And The Winner Is… “Gossip Girls Haunt the Hamptons”

Hello-Hello, welcome to an insanely busy day here at the Prepatorium!  (There is a positive side to the mayhem, you have a mercifully brief post with far less insipid nattering on insightful commentary from these quarters!)

We said we would share the Top Ten posts here on the blog when we reached our millionth blog view. Here they are:

ThePreppyPrincess.wordpress.com

That number one post, Gossip Girls Hit the Hamptons, dates all the way back to June of 2008 and featured the cast shooting on location.

JustJared.Buzznet.com

We used the photo full size of Ed Westwick to make a point, here is a bit of the original post:

“We have never, ever, actually known a human being who would get off the train attired like this. You are in a suit, or you are in khakis and a blazer, or you are wearing jeans and a button down, you know the routine. Three argyles all at once and spectators and the shorts…? No. Not even close.”

The three argyle items are the sweater, socks and tie.  The post also included actor Chace Crawford in a swarm (gaggle? herd?) of teenage girls.

JustJared.Buzznet.com

The rest of the cast is also seen in that particular post. Season four is confirmed, the next location shoot for the cast and crew is Paris.

The rest of the list seems to make sense… Olympic Uniforms from Polo Ralph Lauren, Sperry & J. Crew, various perceptions and interpretations of the preppy aesthetic.  Hhhmmm. (But Gossip Girl in the Hamptons as the most popular post…? Yikes.)

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Before leaving you, we have some Sales and Savings we simply must share, it is that time of year as we approach a holiday weekend. Here we go:

• 40% off entire purchase at Brooks Brothers factory stores tomorrow (Thursday, 5/27/10) through the 31st
• Kate Spade offers an additional 25% off all Sale merchandise now through June 1st and free ground shipping on all orders
• Elaine Turner is offering 33% off through Memorial Day; use promo code MEMORIAL33
• Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale for women and children is underway now
• Gucci is allowing customers to reserve items online from their sale that starts June 1; click here for details
• J. Crew’s Summer Sale is underway, we cannot offer any insight on markdowns
• Lacoste is promoting up to 70% off at their outlet stores
• The sale at Saks offers up to 60% off original prices (apparently one should disregard the graphic they show promoting “30-40% off”)
• This one is just in from our friend at the oh-so-chic Beladora Jewelry: use discount code BHB to receive 10% off your purchase at Beladora, or 5% off your purchase of the fab vintage jewels offered at Beladora 2. (The divine image below is from Beladora 2.)

We know there are more that have come into the electronic in-bin, but we are so behind schedule we can’t list them all, please accept our apology.

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We leave you with these Pretty in Pink pillows from Thred, part of their Tropical Preppy collection.

Holli at Thred is more than talented, we adore her creative pillows.

With that, may everyone stay cool, stay safe and stay happy!

Brooks Brothers Gets Social, Preppy Sales & Savings

Hello-Hello, thank goodness it is almost the weekend. Somehow the week became a rather long and tedious sequence of days, frenzied and harried with little breathing room.

There are loads of things happening all over the Preppy Planet, so we jump right in with an item qualifying as Friday Fun in our book: the result of yet another fashion collaboration, the Social Primer for Brooks Brothers Bow Tie Collection.

Brooks Brothers

Some readers are familiar with Social Primer, an online etiquette blog geared to men, as well as a retail outlet operated by K. Cooper Ray.

SocialPrimer.com

For those not yet enjoying the Primer we share this description from Brooks Brothers:

“The voice of SocialPrimer.com, “SP”, is a stickler for tradition and good manners. He reminds men to walk on the curbside of a lady and to always stand when they shake a man’s hand. SP is sometimes a dandy and always a gentleman.”

The partnership between these entities makes good sense, affording Brooks an opportunity to offer an updated look for a traditional item.

No one will be surprised by our appreciation for the ties; it is common knowledge we are silly for seersucker and rarely see a madras we don’t like, let alone a nautically inclined look.

Kudos to Mr. Ray and Brooks Brother. The collection is not yet officially launched (that happens May 19th), but the ties are available online and in Brooks Brothers stores.

Speaking of B2, they are in the middle of their Friends and Family Sale; everything is 25% off online, at retail stores and factory outlets stores.  To receive the discount, use promo code Friend1A at checkout. The promotional pricing runs through Monday, May 10th and it does include Black Fleece items.

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We smiled when reading the Financial Times’ story: “A summery outlook for men’s shoes”, illustrated with this image of Tod’s brightly colored driving moccasins.

