Tiffany Says Not in Our Backyard, Next Target Designers Revealed, Black Friday

Hello-Hello and welcome to a Monday!

We begin with a tale about Tiffany; this time it is the story of the luxury retailer’s lawsuit against its landlord in Century City (California).  It seems the jeweler is making it ever-so-clear they do not want fast-fashion merchandiser H&M as a neighbor. (As in H&M that just did the wildly popular ‘Jimmy Choo for H&M’ line, described in this post.)

Apparently Tiffany believes having H&M as a neighbor would be just this side of apocalyptic; the LA Times has more:

“H&M is not a luxury or upscale retailer. H&M is at best characterized as a ‘popular-price’ mass merchandise clothing retailer.”

“The location of the H&M store will cause irreparable injury to Tiffany’s business reputation as a luxury retailer, a reputation that Tiffany has enjoyed and worked hard to maintain for more than a century and a half,” the lawsuit said.”

While understanding a brand’s desire to protect its caché, the story points out that in Pasadena the two stores are almost next door to each other. Other stories on the topic wonder about Tiffany’s efforts to embrace the ‘aspirational shopper,’ those coveting upscale brands while also shopping mass retailers like H&M.

Courtesy Tiffany

Many such consumers are precisely the same customers fond of merchandise displaying a retailer’s logo, something Tiffany has marketed strongly the last several years.

It will be interesting to see how this turns out. We do want to note this is not ‘new news,’ as we are wont to say; the original story broke in September and yours truly keeps forgetting to post it.

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A few more retail notes today, including word on the next two accessories designers for Targèt; the Cynthia Vincent for Target collection will launch at Target stores nationwide and at Target.com from April 18, available through through July 1. Below, several styles from Ms. Vincent’s Fall 09 Collection.

Also, headwear from Eugenia Kim will debut next year, it is going to be the first hat launch in Target’s series of limited-time-only accessories. The Eugenia Kim for Target collection debuts April 18, running through June 20. Below, looks from the 2008 Eugenia Kim line.

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There is also news that Forever 21 has launched its love and beauty cosmetic line.

Courtesy Forever 21 via WWD

Everything in the new line is priced at $10 or less; it all appears to be available online.

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Before delving headfirst into our next topic it is time we are honest with our cherished readers; we do not participate in Black Friday.  It is really not our cup of tea; additionally, we are always blessed by a visit from The Queen Mother for Thanksgiving, precluding any chance to partake of the mayhem. Such a shame. (Cough-cough.)

We still desire to maintain contributions to the PPP (Pocketbook Protection Program), continuing efforts at providing a list of fiscally friendly locales for the upcoming frenzy.

To be fair, there are far too many special markdowns, discounts and promotions to accurately track; we are including those we believe to be of the most interest to our bloggy friends.

Here we go, beginning with Talbots, already offering 20% off merchandise and free shipping; use offer code 020556520 at checkout to receive the discounts.

Martin & Osa will discount all denim (regularly $89.50 – $120) and cashmere to $59 (regularly priced at $130 – $170).

• Brooks Brothers: November 27th and Saturday, November 28th until 12:00 noon each day. Shop Early and receive an additional 15% off your entire purchase; receive an additional 5% when using your MasterCard or your Brooks Brothers Platinum MasterCard

• J. Crew Outlet stores will take an additional 40% off Clearance merchandise before 8am Friday morning; clearly one should check with their local factory store for hours
  • Other discounts at Crew outlets  for the weekend include 30% – 50% off select holiday styles & 30 – 40% off select Crewcuts holiday styles

• Tommy Hilfiger Factory Stores: 40% off the entire store all day on Black Friday (the 27th)
  • There are additional discounts for specific days, including the Wednesday before Thanksgiving; to download coupons providing these markdowns, click here.

• Banana Republic Outlets: 40% Off Any Purchase

• Old Navy stores: Open 12 – 7pm on Thanksgiving Day, & 3am – midnight on Black Friday, too many discounts to list

• Henri Bendel 8-10am Friday:
  • Save 40% on all Cold Weather Knit Hats, Scarves & Gloves
  • Save 40% on Bath & Body Collection
  • Save 25% on Candle Collections, Home Fragrance, Sweet Treats
  • (After 10am these items remain on sale but at 25% off)

• Macys.com continues its Thanksgiving sale with savings of 20% to 50%, ending 11/28.

