Two New Prep-Influenced Lines, Pink & Green Gifts

Hello-Hello, welcome to a new week, and yet another of our annoying this-will-have-to-do-for-two-days posts, with apologies.  (Yes, the mayhem has commenced, heaven help us all.)

We have looks at two soon-to-debut lines.

Via Jak and Jil

These styles are from the upcoming Thom Browne women’s collection.

Via Jak and Jil

(This may surprise readers, but we don’t recall ever seeing sequined madras before.)

Many of the styles echo pieces in Mr. Browne’s men’s line for spring.

Replication in theme and fabric can be seen throughout the collections.

Via Jak and Jil

The Brooks Brothers Black Fleece designer has previously done small collections for women, but this is Mr. Browne’s first step into a mass produced line.  Pearls and grosgrain are used generously.

Via Jak and Jil

We are guessing that taken alone, several of the pieces are stunning in person; the detailing on Mr. Browne’s designs is always exquisite.

While TP is *nowhere* near stylish enough to sport pieces this cutting-edge, it will be interesting to see the line in its entirety.  (Umm, TP and cutting edge in the same sentence? Hee-hee-hee.) As far as the collection falling into a ‘preppy’ category..? Non, non, non. Grosgrain ribbon accents and piped lapels do not make it thus.

The new line launches in the spring; the Jak and Jil blog has more photos, just click here to be transported there.

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Next, a new line from designer Tommy Hilfiger.

The new line is simply called “Tommy,” these styles are from the spring 2011 debut collection.

Women’s Wear Daily has more:

“Comprised of preppy-with-a-twist women’s and men’s wear, the youthful lineup included casual separates.”

“The styles, which Hilfiger describes as playful, are priced from $29 for a knit top to $119 for a short trenchcoat, while handbags and footwear begin at $49 and $59, respectively.”

Many pieces show a classic influence, but the more closely fitting and shrunken silhouettes belie a prep heritage.

On another note, the company is making a return to television advertising, beginning this evening, something that can only be deemed a positive SOTT (Sign of the Times).

Courtesy Image via WWD

The spots will feature the fictional Hilfigers, wackiness personified.

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It has been a few weeks since we shared any Gossip Girl fashion news. The LA Times has an interesting story about fashion on the show.

From the article:

“Leighton Meester and Blake Lively, the actresses who portray Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen, respectively, have been fêted and flung under the wing of Vogue’s Anna Wintour faster than either of them could utter an “OMG.”

The piece is accompanied by a slide show with images showing some of this year’s fabulous styles.

This brings us to a “Help Me Understand” moment:

Giovanni Rufino/The CW

Does the little ferret-faced Ed Westwick character (Chuck Bass) frequently receive pedicures on the show? Really?

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We wanted to share a smattering of pink and green gift ideas, starting with an item from Lands’ End that works for just about anyone, the Antistatic Fleece Throw.

If seeking something for the ladies on your list, Lands’ End offers its Half-zip Pullover comes in a variety of pink and kinda-sorta-green shades.

If shopping Lands’ End, a quick Sales & Savings note: their 30% off everything promotion ends tonight (Monday, 11/15/10) at midnight.

Lands' End

(Use promo code LESHARE and PIN 7785 to receive the discounts.)

We have a few more quick  ideas, the first is the Grosgrain Ribbon ornament, $2.79 online at Sears.  On the right, the Pink Flamingo Double-Walled Tumbler, at Le Boutique Targét.

The set of Tinsel Alpine Trees is also from Targét; they run $79.99 and also come in the bright lime color shown on the right, as seen in the chartreuse Pre-lit Fantasy Tree.

Le Boutique also has energy efficient LED lights in our favorite color (well, close enough); put those on the Lime Cashmere Tree, and you would have quite the look. Quite. The. Look.

But the favorite item seen online in today’s colossal waste of time research comes from LL Bean, and shows nary a hint of pink or lime green.

LL Bean

The Deluxe Edition Scrabble Game looks like loads of fun, we wouldn’t turn Santa away if he appeared with this in hand.

