Ralph Lauren Olympic Uniforms Unveiled, Adventures in Argyle

We are more than ready for a day’s dose of Friday Fun, we thought we would start with the Team USA Olympic uniforms unveiled this week.

Ralph Lauren Courtesy Photos

We have already seen what Olympic and Paralympic team members will wear in the Olympic Village, but these are for the dressier closing ceremonies, not quite as formal as the Opening Ceremonies, but a notch above the Village uniforms. Here is how the Ralph Lauren designs are described at BlackBook:

…the American fashion designer opted for crisp monochromatic white in breezy silhouettes that would work just as well in the Hamptons.

For women, the look features a white button-down with both the team and classic RL Big Pony logos on the chest, paired with a flowing midi skirt cinched with a striped belt. Men will wear a cotton shirt emblazoned with the aforementioned logos, along with white pleated slacks fastened by a striped silk belt. Dapper.

Dapper is a good descriptor.

Jeff Zelevansky for USOC via Inside the Biz

Above you see more of the Ralph Lauren styles on Team USA athletes, the group was on the Today show yesterday as part of the Road to London celebration, the closing ceremony uniforms can be seen on the far right.

Below, a better look at the just-unveiled styles. The term “Gatsbyesque” also comes to mind.

Peter Kramer/NBC Today Show via Selectism

Here is how Vanity Fair described the look:

Wonderful news for sports fans, sartorial enthusiasts, and those elegant and careful enough for white clothing: Ralph Lauren, official outfitter of the 2012 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic team attire, unveiled sketches of this summer’s closing ceremony ensembles for the London Games.

They’re comprised of “luxe white cotton sport shirts” and a skirt/pleated white trousers, each held up with a necktie-silk “sporty repp-stripe” belt in red, white, and blue, and paired with matching scarf (unseen) tied at the neck, according to the fashion house.

As a refresher, here is what athletes, coaches and other Team members will wear in the Olympic Village.

Polo Ralph Lauren Courtesy Images

Some may remember the 2008 uniforms for both the opening and closing ceremonies, we showcased them in this post.

Via Guest of a Guest

Coincidentally (cough-cough), Ralph Lauren launched its direct-to-consumer marketing of the Olympic merchandise yesterday  As much as yours truly engages in whineathons of epic proportions on the topic of Mr. Lauren’s logo occasionally chides the company, we must admit some of the styles are wonderful. In particular, this one is sure to peak the Cute-o-Meter in the red zone.

Polo Ralph Lauren Infant Tank Dress

That is the Olympic Tank Dress for Infants, and it couldn’t be any more darling. How precious is that hat? (Sadly, it does not come with the dress.)

There are official Team USA items in almost every merchandise category, we will take a more in-depth look at the offerings at some point in the future. We’ll leave the topic for now with the Polo Ralph Lauren limited edition pins.

Polo Ralph Lauren

All three pin styles are available now, they are $10. There is a nifty 1-minute video on the Polo Ralph Lauren site as well, if feeling a little blasé about the upcoming events, this will get your blood moving.

Polo Ralph Lauren Website

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We share another sports-themed tidbit, this one involving golf apparel.

Loudmouth Golf

If guessing Loudmouth Golf, you are correct. We hadn’t shared any of their looks lately (speaking of Olympics, remember these Loudmouth pants on the Norwegian men?!), and thought these would definitely qualify as an Adventure in Argyle.

Some may remember the brand hurtling into the limelight when worn by golfer John Daly, the line has certainly expanded since Mr. Daly was first spotted in the company’s blinding vivid apparel.

Loudmouth Golf

Below we see Mr. Daly and other Loudmouth fans in Augusta at the Masters just a few weeks ago. (To see an amazing story about seven Swiss golfers who love Loudmouth *and* the Masters, click here to visit the Augusta Chronicle’s story on the Flying Swiss Golfers’ Club.)

Via Loudmouth Golf Facebook Page

In fact, Loudmouth actually has an Olympic presence, below we see Team USA athlete Steven “SteveO” VanderWerp at yesterday’s Road to London event, he is in a Loudmouth hoodie.

Loudmouth Golf Facebook Page

It has been such a long time since we visited the Loudmouth site, we didn’t realize they were now making Kids’ clothing for the course.

Loudmouth Golf

There are Boys and Girls choices for those interested in a… well, let’s just say those interested in making a vibrant style statement.

Loudmouth Golf

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Finally today, we leave you with something near and dear to our iceberg of a heart.