• Lacoste: 30% off everything in the store

We are still seeking verifiable information on the following stores: Ann Taylor & Ann Taylor Loft, J. Crew, Banana Republic, Polo Ralph Lauren & Polo Ralph Lauren Factory stores, Brooks Brothers Factory stores.

NOTE: Please be sure to note if we are citing discounts at regular stores and factory stores or outlets.  Be sure to let us know if you have information to share on any preptastic shopping opportunities and we’ll pass it along.  If looking for other products, here are some general Black Friday sites:

• Black-Friday.net
• BlackFridayAds
• GottaDeal.com
• BlackFriday2009.com

Savvy shoppers may remember that after all the Black Friday comes Cyber Monday: the day when online retailers offer special deals.  That tradition is alive and well here at The Princess, in fact, we’ll have a little surprise for what we’re calling Pink & Green Monday.

Until next time, do let us know if you

Badgley Mischka for HSN Now Available, Chanel & Vuitton at CostCo?

Hello-Hello, and Happy Thursday!

We begin today with a question: does it seem a tad early for the Black Friday frenzy to be underway?

We have seen several stories on the topic in the last two days, including several focusing on the Target and Wal-Mart strategies for boosting sales. From a CNN/Money story:

“Target is hoping to lure this year’s Black Friday shoppers with $3 toasters and coffeemakers, deep deals on high-definition televisions, and discounts of 50% on clothes and toys…”

Le Boutique even has a Black Friday ad sign-up page on its website; we’re not clear what one receives when signing up on that page, and much as we adore our readers we just couldn’t bring ourselves to sign up in order to learn more.

Courtesy Target

There are a number of sites with the Target ad and many others to peruse if so inclined:

• Black-Friday.net
• BlackFridayAds
• GottaDeal.com
• BlackFriday2009.com

Last year we shared as much information as seemed reasonable about fiscally-friendly opportunities at retail establishments with a preppish slant, Brooks Brothers, Talbots, Neiman Marcus, J.Crew, and the like. We planned to do the same this year. We just feel there is an ever-earlier encroachment, but perhaps it is selective recall on our part.

Speaking of Target, we have more photos of the Rodarte for collection, due to debut December. Below, this dress is featured on Teen Vogue’s December cover with Dakota Fanning.

Teen Vogue

The issue also showcases this Lace Dress, it will run $45.

Courtesy Target

This next image is a scan from Marie Claire:

Marie Claire

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Another major collaborative group launches much earlier than the Rodarte line seen above; the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection will be unveiled this Saturday.

Jimmy Choo for H&M

Below, actress Demi Moore sported a dress from the line in October.

Steve Granitz/Wire Image for H&M

Another look:

Jimmy Choo for H&M

We aren’t going to devote too much space to this however, as the collection isn’t available online in the US and not everyone is near an H&M.

There are a number of interesting stories on this line and the growing trend for fashion collaborations and defusion lines, including this piece from ABC.

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One final joint effort to share today: the Badgley Mischka line for HSN, American Glamour.

The collection is scheduled to launch November 17th with a special program on the shopping channel, but from the looks of things, many pieces (if not the entire line) are already available online.

The Animal Print Bag is showcased in either a Cheetah or Zebra pattern, selling at $349.90.

Price points run from $39 to $499; the collection includes clothing, jewelry and accessories. (But no housewares as in Isaac Mizrahi’s line for QVC discussed in Tuesday’s post.) The Big Bold Ring is $59 and the coordinating 5 Stone Necklace is $79, $69 for the event price. (?)

The Hinged Cuff Bracelet runs $99.

Courtesy HSN

We find this all more-than-interesting to watch from the sidelines, the marketing and merchandising techniques are fascinating.

HSN/American Glamour

WWD’s story on the line says the launch online at HSN is November 15, but everything seems to be available now.

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According to this story in today’s Times, Blake Lively hair is all the rage.

Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

“At the Bumble and bumble in Bloomingdale’s, Michael Wilson, a stylist, said that more than half his customers ask for the “Textured and Tousled, or Curled and Swirled” styling … It is a request he attributes to Ms. Lively’s hairstyle.”

And the popular Gossip Girl star’s reaction?

““I didn’t really realize the extent of it,” Ms. Lively said of her hair’s popularity, though she had an inkling: fashion forerunners like Vogue staffers routinely approach her at events and fixate on her hair, she said.”

