Collaborations of a Preppy Kind (Ahem) & “New Prep”

If this isn’t a glorious fall day, we’re not sure what is; we hope yours is equally bright and beautiful.

We have all manner of collaborative partnerships to share, almost all with a prep slant. We begin with one involving a longtime Princess fave, J. Press, and Urban Outfitters.

NY Magazine

NY Magazine has more:

“J. Press, the preppy menswear label beloved by every Ivy Leaguer with Wall Street ambitions, has partnered with Urban Outfitters to make a line of sweaters, ribbon belts, ties, vests, and shirts. The collection features a tie in Princeton orange, a scarf in Dartmouth green, and a belt in Cornell red, among other collegiate-inspired items that are perfect for frolicking around the quad and spilling beer.”

Womenswear inclusion in a future J. Press collaboration would make us a very happy camper indeed.

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

Next, a partnership we have previously mentioned, and one that has had us more than a tad nervous.

Fred Perry

Yes, it is the Amy Winehouse Fred Perry collection, definitely in the You Can’t Make this Stuff Up category.

Via

While the talented performer’s troubled history would make it easy to mock the line, the reality is that there are many appealing pieces, especially for those of us hopelessly lost in the fifties.

It is unlikely we shall acquire anything from the line, for as much as we like many of the items, we also recognize our limitations, knowing we would forever associate pieces with Ms. Winehouse and the frequently unfortunate circumstances she frequently finds herself in, despite her amazing talents.  However, it *is* an extremely fun group to graze, click here to do just that.

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

Our next collection has received oodles of coverage, and we are more than a little late to the party on this one. (“Late to the party” being a teevee snooze news term referencing ‘old news’ ((yes, an oxymoron, we understand that)), perilously akin to ‘moldy oldie,’ news coverage that should not be allowed to float out over the airwaves.) Of course we are talking about the Lanvin H&M collection.

There are some amazing party frocks, among other goodies.

The Guardian has more, referencing Lanvin design genius Alber Elbaz.

“The collection, entitled Lanvin Hearts H&M, includes party clothes and accessories for women and men and, unmistakably, carries the Elbaz design signature.”

The line approaches “we’ll take one of each” levels. Unfortunately, the Prepatorium is not located near an H&M, and the company does not sell online in the US.

The word ‘droolworthy’ comes to mind.

How popular does H&M expect the collection to be? We go back to the Guardian for that answer.

“A spokesman for the brand said at the preview: “We expect it to sell out that day.” H&M will limit shoppers to two versions of the same dress in an attempt to prevent the growing practice of eBay flipping, but the spokesman admitted that it was impossible to control.”

We can see why.

After all, as we are wont to say here at Princess InterGalactic HQ, “Life is better with a bow.”

The collection launches November 23, to see all of the goodies, pop over to Vogue UK for the lookbook.  Sigh.

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

Our final collaborative endeavor involves a perennial favorite, The Gap, and an unlikely partner, Valentino.

Via High Snobette

It is a very small line, only seven pieces, launching in late November, but only available at Gap stores in London and new Milan shop, as well as online at the super-hip Colette.

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

We want to do what we believe is called a ‘shout out’ to friend and fab designer Kiel James Patrick.

Providence Journal

His hometown paper has done quite the spread on his growing company, describing his creations as “New Prep,” perhaps a surprise to Kiel, certainly an old school prep if ever we met one.  We love that the story points that it was Sarah Vickers, Kiel’s longtime partner and collaborator, who suggested he actually start the company.  (Go Sarah!)  We are proud to carry many of Kiel and Sarah’s designs here at the Princess, including KJP headbands and earrings.

It’s always nice to see good things happen to good people, especially these two.

The Providence Journal/Kris Craig

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

We leave you with a quick Sales & Savings alert:

Polo Ralph Lauren

Polo Ralph Lauren is doing its “Private Sale” (don’t get us started on the ‘privacy’ of said sale), offering up to 40% off regular prices, as well as an additional 15% off the 40% off. Use promo code NOV0410 to receive the additional discount.  Also offering discounted goods, Bergdorf Goodman.

