Chanel Couture, LL Bean Signature & Kate Spade Spring, That Girl Scout Cookie Quiz

Hello-Hello, we must begin with a tip of the hat to our friends being battered by this insanity.

Matt Rourke/AP

Above, Philadelphia digs out. Again. And below, while we generally eschew the word, traffic jams in the nation’s capitol last night can only be described as “epic”.

Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post

It is especially challenging for a locale already coping with overburdened roads, let alone a place where the average *total* snowfall is 12 – 14 inches.

Washington wasn’t alone, you know it is wacky when Saks has to post this on its Twitter page:

Saks via Twitter

No wonder they opened late, here is how Fifth Avenue looked this morning.

Timothy Clary/AFP/Getty

And Park Avenue.

Timothy Clary/AFP/Getty

We wish all of you confronting the just-plain-tedious weather could be someplace like this instead.

Via Travel in Style

But only if you take us with you.

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As mentioned earlier this week, Paris Couture Week is underway, showcasing what some refer to as “the most expensive dresses in the world”.  There were some rather fascinating aspects of yesterday’s Chanel show:

Bertrand Guay/AFP/Getty

The Guardian has more:

“…the show opened with Stella Tennant, a 40-year-old model with whom Lagerfeld has a longstanding friendship, and closed with 46-year-old Kristen McMenamy…”

Isn’t that a lovely thing to see for some of us approaching a certain age all of us. Some reviews noted the lack of pink styles, but the color was present, albeit in a more pastel tone.

The line’s signature tweed was seen in many pieces.

There were also floaty, frothy styles.

Some looked almost other-worldly.

Again, the attention to detail is extraordinary.

Those interested in seeing the entire show online, click here.

Via Chanel

Elsewhere in Paris, creations at Elie Saab (L) and Valentino (R) shows were equally stunning.

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In an effort to keep spirits up despite the snow, cold, sleet and altogether-too-dreary weather we share more spring and summer fashions; below, LL Bean Signature.

LL Bean Signature

But that footwear seen above? On the dock? We think not.

LL Bean Signature

Bean is posting photos on its Signature FB page, but there are already spring pieces up on its website. We like the Silk Dress and Belted Twill Jacket.

Two more looks from Bean’s trendier line. (Is that an oxymoron?)

And one more.

LL Bean Signature

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A few more quick spring hits, the first via Kate Spade.

Kate Spade

These qualify as Pretty in Pink (and Green).

Kate Spade

Two more bags, both fun and perky.

Kate Spade

Our final spring styles, these are from Jaeger’s spring and summer line.

Courtesy Images via Catwalk Queen

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One quick news headline about two of our favorite brands, Brooks Brothers and Nordstorm. By the fall you will be able to purchase Brooks merchandise at Nordstrom. including the men’s and women’s lines, along with the new Fleece collection for children. Our pal Christian over at Ivy Style broke the news late last night, this is sure to be welcome news for many.

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We leave you with a mention of Girl Scout Cookies and a little quiz we flunked earlier today.

Wall Street Journal

The quiz is an online component accompanying this story in the Journal about the possibility that the Scouts may cut back on the variety of cookies they offer. The idea of the quiz is to match up the name of the cookie with the appropriate photo. It took your faithful correspondent more than 21 moves to accomplish the task. However, another resident of the Prepatorium managed to accomplish this in only 13 moves.

There you have it.

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Pascal Le Segretain/Getty
• Francois Mori/AFP
• Gianni Pucci/GoRunway.com
• Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters
• Benoit Tessier/Reuters

Gossip Girls Do Chanel, New Designer Baby Goods at Targét

Hello-Hello and Happy Thursday from the corner condo here at The Prepatorium!

We apologize for the completely disorganized random nature of today’s post, we have only a few items to offer as we are simply swimming in a frenzy of business. Not that we complain, mind you, nay-nay, but there just are not enough hours in the day.

We begin with a summertime update on those favorite faux prep-school students from Gossip Girl.  It is the fall couture season, both Blake Lively and Leighton Meester were front row at Tuesday’s Chanel show in Paris.  WWD’s Stephane Feugere took these first two photos.

