A New Retailer to Love, Also, Ralph & Oprah Together Again

It’s another busy Tuesday, so we jump right in with word of a new emporium offering SSP (serious shopping potential).  Behold, the just-opened C. Wonder.

Kyle Ericksen/Women's Wear Daily

Located in Soho, the boutique is the brainchild of venture capitalist and retail whiz Christopher Burch. Sometimes known as the former husband of Tory Burch, he has been one of the primary contributors to that brand’s success.  Below we see Maria Menounos (large photo), Kelly Ripa and Chris Burch, and Kelly Rutherford, all at the store’s grand opening.

Via PopSugar NY

We have been reading about the new shop for some time, it looks simply delightful. One aspect we particularly appreciate? It seems to have a touch of whimsy, much like that found at Kate Spade, an appealing characteristic for a retailer.

Via Design Wire

The boutique carries all manner of merchandise, including apparel and accessories.

Courtesy Photos

C. Wonder also offers homegoods.

Via Racked NYC

A montage of the housewares from HGTV.

Via HGTV

Most prices are less than $100, making this a fiscally friendly place to shop, always a bonus. Mr. Burch has aggressive plans for expansion, more from the Journal:

Three additional C. Wonder stores will open this year at the Westchester, Garden State Plaza and Roosevelt Field. Approximately 20 more will open in 2012 across the country.

Ultimately Mr. Burch hopes to have as many as 300 stores. Nor is this the only store being launched by the financier, the recently opened Monika Chiang in Los Angeles is one of his endeavors, he has several other brands in the works as well. The always fabulous Saving the Best for Last blog was on hand this weekend for the grand openin and says we’ll love the place, below we share a few of her photos. (Click here to read her post on the shop.)

Via Saving the Best for Last

We like what we have seen and heard about the store and its merchandise, not to mention the cute pink and green shopping bags!

Via PopSugar NYC

The brand’s strongest online presence right now is its Facebook page, probably the best bet for those of us not within visiting distance at the moment, at least until a more robust website is up and running. You can also follow C. Wonder on Twitter if so inclined.

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Our other item today, last night’s big doings at Lincoln Center. The festivities offered something for everyone, with an oh-so-chic dinner, Oprah Winfrey’s live interview with Ralph Lauren and a showing of next spring’s Ralph Lauren line.

Steve Eichner/Women's Wear Daily

Above we see the designer and Ms. Winfrey, as well as Dylan Lauren, and newlyweds David Lauren and Lauren Bush Lauren. (yes, it is the first time I have written her full name since the wedding, how fun?!) Here is more from a Women’s Wear Daily story:

In a sequel of sorts to their televised tête-à-tête earlier this year, Lauren coaxed the former talk show host back into the interviewer’s chair for the evening, which dually benefited the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention in Harlem and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (to the tune of more than $7 million dollars).

Below, Jessica Alba and Cash Warren.

Steve Eichner/Women's Wear Daily

Also on hand, Barbara Walters, Camilla Belle and Martha Stewart. (Ummm…how are we feeling about Martha’s platforms?)

Steve Eichner/Kristen Somody Whalen

TV types in attendance included Al Roker, Deborah Roberts, Hilary and Bryant Gumbel, along with Dr. Mehmet Oz and Lisa Oz.

Dimitrios Kambouris & Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Ralph Lauren Getty Images

Here is a better look at some of the party frocks, from left to right: Camilla Belle, Dylan Lauren, Jessica Alba and Lauren Bush Lauren.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Ralph Lauren

Clearly it was the place to be last night, to see and be seen.

With that, goodbye until next time!

A Busy Week for the Ralph Lauren Clan, An Unexpected Royal Wedding Dress Reaction

Hello-Hello, please forgive the lack of a post yesterday, things have been crazy-busy here at the Prepatorium.

We begin today with an update on someone we don’t follow in-depth, Dylan Lauren of Dylan’s Candy Bar notoriety.

Photo via Lifeguard Press

There is a significant amount of buzz surrounding the entrepreneur’s activities of late, not all of it limited to her popular candy stores. Some of it involves the launch of her new Stationery and Gifts line with our friends at Lifeguard Press.  Above she is seen at the official début of the new collection yesterday, wearing one of the Candy Bar Tiaras.

