“9 Preppy Pieces” and That Gossip Girl Wedding (Spoiler Alert)

Hello and welcome to another crazy day here in the Corner Condo at Princess InterGalactic HQ. Please accept our apologies for the erratic posting this week, The Consort is a tad under the weather and we’re running behind…eek!

The folks at Refinery 29 have put together a story showing “9 Preppy Pieces,” we thought readers might enjoy seeing a few of their selections. From the story:

We know what you probably think of when you hear “preppy” in this town—Georgetown fellas sporting trousers embroidered with lobsters, accompanied by dates swathed in seersucker (okay, seersucker can be chic!). But it doesn’t to be that way, we swear!

Below, J. Crew’s Crystal Button Cardigan ($69.50). This is one of Crew’s better options, regardless of issues about the company’s direction the cardigan a style staple, available in a broad array of colors. On the right, the Kilshaw Blazer from Jack Wills, $298.

We liked the Milly Victoria Mini Flap bag shown in the story, $285 at ShopBop, it comes in both ‘Sapphire’ and ‘Crimson’.

Back to the story from Holly Thomas:

Prep-tastic style is having a major moment, and stores are brimming with elbow-patch blazers, horn-rimmed specs, and enough tweeds, cable knits, and corduroy to outfit an entire AP class.

The LL Bean Signature Shirt is always a good choice ($59), as is this Lands’ End Canvas Plaid Taffeta skirt ($89.50).

This particular story was brief, but looking at the featured items was intriguing; our reaction to styles shown in these kinds of stories is often mixed, frequently negative, that was not the case this time. To see the entire slide show and story, click here.

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Our other item today involves a show many of our readers enjoy, Gossip Girl. While your trusty correspondent does not partake of the show’s offerings (although the fashion makes it *very* tempting), we have read a bit about an upcoming wedding scene that is being/has been shot this week.

  *****SPOILER ALERT******SPOILER ALERT*******SPOILER ALERT****

It seems that “Blair” may be a runaway bride. (Gasp.)

SplashNews via HollywoodLife.com

Online news stories about pretty party frocks and/or wedding gowns hold enormous allure, I’ve no self control whatsoever when seeing them, I click and off I go; upon seeing all of the G2 news I had to take a peek at the dress.

Via Buzz Sugar

Some fashion experts believe the dress is Vera Wang’s ‘Esther’ below left, from a 2010 collection by the designer, others shriek at the notion the fashion forward program would put ‘Blair’ in a gown that is a year old. (The horror.) Others believe it is the Frieda by Ms. Wang, below right.

Via WetPaint.com

Still others suggest a design by Monique Lhuillier.  We’ve absolutely no idea, but may have to tune in for the episode, it is the season’s final show, something of a cliffhanger from what we’ve read.

We leave you with something *very* bright, a one of a kind sofa now on eBay.

eBay

Here is another look at the item.

eBay

Our thanks to Re-Lilly founder Sue Trader, she shared a link to the piece yesterday. The auction ends this Sunday, the opening bid is $2099, thus far there have been no bids.

Until next time, may the sun be shining on you!

Tie One On & Preppy 2.0 (Again) + Faces of Japan

Hello and welcome to a new week.

We have a slightly altered structure today. The first portion of the post is comprised of our usual content, primarily the light and frothy nonsense we enjoy sharing. The second portion of the post focuses on Japan, the journalist still lurking inside won’t allow us to ignore the latter topic and this provides everyone the chance to change channels, in the cyber sort of way, if one or both portions hold no appeal.

We begin with a brief photo feature in Saturday’s WaPo (Washington Post), “Preppy 2.0,” introduced this way:

“The term “preppy” conjures a range of images, from starched school uniforms to khaki pants and navy sport coats. But the past several seasons have seen fashionable types putting a highly personalized spin on the style, choosing from a new arsenal of old-school staples: nautical stripes, plaids and timeless silhouettes updated for 2011.”

Different clothing and accessories are featured in the piece, including several Tommy Hilfiger items we showed from last fall’s runway show.

Tommy Hilfiger via Washington Post

Other items include the Lands’ End Canvas Heritage Peacoat and the LL Bean Signature Poplin Dress Shirt.

Land's End Canvas & LL Bean Signature

Reading varying interpretations of the “preppy style” is always entertaining, click here to see the photo feature in its entirety.

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Next today, our friend Ben at Starboard Clothing shared exciting news with us: the company’s website is up and running.

Starboard Clothing Company

Starboard does “beau ties”, we wanted to share some examples of their work.  As you can see, there are beaus in seersucker, gingham, madras and other fabrics.

Starboard’s beaus look simply wonderful, bright and vibrant, perfect for spring and summer.

Some readers may recall our little sneak peek at the Alex Grant Bow Ties from our friend Skip. We can share that his bows are also now available, these are silk, with the elegance and panache we would expect from Skip.

