Outfit of the Day: Totally Awesome ’80s Style

Sarah Jessica Parker and Amy Linker in Square Pegs

Like, welcome to the ’80s, my preppy pr0n pals.  Today’s post is going to be totally awesome.  I don’t know if you’ve heard, but the ’80s styles are back, and like, that’s a decade your blogger totally knows.

There are lots of different types of ’80s fashion; I mean there were the punks, and the Madonna wannabes – grody to the max – but the style I remember best is preppy.  Pr0nSis was a totally tubular dresser if you know what I mean.  She had The Preppy Handbook, and shopped at Talbots, which was like totally different back then.

So, like, put in your Beta tape of Square Pegs and pay attention – because before Sarah Jessica Parker was Carrie, she was Patty. And she was totally awesome.  Totally.

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Lily Pulitzer Pink Polo , $69 @ Zappos

The start to any prep fashion worth its plaid is its polo shirt.  These are still easy to find, but there are three keys to properly wearing this retro style.

When buying a polo shirt, you want consider fit, color, and layering.  Polo styles should be fitted; I don’t want to see anything your mom would wear.  Colors should be bright and layering is encouraged – and always, always pop the collar.

Fitzwell LondonGreen Polo, $29 at Zappos

I chose pink and green polo shirts; two colors any prep would be proud to style: a Lily Pulitzer true pink, and a Fitzwell Polo in minty green, both from Zappos.

Lacoste Cotton V-neck Cable Knit Sweater, $71.99

In this instance I’d prefer to see the pink on top, because the Lily Pulitzer is pique; pique is a plus for ’80s fashion.

Go even further by layering a cardigan or tennis sweater on top.  For the moment the style is that the sweater is going to go draped over your shoulders, tied in front.

I went with a classic v-neck cable neck sweater from Lacoste.  Cable knit is definitely a plus, and you could do an entire preppy wardrobe at Lacoste if you were careful.

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From here preppy style can go a few ways: preferably either  a skirt or capris; whichever one you choose the theme is still about color and fit.

Lily Pulitzer Georgie Reversible Skirt, $71.20 @Preppy Outlet

Skirts should be straight or have a bit of an a-line, wrap skirts are a plus; anything with small animals on it is a big plus.  This is preppy fashion: skirts are above the knee and then some. No micro minis, but maybe mid-thigh.

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Lily Pulitzer Georgie Reversible Skirt, $71.20@Preppy Outlet

Lily Pulitzer has merely updated its style since the ’80s, making it a choice fashion brand to use.

The Georgie reversible wrap skirt changes from a light blue buttoned slightly sailor style, to a pale green with pink embroidered monkeys on it!  Monkeys!  This is preppy perfection and two skirts in one for $71.20.

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Let’s talk capri pants.  Why wear capris?  You can wear a full length pant for ’80s preppy fashion, but I think when you see what’s next you’ll understand why you won’t want to.

Ralph Lauren Stretch Golf Pants, $125

To start, these aren’t just any capri pants.  ’80’s preppy pants are flat front, slim fit, brightly colored pants, frequently with a split hem.

With this particular outfit I could have turned down the volume slightly with the Resort Kiwi color, but I went full blast by using the Classic Lemon color of the Ralph Lauren Stretch Golf Pants.  If you’re going ’80’s preppy style, you can’t be afraid of color.

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Tods Heaven Boatstitch Loafers, $316 at Bluefly

Shoes and bags are needed to accessorize our ’80s style preppy outfit.  A relatively wide variety of shoes can be adapted, so long as you follow two rules: color and flats.

Something as simple as a pair of Keds would work,  or you could choose a pair of brightly colored loafers like these Tod’s.

Kate Spade Green Maui Jelly Thongs, $28.99 @Bluefly

For summer, a pair of bright flat sandals will also work very well for this style.  Make sure the style isn’t overly modern: no gladiator sandals, and no metallics.

Think simple and bright, like these adorable Kate Spade Jellies.  Jellies are sooo ’80s style.

Bright white sandals would also work fine, but I can’t stress this enough when talking about ’80s preppy fashion: don’t be afraid of color.

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For handbags, think about “conservative” brands and structured styles in bright colors; no hobos, or other slouchy styles.  Structured totes are best, or a conservative satchel.  Kate Spade, some Tory Burch, Coach.  I’ve shown some examples of do’s and dont’s below.

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Kate Spade Grass Charlotesville Malea Tote, $395

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Rafe Lake Medium Hobo, $225@ Luna Boston

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WRONG: Rebecca Minkoff Mini Nikki Hobo, $575 @ Luna Boston

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Ray Ban Wayfarers

Preppy sunglasses are definitely different from what’s chic today; no oversized round plastic frames.  I have two words for you Ray-Ban Wayfarers.

If you don’t know what I mean, watch Tom Cruise in Risky Business.  If you haven’t seen Risky Business, you don’t understand the ’80s.

So, like there you go and stuff.  You’re totally preppy, and it’s all, like ’80s fashion style.
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It was like, rad for me. Tell me, was it rad for you?

Like, can you digg it?

Color Pr0n: Spring Fashion Color Trends

TBags Dress $106 at Bluefly

Hi pr0n stars!  Spring is about to…spring!  We’re about to spring forward, it’s time for spring cleaning, a young man’s fancy turn to love, and according to my sources color is back.  I don’t know where it went, but I’m glad to see it.  I have so much color to show you today: lemony yellows, coraly corals, and rosy pinks, just to name a few.

