The Birds, Bugs, Fish & Fowl on Your Chest + Jason Wu Targét Update

Hello-Hello, and happy middle of the week.

Today we share a story from last fall about logos on polo shirts, obviously it is a topic we have nattered on about relentlessly occasionally mentioned in this space. More from Charleston’s Gazette-Mail:

“Polo shirt” has become a standard name — like “T-shirt” or “khakis” — to describe a knit shirt.

But after recent visits to my college-age children in Alabama and Virginia, I’ve learned there’s a zoo full of animals adorning the chests of students on campuses throughout the South.

Part of the article examines the broad (growing ever-broader) variety of logos now adorning the ubiquitous shirts. The story is illustrated with this graphic, showing just some of the many icons now besmirching seen on the shirts. (In reality, some of the icons are pretty darn cute. I still prefer mine sans logo, but that fish is darling.)

W. Virginia Gazette-Mail

For those not familiar with each and every logo shown in the illustration, here is a quick rundown, beginning with Psycho Bunny (a Consort fave)…

Psycho Bunny

Southern Proper…

Southern Proper

Brooks Brothers…

Brooks Brothers

Vineyard Vines…

Vineyard Vines

Southern Point…

Southern Point

Southern Tide…

Southern Tide

Polo Ralph Lauren…

Polo Ralph Lauren

Southern Marsh…

Southern Marsh

And Eddie Bauer.

Eddie Bauer

The writer, Sara Busse, brings up a little family history in the article.

My dad, far from preppy and not a golfer or a tennis player, wore the little penguin shirts (by Munsingwear) around the house on Saturdays. Now Brad Pitt wears them. Dad was cool. Go figure.

Here is a 1970s era shirt like the one Ms. Busse describes.

Vendetta Vintage

But back to the present.

Look for Southern Proper’s Labrador retriever, or Southern Point’s German shorthaired pointer. These will set you back $75 or so. If you like bigger dogs, Southern Dignity is set to launch a Great Dane-embroidered shirt just in time for Christmas.

We did not see a Great Dane on Southern Dignity’s site, perhaps we overlooked it. (Who knew so many brands started with the word Southern?!)

A brand that certainly would have fit on the list would be Loggerhead Apparel.

Loggerhead Apparel

For a more in-depth look at the history of the shirt itself, Ivy Style offers ‘Le Crocodile: How Lacoste Became the Preppy Polo of Choice and Kyoto Maiko has a post on the topic as well.

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We were familiar with most of the brands discussed in that graphic up above, but always enjoy learning about new companies.  Here is a name that was new to us, Mahi Gold, offering styles ideal for wearing “from the boat to the beach to the deck to the bar.” Below, the Seaview Shift in both aqua and pink, the Claire dress, and on the far right, the Coastline Dress.

Mahi Gold

The company was started by brother and sister Michael and Becky Gorman, we like knowing the collection is Made in the USA. Another plus – everything is crafted of soft (but durable) organic cotton with a touch of Lycra for stretch (and comfort). They even have dresses available for your little one, below we show the Seaview Shift Dress for Girls and Toddlers.

Mahi Gold

To see a list of stores where you can buy Mahi Gold products, click here.

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Our other item today, a reminder about Sunday’s launch of the Jason Wu for Target collection.

Jason Wu for Target

Because the much-buzzed-about collection is only being carried in ‘select stores,’ Targét has even created a a Facebook page listing stores by zip code that will carry the line.

Jason Wu for Target

Target’s online photos are delightful.

Jason Wu for Target

Last week the company celebrated with a big do, below we see Gossip Girl’s Blake Lively and Chloe Moretz in pieces from the line.

Getty Images for Target via The Daily Mail

There are reports pieces from the collection are already on eBay. We aren’t even going to look, and hope to find a little something when the line is for sale this Sunday.  (For a peek at our post showing most of the collection, click here.)

A quick reminder about our Jack Rogers Giveaway, if you haven’t already entered, scoot on over and do just that, entries close at midnight on Friday.

Goodbye until next time!

Itty Bitty Things, Is An AntiPrep’s Manicure Ducky?

We have a number of tidbits to share today, so we’ll jump right in with a look at something that is just fascinating, especially for those fond of the Brontë sisters.

Here is an incredibly tiny book written by Charlotte Brontë.

