Wimbledon Controversy, plus Pretty in Pink!

Hello-Hello!

There are so many different clearance sales and other promotions underway in the retail world we wanted to share some of the goodies available in our favorite color. (But only those at fiscally friendly prices, of course.)

To begin our Pretty in Pink extravaganza we turn to a Princess favorite, Charles Tyrwhitt, for their splendid Prism Pink Cotton Polo. Originally priced at $110, the shirt is now $39.

While the original cost might seem extreme, we can vouch for the quality and über-soft feel of the cotton against one’s skin, worth every penny. There are several of these floating about the walk-ins for both primary residents here at the Prepatorium, they last for. ever.

Sadly, we are required to make do with the men’s version as Tyrwhitt does not yet manufacture these for women. (‘Yet’, she says optimistically.)  We are forced to do the same with the firm’s sweaters.  Also on offer at a reduced price point, the Summer Pink Cotton V-Neck.

As with the polo shirts, we can vouch for the quality, top-rate, all of the products from this establishment wear extremely well.

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Boden USA is doing one of their bigger sales, with some items discounted by as much as 50%, like the Knit Ruffle Jacket:

Originally $98, the cardigan/jacket is now $49.

If seeking something a little more casual for the Young Lady of the House, Boden’s Hotchpotch Sundress is only $24.

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Bergdorf Goodman is touting an additional “25% – 50% off” with their continuing Designer Sale:

BergdorfGoodman.com

Our favorite item may well be the Ralph Lauren Black Label Trench Coat.

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Tory Burch is offering an additional 25% off all sale items until July 1st; use promo code SALE25. We like the Sleeveless Denueve Top:

Originally selling at $185 the top is now $83.25.

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Moving to events across the pond, we head to Wimbledon for a celebrity sighting of a Gossipy sort, Chace Crawford:

PHOTO: Julian Finney/Getty

The Gossip Girl actor was spotted taking in the weekend action; almost all of the cast was back in the city today after a two-month hiatus, shooting for the upcoming season.

PHOTO: Just Jared

Our biggest concern: the Blake Lively footwear seen above. Among those hard at work, Ed Westwick, who was seen out on the town Saturday night celebrating his 22nd birthday with flame and co-star Jessica Szohr. Below, Mr. Westwick is looking very much in character this morning.

PHOTOS: Just Jared

There you have it.

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Having mentioned Mr. Crawford’s appearance at Wimbledon, we share news that the Daily Mail has a scathing column on who plays on what court,

“Babe, set and match: Why looks count for more than talent when Wimbledon decides which girls will play on Centre Court.”

Once again, our thanks to Rich at Down the Line Tennis for the tip on this story, one likely to prompt anger among many constituencies.  One quote in the story from a BBC Official:

‘Our preference would always be a Brit or a babe as this always delivers high viewing figures.’

Indeed.

The Journal also has an intriguing Wimbledon story with an equally provocative headline and sub-head:

Tennis Gets Hot and Heavy

Increase in Co-Ed Events Sparks More Love Matches; Federer as ‘Eye Candy’

Really. We had no idea.  And to think how this impacts everything related to the tournament!

“The bump in romance—and the possibility of romance affecting play—has put British bookmakers on guard. “If we heard that Roger or Andy were having relationship problems, we would factor it in,” says Rupert Adams of the London-based bookmaker William Hill.”

We had not thought about this particular consequence when considering the ramifications of romance at Wimbledon. Silly Princess.

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A reminder about the ever-so-wonderful Preppy 101, (aka All Things Southern & Preppy): registration for her Red, White & Blue Giveaway ends tonight at midnight. If interested in winning a set of our Tradition Placemats …

PreppyPrincess.com

And coordinating tiny Flower Napkins….

PreppyPrincess.com

Pop over to say hello!

With that it is time to fly out the door, as is so frequently the case, we are running behind!

The Princess Gets Back to Basics

Happy-Happy almost-weekend everybody! Here at the Prepatorium we finally have something resembling normal temperatures: we might hit 75 degrees today. Calm yourselves, it has not yet happened, it is merely a prediction made by the Weatherologists on teewee, so there’s just an itty-bitty chance they could be wrong.