I’ve been beating the drum about how big cobalt blue is going to be this season, and (as usual) I’m right!  Check out this delightful cotton jersey dress by Tbags.  It’s got a deep v-neck (you can always throw a cami under it), ruched shoulders and bustline, and this marvelous abstract/floraly green, cobalt and orange print.  Throw on a cardigan and a pair of flats and try wearing it to work.

This style is so flattering and forgiving; whether you’re trying to camoflauge a tummy, or hips, or thighs and a rear – this dress is just going to skim right over your problem area, open up your neck and face and make you look great.

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I broke out my new toy again.  I love toys!  People tend to shy away from yellow and orange, when in fact they can be extremely flattering colors.  In the middle is a buttery yellow raincoat by Alice and Olivia; this heavyweight cotton is a perfect fabric for Spring.

Center, going clockwise: Alice + Olivia jacket $303, TopShop USA shoes $110, Rebecca Beeson Tunic $29.99, Kate Spade Tote $221, Kate Spade Hobo $275, Nanette Lepore jacket, $249

I love the contrast coral buttons, and I found lots more coral.  To the left is the Nanette Lepore cotton “Come Together” jacket; the ribbon will help create or accentuate a waist, and along with the 3/4 length sleeves it will also draw up the eye .

On the right is a bright red Rebecca Beeson cotton tunic – again, a tunic style  that skims over like this will camoflauge a multitude of sins.  The shirt just looks so comfy, doesn’t it?

I’ve paired everything with coral chandelier earrings by Amrita Singh because almost everyone can wear coral (check out the little hearts!), and adorable lace-up “Jasmine” pumps from TopShop USA that come in two other colors.  More color!

Finally, two great Kate Spade bags; Union Square Opus in yellow is a structured hobo style  that also includes an adjustable shoulder strap (two bags for the price of one!)  and comes in lots of other cheery colors; Tamarind Cove Kyle is a nubby cotton tote that also comes in navy.  Collect both. :)

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L to R: BCBG blouse, $113; Rachel Pally dress $248, Milly sweater $202, Kate Spade case $125, Oliver Bonas Necklace £6, Coach bag $358, Costume National skirt, 198.

Okay, there’s a lot to look at in this set, pr0n petunias!  In the middle is Rachel Pally’s “Carrie” dress, which comes in sizes 14-24.  (This is Pomegranate. See it in Baltic and Blossom @ Nordstrom); to the right is my favorite designer, Milly, with a Cashmere Rugby Polo Sweater from Revolve Clothing; back on the left is a BCBG flutter sleeve pleated blouse (WANT THESE TWO), available at Bluefly.

If you’ve got the legs, show them off in this hot pink pleated mini-skirt by Costume National @ Zappos Couture.  I’d tone down the rest of the outfit.  Maybe a pair of flat boots…and a thin turtleneck sweater with 3/4 sleeves I’m thinking.

Back around again, how much do you love this purple Coach leather Sabrina?  Go ahead and splurge, the little glass beads right above it are only £6 at OliverBonas.com!  Colorful accessories like that are great to brighten up a neutral outfit, like a suit.  Try pairing lavender with something unexpected like brown or green.  You can stow all your accessories in the Kate Spade patchin place large colin; it’s big, over 7″ wide.  There are two smaller cases on the website if you’re looking.

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Bringing up the rear is another one of my favorite topics: dresses!  (I love dresses!)  Petite frames should jump at Shoshanna’s fuchsia silk square link dress; curvy girls of any size stay away.  It’s a shame since my heart is breaking over the pops of turquoise and orange on it.

Top, going clockwise: Shoshana dress, $210; Suzi Chin for Maggy, $128 ; Yoanna Baraschi, $220; Emilia blouse, $38; Vera Wang dress, unavailable; Design History ermine dress $72

Plus sizes, I never forget you.  I fell in love when I saw this green matte jersey shift dress by Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique.  If you click on the picture to see it larger, you can see the banded neck and hem, which I think is a great detail; it comes in sizes 14w-24w at Nordstrom.

Lookie at the cobalt blue used again for this ’40’s styled Yoana Baraschi silk swing dress.  I’m just not sure a pale-face like your dear blogger can wear cobalt.  If I can, I’m snatching up this dress when it goes on sale at Bluefly.

The “Emilia” red blouse is also for plus sizes; it’s a wrap style, which works on almost everyone, and would look fab on it’s own with a pair of dressy pants and heels, or under a suit.  It’s going fast and is available in a smattering of sizes >14 in Tomato, Black and Chocolate at b&lu (Go ahead.  We’ll wait.).

Almost last, but by no means least is a Vera Wang dress, which seems to have become extinct.  Ah well, it was nearly $500, anyway.  Can I offer you a green Vera Wang in a size 8 as an apology?  I promise I’ll make it up to you with a carmine red Design History jersey pleat dress.  This also has a very sweet, retro feel to it, and would look fantastic with a pair of classic square heel pumps like these.

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This should keep you shopping for a while, pr0n pals!  Do let me know what you think; I love your comments.

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Until then, it was good for me; tell me, was it good for you?
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