Preppycrat

Newt's Back

2011-05-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

And he is indeed running for President according to Reuters and all the other major news sites. A good thing? He was always open to technology and is today. He certainly seems to be devoted to his third wife Callista. But. But. This was the guy who said in the 1990's a major problem with the Republican party was that it didn't encourage people to be nasty. Huh? They surely seemed to learn from him since arguably the Tea Party is the result of this rabble rousing and other rabble rousing by other "loyal opposition" figures in the 1990s. Then there was the brouhaha where he promoted GOPAC, but on the floor of the House of Representatives. Not during a speech or a fundraiser which would be totally acceptable but ON THE HOUSE FLOOR. The Multinational Monitor discusses it here. The House ethics committee, chaired by a Republican at the time went on to denounce him for doing this per this December 7th 1995 article from Philly.com.

Here's the secret. I was the person who tipped off Rep Bonior and prompted him to file an ethics charge against Gingrich on 3/7/1995. Yep, yours truly. Something had fallen into my hands called the Newt Gingrich Crestothomy. It was a ream of documents photocopied from various places and one was the Congressional Record. He did indeed on at least one occasion promote GOPAC on the House floor and the tapes from his course Renewing American Civilization. I was angry at the outcome of the 1994 elections and angry this man was Speaker. And I wanted to do something about it so I did. In the end it was one of the swords that forced the bull out of the Speaker's ring. It wasn't the fatal blow but it was one that weakened him. And though he probably figures that people have forgotten it by now and that it was only a technicality in the first place one must wonder if he'd take to fundraising in the White House. Yes, big donors have slept in the Lincoln Bedroom but would Newt take to doing videos of courses for his resuscitated college course? Or do other things? The mind boggles and understandably, my mind is one of those that boggles.

Earth Day 2011

2011-04-21T19:03:00.001-07:00

I promise I have not forgotten about plus size and Preppy, and will have a selection of fun more casual Preppy clothes in my next post on that topic. But...shifting gears to the eco-side of my blog, tomorrow as nearly all of us know by now is Earth Day. And each year the list of stores, restaurants and companies getting in on Earth Day gets longer and longer. To wit Yahoo has an article listing all the great deals and other events here. Some are totally in the spirit of Earth Day in this blogger's view, such as those which encourage you to bring in a coffee travel mug or an empty container of makeup in exchange for a refill of coffee or a full size cleanser at Origins. But discounts on "everything"? The Refresh Your Nest sweepstakes? I love the stores that are doing these and love that they are trying to raise awareness about Earth Day. The other day I got an email from a large bookstore chain offering discounts on books about how to be more eco-conscious.

But...as I slide into Andy Rooney mode here. But. Maybe our nest is okay the way it is and maybe our TV's and other items are okay. And what about the paper that those eco-conscious books may end up generating? It all boils down to more stuff. It may be fun to pick up the books and circulate them among friends who are interested in reading them so several people are reading a single book. If you are the lucky one who wins that Refresh Your Nest sweepstakes, donate the old stuff, the kitchenware to Goodwill or the Salvation Army or if you are really lucky and have a Unique store in your area, donate to them. See if a salvage lot or shop in your area will take old ceiling fixtures, cabinetry and the like. Or move the cabinets to your basement if you get new ones in your kitchen.

Toiletries and cosmetics are a tricky area for reuse. Sometimes they DO need to be tossed and as you've probably heard by now if anything smells or looks off, it needs to go out. You don't want to harm yourself putting old creams on your body or lipsticks on your face. I never did used to care about old makeup and hung on for dear life. Then my Mom lost her life to lymphoma. Then I started wondering if ingredients metastasize. I'm not a scientist and don't know for sure but am going the better safe than sorry route now. Still though there are ways. If you are comfortable with gently used items or want to find new items, Makeupalley is a great resource. You must register and they have a "token" system that works alot like feedback on Ebay, the more positive tokens, the higher a member is rated. If you aren't as comfortable with this, try using a fragrance you aren't crazy about on you as an air freshener or leave it in your office bathroom. Shower gels can make great liquid hand soaps. I have never tried body lotion as shaving cream but have heard many vouch for it.

I would love to hear any more ideas you, my dear readers, have on reusing items. And happy Earth Day to all!

Preppy...And Plus Size? Part One

2011-04-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

My name is Vicki and I'm a plus size Prep. There. I said it. I may be not in the size range of Lilly P or Vineyard Vines but I can still smile when I see their clothes. It's about color even if, maybe especially if, I can't really summer or winter and my last skiing lesson was a disaster. And I am sitting behind a desk much of the time instead of being outside swatting tennis balls. I know I can't be alone. Impossible. Brands like Lauren by RL are branching out and creating amazing looks for plus size preppies. So are others. When I first started looking for great looks, I wasn't sure what to expect but actually was blown away by what is out there. So this is a multi part post, starting with scenarios where you may need something in the "dressy" category. Your first scenario; you have a wedding, baby shower, or graduation to go to. Or a laid back cocktail party.

Studio Tahari, Bloomingdales ($148.00). Turquoise is a great color on nearly everyone, from the fair haired preppy to the brunette. The length of this hem is great too, just above the knee. The split neck and trim around the neck say "prep".

You have a job interview and want to look great:

The dress at left is courtesy of Studio Tahari ($108) Bloomingdales. The jacket below is by Kate Hill ($149.00) LordandTaylor.com

Now you have the job. Congratulations! But here it comes, your first meeting or presentation and you're front and center. You can pair the black sheath with the blue jacket or either cardigan below if your workplace is more casual.

Cardigan, left, Ralph Lauren ($129, "Pasha" ivory silk cardigan) Bloomingdales.

Below, cardigan from Jones New York Sport Plus $63.00 from Zappos.

This is just a start! For a casual Friday day you could pair either cardigan with jeans, the black dress can easily move to evening with great jewelry and heels. Lilly (of course!) has some wonderful shoes to pair with that turquoise and white dress here. Brooks Brothers has some great ideas both for work and for play here.

Like I say above, this is just a start. Please let me know what scenarios YOU would like sartorial ideas for and I will see what I can come up with. This may be a topic where there are endless possibilities that point to one reality; prep is for EVERYONE!

Next post is casual time!

How the Mighty Have Fallen

2011-03-28T15:34:00.000-07:00

One time Abercrombie and Fitch was a place America's royalty and plenty of other royalty shopped. This link is from the Wikipedia page, however a google gives plenty of info backing this up and there is even a book out there where the author sounds off about why they hate A & F and how the mighty have indeed fallen. And they have. Fast forward to 2011 and their attempt to convince girls as young as 7 years old (funny that, my eldest is 7) that they NEED padded bikini tops. Um, yeah over my dead body. It got a not so surprising negative reaction and shame on me for blogging about something that's been all over the interwebs today and that Abercrombie has now decided to market only to girls 12 years old and over. But it bears repeating, girls NEED to stay girls. Period and no matter how often it is repeated.

Consider these Land's End swimsuits. Feminine and cute. AND age appropriate.

If you page through the kids catalog, you do indeed come across 2 piece styles vs the tankini style above but they are age appropriate AND cute and feminine. This is a company that I love, love, love for providing stylish options for men, women and kids but also providing the tried and true classics that stand the test of time and aren't affected by trends. If you are looking for cute dresses and other summer clothes for girls, the LE "Knit Kit" is another sure bet. Cute feminine clothes, dresses for twirling with leggings or shorts underneath, and the prices are right. Garnanimals for this generation of girls.

And our girls will need to grow up soon enough anyway, right? I was heartened my eldest wanted some leggings to wear under one of her girly dresses the other day and she looked cute as could be when she put the look together. Let's hear it for cute and age appropriate and girls having the time to be girls.

Geraldine Ferraro

2011-03-26T13:38:00.001-07:00

Geraldine Ferraro passed away this morning at the age of 75 due to complications from blood cancer. This article from the AP discusses her many accomplishments throughout her career and how she did indeed break the glass ceiling for women interested in pursuing higher office. The Hillary Clintons and Sarah Palins (aside from Mrs. Clinton already having many accomplishments and smarts that would help her be taken seriously as a candidate for higher office anyway) could more easily be seen as plausible serious candidates for the Vice Presidency and even the Presidency since a woman had been there before they did it.

I remember from my Hill intern days getting on the elevator, running like mad to avoid being late to wherever it was I had to be, delivering a letter to another office, or getting back to my office from lunch or going there in the morning. And I almost knocked her down. I looked behind me and there she was with her bodyguard. She had been assigned one because she had at this point officially become Mr. Mondale's running mate. I was absolutely blown away and taken aback because she was about 5'3 and wearing of all things....a dress. It was a dress similar to the one she is wearing in the picture from the Life magazine archive above. Granted she did wear suits with padded shoulders and bow blouses like the one Mrs. Mondale is pictured in above but very frequently she opted for the dress. I have looked high and low to find something to back this up but all I have is my memory; of reading an article about Mrs. Ferraro that said she often wore Maggy London dresses. Their square necks, nipped in waistlines and sleeves with inverted pleats that made a bit of a puff were a very far cry from the "uniform" many women wore in the early to mid 80s of a navy, grey, or black suit with big padded shoulders, and a light (preferably white) blouse with the floppy tie.

I don't remember anyone ever questioning her accomplishments or her authority even though she often opted for the Maggy London dresses over the power suits. A trailblazer in more than one way. God Speed Ms. Ferraro.

Getting the Green On

2011-03-20T19:33:00.000-07:00

So this week there was a certain holiday where wearing of the green is for many mandatory and others at least think about it just a little bit before being contrarian. I had found a hole in one of my beloved shirts of the perfect emerald green and was not happy about it but it did give me the chance to try something a little wild and maybe a little weird for someone who considers herself a Prep. I had wondered what putting on basecoat, then opaque white polish, then layering a glittery but dullish shade over it would look like. It looks like the above. At first I thought "Yikes." and WTH? It is an out there look. However it has grown on me and the polish color looks almost three dimensional. I have also heard on very good authority that one way to deal with bruised or discolored toenails is to put this opaque white shade on as a basecoat. Then you're free to layer sheer polish over it without the discoloration showing through.

So this is what my toenails are going to look like for the time being. A bit new wave to be sure but a color I think we have all seen rugby stripes and polo shirts in. And anyway we all know there are a few types of Preppies (more on that later when I blog about my favorite things).

Not Dead...Yet

2011-03-19T18:28:00.000-07:00

It's time. I have been not even remiss, beyond remiss in the updating of this blog. However, I am back and this time (I hope) I will not be such a slacker. So much has happened, the last time I posted a tea party was this event you had with The Girls or in my case my little girls and a few stuffed animals. Now it's, well, you know (more on this later, believe me).

I've also been still scouting out great preppy haunts in the Metro DC and Northern Virginia areas. I had passed by a shop called The Preppy Pink Pony many a time and, intrigued, had wanted to go in, but I was never there during shop hours and when I was, just not able to set aside the time to stop. Believe me as I gazed across the Safeway parking lot from the urgent care clinic, headache feeling like a vice, prescription in hand, I had wanted to stop by. But since this was my usual state when in that neck of the woods, I couldn't go by there. Until a few weeks ago when I was near there to get take out instead of stumble into the clinic sick as a dog. While waiting for the food, I took a stroll over there and Wow! This shop has alot of wonderful preppy needs and a zillion wants. They had Trappe Candles, Bed Head PJ's, lovely silver jewelry and Lilly things for the home like picture frames and bulletin boards, and Scout Bags. Which I immediately fell in love with because the webbing on many of their styles is not navy as is the case with many preppy bags but black. Which to my eye is amazing with pinks, greens and other preppy brights.

But this isn't all, The Preppy Pink Pony has Bonanno sandals, needlepoint sandals and monogrammed clogs for both big people and little people and...Lilly, the resident pooch. Natch, The Preppy Pink Pony has lots of treats for the doggie in your life.

You can visit The Preppy Pink Pony and shop online here.

Amazing Blog - Heavy Tweed Jacket

2009-11-12T07:42:00.000-08:00

If you're anything like me and have a soft spot for things British, even Yorkshire pudding, or ever envied men for being able to have anything custom made for them, from shoes, to trenchcoats and of course suits and shirts, and if you love a good cup of tea and the tins they come in, you will want to head here Now.