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We leave you with a word about two delightful bloggers, we are flattered both are offering giveaways showcasing Princess products.  Amid Privilege is celebrating her newly overhauled (and ever-so-chic) blog design, and the inimitable Nautical by Nature is commemorating her three year Blogiversary. Do pop in and say hello to both charming ladies if so inclined, we are grateful they to call them friends; they represent our favorite result of having an online presence: friendship. 

With that, g’bye until Wednesday!

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Giovanni Giannoni/WWD:
• Thomas Ianaconne/WWD

Mixed Signals on Designer Logos & Those Snooki Slippers

Hello-Hello, welcome to a fab Wednesday here at the Prepatorium.

Today we take a look at children’s’ fashions, with an emphasis on the logofication issue. A number of publications have suggested These Challenging Times are fostering less conspicuous consumption, including smaller, fewer, and more discreet use of logos, particularly for luxury labels.  This first picture may help explain why we’re confused.   Above we share an image from Burberry’s online store in the Girls’ apparel category, but similar use of the company’s signature check motif is abundant throughout the site.  These items do not seem to fit in the smaller and discreet categories.

The retailer still offers plenty of adult merchandise with its name and/or logo loud and proud, below we show the Wool Crewneck Sweater for women, and on the right, a Men’s Lightweight Hoody.

Bloomberg recently did a story about luxury labels turning their attention to other revenue streams, including children’s wear; the story is titled Burberry $750 Kids’ Trench Coats Turn Playgrounds to Runways.

“Celebrity culture and status-seeking are driving the growth, according to Fflur Roberts, Euromonitor’s luxury-goods research manager.

Suri Cruise, the 4-year-old daughter of actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, has been photographed wearing a Burberry fur- trimmed parka and beige velveteen coat lined with the brand’s signature plaid.”

To be fair, the iconic motif is seen very little on higher end Burberry London pieces, it is almost invisible in the Prorsum line. It is featured primarily on the lower end fashions and accessories targeted at the aspirational shopper.

The continued logo placement is not limited to Burberry.  Your little ones’ feet seem to be a popular spot for advertising, below left, the D&G Infant Sneakers, the Gucci Baby Sneakers are on the right.

We all know how yours truly feels about the logo on the left, adorning a pair of Children’s Sneakers, not to mention the all-over play it receives on the Baby Bal-Harbor Slip Ons.

More from the Bloomberg story:

“…. dressing their kids in designer gear is a guilt-free way for fashion-focused parents to indulge their own penchant for following trends, Roberts said. “It makes them feel good,” she said.

“Parents increasingly see their children as a reflection of themselves so they want to make sure they look good and are in the latest things,” said Sarah Peters, senior retail analyst at Verdict Research, a part of the Datamonitor Group.”

Calvin Klein ensures everyone will know where Little Bitsy’s togs came from.

We previously mentioned that Fendi is launching a children’s line in the spring, on the left we see children in the upcoming collection; we are hopeful pieces won’t be like these Baby Zucca Booties.

The Times ran a story on Monday about the lucrative returns in fashion for little ones, Designer Labels Go Pint Size.

“Gucci, Fendi and Stella McCartney are among the latest designers to add luxury children’s collections to their company’s stable, a small step for high-end fashion but among the first signs of growth since the recession.”

A few items from the soon-to-launch collection from Ms. McCartney.

The Stella McCartney pieces do not disappoint, they are cute as can be, eminently wearable, and sans logos.  Amen.  When it comes to the children’s line, buzz on Planet Fashion is all about the Gucci Kids advertising:  the word is that the campaign features Jennifer Lopez and her 2-year-old twins.  From the Women’s Wear Daily story, “Gucci Gucci Goo“:

“The images feature a sun-kissed Lopez and her two-year-old twins decked out in Gucci clothes and accessories, including sunglasses, romping on the beach.”

Apparently the ads were almost never shot, according to this story:

“Jennifer Lopez’s cute new advertisement for fashion house Gucci with her twin babies almost never happened – because her husband Marc Anthony refused to turn the spotlight on their children.

The singer/actress reveals she struggled to persuade Anthony to agree to let their kids Max and Emme join their superstar mum and model in the photo spread, admitting he only relented because it was all for children’s charity UNICEF.”

