The Preppy Princess

Adventures in Argyle, Preppy Sales and Savings

PreppyPrincess.com — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:39:39 +0000

Hello-Hello, greetings for another week!

We have several Sales and Savings to report today; some may be repetitious but we thought they bore a second run, beginning with Brooks Brothers.

Brooks has taken significant markdowns on many items, including several pieces that definitely qualify as Adventures in Argyle.

The Merino Argyle Cardigan is now $117.60 ($168), and on the right we have the Cashmere Argyle cardigan, now $208.60 (originally $298). Both seemed to be available in almost all sizes as of this writing.

The Country Club Mini-Argyle crew sock is now $16 (originally $40) and the Cotton Argyle Anklet now $6 ($15); both are offered in a variety of colorways.

As The Consort has been heard to say: “You can’t go wrong with a good pair of socks from Brooks Brothers.”

Not on sale at Brooks, but definitely worthy of a mention, the St. Jude Collection, including the Brooksie ™ Bear.

Courtesy Brooks Brothers

The retailer is donating $5 from the sale of each bear to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. There are several other items in this collection at Brooks Brothers, all with a portion of sales going to the hospital and research center.

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Also offering a sizable selection of Sale merchandise, Lacoste; the hat originally ($45, now $24.99) and gloves (originally $40, now $27.99) shown below definitely qualify as Pretty in Pink.

Over at Bergdorf, their semi-annual sale is underway.

J. Crew continues their ‘holiday sale‘:

One item of note: Crew is also offering 20% off all orders of $150 or more; use promo code INSIDER at checkout. This is online only and ends Wednesday night (the 18th) at midnight.

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Nautica has a solid selection of discounted merchandise in their online Sale section. We simply adore the Girls Anchor Print Skirt is now $14.99, originally it sold at $30. We also like the Girls Signal Flag polo.

Two things we fell in love with: the Baby Anchor Print Hoodie (now $14.99) and the Baby Dreamer Sweater Coat (now $21.99)

The item that really sent us over the moon? The Infant Plaid Trim Onesie.

If that doesn’t qualify as Prepalicious we don’t know what will; it is off the charts on the Cute-o-meter. (It is also only $9.99.)

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We have an update to the Jimmy Choo for H & M post from Friday: it was bedlam at most H&M stores when the collection went on sale Saturday. In Vancouver shoppers camped outside the store.

Vancouver Sun

From a MarketWatch story:

“…the greater part of both Choo’s ladies’ and men’s collections sold out…. Even in Madrid, the epicenter of one of Europe’s most recession-battered economies, plenty of women and men could be seen toting glossy blue H&M bags Saturday afternoon.”

Below, Gossip Girl star Michelle Trachtenberg was among those shopping the H&M on Fifth this weekend.

Rob Loud/Getty Images

Speaking of Gossip Girl, many of Ms. Trachtenberg’s costars were seen at last night’s private screening of ‘The Private Lives of Pippa Lee‘.

Blake Lively was at the screening, along with Keanu Reeves, Julianne Moore, Robin Wright Penn, director Rebecca Miller and Zoe Kazan.

Jemal Countess/Getty Images

Many of the actress’s G2 costars were also in attendance, including Chace Crawford.

Jemal Countess/Getty Images

And real-life sweetheart Penn Badgley was on hand as well.

Jemal Countess/Getty Images

The film has a November 27 release date.

Posted in Argyle, Gossip Girl, nautical, Preppy Fashion, preppy lifestyle, Pretty in Pink, Sales & Savings

Lands’ End Launches New Collection, Calendar Craze

PreppyPrincess.com — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:54:25 +0000

Hello-Hello and Happy Friday!

We jump right into things today with a look at the new Canvas line from Lands’ End.

PHOTO: Steve Eichner/WWD

As the story in WWD (Women’s Wear Daily, subscription required) explains:

“Land’s End Canvas, a collection designed with a “modern sensibility,” or, in other words, a younger audience, in mind.”

The new pieces have classic appeal.

Courtesy Lands' End

We like the Heritage Cardigan as well as the Boyfriend V-neck Cardigan.

Badgley Mischka for HSN Now Available, Chanel & Vuitton at CostCo?

PreppyPrincess.com — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:21:00 +0000

Hello-Hello, and Happy Thursday!

We begin today with a question: does it seem a tad early for the Black Friday frenzy to be underway?