Thanks John for letting me know the blog existed. What amazing things...and memories of preppy past. As well as present.

Proof I am Still Alive

2009-10-29T09:37:00.000-07:00

I am uber behind on blogging and posting - funny how a kid beginning kindergarten, a death in the family and illnesses - thank God not of the swine flu variety - will do that to a blogger.

As usual, the ideas are there but the time to post isn't. But watch this space, especially for a much overdue Diana B syrup scrub and body lotion review, and a love letter to my fave store in Williamsburg Binns Dress Shop and my favorite shopping center in Williamsburg, Merchants Square. You can't find a lovelier spot for a long weekend getaway in the fall and into the holidays. So please stay tuned!

Lazy (and Busy) Preppycrat

2009-09-14T07:53:00.000-07:00

So I give my peeps this - a hilarious video of the so called activist event in Washington on Saturday morning. Protesting the ability for poor people and people between jobs to have health care. So they can choose to stay alive instead of go broke and die. But as the video above shows there is HOPE, in the latest guise of the Billionaires for Bush. They have morphed into Billionaires for Wealthcare, and as you can see the tea partiers are too stupid to recognize high satire at its best. Brava. And a brilliant way to haul out the preppy evening wear and jewels AND stick it to stupid, callous people. As Chris Core would say, lookin' good, being funny, and being smart are Core Values.

The Lion Sleeps Tonight

2009-08-28T12:58:00.000-07:00

I would be completely and thoroughly remiss to have a blog named Preppycrat and not say a few words about a person who more than anyone worked, breathed, ate, slept and existed as the quintessential Preppycrat, Senator Teddy Kennedy. When I started this blog, I wondered what I could say that wasn't being said elsewhere but also who could be the inspiration. The Kennedy family came to mind immediately but especially Mr. Kennedy for his love of the sea, sharp suits, his dogs, the Senate and his country. And for everyone in it regardless of how much money they made, the color of their skin, whether they were well or ill, or whether they lived on the street or on 10 acres in Middleburg Virginia.

My husband was raised by his grandparents and his mother was to varying degrees as he grew up, a practicing Catholic. She hung four pictures on his bedroom wall; one of Jesus Christ, one of the Pope, one of FDR and the last a painting of Jack, Robert, and Ted Kennedy. These were what he saw every night before going to sleep and the first things he saw when he woke up in the morning. I'm lucky enough to live near Merrywood on the Potomac, the longtime home of the Bouviers, Hickory Hill where Ethel Kennedy's parties were legendary - and where summer interns in Senator Kennedy's office were welcome to go swimming one day each week - and yesterday driving home saw a lone American flag outside the gates to Madeira School where Senator Kennedy's daughter went as a teenager. Senator Kennedy will be laid to rest Saturday evening about 3/4 of a mile away from where my own parents are buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

But this isn't the remarkable thing - what is, is in a world where most of us probably truly have 6 degrees of separation from any other person, each of us probably only has 3 or 4 from the Kennedys and Ted in particular. It is amazing the sheer numbers who have met him or who had a friend or relative who met him, or worked for him, or have a story to tell about him and a kindness he did for them. He is our "Uncle Teddy," he is irreplaceable and he will be missed.

The Lion sleeps tonight.

Speaking of Health Care....

2009-08-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

I am sorry it's been so long since my last post. As many of you know I'm a union activist and I think a pretty good one. We have had a completely full plate these past few months and this plus my day job and other commitments have kept me away from Preppycrat. I am sorry for the long absence but then again, these are as Mr. Olbermann says below, trying times. Blogging I think is a way for me to make a difference for the better but even more so, is getting out there and working for health care reform through my work as a union activist.

This outstanding commentary should be required viewing for every thinking American. It will be apparent in the first minute alone who is on the intelligent side of the issues here and who's not. I mean, for chrissake's calling Barack Obama OF ALL PEOPLE a Nazi????

A few somebodies need to sit down, shut up and attempt to read the history books and go look up the definition of the word "facsism" in Mirriam Websters.

Then go look in the mirror.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Thoughts on Elizabeth Edwards, From an Ex Supporter of John

2009-05-12T14:25:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Edwards' decision to write a book about various happenings during her life including the cancer that has returned and metastacized, and her husband's affair is certainly getting alot of people worked up and commenting in the blogosphere and places like HuffPo. Many want her to go away, others are supportive. Everyone assumes she doesn't need the money. But I see a few problems with this picture. First, Mrs. Edwards is fighting a horrible and I'm sad to say costly disease - I know, I was paying bills after my Mom passed away from lymphoma and she was really lucky she had two types of insurance that ended up covering most of her care (even then I had to sic my lawyer on her doctor to get him to reimburse me for one bill). Second, the other woman has been supported by parties close to Senator Edwards and who's to say she won't try to get her hands on as much of what he and his wife have as she possibly can? Yes, he may be the father of the other woman's young daughter but questions persist that indicate said woman might want more than is needed and reasonable to raise one child. However he and his wife have three kids - two quite young - who have every right to inherit money and property after their mother is gone. Third, she isn't going away because she wants to hand her husband his arse in public. He deserves it. So does the other woman. They chose to have this affair. Period. Elizabeth Edwards can still love her husband and want to hand him his arse for this horrible lapse in judgment, and she can also feel it should cost him his future in politics. And as for whether she knew about it being ongoing, I think she really truly did not. Love is blind. I've been there.

I not only support Mrs. Edwards, I picked up her book today and other customers were waiting for the book to be put out on the shelf, taking it out of the sales associate's hands. He even asked me if I was waiting for it and I said yes. Makes me think other people who were there earlier had been taking it right out of his hands too. Which might speak volumes - no pun intended - of whether people really want Elizabeth Edwards to go away. I don't really think they do.

Thoughts on Various Footwear

2009-05-05T08:40:00.001-07:00

About those sneakers that seem to have alot of people crying foul over whether the first lady is going overboard with spending money on clothes and shoes...one angle I have heard little of is the possibility that they were a gift. If so, the Obamas will have to make it public and I have faith that they will.

I heard from an insider involved with Imelda "5000 pairs of shoes" Marcos' racketeering trial in New York City that she didn't buy all those shoes herself. Rather, they had been given to her by the Filipino shoe manufacturers who wanted their first lady to promote their shoes and wear them. I'm in no way, shape, or form excusing the things she and her husband did while he was in office, but given the source I heard this information from, I believe she had all the shoes given to her.

Sometimes appearances are deceiving. But speaking of footwear and having multiples of footwear, I'm inclined to hoard my latest favorite shoes. A couple of weeks ago, I ran across a Lands' End online shoe sale and picked up shoes for my eldest who needed a new pair. While I was at the site, I grabbed these for me:

I fully expected to have to return them because I have a sad history of falling for driving mocs and finding them just too narrow for my wide-ish feet. But no, I am nearly living in these and am happy that my size got back in stock in the last 24 hours, yayyyy. What's more, I got stuck in a downpour on Monday and had to make a dash for my car, pushing a fully loaded grocery cart while I ran. Again, I fully expected the worst, a wipeout. Didn't happen. And the shoes made it through the soaking without falling apart or getting otherwise ruined. So if you need shoes that look good in a preppy meets fashionable kind of way, aren't pricey and won't hobble you when keeping up with kidlets or dodging rain bullets, these may be a good bet for you.

In re Torture

2009-04-22T12:20:00.000-07:00

The controversy remains over how far to go with release of classified material and impeachment, or prosecutions of those involved with torture in the previous administration. On the one hand, there is as much of a need to know from taxpayers and citizens in this country as there has ever been with any other issue, maybe even more so in this case than Watergate or Iran Contra. But on the other hand, the President has an ambitious agenda and how much of that could be derailed by hearings a la Clinton Lewinsky? When those were held Congress barely got anything else accomplished, the 103rd Congress aside from the hearings and investigation was basically a wash. In my opinion, the country is still weary of what happened that year, remembers it well and doesn't want it replayed.

But this is different. Why? It has to do with how Americans' tax dollars were spent, not private conduct of an elected official involving an unpaid intern. And it goes beyond how tax dollars are spent, it goes to the very heart of principles on which this country was founded, specifically those outlined in the US Constitution's Eighth Amendment on cruel and unusual punishments. Our founders, wanting to separate from England and be distinct from it in so many ways, didn't forget its history of torture and coercing admissions of guilt from people it wanted them from. OK, one could argue, the torture that took place in the Tudor era involved citizens of England primarily. True, but what is the US if it condones methods of torture for foreign born peoples it outlaws itself? And what if those methods violate international human rights agreements?

This isn't what our founders had in mind during the Continental Congress and in creating our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. But our tax dollars were spent on it. And that's why it does need to be investigated, as fully as necessary.

What I Want to Look Like When I Grow Up

2009-04-20T13:58:00.001-07:00

For several reasons I've decided to let my hair go grey. First, though I have little grey at this point, I have enough to know "my" grey is a light, cool silver. This will work with the colors I live in anyway, jewel tones, light clear colors, black, various shades of denim - and my Mom's diamond wedding band. Second, nearly every time I've spent considerable time or money on my hair, I've been disappointed. Styling products from high end to low fry my hair or dull it. Ditto curling irons. Most perms I've had were history 3 days later, regardless of what I paid for them - and I did wait to wash my hair. Third, I know if the grey looks frumpy, my posse will tell me starting with my 5 year old who does not mince words. Ever. But fourth and maybe the most important of all - my Mom, who faithfully went to the salon each month for color and touched it up at home in between salon visits lost her life to lymphoma when she was 85. It's true the older you get the likelier you are to develop lymphoma and not survive. But I have great aunts who lived into their 90s and one who lived to 103. I will always wonder if toxins in hair color took her life. Especially when each time I was pregnant my doc told me not to color my hair. If I end up needing to color my grey it will be with henna or something safe.

I hope that won't be necessary. And more and more, there are great muses for those of us who don't want to cover our grey. Consider Kathleen Sebelius (I am since she's being picked on by Sarah Palin, and since she is having to wait and wait to be confirmed HHS Secretary).

The Obama handbag might look wrong on someone else but on her, it works. It picks up the colors in her hair and she keeps the rest of the outfit vibrant red. Of course wearing a big smile helps the overall look too.

Another red outfit - what I love here is no brass buttons, hers are black and shaped like flowers. I wanted a full head to toe shot of this outfit and alas, couldn't find one but this is another look that's just a bit different from the usual red jacketed female politico.

Here she is at the Governors' dinner in January. January. And looking great in a sleeveless and daringly low cut for DC, evening gown. Her hair is done without looking helmet-ish and the gold jewelry is just right for the forest green of the gown. Did I mention she's a grandmother?

Finally, we see Ms. Sebelius in a blue violet suit the day President Obama nominated her to be HHS Secretary. I think this is the perfect female equivalent of the men's power suit. It's blue, but a more vivid color. It stands out but looks strong too. Her jacket is fitted, a nice change from the overly boxy suits many women in DC have worn up until very recently and a nod to fashion. She keeps the jewelry understated - a wise move with a vivid color like cobalt, and at a press conference that's announcing her nomination for a cabinet level position.

No frumpy here, anywhere. I had a tough time limiting it to just four outfits of hers because when I looked around the internet, she is wearing clothes that are alive with color, and she isn't shy about accessorizing but doesn't overdo it either. I hope those Obama handbags don't go away anytime soon. I might want one of my own one day.

Preppycrat to a T, or a Polo

2009-04-03T14:17:00.000-07:00

Over the years, I've wrestled with the question of just what style I prefer - how does one reconcile loafers and twinsets with vivid 80s colors, neon, and black, black black?

Finally I've stumbled upon it. I've been more or less looking for a good raincoat the past few months. My old Merona standby in cranberry red is giving up the ghost. A friend gave me her old Burberry and thrilled, I took it. Burberry for cryin' out loud! But not only did it not fit, it was too...beige. I do feel I'm as preppy as the next Muffy or Buffy but problem is alot of colors traditionally associated with prep totally wash me out - navy and beige in particular. Other 3/4 length raincoats weren't quite right either, black/white giraffe print is overwhelming on a woman of average height like yours truly, yellow, pink, orange might well look out of style next year or the year after and besides, I'll probably get sick of them.

