More Lacoste Outlet Stores, Hermès, Chace Crawford – Lonely Heart

Hello-Hello, isn’t it fab that Friday is upon us?  Although we are guessing some snow-impacted parents are not exactly rejoicing after multiple unplanned days with the offspring.

Lots of little bits and bytes to share today, we begin with news of the Jimmy Choo tennis shoes/sneakers/plimsets/trainers/what-nots.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

For those seeking a Choo for their workouts, these are available in May; there are 8 different styles with pricepoints starting at $625.

And we also have an early look at advertising for Jimmy Choo 24/7, the new collection by Choo now available at Saks as well as Nordstrom.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

The 24/7 line is comprised of best-selling styles, many re-engineered (our word) to make them more wearable.

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

Fashion Week is off and running, getting fully underway yesterday despite impact from the insane snow and the sad death of designer Alexander McQueen.  Women’s Wear Daily has a story on designers getting ready for the big week.

Tory Burch preps for her show, which is early (for the fashion world) next Wednesday, at 9am.

PHOTO: Giovanni Giannoni

And the master, Oscar de la Renta.

PHOTO: Robert Mitra

Below left we see Tommy Hilfiger with two of his models and Thom Browne of Brooks Brothers Black Fleece.  Mr. Hilfiger closes out the event Thursday at 8pm.

Other designers of note:

• Milly shows next Wednesday afternoon
• The two Ralph Lauren shows are Thursday at 10 and 11am
• Lacoste is tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 10am

WWD also previews the Lacoste fall collection, they interviewed the firm’s new CEO, Steven Birkhold.  We can expect to see more advertising from the retailer, Mr. Birkhold plans to double the company’s advertising budget.

The story also explains plans to expand the number of Lacoste outlet stores:

“…opening new outlet stores to de-emphasize markdowns in full-price doors…”

Below, styles from the Lacoste Fall collection:

PHOTO: John Aquino

We are looking forward to seeing images from the Lacoste show tomorrow.

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

For those wondering how tough it can be at Fashion Week, below, the crush of photographers at BCBG demonstrates the  BCBG Max Azria show yesterday.

PHOTO: Carlo Allegri/Reuters

Here are a few looks from that show.

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

Also showing earlier this week, John Bartlett (Harvard, ’85) showed his first women’s collection in years.

As described in the WWD review:

“Bartlett… had his woman dressed for a riding party at an English country manor: Tapered trousers, snug vests and plaid button-downs dominated, cut narrow and lending a tomboyish appeal.”

We liked much of what the designer sent down the runway.

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

Manhattanite Minnie Mortimer showed a limited collection earlier in the week as well.

Described by WWD as “pure East Coast prep” with “boarding school blazers, bloomers and dresses cut from comfy PJ-like cottons and men’s wear plaids.”

Ms. Mortimer’s designs hold appeal for us, we have spent more than a little time looking at her online shop!

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

Earlier this week we mentioned that Hermès was opening its first mens’-only store. That happened Tuesday as scheduled; we couldn’t resist sharing this photo of the giant tie adorning the store.

Hermès

The Consort would sooner amputate below the wrist than wear the classic Clipper watches by Hermès…

Hermès Clipper Watch

… personally, we would not be offended should we find the Cape Cod watch on our jewelry tray one morning.

Hermès

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

For today’s Pretty in Pink we show Anthropologie’s Essential Tunic.

Anthropologie

And we also must share one of our faves from Kate Spade, the designer’s Barrow Street Anabel.

A closing Valentine’s weekend note: evidently Gossip Girl star Chace Crawford is without a date for the holiday, at least according to this story on an internet gossip site.

“”I don’t really have any Valentine’s Day plans,” Chace tells Zap2it.”

Frazer Harrison/Getty

We’re guessing a few of our readers might be willing to help the young man out of his predicament.

On that note, we’re off until next time, hoping everyone enjoys a prepalicious weekend!

About that Debutante Ball…

Hello-Hello! This has already become a wild and wacky week, who knows what may be around the corner?! We only know we have a hefty volunteer schedule this afternoon, so we are flying out the door very shortly, prompting this post to be of the One Topic Tuesday variety!

And the topic is a fun one, the promised update on Saturday’s Bal Crillon des Debutantes in Paris. (For our earlier post including one deb’s woeful depiction of her purple hair, click here.) Below, the formal portrait of all 24 young ladies:

Jean-Christophe Ballot/ABACAPRESS

Friday night’s pre-party looked like loads of fun for the girls and their parents. Below, Forrest Whitaker, Autumn Whitaker and Keisha Whitaker.

Lady Kitty Spencer and her escort Richard Dennen at the Friday night function.

No comment on the young woman’s dress. Could it be just angle of the photograph?

Preps for the big night were intense, as one might expect.

Below,Francesca Eastwood.

And then it was the big night. Below, Lady Kitty Spencer in Bruce Oldfield, Autumn Whitaker wears Jason Wu, and Francesca Eastwood in D&G Haute Couture.

