We are *very* brief today, with a quick look at some of the pieces in Brooks Brothers‘ spring women’s collection.

Brooks Brothers Spring 2012

We saw lots to like, especially a color palette in navy, turquoise or aqua, green and white.

Brooks Brothers Spring 2012

Brooks has put the catalog online if you enjoy viewing things that way.

Brooks Brothers Spring 2012

The catalog is replete with nautical imagery.

Brooks Brothers Spring 2012

Right down to photos of the Women’s Leather Espadrilles and Men’s Boat Shoes.

Brooks Brothers Spring 2012

Here we see the Boatneck Knit Top and Anchor Polo.

Brooks Brothers Spring 2012

A few more styles.

Brooks Brothers Spring 2012

Brooks Brothers Spring 2012

We hope to see some of these in person very shortly.

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We leave you with hopes this next item will put a smile on your face, I hadn’t even heard of it until yesterday when The Consort played it for me. It’s a rap song that we both like. Really, it’s true. Can’t you see the two of us flashing the “P” (for Princess, hello!) and dancing around the Prepatorium? “Cuz it’s the Plaid Rap yo, in case you didn’t know.”

Plaid Rap

You may listen to the Plaid Rap in its entirety here.

Have a great weekend, we’re back on Monday with a *very* exciting giveaway.

Today we are brief, focusing primarily on a topic we have chatted about before, it’s something that rolls around every 6 months or so. It has to do with Fashion Week and it’s more-than-silly. Any ideas yet? Could it be a certain menswear designer? Who also does the Black Fleece line for Brooks Brothers? Does this help?

Jacques Brinon/AP via Washington Post

Yes indeedy, it is time once again for the Princess to pounce, Thom Browne’s runway show closed out men’s fashion week in Paris.

Not everyone thought highly of the presentation, as seen in this story by Jeffrey Felner:

There comes a point when a designer pushes the envelope too far and sends out a collection that is so absurd and so outrageous that it might be called an insult to the intelligence of those in the audience and maybe even just a colossal waste of time.  Mr. Browne who has never been known for anything other than shock for shock value may have outdone himself this time.

Perhaps the nautical styles will be more appealing.

Thom Browne Facebook Page

Or not.

More from Mr. Felner’s story.

…this is not theater, this is not pushing the envelope, this is completely and patently absurd and which would have qualified for a circus side-show rather than a runway presentation.

Here is a different perspective from Maura Judkis in the Washington Post Style blog:

Browne, who is known for playing with the proportion on men’s suits, sent models lurching down the runway like tiny, preppy Frankensteins in oversized, shoulder-padded suits. The show called to mind several influences, among them Herman Munster, “Beetlejuice,” varsity football, WASPs, S&M and golf.

“Tiny, preppy Frankensteins.” Somehow that phrase is troubling.

Maybe if we take a look at some of the pink and green in the collection we’ll see something to like.

Thom Browne Facebook Page

Maybe not.

The WaPo blog points out that “preppy patterns adorned Browne’s oversized suits.”

Thom Browne FB Page/Jacques Brinon/AP via The Washington Post

Technically, there are some motifs one might find at actual prep retailers. Here is what really had me howling, a caption from one of the photos accompanying the Washington Post blog:

Browne was also inspired by S&M culture. Here, a model walks the runway in a preppy-patterned studded bondage hood.

Seeing the words “preppy-patterned studded bondage hood” made my eyes bleed, while I was simultaneously reaching for the whiskey bottle for a quick nip to kill the pain antacids.

The Times review of mens’ fashion week included this about the show.

Everybody had a laugh at Thom Browne’s “Jocks and Punks” show, with mounds and mounds of shoulder padding that nearly ate the models’ heads.

We do love a little argyle every now and again, perhaps a spot of that will diminish our critical reaction.

Jacques Brinon/AP via The Washington Post

Then again, it might not.

Back to Mr. Felner’s story in the Examiner:

As far as I am concerned, this is a collection that should be mocked and held up as an example of what is wrong with fashion today.  20 and 30 something editors and fashion victims who declare this as fabulous deserve to be fired and magazines that show this as editorial deserve to be boycotted by the fashion cognoscenti.”

