A Goodbye to Lilly Pulitzer Bridal, Michelle Obama in J. Crew, Janna Ryan in Talbots

Hello-Hello, welcome to a holiday-shortened week, we’ve just a few snippets to share today.

Our first tidbit isn’t what we would call good news, the company making Lilly Pulitzer wedding gowns has filed bankruptcy. Some may recall the initial line of dresses launching back in 2010.

Wedding Style Magazine

The gowns were made by Designer Bride Inc., here is more from the WSJ’s Bankruptcy Beat:

The retailer filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation on Friday with assets of nearly $88,000 and debts approaching $194,000, court papers show.

The retailer partnered with designers who are no stranger to the red carpet: Angel Sanchez, whose designs have been donned by such celebrities as Salma Hayek and Beyonce; Valvo, who has dressed Vanessa Williams and Kate Winslet; and Meister, whose fans include Sofia Vergara and Dr. Jill Biden. And when Lilly Pulitzer, the longtime purveyor of pink and Palm Beach-worthy shift dresses, wanted to launch a wedding collection, she turned to Designer Bride.

Things look normal at the Designer Bride website, here is what you see on the home page.

DesignerBride.com

Unfortunately, clicking on any of the links results in an error message.  If interested in waxing nostalgic about the Lilly gowns from the one collection, visit Wedding Style magazine.

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

We have a couple of updates on candidates’ wives sporting some preppish brands at their party conventions. Last week Janna Ryan chose Talbots for two nights at the Republican convention.

Talbots Facebook Page

On the left we see Ms. Ryan in Talbots’ Brushed Back Wool Sheath, a polyester/wool blend that runs $169. On the right, the ponte knit White Piped Sheath, this one is a rayon/nylon/spandex blend, it is $129.

Talbots

More on the family’s sartorial selections from WWD (Women’s Wear Daily, subscription req’d.):

Her appearance Wednesday night wasn’t the first time she opted for moderate fashion: The fair-haired Oklahoma native wore a $70 printed Dana Buchman dress from Kohl’s when her husband’s candidacy was announced earlier this month.

Ryan even chose an off-the-rack dress for her daughter, Liza, to wear, when the family stepped into the spotlight Wednesday night. The youngster wore a $64 frock from My Michelle, a Kellwood label that is sold at Kohl’s and J.C. Penney.

At last night’s Democratic Convention Michelle Obama returned to Tracy Reese for her frock, opting for shoes by J. Crew.

DNC Facebook/J. Crew

That is Crew’s “Everly” pump, worn in the Rhubarb colorway, it sells for $245.

Ann Romney went more “high prep” in Oscar de la Renta for both nights’ appearances, he has dressed many First Ladies (and possible First Ladies), more from the NY Times:

Mr. de la Renta is no stranger to first ladies (or even prospective first ladies), having designed gowns for Laura Bush and Hillary Rodham Clinton, including the dress that Mrs. Clinton wore to the wedding of her daughter, Chelsea.

Mrs. Obama has yet to wear a de la Renta outfit in public. But if the Republicans win the presidency in November, the designer might once again have a client in the White House.

That Times story has some fascinating background on the “wrangling” over just what, or whom, Mrs. Romney might wear, and the paper’s Caucus Blog also has some intriguing insight about the dress selection process.

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

Our final note today is a very quick glance at another design collaboration, this one from Kate Spade and blogger Garance Doré.

Via The Telegraph (UK)

More from the Telegraph:

“It’s so nice to see my illustrations come to life, to be worn by real people” she told us at the Kate Spade store in London’s Covent Garden, which was buzzing with shoppers, press and Doré fans alike. Doré’s pretty illustrations of women smoking and sipping cocktails adorn a range of blouses, dresses, and accessories, in addition to slogan tops which read: ‘Toutes les filles sont folles’ (all the girls are crazy)’ and ‘Joie de Vivre’.

Pieces are available online, the collection includes everything form bangles and phone cases to bags like the Bon Shopper, seen below ($198).

Kate Spade

This is one partnership that makes immense good sense, the pieces look more-than-fun.