Ms. Meester wore leather Chanel while Ms. Lively was in a silk Chanel frock; both wore Christian Louboutin heels.

Ms. Meester and Ms. Lively, along with many other cast members, are shooting next season’s episodes in La Ville-Lumière (the City of Light).  We have nary a clue as to whether or not the following advisory is needed (TP has never seen an episode of the program), but we’ll trust the Women’s Wear Daily story; it carries an alert, so we shall share this advance warning as well.

***SPOILER ALERT***

There. Now it is safe to share a few tidbits:

“Blake Lively — aka Serena van der Woodsen — let slip a few plot hints at the Chanel couture show. “It involves hidden identities and Chuck and Blair bumping into each other, and just love affairs and beautiful clothes,” she said.”

Photo: FAME

Looking at the image of Ms. Lively approaching the set, we are more concerned about the return of even bigger shoulder pads are on the way than any plotlines. Below, costars Ed Westwick and Ms. Meester are seen in costume.

Even we can tell that this next snippet from the WWD story is safe to share, it shan’t ruin any upcoming episodes:

“Leighton Meester said she had just taken a break from her role as queen bee Blair Waldorf by playing a character who is “sort of dorky and uptight and a bit insecure” in the teen flick “Monte Carlo,” co-starring Selena Gomez and Katie Cassidy.”

Here are two more looks, via JustJared.

There may actually be some Chanel/Gossip Girl linkage if the rumors this photo prompted are reality.

Trago/FilmMagic via Glamour UK

The picture of Blake Lively and Karl Lagerfeld leaving the Ritz together has many speculating that the Chanel Grand-Pooh-Bah might be making a guest appearance on the show.

Another Gossip Girl phenom was spotted at men’s Fashion Week in Milan.

Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/Getty

Chace Crawford put in an appearance at the Dolce & Gabbana show last month.

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Of course, everyone who is anyone on Planet Fashion is in Paris.

Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters

We are simply smitten by the ensemble seen on Ms. Wintour below.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty

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Next, a look at some of the new infant goodies now available at Le Boutique Targét.

Target Courtesy Image via All the Rage

Several new designer collections are now available at Target through mid-October, according to this report at All the Rage. The cute pink and green items seen above are by Baby Buggy for Target, the other line being offered is by Little Seed, a maker of organic cotton goods.

Courtesy Target

Another special edition item at Le Boutique, Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bags in pink, and on the right, the bag in blue.

Both are also known as ‘Clever Carryall Diaper Bags’; both are $49.99

The designer duds and accessories are all part of a larger fundraising effort for Baby Buggy, the charitable group providing baby necessities to those in need.

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Two quick Mad Men notes. First, a different look for Betty Draper actress January Jones.

Courtesy via InStyle

Ms. Jones is seen here in the look done by celebrity hair stylist Mark Townsend as part of his new online magazine. We are more used to this style for Betty.

AMC-TV

Our other note comes via Very Short List, a look at the soon-to-be-released “Mad Men Unbuttoned: A Romp Through 1960’s America.”

From the VSL story:

“Here you’ll find anecdotes and analyses of a time passed. Did you know, for instance, that Don Draper is based on a real ad man named Draper Daniels? Or that a polite wedding night in the ’60s didn’t involve sex? If yes, there’s plenty more.”

The book is available for pre-ordering at Amazon.

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And a few quick updates to our Monday and Tuesday posts on the Lilly Pulitzer Fall 2010 Gift and Stationery Collection.  (Those not fond of Lilly can simply skip to our next items.)

• Our first shipment of the new Lilly Agenda Books and Pocket Agendas arrives here at Princess Intergalactic HQ tomorrow! The Consort & I mighty Princess staff will have them turned around and winging their way to you late tomorrow or early Saturday.
• The Lilly Personalized Acrylic Home Collection should be available around September 1st. As soon as we know more and have product photos we will post them on our Facebook page and/or here.

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We share a few Argyle Adventures, these two via Under the Palm Tree; both are Lilly sweaters, both are reduced in price to $76.80 and both were originally $128.  The are also both the same model, on the left, the Halle sweater in pink and green argyle on white and on the right, the pink argyle Halle V-Neck.