Delphine Achard/Women's Wear Daily

I doubt “silly” was meant in a complimentary or lighthearted way in WWD‘s review:

In yet another silly show, the American fashion prankster paraded two breeds of tough guy: the S&M punk and the bulked-up American sportsman.

To be fair, yours truly is absolutely the last person on the planet Mr. Browne would target as a potential customer, we’re not at all the person he is designing for, nor is The Consort, far from it. But this one was just so ridiculously overdone I couldn’t resist sharing it with our treasured readers, after all, we have suffered through more than one collection by Mr. Browne together.

There is a related story that is very funny, a reporter for The Mirror (UK) decided to do his own version of the look for a story on how appealing the styles would be in London.

Purely in the interest of scientific research, I created my own monstrous version of the outfits seen at Thom Browne’s Paris Fashion Week show– all oversized shoulder pads like something from 60s TV show The Munsters.

The Mirror UK

He looks very chic, no?

The Mirror UK

You can read Steve Myall’s story and see more photos by clicking here.

One other quick note: in our preview of new and cool things coming to the Princess we shared a new bracelet Kiel James Patrick designed exclusively for the Preppy Princess. It is from Kiel’s just-launched Triton Collection.

Kiel James Patrick Exclusive Preppy Princess Bracelet

We promised to let people know the price and availability; they bracelets are $38, we expect to start shipping them around the 8th of February. You can pre-order yours by clicking here.

G’bye until next time!

We thought nothing would be better to start a fresh week than a look at some of the new goodies in our spring Lilly Pulitzer Stationery and Gifts collection. We begin with a group of items that is already very popular, the new Acrylic Collection.

Lilly Pulitzer Spring 2012 at PreppyPrincess.com

There are Pitchers, Tumblers and Wine Glasses in spring’s pretty prints, all are in stock and ready to ship now.  That includes the Nice to See You and Luscious pitchers, they are dishwasher safe, BPA, phthalate, and lead free, retailing at $21.95.  (The pitchers hold 56 ozs. of your favorite beverage, I think even Miss Janice would say that is a heap ‘o sweet tea!)

Lilly Pulitzer Acrylic in Nice to See You & Luscious at PreppyPrincess.com

Above we also show the matching glasses, each of these holds 18 ounces, they are $19.50 for a set of two, available in Nice to See You and Luscious.

Of course, there are bright new patterns in the acrylic Wine Glasses that match the tumblers and pitchers. I don’t think I’m alone in saying the Wine Glass Sets have emerged as a go-to hostess gift on more than one occasion, they are $19.50 per set of two.

Lilly Pulitzer Spring 2012 Wine Glasses at PreppyPrincess.com

This spring’s patterns are Luscious, Nice to See You and Fan Dance, like the other pieces in this group, the wine glasses are BPA-, Lead-, and Phthalate-free, as well as dishwasher safe.

There are also new paper party supplies to perk up your table.

Lilly Pulitzer Spring 2012 at PreppyPrincess.com

Yours truly has a fondness for flamingos just ask the neighbors, , you can guess which pattern popped out at us first, the Fan Dance napkins and paper plates are definitely smile-inducing. But we’ll always have a soft spot for pink and green, the Chum Bucket napkins and paper plates are sure to brighten up any table. (These are also in stock and ready to ship, plates are $5 for a set of 8, napkins are also $5 for a set of 20.)

The Consort thinks I should be using these all the time, he seems to believe there are issues with spillage (it washed out of the carpet, honestly), so seeing me with a lid on my drink makes him particularly glad to see the Eco Tumblers return in even more patterns, these beauties arrived last week, they are $14.95.

Lilly Pulitzer Spring 2012 Tumblers at PreppyPrincess.com

Oodles of paper products have arrived in the last week, these Notebook Sets are just part of the batch.  For only $7 you receive a set of two 4″ x 6″ notebooks filled with lined and perforated paper, that is a price that is pocketbook friendly.

Lilly Notebook Sets at PreppyPrincess.com

Also in stock, the spiral-bound Mini Notebooks in Fan Dance and Scarlet Begonias, shown below with the Notebook Sets we just described up above.

