The Apocalypse is Upon Us: Crane & Co. for Walmart.

Hello-Hello, we hope everyone enjoyed a restful and restorative weekend. We were blessed by visiting family members for a few days and things went off without a hitch, notwithstanding the charred and blackened somewhat overcooked Pecan Pie, mandating a panicked switch to Plan B (homemade ice cream) for dessert.

The holiday season is off and running, and things are simply insane here at The Prepatorium, so today’s post is mercifully brief. Sadly, it begins with rather astonishing news. In fact, some readers may find it best to be seated before reading on.  All set?

Crane & Co. is doing paper goods for Walmart.

This is not one of our forays into la-la land, nor have we made an early dip into the eggnog. The storied stationer will be creating cards for the discount chain; for more, we go to this article:

“We recognize that although we have a very successful card line under the Crane & Co. brand, we were really selling cards only in a very small distribution channel.”

The line will be called “Perfectly Said,” and Crane is working with powerhouse American Greetings on the collection. Back to that Gifts & Decorative Accessories story, quoting Crane’s manager for new business, Ann Usher:

“… we’re missing a huge part of the greeting card market. […] We really wanted to expand the reach of our business in the greeting card category […]”

Perhaps some markets are meant to be missed.

For readers unfamiliar with American Greetings, the firm makes Papyrus, Carlton Cards and Gibson, among other wares. Here is a portion about one of the company’s newest products from a November news release:

“American Greetings Introduces Whoopee Cushion Greeting Card“

“Each card in the collection is an actual whoopee cushion that can be signed and sent in an accompanying envelope. As innovative as it is old-fashioned, IT’S A GAS! is the perfect way to celebrate any birthday.”

Really? The people who made our wedding invitations are in partnership with a company making cards celebrating flatulence?  (We do apologize, it is all more-than-vulgar, but how else to explain our abject despondency at the news?) Maybe Tiffany can do a line for Target, or the local Piggly-Wiggly can carry Cartier.

We first learned of the partnership last Wednesday, but found the news so dreary that waiting until after the holiday seemed in order.

Image Use not Authorized by Crane or Walmart

To quote The Consort, it appears to be a good business decision in the short term, not a wise judgment call for the long haul.

Excuse us while we procure some arsenic. “Bitter, party of one?”

If thinking about another purveyor, we can recommend Thornwillow. The company has been around forever, and we have always liked their approach to paper, as well as life. Here is a snippet from the company’s most recent blog post, just before Thanksgiving:

“…the powerful importance of saying Thank You — of saying thank you for the accidental luck into which we sometimes step for no clear reason at all, the thoughtfulness of friends, the unexpected generosity of a colleague, and the kindnesses of strangers on which most of us try very hard not to be dependent.

Showing one’s thanks for the good fortunes that have landed on us is not just a pragmatic way to make friends and influence people; it is very simply essential to being a decent member of society.  It separates the troglodytes from the civil.”

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All is not lost. We remain optimistic that some traditions continue:

Tonight Rockefeller Center will be aglow.

And Rudolph returns.

Courtesy CBS

We plan to be parked in front of the television at 8pm EST on CBS.

Until next time, may Rudolph light up your corner of the globe!

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Richard Drew/AP
• Donna Ward/Getty

Friday Fun of a Preppish Sort

Hello-Hello, happy (happyhappyhappy) Friday.

In the spirit of the weekend, we are going to enjoy some Friday Fun, beginning with Apartment Therapy’s look at Colorfully Preppy Rooms.  We love the way this room reminds one of striped grosgrain ribbon.

Domino via Apartment Therapy

From the story:

“Think crochet games, sailboat races, argyle sweaters, and Oxford shirts. Coordinated style with a crisp, refined edge — these are rooms that would do any Bunny or Chip proud!”

Desire to Inspire via Apartment Therapy

It is a fun read with lots to love, our favorite is the fifth room, “Reminiscent of a closet full of button-downs…”.

Apartment Therapy DC has another story we think readers will get a kick out of: The Color of Prep: Accessories in Pink, Green & Old Money. 

Writer Catrin Morris delves into just why pink and green are the colors associated with preps, and the way those colors are incorporated in home decor.  A group of home accessories is also featured, including that fabulous Cape Madras pillow above.

Apartment Therapy

We covet several items, including the madras plaid French Bull Salad Servers (pssst, they also come in pink) and the Thomas Paul Coaster set.

More from the story:

“Preppy homes are very traditional, old money affairs, full of antiques passed down from elite forefathers, faded oriental rugs, rustic and practical outdoorsy accessories. Sailing, camping and hunting motifs abound. Worn plaid throws rest upon faded leather Chesterfields. You get the picture.”

