Hair Repair

I love to swim and work out, but with exercising, I have come to the recent realization that constant shampooing of my hair is hindering its growth and volume. I have always had long hair. I think I cut it short (for my standards and right below my shoulder) once in college. While I want to try different hair growth techniques, I believe I need to start properly conditioning my hair first. Chlorine is harsh on hair, so I always a wear a swim cap in the pool and put a leave-in conditioner after I drench my hair with clean water. If I am just laying by the pool or at the beach, I put coconut oil on the ends to protect them.

Here are my new favorite hair products:

Hair Repair by theconservativeprep featuring Bumble and Bumble styling products

On the weekends, I try not to shampoo my hair at all. I have to during the week since I am in the pool so much and chlorine would cause more damage than shampooing. I have also started to comb my hair with a wide tooth comb instead of brush so I am not damaging it which constant brushing. Deep conditioning treatments have also been a part of my routine twice a week since high school.

Do you all have any hair care tips for me?

Baseball Hats for Autumn

Happy Thursday, my lovely readers!!

One of my favorite fall "trends" is the baseball hat for casual wear... "trend" is in quotations because I have been wearing hats for years with casual wear. I wear them to protect my forehead from the sun...I have a big fear of wrinkles and sun spots if you could not tell. 

I bought the Smathers and Branson hat above at Murray's Toggery on Nantucket and it has been my go-to hat since I bought it, but I need some more autumn-friendly (aka cold-weather-friendly) baseball hats. I am obsesssing over the ones below...I might have to break down and get a Red Sox hat. I have officially been living in the Boston area for a year, so its time.

Here are a few of my favorites for autumn:

Baseball Hats for Autumn by theconservativeprep

I do have to say that Southern Proper scored a huge touchdown (college football is taking up a significant amount of my time. GO CARDS!!) with this corduroy frat hat available from Country Club Prep. I will be extending it an invitation into my closet soon.

Have a great day everyone,

On This September 11th Morning

I remember in great detail the morning of September 11th. My seventh grade music class was interrupted with the news of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Centers in New York. Our class watched American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon. As a twelve year old, I do not remember being so confused and scared in my life, but something happened to all Americans on that fateful day. Instead of wallowing in defeat and being paralyzed by the tragedy, we all came to together regardless of political party in support of the victims, New York City, and the President.

In the year after 9/11, my sister and I used to count the American flags on the houses of our neighborhood as we drove to and from school. Finding a house that did not fly Old Glory was rare. I wish more people would be proud to fly our flag outside their house.

On this September 11th morning, let us remember the tragedy that took many innocent victims, the bravery of all rescuers, and our country uniting as one in support of one another. 

September 11th. Never Forget.

A Day in Lexington

Hello my awesome readers,

While many of my fellow bloggers attended New York Fashion Week (yes, I'm super jealous), my Dad is visiting me this week. On Saturday after I got off work, we headed down to Lexington to visit the Battle Green and the other historical sites, which is a very cool area. I took a yoga class at Lexington Power Yoga, but I did not get to explore the area. 

I was obviously thinking about summer days on Nantucket thanks to my York Designs Nantucket cuff.

A Guide to the Battles of the American Revolution by Theodore P. Savas and J. David Dameron

Outfit of the Day: Smathers and Branson ACK hat // Ralph Lauren oxford // Selima for J.Crew sunnies (old) // J.Crew Double crepe skirt // Jack Rogers platinum Navajos // L.L. Bean Boat and Tote // York Designs Needlepoint ACK cuff (link above)

Currently dying over these L.L. Bean leather handled Boat and Totes...I am going to put off getting this until November.

J. Crew: Back to Basics

Raise your hand if you are obsessed with BuzzFeed...if you are not, jump on that train because sometimes you need a little humor to your daily news. About a month ago, I was going through BuzzFeed and I came across this article: Is J.Crew Going Back to its Roots? I started buying J.Crew back in high school when I decided I needed to make my wardrobe more mature. While some preppies can disagree with me, J.Crew made great basics back in the day (2007ish)...and then Jenna Lyons became J.Crew's Creative Director. I seriously did not spend more than $200 a year at a J.Crew store and raced to the outlets for basics. Want to know some of the things I miss most from the old J.Crew? Their riding boots, wide silk/Repp tie headbands, and cable cardigans. 

