Brooks Brothers Goes For The Younger Set and Those Grace Kelly Barbie Dolls

Welcome to another new week here at the Prepatorium, bright, beautiful and sunny, simply splendiferous.

We begin today with news about a new endeavor for Brooks Brothers, a new type of focusing on a younger demographic, WWD has the story.

Brooks Brothers will open a new concept store in the Flatiron District of New York City later this fall to cater to college students and young professionals.

Brooks Brothers

Customers needn’t worry about the retailer moving away from its core customer however, the quote below is from a senior officer at Brooks.

“This is not an effort to compete with all the young, trendy retailers out there. We are still very much taking our Brooks Brothers heritage and translating it for a younger consumer.”

This isn’t going to be the only store targeting a younger demographic, the company will open another just like it in Georgetown, on M Street. (The old Smith & Hawken/Pottery Barn space.)  More from David Lipke’s story:

“You won’t find a shirt-and-tie wall here,” said Lou Amendola, Brooks Bros.’ chief merchandising officer. “It’s a lot less formal than a traditional Brooks Bros. store.

Another image from the fall catalog.

Courtesy Photo via Women's Wear Daily

Perhaps one of the best ways to visualize the distinction between “regular Brooks” and “campus Brooks” might be in considering what is available for video inside the stores: the Madison Avenue flagship shows CNBC, the new store will have WiFi and old video games.

The story also notes that Brooks is looking at a children’s only store on the UES, when the renovation of the Madison Avenue store is completed next month the second floor will be dedicated to the women’s and children’s merchandise.  As always, these are fun to watch, with any luck we’ll have an opportunity to visit one of the new shops at some point in the not too distant future.

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We have news of yet another collaboration, the news also comes via WWD (Women’s Wear Daily), the trade publication took a look at the upcoming Jonathan Adler and Lacoste partnership in this story.  Mr. Adler’s needlepoint pillows have been featured frequently in this space, we are fond of his design aesthetic and heaven knows, we love our needlepoint.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

A June GQ blog post offers insight in to why Mr. Adler was interested in working with Lacoste:

Jonathan Adler: I have been rocking LACOSTE since I was 10, so I’m a long time fan and an addicted user. When LACOSTE approached me about this collaboration I was excited and inspired. I am very lucky to have a career that allows me to express myself in a myriad of ways, but the downside is that I rarely get truly excited. When LACOSTE approached me, I felt like a child hearing the ice cream truck coming around.

A look at the Special Edition polo shirt from the collection, it will come in a number of colors and be packaged in a special needlepoint case.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

The Special Edition polo will retail at $150 (it must be a very lovely case), a Limited Edition version will have actual needlepoint on the shirt, that will set collectors back $250. Those shirts will be available online and at Lacoste shops in November, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom are also expected to offer them.

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With apologies to our Facebook friends for a slightly repetitive posting, we wanted to share photos of the Grace Kelly Barbie dolls. Below, the “To Catch a Thief” doll, one of three versions showcasing iconic looks.

Via Barbie Collector

The doll shown above was released in June, it sells for about $35. The most recently released doll isn’t in the same price range, it is more of an investment. (Cough-cough.)

Via Barbie Collector

The Grace Kelly Bride Barbie is $175, it was released earlier this month. The level of detail looks very nice on this particular doll.

Barbie Collector

The third doll in the series is the Romance Doll, it will be released in October.

Barbie Collector

There are two ways of dressing this one, it will include a navy ensemble.

Barbie Collector

I wonder what the percentage is of adult women buying these as opposed to little girls eager to add them to their collection…?

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Finally, we couldn’t let an Anti-Prep’s weekend activities pass without at least noting the events. In our own snarkish way of course, via comments made on Twitter.

Via Twitter

Another one shared by the Huffington Post.

Via Huffington Post

And a final Tweet on the topic.

Via Huffington Post

Indeed.

Finally, An Answer to the ‘Lauren Lauren’ Issue

Hello-Hello, welcome to an absolutely gorgeous day here at the Prepatorium.

We have loads of little bits and bytes to share, beginning with one of our very favorite summer events, Oscar de la Renta’s annual Ladies of the Lake party. Women’s Wear Daily has the story.