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Two quick Sales & Savings opportunities to share, the first at Vineyard Vines.

Vineyard Vines

And also at Garnet Hill.

GarnetHill.com

Because we care about the state of your pocketbook.

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Our final image is another sent by our friend MLD (she of the Jon Hamm/Mad Men Mizzou story), this one answers the question “How hot is it?”

(No, that is not Silly Tilly, she said it was too hot for any photo ops!)

Additional Photo Credits:

• Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Party Frocks, Mad Men, & the Perils of 8 Inch Heels

Hello-Hello and Happy Monday!

Some may be starting the week with less rest than normal, we know loads of friends stayed up last evening to watch the goings-on at the Kodak Theatre.  As always, hits and misses littered the scene once all was said and done.

We loved the Marchesa gown Best Actress Sandra Bullock wore.

The fabric was exquisite, and Ms. Bullock wore the gown, it did not wear her.  We adored her comments on choosing The Dress:

“There are so many gorgeous dresses out there I couldn’t possibly predict the trends,” she said. “My stepdaughter picked out my dress yesterday.”

Cameron Diaz was stunning in Oscar de la Renta, we called it the Fairy Tale Princess dress.

Gabourey Sidibe was radiant in blue Marchesa.

We laughed (and agreed) with the Twitter comment asking how many Muppets had to die to create Zoe Saldana’s Givenchy Couture gown.

The top portion of the dress was simply breathtaking. If only the lower half carried out through the theme.

WWD’s post-mortem had an insightful thought on the styles seen last night:

“Some, though, seemed a bit overwhelmed by their looks. Miley Cyrus in Jenny Packham looked less sexy than Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka.”

Of course, comportment always has a significant influence on any appearance. Below we see the darling bow on the Jenny Packham dress and Ms. Mirren’s oft-discussed tattoo.

We struggled with Sarah Jessica Parker’s look, it seemed to channel the sixties but appeared a beat off, whether it was the hair or eye makeup, we’re not sure.  More from Women’s Wear Daily on her gown:

“…donned a Chanel Haute Couture gown “that Mr. Lagerfeld so nicely made for me when I asked him,” was so in love with her dress “that I don’t want to give it back. I also don’t want to sit down, because the back is so beautiful.”

Fitting in one’s seat must have been challenging for some:

Donato Sardella/WWD

Tighter shots better show the diaphanous fabric used for Amanda Seyfried’s Armani Privé creation, as well as the Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.

While some awarded Mariah Carey points for ‘most improved,’ the Valentino didn’t work for us. The diamonds were provided by Chopard.

One report speculated the entertainer may be “in a delicate condition” (our term) and also commented on the struggles this particular ensemble presented:

“Wearing extremely high eight inch heels… and a dress that prevented her from actually walking on her own, Carey was held up by her security guards.”

“I don’t think I can do this,” she whispered.”

Most were not fond of Charlize Theron’s Dior Couture dress,and one report referred to Virginia Madsen’s gown from Kevan Hall as being “Frumpytown”.

Some celebrities took advantage of an opportunity to wear more than one party frock; below we see Faith Hill with husband Tim McGraw at the Oscars in one dress and in another gown at the Vanity Fair party.

Not everyone received the “less is more” memo this year; Hilary Swank’s dress for the after parties was by Valentino.

Also seen at the Vanity Fair party, Mad Men’s Jon Hamm and girlfriend Jennifer Westveldt.

Craig Barritt/Getty

Co-star Christina Hendricks attended along with Jennifer Hudson.

Others at the annual fundraiser for the AIDS Foundation included the Jonas Brothers….

Gus Ruelas/Reuters

Heidi Klum and Rachel Zoe…

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Olympians Apolo Anton Ohno and Johnny Weir….

Refinery 29 has compiled some wonderful montages, including their “Most Divisive” list:

Refinery 29

There are scads of places to look at more fashion coverage, including the Refinery 29 post mentioned above, InStyle, FabSugar and WaPo’s story.

We were puzzled by an unusually cranky-looking George Clooney.

Perhaps he forgot the reminder posted for celebrities as they face the cameras.

Until next time!

