Hello-Hello!
Today we begin with a look at the Banana Republic collection for next Spring, with a continued emphasis on classic looks.
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.
The accessories will be available online in time for the holidays.
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.
We discovered some lovely treasures, like the Platinum, diamond and sapphire ring, circa 1920, seen below.
The Siberian Amethyst and Gold Bangle is part of the Estate Collection,
There are lots of fun vintage pieces, not all of them jewelry either, as evidenced with the Art Deco Lacquer Card Case.
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:
We are giving away a set of the Make Your Own Crest Notecards, along with a matching set of Make Your Own Address Labels…..
And a matching set of Calling Cards…
As well as a matching set of Flat Cards….
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!
Tags: Americana, Banana Republic, Banana Republic Sale, Elani Suede Ballet Flats, Hollywood Glamour, Lilly Pulitzer, Lilly Pulitzer Warehouse Sale, Make Your Own Crest stationary, Murray Tote, Olsenboye, polo, Polo Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren Private Sale, preppy, preppy clothes, preppy clothing, preppy design, preppy fashions, Preppy princess, preppy princess blog, preppy style, preppy tote, Ralph Lauren Estate, Ralph Lauren Gift Vault, Ralph Lauren sale, Vineyard Vines, vineyard vines sale, Whitney English, Whitney English Crest Stationery























November 3, 2009 at 5:27 pm
I entered your contest. It is fabulous!! Thanks! Have a great day Miss Princess!! xoxo
November 3, 2009 at 6:12 pm
I would love to get into that vault! haha!
November 3, 2009 at 7:59 pm
I LOVE it all!
November 3, 2009 at 9:32 pm
That sapphire ring is amazing!!!
November 3, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Love the Banana styles…good thing my b/f is a BR fan!
That sapphire ring is to diiie for! Sigh. Love.
November 4, 2009 at 12:09 am
Are you holding a giveaway with a key to that vault???
November 4, 2009 at 1:20 am
That sapphire/diamond ring is to die for! I just showed it to my boyfriend, hoping he would get the hint!
November 4, 2009 at 2:12 am
I just saw your new flickr photos. That bulldog in her pink-and-green harness is just PRECIOUS!
November 4, 2009 at 5:05 am
Mmm, not bad Banana, love the silver and the blue and white striped dress!
And when my husband is home from school I’m going to try and get online for a bit, at least!
So sorry I’ve been MIA, Hazel has been keeping me frightfully busy!! But today I finally posted some pictures and ranted a bit
November 4, 2009 at 5:37 am
I received my LP Large Agenda book in the mail the other day and am in love with it. 2010 can’t come soon enough! Thanks so much!
November 4, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Vineyard vines keeps it coming! And MK and Ashley really do have an eye, happy to see that it won’t just be expensive items they’re offering.
November 4, 2009 at 3:06 pm
I’ll take either of those estate pieced from RL. If I can only have one, I suppose it’ll have to be the sapphire ring
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November 4, 2009 at 3:25 pm
I missed the contest. Bummer. Very cute stationary. Love all the items with the exception of Mary Kate and Ashley couture. Not a huge fan of the Olson twins. Once they moved past Full House they lost all appeal.
November 4, 2009 at 6:43 pm
I can’t believe I missed the giveaway. OOPS!
So wish I could go to the Lilly sale. Maybe this spring
November 4, 2009 at 8:33 pm
I’m totally sad that I won’t be able to attend the Lilly sale…Booooo!