Drew Altizer/WWD

Guests are ferried to the party by boat, the function is a fundraiser for the League to Save Lake Tahoe.  A fashion show accompanies the luncheon, Mr. de la Renta’s 2012 resort collection was shown, it is the designer’s 11th year of involvement with the event.

Can you envision a lovelier spot for such a delightful celebration?

Drew Altizer/WWD

Guests looked bright and summery in myriad of styles, including designs from the host (L) and Kate Spade (R).

Drew Altizer/WWD

Because your faithful correspondent remains partial to the classic wooden boats of her youth, stunning Chris-Craft and Century vessels, we share a look at this Thunderbird creation ferrying guests to the party in 2008.

Women's Wear Daily

Bliss.

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Next, an item that qualifies in a couple of categories, certainly it is an Anti-Prep update as it involves the individual known as ‘Snooki.’

Michele Cross/MTV

But it is also a “Help Me Understand,” perhaps even a sign the end is nigh, look at this headline from MediaPost: “Ratings Extraordinary For “Jersey Shore’s” Worry-Free TV”. Here is more from the MediaPost article.

There is a remarkable Situation brewing with MTV’s “Jersey Shore.” Forget about cable, the addictive series is now posting ratings that place it among the highest-rated series in all of TV. It’s beating the likes of “Survivor” and “Modern Family” in the ratings networks generally care most about.

Clearly there is something we are not comprehending about the show. Do you watch? What is it we’re missing?

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Our next tidbit proves we aren’t afraid to tackle the tough topics. Nay-nay, not us, we’ll take any risk and dig deep to get you the facts, gathering information that makes it easier for you to sleep at night.  Here is the proof of those unceasing efforts, an answer to the question hotly debated for many months in this very space:

Lauren Bush & David Lauren To Marry In September, Bride Will Become Lauren Bush Lauren

That headline comes via the Huffington Post in a story about the couple’s upcoming wedding.  That story cites a Page Six piece yesterday on this weekend’s party for the couple.

Lauren Bush and David Lauren celebrated their engagement in style at the Water Mill estate of Anne Hearst and Jay McInerney. FEED Projects founder Bush and Lauren, son of Ralph Lauren, were toasted by party guests — beautifully decked out according to the white dress code — including Ralph, Ricky, Dylan and Andrew Lauren, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, Amanda Hearst, Lauren’s siblings Ashley and Pierce Bush, Nacho Figueras and Princess Yasmin Aga Khan. Lauren’s proud mom, Sharon Bush, wished the couple “many grandchildren.” The September wedding will be at the Lauren ranch in Telluride

Below we show Miss Bush in June with some of her FEED Project bags, her company works in partnership with the UN’s World Food Programme.

Jemal Countess/Getty Images

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Finally today, a ‘heads-up’ about an approaching Sales and Savings opportunity.  This Friday flash sale site Rue La La will feature discounts on Lilly Pulitzer clothing.

Via Rue Lala

For those unfamiliar with Rue La La, it is one of those ubiquitous ‘members only’ sites (ahem) offering discounted merchandise for limited periods of time.  In this case the sale begins Friday at 11am EDT, 8am PDT.  (If in need of an invitation, just click here.) As always with these, it is good to be prepared to shop *the moment* the sale starts, things do sell out very quickly.

Goodby until next time!

Polo for “People in Seersucker,” Le Boutique Targét’s Next Designer (After Missoni)

Happy beginning of a new week to everyone, thanking you for popping in for a visit.

Did you spend any time watching this yesterday?

Michel Spingler/AP Photo

While not one for the ages, it was nice to see these two duel again.

Laurent Baheux/AP Photo

Vogue’s Anna Wintour appeared to enjoy the match, in front of her we see Mr. Federer’s wife Mika.

Lionel Cironneau/AP Photo

We did not see the historic women’s final, where Li Na became the first Asian player to win a Grand Slam singles title. Below the champion poses with her trophy during a photocall after the match.

Charles Platiau/Reuters

Next up on the circuit, Wimbledon, starting in just about two weeks.