Ms. Lauren is also going to be featured on the cover of the May 23 Forbes.

Courtesy Forbes

From that story:

“When your dad is worth $5.8 billion, it’s not like you need to work for a living. But Dylan Lauren, 36, daughter of fashion mogul Ralph Lauren, devotes round-the-clock energy to her ten-year-old retail sweets business, Dylan’s Candy Bar.”

Some pieces from the new stationery collection are available now, like tableware for parties, pens, and sticker sets.

Dylan's Candy Bar at Lifeguard Press

Future additions to the line include agendas, scented iPhone cases and candles.

Ms. Lauren continues to work on expanding her original candy store business as she looks at other endeavors:

“The Manhattan flagship just got a liquor license and opened a redesigned upstairs space to serve candy-themed cocktails as well as pizza, cupcakes and ice cream. There’s talk of a children’s book and a TV show.

To see the entire Forbes story, click here.

In related news, expect to see Dylan, as well as the other Lauren kids on Oprah tomorrow, part of a show featuring Oprah’s interview with their father, Ralph Lauren.

Photos via Styleite.com

As portrayed in USA Today, the “queen of daytime is taking on the king of the runway.” (Cough-cough.)  Here is more from the paper’s story:

“As part of her élite eight — those last eight shows — Oprah Winfrey is sitting down Wednesday with the famously press-shy Ralph Lauren, who is giving his first TV interview in nearly 20 years, according to Harpo, and opening up his RRL Ranch outside Telluride, Colo., also a TV first.”

It is common knowledge within the industry Mr. Lauren is not at all fond of television interviews, tomorrow’s show is likely to do a huge number. (Translation: the show should have big ratings.)

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We bring you a quick look at a line we weren’t aware of until today, Regatta.

Regatta

The company’s runway show at Philippine Fashion Week caught our attention, the pieces are from the Holiday 2011 collection.

Via Regatta Facebook Page

Clearly derivative of sailing and beachside motifs, the line was intriguing.

Via Regatta Facebook Page

The downside is that we don’t see any locations where Regatta is sold in the US, so we can’t speak to the quality of the clothing. (A caveat if thinking about looking for the company’s wares online, this is not the same as the UK’s Regatta, a much older firm whose quality we can attest to.)

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A note for royal readers, expect to see author Andrew Morton simply everywhere as he hits the promotion circuit for his new book, “William & Catherine: Their Story“.

Borders.com

Mr. Morton is perhaps best known for his books on Princess Diana.

From his biography:

“He became an overnight sensation with the publication of his groundbreaking 1992 biography revealing the secret world of the late Diana, Princess of Wales.”

Although the book was published just three days after the wedding, the serious publicity only started yesterday, with appearances on morning shows, with lots more on the schedule.  The timing coincides with the launch of Mr. Morton’s new website, The Morton Report. To read excerpts from the new book, click here.

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We leave you with a “Help Me understand,” for your devoted correspondent is confused and we just know you can provide insight. Our question involves a surprising reaction to the Kate Middleton wedding gown, it seems a burgeoning number of fashion stories feature similar headlines, “________________ dresses like Kate Middleton at ______________” whatever event.  A case in point, Penelope Cruz and the Givenchy dress worn for the UK première of the latest Pirates film.

Photos: Courtesy Givenchy/Getty Images/AP

From The Daily Mail:

Very Kate Middleton! Penelope Cruz wears white lace to Pirates London premiere

“It had been said that Kate Middleton’s wedding dress would influence bridalwear for years to come.

But it seems her Alexander McQueen lace gown is influencing more than that, as Penelope Cruz showed when she arrived at the premiere of Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides in London last night wearing a full-length white lace dress”

Really? Are we supposed to believe that Penelope Cruz and/or her stylist saw the Sarah Burton/Alexander McQueen wedding gown and said “Oh, I must have something like Kate Middleton’s dress to wear in two weeks for the UK opening”?! We think not. (Unfortunately this is not one of Ms. Cruz’s best looks, she is generally in something much more flattering.)

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Our final note (so we don’t leave you thinking we are a Crankenstein), some of our favorite new pillows, perfect for the sailor in your family.

Cottage Coastal Store

One would also make a splendid hostess gift for your next visit to a friend’s cottage. On that happy thought we say g’bye until next time!

