“Happy Preppy Style” & School Daze

Hello-Hello, welcome to a Tue-Wednesday, business is so chaotic we are having to do a double post today.

We begin with a look at something with appeal for just about everyone, “Happy Preppy style,” part of a new book on interior design and decor, “Fresh American Spaces.”  The approach is intriguing.

We know what you’re thinking: you were there for the 1980s incarnation of preppy (and maybe even the 1960s original), and you cringe at the thought of crested blazers, the boat shoes you wore till the soles separated and your toes poked out, or your drawer full of wide plaid headbands. Relax. We’re not turning back the clock. We’re re-imagining preppy in a bold, modern way.

"Fresh American Spaces"

This is just one section of the new book from Annie Selke, it offers color palettes, themes, along with lots of photos and tips for achieving different looks, including one familiar to many of our treasured readers, nautical style.

"Fresh American Spaces" Make Your Own Signal Flags

There are plenty of “how-to” directions, including one on creating your own signal flags.

More from the book:

Happy Preppy is all about simplicity—function dictates form, appearance never outweighs comfort, and easiness is the word of the day. Is it still that happy-go-lucky style you remember? Absolutely. Is it kid- and pet-friendly? Check. Is it pretty? You bet. Is it precious? Never.

Much as we like to promote independent book stores, we also want to share Amazon’s page for the book, several videos are located on the page, including one on “Happy Preppy” style’s nautical flags wall we mention above.

"Fresh American Spaces" Amazon.com

This one is now on the “to read” list.

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Next, back to school styles, we have been seeing them everywhere online, as well as on some of the young ladies and gentlemen in the neighborhood crossing the palace moat on their way to class.  The offerings certainly are varied this year, it remains a mystery how parents can clothe and accessorize a child for anything less than half the national debt!

Below we show two ensembles from The Children’s Place.

The Children's Place

The store offers plenty of basics, like these Fair Isle Cardigans and the Polka Dot cardigan, all priced at $24.95.

The Children's Place

There are plenty of choices for your young man as well.

The Children's Place

On a fiscally friendly note, Children’s Place is running a special, everything is 15% off;  if shopping online use promo code Z4E2011 to receive the discount.

If opting for upscale looks, the fall Milly Minis collection offers some dressier looks, below we show the Cece Dress and Ribbon Cardigan with appliqued bows and grosgrain ribbon. (We’ll take one of the cardigans in sizes grown-up girls sizing.)

Barneys

Also cute, the Stone Island Long Sleeve polo for the young man at your palace, and on the right, the classic stripes of a sailor shirt on the Armor Luxe Breton top, all from Barneys.

Barneys

If looking for simpler styles, it doesn’t get much more basic than these Izod separates at JC Penney.

JC Penney

There are more basics, like the girls Polo Dress, the Long Sleeve Cardigan and the Girls Jumper, all pieces are by Izod and all are on sale for $17.99 – 18.99. The pieces are offered in many more colors than those we show here, brightening up the color scheme and looking a bit less uniform-ish.

JC Penney

Being more colorful doesn’t require a large outlay of cash,the American Living Plaid Sundress is $19.99, the eye-popping Pink and Green Zip Jacket is shown at a bargain price of only $5.99, and the Pants with Repp Tie Stripe Belt come in both navy and khaki, they are $14.99.

JC Penney

Moving again to pieces for your young man, JC Penney has a variety of options, below we show the Preppy Woven Shirt, $17.99 for boys sizes 8 – 20.

JC Penney

Kohl’s offers the Mudd Plaid Camp Shirts in a variety of colors for girls size 7-16.

Kohl's

Kohl’s has put together some outfits that have that “trying too hard” feel when taken all together, some of the elements might be cute on their own.

Kohl's

And there are always plenty of options for your little princess at Lilly. 

LillyPulitzer.com

Until next time, we hope all of your back-to-school adventures are excellent.

Bargains of a Preppish Sort, Gossip Guys and Girls

Hello-Hello, and happy Thursday, it is simply beautiful here at the Prepatorium, we hope you are enjoying equally blissful conditions.

Once again we are brief, the crush of business remains a significant factor in the day, leaving little time for tea and bon-bons. Sniff.

