Sneak Peeks: Zac Posen & John-Paul Gaultier for Target, Longchamps Sale

Hello-Hello and welcome to a Thursday Friday!

Many thanks to all for their lovely comments  on yesterday’s post, we appreciate the support more than you may realize.

Back to today, there is lots and lots going on!  In an effort to jam it all most of it into this post, we’ll do some of the newsbytes headline-style

Our Twitter followers saw this yesterday, but for those who don’t Tweet, we were spreading the word that Longchamps is on sale at Magnums (the best online dealer for the brand IOHO, and more importantly, an authorized vendor), with discounts of up to 40% on some pieces.  (A bit of unsolicited advice: if interested, don’t dilly-dally here, go shop now, styles sell out quickly at these prices.)

The Longchamps site also has markdowns on some merchandise; if unable to find your heart’s desire at Magnums, it is worth a visit.

Also in Longchamps news, WWD reports today that model Kate Moss has done a line for the luxury label, scheduled to launch in stores February 11.  Ms. Moss has been the brand’s face for several years.

How could we not do this for today’s Pretty in Pink?

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Other bullet points today:

• Jimmy Choo is doing a line with Uggs.  No, we did not make this up.  (However, another individual here in the office did ask if this makes the new collection “Chuggs”.)
• Word is that Bloomingdale’s is working on opening outlet stores to better compete with Neiman’s Last Call and Saks’ Off Fifth.  Lord & Taylor’s first outlet store opens in February.
• Women’s Wear Daily also has a story about the future of Martin & Osa, the concept store American Eagle Outfitters debuted in 2006. The story quotes retail analyst Liz Smith:

“The older customer AEO attempted to target with M+O proved hard to please and AEO has struggled with fit, design and building awareness for the new brand,”

Ouch.

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WWD also has the news about a new face at Polo Golf:

Courtesy Photo via WWD.com

Webb Simpson has been signed by Polo Ralph Lauren as a brand ambassador.

If interested in seeing precisely what looks Mr. Simpson is wearing, he is currently playing in the Sony Open in Honolulu. (Pssst, if in need of any polos from the Women’s Golf line, these are on sale!)

Polo Golf

That pictures looks like a pile of ice cream sherbet to us. Yumalicious.

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We have an early look at the Zac Posen for Target collection via Refinery 29 and Fashionista.

The collection is slated to be in stores April 25.

Fashionista has images of all the looks.

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But that is not the only designer line for Le Boutique Targét we have photos from – Refinery 29 snagged pictures from Jean-Paul Gaultier’s upcoming collection.

This group launches March 7.

From their story on the collection:

“At times the looks can look sweet, ranging from prim floral A-line skirts to bustier tops with a chipper, sailor’s neckline. But other times the looks can be positively head-scratching.”

And finally, Fashionista is reporting that Target’s next designer collaboration will be Tucker by Gaby Basora.  Below a few looks from that line:

Photo via Blackburn & Sweetzer

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We leave you with two delicious looks, the first a different take on a classic.  Regular readers know are familiar with our completely irrational devotion fondness for Hello Kitty; below, the Hello Kitty LOVE Pendant in sterling with Pink and White sapphires/diamonds. It is available at some Zales stores.

The second item is related to someone’s addiction to appreciation of a certain snack food:

Hershey's

The Hershey’s Kiss Pendant in sterling is rather cute, perhaps a little something for a Valentine on your list.

With that sweet thought we say g’bye for now, hoping everyone enjoys a simply splendid weekend.

Major Papers Talk Preppy Style

Hello-Hello and happy day to everyone!

We’ll jump right in today with a few things we never seem to fit in our daily posts, despite the fact we start out planning to include them every. single. day.  We are so slow in sharing them many readers are likely to have already seen them, yikes! Here they are in completely random order:

1) The Times had an outstanding story from David Colman a few weeks back in their Dress Codes series, “The All-American Back from Japan,” examining contemporary preppy style.  A sample from the article:

“There is madras everything, button-downs everywhere. Nantucket reds — washed-out pink pants — are the new khakis; Sperry Top-Siders are more common on roof decks than top decks; and the Polo pony and the Lacoste crocodile are now but two of the critters in a zoo of polo shirt insignia.”

The story is accompanied by a companion slide show, “Dress Codes: The Preppy Look” with excellent photos from Dean Isidro. Below, the gentleman wears Benjamin Bixby, Lacoste, Trovata, Brooks Brothers Black Fleece, Marc by Marc Jacobs.

