More Fashion Week & Please, Stop Calling It Burberry Plaid

Hello-Hello and welcome to a Wednesday!

Today we share lots of little tidbit and pictures, many of them from the doings at New York Fashion Week.  First, the Ann Taylor presentation, the first time Annie T has done a show at Fashion Week.

George Chinsee/WWD

The review in Women’s Wear Daily referenced the company’s ‘new direction’:

“… the affordable, working girl’s retailer is serious about its new attitude and willing to put its money where its mouth is.”

The palette was neutral, with none of the bright colors we adore.  Many of the pieces in the presentation are available now, a huge distinction from other firms showing in New York last week.

Those items not already in stores are scheduled to drop before the holidaze holidays.  Back to the presentation, WWD wrote about the notables in attendance:

“… so a gaggle of Ann Taylor-clad celebrities were wrangled to sit front row. Jennifer Esposito, Vanessa Williams, Mena Suvari, Gretchen Mol, Kelly Rutherford, Kelly Bensimon, Laila Ali, Katherine McPhee and Amanda Bynes came prepped with pro-Ann spiels, some which actually sounded sincere…”

The WSJ’s Heard on the Runway blog has more on what is driving the changes at the company:

“…Ann Taylor made a name for itself on women’s busines suits that were popular more than a decade ago. But it failed to evolve beyond those pieces,  slipping into a staid and dowdy style.”

We’re not convinced it has all been frumpish, but there is definitely an issue with the merchandise mix in recent years. We would contend that for those needing proper apparel in the workplace the company managed to keep some basics in the stores, pieces one could build a look around. Back to the show:

George Chinsee/WWD

Additional thoughts from Heard on the Runway:

“Ann Taylor stepped up its styling game for Thursday evening to give its pieces more of a high-fashion aesthetic. The brand added feathers and pom poms to its so-called ”power sandal.” The overall presentation was at once edgy and sophisticated, prompting a collective “That’s Ann Taylor?” among audience members.”

The next pieces are a bit more formal, possibly the perfect look for upcoming parties and celebrations:

Overall the styles had a more contemporary look, we hope the company is able to rebound and capture the younger shoppers it desperately needs.

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Next, some quick looks at lines we haven’t been able to showcase, like our beloved Oscar de la Renta.

Giovanni Giannoni/WWD

He really is a master.

If there is a designer who better understands what flatters the female figure we don’t know who that might be.

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The few items we have in our walk-in by Mr. de la Renta have worn beautifully, timeless designs we are always happy to put on again.

George Chinsee/WWD

This party frock caught our eye.

George Chinsee/WWD

Sigh.

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Now here’s a sharp turn, from Oscar de la Renta to Sears and Kmart.  At Fashion Week.  Seriously.

Below, tops from the Kmart spring line for next year.

Giovanni Giannoni /WWD

Below left, another Kmart style, and on the right, pieces from the Sears 2010 spring line.

The WWD review was complimentary:

“… a fine example of high-fashion trends interpreted for the mass market — everything under $40 at Sears and under $30 at Kmart. The body-conscious attitude of late showed up in slimmer silhouettes for the professional look — pencil skirts and dresses with a belted waist.”

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On the retail front we have word that Vera Bradley plans to open three more stores this year, in addition to last week’s Cincinnati opening. The new shops are slated for Palm Beach, opening Nov. 13 at the Gardens, and Tysons Corner, scheduled to open Oct. 16.

Samuel Hoffman/Journal Gazette

The company will also open and an outlet store at the Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora.

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One last note, this one on Burberry: it would seem we are requested to cease calling it Burberry Plaid, instead referring to it as Burberry Check.  That suggestion comes from none other the label’s Creative Director an Christopher Bailey, in a recent profile in the New Yorker.

“And he hates when Burberry’s signature print is referred to as plaid: “People keep saying to me it’s a plaid, and I’m like, ‘No, it’s a check!'”

Indeed.

Tomorrow we’ll have loads of looks from the Burberry Spring 2010 Collection, being shown at London Fashion Week. On that happy note, G’Bye until next time!

“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

Red Carpet Hits & Misses, Tommy Hilfiger Show

Hello-Hello, and welcome to the week ahead!

Today we begin with red carpet fashions, following last night’s Emmy Awards.

Many critics the evening’s big fashion winner was January Jones (aka Betty Draper on Mad Men) in her Atelier Versace gown.

Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty

A look at it from another perspective.

Matt Sayles/AP

Also in Versace, Gossip Girl’s Blake Lively; costar Leighton Meester wore Bottega Veneta.

