“Preppy Fabrics” and A Ring for Snooki

Hello and welcome to a Wednesday here at the Prepatorium.

We begin on the far side of the pond for a trip to the track (gasp). We can all remain calm, this is not some nefarious excursion, we are talking about Ladies Day at Cheltenham. Below, two of the many hats seen at the event.

We were chatting with the Queen Bee about Cheltenham, and both of us thought Zara Phillips looked very well put together.  The young woman, who is an Olympic level equestrienne (and 13th in line to the throne) sported a flat cap today, eschewing the more elaborate styles seen on others.

Not only is Cheltenham always a sure sign of spring, we enjoy seeing what everyone wears, as the “go big or don’t go at all” credo always seems to be a strong influence at this event.

David Davies/PA via The Guardian

Now that is some serious pink.

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Next, a delightful little photo piece done by the good folks at House Beautiful, “Preppy Happy Fabrics“. The story showcases a variety of bright, vibrant textiles from the home furnishings industry.  On the left we have lime seersucker from Holland & Sherry, accompanied by an updated and elegant argyle by Tillett and T4 on the right.

From the story:

“The preppy look is back. With designs ranging from argyle, seersucker, and cable knit, consider this a handbook on how to bring the happy look into your home.”

Other fabrics showcased include the popular “Color me Coral” pattern from the soon-to-launch Lilly Pulitzer for Lee Jofa line (L) and an Ikat style by Quadrille.

Click here to see the entire piece.

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Chanel’s new campaign for its Mademoiselle handbags has officially launched, we thought we would share a look at some of the upcoming ads featuring Gossip Girl Blake Lively.

Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel

Miss Lively is described as the “Ambassadress for the Mademoiselle Handbag collection”. The new bags come in a variety of sizes and finishes.

One more image from the campaign.

Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel via Fashion Gone Rogue

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Today’s final item involves one of our more recent additions to The AntiPrep Wall of Shame.

World Wrestling Via TMZ

Apparently the Snooki unit is going to be wrestling. From the Pro-Wrestling.com (what, you don’t have it bookmarked?)  website:

“World Wrestling Entertainment issued a press release touting Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi’s appearance at WrestleMania XXVII, proclaiming “Snooki Mania.” The Jersey Shore star will team up with John Morrison and Trish Stratus to take on Dolph Ziggler and LayCool.”

LayCool… do you think that is their real name?

With apologies, we are brief today, TPP duties are calling!

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Alan Davidson/The Picture Library Ltd.
• Sam Furlong/SWNS.com
• Eddie Keogh/Reuters

Neiman Marcus Sells a Chevy, Tory’s Trike & Chanel Runway Show

Hello to a Wednesday that is sunny and warm, we are so grateful for the lovely weather, but also realize many of our friends are enjoying cooler temps and fall fashions.

Another sign of the changing seasons has arrived: the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book.

Neiman Marcus

Famed for its over the top gift items, this is the 50th Anniversary for the specialty catalog. Among the possibilities? Your own Luxury Houseboat.

Neiman Marcus

That gift might necessitate a call to the person handling your trust fund, it is $250,000.  A vehicle requiring less of an investment, the Tory Burch Family Chariot Tricycle.

Neiman Marcus

This is far more manageable at only $4500.

For those interested in a little snack the edible Gingerbread Playhouse from Dylan’s Candy Bar might be appropriate.

Neiman Marcus

Unfortunately the $15000 doesn’t cover future dental bills, possibly a concern when considering:

“… 381 lbs. of gourmet gingerbread and 517 lbs. of royal icing by the expert confectioners at Dylan’s Candy Bar®. The munchable manor, which stands 6.6 feet high by 5.25 feet wide by 4.1 feet deep, … it includes giant cookies, lollipops, gummies, mints, gumdrops, and (of course) a candy-encrusted roof. There’s also a lollipop tree inside, just for good measure.”

An alternative?

Neiman Marcus

The Petit Fours are a mere $35 and cover a myriad of gift-giving obligations.

Frankly, we would not want the task of managing an endeavor like the Christmas Book, how does one compile a vast array of luxury items without sinking into conspicuous consumption?

