Fashion Lesson #1

Boat shoes.

While in college these shoes are considered a staple. Frat guys wear them in all weather, sorority girls find them able to match anything, and I have a fond place in my heart for Sperry Top Siders.

On my recent trip out to Cali I was able to meet up with one of my sorority sisters. She is a native to Newport Beach and a Big Ten college grad. As I can recall, boat shoes were a staple in her wardrobe as well. My first night there and we were off to grab fro-yo at the Golden Spoon as a 'Welcome to California!' treat. I decided to wear my cute Ann Taylor navy and grey striped top, navy military jacket, skinny jeans, and of course my usual Sperrys. While out I asked her about the fashion in SoCal. Her answer was "about anything goes". PERFECT! I would be able to rock the East Coast prep look!

On a second thought, I asked her how it differentiated from college style. Mind you- we were not the wake up and go to class in sweats girls. We always looked cute and polished (ok sometimes we wore sweatshirts but they at least had our letters on them and pearl earrings were a must). She replied with my worst nightmare, "Well, Adair, boat shoes aren't really 'in' here".

What?! How could this be? There are boats in Newport, there is an ocean, a need for boat shoes just makes sense!!

That evening I went out with my brother's friend and his surfing buddies. These guys are the epitome of surf/skate style. All three of them work for major skate labels.

I am talking cigarette skinny jeans, sweet kicks, tattoo sleeves and graphic tees. We met up for happy hour/dinner in Tustin. I was not about to make my Sperry mistake twice. Luckily I remembered to shove some Havaina flip flops into my suitcase. After some light hearted conversation and helpful tips about Cali I asked about my topsider incident. This created quite a laugh to the group. "Wait, you wore topsiders?!" "Man, that is so funny!"

I did not think it was funny. How could something so preppy be so wrong? I searched for my brother's friend for an answer. He was a frat guy- he would understand. He looked at me sympathetically "Adair, top siders, Polo, even plaid shorts are not what we wear in SoCal".

I sat there in pure shock. His friends piped in "Remember that time when you first moved here when you wore plaid pants and dorky polos everyday?" Another said, "Well I think the hipsters in LA are starting to wear Sperrys...."

It was decided. I have a task. To bring East Coast prep to The OC. Wish me luck!