The retailer’s fall sale kicked off today.

Until next time, grins and giggles!

 

Mad About Plaid, From Polo to Pets

Hello-Hello and Happy Tuesday!

We may be erratic in posting this week, especially with business at the Princess hitting a holiday crescendo (we do love it tho’!). That was written yesterday. When there was no post.  Arrgghh.

We begin today with a topic already well-covered this season in the fashion trades, and also in several blogs from our preptastic pals (Miss Privilege, didn’t you do one?):

Courtesy ScotClans.com via Hamptons.com

Plaid.

Do we have something new to share, a never-before-seen angle to the plaid story? We do not. However, because we are so fond of Douglas Cunningham’s ‘after shave’ columns, we thought we might spend a bit of time on the topic and our cherished readers would forgive the lack of originality.

“Of course, the Hamptons have been long associated with the brightly colored, summer cotton plaid pants worn to cocktail parties and events, usually accompanied by lime green or lemon yellow polo shirts and summer sweaters…. plaid pants will indeed during the holidays

Mr. Cunningham is spot-on in cautioning readers that winter plaids must be in wool, or a wool blend, and offers insight on the perils of mixing plaids.

Courtesy ScotClans.com via Hamptons.com

It is a solid and witty look at this timeless pattern.

Of course, plaid isn’t just for the gentlemen of the house. Below left, the Tattersall Quarter-Flap Bag from Brooks Brothers; on the right, Brooks’ Tattersall Mini-Dome Satchel.

(Psssttt – both bags are on sale, discounted by at least 50% from their original retail prices: the Quarter-Flap bag was $248 and is now $124, the Mini-dome is $74, from an original $148 price.)

J. Crew offers a number of items in the design, including this boy’s Black Watch shawl-collar vest, while Talbots offers a Bias-cut Tartan skirt that works well this time of year.

This actually segues into our next topic rather well, as it is a look at a specific plaid check, a rather old pattern getting a new look. We are talking about Burberry’s new Heart collection, featuring said objects atop the check. Below, the new Heart Print Check Rain Boot at Nordstrom.

This one just doesn’t look right to us, not because of the print atop another print, but probably because the mauve or maroon color of the hearts is so blah looking.  Another example can be seen below, the Nova Painted Heart tote bag.

Getting back to our original topic (plaid, not hearts), Dooney & Bourke has some nice looking pieces, like their Tartan Large Gwenny Tote (L).  They also offer a more subdued color palette, seen in the Tartan Small Zip Around Wallet on the right.

Other possibilities include a Tartan Holdall from Fred Perry (L), and on the right, a Baekgaard Oversized Clutch.

Most Polo Ralph Lauren customers know the abundance of tartan generally available from this retailer, across a broad range of merchandise. Below, the Tartan Plaid High Top for boys (L) and a Girls Hoodie (R).

Options for the MOTH (Man Of The House) at Polo include a more formal look with the Bradford Tartan sport coat, while the the Calla Taffeta Dress has party frock potential.

A favorite here at the Prepatorium is J. McLaughlin, and they do not disappoint. The ladies Abbigail skirt comes in two colorways, and the Plaid Merino Wool scarf looks lush, and luscious.

Of course, lest someone else in the family feel left out, the Jeffers Traditional Blanket Coat is available for the four-legged family members.

Jeffers Pet

We leave you with that darling face, and say good luck to all dealing with the elements, shopping and other tasks of dubious distinction.

US Open Tennis Togs: Polo Ralph Lauren, Nike & Fred Perry

Hello-Hello and Happy Friday!

It seems another week has flown by, vanished in a poof of ‘what happened?’ here at the Prepatorium.  If ever we were in need of some Friday Fun, today is the day!

But first we want to keep our word in yesterday’s post (Tiffany, Tennis and Fashion), we said we would peruse some of the new tennis togs slated for for the US Open, always a premier event to debut a new look or collection.

This is especially true for the Open’s official sponsor: Polo Ralph Lauren.

