The Great Bratsby

If Daisy Buchanan were reincarnated today she would be a saucy mix of Uma Thurman sexuality tempered with a Sophia Copolla intelligence, a Britney Spears sort of cheesiness and coated with the tartness of a more out there Avril Lavigne. In other words she would be difficult. Very difficult.

But we love those Zeldas, don’t we? Makes more for interesting scuttlebutt during after-work Starbucks or cocktails, depending on how salubrious you are. Although one does not necessarily have to feign eccentricity, as we all know fakeccentrics by our own natural gumption are as easy to detect as fake neon inked Murakami.

Brat wear is basically preppy. A melange of khakis, ivory capris, button down shirts, cardigans, faded denims and a coterie of pastel pieces make for a HMG (high maintenance grrrl). Think Sarh Michelle Gellar in Cruel Intentions, Margot Tenenbaum of the Royal Tenenbaums, Samantha Mathis in American Psycho and those bitchy Heathers of Heathers (love that movie – ultimate prep movie I must say, aside from The Royal Tenenbaums). The edge comes from the details, dressing the part of the spurious intellectual Lolita need not to be a task too troublesome, a pout, mother’s pearls (faux is much more wicked though), a hair band and perhaps a sugar and spice brassiere is all it takes to inspire a florigium of the modern day brat.

Growing up, the prep uniform was a buttoned-down shirt, pearl earrings, some classic watch, regular fit trousers and some dainty walking shoes. Safe but vanilla. I swore never to go there but as I realized now I have become much of a prep myself with my pastels, teepee pants and flip flops. It works, and things get more interesting when you brat it up! After all aren’t all these so-called prepsters nuts behind closed doors anyway?

Guide To Modern Prep:

When buying preppy basics such as knitted sports shirts, pastels summon thoughts of lazy days drinking lemonade with nana. However, punchy citric shades such as flamingo pink, orange, lime and bold turquoise give you look that so hot Lily Pullitzer flair.

Accessorize with wit. Think of ribbon belt with whimsical buckles, enamel earring (to keep yourself from looking too marmy), hats, scarves with bold prints (treat boldness with restraint), mix patterns (stripes and florals or plaids and gingham (however exercise with caution) and challenge color schemes.

Battered is good. Nothing is more gauche than the patina of a spanking new loafer or bag, you might as well hang the tag onto it as well (just kidding). Don’t toss those worn bags and walking shoes (note that I mean walking, scuffed evening shoes are a different matter). Character pieces add to that foppish and rebellious neo prep that is truly fashion adorable. Battered suitcases are great as well. Call me crazy.

Wear pearls with a sense of humor. No one hailed Barbara Bush as an icon, so wear them casually with tousled hair and a crew neck. Flip flops makes a great date for these Jackie O walkers as well!