Say Goodbye to Talbot’s Red Doors & Kitsuné’s Ivy League

Hello and happy top-o-the-week. We hope everyone enjoyed some relaxation and recuperation this weekend.

Here at the Prepatorium things seem to be spinning completely out of control are a tad busy, the photo below probably better illustrates the situation.

PP Intergalactic HQ

That is merely a portion of the Lilly Pulitzer and Jonathan Adler iPhone covers we are shipping out today. Thank heaven for the Consort the minions, even with the drawbridge malfunctioning, they managed to make it over the moat and into the dungeon office today.  (Heh, heh, heh.)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We begin with news about Talbots, via this story in Women’s Wear Daily.

“Those signature red doors at Talbots are coming off their hinges.”

We were intrigued by the statement; it comes from Trudy F. Sullivan, the company’s president and CEO.  Her reasoning?

““They’ve become a bit of a hindrance for attracting new customers. They see the red door — they think it’s their grandmother’s store,”

That is the top to David Moin’s story updating the retailer’s progress.  Talbots may want to consider updating their investor relations page, with the reference to its “…welcoming red doors.”

The Talbots Inc.

For those attuned to the firm’s Sales & Clearance schedule, a change may already have been noticed:

“… the two big annual clearances were dropped in favor of taking less dramatic markdowns monthly to keep inventories cleaner and to sustain a steadier flow of merchandise.”

Below, this month’s catalog showing two new styles for fall.

Talbots.com

Frequent readers may recall previous blather discussion about changes in direction for Talbots, we liked many of the new styles and fabrics and applauded the move to use Linda Evangelista for this fall’s advertising campaign. This look? A bit intense for our taste, likely to draw attention to the model, not the apparel.

Courtesy Image via WWD.com

The philosophy behind the strategic moves makes sense, more from the WWD story:

““Don’t you think most significant brands go through moments of profound change?” Sullivan suggested. “Look at Coach. Look at Burberry. Look at Ralph [Lauren]. This is Talbots’ moment of profound change. We are not reinventing Talbots. We are trying to reconnect to the DNA.”

Here are two more images featuring Ms. Evangelista, better showcasing the clothes.

Below, a look at pieces from Talbots’ Holiday line.

Robert Mitra/WWD

(We’ll just might need a pair of those peachy-pink ballet flats.)

While we presume the marketing department had loads of research done to determine how people feel about those red doors, and the data may well show they are a challenge for the retailer’s desired demographic, we wonder if the baby needs to go out with the bathwater….?

Sigh.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Next, we share a look at pieces from the soon-to-debut “Ivy League” collection by Kitsuné.

Some may recall our brief feature on the company’s “Golf Club” collection; we also shared a few looks from this line.

For those wondering about the company’s name, it is actually the Japanese word for fox.

Many of the men’s styles are also appealing.

Lots to like with this collection, IOHO.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A few quick Bits & Bytes:

• Brooks Brothers is launching its Campus Collection.

Brooks Brothers

• J. Crew is doing their Final Sale, with an additional 30% off sale prices. Use promo code SHOPNOW to receive the discount; the promotion is online only and runs through the 19th.

J. Crew

• Garnet Hill is taking 20% off all of their Lilly Pulitzer Home collection; Pretty in Pink items at a special price are always nice.

Garnet Hill

We leave you with another quick Pretty in Pink treasure, this one from our friends at the Pink and Green Scene:

Pink and Green Scene

The Juicie Fruit Pet Bed is awfully cute, and it is also on sale!

G’bye until next time!

When Logos Go Bad & Hamptons Habitats

Hello-Hello!

We are brief today, in large part because The Consort and I the Princess Elves must deal with this:

Princess InterGalactic HQ

That is but a portion of the 300+ pounds of Lilly Pulitzer Fall 2010 goodies, along with ribbon belts, preppy totes and other treasures the UPS man dropped off today.  Sadly, Tilly doesn’t quite seem… well… she doesn’t appear to be engaged with the task at hand.

"Where's my biscuit?"

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We begin with a follow-up to a previous post about the topic of a hypothetical decline in the popularity of designer logos; today’s story comes via the Telegraph, on the far side of the pond.  We offer the following from the paper’s story, “Designer logos are a fashion no-go“:

“Handbags and accessories with large logos are being removed from designers’ collections to be replaced with more subtle designs as part of a move for “antibling” fashion.”

The Telegraph story uses an image featuring one of our original AntiPreps, below we see Paris Hilton with her Louis Vuitton handbag and bathing suit in 2006 and on the right, a new bag from Louis Vuitton.

