The Times Reviews True Prep, Mad About Emmy Party Frocks

Hello-hello, we are clearly embarking upon another wild and wacky week here at the Prepatorium, how are things shaping up in your corner of the globe?

We begin with a look at one of the first big reviews for True Prep, this one from Janet Maslin in the Times.  Ms. Maslin begins with a look back at the volume preceding True Prep, TOPH, along with another classic.

“But much of “The Official Preppy Handbook” just codified widely known information about high-WASP habits and affectations. (It also borrowed from “Take Ivy,” a 1965 style guide published in Japan.) Its original readers, whether they were knowing or curious, were apt to be of boarding-school age or a little older. Now they’re pushing 50.”

PreppyPrincess.com

Above, that iconic cover of Take Ivy.

The review mentions some of the societal changes since TOPH was first published.

“Among the post-1980 phenomena with which “The Official Preppy Handbook” could not conjure are the Internet, the McMansion, the cellphone, synthetic fleece and the emergence of famous rehab facilities as today’s new boarding schools.”

Below, one of many illustrations in the book.

Random House/Knopf

As mentioned in previous posts (here and here), the book includes many contemporary brands and companies.  A few seen in the Casual Friday image shown above, LL Bean, Cole-Haan, and J. Crew (too much Crew); product mentions caught Ms. Maslin’s attention:

“Ms. Birnbach is best suited to the shopping guide and flagrant product plugs that are a large part of this book’s raison d’être.”

Overall Ms. Maslin’s review is positive, with appreciation for the book’s humorous style and efforts to update common topics. Click here to read the review in its entirety.

Also of note, this month’s Allure features a True Prep tie-in piece, our thanks to the Bellini Bunny for showcasing it on her blog. The story contrasts popular styles of today with styles back in 1980 when TOPH was published.

Allure magazine via the Bellini Bunny

For example, “Beauty Icons then” include Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, “Now” it is Gwyneth Paltrow. (Ahem.)

Also meriting a visit, Apartment Therapy’s “Waspy Whimsey“.

Apartment Therapy

Guerrin Gardner and Mat Sanders put together a wonderful styleboard inspired by the book.

For anyone interested in the schedule with dates and times for True Prep Book Tour events, click here; the link takes you to a page with all that info and more, The Consort the IT department put it together for the site.

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We quickly revisit some of last night’s fashionable (or not) moments at the Emmys. Below, three stars of Mad Men,  January Jones in Atelier Versace, Elizabeth Moss in Donna Karan, and Christina Hendricks in Zac Posen.

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty

Below, Sally Draper actress Kiernan Shipka at the event.

Here are a few of the Mad Men, along with the show’s producer, Matt Weiner.

Chris Pizzello/AP

Actor Jon Hamm and longtime partner Jennifer Westveldt both wore Armani for the big do, while Tina Fey opted for a stunning Oscar de la Renta gown.

Perhaps the most unusual dress was worn by Rita Wilson, seen here with husband Tom Hanks.

Michael Buckner/Getty

The dress and shoes were both from the Prada runway show, we don’t know who did the handbag.

We generally adore Ms. Wilson’s style selections, but this one just didn’t work; it was a classic case of the dress wearing her, not the other way around.

Actress Claire Danes was a knockout in Armani.

We leave you with two more images from last night’s festivities.

Until next time!

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• AP Photo/Chris Pizzello
• Frazer Harrison/Getty
• Jason Merritt/Getty

Target’s Next Designer, Party Pix & “Preppy Meets Parisian”

Hello-Hello!

THIS JUST IN: The next designer collaboration for Le Boutique Targét will be with British bag maker Mulberry, a Princess favorite. Below we show several bags from this season’s Mulberry lookbook.

Courtesy Mulberry

Women’s Wear Daily reports the collection will launch October 10. Most recently Mulberry has partnered with Apple on a collection of accessories; below, the Daria Mini Messenger for iPhone, one of today’s Pretty in Pink items.

