Of Preps and Sloanes, Neiman’s New Bargain Stores, Nautical Notes

Hello, happy Monday!

We begin with an intriguing story from the far side of the pond, this one from the student newspaper at Oxford. Published Friday, “Sloanes versus Preppies: the rise of upper middle class cool” is just as it sounds, the piece examines similarities and disparities between the groups.

“Two social groups of upper middle classes have particularly captured the imagination of thousands, prompting the production of numerous books, articles and aspirational clothing. They are the British Sloanes and the American Preppies.”

For those not as familiar with Sloanes (originally Sloane Rangers), the term became popular in the 80’s. Princess Diana is frequently referenced as an example, there were also Sloane Ranger Handbooks, not unlike TOPH.

“Exclusive, wealthy and well-connected, Sloaneys and Preppies may seem superficially similar in their lifestyles. However, scratch the surface and you quickly realize that the conservative and intellectual bunch of Preps is miles away from the “casually cool” set of Sloaneys from Kensington and Chelsea.”

Marta Szczerba’s story delves into many facets of life, including how each group spends free time:

“For both Sloanes and Preppies, sports and second homes are an integral part of the lifestyle. Sloanes love entertaining in country homes in Suffolk, having lunch dates off King’s Road and play tennis or lacrosse. Kids probably had ponies when they were little (which have since been traded into Mulberry bags). Holiday destinations include Scotland, Cornwall, south of France and Monaco.”

“Don’t look for Preppies in the city on the weekends. They are not there. They go to the country, to their second home to cook, go antiquing, nap, recharge batteries and socialize in country clubs. They are sporty and with a natural competitive streak, but their preferred sports are, well, clubby. Golf, sailing, tennis, squash, polo, biking, fishing are sports preps adore.”

We enjoyed the comparison of fashion styles between the two groups, here is a bit of that perspective:

“Preppies scorn the messy look often worn by Sloanies. As the True Prep handbook states, “Sweat suits are for sweating. You can try to get away with wearing sweats to carpool, to pick up the newspaper, or to drive to the dump, but last time you were at the dump, the drop-dead-attractive widower from Maple Lane was there, too.”

This one is a fun read, if so inclined here is the full story.

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On the heels of our post about factory outlet stores and the merchandise they carry, word that Neiman Marcus is opening yet another line of discount stores, different from the existing Last Call stores.  The new stores will be called Last Call Studio; the Times has the story:

“The new Studio stores will carry lower-end products, bought directly from vendors, not the scuffed but still new pair of Manolo Blahniks (as high as $1,995 at Neiman’s) that can show up at Last Call stores (for about two-thirds as much). “

“A prototype of the Studio store in Dallas looks more like a career-wear store — an Ann Taylor or a Chico’s — than it does a Neiman Marcus or an outlet store. Clothes are simple and conservative, and muted colors like black, taupe and pink reign.”

Matt Nager for the NY Times

Last week we mentioned customers can now shop Last Call online; the Times story notes that Nordstrom Rack is also available online. We would caution anyone heading to the Rack online – the selection is fairly limited at this point, presumably it will be expanded as the days go by.

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Next, a few nautical notes we think our treasured readers may enjoy. The first is a line of sailcloth bags we weren’t familiar with from True Wind USA.

The company’s bags are made in the USA, and they are super-durable.  We like the Classic Tote Bags, but there is a great selection of sizes and styles.

Next, with apologies to any of our Facebook Fans who may have seen our mention already, the nautically inclined chair from Halo Styles caught our eye.

Keeping with the signal flags theme, Nautica is shooting next summer’s catalog, and sharing pictures as they go.

Click here to see the photos on Twipic, or on the company’s FB page to take a peek at the upcoming styles.

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There has been all sorts of chatter about the upcoming Lilly Pulitzer Furniture Collection that launches in the spring (most recently we posted about it here and here); we wanted to let everyone know there are a number of additional places to see more photos.

• Above we see pictures from Jamie at Furbish Studio, she has scads of amazing photos showing many of the eclectic color combinations, her description of the new line is perfect:

“…it was the perfect match of dorothy draper meets the sorority house meets jonathan adler meets delight.”

• Sophie Pyle has added some images to those seen in her original post
• Matters of Style actually supplied many of the accessories used in the showroom, they have some excellent pictures of the Collection as well

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We close with today’s Pretty in Pink and Green.