We begin with an update on Fashion’s Night Out, a repeat of last year’s event during New York Fashion Week, created to get people shopping again. Ahem. Below, a photo from the news conference announcing some of the festivities planned for September 10.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Conde Nast

Eagle-eyed readers will recognize some of the notables at that event, including Francisco Costa, Tory Burch, Mayor Bloomberg, Anna Wintour and Marc Jacobs.

However, as Eric Wilson points out in the Times, the shopping celebration comes at a time when we are encountering less-than-stellar economic news (have you checked the balance on your trust fund of late, oh my!) and consumers are less inclined to spend:

“In one typical example of mixed messages, the big reveal for the Fashion’s Night Out Sept. 10 party lineup (celebrities and events galore at hundreds of stores staying open until 11 p.m.) appeared in an issue of Women’s Wear Daily that was otherwise dedicated to a theme of fashion frugality. “Mindless excess is over,” the trend forecaster Faith Popcorn said, right there on its front page.

Shop less!

Shop more!

Shop smarter!”

One of the many specialty items being offered for the event, the toile and striped sneakers Keds has created for Opening Ceremony.

Image via NY Times

Lots of celebrities have been engaged for the event, here is a partial rundown from Mr. Wilson’s story in yesterday’s paper:

“Elie Tahari will be giving dance lessons at Saks, while Simon Spurr and Ed Westwick play darts. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, with Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler, are judging karaoke at Barneys. Thakoon, Georgina Chapman and Reem Acra will model with their dogs at Bergdorf Goodman. There also appears to be an unusual convergence of designer table-tennis games, with matches planned at Barneys, Bloomingdale’s and the Stuart Weitzman store on Madison Avenue.”

There are activities and parties scheduled all over the country, perhaps there are festivities in your corner of the globe as well.

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A few shopping notes to share, this post in the JC Report led us to take a quick look at Consortiums New York, specializing in previously loved classic pieces:

“Consortiums’ brand of vintage prep avoids the era’s notorious pitfalls with sophisticated pieces like pristine mustard boat shoes by Bally, round Brooks Brothers tortoiseshell sunglasses and Ralph Lauren bags made of just-faded bluish green fabric and trimmed with leather.”

Consortiums New York

We do like the aformentioned sunglasses:

Consortiums New York

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We have a number of SOPS (Sales & Savings Opportunites) to share, beginning with the private sale at Tory Burch, offering up to 60% off retail prices.

Savings are significant on pieces like the Auden Cardigan (originally $250, now $100) and the Espadrille Ballet Flat ($46 from $116).

Saks is doing an online-only clearance.

Bargains abound at Polo Ralph Lauren as well, its Last Chance sale is underway, with savings up to 70%.

Speaking of Ralph Lauren, there is news about his daughter Dylan. Ms. Lauren received a marriage proposal on Sunday, Page Six has the romantic details:

“The way Paul Arrouet proposed to Dylan Lauren in Montauk on Sunday, there’s no way she could have said no. After a sporty day of jogging and biking, the squash-playing hedge fund manager invited Dylan, daughter of Ralph and Ricky Lauren, to the beach at sunset, where he’d set up a table under an umbrella with six dozen pink roses. Spelled out in candy for her were the words, “You are my ‘It’ girl.” Arrouet, who has been dating Lauren for four years, got down on one knee, presented her with an emerald-cut sparkler, and said the right words. Dylan — who owns Dylan’s Candy Bar and happens to have a book, “Unwrap Your Sweet Life,” coming out in October — said yes. “We’ve always been best friends. We always have fun together,” she said yesterday. “It’s very exciting.” Her parents joined them on the beach to celebrate. No date is set yet.”

Here is a photo of the couple, although it dates back to 2008.

Photo via Jet Set Socialite

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We have a quick update on two stars from everyone’s favorite faux-prep school show, Gossip Girl.

CraigMcDean for Interview Magazine

Blake Lively has landed another magazine cover, Interview features the actress on its September cover.  We had to giggle at the Daily News headline for its story on the photos:

“Blake Lively says she’s ‘shy’ but has no problem posing in bra and handcuffs for Interview magazine”

Also gracing a cover, costar Chace Crawford.

Nicky Emerson for ES magazine

Mr. Crawford was showcased in last week’s issue of ES, the Evening Standard’s magazine.

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We leave you with several images we have been hoping to share for some time.

Sarah Cates via Refinery 29

Yes, that is a cat, as is this.