Mulberry

This particular partnership probably has us more excited than any preceding today’s news, it shall be fun to see how the line looks come this fall. If interested in learning more about Mulberry, the Daily Mail ran a good backgrounder over the weekend.

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We have scads of party pictures to share (among other things) from last night’s big do, the CFDA Awards. For those in the business, this is one of the première functions on one’s social calendar. Below we see designer Tory Burch and Polo Ralph Lauren’s David Lauren in photos from Steve Eichner at WWD.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America awards honor a variety of disciplines; below we see Caroline Kennedy presented an award to Vogue fashion director Tonne Goodman. Diane von Furstenburg and Carolina Herrera looked elegant, as always.

Also on hand, Gossip Girl’s Ed Westwick and Alexa Chung. Do you think Mr. Westwick is trying to look fierce in the second image?

Another Gossip Girl talent attended Brook Shields appears to like Paper magazine’s Kim Hastreiter’s OMG necklace. (We do adore this publication, online and off.) Another Gossip Girl talent was in attendance, Michelle Trachtenberg.

We loved the Rachel Roy styles seen on both the designer herself (L), and model Hilary Rhoda.

Deidre Schoo for the NY TImes

We know some readers are fond of reality star Whitney Port; she was wearing David Meister.

Deidre Schoo for the NY Times

As is often the case, Thom Browne (of Brooks Brothers’ Black Fleece fame) dressed to impress.

Steve Eichner/WWD

The winner of this most popular designer was once again Ralph Lauren.

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In other party news, Brooks Brothers has been hosting fêtes in select stores as part of its launch for the Social Primer Bow Tie collection we previously chatted about here. Imagine our delight at seeing that two of our Mad Men faves were at last week’s party in Beverly Hills!

via Huffington Post

Harry and Joan Rich Sommer and Christina Hendricks were at the celebration, Mr. Sommer looking dapper in a bow tie. We can hardly wait for the show’s return this summer. July 25 to be precise. Not that we’re counting down the days to Season 4, nay-nay, not us. (Heh-heh-heh.)

Another Mad Men actress is busy, January Jones is the spokesperson for advocacy group Oceana’s work on saving sharks, and today is World Oceans Day.

Oceana

A timely issue, to be sure.

Finally in our little off-screen wrap-up for the M2 cast, Don Draper co-star Jon Hamm has also been busy away from the Mad Men, below he is seen at Saturday’s taping of the “Guys Choice Awards” with Bradley Cooper.

Christopher Polk/Getty

Samuel L. Jackson and Duane Johnson (who? never mind, The Consort advises us Mr. Johnson is a former professional wrestler) took part in the Awards, presented by Spike TV.

Kevin Winter/Getty

Leonard DiCaprio and Ben Affleck were also on stage.

From what we can glean in these photos, the actual award is rather distinctive.

It appears to be a set of antlers.

Kevin Winter/Getty

On behalf of Preppy 101 we want to share another shot of Mr. Hamm, this one with his antlers.

Chris Pizzello/AP

(Pssst, not that an elegant and refined southern lady like Preppy 101 would ever watch anything containing moments of crass commercialism and vulgar ostentation, but just in case you know of  someone who might be interested in such a display, the awards start at 10pm June 20th, on Spike.  Just in case.)

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In an effort to offer our cherished readers coverage carrying some shred or thread of a connection to things with a preppy theme, we offer the following from Front Row View’s coverage of Jason Wu’s 2011 Resort Collection.

via Front Row Fashion

The story is titled Preppy Meets Parisian,” here is some of Pamela Kingston’s story:

“…resort collection, shown at the St. Regis hotel, New York managed to perfectly fuse contemporary preppy garments with romantic Parisian glamour. Straw hats and strong tailoring added the preppy edge to floaty, shift dresses with dark feathered abstract print featuring all over.”

via Front Row Fashion

For more of this story, click here.