One cute idea for followers of the annual catalog and some of the best known His & Hers gifts:

Neiman Marcus

An ornament ($48) in honor of the 1996 H/H gift, a personal Airstream Trailer decorated by Mackenzie-Childs.  Here is a look inside the actual Airstream from that year:

Below left, an ornament remembering the 1971 Sarcophagus gift, and on the right, one recognizing the 2003 Robot gift.

Perhaps an effort at a more egalitarian tone, this year’s car is a Chevy.

However, it is a $75000 Special Edition Camaro made especially for Neimans, so buying two might be deemed extravagant. Let your conscience be your guide.

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We offer a very quick glance at Chanel for next spring.

Classic suits with a contemporary touch.

Below we show a dress in the process of being fitted ten days ago, and then as it looked on the runway yesterday.

A snippet from the WWD review:

“Although the ideas came too fast and plentiful for full absorption, there were some clear motifs. Lagerfeld’s favorite jacket is a short tweed with a loose back, with black leather in concert with a vibrant tweed or print a racy alternative.

In the “unlikely to be seen in our walk-in” category:

Back to the review:

“He likes, but is no slave to, longer lengths. Colors were ample black, sometimes with white; silver metallics and gentle pastels, including a sunny shock of yellow.”

We’re pretty sure the jacket above left is stunning in person.

The usual mass of celebrities were on hand for the show, including Claudia Schiffer and Leigh Lezark.

Ann Wintour looked rushed, and we love the new do for Keira Knightley.

Two more exquisite styles.

It was good to see the return of Inès de la Fressange, long the face of the brand in the 1980’s before a split with Designer Karl Lagerfeld.

Giovanni Gianonni/WWD

But our favorite look from the runway?

Giovanni Giannoni/WWD

On that delightful image we say “Thank You” to our treasured readers for popping in and visiting our goofy blog today!

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Chanel: Dominique Maitre/WWD
• Chanel: Patrick Kovarik/AFP/Getty
• Chanel: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty
• Francois Durand/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

Carlos Falchi for Target, Gossip Guy’s Film Opening

Hello-hello, is everyone just crazy-busy these days?

It seems more and more of us are absolutely frenzied with work/family/school/volunteer/you-name-it obligations. Several friends in the blogosphere are so inundated they are taking time away from their blogs, a wise move on their parts and one we have contemplated as well. All this by way of saying our posts could become rather cursory this week and next, it appears the insane-o-meter could be peaking in the red zone!

For reasons like those cited above we have completely and totally neglected to show anything from Paris Fashion Week, and we’re not able to get to it today. The best we can do is an update on a few recent sightings from our fave faux-prep school, Gossip Girl.  In attendance at the Louis Vuitton show in Paris last week, actress Leighton Meester.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Ms. Meester is wearing pieces from the 2010 Cruise line and carrying a bag from Sofia Copolla for Louis Vuitton.

Last night most of cast members attended the premiere of Penn Badgley’s new film, The Stepfather. Below, Mr. Badgley and one of his costars in the movie, Amber Heard.

Evan Agostini/AP

Mr. Badgley’s real-life sweetheart, Blake Lively, is shown with Chace Crawford.

Rex Features via Marie Claire UK

Also at the premiere, actresses Taylor Momsen and Jessica Szohr.

Rex Features via Marie Claire UK

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Also showing last week in Paris, Chanel. Our friends on the far side of the pond at British Vogue have a look at the new doll featuring that label’s designer: Karl Lagerfeld by Tokidoki.

All the rage with many of the younger set, the Japanese-inspired line now does everything from handbags to clothing to watches.  BTW, the Lagerfeld figurine is a limited edition, so don’t let your chance to add this to the mantle (ahem) pass you by. True confession: TP adores some of these little creatures.

One other newsbyte from that publication involving the designer shares a quote from Mr. Lagerfeld on a very timely topic, models and their weight.

“The designer told Focus magazine that people prefer to see slimmer models and those who don’t are “fat mummies sitting with their bags of crisps in front of the television, saying that thin models are ugly.” The comment came in response to German magazine Brigitte‘s decision to use ordinary women for their shoots.

