“The Preppiest Brand”? “Sly Twist on Preppy Style”? Do Tell.

Hello-Hello and welcome to a soggy Tuesday; one that we hope brings some flooding relief to our friends in the Southeast.

We start by sharing the delightful  a “Thank You” to the ever-so-generous Miss a. from the Coterie Blog. We were lucky enough to win her fabulous giveaway of this stunning scarf from the folks at Chick Downtown.

ChickDowntown.com

This is most definitely today’s Pretty in Pink, we just love the name of this particular color, ‘ confetti’. This treasure is a wonderful linen blend, fun and floaty. Thank you Miss Coterie, for doing such a fun giveaway!

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Next, a look at Fashion Week topic yet to be covered, a company referred to as the ‘preppiest brand’ going by the Times, although that is not a title we would confer upon Band Of Outsiders. Below, a photo from their presentation at Fashion Week.

Courtesy

We adore the little boat floating in the water. The women’s line is named “Boy”.

Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

We have mentioned the company’s work before, including their ongoing collaboration with Sperry Top-Siders. Below, this fall’s acclaimed Grey Flannel Boat Shoe:

All of their Sperry shoes may be seen here.

Back to their Spring 2010 collection: In their story, the WSJ’s On the Runway wrote:

“… its aesthetic seem inspired by how the cool kids in prep school wore their clothes, preppy attired a little more affected than the straight arrows.”

The Village Voice review talked about the company’s founder, former talent agent Scott Sternberg:

“..is beloved by a young, stylish set not just for his sly twist on preppy style, but also for his smart, elaborate movie-set presentations.”

The LA Times review also references prep fashion:

“The women’s collection had touches of nautical/outdoorsy whimsy too, with a drawstring tank dress in a Liberty sailboat print, skirts in a ropes and knots print.”

Some may be surprised to learn TP is a fan of the line; while we do not own any pieces, we like the clean, tailored lines and lack of fussiness. But the preppiest brand going? We think not.

However, we don’t see the need to bestow that kind of superlative on any one designer or company, it simply isn’t necessary. We merely enjoy reading the different takes on the ‘preppy aesthetic’, they are always entertaining, if inaccurate. Nor should this be perceived as a negative for the brand, as everyone’s take on the style is unique, influenced by many factors. It is a line we most assuredly would recommend to a younger friend or family member looking to move beyond the offerings from Brooks Brothers, Talbots and the like.

Before leaving this topic, we must share from another collaborative effort Band of Outsiders participates in, with none other than Manolo Blahnik.

These are available by special order through Manolo Blahnik.

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One more quick note, The Luxury Institute released a survey recently about luxury brands; there are some intriguing factoids included in the results, although none are surprising. Here are a few details from a WWD story:

“… 48 percent said luxury products are too accessible and are no longer exclusive; 40 percent believed luxury brands are becoming a commodity, and 52 percent said luxury brands that also sell products for mass consumers are no longer luxury brands.”

Hhhhmmm, thoughts to ponder.  How do you feel ladies, do you care one way or another if others are carrying your handbag? Or perhaps you bump into an acquaintance at the club wearing your shoes? As always, we’re simply *dying* to know.

NOTE: Band of Outsiders apparel photos by Thomas Iannaccone/WWD