Hello-Hello, and Happy Friday! We are struggling to accept the fact that Christmas is one. week. away. Oneweekfromtodayomgwhatevershallwedo???? There. Enough hysteria; we solider on.
We have a hodge-podge today, including some last-minute gift ideas. Before we do anything else, we want to acknowledge Sperry Top-Sider, named Brand of the Year by Footwear News.
We’ve made no secret of our love for Sperry, especially some of their recent offerings, like the women’s Print Bahama.
As the editor wrote in naming Sperry:
“And while Sperry Top-Sider has owned the nautical category for a long time, clever updating and interesting collaborations put the brand ahead of the fleet in a tough year.”
Not all of the firm’s offerings are for us. The Women’s Abacos look uber-snuggly, but are clearly much-too-hip for TP.
Sperry shares the award with Sam Edelman.
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We begin our nautical gifts section with Jonathan Adler’s Whale Ornament, still available on the designer’s site. Crafted in unglazed porcelain this treasure comes complete with an elegant little box just ideal for gifting.
We like the alternative use for the whale described on the Adler site:
“Decorating tip: break off the metal hanging loop and these little guys are fab figurines sure to dazzle any tablescape or bookshelf.”
The ornament is not the only whale swimming on the Adler sea. How cute is the Salt & Pepper set?
Mr. Adler definitely has a flair for the nautical, his Anchor Rug is something we are rather fond of here at the Prepatorium.
This makes us think of the one and only Nautical by Nature, who has done a marvelous series of posts on nautically inclined gift ideas; they really are must-reads. (You haven’t seen adorable until you see the sailboat mobile she featured.)
We have always loved this designer’s work, his whimsical approach to design matched with the clean, unfussy lines seen throughout much of his work are very appealing. That is why we are just tickled to announce we shall be carrying his new line of stationery and gifts!
We are very excited about this one; if you would like to be on our Jonathan Adler mailing list, just click here and scroll down to see the mailing lists on the lower righthand side of the page.
Back to the nautical gift scene, the Brendan Set of two onesies looks precious, for a little one, we adore the nautical striping and sailor collars.
We found the set at ChicNautic, where there is a nicely curated offering of nautically themed goods. The Anchor Sweater at Bella Bliss is darling, available in sizes 12 months to 12 years.
Also from Bella, the Baby Whale Cardigan in three different colorways.
If that doesn’t send the Cute-o-Meter into the red zone, we don’t know what will. A more reasonable alternative perhaps, the Avery & Addison Whale bodysuit at Targét.
St. James Boutique is always a good stop; the retailer carries a broad variety of merchandise, all of it top quality. Their La Vellette knit jacket is timeless, and the Embrun Parka a workhorse.
They also have some darling stuffed animals for the Young Master and Miss of the House. We love the Plush Lobster for kids, along with the stuffed Crab.
The company’s slickers are attractive but also built for heavy duty; the Anita in pink is our favorite, but the Marie is also outstanding.
St. James is known for their striped tees. The Ouessant is on the left, and on the right we show the Chalut.
If one doesn’t mind beading on their tee (ahem) the Polo Ralph Lauren Otho Long Sleeve top might work.
The shirt also comes in navy blue and is currently reduced by 40% at Bloomies.
The Anchor Earrings by Helen Yarmak are seen in Elle’s Naughty Nautical feature, something we didn’t feel we needed to share in its entirety.
The good folks at Cape Cod Jewelers offer this elegant bracelet.
The man on your list might appreciate the Jack Spade Nautical Billfold.
This also comes in a rich chocolate brown if the lighter color shown above isn’t appealing.
Finally, the Nautical Towels at Preston’s are a fun way to bring a touch of the sea indoors.
May all of your shopping be smooth sailing.
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Now we move on, there are Sales & Savings opportunities to share. Brooks Brothers is promoting up to 60% off original prices in their Clearance Sale; this includes some Black Fleece for Women and Men’s Black Fleece as well. We like the Madras Bow Tie.
The colors on the right make it ideal for a U of M Wolverine fan.
J. Crew is doing an online only Extra 25% off sale, that additional discount is applicable only to sale merchandise. Use promo code EXTRA25 at checkout to receive the savings.
Hypothetically this ends Sunday night (the 20th) at midnight.
The Tory Burch Sale offers a healthy selection of products. We like the Pier jacket (L) and the Oriel cardigan (R).
The Neiman Marcus online only Last Call clearance offers an additional 30% off sale prices.
And Barney’s is in sync, taking an additional 33% reduction in price for their fall sale items. This covers some items in the Home Department, including several of the Fred Red pillows; from left we show Kaleidostripe, Modern Maze, and the Double X in chocolate.
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For today’s Pretty in Pink (and Green) we share the Monogrammed Onesie and Burp Cloth Set at Bella Due.
Sweet as can be in pink and green stitching complementing the bright pink and green ribbon. (Although we wonder if that bow on the onesie might irritate a little one?)
With this we send everyone wishes for a wonderful weekend, may it be merry and bright!