Press Association via The Daily Mail

From a Daily Mail story:

The 4,000-word piece is handwritten on 19 pages each barely larger than a credit card and needs a magnifying glass to be read properly.

Written in 1830 when she was only 14, Bronte’s story contains scenes which bear a striking resemblance to Jane Eyre, her novel published 17 years later.

Press Association via The Daily Mail

The book is headed for the auction block, it will be offered at Sotheby’s December auction of English Literature.  More on the tiny tome’s background:

The story has been held in a private collection and its owners are said to have had no idea of its significance until they approached Sotheby’s in London about selling it.

To see the entire article click here.

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Another itty-bitty item we wanted to share, below we see an Alexander McQueen shoe. (For reasons unknown, yours truly has a fascination with miniatures that clearly hasn’t gone away with adulthood.)

"Shoes for Show" via The Sun

That tiny item is part of an exhibition, Shoes for Show, put together by online shoe store Javari.  Also included in the weekend exhibition, Christian Louboutin’s 8″ ballet stilettoes, created as a fundraiser for the English National Ballet. (It may be difficult to see, but yes, the soles are red.)

Christian Louboutin/Swarovksi

It looks like a fabulous show, if only it were on this side of the pond. Sigh.

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As frequent readers know we occasionally look at collaborations, like the Versace for H&M collection (available November 19,more in this post) or next year’s Jason Wu for Target line.  Mr. Wu has been busy, this one actually surprised me.

Brizo via Huffington Post

Jason Wu for Brizo makes sense in terms of the business relationship, the company has sponsored Mr. Wu’s runway shows since 2006. While we very much like Jason Wu’s design aesthetic, this one reminds us of the Vera Wang mattresses.

Brizo via Huffington Post

Items come with prices you would expect from a designer line, the Soap Dispenser on the left will run $105, the Odin Lavatory Faucet $799.  Perhaps Lynn from Decor Arts Now or Tina from The Enchanted Home at or Stacey at Quintessence can enlighten us on this trend in the home decor and home furnishings market.

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A Gossip Girl fashion update, related to a collaboration mentioned above and actress Blake Lively. Below we see her at last night’s Versace for H&M launch party.

Getty via Red Carpet Fashion Awards

Here is what Red Carpet Fashion Awards says about the look:

I love Blake, so this is going to sting.

She looks uber tacky. The Vivienne Westwood look aside, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her look so bad.

This black and white mini dress with grommet embellishments is way too tight. Just look at her bust and hips for confirmation.

Trust us when we say that launch party was *quite* the soirée, below we see Ms. Lively’s co-star Chace Crawford and Jennifer Hudson.

Getty Images

Definitely the place to be last night.

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One more tidbit, looking at a manicure seen on the hands an original AntiPrep.

Ian Gavan/FashionMagazine.com

The savvy folks at Fashion Magazine noticed the nails:

It’s a trend we’ve been trying to ignore for a while, but Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi keeps trying to make it happen—the duckbill nail. Dubbed as such because of the way the nail gets wider at the ends, it takes a long afternoon at the salon to achieve this extremely fake nail look.

Another day, another look.

Via

There are no words.

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Finally today, if anyone is still thinking about a way to honor those who served between now and Friday, these suggestions come via My Veteran’s Day.

MyVeteransDay.org

My Veteran’s Day is an offshoot of the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, a place the Consort has been fortunate enough to visit, a spot very high on my ‘must see’ list.

The Eyes Have It, Store Openings

Hello-Hello and welcome to another week, didn’t Saturday and Sunday just fly by?

We begin with a look at the new Tory Burch sunglasses, as seen on the designer herself in this ad.

Courtesy Tory Burch

This post on the Style File blog has more:

“The collection also features oversize squares and oversize rounds à la Jackie O, both with fairly subtle logo detailing on the arms.”

The line includes these foldable aviators.

Courtesy photo via Style File

Below, the Oversized Squares, and on the right, Rounded Aviators.

We don’t want to forget a reminder about the ongoing sale at Tory Burch:

The selection is being winnowed down, so scamper over for a look-see if so inclined.

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Ms. Burch is not alone in entering the optical market, Lilly Pulitzer is as well.

Courtesy Lilly Pulitzer

Here is a style we like, although they do not really exemplify those vibrant colors and cheery textiles associated with the “Lilly Look”. This is the Ella frame, and we adore the clean, spartan lines.

