Target Limited Edition Towels, BIG SALES, Why Polo Ralph Lauren Free Shipping is Better

Hello-Hello!

We learned that Target is offering shoppers a very attractive collection of Limited Edition Beach Towels designed by contemporary artists. The artists featured include Raymond Pettibon; how gorgeous will this be when you and Mister Wonderful spread it out across the sand?

Raymond Pettibon at Target.com

The towels are $50 and only available on line, not in stores. 

These beauties are also available at Works on Whatever, a fundraising group attempting to raise art awareness.

In other Target news, we are terribly slow in talking about Target’s next collaborations, including the upcoming collection from swimwear designer Ashley Paige.  Yes, this is cable TV’s “Ashley Paige: Bikini or Bust,” of TLC reality show notoriety.

Above, two swimsuits currently for sale, the Deep Diver at $380 and on the right, the Gold Digger at $460. (Those two names for the swimsuits really belong in the “I Couldn’t Possibly Make This Stuff Up” category. Honestly.)

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The retail marketplace is really heading into a frenzied unlike any we have previously , and as readers know, we are no spring chicken.  Here is a sampling of the offerings from our electronic in-bin; all are clickable to make it easier for you to get started on any last-minute shopping:

Kate Spade

As predicted, J. Crew is continuing their markdowns, offering merchandise at up to 60% off. They are also providing complimentary shipping, regardless of the amount one spends, a new twist for the retailer.

J. Crew

Use promo code HURRY for the shipping promotion. And despite their disclaimer on the main website saying the “60% off is not applicable in J. Crew Factory Stores,” there is also a 60% off promotion in progress at their outlet stores.

One caveat: judging from the email we are receiving here at the Prepatorium the J. Crew website problems continue; this story in Women’s Wear Daily verifies the outages.

“On Cyber Monday, which fell on the first of the month this year, J. Crew was down for at least six hours and Bloomingdale’s was also out. J. Crew was back up Tuesday, but has had ongoing problems since, including some downtime Monday afternoon.”

Polo Ralph Lauren is also providing complimentary shipping on all orders, but here is the beauty of their offer:

“If you choose to ship Standard Ground and are shipping to multiple addresses, you will receive free shipping on all shipping destinations.”

And that is a beautiful thing for anyone how may be struggling to finish up their shopping, needing presents to go to different locations. Sadly, our affection for their aggressive shipping promotion is tainted by this:

RalphLauren.com

Shocked by our initial sighting of the dreadful creation, overcome with sorrow for the poor pooch, we were even more horrified when reading the description:

“Reversible diamond-quilted vest with preppy heritage details…”

“Preppy Heritage?” In a word? Not.  Heh-heh-heh. (If this is something you find appealing for Fifi, just click on the photo above and you are there.)

Next….

TommyHilffiger.com

Tommy Hilfiger doesn’t seem to be doing the same with shipping, but at 40% Off Your Entire Order perhaps that lack is made up by deeper price cuts. When heading into the Women’s Department, in a cyber sort of way, one sees this incentive:

TommyHilfiger.com

One sees the same signage at the Men’s Department. In fact, today’s Argyle Update is compliments of Tommy Hilfiger, the Men’s Tonal Argyle V Neck:

TommyHilfiger.com

The Hilfiger Extra 40% off discount is scheduled to end December 22.

Banana Republic is also discounting heavily, even taking markdowns on gift items, like their fragrances (Rosewood Gift Set) as well as more standard fare. This gives us the chance for another Argyle Update! Whoo-hoo! The cashmere Argyle Sweater is now only $99!

BananaRepublic.com

The sweater is available in a number of colors.

Brooks Brothers is touting 40% off throughout the website, although some deeper discounting is also available.

Another sign of the times from Barneys:

Barneys New York

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For anyone near Bloomie’s this afternoon (the 18th), pop in for a special Lilly Pulitzer event. Remember our photos of the special Lilly Steinway anniversary piano from this post?

Courtesy Photo

Splashed in pink, yellow and green Hibiscus, the piano is part of the Lilly 50th Anniversary celebration and it will be on hand during today’s event at Bloomingdale’s.  Artists from the Lilly design team will also be on hand creating a special print inspired by suggestions from anyone willing to offer input!