Sarah Cates via Refinery 29

They were part of the “Fashionable Feline Extravaganza,” an event put together by the North Shore Animal League. Below, Carmen Miranda lives.

Sarah Cates via Refinery 29

And they are connected to preppish styles or fashion… how? Not. at. all.

For more wacky photos, pop over to Refinery 29.

Until next time, may you be surrounded by sunshine and smiles!

Gap Sneak Peek & More on Those Lacoste Holiday Polos

Hello-Hello… and greetings from the Prepatorium on another busy day!

Despite the fact we have yet to put away all of our summer clothing, we begin with an early look at next Spring’s fashions from the Gap.

PHOTO: Yukie Kasuga/WWD

The retailer showed next year’s styles at a show in Tokyo yesterday. As is generally the case, some things looked darling….

PHOTO: Yukie Kasuga/WWD

Others not so much….

PHOTO: Yukie Kasuga/WWD

We keep thinking a lot of Liberty-style prints have been seen on this fall’s runways.

PHOTO: Yukie Kasuga/WWD

There will be a lot to choose from, in a variety of pastels and and other pretty colors.

Courtesy Gap via Style.com

Just so everyone knows that TP is clear on what season we’re in, we close out this section of the post with an Adventure in Argyle from Gap’s fall line, their Women’s V-neck Sweater, available in a number of colorways.

This one is available now, both online and in stores.

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We have been meaning to ask if anyone purchased pieces in the Vera Bradley Canvas collection?

Courtesy Vera Bradley

We remember seeing a good number of advertisements for the line, but haven’t seen any in stores. An online search generated a number of eBay links so we thought we would ask readers if they knew what became of the collection?

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Some readers may recall our July post talking about ‘when logos attack,’ featuring the upcoming Lacoste holiday collection; we have an update on the collaboration between the preppish retailer and Brazilian brothers Fernando and Humberto Campana, who designed the polo shirts for this 4th Holiday Collector’s Series. (We wouldn’t be surprised to see work from the Campana brothers when Brazil hosts the Olympics in 2016.)

Prices will run from $165 to $7,000. The ‘special edition’ polo seen below showcases a ‘logo’ of eight crocodiles.

Courtesy Lacoste via Dezeen.com

This shirt will retail for $165 and “only 20,000” have been manufactured, available November 1 at Lacoste online and the boutiques, as well as the Manhattan Barneys. The motif is based upon a chair the brothers previously designed.

Courtesy Yatzer

Only 250 of this version have been created:

Courtesy Lacoste

Contemplating this as a Christmas gift for Bitsy or Chip? You will need to tap the trust fund for $1,900 if purchasing the women’s model, or $2,900 if acquiring the men’s version.

You will also need to send your trusted assistant to the Moss store in either New York or Los Angeles to purchase one, the only place they will be available.

But do not forget the super-dooper-double-dipping-doppler-radar-version:

Courtesy Lacoste via WWD.com

(Okay, that may have been a little over the top.) This is the ultra-limited-edition, only 24 have been created. The ‘fabric’ consists of hundreds of crocodile logos handstitched together, almost creating something akin to a Lacoste lace.

Courtesy Lacoste

And as we wrote in July,

“If wondering about our Logophobia, we can only say “non, non, non, ce n’est pas un problème,” for these appear to be done with an artistic eye, yes… an outlook accompanied by a touch of whimsy.  They do not appear to take themselves too seriously. Very, very witty.”

Unfortunately they are also $5,000 or $7,000 depending upon the female or male version and clearly in the conspicuous consumption zone.

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Today’s Pretty in Pink showcases the Prescriptives Pink Ribbon Palette for Cheeks and Eyes, our link is to Nordstrom, but it is available in many locations. Prescriptives will donate $20,000 to the BCRF (Breast Cancer Research Foundation).

Prescriptives will donate $20,000 to the BCRF as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

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We leave with a photo seen in today’s Times, perhaps recognizable to some readers as originally being featured on the popular Cake Wrecks blog.

Cake Wrecks/Andrews McMeel Publishing via NYTimes.com

The Times’ story looks at the popular blog and a new book coming out featuring 250 of the best wrecks. (That still looks like a lovely concoction compared to many of our baking endeavors!)

We’ll be back tomorrow!

Those ‘Filthy Rich Teens’ & The New T Studio at Tommy Hilfiger

Hello everyone, how is everyone today?