Courtesy Image via Financial Times

The story shares insight from Lacoste’s chief marketing pooh-bah:

“Colour and the whole preppy style is very much on trend at the moment, and it’s something that Lacoste is strongly associated with,” citing the brand’s new pistachio green, baby blue and salmon pink canvas slip-on shoes…”

We haven’t yet seen the new Lacoste shoes referenced, but are guessing the look isn’t one The Consort will be sporting.

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Other Sales & Savings of note:

• Talbots is taking an additional 50% off sale prices.
• Polo Ralph Lauren offers an extra 15% off already-reduced prices through Monday, May 10. Use promo code MAY0610 for the discount
• Lacoste is taking 30% off merchandise through May 10th

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We close with two quick Pretty in Pink items; the first is an item from the store we used here at the Prepatorium just yesterday.

The Scout Insulated Casserole Carrier was put into action transporting our Apple Cake across town and it worked perfectly, as it always does. And that recipe? It is so easy recipe even yours truly can’t mess it up. (Well, not yet.)  Here is the recipe:

KitchenAid Apple Cake

• 11⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 11⁄2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 11⁄2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 11⁄2 cups applesauce
• 1⁄2 cup butter or margarine, melted
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup chopped, peeled apple
• 1⁄2 cup chopped walnuts

1. Combine dry ingredients in mixer bowl. Add applesauce, butter, and eggs.
2. Attach bowl and flat beater to mixer. Turn to Speed 2 and mix about 1 minute. Stop and scrape bowl. Turn to Speed 4 and beat about 30 seconds.
3. Add apple and walnuts. Turn to STIR Speed and mix just until blended.
4. Pour batter into greased and floured 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
5. Cool completely on wire rack. Frost with Caramel Creme Frosting, if desired.

Yield: 12 to 16 servings.

Per serving: About 318 cal, 5 g pro, 51 g carb, 11 g fat, 36 mg chol, 315 mg sod.

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Our second Pretty in Pink is something we stumbled upon when visiting the Everything is Better Pink blog:

Emma Graham Designs

Pieces from designer Emma Graham were featured on the blog, and we couldn’t resist sharing the image above, it is such a perfect pink and green! Our thanks to Sally at the blog, she has a great eye.

With that we say G’bye until next time, may everyone enjoy a weekend filled with love and laughter!

Preppy Sales & Savings for the Weekend

Hello-Hello, and gobble-gobble!

Here is an updated list of markdowns, discounts and promotional offerings for  your consideration. Don’t forget that many retailers are also planning special pricing/online doorbusters/etc. for Cyber Monday.

Talbot’s is offering 20% off purchases and $5 shipping through midnight the 29th. Use promo code 020556520 online to receive the discount.

LL Bean: 20% off all sweaters + a $10 gift card with any $25 purchase; the sweater discount end ends at midnight Monday but the gift card offer runs through 12/24.

Lacoste is offering 30% off all merchandise ending Monday night (the 30th); use promo code THANKS09 at checkout to receive the discount.

Polo Ralph Lauren: Is offering 25% off online and in stores through 12/7/09; use promo code HOL2009.

Rugby is doing the same as its parent company (Polo Ralph Lauren), 25% off online and in stores through 12/7/09; use promo code HOL2009.

Tory Burch is doing a gift with purchase, the limited edition Cheetah Print Tote seen below, with purchases of $100 and more while supplies last. Shoppers spending more than $300 will receive 30% off their purchase through December 22nd.  If purchasing online use promo code TURKEY30.

Courtesy Tory Burch

Bobby Jones is taking 30% off Fall merchandise and also has a good sale section online with discounts up to 70% off original retail prices.

Banana Republic has a variety of offers, including an excellent in-store bargain: cashmere sweaters are ‘Buy One Get One Free’, although that may end tonight (Friday). Online only BR offers 30% off all “sweaters, outerwear and more” through the 29th.

Banana Republic Outlets: 50% Off the entire store.

Banana Republic Outlet Stores

We don’t know if a coupon is required to enjoy the 50% discount, but just in case, click here to print one out for this BR Outlet stores deal.

Kate Spade is offering Facebook fans 20% off any one regular-priced item through the 29th. Print out the coupon below, or head to the Kate Spade Facebook page and print it out; online shoppers seeking the same discount can use promo code WALLPOST at checkout.

