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Interview with Sarah Vickers

Even though I’m a born California girl, I have a special fondness for New England – the gorgeous scenery, the beautiful drives and B&Bs along the way, and especially the fashion. I love the preppy, New England style of dressing. To be honest, it’s a style that I’ve always found very difficult to do well – it’s easy to look too stuffy, or overdone, or simply contrived. I remember when I was living in Boston, there were tons of “preppy” looks all over the place, but very few that really stood out.

That’s why I love this week’s interview with Sarah Vickers. Sarah is classic new England – she has the pearls, the worn loafers, the classic sweaters – but wears them in a way that is still youthful and fun. She never looks like she is trying too hard to fit a certain type of mold, but instead looks incredibly stylish while remaining perfectly comfortable in her own skin and clothes. I hope you enjoy today’s interview with the beautiful Sarah! I’ve included some of my favorite photos of her throughout.

Who are you? What do you do, and where do you live?

My name is Sarah Vickers, and I’m from Rhode Island. I run a fashion accessories company called Kiel James Patrick with my boyfriend Kiel, and our business partner. Everything we do is geared towards living in the Ocean State. Our accessories line is very nautical! In the past couple of months we have grown so much that we recently set up a factory space to hire a few more hands so more time can be spent on designing new products. It has been so much fun turning it into the ideal place to work. On the side I have a blog called “Classy Girls Wear Pearls.” I started it as a fun hobby to channel my love of fashion and New England scenery outside of what I do for the brand.

I know you live in New England. What are some of your favorite local spots? Where are some other favorite places that you’ve visited throughout the world?

Rhode Island is the only place I’ve ever lived. There has never been any reason for me to leave! Everything in New England is a car ride away, which makes summer road trips amazing. I’m an hour and a half away from the Cape and three hours away from NYC. Newport is a great place to visit, but I love Jamestown, RI. It is just as beautiful, but a lot more laid back. You have a perfect view of all the sail boats docked in the Newport harbor without having to encounter all the tourists. There are a couple great spots to grab a drink and I love that you can go over the bridge and into Jamestown without encountering too much traffic.

Sarah in Town & Country

What are some of the most worn items in your closet?

I have a pair of camel pointy leather flats from J.Crew that are completely worn out but I can’t bear to part with them because they match with everything I wear and are extremely comfortable. Other items I tend to wear a lot are my vintage Coach Willis bag, and a Ralph Lauren button down with frayed cuffs, broken in just the way I like it.

What about your most treasured items, things that you’ve “splurged” on?

I love my Milly dress collection. The brand is the perfect combo of classic vintage appeal and modern fashion. I love the use of  high-quailty fabrics, gorgeous patterns, and the fact that the majority of Milly dresses are US made. These dresses are the few things I splurge on without feeling guilty that I will likely only wear them a couple of times.

Who are your style icons?

Fashion ad models from the sixties. I love the way they dressed and especially how they wore their makeup.

What is misconception that people might have about preppy/New England style? Do you believe in any fashion no-nos if you want to dress in this way?

I would like to plead the fifth on this one! 🙂

Can you name a few fashion items that you own that people might be surprised that you do?

 My wardrobe is fairly predictable. I own a few baseball caps for those summer days when my hair is losing the battle against humidity, and over the past decade I’ve collected about 40 vintage Lacoste polos sitting on the shelf of my closet. Admittedly this is probably not too surprising.

What % of items do you buy full price, vs. on sale?

I’m not the most savvy shopper when it comes to savings. About 85% of my wardrobe is full priced but my love for shopping at thrift stores balances it. Some of the items in my closet you will rarely find on sale such as a pair of Dubarry boots I purchased this winter. Other times my purchases are likely to go on sale but I buy them right away rather than risk the item selling out. Stores like J.Crew have great discounts on clearance items but they typically move inventory very fast. 

Can you share some advice you’ve learned over the years about style/shopping/budgeting that you follow now?

Timeless quality staples are the best foundations to build a wardrobe, and most of the time they tend to get better with age. I will splurge on a great fitting oxford, or cashmere sweater that will serve me well year after year. A few key staples acquired each season can go a long way. I love buying pants and skirts in bold colors and toning down the look with a well worn oxford and statement necklace. I tend to buy sensible shoes that can look great with everything rather than the must haves that don’t exactly match with anything (those are the items I look for on sale). Purchase clothing you can see yourself wearing often, rather than items that will make it out of the house maybe once a season. There are so many looks you can get out of a basic item. It’s all about how you accessorize.

Finally – please share something surprising about yourself!

I’m addicted to reading young adult novels in my spare time. I’m currently reading the Fallen series by Lauren Kate which is one of my favorites. With my crazy schedule I love the fact that these books are a fast, light, entertaining read.

Isn’t Sarah beautiful? And the photos themselves are gorgeous. I really liked her advice on getting many looks out of basic items – it’s something that I am always trying to accomplish with my closet – buying things I’ll get lots of wear out of.

Thank you again to Sarah for this lovely interview, and for more of her, visit her blog here.