The Prepatorium

That is Silly Tilly on the left and Tiny Tilly (there’s a word we’ve never used in relationship to Tilly before) on the right, an amazing gift from a dear friend.  The remarkable likeness was created by gifted artisan and sculptor David Lynn of Nova Blue Studio Arts, LLC (or here on Facebook).

Nova Blue Studio Arts, LLC

Mr. Lynn outdid himself on the details, they are perfect, right down to Tilly’s pink and green harness. (He worked from photos our friend provided him.)

Tilly’s Mini Me

While this has nary a link to anything preppish, it does put a smile on our face, we thought it fit under the Friday Fun umbrella. (And we thought it might make you smile too.)

Have a splendid weekend!

Preppy: The Next Big Thing For Spring. (Cough-Cough.)

Hello-Hello, and Happy Friday. (I don’t know about you, but we’re ready for a touch of weekend here in the Corner Condo at Princess InterPlanetary HQ.)

If it’s almost spring, then it follows that retailers are breaking out the preppy style references in their advertising and marketing campaigns, we thought it would be fun to share a few of them with you. The first comes via Nordstorm, with thanks to our friend Cindy for alerting us to the communiqué, showcasing “Prep Cool“.

Nordstrom

“Prep Club Accessories, Swimwear & Resortwear” showcases a variety of merchandise one might expect to see, from Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs and Milly….

Nordstrom

To Dooney & Bourke, Kate Spade,and Longchamp.

Nordstrom

There were a few brands included in the “Prep Club” group (for some reason the promotional groupings were referred to as both Prep Cool and Prep Club, we’ve nary a clue why) I don’t always/usually associate with a prep aesthetic: from left to right, McQ Alexander McQueen, Cara Accessories and AK Anne Klein.

Nordstrom

We move on to a Macy’s campaign, “Preppy Handbook” (ahem), with “The Four Fundamentals You Need Now”.

Today’s prep-wear is feminine, expertly tailored and effortlessly chic (think: 1960s socialites vacationing in Palm Beach). And, it’s the next big thing for Spring. Want to incorporate this work to play look into your wardrobe? We’ll show you four essentials you need to look pretty in prep – and exactly how to wear them.

Macy's

Among those four fundamentals, “Kaleidoscope Florals and Bold Stripes” shown below, there are some darling shirts.

Macy's

Macy’s reports that another essential is “Femme Madras,” one is admonished to “Rework this classic preppy plaid with a shrunken schoolboy blazer or tailored shorts.”

Another “Preppy Academy Must Have” is the colored trench.

Macy's

There’s one more “Fundmental,” we’ll let you discover it in your own time, click here to see the rest of the Macy’s post.

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One item not mentioned in either of the marketing campaigns that we do consider a basic: seersucker.

American Digs

While that might look like something perfect for this weekend, it’s not, at least not for you. It’s for these fine friends.

American Digs

These are the work of American Digs, proudly Made in the USA, and $34.

When Tilly heard I was putting them in as today’s Friday Fun she reminded me of something that is a bit of a sore point, we promised her a replacement for this.

Silly Tilly

Her Yale sweatshirt has seen better days. (Heh, heh, heh.) Somehow I’m not seeing the seersucker on her, are you? Sadly, the words “seersucker” and “Tilly” in the same sentence bring visions of material stretched tautly, beyond its original design, buttons straining and popping off randomly, and sounds of seams ripping as fabric shreds.

With that we say goodbye until next time, may your weekend be warm and wonderful!

2012 Preppiest Colleges (Ahem) and We’ve Gone to the Dogs

Hello-Hello, welcome to a Wednesday.

It’s that time again, the Huffington Post has announced its list of the “Preppiest Colleges in the US,” here is more from the story:

Being a preppy person isn’t all about knowing how to sail and wearing sailing clothes. Anyone in the world can be preppy, if they just want to try it!

(Is it just me, or does this conjure up images of an unruly gang of little children following a leader as he/she exhorts, “C’mon everyone, let’s all go be preppy!”…?)

Back to The List, here it is, each school name is followed by a snippet from the story:

1. Georgetown: “Backpacks are a faux pas and socks are rarely worn, because obviously they’d look silly with your Sperry Top Siders and short shorts.”
2. University of Virginia: “At a school that refers to the quad as “the Lawn,” it’s no surprise that many of the frat and sorority houses are situated along “Rugby Road.” The school isn’t lacking in Southern tradition (students joke that UVA’s mantra is “guys in ties, girls in pearls”).”
3. Boston College: “Even the east coast sports-bro website, Barstool Sports, thinks Boston College is a bit too preppy.”
4. Wheaton: “”Wheaties” commonly hang around Harvard and Brown on weekends decked out in green and pink apparel and Bermuda bags.”
5. Cornell: It’s the school that educated Andy Bernard from the Office; ever heard of it? Blogs about Cornell will give you free SWAG if you leave “preppy comments” or tweets.
6. Ohio State: “Even that bastion of preppiness Brooks Brothers is making a line of Ohio State clothes. (O’s on the cufflinks) Gawker has said (snarkily)that Ohio State was “infested by unbearably-preppy” kids.”
7. Alabama: Urban Dictionary talks about the Southern Preppies in Alabama wearing Patagonia, Lacoste and Brooks Brothers — which, by the way, also has a University of Alabama line.

