There is something so wonderful about the first week of the new academic year here in Cambridge. Being a University Town, there is a noticeable shift in the mood of the city when the students flood back for the new year after the summer break.
I’m long out of university myself (though I live rather vicariously through the Clever Boyfriend, who has just started as a fellow at the University after graduating from his PhD this summer), but I can’t help but smile at the sight of the new students, wide-eyed with freshman enthusiasm, wheeling little wooden trolleys laden with all their worldly possessions through the cobbled alleyways to find their new dorms. 
Thankfully, lectures and essay writing never factor into my current life (studying three degrees was quite enough!), but I treasure the fact that I still get to experience the fun side of University life by merit of living here; there are wonderful start-of-term dinners, garden parties in courtyards that overlook the river, magical libraries I quite happily get lost in for hours, and candlelit dining halls that look straight out of Hogwarts.
And of course, the Oxbridge collegiate lifestyle has influenced more than just my social life. While in summer I’m all about florals and white lace dresses, by the time autumn comes around I’m craving a more preppy uniform (give me a rope of pearls, a bow headband, a crested blazer and a crisp Oxford shirt and I’m happy). The Clever Boyfriend and I took these photos the other day (after lunch in Kings College and a visit to the college library) and it struck me just how much that preppy sensibility has permeated my wardrobe. For here I was dressed like a grown-up version of a stereotypical Cambridge student, with a dose of irony (in the form of my toungue-in-cheek accessories) thrown in for good measure.
And you know what? I kind of love it.
Wearing: Camilla and Marc dress, Uniqlo shirt, Lulu Guinness book clutch (borrowed), Charlotte Olympia kitty heels (past season, but similar version here), J. Crew crystal necklace, Jersey Pearl necklace, Mimco cuff, Chanel crystal camellia ring and earrings (worn as collar studs), bow headband from Tokyo.
How does your style change at this time of year?
Love, Miss B xx
Preppy style is the BEST! I love these photos, they’re so much fun 🙂
I can’t believe you have 3 degrees!
Becky | lifestyleflash.com x
The shoes are pretty. 🙂
Irene Wibowo
Amazing pictures ! Cambridge is so pretty ! Love your outfit, and those charlotte olimpia shoes are to die for !
My Blog – A Pretty Nest!
Those shoes are to die for.
Adorable outfit!
xo
deuxchambres.blogspot.com
When I visited Cambridge a few years ago, that’s one of the things I was so struck by – what a university town it is. I so wish we had campuses like that here. I love your ironic take on the preppy look 🙂
xo, alison*elle
Hm, cute shoes, Camilla & Marc though not so favorable.
Earrings as collar studs – good idea !
Amazing!! You look so cute!
I’ve been to Cambridge to visit a friend of mine. Such a pretty town. Usually I raced through to catch up with her and then race home via train but last year, I actually took the time to wander around the city center. Breathtakingly beautiful.
BTW, I had to page up and down a few times to make sure that it’s NOT a book but a clutch by Lulu Guinness. What a clever idea.
I love that too. While in London I was passing near one of those student living places near Queen Mary college in Mile end, and the same scene: parents driving new students in. Both parents and students have expressions of both fear and hopeful excitement on their faces. So endearing! And it makes me nostalgic for those “big” moments in life. It’s lovely, something to be very treasured.
And you look soooo lovely (as usual :-)). You make the look both preppy and edgy at the same time. Love it.
xx
M
Love the shoes! Kitty kitty bang bang <3
So you’re very clever too – not only the Boyfriend! 😉
I wear lots and lots of scarves in autumn, darker colours and hardly any dresses – that’s the main change in my style. Boring, I know…
You look lovely. I really like those kitty heels- so cute.
Your pictures are amazing. Yes, there is something so wonderful about the start of school and autumn. I’m such a fan of gorgeous universities that are steeped in history and tradition- the preppier the better. Cambridge is absolutely amazing.
adorable and sophisticated! score!
coffeebeansandbobbypins
These photos are so beautiful!
I love every single piece of this outfit 🙂 lovely pics!
I definitely must visit Cambridge next time I’m in the UK!
And as a big fan of preppy style myself I think nobody pulls the Blair Waldorf like you do! (That GG character could only be a fellow Miss B, couldn’t she?) 😉
xxx
That clutch is AMAZING. Love love love!!
I live in Australia, and Autumn is kind of cold, but right now it is spring, and i am loving it! I know you used to live in Australia…how did you move? Is England better?
xx
oh my goodness, you are seriously the cutest thing ever. Fabulous post, love. If you get a sec, I’d love if you’d check out my magazine feature. Eek! So exciting. xo
fashboulevard.blogspot.com
I love your blog, it makes me happy! Also pleased to discover a fellow Cambridgeshire/foreigner blogger. Ann x
Love those shoes, where did you manage to find them?
Such a cute look! Loving that dress!
xx
Giovanna
I visited Cambridge a few years ago as my sister was studying there and you are spot on with your description of it being similar to Hogwarts!!!
-Stephanie
LaminLouboutins.blogspot.com
Lovely photos! I really like the colour of your nail varnish as well 🙂
Loving the layering and the super cute necklaces. Great look. Hope to see you styling here in Cambridge some day! You should sell your services! Great outfit post; Great blog!
x CSW Team
Your pictures are ADORABLE! So glad I came across your blog on bloglovin. What an amazing place to live, I love your very “Blair Waldorf” look here 🙂
Keep up the amazing work!
XO
Angela
I have got to get me some kitty shoes.
Very envious of your cat flats, I think I would ruin that beautiful velvet in two seconds if I had a pair though. Around this time of year I like to wear more jewel colours, deep greens, reds and russets are so flattering amongst the fallen leaves
Amazing photographs, love this outfit!
xx.
sooo adorable! I love those shoes <3
XO Sahra
EffortlessCool