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In other sporting news….(kinda’ sorta’) this weekend was the annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic on Governor’s Island.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

On hand this year, Deborra-Lee Furness, Julianna Margulies, Naomi Watts, Donna Karan, Wyclef Jean, Hugh Jackman, Isla Fisher and Paul Haggis. Mr. Jackman was the emcee for the afternoon’s activities.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

The Times’ City Room blog carried an interesting story that had a bit of a bite:

“For a few hours on Sunday, Governors Island became something of a Hamptons satellite, dotted with people in Nantucket reds, linen suits, Lilly Pulitzer pinks and sunhats that seemed as wide as a city block.

They came for an exhibition polo match put on with the intention, according to the organizers, of bringing the elite sport down from on high. But the thousands of spectators, who sipped Champagne costumed in high Hamptons style, seemed intent on just the opposite.”

The event draws an interesting crowd. Below left, Andre Balaz and Naomi Watts, on the right we see one of our Anti-Preps, Nicky Hilton.

Below we see designer Keren Craig with Olivia Palermo, on the right, Nacho Figueras.

Mr. Figueras models for Polo Ralph Lauren and also plays for the Black Watch, a team sponsored by PRL.

Back to the City Room post:

But even with the free admission and ferry ride, polo populism still seemed a far-off dream. Champagne, at $17 a flute, seemed to be the drink of choice. And though there might have been some who went to Governors Island instead of a Yankees game (the Yankees were playing in California, anyway), most of the pinstripes were on seersucker suits.

Frankly, we think almost any free sporting event is a good thing. But to pretend that this is a sport for everyone and anyone borders on the ludicrous.  More from the City Room’s piece:

Mr. Figueras, who is known as Nacho, said the event was intended to “bring polo to the people.”

“For a kid to wake up in the morning” he added, “and say, ‘Dad look, let’s go watch the polo instead of the Yankees game’ – ultimately that would be my dream.”

Mr. Figueras estimated that high-level horses – “we are talking about Formula One horses,” he said – cost up to $250,000.

Considering admission to a Yankees game requires a second mortgage a significant cash outlay, perhaps that isn’t far off the mark. On a more positive note, Ms. Karan’s party was also a fundraiser for Hope Help and Rebuild Haiti.

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A sporting event on the far side of the pond also drew attention this weekend. Many in the royal family turned out to watch the Queen’s horse race in the Epsom Derby. The Queen was in hot pink, definitely today’s Pretty in Pink.

Much of the buzz surrounded an appearance by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate.

The Mirror

The couple looked relaxed and happy for their first public outing since their wedding. Princess Eugenie was in black and white polka dots, Princess Beatrice also looked lovely in a floral print.

Akira Suemori/AP

Kate wore another Reiss dress with LK Bennett accessories. To see details on the complete ensemble, visit our sister blog, What Kate Wore.

Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images

It seemed that everyone had a good time, despite the Queen’s horse throwing a shoe and finishing third.

WENN

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We have several tidbits about an item many of us couldn’t live without, from a wardrobe perspective, the polo shirt. Today’s Valet carries a good backgrounder on the shirt’s origins, including how it came by its name after René Lacoste decided to create tennis shirts that would be more practical and comfortable:

“…Lacoste set out to make a more comfortable, short-sleeve style. He was inspired by Anglo-Indian polo players, who managed to play in extreme heat and bright sun thanks to their lightweight pique cotton jerseys.”

The story is part of Valet’s “Anatomy of a Classic” series, examining iconic items found in a gentleman’s wardrobe.  Today’s post includes a look at some of the logos seen on the shirts.

Via Valet

Many not as familiar with the tennis champion might find some of Mr. Lacoste’s other creations to be of interest:

Rene Lacoste was never much for rules. He often thought he knew better and oftentimes, he did. A world-class tennis star by the time he was 20, he would later go on to revolutionize the game with such inventions as the ball machine and the steel racket, but it was his innovation while he was still playing that had the largest impact on the world. And it’s the reason why you know of him today—the polo shirt.

We recommend the story, it’s a nice, quick read.

Our other note on polo shirts involves Hermès, the company has just launched its own version of the classic.

Hermès

Fond as we are of this brand, we can only say that $455 for a polo shirt borders on lunacy. Really. I’m sure they are done in a rich, lush cotton with a fabulous hand and incredible drape, but really. To quote Nancy Reagan, just say no. Harrumph.