Via MumbaFashion

We haven’t seen enough of the new Gucci collection to know if children are at risk of Logophobia or not, but be assured we will not drop our guard, vigilance is our watchword. (Heh,heh,heh.)

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There is good news and bad news about two of our AntiPrep Wall of Shame member. First, the good: JWOWW’s clothing line is apparently not going to be created; Jezebel has more:

“Sad news for those who were eagerly awaiting our Boob Slings in the mail: JWOWW’s clothing line will not go into production, due to a trademark dispute.”

But now the bad: Snooki-branded products are now hitting the marketplace.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images & Happy Feet

The folks at Happy Feet say the first 10,000 slippers ordered should be delivered in time for the holidaze. Can a Snooki Snuggie be far behind? (Surely we aren’t the first people to consider this possibility…?)

On that tragic image we say adieu until next time!

A Monday Melange (with Preppy Overtones)

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a Monday, we are ever-so-happy to be back home at the Prepatorium.

We begin with a note of gratitude, directed to all who helped keep The Consort out of trouble occupied while we were away. Honestly, the timing of events while out-of-town was reminiscent of our years in news, when employees would brace for spot news anytime we left town. It seemed that way for our latest escape, no sooner did we hop on a plane than we heard about a Lilly Pulitzer furniture collection launching, as well as Lilly’s home being for sale. (Many thanks to those kind enough to send along the URLs for the Lilly Pulitzer house listing the Consort wrote about here.) We hope to scare up a little more information on what will be a major furniture line later this week.

Back to standard fare, it is Fashion Week again, this time in Paris, considered by some to be the only place to show.  (Ahem.) A few personalities of note, the Nuclear Wintour Anna Wintour is seen attending the Chloé show, and on the right we have Liv Tyler and Justin Timberlake at Givenchy.

We will have more styles as the shows continue, particularly Dior and Chanel.  Below, several classic, androgynous pieces from Dušan Paunovic, a line we were not familiar with until this week.

Franck Mura/WWD

Also seen in Paris, these styles from Viktor and Rolf peaking the Outrageous-o-Meter in the red zone.

Giovanni Giannoni/WWD

Of course, each and every Fashion Week always brings its own brand of tragedy, to whit, more entrants in the When Pink Goes Bad sweepstakes.

Giovanni Giannoni/WWD

These are all styles from Pierre Cardin, but there were many other candidates.

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There were a few lines line showing in Milan last week that we weren’t able to get to; Moschino‘s Spring 2011 Collection definitely had touches of nautical and preppy amid the red/white/blue palette.

Grosgrain ribbon was used to embellish shoes and repp tie silks were used on belts.

Below, bangles and other accessories backstage at Moschino.

Isabella De Maddalena/WWD

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Another Milan show we haven’t yet covered, DSquared2.

Twin brothers (and business partners) Dean & Dan Caten offered styles with a preppish slant.

More photos from WWD’s Davide Maestri.

To say we covet the gray flannel suit would be an understatement.

From Women’s Wear Daily’s review:

“The tailoring was terrific, as usual, here done in more leisurely cuts. It all had a stylish prepster vibe, which, by night, turned heavy on the men’s wear references, seen in le smokings and silk dresses with dickey inserts.”

We adore the modified dinner jacket shown above left; here is more exquisite formalwear.

Knowing that at Milan Fashion Week simply everyone wears black, let’s play a round of “Spot the Prep” in this picture from the DSquared2 show.

Name That Prep

Yeppers, it is the one and only Kiel James Patrick on the scene; hoping for some outstanding styles at the Milan shows, we dispatched our team of crack CPFCs (Certified Princess Fashion Correspondents) to Milan. Kiel was joined by the immensely talented and lovely Sarah Vickers, also clad in bright and vivid colors, no monochromatic black for this preppy pair.

Almost Exclusive to The Princess

Here Kiel is seen getting the scoop from one of the models.

On Assignment!

Kiel even took a video at the show, click here to see that slice of fashion bliss.  (We have it on good authority that a certain young designer’s merchandise was the talk of the town in Milan, our hats are off to Kiel and Sarah, the product line is looking terrific.)

