The Great Preppy Princess Giveaway

Hello-Hello, what a glorious day we are enjoying here at the Prepatorium!

Today’s post is short and hopefully sweet: we are giving things away.  More specifically, five premium items from the Preppy Princess shop! It’s the Spring Fling Thing, an easy and fun way for us to share new merchandise with you!

We will draw not one, not two, but five winners; the first name selected wins Item #1, the second receives Item #2, etc.

Here are the goodies:

ITEM #1: An exclusive Kiel James Patrick bracelet made just for the Princess!

PreppyPrincess.com

We are über-excited to have added Kiel’s line of nautical-inspired accessories, especially since many of the items you find at the Princess are made only for us. The Princess Bracelet is one such exclusive item, hand crafted in Rhode Island of pink, green and white braided rope atop KJP’s signature madras lining, opening and closing with the signature KJP button.

You may have read recently about this designer extraordinaire and his wonderful creations, Kiel is garnering all manner of good buzz lately. In addition to his other bracelet styles, we also have some fabulous KJP earrings and KJP headbands we think you will like.

ITEM #2: The Anchors Away Jet-Set Duffel from our new line of Bella Bags

Bella Bags at PreppyPrincess.com

This gem is oh-so-versatile, measuring 22″ long x 14″ tall and 9″ wide, made of coated polypropylene that takes a beating and is easy to wipe clean.  With zippered pockets on the outside and an enclosed shoulder strap to use in addition to the attached handles, the Jet Set Duffle is perfect for traveling because it collapses down into a 9″ x 7″ pouch!

ITEM #3: A Thermal Mug from our new line of Nifty Gifties by Jonathan Adler

We love this new collection of stationery and gift items, the winner will choose a mug in their choice of Acapulco, Diamonds, Greek Key or Chevron.

ITEM #4: A set of Lilly Pulitzer Circle Notes!

These pretty notes perk up any office or kitchen, handy for all of those last-second “hey there” or “don’t forget” reminders. This winner will be able to select whatever pattern tickles their fancy from these Spring 2010 Notes…

Lilly Pulitzer at PreppyPrincess.com

Or one of the classic patterns!

Lilly Pulitzer at PreppyPrincess.com

Item #5: A Scout Lunch Bag in your choice of Cabanarama Stripes

Scout Lunch Bags at PreppyPrincess.com

This is just one selection from our Lunch Bag collection at the Princess, the Scout Doggie Bag is good-sized and also insulated, the perfect way to make ‘brown bagging’ a bit more stylish.

We are very excited about this Giveaway; it’s spring, it’s sunny, we could all use a little fun and frivolity, oui? Here is the scoop on how to enter.

• For one entry, leave a comment about an item you like at the Princess;
• For a 2nd entry, post the Giveaway on your blog or Facebook page & leave a comment telling us you did;
• For a 3rd entry, Tweet about the Giveaway on Twitter & let us know you did (here’s the Princess on Twitter);
• For another entry, become a Preppy Princess fan on Facebook & let us know you did (If already a fan, just let us know so you receive this additional entry!)
• For multiple additional entries, tell a friend! For each friend leaving a comment that mentions your name (or your blog or email or other means of identifying you) you receive two additional entries!

Entries will be accepted until midnight on Wednesday, March 24th; we shall announce the lucky winners in Thursday’s post!

Spring Goodies and ‘BritPrep’ Arrives on the Scene

Hello-Hello everybody, and Happy Weekend!

There is an old saying that those of us living in the Great Midwest enjoy two, not four, seasons: there is winter, and then there is the construction season. And while the adage isn’t entirely true, we acknowledge succumbing to a raging case of Spring Fever Friday, a syndrome most difficult to contain and almost impossible to control.

With that in mind, we are excited to share some of the new treasures here at The Princess!  We begin with our new Seaworthy Collection, its style enhanced by nautical influences. Below, the Beach House placemats in authentic madras….

We love them because they are 100% cotton, just fine in the washing machine, and they are also reversible, providing two looks for the price of one!  Of course there are matching napkins in a snappy red stripe, or the matching blue stripe.

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The Sailor’s Knot Napkin Rings add a great touch.

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Also new to our little shop, the One, Two, Three Lilly Pad from our Lilly Pulitzer Stationery & Gifts collection.

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Here is help for those struggling with different lists, as this is actually three separate notepads under one cover. Labeled Home, Work & Play, we are more than hopeful these might help TP improve her organizational skills here at the Palace!

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Next on our list, a question about an issue we have struggled with for several days. The challenge isn’t our reluctance to ask for your opinion. Rather, it is because the issue itself is the nature of the photograph that actually *is* the issue. Obviously you will understand why we find it vulgar, but even that isn’t the issue. Anyone opening a fashion magazine in the last several years is familiar with the Marc by Marc Jacobs print campaigns.

DAISY LOWE PHOTOGRAPHED BY JUERGEN TELLER

Here is our question: Is this appropriate for the hypothetical readers of Teen Vogue?  That’s all. We are merely attempting to determine the level of our fuddy-duddyness; are we over the top finding this not proper for inclusion in a magazine targeted at that particular demo? We are ever-so-appreciative-in-advance for your candid comments and insight.