The Polka Dot Yoga Tote is just now in the shop, from the ever-so-talented Candi, who also does our Ribbon Flip-Flops and other accessories.  (Can anyone help a dopey Princess who can’t seem to figure out if “polka dot” is one or two words….?)

Goodbye until next time!

Ralph Lauren’s New Home, George & Bar at Houston Fashion Week

Hello and greetings on a day filled with fun and surprises.

We begin with the announcement of our True Prep & Official Preppy Handbook Giveaway winner….

The lucky lady is Southern Sweetie Katie!  We used Random.org to pick the winner; the number chosen is actually for one of the additional entries Katie received for sending someone else to the contest.We want to thank everyone who joined in the fun, we admit being amazed by the number of entries.  If there were to be an award for the best effort in getting others to add entries in her name, that would go to Courtney. And the most delightful comment on Courtney’s behalf comes from her mother, Kathi, we were in stitches when reading this:

“My darling daughter, Courtney Rounds, has begged and pleaded with me to leave a comment. I’ve gently reminded her that a true preppy does not beg or plead. I fear having to remind her does not speak well of my influence during her formative years. I did try. Her nursery was green and pink. Her name, Courtney Elizabeth, offered numerous acceptable nickname opportunities. Her bedtime stories alternated between select readings from my well worn copy of “The Preppy Handbook” and Shel Silverstein. I was properly supportive when she pledged a well established sorority. From an early age she could immediately recognize her monogram. She knows that there is no such thing as too many Sperry’s, plaid shorts or headbands. She has never had big hair. She never will have big hair. Courtney Rounds has a Proper Preppy Princess Pedigree. She is, after all, the progeny of a Preppy Queen and an aging frat boy.”

Courtney’s father is equally creative, here is his comment:

“Courtney is to preppy as Nietzsche is to pietzsche.”

Honestly, we have more fun doing this kind of thing, we try to be restrained so it doesn’t become tedious, but the Fun-o-Meter was peaking in the red zone on this one.

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Next, a few quick tidbits we are overdue in mentioning, with linkage should any of the stories hold appeal:

1) Following a June story in the Times on the popularity of ‘heritage brands’ the Journal ran a similar piece at the end of September, “Is LL Bean Driving the Runway?”

“Besides the re-emergence of L.L. Bean and Pendleton, other vintage brands such as Stetson, Woolrich, Levi’s and Britain’s J Barbour & Sons are having second comings, either independently or collaborating with high-end runway designers.”

We love the illustration accompanying the story, “The Heritage Hipster Matrix“.

Wall St. Journal

2) Speaking of heritage, we offer this from the Yale Daily News:

“This November, American heritage clothing brand Gant will open a new store at the corner of York and Elm streets, almost 60 years after it opened its first store in New Haven.”

We have offered a number of post drooling chatting about the upcoming Gant womenswear line, it is wonderful to see the company opening a store back where they first started in 1941.

3) Women’s Wear Daily reports on the new Ralph Lauren women’s flagship store in the city.

Grand in scale and luxurious in its decor, the new store opens to the public tomorrow.

On the Upper East Side, the new digs are across the street from the recently reopened men’s store in the Rinelander Mansion (Madison & 80th).

The new store is also where shoppers will find the brand’s Home Collection.

4) Houston Fashion Week had its share of celebs on hand, including a rather famous set of grandparents.

 

Bob Levey/Wire Image

 

President and Mrs. Bush were in the audience for the Lauren Pierce show, granddaughter Lauren’s eco-friendly line, making its debut at HFW.

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Yesterday we updated you on Talbots‘ next celebrity model, today we have news that Heidi Klum is replacing Naomi Watts as Ann Taylor’s newest face.

Ms. Klum appeared in the retailer’s holiday campaign last year, but Page Six says she is ‘replacing’ Ms. Watts.

Thank you again to everyone who entered the contest, we are thinking we may need to do a similar project next month….hmmmm, that’s a thought to ponder.  Until next time, we hope you enjoy a lovely day!

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS: Ralph Lauren Interiors: Robert Mitra/WWD

 

J. Crew to Open Online Outlet Store, US Open Styles Revealed

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a Friday!

