PREP NEXT DOOR: TACKY TAG VS. TRUE PREP

I'll show you lots of spots to find some of your good looking clothing...hopefully, for less. It's possible. Not everyone has the eye and not everyone has the time. I'll keep you updated when there's good information to share. I learned that in Kindergarten and I remember what I was wearing! Trust me. Trust my information.
I have a few more Walmart items to look at. They are absolutely not meant to replace the quality of our upscale favorites. You should be aware of some of your choices should you need to get a quick fix on a low budget! Who knows why you may need this information. With my family history and retail history, I cannot help but notice the great knock offs...and this is only Walmart. Wait until you see the rest.... I have the eye to spot them a mile away. I'd love to help you to be aware. That's all it takes. Awareness!

Here are some more classic polo shirts from Walmart.

MEN'S:

"PREP-ALIKES" MAKE A SPLASH!

You must take note of some of these cute boots like we see in some of the more upscale stores. They are adorable. Especially if your little Muffin has 33 pairs of adorable shoes and boots and Jack Rogers Sandals and J.Crew flip flops...33 of each, that is.

These are just c-u-t-e! T.T.F.W.! Too cute for words! And they are at Walmart!

Who would think such a thing would be possible. Especially since these are made from plastic. This style, no matter what price you pay at any store...$15.00 is probably all they are worth. Unless there is a spectacular pair at an upscale store that you ADORE, these are pretty fun. If your little Muffin is likely to toss them aside in a few weeks, she may be delighted with these "PREP-ALIKES."

OUR LITTLE SECRET!

Our little Bitsy just loves her Victoria's Secret itty bitty teeny tiny boxers. Actually, it seems everything that Victoria's Secret sells is itty bitty teeny tiny For a teen who lives in the world of fancy sleepovers and pajama parties, Victoria's Secret sells the all cotton boxer shorts with a coordinating ribbon tie.

"FANCY PANTS"

Surprise! You thought those boxers were from the "FANCY PANTS" store. They do make lovely things. The boxers above are from Walmart! Surprise! They are a PREP-ALIKE!

Below, you will see the boxer shorts from Lei Jean Co. at Walmart. Not quite as good looking as the itty bitty boxers above. I think it's the white piping that takes away from the shorts. The bandana print is very cute and colors great. You'll have to see in person if they have they have the "TACKY TAG"....usually, the stitching or buttons give anything iffy away! Never risk anything that gives you an inkling of TACKY TAG!

Are you sure of your PREP self. Do you know the difference between quality and TACKY TAGS or do you just buy what has a label with a name to be safe. There are some who play that game. Without PREP confidence or confidence in general, anyone can grab a label. PREP is in. Everyone out there buys PREP by finding a label that makes them feel safe.

As we all know, many old school families live by the old saying,"Use it up, throw it out, clean it up or do without!" Now that's the real deal. It's only since the 80's that CONSPICUOUS PREP has become prevalent in our culture, that would be those who work at PREP!

Was that due to the Preppy Handbook by Lisa Birnbach's book coming out in the early 80's? Did that contribute to the PREP CRAZED NATION?

It's noted in this New York Times article by Carol McD Wallace is a commentary on the lifestyle and how the PREP lifestyle became a style. Ralph Lauren Polo may have helped to make it a style more than a way of life.

Lisa Birnbach really had a ball writing that book and woo! how it blew off the shelves! Now, the new interest is a follow up book, Prep

Well, it's interesting to compare. 100% Cotton is a big part of the quality! Even Walmart has 100% Cotton! There are lots of outlets and off price stores to find good merchandise! Even big names.

FRUITY PREP COLORS!

The Fruit of the Loom under garments are in great pinks and greens, polka dots and stripes. The cute is with a capital C. They are not from the FANCY PANTS store, Victoria's secret. They seem to have achieved the look that will attract the PREP TEEN shopper!

There is a follow up Preppy Handbook! You must be aware of it by now. It was big news in the New York Times article updating our knowledge base of Prep.

The new book, True Prep , is due out in August 2010.

It should be a big beach read in all of our favorite summer spots. I bet those who read it the first time will be digging their feet in the sand in their favorite summer destinations.

THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR ITSY BITSY

PREPS IN TRAINING!

Our little Bitsy's and Buffy's and Tray's and Biff's learn at an early age to love the outdoors. Puddle jumping begins in these cute boots and years later these little preps may be puddle jumping in little planes The Vineyard or Nantucket or Maine summer colonies. These little puddle boots are great for the thrifty prep who knows their little splasher will be growing fast.