Then this week's rains made the quest more urgent. Finally I found it yesterday, plainer than I was looking for initially but I feel right in it and it will last. A London Fog 3/4 length trench in black. Search over. What's telling is I didn't go for the beige, it was the shape of the preppy option but in black, not the first choice for preppy color but the choice I look alot better in. Then I saw the shirt above at one of my fave places to look for shirts American Apparel. Don't know if Muffy or Buffy ever even walk past AA but then again, this prep also has one foot in the 80s and never quite left. Though this shirt is neon purple, it's a polo shirt. I don't own it...yet.

Then there are the shoes - a pair of Sesto Meucci black loafer mules. Preppy shape yes. But in black patent leather with a graffiti print on them that's gotten alot of comments (and compliments) each time I've worn them. The pattern is in shades of green, turquoise, red, and white, and reminiscent of something Stephen Sprouse may have dreamed up and created. I can't for the life of me find them online but will take a pic asap and post it here.

And if any of y'all are curious, I will elaborate on my style journey and how prep wound up coexisting with 80s chick in a subsequent post. All I can say is it can work. Really.

Awesomeness All Around

2009-03-17T18:15:00.000-07:00

Gothic Dragon and I headed to Art With Flowers at Tyson's Galleria on Sunday for the introduction of Pearl, Apothia's newest fragrance. Ron Robinson is pictured above (left), showing Bill the store's owner and other attendees the magic that is Pearl. The description from the Apothia.com site reads, "Pearl is a simple, precious, polished work of art with hints of shiso leaf, plum blossom, peony, orris and warm golden amber, parallel to the formation of the pearl - a natural quality gem - small, precious and perfectly polished by nature." The end result is a complex citrus vs a more simple citrus like O Oui Lancome to give one example I know. I was a devoted wearer of O, Aromatonique and other citrus scents but went off of them a few summers ago and couldn't really figure out why. One sniff of Pearl and I knew why, the simpleness of the others has become boring to me. Pearl on the other hand is so multi layered, it's much more interesting but still fresh. The dry down was a just showered scent on me and I was intrigued when Ron has us sniff the dry down on his wrist because on him, it was completely different, alot more herbal. So this is a winner for both men and women.

Thanks to Stevie in LA for spreading the word about the event, and thanks too to Gothic Dragon for writing up such a great synopsis of the day and of Art With Flowers itself. I can't say enough good things about this store and it is indeed so much more than fragrances, it's things for the home, eclectic books and CD's, chocolates, teas, skincare, haircare, gifts. It transcends being a store and is truly an experience.

In other awesomeness, I am now on Nautical by Nature's blogroll which is pretty cool given how infrequently I've been able to blog the past few weeks. Thanks Kate! I promise to live up to the honor.

Mike Signer For Virginia Lieutenant Governor

2009-03-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

I haven't done a local politics post in ages so here's one. My Facebook friend and friend of my longtime friend Stevie in LA, Chris Abraham is celebrating St. Pat's day by attending Mike's straw poll. Maybe it's early in the game but even in the Democratic primary, the choices to me seem clear cut. I like what Brian Moran has to say in his run for Governor, and people I know and trust have endorsed him.

I don't know how many endorsements Mike Signer has at this point but after hearing what he has to say, I can say for what it's worth, he is the candidate for Virginia Lieutenant Governor who has mine. It's important to me to have someone in Virginia working hard for unions, and Mike Signer is doing just that.

Yes You Can

2009-03-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

Still shop that is.

What inspired this post was an interview I heard with Michael Hirsch of Newsweek on WTOP radio this morning; that people have reduced their spending and that cutting back on all spending threatens any economic recovery. But if we want to help stimulate the economy, where do we draw the line? Mr. Hirsch said the key was cautious spending - OK, not a surprising response. But the anchorperson then speculated on whether he should buy a new camera right now. He sounded like someone who's into photography and going for top of the line. Still though, I couldn't help but think had he never heard of Ebay? Or Costco? Would it be possible for him to find either the exact camera or an acceptable substitute with all of the bells and whistles for a reduction of the retail price by utilizing a discounter or an online retailer or getting onto a mailing list for instore and online codes?

I applied this principle to clothing and accessories of the Preppy variety. No this isn't camera shopping but then again, the Preppy look can be quite pricey. After all inherent in it is the looking like you don't NEED to make money. But for those of us who do and are on a budget I found bargains at three different types of stores; the Cole Haan website, an online discounter, and our beloved Tarjay.

The Cole Haan handbag above is $229.95 on sale. You then get an additional 30% off that price at www.colehaan.com with code SPSALE09 and you get free shipping. This works out to a quality handbag from a quality company for less than $100. If you keep it another 15-20 or even 30 years and a good preppy silver buckle style will probably be around that long, you're looking at cost per wear of something like 1/100 of a penny. And no, this isn't a minibag - the bag measures 13.5 inches long, 6 inches high by 2 inches deep. Narrow yes, but has has length to it so no, it's not a mini.

My second find was from a site the wonderful Preppy Princess clued me in on, 6pm.com, zappos.com's sister site with the deeper discounts. Here are adorable Keds that are pink and preppy and $21.56 a pair:

Last but not least, this skirt is on Tarjay's website for $19.99 and there are also cute madras shorts at the brick and mortar store:

The blue madras says summer and can be worn with just about any Lilly-ish color. I also like that it's not a mini-mini but stops 2-3 inches above the knee. Very cute.

I haven't even begun to scratch the surface with the wonders of Ebay, where probably 40% of my eldest's wardrobe comes from. But my guess is if I can spend a few minutes and track these down, yes that camera could be had for less than retail too.

So in conclusion, Yes You Can

Um, that would be diverse sense of fashion to YOU

2009-03-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

Because at this point in the game I think we know the Preppycrat's also a bit New Wave. Or would that be Old Wave at this point? Either way, part of me is stuck in the 80s.

And oh yea, I'm back from Disney World. I have some posts in mind but the pre-vacation craziness continues so I'll post them asap.

Your result for The Are You Preppy Test? Test...

The Aspiring Prep

Congratulations! You scored ###!

You're fully aware of the scene, and may even be a small part of it. Chances are your friends are really preppy but it isn't for you or you have a diverse sense of fashion. You float from scene to scene and never really fit in, but are never really rejected either. Try harder and maybe someday, I'll buy you a drink at the club ;)

Take The Are You Preppy Test? Test at HelloQuizzy

Zippidy Doo Dah....

2009-02-13T13:43:00.000-08:00

Where I wish I were staying, Disney's Yacht and Beach club.....Disney prep heaven, and walking distance from my fave park Epcot.

Where I'm going to really be staying - here. Which has advantages; one, we can bring our little ole dog and two, you can actually see the Polo Outlet from there. Not that I need anything from the Polo Outlet but it's nice to see it across the highway and know that I COULD get into the car, drive 5 minutes and be surrounded by pink, green, turquoise, and racks and stacks of lovely preppy wearables.

Coach - ditto.

Will try to check in - if I'm lucky I'll post a pic from vacation, or for those of you who know me on Facebook watch for a mobile update :-).

Preppycrat Inspiration

2009-02-13T11:55:00.000-08:00

Wow...a real live honest to g** post! I wanted to make sure I got one in before going to Disney so here it is, and inspired by something I saw on my lunch hour, Esquire magazine's Obama commemorative issue. It's hard to walk past any rendition of the now iconic Shepard Fairey image of Obama and this was no exception. Ok...I'm racing against the clock and needing to get back to work before the catty clatch notices I'm back late from lunch. But magazine still in hand, I flip open the little opening on the cover, an opening within an opening and there it is, a quote from Joe the Vice President, "this is the worst of times to come into office . But the flip side of that is, if you're ever going to do this job, this is the time to do it." p. 78.

And there it is, an article about the man himself, his now familiar rides on Amtrak to DC and interactions with other commuters. But then about nine paragraphs in, the author begins a riff on The Shirt. That Joe Likes the Shirt. The shirt in question is a sportshirt with blue vertical stripes on the body, horizontal stripes on the placket, and red stripes inside the collar. A shirt one could see on any Nantucket denizen.

Having West Virginia roots, I have to respect a man who can go into Castleberry Virginia, deep into coal country and bond with coal miners. But growing up in Northern Virginia, in an area where Lilly and Vera are available in numerous places within 20 minutes of my house I also appreciate that this same man can just as convincingly fold a pocket square or don a snazzy nautically inspired shirt worthy of any smart Preppy man.

It still seems like a dream -Barack Obama is the President, Michele Obama is first lady, Dr Jill Biden and Vice President Joe Biden reside at Observatory Circle. But they have style, smarts and decency enough to fill all of DC and then some.

I haven't had a chance to read the article yet or track down a pic of The Shirt but will find it as soon as possible. I'm sure he wore it well.

Why I Haven't Posted in Awhile

2009-01-30T07:14:00.001-08:00

Substitute brown hair for blonde, and this is me - oh and throw in 2 little girls, 2 cats and one little ole dog and an equally frazzled husbin' and there you have it. Work is crazy, home is crazy and yes, we're going on vacation in 3 weeks so we're getting ready for that too. Gah.

I have some great posts in mind so stay tuned, I'll blog again asap!

Musings on Past Inaugural Fashions

2009-01-13T14:13:00.000-08:00

I've had fun looking at the retrospectives of fashion worn to past inaugural balls and swearing in ceremonies. Huffington Post has a nice photo gallery here and I have to concur with most of the comments about Jackie having the most perfect sense of what styles worked best for her and best suited the occasion. I also agree on the comments about Lynne Cheney - yikes.

Someone whose sartorial preferences I actually admired was Marilyn Quayle. Not her politics to be sure, and not her choices in hairstyles or hats, but consider the rest of the outfit she wore on Inauguration Day 1989, the color and its shape:

She didn't make the mistake of wearing pastel and opted for one of the best colors a brunette could choose - cobalt blue. The white turtleneck is flattering to her coloring and her figure while being functional. Trust me, I was down on the parade route that day and it was coooold.

Here she is again in royal purple in a photo from the Marquette University's archives of Governor Tommy Thompson:

Her hair is pulled back and looks almost severe. But this particular hairstyle works on her by playing up her thin frame and dramatic coloring and is a departure from the DC "helmet" hair. The dress is a bold royal hue that's anything but bland.

And Mrs. Quayle in red, what appeared to be a favorite:

A common choice for inaugural festivities and for women in politics generally but on brunettes again, an excellent choice.

I remember hearing way back she was an admirer of Jeanne Marc designs like this even having a vague memory of her wearing a black and white Jeanne Marc dress with a very abstract look to it, big shoulders, piping and a very inverted triangle shape. Not the usual style of clothing for a political wife or female officeholder but again, this look suited her.

I believe it or not, see similarity in Michelle Obama's choices of clothing - she likes prints and bold color and isn't shy about wearing less mainstream designers like Reem Acra or Thakoon. She is also tall and like Mrs. Quayle, likes to exercise and work out. I'm looking forward to seeing what she wears at the Inauguration and beyond.

Getting Better Acquainted With the Cole Haan Sirens

2009-01-13T07:33:00.001-08:00

We might be sharing toothbrushes at this point. Seriously though, I have been looking for a nylon or microfiber shoulder bag in black, and my LeSportsacs, much as I love them don't look right this time of year - not with temps plunging tonight to cold enough to freeze a witch's nether regions. I want a lightweight bag that will look right for the remainder of the winter.

And look right when I go here in approximately four weeks. Can you say I'm too lazy to swap bags out between now and then? Yep, that's part of my motivation. But the other part is I want a bag that will hold all the necessary kiddie acoutrements I'll need while down there but that is lightweight enough I don't end up walking like the hunchback of Notre Dame by the end of the week. The flight bag will be as lightweight as my LeSportsacs but look more sophisticated, which means I get to be snarky about what other people are wearing and carrying there - ah the ubiquitous fanny packs -since I know my carryall will look good.