Brooks Brothers: Friday & Saturday 7am – Noon receive an additional 15% off your entire purchase; receive an additional 5% when using your MasterCard or your Brooks Brothers Platinum MasterCard. This offer also applies online through Saturday night the 28th.

Brooks Brothers Factory Stores: 40 percent off all items until Sunday, and an extra 10 percent off of on Saturday until noon.

Ann Taylor: Take 40% off a single regular-priced item online, use promo code SAVE40 through

Ann Taylor Loft: Take an additional 50% off your entire purchase, with some exclusions through Saturday night.

Coach Factory Outlets: Take an additional 20% off prices at Coach Factory stores; the coupon must be printed and brought into the store for the discount to be applied.

Tommy Hilfiger Outlet Stores: 40% off the entire store all day on Black Friday and additional discounts for specific days; to download coupons providing these markdowns, click here.

The Gap: Already underway and online-only, 50% off all regularly-priced  Men’s & Women’s Sweaters, Kids & Baby Cozy Fleece styles.

Saks 5th Avenue: Up to 60% off original prices on selections for her & him, various additional offers too lengthy to list; also free shipping for any online order, use promo code HOLIDAY9, offer valid through midnight Monday night (the 30th)

Neiman Marcus: The Women’s Apparel Sale is already underway with up to 40% off original prices; there is also free shipping on any online orders until midnight 11/30/09, use promo code NMNOV at checkout.

Neiman Marcus Last Call: Shoppers using their Neiman’s card will receive an additional 25% off, ends 12/1; select stores are open midnight-8am as well, click here for details.

Barneys: their sale is already underway online with up to 40% off on select merchandise.

Bergdorf Goodman: free shipping with any online order, use promo code SHOPBG at checkout.

At Bloomies:

Nordstrom continues its Sale, and offers complimentary shipping on orders of $100 and more; use promo code HOLIDAY09

Henri Bendel continues its Thanksgiving sale with savings of 20% to 50%, ending 11/28.

We apologize for any stores and/or sites that may have been missed. Happy Hunting!  We will see you back here on Monday, and hopefully over at our big event: the Preppy Princess Pink & Green Monday sale, 24 hours of 20% off everything.

The List: a Preppy Black Friday

Hello-Hello and Gobble-Gobble!

For those thinking about an excursion (there’s a euphemism!) of a retail kind in the next several days, we offer our list of Sales and Savings this Thanksgiving weekend.  We may update it once again before the weekend concludes, but are more likely to revel in the company of family and preparations for our Pink & Green Monday!

That’s right, 20% off everything at The Princess for one day only, complete with our free gift wrapping! Use promo code PGM at checkout to receive your discount on all of our preppy goodies!

Here is information on other preptastic retailers; well, mostly preptastic. As always, check with your local store, shopping center or outlet mall for specific hours and details.

J. Crew: Already underway online, take an additional 20% off merchandise only, use promo code EXTRA20 at checkout.

J. Crew Outlet stores: before 8am Friday morning take an additional 40% off Clearance merchandise, other weekend discounts at Crew outlets include 30– 50% off select holiday styles & 30–40% off select Crewcuts holiday styles.

Lacoste: Already underway online, 30% off all merchandise, use promo code THANKS09 at checkout to receive the discount; ends 11/30/09.

Lilly Pulitzer: On Friday only spend $500 and receive a limited edition Resort Tote like the one seen below (a $200 value); gift wrapping is also complimentary all day on Friday.

Courtesy Lilly Pulitzer

Polo Ralph Lauren: Already underway, 25% Off, use promo code HOL2009, ends 12/7/09

Ralph Lauren Factory Stores: 20% discount on purchases of $150+ after midnight Thanksgiving night/Friday morning until 10am.

Brooks Brothers: Friday & Saturday 7am – Noon receive an additional 15% off your entire purchase; receive an additional 5% when using your MasterCard or your Brooks Brothers Platinum MasterCard.

Brooks Brothers Factory Stores: 40 percent off all items until Sunday, and an extra 10 percent off of this Friday and Saturday until noon.

Banana Republic: We have heard but have not confirmed that on Friday only cashmere sweaters will be Buy One, Get One free

Banana Republic Outlets: 40% Off Any Purchase.

Ann Taylor: “Style Steals” on various items now through Sunday.

Ann Taylor Loft: “Style Steals” on various items now through Sunday.

Tommy Hilfiger Outlet Stores: 40% off the entire store all day on Black Friday and additional discounts for specific days; to download coupons providing these markdowns, click here.