We have seen several stories on the topic in the last two days, including several focusing on the Target and Wal-Mart strategies for boosting sales. From a CNN/Money story:

“Target is hoping to lure this year’s Black Friday shoppers with $3 toasters and coffeemakers, deep deals on high-definition televisions, and discounts of 50% on clothes and toys…”

Le Boutique even has a Black Friday ad sign-up page on its website; we’re not clear what one receives when signing up on that page, and much as we adore our readers we just couldn’t bring ourselves to sign up in order to learn more.

Courtesy Target

There are a number of sites with the Target ad and many others to peruse if so inclined:

Last year we shared as much information as seemed reasonable about fiscally-friendly opportunities at retail establishments with a preppish slant, Brooks Brothers, Talbots, Neiman Marcus, J.Crew, and the like. We planned to do the same this year. We just feel there is an ever-earlier encroachment, but perhaps it is selective recall on our part.

Speaking of Target, we have more photos of the Rodarte for collection, due to debut December. Below, this dress is featured on Teen Vogue’s December cover with Dakota Fanning.

Teen Vogue

The issue also showcases this Lace Dress, it will run $45.

Courtesy Target

This next image is a scan from Marie Claire:

Marie Claire

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Another major collaborative group launches much earlier than the Rodarte line seen above; the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection will be unveiled this Saturday.

Jimmy Choo for H&M

Below, actress Demi Moore sported a dress from the line in October.

Steve Granitz/Wire Image for H&M

Another look:

Jimmy Choo for H&M

We aren’t going to devote too much space to this however, as the collection isn’t available online in the US and not everyone is near an H&M.

There are a number of interesting stories on this line and the growing trend for fashion collaborations and defusion lines, including this piece from ABC.

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One final joint effort to share today: the Badgley Mischka line for HSN, American Glamour.

The collection is scheduled to launch November 17th with a special program on the shopping channel, but from the looks of things, many pieces (if not the entire line) are already available online.

The Animal Print Bag is showcased in either a Cheetah or Zebra pattern, selling at $349.90.

Price points run from $39 to $499; the collection includes clothing, jewelry and accessories. (But no housewares as in Isaac Mizrahi’s line for QVC discussed in Tuesday’s post.) The Big Bold Ring is $59 and the coordinating 5 Stone Necklace is $79, $69 for the event price. (?)

The Hinged Cuff Bracelet runs $99.

Courtesy HSN

We find this all more-than-interesting to watch from the sidelines, the marketing and merchandising techniques are fascinating.

HSN/American Glamour

WWD’s story on the line says the launch online at HSN is November 15, but everything seems to be available now.

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According to this story in today’s Times, Blake Lively hair is all the rage.

Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

“At the Bumble and bumble in Bloomingdale’s, Michael Wilson, a stylist, said that more than half his customers ask for the “Textured and Tousled, or Curled and Swirled” styling … It is a request he attributes to Ms. Lively’s hairstyle.”

And the popular Gossip Girl star’s reaction?

““I didn’t really realize the extent of it,” Ms. Lively said of her hair’s popularity, though she had an inkling: fashion forerunners like Vogue staffers routinely approach her at events and fixate on her hair, she said.”

Finally, news that may put smiles on the faces of some fashionistas, while creating scowls for others: one may now purchase both Chanel and Louis Vuitton handbags at CostCo.

A post at StyleList notes the discount warehouse has the Classic Chanel Flap bag at $1999 :

Daniel Acker, Bloomberg via Getty Images via StyleList

From today’s Post:

“The Post found plenty of small-living-space-appropriate surprises in-store.

Like the massive wall of Ugg “Ultra” short boots ($124.99), the Chanel classic flap handbags ($1,999.99) and the classic Louis Vuitton “Speedy 30” mini-duffels ($589.99).”

Of course this is in addition to the Burberry, Tod’s, Ferragamo and Coach merchandise at Costco, at least from what we read.

We’re guessing Costco is not carrying this:

Courtesy Photo via Grazia Daily

This creation from Vuitton honors the Red Cross.

Courtesy Photo via Grazia

This story in Grazia explains more about the limited edition item:

“The box was commissioned by Patrick-Louis Vuitton, a fifth-generation descendant of the founder who says, ‘When reflecting on our collaboration with the Red Cross, it came to my mind to create a special Red Cross kit… [this is a] visually impactful and a truly unique piece.’”

The upscale leather goods firm is also donating a percentage of proceeds from certain handbag sales to the Red Cross.

For more on these efforts and loads of fab photos, click here.

With that we say good bye until next time!

