An Anti-Prep Bigger than the Royals? Prepalicious Sales & Savings, Friday Fun

Hello-Hello, and happy weekend to everyone.

Because of the holiday weekend we are brief, and primarily focused on lighter fare, Monday’s post is always solemn enough.

We begin with several tidbits of note:

• Sadly, this morning marked the end for Elaine’s, an Upper East Side mainstay for decades. Elaine Kaufman ran the restaurant for more than 40 years, until her death late last year. Even if you never actually went to Elaine’s, you may well have seen its interior, Woody Allen’s Manhattan was filmed at the legendary spot.
• There is an abundance of rumors that Gossip Girl actress Blake Lively is seeing the newly-single Leo DiCaprio. (Oh my!)

FAME photo via The Blemish

More from Fox News:

“DiCaprio also happens to be on the rebound. He just split with 25-year-old Israeli supermodel Bar Rafaeli, and they’re known to be on-and-off.”

• In our Monday post about the Chelsea Flower Show we forgot to include the Hunter boots done in Royal Horticultural Society prints, they really are darling.

Hunter/RHS

•  Our final tidbit involves one of the original Anti-Preps, Kim Kardashian. It is actually more of a “Help Me Understand,” as  we are genuinely befuddled, this CBS News headline explains the subject of our dismay.

Kim Kardashian will out-do the royal wedding, sister says

Seth Browarnik/startraksphoto.com via E! Online

Here is more from an E Online! story by Marc Malkin:

“It’s going to be royal wedding number two,” sister Khloé told me earlier today while promoting the new season of Keeping Up With the Kardashians. “I could only imagine Kim having the hugest wedding.”

Little the varying family members have done is surprising, but in this instance we admit to being taken aback, and must ask those more knowledgeable about the cast of characters: really?? Really truly??

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We move on now to our weekend roundup of fiscally friendly Sales & Savings opportunities:

• Talbots is offering an additional 25% off already-reduced sale and clearance merchandise.
• Polo Ralph Lauren is promoting an extra 25% off “select already-reduced styles”
• At Polo Ralph Lauren outlet stores the offer includes savings of “25% on select styles” plus an additional 20% off  your entire purchase

PLR

• Be cognizant of what the promotional literature for the J. Crew Factory “sale” is offering, which is nothing other than the existing discounts. We aren’t saying there aren’t fiscally friendly prices, but prices are as marked, there is no additional discount being taken.

J. Crew

•  The semi-annual sale at Nordstrom is underway with reductions on women’s and children’s merchandise.

Nordstrom

• Lacoste outlet stores offer 25% off everything in the store.

Lacoste Outlet Stores

• Brooks Brothers Factory stores are offering 40% off your entire purchase
• Ann Taylor is promoting an extra 40% off already-reduced styles, use promo code EXTRA40 at checkout
• At Ann Taylor Loft the deal is even better, 50% off already-reduced merchandise entire purchase
• Saks, Neimans and Barneys all have varying discounts and sales meriting a look; at Bloomies it is the Big Brown Bag sale

Bloomingdale's

Happy Hunting.

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In the Friday Fun portion of our post, a few trinkets that caught our attention; first, the Barbie Dream House Ring.

Via nOir Jewelry

We first saw the ring mentioned at The Fashion Planner blog and just found it fascinating, so we popped over to Jewelry nOir,  where the ring is sold, for a closer look. While not something we would wear, for some reason the ring is intriguing.

Our other fun item is a favorite here at The Prepatorium, it’s Fleet Week in the city.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

That’s the USS New York passing in front of the Statue of Liberty on Wednesday, when events honoring our Marine and Navy corps kick off.  You’ll always find me partial to sailors, my father was a WWII USN officer.  Below, the USS Iwo Jima heads up the Hudson.

Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

God love our troops…

Cindy Ord/Getty Images

And everyone who supports them.

Cindy Ord/Getty Images

Here’s the USS New York (rear), which was built from steel recovered from the World Trade center attacks, as it goes past the Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum.

