True Prep Part 1

On September 7th, the Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, brought us the book that will hopefully change the lives of many young individuals in today's society.  Sadly, thanks to Amazon, I had to wait until September 9th to recieve mine.  I haven't finished the book yet; college and responsiblity have gotten in the way of me growing as a "preppy"; which sadly, is against being "prep".  Dang you, responsibility and not being able to let go as an individual.

I guess I should start at the begining.  Earlier this year, around late March, a very daper and true gentleman handed me a "book" and told me I should read it.  It was entitled, "The Official Preppy Handbook" which was written in 1980 by Lisa Birnbach. We fast forward, nearly THIRTY years, and she did it again. With the help of Chip Kidd, she released "True Prep", an update to the orginial released so many years before. 

In the old book, everything from what to wear as a child in grade school, what to drink, the rules for sex as a prep, where to attend school, even naming, was covered.  Every small detail that would define you, and your family, as prep, was covered.  True Prep, revisits these things. Updating where to shop, travel and second homes, happy hour events, drinks, to whole meals that are considered prep.  The book even explains how to treat daddy's new girlfriend, how rehab is the "new boarding school", and gives a timeline to cover the thirty year gap between the two books.  With all the details involved, I feel this book is going to help usher in a new generation of preppies and help the pantheon of preps grow.

Little did I know, how much the original book would impact my life.  The book led me to buying my first pair of "reds", to buying watchbands so I could change them as needed for outfits. I fell in love with the ideology of prepdom.  The carefree lifestyle is very attractive. The fact that a true prep cares not for tomorrow, only for the moment, is something I should grow to do.  Practicality for the future is well...non-exsistant. 


After reading the book, I learned a few things.

• To a prep, money is appreciated, but never flaunted. 
• Trends are not preppy.  Old and classic is preppy. Old and classic never have, nor ever will, go out of style.
• Pink and green, in any combination, are the true prep colors.
• Step up to the plate, and be willing to pay for what you want.  In the end, it will last longer and in the end, you will get a better product.
• Thrift is the way of life.   

Like I said above, I haven't delved into True Prep very far.  From my very brief and frequent skims, I can tell I am going to enjoy this book very much so.  Soon, I will have it read, and will share my thoughts and favorite parts with you all.

Until next time, you can follow the following link to buy your own copy of True Prep.

Buy your own copy of Lisa Birnbach's True Prep today!

Fratty Friday

Fratty: (adj.)- A word describing the look of a sterotypical fraternity brother. Usually characterized by articles of clothing such as: sunglasses on croakies, Polo shirts, canvas dock shorts/pants, fleece vests, sandals, boat shoes, Wallabees, and khaki pants/shorts. Fratty brands include (but are not limited to) Polo, Lacoste, Vineyard Vines, Brooks Brothers, Rainbow, Reef, Chaco, Moutain Hardwear, The North Face, Eddie Bauer, Timberland, Sperry, Justin, Redwing, Kavu, and Patagonia.

Friday: n. The sixth day of the week.

When you combine them both, what do you get...? Fratty Friday.

So, here at the wonderful Northeastern State University, a few of us pride ourselves on the fact that we can be "fratty". Sure, some of us are Greek, some of us aren't. Some of us have the money to dress fratty everyday, some of us don't. However, when Friday rolls around, all of those social labels are thrown aside, and we celebrate the end of the week by stepping our game up, and breaking out the big guns.

This week, I choose to go with a Green RL Polo, and a pair of what I like to call "cotton candy" madras shorts. (Others said they looked like an Easter egg, but I think Cotton Candy sounds much better) Then, what better way to finish off the ensemble than with a pair of the 75th anniversary Sperry's and the ever preppy Wayfarers(not pictured).

Cell Phone Etiquette...is there such a thing?

Today, we live in a world driven by technology.  Smart Phones, iPad, laptops and so on, all dictate how we live our lives.  They allow us to tap into our social networking sites (facebook, twitter, myspace), find nearby friends via foursquare, you can check and respond to emails, and some even allow you to download word and excel documents to view, update, and then send back to your boss. 

Being a very avid cell phone "junkie", I was a little shocked when I read To Text or Not To Text by Jenna Wortham.  I, like her, have never really thought twice about pulling my phone out and knocking out a quick reply to an email, or checking up on friends via facebook or twitter apps.