Lilly Pulitzer at PreppyPrincess.com

Lilly’s ‘Catchalls‘ are new this spring, they come in a beautiful open box filled with 150 sheets of Lilly paper and one of those cute pink Lilly pens.

Offered in Chum Bucket, Fallin’ in Love and Fan Dance, you get all this for only $13.50, making this a great giftable. Another cute little giftable, the new Fridge Magnet Note Pads have 60 lined and perforated sheets of paper, perfect for those little “don’t forget” notes and shopping lists ($7).

Lilly Fridge Pads at The Preppy Princess

We like this addition to the spring line, elegant Pen and Notecard Sets in Chum Bucket and Fallin in Love.

Lilly Pulitzer Pen & Notecard Sets at PreppyPrincess.com

The sets have 10 notecards embossed with gold foil for an upscale touch, matching envelopes and pen, they are $28 and in stock.

Also ready to ship, Lilly notecards that are more whimsical, the spring 2012 Boxed Note Cards are offered in Fan Dance and Scarlet Begonia, these come with 12 assorted notecards and matching envelopes, they are $14.50.

Lilly Pulitzer at PreppyPrincess.com

Our next item is ideal for spring break and beyond, the Insulated Coolers are all in stock and ready to ship now. Below they are shown left to right: Chum Bucket, Fallin’ In Love, Scarlet Begonias.

Lilly Pulitzer Coolers at PreppyPrincess.com

These are water-resistant, have an outside pocket, micro-fiber EVA lining, and come with an attached can opener. For that bottle of Diet Coke, cough-cough. The Coolersare $29.50 and just begging for beach time.

One item synonymous with fun and sun, Lilly’s ever-so-popular Sunglass Straps. From left to right, Chum Bucket, Fallin’ In Love, Scarlet Begonia, and Bloomin’ Cacoonin’

The straps are available to ship at the end of the week, as are the spring Koozies.

Lilly Pulitzer Spring 2012 Koozies at The Preppy Princess

Also due here this week, a new item we like a lot – Lilly’s Tech Wristlet/Camera Case.

Lilly Pulitzer Tech Wristlet/Camera Case

These are ideal for your camera, cell phone, mp3 player or other on the go item that you want to keep cushioned safely.  The cases are made of neoprene and lined with a soft material to prevent scratches, best of all, they are only $15.

Lilly Pulitzer Tech Wristlet/Camera Case at PreppyPrincess.com

The Tech Wristlets close securely with a zipper, have an interior storage pocket, and measure 5-1/4″ x 3.5″ x 3/4″.

Another item we’ll be shipping by the end of the week, the new iPhone 4 Cases ($24.50), the new patterns are (left to right) Chum Bucket, Scarlet Begonia, Fan Dance and Fallin’ in Love. (Note: Fallin in Love will not be available for a few weeks.)

Lilly Pulitzer iPhone 4 Cases at PreppyPrincess.com

The fab new iPad Cases will be arriving at The Prepatorium this week.

Lilly Pulitzer iPad Covers at PreppyPrincess.com

The new cases are for the iPad 2 only, they are available in (left to right) Scarlet Begonias, Chum Bucket, and Fan Dance, they are $29.50.

Lilly Pulitzer iPad 2 Cases at PreppyPrincess.com

If in need of a case for your iPad 1, we still have them in You’re Flagged.

Also on hand, the new and improved Lilly Market Bags. Made of the same great material, the new size fits over your shoulder more easily, the new wider and shorter size still holds just as much, just in a more comfortable way.

Lilly Spring 2012 Market Bags at PreppyPrincess.com

The spring 2012 bags are done in Ugotta Regotta, Fan Dance, and Chum Bucket.

Last but not least, another item The Consort is happy to see added to the line, organizer bins. (He seems to think there is a clutter issue.)

Lilly Pulitzer at PreppyPrincess.com

The foldable storage boxes will add some spark to your home, they will be available in Chum Bucket, as seen above, and Fallin’ in Love. The bigger size is 22″ long x 13″ wide x 13″ high, the smaller bin runs 12.5″ long x 10″ wide x 10.5″ high. We expect to have these in stock in another week or two.

There are oodles of other additions to the collection, pop in for a visit and pick your favorites!

