Badgley Mischka for HSN Now Available, Chanel & Vuitton at CostCo?

Hello-Hello, and Happy Thursday!

We begin today with a question: does it seem a tad early for the Black Friday frenzy to be underway?

We have seen several stories on the topic in the last two days, including several focusing on the Target and Wal-Mart strategies for boosting sales. From a CNN/Money story:

“Target is hoping to lure this year’s Black Friday shoppers with $3 toasters and coffeemakers, deep deals on high-definition televisions, and discounts of 50% on clothes and toys…”

Le Boutique even has a Black Friday ad sign-up page on its website; we’re not clear what one receives when signing up on that page, and much as we adore our readers we just couldn’t bring ourselves to sign up in order to learn more.

Courtesy Target

There are a number of sites with the Target ad and many others to peruse if so inclined:

• Black-Friday.net
• BlackFridayAds
• GottaDeal.com
• BlackFriday2009.com

Last year we shared as much information as seemed reasonable about fiscally-friendly opportunities at retail establishments with a preppish slant, Brooks Brothers, Talbots, Neiman Marcus, J.Crew, and the like. We planned to do the same this year. We just feel there is an ever-earlier encroachment, but perhaps it is selective recall on our part.

Speaking of Target, we have more photos of the Rodarte for collection, due to debut December. Below, this dress is featured on Teen Vogue’s December cover with Dakota Fanning.

Teen Vogue

The issue also showcases this Lace Dress, it will run $45.

Courtesy Target

This next image is a scan from Marie Claire:

Marie Claire

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Another major collaborative group launches much earlier than the Rodarte line seen above; the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection will be unveiled this Saturday.

Jimmy Choo for H&M

Below, actress Demi Moore sported a dress from the line in October.

Steve Granitz/Wire Image for H&M

Another look:

Jimmy Choo for H&M

We aren’t going to devote too much space to this however, as the collection isn’t available online in the US and not everyone is near an H&M.

There are a number of interesting stories on this line and the growing trend for fashion collaborations and defusion lines, including this piece from ABC.

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One final joint effort to share today: the Badgley Mischka line for HSN, American Glamour.

The collection is scheduled to launch November 17th with a special program on the shopping channel, but from the looks of things, many pieces (if not the entire line) are already available online.

The Animal Print Bag is showcased in either a Cheetah or Zebra pattern, selling at $349.90.

Price points run from $39 to $499; the collection includes clothing, jewelry and accessories. (But no housewares as in Isaac Mizrahi’s line for QVC discussed in Tuesday’s post.) The Big Bold Ring is $59 and the coordinating 5 Stone Necklace is $79, $69 for the event price. (?)

The Hinged Cuff Bracelet runs $99.

Courtesy HSN

We find this all more-than-interesting to watch from the sidelines, the marketing and merchandising techniques are fascinating.

HSN/American Glamour

WWD’s story on the line says the launch online at HSN is November 15, but everything seems to be available now.

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According to this story in today’s Times, Blake Lively hair is all the rage.

Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

“At the Bumble and bumble in Bloomingdale’s, Michael Wilson, a stylist, said that more than half his customers ask for the “Textured and Tousled, or Curled and Swirled” styling … It is a request he attributes to Ms. Lively’s hairstyle.”

And the popular Gossip Girl star’s reaction?

““I didn’t really realize the extent of it,” Ms. Lively said of her hair’s popularity, though she had an inkling: fashion forerunners like Vogue staffers routinely approach her at events and fixate on her hair, she said.”

Finally, news that may put smiles on the faces of some fashionistas, while creating scowls for others: one may now purchase both Chanel and Louis Vuitton handbags at CostCo.

A post at StyleList notes the discount warehouse has the Classic Chanel Flap bag at $1999 :

Daniel Acker, Bloomberg via Getty Images via StyleList

From today’s Post:

“The Post found plenty of small-living-space-appropriate surprises in-store.

Like the massive wall of Ugg “Ultra” short boots ($124.99), the Chanel classic flap handbags ($1,999.99) and the classic Louis Vuitton “Speedy 30” mini-duffels ($589.99).”