Those reading last week’s post on the Bal may remember Jane Aldridge, a deb who blogs, she can be read at Sea of Shoes.  Below we share one of her photos from that blog:

Courtesy Sea of Shoes

And here is a sweet behind-the-scenes shot of Miss Aldridge and her sister as the big moment approaches.

Courtesy Sea of Shoes

And being a technical whiz, the young lady also Tweeted the photo via Twitpic. One more photo of Miss Aldridge, she wears Chanel Haute Couture.

The first Australian debutante at Bal is Georgina Robertson, and she wrote a blog for the Telegraph.  Here is an excerpt from her post:

“For three days my feet haven’t touched the ground – and not just because I’ve been wearing 10-inch heels. Le Bal is a fairy tale event in which the aristocracy rub sequinned shoulder pads with the celebritocracy.”

Below, Miss Robertson in a casual look.

More from her blog post at the Telegraph’s site:

“The weekend in Paris then became an endless flurry of hot hair rollers, make-up, trying on diamonds, couture fittings and fashion shoots. We posed, we pranced, we danced and kept going all night despite the crippling foot pain. Balancing on a box in stilettos for two and a half hours for the group photo shoot and waltz-whirling definitely took a toenail toll!”

The photo accompanying the post shows (L to R) Lady Kitty Spencer, Angelica Hicks in Lanvin, Carinthia Pearson in Alexander McQueen and Georgina Robertson in Collette Dinnigan.

The Telegraph

Below, Antonella de Lutio from Italy wearing a Zuhair Murad dress.

In classic Consort style, upon seeing this photo he asked “What is that she’s wearing? Someone’s chenille bedspread?”  Ahem.

Miss Robertson’s post in the paper raises the issue about the practice of ‘coming out,’ a tradition still celebrated in many locales around the country and around the world.

“Some people have said that it’s old fashioned for girls to “come out”. (My mother is particularly worried that it means she will have to “go in”.) But none of us is waiting to be rescued by Prince Charming. We are all students, with academic aspirations. But just because we’re standing on our own two stilettos, doesn’t mean we don’t want to be twirled around the ballroom in them.”

Another candid shot of the young ladies.

We think an official launch into society remains a wonderful and festive way of acknowledging one’s step into adulthood and accompanying social activities.  It is a special and magical time in a young lady’s life, and while some are dragged kicking and screaming through the process, others embrace it and cherish every moment. (Well, most moments, it is never all fun and frivolity.)

Many readers know we are actually in the heart of the season for many cotillions and balls, we expect some will be dealing with such activities over the next several weeks! We need to hear from our treasured readers on the topic: does it remain a fabulous tradition to be honored and continued, or is it a hopelessly antiquated practice whose time is gone? (Psst – you can probably guess where we are on this topic.)

Until next time (when we hope to update that Zac Posen for Target story that broke over the weekend), g’bye!

Adventures in Argyle & When Preppy Goes Wrong #416

Hello-Hello and Happy Friday!

We must begin with an item only The Consort would think up: when showing him an outrageous pair of shoes from this week’s Alexander McQueen show at Paris Fashion Week, he immediately said “Whoever designed those must have a Bedlington Terrier.”

The shoes:

ImaxTree

The dog:

Courtesy Bedlingtons.US

As his mother has been known to say, “His mind is God’s own special mystery.”

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

And we thought it would be fun to share a few Adventures in Argyle, beginning with the Lacoste Bed in a Bag at Macy’s.

Lacoste is also running their Sweater Event promotion, offering 30% off their Fall Sweater inventory. Below left, the 3/4 Sleeve Cotton Cardigan, on the right, the Short-Sleeve V-neck.

The Men’s Sweaters at Lacoste are on sale as well.

Brooks Brothers is also breaking out what many consider to be a staple of the ‘preppy wardrobe’. While we like the Cashmere Twinset on the left, the Merino Argyle on the right just doesn’t seem well put together, or at least not properly fit on the model.

.

For a more fiscally-friendly style, here is a Merona Cotton Argyle now only $6.98 at Le Boutique Targèt. This is a Petite size, and as of this writing it was available in Medium to XX-Large. If Argyle Rain Boots speak to your inner fashionista, these come in two color combinations, also at Target.

One cautionary note on the boots, the two reviews left by customers aren’t terribly positive.

If more casual footwear is on your radar, the Pink & Chocolate Argyle Canvas Argyle at 6pm.com (Zappo’s lower-priced arm) are also kind to one’s wallet at $19.95 and available in a number of colors/patterns.

We complete today’s footwear section with a pair of shoes unlikely to make their way into TP’s closet: the Burberry Sneakers.

When it comes to argyle it doesn’t get much cuter than items for the little ones brightening our lives, like this Baby Gap Hoodie for the young master of the house.

Or how about a personalized pink and green Argyle Sippy Cup from the always-wonderful Lauren Nicole?  Or perhaps blue? There’s even a Monogrammed Mug for Mom.

.

We cannot leave our argyle portion of the post without sharing a “When Preppy Goes Wrong“: note the pattern in the Prep School Cutie costume for Halloween.