Lilly Furniture Lands at Neimans, It’s Ralph Lauren for the First Lady

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a Thursday, water-logged and sodden as it is. Yet again, there are brutal reminders we have nothing to whine about. If there is one story today that paints the harsh reality very well, it is the Journal‘s “Hospital Strains to Cope with Battered Survivors.”

We move to a brighter topic with word that the much ballyhooed Lilly Pulitzer Home Collection is now available for ordering through Neiman Marcus.

Neiman Marcus

To be clear, shoppers won’t find the entire 200+ piece collection at Neimans.  But there is an interesting selection that provides a look at many styles as well as giving a sense of pricing for the line.  Below, several items qualifying as Pretty in Pink, the Boulevard Armchair, Aster Mirror and Mizner Bench.

Lilly Pulitzer / Neiman Marcus

Bright and sunny, the Boulevard and Breakers Barstools.

Lilly Pulitzer / Neiman Marcus

The Carrie Loveseat is seen below left, and on the right, the Paramount Daybed.

Lilly Pulitzer/Neiman Marcus

And pieces from the Classic White Dining Furniture group, note the lining inside the drawer.

Lilly Pulitzer / Neiman Marcus

A significant component in the new collection is the Lee Jofa fabric line that is just launching. Lonny Magazine shares some fabulous photos of the vibrant textiles here in their blog, we show just a few of those images below.

Lonny Magazine Blog

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

Also today, we have seen some very serious tiaras the last few days, as the President and Mrs. Obama continue their official visit to Britain.  At Tuesday night’s state dinner at Buckingham Palace we see both Camilla Parker Bowles and Queen Elizabeth in glittering headwear.

Lewis Whyld/PA Wire/Pool/Reuters

The Queen wore the Lovers Knot Tiara.

Lewis Whyld / PA Pool

Mrs. Obama was elegant in Tom Ford for that event, the ruched silk georgette gown had a darling bow at the waist. Politically it was a wise choice, Mr. Ford shows his collections at NY Fashion Week but has his offices in London.  The designer recently re-launched his women’s line, this is a big boost for his work.

Larry Downing/Reuters

Last night it was our turn to host the party, for that event the First Lady opted for an American fashion house, wearing Ralph Lauren and she looked simply beautiful.

AP Photo/Getty Images/Reuters

The floor length dress is a modified version of one shown in Mr. Lauren’s Fall 2011 collection,

Via Styleite

Mrs. Obama chose striking jewelry from Tom Binns to finish off the look, the designer’s Dumont necklace and cuff nicely accenting the dress as they sparkled brightly.

Via Styleite

The dinner was at Winfield House, the US Ambassador’s official residence.  Originally built and donated to the United States by socialite Barbara Hutton, the house was named after her father, Frank Winfield Woolworth, he founded the stores bearing his name. For more on the building, click here.

Dressing for international events as the First Lady is not an easy task, there are sensitivities of both a cultural and political nature to be considered with each and every wardrobe choice.  Mrs. Obama made some outstanding choices on the British leg of the couple’s 8-day European trip, although it’s no secret your trusty scribe wasn’t overly fond of the floral Barbara Tfank worn Tuesday when meeting the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge (aka Wills & Kate).

Both formal dresses were lovely on the First Lady, but we really prefer the Ralph Lauren to the Tom Ford. At the risk of incurring the wrath of fashionistas far more sophisticated than I, the Lauren seems a much prettier and more elegant look for the First Lady.  While most fashion writers raved about the Grecian-style Tom Ford, we think the Lauren is more flattering on Mrs. Obama.

AP Photo (L) / Getty Images (R)

Fortunately, no one was forced to choose, as formal frocks were required for multiple occasions, and we do love looking at party pictures. 🙂

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

We leave you with something rather out of the norm for this space, a museum visit by two NBA players.

Oklahoma City National Memorial

There is nothing profound about the picture, it merely shows Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks and Russell Westbrook from the Oklahoma City Thunder visiting the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum earlier this week. The Mavericks were in town for the playoffs and the players visited the museum.  It wasn’t the first time Mr. Westbrook had been to the Museum, the Thunder’s head coach, Scott Brooks, has every player that joins the team visit the site.

But at a time when so much of professional sports seems broken and the day’s news is difficult to digest, we thought it nice to end on a note about something unremarkable, something simple, something nice.