Regular readers know we aren’t prone to public navel-gazing or introspective monologues in this space, with the exception of a few posts related to respect and remembrance of our military personnel. So we shan’t go into any long dissertations on the events of yesterday afternoon and evening, other than to say it certainly was a rather strange and bizarre turn of events.

Moving on, we have a quick glance at Gossip Girl star Blake Lively‘s latest style statement as she headed into last night’s gala opening of the new Swarovski Crystallized store in Soho.

PHOTO: Andrew H. Walker/Getty

Much of the conversation among guests centered on yesterday’s west coast events, especially as it was only Wednesday that Swarovksi announced they were doing the costumes for Michael Jackson’s upcoming concerts.

Also out and about in the city last evening, Ms. Lively’s co-star Leighton Meester, seen in Thakoon as she heads over to MTV for a taping.

PHOTO: Janet Mayer/Splash News Online

We seem to have spent an inordinately large amount of time discussing  Gossip Girl this week, including this post on sales of actor Chace Crawford’s People magazine cover issue vs. a Kate Gosselin cover on another magazine. (The numbers favored Ms. Gosselin.) Now it seems People is heading down the same path as that other magazine; behold their July 6th issue:

Courtesy People Magazine

As we have already spent too much time on G2, it seems only appropriate to spend even more time on the topic, sharing this link to a very funny WaPo (Washington Post) story comparing Gossip Girl with NYC Prep.  Here is the paper’s synopsis:

After watching the first episode of Bravo’s new “Gossip Girl”-as-reality-series show “NYC Prep” (it debuted last night), WaPoTeamTV’s “Gossip Girl” correspondent Emily Yahr decided she much prefers watching the filthy rich Made-for-TV Teens of the CW soap to the filthy rich Actual Teens featured on “Prep.”

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A few speedy more updates for you this afternoon, particularly a reminder the rather significant Sales & Savings opportunities continue at almost any establishment where preps might shop.  Not only are Brooks Brothers, J. Crew and Talbots all doing substantial markdowns and discounts, the major department stores are as well.

Neiman Marcus is promoting “An Additional 25% Already Reduced Prices” along with complimentary shipping regardless of how much one spends.

The promo code to receive no-cost shipping at Neimans is NMSUMMER.

Barneys is doing the additional discount, without the complimentary shipping:

Completing the trifecta is Saks, also offering no-charge shipping at any purchase amount, use promo code SAKSSHIP9.

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In other retail notes, on the heels of a successful opening for their new Tommy Hilfiger store in the Hamptons, there is word the retailer has plans to generate buzz for that location in another way, with the launch of ‘T Studio.’

PHOTO: Courtesy Tommy Hilfiger via Hamptons.com

Starting next Saturday (July 4th), the first 50 folks visiting the new Studio at the East Hampton store receive a silk-screened tee made to their specs. There will only be 50 made each week, so these are being dubbed “limited editions,” a very interesting maneuver on the part of the Hilfiger marketing machine.

It will be fun to watch this one play out and see if the concept is launched in other locations. This is only the company’s 10th free-standing store, an excellent location to test-drive the idea.

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As discussed in this post, the Coach Poppy line is officially on sale today, and there are some wonderful, fun, whimsical pieces.

This of course circles back to that whole ‘new definition of luxury’ and ‘changing pricepoint’ issue we keep reading and posting about. As this story from AP notes:

“The Poppy collection follows through with Coach’s previously announced plan to lower prices 10 percent to 15 percent … The strategy includes offering half of its handbags – about 70 different types – for $200 to $300.”

Do let us know if you end up acquiring any treasures from the Collection, sharing is caring!

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Finally, how many readers would recognize this as a Target store?

PHOTO: Bruce Bisping/Star-Tribune

Yes, it is the new Target concept store located in downtown Minneapolis, not far from the retailer’s headquarters. This story in the Star-Tribune explains the mini-grocery store opened in October:

“the company has since added fresh meat, chicken and produce to 14 general merchandise stores around the country. Other Twin Cities test stores are at Ridgedale and Medina. The concept will expand to 100 stores by year’s end.”

Would you purchase fresh fruit and veggies at your local Target? It is how the company plans to compete with the behemoth known as Wal-mart. Perhaps the one and only Queen Bee Swain can investigate, it is in her neck of the woods, although not in her back yard.