This year offers a number of new styles from the retailer, including an updated Cotton Cricket Sweater:

The sweater is described this way:

“Our iconically preppy sweater is cable-knit from soft Italian cotton with a wide V-neck, perfect for layering with one of our polos or tees for brisk mornings on the court or in the stands.”

Well done, this is very nice. (The Consort had nothing but raves when he saw us working on the post this morning, very unusual for him to be so vocal about a sweater. Hmmm.)

For the gentlemen, the US Open Canvas Sneaker has classic appeal:

To be quite crass and insert the “M topic” into our conversation, at $68, one could almost overcome their LogoPhobia, rationalizing that the emblem is of a commemorative nature.

There are also new uniforms for the ball boys and girls:

Courtesy Polo Ralph Lauren

The diagonal stripe is eye-catching, and the shirt is done in a mesh knit for comfort.

Courtesy Polo Ralph Lauren

Clearly the Logo-Gnomes have slipped that poor pony some performance- enhancing chemicals.  Ahem.

This year’s Open Canvas Tote has understated lines in classic colors:

If seeking Polo Ralph Lauren tennis apparel/accessories with fiscally-friendly price points, sale pieces offer styles that may appeal as well, like the Silk Tie Trimmed Blazer.

Originally $298, the blazer is now only $99, even better is the wide availability of sizes still available as of this writing.

There are loads of tennis pieces in stock across a broad selection of styles and price points, including pieces for the Young Master or Miss in the house. All of the US Open styles may be purchased online, at the Ralph Lauren shop at Arthur Ashe stadium, or at the interactive kiosks located elsewhere at the stadium.

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

Also debuting new looks this week, Nike. We start with a look at ” The Preppy and ‘The Pirate’.  First, ‘The Preppy,’ Roger Federer.

PHOTO: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

Next, ‘The Pirate’ aka Rafael Nadal, still overcoming an injury in his effort to garner the only major title he has yet to win.

PHOTO: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

If interested in Rafa’s Nike styles, once can now purchase many of them directly from his website.

For today’s Pretty in Pink we share the Nike look sported by Serena Williams.

PHOTO: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

This month’s issue of Hamptons (magazine) features Ms. Williams on the cover.

PHOTO: Robert Ascroft/Hamptons

An interesting Q&A style story accompanies the cover shoot.

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

Nike and Polo Ralph Lauren are not the only labels debuting collections at the Open.  Fred Perry’s roots in in the sport are deep, and yesterday Andy Murray showed the brand’s US Open line.

PHOTO: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Fred Perry

The “Scottish blue” is a stunning color, we just love it. Below, the Classic Fred Perry Polo Shirt for women in “Original styling with trademark twin tipping detail,” things we like.

There are several pieces in this group we are fond of, particularly the Pleated Tennis Dress.

Basic, fundamental tennis apparel. Yes, we are showing our age.  Basic tennis whites are what we were raised on and what we prefer.  Frankly, we like this collection so much it might help assuage the angst expressed Wednesday in this post about the hideous Fred Perry Preppy Pin Set.

Play gets underway Monday.

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

Well dollfaces, we are absolutely out of time. That means we will have to leave Lacoste, as well as the line James Blake is launching with Fila (and other lines as well), for another post, we apologize.

But we simply must include this very quick note about Lacoste: another online ‘by invitation only’ sale boutique is offering Lacoste Men’s and Women’s watches at significant discounts. Beyond the Rack is doing the sale; it runs until 1pm August 29th (Saturday).

The Ladies Tiebreak Calfskin wristwatch seen above is selling at $199; the original selling price was $450.  If you would like an invitation to Beyond the Rack, simply email thePreppyPrincess@mac.com

And to ensure we continue our Friday Fun, we share a few Mad Men avatars (remember our posts about making your own?), but not of friends or family. No, these are avatars celebrating people a little better known, like POTUS.

Also, Keith Olbermann.

To glance at additional celebrities who  have been “Mad Manned,” just click here.

We hope that brings a smile to your face – may your weekend be filled with them!

