:

FWIW, I wouldn't have described your style as Preppy.
And even if it was - Preppy is great. No need to have negative associations with the style, should the persona tickle your fancy at some point in the future.

carter

Veteran

Ha! You are a riot. And beautiful. Preppy, edgy, boho, elegant...I imagine you can do it all!

Gigi

Veteran

"Preppy" is one of the style descriptors that I have on hand for describing what I do *not* want, so I understand where you are coming from. I think I have bad memories associated with the days when I used to dress preppy, ha ha. A lot of forum members use "preppy" as a style descriptor, though, and they look fab. To each his own. We are a motley group here.

I really like the look in these pics! I don't think I had a chance to look over the pics in your last post. It looks like you're having fun with experimenting! That's why feedback on the forum is so wonderful. It can help us change our style in ways we couldn't have done alone. Great job!

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Fuzzy saddlebag wrap is awesome

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I don't understand exactly what fuzzy saddlebag wrap is, but you do look great.

I don't see preppy either. I was an avowed non-prep when I was young and preppy was a thing, but I kind of like touches of it here and there in my style -- at least the sporty kind of preppy.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I don't see preppy in your style. Classic, yes. Preppy, not so much.

BUT WOW I WANT ONE OF THOSE SADDLEBAG things!! Please, please, please tell us more! You look fantastic. Fun, funky, ready for Friday night!

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

Wow! You are soft, fuzzy loveliness and I'm seeing you channeling a cute, feminine ostrich rather than fuzzy saddlebags. I don't see preppy, either, and preppy is fine in my world as is soft and fuzzy. You look as soft and cozy as my cat! I'd love to hear your answers to Angie's questions.

AM

Veteran

Okay, I had to make a return at the mall. Boy that was fun wearing this outfit into Nordstrom. My furry saddlebags were met with some raving fans who also wanted to know where I got them. Very fun.

I should back up, I am so sorry if I sounded negative about preppy. Like Gigi -- some not so great memories. My issues (clearly) having to do with another time in my life. I'm only just coming to terms with navy with its new iteration called "ink." I actually love a preppy look on others and as recent as last summer I ventured in the general area of preppy and it never felt just right. I'm trying to embrace my love of black and I want to take more time and thought to actually create looks that I feel are stretching my creativity. And that brings me to my furry saddlebags.

I bought this piece 20 years ago in NYC and it is loaded with emotion and memories from living in the city during my 20's while working in advertising. This piece was part of an outfit that I am most proud of and I want to get back to that place, that feeling of creating something. I will also say that this outfit (Renee Lezard long, straight skirt, made of the shell fabric of a down coat, sorry I don't know my fabrics -- or fashion, or designers for that matter; with tube top/shrug sweater set in yummy yarn) -- with this furry saddle bag wrap -- is the only outfit where I truly felt a love of what I would call "fashion." It was a truly Soho experience.

approprio: You made my day. I think it would be pretty easy to make if you want me to take close-up pictures --- you just let me know. Happy to help and you are so skilled (I saw your couture at home black dress with all those wonderful lines and nearly fell off my chair). The sales rep at Nordstrom said I could make a million bucks off this item -- so if we decide to go into partnership I would want to spend some of the cash on a fabulous renewal of vowes for grandfashionista.

Tania: Yes, having fun! But there was a little voice inside that was asking, "Does this look crazy?" Thank you.

Vildy: Many thanks. And I'm sure approprio will be selling these shortly with a complimentary Kibbe reading.

Angie: The wrap just wraps around my shoulders and I put it under the collar of the jacket. It's not a very wide wrap. And again, sorry about any negativity toward preppy. Again, my issues. So sorry. And thank you, thank you for the comment. It felt pretty cool.

carter: Love your post. Many, many thanks. It has been a very funny day!

Gigi: This was a fun experiment and I absolutely think it was informed by some of the comments about fluid/structure -- and all the above bits of wisdom. And, yes -- I couldn't have done it on my own.

Sorry for this being so long.

AM

Veteran

Cross posts (I think that is what it is called) -- more responses. And really, you guys are making my night. Laughing a ton. And I mean a ton.

annagybe: Thanks!

Janet: Thanks for sharing your non-prep history. I do think this is theraputic. And I am really enjoying people mix some florals with black backgrounds with leather -- doubleh did it in a way that it really gave me fresh perspective on preppy with edge. I'm not even sure I'm calling that correctly -- I'm just such a novice. Thanks for your post!

Suz: Classic feels more right but I'm not even sure if that makes my heart sing. But Firecracker made some comment that it was her default but that she needed to maybe not have this knee jerk reaction. I'm not getting her words quite right -- but I have a very similar feeling about my MO.