MyDivasCloset.com

Indeed.

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

We leave you with a new item at the Princess, just added to our offerings for the Preppy Home.

We are just gaga over our cute new magnet sets.

The magnets come four to a pack, and are available in all sorts of bright, vibrant designs and colors.

They work perfectly with our magnet boards from both Lilly Pulitzer and Lake House Designs.

And at $10 per pack we’re planning on these for some stocking stuffers and Hanukkah presents.

With this bit of shameless self-promotion (gasp!), we’ll close with wishes everyone enjoys a fun and fabulous weekend!

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!

Next Target Designer Does Gossip Girl, TP is Upgraded!

Hello-Hello!

We begin with earth-shattering news: The Princess has been upgraded! We are now a Queen, compliments of the witty and wonderful All Things Southern & Preppy, who graced us with the Queen of ALLL Things Awe-Summm Award!!

.

As the newly crowned Queen, I am obligated to do the following:

1.  List 7 things that make me Awe-Summm!!!

2.  Pass this onto 7 bloggers.

3.  Let those bloggers know that they have been tagged.

4.  Link to Her Majesty who tagged me.

5.  Copy the picture onto my sidebar to let the world know I am the Queen! (Ummm..this is one we have to cheat on as we are coping with a change to the blog’s format.)

.

Seven things that make me Awe-Summm!!! (This is really mortifying, FYI.)

1.  TSU/TPC (The Spousal Unit, aka The Princess Consort)

2. TQM (The Queen Mother)

3. Belief System

4. Kindness

5. Beliefs

6. Compassion

7. Being a perfectionist/control freak (in a good way, of course)

.

We are also directed to tag 7 people:

1. Privilege
2. Preppy Pink Crocodile
3. Mrs. News Readin’ Wife
4. The West Family Players
5. The Preppy Player
6. Making Stuff and Doing Things
7. A Crafty Mom

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

As Target winds up its current design collaboration with Alexander McQueen (there is still plenty on sale), we have word their next partnership will be with Anna Sui.

Industry trade publication WWD broke the story yesterday; in an intriguing twist, Ms. Sui is using the four main characters from TV’s Gossip Girl to guide her designs.

“I liked the idea of creating a collection reflective of each characters’ style, sensibility and unique approach to fashion.”

A stock analyst who follows the retailing industry likes the Gossip Girl connection:

‘“Gossip Girl’ is very mainstream,” said Dreher. “Not only will it attract Anna Sui clientele, but ‘Gossip Girl’ fans. It’s going to appeal to a wide range of 15- to 34-year-olds. I love the co-branding of it and I love it that it’s names we’ve heard of. It covers a lot of bases.”

TP agrees with the financial analyst: this one will be big.  The Collection hits stores September 13.

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

Speaking of G2, a FabSugar story tipped us to the new Fred Flare tees showcasing those four main characters:

Courtesy Fred Flare via FabSugar.com

The fun and fabulous Nautical by Nature may be interested to know that the Team Chuck version is already sold out in at least one size, while Team Serena is down to only 2 left in one size!!

We’re expecting these will go rapidly.

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

A few tidbits from the online shopping annals:

• TDF online shoe and handbag site Piperlime will add apparel to the merchandise mix this fall. It will be interesting to see if Lilly Pulitzer is among the clothing brands they carry; the site currently offers Lilly shoes.
• Sak’s has started their “Private Sale” with a substantial amount of merchandise offered across a good range of designers, price points and sizes. Frankly, we are expecting more reductions in prices down the road; the company’s April sales were down by 31%

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

TP is looking into Fashion Week Daily’s news brief indicating that Lilly Pulitzer may be doing a jewelry collaboration with Justin Tranter, creator of the Fetty of Brooklyn jewelry line. FWD’s headline read “Which glam rocker loves Lilly Pulitzer?” Here is the one-sentence story:

“Justin Tranter Meeting with the fab people at Lilly Pulitzer about a Fetty/Lilly collab! NO JOKE!”

Mr. Tranter is no stranger to designer collaborations; last year he created a pair of tennis shoes for a very limited edition (24 pairs) partnership with DKNY.

PHOTO: Coolhunting.com

Barney’s carries a fair amount of his Fetty Signature Collection, including the “Shot Through the Heart” necklace (lower left)in 14k gold, and the Dog Tag necklace, also 14K.

Mr. Tranter is also in the band Semi-Precious Weapons.  We’re having a tough time reconciling this…

Courtesy Semi Precious Weapons

With this….

But then, we are not always looked at as a beacon for wild and wacky thought, are we? However, talented bloggy friends like the Fashion Herald and Wendy continue in their tireless efforts to update our look, working to the best of their ability to help us brave new frontiers.

Thank you again Miss Preppy 101! It is also time to thank each and every one of you, our remarkably bright, kind, and considerate readers; you so generously share your comments, your time, your wisdom, and most importantly, you share so much of yourselves, we can never thank you enough.

We send you all miles of smiles and hopes your Friday is fab.