PREPPY AND PROUD

Photo courtesy of True Prep
Preppy redux: Lisa Birnbach and Chip Kidd take a tongue in cheek look at the evolution of preppy style and social mores in True Prep.

Neo prep, as I like to call it, combines vibrant color and pattern, tinged with a 7o's vibe. Today's brands are combining what they loved from the Preppy Handbook's heyday and putting their own spin on it.

Photo courtesy of Iomoi
Fore! Monkey Golf Balls from Iomoi will keep you smiling when your shots end up in the rough.

Photo courtesy of Trina Turk
California girl Trina Turk worked with two other Cali girls over at Alice Supply Co. on a Ping Pong Set. The colors are divine.

Photo courtesy of Target
Change out your ho hum bed linens for summer. This boldly printed DwellStudio for Target Tulips Comforter Set is just the thing. The pattern is old Palm Beach and the price is right.

Photo courtesy of Preppy Cards
Get in the game with a customized backgammon set from Preppy Cards.

Photo courtesy of Preppy Cards
Is that my gin and tonic or yours? Make identifying your libation easy with these new monogram stirrers from Preppy Cards.

Photo courtesy of Target
Get a dose of color with a new version of old school enamel- the Zirconite Multi Colored Stretch Bracelet from Target resembles Jean Schlumberger.

Photo courtesy of Two's Company
Herringbone frames from Two's Company are geometric prep.

Photo courtesy of J. McLaughlin
The zig zag pattern makes its way from the sofa to the skirt-- J. McLaughlin has this highly wearable Austin Print canvas skirt inspired by interiors.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Adler
Carry stuff in style with Jonathan Adler's Blue Arcade Dutchess Tote in chic coated canvas. It is not just a rainy day bag, it is an every day bag.

Photo courtesy of Stubbs and Wooton

Tassels are a prep staple- from curtain tie backs to keychains and loafers, they are pretty much a staple. Stubbs and Wooton does an embroidered tassel that looks like the real thing. You never have to worry about them falling off.

Photo courtesy of West Elm
Love this. Whales and Nantucket go hand in hand. If you can't get to the cobblestoned streets of the Gray Lady, get nautical prep with these adorable hand - screened silk whale pillows by Lourdes Sanchez for West Elm.

TEMPTINGLY TROPICAL

If you are headed someplace warm for spring break, taking a well deserved respite from a long winter, or just dreaming of an escape, here are some sunny colors to get you though till the arrival of spring. Next week, I am off to LA for Westweek, so I have tropical hues on my mind. I will be attending fabric launches at The PDC, a Lars Bolander book signing at Nathan Turner's, and catching up with LA's amazing designers. I am looking forward to checking out new shops and checking in with everyone from Kathryn M. Ireland in West Hollywood to Windsor Smith in Brentwood.

A chic J. McLaughlin red linen and turquoise leather trimmed tote is my bag of choice for a week in Los Angeles. It is called The Melinda.

Photo courtesy of Anya Hindmarch
Trinny, this slip of a sandal from Anya Hindmarch has cute little pom poms on the t - strap and comes in a great fuchsia metallic.
Photo courtesy of Robyn Brooks
An armful of shiny bangles from Robyn Brooks are sure to banish the winter doldrums

Photos courtesy of Guru
Guru linen tunics are a wardrobe staple. Aqua yellow and white makes for a fresh combination that is beach ready.

A red, navy and fuschia linen dress from Guru is another great combination. Come to think of it, this would be an amazing room scheme as well.
Photo courtesy of Anya Hindmarch
Sun protection is a must, especially if you are headed to the Carribean. Keep a cool head in this woven Italian topper from Anya Hindmarch. It has a tri color band of red, white and natural straw making it a showstopper.

Cotton scarves from See Design work well in highly air conditioned areas

Photo courtesy of Target
Casablanca, a fresh light blue, white and green quilted geometric bed from Dwell Studio for Target is a bold new design that embraces spring hues.

Hand towels with little embroidered palapa huts from Lulu DK Matouk captures the life of leisure- if you can't board a plane to Maya Tulum.

Embroidered pillows from Trina Turk sit in a hanging chair in her Gansevoort Street store where they are ready for spring.

Mod geo ceramic trays from Two's Company in a bevy of contrasting colors are great for holding jewelry and adding a hit of color to a dresser.