Mark J. Terrill/AP

Ms. Lively changed frocks before attending the HBO party.

Dan Steinberg/AP

On the far side of the Pond, the Sun thought poorly of Chloe Sevigny’s apparel choice:

“”…what looked like a polka-dot bed sheet to the event. The toga-like ensemble was by Isaac Mizrahi Resort 2010.”

Matt Sayles/AP

Ouch. Another gown receiving negative reviews, Victoria Rowell’s. (Ms. Rowell stars in The Young and the Restless.)

Jason Merritt/Getty

Also on hand, Kourtney and Kim Kardashian in understated gowns, although there is much discussion about the need for proper…ah, appropriate…. umm, the need for…well, there is no delicate way to say this, there is chatter about the lack of proper undergarments ‘neath the gown.

PHOTO: Donato Sardella/WWD

Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks wore deep blue L’Wren Scott.

Donato Sardella/WWD

Another celebrity receiving negative feedback for their sartorial selection, Sarah Silverman.

Chris Pizzello/AP

Don Draper Jon Hamm of Mad Men looked dashing in a standard dinner jacket, seen below at the Governor’s Ball.

Jae C. Hong/AP

Our favorite dress was the Valentino worn by Australian actress Rose Byrne, a fairy-tale princess gown if ever we saw one!

Photo: Getty Images

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It is time leave the party frocks behind and move on to the topic of Fashion Week, as we still have more to cover on that front. The Tommy Hilfiger presentation coincided with the official opening of the retailer’s new 5th Avenue flagship.

Courtesy Tommy Hilfiger

Many a celebrity could be found at the party celebrating the store’s opening, as described in this post. The first look down the runway in Mr. Hilfiger’s Spring 2010 line was this Pretty in Pink grouping.

Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

The nautical influences were easy to spot.

Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

AP had this to say in their review:

“Hilfiger’s theme was the “relaxed glamour” of a Southern California boardwalk, which meant a surprisingly cohesive mix of crisp nautical looks and disco-era slinky styles.”

Men’s and women’s styles are seen in the same show.

Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

Broader shoulders were evident in most pieces, but not all.

Style.com was positive in their write-up:

“… an energetic and fresh-scrubbed collection, named Beachside Romp, that was meant to evoke a SoCal boardwalk but could indeed play anywhere.”

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We concur with the assessment from Fashion Wire Daily:

“A highly energetic, if not necessarily highly original, runway show.”

We did think this little dress was darling, although much too young for TP.

Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

We hope this provides a good sense of the Spring 2010 Hilfiger line.  We do have several other styles to share from New York Fashion Week, hopefully in tomorrow’s post.

Of even greater urgency, London Fashion Week is already underway. Below, the seating chart for the London Burberry show, as photographed by none other than the label’s Creative Director, Christopher Bailey.

Christopher Bailey

May your Monday evening be prepalicious!

Amended to add: And may everyone in the southeast, especially Atlanta, be safe and dry.

Taylor Swift says “Kanye Who?” Also, Target’s Next Designer Revealed, Ralph Lauren Fashion Week

Hello-Hello and Happy Friday!

We hope to make it a little happier for Miss Pink Tutu, our lucky winner in the Great Preppy Plate and Platter Giveaway! Miss Tutu indicated in her comment she favored the Damask, but we don’t know if it is Boatman’s Geller’s Madison Plate, or perhaps Preppy Plates brand Hot Pink Patter, the Lime Plate, or maybe another style?

Drop us an email Miss Tutu and let us know your selection, as well as how you would like your plate or platter personalized. (This really is Friday Fun to the nth degree, we *love* giving things away!)

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This just in! (Gasp – breaking news here at the Prepatorium!) The word is out that the next designer collaboration for Targèt will be with Jean Paul Gaultier, perhaps best known for his cone-shaped bustier Madonna wore on tour. As reported in Women’s Wear Daily, Target has no details on when the collection will launch, what price points will be, or how many pieces will be in the line.

“Gaultier is known for edgy street fashion interpretations, a Parisian panache, over-the-edge couture, generating lots of media and groupie followings.”

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Courtesy Photo via WWD

Our second tidbit is old news for those who follow us on Twitter (you can follow TP here if so inclined) as we tweeted the sad news a couple of times yesterday: In what can only be called a SOTT (Sign Of The Times),  Prescriptives cosmetics is being closed.

There are a number of contributing factors but the overarching concern is the continued underperformance of the brand.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

The line is owned by Estee Lauder (it was originally launched by Ronald Lauder 30 years ago), and we don’t know a timetable for the shutdown. We have already heard  from a number of current customers who tell us they are making plans to stock up.

