Personal Style Confidential

preppy. n. person whose manner and dress are deemed typical of traditional preparatory schools.
Typical is SO out. We may be stuck with the framework, but, I mean, who stops there? Imagine if architects only stopped at the framework when building a house. Would YOU want to be living with exposed walls and pipes? That's right. I didn't think so. In a school where everyone looks the same, wouldn't you want to stand out? Believe it or not, it's ACTUALLY fun and easy to dress up (or down!) your uniform to show your own personal style! But first, you might want to figure out what your personal style IS.
Some things to do to discover your own personal style:
1. Make an inspiration board (or a notebook for that matter). Go through magazines and pick out what you like and whatever gets a reaction out of you. Things in my inspiration book: Louis Vuitton 50's-inspired dresses, a picture of Karl Lagerfeld, gigantic Balenciaga platforms, and a watch that looks like a snake. Seem totally random? Yeah! It kind of is! But it'll get you thinking - what is the connection between these things, why did I choose them, and what does that say about my style?
2. Look at what your favorite celebrities are wearing. Celebrities get access to the best stylists around, so of course they dress well - most of the time. Find one of your favorites and analyze THEIR style. What is it about their style that you would want to emulate? Personally, I would want to steal Rachel Bilson's Chloe bag collection and hide it in my closet to keep forever and if anyone asked me about it I'd totally deny it. But that's just me :)
3. Go through what you have. Maybe your grandmother's old belt would look really cool with those new shoes. Maybe you can snatch a funky tie from your brother. Try to look at an outfit in a new way each time you go to put it on. Sometimes, one can create a new persona with what they feel like wearing: in my black bow and a stand-out headband I can pretend I'm in Gossip Girl, or I can keep my hair wavy with chunky earrings and channel my inner flower child. It's your personal style that determines how you put unexpected things to good use.
Mission statement? No. I'd say it was more of a mission. You, my dear reader, are now on the path to discovering your personal style and learning how to let show (even through your school's "typical" uniform)!
IN: Classic extras, (faux!) fur, and being preppy
OUT: unflattering neons, eyeliner only on the bottom lashline, and BEING TYPICAL!