50 Comments

  • Reply
    Fashion, Art and other fancies
    March 28, 2012 at 1:00 pm

    Thanks to you I now know who Sarah Vickers is.
    I loved reading this especially the surprising bit at the end.

  • Reply
    Fashion, Art and other fancies
    March 28, 2012 at 1:00 pm

    Thanks to you I now know who Sarah Vickers is.
    I loved reading this especially the surprising bit at the end.

  • Reply
    Tabitha
    March 28, 2012 at 1:17 pm

    She's wonderful, I love her whole ethos and such a natural brand ambassador.

  • Reply
    Tabitha
    March 28, 2012 at 1:17 pm

    She's wonderful, I love her whole ethos and such a natural brand ambassador.

  • Reply
    Ammu
    March 28, 2012 at 1:31 pm

    Oh my goodness, I love her style. She has so much grace. I think she got me with that picture of the penny loafers – amazing 🙂

  • Reply
    Ammu
    March 28, 2012 at 1:31 pm

    Oh my goodness, I love her style. She has so much grace. I think she got me with that picture of the penny loafers – amazing 🙂

  • Reply
    Lilli
    March 28, 2012 at 2:20 pm

    she got a nice style, great interview! thanks for sharing! xoxo

  • Reply
    Adele
    March 28, 2012 at 2:49 pm

    Great interview! She'd fit right in with the London Sloane Rangers…same style!
    Have a fab Wednesday xoxo
    http://www.intotheblonde.com/

  • Reply
    Ruth
    March 28, 2012 at 2:56 pm

    Loving her style – it's very similar to mine in many ways!

    http://www.flossyblossom.blogspot.com

    xxx

  • Reply
    Ruth
    March 28, 2012 at 2:56 pm

    Loving her style – it's very similar to mine in many ways!

    http://www.flossyblossom.blogspot.com

    xxx

  • Reply
    Lisa
    March 28, 2012 at 3:23 pm

    I love Sarah's blog, and it's so nice to get to know more about her! Wonderful interview! 🙂

  • Reply
    Lisa
    March 28, 2012 at 3:23 pm

    I love Sarah's blog, and it's so nice to get to know more about her! Wonderful interview! 🙂

  • Reply
    Antee Gurung
    March 28, 2012 at 3:37 pm

    Wow can know her blog address…I didn't know abt her…thnx for sharing…she is very pretty n liked her outfit as well
    Btw be sure to check out my new post as well
    Xoxo

  • Reply
    Antee Gurung
    March 28, 2012 at 3:37 pm

    Wow can know her blog address…I didn't know abt her…thnx for sharing…she is very pretty n liked her outfit as well
    Btw be sure to check out my new post as well
    Xoxo

  • Reply
    The Jones
    March 28, 2012 at 3:46 pm

    So glad you interviewed Sarah, I've just recently discovered her blog and followed her…she really does have the most gorgeous workplace and personal style! She catalogue perfect every day, don't know how she manages. Love her tips about buying staples and then accessorizing to dress them up, it's such a money-saver and gives the kind of timeless class and elegance that Sarah has 🙂

    <3 Cambria
    jupefashion.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    lucydphoto
    March 28, 2012 at 3:54 pm

    Love her gorgeous, earthy style, and those British tan bags are TDF.

  • Reply
    makeupandpearls
    March 28, 2012 at 4:25 pm

    oh wow – LOVE. i've always had a soft spot in my heart for the prep wardrobe and i'm thinking i can take some hints from her… thanks for sharing this one!
    laurafornerphotography.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Jessie Ooi
    March 28, 2012 at 4:25 pm

    I love this post!

  • Reply
    Jessie Ooi
    March 28, 2012 at 4:25 pm

    I love this post!

  • Reply
    DSK Steph
    March 28, 2012 at 4:41 pm

    I love her East Coast-ness!!

    She reminds me of Kate Middleton too!

  • Reply
    DSK Steph
    March 28, 2012 at 4:41 pm

    I love her East Coast-ness!!

    She reminds me of Kate Middleton too!

  • Reply
    Jennipher
    March 28, 2012 at 4:50 pm

    I love Sarah! She's such a classic beauty with great style…incidentally, the same could be said for her boyfriend, KJP 🙂
    Thanks for another great interview!

  • Reply
    Jennipher
    March 28, 2012 at 4:50 pm

    I love Sarah! She's such a classic beauty with great style…incidentally, the same could be said for her boyfriend, KJP 🙂
    Thanks for another great interview!

  • Reply
    janettaylor
    March 28, 2012 at 4:57 pm

    Ahhh, she is hiper beautiful and love her style, seriously! 🙂 Perfect!

  • Reply
    Geri Looker
    March 28, 2012 at 5:03 pm

    Dont you think that Sarah has the image and style of Kate Middleton Duchess of Cambridge? Very relaxed and stylish.

  • Reply
    Geri Looker
    March 28, 2012 at 5:03 pm

    Dont you think that Sarah has the image and style of Kate Middleton Duchess of Cambridge? Very relaxed and stylish.

