The Times Sends the Critical Shopper to Tommy Hilfiger

Hello-Hello…. are we all sufficiently sodden and soggy at this point? The rain is beginning to seem like an enemy instead of a welcome friend. Waaahhh! (And how long ago was it we were whining about snow?? Indeed.)

Regular readers know we are gaga about the Times’ Critical Shopper column, having been exposed to same in this blog countless times.  In this week’s column writer Mike Albo pays a visit to the Tommy Hilfiger store on Bleecker Street.

PHOTO: Katie Orlinsky for The New York Times

Mr. Albo’s assessment of any recessionary impact (none) on shopping in this West Village neighborhood is rather humorous:

“… as busy as ever. This little hamlet of cute shops and cupcakeries is not like the rest of the country. It should be rezoned on maps and called the People’s Republic of Carrie Bradshaw.”

The store has been open since 2007, but recently underwent a little updating and tweaking. The column has some positive comments on the merchandise:

“Many of the clothes are bright, eye-catching and playful — almost a parody of what rich people wear. A seersucker suit ($498) hung near seersucker shorts embroidered with little lobsters ($49).”

Tommy Hilfiger

We quite like the shorts! But then we have the Clarkston Board Shorts (seen below) for men. They really don’t work for us, despite our fondness for anchors.

Tommy Hilfiger

From Mr. Albo’s critique of the store, not everything works for him either:

“Many clothes teeter on garishness. A striped shirt with a bright floral print on the inside cuff and collar ($98) was too in love with its own hidden follies, and a shirt with a white-on-white vine pattern on the shoulders evoked high school prom, Long Beach, 1989.

We’re guessing the Ben Stripe Shirt (seen below) is the first item Mr. Albo references in the paragraph up above. We don’t find the floral trim to be hideous, but the large logo on the pocket proclaiming the brand?  We think not.

Tommy Hilfiger

The column continues with other concerns about Hilfiger designs:

A loud button-down shirt with an eye-searing print of orange and red flowers ($49.99) would only be right for the brilliant, queeny comedian Paul Lynde if he were still alive. These garments made me worry that Mr. Hilfiger was still designing for his label’s heyday, a time when it was cool to promenade around the Hamptons with a professional umbrella holder.”

It is just a guess on our part, but it seems possible Mr. Albo might file this under “When Preppy Goes Wrong.”  We find ourselves feeling a tad more charitable. (Yes, you read that correctly, and we do know it is the shocker of the day, almost headline material.)

There are redeeming qualities in some of Mr. Hilfiger’s creations.

And best of all, there is also an online promotion underway, providing an Additional 30% Off Sale Merchandise, bringing some inventory to about 75% off its original selling price.  We are claiming the Women’s Basic Fitted Oxford as today’s Pretty in Pink, especially as it is now available in three colors for $29.99.

Tommy Hilfiger

And just to have an Adventure in Argyle today, we’ll share the Men’s Hampton Argyle V-Neck, a nice look for The Consort perhaps.

Tommy Hilfiger

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

Before we dash,a few quick sale updates, starting with the Summer Sale at J. Crew:

J. Crew

Kate Spade is promoting ‘Up to 75% Off‘, while competitor Tory Burch is offering “Up to 60% Off” with their sale.

And the Alexander McQueen Sale starts next Tuesday, June 2nd. Click on the image below to pop over to the McQueen site to register for the sale, offering up to “40% off original retail prices”.

McQueen fans won’t want to forget the big markdowns on the McQueen for Target Collection, including the Tattoo Print Strapless dress, now selling at $19.98. (Originally marked at $79.99.)

Until next time, may the sun shine upon you and those you love today!

Jill Biden Inauguration Dress on its Way, Brooks Brothers Cuts Prices on Black Fleece

Hello-Hello and Happy Friday everyone!

In all candor, sometimes we wonder about this proclamation of happiness for ‘the weekend,’ when in reality we frequently work on the weekend.  Both daze days.  Yet from a psychological perspective, things are a tad more relaxed here at the Prepatorium, and unless we have functions, we dress in business casual.  So we do greet the approaching weekend with a bit of a boost for the spirit; we hope you face yours with this sense of an anticipatory smile for your heart as well.