Nick Smith, a spokesman for Ascot, said: “It is stretching a point to say standards have collapsed but there is no doubt that our customers would like to get back to a situation where it is universally acknowledged that this is a formal occasion and not an occasion where you might dress as you would at a nightclub.

“It is probably fair to say that the dress code hasn’t necessarily been enforced quite as rigorously as we might have liked.”

It turns out that relaxing the rules in an effort to appeal to a broader section of possible attendees hasn’t gone as well as hoped, at least not when it came to how those attendees were dressed.  If confused, one need look no further than the Royal Ascot website, where the new rules are laid out:

• Dresses and skirts should be of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer;

Methinks most of the ladies seen in this photo from last year would not pass muster under that new hemline rule.

CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images

Back to the more stringent standards:

•  Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater;
•  Jackets and pashminas may be worn but dresses and tops underneath should still comply with the Royal Enclosure dress code;
• Trouser suits are welcome. They should be of full length and of matching material and colour;

Something of a visual style guide was released along with the new rules, this next photo seems to reinforce the ‘trouser suit’ information. (FYI, ‘trouser suit’ as opposed to ‘pants suit,’ because on the far side of the pond ‘pants’ generally refers to a ladies’ unmentionables, a cultural distinction your fearless scribe only discovered last summer.) We’ll make this our Pretty in Pink for the day as well, it is a lovely look.

Royal Ascot via The Guardian

However, those are not the only new rules, back to Royal Ascot:

Ladies are kindly asked to note the following:

• Midriffs must be covered;
• Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than one inch (2.5cm) are not permitted;

Again, ensembles (we use the term loosely here) worn last year to Royal Ascot that do not appear up to snuff vis-à-vis the updated standards.

Getty Images

With the possible exception of the pink floral frock in the center, that seems like a good thing.

•  Fascinators are no longer permitted in the Royal Enclosure; neither are headpieces which do not have a base covering a sufficient area of the head (4 inches / 10cm).

Another ‘approved’ look via The Guardian:

Via The Guardian

For those who plan on attending with your MOTH (Man Of The House), one final photo, this one showing acceptable styles for both the Lord and Lady at your palace.

Via The Guardian

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Our other primary item of interest involves Mad Men, Season 5 premieres with a special 2-hour episode March 25.  Below, the poster promoting the new season.

Via BuzzSugar.com

Sure to be a collector’s item, this year’s poster takes mid-century minimalism to a new level. We can only hope things are looking up for Don and Betty, I fear he has pickled his liver by now.

amc-tv via Film.com

An interesting sidebar involves Newsweek, word is the magazine is doing a special issue in conjunction with the new season launch. More from Advertising Age:

Newsweek is planning an issue marking the return of “Mad Men” this March by adopting the magazine’s 1960s design throughout — all the way, it hopes, to the ads.

The “Mad Men”-themed issue, which will be dated March 19, will include a cover story on the series and a feature on the role of advertising in U.S. culture.

It seems that virtual wall keeping editorial content and advertising separated isn’t in place at Newsweek.  Below, two Newsweek covers from the Mad Men era, the cover on the far left is January 1964 and on the right, December 1965.

Newsweek via Ad Age

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We leave you with two lighthearted items, the first involving these delightful images: what happens when an illustrator creates a few fashion pooh-bahs in the manner of the Simpsons?

aleXsandro Palombo via British Vogue

Above, Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld, below Vogue’s Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington, all created by illustrator Alexsandro Palombo.

aleXsandro Palombo via Vogue UK

Mr. Palombo is known for, among other things, creating the blog Humor Chic. He also created Vanity Karl, seen below.

aleXsandro Palombo/Humor Chic

We like the illustrator’s sly eye and sense of humor.

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Our other lighthearted tidbit today involves a much loved product.

Via PSFK

Meet the new LL Bean Bootmobile.

Via LL Bean

It was created as part of Bean’s 100th Anniversary this year (more about that in a future post, as well as a special giveaway), and it must be just something to see on the road.

Here is how it looked as it headed to Times Square today.

Zerina Phillip/LL Bean Facebook Page

The Oscar Mayer Weinermobile may have been bumped to second place in our hearts and minds. You can read more about the Bootmobile travel plans (yes, it will be on the move) and other Anniversary events on Bean’s first official blog.