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Today next Pretty in Pink item is from the art world, a sculpture by artist Aaron Curry.

Kellie Honeycutt/Courtesy of the artist & Public Art Fund via T Magazine

Mr. Curry’s creations are part of an outdoor series of installations put on by the Public Art Fund. The original tip on this came via one of the T Magazine blogs, we extend our thanks to them.

Today’s final Pretty in Pink… and Green comes via Mulberry, the company’s Charm Ballerina shoes.

Mulberry

On that fun image we say g’bye until next time!

Additional Photo Credits:

• CFDAs: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty
• CFDAs: Andrew H. Walker/Getty

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

Party Frocks, or When Bad Dresses Happen to Good People

Hello-Hello and welcome to a Monday. Most. Assuredly. A. Monday.

However, it could be worse, so we moved ourself to the NWZ (No Whine Zone).  How about we chat about party frocks instead of weather, shall we? (Of course you know right where this is going, no surprises here.)

Of course – last night’s Golden Globes!  But first and foremost, we do have something for our Help Us Understand category: can someone, anyone, help us understand how event planners responsible for the Red Carpet portion of last night’s festivities did not order a tarp? No one at the Hilton thought it a good idea to have a Plan B? Perhaps a tent? Anything? Below, Jessica Lange arrives amid a sea of umbrellas.

Danny Moloshok

We understand the sun was out most of the day, but as Women’s Wear Daily put it:

“…stars running for cover and publicists unfurling umbrellas as they tried to salvage the red carpet photo opportunities. (Although rain was predicted for over a week, producers decided not to tent the hundred foot long red carpet at the Beverly Hilton hotel.)

Danny Moloshok/Reuters

Look what it did to Gabourey Sidibe’s lush green gown by Kevan Hall:

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

As George Clooney said:

“We’re idiots standing in the rain out here.”

Of course we were delighted to see our beloved Mad Men take home an award for best Drama.

Mark J. Terrill/AP

Some were surprised to see Don Draper Jon Hamm sporting a look considered ‘bohemian’ and probably not allowed at any ad agency in the early sixities.

Danny Moloshok/Reuters

Mr. Hamm is seen with his wife, Jennifer Westfeldt.

Regular readers know how highly we think of Mad Men’s Joan Holloway Christina Hendricks, but we were not fond of the garment created for her by Christian Siriano.

But Ms. Hendricks’ hair and makeup were nothing short of spectacular.

Danny Moloshok /Reuters

As The Consort said, “She looks like porcelain, doesn’t she?”

We are on the fence about the Lanvin dress Betty Draper January Jones chose for the evening:

Tyler Boye for WWD

There’s no waffling on where we are with that headband — it did not work with the dress (too much going on) and detracted from Ms. Jones’ stunning looks.  We thought it was sweet her father was her escort for the evening, he looked just happy as a clam.

Jason Merritt/Getty

In our “was this really necessary?” category, Jennifer Anniston:

Much as we adore Valentino, it seems the actress could do with a “less is more” refresher class.

We were also happy to see another favorite win, Julianna Margulies took home the Best Actress in a Television Drama award for her starring role in The Good Wife. More good news for the show, CBS has ordered a second season of episodes for the hit Tuesday night series.

Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

This is going to sound awful, but as soon as we saw darling Jayma Mays in this gown we thought about spider webs.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

The folks at PopWrap make the point well that in this case, it wasn’t Pretty in Pink:

WireImage via PopWrap

From their post on Globes fashion:

“The night’s least flattering shade turned a duo of dresses, and the divine women wearing them, into prom night casualties. We’ve come to expect much better from both Diane Kruger and Lauren Graham!”

And is there any point in us commenting on this young heartthrob’s spiky do?

Katy Winn/AP

For those keeping score, Mr. Lautner was in Calvin Klein Collection. Also in attendance and presenting an award, Gossip Girl’s Chace Crawford.

