Feast Interruptus: Let's Talk Prep

I cannot get enough of this Tommy Hilfiger commercial, a minute-long video entitled Feast Interruptus. The uber-preppy styling of this campaign inspires me to no end when it comes to dressing and decorating for the cold, holiday season. Every time I watch it, some new charming or ingenious detail pops out at me. Behold...

As if the station wagon complete with wood paneling wasn't great enough, I spy an old wooden racket and vintage skies - two favorite pastimes of preps worldwide.

Navy, camel, and grey are three color staples in any prepster's closet. Sprinkle in saturated primary accents - reds and yellows and plaid for good measure - and you've pretty much bought yourself admission to Groton.

Sweat headband corralling an abundance of moppy curls? How very Richie Tenenbaum of you, Hilfiger stylists.

I can't decide who I love more: the Candace Bergen look-alike being carried around sedan-chair style or the cutie with the glasses and the toggle coat. Tricky...

Instead of a traditional tablecloth, layer plaid blankets across the dining table. [Logging that into long-term memory for use at a later date.]

Navy and gold-trimmed china paired with monogrammed napkin rings a preppy place setting make.

So young, yet so cool. Not fair. On another note, what's with the fingerless gloves? I've been seeing these everywhere, and quite frankly, I don't get it.

So many turtlenecks, fitted blazers, oversized sunglasses, and plaid! Styling at its best. Then there's the candelabras... can't forget to mention the candelabras!

Scarves look so great on guys. Make sure the men in your life are accessorizing properly this chilly season, and get them a cute scarf (whether they want one or not).

There's that cool child again... love her little barrette. Another nod to the Tenenbaums, I think.

And here it is for your viewing pleasure! Did you spot any other great details that I missed?

Bippity Boppity Boo: A Cinderella Story Part 2

Oops, I did it again! A flick of my wand and my living room is transformed once again for the changing seasons. (Catch up on the first magical transformation from last spring here.) Pillows, blankets, and pumpkins aside, the biggest change is the coffee table makeover I did over the weekend.

BEFORE: Nate and I bought this table on Craigslist three years ago for a mere $45. I loved it then. I hate it now. The overall size and shape - especially with the lower shelf (not shown here) - is perfect for our needs, but the finish was too red and it just didn't go with all of the white and espresso wood throughout the rest of our apartment. So, I called up my gal Bailey to borrow her electric sander (which I am now convinced I need to invest in), ran to Home Depot for some white paint, and got to work.

STEP 1: Using an electric sander and very course paper, I went over the entire table 2, 3, 4 times to eliminate the varnish, the stain, then whatever leftover marks remained. This was definitely the most difficult part mainly because it took so long. I was sanding for at least an hour, and the table isn't that big.

STEP 2: Clean off the excess dust, then sand the table once again with a very fine sanding paper to smooth out the wood. Once again, clean off all the dust, and look at that beautiful wood!

STEP 3: Using a water-based white paint, I painted a small strip of wood. Immediately after applying a coat to a small section, I took a dry rag and rubbed the paint into the wood, exposing the wood grain and lightening the overall color. Here you can see a section that had just been painted, and the section next to it that I had already rubbed in.

STEP 4: Eventually, I went over the entire table with two coats. With each coat, I used the dry cloth to rub the paint into the wood grain. Seeing the wood gives it more of a rustic feel, which is the look I wanted.

Very Halloween, no? I'll have to switch out the blacks and oranges for emerald greens and sparkles come Christmas time, but I love this for fall! As for the white coffee table, I am in loooove. It's so much more me than the icky red stain it had before. Thoughts?

*couch, pillows, faux fur throw, and paper flowers all West Elm

Also, be sure to visit La Dolce Vita today where I am taking part in the 10 Things I Cannot Live Without series! Can you guess what any of them are before looking?

Lady in Red

I tried on Kate Spade's Essentials Ela Coat on Sunday night, and I was absolutely smitten.

The seductive yet happy shade of red. The black and white polka-dot lining (it's there - trust me). The ultra-feminine silhouette cinched at the waist by the bow detailing. The oversized buttons! Oh - the buttons!

And then I saw it. The looming $700 price tag glaring me in the face.

Le sigh.

Top 10 Pre-Fall Picks at J.Crew

Have you seen the newest arrivals at J.Crew? I am in loooooove. After seeing the abundance of rich jewel tones, plaids, and sparkle everything, I am ready to throw in the beach towel, reach for my navy blazer, and head out for a hot chocolate with espresso.

My favorite fit in a preppy style and muted pattern.

Tomboye Plaid Shirt

Can't decide what I love more: the mustard hue or the sparkly ruffled collar.

Jeweled Wool Tank

I need this for all my upcoming blogger parties.

Sequined Skirt

The best pants ever created but with a rock-star twist.

Zipper Minnies

The color, the quilting, the chunky but not too huge size. Loves.

Rhapsody Satchel

This wedge looks comfortable and sexy at the same time.

Zipper Wedges

Literally, a white top, jeans, and this hat. Instant chic.

Billykirk Hat

To wear with my aforementioned navy blazer.

Silk Pin

Unless this is your first time reading LCY, you know I love sparkles.

Crystal Pebble Necklace

The crocodile-patterned leather. I need this in my life.

Timex 1600 Watch