Also shown, Grosgrain Napkin Rings (we are lucky enough to have been given a set by a friend, they are wonderful) and some of our Lilly Pulitzer Melamine Plates.

We are more than flattered to be included in the story, and enjoy seeing a number of our virtual pals mentioned as well, Christian at Ivy Style, and Allie at Summer is a Verb.

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It looks like Brooks Brothers is extending its social media plans to include Twitter.  We have previously mentioned the retailer’s Facebook presence; the company is using that Facebook page to help select the design for its upcoming Twitter page.

Brooks Brothers

Click here for a better look at the three designs in the running.

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We turn to the Halloween weekend now, and begin with a member of the Anti-Prep contingent. We are fairly certain everyone would sleep better this evening if they only knew what ‘Snooki’ plans to wear.

Courtesy Image via WWD

As the sketch shows (?) it is a pickle-themed costume, we’re guessing perhaps there is a reason for this…Ms. Snooki likes pickles?

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Moving on, if we had been anywhere near the city last weekend, we would have headed straight to Tompkins Square Park for the annual Halloween Dog Parade, where we would have seen this.

AFP/Getty

Not generally what one expects to see when combining pearls, fur and a Tiffany’s box. This next one could well be our favorite, Gracie the pug in her replica of Scarlett O’Hara’s legendary dress made from the family’s green velvet drapes.

Clearly Lady Gaga is going to be much-imitated this season.

Timothy A. Clary/AFP

Mabel’s stab at the meat costume brings a smile, as does a Pomeranian dressed as Zorro, seen at a Philippines fundraiser.

Reuters

Whenever we see photos of this kind we stop and marvel at just how much our four-legged family members tolerate, and their infinite patience.  To see more pictures from the Tompkins Square Parade, click here.

With apologies for stooping to the dogs in costume level (dopey Princess), we hope everyone enjoys a happy and safe Halloween weekend!

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Stacie Joy/Gothamist: Tompkins Square Parade

Preppy Design Collaborations & Those Racy Glee Pictures

Hello-Hello, happy Thursday! There are all manner of tidbits to share this morning, we’re thinking it could be a major Bits and Bytes kind of day.

We’ll jump right in with more news of collaborative fashion lines, here is a look at some of the new Lacoste and Levi’s denim.

The new collection launches in March, it is part of Lacoste’s effort to grow its premium denim line. WWD reports the women’s styles will include three different fits, as well as shorts.  We have previously posted about the Levi’s partnership with Brooks Brothers, although that collection is only available in men’s sizes.

Sperry continues to collaborate as well, here are the Sperry/Band of Outsiders Fuzzy Boat Shoes.

Now, our initial reaction was along the lines of “Heavens to Betsy, another Sperry-gone-wrong moment, how many can we take, the scars of the Sequin Sperrys are still fresh!”  But then we (took leave of our senses) paused for a nanosecond, and thought perhaps there was a certain snuggle factor inherent in the design that made these palatable. It was a fleeting thought.  Quote of the Day on these has to be The Consort’s, upon first seeing the photo he said, “That is just wrong. It looks like you have a dead puppy on your feet.”

It’s up to you dolls, as always, we post – you ponder. If you decide these are a must for your MOTH (Man of the House), they run $325, and are available in a number of fabrics.

Our reaction to this next item from Sperry may have you concerned we’ve really stepped off the grid.

We don’t find it entirely abhorrent. One won’t see the Women’s Abacos on Planet Prep, nor are they a Pretty in Pink, but there seems to be some merit to the style. We think.

Speaking of Brooks Brothers, the company’s Fall 2010 line features a number of tunic-style pieces, something different for the retailer. Below left we show the Silk Charmeuse Printed Tunic, on the right, the Cotton Silk Mandarin Collar Tunic.

While grazing we found ourselves intrigued by the Merino Three Button Jacket, shown here in blue, also offered in grey and a rich maroon. On the right we show the Elongated Jacket.

Per usual this time of year, Brooks has a number of delightful argyle pieces, including the Silk-Cashmere version shown below in two different colorways.

We mention this only because fashion writer Ralph DiGennaro has an interesting piece at Hamptons.com on the history of the argyle sweater.

BTW, it seems Brooks Brothers is expanding its social media presence, there are 263 responses to this inquiry on the company’s Facebook page:

“Without giving too much of the surprise away, we’d like your opinion. Choose one of the following names for a new online Brooks Brothers endeavor, our men’s blog: Of Rogues and Gentlemen or The Measured Man.”

It makes one curious about other retailers doing blogs, J. Crew has a FB presence, we have yet to see an official company blog.

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Next, news about some fashion photos many Glee fans are finding distasteful. GQ’s cover story “Glee Gone Wild” features stars from the show in fairly racy poses and apparel, or lack thereof, we picked two of the least revealing pictures from the story.