Posted in Gossip Girl, Logos, preppy, Preppy clothing & brands, Preppy Fashion, preppy lifestyle

At The 11th Hour, Redux

PreppyPrincess.com — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:51:45 +0000

The significance of the day prompts us to blend parts of last year’s Veteran’s Day post with updated images.

At the 11th hour….

NATO Ceremony at Camp Eggers in Kabul

Of the 11th day…

World War II Memorial, Washington DC

Of the 11th month…

Camp Eggers - Afghanistan

They shall be remembered.

Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington

US Coast Guard Air Station, Sacramento,

No matter the conflict…

Glasgow, Scotland

It is the faces that tell the story.

WWII Veterans, Malta

World War II veterans Margie Zwick, Women's Army Corps, and Arnold Strauch, U.S. Army, look on before the annual Veterans Day parade November 11, 2009 in New York City

Manila Cemetery Service, the largest cemetery in the Pacific for U.S. personnel killed during World War II.

WWII Navajo Code Talkers

World War II veteran, Australia

Fort Hood November 10, 2009

National War Memorial, Ottawa, Canada

Frank Squirrel, Korean War vet, Cherokee Nation Color Guard

Remembrance Day, Australia

Grief knows no boundaries.

Arlington, October 19, 2009

Arlington, November 3

Fort Hood, Texas, November 10, 2009

It is never too late to say “Thank You”.

REUTERS/Molly Riley

AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus

REUTERS/Erik de Castro

AP Photo/Steven Senne

AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth

Oli Scarff/Getty Images

REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi

REUTERS/Daniel Munoz

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Mario Tama/Getty Images

Posted in preppy

Sneak Peek at Isaac’s Line, Lilly & Kate Online Only Sales

PreppyPrincess.com — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:10:46 +0000

Hello-Hello and welcome to the mayhem that is the Prepatorium today, in large part because yesterday we were a tad under the weather. We thank The Consort for stepping in and penning the blog, what a dream of a spouse he is!

We are so woefully behind in personal and professional obligations we fear our pointy little head is about to explode! Therefore our bloggage will be brief. We begin with a sneak peek at a line from a designer we adore, Isaac Mizrahi, for a television shopping channel we had never visited, QVC.

John Aquino/WWD

It seems the talented designer is using many of the classic design lines he employed at Le Boutique Targèt. Above: the Wool blend duffle toggle coat, $198; cashmere sweater, $88, and taffeta skirt, $60; shoes, $70. We aren’t crazy about this next look; the word ‘matronly’ comes to mind, oui?

John Aquino/WWD

We’ll use this next item as today’s Pretty in Pink; the leather Drawstring Bag is expected to be $200.

John Aquino/WWD

The Patent Leather clutches are going to be in the $75 range.

John Aquino/WWD

Mr. Mizrahi’s collection is also going to include housewares. Below left, the set of Three Vases are going to retail at $75 (the candy dish price isn’t available) and the Bow Plates will be $40 for a set of four.

The talented designer is also going to offer a wide variety of tartan products, including the Cotton Pajama Set, $67, and the Plaid Throw, $49.

A new and nifty option for storage? The Tartan plaid boxes in two sizes at $55 and $70.

For an entirely different look at the popular plaid motif:

John Aquino/WWD

Yes indeedy, that is an edible tartan: the cheesecake will be offered at $40, and the plaid platter at $40. Yumalicious! Below, Mr. Mizrahi and a model in his Gold paillette tank and silk pants.

John Aquino/WWD

Target still hasn’t ‘replaced’ Mr. Mizrahi as far as we are concerned, they have yet to procure a stellar talent as an in-house designer, although they claim to be content with the status quo in this respect.

The collection launches on QVC December 4 – we may actually tune in for the unveiling.

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A few quick Sales & Savings opportunities we must pass along, the first already underway….

The Kate Spade Sample sale is generally worth a visit, with things like the Bon Vivant zippered Chrissy only $81.

An upcoming chance to enhance one’s walk-in starts Thursday (the 12th), this one courtesy of the good folks at Lilly.

This is the first time Lilly Pulitzer is doing an online-only sale; if interested in being able to get a head start on shopping, Lilly Facebook fans will be able to start browsing and buying at 7am Thursday. Those who subscribe to the Lilly newsletter may begin at 8am, and the sale opens to ‘regular shoppers’ online at 9am.

It seems the success of the online sale might have a direct impact on what is available at the Lilly Warehouse Sale next week, the 19th – 21st.