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For today’s Pretty in Pink we offer the Steamline Small Editor Vanity Case:

Steamline Vanity at Vivre

Available at Vivre, there is also a matching trunk that looks equally fabulous.

Have a simply splendid afternoon!

Is Luxury Dead? Lower Prices for J. Crew? Is 60% Off the New Black?

DISCLAIMER: The following report is rated M for Mature; it descends to new lows in its frequent and flagrant use of the M word (money) and it is intended only for adult readers.

MPAA

Everywhere one looks there are stories about “the death of luxury.”

JP Morgan recently called upscale retailer Saks Fifth Avenue “the Gucci Blue Light Special,” referencing the deep discounts they have taken this fall. Below, the company’s sale page on their website.

Saks Fifth Avenue

The International Herald Tribune (as well as the NYT) ran a story Monday, “Luxe is losing its edge,” with the focus on struggles facing high-end jeweler Bulgari.

Courtesy Bulgari

The story also talks about stores cutting back on expansion plans, like Burberry, Cartier, Saks and others.

The “Sale” notices do continue to pour in via both email and standard mail, many from establishments one would never associate with such aggressive price cuts, like this one from Barneys:

Barneys New York

Previously, *if* for some insane reason stores felt forced to discount at this level, they hoped and prayed it would not negatively impact their image as purveyors of luxury goods.

We cannot remember the last time (if ever) we saw Burberry Prorsum selling for 60% off their original price, as is the case with the Empire Cocoon Coat.

Burberry Prorsum Cocoon Coat

Not everything at Burberry is marked down at that level; this children’s Argyle Sweater is “only 30% off.”

Burberry

The same is true for the children’s Wool Duffel Coat:

Burberry

There is even a post at Vivre Magazine online asking if “60% Off is the New Black?” The story raises the question that TP considers the elephant in the room for retailers:

“As stores slash and cut their prices just to hear the cash registers ring, you wonder if consumers will ever want to pay for full price for anything ever again. When this is all over, will any customer actually walk into ANY store and still look at Prada wallets and other designer handbags that used to be kept behind glass and are currently on tables and bins, the same way again?”

The Times ran a story in November “In Hard Times, No More Fancy Pants,” quoting one of our favorite authors:

“The era of conspicuous consumption, at least for the foreseeable future, has come to a close,” said Paco Underhill, the author of “Why We Buy,” which explores the science of retail.”

In yesterday’s WWD a story made the case that “Flaunting Days Are Over as Consumers Cut Back.“

The story by Sharon Edelson does feature an amazing Graff necklace that we simply had to share:

Graff Courtesy Photo

The piece is a little over the top in our estimation (this is where Great Aunt Molly would lower her voice and whisper ‘New money sweetie… you know what I mean.”).  Actually, the story channels GAM in a remarkable fashion:

“Logos are becoming less important, said Pedraza, noting that customers are starting to ask for unmarked brands. “People want very understated products,” he said. “They want to consume privately.”

“While people with new money tend to define themselves by their labels and what they spend, the rules are changing. People want to buy more classic luxury at better prices. They don’t want to be the people who are showing off.”

For many readers this is not exactly breaking news. How are you reacting? Are you simply purchasing necessities and/or discretionary items as desired, or waiting for markdowns? Or perhaps a mix of both…?

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While not considered a luxury retailer, J. Crew has also been in the news.  As reported on the WSJ Holiday Sales blog, J. Crew CEO Mickey Drexler said:

“J. Crew is trying to adapt, he said, by making small investments in new concepts, implementing a hiring freeze… looking at lowering opening price points for its crewcuts kids line.“

Did everyone notice the hiring freeze? We almost missed it upon reading about Crewcut prices, but it was noted in a story on GlobeSt, a real estate website:

“J. Crew has initiated a company-wide hiring freeze Drexler revealed, even during the holiday season… If someone wants to hire someone, someone’s got to leave,” Drexler said.”

Regular readers will remember Mr. Drexler’s comments shared in this post about lowering price points on some adult merchandise. Speaking about the overall climate for retailers:

“I’ve never seen anything like this in my life…”

“Right now we’re all a little afraid,” he said. “If there’s anyone getting up in the morning and not saying ‘uh oh,’ then I’d like some of that medication.”