Oh, Those Party Frocks! And Prep World New York

Hello-Hello, it seems we might be back to “normal,” although ascertaining just what ‘normal’ is continues to evolve.

At the very least we return to more normal blather and bloviations topics, beginning with last night’s Met Ball. Considered by many as the fashion world’s Oscars, the night brings out the A-list.  As Hilary Alexander wrote in The Telegraph:

“In terms of style, effort, money and glamour, this red carpet mother of all fashion-fests, orchestrated by Anna Wintour for the last 13 years, outshines them all.

It was an occasion for the well dressed and the merely wealthy.”

Below we see Ms Wintour (yes, that is The André in all his regal splendor to her right) in a stunning Chanel couture gown. On the right she is with her daughter, Bee Shaffer, who wore Balenciaga.

Getty Images

The formal name for the event is the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala.  This year’s event coincides with tomorrow’s opening of the highly anticipated Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty show.

Met Photos via WWD

As one might imagine, coming on the heels of the royal wedding and the two Sarah Burton McQueen wedding gowns, the atmosphere was electric. Below, the woman of the hour, Ms. Burton.

AP/Getty Images

Sarah Jessica Parker was in vintage McQueen.

AP Photos

Hamish Bowles was in McQueen.

Via

For those not familiar with the Costume Institute, it is part of the Met, housing more than 75,000 costumes and accessories.  Below, part of the Lauren clan, left to right we see Dylan Lauren, David Lauren and Lauren Bush.

Getty Images

Jessica Alba also wore Ralph Lauren, she was radiant.

Getty Images

There were some figure-hugging creations; below left, Fergie in a Marchesa gown more reminiscent of a wedding dress, on the right we see Beyonce in Emilio Pucci with her husband, Jay-Z.

Getty Images

How snug was Beyonce’s dress? She was unable to climb the stairs in it,

Getty Images

The lights are blinding, Renée Zellweger is silhouetted below.

Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty

Some of our favorite faux-prepsters from Gossip Girl were on hand, Leighton Meester was in Louis Vuitton, Blake Lively in Grecian-inspired Chanel and Jessica Szohr in… in.. umm, we have lost our notes, eek!

AP/Getty/WWD

The level of detailing on these gowns is extraordinary.

AP/Getty/WWD

Below, Dakota and Elle Fanning, both wore Valentino.

Getty Images

Perhaps our favorite gown of the evening was Ashley Greene’s, custom Donna Karan.

Getty Images

It was exquisite.

Last night the first menswear from Tory Burch debuted, seen on Kanye West; the designer was in vintage Jean Patou that was gorgeous.

Mike Segar/Reuters

Tommy Hilfiger his wife, Dee,and Jessica Stam wore Hilfiger.

Reuters

It is a busy week for Mr. Hilfiger, the designer’s collaborative line with Lisa Birnbach, Prep World, launches its first pop-up store in the US.

Prep World/Tommy Hilfiger

As covered in this post, the first pop-up store was in Paris. The temporary stores are designed to look like a beachside cottage in the Hamptons, below we show the model store.

Courtesy Image

And here is the real deal under construction in the Meatpacking district, originally scheduled to open the 28th of April, now looking like it will be ready for a Thursday opening.

The capsule collection features an array of products, many of them appealing.

 

Some of the merchandise is available online.

http://usa.tommy.com/tommy/index.jsp?ctcampaign=871&ctkwd=tommyhilfiger&ctmatch=Exact&ctcreative=10700438385&gclid=CMGv_q2izKgCFUOo4AodOWuZpQ

For more background on the line, click here. If interested in seeing the Paris Prep World, click here.

Apologies for the brevity today, but we must race out the door!

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Kristin Somody Whalen/WWD
• Steve Eichner/WWD

A German Take on Ivy Style, “The Prepicenter” & When Preppy Weds Hippie

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a Thursday here at The Prepatorium, where spring has been evicted by winter’s return. (Insert royal whineathon here.) Are you also experiencing the nasty weather in your corner of the globe? 

We have quite a few tidbits to share today and jump right in with a topic that is somewhat disconcerting, the April issue of Vogue Enfants.

Vogue.fr via Fashionista

Two different fashion sites have interesting perspectives on the magazine, published by Vogue France. The always-on-top-of-things-Fashionista has a column headlined “Things that Creep Us Out from the New Issue of Vogue Enfants“.