PHOTO: Dean Isidro/NY Times

The article looks at the history of ‘preppy fashion’ in the US (or more appropriately, that particular moniker for the style) as well as what Mr. Colman refers to as “…the Japanese penchant for Americana…”.

Some of the brands cited in the story and slide show are definitely not “your Father’s preppy style,” although again, TP’s family never referred to it this way. If asked and forced to describe the look TQM probably would have merely said it was conservative or classic, perhaps being so bold as to inquire  “why do you ask?” as it wasn’t something one consciously thought of or needed to discuss. The only possible exception might be if one the children dared desire something out-of-the-norm, in the “no, no, that’s not something we wear” category. How did your family refer to their clothing style? Or did they?

We highly recommend the story and slide show, they are great fun and offer a slew of new brands, some of which you have seen showcased in this space, such as Band of Outsiders, and others we probably won’t be sporting.

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2) Also on the radar for quite some time, this story from the Times of London’s online site:

Preppy power

From twinsets and pearls to cashmere hoodies — new fashion tribes are taking their lead from the Sloanes

The story is another fun read, offering a slightly different perspective as it originates from the far side of the pond.

“Yet rapidly growing numbers of people are embracing the preppy look — whether it’s stripy boat-neck T-shirts, argyle sweaters, brogues or cotton pea coats. Look closely and you’ll see preppy is having a makeover right under our noses.”

The story breaks the preppy looks into five different styles, including Euro Preppy, Fashion Preppy and Power Preppy.  Prince Harry’s former flame, Chelsea Davy, is pictured as an example of Public School Preppy:

PHOTO: Antony Jones/UK Press/PA Photos

A reminder that in the UK ‘public schools’ are actually what we call private schools here in the States, for example, Miss Porter’s or Choate would be called ‘public schools’ in England.

The article also has scads more details with the writer’s ideas on what brands specific prep types would wear, their ‘best looks’ as well as “A Look Too Far,” our favorite sub-category.  Prince William’s girlfriend Kate Middleton is classified as a Euro Preppy, although the story notes:

“To be fair, Kate is more neo-Sloane ranger, but, for obvious reasons, the Euro preppy holds her in high esteem.”

As to the paper’s suggestions of a Power Preppy, they include First Lady Michelle Obama in this group. Rather than bore you with more recitation of the article’s content we suggest one toddle on over and personally read the story, we highly recommend it. A visit to the fabulous Europa Fox is also likely to provide far better insight than anything we offer.

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True Chanel addicts with pin money (okay, investment quality pins) to spare will be pleased to learn of the 1980’s and early 90’s Chanel jewelry and accessories now being offered at high-end vintage retailer Resurrection.  Some pieces serve to remind us that the development of LogoPhobia is not merely in reaction to recent creations:

Courtesy Photo via WWD

If interested, the catalog of goodies can be downloaded by clicking here.

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TP is ever-so-excited to learn one of our favorite spots for retail therapy is undergoing a bit of a lift, so to speak.  Fashion Island in Newport Beach (CA) is going to have some work done, adding wonderful stores like Nordstrom to the roster of existing shops, including Neiman’s, Saks, and Bloomies.  Below, an artist’s sketch of the ‘new and improved’ Fashion Island.

Courtesy Photo via LA Times

The LA Times has the full story.

We leave you with some of the soon-to-be-out, or already available magazines one will spot at the local newsstand:

Courtesy Time Inc.

There are reports of at least two west coast memorial services, one on July 3rd, the other July 10th.

Courtesy People

There is also a report that the Jackson family has been denied permission to bury him at Neverland Ranch.

Courtesy Post-Newsweek

Brooks Brothers Black Fleece Announcement, Tory Burch Sunglasses

Hello-Hello and Happy Monday!

We must say that having the U.S. Open on the TV here at Princess InterGalactic HQ certainly makes for an enjoyable work atmosphere.

We begin by saying that once again TP is forced to publicly acknowledge her inability to properly assess the intricacies what qualifies for ‘cool’ in the world of fashion. To whit, today’s news that Brooks Brothers is opening not just one, but two more standalone Black Fleece stores.

Yes, it’s that Black Fleece with all designs by Thom Browne, he of the shorter pant lengths, a style we are constitutionally incapable of wrapping our little pea-brain around.