The Gap: Already underway and online-only, 50% off all regularly-priced  Men’s & Women’s Sweaters, Kids & Baby Cozy Fleece styles.

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Here is what we can share on the more standard department stores, offered with an apology for the more East Coast-centric emphasis:

Saks 5th Avenue: Starts online Thursday and at 8am Friday in stores, up to 60% off original prices on selections for her & him, various additional offers too lengthy to list; also free shipping for any online order, use promo code HOLIDAY9, offer valid through midnight Monday night (the 30th)

Neiman Marcus: The Women’s Apparel Sale is already underway with up to 40% off original prices; there is also free shipping on any online orders until midnight 11/3/09, use promo code NMNOV at checkout.

Neiman Marcus Last Call: Shoppers using their Neiman’s card will receive an additional 25% off, ends 12/1; select stores are open midnight-8am as well, click here for details.

Barneys: their sale is already underway online with up to 40% off on select merchandise.

Bergdorf Goodman: free shipping with any online order, use promo code SHOPBG at checkout.

For more information on special sales, promotions and the like, here are a few general interest sites that may be of assistance:

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

With that, farewell until next time, and may everyone enjoy a simply splendid Thanksgiving!

Gobble-Gobble.

Adventures in Argyle, Preppy Sales and Savings

Hello-Hello, greetings for another week!

We have several Sales and Savings to report today; some may be repetitious but we thought they bore a second run, beginning with Brooks Brothers.

Brooks has taken significant markdowns on many items, including several pieces that definitely qualify as Adventures in Argyle.

The Merino Argyle Cardigan is now $117.60 ($168), and on the right we have the Cashmere Argyle cardigan, now $208.60 (originally $298).  Both seemed to be available in almost all sizes as of this writing.

The Country Club Mini-Argyle crew sock is now $16 (originally $40) and the Cotton Argyle Anklet now $6 ($15); both are offered in a variety of colorways.

As The Consort has been heard to say: “You can’t go wrong with a good pair of socks from Brooks Brothers.”

Not on sale at Brooks, but definitely worthy of a mention, the St. Jude Collection, including the Brooksie ™ Bear.

Courtesy Brooks Brothers

The retailer is donating $5 from the sale of each bear to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. There are several other items in this collection at Brooks Brothers, all with a portion of sales going to the hospital and research center.

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Also offering a sizable selection of Sale merchandise, Lacoste; the hat originally ($45, now $24.99) and gloves (originally $40, now $27.99) shown below definitely qualify as Pretty in Pink.

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Over at Bergdorf, their semi-annual sale is underway.

J. Crew continues their ‘holiday sale‘:

One item of note: Crew is also offering 20% off all orders of $150 or more; use promo code INSIDER at checkout. This is online only and ends Wednesday night (the 18th) at midnight.

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Nautica has a solid selection of discounted merchandise in their online Sale section.  We simply adore the Girls Anchor Print Skirt is now $14.99, originally it sold at $30. We also like the Girls Signal Flag polo.

Two things we fell in love with: the Baby Anchor Print Hoodie (now $14.99) and the Baby Dreamer Sweater Coat (now $21.99)

The item that really sent us over the moon? The Infant Plaid Trim Onesie.

If that doesn’t qualify as Prepalicious we don’t know what will; it is off the charts on the Cute-o-meter. (It is also only $9.99.)

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We have an update to the Jimmy Choo for H & M post from Friday: it was bedlam at most H&M stores when the collection went on sale Saturday.  In Vancouver shoppers camped outside the store.

Vancouver Sun

From a MarketWatch story:

“…the greater part of both Choo’s ladies’ and men’s collections sold out…. Even in Madrid, the epicenter of one of Europe’s most recession-battered economies, plenty of women and men could be seen toting glossy blue H&M bags Saturday afternoon.”

Below, Gossip Girl star Michelle Trachtenberg was among those shopping the H&M on Fifth this weekend.

Rob Loud/Getty Images

Speaking of Gossip Girl, many of Ms. Trachtenberg’s costars were seen at last night’s private screening of ‘The Private Lives of Pippa Lee‘.

Blake Lively was at the screening, along with Keanu Reeves, Julianne Moore, Robin Wright Penn, director Rebecca Miller and Zoe Kazan.

Jemal Countess/Getty Images

Many of the actress’s G2 costars were also in attendance, including Chace Crawford.

Jemal Countess/Getty Images

And real-life sweetheart Penn Badgley was on hand as well.

Jemal Countess/Getty Images

The film has a November 27 release date.