Outfit of the Day: Sweet Nothings

Yesterday I donned a new-crowned favorite dress of mine! It's a silk-blend all over-print Lilly dress that works great in fall to winter! I love that I can wear this dress with tights and boots but also flats or nude heels too once it gets warmer.

It has the best v-neck neckline and is a false wrap-dress. It's a professional looking as a wrap-dress but you don't have to worry about sitting the 100% correct way like you do in a true wrap. My mom and I agreed that a wrap dress is an ideal work dress because it's almost always appropriate. I've worn this dress with a blazer on top (with nude heels) and it's been great.

To casual-ize this dress, I added a cream colored scarf to bring out the creamy base color and added the black tights and my two-tone boots. I wore my hair down regular and plain so that the dress could do the talking! The print name is "Sweet Nothings" which I just LOVE as we approach Valentine's!

With this kind of bold print, you can really tie in so many of the colors! We had a woman come into the store and bought a pair of blue trousers that really popped with the top she had in this print and made the bits of blue really stand out. Did you even see the blue in it?!

I'm glad I can still get some use out of my dressy boots before the weather turns to Jacks and McKims weather!

xxKatie

Quack Quack!

I spoiled this post a few days ago when I posted my duck boots! I've had these LLBean Boots for a few years but I hardly ever get the chance to wear them in South Carolina!

Although it probably wasn't even "cold" by most of y'all's standards, it was CHILLY for us here! Read: I actually had to wear a winter coat. YUCK!

They had been calling for rain on-and-off and so I decided boots would be the best choice.

I have the LLBean 6'' Boots and they work perfectly for my climate and usage. I didn't need lined ones nor did I need really tall ones. Mine are EXTREMELY comfortable, especially the fat rubber heel. To me, they feel more like heavy running shoes than snow boots.

If you aren't on the Bean Boots bandwagon (say that 5 times fast!) you'll need to know that if you buy yourself a pair, you'll need to go down a size(s). I normally wear a 10.5 and actually ordered the women's 9 believe it or not. They still fit with fat socks. They aren't roomy, but the fit is great in the 9. The laces will also take a little getting used to, but they're nothing a double knot can't fix!

I think Bean Boots might be the ONLY perk of it being this cold!

xxKatie

Mixology 101: Mixing Prints

I am by NO means a bold risk-taker when it comes to outfit choices. I stay conservative with what I choose to wear and I stick with what I know. Occasionally I'll try (and like!) trends and some times they don't work out as well for me!

Recently for church, I wore one of my staple outfits, a black turtleneck, a colored skirt, black tights and boots. It's a notorious Katie outfit. I change up the skirts and shoes, but this outfit gets mileage. As I was getting dressed, I decided to toss on a Murfee scarf that shared colors (pink and orange) with the skirt I was wearing. 

Let me back-track a little, and add that my boss at work is a PRO at mixing prints. She always does it well and I admire how breezy and easy it is for her. As I was getting dressed, I was channeling her--especially because she loves that print of my scarf!

Anyway, the idea grew on me a TON through the rest of the day. I do have a few tips for mixing prints though:

1. Pick coordinating colors: choose items that have close colors. This keeps the look unified and clean without getting confusing.

2. Keep everything else basic: I feel like this speaks for itself; if you're going to mix prints or motifs, keep everything else subdued. My boss with often add a plain vest when she's mixing prints.

3. Be confident: know your look is GREAT and rock it!

Is this untraditional look something you've tried? How did you mix?

xxKatie

Merry Christmas Eve!

Tonight is when my family does a lot of our celebrating! We'll head to mass around 6, have a late dinner (plus my grandparents now that they've arrived in town!) and head to bed to get snuggely before Santa comes. This is one of the pictures we snagged last year!

We all get a dressed up for Christmas Eve mass and dinner. My Christmas outfit will consist of the following:

Lilly Pulitzer Mallory dress that I snagged on a HUGE sale this summer!

My gold circle monogram necklace

Libby Edelman Booties

Last but not least, my Old Navy ruffle coat (which is now like 1/2 price!!)

