hey

I'm Mariel. My style is caught somewhere between a prepster obsession with plaid and the hard hitting trends of the big city. Employee at kate spade new york HQ, Astoria resident, big fan of the internet (I also blog at mariel and matt and mariellie.) All opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

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27 October 11

Talbots Spring/Summer 2012

Yesterday I stopped by the Talbots showroom for a sneak peek of their Spring/Summer collection. Based on past collections, I knew it was going to be good, but this was honestly my favorite yet.

Talbots’ designer Chris Jackson walked me through the collection, explaining the inspiration and reasoning behind each delivery. February’s capsule began with the sourcing of some amazing batik ikats and their brilliant indigo hues and grew from there with the addition of mulberry purples, royal blues, and grounding neutrals. 

February’s color palette

March is all about pattern play - isn’t that ombre polka dot dress to die for?

Black grounded florals mix in nicely with March’s optic black and white. Chris explained that patterned pants, while perfectly on trend at this moment, have been part of the Talbots DNA since their founding in 1947.

Then we move into my favorite month - May. The Talbots design team must’ve known it was my birthday month, because this delivery was made for me. It was inspired by the beauty of the Greek Isles - the shimmering blues of the Mediterranean sea and the stark white of the stucco buildings.

This color palette on such easy shapes is the perfect way to welcome summer. I must have that chic orange and pink dress, which comes in a navy and white colorway, too.

In June, we’re in the thick of summer, and the Talbots designers channeled the subjects of Slim Aarons’ photographs for a mix of eyelet, candy colored florals, and tons of tunics that could easily be worn poolside or off to the office. Guipure lace makes a big statement in soft shades of pear green and cotton candy pink - that delicious pencil skirt is a ladylike way to do the Christopher Kane neon lace that I was pining over last spring, so it’s made it on my wish list along with these ballet flats.

Wow.

These paisley palazzo pants are a showstopper - I could totally see The Glamourai rocking them with some killer heels!

Talbots spring and summer collections totally hit the nail on the head. If only we could just skip winter and fast forward to sunshine so I could shop this collection sooner!

*Editor’s note: A previous version of this post mislabeled February’s delivery as April.

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31 May 11

Reader Question - Preppy Staples, Part 2

I recently received this question from a reader named Paola…

I’m a sophomore in high school and I am going to attend a new school next year which is a lot bigger than my school now. I wanted to change up my style a little bit and go for the preppy look. Right now my style is somewhere between prep and hipster, mostly I just shop at places like Forever 21 and the Gap. But lately I’ve fallen in LOVE with the preppy look. I’ve been looking online a lot and J Crew, LL Bean and Anthropologie are my favorites so far, but I don’t know where to start!? So what do you think are the main essentials that I should have? 

Thanks, Paola, for writing! I answered a similar question regarding preppy staples for the fall season, but I thought I’d give you some more ideas for the warm weather months. Even though you’re on a student’s budget, keep in mind here is that preppy style is classic - you’re investing in some items you’ll use for years and will never go out of style.  I included practical purchases as well as a couple of lustworthy inspiration pieces.

1. Seersucker and Madras

clockwise from left: lands’ end canvas mini, juicy couture blazer, j crew top, tahari shirtdress, ae sandals, kjp headband, anthropologie sandals, old navy shorts, j crew shorts

These classic fabrics are the most cheerful way to dress for sunshine. Plus, patchwork madras and naturally wrinkled seersucker will travel well on weekend getaways —no need to iron to look polished.

Read More

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19 May 10

Guest Post: Beach Boy

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(sorry the photos are so dark)

Saturday, May 15

This is my dashing friend, Stephen. He was awesome enough to let me photograph this outfit — his style is basically the male equivalent of mine, so it was all too perfect to feature him here!

The Outfit…


Red Plaid Button Down - J Crew

Glen Plaid Khaki Shorts - J Crew

Leather Flip Flops - Rainbow

Wayfarer Sunglasses - Ray Ban

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In his own words…

I’m kind of a sucker for plaid and thought the plaid on the shorts was subtle enough that I could mix patterns.  In general those shorts are amazing because they’re interesting enough to wear with a solid polo to make it non-boring but they’re also subtle enough to do with patterns.

I wholeheartedly agree.Though I focus mostly on my personal style and related women’s fashion here at Preppy With A Twist, there’s a reason why my pretend-BFF Jenna Lyons is always saying you should borrow from the boys! 

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17 May 10

She Sells Seashells

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Saturday, May 16

Worn on a much anticipated and much needed trip to the beach with some of my best friends from college. I wish weekends like that would go on forever…

The Outfit…

Seashell Sundress - Lilly Pulitzer via Mint Condition (Old Town Alexandria, VA)

Red Orange Cardigan - J Crew

Tortoiseshell Wayfarers - thrifted

White Leather Sandals - J Crew

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I could wear sundresses like this one all summer long with no complaints. Did you see that the shoulder straps tie in little knots? And that there are cute little buttons down the front? Plus there are pockets? Perfection.

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