REX Features via The Telegraph

The story is pegged to a quote from the CEO of Vuitton’s parent company suggesting logos are shrinking and/or disappearing. (That quote was mentioned briefly in this post.)

“His admission was an extraordinary turning point in the top-tier designer industry, where design labels have made billions of pounds by having accessories with big logos showcased by rappers, footballers’ wives and socialites.”

Below, Farandole Strass rings by Vuitton.

In the story, the Telegraph’s fashion director is quoted:

“This really began the day Daniella Westbrook was pictured head to toe in the Burberry check. The shift has been taking place for some time.”

Below, Ms. Westbrook in the ensemble under discussion.

PHOTO: MrPaparazzi.com via The Sun

To be sure, this….

Chanel

is a vast improvement over this.

Chanel

The subject seems to be gaining traction, another UK paper had a story on the topic today; The Mail’s story is titled, “Stealth wealth: Why the label to have this season is no label at all as consumers turn their back on logo-heavy designers”.  That story also uses a photo of another member of the Anti-Prep Wall of Shame, “Snooki” and her Gucci handbag.

PHOTO: Xposure via The Daily Mail

Clearly we are intrigued to see how this plays out, do let us know your thoughts on the topic, and what you are seeing in your corner of the globe. We are guessing this isn’t exactly your vision of the ideal decor for your domicile.

)

ModerneKunst.no

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

One other quick note we meant to include yesterday, spotted when perusing Vanity Fair; the magazine has a pretty feature, “Behind the Hamptons Hedges“. The piece showcases eight individuals who spend significant time in the area, like polo player Nic Roldan….

Alix Smith/Vanity Fair

… and Dylan Lauren, photographed at the Dylan’s Candy Bar in East Hampton.

Alix Smith/Vanity Fair

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We’re off to have a little talk with Tilly about her work ethic.

We’ll see you next time, probably Monday!

An Ivy League Reality Show?

Hello-Hello, and welcome to another week of fun and frenzy here at the Prepatorium! It is so crazy-busy that we are forced to make this another one of those dreary two-day posts, with apologies.

We commence the week with news that is clearly one more Sign The Apocalypse Is Upon Us: it would seem an Ivy league reality show of some kind is in the works. From the Daily Princetonian.

“Roughly 60 students attended an open casting session at Nassau Inn on Saturday morning to audition for a new reality television show, which plans to shoot its pilot on the University’s campus this fall and document the Ivy League college lifestyle.”

If we were still doing news for a living, we would refer to this item as ‘a bit moldy,’ if you’ll disregard the rather crass description, meant to convey the fact this was reported way back in May.  The good news is the show’s producers don’t seem to be looking for the next Snooki-type-creature, according to this story from the Princetonian:

““The intention of this show is not to put a bunch of people together and create friction, like on ‘Real World’ or ‘Jersey Shore,’ ”…”

Regardless, we are pretty much convinced that Great-Uncle Arthur and Great-Aunt Mildred have already started spinning in their proverbial you-know-whats.  Perhaps Miss Privilege or Sir Bumby can assist us with additional information, certainly they are possessed of greater insight on the topic than your faithful correspondent.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We have several Bits and Bytes to pass along:

• Discount ‘members only’ sale site RueLaLa is having another Lilly Pulitzer sale, this one beginning at 11am on Wednesday, the 4th. If in need of an invitation to join the fun, just click here. (There is also a sale of Lilly for men taking place at RueLaLa. Same Batcave, same time.)

• Today’s Pretty in Pink comes courtesy of our friend Coco, who told us about the redecorated Eloise suite at the Plaza

Designer Betsey Johnson oversaw design for the new room, it is very pink indeed. (Not to be confused with the Eloise Shop at the hotel, seen below.)

The Plaza

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We have a follow-up to Friday’s post, “Of Weekends and Wedding Gowns,” looking at the styles selected by notable brides on their big day.

Courtesy Photo Provided by de Manio Photography

It turns out Chelsea Clinton chose Vera Wang to create her wedding dress.

Photo Provided by Genevieve de Manio Photography

Women’s Wear Daily offers more insight:

“Chelsea started with the most popular bridal silhouette across all economic stratas: the full-skirted, strapless bustier.

“… in silk tulle and laser-cut organza, incorporated complicated elements Wang has perfected: the crisscross bodice draping and the skirt’s faux-random tiers and swirls

Photo Provided by de Manioon Photography

The groom, Marc Mezvinsky, wore a custom tuxedo by Burberry.

Courtesy Photo Provided by Genevieve de Manio Photography

Here is a sketch of the dress.

Photo: Steven Sipelman/WWD

Below we see the Secretary of State and President Clinton with the newlyweds; Mrs. Clinton wore a deep berry gown by a princess fave, Oscar de la Renta. .