When I read the BuzzFeed article, I did a mini victory dance. I quickly rerouted to the original article at Forbes.com: How to Get J. Crew CEO Mickey Drexler On the Phone. A women expressed her concern about the styling of J.Crew for the everyday women through her husband and CEO Mickey Drexler listened. Therefore, the "over-glamification" of the styling is gone from this Fall's catalouge. 

Here are some of my current favorites from J.Crew:

J. Crew: Back to Basics by theconservativeprep featuring J.Crew

I always support a little sparkle, but do not go overboard.

I adore the jewel detail of the Tilda shirt. Make sure to grab before they sell out!!

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Beauty Favorites

Summer is over...Lillys, seersucker, and white pants are put away to be replaced by flannel, tartan, and boots. My accessories evolve from Iced Coffee from Starbucks (Venti, no syrup, and extra room for half and half...I like cafe au lait, okay.) to a grande Blonde roast, wicker clutches to Boat and Totes, and Navajo sandals to Bean boots/riding boots. My skincare routine also changes with the seasons. As I came to learn last year, autumn/winter are the driest months for my skin and Farmer's Almanac is predicting a chilly New England winter. I hopped right over to Sephora for help and found the Josie Maran Argan oil line. I admit that Sephora is one of my downfalls. VIB Rouge status is only $330 away and I need a new hair dryer. Alas, here are a few of my beauty favorites.

Beauty Favorites by theconservativeprep

ONE || I bought this Givenchy Ombre à Fleur de Peau cream eye shadow when I was at Disney World in the Givenchy Epcot store. I like that it is very no fuss and can be applied with my fingers. I do not like a lot of eye makeup because I prefer a more fresh faced look, so I rarely wear eye shadow during the day and love this one for night.

TWO || Why would you put sunglasses under a beauty favorite, Kaitlin? Two reasons: 1.) Wearing sunglasses protects your eyes/eye area from UV light. 2.) Sunglasses also prevents you from squinting and developing early crow's feet. No wrinkles make me very happy.

THREE || Nars blush in Orgasm aka the most perfect, universal blush shade that looks amazing on almost everyone. I have tried drugstore brand blushes and just didn't last or look right. Do yourself a favor, go to Sephora, and buy this blush. You'll thank me later.

FOUR || I have tried a lot of mascaras in my time. Givenchy Phenomen Eyes has to be my favorite for everyday use. The ball-shape brush makes this mascara easy to apply in hard area like the corners of the eyes. 

FIVE || If I could scream from the mountain tops about this Josie Maran Infinity Intense Cream, I totally would. I teach swim lessons. Dry skin due to chlorine and the dry, winter weather of New England wreaked havoc on my skin. This cream, which can be used for variety of ways, was the best night cream for me last winter. 

SIX || Caudalie uses antioxidant grape-seed polyphenols in their French-based skincare products. I love this lip balm because it provides a natural way to hydrate and protect my pucker.

SEVEN || I use Josie Maran's Organic Argan Oil on everything...my cuticles, my hair, and even use it instead of an eye cream in the winter. I can not get enough of this stuff.

EIGHT || I have written about sun protection before. I am so happy about baseball caps being "in style" because I regularly wear to shield my face from the sun, but I rarely leave the apartment without Shiseido's Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 50+ on my face and neck. Beauty tip: Always apply the same sunblock to neck as you do your face. Same goes for night creams/moisturizers and such.

What are your beauty favorites??

Currently Reading: A Starboard Sea

I do not think anyone around here is shocked that I love to read. Being a History major, I typically read a book a week and had a waiting list for my personal summer list. When I moved to New England, I wanted to immerse myself in the literature of the area. Therefore, I started with novels about prep/boarding schools. I went to the top private girls school in Kentucky that was formerly a boarding school, but ceased to board as the urban sprawl surrounded the school and faster means of transportation did not justify the expense of boarding anymore. Boarding schools are not a popular means of education in the South because local private schools excel. As I have read Catcher in the Rye and Prep before, I recently read A Starboard Sea looking for something missing from the two novels about how teenagers react to their privileged upbringing when tragedy occurs.