Like the green tote, this bag was on sale. The free shipping Siren has gone away so I had to pay for shipping but it still ended up being only about $145-ish. To me an affordable final figure when accounting for cost per wear, and I plan on that being about 1/100th of a cent before year's end.

Inauguration Weekend Shopping at Tyson's Galleria

2009-01-10T15:32:00.000-08:00

Tyson's Galleria being ten minutes away from my house is a regular Preppycrat destination, especially with Coach, Cole Haan, and the J Crew stores there but it has another find I have blogged about in the past but it's such a beautiful and unique place I have to mention it again - Art With Flowers on the third floor opposite the food court.

Art with Flowers is primarily a floral design shop but as you can see from the pic below from the store, the vibe is very stylish and laid back:

You can find a little of everything here, just check out these candles and these flasks - Paris and LiLo. Too funny.

The back area is a comfy place to hang out and get inspiration both from the flowers in the shop and the nice assortment of bridal and home design magazines:

But Art With Flowers has treats for you, not just your abode. Among the many skincare and fragrance lines they carry are Burn, Serge Leutens, Etro, Santa Maria Novella, Aesop and Floris of London:

This is one of my favorite places to hang out but going in with my camera was a revelation because looking around, there was no bad angle or view in the store. Bill the owner is a genius in making the entire store inviting and a wonderful place to browse and take time looking around.

Last but not least, if you're a fan of hard to find teas and chocolates from around the world, Art With Flowers has them, and has lovely teacups and pots.

If you live anywhere in the DC area, this shop is a must see, definitely worth the trip to Tysons if you live on the other side of DC. If you're here for the Inauguration and staying in the Tyson's area, this is a must see before you leave town.

You can find out more about Art With Flowers here.

And What a Year it Was...

2008-12-31T07:40:00.000-08:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

As that great band from Chicago sang some years ago, it's Only The Beginning.

Xmas Gift

2008-12-30T07:26:00.000-08:00

My pal C made these for me for xmas from swarovski crystals and sterling silver. They're unmistakably preppy pink and green but they have another style that I can't completely put my finger on. Goth? Romantic? I don't know what it is but I do know these are me to a T. Anyone who's been reading Preppycrat regularly has probably figured out when I do mention my own personal style, there are undertones to the preppy. Maybe it has to do with being a brunette with fair skin, a bit of goth can be flattering when you're a brunette. Maybe it's the 80s New Wave influence and color set against a black backdrop in clothes, shoes and jewelry - a look I always was complimented on even when the colors were the most vivid reds, jades, royal blues. Maybe it's that conversation I had with friends in NYC a few years back where we mused over the thought of a bermuda bag made out of black rubber and snapping to a metal frame instead of buttoning to a wood frame. Maybe it's all of these and more - sometimes what we wear is our life story. Anyway I'm wearing the earrings now and loving them, and thinking of the creative, cool person who made them for me. xoxoxo's to you, C!

But What Will the Bidens Wear?

2008-12-22T14:09:00.000-08:00

There has been alot of happy speculation in the blogosphere about what the Obamas will wear on Inauguration Day and to the balls later that night. The Preppy Princess has been closely following what the Obamas and their daughters might be wearing on the big day and night and she has links to that eye candy that is the WWD slideshow of potential looks for President Elect and Mrs. Obama and their daughters. No doubt all of them will look great - all four of them wear clothes well.

I'm curious though about that other couple the day will be honoring - the Vice President Elect and Dr. Biden. It's pretty obvious the Vice President elect cares about dressing well and judging from the article from the November 2008 edition of Vogue, Dr. Biden likes clothes as well. Though I wish I knew both of them personally, I don't, but I think it's safe to say she is probably looking forward to choosing a gown for the inaugural balls and will want one that's fashionable but ladylike and flattering - hey, if I ran 5 miles daily, I'd want to show off my figure too.

I'm guessing the Veep elect will wear a business suit with a blue tie, a combo he's been wearing quite a bit of lately and that works for him, then at the balls, a traditional tuxedo. I'm thinking his wife might be interested in looks similar to these:

This Badgley Mischka is a gorgeous color and unfussy, elegant style.

Ah, red. And the interesting thing about this gown is it also skims the body but the sleeves make it ladylike, a little more "serious" and less Hollywood. Not that Hollywood is a bad place but the Inaugrual is not the Oscars.

Both lovely choices, but then I saw this from a designer called Helen Morley:

And thought that this would be the look I'd love to see Dr. Biden wear. When I went to the Helen Morley website and saw a simpler version of the gown above with a lace bolero - I wish I could have uploaded the pic but dratted Flashplayer kept me from doing so - I was convinced all the more. Her designs are beautiful without being froufrou, grown up without being dowdy or sack like. And the shapes are simple enough that anyone who's preppy at heart would feel great in them. I would love to see Dr. Biden in a gown from this designer, and for more people to get to know Helen Morley's clothes.

He Went to Jared

2008-12-19T08:16:00.000-08:00

Seriously. Here's an excerpt from the latest Communications Workers of America update:

A leading economist who has been a tireless advocate for working families and unions has been appointed by Vice President-elect Joe Biden as his chief economist and economic policy advisor.

Jared Bernstein had been at the Economic Policy Institute for 16 years, reporting and analyzing a wide range of economic developments and their affect on America's middle class and workers.

Bernstein frequently slammed Bush economic policies in articles posted on popular blogs that include Huffington Post and Daily Kos. During the campaign he wrote about why John McCain's wealth and his attitude toward it matters:

"I don't care how much money our president has (though the seven homes thing really does seem beyond the pale given today's housing climate). But I deeply want him or her to understand the economic plight of those with less, and the evidence regarding the policies allegedly designed to help," he wrote last August. "To listen to McCain, and to do so while poring over his policy agenda, really does suggest the dangerous degree to which he's out-of-touch."

This is wonderful news for me to hear as a union activist and what's icing on the cake is Jared is a blogger too. Joe proves again why he was a smart, smart pick as Barack's running mate and now Vice President elect.

Nordies Rack Lunchtime Run

2008-12-12T12:58:00.001-08:00

There's a Nordie's Rack 5 minutes from work so I regularly troll there for all things Lilly for the Elder and Younger Preppycrat Princesses. I saw no Lilly there this time and was honestly saddened to see a particular item in the racks; a pink pair of velour pants size 4t with the word 'Roxy' written across the right bum cheek. The velour look and words written across the bum are awful enough when you're an adult but the messages this sends when worn by little girls is downright scary wrong - Bratz dolls are frightening enough, actual little girls dressed like Bratz dolls unthinkable.

But here's the good news - I saw some cute Hartstrings separates for kids including this:

Price was $14.99 at my Nordies Rack. It has Elder Princess Preppycrat written all over it but alas, was not in the size I expect her to be in come next Summer.

They also had this cardi in navy blue:

Which looked a lot nicer than this green version - I just can't find the navy version on the net, drat!- but it was also not in Elder's size. I did, however want to pass this along to any of y'all who have preppy kids and want to help Santa bring them clothes for the holidays via our friends at Nordie's Rack.

Handbag Update

2008-12-11T07:12:00.000-08:00

It arrived! My new Cole Haan bag is a bit more of a yellow green than in the pic, but will still look great with my coats and clothes. The size is roomy without being overly so as it's slim vs wide. And a nice thoughtful touch, especially with so many website hassles/delivery issues of late, and the wet weather in the DC area yesterday, was putting the cardboard box the bag came in into a plastic bag.

I'm very happy with the experience and the product!

Un-freaking-Believable

2008-12-10T14:21:00.000-08:00

I am sorry peeps, it's an unoriginal title to an unoriginal post about someone we're probably all sick of already. And I try not to further saturate anything that's oversaturated. Really, I do.

At least it's not Sarah Palin this time, it's worse. One of our own who Should Have Known Better.

I am confused, angry, and disgusted by the hopefully soon to be ex governor of Illinois' actions. If he weren't so profane and indignant in the tape recorded conversations, I'd swear he had a death wish, or wished to take down the Democratic party. But he is profane and in your face which I guess makes him incredibly full of himself, stupid or both.

Ironic that I would have to do this now having been outside the political fray for years and even when I was in it, was only on the outskirts. But here it is, call it Preppycrat's Laws of Politics:

#1) If it looks bad it IS bad. Ask Bill Clinton about this. Monica wasn't bad in and of herself, after all the bumper sticker is right "When Clinton Lied, Nobody Died" But it sure looks bad for Democrats who want to answer the other party's charges that we lack family values.

So...if something really IS bad, you're even more burnt toast than if you did something that looked bad. What Blago did IS bad, and it's on the tape.

#2) What you say and do can taint those around you who are associated with you by geography or party affiliation. Again, Bill is a culprit here. It's widely believed that were it not for Monica, he and Al Gore might not have fallen out and maybe Gore could have won the 2000 election. Yes, I still feel it was basically stolen from him. But - here's the trillion dollar question - what if he had won by more percentage points? Maybe he would have if Bill hadn't done... well, you know. Then maybe the SCOTUS wouldn't have tried to steal the election.

Unfortunately, this might taint Barack as well. Lord knows, he's kept his distance from Blago but the problem is :

#3) Even after Sarah Palin, Republicans still generally are covered with teflon and Dems are covered in velcro. I shudder to think what the Repugs would have said if Joe Biden's daughter were having a baby with a man who she wasn't married to. Bad things just don't ever seem to stick as much to the repugs as they do to the Dems. And it's already starting, in the last 5 minutes our buddy Rush has added items that have shown up in Google news linking Barack to Blago. It's already starting and the poor man hasn't even been sworn in as President.

This is the LAST thing he needs right now. F**k you very much Blago. Orange might not be the most flattering color to dark haired men with green eyes, but you'd best get used to wearing it. For a very long time.

Merry Xmas to Me

2008-12-05T14:14:00.001-08:00

This was completely unplanned, but sometimes the Sirens lead you to the Holy Grail not to your demise. The sirens of Cole Haan that is; first the email Siren offering 30% off of sale items, then the Free Shipping Siren, and last but not least the Sale Siren herself. Yes, good things come in threes.

I bought the bag above and think it will be a keeper - unlike many bags in this shade it's made of plain ole leather, not a patent, or an ombre, or a faux snakeskin. I think this will keep it looking good from year to year whereas had I bought a green patent bag, not so much. It's a large enough size for all of my crappe. I'm in a green groove these days because emerald is back after a few years of being impossible to find anywhere. My coloring is on the very cool side, dark brown hair and fair skin, so any green with yellow in it makes me look...green. Not stylish, not very preppy either (the point is to hold one's liquor well not the opposite). But emerald is one of my fave shades and maybe what's happening is though I swear not to buy more stuff, subconsciously I think I fear this shade will go away again for another several years.

Best of all? It was $425 originally, then marked down to $229 but thanks to the sirens, I paid a grand total of $183.71.

The code for online shopping is DECSALE30 and yes, if you want to hit the Brick n Mortar store, their sale styles are an extra 30% off too.

What are YOU Thankful For?

2008-11-25T07:21:00.001-08:00

The Preppy Princess would love to know, and if you tell her you have a chance to win some really cool stuff including the apron above. If you mention the Great Preppy Giveaway on your blog, you win bonuses you can gift to anyone you want. These include Marjorie Hart's book Summer at Tiffany and the very stylish and preppy Laguna Beach Apron from the Preppy Princess Shoppe.

While you are at Preppy Princess' blog, check out her her updates on the Obamas and what they might wear to the Inaugural balls. She has a lovely Isabel Toledo sketch of the Obamas in evening finery and some simply beautiful dresses Michelle Obama might wear. You might also want to pop over to the Shoppe and see the lampwork glass jewelry in beautiful bright Preppy pinks blues and greens (I'm a sucker for glass jewelry).

Shop For Shelter December 3rd Alexandria

2008-11-24T14:29:00.000-08:00

Yahaira at Tu-anh has let me know that this is happening next week in Alexandria and all to benefit the Carpenter's Shelter of Alexandria. Here's the info:

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3rd, 2008
The Westin Alexandria
400 Courthouse Square
Alexandria, VA 22314-5700
6pm-930pm

A number of area boutiques, designers and artists will have their creations at this sale. When I explored Tu-anh's site, I was intrigued by the little beaded clutches and the polished to professional section particularly because I need to polish my own look up a bit from the uber casual of my workplace to something more authoritative for the union meetings I'm regularly going to. Finding ideas on how to do it while not looking ridiculously overdressed at my workplace is always a challenge. Tu-anh appears to have worked with people of all ages, with all kinds of wardrobe challenges, men and women alike.