Polo Ralph Lauren Wimbledon Collection, New J. Crew Accessories Shop

Hello-Hello everyone!

Did you know it is Milan Fashion Week? As in menswear and accessories for Spring/Summer 2010. While the temptation is to generally flip the ‘ignore’ switch, there are times we stumble upon fascinating newsbites and/or styles emanating from the event.

Guess who showed up for the Giorgio Armani show?

PHOTO: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty

Yes, one of the Gossip Guys, Chace Crawford.  (This probably means he wasn’t watching NYC Prep.)

Gossip Girl fans awaiting the release of the show’s second season on DVD now have a date: August 18.

Suggested retail for Gossip Girl: The Complete Second Season is $59.98, but it may be pre-ordered now at Amazon for $38.99.

Speaking of idle gossip that serves no purpose whatsoever Mr. Crawford, WWD has an interesting story on what magazine covers are selling the best, more specifically the People Hottest Bachelor cover discussed in this space yesterday…

Courtesy People

Or this issue of In Touch Weekly …

Courtesy In Touch Weekly

…featuring Kate Gosselin of that hideous the Jon & Kate Plus 8 show; we admit ignorance here as neither TP or The Consort have viewed so much as one frame of video from this show.  (We do have a major ‘Help us Understand‘ question related to Ms. Gosselin’s hair style…? Is there some fundamental fact or background story we have missed on this topic?)

It may come as a surprise to learn this is not a pulication with which we are familiar; we are told one may see copies of the magazine when in line at the market.  Indeed.

To get to the point, apparently Mr. Crawford isn’t exactly the hottest-selling cover for People, especially when contrasted with the misfortunes of the Gosselin family.

“Editors at competing celebrity magazines questioned whether the 23-year-old television star was recognizable enough for People’s audience, or if they should have gone with a bigger name. Past “Bachelors” include Matthew McConaughey in 2007 and “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks in 2006. Both issues sold 1.6 million copies each.”

Oh.

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

We’ll quickly share an item that is what we generally refer to as ‘a little stale,’ meaning it is recent, but not anything of the “this just in” ilk.  (Although how frequently do we really encounter ‘breaking preppy news,” really, who are we kidding?)

At any rate, preppy retailer J. Crew has just opened their first accessories store in SoHo.

PHOTO: Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

Described as a standalone shop, the store actually leads right into the J. Crew women’s store. Crew CEO Mickey Drexler describes the new store’s customers to Women’s Wear Daily in this story:

“It’s the same customers shopping the designer stores.” They’re looking to spend less for products with style and of similar quality, he added.

Those spending time in the Hamptons will be pleased to know the retailer’s plans include an accessories shop-within-a-shop for its East Hampton store.

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

We have been chatting about Wimbledon fashions as recently as this post yesterday, and almost forgot the Polo Ralph Lauren involvement with this event!

Wimbledon by Polo Ralph Lauren

For the exclusive Polo items available only from the Wimbledon folks, click here.

To shop the Polo Ralph Lauren tennis looks, click here to find items like this Silk-Tie Trimmed Blazer.

While not an ‘official Wimbledon item,’ the Limited Edition Fred Perry polo is now 20% off at Gargyle.

Gargyle.com

Use the discount code limited100 when asked for the promo code at checkout.

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

One of the alltime fun summer happenings is this weekend:

If you’re anywhere near Litchfield (Conn.), we *highly* recommend it.

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

We close with a note about All Things Southern & Preppy, a daily read that is always top-notch.  This fabulous blog is doing a 4th of July giveaway! The lucky winner will receive a set of our popular Traditions Placemats…

PreppyPrincess.com

And the matching Tiny Flowers napkins.  All of these are 100% Cotton, machine washable, and reversible, as well as being made right here in the USA.

PreppyPrincess.com

Toddle on over to visit ATS&P (aka Preppy 101) to enter her Giveaway!  And to see who won this from another favorite, Whale Flip Flops in NYC, just click here. (These are all too fun, we love doing this!)

And we’ll do something we generally avoid, mentioning tomorrow’s topic: pictures of the new Lilly Pulitzer Fall/Holiday 2009 Collection!