I’m tethered to my phone. If I haven’t seen it for a few minutes, or it’s suspiciously silent, I start to wonder about its well-being and feel compelled to check it. That’s because it feels like a lifeline to my circle of friends, keeps me up to date and in the know and doubles as an extension of my brain. It’s a really easy way to settle a bet, plot out a route to the next bar or find that name of an actor or album that is hovering elusively on the tip of the tongue.

This is how I feel. I am so addicted to my phone, that sometimes I think it vibrates when it really didn't. Sadly, without my cellphone, I think I would be lost. Social tools, emails, quick responses for questions via text messaging, movie info, directions to any locations with a built in GPS and google maps app, and last and CERTAINLY not least the Calender that links into Outlook express and Facebook events to help keep me up to date and on track.

My little sister, is worse than me. When we all go out to eat, she will hold her phone and text non-stop. Ignore the table conversation, and sometimes won't even eat. I talk on my phone what I would consider an average amount. However, when I looked at our bill, I saw that my sister had only talked on the phone for a total of 18 minutes last month, and that was all to our mother, and were incoming calls. So, I was shocked. She doesn't talk on the phone, at all. She just text. That would drive me insane, it must be a generational thing.

Later in her post she talks about some basic rules she has, and looking back, I think I may be in the clear.

I don't pull my phone out while eatting dinner with friends, unless we need to find a time for a movie, or something to do. During dinner, I won't text or take a call. I find it very rude when it is done to me, so why do it to someone else? That being said, when the conversation hits a slow spot, I do find myself wanting to check facebook and twitter.

During class, I refuse to check it once the teacher begins lecturing. It does, however, sit on the desk beside my notebook so I can glance and see every little bit of action going on in the "real world".

I don't check it during any meetings or anything "official". I would hate for my boss and fellows to think that I was doing something for entertainment while we are trying to handle and take care of business.

In response, I think there are a few baseline guidelines we should all follow.

1) Don't pull it out in a meeting/class/presentation, even if its for work. The others talking have no idea that when your fingers are moving at a million letters a second that you are replying to your boss about a project and not talking to Jane or John about getting drinks tonight.

2) Dinner is off limits. Unless it is talked about and you're offering to look up information for the rest of the evening, or it is needed for the conversation, just leave it away. Excuse yourself, go to the bathroom, and check it there. Pulling your phone out can kill a conversation.

3) Establish "phone free" time. I've been working on this, and I like to think I am getting better. I have started leaving my phone in the car when I go into a restaurant or a movie theater. I believe these small segments of time without my phone helps me get away and enjoy the company I have with me, instead of thinking about work/class/whatever else may be incoming via the phone.

With the above rules, I think it is perfectly acceptable if you're driving in a car, walking around town, or everyone is just hanging out in the living room having a drink and sharing conversation.



What are your thoughts?

The Begining

I’ve wanted to start a blog for a long time, but I’ve been putting it off.  I’ve always worried I wouldn’t have the time to dedicate to it, or that the content would be lacking, as well as other random things.  However, I’m putting that behind me and just going with it.

In my blog, I’ll have random things. Movie reviews, Quotes, random thoughts about current events, random blabbing, and even a “What are you wearing today?” post here and there.  I’m really hoping a few people stumble upon the blog, read it, and comment. 

There are really two reasons I have started a blog. The first, and probably the most common reason, is to share my opinion with others. The second, to improve my writing skills and my ability to get my point across.
I’m a very opinionated individual, and I want others to know what I think. I know people will agree and people will disagree, but that is what makes humans.  The ability to form opinions, to share ideas, and discuss them to great lengths.  Call me sappy, but it is almost romantic.

As far as writing skills, mine are very lacking.  I was never a fan of grammar or anything to do with the subject of “English” in school.  I was the one who was waiting for math, science, and the bell to ring so I could go home.  I am hoping that with the blog, that overtime my ability grows.  Word usage and grammar are all things I need to work on.
Well, with that said…

*announcer’s voice*
Please make sure any loose items are secure and that your hands and feet stay inside the cart at all times.  Sit back and please enjoy your ride on…

The Ramblings of a Gentleman