“9 Preppy Pieces” and That Gossip Girl Wedding (Spoiler Alert)

Hello and welcome to another crazy day here in the Corner Condo at Princess InterGalactic HQ. Please accept our apologies for the erratic posting this week, The Consort is a tad under the weather and we’re running behind…eek!

The folks at Refinery 29 have put together a story showing “9 Preppy Pieces,” we thought readers might enjoy seeing a few of their selections. From the story:

We know what you probably think of when you hear “preppy” in this town—Georgetown fellas sporting trousers embroidered with lobsters, accompanied by dates swathed in seersucker (okay, seersucker can be chic!). But it doesn’t to be that way, we swear!

Below, J. Crew’s Crystal Button Cardigan ($69.50). This is one of Crew’s better options, regardless of issues about the company’s direction the cardigan a style staple, available in a broad array of colors. On the right, the Kilshaw Blazer from Jack Wills, $298.

We liked the Milly Victoria Mini Flap bag shown in the story, $285 at ShopBop, it comes in both ‘Sapphire’ and ‘Crimson’.

Back to the story from Holly Thomas:

Prep-tastic style is having a major moment, and stores are brimming with elbow-patch blazers, horn-rimmed specs, and enough tweeds, cable knits, and corduroy to outfit an entire AP class.

The LL Bean Signature Shirt is always a good choice ($59), as is this Lands’ End Canvas Plaid Taffeta skirt ($89.50).

This particular story was brief, but looking at the featured items was intriguing; our reaction to styles shown in these kinds of stories is often mixed, frequently negative, that was not the case this time. To see the entire slide show and story, click here.

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

Our other item today involves a show many of our readers enjoy, Gossip Girl. While your trusty correspondent does not partake of the show’s offerings (although the fashion makes it *very* tempting), we have read a bit about an upcoming wedding scene that is being/has been shot this week.

  *****SPOILER ALERT******SPOILER ALERT*******SPOILER ALERT****

It seems that “Blair” may be a runaway bride. (Gasp.)

SplashNews via HollywoodLife.com

Online news stories about pretty party frocks and/or wedding gowns hold enormous allure, I’ve no self control whatsoever when seeing them, I click and off I go; upon seeing all of the G2 news I had to take a peek at the dress.

Via Buzz Sugar

Some fashion experts believe the dress is Vera Wang’s ‘Esther’ below left, from a 2010 collection by the designer, others shriek at the notion the fashion forward program would put ‘Blair’ in a gown that is a year old. (The horror.) Others believe it is the Frieda by Ms. Wang, below right.

Via WetPaint.com

Still others suggest a design by Monique Lhuillier.  We’ve absolutely no idea, but may have to tune in for the episode, it is the season’s final show, something of a cliffhanger from what we’ve read.

We leave you with something *very* bright, a one of a kind sofa now on eBay.

eBay

Here is another look at the item.

eBay

Our thanks to Re-Lilly founder Sue Trader, she shared a link to the piece yesterday. The auction ends this Sunday, the opening bid is $2099, thus far there have been no bids.

Until next time, may the sun be shining on you!

“The Princess Principle”, Blake Lively Gets Carried Away & Petunia the Preppy Pig

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a Thursday here in the corner condo at the Prepatorium, where we are buried in work, so today’s nattering on post is ever-so-short.

Today we share news of multiple Princess appearances that we thought you might enjoy, beginning with Her Serene Highness, Charlene of Monaco. She and Prince Albert have been on this side of the pond, below left we see them at the Princess Grace Awards gala Monday and the opening of the “Grace Kelly: From Movie Star to Princess” exhibition in Toronto last night.

/Reuters & /Reuters

The Awards honor emerging talents in the arts, including film, dance and theater. Below we see the Monaco royals with Dame Julie Andrews, who received special honors, and Anne Hathaway, both of whom actually played princesses on the big screen.

Lucas Jackson/Reuters

The exhibit in Toronto doesn’t open to the public until tomorrow, but it looks impressive.

John Rieti/CBC

That exhibit features many of the late Princess’s original dresses, including a special look at her wedding gown.

John Rieti/CBC (L) & AFP/Getty (R) via CBC

How dreamy would this one be to visit in person? Field trip anyone?

Also out and about yesterday, the former Kate Middleton, now formally known as the Duchess of Cambridge.

© UNICEF 2011/Jan Grarup

She and Prince William were in Copenhagen, hoping to draw attention to the crisis in East Africa. They joined Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary for a visit to UNICEF‘s warehouse, it is the organization’s supply chain headquarters.

© UNICEF 2011/Jan Grarup

The couple is taking a page from the Brangelina playbook as noted by Lisa on Twitter yesterday.

EastAfricaCrisis.org

Their capacity to do good by shining a light on specific causes and needs is substantial, their first such endeavor is the East Africa Crisis, where malnutrition and starvation have reached epic levels. (If interested in more on the visit, our sister blog is What Kate Wore.)