Market Meandering, Michelle’s Party Frock & KJP’s News

Hello-Hello!

We are so happy to be back at The Prepatorium, we had a divine time at the Atlanta Gift Show. We actually did a post Monday showing how immense the Mart is, but had to delete it within moments because of technical issues created by someone pathetically inept at still learning how to fully maximize the iPad.

We enjoyed seeing new goodies from our fabulous vendors.

Meeting Chris from Preston Leather (his company does our amazing custom belts and key fobs) was a plus, he is hard to miss in his green Crocs.

Invariably someone is not happy when left with the housesitters.

Poor, Pitiful, Put-Upon, Pathetic Tilly

But then it seems she follows us everywhere, heh,heh,heh.

(The resin dogs have become ubiquitous at gift and accessory shows.)

We also *loved* lunching with the brains behind our Southern Wears line, and chatted about new things we are adding to The Princess.

Here Soon!

We are adding Tiny Prep treasures in argyle and madras.

There are more discoveries we shall be adding to the site, but we don’t yet have images to share with you. We did get to see the new Lilly Pulitzer and Jonathan Adler designs, the products are even better than anticipated.  This includes the much-buzzed-about Acrylic Wine Glasses.

And croakies sunglass straps.

It was loads of fun seeing friends and shopping, but we are ever-so-happy to be home.

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

We share a few images last night’s big do in the District, the state dinner for President Hu Jintao of China. First Lady Michelle Obama chose an Alexander McQueen gown.

Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty

The lush look in red and black silk was the creation of Sarah Burton, she was named to design the line following Mr. McQueen’s death last year.  Earlier in the day Mrs. Obama was in a navy wool ensemble by Roksanda Ilincic.

Some of the notable names at last night’s party included designer Vera Wang and fashion pooh-bah Anna Wintour.

Also attending, Barbra Streisand and her husband, James Brolin, along with Michelle Kwan, who was stunning in metallic gold.

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

We leave you with a look at a friend’s good news, seen in the print campaign for this spring’s Tommy Hilfiger line.

Courtesy Tommy Hilfiger via WWD

The reason for our delight may be tough to spot in these images.

Courtesy Tommy Hilfiger

Here is a better view:

Some readers will recognize our friend Kiel James Patrick’s handiwork in the men’s accessories, Kiel allowed the Hilfiger folks to include his bracelets in the photo shoot.

The accessory selection by the Hilfiger creative minds syncs with the continued reinvention of the Hilfiger brand, something we have followed with interest; the company is making progress in retrieving the brand from the land of logos on steroids and “pants on the floor”.  Last spring’s styles shown at Fashion Week were just this side of flawless (who’d a thunk??), it will be intriguing to see what the company shows next month at Fashion Week.

Also making us smile, seeing that Muffy Aldrich, prep blogger extraordinaire, penned a lovely post about her own KJP bracelet.

Courtesy "The Daily Prep" Muffy Aldrich

“10 Things I love about my Kiel James Patrick” was a delight to read, we have offered Kiel’s bracelets, earrings and headbands at the Princess almost since our inception, and couldn’t be happier to see Kiel and Sarah receiving recognition following thier years of hard work.

G’bye until next time!

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Jonathan Ernst/Getty Images
• Mark Wilson/Getty Images

The Fashion Post: Kentucky Derby & White House Correspondents’ Dinner

Hello-Hello, and welcome to another Monday here at the Prepatorium. Things are so busy we are making this post count for both Monday and Tuesday, it is that insane.

Following such a social whirl of a weekend on the national party scene, we have lots of fun photos to share. We begin with a peek at some of the goings-on at the Kentucky Derby. Fashions varied wildly, many reflecting the inclement weather conditions.

The rain and mud wreaked havoc for many a fashionista.

Fashionable hats were still visible; below left we see Ruben Studdard and his wife, Zuri, as well as Dino Manzo and Andy Cohen in the photo on the right.  Mr. Cohen is an executive with Bravo television and we understand Ms. Manzo is in the cast of a reality show airing on that network.

Second City Style referred to Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minillo as the Worst Dressed Couple at the Derby.