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Knowing that April showers are just around the corner (although many of our friends in the southeast have already experienced the phenomenon), we wanted to do a Pretty in Pink showcasing some of däv rain boot styles.

Davrain

For those in need of foul-weather gear for the young miss, there are also däv Kids’ products that look like loads of fun, offering a new Adventure in Argyle.

Davrain.com

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We move on now to a far weightier topic, one consuming almost everyone’s interest.

Yomiri

In some respects scenes from Japan are reminiscent of Berlin at the end of WWII, or perhaps burning oil fields during the Gulf War.

Keiichi Nakane / Yomiuri Shimbun

Or thunderstorms and tornadoes in the great plains during severe weather season.

Kyodo News/AP

It becomes much more difficult to watch now, because the images are beginning to show people from the areas sustaining the worst damage.

JIJI Press/AFP/Getty Images

As opposed to “mere property destruction”.

KIM JAE-HWAN/AFP/Getty Images

David Guttenfelder/AP Photo

And there are faces.

Reuters

Kyodo News/AP

Associated Press (L) and Reuters (R)

JIJI Press/AFP/Getty Images

Kim Kyung-hoon / Reuters

AP Photo/The Yomiuri Shimbun, Hiroto Sekiguchi

TORU YAMANAKA/AFP/Getty (L) & Hiroto Sekiguchi/The Yomiuri Shimbun/AP (L)

Kyodo News/AP Photo

Associated Press

For those considering ways to help, the good folks at Charity Navigator have a superb list of things to consider if making a financial donation, including information on some of the four-star organizations like Doctors without Borders, Direct Relief International.

Black Friday with a Preppish Influence

Hello-Hello, and Happy Thanksgiving once again.

It’s that time…. a look at Black Friday Sales & Savings opportunities with a preppish slant. As always, we have done the best we can in terms of information gathering, but if you have any questions, do check with your individual store to verify our information.

• At LL Bean, those spending $50 or more receive a $10 gift card, and shipping is free with any purchase through December 20, use promo code TIMETOSHOP and pin# 2310
• The same applies at LL Bean Signature.

• Lands’ End is taking $20 off purchases of $75 or more, those spending $150 or more receive $50 off
• Lands’ End Canvas continues its ongoing sale…
• And Canvas is also offering a new discounting promotion, The Classifieds, very similar to the Orvis Tent Sale

• Brooks Brothers is repeating its special of last year, an additional 15% off your entire online purchase through Saturday, and in-store Friday and Saturday until noon. There are also special discounts on various items, too many to list here.
• Brooks Brothers Factory Stores: 40% off entire purchase through Sunday. Those shopping before noon on Friday and Saturday will receive an additional 10% off their purchase.

Brooks Brothers

• Polo Ralph Lauren offers an additional 25% off many already-reduced items.

Polo Ralph Lauren

• At Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Stores, there are a number of different savings.

Via Daddy 'O Deals

• Nautica is offering 40% off the entire site, use promo code SAVE40 to receive the discount.

• Tommy Hilfiger suggests avoiding the crowds, continuing its 30% off special online and in-store through the 30th.

Tommy Hilfiger

• Tommy Hilfiger Factory Stores: take 40% off the entire store on Friday

• Regular J. Crew stores are taking 25% off purchases of $150 or more, online use promo code TURKEY
• J. Crew Factory Stores offer those shopping before 8am an additional 40% off clearance merchandise.
• J. Crew Factory Online is doing 40% off all styles through midnight Friday night. A few cautionary notes, this does not apply to Factory Stores, while the graphic says ‘two days only,’ the fine print says the offer ends Sunday night.

• Kate Spade offers 10% off your entire purchase with a coupon slated to arrive shortly via email; the company’s Facebook page also has the coupon. Additionally, the “Find the Penguin” promotion returns, items marked with the little guy are 20% off.

• Tory Burch: Those spending $300 or more in-store and online receive 30% off; use promo code GETGIFTS. Also, customers who spending more than $150 get a free tote bag.

• Coach Factory Stores have an additional 20% off promotion, click here to print a coupon for use in-store.

• Ann Taylor: Until noon on Friday, 40% off entire purchase, if shopping online, use promo code THANKS at checkout
• Ann Taylor Loft: 40% off entire purchase, use promo code ENJOY at checkout (no end date for this offer is shown)

Ann Taylor Loft

• Gap stores:

Gap Stores

“Start out your Black Friday shopping with style! Get 50% off the entire store until 10am only.

Offer ends at 10am sharp at all Gap, GapKids, babyGap, and GapBody stores. Certain restrictions apply. Only select stores will open at midnight. Please check with your local stores for their operating hours.”

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Gap is also doing free shipping on orders totaling more than $50.