Courtesy Lilly Pulitzer/Kenmark

More in keeping with Lilly’s bright and sunny colorways, the Dasha frame:

Courtesy Lilly Pulitzer/Kenmark

Below, the ‘Lillian‘ model at Best Buy Glasses.

The eyewear is also available in children’s styles, a nice touch. Below, the Gaby frame:

Courtesy Lilly Pulitzer/Kenmark

A closer look at a pair from the Girl’s collection.

Courtesy Lilly Pulitzer/Kenmark

It is fascinating to see firms like Lilly and Tory Burch expand their product offerings.

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Many readers know how we feel about the current incarnation of Abercrombie & Fitch, as detailed in this post (“Those Abercrombie Abs Part 1“) and in this post (“Those Abercrombie Abs Part 2“), in which we discuss the retailer as it used to be, back in the olden days, when the label looked like this, reading ‘Abercrombie and Fitch, Country Clothiers.’

TP's Turtleneck

The turtleneck partially shown above was just removed from storage and placed back on the shelf for another season of wear, despite the fact many might refer to it as ‘vintage clothing’.  It could be 25 to 30 years old, we really don’t recall, we only know it is très comfy and also retains a high snuggle factor, imperatives here at the Prepatorium.

Wikipedia

(No, not this old, that’s from 1909!)

Back to the issue at hand: the wretched retailer opened its first store in Italy last week, only its second in Europe. On hand for the festivities surrounding the grand opening?

Courtesy photo via WWD

The young men are models for the new store in Milan.

Indeed.

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Also opening a new store (and with properly clad employees), Louis Vuitton.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

The new shop is also at one of our favorite haunts when seeking retail therapy, NorthPark in Dallas.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

We’ll trust Hopsy and other Dallas bloggers to fill us in on how the new establishment is in person.

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It wouldn’t be the Monday after Halloween if we didn’t gratuitously post about the costumes sported by Gossip Girl stars and IRL sweethearts Blake Lively and Penn Badgley. Ms. Lively was a flight attendant…

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty via Just Jared

…while Mr. Badgley was unclear on exactly who/what he was portraying; he also happened to be celebrating his 23rd birthday.

We must excuse ourselves now and seek out a quiet place to ponder the events of last night.

Courtesy AMC

We are more than concerned about Don and Betty.

Target’s Next Handbag Designer, Princely Polo, J Crew Talks Changes (More Price Cuts)

Happy-Happy Friday everyone, and may the sun be brightly shining upon you as we approach a respite from the frenzy that somehow took over the week.

We begin with news of the next designer collaboration for Le Boutique Tarzsay, aka Target.  The hip discount retailer is partnering with Carlos Falchi for a line of handbags in jewel tones like plum and teal, crafted of faux-snakeskin.

For those unfamiliar with this designer, we share a few current offerings from the upscale designer’s current collection, not associated with the upcoming Target line.

This will be Target’s eighth limited edition handbag collection; the line is slated to be available from Oct. 11 to Dec. 27.  Fashionistas can still purchase pieces from the company’s current collaborative effort: the Felix Ray for Target collection remains in stores until June 14.  (Pssst – several styles from this group are on clearance!)

Just to ensure we have a Pretty in Pink today, here is another piece from the current Carlos Falchi collection.

Falchi can be found at most of your standard stops: at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, eLuxury and Zappos.

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Big doings for Burberry yesterday in honor of the company launching their new Madison Avenue headquarters.  In fact, Mayor Bloomberg officially decreed it Burberry Day, and we’re sure readers will not be surprised to hear there were plenty of posh people celebrating such an amazing (ahem) and august occasion.  Many of the usual suspects were party circuit regulars popped in, or at least made sure to visit the red carpet area leading into the bash.

PHOTO: Andrew H. Walker/Getty

Actress Blake Lively from TV’s Gossip Girl was on hand,sharing her sentiments on what her favorite Burberry fashion is:

“I just live in my Burberry trenches,” Lively said about the fashion company’s signature coat.”

Indeed. Ms. Lively wasn’t the only G2 star on hand, co-star and real-life paramour Penn Badgley also made it to the festivities.

