Carlos Falchi for Target, Gossip Guy’s Film Opening

Hello-hello, is everyone just crazy-busy these days?

It seems more and more of us are absolutely frenzied with work/family/school/volunteer/you-name-it obligations. Several friends in the blogosphere are so inundated they are taking time away from their blogs, a wise move on their parts and one we have contemplated as well. All this by way of saying our posts could become rather cursory this week and next, it appears the insane-o-meter could be peaking in the red zone!

For reasons like those cited above we have completely and totally neglected to show anything from Paris Fashion Week, and we’re not able to get to it today. The best we can do is an update on a few recent sightings from our fave faux-prep school, Gossip Girl.  In attendance at the Louis Vuitton show in Paris last week, actress Leighton Meester.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Ms. Meester is wearing pieces from the 2010 Cruise line and carrying a bag from Sofia Copolla for Louis Vuitton.

Last night most of cast members attended the premiere of Penn Badgley’s new film, The Stepfather. Below, Mr. Badgley and one of his costars in the movie, Amber Heard.

Evan Agostini/AP

Mr. Badgley’s real-life sweetheart, Blake Lively, is shown with Chace Crawford.

Rex Features via Marie Claire UK

Also at the premiere, actresses Taylor Momsen and Jessica Szohr.

Rex Features via Marie Claire UK

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Also showing last week in Paris, Chanel. Our friends on the far side of the pond at British Vogue have a look at the new doll featuring that label’s designer: Karl Lagerfeld by Tokidoki.

All the rage with many of the younger set, the Japanese-inspired line now does everything from handbags to clothing to watches.  BTW, the Lagerfeld figurine is a limited edition, so don’t let your chance to add this to the mantle (ahem) pass you by. True confession: TP adores some of these little creatures.

One other newsbyte from that publication involving the designer shares a quote from Mr. Lagerfeld on a very timely topic, models and their weight.

“The designer told Focus magazine that people prefer to see slimmer models and those who don’t are “fat mummies sitting with their bags of crisps in front of the television, saying that thin models are ugly.” The comment came in response to German magazine Brigitte‘s decision to use ordinary women for their shoots.

We hope to do more on this topic soon.

One added note, the Consort’s quote while proofreading: “Too bad it’s not a bobblehead, that would be sweet.”

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We have a sneak peek at a few of the soon-to-debut Carlos Falchi for Target handbags.

Courtesy Target via Nitrolicious

We originally posted news of the upcoming line here, back in May.

Courtesy Targetvia InStyle

The handbag collection arrives at Le Boutique Targèt November 1, and will be positioned as part of the retailers “dashing designer deals” holiday promotion.

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Finally today, we presume Don Draper may have beenstunned  by Betty’s antics Sunday on Mad Men, fortunately he is likely to remain in the dark. (No, we are not delving into his conduct, there isn’t enough blog space to tackle that topic, we’ll only say the word cad comes to mind.) At any rate, Mrs. Draper’s latest is nothing-less-than-shocking.

For those not familiar with our friends (the characters), here is how Betty generally looks:

Courtesy Mad Men/AMC

And this is what we find now. (Gasp – the horror!)

Terry Richardson/GQ

The photos are part of GQ’s November cover story on actress January Jones, who plays Betty Draper. Those fond of Betty Ms. Jones should be advised the photos share quite a bit of leather, lace, and January.

Until next time!

What was She Thinking? Preppy Sale Update #3

Hello-hello, is everyone excited for the weekend?

Before we do anything else we simply must say ‘Thank You’ to several generous, witty and oh-so-fun bloggers who were kind enough to give The Princess special recognition! We are flattered to be recognized; thank you for making us feel special!

Getting Here from There is an excellent writer; her “Ode to Allergies” is a must-read and Little Bow Prep is a brilliant teen with such exquisite taste she is a member of Coutorture. Those two both passed along their Sisterhood Awards to us! Whoo-hoo!

Thank You!

The Gifting Gumshoe, she of the awesome preppy finds, flattered TP with this honor:

Thank You Gifting Gumshoe!

The always-fabulous Muffy Martini generously shared the Queen Of ALL Things award with The Princess.

Thank You Miss Muffy!

You are all just too nice.

We also want to publicly share our appreciation for the one and only Miss Janice, who so graciously commented about the Lilly Pulitzer Party Pack she won in Muffy Martini’s Great Bloggiversary Giveaway.  You are always the epitome of grace Miss Janice, and forever a Southern Lady in our book.

