Signs of Panic for Monaco Wedding? A “Preppy Revival” & Kate Middleton’s Prep Look (Again)

Hello-Hello, and happy Monday.

There is an abundance of news to share, we begin with a story about the upcoming wedding of Monaco’s Prince Albert to Charlene Wittstock, seen below heading into Westminster Abbey for the marriage of Kate Middleton and Prince William.

Chris Jackson/Getty Image

The Sunday Times (London) carried a story titled “Alarm Bells Ring for Albert’s Wedding”.

With only two months to go before the 53-year-old Albert exchanges vows with Charlene Wittstock, a former Olympic swimmer from South Africa, invitations have yet to be sent out. “Albert and Charlene” wedding memorabilia is not yet ready. Nor is the commemorative postage stamp or a “Princess Charlene” rose that was supposed to have been created by now.”

With all due respect to the Principality, the lack of a commemorative stamp or hybrid floral component hardly seems catastrophic.  However, one would think those invitations need to get in the mail fairly soon. And there are other issues we hadn’t thought about. Back to Matthew Campbell’s article:

“Another worry is that Albert could end up being embarrassed by the mothers of his illegitimate children.”

Perhaps the most glaring part of that sentence was “mothers,” as in plural? Multiple offspring? Recognizing much of the world finds the American perspective on monogamy and children born out-of-wedlock to be provincial, we remain convinced Albert’s mother, Princess Grace would not be thrilled at the situation.  More on the offspring from Mr. Campbell:

“Nicole Coste, a former Togolese air hostess and mother of Alexandre, 7, has a record of turning up uninvited at Monaco’s red carpet events and is said to have been signed up by German media to give an account of Albert’s big day.

It is not known whether Albert’s 19-year-old Californian daughter, Jazmin, and her mother are on the guest list. They may turn up anyway, furious at the rejection.”

Below we see the couple awarding Rafael Nadal the winner’s cup at last month’s Monte Carlo Masters tournament.

Claude Paris/AP Photo

The event does sound as though it has the potential to get a bit off the track (understatement of the week), at the very least an interesting case study for those studying such things. One last portion of the story:

“Displaying signs of panic, the palace protocol chief in charge of the wedding has sent for reinforcements, hiring two experienced French wedding planners. It is hoped, at least, that the date, time and venues of festivities will not be subject to further changes…”

To read the entire story click here to visit a forum with the entire post (the Times is available by subscription only). There is an official wedding website for the media.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Several stories referencing the prep aesthetic have surfaced in the last several days, below we share part of a story from Savannah Now, sister site to the Savannah Morning News.  From an “An Ode to Mommy Fashion“:

“There is also the preppy mom of uniformed preparatory school children. Her uniform is collared shirts and conservative solids and plaids.

Old-school brands like Brooks Brothers, Lilly Pulitzer and Ralph Lauren are returning this preppy look to popularity. Does your mom delight in her latest look from Lilly? Does she casually toss her sweater over her shoulders while watching your tennis match? Yes, preppy mom is back!”

The piece is illustrated with a vintage Time magazine cover.

Time Inc. via Savannah Now

If that doesn’t evoke wistful thoughts of another time, a more civil and genteel time, I don’t know what will.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Next, a story looking at “The Preppy Revival in Fashion”

“It’s been patronised by icons from Grace Kelly and Jackie Onassis to Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow but, give or take the odd overnight fad (the choppy “Rachel” haircut in the 1990s for example), it’s never dominated fashion.

Now it appears that Alexa Chung’s white cuffs were the tip of the iceberg. The global preppy movement currently bubbling under the fashion radar is not going to be merely a “revival”.

Writer Julia Robson’s story ran in The National (UAE), offering an international perspective.

“New preppy, though, is more glamorous and distances itself from campus and vintage looks. Think everyone’s new favourite fashionista Kate Middleton – who never looks anything but exquisite in her pared-down, impeccably ironed clothes – and you are good to go.

New preppy isn’t about Charlotte Olympia clunky platforms or Hervé Leger cleavage dresses. It’s classic Burberry raincoats, neatly pressed cream silk blouses and dainty hats all the way. It involves quality labels, conservative styles, not wearing too much make-up or tampering with natural hair colour (though brunette home hair-dye is seeing off its rival, blonde).”

Ms. Robson wisely distinguishes between classics and fads.

“Amazingly, by preserving… fundamental preppy stalwarts such as classic raincoats, brands like Ralph Lauren and Burberry look fresher than ever. The fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger is particularly enjoying a fashion “moment”.

Not surprisingly, Prep World, Mr. Hilfiger’s collaborative collection with Lisa Birnbach, is mentioned, as is the quirky “Meet the Hilfigers” campaign.

