The Times Tackles Harvard’s Preppy Clothing Line

Hello-Hello!

Are we recovered from the long weekend, or perhaps dragging just a little bit? We’re not ashamed to say that here at the Prepatorium we are more of the latter, remaining in denial about the seasonal transition.

Today’s topic involves something we first posted about back in early August: “Harvard’s New Clothing Line. Seriously.” The news was about the line of clothing the University has officially licensed, dubbed Harvard Yard.

Photos: Robert Mitra/WWD via Boston.com

Since that occasion there has been a multitude of coverage in all manner of publications, including the follow-up story published here, “About That Harvard Clothing Line…” That post looked at general reaction to word the school is selling its name, as with this story in The Globe:

“… last week, the news took on a life of its own, dividing the blogosphere into those who either love or hate the slim-cut preppy collection inspired by a New England collegiate look circa 1962.”:

Now the Old Gray Lady has weighed in, setting off a new round of salvos and slings.  The Times story “Crimson and Green” ran on Friday, heading into the holiday weekend.

“So more than a few brainy Cambridge brows began to furrow last month after word trickled out that Harvard had entered into a 10-year licensing agreement for a line of preppy clothing…(a) New England patchwork of tartan, seersucker and old-school plaids, the collection is to arrive in national department stores beginning in February, under the name Harvard Yard.”

PHOTO: DerrickGomez.com via NY Times

The primary criticism leveled in the story centers on the perception of Harvard as elitist, an image the University has been trying to shed. A 2005 graduate, Peter M. Conti-Brown, worked on efforts to “broaden Harvard’s appeal to students from poorer backgrounds” and he is quoted in the story:

““Every move to paste the Harvard name on symbols of prosperity, wealth, privilege and class erects a subtle, insidious ‘Members Only’ sign at the university admissions office,””

““We were going up against 400 years of history,” he said. “Without a doubt, licensing preppy clothes with the Harvard brand is a move in the opposite direction.””

In addition to offering more reactions to the planned apparel line, the story looks at today’s on-campus styles:

“A ramble through Harvard Yard this week, as students returned for a new academic year, revealed more bow ties, polo shirts and Lacoste crocodiles than one might find on the average college campus. But for the most part, today’s Harvard students dress however they like. The usual hoodies, jeans and flip-flops are common.”

PHOTO: Jodi Hilton for The NY Times

To read more of the Times’ story, click here.

PHOTO: DerrickGomez.com via NY Times

Perhaps one of the more fascinating stories on the issue can be found in the Crimson, “Harvard Licenses Brand for Preppy Clothing Line“.

“The clothing deal has amused many bloggers since it was first reported by the trade publication Women’s Wear Daily. Celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton asked: “why???” The IvyGate blog quipped: “You know Harvard’s broke when they start competing with Hollister.”"

“Even the Chronicle of Higher Education couldn’t resist, and published a blog post called: “My Khakis Went to Harvard.”"

The paper’s best coverage comes in the reaction from students, including a young man from the Class of ’11, J.P. Stilz:

“…a member of Harvard’s men’s polo team, and is playing the sport this summer in his home state of Kentucky. He said that he sees two sides to the clothing deal, some of which mirror challenges the polo team has faced. “I think it’s going to be bad for Harvard’s image,” he said. “We already have an image that all of our students are aristocratic, preppy bastards, frankly. So as an undergraduate student I’m kind of taken aback a little bit that that’s going to be happening, and I almost want to laugh at it.”"

Again, click here for the Crimson’s story in all of its pithy glory.

Amazingly, NY Fashion Week kicks off this Thursday! We close with a few looks at last-minute preps, shown in this story from Women’s Wear Daily. Below, Carolina Herrera in her studio:

PHOTO: Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

Next, looks from the Tommy Hilfiger Spring 2010 line to be unveiled at the Hilfiger show September 17.

PHOTO: Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

We’re guessing the navy and white dress is meant to conjure images of nautical flags… ?

One of First Lady Michelle Obama’s favorites, Thakoon Panichgul:

PHOTO: Kyle Ericksen/WWD

And one of the masters, Oscar de la Renta with a model in one of next Spring’s confections.

PHOTO: Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

With this we say G’Bye until next time!

US Open Tennis Togs: Polo Ralph Lauren, Nike & Fred Perry

Hello-Hello and Happy Friday!

It seems another week has flown by, vanished in a poof of ‘what happened?’ here at the Prepatorium.  If ever we were in need of some Friday Fun, today is the day!

But first we want to keep our word in yesterday’s post (Tiffany, Tennis and Fashion), we said we would peruse some of the new tennis togs slated for for the US Open, always a premier event to debut a new look or collection.

This is especially true for the Open’s official sponsor: Polo Ralph Lauren.