These fuzzy saddlebags should be cake to make -- or have someone make. I guess I should take some pictures and maybe take some dimensions. I'm actually thinking I want these in another color...Thank you, thank you for your comments.

Vicki: I love your line "channeling a cute, feminine ostrich" -- such a delight to read. And some giggles. And I also love your line "soft and cozy as my cat" -- I'm sitting next to one of my kittens and I whispered, "Now I know how wonderful it is to feel furry."

JuliannWhick

Preppy is pretty! I'm afraid of that word, but I think it's time to embrace it. Preppy is chic and practical and fun! I'm trying out puffer vests, which to me is truly preppy, but I kind of love it...

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

No need to apologize at all, AM. Your feelings make sense, and I'm glad that you can appreciate a Preppy look on others. I'm enjoying your style journey, and happy that you are sharing it with us.

OOOOH. It's a scarf that hangs off your neck and has fuzzy ends. Is that right?

Jeweled

Veteran

AM, I think you look really cute and happy in these pics! I'd venture to say that your style may need to be more fun than pure classic / preppy!
Maybe explore items of clothing / accessories that combine black with fun + touches of your Soho past.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Wow, what a transformation, and what a fun look! I don't get the furry piece (as in, I don't see what it is--I just see the puff of fur, which looks almost like a skirt in one photo or like a peplum on the jacket.) And it looks cool, even though I don't see how it's done.
You look very alive in this outfit, more full of life or vitality, whereas your other outfits looked more calm and collected, in comparison. That's not to suggest a contradiction; rather, maybe you just have a wider range than what your collection of the month's favorites indicated.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Oh no, I also described your style as preppy but with the modern modifier. I think it's your classically beautiful looks that contribute to this. This outfit is more Boho Rocker, definitely. And I see no problem in having a different style expression from day to day!

ETA -- And I have never felt very apt with style monikers, maybe leave that to others!

Finally, I forgot to add that I really like the make-up.

approprio

(website)

Veteran

Yes! Photos please! I'd definitely make one of those, in fact I might go scope out faux fur this very afternoon. Is it a kind of vest with an extended furry skirt? Would look great under my new moto with leggings and boots.

Anonymous

Oh, yes, Approprio, you should definitely make one!

AM, you look stunning! Love this look HTT.

AM

Veteran

Angie: Maybe a bit wider that a scarf. See pictures. And I absolutely love preppy on others. Thank you for understanding.

Jeweled: I think you are right when you said, "Maybe explore items of clothing / accessories that combine black with fun + touches of your Soho past." Thank you!

Firecracker: It definitely reads as skirt or peplum even in IRL. I was approached by some ladies to take a closer look. And I was in a very spirited mood so I can see that I might have appeared "very alive". And I think this risk was good for me in so many ways. AND I completely agree that I may have a wider range and I should not see this as a contradiction. I definitely went for a very tight cohesive look this fall/winter but now I think it is about exploration and pushing limits. I'm a bit of a control freak so -- I get wrapped around the axel when I feel like I'm not staying in one lane of style (I really need to loosen up.)

CocoLion: Make-up inspiration was all you! Thank you. Thank you. This feels more Boho Rocker -- and thank you for saying, "And I see no problem in having a different style expression from day to day!" I need to embrace this.

approprio: Love idea of transforming it into "a kind of vest with an extended furry skirt? Would look great under my new moto with leggings and boots." Leave it to you to turn it up a notch! You'll have to keep us posted. The full length of the wrap is 66"; width is 19", there are four fur strips, two large pockets, and the furry/pocket area is 11" high from the bottom. Let me know if you have any other questions

Diane G: Thanks. It was a very liberating outfit.

AND... what does "ETA" and "HTT" mean?

This post has 6 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Anonymous

This is all highly interesting. I can't tell what's going on with the fuzzy ostrich thing from the pictures, but I assume it's under neath your leather jacket? Regardless, it's pretty cool - I'd wear that.

With regards to the preppy moniker, I can see where that might come from: your thick blonde hair cut as it is and glasses give you a very "classic East Coast prep school beauty look". You remind me of a co-worker who has an identical curtain of thick blonde straight hair and those same glasses - and she's an 'old money" literary type. It's not a bad thing - just an observation. You could take the clothes you wear and put them on someone with different hair, different accessories and makeup and come up with a completely different look.

Now - excuse me while I go embellish a scarf with the shedded fur from my Norwegian Forest Cat. I'm loving it.

approprio

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for the pics! I've just found some beautiful but eyewateringly expensive faux fur which I didn't buy. I need to give this some more thought before I go for it, whether I'd do a wrap like this or a vest with a fuzzy skirt. But I'm definitely into the idea.