Here at the Prepatorium the most surprising thing about the story was in the ‘Bama description:

“For those Alabama fans feeling like they don’t look enough like a prep in their U of A gear, PreppyPrincess.com has you covered with a line of aprons, tote bags, and cloth napkins.”

Eek! Our thanks to the kind folks at HuffPo for the mention. 🙂

It would simply be easier to list name the school from the 2011 roster that were is also named this year, there is only one: Virginia. However, in the interest of providing context, here are the 2011 schools not making the 2012 list.

1. Sewanee
2. Miami University (of Ohio)
3. College of Charleston
4. Davidson
5. St. Lawrence University
6. Bowdoin
7. Claremont McKenna

As always, the comments are more-than-interesting. Click here for the post in its entirety, scroll way down for comments.

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Also today, another annual endeavor, our glance at the goings-on at Madison Square Garden, we’re talking about this year’s  Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

We begin with a group shot as the Beagles do their thing in the ring.

AP Photo/Craig Ruttle

Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Wild Rose, right?

AP Photo/Craig Ruttle

There’s always a reminder of that old adage about dogs looking like owners…or something.

Michael Nagle/Getty Images

(That’s actually a woman named Grace Forester, from a TV show called “Doggie Moms,” she is holding two pooches at the pre-Westminster Fashion Show at Hotel Pennsylvania.)

Back to our point: it isn’t easy being beautiful. Below, Bentley’s coiffure is kept pretty while he waits his turn in the show ring.

AFP Photo/Timothy A. Clary

Ever fell like the day was a total waste of hair spray? How would you like to be a Komondorok? (In reality, this is precisely how this breed’s coat should look.)

Getty Images

The Consort: “That’s a heap of hair.”

Getty Images

Maybe life is easier if there just isn’t as much hair to worry about.

AFP Photo/Timothy A. Clary

In some cases the dog is almost as big as the handler, as with Nikki, the Old English Sheepdog seen below left. On the right we show Ian, a Dalmatian, in honor of Karky and Kermit, and Uncle Bruce.

Getty Images/Associated Press

In honor of the inimitable Muffy Martini (actually, in honor of Bitsy and Bandit) we show Cinders, a wirehaired dachshund who was the big winner in the hound group. That photo on the right isn’t nearly as bad as it might appear, the handler is actually reacting after the group judge awarded Cinders that title.

Associated Press

Sometimes it’s tough on the humans too.

AFP Photo/Timothy A. Clary

And you thought it was easy on the handlers?

AP Photo/Craig Ruttle

This year’s big winner is Malachy, a Pekingese, taking the Best in Show title.

AFP

At times it’s hard to keep your cool.

AFP Photo/Timothy A. Clary

It’s obvious what Manchester wants to know: “Where’s Tilly?”

AP Photo/Craig Ruttle

Why, she’s still waiting for her invitation, that’s where she is.

She waits, and she waits, and it never comes.

Sigh.

Keds Clothing Line, About That Online Shopping At Work

Hello-Hello, we hope everyone is eager to embrace the promise of the holiday.

As one might expect, today’s post is brief.  We have a few new recipes to turn into colossal kitchen failures start on a little later, we imagine almost everyone else is in similar circumstances.  So we’ll jump right in with a look at the new clothing line from Keds.

Kyle Ericksen/WWD

The sneaker manufacturer is doing a collaboration with Opening Ceremony, a wonderful retailer.  The line launches this Friday, here is more from Women’s Wear Daily:

The men’s and women’s clothes are pretty much what one would expect from a nearly century-old American brand that specializes in canvas sneakers — basic, understated and faintly preppy.

Prices will run between $48 – $400, and the new collection will be available online. Our favorite thing about the story has nothing to do with the clothing line at all, it is this factoid in the WWD article:

In 1887, the term “sneaker” first appeared in print to describe Boston school children’s tennis shoes. But, it was a 1917 Keds ad that referenced how sneakers allowed wearers to sneak up on unsuspecting friends that helped make the word part of the public’s vernacular.