“On the whole, French Vogue supplement Vogue Enfants is a gem for parents and children alike.”

“But after reviewing the issue, Lauren, Leah and I all felt a little uncomfortable after looking at some of the images, both ads and editorials.”

Below, two pages from the magazine.

Styleite also writes about this month’s issue:

“We know this is Vogue — and a supplement of Vogue Paris at that — but when we think of our childhood we think of smiling faces and candy and finding ways not to eat cauliflower, not giving a photographer the perfect pouty stink eye or looking malcontented.”

“They just look angry. And they shouldn’t. Because they’re six. If fashion magazines can do stuff like this to kids, it’s no wonder they can’t get it right when it comes to grown women.”

Two more images.

Back to the Fashionista story by Steff Yotka:

“Maybe we don’t get it because of our Puritan mentality (Vogue Enfants is French after all but then again TLC puts out a popular show called Toddlers and Tiaras), or maybe it’s that seeing children modeling like they’re adults–adults who are supposed to be sexy–is just plain unsettling.”

Well then, mark us down as puritanical as well, we agree with the concerns articulated by both stories, particularly when looking at the makeup on that beautiful girl in the cover shot.  But we should also point out that while Vogue France doesn’t need us to defend it (there’s a concept), we must acknowledge seeing many other publications showcasing little girls with inappropriate clothing and makeup, this is not the first time a glossy fashion publication has prompted us to express a fervent wish that little girls be allowed to be little.

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Next, another look at prep style, this time from Germany.

Via Ivy Style

Our friend Christian over at Ivy Style posted about this earlier in the week; we thought readers might enjoy a glance at some of the images.

Via Ivy Style

The feature is from a magazine published by German retailer Breuninger. More images are also available at Fashionisto, we leave you with these two shots.

Via Fashionisto

We have one more editorial spread to share with you, this one from Virginia Living. We are fortunate to have spotted a post on this at The Classic Preppy.

Cade Martin/Virginia Living

The photos by Cade Martin are beautiful, lush and rich. The majority of the piece was shot at a place close to the hearts of many friends, Sweet Briar (where yours truly almost went, in part because the school colors are pink & green).  From the feature:

“We had fun shooting this story at Sweet Briar College with students and faculty, and some friends from nearby Hampden-Sydney College—Virginia’s “Prepicenter.”

Another stunning photo from the story.

Cade Martin/Virginia Living

The talented Whit at Worthy Style also has a look at the story, or click here to visit Virgina Living.

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The upcoming marriage of Lauren Bush and David Lauren receives an interesting treatment in The Post, the paper’s Page Six magazine “When Preppy Weds Hippie“.

New York Post

The piece attempts humor at the blending of cultures and backgrounds, although when reading it a third and fourth time in an effort to write about it for you, it just felt flat. More forced than funny, as if an editor said “We *are* running this, you *will* finish it, and it *will* be funny.” (Having been on both ends of that kind of conversation, we can only confirm that it happens. More often than we care to remember.)  At any rate, if you pop over to look at the illustrations, do let us know your thoughts, our expiring little mind is dying to know if you found it humorous or humorless. (And while you are there you may enjoy a gossipy little story “Leader of the Snob Mob” about the Native Society, certainly not a new topic, it has been covered extensively by other media, but still a fun read.)

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In today’s not-so-delightful news, it looks like those of us obsessed with fond of Mad Men may be waiting a little longer to see our favorite ad agency back on the air; more from this story in the Times:

“Fans accustomed to spending their summer Sundays with Don Draper may have to wait a while longer. It looks increasingly likely that the fifth season of “Mad Men,” the three-time Emmy Award-winning AMC series, will not have its debut until late 2011 or early 2012.”

AMC-TV

Brian Stelter’s story also points out:

“Money often causes strife between program creators and distributors, but rarely do the negotiations drag out this long.”

Harrumph.

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We leave you with something much cheerier, today’s Pretty in Pink.

Lilly Pulitzer Picture perfect Espadrille

That is the Picture Perfect Espadrille at Lilly Pulitzer, it shrieks spring, and we need a touch of that today.

Until next time, may the sun be shining for you and yours.

