College Classics Get an Update & That Dale Carnegie Cyber Guide

Hello and happy Columbus Day to those commemorating the holiday with special events, functions or a day off.

We are brief, beginning with new takes on some old style favorites.

Smart Threads via Ecouterre.com

These snappy blazers are created by the good folks at Smart Threads, a young company committed to philanthropy. Here is a snippet from the firm’s “About Us” page:

“…for every $1 the company makes, 50% goes towards a charity in the form of a monetary donation which helps clothe people in need, or an investment into socially conscious projects.”

The jackets are made of fleece, they look more-than-comfy.

Smart Threads

Currently Smart Threads offers designs for the K State Wildcats, the University of Oregon and USC.  There are also shorts in matching colors and prints.

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Next, the classic letter sweater as updated by Etiquette Vintage Designs.

Etiquette Vintage Designs

This new company upcycles vintage sweaters and blazers, above we see sweaters celebrating SMU and the Wisconsin Badgers. Below, Texas Tech and Harvard sweaters.

Etiquette Vintage Design

There are plenty of looks for men as well.

Etiquette Vintage Design

A few more styles.

Etiquette Vintage Design

The one of a kind sweaters and blazers are the brainchild of designer Eric Renteria, seen below in his own creations.

Eric Renteria

Mr. Renteria’s inspiration for the collection is explained in this story from the Amarillo Globe-News:

“I see a lot of what women are wearing, or men, and it’s very low-cut or short-shorts, and that’s not attractive to me,” he said.

“When I see a woman out wearing a gorgeous dress and not showing anything, or just her shoulder, that’s sexy,” he said. “I’d like to see more of that. Or guys taking the time not to go out with a baseball cap and just a T-shirt.”

The line is garnering some solid press.

Study Breaks Magazine

A tip of the hat to both young companies, starting a new enterprise in this climate takes courage and vision, we hope both are wildly successful.

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Our other item today comes via this story that ran last Wednesday in The Times. It reviews two new editions of classic books, beginning with the Dale Carnegie standard:

Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” which turns 75 this year, has sold more than 30 million copies and continues to be a best seller. The book, a paean to integrity, good humor and warmth in the name of amicable capitalism, is as wholesome as a Norman Rockwell painting.

But it turns out we couldn’t leave well enough alone, nay-nay, the book had to be re-imagined and re-issued, now titled “How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age,” Back to the review:

This new adaptation seems to have been composed using refrigerator magnets stamped with corporate lingo: “transactional proficiency,” “tangible interface,” “relational longevity,” “continuum of opportunities,” “interpersonal futility,” and “our faith persuasion.”

The following sentence, which appears on Page 80, is so inept that it may actually be an ancient curse and to read it more than three times aloud is to summon the cannibal undead: “Today’s biggest enemy of lasting influence is the sector of both personal and corporate musing that concerns itself with the art of creating impressions without consulting the science of need ascertainment.”

The writer of the piece, Dwight Garner, remembers his good manners when wrapping up his thoughts on the book:

Dale Carnegie, that master of graceful temperament, would not approve of kicking a book when it was down. So let me conclude with the good news. His original book, unmolested, can still be found on bookstore shelves. Life can go on as if this new one simply did not exist.

Amen to that sentiment.

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As we move along our continuum of opportunities today, Dale Carnegie’s classic volume isn’t the only thing with a significant anniversary, Breakfast at Tiffany’s made its début fifty years ago.

Keystone Features/Getty Images via Time

Time magazine has a delightful photo essay, “On Set With Audrey Hepburn“, the photo of the movie’s cast is seen above.

With that amazing photo we say “ta” for now!

Gossip Guy Updates, Luxury Baby Clothes & An Homage to Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a Tuesday here at the Prepatorium.

We have multiple tidbits to share today, most are of the hit and split headline only variety, with apologies, we are pressed for time.

1) It isn’t only the summer solstice, today also brings something of a holiday for many:

Lilly Pulitzer

It’s National Wear Your Lilly Day, and regardless of the weather, Lilly Lovers everywhere were sporting the vibrant hues and prints.  Below, the understated elegance our pal Lisagh was going to be wearing.

Here’s a peek at all of the fun back at the Pink Palace (Lilly Pulitzer headquarters).

Via Lilly Pulitzer

2) This Saturday we enjoyed a story in the Journal looking at the increase in children’s clothing collections from luxury brands.  From Sameer Reddy’s story:

“With the launch of several children’s lines from mega fashion brands like Fendi, Lanvin and Gucci, however, parental projection is going to a new level, with mini-me’s dressed to impress rather than for recess.”

The piece is accompanied by a number of photos with fashion montages styled many ways, including “Preppy Baby” (L) and “Hippie Baby” (R).

F. Martin Ramin for The Wall Street Journal

It makes for an interesting read, one we happily recommend; click here for the entire story.

3) It’s Men’s Fashion Week again and there are reports Gossip Guy Chace Crawford walked the runway for Versace at yesterday’s show in Milan. As best we can tell he did *not* actually model for Versace but he did attend the show.

PHOTOS: Getty Images

4) Another Gossip Girl star, Penn Badgley, has been chosen for the lead in one of the upcoming films about musician Jeff Buckley, prompting rumors he may need to leave the show to accommodate the production schedule for the movie. (Gasp.)

5) Theminute-by-minute (almost) schedule for the Canadian portion of the upcoming Royal Tour in Canada is now available, click here to see the details.

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What sounds like a must-see exhibit for anyone who is going to be in southern California is now open, “LBD (Little Black Dress) An Homage to Breakfast at Tiffany’s” can be seen at the FIDM Museum.

Via FIDM

The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising show isn’t huge, but looks at a subject matter near and dear to our heart, who doesn’t appreciate the beauty of a LBD … or several? Here is more from All the Rage:

“Standouts include Hubert de Givenchy’s line-for-line re-creation of the “Tiffany’s” dress (on loan from Hubert de Givenchy Couture) and glam takes on the staple from Christian Dior, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Madeleine Vionnet, Valentina and L.A.-based designers Monique Lhuillier, Kevan Hall and Chan Luu.”

Kathryn Collings/MyStyle.com (R)

We hadn’t realized there were actually 4 of the Givenchy dresses made for Audrey Hepburn. The exhibit runs through August 13, and best of all, it is free.  For more you can also visit the FIDM Museum’s Shop page on Facebook.

Via FIDM Museum Shop Facebook Page

There is also more about the exhibit at the FIDM blog, it looks like a delightful way to spend one’s lunch hour!

On those lovely images we say goodbye until next time, may your day be as bright and filled with fun as the Lilly everyone is wearing.