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Many readers know a fave read of ours is The Luxist, with a finger firmly on the pulse of all things posh.  Recently they took a look at Barbour and their efforts to expand their customer base with a collection named BritPrep.  The Luxist’s Jared Paul Stern fills us in:

“So what exactly is “Britprep”? According to Barbour, the look is not quite as clean and crisp as American Preppy. Simple, stylish, and contemporary, the collection “pays particular attention to fashion, color and tradition capturing the essence of ‘Britishness.'”

Courtesy Barbour via Luxist.com

The new line looks as if it may offer some intriguing possibilities for one’s walk-in.  TP has always adored Barbour; for decades they adhered quietly to their own fine standards, with exquisite attention to detail, very much like the old Abercrombie & Fitch. (The current company using the A&F name bears no resemblance whatsoever to its predecessor. None.)

Another look:

Courtesy Barbour via Luxist.com

The only fly in the ointment, so to speak? There are pieces sure to induce a serious bout of  Logophobia:

“Barbour has never really gone in for logos, but with the Britprep collection (above) they’re employing a new crest. Unlike designers who invent crests, it’s an authentic bit of heraldry deriving from the original Barbour family coat of arms originating in Galloway, Scotland.

Courtesy Barbour via Luxist.com

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On a lighter note, we wanted to share another addition to the When Pink Goes Bad gallery:

Dr. Martens at Zappos.com

Don’t be worried about missing out on these dolls, they are available in an amazing array of colors, and sizes.

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In other news, word that ANTM (we have finally figured this acronym out and are feeling ever-so-hip, it is America’s Next Top Model) is also doing apparel. The tip for this comes from one of our fave daily blog reads, All the Rage at the LA Times website, and apparently the collection can be found at Wal-mart.

PHOTO: Wal-mart via All the Rage

We presume you will sleep better this evening knowing this is available. (Ooooh, the Princess is a Crankenstein!)

We must fly, but hope you have a splendid spring weekend!

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!

Love that Lilly, and Michelle Obama in $500,000+ Diamonds

Hello-Hello everybody, and welcome to the almost-weekend!

We promised more Lilly Pulitzer Stationery goodies, so here we go! First, the Note Card Books in Patchtastic and Lillywood:

Lilly Pulitzer Note Card Books at PreppyPrincess.com

At only $15 for each Set of 10 Note Cards (2 each of 5 different patterns) and envelopes, these are already a favorite here at the Prepatorium.  And they haven’t even arrived yet!

Also due in around the 4th or 5th of February, these bright and cheery Large Notebooks in Animal Crackers (L) and Cabanarama (R):

Lilly Pulitzer Notebooks at PreppyPrincess.com

The Large Notebooks are about 9″ x 12″ with an inside pocket; they will be $16.

At 6″ x 8″ the Mini-Notebooks are perfect for tossing in the tote.  They also have an inside pocket, and will run $14.  Below, the Mini-Notebooks in Mumsie and Bee’s Knees Patch:

Lilly Pulitzer Mini-Notebooks at PreppyPrincess.com

A reminder that the Princess Consort has been typing his little fingers to the bone, making sure some of the Lilly merchandise is up on the Princess website for pre-ordering.  The Lilly folks say they are shipping February 1st; we expect our first shipment being here by the 4th or 5th of February. Pre-ordering means your order gets out the door first when the Lilly merchandise arrives here. Pre-orders are at the top of the list and will be turned around on the same day we receive the merchandise from Lilly.

We also said we would share some sneak peeks from the market. Here is a glance at two new patterns from Scout that we went ga-ga over, starting with the Poolside Stripe:

Available 2/15/09

Stripes Away is another new pattern we will be getting in mid-February.

Available 2.15.09 PreppyPrincess.com

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On the topic of Inaugural fashion, the LA Times raises a question about the propriety of a First Lady borrowing jewelry, in relation to these $17,000 Loree Rodkin earrings.

LoreeRodkin.com

Michelle Obama wore the sparklers to Sunday’s concert.

PHOTO: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty

(Frankly, TP is far more fascinated by the Narciso Rodriguez ensemble in camel and black, really quite elegant IOHO.)  The paper’s All the Rage blog cites rules about borrowed apparel and accessories set up when Ronald Reagan was President in the 1980s, and Mrs. Reagan was chided for her frequent borrowing of designer clothes.

“Michelle Obama wore $17,000 diamond chandelier earrings designed by Loree Rodkin to the “We Are One” concert on Sunday — not a gift from her husband, but borrowed from a Chicago retailer. The next morning, dispatches were dutifully sent out from the publicist for Rodkin to let the press know whom to credit for her ear candy. How very red carpet.”

Yikes… that seems a little cranky, no? We presume All the Rage would apply the same question to Tuesday night’s jewelry, a healthy 77.6 carats in diamonds, again, borrowed from Loree Rodkin. (Mrs. Obama is seen with U.S. Army Sgt. Margaret H. Herrera following her dance with President Obama.)

