Formal Season!

There are few things in life that make me as happy as helping people get ready for formals! Whether that's helping my girlfriends primp and prep for their sorority formals or high school proms, or even helping the guys pick out cummerbund and bowtie sets, formal season is calling my name!

Just last Friday was a HUGE day for formals here at USC and I can't tell you how many people we outfitted properly! 

Girl formal season can mean so many different things to different people, but here are a few of my favorite looks for the guys:

Avery Cummerbund Set from High Cotton Ties

This is my absolute favorite look for formal season! Right now on their site, it's out of stock, so I guess I'm not the only one who liked it! Pink, green, gingham and reversible, what's NOT to like about this?!

Plaid Silk Cummerbund Set from Just Madras

I've seen this in person, and it is STUNNING! It would look great with so many different formal dresses, and has just a teeny piping of black in it to look perfect with any tux!

Rainbow Trout Cummerbund by Smathers and Branson 

There are a few friends of mine who'd wear this in a heartbeat for their formals or even proms! Too cute!!

Deep Pink Check Cummerbund Set from High Cotton Ties

This set is so perfect for custom monogramming! I usually suggest monograms in colors, but this one looks best with a black to really pop with a tux. Here's a bit of a lighter example, but still one of my favorites:

Fishbone Cummerbund Set from Vineyard Vines

I find that silk sets are dressier than the cotton combos, but this whimsical one is just too fun to pass up!

Mardi Gras Tattersall Cummerbund Set from High Cotton Ties

I know a lot of fraternity formals choose to go somewhere for a destination formal, so this could be perfect should you find yourself going to a formal in the Big Easy! I love how you can see the colors even from far away too!

American Flag Needlepoint Cummerbund from Smathers and Branson 

I'm totally a sucker for anything patriotic, so this one totally made the list! I'm definitely a fan of this one with some kind of solid red or blue bowtie to complete the look.

Spring Four Way Cummerbund Set from High Cotton Ties

This is my first runner-up for favorites! Think of all the different times you can wear this four-way combo from HCT! It's perfect for the summer, for weddings, proms and even formals too! It is so festive and fun and you can change it up so many different ways.

What are you wearing to formal or prom? Do you match your date or do you dress on your own?

xxKatie

Giveaway: Smathers & Branson: WINNER!

Many celebrations are in order!

First: the winner of the Smathers and Branson Giveaway! I am proud to announce that in the 674 total entries, our winner is:

Palm Trees, Pearls, and Everything Southern!

After compiling all the facebook, comment and email entries, there were 674 total! I was so excited to see the final number in the HUGE Excel spreadsheet! SO exciting to figure out and input the final details into random.org!

Dearest Palm Trees shoot me an email at letsbepreppy@gmail.com and we'll get you in contact with all the right people!!

SECOND, today's post is my 600th post! SO many fun things happening today!!

I hope y'all enjoyed this giveaway and there's ANOTHER one coming up soon so keep your eyes peeled! This next one is with a VERY creative friend of mine...hint hint! Should be just as much fun as this giveaway!

xxKatie

Giveaway: Smathers & Branson

For those of you who've kept up with me even while I'm away are in for a TREAT! A giveaway with Smathers and Branson has been in the works for awhile and y'all finally get to reap the benefits!!

We are teaming up to giveaway a needlepoint belt to one lucky winner!

Check out the entire line of Traditional Needlepoint Belts here!

Dear every college boy I know, I'm sure you'd like to be donning this guy!

Y'all know this is my favorite!

In honor of Shark Week, of course!

A great classic to go with anything!

Bowties, I literally do not need to say anything else.

In my heart of hearts, I am a lacrosse loving girl and I will be as long as I live.

Nothing says Annapolis like America's Cup!

Now, for this entry I have more ways than EVER to enter!

1. For 1 entry become a fan of Smathers and Branson 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 Smathers and Branson on Twitter

4. For 1 more additional entry (4 total) follow the Smathers and Branson Blog (super easy for any blogger users!!)

5. For 1 more additional entry (5 total) tweet about this giveaway!

6. For 1 more additional entry (6 total) post about this giveaway on your blog!

7. The fine print: the winner can pick an in-stock, non-monogrammed or custom belt!

Leave all your entries in 1 (ONE) comment here! I will be tallying the totals and getting back to everyone with a winner on Tuesday August 9! GOOD LUCK!

This post will stay live until then (as in no more posts until then) so keep your eyes out belt-lovers!!

Can't wait to see WHO WINS!!! Good luck y'all!!

xxKatie

Gameday Central: Smathers & Branson

So as the SEC child that I am, I'm excited for the first day of school as much as the next girl, but what I'm really most excited for is our FIRST GAMEDAY! Needless to say, I'm always always always looking for good gameday dresses, accessories, and general Gamecock stuff!! One of my favorite places to look for Gamecock stuff is Smathers and Branson! (They're a BIG deal in the SEC, as I'm sure any of my Southeastern Conference readers can attest to!)

I mean really, no matter WHO you root for, this is PERFECT! The neutral backing would go with literally everything in your closet!

Y'all know I'm a sucker for anything Garnet and Black. Of course this key fob is great for any current, future, or alum Gamecocks! Pop this badboy on your key ring and everyone already knows who you cheer on (and who ya don't...Clemson...or shall I say, the school-that-must-not-be-named?)

For the rest of my readers who aren't SEC guys (which how fun is this, a post for the boys!!) or gals, here are a few of my other favorite picks:

This Bonefish belt is my all time favorite needlepoint belt that S&B makes! It is so fun and whimsical and perfect for any guy out there!

This Elephants and Martini needlepoint belt is certainly more whimsical and fun! Fun fact: the martini glasses are actually silvery! SO fun--y'all know how much I like extras like that! Plus, let's be real, pink elephants enjoying cocktails...I'm all about it!

Now this pick is for the girls! This Houndstooth would be perfect to transition into fall! I can pair this with so many Gameday outfits!

How fun is this stuff! Perfect if you're a guy or a girl! Keep your eyes out for ANOTHER fun pairing with Smathers and Branson coming up soon!!

Anyone else out there S&B fans? Count me in!

xxKatie