Craig McDean via Design Scene

Click here for the entire story, it makes for a good read.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Speaking of Mr.Hilfiger, add his name to the list of designers who would like to dress Kate Middleton the Duchess of Cambridge.  From Vogue UK:

“”Catherine has a very classic yet modern style,” Hilfiger told us. “I would love to dress her and I think she already has the makings of the perfect preppy!”

That list of designers is lengthy indeed.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We leave you with a few images from the weekend’s events.

Al Bello/Getty Images

Mornings at a racetrack are indescribable, stripped of the frou-frou accompanying the actual race. This is especially so at marquee events.

Al Bello/Getty Images

As always, the hats were delightful.

John Sommers II/Reuters

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Rob Carr/Getty Images

The more whimsical chapeaux are also fun.

Jeff Haynes/Reuters

It was an amazing race.

Travis Lindquist/Getty Images

Hopefully Animal Kingdom had a little treat with his dinner. 🙂

Garry Jones/AP

Lilly Pulitzer Furniture, Kate Middleton in Burberry

Hello-Hello, welcome to a wet and rainy Wednesday, truly a beautiful thing. (When contrasted to the other form of precipitation recently seen here in The Great Midwest, of the white, flaky variety.)

We begin with a note of appreciation to our treasured readers, we thank you for your gracious patience as we undergo a little redesign of our space here on Planet Blog, it really was quite unexpected and not something we intended to do at this particular point in time. Unfortunately, your trusty scribe struggled mightily in comprehending the distinction between the “Preview” and “Activate” buttons when wasting time casually surfing intently studying design options for the blog. You can imagine the conversation here at The Prepatorium once yours truly realized that “Activate” meant precisely that.

TP: Ummm, do you have a sec? There might be a little hiccup with the blog.

TC: Define hiccup.

TP: Ahh, well… the layout looks kind of different.

TC: What is ‘kind of different’? Do you want me to go look at it or something?

TP: Ummm…both? Please?

Following The Consort’s time researching and fixing what could be fixed glancing at the blog and making a few changes, a conversation ensued.  There was some discussion that included questions about just how a certain someone with a hypothetically high IQ moderately distinguished educational record and decades of successful business performance a little background in the business world might confuse the “Activate” and “Preview” words. Indeed.

So please bear with us as we get the “new look” sorted out and integrated into the blog. (In reality, it must be noted The Consort deserves sainthood or similar recognition for his gallantry and patience in coping with what could have been a truly disastrous situation.)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Next, an update on the Lilly Pulitzer Furniture Collection launching this spring.

HFI Brands Facebook Page

With apologies to our Facebook fans for any repetition in content, we thought it appropriate to let those interested in the topic know that the company making the collection, HFI Brands, has launched its Facebook page.

HFI Brands Facebook Page

HFI has posted an album with images of the new line, there is much to see.

HFI Brands Facebook Page

Lilly fans will appreciate the brightly colored interiors of pieces like the Ocean TV Cabinet in white and blue, as well as the Mirasol Jewlery Armoire with that bright pink inside.

The collection includes more than 200 pieces, with something for everyone.  Upholstery pieces featuring the new Lee Jofa Lilly fabrics, case goods, accent and occasional pieces, mirrors and more.

HFI Brands

For those not on Facebook, hopefully HFI or Lilly will share photos on its website at some point.

One more quick note on Lilly, the company is profiled in Rent the Runway’s Behind the Seams column. For those not aware of the company and how it works, the website says that customers rent upscale dress and accessory brands online for 10% of an item’s retail price. While not familiar with the service, it certainly seems to offer a novel approach for frugal fashionistas.

At any rate, there is a nice little story with Janie Schoenborn in the company’s blog, done in a Q&A format.  Here is a sample:

“How do you celebrate finishing a collection?

When we have decided on the prints we celebrate by naming them. We pride ourselves on the funny names we give the print…sometimes a little naughty. The team all gets a coffee (meaning cocktail) and we sit together and name…laughing all the way!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Frequent readers know we occasionally share the ways other countries and cultures define preppy. In today’s offering, “A Guide to Preppy” from UK retailer YogoEgo.

YogoEgo

From the montage, “This means preppy school girl classics with a twist of sophistication.”  Geared to the younger set, to be sure.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Finally today, Kate Middleton sported Burberry yesterday on a surprise visit to Belfast with Prince William yesterday.

PHOTOS: Reuters (L) & AP (R)

Miss Middleton was applauded by the media for showcasing a British fashion house, the wool cashmere coat retails for roughly $1050 at today’s exchange rates.  Also yesterday, Clarence House released private Middleton family photos of the future Queen on the official Royal Wedding website, including this one of the couple the day they graduated from St. Andrews.

Via Royal Wedding Website

On that note, goodbye until next time!