Does your family do a big night for Christmas Eve or Christmas or both? What party frock will you be donning for the big day?

xxKatie

Outfit of the Day: Double Ruffles

I'm all about the ruffles these days! On Sunday, I wore a double ruffles outfit with ruffles on my jacket and ruffles on my skirt!

I got this skirt over the summer from 6pm but it's Lilly from spring!

My new ruffle coat from Old Navy is about my favorite newest purchase! I got it in-store, but online similar options are here and here! Check out your store as well to see if they have any Black Friday/holiday sales going on! I got mine for 40% off!

My boots are Corso Como and I am OBSESSED with them. They are so comfy, not too snug and they stay up! What more could you ask for in riding boots?! They are the Richmond design and I've already worn them a bunch since I bought them! I think I've got my mom hooked on them too!

I wore this ensemble to Church, but a bright, colorful, skirt and a black turtleneck and tights is absolutely a go-to outfit for me. If we're out shopping and I see a skirt I like, my mom and I will almost simultaneously say to each other, "Black turtleneck and tights?" in agreement! It's a good classic look and you know you look put-together.

Do you have a go-to look like this?

xxKatie

An Ode to My Favorite Boots

Now that football has ended and we're slowly creeping toward colder temperatures, it's about time I finally said thank you to my favorite boots.

I have had my Frye Billy Pull-On boots for about two years and they still look brand new. Finally having broken them in, I wear them all the time!

If you're looking for an awesome Christmas gift for someone, or if you need another great item to add to your own list, I highly suggest these boots! They are a little pricey, but I know that they are going to last me way longer than most of my other shoes and you are absolutely getting what you pay for. 

They are great for Gameday, but I often wear them with jeans, especially as it gets colder. I don't have very many shoes that manage to look cute with black dresses and still keep me warm when I need them to. Am I right?!

Recently Frye added a new color, Charcoal, that I am OBSESSED with:

I love the more distressed look of the charcoal color and it's different than most boot color options that you see out there!

What are you favorite boots? Are you asking for some for Christmas? (If not, snag a pair ASAP or add these to your list!!)

xxKatie

OOTD: Boots & Bootcut

When I see people wearing cowboy boots, they usually pair them with a dress or skinny jeans here on campus. I definitely rock my cowboy boots with skinny jeans, but I also love the look of cowboy boots UNDER bootcut jeans. It's absolutely one of my favorite fall looks! Your cowboy boots can just peek out under your jeans!

The jeans I'm wearing here are a great cut that I found at Nordstrom Rack. They're Seven for All Mankind's Skinny Bootcut--kind of the best of both worlds! I haven't seen any other brand come out with a design similar to these skinny bootcut jeans!

If you have a Nordstrom Rack by you definitely check the racks to see if they have your size. I snagged my pair for WAY under retail! Actually they were almost 90% off believe it or not!

This pair comes pretty close to mine! I am a huge fan especially for the amount of stretch in the denim material also. There is a massive amount of stretch and I feel great when I wear them. 

I paired my fab bootcut jeans with this flannel shirt that I recently found at Old Navy. I've never been big into flannel and I decided to take the plunge with this shirt. I loved the sherbet-y colors of it and knew that I had pink and orange stuff to match it. The base color is neutral and would work with a ton of different accessories and bottoms. 

My boots are my tried-and-true Frye Billy Pull On boots that I SWEAR by! Y'all know how much I wear these boots and I know I will have them for the next GOOD chunk of my life. I have broken them in and find them to be extreeeeeemly comfortable. The color I have is the basic brown and it really matches basically everything I own.

This has definitely been one of my favorite fall outfits that I've put together. It's rare that it's cold enough for flannel and a scarf, but I made it work! Do you wear a lot of flannel? What's your favorite denim cut?

xxKatie

I'm Goin' Out With My Boots On

Ladies and Gents, it's their first Gameday out!

Today, our biggest Gameday of the year (and my college career so far...) and I'm finally breakin' out the boots.

We're filling up the Horseshoe, donning our sassiest LBD's, puttin' on the face tattoos, and going out with our best Gamecock attitudes because today is COLLEGE GAMEDAY AT YOUR UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA!