Today’s first bit of news probably qualifies as Friday Fun, albeit not in the wacky genre, more of the “Oooh, this could be fun” kind of news: J. Crew announced yesterday they are going to open an online outlet store in September. Elizabeth Holmes at the Journal broke the story:

“”The New York-based clothing retailer is gambling that it can expand sales without cannibalizing demand for more expensive merchandise at its mainline stores. Apparel companies typically locate outlet stores in out-of-the-way malls, forcing customers to drive long distances to get access to the discounted goods. J. Crew is among the first to risk selling outlet gear over the Internet.”

J. Crew

The company is having an exceptional year, reporting an 87% increase in profits yesterday, even as most apparel and accessory firms continue to struggle in These Difficult Times.  But with the economy entering a challenging phase, Mickey Drexler, J. Crew’s CEO, noted that customers are remaining price and value conscious:

“There’s a big world out there that’s playing the low-price game or lower-price game,”

Mr. Drexler’s comments came during a conference call with stock analysts; not everything he shared was considered good news by Wall Street.  From MarketWatch:

“… analysts said some of J. Crew’s fall merchandise also has been too edgy and not resonated as well with its customers. The company also may have been hurt by increased competition from rivals from Ann Taylor Stores… to Talbots that have also offered embellished tops and other looks that are similar to J. Crew’s offerings, analysts said.”

The “too edgy” comment in the MarketWatch story is interesting, as we have chatted for some time in this space about the company’s change in direction and Crew’s vocal disdain for the word ‘preppy’.  Another analyst quoted in the story referenced “…some fashion missteps”.  For more on the retailer’s dislike of the preppy appellation, click here.

IOHO an online outlet is a wise move in many respects. Bargain hunters will be pleased to know the company plans to include those items currently made only for factory outlets, things not available at regular J. Crew stores. Here is more from yesterday’s WSJ story.

“J. Crew, like most specialty retailers, manufactures merchandise specifically for its factory channel. It’s a different model than that of many apparel manufacturers and department stores, which use their off-price channel to liquidate excess merchandise.”

But operating an online outlet can also have negative fallout, cheapening the brand; it’s no secret some shoppers prefer a little exclusivity, something that makes them feel special, not items that “just anyone can get.”

For those interested in the new site, WWD reports the address will be Factory.com; it is expected to go live in September.

Does this mean shoppers at ‘regular’ J. Crew stores will see less aggressive markdowns of the kind now underway, the “Extra 20% off” Final Sale? (The sale ends this Sunday, use promo code OURTREAT to receive the additional markdown.)

J. Crew Final Sale ends 8/29/10

Crew’s identity challenges seem evident in two pieces shared in “Cooper’s Picks,” the pint-sized version of the popular Jenna’s Picks.  First, we show a $395 Girls’ Shearling Vest, very much like the women’s version.

J. Crew

Call us crazy, but the vest seems a bit over the top for the Young Miss at your Palace. We contrast that with the $138 Grey Flannel Blazer, its lines and details more akin with what we used to think of when hearing the name J. Crew.

J. Crew

One can make a strong case there is plenty of room for both items at the store and that old fuddy-duddies like yours truly are trapped in the past while the fashion world moves forward, we respect that stance, and remain intrigued by seeing how things fare in future months.

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Also on today’s hit parade, the US Open parties are underway all over the city, Nike’s was Wednesday night, with a solid cast of tennis celebrities: Maria Sharapova, Bar Rafaeli, Rafa Nadal, and Roger Federer, to name only a few attending.  With Nike hosting, everyone was able to preview the looks featured on players sponsored by the sportswear giant.

Below left we see Ms. Sharapova in her US Open togs, a deep blue or purple dress with tuxedo styling, especially the lapel; on the right, Nike’s image of the dress via Rich at Down the Line Tennis.

Rafael Nadal was in black with neon green accents, while Mr. Federer’s style remain constant, below he is in deep navy blue.

Below, the competitors at a news conference after the event.

Al Bello/Getty Images for Nike

The Open launches on Monday.

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Our final two tidbits are definitely Friday Fun:

• Cynthia Rowley is now offering designer Band-Aids. They come in chi-chi boxes and also actually help a good cause, one dollar from each box sold (at $10) goes to a fund to help high school and college students interested in design.
• The other item is definitely in our You Can’t Make This Stuff Up, featuring members of the Anti-Prep Wall of Shame. Behold the Jersey Shore Halloween Costumes.