Regular readers are aware we feel strongly about the virtues of basics upon which one can construct a meaningful existence: basic decency towards others, basic recipes, basic apparel and accessories.

One such elementary item is a simple watch on a classic ribbon band.  Today we bring you a new entrant to this sector of the market:

Bobby Jones

The new watch from Bobby Jones is just out. It has a stainless steel case and comes in two additional striped ribbon patterns, as well as a solid black ribbon for those preferring a more understated look. (TP’s father wore a plain Timex with a plain black ribbon strap as far back as she can remember.)

The movement is by Seiko, so this one isn’t just a pretty face. It is available now at the Bobby Jones Shop.

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We have several other opportunities for you to make contributions to the economy, all of them fiscally-friendly, of course.  Bergdorf Goodman is having their Designer Sale with “Prices as much as 40% Off” on items like the D & G Pumps(L) and the Tory Burch Megan flat (R).

Another emporium offering substantial savings: J. Press. Their Blue Silk Herringbone jacket is an excellent investment for the MOTH (Man of the House) in your life.

J. Press

Classic stalwart Banana Republic also has scads of goods with revised price points. Below, the Cotton V-Neck Sweater, now $39.99 for most colors, but only $24.99 in white.

Banana Republic

Not to be left out, Brooks Brothers is promoting some solid discounts on Men’s merchandise for Father’s Day.

Brooks Brothers

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Our next company covered is assuredly not known for helping one save their pocket change; we quite respect that policy. We’re talking about Hermès.

Hermes

The luxury firm has opened a seasonal store in East Hampton. The shop is located right on Main, will be open until Sept. 20, and will carry some limited edition goods.

PHOTO: Skot Yobbagy/WSJ Magazine

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In another SOTT (Sign of The Times), word from P&G that Max Factor cosmetics will no longer be sold in the US.

PHOTO: WWD Staff

Today’s story in WWD about the planned phase-out quotes an unnamed P&G executive:

“It’s a shadow of what it once was. Domestically it’s just so competitive. They have lost considerable real estate over the years and certainly over the last two years. It’s actually long overdue.”

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Because we adore The Queen (we more-than-adore our own TQM but today we speak of the one on the far side of the pond,), we thought we would close out the post with this photo, perfectly suited to be today’s Pretty in Pink.

PHOTO: Phil Noble/AFP/Getty

The picture of HRH and Prince Philip dates to late May, and we think she looks faboo.

Enjoy the weekend, dollfaces, we’ll chat again soon!

Lilly Pulitzer & Bridal Fashion Updates, Sales of a Preptastic Sort

Hello-Hello, is everyone recovered from all the frenzy about the Lilly Pulitzer special featured yesterday on the Martha Stewart show? We all need to congratulate the beautiful bloggers we know who were part of the studio audience, they looked so wonderful! To see all of the looks modeled during the show, click here to scoot over to the Lilly site for sketches, photos and more.

Everyone in the audience received incredible gift bags with a pair of sunglasses, sandals and a set of the new Lilly Pencils!

Lilly Pulitzer Pencil Set

When the commercials came on during the show we continued to open up more boxes full of re-orders and new additions to our Lilly Stationery & Gifts line, including these much-too-fun File Folders.

Lilly Pulitzer at PreppyPrincess.com

There are a number of luscious Lilly markdowns and sales in so many brick & mortar stores as well as quite a few online shops.  In fact, today we shall combine our Pretty in Pink and Adventures in Argyle features to bring you this yummy item at the über-chic Cloister Collection:

If you are comfortable with the little exercise that we call “buying forward,” then this Rosalynn Cardigan is made for your walk-in!  Originally $188, the sweater is now $72.50.  Next, the Gather Round sandal at Zappo’s 6pm site, ideal for this spring unless you are overly concerned about items from previous seasons.

The 6pm site also carries apparel (news to us!), and offers the darling Lilly Pulitzer Kids Mini Kimmie Novelty Skort at almost 50% off the original price. This cutie is still available in a good range of sizes as of this writing.

Deals such as these are very difficult to pass up!