I couldn't be more proud or excited to be a part of such a time-honored sports tradition! It's going to be a big day y'all, and I couldn't imagine it any other way!

See you in the student section--excuse us while we Sandstorm!

xxKatie

Christmas Shoes

Everyone's heard the very sad Christmas song, "Christmas Shoes"...but this is MUCH happier! For me this year, it was the Christmas of Shoes. I got a bunch ranging from dressy to outdoorsy:

BCBGeneration Tedolie

Enzo Angiolini Elaya Pumps (These I actually got myself to wear on Christmas Eve)

Jack Rogers Collegiate Colors Navajo

L.L. Bean Duck Boots

Jack Rogers Platinum Navajo

Did you have a "theme" to your Christmas? Were there any similarities in your gifties?

xxKatie

There are Macys coupons available for shoes.

Quack Quack

Quack Quack!

Duck Boots are a tried-and-true prep staple!

These duck boots are on my Christmas list in navy! But my question to those who currently own them is what size do you wear and what size does that translate into in your boots? It advises me for my 10.5 to go all the way down to a 9! That's a big jump, but I was just curious how to size them!

I love this height of the duck boots, the 6'', because they're functional and not overwhelmingly high up! I also like the navy because I wear navy more than black and I already have my brown cowboy boots.

So my question to y'all is about the sizing and if you like your duck boots?

Everyone in the reviews seems to RAVE about them and how much they love their boots and how they've owned them practically forever!! Thoughts?

xxKatie

Outfit of the Day: Cognac Inspired

October 28 by letsbepreppy featuring travel tote bags

I don't mean the drink silly!

I mean the shade of leather! Duh.

I love this shade of brown for boots and belts! It's so versatile and works great with navy, black, white, pink, khaki, and everything else. I love to pair cognac with gold accessories and pieces. I got my boots from Bandolino a few years ago, but they come out with an updated riding boot every fall/winter season! I LOVE mine since they have a no-skid rubber  bottom and really have molded to my feet. Part of the bottom is starting to peel off of mine, so I might have to get it re-soled over Christmas break depending on how much more I wear them. (I'm guessing I'll have to go do that since I wear them a few times per week...)

What kind of brown do you wear in the fall and winter? Do you transition to a darker shade when it gets colder? Do you mostly just stick to black? Do you just have different colors for different outfits? Let me know!!

xxKatie

Outfit of the Day: Shirtdress Time!

October 9 by letsbepreppy featuring filigree jewelry

On Sunday I was able to break out one of my FAVORITE dresses for fall: the shirtdress! How do y'all feel about shirtdresses? Mine has ruffles all along the top and slight stripes in the bodice. I LOVE it! My mom snagged it for me not last year, but my freshman year believe it or not! It's from Ann Taylor Loft and I love it! I paired it with my cowboy boots and thought it was a good combo. I had previously been unsure what shoes to wear with it, and typically paired it with Miss Trish flats from Target.

Are y'all into shirtdresses for this fall? Do you have any places that I can snag more from?? Let me know!!

xxKatie

Outfit of the Day: Collegiate Stripes

October 4 by letsbepreppy featuring hair bow accessories

I have an old school Ralph Lauren rugby that I got a few years ago that I love! It's perfect for transitional days when it's chilly in the morning and warms up by the end of the day. And the weather here has been EXACTLY that, 40-46 in the morning and upper 70's in the evenings. I'm not quite sure how to deal with the weather and I'm looking forward to everything cooling off.

I also donned my Seven for All Mankind "Skinny Bootcut Jeans". Who's ever heard of that? They're kinda of like fusion jeggings, with a bootcut and very long inseam. I snagged them from Nordy's Rack for $39. I RARELY wear tight jeans and these were tight as far as my clothing choice goes and my friend Aly even noticed how out of the blue it was.

Also ideal for transitional weather, I picked my fabulous cowboy boots too. They're still great for fall and look good with any kind of jeans. I haven't tried wearing them under jeans yet, and have to find the perfect pair to rock that look with. I'm so excited to see what weather the fall brings us and I hope that the rain is in the rearview mirror!!

xxKatie

Giveaway: Stadium Stompers: WINNER!