If the good cause isn't enough, and the unique variety of vendors isn't enough, discounts of up to 70% off will be taken. Complimentary goodies include: delicious gourmet tastings by The Westin Alexandria’s very own star-Chef Nadine Thomas, jazzy holiday music by DJ Saborinquen, "how to wear red lipstick the French glam way" by tu-anh, hand-writing analysis, palm readings,
and a "strike-a-pose" photoshoot by Charles Martin. Cash bar will be open all night and
plenty of street parking or in the Westin’s garage for only $8. A large portion (50%) of
proceeds will benefit Carpenter's Shelter. Make your holiday season magical by giving to
the less fortunate.

Advance ticket purchase: $10 At The Door: $20
To purchase tickets, visit www.tu-anh.com/save-the-dates.php
Brought to you by: polished by tu-anh
In partnership with: The Westin Alexandria & Carpenter’s Shelter
Sponsored by: Steven Gaffney Company
Carpenter's Shelter, Northern Virginia's largest homeless program located in Old
Town, aims to end homelessness through services, education and advocacy. The
shelter's programs include a day shelter, a hypothermia shelter, an 80 bed long-term
residential shelter, a community outreach program to formerly homeless families and an
Education Fund.

More Tyson's Galleria News - Harolds GOOB

2008-11-17T10:47:00.001-08:00

More from Tyson's Galleria, Harold's is going out of business. My impression of Harold's was always reliably Preppy, but overpriced. But now this may be the time to pick up a few sweaters, handbags or other items.

For Preppycrat readers not located in the DC area, you can find a store locator for Harolds here. There are also stores in Palo Alto California and various places across the Southern US.

Happy bargain hunting and shopping.

Art With Flowers

2008-11-13T07:25:00.000-08:00

With the financial woes hitting Tyson's Galleria mall, my wallet still not fully recovered from Princess #1's 5th birthday party, and given that I have barely posted about anything Preppy, or shopping related lately - here is a post about my fave store in the Galleria, Art With Flowers.

If you are looking for something unique in the way of gifts for the home, fragrance for yourself or your home, or in need of flower design that's just a bit different than what you'll find at most florists, Art With Flowers is the place for you. You'll find fragrances from L'Artisan, Floris London, Apothia, and Serge Lutens. They also have candles from Burn, fragrance infusers from Alora Ambiance, and Linari, skin care from aesop, and body care from Ahava. Be sure to check out the eclectic selection of books and CD's in the back of the shop and for that sweet tooth, some chocolate bars from Vosages. Their Mo's Bacon Bar might be the most bizzare candy you've ever heard of but the taste? Think chocolate pretzels, that nirvana of sweet and salty and you have the idea.

There is so much more to this shop, too much to list, more fragrances, scents for the home, candles, glassware, decorative plates and bowls, one could easily spend an hour or two browsing and sampling all the fragrances and just enjoying the waterfall in the front window and relaxing vibe (yes, Preppycrat has plopped down on the cushy sofa in the back). Be sure to stop by often, Bill the owner of Art With Flowers, makes sure to keep his selection fresh and rotates lines and items in and out.

Art With Flowers is on the third floor of the Galleria, opposite the food court.

YES WE DID

2008-11-05T13:35:00.000-08:00

It speaks for itself because mere words cannot.

Homestretching....And a Wild and Crazy Prediction

2008-11-03T13:38:00.000-08:00

Down to the wire now, and you heard it here first. A few days ago I said West Virginia would be the big surprise. After reading this article from www.huntingtonnews.net I still say that first of all West Virginia will not be called right at 7:30 pm when their polls close or even 8pm. The reason will be voting machine malfunctions and a much tighter than expected race that will later in the evening finally be called for Barack.

No West Virginia won't be cobalt blue but it will be a shade of baby blue in the end. It bears remembering that unions are a huge presence there, and Democrats outnumber Republicans in registered voters. Turnout has been huge so far. Sooooo....yeah, WV will return to electing a Democrat for Prez tomorrow.

Virginia will be blue, a deep blue. Florida is getting lots of attention and assumption that older people won't vote for the young guy with the funny name. But....many of Florida's voters are old enough to remember the Great Depression. Do they really want their kids and grandkids to get stuck with another one of these? Hell no. I think that's what's driving them to wait for hours to vote.

My Dad was right when he said we're living on a credit card and our kids are going to have to pay the bill. Tomorrow we say enough is enough and start paying as we go.

Barrackville West Virginia - Barack Country?

2008-10-27T13:49:00.001-07:00

From Christina Bellantoni of The Washington Times comes the video above. She speaks to a number of people in Barrackville West Virginia about the economy, the war and the election, and who they plan to vote for. The full article can be found here. The video is over 7 minutes long but worth it and eye opening. Listen to Patrick Powell - he's not a guy in a vaccum. No he doesn't speak the Queen's English (or American) but he gets it. So do the other people in Barrackville and check out those Obama/Democrat signs.

You heard it here first peeps - West Virginia's going blue this year. It'll be a baby blue not a royal blue, but it will be blue.

Stylish, Preppy and Quite Democratic

2008-10-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

It's about time I quit spending so much bandwidth and time on that woman and started talking about a different woman who like her husband isn't getting enough attention, Dr. Jill Biden.

Make that wasn't before a week or so ago. There is a gem of an article at www.style.com the online home of Vogue magazine that has a

wonderful picture of the 4 generations of Biden women and an excellent article on Dr. Biden. The article and photo are also in the magazine itself. Among other things, Dr. Biden runs 5 miles a day, has multiple graduate degrees in addition to her doctorate, and truly likes clothes but also within reason, in the article she talks about much she loves one of the suits she's purchased recently because it not only looks great and fits her well but it's a price an "educator can afford."

She seems to favor classic looks on the campaign trail, alot of suits, scarves, and wore Ralph Lauren for the Vogue photo shoot. A preppycrat muse if there ever was one.

Not Stylish, Not Preppy and Definitely UNdemocratic

2008-10-22T09:18:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of www.politico.com, we have found out that Sarah Palin has spent approximately $150,000 on clothing, hair and makeup for herself and her family since early September

OK, let's parse this. Ms. Josephine six pack has spent three times the annual income of the average middle class family on clothes, makeup, hair since the beginning of September. That's about a four or at best five week period.

John Edwards's $400 haircut was less than one tenth the $4716.49 spent on hair and makeup by the Palin clan. And as far as anyone knows, he paid this out of his own pocket (edit - he paid for it with campaign money but later reimbursed the campaign for it). The RNC funded the entire $150,000 for Palin's clothing and accessories.

I'm one of the lucky ones - "Doc" and I now have a weekend place in the country. We paid about one sixth of the amount Palin and co spent on clothes, etc. And for a second house.

Similar outfits can be had at a variety of places, to wit Ann Taylor Loft, where you can have this outfit for less than $500 including the cute black patent leather tote and the ankle boots.

Here at one of Michelle Obama's favorite stores, White House/Black Market is a leather jacket similar to the one pictured on Palin, above. Yes, it's black, not red. But from this store one can be sure the quality is good and the price is certainly reasonable for a good leather jacket. From Banana Republic, a black suit with royal purple blouse, and finally from Victoria's secret, a suit in a pretty cocoa brown, and also from Vicki's Secret what is more of a power play than a vivid red suit?

I haven't even had a chance to pop over to www.target.com, or H & M, or even places like Penney's that offer up cute Nicole Miller for Penney's separates. But these are just a few outfits that are similar to clothes Palin has worn on the campaign trail yet all a fraction of the cost of what one would pay at Nieman Marcus or Saks where many of her outfits were purchased. One need not spend money at high end stores to be stylish or look authoritative. Unless one maybe really doesn't have any style.

And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who would attempt to poison and destroy my brothers (and sisters)

2008-10-21T12:02:00.000-07:00

Keith Olbermann at his white hot righteous best. Who can blame him when we have seen a whole rash of alarming actions by the dark side? First GOP incumbent Michelle Bachman's charges that Barack Obama's anti America
then the now infamous McCain robocalls, and now this.

Jeffrey Dahmer started out by killing helpless animals. Congratulations, extreme right wing, you now have something in common with him. And Cubbins rest in peace.

What Did I Tell Y'all? Bus Tour Reduced to 25 minute Pit Stop

2008-10-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

Dudes, it happened as reported by Paul Hogarth at http://www.beyondchron.org/ a Bay Area news site. Here are two relevant exerpts:

But now Palin continues to be the gift that keeps giving—as a much-hyped West Virginia campaign swing to bolster the McCain ticket got cut short after she brought out more protesters than supporters.

And this one:

Consider West Virginia, where Obama got slaughtered in the primaries after voters candidly told the press they wouldn’t support a black candidate. Late last week, Republicans announced that Palin would kick off a bus tour of the state—a move widely perceived as a sign of weakness for the Republican ticket. I had expected more of the rallies we’ve seen in the last few days (where Palin whips up her party base into a racist frenzy) to be all over West Virginia.But I was wrong. Palin’s West Virginia tour lasted exactly 25 minutes, as she literally did a pit stop before going to Ohio. No speeches or press availability—just a “wink” to her supporters. The campaign had planned a rally to greet her, but only twelve people showed up. But she did inspire a few Obama rallies in the state. Over 100 people gathered at the United Mine Workers headquarters to express support.

HAHAHAHA...I think That Woman knew she would get run out of the state on a rail, so she just made a pit stop instead.

Now THIS is Gonna Be Good

2008-10-10T14:03:00.000-07:00

That Woman is going to be going through West Virginia on a bus tour. You might be thinking this will be her pulpit but stay with me here, I speak as someone whose mother grew up there, whose grandparents lived there and I still have cousins who live in Tucker County.

West Virginians aren't stupid or all married to their parents and/or siblings. West Virginians are actually at the crossroads of the energy issue right now because natural gas companies are looking to tap the coal beds that stretch from north to south and that might well have something in them, something that could help solve our dependence on foreign energy sources. One might think they would be rushing to lease out their land especially when companies come calling with seemingly irresistible contracts and offers to lease. Not so fast; there are at least two citizens coalitions that have formed to help landowners decide how to proceed, this one and one more that does not have a website yet (the one my kin belong to) but the last meeting was so packed they had to move it to a larger location.

If this isn't enough, wind power has arrived in West Virginia, yes turbines, these are about 20 minutes away from my grandparents' town.

My point? West Virginians aren't stupid, they also know a thing or two about energy being affected by coal plants shutting down and giving the go-ahead to turbine farms. They have consistently voted Democratic over the years.

They might run That Woman out of the state on a rail. You heard it here first.

Even a Preschooler Can See The Intellectual Dishonesty

2008-10-10T10:28:00.000-07:00

Back to this topic again - God knows I wish I wasn't back to this place but my almost 5 year old made a comment a few days ago when we were channel surfing and found a repeat of the VP debate, which of course I stopped to look at.

Until my kid wise beyond her years said "Turn that off! I can't stand her hyperbole!!!" I was stunned, then scrambling to remember what hyperbole means. It was one of those moments where I instincively knew but if someone were to come up to me, I wouldn't be able to phrase it. So I looked it up and below, from Webster's Online:

Etymology:
Latin, from Greek hyperbolē excess, hyperbole, hyperbola, from hyperballein to exceed, from hyper- + ballein to throw — more at devil
Date:
15th century
: extravagant exaggeration (as “mile-high ice-cream cones”)
— hy·per·bo·list \-list\ noun

Again, the chills ran down my back at just how damn perceptive my eldest offspring is. Then a couple of days later Palin started levelling the now infamous charges that Barack Obama pals around with William Ayers, who was active in Weather Underground during the 1960s and therefore he's a terrorist sympathizer if not a flat out terrorist himself. A quick
fact check from CNN clarifies this, like everything else Palin says as at least hyperbole if not flat out BS.