If Mr. Drexler locates a source for those meds we hope he brings enough for the rest of the class.  If not, we fear we shall be forced to make do with a little Prozac latte.

Indeed.

More Preppy Black Friday Sales: Kate Spade, Hayden Harnett, LL Bean, More

Hello-Hello!

The Princess has managed to wheel herself away from the table and we are now situated at the trusty iMac, ready to fulfill our vow to bring you the latest in retail offerings of a preppish nature, particularly those with a fiscally friendly disposition.

But quickly, before those dreadful Black Friday sales (heh-heh-heh), let’s give away some goodies!  The Princess Consort used a random number generator to select the winner who will receive this ever-so-snappy Perfect Circles apron (and matching gloves, of course)…

PreppyPrincess.com

and the Preppy Stripes Notecards…

PreppyPrincess.com

all from the Preppy Princess is….

The Landlocked Mermaid!

Whoo-hoo! Miss Mermaid, send us your particulars, as well as your how you would like the cards personalized, and we’ll get things ready to head your way!  And if you mentioned the Giveaway on your blog, do let us know so that you can send this week’s bonus gift to whomever you choose!

The prize package for the Great Preppy Giveaway Week #4 includes our exclusive Have a Whale of a Holiday notecards:

PreppyPrincess.com

These happy sea creatures shout out “Happy Happy,” “Merry Merry,” and “Joyful Joyful,” just in time for your correspondence needs. We’ll be adding another treasure or two to the prize pack, so check back! Or follow us on Twitter, we’ll definitely Tweet a time or tow as this is updated.

To enter, simply leave a comment telling us one Christmas or Hanukkah wish you have. That’s it – just a comment sharing a wish.

Now on to the business at hand, starting with one of TP’s favorites:

Best & Co.

Offering simply outstanding merchandise for the next generation, Best & Company is doing 50% off everything online, like this Shoshanna for Best & Co. Sailboat Bathing Suit with a darling bow on the back.

Perfect for your annual trip to St. John over the holidays, there is also a nautical theme Shoshanna Suit for Boys:

Best & Co.

(Miss Kate, we are not even going here, you will be so tired of us harassing you!) The promo code at Best is BESTTHANKS.

The Kate Spade Black Friday promotion discounts a percentage of your purchase tied to the amount you are spending; this is only applicable at retail stores, not online. However, the online sale is nothing to scoff at, IOHO.

Kate Spade

LL Bean is repeating their promotion from previous years, spend $50 and receive a $10 gift card.

LL Bean

At Hayden-Harnett, the Thankful Sale is underway with great markdowns and free ground shipping for all online orders; the sale runs through Monday, December 1st.

Bargains include the Capri Coin Purse in loads of fun patterns and colors with some at only $14 and others at just $18.48, a great stocking stuffer that was originally $28!

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Over at Bergdorf’s the frenzy continues:

Bergdorf Goodman

And at Neiman Marcus, it appears almost everything is on sale, either an additional % off the price, or already substantially reduced as part of Last Call.  Here are Neiman’s current offerings:

• Save as much as 60% off* original prices in Women’s Contemporary Apparel, Sportswear, Outerwear, Dresses, Intimate Apparel, Women’s Shoes, Cashmere, Men’s, and Kids when you take an extra 30% to 40% off already-reduced sale prices.
• save 30% off* all Holiday Decor
• Take 1/3 off* all Bedding (INCLUDING SALE!)

These promotional prices are good for the 28th and 29th; online they end at 7am EST December 1st.

The good folks at Vineyard Vines are providing free shipping for all purchases totaling more than $50 through midnight November 30th.

At Bloomingdale’s the Big Brown Bag sale continues through Sunday at midnight, with an additional 40% Off ‘select sale merchandise,’ including this Cashmere Hat, originally $62, about $26 after all the discounts. The Big Brown sale also applies to the Home Store.  For free shipping on orders more than $100, the promotion code is SHIPXMAS; this offers is good through December 19, so you may want to hide away the code.

At Barneys the annual Winter Sale continues…

Barneys

… with deeper discounts being applied as of this morning.

Alexander McQueen is taking 40% off ready-wear, shoes, bags, and accessories through December. That means the oh-so-wonderful Europa Fox could have the Union Jack ankle boot for only $764 as opposed to the original price of $1280. Hhhhmmmm… we are not seeing Miss Europa traipsing around the Lake Country in these, even at their greatly reduced cost.