Andrew H. Walker/Getty

The pièce de résistance for Burberry execs was the unveiling of the company’s logo high above Madison Avenue:

PHOTO: Kambouris/Wire Image

While poking a little fun at some of these functions we don’t want to overlook a seriously good thing occurring in tandem with Burberry’s move into its new US digs. The company is putting $500,000 from their newly established Burberry Foundation into projects geared toward teens.

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Some may remember a bit of our incredibly tedious pontificating post discussing the “Business of Preppy,” as we call it. We have an update for J. Crew, who released financial results for the quarter in a conference call with financial analysts yesterday. While things are still not good at Crew (profits down a whopping 33%), they were better than hoped.

One of the benefits of the earnings reports is the accompanying information that looks at future plans.  In today’s WWD story (Women’s Wear Daily, subscription req’d.) on J. Crew’s financial performance some of CEO Mickey Drexler’s insights and plans for the future are revealed:

• Adjusting Crewcut prices downward.
• Getting more aggressive on marketing the new Crewcuts catalogue. The first edition made its debut earlier this month; the second comes out in August.

• Adjusting investments in higher-priced goods, including the range on Madewell jeans to emphasize those under $100 such as Madewell 37, priced at $59.50, and the “ex-boyfriend” style, priced at $95. Premium jeans can go as high as $198.

According to the story, Mr. Drexler indicated more J. Crew Collection and J. Crew Menswear stores are possibilities, saying he scouted locations this week in San Francisco and Los Angeles for such additions. And how does the retail and branding whiz kid feel about the overall situation?

“In a very perverse way, the bad environment was a big wake-up call. I kind of like it. The customer has become so much more acute and educated about buying goods.”

Good for Mickey, we have always admired his tenacity.

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Because we want to end on some Friday Fun, we close with a quick peek at an addition to our Lilly Pulitzer Stationery line: the Lilly Party Pack.

Lilly Pulitzer Party Pack

If buying all of the items separately the cost would be $61.50, a more-than-fair and reasonable investment IOHO (but of course, we are biased!).

Lilly Party Pack in Taboo

But why spend all that when you can snag everything you need in a Party Pack while lowering the cost to a mere $52.50!

Party Pack in Juice Stand

Let Lilly and the Princess do some of the work for you with a Party Pack!

Party Pack in Loco Patch

With those sunny images and bright colors we say sayonara until next time. And whether contemplating weekend activities that are lush and languid, or fast and furious, we hope you can savor each and every minute.

SILLY PRINCESS WARNING — FORGOTTEN CONTENT — SILLY PRINCESS WARNING

Whoops!!! In our fervor to pop into the sunshine we almost forgot to mention Prince Harry’s visit to the city today and tomorrow’s big goings on!

The Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic will feature some faces you may be familiar with:

This would be Nacho Figueras, arguably the best polo player in the world, captain of the Black Watch Polo team. He is also the face for Ralph Lauren’s Black Watch fragrance; Mr. Lauren sponsors the Black Watch team, and also sells limited edition apparel adorned with the team’s logo and Mr. Figueras’ number “2”.

The match this Saturday is destined to be great fun, pitting the Black Watch against another team featuring a famous face:

PHOTO: Matt Cardy/Getty

This would be Prince Harry, who also knows his way around and atop a polo pony. A news release on the event explains the ultimate good purpose behind the gala goings-on:

“Event proceeds will benefit American Friends of Sentebale, a U.S.-based charity that supports at-risk children in Lesotho, Africa”

HRH has already made his first official stops, posing for a photo with firefighters:

PHOTO: Chris Ison-Pool/Getty

On his way to placing a wreath at Ground Zero.

PHOTO: Pool/Lucas Jackson/AFP/Getty

This is the first official visit to the US by the Prince, his first as a child was technically considered a private event.

To view any of several videos showcasing the Black Watch, Mr. Figueras and the Polo fragrances he fronts, click here.

Now finally, we say adieu.

Old School Preppy & More J. Crew for the First Lady,

Hello everybody, please accept our apologies for the lack of a post yesterday. We have been simply swamped filling all of the Lilly Pulitzer pre-orders we received here at the Princess! It seems TPC (The Princess Consort, aka The Spousal Unit) gave the minions the day off! All of them! (Ahem. Right.)

So it seems we shall be forced to engage in actual manual labor again today. Honestly! But someone must help pack these…

Lilly Pulitzer Latte Da! mugs at Preppy Princess

And these….

Lilly Pulitzer Notebooks at Preppy Princess

Controlled chaos, yes, that’s what we have!