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Today have a “Help Us Understand” moment, one that is actually tied to Gossip Girl actress and star Blake Lively.  But first we must explain the annual ritual known as the television upfront.

The upfront is held every year at this time. Each network reveals their fall programming schedules to potential advertisers, using clips of the shows accompanied by the trotting out of warm props presence of as many stars from said shows as they can muster.  Having participated in these, we can unequivocally state they are bizarre events, somewhere between a seance and a carnival sideshow.

Which brings us to Ms. Lively’s appearance at the CW’s upfront yesterday. In this:

PHOTO: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

Dollfaces, yours truly is confused, and seeks your guidance. You must advise us on the appropriateness of the attire, as we ponder the possibility it is our old age and senility causing us to recoil in horror upon seeing such an egregious crime against fashion.  Or, is it just. plain. wrong. (You are correct, it wasn’t really a question, rather an affirmation of our distaste. Harrumph.)

Princess readers are possessed of the knowledge that good taste is not determined by decade, or popularity with the masses.  Generations pass accompanied by their ensuing cultural shifts, but basic grace and manners do not change with a whim and a wink, following the latest trends. Therefore, we eagerly await your wisdom on the topic as we are certain we can learn something, we always do.

EDITORIAL NOTE: The Princess Consort just proofed our post and while reading he suddenly gasped, “Oh my God, what was she thinking? It looks like something they used to wear in the girls gym class!” We offer this merely in the interest of fairness and transparency. Obviously.

As mentioned, stars are big winners at the upfront show and tell scene:

PHOTO: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The CW Network

Above, most of the Gossip Girl cast at Madison Square Garden yesterday: Penn Badgley, Chace Crawford, Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Taylor Momsen, Jessica Szohr and Ed Westwick.

Why does Ms. Meester look far more elegant than Ms. Lively? (Below, Ms. Meester with Jessica Szohr.)

PHOTO: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

Or is it our skewed and skeptical viewpoint that is the problem?

As we are catching up on the G2 news, we have word that Ed Westwick will star in the remake of Wuthering Heights.

PHOTO: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

Does he look like Heathcliff to you? While not an enormous fan it does appear to be a combination that could work.

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A few quick sale updates, beginning with Best & Company:

We believe the sale prices are in effect at the Greenwich store as well as at Bergdorf Goodman.

Bargains are also available at Sak’s:

Others offering discounted price points:

• Lands’ End is doing their “30% Off Summer Favorites” promotion
• Polo Ralph Lauren is offering up to 50% Off; their spinoff brand Rugby is doing the same
• Old Navy is being very smart, selling $1 Flip-flops on Saturday with a limit of 6 pairs

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One more tidbit before we sign off with a ‘there’s a reason for the season’ moment reminder…

PHOTO: Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Monday’s National Moment of Remembrance happens at 3pm. No matter where we are physically, TP is guessing our hearts will all be in one place.

Tiffany Makes a Move, Sales & Savings of a Prepalicious Sort

Hello-Hello and Happy Friday dolls, yippee!

It is a simply splendid day here at the Prepatorium, so let’s dive right into things! (The sooner we finish the sooner you-know-who can scoot outside!)

We want to do a quick reminder about the Lilly Pulitzer sale at RueLaLa; things sell out so quickly at these sites it is best to mention it right off the top so anyone interested in adding to their walk-in can head in that direction.

RueLaLa is one of those ‘invite only’ online sale sites that have sprung up recently. If you aren’t yet a member, use the special Princess code to join: go to RueLaLa.com, at the prompt select “Invited by a Member” and then enter this as the email address to get in: VIP@ruelala.com.

Now, Lilly isn’t the only sale at RueLaLa, they are also doing CC Skye.

Both sales end Saturday night.

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Next, word on some interesting moves by upscale retailers, Tiffany & Henri Bendel. Let’s start with the store-we-once-adored,Tiffany. (Surely you remember this dreary tedious episode and yes, of course we continue wallowing in our snit.)

News came late yesterday that Tiffany is buying bankruptcy-challenged Lambertson Truex (see the middle of this post if seeking more details) from Samsonite. This could make perfect sense for both companies, as this story on the WWD site explains:

“Lambertson and Truex will explore the development of a collection of leather accessories for Tiffany & Co.”

