Bazaar Does Twilight, Lilly Car Revealed

Hello-Hello and Happy-Happy Friday!

It is a doubly happy day because we are still enjoying our house guest, and will be off shortly for a little retail therapy.

We begin with a wise move at Talbots in response to a wardrobe choice made by First Lady Michelle Obama.

Tim Sloan/AFP/Getty

The retailer is stepping up efforts to capitalize on such occasions.

Below, the Double-face Wool Sheath from Talbots. 

Talbots may be taking a cue from J. Crew, very aggressive in exploiting multiple First Family appearances in their apparel and accessories. Brooks Brothers and Hickey Freeman have also used similar marketing techniques when the President is wearing their apparel.

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Yesterday’s Times carried a story about Mickey Mouse, “After Mickey’s Makeover, Less Mr. Nice Guy“

Disney Interactive Studio

According to the story:

“Mickey as he will appear in the video game Epic Mickey. The game, to be released next fall, will show the character’s darker side.”

Ummm… does Mickey need a darker side?

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More Friday Fun for fans of Twilight: New Moon; the December Bazaar showcases stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart.

Mark Seliger/Harper's Bazaar

The cover seen above is for the issue to be sold on newsstands; subscribers will receive this cover on their issues.

Mark Seliger/Harper's Bazaar

Fans will appreciate the volume and quality of photos accompanying the lengthy interview with the stars.

Mark Seliger/Harper's Bazaar

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Of course, some real Friday Fun might best be found at South Coast Plaza, where the new Henri Bendel officially opens their new store today. Perhaps Muffy Martini can float down to Orange County and file a first-hand report for all of us at some point in the future!

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And because it is all about fun today, we close with an absolutely fabulous item from launching this week:

Courtesy Lilly Pulitzer

Meet the E-Lilly by Lilly Pulitzer and Tomberlin Electric Car.  The news release better describes the vehicle:

“It’s 100% road worthy, charges with any standard 110v household outlet, and travels for over 30 miles on a single charge. The E-Lilly can be customized with just about anything you want…2-seat, 4-seat, golf bag, trunk and more… even a monogram, and will deliver just in time for the holidays!”

If asking the Christmas Fairy for one of these, they start at $12,995. Our reaction to seeing this little treasure? TDF. Completely and totally TDF.

On that happy note, we hope everyone enjoys a bright and beautiful weekend!

Saks’ Sale on Christmas, Fierce Footwear & A New Anti-Prep

Hello-Hello and Happy Thursday!

Today we begin with a topic of a serious nature (ahem) impacting almost everyone (not exactly) in the free world: Hello Kitty.

Please allow us to be among the first to proclaim our fondness for said Kitty. While not found on anyone’s list of Top Preppish Accessories, we still find her to be cute and cuddly, perhaps even a little cheeky. Our appreciation of Ms. Kitty comes as no surprise to readers who have suffered through occasional posts containing KRC (Kitty Related Content).  Perhaps the best that can be said about this practice is that we have been consistently inconsistent, writing about the Hello Kitty MAC collection here, sharing products from the upcoming 35th Anniversary Collection here….

…or talking about miscellaneous Kitty merchandise here.

We have even included some Kitty products in our Pretty in Pink category.

We haven’t always understood everything Kitty, like the Large Diamond Pendant necklace at Needless Neiman Marcus… or the Coffee Maker… or the Toaster.

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However, we have always been able to comprehend their creation and merchandising.

Until now.

PHOTO: Markus Klinko - Indrani

This creature is known as Lady Gaga, and the next image may fall under the NSFW umbrella (Not Safe For Work viewing), something we diligently try to avoid here at Princess HQ.

PHOTO: Markus Klinko - Indrani

The Daily Mail initially got their little journalistic paws on the photos, and their story explains their ultimate purpose:

“The images – by celebrated photographers Markus Klinko and Indrani  – will be featured on the cover of  the special, limited-edition reissue of GaGa’s hit album, The Fame.