This year offers a number of new styles from the retailer, including an updated Cotton Cricket Sweater:

The sweater is described this way:

“Our iconically preppy sweater is cable-knit from soft Italian cotton with a wide V-neck, perfect for layering with one of our polos or tees for brisk mornings on the court or in the stands.”

Well done, this is very nice. (The Consort had nothing but raves when he saw us working on the post this morning, very unusual for him to be so vocal about a sweater. Hmmm.)

For the gentlemen, the US Open Canvas Sneaker has classic appeal:

To be quite crass and insert the “M topic” into our conversation, at $68, one could almost overcome their LogoPhobia, rationalizing that the emblem is of a commemorative nature.

There are also new uniforms for the ball boys and girls:

Courtesy Polo Ralph Lauren

The diagonal stripe is eye-catching, and the shirt is done in a mesh knit for comfort.

Courtesy Polo Ralph Lauren

Clearly the Logo-Gnomes have slipped that poor pony some performance- enhancing chemicals.  Ahem.

This year’s Open Canvas Tote has understated lines in classic colors:

If seeking Polo Ralph Lauren tennis apparel/accessories with fiscally-friendly price points, sale pieces offer styles that may appeal as well, like the Silk Tie Trimmed Blazer.

Originally $298, the blazer is now only $99, even better is the wide availability of sizes still available as of this writing.

There are loads of tennis pieces in stock across a broad selection of styles and price points, including pieces for the Young Master or Miss in the house. All of the US Open styles may be purchased online, at the Ralph Lauren shop at Arthur Ashe stadium, or at the interactive kiosks located elsewhere at the stadium.

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Also debuting new looks this week, Nike. We start with a look at ” The Preppy and ‘The Pirate’.  First, ‘The Preppy,’ Roger Federer.

PHOTO: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

Next, ‘The Pirate’ aka Rafael Nadal, still overcoming an injury in his effort to garner the only major title he has yet to win.

PHOTO: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

If interested in Rafa’s Nike styles, once can now purchase many of them directly from his website.

For today’s Pretty in Pink we share the Nike look sported by Serena Williams.

PHOTO: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

This month’s issue of Hamptons (magazine) features Ms. Williams on the cover.

PHOTO: Robert Ascroft/Hamptons

An interesting Q&A style story accompanies the cover shoot.

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Nike and Polo Ralph Lauren are not the only labels debuting collections at the Open.  Fred Perry’s roots in in the sport are deep, and yesterday Andy Murray showed the brand’s US Open line.

PHOTO: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Fred Perry

The “Scottish blue” is a stunning color, we just love it. Below, the Classic Fred Perry Polo Shirt for women in “Original styling with trademark twin tipping detail,” things we like.

There are several pieces in this group we are fond of, particularly the Pleated Tennis Dress.

Basic, fundamental tennis apparel. Yes, we are showing our age.  Basic tennis whites are what we were raised on and what we prefer.  Frankly, we like this collection so much it might help assuage the angst expressed Wednesday in this post about the hideous Fred Perry Preppy Pin Set.

Play gets underway Monday.

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Well dollfaces, we are absolutely out of time. That means we will have to leave Lacoste, as well as the line James Blake is launching with Fila (and other lines as well), for another post, we apologize.

But we simply must include this very quick note about Lacoste: another online ‘by invitation only’ sale boutique is offering Lacoste Men’s and Women’s watches at significant discounts. Beyond the Rack is doing the sale; it runs until 1pm August 29th (Saturday).

The Ladies Tiebreak Calfskin wristwatch seen above is selling at $199; the original selling price was $450.  If you would like an invitation to Beyond the Rack, simply email thePreppyPrincess@mac.com

And to ensure we continue our Friday Fun, we share a few Mad Men avatars (remember our posts about making your own?), but not of friends or family. No, these are avatars celebrating people a little better known, like POTUS.

Also, Keith Olbermann.

To glance at additional celebrities who  have been “Mad Manned,” just click here.

We hope that brings a smile to your face – may your weekend be filled with them!

Sneak Peek Polo Spring, Madly Awaiting Sunday

Hello-Hello, and wishes for an ever-so-happy weekend to all of our cherished readers!

We start with a sneak peek at the Spring 2010 collection from Polo Ralph Lauren, if only because a few of the styles look like they would be ideal right now:

PHOTO: John Aquino for WWD

The photos are in yesterday’s WWD story on the company’s menswear collections for next year. Pieces from all three Ralph Lauren labels (Blue, Black and Purple) were revealed to fashion editors on Wednesday.  Next, a style from the higher-end Purple Label, the most luxurious of the three lines:

PHOTO: John Aquino for WWD

A look from the Black Label group:

PHOTO: John Aquino for WWD

The story describes three distinctly different looks within the sportswear collection:

“The first features a mix of vintagey athleticwear (evocative of Ralph Lauren’s Olympic uniforms for Team USA), washed white linens and cricket-player motifs.”