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• John Shearer/Getty
• Jason Merritt/Getty
• Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
• Frederick M. Brown/Getty
• Amy Sancetta/AP

About that Debutante Ball…

Hello-Hello! This has already become a wild and wacky week, who knows what may be around the corner?! We only know we have a hefty volunteer schedule this afternoon, so we are flying out the door very shortly, prompting this post to be of the One Topic Tuesday variety!

And the topic is a fun one, the promised update on Saturday’s Bal Crillon des Debutantes in Paris. (For our earlier post including one deb’s woeful depiction of her purple hair, click here.) Below, the formal portrait of all 24 young ladies:

Jean-Christophe Ballot/ABACAPRESS

Friday night’s pre-party looked like loads of fun for the girls and their parents. Below, Forrest Whitaker, Autumn Whitaker and Keisha Whitaker.

Lady Kitty Spencer and her escort Richard Dennen at the Friday night function.

No comment on the young woman’s dress. Could it be just angle of the photograph?

Preps for the big night were intense, as one might expect.

Below,Francesca Eastwood.

And then it was the big night. Below, Lady Kitty Spencer in Bruce Oldfield, Autumn Whitaker wears Jason Wu, and Francesca Eastwood in D&G Haute Couture.

Those reading last week’s post on the Bal may remember Jane Aldridge, a deb who blogs, she can be read at Sea of Shoes.  Below we share one of her photos from that blog:

Courtesy Sea of Shoes

And here is a sweet behind-the-scenes shot of Miss Aldridge and her sister as the big moment approaches.

Courtesy Sea of Shoes

And being a technical whiz, the young lady also Tweeted the photo via Twitpic. One more photo of Miss Aldridge, she wears Chanel Haute Couture.

The first Australian debutante at Bal is Georgina Robertson, and she wrote a blog for the Telegraph.  Here is an excerpt from her post:

“For three days my feet haven’t touched the ground – and not just because I’ve been wearing 10-inch heels. Le Bal is a fairy tale event in which the aristocracy rub sequinned shoulder pads with the celebritocracy.”

Below, Miss Robertson in a casual look.

More from her blog post at the Telegraph’s site:

“The weekend in Paris then became an endless flurry of hot hair rollers, make-up, trying on diamonds, couture fittings and fashion shoots. We posed, we pranced, we danced and kept going all night despite the crippling foot pain. Balancing on a box in stilettos for two and a half hours for the group photo shoot and waltz-whirling definitely took a toenail toll!”

The photo accompanying the post shows (L to R) Lady Kitty Spencer, Angelica Hicks in Lanvin, Carinthia Pearson in Alexander McQueen and Georgina Robertson in Collette Dinnigan.

The Telegraph

Below, Antonella de Lutio from Italy wearing a Zuhair Murad dress.

In classic Consort style, upon seeing this photo he asked “What is that she’s wearing? Someone’s chenille bedspread?”  Ahem.

Miss Robertson’s post in the paper raises the issue about the practice of ‘coming out,’ a tradition still celebrated in many locales around the country and around the world.

“Some people have said that it’s old fashioned for girls to “come out”. (My mother is particularly worried that it means she will have to “go in”.) But none of us is waiting to be rescued by Prince Charming. We are all students, with academic aspirations. But just because we’re standing on our own two stilettos, doesn’t mean we don’t want to be twirled around the ballroom in them.”

Another candid shot of the young ladies.

We think an official launch into society remains a wonderful and festive way of acknowledging one’s step into adulthood and accompanying social activities.  It is a special and magical time in a young lady’s life, and while some are dragged kicking and screaming through the process, others embrace it and cherish every moment. (Well, most moments, it is never all fun and frivolity.)

Many readers know we are actually in the heart of the season for many cotillions and balls, we expect some will be dealing with such activities over the next several weeks! We need to hear from our treasured readers on the topic: does it remain a fabulous tradition to be honored and continued, or is it a hopelessly antiquated practice whose time is gone? (Psst – you can probably guess where we are on this topic.)

Until next time (when we hope to update that Zac Posen for Target story that broke over the weekend), g’bye!

Meet the Crillon Debs, More Preppish Black Friday Updates

Hello-Hello and greetings from a rather frenzied Prepatorium!