And how funny the word "hyperbole" is so associated with the word "devil" when That Woman has driven supporters at rallies to behave like mobs of rabid animals.

Palin power my ASS, say hello to People Power on November 4th. Maybe not so coincidentally that's the day my daughter turns 5.

Well Gosh Darn, It's a Noun, a Verb and a Shout Out!

2008-10-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

Unfreaking believable. Is she at the MTV Music awards or running for Vice President?

On another note, I am glad Joe Biden had a chance to remind voters that for the first few years he was in the Senate, he was a single father and he understands how tough it is to balance a full time job and family. I think this won him alot of hearts and his command of the issues won the minds of the voters.

Because I've Neglected the Preppy

2008-10-02T08:07:00.001-07:00

Part of Preppycrat, here's a breath of fresh air from the elections. Over Labor Day weekend, we had a friend from Manhattan visit for the weekend. We had a free morning, it was a beautiful day and we decided to go for a drive to a place that was as different from NYC as it could be, the Virginia horse country.

Middleburg has unsung glories. Amongst the upscale restaurants and pubs, antique stores and art galleries we found an excellent second hand store, The Middleburg Humane Foundation thrift shop. The draw here is the riding boots - not for equestrians and equestriennes only! MHF has brand new boots, all leather, beautifully made for $50/pair. Who would have thunk it?

Another treasure we found was the Salamander Touch, a gift shop selling everything from funny and unique greeting cards, to jewelry and leather messenger bags, to Blue Q gifts, and for the men several scents from Royall Fragrances. You can even find something for the kids here from the Guess How Much I Love You line of baby care products. "Doc" is thrilled with his Royall Spyce cologne and the little princesses love Guess How Much I Love You lotion. Mommy loves that it's paraben free.

And my pal from Manhattan? She had a blast, loved being in the country and seeing the men and boys walking down the street in their polo jerseys only added to the exoticness of the day.

We're planning on going back when she's in town again.

Sometimes Real Feminists Wear Ties

2008-10-01T14:11:00.000-07:00

And I'm not talking about those horrid 1980s floppy bow ties us poor women had to wear so we could be imitation males in the workplace. Thank G*d those days are gone.

What I am talking about is that 4th person in the mix in Campaign 2008 who, for liking to talk, isn't getting much attention, Joe Biden. Many people hope he lets That Woman do most of the talking in the debate tomorrow night. Including me. Many hope he refuses to pile on about who he knows and what he's done in his 35 years in the Senate lest he seem condescending. Others hope he treats That Woman exactly like he would another man because fair is fair if she is going to accept being John McCain's running mate and enter the bigtime. And everyone is saying women could make the difference between us having a President Obama or a President McCain (I'm choking as I type those last two words, yuck).

With that in mind, here's advice I have heard touched on here and there but only indirectly. This year, the running mate more interested in women, who's done more for them is not the woman, it's the man. Also, the nominee who's been a single parent is yep, the guy, not the woman. "Doc" stays home with our kids and I am eternally grateful. But even though he does, it's hard enough finding that work/family balance. Sometimes my girls want Mommy. Only Mommy. So I can only imagine how hard it must have been to commute 2 hours each way from a new job with huge responsibilities back home to his two kids under the age of 5. After having lost his wife in that car accident. In his book "Promises to Keep" Joe says he had a lot of help from his sister Valerie and his mother but again, there had to be lots of times the boys wanted and needed their Dad. He also said in the book that he asked his staffers to put his kids through to him when they called regardless of where he was or who he was meeting with. He gets it. I hope tomorrow night he lets everyone who is watching know that he gets it. He need not discuss That Woman returning to work three days after having a child with Down's syndrome (I'll do that and bash away because to me it's not bringing her family into the spotlight, it's bringing her callousness and judgment into the spotlight).

I know damn near every woman watching who's wrestled with work/family balance will nod their heads knowingly if Joe discusses this. And I wonder what That Woman will be able to say in response. It might be another deer in headlights moment.

Dave Made Me Do It

2008-10-01T07:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, I fibbed. The last entry I made wasn't the last salvo on Sarah Palin. I really believe each one is the last and really mean to promise not to blog about her anymore but I just can't help it. She's Campaign 2008's train wreck, hell she's this year's mid air collision between two jumbo jets. And I'm only human, I can't resist looking. Then Dave Letterman jumping into the fray when McCain went awol on him

So here it is, the inevitable Top 10 List - Why I'm more qualified than Sarah Palin to be the Republican Vice Presidential nominee:

10) My ex husband's ex boss lived a block away from Observatory Circle so I know if I ever got lost I could find my way back to my house.

9) Everyone knows to avoid the water in Mexico but I know not to drink the water in Paris either.

8) At the neighborhood mongolian bbq recently, I impressed the cook with my selection of noodles and veggies and no meat. So I could probably find something to eat if I went on a state visit to a part of China where meat is not eaten frequently.

7) I've been huntin' with "Doc" (my hubby) and we even took the baby. That's right on a hunting trip. Hunting ghosts in Gettysburg.

6) I don't look like Tina Fey but I do look like Mare Winningham, only with darker hair.

5) "Doc" in a past life worked in a building where the residents were mostly Russian, and he speaks it passably.

4) I don't speak with that Fargo meets Alaska accent but people tell me once in awhile I do sound veddy british (I lived in the London 'burbs briefly as a kid)

3) I actually READ periodicals. Neener, neener neener!

2) I have British Gifts as an active application on my Facebook account.

And the #1 reason I'm more qualified to be the Vice Presidential nominee:

1) That time I had to make a pit stop but it was too late because we were boarding our plane in London. I waited, and went...after the plane landed in Baltimore.

My Last Salvo on That Woman - Don't Steal This Look!

2008-09-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

What is up with the lipliner outside the edge of her lips?

I know I know, meow, hiss, put the claws away Preppycrat. But still, she DID agree to be McCain's running mate and if she's going to put herself out there front and center her looks are fair game. The looks and sartorial style of the gents have also been fair game.

She's attractive, she doesn't need the overflowing lip color look. Or those shoes.

From Night, Into Day

2008-09-19T09:25:00.001-07:00

I know it's a chunk of time but please play the video of McCain on the view, then this one of Joe Biden in Wooster Ohio. The contrast is amazing:

Officially Sick of Sarah Palin

2008-09-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

And sick of the mainstream media coverage of her but thank gawd for the women of The View. I wanna be Babawa Wawa when I grow up.

I sincerely believe this is required viewing for everyone, women, kids and the men who love them.

Still More ID (Intellectual Dishonesty)

2008-09-08T10:29:00.000-07:00

I've made it an acronym, that's how much I'm finding. Might as well save some keystrokes.

This is from the Wall St. Journal, no bastion of the liberal left, copied in its entirety and not behind a cut. Do as I say, not as I do, again. What on earth would she end up doing with the federal budget if she, a self proclaimed small government politician, did this to Wasilla's?

She may be the running mate but she's only a heartbeat away.

Feel free to forward to anyone you want, dear readers.

Palin's Hockey Rink Leads To Legal Trouble in Town She Led

By MICHAEL M. PHILLIPS September 6, 2008; Page A5
WASILLA, Alaska -- The biggest project that Sarah Palin undertook as mayor of this small town was an indoor sports complex, where locals played hockey, soccer, and basketball, especially during the long, dark Alaskan winters.

The only catch was that the city began building roads and installing utilities for the project before it had unchallenged title to the land. The misstep led to years of litigation and at least $1.3 million in extra costs for a small municipality with a small budget. What was to be Ms. Palin's legacy has turned into a financial mess that continues to plague Wasilla.

"It's too bad that the city of Wasilla didn't do their homework and secure the land before they began construction," said Kathy Wells, a longtime activist here. "She was not your ceremonial mayor; she was in charge of running the city. So it was her job to make sure things were done correctly."

Ms. Palin cited her mayoral duties as partial evidence of her executive experience. Dianne Woodruff, a Wasilla city councilwoman and critic of Ms. Palin's performance, agreed.
"If people are going to be voting on her based on her experience as Wasilla's mayor, then they should know how she did in the job," Ms. Woodruff said, "the good, the bad and the ugly."
online.wsj.com/article/SB122065537792905483.html

More Intellectual Dishonesty

2008-09-05T08:09:00.001-07:00

This is horrible. I wasn't aware of the republicans holding a "so called" tribute to 9/11, until this morning because I refused to watch the last night of the republican national convention. But I'm aware of it and of Keith Olbermann's reaction now, and my hat goes off to Keith for apologizing to the country for MSNBC showing it. I truly believe he didn't realize this part of the program was coming and was as shocked and sickened by it as anyone, except maybe those on the dark side.

Watch the "so called" tribute to 9/11 at your discretion and please PLEASE tell me what this has to do with going to war in Iraq. And tell me how they can say the war is being won when Osama is STILL at large.

Each time I visit my parents' gravesite in Arlington, I see the wall of the Pentagon that was hit on 9/11 and I see more troops "coming home" from Iraq and grandparents burying them. I remember I was in NYC less than 48 hours before the attacks and in the basement of the WTC the Friday before. Again, my blood runs cold.

It is morally wrong for grandparents to have to say goodbye to grandchildren, and for parents to have children taken away from them for a pack of lies. If that's not offensive enough, it has to be the absolute height of intellectual dishonesty.

Where is Bin Laden? The question remains 7 years later.

Intellectual Dishonesty

2008-09-04T09:50:00.000-07:00

Though I'm adamant on this blog being about ideas and style and not me personally, from time to time I will refer to my parents in this blog because they have shaped alot of my ideas. They were older, grew up in the 1930s and both served our country in World War II, Dad then married to his first wife enlisted and fortunately for my half brother and sister who were small at the time was sent to a battleship in the south Pacific, far away from active conflict. Mom had yet to meet my Dad and was one of the many single women who came from all over the country to work for the government when the war broke out. She was an editor at the State Department and when the time came for restabilization efforts in Manila and Okinawa and people were needed to go over there, she went. They loved this country and unfortunately both are gone now, but as a testament to how much they loved America, both are buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

We frequently had dinner table conversations about politics, especially in that intense period around 1971 and 1972 where my Dad would complain of President Nixon's habit of "wanting to make one thing perfectly clear" or saying something was "crystal clear". How could he talk like that when he covered up *something* in Watergate, when he may well have erased tape? He would always then go on to say he was intellectually dishonest.

I wonder what my Dad would say today to a Republican party whose candidates for President and Vice President make Nixon look like a completely transparent, open guy. Much has been said about Sarah Palin these past few days but what makes me the angriest is not the family issues but the intellectual dishonesty.

In her acceptance speech last night she spoke of being a maverick, of saying thanks but no thanks to the Gravina Island Bridge, also known as the Bridge to Nowhere. She spoke of refusing to take congressional monies for many things. But what's this? And what would be done, could be done with $91 million dollars. Probably a LOT for teenage mothers.

Even The Heritage Foundation has spoken out against this project. The same group that on its homepage touts Sarah Palin's proposals and grasp of energy issues.

This is intellectual dishonesty at its best, never mind the many MANY other reasons these people do not and MUST not represent our country or be given responsibility of any kind. When I contrast this dishonesty, and her acceptance speech last night with Senator Biden's acceptance speech at last week's DNC, I am as proud to be a Democrat as I have ever been.

Family Values Part 2

2008-09-03T07:59:00.000-07:00

The Obama/Biden campaign is declaring children off limits and I agree they should be. My kids aren't teenagers yet but I've seen plenty of my friends struggle with raising them. It's not easy, some never outgrow being teenagers and some do, but have to learn the hard way...alot, before finally becoming adults.

That said, I feel my post about Palin leaving Trig, her 3 day old baby with Downs syndrome to return to work speaks of HER, not of her child. As one of my friends put it over the weekend, a woman isn't even fully recovered from childbirth 3 days after, it takes weeks, not days. And that's assuming the baby does not have health issues. What does this say about Palin's willingness to bond with her new baby? Isn't a primary family value taking time TO bond with a new baby? Most reasonable people would think so. Some of course can't afford to stay home with our new babies for very long and have to return to work, or else. But from all indications, Palin did not have to return to work 3 days after Trig was born.