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With that we say adieu until next time, may your weekends be splendid, full of fun and spent in the company of those you love.

Cartier Has a Party, Mascara Wars Round 3, Anti-Preps Update

Hello-Hello!

Well, if it isn’t a major Monday.

We extend our apologies to those readers subjected to this post’s predecessor, the incomplete horror that yours truly somehow managed to publish late last evening.  (Trust TP when we say it was not ready for primetime, not ready for any time.) Upon discovering our little boo-boo this morning we went for the online circular file, the DEL key.

Friday we mentioned the news about Tiffany’s acquisition of upscale leather goods firm Lambertson Truex. Today we mark a major event at another iconic jeweler, Cartier. The jeweler is celebrating their 100th Anniversary in America; one of the galas honoring the occasion took place late last week.

Preps on hand included Tory Burch (L) and Dylan Lauren.  The über-talented Bruce Weber edited a possible addition to the library:

Cartier I Love You hits stores mid-June, but can be pre-ordered at most local bookstores as well as online sites such as Amazon.

One more online shopping note, Ms. Lauren’s company, Dylan’s Candy Bar, now has online ordering, all the better to put a five-pack of Barbie Chocolate Bars in the mail.

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We have another party story, this one an update to our post “A Derby Dustup?” that looked at dueling Derby parties. It appears the 20th annual Barnstable Brown gala continues to be a hit with locals and some celebrities.

PHOTO: Darron Cummings

As seen in the photo, even an Anti-Prep was in attendance at Brownstable Brown.  Other attendees at this year’s festivities included Brooke Shields, Kid Rock, Danica Patrick, and Gretchen Wilson.  To be fair, we’ve yet to speak with anyone about the ‘competing’ party at Briar Rose Estate, so this is a not-quite-complete assessment of things.

Ms. Hilton was not the only AntiPrep spotted in Louisville over the weekend:

PHOTO: Brian Bohannon

Yes, it is the one and only Kim Kardashian.  Frankly, she has upgraded her look of late, looking much less tarted up. (Well… what adjective would you suggest we use? Honestly.)

For years (and years) TP understood that Kentucky horse country was a bastion of, well, to be vulgar, old money. Notwithstanding the stray Sheik or Prince of course, although much of that money is older than dirt.

Clearly things have changed over the decades. Perhaps the Stealth Deflecting shield was down.

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Regular readers may recall some of our posts last summer on the new vibrating mascara hitting the market. According to Elle’s Beauty Intelligence blog we have word that a more egalitarian cosmetics company is going to offer the same thing:

“Enter Maybelline’s new Pulse Perfection Vibrating Mascara: With 7,000 vibrations per minute the brush wraps each lash with a thickening, lengthening formula.

Courtesy Maybelline

The story does explain how to get a sneak peek at this entrant to the wand wars:

“The product won’t be available in drugstores until July 2009, but you can try out the mascara earlier by logging onto Target, Walmart, CVS, or Walgreens websites May 18 for an exclusive online (one day only!) preview sale.”

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We have a brief look at some of this season’s fabulous knits from John Smedley, a company we have previously raved about.  We toddled back to the online store this morning when we should have been working to look at their S/S ’09 offerings; we were not disappointed. Below, Smedley’s Cindilou for women. We’ll fudge the line a bit and use this cardigan for today’s Adventure in Argyle.

Courtesy John Smedley

Below, the Islington classic cardigan, offered in a rainbow of colors, but shown in pink so we might say it is included in the Pretty In Pink collection.

Courtesy John Smedley

Next, the men’s Gaston, a little precious for TSU (The Spousal Unit) but we adore the look.

Courtesy John Smedley

The retailer also has a small collection of great looks for children.  The merchandise is available at a number of upscale US retailers including Barneys and Bergdorf.

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Over the last 18 months or so we have met some of the nicest people online; one such doll runs Two Preppy Girls.

How is that for a look? Margaret’s shop offers fun car and wall decals, checkbook covers and headwear.

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Again, our apologies to those who may have ended up with the previous version of this in their Google readers.  We must say, one of the benefits of Twitter is knowing we are not alone in having a less-than-auspicious start to the week! (To follow us, just click here.)

With this we say g’bye until next time.

NOTE: Cartier party photos by Steve Eichner for WWD (Women’s Wear Daily, subscription req’d.).