ETA (edited to add) pics. What do you guys think?

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

rachylou

Veteran

Oh, that was me. My bad. Sorry to scare you! Hehe. But this fixes the preppy completely. I love the feathery thingy to bits.

My mother derides preppy for being safe, conventional. On the other hand, the woman dresses head-to-toe Land's End and LL Bean. There's some sort of trick or test going on there, I'm telling you. Lol.

Preppy is quite elegant IMO - well, ok. Not all the time. I am a great exception. I look terrible dressed prep. I tossed my Hunters.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Approprio -- that is some amazing fur. Go for it!

AM, I understand what you are saying. I have the same kind of knee-jerk negative reaction to the words "classic" or "preppy" -- or at least I did, before joining YLF and seeing how adding the modifier "modern" can make those look and feel entirely different. Angie actually did a blog post about this awhile ago, encouraging those of us who have some element of "classic" in our style to accept and embrace it. Yes, classic can be boring and frumpy. Preppy can be jejeune. But preppy can also be fun and fresh. Classic can be strong and bold. As forum member Annagybe likes to say, it's all in the styling.

Angie herself is a great illustration. Her style is modern classic at its best, with a bit of preppy thrown in for good measure. Another forum member who does modern preppy with brilliant ease is Viva; her style is a little bit more elegant tomboy, perhaps. Still another who is very preppy in a more colourful way is Jjsloane. She totally owns it and it works brilliantly on her.

I agree with what Lisa said about your hair and specs; especially when worn in combination with high contrast or darks and simple lines, they give that "east coast literary" vibe. Not a bad thing at all, to me. But if you want something different, then you might have to change those signature elements.

Sal

Veteran

Cool wrap. And fun to mix things up.

I had to ask what preppy meant when I joined the forum, I kind of had it right, and I guess it means different thing to different people.

Looks like you had so much fun wearing this!

Anonymous

I especially like Jewel's and Firecracker's comments about adding "touches of your Soho past" along with "fun and vitality" (as in, ostrich peplum) to the calm, collected "East Coast preppy old money" (lisap) look that seems to come naturally to you. And from your post on the tattoo thread, it seems like you've got a "Venice beach past" in there too that needs to be let out. Maybe in summer?

psychedelicate

(website)

I, too, am prep-averse. Love this!

AM

Veteran

lisp: Thank you for coming back to exactly what I was seeing. My blonde hair and glasses are having such an impact on my overall look. My first position in advertising was for a small, award winning ad firm, with huge cool factor. Lots of tats, chops (sideburns), leather, musicians -- etc. I walked in the door my first day the senior copywriter said, "You're not from Connecticut are you?" You get the picture...

And I love that you have a Norwegian Forest Cat. My husband has warned me to stay away from our Maine Coon kittens. Thanks for your comments.

approprio: That fur is stunning. Keep us posted. Looking forward to hearing more from you on your decisions. I hate to be an enabler -- but I'd say go for it.

rachylou: Well, I'm glad I "fixed preppy completely" even if it was just for a day. Still in a pretty big learning phase. Who knows where this will net out. And I love the comment about your mother. Hilarious. And I can't believe you just tossed your Hunters. I'm feeling a little sick to my stomach -- I have a new pair of black that should be arriving any day. **rushing to the bathroom**...Thanks for your post.

Suz; Thanks for the link on this "issue." I can completely handle doses of classic and I feel like some elements of classic need to be the backdrop for some wilder, playful, avant-garde pieces. I truly am exploring some line between classic, modern, and _________. Not sure what goes in the blank but perhaps "creative."

Thank you for all the references of other YLF members who embrace and shine in all their preppy iterations. Wonderful. Thank you again.

Kiwigal: Yes, just wanted to mix things up -- and have fun. And I can completely understand having to ask what preppy means -- I believe I have a construct that is stuck in the 70's. Thank you.

gauche: I couldn't agree with you more about adding a little Soho into my style ...that classic thing really needs a push. Not so sure about Venice beach but definitely Marina del Rey. We live in a sailing town. Thank you.

psychedelicate: Prep-averse but clearly people would never know it given my blonde hair and specs. Thanks for the endorsement of this look. Much appreciated. Thank you.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Oh I do understand your aversion to the term preppy - at least for me it goes with handbook and it is hard to see objectively. But clearly that is not at all what anyone referred to and I would never call your style preppy given my limited frame of reference. The juxtaposition of your furry saddlebag thingy and a blonde topknot is sort of brilliant though now that I think about it!

12