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!