We jump right in today with a look at some of the young ladies making their debut this weekend at the Bal Crillon in Paris, always a fascinating event filled with pretty people and stunning party frocks. (Previous participants include Lauren Bush, Scout Willis, Victoria and Vanessa Traina, and Lily Collins.)

This year’s group includes Francesca Eastwood, daughter of Clint Eastwood, seen on the right in the photo below; younger sister Morgan is on the left.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty

Also entering society, Lady Kitty Spencer, seen below on the cover of Tatler, (she was named the magazine’s ‘Girl of the Year’).  The young Lady is the daughter of Earl Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother.

Seen in a more casual photo, this debutante will be wearing British couturier Bruce Oldfield, a favorite designer of Princess Diana’s.

Frederic Nebinger/ABACAPRESS.COM

Also making her official entry into society, Autumn Whitaker, daughter of Forest Whitaker and actress/model Keisha Whitaker.

Christophe Guibbaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

Today’s story in WWD about the Bal notes that Miss Whitaker will be wearing Jason Wu and shares a bit more on her escort:

“Friend William Bellingham, who can trace his ancestry back to Sir Anthony of Bellingham, 8th Baronet of Castlebellingham.”

A young lady who happens to be a delightful blogger is also part of this year’s class, Jane Aldridge.

Frederic Nebinger/ABACAPRESS.COM

Miss Aldridge writes the Sea of Shoes blog and has also designed two capsule shoe collections for Urban Outfitters. We are guessing the teen is probably more concerned about her hair than she is about shoes at this time; here is part of Saturday’s post from her blog:

Courtesy Sea of Shoes

Miss Aldridge will be wearing Chanel Haute Couture.  We can only hope the poor child’s hair turns out as she hopes.

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The holiday season increases the amount of merchandise described as ‘preppy’, with most merchandise labeled this way resembling nothing most readers would own, but it is that time of year.  We were pleasantly surprised when perusing the Prepster gift guide at PlazaToo suggesting this Shearwater Boot from Sperry.

On the flip side of the coin, a new boot debuting this Friday, created jointly by Ralph Lauren and Ronnie Fieg.

PHOTO: Pj Monte via High Snobiety

The new Ranger “Cookie” boot will only be available at hip shoe emporium David Z and its online site.  Clearly not for us, but the David Z site does have some fabulous markdowns on footwear for those in the mood for a little harmless shoe surfing. (Ahem.)

We move to another Ralph Lauren-related item, one of today’s updates to our Black Friday listings.  The Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Outlet Stores offer a 20% discount on purchases of $150+ after midnight Thanksgiving night/Friday morning.

Courtesy Polo Ralph Lauren

We enjoyed the helpful suggestions included with a portion of the copy detailing this year’s Midnight Madness event, tips on how a “well-planned excursion creates a more enjoyable environment” and remembering the “generous spirit of the season”.

Courtesy Polo Ralph Lauren

Ah, an effort at bringing civility to a rather uncivil occasion, laudable on PLR’s part.

We also have an update on Lacoste; this retailer is not waiting until after Thanksgiving to start its sale.

Lacoste is offering 30% off all merchandise as of now; use promo code THANKS09 at checkout to receive the discount.

Eddie Bauer is promoting its Thanksgiving Weekend sale; like Lacoste’s promotion, the Bauer sale is also in progress.  Yesterday’s post offers more Preppish Sales and Savings information.

Finally, we close with a look at our “9 Under $10“.

This was actually supposed to be “10 Gifts Under $10,” but someone here at the Prepatorium is clearly incapable of performing the most rudimentary math functions. (That would be yours truly, most assuredly not The Consort.)

At any rate, our idea was to make a quick and easy list of preptastic gift ideas for Christmas, Hanukkah, whatnot, all of them under $10. Friends who visit us on Polyvore may have already seen this little effort, but we want to blanket the Planet (heh-heh) as part of our ongoing efforts to Protect Your Pocketbook. The Seaside-themed Notecards, Custom Key Fobs, Magnet Packs and everything else you see is fiscally friendly, $10 or less.

With that shameless self-promotion, we say G’Bye until next time, may everyone enjoy a perfectly splendid evening!