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We have an interesting SOTT (Sign of the Times) today: because Louis Vuitton is concerned about running out of merchandise, the company’s stores in Paris are closing an hour earlier.

Louis Vuitton

From the Financial Times:

“Along with Vuitton’s other standalone Paris stores, the shop is trying to sell fewer products and preserve stock for Christmas.”

Hmmmm.

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And under our Sales & Savings heading, news that Neiman’s Last Call merchandise is now available online.

Last Call at Neiman Marcus

We haven’t done more than quickly skip through the online offerings, we hope to have a little more time to graze at the site later.  If you do pop in for a visit, do let us know what you think!

Today we shall leave you with a delightful Pretty in Pink pair from Tory Burch.

Tory Burch

October brings Breast Cancer Awareness month, 15% of proceeds from sales of the limited edition Rain Boots and Umbrella will go to the BCRF (Breast Cancer Research Foundation), up to a total donation of $20,000.

On that note, g’bye until next time!

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Moschino: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images
• DSquared2: Alberto Pellaschiar/AP
• DSquared2: Stefano Rellandini/Reuters
• DSquared2: Davide Maestri/WWD
• Anna Wintour: Benoit Tessier/Reuters
• Chloe show: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty

Lilly Pulitzer Fall 2010 & Target’s Next Designer

Hello-Hello, we hope you are enjoying a happy, summery day, it is simply glorious here at the Prepatorium.

Today we are all adither, scurrying about with TMTDTLT (too-much-to-do-too-little-time!), so once again, with apologies, we resort to more fluff than stuff.

Let’s start with an upbeat topic, the Lilly Pulitzer Fall 2010 Collection. We always enjoy seeing new styles and designs, and in this case, the addition of an entirely new category for the company.

There are some lovely dresses, the Adalie Wrap Dress on the left looks fun, as does the Sophia Dress with its ruched trim at the hemline and neck.

Two dresses offering classic silhouettes, the Finn shift (L), and the Juliana (R).

The Anamaria Silk Twill Skirt is a little busy for us, certainly darling on the right person.

We’re lukewarm on some pieces; the Brinkley Shirtdress is a good example of this sentiment. The dress is likely a garment better appreciated in person, when paired with the right sweater or jacket it might be perfect office attire.

We do like the Coeli Skirt, available in two corduroy prints.

The Jonah Dress in Don’t be Koi is striking, we always get the biggest kick out of seeing Lilly apparel and accessories patterns reinterpreted for use in goods that we carry here at The Princess, like the Agenda Books in Koi; the pattern can also be seen in the Little Jonah dress.

Also fun for Minnies this fall, the Juniper Jumper with Ruffles (L) and the Little Lilly Shift, we show it in Multi Apple a Day Patch.

There is new fleece for your little one, including the Becca Half-Zip Jacket (actually available now at Splash of Pink), and the Chelsea Fleece Vest, we show it in the delightful Daiquiri Pink.

Fall brings leggings for little girls as well, including the Hotty Pink (L) and About Them Apples in Lifeguard Green.

There are new sweaters for grown-up girls, on the left we show the Alcott Argyle Cardigan, and on the right, the Paley Cardigan Striped version for fall, both available at Splash of Pink, both in that navy and pink palette that we love.

Also new this fall, the much-anticipated Activewear group, the first such pieces from Lilly. Below left we see one of the ensembles, and on the right, the Frances fleece top.

The Lotus Top at Splash of Pink comes in both a solid color and a print version, the latter definitely qualifying as a Pretty in Pink item.

The Orlando Sentinel has more on this group:

“Produced in Nike factories, the collection includes capri and full-length pants, tank tops, fleeces and sweaters made of nylon-Lycra performance interlock fabric and rayon-spandex jersey.”

An additional view.

We like the Frances Fleece Top in the printed version, there is also a full-zipper Fleece Jacket in a slim cut.

We really are hooked on the pink and navy color combination.

It’s also time for the Tess Turtleneck in Navy, or the Irving Fleece Pullover

Clearly lots to love in this fall’s collection, and we’ve only shown a scintilla of all the goodness!

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Do you know what we want to wear with that fabulous pink and navy color combo?  This.