I am proud to announce the winner of the Stadium Stompers giveaway is Emily from Live, Laugh, and Shop!

I can't wait to see which pair you pick!!

Shoot me an email at: letsbepreppy (at) gmail (dot) com!!

Thanks to everyone who entered, there were over 90 entries once everything was calculated y'all!!

xxKatie

Giveaway: Stadium Stompers!

For any of y'all that follow college football, you'll know we started LAST weekend for most of our schools! For all my Carolina Gamecocks, we are just itchin' to get a real home game in Williams Brice like nobody's business! This week the Gamecocks take on the Georgia Dawgs between the hedges down in Athens. I have a lot of friends going and they are going to have a blast!

Knowing typically Southern weather it's going to be crazy hot and insanely humid. The worst though, are games when it rains. There's nothing worse than looking fabu in your Gameday dress and having to tote a yucky raincoat around just in case. Well, that is until now:

Want to win a pair?

My personal favorite--South Carolina!

They literally make pairs for all of the following schools:

Tennessee, UVA, Ole Miss, Auburn, West Virginia, UNC, LSU, Richmond, Alabama, (dare I say it) Clemson, UGA, Texas A&M, USC (the real one AND the other one), and MANY more! There are so many combinations and you can shop by color or product!

Here are ALL the ways you can win:

1. For 1 entry become a fan of Stadium Stompers on facebook  

2. For 1 additional entry (2 total) become a fan of Let's Be Preppy on facebook

3. For 1 more additional entry (3 total) follow Stadium Stompers on Twitter

4. For 1 more additional entry (4 total) tweet about this giveaway!

5. For 1 more additional entry (5 total) post about this giveaway on your blog!

6. Leave all entries in ONE comment on this post!

Enter by 11:59 by NEXT Friday! Can't wait to see which girl from which school wins! Go Gamecocks! Go SEC!

Good luck y'all!

xxKatie

Need a Knockoff?

Frye Melissa Button Boots

Beautiful boots right? Yes, and they look great on and match everything. Naturally, they are great quality and I can speak to that directly now. But, their $328 price tag can shy people away. Until now:

Target Kasia Tall Leather Boots in Black

These are by far the best Frye Melissa Button knockoffs I've ever seen! Not only do they look good in black, but I think they look best in the Cognac color:

Now compare again to the same color in the Frye:

CRAZY RIGHT?! Need a new pair of riding boots? Be sure to check them out at Target!!

People often ask, how can I get your style on a budget. This is a PERFECT example! It is rare that I buy anything for full price. I do my homework, I get stuff on Amazon with my student discount, I get things on sale, and I wait to see if prices get lower. Knockoffs like these, that are almost SPOT ON, are a perfect way to get this upscale style of boot on a budget!

xxKatie

Weekly Gratitude

1. I am thankful for my new job that I love!

2. I am thankful for my friends who really cheered me up this past weekend after getting through a yucky week!

3. I am thankful for all the fun giveaways coming up soon! Y'all are in for some pink and green treats!!!!

4. I am thankful for my fabulous Frye boots for being a closed toe shoe I can wear and still look cute. Otherwise I'm stuck in sneakers...

5. I am thankful for Luke Bryan's new CD called "Tailgates & Tanlines". Y'all this one is a keeper!

6. I am thankful for Papermate Profile 1.4mm pens. These are THE BEST pens out there. I can't take notes well without them. The are seriously the greatest. 

7. I am thankful for the Thompson Student Health Center nurses and LPN's. Without this staff, my toe would probably be the size of Texas and I'd be a sad little college junior. (Did I mention they asked me, "Sweetheart, are you a freshman?")

8. I am thankful for my own Coach and Rookie, shoutout before recruitment starts! If it wasn't for y'all, I wouldn't enjoy recruitment and look forward to all the new kids!

9. I am thankful for all my friends that I got to see this past week! I really think I've seen almost everyone I know and love since I've been back!!

