Early Look at the Milly – Banana Republic Collection & Why Lands’ End Is Spelled That Way

Hello-Hello, we hope you are enjoying a lovely spring day, we are careening wildly toward an extended weekend here at the Prepatorium.

Many of the styles created for the Milly collaboration with Banana Republic are now making it to the interwebs.

Milly New York Facebook Page

The collection includes both womenswear and men’s styles, we originally wrote about it back in January.

Courtesy Images

It officially launches online and in stores next Thursday, the 30th.

Banana Republic

However, Banana Republic is offering a ‘preview’ on Tuesday (the 28th) at four stores in major markets. On Thursday BR/Gap/Old Navy cardmembers will receive 25% off the Milly pieces, as well as 35% off regular priced merchandise, when shopping online or at select stores holding “Milly Mixers,” you can see the list of stores here.

There are also several pieces available for purchase now at fashion site Refinery 29. Below, two of the styles for sale at the site: the Medallion Print Top is $89.50 and the Neon Shorts are $49.50.  The top is 100% polyester (hmmm….) and the shorts are cotton with a touch of spandex for stretch.

Refinery 29

Another item now available via Refinery 29, the Long Pleated Dress, it is $165. We show a model in the dress (l) as well as on Maria Menounos.

Courtesy Photo/Milly NY Facebook Page/Courtesy Photo

This item is fully lined, it is also 100% polyester. When a garment is constructed of a knit jersey, as this piece looks to be, I don’t see the manmade fiber as necessarily being an issue. The challenge is when a woven like the Medallion Top shown above is all poly, sometimes it doesn’t breath as well as a natural fiber.

The final item available early via Refinery 29 is the Bib Necklace.

Courtesy Image via Refinery 29

This definitely goes in the “statement necklace” category, it seems reasonably priced at $69.50.

Next, a basic from the collection, the Pullover Crew Neck Sweater.

Courtesy Images

More shrewd marketing can be seen in the next graphic, Olivia Palermo is shown wearing the navy/white Elephant Print shorts ($55), the sketch and model are also in the Medallion Shirt shown above in another colorway.

Milly NY Facebook Page/Courtesy Image/Courtesy Image

Three more ensembles.

Banana Republic Milly Collection

And a few more style, the Fit & Flare dress on the left will be $150, the Beaded Necklace Top in the center is expected to be $45 and the Medallion Print Dress on the far right is $120.

Courtesy Images

Our final three looks from the upcoming collection. The White Sateen Blazer could have potential, and at $158 it might be a steal. In the center, the Chili Red Banana Leaf print dress, I believe it will run $150. The pool green Eden Roc dress on the far right is attractive, although the print might not be as flattering as one would hope on sizes much north of a 6 or 8.  That navy/white Elephant Print Tote is darling, although one of the pricier pieces in the collection at $130.

Courtesy Images

And because we care about your MOTH (Man Of The House), we share three different looks from the menswear part of the line.

Courtesy Images

Pricing is similar, with the Short Sleeved Shirt on the right $64.50 and the shorts $49.50. The shrunken cardigan in the center is expected to sell at $89.50 (ahem), the shorts for $64.50, the Grey Moccasins are going to be $98. On the far right, the Grey Heather Polo will cost $49.50, the Pool Green Shorts $59.50.

As is so frequently the case with the designer collaborations, quality will be key. My gut instinct is that the sell through rate on this will be very high.  As for BR’s next design partnership, it will be with Issa London, once a favorite label for the Duchess of Cambridge, formerly Kate Middleton.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Today’s other tidbit answers a question I have long pondered: why is the Lands’  of Lands’ End spelled that way? I finally learned the answer from a story in today’s Women’s Wear Daily:

They originally wanted to call the company “Land’s End,” but a due to a typographical error, the first catalogue was printed “Lands’ End.” Rather than incur the expense of reprinting, they left it that way, and Lands’ End stuck.

Another mystery solved.

The Vitals Preppy Guidebook & Another Preptastic Collaboration

Hello-Hello, welcome to a Wednesday here at The Prepatorium. One that started out with some unexpected excitement (more on that momentarily).

We are brief today, with only two tidbits to share.  The first involves something that somehow escaped me, a book called “The Vitals Preppy Guidebook“.

The Vitals Preppy Guidebook via Alex Grant

Once again we turn to our pal Skip over at the Alexander Grant blog, for more info:

Five years before Lisa Birnbach decided to update The Official Preppy Handbook with True Prep, Rosecrans Baldwin and co. of the now elusive Vitals magazine penned an updated version that still holds true today.