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As many are no doubt aware, Target decided to open on Thanksgiving. To see their discounts, click here.

Vera Bradley has a number of special offerings online and in-store, including a free tote Friday, but only for in-store shoppers spending more than $100. For more information on the company’s promotions, click here.

• Saks continues its sale, with increased discounts on Friday from 8am to noon, including an additional 50% off already reduced prices.  For shoppers spending more than $100 in cosmetics/fragrances, the retailer is offering a $25 gift card.
• Until Noon on Friday shoppers at Saks Off 5th outlets receive  additional savings of 30%-50% off entire purchase

• Neiman Marcus continues its sale, look for increased discounting in-store and online.
• Neiman Marcus Last Call has an enticing offer for those who can cope with the mayhem:

Last Call

• Bergdorf Goodman continues its 5F (designer) sale.

• Banana Republic is taking 25% off your entire purchase online and in-store through Sunday night, use promo code BRTHANKS at checkout.

Banana Republic

• Talbots is offering a variety of special deals, one item to be discounted, the cotton cabled turtlenecks normally selling at $69.50 will be $25.00, although we don’t know the duration of the markdowns. Additional, the retailer is offering free shipping with any purchase.

And a few shops or promotions that won’t appeal to everyone:

• Apple is teasing a one-day shopping event, from our experience this is unlikely to offer significant savings.

Apple

• It’s Clinique Bonus Time at Saks, that means we need to toddle on over and purchase a lot of unnecessary cosmetics and peruse the counter, the gift shown below accompanies a $35 purchase. If shopping online, use promo code CLINQUEG to receive the gift.

Saks Fifth Avenue

• Coach fans may be interested in the current purchase-with-purchase at Dillard’s.  A special Coach cosmetic bag filled with goodies is offered at $35 with the purchase of any Estee Lauder fragrance.

Gap, Banana Republic & Lands’ End Spring 2011

Hello-Hello, welcome to a Thursday filled with all manner of fun and fashion.

Today we confront that strange circumstance of barely moving into a new season in real life, while appraising light and summery fashions for the next season. It is always disconcerting.

With that caveat we begin with a look at Banana Republic for next Spring.

Women’s Wear Daily reviews the new styles; as one would expect, the color palette is muted, showcasing BR’s olives and khakis.

Along with muted gray and taupe.

A timeless navy was used as well.

A number of floral dresses helped soften the collective look.

As did the splash of coral and peach incorporated into the mix.

For your MOTH (Man of the House), basic BR pieces.

Classic profiles seemed to rule the day.

We do adore a basic v-neck sweater.

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For those wondering about styles from BR sister company, The Gap, here are a few images from that Spring 2011 line.

Ben Wright/WWD

These also come via a WWD story.

One of the first things we notice is the higher waist on some pieces.

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Our final group of spring fashions come from Lands’ End and Lands’ End Canvas.

We do like many of the styles, they carry upbeat colors in timeless silhouettes.

The styles are classic Lands’ End, from Women’s Wear Daily review of the regular Lands’ End group:

“Land’s End continued to evolve its preppy practicality with updated takes on heritage pieces for spring. Sailor-stripe shirts, fit-and-flare dresses and rain gear, including performance trenches, were key looks for women.”

A nautical feel was evident throughout much of the collection.  Here is a bit of the WWD Canvas review:

“…the Canvas collection, which targets an audience with “a younger mind-set” (early 30s), as president Nick Coe said, rounded the one-year mark. Spring’s focus was on washed oxford-cloth shirts, gingham shorts and fitted knitwear with an emphasis on brights, as well as more trend-driven denim and khaki.”

We must confess we can’t comfortably distinguish in some of the photos what pieces are from the Canvas line and what are not.

But for those who “like” the Canvas FB page, quite a bit of the spring collection may be seen at that location.

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Lest we not meet our obligations to keep our cherished readers up to date on inane and meaningless Goings-On of the Gossipy sort, look who was at a Vogue party Tuesday night.

Getty Images

The image does prompt us to ask if you think Mr. Westwick is sporting what we used to call a pompadour?

In other important G2 news (heh, heh, heh), word that there’s been a breakup for two of Gossip Girl’s stars.

Us Magazine

According to Us Magazine, managers for Blake Lively and Penn Badgley have confirmed the couple has split.

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We close with a rather strange phenomenon we are experiencing here at Princess InterGalactic HQ; it is the case of the vanishing Halloween candy.

As background, we do like planning ahead for things and an enormous bag of candy was purchased weeks ago for the little ghosts and goblins brave enough to cross the moat and show themselves at the palace doors. This morning we discovered a good portion of said sweet treats are gone, vanished.

Neither one of us has any idea how it disappeared, but here’s where the fickle finger of blame is pointing.