Kathy Willens/AP Photo

May your weekend be safe and happy. If still thinking about a way to observe the holiday, here are some ideas from the National World War II Museum.

Lilly Pulitzer Fabric Launch, Say Goodbye to Your Hunters

Hello and happy middle-of-the-week, we hope your May is turning out to be a good month.

We begin today with the long anticipated Lilly Pulitzer for Lee Jofa fabric collection, unveiled yesterday as part of BlogFest 2011.

Via Lilly Pulitzer Facebook

Blogfest is a gathering of interior design bloggers, it is actually put together by Lee Jofa’s parent company, Kravet.

Via Pattern & Palette

The patterns incorporate the bright, vibrant colors Lilly lovers are used to seeing.

Lilly Pulitzer for Lee Jofa via StyleBeat

StyleBeat has wonderful photos of the collection.

Lilly Pulitzer for Lee Jofa via Stylebeat

For those not familiar with Lee Jofa, the company has been in business since the 1800s, the quality of their textiles is superb.

Lilly Pulitzer for Lee via StyleBeat

An enlargement better shows the heavy embroidery in this particular pattern. (And it certainly qualifies as our Pretty in Pink today.)

Lilly Pulitzer for Lee Jofa via Stylebeat

An old favorite for many, Dirty Shirley. (Should I be alarmed The Consort is so familiar with Lilly patterns that upon seeing this image his immediate reaction was “Oh, that’s Dirty Shirley”…?)

Lilly Pulitzer for Lee Jofa via Stylebeat

To see more photos visit Stylebeat here, or Pattern & Palette. A reminder, the fabrics will only be available to the trade, so if planning to add some to your palace, ring up your favorite interior designer, or check the Lilly Pulitzer website, they promise to have more information.

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We were surprised to see this tidbit from the good folks at socialite/fashionista blog Guest of a Guest.

Hunter Boots, Your Expiration Date Has Finally Come

Courtesy Photo

Particulars from the story:

….Hunter Boots have basically become as viral as Uggs and on a rainy day like today, it couldn’t be more obvious. Say so long to your wellies because they are officially destined to die in suburbia.

We should have seen it coming, because with so many colors to choose from, they fit any personality.

Hunter Courtesy Photo

The tongue-in-cheek post also shows a number of celebrities wearing the brand. Somehow we think that for those of us who have long loved the brand, the matter of who does…. or doesn’t wear it is of little import.

Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS

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We leave you with this final image from yesterday’s taping of the final Oprah Winfrey show.

John Gress/Reuters

The look on Tom Hanks’ face is priceless as he looks at Ms. Winfrey, Will Smith and his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.  He seems bemused, no?

On that note, thank you for popping in!

A Gossip Girl’s Fashion Faux Pas, Neiman’s True Prep Effort

Hello-Hello, and happy Thursday.

We have all manner of Bits and Bytes to share, the majority of today’s tidbits are fun and frivolous, with little or no redeeming social value whatsoever. We begin with an item we mentioned yesterday on Facebook, with apologies to our friends from that venue, we simply must show it again.  For only the fifth time in its history, the Hope Diamond was moved from its place at the Smithsonian.

Ann Heisenfelt/AP

The legendary piece was moved to the Harry Winston 5th Avenue flagship for a gala Tuesday night. It was also the first time the stone was seen in its new temporary setting, some readers may recall that the design was selected by the public through an online voting process.

From WWD’s story about the event:

“The security surrounding the Hope diamond’s appearance at the Harry Winston store last night rivaled that of a sitting President. There was to be no mention that the stone would be at the party, everyone was advised to bring photo ID and doors were locked at 7:30—no exceptions for latecomers.”

This photo gives a better sense of how truly immense the stone is.

Ann Heisenfelt/AP

Celebrities on hand for the big party included Halle Berry and designer Rachel Roy.

Perhaps the only thing discussed as much as the famous stone was the clothing selection made by actress Leighton Meester.