Regular readers will recognize the style statement; it is from our friend Kiel James Patrick’s new line of Sailing Belts, just launched on Monday.  We are excited to be hosting a contest giving a lucky winner the belt of their choice from Kiel.

Kiel James Patrick

Do pop over and enter, you could be the proud new owner of one of these little slices of fabulosity. And be sure to look at all of the wonderful Croffix Sailing belts at Kiel’s store.

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A few quick Bits and Bytes:

• The next Target design collaboration involves Justin Timberlake; his William Rast clothing line is partnering with the retailer on a new collection. The collection hits most Target stores and Target.com on Dec. 19. Below, two looks from William Rast.

Courtesy William Rast via Thread

• The line has a rocker/biker edge, and most industry insiders expect to see a good amount of denim in this group.
• In other collaboration deals, there is word of two new nail polish collections tied to popular televisions shows. Expect a Mad Men collection of polishes, and below, the Gossip Girl Nail Polish line.

• And with word of one more collaborative undertaking, the Brooks Brothers Levi’s jeans have debuted. These are for men only, three pair are offered online and in-store.

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We leave you with two SOTTs (Signs of the Times), the first involving our friends at Brooks Brothers again.

Courtesy Brooks Brothers

The venerable retailer is promoting its presence on Facebook, we have been fans for some time now, thoroughly enjoying the content. (If heading that way, do stop in and say ‘hello’ at the Princess page!)

Our other SOTT concerns the AntiPrep known as Snooki.

Brendan McDermid/Reuters

She, and other cast members from a STCBN (Show That Can’t Be Named) rang the opening bell Tuesday morning. At the Stock Exchange. In New York. The actual, real New York Stock Exchange.

Clearly, the apocalypse is upon us.  The horror.

Heh, heh, heh.

Preppish Bits & Bytes and the Ultimate Preppy Sleeping Bag

Hello-Hello!

Frequent readers know we are prone to veering off the straight and narrow at times, detouring from Brooks Brothers Avenue and Talbots Lane to another road altogether, taking a peek at brands with classic pieces but perhaps lacking a prep pedigree.

In our look at not-so-common brands we have two offerings today, beginning with Katherine Hooker.

Courtesy Katherine Hooker

We enjoy the designer’s Ascot Dress.

Courtesy Katherine Hooker

We are also fond of these two looks; the blouse looks simply exquisite.

This designer is primarily available in the UK, although Ms. Hooker has done trunk shows stateside.

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Also, the Irish Times offers this look at UK retailer ASOS in “Preppy Meets Tomboy“:

via The Irish Times

From the story:

“This is exactly the kind of preppy attire I would dress myself in, if I weren’t entirely committed to wearing dresses and floral fabrics 24/7…”

The feature showcases several looks in more detail.

Courtesy ASOS via The Irish Times

This retailer already offers online ordering to the USA, but reports are the process will be made even easier in the near future.

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We have a number of Bits & Bytes to share:

• Vampire Weekend, the über-prep band, announced this summer’s tour dates, click here for the schedule.
• Sad news for our friends in Charleston, Saks is closing its store in that beautiful city. The store will be closed by July 17; the space will be taken by Forever 21. (Ouch.)
• Those wanting to stay in touch with goings-on related to the upcoming publication of True Prep may want to consider joining the Facebook site for the book.

Random House

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Today’s Pretty in Pink…and Green comes to us via the always-on-top-of-things folks at the Pink and Green Scene.

via PinkandGreenScene.com

It really is the ultimate sleeping bag for one crazy for pink and green, let alone a great Adventure in Argyle as well! The bag is simply adorable.

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Finally today (with apologies to our FB fans), we close with one of the best cross-country tours we’ve seen:

Courtesy LL Bean

That would be the giant-sized official LL Bean boot, heading out of Oklahoma as we type, on its way to Indianapolis.  We are more familiar with the boot in this setting.

Courtesy LL Bean

Pop over and visit the Bean Facebook page to see the whole story about the Boot Road Trip.

Courtesy LL Bean

We just want to know if there are tee-shirts with all of the tour dates listed on the back, like those seen at rock concerts…?

On that note, until next time!