Of course this is in addition to the Burberry, Tod’s, Ferragamo and Coach merchandise at Costco, at least from what we read.

We’re guessing Costco is not carrying this:

Courtesy Photo via Grazia Daily

This creation from Vuitton honors the Red Cross.

Courtesy Photo via Grazia

This story in Grazia explains more about the limited edition item:

“The box was commissioned by Patrick-Louis Vuitton, a fifth-generation descendant of the founder who says, ‘When reflecting on our collaboration with the Red Cross, it came to my mind to create a special Red Cross kit… [this is a] visually impactful and a truly unique piece.'”

The upscale leather goods firm is also donating a percentage of proceeds from certain handbag sales to the Red Cross.

For more on these efforts and loads of fab photos, click here.

With that we say good bye until next time!

Sneak Peek at Isaac’s Line, Lilly & Kate Online Only Sales

Hello-Hello and welcome to the mayhem that is the Prepatorium today, in large part because yesterday we were a tad under the weather. We thank The Consort for stepping in and penning the blog, what a dream of a spouse he is!

We are so woefully behind in personal and professional obligations we fear our pointy little head is about to explode!  Therefore our bloggage will be brief.  We begin with a sneak peek at a line from a designer we adore, Isaac Mizrahi, for a television shopping channel we had never visited, QVC.

John Aquino/WWD

It seems the talented designer is using many of the classic design lines he employed at Le Boutique Targèt. Above: the Wool blend duffle toggle coat, $198; cashmere sweater, $88, and taffeta skirt, $60; shoes, $70. We aren’t crazy about this next look; the word ‘matronly’ comes to mind, oui?

John Aquino/WWD

We’ll use this next item as today’s Pretty in Pink; the leather Drawstring Bag is expected to be $200.

John Aquino/WWD

The Patent Leather clutches are going to be in the $75 range.

John Aquino/WWD

Mr. Mizrahi’s collection is also going to include housewares. Below left, the set of Three Vases are going to retail at $75 (the candy dish price isn’t available) and the Bow Plates will be $40 for a set of four.

The talented designer is also going to offer a wide variety of tartan products, including the Cotton Pajama Set, $67, and the Plaid Throw, $49.

A new and nifty option for storage? The Tartan plaid boxes in two sizes at $55 and $70.

For an entirely different look at the popular plaid motif:

John Aquino/WWD

Yes indeedy, that is an edible tartan: the cheesecake will be offered at $40, and the plaid platter at $40.  Yumalicious! Below, Mr. Mizrahi and a model in his Gold paillette tank and silk pants.

John Aquino/WWD

Target still hasn’t ‘replaced’ Mr. Mizrahi as far as we are concerned, they have yet to procure a stellar talent as an in-house designer, although they claim to be content with the status quo in this respect.

The collection launches on QVC December 4 – we may actually tune in for the unveiling.

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A few quick Sales & Savings opportunities we must pass along, the first already underway….

The Kate Spade Sample sale is generally worth a visit, with things like the Bon Vivant zippered Chrissy only $81.

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An upcoming chance to enhance one’s walk-in starts Thursday (the 12th), this one courtesy of the good folks at Lilly.

This is the first time Lilly Pulitzer is doing an online-only sale; if interested in being able to get a head start on shopping, Lilly Facebook fans will be able to start browsing and buying at 7am Thursday.  Those who subscribe to the Lilly newsletter may begin at 8am, and the sale opens to ‘regular shoppers’ online at 9am.

It seems the success of the online sale might have a direct impact on what is available at the Lilly Warehouse Sale next week, the 19th – 21st.

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Finally, we are struggling in our efforts to adapt to life without our dear friends Don and Betty Draper Mad Men every Sunday evening. Below, Jon Hamm and January Jones on the set.

Courtesy AMC-TV

A season that started with such promise ends with the couple having “the talk” with their children.

Courtesy AMC-TV

We shall have to wait until next season to learn about the family’s future, including how little Bobby and Sally Draper handle Daddy’s absence from the family hearth.  Sigh.

For those fond of Ms. Jones, she is hosting Saturday Night Live this weekend. On that note we say g’bye until next time!