Image via Styleite

The Gossip Girl star’s lacy jumpsuit from Marchesa was sheer, there is nothing earth shattering about that; unfortunately we are all seeing far more of the “too little fabric, too much flesh” syndrome.

The problem with the piece was how much of the back of the jumpsuit was sheer.  As in all of it. (We’re not showing that image, to see how sadly the outfit missed the mark, click here, or here.)  From Refinery29:

“Don’t get us wrong—we love pants-off Tuesday as much as the next guy—but only in the privacy of our own homes. It seems someone forgot to give Leighton Meester the memo.”

It was a surprising miss from the young actress, for if she is criticized at all by the fashion media, it is generally for playing things too safely, too conservatively.

One of Ms. Meester’s costars is known for frequently wearing more daring looks; that may or may not be a factor in Blake Lively landing yet another Vogue cover, this time for a special edition.

Vogue Magazine

The actress is featured on the cover of Vogue Best Dressed. To see the Top 10 on the magazine’s list, click here.

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Next, a few new books, both appropriate for gifting. The first showcases creations by Louis Vuitton.

Courtesy Image

Louis Vuitton: 100 Legendary Trunks will be released December 1, the title aptly describes the book; below we share a portion of the publisher’s description:

“…100 of the finest trunks the Louis Vuitton company has produced on commission, including boxes made for movie stars from Douglas Fairbanks to Sharon Stone and couturiers from Jeanne Lanvin to Karl Lagerfeld, as well as cases designed for Ernest Hemingway, Leopold Stokowski, and Damien Hirst.”

Here is a look at the ‘Deluxe Edition’.

Via High Snobiety

This version will only be available at Vuitton stores and through the company’s website.

The other volume we want to mention looks at interior design, the content all comes from T&C, one of TP’s favorite magazines.

At Home with Town and Country is the first home book from the magazine, the book offers a look at some of the magnificent homes and living spaces seen in the magazine.  This one was released in September, so it is available for purchasing now.

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Also today, it seems Neiman Marcus is embracing the prep style aesthetic, the NM Guide to Prep claims to offer “everything you need to achieve true prep status”.

Neiman Marcus

The guide is merely a collection of merchandise, with an an array of ideas for your MOTH (Man of the House). There are some obvious choices on the list, like the Hunter Boots and Neiman’s own brand of Pocket Squares.

The Lacoste Long Sleeve Polo and perhaps even the Armani Ties would make the cut.

But the Gucci Embroidered Crest Cardigan or the Burberry Wallet?

To quote Nancy Reagan, just say no.

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Our final item is dedicated to Muffy Martini, properly so when seeing the Question of the Day on auto-enthusiast site Jalopnik, where the question was asked, “What Would Muffy Drive?”

“As long as there are private boarding schools, Brooks Brothers button downs… and girls lacrosse there will be preppy kids with stupid names and nice cars. What would “Muffy” drive?

Here is the photo shown in the post:

Via Jalopnik.com

On that topic, g’bye until next time!

Should a Wellie have a Wedge?

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a warm and already sticky delightful Tuesday here at the Prepatorium.

Despite our personal denial of an approaching change of seasons, professionally we understand many readers are eager for cooler temps and fall fashions. Thus, today’s look at new goodies for autumn, although we begin with a question about footwear from Hunter, one of our favorite spots for foul-weather gear.  Are we hopelessly behind the times once again, not realizing the company is doing sandals? Below, the Amber Thong Sandal.

Hunter

We were also not aware Hunter is doing a midheel loafer (rather an oxymoron, IOHO), the Newberry.

Back to those things the company is best known for, boots. There is a new Wedge-heel boot, the Interlaken, as well as a less pronounced wedge, the shorter Andora. How do you feel about wedges for the wellies?

If more of a mind to do something Pretty in Pink, the Women’s Original Tall boot may be the answer; if needing something for your tiny prep, there is always the Kids Original.  

Also Pretty in Pink, this Girl’s Cardigan by Juicy Couture at Saks, on the right, a trendier take is seen in the KC Parker Girl’s Argyle Cardigan, also at Saks.