That seems a little harsh. The blog also offers this:

“Aside from those floral centerpieces and large straw hats, I felt that many of the women dressed stylishly, yet immodestly and not at all in the vision of what I have come to believe is the Kentucky Derby.”

As a firm believer in the ‘less is more’ aesthetic, we tend to agree.

There was no shortage of celebrities; below,  Joe Don Rooney, Jay DeMarcus and Gary LeVox of the country music band Rascal Flatts.

Jeff Gentner/Getty

Several athletes were also on hand. Below left, skier Bodie Miller and on the right, skater Johnny Weir.

But back to the hats, always delightful to behold.

We love the entire look in the photo above so much we are making it today’s Pretty in Pink.

And how does one transport their chapeaux to and fro?

David J. Phillip/AP

We don’t know how these gentlemen protected their headwear, we do know we adore both styles.

Even a pink flamingo was spotted.

As well as a mass of red roses.

Charlie Riedel/AP

Bearing a striking resemblance to the real deal.

Andy Lyons/Getty

Above jockey Calvin Borel kisses his wife Lisa after his big win.

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

Did anyone else spend part of their Saturday night watching the WHCA (White House Correspondents Association) dinner? The pre-parties started early in the week, below we see student Candice Crawford, Dallas Cowboy Tony Romo and Gossip Girl actor Chace Crawford at the People magazine function. (Yes, Candice is Chace’s sister.)

Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Time Inc.

Women’s Wear Daily provides this insight on the mix of attendees:

“While Chace Crawford of “Gossip Girl” and pal Tony Romo of the Dallas Cowboys aren’t exactly renowned policy wonks, they stopped by to provide a little eye candy for the lady politicos, who were all-to-eager to pose for a souvenir picture with the duo.”

Many celebrities were on hand, just not as many from inside the beltway as there used to be; below, Rachel Ray and her husband John Cusimano.

Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Publisher Rupert Murdoch and his wife, Wendi Deng.

Richard Clement/Reuters

As the Washington Post’s Reliable Sources blog put it:

“The quintessentially Washington party has morphed into a Washington-themed party, with the president and politicians playing decorative cameos for the sake of the corporate muckety-mucks and a parade of celebrities who’ve just jetted in.”

Below, a duo actually from the area, General Colin Powell and his wife.

Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty

The styles seen at the event prompt today’s “Help Me Understand”.

We realize Justin Bieber is currently quite the heartthrob; we’re merely confused about the young man’s hairstyle.  As far as the image on the right goes, reports are that the entertainer wanted to meet Ms. Kardashian more than anyone at the function.  The 16-year-old was very much in demand; Donovan McNabb wanted to have his photo taken with the young singer.

Amy Argetsinger/The Washington Post

More from the Reliable Sources report:

“Justin Bieber, the tiny tween idol with a big bow tie, was striding out of the dining room of the Hilton Washington Saturday night when a much larger man stopped him and asked to shake his hand.

“My daughter loves you,” said Donovan McNabb.

Bieber, 16, with a swagger way beyond his years, turned and took the new Redskins quarterback’s outstretched hand.”

Many insiders refer to it as ‘The Prom,’ and there were some serious gowns; First Lady Michelle Obama wore Prabal Gurung.

Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty via The Cut

We don’t know who Chelsea Handler, Katie Couric or Gabourey Sidibe were wearing, they all looked lovely.

As did Scarlett Johansson, radiant in Prada.

Planning the gala would create stress for even the most accomplished hostess, doing the seating arrangements for such disparate personalities must be quite the challenge. (Although we suspect experts like Miss Janice would probably handle this with aplomb.) Bono, Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski are seen in this image.

Tony Powell/Washington Post

Below, Director Steven Spielberg (2nd L) and his wife Kate Capshaw (L) poses with actress Michelle Pfeiffer (2nd R) and David E. Kelley (R) as they arrive at the dinner.

Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty

Rumors are always rampant during the week, among the stories circulating this year, a report that Wendy Williams refused to attend because she was seated next to Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth.  The horror.

Agostini-AP & Connor/Getty via NY Daily News

Another hot topic, actress Angelina Jolie supposedly turning down a White House invitation to the Dinner.  Below, Greta van Susteren and Kim Kardashian.

