Is ALL Black Fleece on Sale? Also, Obama Fashion Bailout?

Hello-Hello everyone…and happy It’s-Almost-the-Weekend-Day!

Today we start with one of TP’s favorite designers (regular readers know the truth), Thom Browne. Yes, he of the cropped pants on men’s suits, including his Brooks Brothers Black Fleece Collection. Among other things.

First off, next week Mr. Browne makes his European debut, presenting his line in Italy for the first time.

PHOTO: Daniel Garriga/WWD

And in other Thom Browne news (heh-heh), an update on the standalone Black Fleece store in the West Village from the the eagle-eyed staff at Racked.com. They have been monitoring things at the site and reported yesterday that after months of inactivity, they saw movement!

“After months of darkness, the lights have come on inside of the corner store and it looks as though they are working on painting the walls and refinishing the floor.”

Below left, the Black Fleece Embroidered Trouser at Brooks, discounted a whopping 75% to a mere $375; but remember, it is only a bargain if Mr. Wonderful prefers flood pants.  On the right, a far more enticing item, the Men’s Cashmere Argyle Sweater, 50% off its original selling price, now $500.

Because we so care about proper maintenance of your trust fund, we scoured all the Black Fleece we had time for, and only discovered one item that was *not* on sale.  And that is….?  The Triple Guard Stripe tie, described this way on the site: “As worn by Jennifer Aniston on the cover of the January 2009 GQ magazine.” Indeed. Was this not Ms. Aniston’s entire wardrobe for that photo?

Brooks Brothers Black Fleece

Actually, the same tie is used with a look we happen to love, the Women’s Black Fleece Classic Wool Jacket. This will not surprise frequent blog visitors as we have been vocal about our fond feelings for many of Mr. Browne’s women’s designs.  This lush jacket is now at $950, half of the original selling price.

Brooks Brothers Black Fleece

We were more-than-surprised to see something unusual on sale at Brooks: their fragrances for Men and Women.  On the Shock-O-Meter, this is up there with the Saks Designer Jewelry sale.  Seriously.

Çourtesy Brooks Brothers

We have *never* seen fragrances on sale at Brooks, so this clearly goes in the SOTT (Sign of the Times) category.  In this post we did talk about the three Men’s scents remaining in the line, but there was no guarantee they would be carried indefinitely.

And in another SOTT, we give you this:

Saks Designer Sale

80% Off at Saks?????

Please excuse us while we locate an ice pick to thrust directly between the eyeballs.  At the very least we require a Prozac Latte just to carry on. The thought of Saks disappearing from our horizon is unbearable. (Yes, we realize there are far more tragic things in the world, but they are not what TP elects to discuss in this blog.) We shall simply operate under the dum spiro, spero philosophy.

Next SOTT:  Polo Ralph Lauren is also pushing deeper discounts, “Up to 70% Off” original prices.  This Cashmere Turtleneck Dress looks snuggly and chic, and at only $129 it could be a great investment piece.

Ralph Lauren

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This could easily be a SOTT: A story in today’s Times headlined “U.S. Fashion’s One-Woman Bailout?” accompanied by this photo montage:

photo credits below

Reporter Guy Trebay does an excellent job looking at Michelle Obama and her impact on the fashion industry, making for a great read.  There are also several online photo slide shows and interactive features  on the topic of First Ladies and Fashion (including inaugural gowns) worthy of your time.

And speaking of same, the marketing minds at retailer White House/Black Market have unveiled four sketches of Inaugural designs for the next First Lady.

Courtesy White House/Black Market

The four gowns can be seen starting tomorrow at WHBM’s Union Station mini-store, and better yet, they are being used as a fundraiser for Clothes off our Back.

As explained in WWD’s story on the promotional effort:

“Back in June, we were thrust into the spotlight when Mrs. Obama wore us on ‘The View,’ and since then we’ve been on a journey with her and we wanted to take her to the inauguration,” said brand president Donna Noce. “Our tag line is ‘From Our White House to Yours.’”

The dresses are named The Abigail, The Eleanor, The Jackie and The Ladybird, and are all handmade, in Size 8.

Photo credits for the Michelle Obama NY Times montage: Darren McCollester/Getty Images; Ron Edmonds/Associated Press; Rick Wilking/Reuters/Corbis

The Princess is Unhappy, More Inaugural Party Frock Sketches

Hello-Hello everyone… did we all enjoy a splendid beginning of the New Year? We certainly hope so, it seems everyone is more than ready to turn a corner, although just which corner to select is up for debate.