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Fashion Week continues apace, as most everything was wrapping up with last night’s Tommy Hilfiger show. We’ll cover some the Hilfiger collection for Spring 2010 in our next post, but thought Friday Fun mandates we share some celebrity sightings and front-row attendees at yesterday’s shows.

First, recording star Taylor Swift at the Hilfiger show in what we’ll call her “Kanye Who?” look.

PHOTO: Steve Eichner/WWD

After all, looking good is the best revenge. While Miss Swift is far beyond stooping to vengeful behavior, one can’t help but think about that when seeing her in such a stunning dress.

This next photo of the young star (yes, that is Penn Badgley of Gossip Girl to her right, our left, and yes, he’s underdressed once again in yet another tee-shirt, no threat however to James Dean or Marlon Brando) reminds us of an incredibly rigid rule a lesson taught at an early age: ladies cross their ankles, not their knees.  Of course.

PHOTO: Diane Bondareff/AP

Also at the Hilfiger show Betty Draper, January Jones of Mad Men.

PHOTO: Steve Eichner/WWD

Here is Ms. Jones with Mr. Hilfiger, better showing the Pretty in Pink sheath she is wearing.

PHOTO: Diane Bondareff/AP

We cannot wait to see who she is wearing for Sunday’s Emmy Awards.

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And now we cover today’s primary topic, the Ralph Lauren show at Fashion Week.  We start with the front row, Janet Jackson is seen below with Dylan Lauren.

Rob Loud/Getty

Onto the main attraction: the clothing and accessories.

/WWD

As described in the Journal’s Heard On The Runway blog (must reading for TP):

“When the going gets tough, the tough get back to honest American working clothes. That’s means jean jackets, striped cotton shirts and pink floral sundresses.”

Fernanda Calfat/Getty

Some of the denim looks were outstanding, although we recall owning a pair of overalls quite a. long. time. ago.

Robert Mitra/WWD

The references to Steinbeck’s dust bowl were everywhere, with some reviewers even titling their stories “The Grapes of Ralph”.

Here is a taste of the WWD review on Mr. Lauren’s Spring 2010 Collection:

“Certainly there is something wonderful about Lauren’s unabashed romanticism. In an industry rampant with cynicism, he’s proud to be American and believes deeply, as his show notes reminded, in this country’s “resilient spirit.”

More from WWD:

“…. he made some risky choices; It’s unlikely many designer customers will aspire to shredded jeans and faded shirts, no matter how perfectly arranged the decay. As for their feminine counterparts, floral house- and sundresses, charmers for sure, but late-to-the-party kind of frocks that have flooded the contemporary market for some time.”

We found some of the tailored styles more appealing…

… and a number of the party frocks divine.

Despite our love of sheer overlays, other looks just didn’t seem to have the right proportions, the skirts overly full.

The look below prompts us to recommend a visit to the High WASP for her views on high-end shorts.

Robert Mitra/WWD

Some touches were absolutely exquisite.

One of our favorite fashion writers, Cathy Horyn at the Times, was not as positive about the show as many other journalists:

“I wondered, looking at the collection—which was weak by Mr. Lauren’s usual standards—what the discussions in his studio were about such a theme. Can hard times and their associated misery ever be an acceptable theme for a fashion show?”

Clearly the designer’s execution of his theme did not sit well with Ms. Horyn.

Kyle Ericksen/WWD

More from Ms. Horyn’s blog post:

“And if the clothes don’t really attempt to explore legitimate modes of American dress, and instead remain on the surface—a little faded and ripped denim with rhinestone sandals—isn’t that somehow worse?”

Courtesy First Post

Most of the handbags shown were of the casual, western look Mr. Lauren favors.

Below, the designer and his wife, Ricky, upon completion of the show.

Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images for IMG

For more photos, click here. We are curious to hear from readers about the show… two thumbs up? Down? No thumbs at all? Do tell, TP is dying to hear your reaction. After all dolls, sharing is caring.

Lucas Jackson/Reuters

Fernanda Calfat/Getty

Tory Burch & The Snuggie at Fashion Week, 2 Designer eBay Collections

Hello-Hello everyone, hopefully the sun is shining as brightly at your palace as it is here, there is nary a cloud in the sky, it is simply gorgeous.

Because we feel required to bring readers as much fashion news as humanly possible (ahem), and because we do take this responsibility ever-so-seriously (double ahem), we begin today’s post with something you are unlikely to find elsewhere:

PHOTO: JasonDeCrow/AP

Oh yes indeedy, TP is sharing these not-quite-exclusive photos from the Snuggie show at Fashion Week.  We ask, where else will you see shots of not only an adult Snuggie, but a pink one for your pooch?