Remember our posts last summer about these outstanding totes? (NOTE: We have linked to them as a courtesy but they are no longer available.)

Courtesy Tiffany.com

It makes perfect sense to us; there may well be many more pieces in this color.

As far as Bendel goes, they are going to stop selling clothing and shrink the 5th Avenue flagship store as today’s WWD reports:

“The Fifth Avenue flagship will be reduced in size from three to two selling floors, offering accessories, handbags, jewelry, gifts, beauty and fragrance…”

“There’s lots of iconography, like our [brown and white] stripes…

TRANSLATION: Probably more of this sort of thing.

Now mind you, TP has long been fond of Bendel’s iconic brown and white stripes, along with the Bendel Girl. We just don’t care to see them on our teapot every day, be it by Villeroy and Boch at Bendel or from Target.  So our guess is the company will roll out more logofied merchandise moving forward.

We do want to alert everyone there is a sale on some goods at Bendel, including the Henri Bendel Mini Notebooks. (We confess to a soft spot for these, in previous years they have made a great gift.)

They are fun because of their names: Bliss List, Me, Me, Me, Thin, Rich, and Fabulous, and Worth Waiting For. Previously selling at $25, the notebooks are now $12.50.

Perhaps if we hold hands and sing Kumbaya our fears about raging attacks of Logophobia will prove to be unfounded. What do you think?

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Yesterday’s post talked about what we refer to as something of a ‘preppy trifecta’:significant sales at Brooks Brothers, J. Crew and Polo Ralph Lauren.  We neglected to mention the obvious:

Brooks Brothers Friends and Family event begins Saturday, providing a 30% discount on merchandise, ending Monday, May 11. Use promo code FRIEND79 or FRIEND 81 to receive the discount, or go to BrooksBrothers.com/friends.  By the way, if in need of the code to receive an additional 20% of sale merchandise at J. Crew, use promo code EXTRA20 at checkout.

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In other Sales & Savings news, Target has reduced prices on the Alexander McQueen collection, prices many felt were too high from the outset.

Additionally the always awesome Third Coast Preppy is clearly back in the swing of things after bringing an exquisite new preppy into the world, her list of preppy savings and sales can only be referred to by one word – Prepalicious!

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We also have a few briefs on several stars of that kinda’-sorta’-preppy Gossip Girl, starting with news that actresses Blake Lively and Taylor Momsen both made People magazine’s 100 Most Beautiful People list.

PHOTOS: People Magazine, WENN

And another star of the hit TV show has landed another magazine cover; Leighton Meester can be seen fronting this month’s issue of Cosmopolitan.

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We close with a Pretty in Pink.

A Princess customer needed token gifts to use as favors at a shower; she ordered 40 of these when she learned the custom key fobs are only $5 each.

Apologies for the shameless self-promotion, we just thought the fobs were such a cute idea and more-than-practical.  (They’re far more vibrant than TP’s photo conveys, Francesco Scavullo we are not.)

On that note, we do hope everyone has a delightful weekend filled with fun and food for the spirit!

Kate Spade Sneak Peek & Gossip Guy in a Skirt (Honest.)

Earlier this week we promised to share a couple of the Kate Spade Fall 2009 looks, and then were derelict in our duty! As we mentioned previously, this collection is vital for the designer, as it includes her first foray into the clothing market.  NOTE: All photos by Kyle Ericksen & Women’s Wear Daily.

Many pieces display the classic lines and tailoring associated with Kate Spade designs.

The presentation used both models and mannequins to showcase the fashions.  From what we were able to glean there are hits and misses, as one expects in a first effort.

In keeping with the Spade tradition, there are also outstanding accessories in this fall’s collection.

PHOTO: Kyle Ericksen

These appear to be pretty much in keeping with previous collections, in lush, rich colors, along with a touch of whimsy.

Clearly many items for serious consideration this fall!

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Most fashionistas know today is an enormous date on the fashion calendar.

PHOTO: Kyle Ericksen

The nation’s first Topshop is now open in Soho.

PHOTO: Kyle Ericksen

The often over-the-top emporium is an awful lot of fun to browse though, and we cannot wait to pop into this one, hopefully in May.  This story from WWD explains the retailer’s pricing strategy:

“In another break from retail tradition, Topshop will have none of the ubiquitous markdowns seen everywhere in retailing. The company stages only four sales a year and otherwise won’t price promote, though the store will be offering students a 10 percent discount.”