Unfortunately, TP is feeling completely distraught. Why? Perhaps the photo below will provide a clue.

PHOTO" Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty

Non? Un autre….

PHOTO: Brendan Smialowski/Getty

Still not sure?

We are talking about the Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington.  One of the better-kept secrets inside the beltway. It is a fabulous little establishment, of the sort commonly referred to as a boutique hotel.  Its location is nothing less than perfect. From one’s room you can gaze upon Lafayette Park, St. John’s or the White House, among other attractions. The obvious question: precisely how is this establishment causing TP such distress? To be fair, it isn’t the establishment, rather the change in administrations.

You see, most students return to school after the weekend. This includes two darling little girls who are in the process of relocating to the District, Sasha and Malia Obama.  Classes begin for them Monday at Sidwell Friends, and the family is temporarily moving into the Hotel to ensure the girls start their studies on time. Blair House, where the family might usually stay during the last weeks of the transition, is occupied until January 15.

It is really the only place we stayed when in town, unless we were attending a business convention of the sort requiring everyone be at “the official hotel.” (You know the usual suspects: the Mayflower, the Shoreham, etc.) We fear all the media attention and exposure will result in the Hotel becoming one of the latest “it” spots, and it shall be completely overrun with people. Perhaps we worry too much and all of the hubbub will amount to nothing?  Hopefully so. In the interim, we shall stop whining and discuss something more upbeat.

For example, the story serves as a reminder we haven’t shared all of the sketches submitted by designers for the Obama girls Inaugural apparel, like these two looks from Lucy Sykes:

Courtesy Lucy Sykes via WWD

Unfortunately, neither of these register at the Prepalicious level, IOHO, although we do like the little pearl studs.

Courtesy Lucy Sykes via WWD

They both appear almost run of the mill, a surprise coming from this designer, one of TP’s favorites for children’s apparel. The Bonnie Young creations are fun, and the jewel tones a good idea, sure to complement whatever color scheme is selected by their mother, Michelle Obama.

Courtesy Bonnie Young via WWD

We really can’t offer an opinion on the Rodarte… everyone looks like an alien being, come for a visit with the earthlings, no?

Courtesy Rodarte via WWD

Our final look today for the Obama girls comes from Eliza Gran, often featuring looks inspired by vintage creations. We promise to share more in our next post.

Courtesy Eliza Gran via WWD

We are enamored of the style used for this sketch, complete with the crayon-style drawing and the inclusion of the “dog” in the lower right corner!

Also from Women’s Wear Daily, nominations for MVP, or “Most Visible Players” in their story “The Ubiquitors of 2008.”  WWD’s Eye column ranked a number of celebrities, primarily using their number of appearances on photo websites as a criteria.  Who’s Number One?

PHOTO: Scott Rudd

The column ranks the entire cast of Gossip Girl in first place; above, stars Ed Westwick, Chace Crawford, Blake Lively and Penn Badgley.

PHOTO: Steve Eichner

The feature shows more G2 photos, including a shot of off-screen couple Blake Lively & Penn Badgley, as well as Leighton Meester, another one of the show’s female leads.  (Please tell me us that isn’t a romper she is wearing…?!)

PHOTO: Kristen Somody Whalen

Here’s how the article ranked the individual stars:

THE CAST OF “GOSSIP GIRL”
The group of young hotties is thoroughly enjoying its newfound fame.
Total: 189 (combined)
Leighton Meester: 45
Chace Crawford: 34
Jessica Szohr: 33
Taylor Momsen: 22
Penn Badgley: 20
Ed Westwick: 18
Blake Lively: 17

We openly acknowledge still having no clue as to how the votes were tallied, but we somehow think it isn’t critical that we comprehend this part of the story.  And it is also time for our usual disclaimer explaining that somehow we have not watched an episode of Gossip Girl, but after all, we’re in a new year and anything can happen…

Others included in WWD’s list of MVPs include Brooke Shields, the Olsen twins, and Becky Newton of “Ugly Betty” fame.

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A reminder that nominations are still open for our own awards, 2008’s AntiPrep of the Year, along with the Preppiest Person of 2008. (This was a little something started in the Princess Consort’s post from New Year’s Day.) We thought Muffy Martini should get off the fence and let us know her true feelings instead of being so wishy-washy:

“Anti Prep goes to Paris. She is SIMPLY horrid.”

And Mrs. Newlywed offers a number of possibilities:

“Anti-Prep? Lindsay Lohan for sure.

Prep? This one is tougher, but I am going to go with Cynthia Rowley. I think she did a stellar job with her Target line, and while her fall line was somewhat questionable. She is consistently on top of preppy fashion.

