Boat shoes, Malibu Sands Beach Club and the New Preppy
In the Summer of 1991 Saved By the Bell had a six episode story arc where the cast had summer jobs working at Lisa Turtle’s parent’s beach club. It was called Malibu Sands and it was like a Netflix modern day limited series. There was the normal cast of characters - AC Slater and Kelly were lifeguards (obviously), Jesse was the receptionist and Screech and Zack worked in the cafeteria. I was only ten years old at the time but I was counting down the days until I could spend the summer working at the beach with my friends.
The owner’s daughter, “Stacey Carosi” was played by Leah Remini and she was a fast talking stereotypical east coast girl. She was the anti Kelly and after making fun of Zack’s California dude vibes they fell in love. They had to keep their relationship a secret because her dad was Zack’s boss and it was a true teenage dream. Her uniform of a navy double breasted gold buttoned blazer and white mini skirt live rent free in my head.
Remember when AC Slater used to call Zack Morris “preppy”? Well I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the definition of preppy has changed. Preppy no longer refers to the Barbour jacket wearing, LLBean toting, polo and khakis Volvo driver. A present day “preppy” wears lululemon (activewear!) coquette bows, overpriced backpacks and carries a Stanley water bottle. It’s all so strange. When I first overheard my daughters using the term (incorrectly!), I tried to explain what a real preppy was like a true fashion historian. They gave me a blank stare and I immediately felt like my parents trying to work the TV remote.
The easiest way I have explained it to a friend is that a modern day preppy is someone we used to think of as “trendy”. If you were born in the 80s it was someone who collected Lisa Frank stickers, wizard candles and wore hot dogger tracksuits. The word trendy is now deceased and will forever be known as Preppy’s dead name.
My daughters also LOVE to misuse the word “aesthetic”. I often hear them say “that is so aesthetic”. I try to explain that you can use it as an adjective, "that sweatshirt has an aesthetic appeal" or as a noun, "the sweatshirt adheres to its brands aesthetic"; but without context it is makes zero sense and makes me feel like I need an anesthetic.
I am not sure how I got down this rabbit hole but I am going to blame it on my Instagram explore page. Last night I saw Mario Lopez dancing down the “spirit tunnel” backstage at the Jennifer Hudson show. I have never seen the show but her staff makes two lines to hype up guests as they head from backstage to the main stage. It is the most joyful thing to watch. If you want to smile and laugh and forget about the world for a minute please watch it!
In memoriam of the word preppy I am going to link some of my favorite summer preppy things and some Malibu Sands inspired ones.
I recently found this new swim brand and this green color is giving elite Malibu Sands
I also love this little matching swim fabric cover up skirt.
The OG Boat shoe. You can buy the Miu Miu ones and be a new “preppy” or you can be the true definition of the word, make the practical choice, and save your $$ for the overpriced shorts.
At this point I think Duane Reade sells a barn jacket (Barbour loyalist here) but this one stopped me in my tracks.
I love a vintage Lacoste polo (Etsy!!) - but Tuckernuck makes a fantastic fitting women’s polo. Strong recommend to monogram.
Not exactly OG prep but take a field trip to Nolita with your preppy husband and you can get him new summer clothes and shave 10 years off his age
6. Miu Miu Shorts
My family and I got these bracelets last summer in Newport and we wear them all summer. Miu Miu could never.
Jennifer Hudson Show spirit tunnel. I am totally making everyone do this as the Bus Stop tomorrow.
Wizard candles!! 🤣