The 23-year-old New Yorker… is reportedly giving away a lock of her hair with every sale of the box-set.

According to her website, it will also include a pair of 3D glasses to view ‘forthcoming Gaga visuals’ and the definitive ‘book of Gaga’.”

Not only is this a Help Us Understand, it is most assuredly an addition to the Anti-Prep Wall of Shame, don’t you think?  If anyone is capable of passing along some information or perspective on Miss Gaga, we would be most appreciative for your gentle guidance and educational assistance.

NOTE: We have been advised by our house guest that she enjoys Miss Gaga’s musical offerings.

Evidently the performer will be guest starring on Gossip Girl next week.

PHOTO: Giovanni Rufino/the CW

In the photo above she is seen with G2 stars Leighton Meester and Penn Badgley.

There you have it.

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Those in search of fierce footwear will be pleased to learn that some of Christian Siriano’s line is already online at Payless Shoes.

The new handbags in his Holiday collection are not yet online, but the six shoe styles are available. Below, the Micola Zipper flay on the left; the Slither Boot is on the right.

Styles unlikely to be seen here at the Prepatorium, but certainly appealing for those more hip than TP (a group including most of America’s female population).

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We have several quick Sales and Savings opportunities to pass along, beginning with the Vera Bradley sale at ‘members-only’ shopping site Rue LaLa.

If in need of an invite, just email us: thepreppyplanet@gmail.com.

Don’t forget the Polo Ralph Lauren Private Sale begins today as well; use promo code NOV0509 to receive an additional 15% discount on reduced merchandise.

The Nordstrom semi-annual sale for women and children has commenced.

Also underway, Saks’ Online Only sale.

There is a significant amount of this year’s holiday merchandise in the sale, including Christopher Radko’s 2009 Saks ornament (originally $55, now $38.50), and the I’ll Take Manhattan ornament (originally $45, now $31.50).

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Also available, an ornament Silly Tilly would love.

The Big Winner!

Hello-Hello, and Happy Wednesday!

We are off shortly to collect a friend from the airport, our ‘extended girls  weekend’ is almost underway.  But before we leave, it is time to announce the winner of our Whitney English Make Your Own Crest stationery giveaway.  The lucky winner receives a complete suite of Folded Note Cards, Return Address labels, Flat Cards and Calling Cards from this fabulous new line:

And from Random Number Generator that number is 51,

Liz at Our Explosive Life!!!

If the blog name doesn’t ring a bell, perhaps this button will look more familiar:

This can be spotted on many bloggers’ sidebars, it takes you to Liz’s blog chronicling her husband’s recovery from treatment for wounds he received in Afghanistan; David is on Ward 57 at Walter Reed Army Hospital. Thus the reference in her blog name to explosions.

We’re just tickled Liz won; we were first introduced to her through reading her mother’s blog, Self-Confessed Lamp Tramp (or Fabulous Fluff Stuff, we’re not sure which is the right name to use), a delightful spot featuring all manner of things we love, from interior design projects to methods for storing one’s dishes.

These are both amazing blogs to read, and there is an ancillary benefit from reading Liz’s updates: any tendencies for wallowing in self-pity are vanquished, replaced with gratitude for those who make such incredible sacrifices on our behalf. We highly recommend Our Explosive Life, it is always time well spent.

Liz, we’ll send you an email so we can connect and get your goodies ordered!

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We leave you with a brief look at what you’ll be seeing from retailers as we get closer to Christmas and Hannukkah:

Courtesy Banana Republic

This shot is from Banana Republic’s ‘Embrace the Moment’ holiday campaign, already underway.

Macy’s television ads will feature celebrities, including this spot with Queen Latifah titled ‘The Trek’. These commercials start airing Friday.

Courtesy Macy's via WWD

The messaging from JCPenney surrounds the ‘Joy of Giving’, with the campaign starting on the 15th. Of November.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

If we were to advise those in charge of such things that we have no interest in holiday commercials at this time, what sort of response do you think we might receive?