A Gossip Girl’s Fashion Faux Pas, Neiman’s True Prep Effort

Hello-Hello, and happy Thursday.

We have all manner of Bits and Bytes to share, the majority of today’s tidbits are fun and frivolous, with little or no redeeming social value whatsoever. We begin with an item we mentioned yesterday on Facebook, with apologies to our friends from that venue, we simply must show it again.  For only the fifth time in its history, the Hope Diamond was moved from its place at the Smithsonian.

Ann Heisenfelt/AP

The legendary piece was moved to the Harry Winston 5th Avenue flagship for a gala Tuesday night. It was also the first time the stone was seen in its new temporary setting, some readers may recall that the design was selected by the public through an online voting process.

From WWD’s story about the event:

“The security surrounding the Hope diamond’s appearance at the Harry Winston store last night rivaled that of a sitting President. There was to be no mention that the stone would be at the party, everyone was advised to bring photo ID and doors were locked at 7:30—no exceptions for latecomers.”

This photo gives a better sense of how truly immense the stone is.

Ann Heisenfelt/AP

Celebrities on hand for the big party included Halle Berry and designer Rachel Roy.

Perhaps the only thing discussed as much as the famous stone was the clothing selection made by actress Leighton Meester.

Image via Styleite

The Gossip Girl star’s lacy jumpsuit from Marchesa was sheer, there is nothing earth shattering about that; unfortunately we are all seeing far more of the “too little fabric, too much flesh” syndrome.

The problem with the piece was how much of the back of the jumpsuit was sheer.  As in all of it. (We’re not showing that image, to see how sadly the outfit missed the mark, click here, or here.)  From Refinery29:

“Don’t get us wrong—we love pants-off Tuesday as much as the next guy—but only in the privacy of our own homes. It seems someone forgot to give Leighton Meester the memo.”

It was a surprising miss from the young actress, for if she is criticized at all by the fashion media, it is generally for playing things too safely, too conservatively.

One of Ms. Meester’s costars is known for frequently wearing more daring looks; that may or may not be a factor in Blake Lively landing yet another Vogue cover, this time for a special edition.

Vogue Magazine

The actress is featured on the cover of Vogue Best Dressed. To see the Top 10 on the magazine’s list, click here.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Next, a few new books, both appropriate for gifting. The first showcases creations by Louis Vuitton.

Courtesy Image

Louis Vuitton: 100 Legendary Trunks will be released December 1, the title aptly describes the book; below we share a portion of the publisher’s description:

“…100 of the finest trunks the Louis Vuitton company has produced on commission, including boxes made for movie stars from Douglas Fairbanks to Sharon Stone and couturiers from Jeanne Lanvin to Karl Lagerfeld, as well as cases designed for Ernest Hemingway, Leopold Stokowski, and Damien Hirst.”

Here is a look at the ‘Deluxe Edition’.

Via High Snobiety

This version will only be available at Vuitton stores and through the company’s website.

The other volume we want to mention looks at interior design, the content all comes from T&C, one of TP’s favorite magazines.

At Home with Town and Country is the first home book from the magazine, the book offers a look at some of the magnificent homes and living spaces seen in the magazine.  This one was released in September, so it is available for purchasing now.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Also today, it seems Neiman Marcus is embracing the prep style aesthetic, the NM Guide to Prep claims to offer “everything you need to achieve true prep status”.

Neiman Marcus

The guide is merely a collection of merchandise, with an an array of ideas for your MOTH (Man of the House). There are some obvious choices on the list, like the Hunter Boots and Neiman’s own brand of Pocket Squares.

The Lacoste Long Sleeve Polo and perhaps even the Armani Ties would make the cut.

But the Gucci Embroidered Crest Cardigan or the Burberry Wallet?

To quote Nancy Reagan, just say no.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Our final item is dedicated to Muffy Martini, properly so when seeing the Question of the Day on auto-enthusiast site Jalopnik, where the question was asked, “What Would Muffy Drive?”

“As long as there are private boarding schools, Brooks Brothers button downs… and girls lacrosse there will be preppy kids with stupid names and nice cars. What would “Muffy” drive?

Here is the photo shown in the post:

Via Jalopnik.com

On that topic, g’bye until next time!

Burberry’s Biker Looks for Next Spring, Goodbye to a Prep Favorite

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a wonderful Monday here at the Prepatorium.

Why is it such a fab day? Because The Consort went we dispatched the IT department to retrieve The Consort’s computer; it is home again, back in its proper place and humming away.  Even happier? One tubby big-boned bulldog.

WRONGLY ACCUSED!

Silly Tilly is no longer living under a cloud of suspicion, vindicated after being wrongly accused of somehow breaking the computer.

And we’re also happy campers, back after a refreshing little trip away from the Palace. We were blessed to spend time with relatives at their idyllic ‘cabin’ nestled away in a serene setting here in The Great Midwest.  Waited on hand and foot, we blissed out with a panoply of sunshine, college football and delicious meals.