Royal Engagement Photos, Sales & Savings

Hello-Hello, it is wonderful to be back blogging again, this week has been simply insane with work at the Princess and volunteer commitments. We couldn’t be more grateful for the Consort’s ease in stepping up to share his wit and wisdom with all of you. 🙂

We begin with a look at the official engagement photos of Kate Middleton and Prince William, something most readers may well have seen already. There are two pictures, here is the more relaxed setting.

Mario Testino

The Prince is wearing a Turnbull & Asser shirt, and it turns out he actually borrowed the sweater he is wearing from photographer Mario Testino, as the pictures were being shot.  Nor is Miss Middleton’s blouse fresh off the rack, more about that in a moment.  But first, here is the more formal photograph.

Mario Testino/Courtesy Photo by Reiss via NYMag

On the right you see the dress worn by Miss Middleton, it is the “Nannette” style by Reiss, a company we hadn’t previously heard of until this week.  Here is more from the company’s blog:

“The Nannette dress that Kate is wearing comes as part of our core dress offering that we are renowned for. While this particular style is not currently available, there will be a version coming out mid January as part of our SS11 collection.”

Miss Middleton is wearing white topaz earrings by Links of London. If we’re not mistaken, it looks like she chose the Hope Egg Earrings.

Links of London

They make a lovely symbol, representing “hope and new life”.

Perhaps the most charming part of the engagement photo story comes via The Telegraph:

“Middleton insisted on dressing herself for the shoot – despite several assistants being on hand with a selection of designer clothes to style her – and chose a cream, silk blouse from high street chain Whistles for one of the portraits. The £95 blouse is over two years old, having featured in the retailer’s autumn/winter 2008 collection.”

The bride to be also did her own makeup.

When the big day comes next April most discussion will be about The Dress.  As they have done previously when it comes to high profile gowns, Women’s Wear Daily asked designers to come up with sketches showing what they might create if asked by the bride to design her gown.

First, a Gucci design that we found attractive.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

J. Crew’s design offers a scooped back.

Courtesy J. Crew via WWD

Next, a sketch from Elizabeth Emanuel, best known for designing Princess Diana’s frothy wedding gown.

Courtesy Elizabeth Emanuel via WWD

Below left we see a Badgley Mischka gown, and on the right, a Jason Wu design.

The Tommy Hilfiger design is seen below left, and the sketch, below right, Lela Rose.

There are loads more sketches to look at, click here to see them all.  We’re guessing our Royal Correspondent, the Queen Bee herself will have some insight on the dress at some point down the road.

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Another noteworthy engagement we learned about courtesy of Miss Coterie Books, that of Lauren Bush and David Lauren.

Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for UNICEF

Above the couple is seen at the UNICEF Snowflake Ball last month.  Apparently Mr. Lauren proposed to Miss Bush last Friday at the Met, which happens to be where they went on their first date. Of course, Mr. Lauren is designer Ralph Lauren’s son, while Miss Bush is the niece of former President George Walker Bush, granddaughter of President George Bush.

Miss Bush is also known for her philanthropic work via the Project FEED bags, although now there are things other than bags sold to raise funds for those in need. Below left, Plumpy the FEED 5 Bear, and on the right, the FEED USA Lunch Tote.

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We leave you with several Sales & Savings opportunities, this isn’t intended to be a comprehensive look, merely markdowns at a few shops we are aware of; we start with J. Crew.  Generally the retailer’s online factory outlet is open only Friday-Sunday, but it will be open (in a virtual sense) through the 20th.

Additionally Crew is taking 30% off all Factory prices and off ‘regular’ sale merchandise, use promo code MUSTHAVE at checkout to receive the discount.

Tory Burch has started its winter sale, promising savings “up to 50%’.

Neiman Marcus is taking an additional 30% off all regular and sale-priced cashmere through the 18th.

Talbots has taken markdowns on a sizable amount of fall/winter merchandise, and is also doing 40% off all full-priced accessories through midnight tonight.  Use promo code PRESENT to receive the discount.

A number of Lilly stores are offering excellent deals right now, check with your local shop to see what kind of fiscally friendly price points are available.

A final item of note today, the always delightful Preppy Southern Princess is doing a fun little contest; one lucky winner will receive one of our Lilly Pulitzer photo albums.

With that, we say g’bye until next time, we are off to supervise The Consort the elves here at The Prepatorium as they get all of those orders out the door.