Next Target Designer & Another Argyle Adventure

Hello-Hello and Happy Spring Fever! It is so fantabulous we are officially decreeing today as…..

… Prepalicious, the feeling is utter bliss here at the Prepatorium; we hope the same can be said for your corner of the globe.

We start with news of the next designer collaboration for Target. The Boutique will offer another jewelry line, this one in tandem with the oh-so-wonderful Anna Sheffield, perhaps better known to some readers as the designer of Bing-Bang jewelry.

Courtesy Anna Sheffield via Hungry Elephant/S. Varady

The Anna Sheffield for Target Collection launches August 30; it will be online and in stores through December 30.  Last year the designer teamed up with Urban Outfitters for a line. Below, a cuff currently in the Bing-Bang group.

Bing-Bang Courtesy Photo via WWD

Additionally, Miss Sheffield’s Hobo Bag was featured last year on Gossip Girl.

In addition to her own website, Ms. Sheffield’s work is available at Intermix, Shopbop and other retailers.

Speaking of Gossip Girl… we have a few updates for readers, starting with news that actress Leighton Meester has officially signed a record deal, with an album release expected this fall. We are more-than-tardy mentioning a fashion spread featuring Ms. Meester in the NY Times magazine.

PHOTO: Terry Richardson/NY Times

The Moment blog also has a story with the 23-year-old that fans may enjoy reading.

People has an interesting online update pegged to Monday’s return of Michele Trachtenberg’s character (Georgina Chapman) to the UES. One thing addressed in the story is what seems to be finds an incredibly high rate of intra-cast romantic relationships:

““I haven’t tasted or drank the love potion yet because I’m actually not dating anyone from the set,” Trachtenberg jokingly said. “But we all roll up with Red Bull in the morning, so maybe there is something in there.”

“With Ed Westwick dating Jessica Szohr, Leighton Meester meeting boyfriend Sebastian Stan on the set and lovebirds Blake Lively and Penn Badgley still going strong, Trachtenberg admits it’s usually only a matter of time before costars hook up.”

Of course.

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Just to prove we retain our capacity to cope with late-breaking news, we offer the latest for your consideration:

PHOTO: Andrew Milligan/AP

There is more in this article from The Daily Mail. Oh, what exactly does this have to do with preppiness, other than the possibility that is a Burberry scarf? Nothing.  Not a thing, dolls, we apologize.

There you have it.

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We have an interesting Argyle Update today, if only because of the individual sporting the argyle:

PHOTO: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

Yesterday First Lady Michelle Obama was wearing another Junya Watanabe argyle cardigan. Does it look familiar? Readers may recall Mrs. Obama in another colorful sweater by the designer during the G2 trip to Europe in early April; if not, this post may be of assistance.

The designer is no stranger to argyle, it is one of the reasons we are drawn to his creations. Below, a vest from this spring’s Comme des Garcon collection for Colette.  But prepettes also know it’s not exactly Brooks Brothers standard issue.

Courtesy Junya Watanabe via Hypebeast.com

Again the First Lady looks beautiful. We love the bright colors in her cardigan. However (you just knew this was coming) we are simply never going to adapt to daytime sequins despite intense counseling from the Fashion Herald and Wendy. We’re constitutionally incapable. It Just. Will. Not. Happen.

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We close today with a look at some of Kenneth Paul Block’s amazing fashion illustrations. First, “Babe Paley in Mainbocher and Amanda Burden in Sarni”

PHOTO: Courtesy Kenneth Paul Block via WWD

Next, Ungaro Dress, today’s Pretty in Pink:

Courtesy Kenneth Paul Block via WWD

Mr. Block created magnificent drawings for W and WWD as the principle in-house illustrator for Fairchild Publications, frequently using members of the ‘jet set’ as subjects. Below, Jackie Kennedy Onassis in a Valentino jumpsuit.

Courtesy Kenneth Paul Block via WWD

The artist also did numerous illustrations for upscale retailers like Bonwit Teller, Bloomingdale’s  and Bergdorf’s. In March Mr. Block donated almost 1900 drawings to the MFA in Boston.  For a real treat, pop over to the Museum’s Textile and Fashion Arts Facebook page and gaze upon the fabulosity. One can also check out Drawing Art: The Fashion of Kenneth Paul Block at their local library or consider adding it to their personal library.

Mr. Block passed away last week; he was 84.