We hope to do more on this topic soon.

One added note, the Consort’s quote while proofreading: “Too bad it’s not a bobblehead, that would be sweet.”

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We have a sneak peek at a few of the soon-to-debut Carlos Falchi for Target handbags.

Courtesy Target via Nitrolicious

We originally posted news of the upcoming line here, back in May.

Courtesy Targetvia InStyle

The handbag collection arrives at Le Boutique Targèt November 1, and will be positioned as part of the retailers “dashing designer deals” holiday promotion.

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Finally today, we presume Don Draper may have beenstunned  by Betty’s antics Sunday on Mad Men, fortunately he is likely to remain in the dark. (No, we are not delving into his conduct, there isn’t enough blog space to tackle that topic, we’ll only say the word cad comes to mind.) At any rate, Mrs. Draper’s latest is nothing-less-than-shocking.

For those not familiar with our friends (the characters), here is how Betty generally looks:

Courtesy Mad Men/AMC

And this is what we find now. (Gasp – the horror!)

Terry Richardson/GQ

The photos are part of GQ’s November cover story on actress January Jones, who plays Betty Draper. Those fond of Betty Ms. Jones should be advised the photos share quite a bit of leather, lace, and January.

Until next time!

Barbie Gets a Goyard!

Hello-Hello and happy first week of March! Yippee-skippee, spring is on its way!

First off we must thank everyone who sent lovely little notes in light of our maudlin and morose post on Friday, that is more than kind of you. We are done moping and moving on to more normal bloggage here at the Prepatorium, beginning with Goyard;  it’s no secret TP loves hers, that is common knowledge.  Now Barbie is celebrating her 50th Birthday Anniversary with her own trunk from the luxury leather-goods maker.

Courtesy Colette

She is also going to be sporting some new duds and accessories.

Courtesy Colette

Über-cool French retailer Colette is celebrating Barbie’s big year with almost a month of special events at its store.  Special window displays, cosmetics by Stila and other goodies await shoppers in honor of the big event.

Courtesy Colette

Also on display, special screen prints created from photographs that designer Karl Lagerfeld shot. A touch of Lagerfeld’s Chanel aesthetic is obvious in many of the looks. A model portrayed Ken for the photos, all of them striking.

Courtesy Colette

And while not a huge Lagerfeld fan, his photos of Barbie and her beau are fun and elegant.

In other Goyard news, are we the only ones on the planet unaware that the legendary luggage-maker opened a store last year specializing in items for our four-legged family members?

Courtesy Goyard via Stiletto.fr

The shop is located on rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré, almost directly across from the Goyard Mother Ship, so to speak. C’est magnifique, oui?

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A few SOTTs to share this afternoon:

• J. Crew announced announced it eliminated almost 100 jobs from its payroll, a result of the economy
• Nordstrom is planning on lowering its “average price” on merchandise according to a company official speaking to the Heard on the Runway blog

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Speaking of Nordstrom, on Saturday we popped in to see our oh-so-wonderful Bobbi Brown cosmetics doll, Miss Hannah, who is as sweet as they come. Whilst out and about we noticed a few things, like the remarkable diminution in inventory the store is carrying, just as they said would be the case.  And it makes perfect sense IOHO – why be forced to paw through overflowing racks stuffed so full of merchandise one can’t even get a look at the garments for sale? That became more than tedious over the last several years.

And then the most amazing sight of all occurred when we strolled over to L & T (Lord & Taylor), up on the second floor, where we were almost rammed by a woman with one of these…

Except hers had screening or mesh on the sides. You know where this is going, don’t you? Yep.

The careening pet stroller had not one, but two dogs inside.  Those who follow us on Twitter saw us describe them as weaselly little animals when we first mentioned the incident, and we stand by the description. Help The Princess understand here: why must one torment their animals by taking them to a crowded shopping mall on a Saturday?! We are more than baffled by this one, and have no problem placing it in the “It’s Just Not Done” category.  Harrumph.

On that bemused note we say ‘bye until next time!