Enjoy the afternoon!

When Being a Princess Goes Bad, Kate Spade Sample Sale,

Hello-Hello everyone!

Today’s post is an exercise in what we refer to as pre-blogging, written in advance of a heavy schedule; we expect we shall be winging our way to The Queen Mother’s as you read this.

Readers can probably guess our reaction to this title for a column in Friday’s Journal:

Bringing Up Princess: Turning Girls Into Narcissists

Immediately our hackles went up as we said to ourselves, “Now wait just one minute.” But upon reading Megan Basham’s column, we find ourselves in agreement with much of her perspective.

“…little to do with indulging sweet princess fantasies and everything to do with catering to over-indulged princess egos.”

Naturally, invoking an anti-prep increased our comfort level:

“Take the popular tween retailer Justice. At malls nationwide, it carries multiple “Princess” tops and accessories that look a lot more like Paris Hilton’s attire than Snow White’s.”

For more on the “trickle-down narcissism” column click here.

One request: let’s not throw the Princess out with the tiara, so to speak?

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

We have an update on tennis fashion just in time for Wimbledon, direct from our favorite tennis blog, Down the Line Tennis.

Scottish star Andy Murray‘s is expected to wear the ensemble shown above, all classic pieces by Fred Perry, one of Mr. Murray’s sponsors. The look is meant to emulate the styles worn by Mr. Perry in the 1930’s when he won Wimbledon.

A timeless style, and one we adore.  Some say the look is part of a greater campaign to help the sometimes-surly Murray move beyond his anti-English image.

Those interested in something for off-the-court wear may find the company’s accessories appealing, including the Tipped Webbing Belt.

FredPerry.com

Many readers may already be aware there has been significant speculation as to whether or not Rafael Nadal would play in this year’s tournament; that conversation ended yesterday when he began practicing on one of the famed grass courts.

PHOTO: Bertrand Guy/AFP/Getty

We are still fond of last year’s look as seen above, the shocking pink and gray. Not that we pay any attention to that.  (Actually, we’re such an old fuddy-duddy we still think white is a good color for tennis apparel.)

It does not appear we will see Roger Federer in his famous cardigan again, the one prompting our original Preppy vs. Pirate post.

We confess we don’t yet know what Mr. Federer is sporting for a signature look this year.

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

A quick Sales & Savings note: fly to the Kate Spade Sample Online Sale:

Fiscally-friendly bargains abound, like the Jitney Cashmere Sweater is now $88. The original price was $295.

The sale ends the 19th.

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

For today’s Pretty in Pink we offer Blake Lively at Monday night’s big do, the CFDA Fashion Awards.

PHOTO: Eric Thayer/Reuters

The Gossip Girl star was wearing Michael Kors.  Also in attendance, Andrew Lauren, Dylan Lauren and David Lauren.

PHOTO: Steve Eichner/WWD

The whole clan was on hand, including Ralph Lauren and Ricky Lauren; he took home the Most Popular vote award, the first time the award has been made.

PHOTO: Larry Busacca/Getty

Comedienne Tracey Ullman was the emcee/host for the evening’s festivities; she had a few tongue-in-cheek comments on Michelle Obama’s penchant for apparel from a certain retailer:

““In the short time her husband has been in office, she has already done a tremendous amount to promote the American fashion designers, especially J. Crew,” Ullman crowed. “Is J. here tonight? Mr. Crew? How about Mrs. Crew? Any of the Crew kids? Oh come on, you’d think that they’d be here tonight to show support for J.”

The Ullman quote is courtesy of this story in today’s WWD.  Another designer and retailer of a preppish nature, Tory Burch, wore her own design for the gala.

PHOTO Steve Eichner/WWD

Lauren Santo Domingo also wore Michael Kors.

PHOTO Steve Eichner/WWD

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

Tomorrow’s post will feature loads of looks from this year’s Royal Ascot. Below, the Queen and Prince Philip on their way to the event yesterday.

Getty Images

Until next time, enjoy your day dollfaces!