Must Add Preppy Books to Your Fall Reading List: Part 1

I resently stubbled apoun some books on Amazon that are all about Prep!!!!! They have defenatly been aded to my Fall/Winter reading list and I hope that they will be added to yours too!!! I don't have a lot of time to read books that I pick, most of the books that I read during the year are books for English. But they will most defiantly be read during my Holiday Brake in December.

The Official Preppy Handbook by Lisa Birnbach

"It is the inalienable right of every man, woman and child to wear khaki. Looking, acting, and ultimately being Prep is not restricted to an elite minority lucky enough to attend prestigious private schools, just because an ancestor or two happened to arrive here on the Mayflower. You don't even have to be registered Republican. In a true democracy everyone can be upper class and live in Connecticut. It's only fair. The Official Preppy Handbook will help you get there." - Amazon Summary 

So this book was originally published in 1980 and I think that it would be a great read for three reasons: 1) It is taking a preppy look from 30 years ago that would be great to read about and see how the prep culture and fashion has changed. 2) It looks like it would be really funny while being supper true. 3) Come on it is the "Official Preppy Handbook"!!! 

Or

True Prep: It's a Whole New Old World by Lisa Birnbach

" “Wake up, Muffy. We’re back.”

From Lisa Birnbach, the author of The Official Preppy Handbook—and designer Chip Kidd—comes a whole new take on the prep world that Birnbach turned into an international best-selling phenomenon thirty years ago.

True Prep is a contemporary look at how the old guard of natural-fiber-loving, dog-worshipping, G&T-soaked preppies adapt to the new order of things. Birnbach considers the prep attitude towards money (ambivalent), schools (good investment), wardrobe (now your clothes fit), work (some careers will never be prep), decorating (ask mummy), scandal (including rehab and prison), and food and drink (with some classic recipes for both). She also looks at weekends (and what to do to get asked back), entertaining, sports (including sailing and shopping), weddings, etiquette, the Internet and electronic gadgetry, political correctness, reality TV, and . . . polar fleece. And last but not least: a do-it-yourself eulogy. 

With more than 200 original illustrations and photographs, True Prep promises to be a whole new, old sensation." - Amazon Summary

From the same author of "The Official Preppy Handbook", Lisa Birnbach. This book was published in 2011. I have a feeling that this is like an updated version of "The Official Preppy Handbook" that was published 30 years ago. This also may include the high Nike socks with Sperry's look that half the boys in my class rock almost everyday. 

Preppy: Cultivating Ivy Style by Jeffery Banks, Doria de La Chapelle - Forward by Lilly Pulitzer

"The authoritative fashion history of the roots, growth, and offshoots of the quintessentially American preppy style.  Preppy offers the first definitive and in-depth volume on preppy fashion, exploring its evolution from its pragmatic origins and presence on elite Eastern campuses in America to its profound influence internationally and metamorphosis on the runway. For the first time, the preppy story is told completely and beautifully with iconic and never-before-published archival and editorial photographs and personal snapshots from the original Ivy elites. 

Exploring all facets of men’s and women’s preppy fashion, this vibrant volume is replete with photographs and vintage ads illustrating the iconic elements of prep: from Oxford shirts, khakis, and Shetland sweaters to Peter Pan collars, madras pants, and Lilly Pulitzer tropical blooms. Authors Jeffrey Banks and Doria de La Chapelle also examine the fashion designers who played a major role in shaping the preppy look, from retail pioneers J.Press and Brooks Brothers to Ralph Lauren, who single-handedly marketed not just a look but a lifestyle. Also featured: a band of young twenty-first century Ivy stylists and fashion labels worldwide, who have infused preppy with high-octane design on and off the runway. Preppy is a stunning tribute to an American phenomenon." - Amazon Summary

The forward is by Lilly Pulitzer. Enough said. Well for me at least. I think this will be great read and very interesting because it will show you the side of the designer and the thinks that have defined prep: the brands and the stores. 

These have already been added to my fall/winter reading list! thank you for reading and have a great day! Tomorrow is part 2 of this series! 

Your Faithful Prepster, 

mSv