Red Carpet Hits & Misses, Tommy Hilfiger Show

Hello-Hello, and welcome to the week ahead!

Today we begin with red carpet fashions, following last night’s Emmy Awards.

Many critics the evening’s big fashion winner was January Jones (aka Betty Draper on Mad Men) in her Atelier Versace gown.

Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty

A look at it from another perspective.

Matt Sayles/AP

Also in Versace, Gossip Girl’s Blake Lively; costar Leighton Meester wore Bottega Veneta.

Mark J. Terrill/AP

Ms. Lively changed frocks before attending the HBO party.

Dan Steinberg/AP

On the far side of the Pond, the Sun thought poorly of Chloe Sevigny’s apparel choice:

“”…what looked like a polka-dot bed sheet to the event. The toga-like ensemble was by Isaac Mizrahi Resort 2010.”

Matt Sayles/AP

Ouch. Another gown receiving negative reviews, Victoria Rowell’s. (Ms. Rowell stars in The Young and the Restless.)

Jason Merritt/Getty

Also on hand, Kourtney and Kim Kardashian in understated gowns, although there is much discussion about the need for proper…ah, appropriate…. umm, the need for…well, there is no delicate way to say this, there is chatter about the lack of proper undergarments ‘neath the gown.

PHOTO: Donato Sardella/WWD

Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks wore deep blue L’Wren Scott.

Donato Sardella/WWD

Another celebrity receiving negative feedback for their sartorial selection, Sarah Silverman.

Chris Pizzello/AP

Don Draper Jon Hamm of Mad Men looked dashing in a standard dinner jacket, seen below at the Governor’s Ball.

Jae C. Hong/AP

Our favorite dress was the Valentino worn by Australian actress Rose Byrne, a fairy-tale princess gown if ever we saw one!

Photo: Getty Images

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It is time leave the party frocks behind and move on to the topic of Fashion Week, as we still have more to cover on that front. The Tommy Hilfiger presentation coincided with the official opening of the retailer’s new 5th Avenue flagship.

Courtesy Tommy Hilfiger

Many a celebrity could be found at the party celebrating the store’s opening, as described in this post. The first look down the runway in Mr. Hilfiger’s Spring 2010 line was this Pretty in Pink grouping.

Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

The nautical influences were easy to spot.

Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

AP had this to say in their review:

“Hilfiger’s theme was the “relaxed glamour” of a Southern California boardwalk, which meant a surprisingly cohesive mix of crisp nautical looks and disco-era slinky styles.”

Men’s and women’s styles are seen in the same show.

Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

Broader shoulders were evident in most pieces, but not all.

Style.com was positive in their write-up:

“… an energetic and fresh-scrubbed collection, named Beachside Romp, that was meant to evoke a SoCal boardwalk but could indeed play anywhere.”

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We concur with the assessment from Fashion Wire Daily:

“A highly energetic, if not necessarily highly original, runway show.”

We did think this little dress was darling, although much too young for TP.

Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

We hope this provides a good sense of the Spring 2010 Hilfiger line.  We do have several other styles to share from New York Fashion Week, hopefully in tomorrow’s post.

Of even greater urgency, London Fashion Week is already underway. Below, the seating chart for the London Burberry show, as photographed by none other than the label’s Creative Director, Christopher Bailey.

Christopher Bailey

May your Monday evening be prepalicious!

Amended to add: And may everyone in the southeast, especially Atlanta, be safe and dry.

Stanley Korshak Does eBay. Seriously. Also, When Madras Goes Wrong.

Hello-Hello and Happy Sunshining Day to everyone!

It is yet another crazy, chaotic tour of duty here at the Prepatorium, compliments of the social secretary overbooking us yet again. Honestly. How difficult can basic appointment scheduling be? (Ahem, social secretary? As in TP overbooking herself??) Therefore we must stoop to such pastimes as gossip, fashion and other less-than-deep endeavors for today’s post.

Has everyone read about the next endeavor for Lauren Conrad of “The Hills“? The Times reports she is doing a line for Kohl’s.