What do you think? Is a Jersey Shore costume something we need to consider here at the Prepatorium? Should the Consort consider an evening as the Pauly D Situation? Do weigh in, your opinions matter a great deal. (Note we didn’t say they counted, heh-heh-heh, insert evil Princess cackle here.) These are available for pre-ordering at Costume Craze.

With that, we send wishes that everyone enjoys a weekend full sunshine and smiles.

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

J. Crew’s New Store, You Can Help Scarlett O’Hara

Hello-hello!

Today we are hopelessly disorganized all over the map, lots of things to share, although in abbreviated form. We begin with a look at J. Crew’s newest men’s-only store.

Robert Mitra/Women's Wear Daily

The new store officially opens today, and Women’s Wear Daily (subscription req’d.) was invited in for a sneak peek.

Robert Mitra/WWD

As with the other men’s shops, the Liquor Store (located in a former bar) and the Soho store, this location pays homage to the site’s original purpose; a bank in this instance, including a lower-level vault now used to show accessories.

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Speaking of J. Crew, there are a number of recent stories and blog posts circulating about Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor LOFT merchandise looking similar to J. Crew pieces.  The always-on-top-of-things Lauren at Fashionista first posted about it last Friday, noting Ann Taylor’s efforts to update its merchandise mix:

“…many industry insiders we’ve spoken to about AT’s reformation have noted: “They’re trying be J.Crew.” Evidence of this marketing scheme can be found in the retailer’s newfound preppy-meets-glam aesthetic.”

The Frisky also delves into the topic in this post yesterday.

“We, along with other fashion insiders and shoppers, have noticed that Ann Taylor and Loft have been looking a lot like J.Crew. All three retailers seem to be targeting the same group—women who want a tasty and stylish stew of Parisian, preppy, and urban chic.”

Can you pick which is which between the asymmetrical leather jackets?

Via The Frisky

How about with the sleeveless black shirtdress? (Sleeveless day dresses for fall and winter? Really?)

Via the Frisky

Are you able to determine which retailer did each necklace?

Via The Frisky

To view all of the comparisons that the Frisky’s Annika Harris put together, click here.

We aren’t completely clear on how recent the phenomenon really is, as this Minnesota Monthly blog post notes:

“But have you seen the new Ann Taylor Loft fall catalog? Good gracious. I got one in the mail last week and all I could think was this is total rip-off of J.Crew. Right down to the ruffled shirts, statement jewelry, and model poses.”

The author notes that she is a Crew loyalist. The date for this post? September of last year.

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Next, a topic near and dear to TP’s shrunken little heart, Gone With the Wind.

Remember this dress worn by Scarlett O’Hara when she goes to visit Rhett in jail?

Famously whipped together from Miss Ellen’s green velvet curtains that were still hanging at Tara after the war, the dress is now in desperate need of repair.

Via Art Daily

As is this frock, referred to here at the Prepatorium as “The Hussy Dress”.

Via Harry Ransom Center

(This is the one Rhett threw at Scarlett when she didn’t want to go to Melanie’s party!) The gown worn by Vivienne Leigh for her wedding scene to Charles is another gown needing restoration.

Via KXAN-TV

These, and two more gowns are housed at the Harry Ransom Center at UT-Austin, where a campaign is underway to raise funds for restoring and repairing the gowns.  These all came to the Center when the University received the David O. Selznick archives, a massive collection of materials. Click here for more donation information.

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We leave you with two reading recommendations, should either topic prove appealing. The first is from the fabulous Reggie Darling, a marvelous look at two different fashion (style declarations, really) looks from the sixties.  We believe readers will recognize both names defining those styles, one being Lilly Pulitzer…

Courtesy Reggie Darling

and the other, Marimekko.

Via Fashion is Spinach

The uppermost image is of Mr. Darling’s very own nineties-era Lilly swimsuit, complete with the Lilly signature within the pattern.

Via Reggie Darling

We have our own issues with the two design aesthetics, as we can frequently be found in Lilly, while also creating Tilly’s bed (well, one of her three beds) from an iconic Marimekko print.

With Permission of Tilly T. Dog

We think you will enjoy Mr. Darling’s post, it is a delightful read.

Our other suggestion for an online visit involves the inimitable Preppy 101, as she is hosting a splendid giveaway showcasing this incredible Cat Studio “America” towel, as well as these Nico and LaLa luggage tags.