Above left, the Black Fleece Madras Cotton Blazer (now at a far more fiscally-friendly $515 as opposed to the original $850 price), and on the right, the Two-Button Classic Oxford Jacket (selling at $600, originally priced at $1000).

Our lack of ‘hip-itude’ is demonstrated by our surprise at the news. The new stores will be located in San Francisco (in the old Simon Pearce spot on Fillmore) and in Tokyo.  WWD reports (Women’s Wear Daily, subscription req’d.) the west coast store will be open by September.

Clearly we do not have our finger on the pulse.

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In news of a gossipy sort (gasp), another Gossip Girl cast member has landed the cover of a popular magazine. This time it is one of the Gossip Guys, actor Chace Crawford, on the cover of People; he has been named the magazine’s “Hottest Bachelor.”

PHOTO: Courtesy People.com

While TP has yet to view an episode of the hit program, we do try and pay attention to the fashions from the show and other information.  We didn’t realize that co-star Penn Badgley originally wanted to have the Nate Archibald role Mr. Crawford has made famous.

PHOTO: Lance Staedler/People Magazine

Nor did we realize Mr. Crawford shares an apartment with Ed Westwick, another co-star.  For a People magazine video with Mr. Crawford as well as more photos, click here.

PHOTO: Albert Ferreira/Startraks

Now for our Question of the Day: is it just us, or does Mr. Westwick bear an unfortunate resemblance to a ferret?  Perhaps it is his hair?  He doesn’t look nearly as … ah, nearly as…. ummm… we’ll just say ‘intense’ in this photo from Thursday’s K-2 event at Bloomingdale’s. In fact, he looks rather charming.

PHOTO: Will Ragozzino/Getty

Also in the news, Gossip Girl actress Blake Lively, seen below with hairstylist Jennifer Johnson at the NYWIFT Annual Awards. We are confused by the trench coat over the party frock, unless it was a sponsored wearing of said trench, a strong possibility as it is also what Ms. Lively wore inside.

PHOTO: Neilson Barnard/Getty

We’re presuming everyone will sleep better this evening being up to speed on these latest events surrounding the hit show. (Heh-heh-heh.)

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Despite the soft economy, Bloomingdale’s is opening the only Turnbull and Asser store-within-a store.  Previously one could only purchase Turnbull & Asser merchandise at the company’s own stores.

Photo: Elissa Wiehn via Men's Style

This comes on the heels of the retailer’s unveiling the massive (7,000 square feet) Polo Ralph Lauren shop-within-the-store.

PHOTO: John Aquino/WWD

The newly refurbished Polo area stocks both Blue and Black Label goods, and actually has its own door on the 59th St. side of the flagship.

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Also today, news  that Tory Burch is adding sunglasses to her line; they will be available sometime in November.

PHOTO: WWD Staff

The oh-so-chic shades will run $135 to $195.

PHOTO:WWD Staff

The frames are being made by the same company that makes Ralph Lauren and Tiffany frames, so we expect they will be quality items.  Best of all, it appears they may not activate our Logophobia as we’re not seeing any of those telltale signs in these photos!

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We close with a reminder to pop over and visit Whale Flip Flops for your chance to win a Carrie & Tuck portable writing center….

Carrie & Tuck at PreppyPrincess.com

The winner will select the color of their choice, Pink, Navy, Green, or Chocolate Brown portfolio. And we are also including a Preppy Alligator Refill Set to keep someone well-stocked in cute paper for the summer.

With that, we say adios until next time!

More Fiscally Friendly Bargains of a Prepalicious Sort

Hello-Hello everyone and Happy Thursday!

Today we have an abbreviated version of The Preppy Planet. We are headed to The Big City shortly for an afternoon watching our favorite baseball team take on Texas.

Before we go, we wanted to share a few more Sales and Savings opportunities as we head toward the holiday weekend, beginning with a Princess favorite, Kate Spade.

KateSpade.com

Now through the 25th take an additional 30% off all sale items. 

Next, Bloomingdale’s Big Brown Bag Sale offers “25-40% Off Select Merchandise” now through Monday.  

Neiman Marcus continues their Last Call Clearance…

And the fiscally friendly offerings continue at Tory Burch. 

Banana Republic is touting “Memorial Day Savings Event” as is sister company Piperlime with their “Sweet Deal Event“. 

And with this we are off and out the door, playing hooky in the sunshine with the Consort at the Ballyard! It simply doesn’t get any better than this dolls, we are more than grateful to be such a lucky girl.