Frazer Harrison/Getty

Ummm… he looks rather dashing, no?

Victoria Beckham’s growing emphasis on elegant lines is evident in the dress selected by Courteney Cox-Arquette:

We believe it is dress #48 in the current collection.

This is a very busy time for folks in the entertainment industry with the Critics’ Choice awards on Friday. Below we see Marion Cotillard wearing Christian Dior at last night (L), the French actress also wore Dior at Friday’s gala (R).

A few questionable designs made their way to last night’s after-party, beginning with Ashley Olsen, in a dress from Erdem.

Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

Regular readers can guess what The Consort said as soon as he saw Malin Akerman: “oh, she got it at the drive-through car wash!”

Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

Generally Vanessa Hudgens looks lovely, but not last night in this Alberta Ferretti. 

Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

Another not-quite-right look from Valentino on Amanda Seyfried:

Phil McCarten/Reuters

There you have it.

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We leave you with a little something to brighten a rather dull and dreary day:

Leather Prince at etsy

This is the Umi Whale key fob from the Leather Prince on etsy.  Wouldn’t it be fun to have him swimming around your palace?

Until next time dollfaces, g’bye!

A Strike at Bloomingdale’s? (+A Party Frock Alert!)

The Princess wonders how the free world will cope if Bloomingdale’s management and union reps don’t make happy-happy by 6pm Wednesday night. That’s when the existing contract expires and there could be a strike. Actually, not to worry. Management is all ready with Plan B. As in, they (management) are Plan B. Those with a marketing background can only appreciate the following, taken from a Bloomies snooze release, explaining the company has “… activated a precautionary plan specifically developed for use under these circumstances, ensuring we are completely prepared to fully operate the store in the event the union moves to strike.” Translation: I can too work a register!

If you are wondering what union, it would be the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Workers Union Local 3. Now back when TP worked at the big department store, there definitely wasn’t any union representation for retail workers that we remember, and yes, this was at a large Federated or Associated owned store; it might even have been May Company at some point.  And before anyone starts to get their whiskers in a wad, The Princess is living and working in the Great. State. of Michigan. Where there is some sensitivity to Unions. And all of the vehicles in the garage would be American made from companies that for years were called “The Big Three,” as in General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. We can’t say American made these days because one was made in Canada and I’m not sure about the rest. It really should be changed from “American Made” to “Made by Companies with their Primary Headquarters in America” or something along those lines. At any rate, please feel free to accuse us of many things, but lack of sensitivity to unions should not be on your list. Ooooh, it’s beginning to sound like I’m off my meds, isn’t it? Time for a little Prozac latte? Hhhhmmm? “Bitter, party of one.”

Of course the Party Frock Alert referenced in the title for this post relates to the Costume Institute Gala at the Met just one short week from tonight. The Princess will not be in attendance this year. Sigh. And it will be simply huge in terms of sparkle and glitter, filled with goodies that will have you bug-eyed before you get through your second Manhattan. Why? The Honorary Chair is Giorgio Armani, with George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Anna Wintour as Co-chairs. Designers whose work is being featured in this year’s exhibit include: Atair, Giorgio Armani, Balenciaga, Pierre Cardin, Dolce & Gabbana, Jean Paul Gaultier, Eiko Ishioka, Alexander McQueen, Julien Macdonald, Moschino, Thierry Mugler, Nike, Rick Owens, Gareth Pugh, Speedo, Spyder, Three As Four, Walter van Beirendonck, Versace, and Bernhard Willhelm. Here are just a few photos from last year’s event to hold you until next Tuesday’s tabs or online photos, the first is Gucci’s new jewelry spokesperson Claire Danes, the second is Cameron Diaz and Gisele Bundchen.

Somehow Jessica Simpson and La Lohan just didn’t look quite as well… not as put together. It reminds us of Mommy’s refrain that seemed so tedious at the time: “Less is more dear. Always.” Night-night.

 

Photos: All courtesy WireImage.com