Skip shares scans in his post about the Guidebook.

The Preppy Guidebook via Alex Grant

Vitals had a short tenure on the magazine rack, which was too bad, I remember reading several issues, it was a solid product. The Vitals Preppy Guidebook was published eight years ago, in the spring of 2005. No one will be surprised at the number of heritage brands shown in the Guidebook that remain with us yet today, like Nantucket Reds, Brooks Brothers, Barbour and others.

The Vitals Preppy Guidebook via Alex Grant

There were sections on “Where to be seen,” “Where to spend money” and other tongue-in-cheek topics.

“The Vitals Preppy Guidebook” via Alex Grant

Decor images included the Preppy’s Study.

“The Vitals Preppy Guidebook” via Alex Grant

From the description of one’s study, “It’s his solace and his right. It is, if given the option, where he’d be buried. In J. Press plaid.”

Photograph by Matthew Hranek – “The Vitals Preppy Guidebook” via Alex Grant

Does anyone remember this one…..? It looks like such a fun read.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We also have another collaboration news to share, this time with a decidedly preppish slant.  Stationers Dempsey and Carroll and J. McLaughlin have partnered on a collection of correspondence cards.

Dempsey & Carroll

As many readers already know, Dempsey & Carroll’s cards are simply wonderful. They’re all-cotton heavy stock with hand-bordered edges, accompanied with exquisite lined envelopes. There are three J. McLaughlin designs available: from left to right, the Marrakesh, the Olana (yes, after the Frederic Edwin Church home) and Moroccan Paisley.

Dempsey & Carroll

The Correspondence Cards are $55 for a set of 10 cards and matching envelopes. There are also coordinating Gift Tags.

Dempsey & Carroll

The tags are $7 each, $35 for a set of 5. The paper goods are available online at both Dempsey & Carroll and J. McLaughlin, as well as select J. Mac stores.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Back to that early a.m. excitement, it involved this.

TPP InterGalactic HQ

Someone who shall rename nameless (although you could always touch base with The Consort) wanted to “sanitize” a dishcloth. How else would one do that other than popping it in the microwave for a full 2 minutes??? Did I mention it was basically dry when it went in the microwave?

Actually, there were lots of popping embers going, and no damage to anything other the dishcloth, so we’re in a major attitude of gratitude.

Tiffany and Brooks Brothers and Prada Have What in Common?

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a Thursday here at the Prepatorium. In an effort to move beyond the day’s headlines, we move back to our previously scheduled post.

We have a look at some of the products tied to the soon-to-be-released Great Gatsby film from Baz Luhrmann. The marketing machine is really kicking in, and we’re not necessarily talking about the movie’s May 1st première.

The Great Gatsby/Warner Brothers

No one will be surprised to learn a sizable amount of buzz surrounds the costumes, those have been overseen by Costume Designer Catharine Martin.  Gatsby-related magazine covers have been visible for months, now the big fashion splashes are getting underway. Below, Vogue Australia’s May cover with Karlie Kloss.

Vogue Australia

From the magazine’s website:

We are so excited about Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby that we dedicated our whole issue to it.

There are reports the dress worn by Ms. Kloss in the photo above is one of those designed by Miuccia Prada for the film.

Warner Brothers/The Great Gatsby Website

Above we see it on actress Carey Mulligan, she stars in the iconic role of Daisy. The dress is from Prada’s spring/summer 2010 collection, it looks like Ms. Kloss is wearing it with the front/back reversed.

More about the costumes from News.com Australia:

Australian director Baz Luhrmann called in a favour from a 16-year-old friendship when he tapped Miuccia Prada, of the famous fashion house, to collaborate with himself and his designer wife Catherine Martin for the costumes in the sumptuous production.

In an exclusive interview in Vogue Australia’s May issue out tomorrow, Prada discusses the results, including an incredible dress designed for Carey Mulligan – playing Daisy Buchanan – which is covered in crystal chandelier drops.

Two of the Prada costume sketches via Fashion Foie Gras.

Via Fashion Foie Gras

More from Fashion Foie Gras:

Just in case you are wondering, the collaboration between Miuccia Prada and Baz Luhrmann is not completely out of left field. The two have had a long friendship and actually collaborated recently for the Miuccia Prada / Elsa Schiaparelli exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. However, the original link to film goes back much further. Sixteen years ago, Miuccia Prada actually worked with Baz Luhrmann to create Leonardo Di Caprio’s suit for his 1996 remake of Romeo+Juliet.