Courtesy Photo via Reuters

The bride then changed into another Vera Wang creation for the reception, said to be an ivory silk Grecian gown.

As mentioned in Friday’s blather post, the next significant wedding appears to be that of Monaco’s Prince Albert II and Charlene Wittstock. Below, we show the couple at this weekend’s annual Red Cross Ball, Princess Stephanie is seen on the right.

Eric Gaillard/Reuters

Clearly Ms. Wittstock and Princess Stephanie have distinctively different styles. Quite.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We leave you with this image of Silly Tilly; we apologize to our FB fans who may have already seen it, but we simply couldn’t resist.

The Dog Days of Summer

Adieu until next time!

Deeper & Differing Looks at Preppy Style & Mad Men Cookies

Hello-Hello, we hope everyone is enjoying a splendid start to the week.

Many readers may have already seen the story we reference below, but with apologies to our Facebook fans, today we look at yesterday’s Fashion Diary column in the Times “Prep, Forward and Back“.  In his story, Guy Trebay looks at the return to heritage brands and styles:

“Ray-Bans were suddenly on a list of Old School must-haves and so were wool vests from the Filson, and Red Wing boots and Alden loafers and Gitman oxford cloth shirts and Sperry Top-Siders and Quoddy moccasins. Designers as varied as Thom Browne, Scott Sternberg of Band of Outsiders, Billy Reid and Frank Muytjens of J. Crew all made hay with the conservative classics. The style became so ubiquitous that, the designer Michael Bastian said, “The whole preppy machine requires a recalibration.”

If Mr. Trebay’s name sounds familiar, it is because we just featured the writer and his column on the needlepoint belt phenomenon, actually declaring him our hero for his comment about “…the sartorial horrors visited on us lately under the guise of a preppy revival,”. (Click here for that post.)

Back to the story in Sunday’s Times, “Studying the Preppy Look and its Reference Points“. Much of the piece looks at Take Ivy, the literary cult favorite we most recently chatted about here.

powerHouse Books

From Mr. Trebay’s story:

“Time, it develops, has done little to dim the allure of “Take Ivy,” with its guileless snapshots of handsome, fit and presumably bright young lugs disporting themselves in dining halls, on the College Green at Dartmouth, along Nassau Street in Princeton and in Harvard Yard.”

Teruyoshi Hayashida/powerHouse Books

The piece references another soon-to-be-released volume, True Prep.

““The reality is the people in that book at that time went to schools and belonged to clubs that most ordinary people couldn’t get into,” said Lisa Birnbach, an author of “The Official Preppy Handbook” and “True Prep.” ‘“Take Ivy,” Ms. Birnbach said, is a ruling class “look book,” a template for any budding Jay Gatsby.”

A slideshow accompanies the story, both are excellent reads.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In a similar vein, The Gloss carried a post last week, Fashion 101: The New Preppy; the author approaches the topic from an entirely different perspective.

“I have never been preppy. When I was growing up, being labeled a ‘prep’ was almost as bad as being referred to as a ‘poser’, i.e. the uncoolest thing that could happen to you.  I avoided being preppy at all costs.”

“However, as we grow up and enter the business world, perhaps we have something to gain from tapping into the inner preppy.”

In her piece, Brooke Moreland visits the Puritan store on the Cape, long a staple in Chatham (and several other communities).

Brooke Moreland/The Gloss

The store’s manager, Michelle Wilson Blaze shared her perceptions on customers:

“Blaze explained to me that the men wear Polo. The old men wear the small horses and the youngs wear the big horses. They all wear khakis and if they are over 50, well, then it’s time to bust out the Tommy Bahama.

As well as impressions of those visiting the Cape: .

“Brands like Tory Burch and Burberry pop up in the store, adding a contemporary preppy twist on the classics. Ginghams, tunics and embroidered tops peer out from among the plaid and Bermuda shorts.”

And while most preps don’t pay attention to what is “in” or “out” at any given time, here is one last tidbit from Ms. Moreland’s story:

“The ‘it’ preppy shoe happens to coincide with the ‘it’ shoe of the rest of the world at the moment: the Sperry Top-Sider.”

To see Ms. Moreland’s entire story and learn her ultimate verdict on the merits of the style, click here.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Our final item of note today deals with last night’s Mad Men season 4 premiere.

Michael Yarish/AMC-TV

It was divine.

Don’s still smoking, Pete remains sycophantic and clients don’t always concur with Don’s vision.

Michael Yarish/AMC-TV

There is continued recognition of the way women were treated in the early 1960′s.

