Monday Musings: Liz at QVC, In the Pink

Hello-Hello, and Happy Day to all, especially those enjoying a day off, a little respite from their normal schedule!

We must begin by sending great good wishes, big smiles, hugs, prayers and lots of love to two of our favorite bloggers who started on a new path this weekend….

Courtesy Classic Confection Cakes

Congratulations to the one and only Muffy Martini and Daisy JD (Just Daisy), they married the loves of their lives Saturday.

Courtesy BlissTree.com

And now they are off honeymooning, whoo-hoo! (Note: photos are not from either wedding.)

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Moving on, big news for anyone who enjoys Liz Claiborne:

The line is being moved exclusively to Penney’s. Both the men’s and women’s labels are making the move; if things are going well after five years, Penney’s can even buy the name.

John Aquino/WWD

Liz Claiborne New York, moves to QVC and the company’s outlet stores.  The WWD story on this notes something TP has wondered about for some time: the perils of watering down a designer’s caché by creating multiple labels sold in similar stores.  As the firm’s CEO, William L. McComb, put it:

“It was time to break the conflict inherent in the strategy that had a lower-priced offering of the Liz Claiborne brand at one department store in the mall [Penney’s] and a higher-priced version of it in a department store across the mall [Macy’s],”

This brings comparisons to American Living, the Polo Ralph Lauren brand sold at Penney’s. Below, a fashion look and a table lamp, both from that collection.

It’s unlikely there is much brand dilution with this line; most retailing insiders believe the line really bears little resemblance to standard PLR merchandise.

Other retailers have done well with designer collections specifically for their customers, such as the Simply Vera by Vera Wang and Dana Buchman lines  at Kohl’s, and Tommy Hilfiger is now sold only at Macy’s or Hilfiger stores.

From a big picture perspective this also allows the Claiborne company to focus more attention on several brands many readers are familiar with: Kate Spade, Lucky Brand Jeans, and Juicy Couture.

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We have a few more Pretty in Pink things to share, starting with an extra cute pair of Keds.

The Keds Champion Pink Ribbon sneaker benefits the Breast Cancer Research Foundation – the company is donating 100% of proceeds to the BCRF.

Speaking of shoes, how about these Ragg Kids Puppy for infants and toddlers?

Or these Bibi Kids Laceups, also for infants and toddlers?

If TP and the Consort had been blessed with human children we would be bankrupt; every single cent would be spent on shoes for the little ones, they are simply too cute!

Another delightful find, Kate Spade’s Bon Vivant Lilia, actually something of a bargain right now.

Because of the chilly temps outside, we have to share the Pink Funnelneck coat from Old Navy.

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We leave with a look at the next generation Armani phone.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

It does look sleek and elegant – dare we say understated?

Courtesy Photo via WWD

However, we’re more than content with our iPhone tucked into its shocking pink case and we also have a greater understanding of just how easily one might become addicted to dependent upon the technology.

Until tomorrow,  we send smiles to each and every cherished readers!

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!

Budget Prep, SATC Wedding Gown Update, More Preppy Sales

Hello-Hello and Happy (oh-so-happy) Friday! We hope your weekends are going to be filled with fun and frolic, relaxation and perhaps even a break from the chaos of daily life.

We start today with the Sun-Times and a nifty little story they ran this week, Preppy on a Budget. The column is accompanied by a fun slide show called Preppy Shopper. The story by Jessica Sedgwick showcases several shops unique to Chicago as well as national retailers. From their slide show, the Spiegel signature stretch seersucker jacket.

“Those who enjoy rocking their inner Blair Waldorf (“Gossip Girl” queen bee of prep) might think the only way they can get that look is by spending big bucks. Not anymore.”

Collage Courtesy SunTimes.com

“Retailers such as Kohl’s, Old Navy and even indie-minded Urban Outfitters are unleashing affordable preppy pieces — many adorned with sailor-inspired buttons and crisp seersucker stripes…”

Also showcased in the story, the Unisa TammyLee Ballet Flat at DSW.

And these Chaps Madras Shorts for boys are only $18 at Kohl’s, originally selling at $30.

Chaps Kohls.com

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Other ‘preppy style’ retailers are discussed at length in an excellent story in yesterday’s Times;  it surveys the competitive terrain at midlevel stores like Ann Taylor and Talbots.

The always-insightful Eric Wilson (a big favorite of TP’s) wrote the story:

“… mainstream retailers like Ann Taylor and Talbots have been hiring new designers and sprucing up their looks to appeal to modern women who are now shopping for style within their means.”

As these stores become “recession destinations,” shoppers are discovering that they aren’t as fuddy as they used to be.”

Here is an Ann Taylor Jacket with contrasting trim.

AnnTaylor.com

The jacket is now on sale at $69.99, but with the additional 25% discount the retailer is offering, the price is about $52.

Mr. Wilson’s story focuses primarily on Talbots, Ann Taylor and the new Liz Claiborne line from Isaac Mizrahi. The writer’s perception of the inside of a Talbots store makes for a fun read:

“Walking into the Talbots store on Madison Avenue, with its festive red painted door, homey décor and piles of melon-colored cardigans, bamboo prints and safari suits, the change is only beginning to become apparent. You might think that Michael Kors and Tory Burch had wed in a year-round Christmas superstore.”