Two more Prada sketches.

Via Fashion Foie Gras

Another big cover tied to the movie’s release, US Vogue. Its May issue showcases Carey Mulligan on the cover.

Vogue

Retailer Brooks Brothers just launched its Gatsby Collection.

Brooks Brothers

The retailer made more than 500 ensembles for the movie, 1700 pieces altogether when including neckwear and shoes.  The tie with Brooks Brothers makes sense, F. Scott Fitzgerald was a regular customer. This WWD story has insight, quoting Catherine Martin:

“Brooks Brothers is mentioned several times in Fitzgerald’s writings as a representation of the ultimate gentleman’s purveyor of fine clothing to the American man of distinction.

“It was this most basic and fundamental connection that has made our collaboration so authentic,” she said.”

Brooks talks about the collection:

The collaborative effort, unprecedented among past Brooks Brothers partnerships in its depth and scale, consists of formalwear and daywear, including tuxedos, tailored suits, suiting separates (sport coats, waist coats, and trousers), shirts, ties, shoes, and accessories.

The Brooks website offers background on its collection, including a peek at several archival images. Below we see several straw boaters.

Brooks Brothers

The updated version.

Brooks Brothers

Below, the Tipped Blazer ($798) and a closeup of the special label going in Gatsby merchandise. Among other things, I imagine this will boost the collectible value of the pieces. (Translation: look for them on eBay, no?)

Brooks Brothers

Several more styles.

Brooks Brothers

A final look from Brooks Brothers.

Brooks Brothers

While the collection is clearly not intended for Brooks’ traditional customers (like yours truly and the Consort) it is creating substantial buzz on retail and menswear blogs. It will do well.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Another storied brand with pieces used in the film, Tiffany.

Tiffany & Co.

Above we see The Savoy Headpiece, crafted of diamonds and freshwater cultured pearls set in platinum.

Tiffany & Co.

It can be yours for $200,000.

Yesterday Tiffany unveiled its Gatsby themed windows.

Tiffany & Co.

Last night there was a soirée at Tiffany’s Fifth Avenue store celebrating the collection.

Tiffany & Co. Facebook

This Women’s Wear Daily story has more:

“… (Martin) was drawn to the jeweler because F. Scott Fitzgerald himself was a Tiffany & Co. customer and Louis Comfort Tiffany, the brand’s first design director, ran with the Long Island social circles portrayed in the story.

From the Tiffany Ziegfield Collection, we show the Daisy Pendant in sterling silver with black onyx and freshwater pearls ($400) and on the right, the Pearl Tassel Necklace with sterling silver ($1200).

Tiffany & Company

Also from the collection, we show the Pearl Ring ($475) and Cuff Links ($375), both done in sterling silver.

Tiffany & Company

Both the Tiffany and Brooks Brothers collections are available for purchasing in stores and online now.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Great Gatsby opens nationwide in the USA on May 10, it also headlines Cannes May 15.

Warner Brothers/The Great Gatsby

Here is the latest trailer.

Warner Brothers/The Great Gatsby

Until next time, may the news be brighter wherever you may be.

Neiman Marcus Says Goodbye to eBay, Targét + Lauren Bush Lauren = Collaboration

Hello and happy start of a new week.  Is anyone else dragging just a teeny bit?

Via CopyPress

On to our news of the day, remember the big announcement that many luxury brands were opening stores on eBay? We wrote about it back in September of 2011, the “eBay Fashion Outlet Mall” had many popular companies signed up to participate, the following is from that 2011 post:

Brands taking part in the new mall that may be of interest to our crowd include Brooks Brothers, Hanes, Elaine Turner, Hanky Panky, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Hickey Freeman.  eBay claims almost 200 other brands however (more on that number later), most of them ‘household names,’ from off-price department stores like Neiman Marcus Last Call to run of the mill retailers like Elie Tahari, Bruno Magli, Fossil and Hush Puppies.

A story last week from Reuters got me thinking about the undertaking, it’s titled “Last Call for Neiman Marcus’s eBay Store“:

Luxury department store operator Neiman Marcus is shutting its eBay Inc store, a setback for the e-commerce company, which has been trying to lure large retailers to its online marketplace.

Neiman launched a store on eBay.com in 2011 for its Last Call outlet brand. It was one of a slew of large retailers that eBay has attracted to its online marketplace in recent years, an important part of the e-commerce company’s effort to compete more with Amazon.com Inc.