Finally, news that may put smiles on the faces of some fashionistas, while creating scowls for others: one may now purchase both Chanel and Louis Vuitton handbags at CostCo.

A post at StyleList notes the discount warehouse has the Classic Chanel Flap bag at $1999 :

Daniel Acker, Bloomberg via Getty Images via StyleList

From today’s Post:

“The Post found plenty of small-living-space-appropriate surprises in-store.

Like the massive wall of Ugg “Ultra” short boots ($124.99), the Chanel classic flap handbags ($1,999.99) and the classic Louis Vuitton “Speedy 30” mini-duffels ($589.99).”

Of course this is in addition to the Burberry, Tod’s, Ferragamo and Coach merchandise at Costco, at least from what we read.

We’re guessing Costco is not carrying this:

Courtesy Photo via Grazia Daily

This creation from Vuitton honors the Red Cross.

Courtesy Photo via Grazia

This story in Grazia explains more about the limited edition item:

“The box was commissioned by Patrick-Louis Vuitton, a fifth-generation descendant of the founder who says, ‘When reflecting on our collaboration with the Red Cross, it came to my mind to create a special Red Cross kit… [this is a] visually impactful and a truly unique piece.'”

The upscale leather goods firm is also donating a percentage of proceeds from certain handbag sales to the Red Cross.

For more on these efforts and loads of fab photos, click here.

With that we say good bye until next time!

Black Friday Ads: Target, Polo Ralph Lauren & Hilfiger & J. Crew, Banana Republic Outlet Stores

Greetings of the day and all appropriate niceties, we thought it best if we just shared this information with you right away.  We have more information on a number of Black Friday sales, starting with Target’s ad, available here.

To view the complete insert that will be in local newspapers the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, click here.

Also, expect lower prices at your local Boutique Tarzshay for the foreseeable future, especially in the clothing and home store areas.  The effort to jumpstart Target’s slow sales includes going head-to-head with Walmart on some merchandise, along with using the online component to boost sales. From a recent Associated Press story:

“The company will also offer half a dozen “value items” online every day at special prices.”

“We have taken a very aggressive point of view this year in terms of our promotional pricing, so we expect to be price leaders on selected items … “

The information for the Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Stores event is also now available; they are calling the promotion ‘Midnight Madness.’

Courtesy Polo Ralph Lauren

We will continue to monitor them for information on what to expect at the regular Ralph Lauren stores as well as what additional savings are planned at factory stores other than this initial 20% discount off purchases of $150+.

Tommy Hilfiger is offering substantial savings for Black Friday:

There are also a number of coupons for specific savings, like the one shown below, “Save an Additional 25% on any $200 Purchase,” but we have no idea if one must have an “official coupon,” or if it could be printed off any site, like ours.

The J. Crew Factory Outlet stores are also doing Black Friday:

If it is difficult to read the small print up above, early risers who shop before 10am can take an additional 50% off clearance styles, nothing to sneeze at.

Bath and Body Works is doing a VIP Bag with purchases over $100, their scan can be seen here.

They are also doing Buy 1, Get 1 at 50% off now…

…along with several “Secret Online Sales.”

Other savings at specific factory outlets and stores:

• Banana Republic Factory Stores Midnight Madness 40% off the entire store! Expires: 11/28/08
• Eddie Bauer Factory Stores Midnight Madness Save an extra 30% off your entire purchase. Ad Code: 5700. Expires: 11/28/08

Vera Bradley will be offering free shipping on Dec.1,

We are a little surprised at Nautica’s listings, essentially $20 off a purchase of $100 or more, not nearly as aggressive as we anticipated considering their ongoing struggles in the marketplace.

For online shoppers, right now the company is offering free ground shipping on orders totaling more than $100.

On the electronics front, Best Buy has a number of discounts and markdowns that can be seen here.  The retailer will open at 5am the Friday morning after Thanksgiving.

Circuit City will also open at 5am; their ad scans are available here.

We do not yet have specifics on the Ann Taylor Loft stores, but can tell you they are now taking an Additional 40% off already reduced prices, a good deal in and of itself…

as well as offering a $25 gift card for every $50 you spend.

Keep an eye on the Tanger Outlet store site as well as the Prime Outlets site; both are decent resources for updates on special discounts and hours for the stores, although Tanger provides much more information than the Prime Outlets site offers.

When we have more on other retailers generally thought to offer a ‘preppy aesthetic’ or preppy styles, we’ll get that information to you, including the non-factory store sales and markdowns.