Today we start with the Black Fleece standalone store, now open in the Village.

PHOTO: George Chinsee/WWD

The new shop by Brooks Brothers features the full men’s and women’s collections created by TP’s favorite designer (ummm….not) Thom Browne.  We are now going to be completely crass in our discussion of things related to that nasty “M word,” and tell you that the bigger story IOHO is Black Fleece price points being lowered.  According to this column in WWD (Women’s Wear Daily):

“Prices for the Thom Browne-designed line have been dropped significantly — a men’s suit that formerly retailed for $2,700 can now be had for $1,900 and women’s prices have dropped in tandem — reflecting the “friendlier” exchange rate of the euro for the Italy-produced collection.

“There’s new pricing for spring,” revealed Claudio Del Vecchio, Brooks Bros.’ chief executive officer. “But we didn’t change the quality or the make of the men’s suits.”

We have been vocal in our fondness for several of looks in the current group, including the Navy Pinstripe separates.

Not all prices are changing: the men’s shirts and toes remain at $150 and higher. The Black Fleece collection is also being offered in an enhanced setting at the Brooks flagship on Madison Avenue, currently being refurbished.

PHOTO: George Chinsee/WWD

Perhaps the best news in the story is that the company is not encountering the same wretched sales numbers as so many other retailers:

“We’re not a designer brand like Armani or Prada, we’re more of a family brand” with lower-than-luxury prices. “We feel we’re in the right place for when this is over. It’s a good time to be Brooks Bros.”

That comes from Claudio Del Vecchio, Brooks Brothers’ CEO.

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

There is news today of another popular Inauguration look being made available to the masses.  The always brilliant Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan has the scoop at the Journal’s Heard on the Runway blog.  In her Thursday column Ms. Tan reports that Milly will re-introduce the dress worn by Dr. Jill Biden for the Inauguration and Luncheon.  Below, the dress is barely visible on the far left.

PHOTO: Harry Hamburg/Pool

The Houndstooth Wool Dress is still available at Saks, with a broad range of sizes offered, at $360.

As this is one of TP’s favorite lines, we are ecstatic to learn price points are also dropping at Milly! According to Ms. Tan’s story, company founder Michelle Smith feels she had little choice in this area:

“… after major retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue slashed prices by as much as 70% to get consumers to spend.”

“It’s disappointing, it’s frustrating but, what can you do?” says Ms. Smith…”

We are not going to be disingenuous and pretend sadness at this action, for we do love our Milly!

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

We have posted previously about the upcoming Alexander McQueen for Target Collection, most recently on Tuesday of this week, sharing a sneak peek at pieces from the line.  The line is receiving substantial buzz, not all of it laudatory.  Below, another look from the group, with thanks to the good folks at Nylon:

Courtesy Target via Nylon

In this column yesterday for the Times, writer Eric Wilson asks “But How Will It Play in Tulsa?”

“Tapping Mr. McQueen to design a collection seems a little odd even for Target, which has branded itself as a design maverick, given the times.”

Courtesy Target via Nylon

Mr. Wilson goes on to say:

“The McQ clothes are on average more expensive, from $19.99 to $129.99, than Target’s prior fashion collaborations, and certainly not as cheerful as anything Isaac Mizrahi would have considered.”

Interesting points, indeed.  While the look is assuredly not for us, we say ‘good for the Boutique’ in reaching out to a different demo; we aren’t convinced the McQueen collection will be a strong seller, but hopefully we will be wrong on this front.

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

We close with a “Pretty in Pink” for your perusal, another offering from the Lilly Pulitzer Stationery & Gift line due at the Princess next week.

Lilly Pulitzer at PreppyPrincess.com

Now if we could plant that in our Diet Coke (or other libation…heh-heh), our day would be infinitely improved!  The Drink Umbrellas are available for pre-ordering now!

On that cheery note, until next time!

A Tiffany Christmas + A Sneak Peek: McQueen at Target

Hello-Hello! Is everyone ready for something a little holiday-oriented?

How about the ultimate Pink & Green Preppy Christmas Plate? These are new here at the Prepatorium, and just fabulous! Talk about a great gift, and the selection is outstanding!!