Along with a few other goodies, like the Lilly Dress Magnets…

.. and iPhone Covers.

Click to pop in for a visit at Preppy 101, even if the contest holds no interest, reading the posts is always a bright spot in the day.

With that we say adieu until next time!

About That Royal Wedding & a New Fashion Icon

Hello-Hello!

What a lot of things are going on today, many of them wedding-related. As GAM (Great Aunt Molly) would say, “Goodness Gracious Sake’s Alive!”

We begin with the continued speculation about an engagement for Britain’s Prince William and longtime girlfriend Kate Middleton.

PHOTO: PA via The Telegraph

It all started when author Tina Brown wrote a blog post speculating on the possibility, primarily because two dates in the Royal calendar were “mysteriously blocked out”.  The Prince and Ms. Middleton have been seeing each for more than 8 years in a mostly-on-but-sometimes-off-relationship. Below we see the couple on January 15th at the Prince’s helicopter training graduation ceremony.

Marc Giddings/AP

No doubt you have also heard discussion of the topic as most media jumped into the story with both feet.  Now there is word via a “well-placed source” that announcement of a betrothal is “wide of the mark” according to this People magazine story.

Here at the Prepatorium we generally look to the Queen Bee for updates on the topic, she seems to have an inside edge.

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Next, news that Ann Taylor will add wedding gowns to their merchandise mix. Below we see a dress from the collection.

Bryan Derballa for The Wall Street Journal

The story in today’s Journal is from one of our favorite writers, Elizabeth Holmes, and it looks at the growing number of retailers now offering wedding dresses.  Ms. Holmes also has a blog post that sheds light on her insight into the topic of wedding gowns:

“Figuring out how much to spend on my upcoming wedding is something I’ll be puzzling through for the next few months.”

Below we have an image of a gown on Ann Taylor’s site, we think it might be the one shown up above in the photo accompanying the Journal’s story.

Ann Taylor

Selling at $495, here is a portion of the retailer’s description:

“An arresting strapless gown in tiered silk chiffon. Shelf bra with boning at chest. Hidden side zip with hook-and-eye closure. Fully lined. Please note, due to the delicate nature of the fabric, some mild fraying may occur when the gown is dry cleaned.”

Other stores mentioned in the story that are adding bridal gowns include White House Black Market; below we show their Limited Edition Gown, retailing online at $498, available in July.

The Journal story explains something many readers already know:

“Executives at these companies say women have been buying wedding dresses at their stores for years, even though their dresses haven’t been marketed as such.”

Anthropologie announced in March they are getting into the wedding gown business.

Courtesy Anthropologie via InStyle

Wedding gowns will run from $750 to $5000.

J. Crew was an early entrant into the wedding and special occasion venue, the company has done extremely well in this area; the Crew wedding boutique opens May 27th on Madison Avenue.

J. Crew

Ms. Holmes closes her blog post with a question:

“… brides-to-be, would you consider wearing a wedding dress from a mall store on your big day? And for those who have made the trip down the aisle, are you happy with the amount you spent on your big day?”

One contemporary wedding phenomenon we’re not in step with? The “bridal sneaker”.

The Lovely Bride

Above and below, shoes from The Lovely Bride, specializing in such footwear.  (With apologies to our Facebook Fans for the repetition.)

Indeed.

Back to dresses, we wonder if gowns with sleeves will ever return….?

Above we see Ivanka Trump in her custom Vera Wang gown, shortly after the wedding fashion writer Cathy Horyn wrote about the topic in a blog post:

“Did she think Ms. Trump might start a trend with her sleeves? “She might very,” Ms. Wang said. “Nothing would make me happier. I’ve been doing strapless dresses for 15 years. It’s tiring.”

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In News You May Have Missed, we have one more fashion tidbit: North Korean leader Kim Jong-il is evidently a fashion leader as well.

From the country’s propaganda/press office:

“The reason is that the august image of the Great General, who is always wearing the modest suit while working, leaves a deep impression on people’s mind in the world,” it said.

“To sum it up, that is because his image as a great man is so outstanding.”

Not only can you read the original story in Canada’s Nation Post, they also have a follow-up story detailing ways men everywhere can get the look, including the dictator’s special shoes for those needing a bit of a boost.

The National Post

There you have it.

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We close with today’s Pretty in Pink, the Fendi laptop sleeve.

Courtesy Fendi via Sybarites.org