Until next time, keep smiling and keep warm!

It’s that time of year when we showcase new products at the Princess, we are overflowing with all manner of additions to the site.  We start by showing something we discovered to be very popular with those seeking serious phone protection and style, our personalized Lipstick Shades otterbox cases ($68) for the iPhone 4.

Lipstick Shades at PreppyPrincess.com

Also a new favorite, the ‘Simply Stated‘ cases from Lipstick Shades ($40), there are loads of cute patterns for this style of case.

'Simply Stated' iPhone 4 Cases at PreppyPrincess.com

There are more goodies for your electronic and tech devices, our personalized Clairebella iPad Folio Cases ($72) offer a splash of color and protection for your iPad, they fit both the 1 and 2.

Clairebella at PreppyPrincess.com

Made of neoprene and leather, the cases also act as an easel, so you can stand that iThing right up if you want to.

Clairebella iPad Folio at PreppyPrincess.com

There are also new Clairebella Netbook Sleeves, they run from $37 – $58 depending upon the size you need.

Clairebella at PreppyPrincess.com

There are also new Clairebella skins ($31) for all sizes and styles of electronics, including the iPad 1 and 2, Blackberry Playbook, Samsung Galaxy Tab & Tab 10.1 (US), Motorola Xoom, Kindle 2 & 3, Nook Color and Nook Touch.

Clairebella at PreppyPrincess.com

For anyone unfamiliar with ‘skins,’ they are something like a decal that fits on your device. Fair warning however – skins are more about presentation, not protection. Below, a sleeve in the orange and pink Hamptons print is seen with a skin in orange Links.

Clairebella at PreppyPrincess.com

Also recently launched, Jonathan Adler’s style statements for your favorite four-legged family members, including these snuggly scarves, just $14.50.

Jonathan Adler at PreppyPrincess.com

Those with a nautical inclination (hello, Nautical by Nature…?) might be interested in some of our other new Adler treasures, including his snappy Key Fobs (our favorite is the Whale $17.50); the letterpress Anchor Note Cards ($17.50) are also very appealing.

Jonathan Adler at PreppyPrincess.com

Staying with the nautical theme, how about our Sloane Ranger iPad Cases? The Scottie Dogs, Horses are more of a landlocked look, but the Whales speak of the sea, as do the Anchors.

Sloane Ranger at PreppyPrincess.com

Also added to our Sloane Ranger line, Wrap Bracelets ($8), Crossbody Bags ($22), and Wristlets ($16), all perfect for the beach this spring break.

Sloane Ranger at PreppyPrincess.com

One of my favorite additions to the store has to be our new personalized Royal Ribbons, we fell in love with this custom product the first time we saw it!

Royal Ribbons at PreppyPrincess.com

It is perfect for gifts, corporate events, holidays, baby and wedding showers, weddings, birthday or any other reason you want to stand out and make your mark!

Royal Ribbons at PreppyPrincess.com

Almost any combinations of words and symbols can go on the ribbon, there is a dizzying array of colors and widths.

Royal Ribbons at PreppyPrincess.com

Widths start at 3/8″, going up to 2″, 3″ and 4″, offering a whole new world of possibilities, especially in terms of gift giving.

Royal Ribbons at PreppyPrincess.com

Prices for the smallest size begin at $2.50 a yard, with a 3 yard minimum. Here is just a sampling of icons available.

Royal Ribbons at The Preppy Princess

Chances are good if there is a symbol you would like that isn’t shown, Royal Ribbons’ talented Miss A. will be able to locate it for you.

We wrap up with a ‘coming soon’ item created by our friend Kiel James Patrick.

Kiel James Patrick

From his soon-to-launch ‘Triton’ collection, that is the “Nantucket Shoal” bracelet. Below, three other styles that are part of Kiel’s latest collection.

Kiel James Patrick Coming Soon to PreppyPrincess.com

We’ll have new bracelets in stock very shortly, along with an exclusive Triton bracelet Kiel is making just for Princess customers.

And with thoughts of spring dancing in our heads, we say g’bye until next time!