Today’s fun fact. 🙂

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Next, something rather topical, a story about companies cracking down on employees who spend time on shopping sites while at work. The Los Angeles Times technology blog has more:

A recent survey by Robert Half Technology… found that 60% of more than 1,400 chief information officers interviewed said their companies block access to online shopping sites — up from 48% last year.  And an additional 23% of CIOs said that although their companies do allow access to shopping sites, they monitor employees for excessive use.

With websites looking like this….

Macys.com via WWD

And this….

JC Penney/JCP.com

The lure may be overwhelming for some employees; a good reason to avoid the temptation is found in that Times’ blog post:

If you work for a company of a fairly substantial size, you should assume that your company is either tracking your every move online, or at least has that capability.

“Rest assured that everything you click on is being watched,” he said.  “So don’t be surprised if you get a note from HR that says we notice you’ve been on a certain site a lot. They can track your every move.

Yikes.

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We leave you with a Thanksgiving smile from our girl. (She worries this angle makes her look…. well, rotund.)

Silly Tilly

May your Thanksgiving be filled with love and laughter.

Brooks Brothers Already on Home Shopping Network, Hunter Boots Collaboration

What a lovely Friday we see out the windows turrets of the Prepatorium today, one can see frost on the grass moat, it’s just beautiful.

We have a few newsy-type tidbits and then a little Friday Fun to enjoy. First on today’s hit parade, news that Needless Markup Neiman Marcus has finally caved on its credit card policy. Almost 60 years ago the company started issuing its own credit cards, adding American Excess Express in the 1980s to the very short list of cards it accepted. But if you wanted to use your MonsterCard Master Card or Visa to buy a little something at the store, you were out of luck.

The Journal has the story, “Hoity-Toity to Hoi Polloi: Neiman Takes More Plastic“:

It used to be that Neiman Marcus’s glossy-page snob appeal didn’t stop at what you bought. It extended to how you paid. Cash or American Express was fine. But it was much preferred that you use your Neiman card, please.

Now, Neiman is getting less picky. Starting Nov. 1, customers at the luxury department store’s 41 locations will be able to pay using Visa and MasterCard, the plastic of the masses.

Does this mean they’ll let anyone in? (The horror.)

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The Journal also has news of an upcoming collaboration between Hunter boots and a simply delightful company, MacKenzie-Childs.  The story looks at all of the new products being introduced by the firm, like woven furniture for the outdoors.

MacKenzie-Childs via the Wall Street Journal

Alexandra Cheney’s report also says that distinctive MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check…

'Courtly Check' by MacKenzie-Childs

…will be seen on Hunter wellies next spring.

Hunter 'Original' Tall boots

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We have an update to yesterday’s story about Brooks Brothers being sold at home shopping network Shop NBC.  In yesterday’s post we shared words that the preppy retailer would be offering goods on Shop NBC starting November 11. It turns out a very limited range of goods is already available.

Shop NBC

It seems there may be some savings for those purchasing at Shop NBC, the handbag shown above is $313 at ShopNBC while what appears to the same bag is $348 at Brooks.

Hmmm.

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Our final retail note involves Tory Burch, today Women’s Wear Daily had the news Tory Burch cosmetics and perfume are in the works. From the story:

“For me, beauty was part of the plan since the beginning, especially fragrance,” said Tory Burch, chief executive officer of the brand which bears her name, of the multiyear global beauty license. The first product is expected to be a women’s scent in 2013.

Cosmetics will come later, not unlike the Tom Ford rollout, initially a scent, then lipstick, and now an entire line of color makeup items.

BTW, we are in the middle of the Tory Burch Private Sale.

Tory Burch

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And now it’s time for some seasonal Friday Fun, we begin with these cookies from the one and only Pink Martini and Pearls. Are they not gorgeous?

Pink Martinis and Pearls

A big tip of the hat to Miss PM&P, the cookies were featured in Martha Stewart’s Dreamers into Doers!

Also today, Tilly asked me to let you know that if she *was allowed* are you kidding?! to engage in some of the Halloween fun she would not be clad in the Runaway Bride costume seen in yesterday’s post. Tilly says that even though she is constantly occasionally referred to as the devil dog, she won’t be wearing this either.

English Bulldog News

Nor does she want to push the envelope by dressing as the little hellion angel she really is.

English Bulldog News

No, Tilly wants you to know she will dress appropriately. In the only proper ensemble one could expect, her pearls and fur.

Source: unknown

She may not have opposable thumbs, but she does have standards. Honestly.