PreppyPrincess.com

One of the things we are most excited about? The new line also includes trays, platters and more! This Christmas Plaid pattern is available as either a 10″ x 14″ platter or a 9″ x 14″ tray, exactly what we have been looking for here at the Prepatorium.

PreppyPrincess.com

Oh, this is just too fun!

Now we move on to offerings that are a trifle more upscale.  We are long overdue in taking a peek at some of the holiday offerings from Tiffany.  Anyone receiving the catalog knows what a huge push they have been making with their charms.

And some of them are just darling:

The Purse Charm is fun with its pink enameling and little diamonds. We like the Fifth Avenue store charm because it doesn’t scream “Tiffany” at anyone, although it would be way down our list in terms of desirability.

The Candy Cane charm is perky…

And even comes in Tiffany Blue, as does the Ice Skate charm.

The Ballet Slipper charm is in platinum with a diamond,while the Tiffany Shopping Bag charm comes in sterling and platinum.

.

We don’t remember seeing this before, do you?

The Tiffany Wrap in cashmere and silk appears to be be super-snuggly, something TP could become accustomed to wearing. The T-Clip Pen makes an outstanding gift, although what we *really* want is the return of the Pink Purse pen, below right.

Although we will probably always have a soft sport for the basic Tiffany Blue Purse Pen.

Tiffany’s ornaments are always popular gifts and stocking stuffers; the Star Ornament is lovely while the Gingerbread Man adds a whimsical touch to any tree.

.

Of course The Princess is partial to the Ice Skate Ornament, and we are betting Miss Little Bow Prep is as well!

There is no shortage of ornaments, including the new Polka Dot porcelain styles.

Tiffany has done a nice job providing a broad spectrum of goodies – enjoy!

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

Also today, a quick look at the Alexander McQueen collection due in March 2009 at Target.  The group is closest in spirit to his McQ line; singer Leila Moss from band The Duke Spirit is something of a muse for the designer, and her image is featured in some of the pieces.  Below, Ms. Moss in pieces from the collaboration: a cotton jersey T-shirt, cotton/spandex denim pants by McQ Alexander McQueen for Target.  (The boots are by Guillotine Hinfray.)

PHOTO: Robert Mitra/WWD

A recent story in WWD (Women’s Wear Daily, subscription required) discussed the collection…

“The collection has a muted color palette of black, white, gray and tan with accents of cobalt blue and bright pink. Studs and mesh give items an edge. There are studded jeans, shorts and denim jackets with asymmetrical closures, short tuxedo jackets and matching shorts….”

Along with price points for the merchandise:

“Nor does McQueen see any irony in the fact that his gowns cost thousands of dollars while his clothing for Target, which operates 1,658 stores in 48 states, will be priced under $129.99. That’s because McQueen knows what it’s like when money is tight.”

Below, Ms. Moss in a cotton mesh dress and rayon tank from McQ Alexander McQueen for Target. (The shoes are Christian Louboutin.)

PHOTO: Robert Mitra/WWD

More Election Fashions Including Michelle Obama’s $10,000 Earrings, Sneak Peek at Thakoon for Target, Preppy Updates

It is Friday, and what a magnificent thing that is… sigh. “And visions of bubble-baths danced in her head…”

We start with more photos from Election Night in response to the ongoing inquiries we are receiving related to Cindy McCain’s dress (a suit), as well as Michelle Obama and Sarah Palin’s apparel.

PHOTO: Jim Bourg/Reuters

There isn’t really loads more to report.  However, we can share new information regarding the future First Lady’s earrings on Tuesday night, hopefully seen in the photographs that follow.  (We do apologize in advance for their large size; clearly we are trying to show those beautiful earrings!)

PHOTO: Morry Gash/AP

They are by Loree Rodkin, crafted of white gold and diamonds. UPI spoke with Ms. Rodkin about Ms. Obama wearing her design election night:

“Loree Rodkin, a Los Angeles-based designer of expensive jewelry, said she was surprised and pleased to see Obama wearing her earrings. Rodkin said the design retails for $10,275 a pair — and were not a loan.”