Smiles for you, and hope you have a simply luscious day!

Next Target Designer & Another Argyle Adventure

Hello-Hello and Happy Spring Fever! It is so fantabulous we are officially decreeing today as…..

… Prepalicious, the feeling is utter bliss here at the Prepatorium; we hope the same can be said for your corner of the globe.

We start with news of the next designer collaboration for Target. The Boutique will offer another jewelry line, this one in tandem with the oh-so-wonderful Anna Sheffield, perhaps better known to some readers as the designer of Bing-Bang jewelry.

Courtesy Anna Sheffield via Hungry Elephant/S. Varady

The Anna Sheffield for Target Collection launches August 30; it will be online and in stores through December 30.  Last year the designer teamed up with Urban Outfitters for a line. Below, a cuff currently in the Bing-Bang group.

Bing-Bang Courtesy Photo via WWD

Additionally, Miss Sheffield’s Hobo Bag was featured last year on Gossip Girl.

In addition to her own website, Ms. Sheffield’s work is available at Intermix, Shopbop and other retailers.

Speaking of Gossip Girl… we have a few updates for readers, starting with news that actress Leighton Meester has officially signed a record deal, with an album release expected this fall. We are more-than-tardy mentioning a fashion spread featuring Ms. Meester in the NY Times magazine.

PHOTO: Terry Richardson/NY Times

The Moment blog also has a story with the 23-year-old that fans may enjoy reading.

People has an interesting online update pegged to Monday’s return of Michele Trachtenberg’s character (Georgina Chapman) to the UES. One thing addressed in the story is what seems to be finds an incredibly high rate of intra-cast romantic relationships:

““I haven’t tasted or drank the love potion yet because I’m actually not dating anyone from the set,” Trachtenberg jokingly said. “But we all roll up with Red Bull in the morning, so maybe there is something in there.”

“With Ed Westwick dating Jessica Szohr, Leighton Meester meeting boyfriend Sebastian Stan on the set and lovebirds Blake Lively and Penn Badgley still going strong, Trachtenberg admits it’s usually only a matter of time before costars hook up.”

Of course.

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Just to prove we retain our capacity to cope with late-breaking news, we offer the latest for your consideration:

PHOTO: Andrew Milligan/AP

There is more in this article from The Daily Mail. Oh, what exactly does this have to do with preppiness, other than the possibility that is a Burberry scarf? Nothing.  Not a thing, dolls, we apologize.

There you have it.

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We have an interesting Argyle Update today, if only because of the individual sporting the argyle:

PHOTO: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

Yesterday First Lady Michelle Obama was wearing another Junya Watanabe argyle cardigan. Does it look familiar? Readers may recall Mrs. Obama in another colorful sweater by the designer during the G2 trip to Europe in early April; if not, this post may be of assistance.

The designer is no stranger to argyle, it is one of the reasons we are drawn to his creations. Below, a vest from this spring’s Comme des Garcon collection for Colette.  But prepettes also know it’s not exactly Brooks Brothers standard issue.

Courtesy Junya Watanabe via Hypebeast.com

Again the First Lady looks beautiful. We love the bright colors in her cardigan. However (you just knew this was coming) we are simply never going to adapt to daytime sequins despite intense counseling from the Fashion Herald and Wendy. We’re constitutionally incapable. It Just. Will. Not. Happen.

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We close today with a look at some of Kenneth Paul Block’s amazing fashion illustrations. First, “Babe Paley in Mainbocher and Amanda Burden in Sarni”

PHOTO: Courtesy Kenneth Paul Block via WWD

Next, Ungaro Dress, today’s Pretty in Pink:

Courtesy Kenneth Paul Block via WWD

Mr. Block created magnificent drawings for W and WWD as the principle in-house illustrator for Fairchild Publications, frequently using members of the ‘jet set’ as subjects. Below, Jackie Kennedy Onassis in a Valentino jumpsuit.

Courtesy Kenneth Paul Block via WWD

The artist also did numerous illustrations for upscale retailers like Bonwit Teller, Bloomingdale’s  and Bergdorf’s. In March Mr. Block donated almost 1900 drawings to the MFA in Boston.  For a real treat, pop over to the Museum’s Textile and Fashion Arts Facebook page and gaze upon the fabulosity. One can also check out Drawing Art: The Fashion of Kenneth Paul Block at their local library or consider adding it to their personal library.

Mr. Block passed away last week; he was 84.