If that isn’t a guilty grin, we don’t know what is. Now, there’s no need to fret about Silly Tilly, Miss TUWABVB has jumped to her defense. Again.

Has anyone else had this strange occurrence, the candy purchased so earnestly in advance of the big day is just… gone?  (With apologies to those who may have seen this on our earlier Twitter and Facebook pages, we simply couldn’t resist.)

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• George Chinsee/WWD: All Banana Republic images
• Ben Wright/WWD: All Gap images
• Kyle Ericksen/WWD: Lands’ End

J. Crew Fall 2010 Wedding & Lilly Pulitzer Stationery Goes Paperless…?

Hello-Hello, welcome to a Wednursday here at the Prepatorium. Yes, a Wednursday – that’s what happens when you combine two days of the week into one, precisely what we are attempting with our post, the schedule is a bit frenzied these days and this is the best we can offer at this point.

We begin with a look at styles from the fall J. Crew Weddings & Parties collection.

Courtesy J. Crew via FabSugar

There are some lovely confections.

A few frocks are almost impossible to view properly online because of the light colors and softness of the design.

As with all Crew Bridal looks, the detailing can be exquisite.

Pieces are crafted of silk taffeta, chiffon, and faille.

It appears chunky statement jewelry remains in vogue at Crew.

Most of the silhouettes are true to Crew’s clean, unfussy aesthetic.

But not all.

J. Crew calls the fall palette “cotton candy colors,’ there are rich neutral and earth tones, with few splashes of color.

Here is one of those palettes showing the colors for gowns in silk taffeta.

The dresses are available for pre-order, and the lookbook can be seen online.

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We also have a look at the just-launched Lilly Pulitzer online only stationery and invitation group at e-stationer CocoDot.

Couurtesy CocoDot.com

CocoDot provides what are commonly known as e-greetings, things like e-vites, e-cards, etc. You may select from blank templates and fill in the appropriate text.

There are too many delightful patterns to count. In addition to words, photographs may also be used to create the desired look.

While we see the beauty of online correspondence in some circumstances (small thank you notes for online courtesies come to mind), wedding invitations via the interwebs?  Non, non, non!

Despite the lovely palettes…

Courtesy CocoDot.com

And stunning Lilly designs…

Courtesy CocoDot.com

Wedding invitations need to arrive the old-fashioned way.  As does most other correspondence.

Buuuuut…..if one is inclined to engage in this sort of thing, and we are (gasp) on a wee, small scale, CocoDot is the service we are likely to use.

Now before anyone starts sending nastygrams in our direction, let’s not get our whiskers in a wad. We recognize and respect the notion we are partaking of a verboten practice. Heresy that is especially distasteful for someone engaged in selling Lilly Pulitzer invitations and stationery made of real paper, as we are.

However, there are individuals we only know online, for whom we have no physical address, virtual acquaintances if you will, people we may not want to ask for their address.  A personalized online greeting to thank a Lilly friend, or say ‘hello’ to a casual online associate seems in perfectly acceptable taste; using the CocoDot product makes sense in that respect. Vastly superior to one of our tedious emails.

CocoDot works like other ‘paperless post’ services, one pays a fee to join, differing levels of memberships are offered.  For anyone else considering this sort of thing, In-style readers can save 30% on an annual membership by using the code INSTYLE at checkout.

InStyle

We shall always offer paper Lilly Pulitzer products here at the Princess, the two methods for staying in touch and extending invitations and other greetings are not mutually exclusive.

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Next, an interesting take on the Ferragamo fall ad campaign from Lauren at Fashionista.

Courtesy Ferragamo via Fashionista

Her issue? The company’s efforts to “… freshen up the Ferragamo brand for a younger audience…”.

“I don’t think that they succeed, nor do I want them to. I like Salvatore Ferragamo because it’s the best in old lady-chic.

I’ve got a couple pairs of those vintage bow flats, with the square little heel and gold charms. I bet spokesmodel Dree Hemingway does, too. Why? Because they look great. And they are great. They don’t need to be modernized or updated. The Vara pump, to me, is as classic as a Chanel ballet flat.

So instead of trying to be something it’s not, Ferragamo should embrace what it is. Soon enough, everyone will be pining for Vara pumps all over again.”

We heartily endorse that sentiment.

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We leave you with this item, we simply must have your esteemed and refined opinions on these:

Courtesy Nike via Coco Perez

This is what happens when Nike meets Hunter, at least that’s our impression, and also what Coco Perez notes in his post on the boots.

Courtesy Nike via Coco Perez

What thinketh everyone? Hot… or merely hideous?

Oops, we almost forgot (this is the last-last thing, honest, promise!) the reminder about the sale on the Lands’ End Canvas collection.  Yesterday we mentioned the LL Bean Signature sale and we know some readers are devotees of this group as well.

LandsEnd.com

Happy hunting.