I am sure there are more, but I wanted to pick someone unique…not one of the Gossip Girls…especially since I don’t know their names.”

Belle in Bloom also gives us some suggestions:

“I’ll have to agree with everyone on the anti-prep. Paris Hilton. yikes.

For preppiest…I just don’t know. I do love Anderson Cooper. Can’t wait to see who is picked. Fun.”

On that note, don’t be shy – share your thoughts! Grins and Giggles until next time, we hope you enjoy a stellar weekend!!

Another Prep Fashion Faux Pas, Inaugural Updates, AntiPreps

First off, before you read one more word, scoot over here and leave a comment so you are entered in this week’s Great Giveaway, with preppy goodness anyone can win! Leaving a comment about anything you are thankful for = giveaway entry.

Quick headlines of the day, many of which may well be moldy oldies to many of you, but here we go anyway.

The Presidential daughters will be attending Sidwell Friends school; Malia at the Middle School in Northwest DC (the Upper School Building is also here), and Sasha at the Lower School campus that is actually located in Bethesda. Malia is in fifth grade and Sasha in second grade.

PHOTO: Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

The Obamas selected the Quaker school where Chelsea Clinton and Al Gore III received their educations, deciding it was a better fit than Georgetown Day and Maret. For more background, our post here may be helpful.

Newsweek features the future First Lady in their Dec.1 issue, on newsstands today.

PRNewsFoto/NEWSWEEK

And we hear an entire book dedicated to the Michelle Obama style is quickly being put together; former Mademoiselle editor Mandi Norwood is writing the book. It is scheduled for publication sometime next spring by Avon Books.  Coming out even earlier, “Michelle Obama: Meet the First Lady“ is due December 9.

Harper Collins

Written by David Bergen Brophy, the publisher is Harper Collins.

Speculation continues on who will design Michelle Obama’s gown for the Inaugural Balls in January, but we have seen little devoted to basic inauguration day apparel for Michelle Obama and the girls….? Seeing some designs in that genre would be most enjoyable.

That now-famous Thakoon dress worn by Michelle Obama is now officially out of production, at least for the time being.

PHOTO: Mark Wilson/Getty

More sketches for Inaugural gowns are floating about from other designers, including this from Isabel Toledo, done at People magazine’s suggestion, for a story.

Isabel Toledo via People.com

Below, Mrs. Obama in the Isabel Toledo gown worn to a June fundraiser hosted by Anna Wintour (Vogue) and Calvin Klein. Many readers may be familiar with the divine illustrations Ms. Toledo’s husband, Ruben, has done for the Nordstrom catalogues.

PHOTO: AP

And Reem Acra also shared her creativity, again, per People magazine’s request.

Reem Acra via People.com

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We have another entry in the Gwyneth Paltrow Fashion Faux Pas category. While we do not want to appear as though we are unfairly focusing on Ms. Paltrow, her style statements of late are surprising in light of her über-preppy upbringing.

…

Above, the actress at the grand re-opening of the remodeled Fontainebleau this weekend. The famed hotel was also home to the Victoria’s Secret fashion show taping.

The always-interesting Styleist blog takes Ms.Paltrow to task for the Antonio Berardi dress she wore (below) to the Two Lovers film premiere in London.

PHOTO: Getty Images

The comments include these:

“We see London, we see France, we see Gwyneth Paltrow in Paris at the premiere of ‘Two Lovers’ wearing another weird dress. Plus we see underpants! And her bra!

Gwyneth frequently comes thisclose to fashion greatness. But then she takes a giant leap off the Cliff of “Odd and Awkward” into the ocean of “Looking at Her Makes Us Wince”. Doesn’t she have any friends? Or a mirror?”

The Victoria’s Secret goings-on alerted us to very frightening news: two Antipreps were in the same place.  At the same time.  Clearly someone neglected to put up the deflector shield.  Mon Dieu.

Exhibit A:

PHOTO: Hans Deryk/Reuters

In case anyone is fortunate enough to *not* recognize this individual, it is TV personality Kim Kardashian; here is our initial post affirming Ms. Kardashian attaining official AntiPrep status.

Next we have Paris Hilton, our very first Anti-prep, as explained here. It could almost be said Ms. Hilton prompted the necessity of an Anti-prep category.  BTW, for those keeping score at home, this is the second such occurrence of dual (dueling?) anti-preps appearing at the same location.

PHOTO: Hans Deryk/Reuters

We apologize for the multiple spellings on antiprep; we just can’t locate the word in our Webster’s and don’t know how to spell it so we can find it when we look things up in the blog.

