Michelle Obama in J. Crew Again, Tommy Hilfiger’s East Hampton Store

Happy April Fun Day!

Turning a page on the calendar here at the Prepatorium is always a pleasure this time of year, and today does not disappoint. In keeping with the bright sunshine outside we wanted to share a few updates to some of our favorite collections at the shop.

We start with additions to our Lilly Pulitzer Stationery & Gifts group.  The Stickers & Labels Set matches our springtime mood perfectly!

The set includes 20 sheets of classic Lilly designs, and at only $14 they have turned out to be an excellent little gift. Another perfect present for someone special, the Circle Notes in Mumsie and Animal Crackers.

Lilly Circle Notes

We like the way they are finished off with the perky little grosgrain bows in matching shades of pink.

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Preppy-style retailer J. Crew must be on Cloud 9 today with news of Michelle Obama’s wardrobe choices for her first public appearance in London.

PHOTO: Leon Neal/Pool/Reuters

The First Lady selected Crew’s Dazzling Dots pencil skirt ($158) and the Crystal Constellation Cardigan ($298).

J. Crew Dazzling Dots Skirt

But if you are now making plans for adding the cardigan to your walk-in (it really is a delightful choice for an evening out), we bring you not-such-wonderful news: according to the J. Crew site, the sweater is sold out.

J. Crew Crystal Constellation Cardigan

We do enjoy British narratives on fashion, including the Guardian’s description of the outfit:

“As every girl who shops on the high street knows, it is the accessories that make or break an outfit. Obama did not put a foot wrong in low-heeled animal-skin-print heels and her signature pearls.”

Yesterday Mrs. Obama wore a  custom-made Thakoon coat with grosgrain piping when boarding Air Force One.

PHOTO: Jason Reed/Reuters

Upon arriving in London the First Lady was in a Jason Wu chartreuse silk crepe short sleeve sheath accented by a shawl collar.

PHOTO: Charles Dharapak/AP

The young designer tells WWD he had no idea Mrs. Obama would be wearing another one of his creations.

“Yellow is such a great color, and it’s nice that we are seeing spring right now,” Wu said. “It’s definitely very optimistic.”

We couldn’t be happier to see the First Lady in American designers again; we eagerly await news of her attire for her meeting with the Queen!

One note before we leave this topic: J. Crew is doing another Final Sale promotion, with an additional 30% Off sale prices.

Another word of caution however, this offer is not good at retail or factory stores, and it ends tomorrow (April 2) at midnight.  To receive the discount, use promo code EXTRA30 at checkout.

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Also today, news that Tommy Hilfiger has opened his new store in East Hampton, right on Main Street.

Courtesy Photo via WWD.com

Mr. Hilfiger has only 9 other free-standing shops; this is his first in the Hamptons.  In early March the company held its menswear presentation, announcing an expansion of their tailored clothing offerings.

PHOTO: Kyle Ericksen

Mr. Hilfiger can be seen in the photo, standing in the center, wearing an orange necktie.

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For today’s Adventures in Argyle we share another bit of shameless self-promotion…

PreppyPrincess.com

…using one of our new Ribbon Key Fobs.

PreppyPrincess.com

You select the ribbon of your choice, as well as the webbing.  And to be perfectly crass (again, really, how tasteless can we be?) in discussing prices, let’s just worsen the situation, shall we? These fun and fabulous goodies are a mere $5, offering the perfect pick-me-up gift for just about anyone on your list.

To be completely candid dolls, this is one of those times when we are grateful Great Aunt Molly departed this planet long before seeing us engaged in discussing something as inappropriate as this.  Frankly, the poor woman would be horrified; but then, having a career in tv for all those years didn’t exactly conform to family standards either.

Finally today, a peek at the new Britney Spears marketing poster for her Candie’s Only line at Kohl’s.

Candie's Only at Kohl's

The collection debuts in April. US Weekly will distribute 4 million copies of this poster in their April 15 issue.  Previous “Candie’s Girls” include Avril Lavigne and Hayden Panettiere.

We must apologize, as yesterday we promised photos from the Kate Spade fall collection, and we have just run out of space and time. Tomorrow, we promise-promise-promise!