PHOTO: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty

The earrings look light and lacy, and very feminine, stunning on Ms. Obama.  In the online bio at her website the designer is described:

“…known for her noncomformist visionary approach to jewelry making…. has designed jewelry for most of Hollywood’s brightest stars including Madonna, Mary J. Blige, Cher, Aerosmith…”

According to the Browns Fashion website, the earrings are available for ordering now, if one is so inclined:

Courtesy Browns Fashion

If interested in purchasing the earrings, one must email Browns, they are not currently available on the site.

Here is a photo someone named Diablo Cody (?) in what is a similar style if the skull and crossbones are removed:

 

A Loree Rodkin ad from May, 2008:

 

TheEssentialist.com

For a good look at the designer’s work, try these items at Glimpse, or the selection at Blue Bee.  It would seem from surveying a variety of retailers and other sites that a fair amount of Ms. Rodkin’s work is done using images of skulls, daggers, and other “goth” (?) motifs. (Is that the term…?) Here is the designer in a press photo:

 

Courtesy Loree Rodkin

Our journalism background requires us to point out that Cindy McCain received substantial criticism for wearing diamond earrings at the Republican Convention valued at $280,000. A popular magazine estimated them to be 3 carats in size; the report was not confirmed or denied.

Today the Obamas attended a parent-teacher conference in Chicago:

PHOTO: John Gress/Reuters

Otherwise, the onslaught of newsprint and airwaves devoted to the Narciso Rodriguez dress worn by Ms. Obama election night continues to grow.

Back to the continuing questions here at the Prepatorium regarding Cindy McCain and Sarah Palin and their election night dresses.  Actually, neither wore a dress; they both were attired in what TP would call a “cocktail suit.” (Oh dear, that may reveal a bit too much information regarding our age, shall we say. There you have it.) And here we have the photo:

PHOTO: Brian Snyder/Reuters

Ms. Palin’s dark navy suit is by Tahari, and we have lots more information on it as well as several more photos, here at Wednesday’s “extended election night fashions” post.  That post reveals the only store where the navy color is available.

A reminder on the Michelle Obama book, the biography by WaPo reporter Lisa Mundy; reports indicate it is selling fast; why this would surprise anyone is beyond us.

LizaMundy.com

Readers may remember hearing about Target’s upcoming collection by Thakoon Panichgul, a designer Michelle Obama has worn several times. We have early photos showing some of the designs thanks to the always on top of things people at Nylon magazine.

 

As detailed in a previous post, this is one of a handful of designers favored by Michelle Obama. The collection is due to debut at the retailer on Christmas Day.

 

The pieces look very beachy, ideal for one’s resort wardrobe over the winter holidays. And that is perfect as the collection debuts in the middle of winter, on Christmas Day. That seems rather odd, doesn’t it?

The coat won’t work on an elderly prep like TP (sniff), but it will look darling on most anyone else.

 

Prices for the pieces will range from $20 to $70.  Also to debut On Christmas Day, the Erickson-Beamon for Target Collection, another line Ms. Obama is seen wearing. Here is a preview picture of what to expect, courtesy of the oh-so-hip Nitrolicious.

 

Courtesy Nitrolicious.com

Erickson-Beamon has already collaborated with a retailer, Urban Outfitters.  That line is available in the UK at the Kensington High Street and Oxford Street stores, as well as at the UK online site. Below, their Crystal Cube Necklace from that line:

 

Erickson-Beamon for Urban Outfitters UK

If the subject of designer collaborations with Target sounds slightly familiar, perhaps it is because just this Tuesday we talked about the surprise announcement of Target’s upcoming line with edgy designer Alexander McQueen.  We now have a date for that collection to be available: March 1st, 2009. If seeking more information and photos showing multiple pieces from each designer, this post is fairly comprehensive, albeit in a bloggage sort of way.