And for the men, there is Topman. The UK version of GQ recommends the nautical styles from Topman:

Courtesy Topman.com

The trendy British store carries a very successful line from Kate Moss, who is in town for the opening. Below, Ms. Moss arriving at the store Tuesday.

PHOTO: Splash

Also taking part in festivities surrounding the store’s grand opening, teen actress Taylor Momsen of Gossip Girl notoriety.

PHOTO: Evan Agostini/AP

Observant readers may have noted the skirt worn by Ms. Momsen is not being showcased in today’s Pretty in Pink.  It seemed a trifle short for someone of TP’s advanced age and tedious taste.

As we appear to be awash in G2 news (and we’re not talking about London) today, has everyone heard that Chace Crawford is likely to take Zac Effron’s place in the remake of the film Footloose. It seems Mr. Crawford had a particularly solid audition for the role Mr. Effron decided was not right for him.

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Tracey Lomrantz at Glamour.com has a fabulous post about men in kilts, including another of the Gossip Guys, Chuck Bass.

PHOTO: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Of course we’re talking about Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick.  The occasion was the annual Dressed to Kilt fashion show hosted by with Sir Sean Connery; the event is a fundraiser for the Friends of Scotland.

PHOTO: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

We thought you might get a kick out of the Daily Mail comments on a wedding gown adorned with tartan plaid bows that was worn in the fashion show:

“While many of the stars suited their kilts, Miss Scotland Stephanie Willemse, 20, made a fashion faux pas with her catwalk outfit.

Strolling down the aisle in a white dressed covered in tartan bows, the beauty queen looked like a toilet roll cover with her huge skirt.”

AP/The Daily Mail

The photo caption referred to it as a “Meringue Moment”.  That sounds a little harsh…no?

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A few sales at “preppy retailers,” we wanted to share, including the Polo Ralph Lauren Friends and Family sale.

Offering 30% off, the sale runs through April 14. To receive the discount use promo code RLSP2009 at checkout.  As we have been chatting about both Gossip Girl and Ralph Lauren, this seemed an appropriate item to highlight: the Cotton Cricket Sport Coat.

Another retailer whose classic lines many preps enjoy, Tory Burch, is offering up to 60% off original prices.

Tory Burch

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Today we close with an Adventure in Argyle, as worn by First Lady Michelle Obama.

PHOTO: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

Oops.  Not a look we favor, but then, we are just stuck in our ways and cannot remember any daytime occasion where sequins might be deemed appropriate.

The press has been brutal in their comments on the asymmetrical argyle sweater by Japanese designer Junya Watanabe. Now, in the interest of full disclosure, TP is more than fond of many Watanabe creations, they are just fabulous.  Let’s take a peek at what the Daily Mail has to say:

“… a garish golf-style cardigan… would have looked more at home on the golf course, like the jumper worn by Nick Faldo in 1993…

Even the Huffington Post was negative, as seen in an unusually acerbic Bonnie Fuller column on yesterday’s look for the Buckingham Palace social call as well as the argyle sweater:

“Sadly, the First Lady’s first fashion messup wasn’t a random event. It now appears she’s on a losing streak. New photos of her in an argyle cardigan and hip-extending blue prom skirt on her second day in London indicate we have a nuch bigger problem on our hands.”

Ouch. All of this after two shocking events on Wednesday:

1. The shocking etiquette breach when Michelle Obama put her arm around the Queen. (One doesn’t touch Her Majesty. Gasp!)
2. Even more amazing than #1 is the fact the Queen then put her arm around Mrs. Obama! (Double gasp.)

To be honest, the Palace has made it clear no one is disturbed by the ‘breach.’  We’re thinking Europa Fox and/or Queen Bee Swain will be able to shed more light on these developments.

And on that note dolls, we’re off!

More Price Cuts: Lacoste, Coach, J. Crew + Gossip Girls & Guys Do Rolling Stone

Hello-Hello! We hope your week is progressing splendidly, and that a touch of spring has entered your spirits, if not your habitat!

Before anything else, we must thank the one and only Preppy Player, who was much-too-kind in bestowing the Kreativ Blogger award on TP!

Thank You Preppy Player!

Thank you Miss Player, we are flattered by your generosity!