From the Capitol Hill Style blog, three questions on Kim Kardashian’s look:

1) How much false eyelash is too much false eyelash?
2) How on Earth does she get her undereye makeup so perfect?
3)  Am I wrong, or is Kim slowly morphing into Catherine Zeta-Jones?

Elizabeth Moss and her husband, Fred Armison attended; Ms. Moss portrays one of TP’s favorite characters from the television show Mad Men.

Others from the Hollywood contingent included Alec Baldwin and Mariska Hargitay, along with Washington insiders Alexandra Wentworth and George Stephanopolous.

We turn to the Celebritology blog for more:

“The amount of star power ratcheted up a few notches at this year’s White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, where at least one representative from virtually every current, mainstream American pop culture phenomenon joined the swirling, overheated mass of humanity inside the Washington Hilton.”

Michael Oher of the Baltimore Ravens (L) and Donatella Versace (R).

Another TP fave, Julianna Margulies on the left and on the right, Terence Howard. (If only we could get Mr. Oher, whom we think the world of, connected with Mr. Howard’s tailor, he would be one stylish figure.)

And while the Dinner is beginning to resemble the Oscars more and more (complete with associated festivities from Vanity Fair, People, the New Yorker and others) there is a difference, as pointed out in this post from Celebritology:

“These cultural collisions are what give the dinner that social train wreck quality that, frankly, you just don’t find at the Oscars. It’s why Betty White is seated happily a few chairs over from Eric Holder .”

We do love looking at the gowns, and hope you do too!

• John Gress/Reuters
• Mario Tama/Getty
• Jeff Haynes/Reuters
• Luis M. Alvarez/AP
• Darron Cummings/AP
• Matt Sullivan/Reuters
• Andy Lyons/Getty
• Jeff Gentner/Getty

Bazaar Does Twilight, Lilly Car Revealed

Hello-Hello and Happy-Happy Friday!

It is a doubly happy day because we are still enjoying our house guest, and will be off shortly for a little retail therapy.

We begin with a wise move at Talbots in response to a wardrobe choice made by First Lady Michelle Obama.

Tim Sloan/AFP/Getty

The retailer is stepping up efforts to capitalize on such occasions.

Below, the Double-face Wool Sheath from Talbots. 

Talbots may be taking a cue from J. Crew, very aggressive in exploiting multiple First Family appearances in their apparel and accessories. Brooks Brothers and Hickey Freeman have also used similar marketing techniques when the President is wearing their apparel.

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

Yesterday’s Times carried a story about Mickey Mouse, “After Mickey’s Makeover, Less Mr. Nice Guy”

Disney Interactive Studio

According to the story:

“Mickey as he will appear in the video game Epic Mickey. The game, to be released next fall, will show the character’s darker side.”

Ummm… does Mickey need a darker side?

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

More Friday Fun for fans of Twilight: New Moon; the December Bazaar showcases stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart.

Mark Seliger/Harper's Bazaar

The cover seen above is for the issue to be sold on newsstands; subscribers will receive this cover on their issues.

Mark Seliger/Harper's Bazaar

Fans will appreciate the volume and quality of photos accompanying the lengthy interview with the stars.

Mark Seliger/Harper's Bazaar

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

Of course, some real Friday Fun might best be found at South Coast Plaza, where the new Henri Bendel officially opens their new store today. Perhaps Muffy Martini can float down to Orange County and file a first-hand report for all of us at some point in the future!

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

And because it is all about fun today, we close with an absolutely fabulous item from launching this week:

Courtesy Lilly Pulitzer

Meet the E-Lilly by Lilly Pulitzer and Tomberlin Electric Car.  The news release better describes the vehicle:

“It’s 100% road worthy, charges with any standard 110v household outlet, and travels for over 30 miles on a single charge. The E-Lilly can be customized with just about anything you want…2-seat, 4-seat, golf bag, trunk and more… even a monogram, and will deliver just in time for the holidays!”

If asking the Christmas Fairy for one of these, they start at $12,995. Our reaction to seeing this little treasure? TDF. Completely and totally TDF.

On that happy note, we hope everyone enjoys a bright and beautiful weekend!