PHOTO: John Aquino for WWD

Remember this? It is the Ralph Lauren Team USA Opening Ceremony look referenced in the quote above, as dissected ad nauseam seen in this post and this post.

There’s something to look forward for those engaged in helping the man of the house put his best sartorial foot forward.

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As teased in yesterday’s post we are going to share some of the Mad Men frenzy currently washing over many of the media outlets we enjoy visiting here at the Palace.

USAToday has a series of stories, including a review of Sunday’s Season 3 premiere:

“The show gets off to a running start, with each of the major characters forced to confront some personal or professional shift, some of which you’ve seen coming, and some you haven’t.”

The paper also has a story titled “Distinctive ‘Mad Men’ reaches out to today’s style, culture” as well as a trivia quiz.

Below, a shot of Jon Hamm as Don Draper, and January Jones as Betty Draper.

AP Photo/AMC

We adore the image used in much of the promotion for Season 3:

Courtesy AMC-TV

Did someone say “metaphor”?

Not to be outdone, the folks over at Men’s Style have come up with “…a look at Don Draper through the years…” to see how he would fare in a variety of settings, beginning with Don visiting I Dream of Jeannie!

The Everett Collection/AMC/Illustration by David Wilfert

Moving beyond the 60′s, Don does Wall Street:

The Everett Collection/AMC/Illustration by David Wilfert

Over at Elle magazine’s online site there is a little quiz as well, asking “Are you a Betty, a Joan or a Peggy?“

Courtesy AMC-TV via Elle

And the site carries a brief story on Wednesday night’s screening of the Season 3 premiere sponsored by Banana Republic. Below, Jon Hamm arrives at the event.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Banana Republic

Banana Republic partnered with AMC, creating a “Banana Republic Mad Men Style Guide“.  Many readers have already seen the specially decorated store windows showcasing the joint marketing effort.

Courtesy Banana Republic/AMC-TV

Those wondering about a preppy connection to the show need only look at the endless number of bloodies consumed as a therapeutic tonic, or enjoy some of the fashions. (Not to mention the story line includes several blue bloods with money qualifying as ‘old.’)

Of course, there are the many references to the program’s fashions, as well as this mention of Jon Hamm’s style sense:

“…he grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, sporting head-to-toe prep gear…”

That tidbit comes via this story, and then we have one last snippet compliments of a story in today’s Women’s Wear Daily:

“Be it the critical acclaim and copious marketing budget of “Mad Men,” the retro mystique of his character Don Draper, or let’s face it, Jon Hamm’s chiseled physique and personal charm, the actor is undeniably having a moment.”

There you have it dollfaces, on the eve of another wedding weekend for TP and The Consort, we send fervent hopes your weekends are simply divine. You know that ours is going to end on a high note starting at 10pm EDT on AMC-TV. We’ll look for you there.

AP Photo/AMC

Preppy Sales & Cartier Polo

Hello-Hello!

As general mayhem continues here at the Prepatorium we remain grateful for our sunny summer skies, while harboring hopes our preppy pals in Texas and California receive some desperately needed rain.

We begin with a few reminders in our Sales and Savings category, beginning with one that is new to us, compliments of a brilliant blogging friend, Preppy in New England. Gaze upon the remarkable Lobsterland Collection at Stonewall Kitchen.

'Lobsterland' at Stonewall Kitchen

From fabulosities like the bucket seen above to the mugs below, the entire collection is now on sale.

'Lobsterland' at Stonewall Kitchen

Bergdorf Goodman continues to promote their sale.

And Lacoste continues their ‘Last Call Sale’ as well.

Additionally, Brooks Brothers, J. Crew, Talbots, Tory Burch and a host of other preppish stores continue with their sales/promotions/clearance/discounts/etc.

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In our “Recent Activities of the Royalty” category we share a few pictures from Cartier International Polo Day 2009 at Guards Polo Club this past Sunday. First, HRH, Prince Charles in the royal box.

PHOTO: Chris Jackson/Getty

We thought the Prince was having a rather good tie day.

The event is a highlight of the social season; our next photo features Chloe Delevigne and Alexander Spencer Churchill.

PHOTO: Dave M. Benett/Getty

Apparently Leonardo DiCaprio was in attendance as well, accompanying ‘Pussycat Doll’ Ashley Roberts. (Rumor has it the handsome actor is now dating Ms. Roberts. Gasp.)

PHOTO: Dave Bennet

For those interested in the sporting event being held on the field, Argentina ultimately bested the English team, 12-5.

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One of the many cultural phenomenon with which we are not familiar is the wildly popular Twilight film and book series. Because we know some Princess readers do enjoy the dramas, we thought it a good idea to share the news that Nordstrom will be selling a line of clothing inspired by Twilight.