Today we have a jumble of all things preppy, or something akin to that, so let’s jump in with the topic near and dear to almost everyone’s pocketbook, the cost of enhancing one’s wardrobe.  (Yes, we are completely suspending the ‘no discussion of the M-word’ rule, as it is simply too top-of-mind and relevant to today’s content. So there.)

Regular readers may recall our posts last November and this January about permanent price cuts being implemented at J. Crew.  One example we shared was the Jane suede ballet flat; its original selling price was $98, less than what Crew previously charged for similar shoes. (One note: the Jane style flat is now marked down to $59.99 as part of the company’s Final Sale; this season’s version of the shoe is the Marjorie flat.)

The prep-style retailer is extending its pricepoint sensitivities to online marketing efforts, now offering “Instant Gratification” groups at the Crew website.

J. Crew

The featured merchandise is below $100; there are links for both Men’s and Women’s “gratification” items.

Now other retailers are sounding the same theme. Lacoste says they will be lowering the price of some merchandise, according to a column Jeanine Poggi recently did for Forbes.

“For the fall, Lacoste will offer cable-knit sweaters, normally $145, for $98…”

We are speculating the sweaters being referenced are similar to these, from last Fall’s collection.

Lacoste.com

Originally priced at $135, the Long Sleeve Cable Knit Sweater is now $68.99 in most colors in Women’s sizes.  The Men’s Crewneck version of the cable sweater is on sale for $73.99, marked down from $155.   One thing Lacoste is promoting heavily for Men this Spring?

Lacoste

“Madras… the Preppy Classic” is also featured as a trend for Women.

Lacoste

We’re not sure how flattering this madras High-Waisted Skirt will be for most, that waistband could prove a little dicey.

Back to the Forbes story, apparently Lacoste plans to drop prices on more than just their sweaters:

“In spring 2010, Lacoste plans to lower prices in other categories, including its signature polo shirts.”

Also mentioned in the piece, party frock and gown designer extraordinaire, Monique Lhuillier…

“Monique Lhullier, for example, will offer several gowns retailing for $2,500. Her dresses usually sell for between $3,000 and $7,000.”

…along with upscale leather-goods firm Coach.

“Coach is also planning to trim profit margins, reducing its average handbag price to $300 from $335.”

As we mentioned in this post on their soon-to-debut Poppy line, Coach is using a variety of strategies to offer customers different price levels.

Perhaps the most frightening item in the Forbes story is the insight on other brands offered by a retail expert, Eugene Fram. His inside perspective on two companies near and dear to TP’s heart is chilling:

“In terms of pricing, some of the organizations are now on the defensive, like Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany’s,” he says. “It wouldn’t be surprising to see price reductions of 50%-plus in their attempts to avoid Chapter 11 proceedings.”

Simply put, this can’t happen. Cannot. Happen. At. Tiffany. Or. Saks.

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Also today, news of another magazine cover for stars of tv’s Gossip Girl show, but some may be surprised just which cover is featuring Blake Lively & Leighton Meester. Those with refined and/or delicate sensibilities may want to scroll quickly past the next photos as they are rather vulgar.  Perhaps we should have ascertained this from the title of the Rolling Stone story, “The Nasty Thrill of ‘Gossip Girl‘”.

PHOTO: Terry Richardson for Rolling Stone

For a moment we were a tad confused, sure we must be looking at images from an issue of W, as the article contains the requisite photos of the cast together in bed.

PHOTO: Terry Richardson for Rolling Stone

The story also includes Taylor Momsen and Jessica Szhor as well as most of the Gossip Guys, Ed Westwick, Chace Crawford, Penn Badgley.

Those interested in “more on the steamy cover shoot” can read all about it right here.

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Because we feel the need to lift ourselves up and out of the gutter, we shall close with a bit of nautical accessory fun, prefaced by this Pretty in Pink, the Silk Blazer from Smythe:

Smythe Blazer at Net-a-Porter

We adore Smythe jackets, for they fit like a glove while somehow managing to provide room enough to move around in without feeling like you are in a strait jacket.

And our spirited nautical item? Also from Net-a-Porter, the much-too-fun shoes from Stella McCartney.

Courtesy Stella McCartney

Yes, much-too-hip for anyone here at the Prepatorium, and a little (ahem) over the top from a budgetary perspective, but really… aren’t they darling?

Until next time dolls, smiles at each and every one of you!