Finally today, word on Target’s next designer collaboration: the retailer is partnering with Josie Natori.  Women’s Wear Daily has the story (subscription required):

The designer will introduce a limited edition collection with Target, called Josie Natori for Target, that will be a tightly focused group of bras, panties, sleepwear, loungewear, camis and chemises. The Natori line represents Target’s first limited edition foray into lingerie and loungewear.

The line will launch in October, just in time for Christmas, with a second collection scheduled to arrive in January, perfect for marketing to Valentine’s Day shoppers.

On that note we say g’bye until next time!

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Additional Photo Credits:

• Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images
• Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
• AP Photo/John Giles/PA Wire
• Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images

An Anti-Prep Crosses the Line, We Are In the Pink & Brooks Brothers’ New Blog

Welcome to another week, we hope yours is filled with the promise of spring.

We begin today with a story you may have already heard about, we felt it merited discussion because of our chat last week about “letting girls be girls,” the egregious nature of the topic also contributed to our decision to cover this today. Below, just one of hundreds of headlines about the topic, and images of the item under discussion, they come from from the Abercrombie Kids online store:

Who Wouldn’t Get Their 7-Year-Old A Sexy Padded Bra?

Abercrombie Kids via The Daily Mail

The headline comes via Gothamist, it is indicative of the tone seen in most stories about the bikinis, although we should point out Abercrombie is not selling girls’ undergarments, but bikini bathing suit tops.  From the Gothamist story:

“Parents are outraged that the company has created a line of push-up bras and bathing suits for girls as young as seven-years-old.”

Our friends on the far side of the pond may have initially broken the story, here is part of The Daily Mail’s coverage:

“…the fashion chain was the subject of outrage today after it released a range of bikinis for eight to 14-year-olds with padded cups.

The Abercrombie Kids ‘Ashley push-up triangle’ top, which retails for $24.50, features thick padding in the cup to give the illusion of a larger chest size.”

The Ashley Bikini Top is still on the site, evidently the level of controversy has prompted the company to change the name, removing the “push up” portion.

Abdercrombie Kids

Below we see the original description of the top, followed by the description as seen today on the website.

To be fair (must we strive for fairness when discussing this company?), Abercrombie Kids describes itself as serving 7 to 14 year olds; the company could claim to be targeting the top at 13 and 14-year-old girls as opposed to younger children. But that prompts an obvious question: do we need those young ladies, at an age when one’s self-image and self-confidence are at their most fragile, having this sort of product promoted to them?

As many readers are no doubt aware, this isn’t the first time the tasteless retailer has crossed the line, here is more from The Daily Mail:

“A range of thongs bearing the words ‘wink wink’ and ‘eye candy’ sold by the retailer for the same age group in 2002 sparked a similar debate, but Abrecrombie Kids refused to recall the line.

Abercrombie: taking vulgar to new lows.

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On a more upbeat note, we turn our attention to a retailer that does offer age appropriate clothing for children; Fred Perry has launched its new Kidswear line.

Fred Perry

We liked just about everything we looked at online.

Fred Perry

We also think the young man in the photos is beyond darling, no?

Fred Perry

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We move on now to springy things, it may be chilly but the sun is shining and bright colors may help bring spring closer. We start with the Furla Candy Bags, definitely Pretty In Pink (and Green).

Furla Candy Bags

Also offering vivid colors, Kenzo, a brand we rarely talk about here on the blog, the bags look like Easter candy.

Kenzo

The handles on these remind us of a telephone cord. For the younger set, we used to use two-piece telephones, there were cords connecting the two separate parts.

Two more from Kenzo in shades of pink.

Kenzo

D&G offers shoes that also remind us of Easter eggs.

D&G

D&G actually has a variety of cute pieces for your Tiny Miss, including the Junior Shirt for Infants, the bloomers come with the top.

D&G at 6pm.com

The plaids from Vivienne Westwood are fun.

Vivienne Westwood

These next two items may be pink, but it is unlikely you will see them at The Prepatorium, below left, the DSquared2 Clear Bootie and a Roberto Cavalli boot on the right.

6pm (the Zappos discount site) has some wonderful shoes in our favorite color, the Chuches Infant/Toddler Cotton (top) and Pampili Toddler Flat (bottom) are both sweet.