The Gap is offering a great BOGO (Buy One Get One) promotion for sweaters. This ends tonight in stores but runs through December 1st online.

Ends 12.1.08

It seems there is always a sale at Joseph A. Bank (indeed).  Here are their Black Friday specials:

• Cashmere Bomber Jackets- $199.00
  Cashmere V-Neck Sweaters- $79.00
  Executive 2-Button Cashmere Blazers- $199.00
  Executive 2-Button Wool/Cashmere Suit- $139.00
  Executive 3-Button Cashmere Blazers- $199.00
  Executive 3-Button Wool/Cashmere Suit- $139.00
  Signature Cashmere Topcoats- $299.00
  Solid Cashmere Scarves- $29.00

Those still in need of the J. Crew, Brooks Brothers, Banana Republic, Polo Ralph Lauren and/or Lacoste Black Friday promotions, simply click here.

And if you are anywhere near East Hampton tomorrow, don’t forget the Arts & Crafts Fair at the middle school gym, it is always fun!

PRIVATE SALES: Kate Spade, Polo Ralph Lauren, Barneys, Bergdorf’s, Brooks Brothers, Neiman Marcus + the Argyle Bicycle!

Hello-hello and Happy Friday!

Additional sales are everywhere it seems, many from retailers with a preppy aesthetic, if you will. We start with the Kate Spade Private Sale. A word of caution: when you click on this link or the image below, you will be taken to a page where you need to register. Not to worry, it’s not like filling out an application for the Country Club; one simply must provide a first name, an email address and zip code. That’s it.

Courtesy Kate Spade

Do not wait too long on this one as it ends on the 14th!  We thought this puffer vest might offer a high snuggle factor.

Barneys is also having a ‘Private Sale,’

Courtesy Barneys

As of this writing there are more than 390 shoe styles on sale just in the shoe department!

At Polo Ralph Lauren the Private Sale is on through Monday, Nov.17….. unless they extend or expand it, which would surprise no one at this point.

And while we adore the Windowpane Plaid Ricky bag, it just seems… well, it feels inappropriate somehow to spend $2400 on a handbag at this point in time.

Ralph Lauren Collection Windowpane Plaid Ricky bag

What do you think? Is TP taking the economy too seriously? Am I wrong on this one?

At Bloomingdale’s there is an additional 30% to 50% off the already-discounted sale merchandise….

Some of it “wear now” merchandise, like this Ralph Lauren Petites “Batya” Cashmere Sweater.

Ralph Lauren Petites Cashmere Sweater

Of course it is also time for the First Call at Neiman Marcus.

Even Bergdorf Goodman is goosing their sale; do not let the “Save as much as 40% Off” fool you. There are *many* items marked down 50%.

We end today with another Argyle Update, this one showcasing the absolutely TDF Electra Holiday Cruiser bicycle at the Gap in their “signature blue argyle pattern.”

Courtesy The Gap

It is available in two sizes, Adult and Kids.  We can’t imagine how we would react if it were also in pink – we would probably layoff the drivers (heh-heh) and start pedaling around ourselves! (Well, actually, no, I don’t think that is what we would do at all. Not really.)

Today we start a new feature that will pop up every now and again: “Can You Tell It’s Ratings?” as in “oh my gosh sweetie, do you think they are doing this story because it is ratings?” Also known as “sweeps” in our former life, you know what we mean (of course you know what we mean!) ladies, stories that are heavily promoted on local and network news and entertainment programs. Stories that are teased dramatically, breathlessly, that you simply must see, that you cannot miss!

Like this one on ABC….

PHOTO: Kristian Dowling/Getty Images for Beatie

Or the “Are you a Sex Addict?” quiz on KTLA-TV in Los Angeles.

KTLA-TV

And let us not forget our personal favorite: “Sharks in Lake Michigan – Tonight at 11!”

We are off to a function in the Big City tonight, major party frockage, so we must run-run-run out the door. Grins and giggles to everyone, and don’t forget to to enter the Great Preppy Giveaway!

Black Friday Starts…TOMORROW. Seriously. And Preppy Bargains Abound.

Hello-Hello from a sublime and sunny day in the Great Midwest, so nice we can hardly believe it is November!

