Lady Diana’s Dre$$ & Gucci Goes Young

Hello-Hello!

We begin with a quick follow-up to our previous post about this famous black party frock:

Princess Diana’s gown was auctioned yesterday for a price far exceeding the estimate of £30,000 – £50,000, ultimately selling for £192,000, approximately $276,000.

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Just a heads-up from the corner condo here at the Prepatorium:

snarky

Pronunciation: \ˈsnär-kē\
Function: adjective
Etymology: dialect snark to annoy, perhaps alteration of snark to irritate
1 : crotchety, snappish
2 : sarcastic, impertinent, or irreverent in tone or manner <snarky lyrics>
snark·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb

Fair warning.

Having issued the advisory above, we move on, with news of several new lines launching in the not-so-distant future:

Courtesy Image via StyleList.com

• Gucci’s new Childrens line debuts June 24; it will include apparel, accessories, shoes and sunglasses. (Because there aren’t enough logoed sunglasses available for the Young Miss and Master at your Palace.) We cannot resist part of StyleList’s take on the upcoming collection.

“… since most of its target audience can’t read, the designs…  will be marked with a gold teddy bear logo (how very Kanye!) so that little Susie’s playmates will know when to seethe with jealousy.”

The Consort also offered his insight: “Why don’t they do dogs, then we could have Gucci Poochie.”

Indeed.

• We have a backup plan for you just in case the Gucci childrenswear doesn’t pan out: the new Little Miss America collection.
  

  Courtesy Image via WWD

  Sized for both babies/toddlers and tweens/teens, all of the items will be priced at $25 or less. Again, we turn to StyleList’s report:

“So what does a mini Miss America dress like? There’s not as many sequins and flesh-toned pantyhose as you might expect — although it is very girlie. Initial sketches show ruffled tuxedo-style tops, bow-detailed skirts, lots of pink, and a onesie with an imitation pageant sash emblazoned across the front.

Hey, just because you’re still in diapers doesn’t mean you can’t get a head start on baton twirling or prepping those responses on world peace, kids.”

• One more launch to share today, although this one is more of an expansion; Men’s Wearhouse plans to open a chain of Women’s Wearhouse stores. As the Post put it in their exclusive story this morning: “Ladies, you’re gonna like the way you look.”

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This is the time of year when designers show their Cruise/Resort collections, and there have been some stunning pieces, beginning with Oscar de la Renta.  As seen in the following images, there is a nautical influence evident in some pieces from this collection.

The vibrant colors and elegant lines are delightful.

Natch, we are gaga for several of the party frocks.

In any length.

Perhaps our favorite:

George Chinsee/WWD

One quick advisory, the OdlR spring collection is currently on sale.

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The other resort collection we are sharing today is from Marc Jacobs.

The two styles shown above almost qualify as a Pretty in Pink… and Green, but it is a tad challenging to see the colors with images this size.

The WWD (Women’s Wear Daily, subscription req’d.) review described some of the looks as “…playful preppy.” We particularly like the dress on the left.

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Next on today’s hit parade, a few product updates, beginning with a fast glance at some of the springtime treasures recently added to the fab merchandise mix at Just Madras. The Girls dresses look darling…

As do the bow ties for your MOTH (Man of the House), or the always-popular Madras Skirts.

We do love the ladies at Just Madras, and too many of their goodies!

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We are tickled to share additions to our Preppy Ladybug line here at The Princess, here are more delightful designs by Shannon.

We have added patterns to our Flat Card selection ($15 for a set of 12), like the navy/red/lobster motif, as well as a new pink & green gator.

There are new designs ideal for the younger set. (It’s never to early to start them on the handwritten note concept, IOHO.)

There are also additions to the Ladybug’s Stickers and Labels line ( $4.50), including blue and pink perfect for announcing blessed arrivals, as well as that wonderful lobster.

One can even do a coordinated set for their little princess.

We adore the Ladybug and her fabulous eye.

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We leave you with an image that we understand has provoked some chatter about the watercooler, so to speak.

Getty Images via TMZ.com

When initially seeing this photo we knew two of the individuals pictured above. After all, they carry the distinction of being charter members in the Original AntiPrep Class of 2008. (Paris and Nicky Hilton.) It has been explained to us by TSU (The Spousal Unit, aka The Consort) that the other two creatures are named Snooki (sp?) and Jwoww(sp?). Our question to those in the know: are the latter two individuals solid candidates for the APHOS? (Anti Prep Hall of Shame.)

Do tell. We have an expiring mind dying to know.

Until next time, may your afternoon be filled with smiles!

ADD’L PHOTO CREDITS:

• George Chinsee/WWD: All Oscar de la Renta images
• George Chinsee/WWD: All Marc Jacobs images