Until next time!

Great Preppy Giveaway Week 3, Inaugural Dress Update

We must acknowledge acting somewhat like a Pouty Princess over the seemingly never-ending debacle going on here:

Until we realized we get to give away some preppy goodies! It is time to announce the winner of the Great Preppy Princess Giveaway winner for Week 2…. (drum roll):

verybusymomwith4

Whoo-hoo! Some may recall that our Thankful Thursday topic for last week’s giveaway was ‘one friend you are grateful for,” and Miss Lisa, founder and curator of VBMW4, shared this comment as her entry for the giveaway:

“I am thankful for my friend Julie who knows when to help me, when to advise me and when I need to listen. I am in awe of how she just knows how to act in every situation.”

As the winner Lisa receives a treasure trove of goodies from the Preppy Princess, including a Boatman Geller Carrie & Tuck personal stationery station and a fab Madras Refill Set! (This is so fun!)

Now for Week 3, our comment topic is anything for which you are thankful. How easy is that? Just leave a quick comment on something, someone, someplace you are grateful for… and voilà! You are entered!  Wonder what you can win this week? Read on.

Week 3 Great Giveaway goodies include this Perfect Circle Apron….

PreppyPrincess.com

Accompanied by the matching gloves; clearly one cannot risk a fashion disaster in their own kitchen.

PreppyPrincess.com

Of course, if Cook is handling the duties, and you have no worries about keeping the splish-splash off your cocktail dress, then the Apron/Gloves Set always make the perfect gift for someone else.

Also for the lucky winner, the understated elegance of the Trey’s Stripes notecards. Naturally the Princess will personalize the set of 10 cards, per your wishes.

PreppyPrincess.com

Don’t forget that if you mention the Great Giveaway on your blog or home page a Bonus Gift goes to anyone you choose! Because it wasn’t won this past week, we’ll roll over the Week 2 Bonus Prize Pack.

The Bonus Prize includes the Laguna Beach apron, along with one of our favorite books, Summer at Tiffany by Marjorie Hart.

So don’t forget… scroll down and make a quick comment!  “I am thankful for ______.”

Leave your comments before midnight next Wednesday, the 26th, and you are entered in the Giveaway.  And because sharing is caring, *do* think about mentioning the Giveaway on your blog, or your Facebook or MySpace page, whatever works for you (in a good, clean fun kind of way) so you can share the Bonus Prizes with someone near and dear.

Our first comment comes from Legally Heidi, here is part of what she shared:

“i’m thankful for my pal Liz. Her and i have had a rough friendship but we’ve always come out on top She’s the one friend i know i could call at 2am upset and she’d listen to me.”

Do let TP know if you have any questions…that is why we are here!

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A quick update to our most recent post on the search for an appropriate prep school for Malia and Sasha Obama.  We reported that our intuition pointed to Maret being out of the mix, with the choice down to either Georgetown Day School or Sidwell Friends.  The Post (Washington) seems to confirm this:

“… school search appears to have narrowed… and the much-buzzed-about Maret School is apparently out of the running.”

Also, we promised to let you know what we discovered about Michelle Obama’s attire seen in the CBS 60 Minutes Interview:

Aaron Tomlinson/CBS News Handout/Reuters

As speculated, the pieces were by Maria Pinto, who seems to have achieved ‘Most Favored Nation’ status when it comes to the future First Lady’s fashion choices, IOHO.  According to the Trib:

“… wore the “Eme” top and “Rani” skirt in an iris color, designed by Chicago’s Maria Pinto. The ensemble is from Pinto’s spring collection, but rendered in tweed for Obama, a loyal Pinto client. The sleeveless element was retained from the original design.”

We continue to see sketches of possible inaugural ball gowns from varying designers; here is one from Tracey Reese, as seen in this story from the Detroit Free Press.  We simply love that look, the dress is absolutely beautiful.

Tracey Reese

BTW, today’s Times (NY) had an excellent story about price wars between online retailers and the  tactics they employ to move merchandise.  For example, we had no idea Zappos uses a sister site for its discounted and marked down products…did you? (If interested, it is 6pm.com)  And 6pm does carry most, if not all, of the name brands Zappos stocks.

Also, Steve & Barry’s will be gone permanently.  After being bailed out of an earlier bankruptcy three months back, yesterday the company filed for liquidation in New York. We have no news yet on what will happen with Sarah Jessica Parker’s Bitten line of clothing, currently sold at the retailer.

Happy-Happy!