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Finally, we are struggling in our efforts to adapt to life without our dear friends Don and Betty Draper Mad Men every Sunday evening. Below, Jon Hamm and January Jones on the set.

Courtesy AMC-TV

A season that started with such promise ends with the couple having “the talk” with their children.

Courtesy AMC-TV

We shall have to wait until next season to learn about the family’s future, including how little Bobby and Sally Draper handle Daddy’s absence from the family hearth. Sigh.

For those fond of Ms. Jones, she is hosting Saturday Night Live this weekend. On that note we say g’bye until next time!

Posted in Preppy clothing & brands, Preppy Fashion, Pretty in Pink, Sales & Savings

Hide The Kids & Let’s Start An Ad Agency!

PreppyPrincess.com — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:19:35 +0000

Hello-hello, all. The Consort striding confidently to the microphone today. The lovely and talented Princess is spending a portion of the day undergoing a root canal and so I will attempt to entertain you for the next few moments. She anticipates being back with you all tomorrow. Meanwhile, she would appreciate your kind thoughts and suggestions for pain relief.

We begin today with a confession. As many of you may know we gift wrap the items purchased from PreppyPrincess.com. It’s a great joy for us to hear from customers who open up their shipping box and get that little surprise. The Princess enjoys wrapping the items and adding a personal note. There are times when I attempt to lend a hand. That’s when things go horribly off the rails.

I struggle with gift wrapping. Oh, sure, I get the concept but the execution is just beyond my reach. Being somewhat analytical I thought I could find some instruction online. There’s plenty of help but nothing seems to be working. I can only imagine the reaction when our customers open their box and find my handiwork:

She: AHHH! It’s hideous!

He (in another room): What? What?

She: Where are the kids? Hide the kids! Don’t let them come in here and see this!

He: See what? Where?

She: Our package from The Preppy Princess arrived and it looks like a grizzly bear tried to wrap these things! Oh, the humanity!

He (rushing into room): Look away! Don’t stare at the wrapping!

She: Look at those sloppy creases… those messy folds. It can only mean one thing… The Consort has struck again!

(fade to black)

Maybe I’m being a bit melodramatic. But when your purchases from The Princess arrive don’t panic if they look like they were wrapped in the chimpanzee house at the Bronx Zoo. It’s only me with another work of art in progress. I just happen to be inspired by the surrealists.

While we’re on the topic of surreal: Do we really need a little Christmas right this very minute? The number of advertisements, be they print, online or broadcast, is already reaching the saturation point and we haven’t even hit double-digit days in November. I understand the scent of desperation is in the air around many retailers. But this onslaught began in mid-October and the messages are beginning to blur. There’s also the issue of the never-ending sales. Consumers are smarter than some retailers seem to want to acknowledge. What do you think? At what point do you shut it all out? Don’t get me wrong: I love the holidays. I just don’t appreciate being assaulted by advertisers.

Which brings us to the Mad Men finale.

Photo: AMC

So now, while Betty Draper heads to Reno for a quickie divorce, Don and the gang commit I don’t know how many felonies while launching their own advertising agency. Interesting. It’s also interesting that Don Draper, our favorite lone wolf, finally realized that he needs other people if he is going to succeed. Best line of the night? Roger: “Peggy, get me some coffee.” Peggy: “No.” There you go. The tone is set for Season Four.

Oh, look. It’s time to climb down off of the soapbox and take my blood pressure medicine. I appreciate your gentle patience and hope you’ll visit us tomorrow when The Princess is feeling more chipper. Meanwhile, remember to treat your waitperson right; they’re working hard for you today. I’d like to leave you with the distinctive song stylings of a young woman who has apparently done some relationship comparison studies. Good night, everyone.

Posted in Help Me Understand, Posts by the Princess Consort, preppy, preppy lifestyle

Bazaar Does Twilight, Lilly Car Revealed

PreppyPrincess.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:47:58 +0000

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!

Posted in Friday Fun, Obama Fashion & Politics, preppy, Preppy clothing & brands

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

PreppyPrincess.com — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:02:38 +0000

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.

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).

Also available, an ornament Silly Tilly would love.

Posted in Gossip Girl, Help Me Understand, It's Just Not Done, preppy, Pretty in Pink, Sales & Savings, The AntiPrep

The Big Winner!

PreppyPrincess.com — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:50:55 +0000

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!

Posted in preppy

Ralph Lauren Gift Vault, Banana Republic Spring 2010

PreppyPrincess.com — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:35:45 +0000

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!

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