Most of us regardless of our political beliefs would argue Hillary Clinton is a very very ambitious woman. Those on the other side have done it blatently and brought her daughter into their arguments. But I could never, ever see Hillary leaving a 3 day old baby to go back to work. If anyone feels otherwise, I say look at Chelsea Clinton, Oxford educated, by all appearances a great daughter, and a successful human being.

I think this is the real issue, you just can't say you're for family values if you willingly abandon a baby 3 days after its birth to rush back to work.

What Family Values?

2008-08-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, so Sarah Palin had her baby with Down's syndrome which is admirable when many were telling her not to. She is staunchly opposed to abortions. Who isn't really? The difference is us reasonable people believe in access to birth control so there ARE fewer abortions. But I digress....

But IMO returning to work only 3 days after the baby is born is definitely NOT a family value. Suppose the tables were turned and she was, say, a senator from Delaware who had lost her spouse in a car accident. I somehow could not see her going through the hassles of commuting to and from home each night after work to be with her kids if she had someone else to look after them. Not if she's willing to walk away from a 3 day old newborn and to top that, one with Down's syndrome.

The mind boggles. The mind remembers Barney Frank's quip about life beginning at conception and ending at birth.

Do we REALLY want someone like this a heartbeat away? I don't. I'll take the guy who can and has changed diapers but who's also stood up to Slobodan Milosevic.

I'm a reasonable person.

Lavender Moon Soap Company

2008-08-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

I dithered on whether to blog about this find - was fragrance and bath really relevant to a preppy, political blog?

I decided that yes, it was. Because every preppy I've met, whether they're a sporty prep wearing a polo shirt and chinos or a more upper east side kind of prep in an LBD or business suit, cares about the total package. His or her hair is nicely styled, maybe simply, maybe in a way that needs more maintenance but on him or her it looks just right. And he or she usually prefers some sort of fragrance. It's usually a just showered kind of scent, could be citrusy, on women maybe a light floral. Sometimes it's a more intense spicy fragrance but never applied in a heavy handed way. Most of us modern preppies need to work so we can live in the (nearly always) ONE house we own and don't want our coworkers or fellow commuters to be overpowered by fragrance.

Various places I've discovered in the past year have had little attention but are either right in the suburbs, or not far away. Lavender Moon is such a place. Located in the Creekside Shopping Center in Winchester, it offers a variety of soaps, bath gels, lotions, bath teas, even gifts for the little ones. I bought the Hydrangea and Fabulous scents. Fabulous is indeed worthy of its name, citrusy but with a floral hint. Hydrangea is a shower fresh floral, very grown up and not sweet but not heavy either, a nice compliment to a preppy look or to wear in the office.

It's a huge plus that the packaging has a preppy but sophisticated sensibility too, featuring various sizes of polka dots and trimmed with polka dot ribbon...in lavender and black. It's also a huge plus that yes, for those of you who can't make it to Winchester, there's an online store.

I can't wait to go back for the soaps. Lovely and indeed fabulous.

Let Warner Be Warner

2008-08-26T12:48:00.001-07:00

There's worry that Mark Warner's keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention won't sound quite the right note, that it will be too bipartisan, not meaty, not angry.

I say count to 10 folks, be patient, the Democrats are warming up and Mark Warner being from Virginia, a decidedly purple place, is going to sound just the right notes for tonight. This is strange territory, it's not quite the North or the South, and not quite Red or Blue anymore (though I'm hoping like mad it will be a BLUE violet after November). And he is trying to get a job, that of US Senator from a decidedly purple place.

What's more we are a big tent. Unlike the Dark Side, we can and should have diversity not just in terms of race and gender, but in how we get things done and get our message across. Everyone has a purpose in this.

After this warm up, the zingers will come. Tomorrow night in prime time.

Biden Now More Than Ever

2008-08-20T13:29:00.000-07:00

This is many things; alarming, depressing, interesting and I truly hope the spokesperson quoted in the article isn't playing down tensions when he says the freeze on Russia's NATO activities is a regional issue that needs to be sorted, and not a global issue.

As that old song "Anticipation" is going through my head and I'm checking email way too often for that promised first heads up from the Obama campaign, I'm going through all of his possibilities in my mind and thinking of all the crap that's going on in the world. I like them all, they have great credentials and all seem to work well with other people but THE one person who has the right combination of qualities keeps being Biden. He's fiesty, he knows everyone in DC and many leaders overseas, he's smart and knowledgeable, and Barack's said it himself, he needs someone with experience who could if - God forbid - need be, take over as President himself.

Hillary despite her gaffe about sniper fire, is knowledgeable as well. But Biden is more so, he's been working in foreign policy since 1972.

Him sitting down with the Russians and Georgians would not only be interesting theater, it might be just what they need to resolve their differences sanely, and safely. The world needs this.

Obama/Biden 2008

2008-08-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

I know, I've changed my mind about this one. At one time, I wanted Barack to pick Hillary as his running mate. However, with the exception of certain extreme trouble makers (who are quite possibly not even Democrats to begin with so who cares what they think anyway) I believe Democrats are uniting behind Obama already regardless of who he chooses as his running mate. And I think there would be poetic justice in Hillary becoming the next Attorney General with all the BS charges levelled at her and her husband in the 1990's.

Then there's the situation in Russia and Georgia. It's interesting to me that Senator Biden and not any of the other potential running mates was the one to travel to Georgia over the weekend. Despite there being an official ceasefire, unofficially it appears that Russian forces remain there.
I love Tim Kaine, being a Virginian myself and want to see him remain as my state's Governor. But of all the picks, it's Biden who hands down has the foreign policy experience and contacts overseas. Plus, he knows EVERYONE in Washington.

Can Biden be blunt (or more) at times? Sure, but let's be honest, the US's rep overseas has gone to hell in a handbasket, and understandably. He has the foreign policy chops to help Barack fix it.

It's Not Easy Being Green

2008-08-12T10:57:00.001-07:00

Kermit was right, and probably didn't even know just HOW right on so many levels.

I've always considered myself an environmentalist. Maybe it comes from having parents who were older and grew up in the 30s when nobody threw anything out because you might have to use your food money to replace it. Maybe it's from being a 70s era kid who grew up seeing those green, white and yellow striped ecology stickers and patches everywhere. Maybe it's a reaction to Reagan and both Bushes. Who knows.

My first rude awakening came in the 90s when I was working on Capitol Hill and attended a Congressional Research Service seminar on the environment. My first handout was entitled "Make Your Environment Dirtier: Recycle More"

WTF? This is a seminar put out by a supposedly nonpartisan organization?

I never had a chance to look into why we were getting this tripe, or complain about the swagger and bias of the CRS staffer who gave the seminar. I wanted to but time is time. Fast forward to a few days later when I'm rinsing out the recyclables. And rinsing, and rinsing. Then finally giving up and letting the jar soak. And wondering if this CRS dude had a point.

A few years later in Grad school economics class I was handed an article about how low flush toilets actually generated more water than the "conventional" kind. Again, I figured what innovation comes from economists? They tend to want the status quo. But I started seeing they were right about alot of these so called "low flush" toilets. I now use the "old" bathroom at work and avoid the other where I have to flush the "low flush" toilet several times.

The latest is the proliferation of books on how to live a green lifestyle and many have great ideas on how to do it, like using natural materials to clean around the house and how to find products that have been tested on people, not animals, but that are safe for the whole family.

But you might want to consider buying a used copy, or if you want to buy new and support your local bookstore, how about buying it and circulating it amongst friends? If you have old, not eco friendly cleaners around the house, use them up then get or make new ones. Instead of organic cotton baby clothes, maybe buying some new with tags off of Ebay. If you have old jewelry that's broken and not resellable, donate the bits and pieces to a crafty friend or take on a new hobby and get some fun new accessories nobody else will have.

We don't need to stop buying stuff and enjoying new stuff completely. How fun would life be? How good would that be for our crummy economy? We can reuse more though, or share what we don't need single items of for ourselves. And rethink what we buy for kids, they really don't need all that stuff.

Really. My eldest got a secondhand play kitchen set for Christmas a few years ago and we finally got rid of it because it had become completely worn out. Instead of getting her alot of little things, I have this in mind for her birthday.

Having fun, and buying less but better...priceless.

THANK YOU LA!

2008-08-12T07:14:00.000-07:00

Story that is, and to Stevie Wilson specifically. What a wonderful piece you wrote about my lil old blog and about Knits, etc my unsung find in Tyson's Galleria.

Mega awesomeness. Both coasts covered. Yes, DC does have style and though new to the blogging scene I truly hope to uncover it

Michelle Obama + Trufflebeads = Landslide Style

2008-08-01T08:54:00.000-07:00

Today's Daily Candy For Washington DC has an article on a great accessory idea; Trufflebeads. These are made by Zulu women in South Africa and come in a number of styles and jewelry types; earrings, bracelets and several necklace styles. Their colorways range from blacks with greys and golds to more multicolored styles like this.

They would be a great addition to Michelle Obama's pearl necklace with shift look, updating the preppieness of the shift with some color and worldstyle. And of course supporting the Masai women at the same time. There's style with substance for you.

Being one of those "cosmopolitan preppy" types who tends to black vs navy, yours truly is eyeing this bracelet. Would add much oomph to a twinset or simple shell with straight black linen skirt.

Unsung Spot for Preppy Sweaters

2008-07-25T17:12:00.000-07:00

From time to time I will blog about stores in my area and before I do, will make sure that they haven't had much attention, if any, from the blogosphere. I found one on a trip to Tyson's Galleria a few days ago, Knits etc. I'd walked by this store many a time on the way to my friend Bill's store Art With Flowers on the third floor. But this time something caught my eye, a pink A line knit skirt with a solid underskirt and an overskirt that appeared to be the "car wash" style but was actually strips of solid knit sewn over transparent knit. Ahhh, perfect for my company's holiday party later this year (last year I'd made the mistake of shopping WAY too late for it and dammit, the perfect dress was not available in my size). But not in pink...in black. On I go into the store and what finds! Almost everything was on sale, and I found a nice selection of sweaters in classic styles, v necks, cardigans, shells, all in the $25-$50 range. Knits etc carries a variety of scarves, handbags, dresses and yes, the skirt I wanted came in a number of colors including black. The handbags were all in the $85 to $135 range in pleather vs leather if you are looking for manmade options, and nary a magnetic closure on the bags that I could see but pushlocks and zippers. Nice because I'm in that camp that swears the magnetic closures on bags ruin ATM and credit cards.

Knits etc, is on the second floor near the Sur La Table store.

Going, Going, Gone to Benefit the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation

2008-07-14T14:08:00.001-07:00

No doubt you've seen this if you're an Obama supporter. How would you like to own it?