Now, some might feel the exterior decor detracted from things.

HEAVEN

But we like to think of ourselves as broad thinkers, entirely capable of supporting the scarlet and gray. For a day. (Heh, heh, heh.)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Back to bloggy business, prior to the great mac meltdown we spoke about sharing some of Burberry’s spring 2011 styles from London Fashion Week. Hopefully the topic doesn’t strike you as a moldy oldie, as we begin with a look at some of the faces seated in the Front Row. (Indeed, some outlets now capitalize this moniker.)

Alastair Grant/AP

You may recognize some or all of the celebrities: Sarah Jessica Parker, Alexa Chung, Serena Williams, Britain’s Andy Murray.  Below we see Anna Wintour and another photo of Ms. Williams.

Let’s get to the actual accessories and apparel.

Referred to by many trade publications as Biker Chic, next spring’s collection featured lots of leather, snakeskin, super high heels and studs.

Handbags for next spring.

From WWD’s story on the collection:

“Christopher Bailey roared into new territory with an homage to motorcycle gear in its most luxe iteration. Burberry’s chief creative officer swapped fall’s shearling aviator jackets and sharp, buttoned-up military coats for a tougher, tighter-fitting silhouette in the stylish spirit of James Dean.”

Here is a closer look at one of the styles.

Catwalking via Daily Mail

A tighter shot shows the quilting in the pants, and how high the heels really are.

Giovanni Giannoni/WWD

Another look at some of the handbags.

Giovanni Gionanni/WWD

There were bright pops of color amid the black, deep navy and brown.

But the majority of styles included tougher, dark looks.

More from the WWD review (Women’s Wear Daily, subscription required):

“And while this was one turbo-powered collection, Bailey skidded, at times, into dangerous territory. The biker jackets paved with spikes and studs were overwrought, and there was nothing elegant or fresh about those flashes of python on trousers, dresses, and jackets.”

Sadly, the heels proved to be too high for one model on the runway.

Via The Cut

In an unusual move, but one that could become the norm, Burberry is offering some of the Spring 2011 coats and bags for sale now. As most treasured readers know, the span of time between runway show and actual purchasing possibilities is usually months, not days.

Burberry

A few notes on the early selling: these orders will not be shipped for seven weeks, and the opportunity to purchase the spring pieces ends tomorrow night, the 28th.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We have news on the Lilly Pulitzer Fall Warehouse Sale, the dates have been announced as Nov. 19 (7a-8p) and Nov. 20 (8a-4p) the Valley Forge Convention Center. We want to publicly thank the ladies running the Re-Lilly Facebook group for the info. BTW, this group is definitely the place to be if thinking about re-purposing any of your Lilly items, from clothing to stationery to bedding, or finding info on pattern names, inquiring about sizing on specific items, etc.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A sad piece of news today, CK Bradley is closing.

CK Bradley

This is a Princess fave, an outstanding company started by Camilla Bradley when she was a student at Trinity, then grown into into a solid prep favorite with stores in the city and Newport. The New York store closed last year, and the Newport store will also be closing in the next month.  It’s possible we’ll be able to enjoy the designer’s talents in the future, Summer is a Verb mentions that Ms. Bradley is looking at doing a ski line.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We leave you with a Pretty in Pink and Green.

Via Flirtbuttons on Etsy

The Whale Pendant is handmade by Flirtbuttons.

On that perky image, we say Thank You for all of your patience with our technology challenges, and g’bye until next time!

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Giovanni Giannoni/WWD
• Dave M. Benett/Getty Images for Burberry
• Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Burberr/
• Suzanne Plunkett/Reuters

Why There Isn’t A Preppy Princess Post Today, Version 2

Hello-Hello, happy Wednesday to all, and thank you for stopping by the humble Prepatorium.

We were planning a post with oodles of pictures from yesterday’s Burberry show at London Fashion Week, along with other drivel tidbits, but there is a bit of a hitch in the get-along. What normally looks like this…

Looked this way early this morning.

Courtesy The Consort

We hope it isn’t determined to be this.

And while not quite at this stage…

We need to hear from this guy before we can do anything else.

A certain housemate here at the Palace swears she didn’t do it, but that was before the surveillance images were discovered.

Official Prepatariat Security Camera Footage

As feared, when she was approached by the authorities for questioning, look what happened.

Courtesy Tilly T. Bulldog

She is currently being detained; while the investigation is ongoing, all we can say is that she tried to put the blame here.

We’re not buying it.

Hopefully The Consort’s computer will return back soon and we’ll be back to blogging. Until then, g’bye.

(For those curious about “Why There is No Preppy Princess Post Today” version 1, click here.)