We close with few quick hits on preppy goings-on …

• Talbots has confirmed they are selling J. Jill
• the oh-so-stylish Third Coast Preppy found this fun article about the Lilly Pulitzer exhibit that opened at the New School for Design at Parsons
• Online shopping is now available at Lilly Pulitzer! FULL DISCLOSURE: An awesome preppy blogger discovered this outstanding information, and we cannot remember who it was, but they deserve the credit, not us. (If you know, please let us know so they might be properly thanked
  • NOTE: We owe our thanks to the incredibly gifted Teddi, as we read about this in her superb blog, Jewish Girl in WASP’s Clothing.  🙂
• The über-preppy television show known as Gossip Girl has another star landing a big endorsement opportunity: Ed Westwick (who plays Chuck Bass) is the new face for K-Swiss. Below, the actor shooting in New York Thursday:
  

And a reminder to enter our Great Preppy Giveaway Contest by leaving a comment telling us one thing you are thankful for related to America …one thing about the United States for which you are thankful. Remember, if you mention this contest on your blog, you are then eligible to send the snappy Madras photocards to a friend! And the best part of this?  It is all free! Here is a quick glance at the Primary Prize, the Scout Tote:

Bungalow Scout Tote

And here are the Holly House Madras photocards, also from the Preppy Princess store.

Holly House Photocards at PreppyPrincess.com

For all of the details and information, just click here.

Have a splendid weekend!

This Just In….the Next Target Collaboration & And Inaugural Party Frocks?

Well, for heaven’s sake – if news isn’t breaking out all over the place this election evening!

We quickly interrupt your election updates to share a few preppy news alerts, starting with the a look at what Michelle Obama plans to wear this evening.  With the Obama campaign clearly hoping tonight’s event in Chicago’s Grant Park is celebrating a victory, in this piece from the Journal’s ‘Heard on the Runway‘ blog we learn about a possible wardrobe selection for Ms. Obama.

The blog showcases a conversation with Maria Pinto, one of Michelle Obama’s favorite designers:

“For Tuesday, Ms. Pinto has a dress in mind that she hopes Ms. Obama will wear. The dress, a coral-red silk crepe sheath with three-quarter sleeves, an empire waist and a high neckline with a burst of sunray pleats emanating from the collar, is a piece that Ms. Obama bought a few months ago but hasn’t worn to an event yet.”

And as far as a dress (more appropriately, a gown) for a certain date in January, should Ms. Obama need a party frock? The designer told reporter Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan “…she’s already begun sketching an Inaugural Day look in her head.”

“Something bright in color, with some movement,” says Ms. Pinto, declining to share more beyond that. “I just did costumes for the Joffrey (Ballet) so I have dance on the brain.”

While Ms. Obama has made no mention of an inaugural dress, über-star Oprah Winfrey has, calling in to a radio show this morning and sharing the following:

“So help me God, I am looking at it right now…. Actually I started in February. I was speaking with Michelle [Obama] and Caroline Kennedy and Maria Shriver — we were all doing a big rally out in California. At the end of the rally Michelle Obama said something powerful, ‘and I want you to leave here and envision Barack Obama taking the oath of office’…. I created a vision board. I had never had a vision board before. I came home, I got me a board and put Barack Obama’s picture on it and I put a picture of my dress I want to wear to the inauguration.”

In a different story the paper profiles the designer; we show these pieces as photographed by Jens Mortensen for The Wall Street Journal.

We’ll take all three please.

Also tonight, word on everyone’s favorite mass-market retailer, Target. The company is expected to  announce its collaboration with high-end designer Alexander McQueen in a move fashion insiders consider to be the most notable of all Target’s collaborative efforts.

PHOTO: Talaya Centeno

Above, a suit from the McQ by Alexander McQueen line. The Target collection will be closer to this in look and feel than to the regular Alexander McQueen line.  The designer’s McQ group is not entirely unknown to Princess readers; here is an August post featuring ‘Nouveau Prep’ looks, including this McQ fringed skirt at Bluefly in blue, red and black. (Pssst…it is now on sale!)

.

Next we show the McQ Dotty wool jacket at Net-a-porter.

The fabric for this piece is a lush and lovely wool with a soft hand and beautiful drape.

The McQueen collection will be part of a larger initiative from Target, an effort the retailer is calling ‘Designer Collaborations.’

While the often edgy and frequently racy designer isn’t TP’s style, we do think this one will be just oodles of fun!