Courtesy Nordstrom

The new line from the retailer will also offer jewelry.

Courtesy Nordstrom via InStyle.com

This story provides more detail on the merchandise:

“T-shirts, tank tops and sweatshirts with logos including “Team Edward” (a vampire in the series), “Team Jacob” (a werewolf in the series), and “Forks High School Phys. Ed. Dept.” The store will also sell “I Love Edward” and “I Love Jacob” necklaces and pendants.”

The collection will be available online October 1, but to see it in person at stores one will have to wait until October 15.  The newest Twilight film (New Moon) opens nationally November 20.

Are we the only walking, talking human left who hasn’t yet partaken of Twilight in any format?  Do tell, we’re simply dying to know.

With that it is sayonara for today, we’re off for our stint at the Senior Center!

When Argyle Goes Bad

Hello-Hello, and Happy-Day-Before-Friday!

Because it remains crazy-busy here in the corner condo at Princess InterGalactic HQ, once again we shall stoop to a post more filled with photos than fabulosity.

We begin with the thought that many readers will remember back in the olden daze days, when one of the primary purposes of golf at the club was doing a little business whilst making one’s way over to the nineteenth eighteenth hole. TP’s father certainly solidifed more than one commerce-related friendship in this manner, although TQM ultimately opted out of her role as the executive’s spouse; something to do with the 12-hour time commitment required for proper entertaining: attention to the round and wife/wives at hand, cocktails following the sporting event, dinner after the libations, you know the drill. It was a far more ‘liquid-intense’ affair back in the day than it is now. (No, bottled water is not what we reference with the word liquid.)

Naturally one required appropriate apparel for these activities, and we remember both parents clad in colorful prints.  Yet somehow they avoided  looking like this:

PHOTO: Eddie Keogh/Reuters

This strikes us as something that really transcends the average Adventures in Argyle, don’t you think?

Believe it or not, the appendages cloaked in the garments seen above and below all belong to one individual.

PHOTO Montage: Matthew Childs/Action Images

Come now, you must know upon whose legs you gaze … of course you do.

PHOTO: Matt Dunham/AP

It is that bad boy of golf, John Daly.  And before one thinks about looking in horror upon his wardrobe selections over at Turnberry (or elsewhere) let us all remember he is only doing his job, promoting his eponymous line of golf clothing.

The name of his line? Loudmouth.

As always, writers on the far side of the Pond describe the scene far better than we can; here is a morsel from the Times talking about Mr. Daly’s look at the Scottish Open last Friday:

His “pants” as they call them in the United States – in Scotland we prefer “breeks” – were just about indescribable: a bonfire of colour, at least six different shades of polka-dot, from his rear to his ankles. You could be forgiven for thinking Daly had forgotten to change out of his pyjamas when he rose in the morning. “Christ, I was aghast when I saw him!” rasped a Scottish marshall on the 9th tee…”

Loudmouth offers amazing styles and the Ladies should not feel as if there is nothing equally striking for their walk-in, below we share a slightly more tame look in our favorite color combination:

Courtesy Loudmouth Golf

And while the pink and green is really quite acceptable, when it comes to Mr. Daly’s attire we envision TQM now floating somewhere between “Gasp! The horror” and “Did you make this up?”

Indeed.

Others sported argyle this week at the British Open, including Tom Watson in a more classic style.

PHOTO: Marc Aspland/The Times

Mr. Watson’s sweater is from one of his sponsors, Polo Ralph Lauren.

Frequent readers know this isn’t the first time we’ve commented on proper clothing for athletic endeavors. Hardly.  For a far more entertaining look at  just how big the pro-apparel sponsorship business is, here is a story running earlier this week in the Times.  For example, we had no idea that Nike selected what Tiger Woods would wear this week more than a year ago.  (And we’re OCD?)

There is no shortage of bright colors and bold patterns on the golf course. We enjoy most of them, but do feel if one is going to have a strong horizontal pattern it simply must be matched at the side seams. If this means the item becomes too costly to manufacture, then it simply should not be made, it is too offensive to the human eye.

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Something that is more-than-easy on the eyes? The reminder today via Peak of Chic about the new Lulu DK for Matouk linens collection; we just adore it.

Courtesy Lulu DK Matouk

You won’t be disappointed.

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And those fond of the excellent selection of goods at the MOMA store may appreciate a reminder:

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We close with happy news here at the Prepatorium, we are starting to receive our calendars for next year in stock! Below, the Donovan Designs 2010 desktop offering.

PreppyPrincess.com

We like their cute colors and grosgrain bow, along with the acrylic easel holding the darling artwork. (And their price point of only $18!)

On that cheery note, G’bye until next time!