Anyway, I started reading books about boarding to see if my private school experience was close to the boarding school experience. Most people from the South form their opinion on "preppiness" and boarding schools from Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, yet there are other numerous books in this coming-of-age genre. I did not read Catcher in the Rye in high school, but I read it in my year after college when I knew I was moving to Massachusetts along with the novel Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld. When I went to Nantucket for my first wedding anniversary, my husband and I walked into the local bookstore where I picked up A Starboard Sea. In a completely shallow confession, the cover of the book drew me in. I have a certain affection for rugby uniform shirts. 

The main character Jason Prosper recently went through a personal tragedy involving the death of his best friend and sailing partner Cal before transferring to Bellingham Academy for his senior year. Jason used his time at Bellingham to reflect on his friendship with Cal while forming a close bond with another outsider Aidan. From here, I leave you to read the novel...help Jason make sense of all his own secrets and the secrets of the privileged boarders of Bellingham. This novel explores the complexity of the teenage years through the development of adolescent relationships and what they mean or not mean to both parties in that relationship. I suggest this novel for seniors in high school as many of them will be moving on to open a new chapter in their lives in college. This novel will help one to reflect on your life, successes, and tragedies and try to make some sort of sense of all of it.

RIP Summer 2013.

Wish List for Autumn

Everyone has a wish list. I usually start compiling my list in August as I start to feel the first winds of Autumn. When I moved to New England, my wish list was full of coats (found my Burberry Brit trench on sale for $250 at an outlet) and L.L. Bean. This Fall, my wish list is full of accessories and beauty products. 

Wish List by theconservativeprep 

ONE || I am afraid of getting wrinkles...therefore, I am all about sunblock and face oils. I have tried the Josie Maran Argan oil and love it, but I looking for something different. Japanese women have beautiful skin and hope this can help prevent some aging on my face.

TWO || I LOVE THIS SCENT!! I received a sample of the Cartier Baiser Vole and fell in love with its flowery smell. It's so fresh and clean. It will probably make an appearance on my Christmas List.

THREE || Anything tortoise shell. It always adds a touch of class to any outfit.

FOUR || When it comes to purse/pocketbooks, I like to keep it traditional or vintage. The Cambridge Satchel offers both of those qualifiers. The emerald color is perfect for New England autumn.

FIVE || There is a saying in New England: "If you don't like the weather, wait fifteen minutes and it will change." That means random rain and snow. This fall, I really want some L.L. Bean Rubber Mocs for the warmer wet days.

SIX || A gold signet ring...a classic accessory staple.

Guilty: I bought my 10k signet ring from an estate sale.

SEVEN || I have an affinity for headbands and I'm currently loving the piqué fabric ones from Lacoste.

EIGHT || Who doesn't need a fresh pair of pearl earrings?

Oh Shift!!

Another year, another Endless Summer Sale...the sale isn't over yet, but I couldn't wait to brag on the dresses I bought. I have been waiting for this sale all spring and summer. I am one of those people who do not buy clothes full price unless I really want it...which I'm pretty sure I can always find a deal on something. Unfortunately, I did not get the Didi maxi dress and called quite a few Signature stores to see if they had any, but alas no dresses in size eight. I do have to thank The Pink Crab in Annapolis for the Sandrine dress in Shorely Blue Tossing.

Here are my purchases from the Endless Summer Sale:

The Sandrine dress was definitely my favorite style from this spring and summer. It is similar to the Aleesa dress from last year, which I bought in every print/color Lilly offered. I'm excited about the Tabitha Battenburg lace shift in New Green. I had wanted the MariKate dress, but I think I will like this one much better. The Just Add Mint print was my favorite print of the year (bias to the Derby in my hometown), so I had to get this dress for any more horse racing extravaganzas. The pink Danna reminds me of candy and thought it would be very cute to wear for the rehearsal dinner of my best friend's wedding.

Did everyone else find a good deal?