AMC-TV

Betty seemed particularly petulant last night, and we remain concerned about little Sally Draper.  We love this shot of Betty, it seems to perfectly capture her simmering rage while also betraying her vulnerable and forlorn side.

Frank Ockenfels 3/AMC-TV

A quick rundown of stories fans might enjoy:

• An excellent review with a change of heart for one critic in the Baltimore Sun
• Alessandra Stanley’s look at the show in the Times
• The reaction to the episode in the Journal’s Speakeasy Blog
• “Why I Love Pete Campbell” (The Gloss)
• The LA Times’ review

How popular is the show? Enough that star Jon Hamm will be in an upcoming episode of the Simpsons, portraying an FBI agent.  The Toronto Sun has details.

We leave you with pictures of these amazing cookies created by our friend Pink Martini & Pearls, part of her Mad Men Quiz Giveaway post!

Courtesy Pink Martini & Pearls

Look at Joan and Betty’s dress cookies!

One of our favorites? The snappy argyle socks, surely not anything Don would wear, perhaps Harry?

Courtesy Pink Martini & Pearls

Until tomorrow!

Derby Doings, Tee Time, and Burberry’s April Showers

Hello-Hello, happy almost-weekend!

What a weekend indeed, tomorrow’s Kentucky Derby is sure to be one of the highlights. And that means Lousiville’s social scene has been more than a little busy this week.  We have previously chatted about a number of these functions, most notably in our “Is It a Derby Dustup?” post and ensuing follow-up post.

As always, one of the year’s biggest parties is the annual Barnstable-Brown Gala hosted by twin sisters Priscilla Barnstable and Tricia Barnstable Brown. The event is a fundraiser for Pediatric Diabetes research and generally a tough ticket.  The Courier-Journal lists Rodney Crowell, Johnny Weir, Jennifer Holliday, Travis Tritt and country quartet Little Big Town as some of this year’s attendees. Below we see Loni Anderson talking with Mr. Tritt and his wife, Theresa.

The Courier-Journal

Festivities held earlier this week included the Julep Ball and 19th annual 100 Black Men of Louisville.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Next, a quick look at a darling new book, Golf Girl’s Little Tartan Book.

The book is by one of the sport’s earliest bloggers, Patricia Hannigan, and it is a gem. The publisher sent us a copy, and we have thoroughly enjoyed reading it.  One of our favorite things about the book? Ms. Hannigan doesn’t take herself or the sport too seriously, a wise approach, especially for those finding the pastime a tad intimidating.

We like the practical tips on everything from how to find the right coach to golf etiquette, even how tartan plaid is tied to the sport.  We especially enjoyed reading Ms. Hannigan’s insight on the way sports writers (primarily male) handled Michelle Wie’s participation in LGPA Tour events.

Via Golf Girl Blog

There are also delightful musings on ‘Golf Girls’ who Ms. Hannigan admires, along with thoughts on potential members of her ‘perfect foursome’.  The book’s overall message is an important one, how to cultivate your comfort zone on the course.

We also enjoy Ms. Hannigan’s blog, it is always fun to see a fresh perspective from an expert in the field, including golf fashions.

Courtesy DancewithDragon.com via Golf Girl

We wouldn’t be doing our job properly if we didn’t mention our Custom Ribbon Belts for Women ($23), ideal for your favorite golfer. Below, two of our golf motifs.

The belts are also available for Men ($23), and even come in Children’s sizes ($19 and $23).

We also offer Custom Canvas Tote Bags, below we show an example.

The book is more-than-fun, and it would make an ideal gift for any number of people, perhaps even a Mom on your list this year?  (For those interested, it is available at Amazon.)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The third limited edition Christian Louboutin Barbie is now available:

Net-a-Porter

From the product description:

“Limited edition Christian Louboutin for Barbie ‘Anemone’ doll with red hair and green eyes. Barbie wears a green and purple dress and Anemone shoes, comes with 3 extra pairs of mini Louboutin shoes…”

Net-a-Porter

If curious about just what shoes accompany the $150 doll, they are the Madeleine mules, Lady Claude pumps and Spartenvol sandals.  Of course.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We have a look at some of the pieces in Burberry’s just-released April Showers collection:

This is part of the Burberry Brit line; the capsule collection runs heavy with the brand’s logo check.

You will see it on at least half of the 96-piece collection.

Burberry

But not everything is awash in the Haymarket plaid check.

The trench coats are very nice-looking, as are numerous other pieces in the new collection.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We leave you with one of our favorite images from Louisville this week.

Andy Lyons/Getty

The horses are simply magnificent.

May your weekend be bright and sunny!