We leave this segment with a snippet of a piece in the Times last month, “The Princess Principle”

Every woman has had a princess moment in her life. But even if most of us have put away our tiaras, we still want to feel like princesses, or even queens, when we get dressed.

The piece by Jessica Michault was written in conjunction with fashion week, but it certainly has merit for many, no? Is the “Princess Principle” something that rings true, or is it passé in this day and age, simply not realistic in the hectic, crazy-busy real world?

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

Our final tidbit involves Christian Louboutin and Gossip Girl star Blake Lively, below we see her being carried by the shoe maestro at Tuesday’s party. (Note the rather… ah, ‘strategically placed’ handbag. Yikes!)

Splash/The Daily Mail

That was at was the big do at Barneys celebrating the shoe designer’s 20th anniversary and book launch.  Below, the limited edition pump being sold exclusively at Barneys, the ‘Highness 160’. (We are trying to stick with that royals theme, after all.)

Barneys New York

It is a very limited edition indeed, only twenty pair are being sold. If interested, hold onto your pocketbooks, they are $3995.

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

We leave you with a seasonal item from an upcoming holiday; meet Petunia, I am calling her the ‘preppy glass pig.’

Artful Home

Petunia is just one of many handmade glass Christmas ornaments at Artful Home, we may showcase others moving forward. Doesn’t everyone need a pink and green pig? 🙂

Target’s New Designer, That New Gossip Girl, Stella & Dot Adds Handbags

Hello-Hello, and happy top of a new week!

It has been a little busier than normal here at the Prepatorium, more on that later. But first, we have a quick look at the newest addition to the Gossip Girl cast. Although we don’t watch, a number of readers are fans, so we attempt to stay abreast of developments on the show, below we see Elizabeth Hurley shooting a scene with Chace Crawford last week.

Flynet Pictures via The Daily Mail

The show is in production for its next season, shooting on the UES. Ms. Hurley plays a character named Diana Payne,we also show Ed Westwick and Penn Badgley working on the set last week.

Splash/AKM Images via The Daily Mail

The new character is apparently that of a ‘media mogul,’ obviously a very attractive one.

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

Next, word from Women’s Wear Daily (subscription req’d.) that Le Boutique Targét is adding another designer line, this one from Gwen Stefani. The Harajuku Mini collection will debut in November, with pieces for “babies, children and tweens,” according to the trade publication.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

Prices for the line will run $3.99 to $29.99. Sharon Edelson’s story points out that Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. collection is one of very few successful fashion endeavors being done by celebrities.

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

Next on the menu today, a look at a new accessories collection from a company called Sloane Ranger.  The line is just being launched, from its website:

“Inspired by the streets of Sloane Square, It was time to bring the Sloane’s effortless cool and confident styling across the pond.”

Many readers remember Princess Diana as the most well known individual associated with the moniker. Here are a few of the company’s iPad/Netbook cases, retailing at $20.

And here are some of the belts being offered, they run $18.

Thoughts on the new wares? Intrigued? Yawn? Cute?

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

Women’s Wear Daily also has word about Stella and Dot, the jewelry and limited accessories line sold through private trunk shows. The company is adding handbags to the merchandise its stylists will be offering, below we show one of the bags.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

The initial handbag collection will consist of five bags, here is more from the WWD story:

“A clutch; a convertible, three-way style; a cross-body bag; a wristlet, and a key pouch will comprise the first collection. Prices start at $44 for the key pouch and go up to $258 for the convertible bag. “

Stella and Dot already offers jewelry totes and rolls.

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

Finally today, one of the reasons we say the weekend was a little chaotic.  Facebook fans have already heard that we hired a new shipping manager, seen on the job below overseeing Friday’s shipment of Lilly Pulitzer Agendas to Princess customers.

Courtesy Tilly T. Bulldog

It was good to have new personnel on the job, we had quite a few Lilly Pulitzer Agendas to get ready for today’s shipping run.

Above we show boxes being prepped for shipment, below, some of the boxes ready to go.

The Prepatorium

And more boxes filled with Agendas going out today.

The Prepatorium

Of course, with this many orders one counts on the shipping supervisor.  You’re wondering where that employee is aren’t you? So were we.

Caught Red-Pawed

We finally located her, tracked by the sound of her snores.

Honestly, you just can’t get good help these days.

Gossip Guy Updates, Luxury Baby Clothes & An Homage to Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a Tuesday here at the Prepatorium.

We have multiple tidbits to share today, most are of the hit and split headline only variety, with apologies, we are pressed for time.

1) It isn’t only the summer solstice, today also brings something of a holiday for many:

Lilly Pulitzer

It’s National Wear Your Lilly Day, and regardless of the weather, Lilly Lovers everywhere were sporting the vibrant hues and prints.  Below, the understated elegance our pal Lisagh was going to be wearing.

Here’s a peek at all of the fun back at the Pink Palace (Lilly Pulitzer headquarters).