My Tips for the Endless Summer Sale

Ladies, 

All of my fellow Lilly lovers know what tomorrow brings: the glorious Endless Summer Sale. In the last few years, the ESS has become a tangle of Lilly lovers breaking down the cyber doors of the website to purchase our beloved Lillys at a discounted rate. I am all for a good deal on Lilly, but some people need to be realistic. There is truly no need to be a poor customer to Lilly. This sale is huge and the people who work there try their best to cater to our needs.

In order to be a good customer, here a few of my tips for the Endless Summer Sale:

ONE // Make an account with lillypulitzer.com. The Lilly blog suggests to do this as well, but I feel like I need to reiterate this. It makes checkout so much more quicker and less of a hassle.

TWO // Research the Resort, Spring, and Summer Lilly collections. I find it easier to know what you want beforehand and search it to see if its on sale. I personally want the Didi dress in Multi Pansey Dance and the Foley Dress for a dress rehearsal in October.

THREE // This might be why the Lilly website typically crashes during the sale, but I suggest getting on and getting what you want immediately when the sale opens at 8am. If you have trouble checking out due to the traffic on the site, use the phone number to call and put your order (with product numbers) in that way. The calls people are always super nice.

Always remember to be classy during this sale. When the site has high traffic, the Pink Palace usually puts a post on Facebook about it. I hate seeing people post something negative about site problems. Be postive and do a little more work to get something you will love.

I hope everyone has a happy shopping day tomorrow!! Let's boost the economy a little bit, my fellow Lilly lovers.

Back to School

Okay...let me tell you a little secret...I really want to be back in school. I am the first one to admit that I am pretty jealous of everyone going back to school, going through recruitment, and preparing for a Fall of football tailgating (GO CARDS!!). A former History major, I used to loooooove to write papers and research historical events. I wish everyone luck as they start their Fall semesters while here is my list of items that should be on everyone's school list:

Back to School by theconservativeprep

ONE || Chacos are pretty much my favorite sandal ever...yes, they are pretty granola crunchy, but I found them to be more supportive and durable than the traditional Rainbows a lot of girls wear. Listen to the Conservative Prep, buy the Chacos.

TWO || Find a good umbrella that will cover both you and your backpack. I have seen too many girls wear cute outfits to class on rainy days just to get completely soaked with their dinky $10 umbrella from Walgreens. Save yourself the trouble, buy a hair mask with that $10 at Walgreens, and go to Dicks Sporting Goods or anywhere that sells Vera Bradley and buy a golf umbrella.

THREE || I don't feel like I need to discuss how awesome Emi-Jay hair ties are...they just are needed for late-night study sessions or for intense intramural basketball/volleyball/floor hockey games.

FOUR || I am a Patagonia person married to a North Face person...somehow, our relationship works, but let me rave how much I love Patagonia pullovers. The nickel one shown above matched with some Lululemon Groove pants or black leggings would be really cute for cool nights walking back your dorms/sorority house from the library. I found my Patagonia pullover on eBay because I like the old vintage colors.

FIVE || I remember my first thunder storm during college...then I went directly to J.Crew to buy some old Wellies. In high school, I was not allowed to wear rain boots due to our strict dress code, but in college, I wore them on rain days and to muddy football games. Invest in some Hunter Boots...love my Smoky color ones.

SIX || Planners are very important in college. I lost mine for two days sophomore year and I was lost for a long time. Lilly Pulitzer made one in Tusk in the Sun and I suggest that all my conservative friends buy that one.

SEVEN || I have to admit that I had a hard time finding a suitable backpack/tote bag during my college days. I usually interchanged my Longchamp Le Pliage and L.L. Bean lime green backpack (from the sixth grade...that's how durable they are). My sister Caroline used one from North Face (I'm surrounded by North Face people.) and she loved it. The North Face is currently offering free shipping on their backpacks.

EIGHT || I am picky about pens...and USB ports. I like pens that are .05 width. Therefore, my pen case was filled with Pilot Precise V5 and Le Pens. The boutique at Design Darling offers the Periwinkle ones, a personal favorite. As for USBs, Lilly and Kate Spade offers some really cute ones that can attached to keychains.