For the young MOP (Master of your Palace), the Little Marc Jacobs Sweater offers an updated twist to the classic pattern, while the Burberry Vest is done in the more traditional design.

If your MOTH (Man Of The House) enjoys this motif, the cashmere Argyle Sweater at Polo Ralph Lauren is nicely understated, while Brooks Brothers has a Camel Hair Argyle pullover for Men.

Brooks Brothers also offers a divinely discounted men’s Argyle V-neck in that pink and navy combination we’re so fond of, we are half-tempted to purchase the smallest size available and roll up the sleeves!

Brooks Brothers

One of the more lighthearted argyle items we stumbled upon, the Argyle Heart Knee Socks at the Children’s Place, available in three bright and bouncy colorways.

The fun socks aren’t only for the younger set, grownup girls can enjoy them as well; these three pair are all found at the Gap.

Polo Ralph Lauren also has Argyle Leggings in a subdued navy and green design, sadly the logo looks like it is on HGH (horse growth hormones), while the pink and green Knee Socks add a spark of whimsy to one’s outfit.

Moving away from argyle while keeping our gaze on fall fashions, we look at several new offerings from another Princess fave, Sperry. The Angelfish is offered in graphite nubuck and patent.  (We have yet to reconcile using the words ‘Sperry’ or ‘Topsiders’ adjacent to patent leather, it isn’t a look we’re crazy about.)

Sperry Top-sider

This is a style we have always adored, the Heron Rubber Slip-on, available in a variety of colors.

New for men from Sperry’s collaboration with Band of Outsiders, the Reconstructed Penny Loafer (L). No one will be surprised to see we are especially taken with the Authentic Original 3-Eye, also from Band of Outsiders for men.

But then we saw this. On the Sperry site.

Sperry Top-sider Sienna Low Boot

The only word we can come up with to describe the boot is hideosity.  Recognizing (and respecting) Sperry’s heritage is wrapped in the company’s stylized rivets, we just don’t see them used at the top of a wedge ankle boot.

To calm ourselves we returned to a more recognizable design, the Toddler Boy’s Castaway.

Sperry Top-sider Castaway

A look at the Girl’s Bahama helped restore us to sanity.

Sperry Top-sider Bahama

All is right in the world.

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We leave you with an update on True Prep at The Princess, we are now officially taking pre-orders for the book.

We also took a plunge, adding cult classic Take Ivy to our offerings! This re-printing of the very-hard-to-find-original is being released August 31, just one week before True Prep.  From Take Ivy’s publisher:

“Madras plaid, Top-Siders, seersucker shorts, highwater trousers, tweed jackets, Brooks Brothers, J. Press, J. Crew. What comes to mind? Described by The New York Times as, “a treasure of fashion insiders,”Take Ivy was originally published in Japan in 1965, setting off an explosion of American-influenced “Ivy Style” fashion among students in the trendy Ginza shopping district of Tokyo.”

We leave you with three more additions to the store: on the left, the Lilly Pulitzer 2011 Wall Calendar, and on the right, Lilly’s Desktop Calendar for use with an easel, or without.

Also added recently to our collection of Personalized House Flags, military service designs!

And with that bit of shameless self-promotion, we say g’bye until next time!

Preppy is Back. Again. Also, Brands You’ll See in True Prep

Hello-Hello, happy new week!

We must begin with an enormous “Thank You” to everyone who left such kind and lovely comments following Friday’s post, not to mention the Tweets and Facebook comments.  There is no adequate way to explain how touched we were by the sentiments, it made our day extra special.

Today we have breaking news just in to the Prepatorium: there is another preppy resurgence! Oh my!