  • Reply
    caise
    March 28, 2012 at 7:05 pm

    she has such a great style!

  • Reply
    caise
    March 28, 2012 at 7:05 pm

    she has such a great style!

  • Reply
    Tara Celeste
    March 28, 2012 at 7:11 pm

    Loved this interview and the fact that Sarah has 40 Lacoste polos 🙂

  • Reply
    Tara Celeste
    March 28, 2012 at 7:11 pm

    Loved this interview and the fact that Sarah has 40 Lacoste polos 🙂

  • Reply
    Cathy
    March 28, 2012 at 8:41 pm

    Love her style! Looks like Kate Middleton. (:

    Check out my blog & follow? (:
    onceuponasprinkle.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Cathy
    March 28, 2012 at 8:41 pm

    Love her style! Looks like Kate Middleton. (:

    Check out my blog & follow? (:
    onceuponasprinkle.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Dietingfashions
    March 28, 2012 at 8:52 pm

    She has that All American Girl look and charm. It's the same charm that people associate Jackie O sometimes. She dresses similar to Kate Middleton too. And I have a love for Milly dresses too. But alas have not quite convinced my pocketbook to let me splurge on one.

    Helen

  • Reply
    Dietingfashions
    March 28, 2012 at 8:52 pm

    She has that All American Girl look and charm. It's the same charm that people associate Jackie O sometimes. She dresses similar to Kate Middleton too. And I have a love for Milly dresses too. But alas have not quite convinced my pocketbook to let me splurge on one.

    Helen

  • Reply
    Latkes and Dim Sum
    March 28, 2012 at 9:06 pm

    Such fresh, authentic style – thank you for posting!!

  • Reply
    Laces and Shades
    March 28, 2012 at 11:00 pm

    I enjoyed reading this interview. Thanks so much! Sarah's blog is one of my favorites :).

    http://lacesandshades.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Kate
    March 29, 2012 at 2:12 am

    sarah is wonderful, her style is so perfect! congrats on conducting a wonderful interview, too, I really enjoyed reading this one.

  • Reply
    Katherine
    March 29, 2012 at 2:13 am

    Thanks everybody for the kind comments! I can see the Kate resemblance too – they are both lovely ladies!

  • Reply
    newpetite
    March 29, 2012 at 4:13 am

    She resembles Kate Middleton in the second pic! Thanks for this interview!

  • Reply
    homestilo
    March 29, 2012 at 2:02 pm

    Her look is so timeless. Love.

  • Reply
    Chic 'n Cheap Living
    March 30, 2012 at 10:44 am

    This does remind me of classic east coast style (a timeless J. Crew look)-cute!

  • Reply
    design traveller
    March 30, 2012 at 10:58 am

    Great outfits. Beautiful, authentic and stylish 🙂

  • Reply
    monpetitsecret
    March 30, 2012 at 11:24 am

    Simple and pretty.

  • Reply
    blondieesquire
    April 1, 2012 at 7:37 pm

    Great interview! I love Sarah's blog.

  • Reply
    Nora
    April 5, 2012 at 10:44 am

    Great interview and fantastic photos. I love her blog and her style. Kate Middleton? maybe….

  • Reply
    Sarah
    April 9, 2013 at 1:12 pm

    I actually find her “style” to be “money.” There is little creativity in what she wears that the JCrew catalog stylists didn’t come up with and advertise first. Show me someone who can make preppy looks work without spending full price on brands, and that I will value and praise. This is intellectual laziness.

  • Reply
    Currently Obsessed: KJP | Girl on the Go
    September 2, 2013 at 1:42 pm

    […] I absolutely adore everything about this Rhode Island brand. All of their products are proudly made in the USA (Rhode Island to be exact) and are so incredibly cute. If you’re like me and love all things nautical, you should definitely head over the KJP website. Sarah Vickers, Kiel’s gf & business partner, also has a blog titled Classy Girls Wear Pearls that is pretty fantastic. (Check out this great interview with Sarah on Featherfactor.com) […]

  • Reply
    Annabelle, Shea and Sarah attempt to changes the world, one fashion blog at a time! | The Second Time Around
    October 8, 2013 at 7:48 pm

    […] Classy Girls Wear Pearls. http://www.classygirlswearpearls.com/. This is an interview with her http://www.featherfactor.com/2012/03/interview-with-sarah-vickers.html You can follow her on Twitter @SarahKJP . She’s from Rhode Island and represents the preppy […]

  • Reply
    Five Things We Love about Sarah Vickers | the bitch corner
    January 2, 2014 at 11:34 pm

    […] via Feather Factor […]

  • Reply
    Annabelle Fleur, Shea Marie and Sarah Vickers Keep Changing the World, One Fashion Blog and Photo at a Time – The Third Time Is The Charm
    September 14, 2018 at 6:52 am

    […] Vickers has a blog called Classy Girls Wear Pearls. This is an interview with Sarah from 2012. You can follow Sarah on Twitter and Instagram where she’ll soon have 500,000 […]

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