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We move on now to a look at Southern Proper’s new looks from their outstanding  Southern Seaside Collection.

Southern Seaside at Southern Proper

For those unfamiliar with this fine establishment, it is well worth an investment of time to gaze at their offerings.

Not only is the merchandise refined and elegant, it is also whimsical, a rare combination to find well done, as it is at this firm.

Southern Proper

While the company specializes in ‘Haberdashery for the Gentleman,’ they do offer their Belle Bands for the ladies:

Southern Proper

We have been planning on posting about the company for months, but receiving their Southern Seaside email finally nudged to do it and we’re glad we did; we always have fun looking at their superb merchandise.

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The Brooks Brothers Black Fleece shop received a visit from one of our favorite columnists, Cintra Wilson, another of the Critical Shopper writers at the Times.

In describing the look and feel of the store Ms. Wilson takes a shot at a retailer arriving more recently to the prep aesthetic:

“It’s a slightly gothic twist on the Old Money Athletic Club look, originally reified into postmodern absurdity when Ralph Lauren stuck crusty leather bridles and yellowing crew-team photos on mahogany paneling and pronounced it a lifestyle.”

Ouch! The story naturally focuses on designer Thom Browne, the man responsible for the Black Fleece collection; a few looks are shown below.

BTW, the Black Fleece Chesterfield Coat (above left) is now selling at $598; it was originally $4200.  Also above, the Double-Breasted Chesterfield in navy, originally $3700, now $598.  Double ouch.

Ms. Wilson approached her assignment with some excitement, eager to try on the apparel, but she was disappointed.

“I found, in most cases, that the proportions were a bit off. The necks were too tight, the skirts too tentlike, the busts flattening.”

The writer does more comparing between Mr. Browne and Mr. Lauren:

“Mr. Browne, like Mr. Lauren, nurtures a fetish for the trappings of Old School Preppy, but the Thom Browne alumnus seems to be a bit more pale, less muscular and more (ahem) eccentric. Picture a cross between Pee-wee Herman and Nurse Ratched, only more obsessive-compulsive.”

Ultimately Ms. Wilson concludes Thom Browne is a “gifted designer,” but one who needs to figure out how proportions differ between men’s and women’s clothing.

“While superb on a mannequin, Mr. Browne’s designs don’t seem to possess any sympathy for the kinetic demands of three-dimensional hips and breasts.”

BTW, there do not appear to be any Black Fleece spring collection pieces online. It may be the company is slow in getting them to the web, or perhaps they need to clear out more old inventory before showing current looks.  And a significant amount of old merchandise remains at Brooks’ online shop.  We did not see *any* pieces that were not discounted by at least 50%.

The folks at Rare Daily also review the recently-opened store:

“The interior is a masculine contrast to Browne’s shrinking suits. It’s lavish and upscale.”

However, we do have to disagree with their statement that “… (Thom) Browne is the new Black this season.”

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We haven’t updated the goings-on at G2 (Gossip Girl) lately, we’ll just do a quick hit mentioning Blake Lively at the premiere of her new film, “The Private Lives of Pippa Lee.”

PHOTO: Fabrizio Bensch/Reuters

Ms.Lively is wearing the Silk Trompe L’oeil Wrap Gown by one of our faves, Oscar de la Renta. (It is available online.) Also seen with the actress at the opening in Berlin, Zoe Kazan (R) and Robin Wright Penn (2nd R), and director Rebecca Miller (2nd L).

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Because we are just as concerned about your trust fund as you are, we thought it timely to share a few sales at retail establishments you may be fond of, like Banana Republic.  They have added to their already healthy clearance selection.

Banana Republic

We received another email from Polo Ralph Lauren this morning, touting their markdowns as well, “Now up to 75% Off“.

And the J. Crew President’s Day sale at their Factory Stores offer “up to 50% off” in their “Goodbye Winter Clearance” as well as 20-50% off “select Spring arrivals.”  This promotion runs through 2/18.

Speaking of J. Crew, the retailer must have been thrilled to hear that Michelle Obama wears another of their pieces in the March issue of Vogue.

PHOTO: Annie Leibovitz

We close with a little nudge to enter our Lilly Pulitzer Stationery Giveaway, if you are so inclined and haven’t already entered!

Happy day and smiles to everyone!