The story notes Neiman’s will be selling deeply discounted merchandise on its own Last Call site. The retailer has upgraded the Last Call website substantially, so it makes sense to sell via their own means. eBay gets a cut every time Neiman’s sells merchandise via eBay’s site, why keep putting money in eBay’s pocket?

As it turns out, many of the upscale brands initially associated with the ‘Outlet Mall’ no longer seem to be participating. For example, this is what one saw when visiting the Brooks Brothers’ eBay store back in 2011.

Preppy Princess Blog 9.20.11

A quick check for the Brooks Brothers store turns up nothing, they no longer seem to be part of the eBay Designer Outlets. Nor could I find Lacoste, Elaine Turner or several other “luxury” names. However, Bobby Jones and Calvin Klein are still present, as are Bruno Magli and Tahari. My guess is that there will be fewer and fewer brands remaining as part of the eBay endeavor, it just doesn’t make sense to pay eBay when you can dispose of the goods yourself via your own means without handing over part of the profits to a third party.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Our other item of note, Target has announced its next partnership will be with Lauren Bush Lauren’s FEED project. More from USA Today:

With FEED, Target is going the more minimalist, feel-good route with a collection launching June 30 that includes tote bags, kitchenware and blankets. Proceeds will benefit Feeding America, a non-profit with more than 200 food banks across the country.

Two of the items in the collection.

Via People StyleWatch

There will be 50 pieces in the line, including iPhone cases, bags, more jewelry and kitchenware. The collection launches June 30.  Here’s a bit more on the collapsible bicycle shown above from that StyleWatch story:

And the bike is a personal favorite of hers: “I ride my bike to work and around my West Village neighborhood, [so] I love [it],” she says. “Plus, it’s foldable and easy to store if you don’t have a lot of space in your apartment.”

I like this one, it is good to see Target offering a collection specifically tied to a charitable initiative.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Also today, a quick glance at the big winners of this year’s Cruft’s International dog show. Cruft’s is a little different from our annual Westminster show, among other things, they include additional competitions, like “Flyball.”.

onEdition Photos via Cruft’s Flickr Feed

Two breeds we’re partial to, Scotties & Schnauzers.

Cruft’s Facebook

As always there were other events, many not involving the show ring. Below we see a Yeomanry Infantry group donating a big check to Hounds for Heroes, the organization provides dogs for disabled British military forces.

Cruft’s Facebook

Below we see the big winner, a Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit) named Jilly, with handler Gavin Robertson.

Cruft’s Facebook

“Big winner” is an accurate appelation, more than 27,000 dogs were involved in this year’s show.

It must be the season for dog shows, we actually went to one ourselves a few weeks back.

That is a giant schnauzer, like our boy Phred, the pooch we had before Silly Tilly. It wouldn’t be out of the question to see another schnoozer at The Prepatorium.

Kate Spade & Keds, More Milly & Sperry, Hello Kitty!

Hello-Hello, and happy Thursday.

Today we are looking at shoes, springtime fare of the collaborative sort. The first partnership effort is one we love, Keds and Kate Spade have created a small line of sneakers.

Keds

There are four styles in the collection, the Pointer runs $85 (eep!) and the Champion is $75, these are not available until March.

Keds Kate Spade

There are other cute Keds this spring, especially for those seeking something a little different. Below we see the Champion Paisley and Champion Sunset.

Keds Champion

Also new (from top to bottom) for spring: the Capri, the Champion Jute Stripe and then the Double Dutch on the bottom.

Keds

There are loads of other options, all of them look fun.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This is the second year Milly and Sperry have collaborated on a collection.

Milly for Sperry

There are 17 styles in total.

Milly for Sperry Top-sider

These all appear to be available online now.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

One quick note, Ralph Lauren’s Rugby brand is now gone.

Twitter

The company announced late last year the line was being shuttered, everything was closed on Tuesday.

Rugby.com

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Finally today, it is also time to say goodbye to this.

Hasbro

And hello to this.

Hasbro

Those are Monopoly game tokens. The Iron is going away, to be replaced with the Cat.  Hasbro asked fans to vote on Facebook, deciding which token would be “retired”.

Monopoly Facebook Page

And which would be added, voters chose the cat from the options shown below. Yours truly was fond of the robot, while The Consort favored the guitar.

Monopoly Facebook Page

Reaction online was fast.

Mashable

And also funny.

Mashable

We’ll see you next time, and hope Nemo’s bark is much worse than his bit!

Via the Post