A very dear online friend has forwarded me the following. You'll want to hurry if you'd like to bid on this and the profits go to a very good cause:

[ Los Angeles- July 14, 2008] Shepard Fairey, the contemporary artist whose irreverent works have deconstructed the meaning and methods of propaganda, ironically became the creator of one of the most potent political images in recent history - the OBAMA "HOPE" poster. The image found such immediate resonance with Obama supporters that it became ubiquitous throughout the primary campaign and across the web. Now, at the request of Russell Simmons, Shepard has donated one of three fine art versions of the poster to the charity auction, Art For Life, an annual event which benefits Simmons' Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation. This piece is approximately 4 foot x 6 foot in size and is a mixed media stencil collage on cotton rag paper. This "HOPE" may be the only fine art piece of this image available to the public, and is one of only three in existence. The Art For Life auction ends Tuesday, July 16 at noon. Then the online budding is closed and the highest bidders are invited to bid by phone during the live auction on July 19. Entering the online auction is the only way to enter the live auction. The online auction can be found here:http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001LiaiJ4zbqxoDJIIp_lNbq23y2Nu7-8xfVhapPrRB29puP1-36IqZT8n9QTE5H5XWw0letU78fqYYE9Ntn13sdqQzGeSXCNRs3gRSAK6QfoosMwyvw3X4CSTqUHYXWzVx6DvvXqOJVCrqp8pFuD29Q90nJCQzKx-9UCpcqcSokmsoPQmGLWI9ne9_iWV82nnxaQ0FtFyAmVwhDNdlCie7kNvKkalOQkymaC6bsCbuE94854XR4eWmYZsHvna_ZK1i ABOUT SHEPARD FAIREY Born in Charleston, South California in 1970, Shepard Fairey is a contemporary artist, graphic designer and illustrator who emerged from the skateboarding scene and became known initially for his "André the Giant Has a Posse" sticker campaign, which morphed into a multi-decade street art project called "OBEY" which redefined the reach and meaning of fine art in public spaces. Fairey graduated from Rhode Island School of Design in 1992 with a B.A. in illustration. Fairey created a series of posters supporting Barack Obama's candidacy for President in 2008, and he sits on the advisory board of Reaching to Embrace the Arts, a not-for-profit organization that provides art supplies to disadvantaged schools and students. Shepard Fairey currently resides in Los Angeles , California where he helms the design and branding company Studio Number One. For more information please visit http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001LiaiJ4zbqxqPGWEe0iRKLy8H5BEgqh_FFIa6y4IAFHpfg9fi4YqIsYuI3Ti1HuTMCE_FSQle0ZzSsDsuJGWiWyIb5Ipxjyv8y_TfjjPNNIaXyLr5Vgl-Gg==ART FOR LIFE EAST HAMPTON HISTORY ART FOR LIFE Art For Life East Hampton is Rush Philanthropic's primary outreach to friends and supporters. Through this event, thousands of children are served by helping them acquire the skills needed to build a successful life. This benefit is one of Rush Philanthropic's most important annual fundraising efforts, attended annually by a sold-out audience of more than 750 leaders in the entertainment, arts, business, and philanthropic communities. After eight sold out successful years, ART FOR LIFE is poised to make its ninth year even more exciting. The evening will honor exemplary individuals for success in their respective fields and good works to better the community. ABOUT RUSSELL SIMMONS / RUSH PHILANTHROPICRussell Simmons is responsible for bringing the culture of hip hop to world through the record companies, management concerns, clothing brands and production companies he has founded, ranging from Def Jam to Phat Farm to Def Comedy and Def Poetry Jam television series. Simmons founded Rush Philanthropic with his brother Reverend Joseph "Run" Simmons, the former lead rapper of Run DMC, in 2000. It's primary focus is bringing children arts education, sponsorship and mentorship in the arts so that they can experience the transformative effect of creative expression. Simmons has been involved in the Obama campaign since he endorsed the Senator in March, 2008.

For high resolution photography or other media related requests contact:

Evolutionary Media GroupYosi Sergant / David Scharff
http://us.mc366.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=yosi@emgpr.com / http://us.mc366.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=david@emgpr.com323/658-8700

Polyvore - Exquisite Time Waster

2008-07-08T08:23:00.000-07:00

This site will be my undoing......

Fall 2008 Fashion - Hell Freezes Over?

2008-06-23T06:49:00.000-07:00

At least according to Robin Givhan in this article from the Washington Post. In her view, many New York designers' collections seemed to have run out of new ideas and featured recycled shapes and textures like wide legged trousers and tweedy suits. Fortunately she found exceptions.

More evidence of Hell freezing over, a European fashion designer has chosen none other than Barack Obama, as her muse for her men's Fall 2008 collection.

A male politician from the US as the major fashion inspiration for a major designer's collection. Evidence either Hell has frozen over or maybe the beginning of more style entering into how politicians dress.

One can hope it's the latter. Here's to hope and change!

District Sample Sale

2008-06-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

Is happening now. More details, list of participating stores and designers, and info on the Fall 2008 sample sale here . Marimekko is one of the featured stores and I especially like their take on the classic LL Bean canvas tote shown above.

One of these days I really need to get to their store in Silver Spring, MD

Who Am I? Why Am I Here?

2008-06-07T12:07:00.000-07:00

Kudos to anyone who remembers who said that, and it harkens to the political side of my blog, not the preppy side.

So who the hell do I think I am to be starting a blog when zillions literally have done the same? Simple, I scrounged around the internet and saw that believe it or not nobody else had quite the same message. Yes there are shopping and style blogs aplenty and political too but nobody's quite intersected them yet. Until now, here.

See style does have to do with the political. Time and again, it is said how Europeans get it, how they make their look work with carefully edited clothing and accessory choices. They know what's in their closets, wear it regularly and nothing is wasted. Things don't hang there forgotten about or unworn. This ties in very nicely with the concept of being kind to the planet in general, not wasting things, not trashing things. This is a major message the Democrats are putting forth this year.

So it might not at first seem to be related, but it is. Reducing, Reusing and Recycling can make for great, great style. Having a carefully edited closet full of things to wear means you put it on and go knowing you look good. You use and wear it out. And if not worn out there are kids or friends to pass it along to.

Because we all know genuine prep involves classics that are worn and loved. - Mom's alligator bag, a pal's Burberry raincoat that she is setting aside since she no longer needs it, beloved jewelry handed down through the years.

That's who I am and why I'm here.

Brava!!

2008-06-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

Hillary Clinton has conceded to Barack Obama

This may have been one of her better speeches. I sincerely hope Mr. Obama when the dust settles decides she is the person with the grit and the experience in the DC fishbowl to stand beside him as his running mate. I hope he doesn't listen to the conventional wisdom. Much of what's been said of her I feel is simply untrue and the making of many who still plainly and simply fear womanly strength. For no good reason. I feel what's been thought of her is also wrong. A person having a strong personality and delivery can put public service ahead of ego. They aren't mutually exclusive.

Are Bill's and her finances of concern? Yes. But do we already know most of what there is to know about them? Again, I think yes. Is it worth setting those concerns aside so a win can be had and a mess cleaned up with a shovel instead of a broom?

YES. YES WE CAN.

For Senator Obama

2008-06-03T13:13:00.000-07:00

here is a breaking news story that says Hillary will run with you if it helps the Democratic party.

It would. Please remember roughly half of Democrats backed her in this long and often contentious race. Please also remember that maybe, just maybe the race was so tinged with racial and gender overtones because really, the two of you stand for very similar things. More than you disagree on. And maybe that was about the only big thing that was different about the two of you.

If you ask her to run with you, you will be unstoppable in the General election, you will have a strong tenacious ally to help clean up the messes of the past 8 years - someone who has been in the Washington DC fishbowl and knows how many sharks are waiting in it for you to have a weak moment. And you will be showing the country and yes, even the rest of the world you really are different from the rest and truly are an agent of hope and change.

Thanks, a loyal Democrat

More on Mike Turner (10th Congressional District VA)

2008-05-27T14:08:00.000-07:00

Mike is going to be on NPR/WAMU's The Politics Hour Friday May 30th. If you don't have a chance to listen the NPR/WAMU website will have a transcript an hour after the show airs.

And Taking Place on the West Coast....

2008-05-22T13:35:00.000-07:00

A candidate named Richard Hobbs is running for Santa Clara County Supervisor in California and Karita Hummer, an activist I met via the John Edwards boards is helping him to get elected. I ganked the item below with her permission :-).

I'm not putting it behind a cut because it's relevant to Democrats everywhere, we all need to start working from the ground up...whether we live in Santa Clara County, the environs of Washington DC or on a farm in Iowa. This is THE key to reclaiming our country and helping clean up the mess the Shrub, Darth Cheney and their subordinates have left for us.

Excellent read follows:

Why working down ticket, at every level, is important to taking back our Country.
by: Karita Hummer
Sat May 17, 2008 at 03:08:52 AM EDT

I am working on behalf of Richard Hobbs,, candidate for Santa Clara County Supervisor, because he represents the kind of leadership in local government that will help us build the kind of infrastructure we need in the Democratic Party to really turn our country around.I just came from a successful art fundraiser for Richard Hobbs here in San Jose in which artists donated art work that was auctioned off so that proceeds could go in to the campaign of Richard Hobbs. Richard Hobbs is a local candidate that is very reminiscent of John Edwards himself. An attorney, a populist whose passion is economic justice and opportunity, a human rights advocate, concerned with the quality of life here in our own valley and everywhere, an environmental steward, and someone utterly committed to transparency in government so that the common good and interest is always protected, he is truly a community activist that thinks globally and acts locally, and will be the kind of leader we not only need now, but will be valuable for us for a long time to come as a leader with a great future.At the Art fundraiser event tonight for Richard, I met a person from the local school board. When I told her how active I had been in the Edwards campaign, and how I now saw my effort on behalf of Richard Hobbs as actually a seemless effort, she quite agreed. She pointed out that the Republicans had known how to do this building at the local level for years and had set about building such infrastructure at every level of government and governance from the 70's on.Karita Hummer :: Why working down ticket, at every level, is important to taking back our Country.I invite you to take a look at Richard Hobbs web-site and see if you don't agree that he is really a prototype of the kind of leader we need to be developing now, so we can really hope for a future that addresses the common good throughout the land. See if you don't agree that he is exactly the kind of new blood we need among leaders in government to restore our principles, values and dignity and justice for all people. Visit:http://www.hobbsforsupervisor/....One other tip for local fundraising for local campaigns. The Art fundraiser combines politics and art very well. Artists donate quality work as a contribution to the candidate and donors have the benefit of supporting their candidate and getting a lovely painting to grace their home as well, a talking point for friends and family. Further, with an art piece in one's home, that was a donation to such a worthy candidate, it remains a tangible reflection of how you chose to support a candidate whose values are in such synchrony with your own. The painting becomes a tangible reminder of what civic engagement means to you.For more information on Richard Hobbs, go to:http://www.hobbsforsupervisor/....

Karita Hummer, Edwards Democrat

Richard Hobbs for Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, A Candidate who thinks globally and acts locally! A Candidate for now and the future. For innovation in meeting the common good! A prototype candidate for down ticket, for a very strong Democratic Party in to the future

How to Get Vera Into Your Life (Even if you ARE old enough to remember Leisure Suits)

2008-05-16T17:50:00.001-07:00

Like many faithful preppy types, I adore Vera Bradley. But I am old enough to remember leisure suits, platform shoes and other relics of the Disco era. In my experience not all, but many women my age steer toward other handbags and accessories. I guess it feels weird seeing kids born after the Disco era carrying Vera handbags and other Vera accessories. And we want something else.

But at the same time I'm a busy Mom with a "Mom wallet" that weighs almost as much as my 8 month old daughter (wish I was fooling ya but sadly no). My solution? This, sans the strap:

Enter Vera into my life and even my back and shoulders thank me.

Now to tackle the handbag itself. That weighs about as much as my 4.5 year old.

Mike Turner Gets the Edwards Treatment From Virginia Media

2008-05-16T13:57:00.000-07:00

It was enough that John Edwards had to quit the Presidential race back in January because in large part, he was ignored by the media, both progressive and mainstream, and unable to generate enough money to stay in. But there's more, Mike Turner, candidate for Congress in Virginia's 10th District has the endorsement of the Virginia Chapter of the Progressive Democrats of America, yet he appears to be my neighborhood's version of John Edwards. A Google search barely produced any results, a Washington Post search didn't produce any.

How can this be? He's being challenged in the June 10th primary by Judy Feder, the candidate who is getting the press, and the glowing reviews in the blogosphere and the cash. But one thing she didn't get was the win against incumbent Frank Wolf in 2006, the year the Democrats finally regained control of the House after the long dry spell of the 90s and early 2000s. She not only lost, she lost by 16 points. In a year the Democrats regained control of the House after 12 years.

Mike Turner is the person I will be supporting in the June 10th Democratic Primary. Why? Not just because the Progressive Democrats of America are backing him - though that says alot to me - it's his background in issues that are the major trouble spots in our country right now. He supports A responsible Plan to End the War in Iraq a timetable for withdrawing troops from Iraq that will bring them home quickly, but safely. He backs this up with experience serving in Operation Provide Comfort under Wes Clark and Norman Schwartzkopf. Mike has served as National Director of Housing Counselling at the National Foundation for Credit Counselling, and he supports a single payer health care plan.

Please join me in lending Mike your support on June 10th. You can find out more and get on board to help Mike here