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Style steals abound, and in keeping with our whale theme (there’s a stretch) we share this from Kate Spade, the Whale of a Time Imprintable Invitations at $13, previously $25.

In addition to the Sale section of the website, the retailer is also taking 25% off their Spring ‘Must-Have’ items.

This offer runs through March 17th.

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Just when we think the luxury purveyors can’t come up with anything more ghastly than previously seen, a new entrant shows itself. Behold, the Lanvin sneakers:

If curious about the decor, those are pearls.  Created for the man of the house, they are available at Colette for the mere investment of $770.  Call us crazy, but we just aren’t seeing the Consort in these for St. Patrick’s Day. (Our thanks to High Snobiety for the original tip on these.)

Surprisingly, this pair from Chanel is nowhere near as hideous.

In fact, we would almost classify the logo as “borderline discreet,” although we don’t remember seeing Chanel high-tops before….?

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And finally, an update on the Bridal Fashion Crisis we discussed here and then updated here.  The bride-to-be, Daisy at Legally Blonde Ambition, shared the latest on her shoe hunt via email.

First and foremost, she is immensely grateful for everyone’s input here at the Princess blog, as well as the great suggestions sent in to her blog.

“I love the idea of a shoe to match the bridesmaids. They are wearing espresso and I found a gorgeous J.Crew ballet flat in espresso as well as delicate metallics.”

“I also liked some of the individual heels some of your lovely ladies found. I’m now quite confident I will find the perfect slipper…”

And with such grand news from Miss Daisy, we shall sign off until next time!

‘Patently Preppy’ and ‘Prepster Deck’ Shoes

Hello-Hello!

We start with an homage to the one and only Third Coast Preppy; when we saw this hat it simply shrieked TCP.

Courtesy Refinery 29

It may be difficult to discern because the photo is so dark, but the hat is a giant lobster.  The creation is by milliner extraordinaire Stephen Jones and was worn at a gala noting the opening of the V&A’s new show “Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones.”

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As always, we like to bring you news of ‘preppy perspectives’ around the world. Today’s comes via The National in Dubai.  Their story, Feet on the Ground, takes an in-depth look at the saddle shoe.

“…. think appliquéd college jackets, button-down Oxford shirts and rolled-up pants – footwear that wouldn’t be out of place at a boys’ boarding school circa 1950 is back in style. Two-tone saddle shoes – usually sporting a suede upper, contrasting leather and a red rubber sole – are a key look.”

Courtesy Paul Smith via The National

Red rubber sole? We think not. A number of interesting assertions are put forth in the story; we do not concur with all of them, but suggest readers may still find it an interesting read. Another point:

“The patently preppy saddle shoe has infiltrated the streetwear market as well.”

Almost every brand we can think of seems to be included in the story, from Sperry to Gucci to Fred Perry.  Happy Reading!  (As an aside, the Paul Smith website shows a number of Mens’ Brogues, but not the style seen in the photo accompanying the article.)

Regular readers know we are simply batty for Paul Smith, especially their socks with the little bow.

Adoration of these is not our fault, it is something in our genetic makeup, we are quite sure.  (Tee-hee.)

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Since we seem to be featuring shoes today, we’ll share a pair used in a story proclaiming the following to be *the style* to have this summer.  We generally wear a pair so beaten up they really are an assault on the eyes, but they are our favorites and we can’t bear the thought of discarding them!

Stephanie Prommer at the Teen Fashion Blog writes:

“This may sound crazy, but I predict that prepster deck shoes are going to be THE footwear choice of the summer. I’m personally crushing on these $60 Bahama Plaid Cuff kicks from Sperry Top-Sider, which come in five adorable color combos.”

They are available in a variety of delightful colorways, including this one:

We do adore the shoes, and think another blogger of a Prepalicious sort may have already featured them.

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Speaking of Prepalicious, Miss Nautical, did you see this one at Bergdorfs from Stella McCartney?

Net-a-Porter also carries it and there is a coordinating sail print skirt as well.

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We almost never-ever-ever do this, but today we post a springy message lifted directly from our electronic in-bin, compliments of Bergdorf’s.

Courtesy Bergdorf Goodman

The retailer was promoting their a pink theme.

On that note, ‘bye until next time!

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!