10. I am thankful for the two impromptu singalongs we had this week to "We Go Together" from Grease and "I'll Make a Man Out of You" from Mulan. 

Have a great week everyone!

xxKatie

Outfit of the Day: Boots ON

August 15 by letsbepreppy featuring frye boots

I wore this outfit to my friend Jill's birthday on Monday night! It was the first night out of my junior year AND my boots' debut in the South! I loved pairing them with a fun skirt and they were super comfy to wear out and walk around in! 


Everyone was pretty casual so the boots were perfect! It was great to see everyone finally back and relaxed before school starts tomorrow!! As fun as this summer has been, I can't wait to be back at school and in classes so that I finally have a real schedule! I just worked on updating my planner/agenda and calendar so that I can stay organized for the semester! The big calendar I have sits on the wall RIGHT next to my door so that if I forget anything, I can check it as I run out the door!


What do y'all wear to parties or birthdays? Do people dress more casually or dressier at your schools?


xxKatie

Weekly Gratitude

In my not-so-busyness of being at the beach, it seems that I'm a day behind for my weekly gratitude!

1. I am thankful that I was able to come out to the beach for 4 days! This rules!
2. I am thankful for ROCKING my summer classes and as a bit of a reward my Momma treating me to these babies that should be awaiting my arrival at home tomorrow:

3. I am thankful for Shop It To Me's reward program because I'm getting FREE SHOES! What's better than ordering free shoes? The shoes arriving of course! I'm expecting these espadrilles coming soon (and with free shipping!) from Piperlime:

4. I am thankful for the week off that my hair got as well. No straightening it, no blow drying, just salty air, sand, sun and the elusive, natural, air dry. I'm thinking about getting my hair cut soon but having this super long hair has been really fun! Tough decision...

5. I am thankful for AmazonPrime. If y'all haven't signed up for it and you're a student, YOU NEED TO. It's free and you get free shipping on so much stuff. Besides my Momma ordering those boots with my AmazonPrime account, I ordered a few DVD's with it and they were all shipped FREE! Seriously look into it. Now.

6. I am thankful for Burt's Bees Lip Balm. Big time. This stuff works real wonders. I got some of my topical face gel on the tippy top of my upper lip and this stuff has really helped to heal it! This girl is ADDICTED.

7. I am thankful for some of my new purchases that I've made recently. Recap to come soon. Summer shopaholic? Not exactly. Getting close? Maybs, but a lot of it has been FREE! I heart free stuff as much as the next college kid!

8. I am thankful that my FAHBULOUS manicure from last week has lasted ALL week long with only minor bumps and scratches to speak of. Manicure win thanks to Bella Salon in Annapolis!

9. I am thankful for the beyond perfectly perfect beach weather that I got to share with Momma (and Daddyo for a day) all this time at the beach! I'm talking warm weather, no humidity, beach breeze kind of perfectly perfect. Yeah, that JUST happened.

10. I am SO THANKFUL THAT I GET TO GO BACK TO COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA IN 1 MONTH! 1704, GAMECOCKS, VC + UA, DENSE SC AIR, SUN, FOOTBALL, FABULOUS FRIENDS I MISS SO MUCH, AND ROOMMATES, HERE I COME!

xxKatie

Miss New Boot-y

Please excuse the title but I couldn't resist using that! You're all probably thinking, "She's CRAZY thinking about boots in July!" but fall is right around the corner! Here are some of my early picks for FABULOUS fall boots:

Frye: Billy Pull On

I'm a little biased since these will be mine (hopefully) very soon! I can't wait to get them and start to break them in so they're perfect for fall! Gameday, fall leaves, dresses, and tights these are ready for anything!!

Hive & Honey: Italy

Justin Boots: Justin Western Series

Bandolino: Codi 

Frye: Carson Pull On

Franco Sarto: Rocket

I'm a big boot fan and I'm already looking forward to fall (I can't believe I'm saying that this early!!) and the cooler boot-ready weather! I won't be seeing that for awhile though since I'll be back in SC in August--right when the heat starts to crank up! 

If boots are on ANYONE else's radar, where do you get yours? Got any good Boot-y tips?

xxKatie