Via Lilly Pulitzer

2) This Saturday we enjoyed a story in the Journal looking at the increase in children’s clothing collections from luxury brands.  From Sameer Reddy’s story:

“With the launch of several children’s lines from mega fashion brands like Fendi, Lanvin and Gucci, however, parental projection is going to a new level, with mini-me’s dressed to impress rather than for recess.”

The piece is accompanied by a number of photos with fashion montages styled many ways, including “Preppy Baby” (L) and “Hippie Baby” (R).

F. Martin Ramin for The Wall Street Journal

It makes for an interesting read, one we happily recommend; click here for the entire story.

3) It’s Men’s Fashion Week again and there are reports Gossip Guy Chace Crawford walked the runway for Versace at yesterday’s show in Milan. As best we can tell he did *not* actually model for Versace but he did attend the show.

PHOTOS: Getty Images

4) Another Gossip Girl star, Penn Badgley, has been chosen for the lead in one of the upcoming films about musician Jeff Buckley, prompting rumors he may need to leave the show to accommodate the production schedule for the movie. (Gasp.)

5) Theminute-by-minute (almost) schedule for the Canadian portion of the upcoming Royal Tour in Canada is now available, click here to see the details.

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

What sounds like a must-see exhibit for anyone who is going to be in southern California is now open, “LBD (Little Black Dress) An Homage to Breakfast at Tiffany’s” can be seen at the FIDM Museum.

Via FIDM

The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising show isn’t huge, but looks at a subject matter near and dear to our heart, who doesn’t appreciate the beauty of a LBD … or several? Here is more from All the Rage:

“Standouts include Hubert de Givenchy’s line-for-line re-creation of the “Tiffany’s” dress (on loan from Hubert de Givenchy Couture) and glam takes on the staple from Christian Dior, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Madeleine Vionnet, Valentina and L.A.-based designers Monique Lhuillier, Kevan Hall and Chan Luu.”

Kathryn Collings/MyStyle.com (R)

We hadn’t realized there were actually 4 of the Givenchy dresses made for Audrey Hepburn. The exhibit runs through August 13, and best of all, it is free.  For more you can also visit the FIDM Museum’s Shop page on Facebook.

Via FIDM Museum Shop Facebook Page

There is also more about the exhibit at the FIDM blog, it looks like a delightful way to spend one’s lunch hour!

On those lovely images we say goodbye until next time, may your day be as bright and filled with fun as the Lilly everyone is wearing.

Say Goodbye to Two Gossip Girls, And It’s Round Two for Princess Beatrice’s Hat

Hello-Hello, happy middle ‘o the week to everyone.

We are brief again today, beginning with an update on everyone’s favorite faux-prep school show, Gossip Girl.  From the Ministry of Gossip blog:

“”Gossip Girl” actresses Taylor Momsen and Jessica Szohr — the two bad girls from the wrong side of Manhattan — are leaving the CW show.”

Below we see Ms. Szohr (L), and on the right, Ms. Momsen with co-star Ed Westwick.

Splash News (L)/The CW (R)

(From what we gather this this isn’t much of a shock for those who watch the show, unfortunately your Princess Ignoramus is not up to speed on any all things GG.)

Another Gossip Girl star has been busy this week.  Chanel showed its Winter 2012 (eek!) cruise collection in Cap d’Antibes, and “brand ambassador” Blake Lively was on hand. Below she is seen at the dinner with Chanel Pooh-bah Karl Lagerfeld.

Kristy Sparow/Getty Images

For the “Collection Croisiere 2012” show Ms. Lively was in a more revealing ensemble, we show her with Monaco’s Princess Caroline and her daughter, Princess Alexandra, they attended the event as well.

All Photos by Getty Images

The setting for the show was the storied Hotel du Cap.

Dominique Charriau/Getty Images

Many of the looks were understated elegance at its best.

All Photos Getty Images

However… we are constitutionally incapable of contemplating next winter’s resort collections when we have yet to experience spring’s arrival.

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

In today’s Bits & Bytes:

Boyle + Gardner for The Wall Street Journal

Saturday’s Journal carried a solid story on a preppy basic, the ribbon belt, explaining that “…now, however, the ribbon belt has pretty much gone back to the rarefied realm from which it came.”

There is also news that “celebri-chef” Paula Deen will launch another home line, separate from her furniture collection.  Launching next spring, the new group will include bedding, bath, lighting and decorative accessories.

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

One quick OPB (Official Princess Business) note, in the next several weeks we’ll be sharing scads of new goodies being unveiled at the National Stationery Show. Here is a an early look at pieces from the new home acrylics collection we will be offering from Boatman Geller.

Coming Soon at the Princess from Boatman Geller

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

Our final note today involves everyone’s favorite chapeau. (BTW, can we just say there seems to be *a lot* going on in this photo?!)

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

It seems Princess Beatrice’s fascinator is going to be auctioned for a good cause.  Sarah Ferguson is on Oprah today, and during the show she apparently shares the news the hat will be listed on eBay, with proceeds being donated to UNICEF and Children in Crisis.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

There you have it.