And when considering the Talbots Sale is now offering an Additional 25% off reduced prices, you know there are likely to be possible purchases under the red awning. Even ‘wear now’ basics show significant price reductions, and that is before the additional 25% discount.

Talbots.com

A good example of the price cuts is Talbots Pima Cotton Crew Tee, on sale at $8.99, in 21 different colors.

The Times story is a fascinating read, well worth a little investment of time, but we want to know your thoughts…? What is making you buy… or not? Has Talbots updated its inventory, do you like what they are offering? How about Ann Taylor? TP is just dying to know your thoughts on this topic.

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Hayden-Harnett fans may want to scoot into their Online Sample Sale running through April 5, with bargains like the Margot Eyeglass Case at $10, reduced from$30.

Hayden-Harnett

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Then we have one more preppish retailer offering price reductions, Brooks Brothers. The company is doing their Preferred Customer Event, taking 25% off prices if one uses their Brooks card or Brooks MonsterCard Mastercard, 15% off for other forms of payment.

Brooks Brothers

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We have an update for those fond of Sarah Jessica Parker’s wedding gown in Sex and the City.

PHOTO: Diane Cohen/Everett Collection

There is (was) a shortened version of the Vivienne Westwood dress available.

However, the shortened version selling at Net-a-Porter was gone almost as soon as it went up on the site.  But do not despair of owning this version, one merely needs to get in touch with Dame Westwood and be willing to part with about $9,900.  BTW, the release date for Sex and the City 2 has been announced; ask your social secretary to mark you as “busy” on May 28, 2010, if planning to see the film its first day in release.

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On a lighter note, two young gentlemen have a new take on an old, and much-maligned medium: the Jello mold.  Well, no one actually says the “J Word,” in all honesty. A NY Times story looks at the phenomenon and its creators, Sam Bompas and Harry Parr. (Below, the Madrid airport and aircraft in jelly.)

Photo: Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners

The wizards creating these masterpieces are definitely products of an ‘Old School’education, having attended both Eton and University College, London; they refer to themselves as ‘jelly mongers.’

On that creative note we shall take our leave! Happy weekend dolls!

J. Crew’s Exclusive Tennies, Preppy Sales Continue

Happy day to everyone, as we all continue making our way through the week. Here at the Prepatorium we are grateful to be careening toward the end of February!

We start today with a look at the delightfully cute Jack Purcells made exclusively for J. Crew by the designing minds at Converse.

PHOTO: Courtesy J. Crew via High Snobiety

The sneakers are in the distressed material currently popular, and they are available online and at the Liquor Store in blue as well as white.  This is unisex sizing again, women are advised to order 1-1/2 sizes smaller than their normal size.

Some readers may be familiar with the Converse One Star collection at Target.  An FYI, many of the Converse pieces are marked down significantly, like the Men’s Track Jacket, Originally $34.99 and now priced at $13.99.

Courtesy Target

We thought the Toddler Girl’s Oxford Pink was cute. (It is not on sale, still at its $17.99 price point.)

Courtesy Target

Polo Ralph Lauren continues to promote their Last Chance Sale, touting “Up to 75% Off” original prices.  The Women’s Skinny-Fit Polo is now $49.99, a markdown of about 33%.

There are scads of wonderful bargains to be found at Ralph Lauren in every line, including the Home collection.

Tommy Hilfiger still has substantial amounts of merchandise at 75% off, and the markdowns also continue at Brooks Brothers.

Speaking of sales and clearances, J. Crew’s “Final Sale” is offering “free shipping” to those spending $100 or more online; the coupon code is SHOPNOW.  This promotion runs through Thursday, the 19th.

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Forbes Online reports on the latest survey detailing “America’s Most Popular Stores” and the news is basically positive, with increases in the Customer Satisfaction Index for many retailers.  Where do shoppers like buying the most? Nordstrom maintains its ranking in first place, with Kohl’s close behind.  Below, a few more stores and comments from the story:

Target was flat, neither scoring higher or lower than last year.

Wal-Mart moved up on the scale, scoring a 72.

“The reason Wal-Mart appears so low in the index, despite its current financial success, is because it is a pure price competitor, Fornell says. While price does play a role in customer satisfaction, shoppers are happier snagging an item they really want along with an enjoyable shopping experience. “Many of the customers who frequent the discounter would not be doing so if they had a bigger wallet,” Fornell says.

What stores dropped in their scores? Dillard’s, Macy’s (said to “… rank among the worst…”) and Sears:

“In every division, Sears is failing against its competitors, Fornell says. While it remains flat with a score of 72, the department store is struggling to hold on to shoppers, with low scores across the board and an increase in customer complaints.”

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Fashion Week continues; we thought we would close with a few looks from this fall’s collection by Lauren Pierce.

PHOTO: Pasha Antonov

The eco-friendly line is designed by Lauren Bush, a niece of the former President. The ultimate customer for this line is described in the following way on the Lauren Pierce website:

“She is socially conscious and cares about the world she lives in. She doesn’t dress according to passing trends. She views her clothes as natural extensions of who she is inside and out.”

PHOTO: Pasha Antonov

Yes, it is the woman whose significant other is David Lauren of Ralph Lauren fame.  This is the point at which TP always asks the same question: “So, if they get married will her name be Lauren Lauren?”

Honestly.  (Silly Princess.)