PHOTO: Jason DeCrow/AP

Look at this amazing photo from backstage – the anticipatory excitement is palpable. Can you feel it?

PHOTO: Jason DeCrow/AP

The show was held at the Park Avenue Hotel (oh my!), and forced fashion mavens to make an exceptionally difficult decision: how does one choose between this amazing event and the Mulberry or Brian Reyes shows?

PHOTO: Jason DeCrow/AP Photo

For those seeking more on the collection this review from WNBC offers some insight:

“As for the styles, the runway looks ranged from simple-and-classic — basic blue and even bone-colored pieces — to animal-print sexy.”

PHOTO: Jason DeCrow/AP

Don’t let it be said we don’t share the joy here at the Prepatorium, nay-nay, meeting your every fashion and style need is our goal. Indeed.

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Readers know we also try and meet those goals by sharing photos of the fashionistas from that faux-prep school show Gossip Girl. Below, Blake Lively was on hand for the Marchesa show.

PHOTO: Steve Eichner/WWD

As always, the gowns at Marchesa were exquisite:

PHOTO: Kyle Ericksen/WWD

Party frocks extraordinaire from a firm that knows design, draping and drama, and executes all of them perfectly.

How about this for a stroll down the aisle?

PHOTO: Kyle Ericksen

And while much too chic for us, we’ll say this is a Pretty in Pink for today, it is one stunning gown.

PHOTO: Kyle Ericksen/WWD

Also yesterday, Leighton Meester heads into the 3.1 Phillip Lim show.

PHOTO: Eric Thayer/Reuters

Ms. Meester also attended the Proenza Schouler show; we share a group of looks from that collection as put together at Time.

PHOTOS: Slaven Vlasic/Getty via Time.com

Next, Time’s collage of Narciso Rodriguez pieces for next spring.

PHOTOS: Frazer Harrison/Garrison via Time

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Perhaps of more interest to our readers – the Tory Burch presentation yesterday.

As described by the Times:

“Tory Burch received a lot of retail love on Wednesday as the chiefs of Saks, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus, along with their buying teams, gathered…”

We found some styles appealing, and others just so-so.

The Journal also had rave reviews for the collection:

“The jammed tent was further proof of Ms. Burch’s buzz as well as her business savvy. She worked the crowd from her spot at the end of the runway, warmly greeting those in attendance. She did leave her station, however, to take Anna Wintour on a tour of her collection.”

PHOTO: George Chinsee/WWD

More from the Journal review:

“The outfits were her usual mix of infinitely wearable pieces, with her penchant for preppy and love of tribal both well represented. A floral jumpsuit, with bright tulips set against a navy background, as well as a coral suit, set the tone for spring.”

This blouse reminded us of a paper lantern:

PHOTO: George Chinsee/WWD

We are clearly not in the know, as we thought some styles were neither ‘preppy’ or ‘tribal’:

PHOTO: George Chinsee

But then, we only managed one year of fashion study in college before moving on and our knowledge of the topic is scant compared to that of those writing for the trades and the major newspapers covering the industry. (Pssst, we actually have an interest in trying on the leather skinny pants, however non-preppish they may be!)

We thought some looks oozed comfy, snuggly, casual fun.

PHOTO: George Chinsee/WWD

The neutral palette seemed subdued for spring and summer, but it also affords many pieces a longer and more versatile life.  Here is our favorite part of the Journal’s review:

“The only glimpse of her signature ‘T’ logo—the one that she plastered on her ballet flats and that made her a designer for the masses—was on a select number of purses.”

That is news of a logotastic sort.

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There is more big news out of Fashion Week: a second designer will launch a collection on eBay.  First we had news that Narciso Rodriguez plans an 8-piece capsule collection to be sold next spring.

And today news broke via Women’s Wear Daily that Norma Kamali will also sell a line on eBay, with pieces priced under $250.  This is in addition to the collection she already does for Walmart, NK for Walmart.

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Very quickly before we fly, two shameless pieces of self-promotion, beginning with news that our Whitney English notesheets made the October O List!

And the second item is merely a reminder to enter our Giveaway for a free personalized Preppy Platter or Plate!

PreppyPrincess.com

Ideal as a gift, for the holidays, or anytime, these are fun, durable, and dishwasher-safe.

PreppyPrincess.com

Click here to join the fun and enter before midnight tonight (9.17.09), we announce the winner tomorrow!

PreppyPrincess.com

Also tomorrow, the Polo Ralph Lauren show and more prepalicious fun from Fashion Week.