““Now that the economy’s not doing so well, I think it’s everybody that’s looking for bargains,” Ms. Conrad said. “I think that it’s actually great timing.”

Anything that will have people back in stores and buying is a good thing IOHO.

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Yesterday’s Variety has an excellent story about Isaac Mizrahi’s increasing notoriety and popularity.

“….has once again tapped into the zeitgeist with two buzzed-about collections and as the centerpiece of a new reality show for Bravo called, suitably enough, “The Fashion Show.“”

Courtesy BravoTV

Above, Fashion Show judges Kelly Rowland, Issac Mizrahi and Fern Mallis. We could very well become addicted to this one depending upon the production’s structure and contestants.  TP adores Isaac, and is thrilled he seems to be rejuvenating Liz Claiborne.

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We’ll show you ours if…now ladies, hush! Please, please get your mind out of the gutter so The Consort’s can float by. What we were going to say was, “We shall show you what we’re reading if you will tell us what is on your nightstand.” Really. All of this as part of our noble little effort to remind everyone that it is World Book Day, as decreed by UNESCO.  On our nightstand?

Cheever: A Life by Blake Bailey is beyond fascinating, if seeking a little more information about this one, pop over to Coterie Books.  Be forewarned: it is 750+ pages and it is very heavy when one is propped up against their pile of pillows in their boudoir! To recover from this we are contemplating something a little less intense:

Vision in White from Nora Roberts looks intriguing, although we must make a confession: we have never been fond of authors’ names appearing in a font larger than the title of the book, let alone above the title of said book. But then, we are not in the business of marketing books, are we?

As always, we recommend a stop at your local library for your favorite books, movies and much more!

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It is entirely possible we are the last to realize this, but we were absolutely staggered to read about this yesterday at the Journal’s site: Stanley Korshak is now selling on eBay.

Courtesy Stanley Korshak

The reasons behind selling in this venue will surprise no one, as the story explains:

“But as owner Crawford Brock watched the recession take hold, a new idea clicked.

Mr. Brock decided to sell some of his excess merchandise, which included $5,700 Kiton sport coats and $900 Christian Louboutin heels, in a decidedly more downscale venue: eBay.”

How is it going for the upscale retailer with some of the best customer service we’ve had the pleasure of enjoying?

“….a Loro Piana sweater vest that the retailer says was originally priced at $975 sold for $195 on eBay, and a pair of Bottega Veneta sandals originally priced at $920 sold for $242.50.”

Currently the retailer is offering a variety of goods, including these Valentino shoes, originally priced at $695 in the store.

The opening bid is a mere $150; the auction ends in three days on the 26th. For those interested in perusing some of the goods at the online auction site, writers Ray A. Smith & Geoffer A. Fowler also reveals the Stanley Korshak eBay User Name: takeitawayluxury. The reaction from one eBay Korshak customer?

“…one man who bought a Bamford & Sons dress shirt from takeitawayluxury for $80 declined to give his name for this article. He says he didn’t want acquaintances and colleagues to know he was shopping on eBay. “There’s a little bit of a stigma,” he told me.”

At this juncture, we simply want the company to survive and thrive again, so their eBay undertaking does not translate into any less love for Korshak in these quarters. The topic serves to remind us how crazy we are for this!

The Wolf Designs Jewelry Box remains a favorite. In fact, it is today’s Pretty in Pink!

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And finally, a look at what happens when Madras Goes Wrong:

Courtey HighSnobiety.com

The tees are from Visvim, a line many would refer to as streetwear, or urban cool, or some such moniker.  This may surprise readers, but we have shown pieces by this designer previously, and in a most positive light.  We frequently enjoy their use of madras and other preptastic textiles, clean design lines and risk-taking. It is just in this case we find the end result to be….well… wretched. We are not exactly their demo however, so we aren’t too concerned about upsetting them!

With that dollfaces, we are off to our local library!

Jill Biden Inauguration Dress on its Way, Brooks Brothers Cuts Prices on Black Fleece

Hello-Hello and Happy Friday everyone!