The photos of Michelle Lea, Dianna Agron and Cory Monteith are generating lots of buzz and probably boosting magazine sales. From this People story:

“The Parents Television Council slammed the photos, saying the spread “borders on pedophilia,” and Agron herself has apologized for them, saying the concept “wasn’t my favorite idea, but I did not walk away.”

Cory Monteith also appears in many of the photos, but is fully clothed.”

We do not watch the program, but from what little we have seen and heard, it seems the magazine photos are out of sync with the image created in the show. While it *is* an adult magazine, and Mr. Monteith is 28 and both young women are 24, general sentiment doesn’t seem to be favorable. Even the Fug Girls disapprove.

“Look, I get that GQ is kind of lad-mag adjacent and that the people on Glee are of age, but when you look at this cover and the shots inside and Dianna Agron looks like a nun simply because she’s wearing BOTTOMS, maybe we’ve crossed a PR-bridge too far.”

Quite.

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As proof of our airheadedness (as if any more was needed), we have to share the following image; this is something we actually saved for the sole purpose of concluding yesterday’s post! (A dreary little whineathon on the logofication of children’s apparel.)

Adam Tschorn writes about the artwork here.

With that, we say ‘bye until next time.

Should a Wellie have a Wedge?

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a warm and already sticky delightful Tuesday here at the Prepatorium.

Despite our personal denial of an approaching change of seasons, professionally we understand many readers are eager for cooler temps and fall fashions. Thus, today’s look at new goodies for autumn, although we begin with a question about footwear from Hunter, one of our favorite spots for foul-weather gear.  Are we hopelessly behind the times once again, not realizing the company is doing sandals? Below, the Amber Thong Sandal.

Hunter

We were also not aware Hunter is doing a midheel loafer (rather an oxymoron, IOHO), the Newberry.

Back to those things the company is best known for, boots. There is a new Wedge-heel boot, the Interlaken, as well as a less pronounced wedge, the shorter Andora. How do you feel about wedges for the wellies?

If more of a mind to do something Pretty in Pink, the Women’s Original Tall boot may be the answer; if needing something for your tiny prep, there is always the Kids Original.  

Also Pretty in Pink, this Girl’s Cardigan by Juicy Couture at Saks, on the right, a trendier take is seen in the KC Parker Girl’s Argyle Cardigan, also at Saks.

For the young MOP (Master of your Palace), the Little Marc Jacobs Sweater offers an updated twist to the classic pattern, while the Burberry Vest is done in the more traditional design.

If your MOTH (Man Of The House) enjoys this motif, the cashmere Argyle Sweater at Polo Ralph Lauren is nicely understated, while Brooks Brothers has a Camel Hair Argyle pullover for Men.

Brooks Brothers also offers a divinely discounted men’s Argyle V-neck in that pink and navy combination we’re so fond of, we are half-tempted to purchase the smallest size available and roll up the sleeves!

Brooks Brothers

One of the more lighthearted argyle items we stumbled upon, the Argyle Heart Knee Socks at the Children’s Place, available in three bright and bouncy colorways.

The fun socks aren’t only for the younger set, grownup girls can enjoy them as well; these three pair are all found at the Gap.

Polo Ralph Lauren also has Argyle Leggings in a subdued navy and green design, sadly the logo looks like it is on HGH (horse growth hormones), while the pink and green Knee Socks add a spark of whimsy to one’s outfit.

Moving away from argyle while keeping our gaze on fall fashions, we look at several new offerings from another Princess fave, Sperry. The Angelfish is offered in graphite nubuck and patent.  (We have yet to reconcile using the words ‘Sperry’ or ‘Topsiders’ adjacent to patent leather, it isn’t a look we’re crazy about.)

Sperry Top-sider

This is a style we have always adored, the Heron Rubber Slip-on, available in a variety of colors.

New for men from Sperry’s collaboration with Band of Outsiders, the Reconstructed Penny Loafer (L). No one will be surprised to see we are especially taken with the Authentic Original 3-Eye, also from Band of Outsiders for men.

But then we saw this. On the Sperry site.

Sperry Top-sider Sienna Low Boot

The only word we can come up with to describe the boot is hideosity.  Recognizing (and respecting) Sperry’s heritage is wrapped in the company’s stylized rivets, we just don’t see them used at the top of a wedge ankle boot.

To calm ourselves we returned to a more recognizable design, the Toddler Boy’s Castaway.

Sperry Top-sider Castaway

A look at the Girl’s Bahama helped restore us to sanity.

Sperry Top-sider Bahama

All is right in the world.

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We leave you with an update on True Prep at The Princess, we are now officially taking pre-orders for the book.