They also have multiple offerings for Mom, including the Jackie Flat and the Holly Pump, both from Paul Smith.

We move over to one of our favorites, J. McLaughlin, for more goodies. Below left, the St. Kitts Rattan bag,and on the right, the Seville Print Cardigan.

Also at J. McLaughlin, the Marcy Henley top, and the Harbor Dress.

Being Pretty in Pink isn’t limited to apparel and accessories, why not put the color front and center on your tabletop? The Melamine Dinner Set in Tutti-Frutti can be found at Le Boutique Targét, along with the Set of 10 Double Walled Tumblers.

There are also a number of items for one’s boudoir, we show the Room Essential Floral Quilt on the left and the Xhilaration Floral Paisley on the right.

Our friend Erin over at Pink & Green Scene recently shared a blinding very bright pillow (L), as well as a darling little piggy bank from Mud Pie.

That may be just enough pink for today!

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We leave you with news about a storied prep brand boosting its online presence even more:

Of Rogues and Gentlemen

That is a look at the new blog from Brooks Brothers, aptly titled Of Rogues and Gentlemen.  The blog launched at noon today, with sections on topics like “Style Commandments” and “Fabrics“.

Of Rogues & Gentlemen blog by Brooks Brothers

Brooks shows its social savvy by offering content not limited exclusively to posts tied to its merchandise, offering articles like “Give Me The Keys,” about vacationing in the Keys.

Of Rogues & Gentlemen blog by Brooks Brothers

We do hope to see content directed to female interests as the new site matures, although the blog’s tagline leads us to believe we shall be disappointed: “Style Advice, Tips, and Essentials for the Modern Man.”

The blog adds to the company’s already robust Facebook following and a strong presence on Twitter.

Goodbye until next time!

“Preppy Fabrics” and A Ring for Snooki

Hello and welcome to a Wednesday here at the Prepatorium.

We begin on the far side of the pond for a trip to the track (gasp). We can all remain calm, this is not some nefarious excursion, we are talking about Ladies Day at Cheltenham. Below, two of the many hats seen at the event.

We were chatting with the Queen Bee about Cheltenham, and both of us thought Zara Phillips looked very well put together.  The young woman, who is an Olympic level equestrienne (and 13th in line to the throne) sported a flat cap today, eschewing the more elaborate styles seen on others.

Not only is Cheltenham always a sure sign of spring, we enjoy seeing what everyone wears, as the “go big or don’t go at all” credo always seems to be a strong influence at this event.

David Davies/PA via The Guardian

Now that is some serious pink.

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Next, a delightful little photo piece done by the good folks at House Beautiful, “Preppy Happy Fabrics“. The story showcases a variety of bright, vibrant textiles from the home furnishings industry.  On the left we have lime seersucker from Holland & Sherry, accompanied by an updated and elegant argyle by Tillett and T4 on the right.

From the story:

“The preppy look is back. With designs ranging from argyle, seersucker, and cable knit, consider this a handbook on how to bring the happy look into your home.”

Other fabrics showcased include the popular “Color me Coral” pattern from the soon-to-launch Lilly Pulitzer for Lee Jofa line (L) and an Ikat style by Quadrille.

Click here to see the entire piece.

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Chanel’s new campaign for its Mademoiselle handbags has officially launched, we thought we would share a look at some of the upcoming ads featuring Gossip Girl Blake Lively.

Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel

Miss Lively is described as the “Ambassadress for the Mademoiselle Handbag collection”. The new bags come in a variety of sizes and finishes.

One more image from the campaign.

Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel via Fashion Gone Rogue

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Today’s final item involves one of our more recent additions to The AntiPrep Wall of Shame.

World Wrestling Via TMZ

Apparently the Snooki unit is going to be wrestling. From the Pro-Wrestling.com (what, you don’t have it bookmarked?)  website:

“World Wrestling Entertainment issued a press release touting Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi’s appearance at WrestleMania XXVII, proclaiming “Snooki Mania.” The Jersey Shore star will team up with John Morrison and Trish Stratus to take on Dolph Ziggler and LayCool.”

LayCool… do you think that is their real name?

With apologies, we are brief today, TPP duties are calling!

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Alan Davidson/The Picture Library Ltd.
• Sam Furlong/SWNS.com
• Eddie Keogh/Reuters