In all candor, sometimes we wonder about this proclamation of happiness for ‘the weekend,’ when in reality we frequently work on the weekend.  Both daze days.  Yet from a psychological perspective, things are a tad more relaxed here at the Prepatorium, and unless we have functions, we dress in business casual.  So we do greet the approaching weekend with a bit of a boost for the spirit; we hope you face yours with this sense of an anticipatory smile for your heart as well.

Today we start with the Black Fleece standalone store, now open in the Village.

PHOTO: George Chinsee/WWD

The new shop by Brooks Brothers features the full men’s and women’s collections created by TP’s favorite designer (ummm….not) Thom Browne.  We are now going to be completely crass in our discussion of things related to that nasty “M word,” and tell you that the bigger story IOHO is Black Fleece price points being lowered.  According to this column in WWD (Women’s Wear Daily):

“Prices for the Thom Browne-designed line have been dropped significantly — a men’s suit that formerly retailed for $2,700 can now be had for $1,900 and women’s prices have dropped in tandem — reflecting the “friendlier” exchange rate of the euro for the Italy-produced collection.

“There’s new pricing for spring,” revealed Claudio Del Vecchio, Brooks Bros.’ chief executive officer. “But we didn’t change the quality or the make of the men’s suits.”

We have been vocal in our fondness for several of looks in the current group, including the Navy Pinstripe separates.

Not all prices are changing: the men’s shirts and toes remain at $150 and higher. The Black Fleece collection is also being offered in an enhanced setting at the Brooks flagship on Madison Avenue, currently being refurbished.

PHOTO: George Chinsee/WWD

Perhaps the best news in the story is that the company is not encountering the same wretched sales numbers as so many other retailers:

“We’re not a designer brand like Armani or Prada, we’re more of a family brand” with lower-than-luxury prices. “We feel we’re in the right place for when this is over. It’s a good time to be Brooks Bros.”

That comes from Claudio Del Vecchio, Brooks Brothers’ CEO.

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There is news today of another popular Inauguration look being made available to the masses.  The always brilliant Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan has the scoop at the Journal’s Heard on the Runway blog.  In her Thursday column Ms. Tan reports that Milly will re-introduce the dress worn by Dr. Jill Biden for the Inauguration and Luncheon.  Below, the dress is barely visible on the far left.

PHOTO: Harry Hamburg/Pool

The Houndstooth Wool Dress is still available at Saks, with a broad range of sizes offered, at $360.

As this is one of TP’s favorite lines, we are ecstatic to learn price points are also dropping at Milly! According to Ms. Tan’s story, company founder Michelle Smith feels she had little choice in this area:

“… after major retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue slashed prices by as much as 70% to get consumers to spend.”

“It’s disappointing, it’s frustrating but, what can you do?” says Ms. Smith…”

We are not going to be disingenuous and pretend sadness at this action, for we do love our Milly!

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We have posted previously about the upcoming Alexander McQueen for Target Collection, most recently on Tuesday of this week, sharing a sneak peek at pieces from the line.  The line is receiving substantial buzz, not all of it laudatory.  Below, another look from the group, with thanks to the good folks at Nylon:

Courtesy Target via Nylon

In this column yesterday for the Times, writer Eric Wilson asks “But How Will It Play in Tulsa?”

“Tapping Mr. McQueen to design a collection seems a little odd even for Target, which has branded itself as a design maverick, given the times.”

Courtesy Target via Nylon

Mr. Wilson goes on to say:

“The McQ clothes are on average more expensive, from $19.99 to $129.99, than Target’s prior fashion collaborations, and certainly not as cheerful as anything Isaac Mizrahi would have considered.”

Interesting points, indeed.  While the look is assuredly not for us, we say ‘good for the Boutique’ in reaching out to a different demo; we aren’t convinced the McQueen collection will be a strong seller, but hopefully we will be wrong on this front.

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We close with a “Pretty in Pink” for your perusal, another offering from the Lilly Pulitzer Stationery & Gift line due at the Princess next week.

Lilly Pulitzer at PreppyPrincess.com

Now if we could plant that in our Diet Coke (or other libation…heh-heh), our day would be infinitely improved!  The Drink Umbrellas are available for pre-ordering now!

On that cheery note, until next time!