We also took a plunge, adding cult classic Take Ivy to our offerings! This re-printing of the very-hard-to-find-original is being released August 31, just one week before True Prep.  From Take Ivy’s publisher:

“Madras plaid, Top-Siders, seersucker shorts, highwater trousers, tweed jackets, Brooks Brothers, J. Press, J. Crew. What comes to mind? Described by The New York Times as, “a treasure of fashion insiders,”Take Ivy was originally published in Japan in 1965, setting off an explosion of American-influenced “Ivy Style” fashion among students in the trendy Ginza shopping district of Tokyo.”

We leave you with three more additions to the store: on the left, the Lilly Pulitzer 2011 Wall Calendar, and on the right, Lilly’s Desktop Calendar for use with an easel, or without.

Also added recently to our collection of Personalized House Flags, military service designs!

And with that bit of shameless self-promotion, we say g’bye until next time!

American Apparel Plans on Preppy (Seriously) & Royalty Hits the Hamptons

Hello-Hello, and happy Monday!

Today we begin with a Sign of The Times that we hoped would herald a return to sanity when it comes to logos. Below, a snippet from this story in Women’s Wear Daily about luxury merchandise and markets:

“…Gucci Group would move away from logos, “adjusting to this new perception of luxury, which is more subtle, more sophisticated.”

The comments come from Gucci’s parent company, PPH; we can only hope this movement points to a diminution in the number of Logophobia attacks one suffers when in close proximity to most Gucci merchandise. Unfortunately, the “move away from logos” doesn’t appear applicable to all Gucci items.

‘Subtle’ and ‘sophisticated’ those are not. Nor are two handbags from the Fall 2010 line.

Perhaps we didn’t fully understand the company’s intent when it comes to this topic.

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Next, reports that American Apparel is moving toward more ‘traditional’ styles.  Sunday’s Chronicle carried a story entitled “Can Preppy Look Save American Apparel Empire?”

“After outfitting the world of 18- to 30-year-olds in all manner of T-shirts and leggings, American Apparel is going preppy, diving into more sophisticated garments such as blazers, pleated pants, button-down shirts and more formal lace tops.”

We would find the notion laughable were it not obvious this is the firm’s direction; it certainly goes in the “You Can’t Make This Stuff Up” category. But when visiting the company’s online store one notices the home page touting “Classic Guy” styles.

American Apparel

“Preppy” from the firm that the story notes “… remade the hipster wardrobe, sensing the demand for neon nylon bike shorts and lace-thong leotards…”?  Not to mention the firm known for its overtly racy ads featuring scantily clad (or unclad) young people? (If unfamiliar with this marketing maneuver, all one need do is visit the company’s online Photo Archive to see examples.)

One of the most surprising items we saw in the men’s section, the Red Wing shoe, similar to many boat shoes, albeit with trendier lines.

American Apparel is contending with a number of issues, not the least of which is possible delisting on the New York Stock Exchange; this is compounded by its own accounting firm quitting, citing concerns over some of the company’s financial data.

Other challenges are explained in the story (which also appears in Bloomberg Business Week):

“Before the financial concerns intensified, Charney had been contending with damaging sexual-harassment allegations followed by an immigration bust. Fifteen hundred workers at the Los Angeles factory had to be let go owing to lack of documentation and 1,000 more quit over concern of being swept up for immigration violations.”

(To learn more about American Apparel’s CEO Dov Charney, click here, he has his own web page.)

One mystery amid the style changes: we don’t understand why the new direction appears targeted only to male shoppers. Visiting the women’s section of the website doesn’t indicate any evidence of a newly conservative or traditional approach.

American Apparel

Indeed, items the company is known for abound; most are NSFW (Not Safe for Work viewing).

American Apparel

To be fair, there are some basics available, like the Unisex Collared Shirts and Unisex Tees.

But by and large it seems that American Apparel’s new ‘preppy’ clothing styles are intended for the gentlemen, not the ladies.

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We close with a quick look at this weekend’s benefit for the Princess Grace Foundation in the Hamptons.

Astrid Stawiarz for The Wall St Journal

On hand for the festivities (and also a co-host), Monaco’s Prince Albert II and fiancée Charlene Wittstock. Louis Vuitton was the other primary host, the event was held at the Water Mill home of Anne Hearst McInerney and Jay McInerney.  Below we see Ms. Hearst and Mr. McInerney, the latter is an author we very much enjoy reading.

Monaco’s royal wedding is scheduled for July 11, 2011. For more on how Ms. Wittstock is approaching that event, we turn to Women’s Wear Daily:

“But Wittstock seems very low-key about her upcoming nuptials, scheduled for next year, even if the rest of European society isn’t. “I’m not one of those girls who imagined themselves walking down the aisle in a big dress,” she said. “My style is very easy.” Wittstock was wearing gold flip flops with her gown.”

With that we say G’bye until next time!