Umm… not exactly. We apologize for our poor step into hyperbole, we were unable to resist the temptation. The not-breaking-news comes via our friends on the far side of the pond.  In yet another look at ‘preppy style’ this story from Sunday’s Independent asks: “Are you Ready to get Preppy?” with the following as a subheadline:

“After 30 years in the doldrums, the relaxed East Coast look is back – along with a new handbook to help you wear it with elan”

The story is pegged to this fall’s release of “True Prep” from Lisa Birnbach and Chip Kidd, a topic covered previously in this space. Here is the story’s opening paragraph from writer Susie Mesure:

“Can’t tell your Top-Siders from your Sebagos? Unsure how high to roll your chinos? After some preppy shopping primers? Well, unfurrow your brows and raise a gin and tonic because help is at hand from a new book out this autumn that will exploit the current clamour for East Coast style.”

We doubt Princess readers are struggling with the issues mentioned above, but we could be wrong.  The photo accompanying the story shows looks from the spring 2010 Ralph Lauren collection (our post on the collection may be found here.)

Courtesy Polo Ralph Lauren

If given a choice of designers to illustrate the Independent story, we lean more toward these Brook Brothers promotional pieces…

Brooks Brothers

They promote the Summer at the Cape collections.

BrooksBrothers.com

An editor from Gentleman’s Quarterly is quoted in the Independent story:

“Robert Johnson, associate editor of the fashion magazine GQ, said: “Preppy is back. Every season, particularly summer, there is always a nod to classic Americana but preppy is a big trend this year.” He partly attributed its popularity to the fact that people are “bored” with denim.”

To read the story in its entirety, click here.

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One of our favorite blogs, All the Rage, also previews the upcoming book in this piece by Adam Tschorn.  This photo collage is used to illustrate his story.

Brooks Brothers & Tory Burch via All the Rage

Mr. Tschorn (aka ‘Cuffy’) offers the perspective of someone who actually attended prep school.  In today’s post his interview with Ms. Birnbach offers insight on what brands readers can expect to see in the upcoming book:

“…familiar favorites are revisited. Among them are Lacoste, Sperry Top-Sider, Brooks Brothers, and Ralph Lauren. “I was very, very stingy with [Ralph] in 1980. I think he’s referred to maybe once,” she said. “But this time he gets a lot of play.”

She said that some additions are labels that actually pre-date the first book, including Burberry, Barbour, Hermès, Verdura, Kenneth Jay Lane, Hunter Wellies, and J.M. Weston (“They have these beautiful loafers from France,” she explains).”

Many brands included in the upcoming volume did not even exist when TOPH (The Official Preppy Handbook) was published. More from Mr. Tschorn’s story with Lisa Birnbach:

““We’ve got Vineyard Vines – they started in 1998, and of course J. Crew — which wasn’t around then either [it launched in 1983 as a mail-order company]. And we’ve got some Kenneth Cole [1982] and a little bit of Robert Graham [2001].”

Below, two shirts from Robert Graham.

Ms. Birnbach also chats at length about Tory Burch in the story.  We recommend popping over for a read, it is a fun piece.

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Perhaps the most amazing thing we’ve seen yet on the book was in today’s Book Bench from the New Yorker site.  In a post titled, “Prep is Dead, Long Live Prep” Meredith Blake mentions yours truly (prompting a most unPrincess-like shriek):

“While the original handbook advised that “you should appear in print only three times in your life—upon birth, marriage, and death,” today’s prep is virtually screaming for a little attention; the wasp mystique, it seems, has faded. Like everything else, we can blame it on the Internet, where there’s a thriving community of bloggers dedicated to all things prep-related. At the pink-and-green themed The Preppy Princess, Susan Kelly defends her love for Lilly Pulitzer, while Melissa Morris’s May December has such an impassioned following that its author was the subject of a profile in the newspaper of record. There’s also The Trad, a slightly more idiosyncratic blog dedicated to classic American-made garments.”

Saying we were astonished would be an understatement, and we send our thanks to Ms. Blake for including us with such illustrious company. To see the rest of her post just click here.

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We conclude all this blather with a cautionary note: it is likely we shall encounter an increasing volume in the mainstream media about the preppy aesthetic being raised from the dead (ahem), in sync with the calendar’s movement toward True Prep’s September release date.

And with visions of books dancing in our head we say, g’bye!