But we may want to fasten our seat belts, as it could be a bumpy ride this Fall, at least for retailers. However, storekeeper stress also means outstanding savings opportunities, so today we are simply discarding our usual neuroses about usage of the ‘M’ word, and offering what insight we have on hand.

For openers, K-Mart is starting their Black Friday offerings tomorrow.  As in Sunday, November 2, 2008.

For anyone unfamiliar with Black Friday, a previous post has a tad more insight on the phenomenon, including a mention of this Ralph Lauren Factory Stores ad, offering something called Midnight Madness.  The ad says, “Join us after your Thanksgiving Dinner. Most stores open at the stroke of midnight.”  Indeed.

Courtesy bfads.net

Back to today’s post: the Kmart ad does not refer, or apply, to all parts of the store. In fact, it really only offer savings in one area of the store, as explained in Friday’s Advertising Age story:

“The retailer …  said it will offer the deals exclusively in the home-electronics category to help customers kick-start their holiday shopping. The category has become an area of particular concern for retailers, as consumers pull back on discretionary items.”

Should shoppers be looking for the special deals in their Sunday newspaper? Evidently not, at least as best The Princess can discern from yesterday’s story.

“Early Black Friday” sales on about 15 items will roll out in Sunday circulars between Nov. 2 and Nov. 23, as well as on Kmart.com. The deals are being worked into existing circular plans… “

And surprisingly, the discounts will be available for more than one day, different from ‘standard’ Black Friday sales:

“Kmart’s deals are also meant to make holiday shopping more convenient, Mr. Aiello said. Unlike typical Black Friday sales, which require an early wake-up call and heavily promoted limited quantities, the specials will be available for an entire week, with ample supplies in stock.”

Because we do heart your pocketbook (we have been told this is the proper way to use this verb) we went decided to be adventurous and go to the K-Mart website. These are the only two sale circulars we see that are applicable commencing tomorrow; the first seems to be primarily Disney and Hannah Montana related.

Kmart Ad 11.02.08

And the second is a Dollar Days theme:

Kmart Ad 11.02.08

Enough of Black Friday, let us move on to Bergdorf’s, shall we? Their Fall Savings event includes the Tory Burch North-South tote in this color is too fun.

Barney’s thinks their sale is groovy; we are not yet convinced, but are willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.

The Prada Ruched Pump is not destined for our shoe rack,

But the Mawi Enameled Bangle is fun and comes in several colors, including our favorite.  And the pinstripe cashmere throw, as well as the eggshell with multi-color stripes both rank extremely well on the Snuggle Factor.

It seems that Brooks Brothers continues its aggressive marketing stance with their Preferred Customer Event.

This translates to a 25% discount if one uses their Brooks Brothers Platinum MasterCard Platinum, a mere 15% savings for those paying through other means.

J. Crew is pushing their ‘Fall Sale.’

And TP is simply ga-ga over the Clea Flats:

And speaking of J. Crew, a reminder on the next Men’s Shop:

Courtesy J. Crew

It shall be interesting to watch the way Crew plays the Men’s Collection in this locale, as it is quite different from the ambience of the Liquor Store site.

Saks is also eager to assist one’s wardrobe enhancement efforts, offering multiple sales, like the Stuart Weitzman Patent Slide.  And ladies, TP can personally vouch for these; they are divine. Dowdy? Maybe. Frumpish? Perhaps. But they are us, and we don’t have the only toes clad in these at JL meetings.

Then there is the Lord & Taylor ‘Just in Time’ sale which has so many different elements we can barely keep them straight.

But because we want to do our best to help locate fiscally friendly merchandise for all of our Princess readers, we’ll give it a go. L&T is offering:

• Additional 15% off Cashmere
• 33% off Gloves
• 25% off Handbags
• Free shipping on all orders more than $99

J. Press is always an excellent choice, and this fall it is no different, with multiple markdowns throughout the store. These snappy madras trousers for The Spousal Unit at a superb price; they will be ideal during this winter’s annual getaway.

Their Short-sleeve New York Polo is also fun.

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And so we might close with an ‘appropriate’ Pretty in Pink, here is the Lilly Pulitzer Infant’s Cover-up; Saks is offering this at an attractive markdown.

Happy Hunting!