That’s it for today dollfaces, our thanks to everyone who entered the contest and to all of our readers!

Ralph Lauren Gift Vault, Banana Republic Spring 2010

Hello-Hello!

Today we begin with a look at the Banana Republic collection for next Spring, with a continued emphasis on classic looks.

Robert Mitra/WWD

The color palette adhered to the neutrals the company is know for.

But the collection is a tad more lighthearted, or whimsical, according to a brief review of the line in WWD.

“Its spring collection… highlighted relaxed, well-worn looks in denim, chambray, cotton and silk. “We got overassorted in work,” said firm president Jack Calhoun. “We were too serious. We’re still a work brand, but we want to have great weekend and going-out clothes, too.”

We actually found some of the men’s styles more appealing, not unusual here at the Prepatorium, especially when it comes to sweaters of a snuggly nature.

The silhouette is looser, much easier than in previous collections, although the skinny pant remains a ‘must’ for the line.

As we are chatting about BR, we want to mention they do have a significant amount of merchandise marked down on the website, with lots of goodies. The Helen Buckle Peep-toe is one such item on sale, as are the Bow Jewel Earrings.

We can’t help ourselves when it comes to sharing Sales and Savings opportunities.

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We have a quick update to last week’s post on the upcoming Olsenboye line Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are doing for Penneys: the footwear and accessories will be made by Steve Madden.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

The accessories will be available online in time for the holidays.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

Price points are expected to run between $20 – $50.

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Have you read about the recently launched Ralph Lauren Gift Vault? The new line offers “…a specially curated collection of rare and unique objects from the world of Ralph Lauren.”

As the news release explains:

“The Ralph Lauren Gift Vault is the perfect destination for the discerning gift giver looking for something extraordinary for someone truly unique or even for themselves.”

The offerings are in different categories, like Americana, Estate or Hollywood Glamour.

Courtesy Ralph Lauren

We discovered some lovely treasures, like the Platinum, diamond and sapphire ring, circa 1920, seen below.

Courtesy Ralph Lauren Gift Vault

The Siberian Amethyst and Gold Bangle is part of the Estate Collection,

Courtesy Ralph Lauren

There are lots of fun vintage pieces, not all of them jewelry either, as evidenced with the Art Deco Lacquer Card Case.

Courtesy Ralph Lauren

This one will be interesting to watch: brilliant marketing or over-extension of the brand? Hhhmmm.

In an entirely different vein, the Polo Ralph Lauren ‘Private Sale’ promotion gets underway Thursday (the 5th), offering many items at 40% off their original retail price. To receive an additional 15% off, use promo code NOV0509 at checkout.

Basics like the Elani Suede Ballet Flats are already discounted to $69, an additional 15% off that price might make them rather appealing for those in need of another pair of flats.

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The folks at Vineyard Vines are also offering some financially-friendly items, like the Whales Mini-Murray Beach Tote.

The bag comes in both Blue and Strawberry and initially sold at $79.50; it is now $49.99.  Several styles of belts are also marked down, below we show the Dragonfly Outrigger Belt, and on the right, the Pineapple Outrigger.

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And those fond of Lilly Pulitzer will be pleased to know the Lilly Warehouse Sale is only weeks away!

For more information, click here, or here.

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We close with a gentle reminder about these fabulous notecards from Whitney English:

PreppyPrincess.com

We are giving away a set of the Make Your Own Crest Notecards, along with a matching set of Make Your Own Address Labels…..

PreppyPrincess.com

And a matching set of Calling Cards…

PreppyPrincess.com

As well as a matching set of Flat Cards….

PreppyPrincess.com

One lucky person will be the winning of a complete suite of our incredible Whitney English Crested stationery.  Just click here and scroll down to enter by leaving a contest comment. Don’t wait too long though, entries close at midnight tonight (Tuesday, 11/3/09) and we’ll announce the winner in tomorrow’s blog!