PHOTO: Gary Hershorn/Reuters

The Arizona Republic has a little more information on the bling (that is the proper term…yes?) in this story:

“Curious about costs, we called Moody Blues boutique in Scottsdale, which carries Loree Rodkin jewelry. There, a chain necklace with a cross pendant covered in an estimated 3 carats of diamonds is $21,000, says Catie Cerutti, store manager.

We’d hate to draw any cost-per-carat conclusions based on that, but . . . oh, who are we kidding. Our math shows that Obama could have been wearing $543,200 worth of diamonds.”

There you have it.

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Now, if you are interested in sporting a knock-off of the First Lady’s Jason Wu gown, eDressMe has one available. Really.

eDressMe.com

We have an answer to our question Is Jason Wu Preppy?, asked in this post: absolutely.  Without question. According to Eric Wilson’s story in today’s Times, he attended Loomis, a not-very-well-know Connecticut boarding school.

We credit the Consort for the sharp eye on this – he is such a Fashionisto. (The male version of Fashionista…hello?)

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And in our “The Princess wasn’t Born Yesterday” category, we pose a question: is it possible that the “Marvelous Malia” and “Sweet Sasha” dolls pictured below have absolutely no connection whatsoever to the little girls who just moved into the White House?!

PHOTO: Scott Olson/Getty

That’s what the folks at Ty say; they just released the dolls for sale, and controversy  about the TyGirlz dolls is growing. An Associated Press story explains the “coincidence”:

“The Oak Brook-based company chose the names because ‘they are beautiful names,’ not because of any resemblance to Malia and Sasha Obama, said spokeswoman Tania Lundeen.”

“‘There’s nothing on the dolls that refers to the Obama girls,’ Lundeen said. ‘It would not be fair to say they are exact replications of these girls.

Oh.  Silly Princess.

However – let it be said that at least the moronic company (really, this is PR Debacle 101 level stuff) put a little madras on the dolls’ cuffs and one pair of sneakers.

PHOTO: Charles Rex Arbogast/AP

Do enjoy your Saturday and Sunday!

All About the Lilly: WWD Runs Lilly Pulitzer Special Edition

TP is in heaven. Truly.

The editorial brains minds over at Women’s Wear Daily have dedicated an entire special issue of the paper to Lilly Pulitzer’s 50th.  (You may remember in today’s post on the Inaugural gowns that we mentioned WWD was doing some fabulous special issues… this is another one of those special editions.)

WWD

For those less familiar with the Lilly Pulitzer brand, it was started in 1958 by Lilly Pulitzer….

Lilly Pulitzer at home in Palm Beach

… rapidly becoming very successful into the early 1980’s. And then – horrors!  The line ceased operating in 1984 and all hope was lost for true Lilly lovers. Life began anew in 1994 when Scott Beaumont and James Bradbeer Jr. (seen below) decided to buy the company and bring the storied line back to life.

PHOTO: Talaya Centeno

And it gets better moving forward: the company plans to grow the brand through the addition of a stationery and gift line. How fabulous is this news?!

Courtesy Lifeguard Press

The collection will be licensed by Lifeguard Press, the folks who handle the Vera Bradley paper line.  According to the WWD story the new paper group will include a variety of items:

“…. party goods and gifts, from wrapping paper and bags to partyware, cocktail napkins and drink umbrellas, office accessories like desk sets, diaries, notebooks, frames and calendars…”

The paper line is on track to launch in January. If you would like to be on the mailing list for updates on the line and other announcements, just click here to be taken to the Lifeguard Press site.

There is a quick mention of the sleepwear line, licensed by Carole Hochman:

Courtesy Lilly Pulitzer

As well as an intriguing look at the design process.  Have you ever wondered just how the company continues to come up with such smashing colors and designs? Here is an inspiration board from Lilly headquarters in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

PHOTO: Talaya Centeno

Below, members of the Lilly Design Team experiment with color.

PHOTO: Talaya Centeno

TP is absolutely transfixed by the pink and green chairs even though they are almost impossible to see in the photo.  Perhaps they are easier to see in this shot of the atrium at the Lilly Mother Ship:

PHOTO: Talaya Centeno for WWD

One of the dynamite stories in the special issue features quotes from some of fashion’s brightest talents on the brand and its founder.  Here is a sampling accompanied by fun photos of Lilly back in the 1970’s.  We start with Ralph Lauren‘s comments:

“Lilly Pulitzer created a very distinct look — her personal style of bright colors and prints has an important place in fashion.”

Courtesy Lilly Pulitzer

And this from Kate Spade….

“Lilly Pulitzer was one of the first to take a personal look and lifestyle and turn it into a brand. Her cheery and colorful prints are much imitated, but she is a true original.”

As well as Isaac Mizrahi…

“Lilly Pulitzer is one of the few designers worthy of copying. You can’t be an American designer without a little nod to Lilly.”

Reed Krakoff (the Grand Poohbah at Coach) has memories similar to those you probably have:

“One of my earliest memories of fashion is my mom wearing a lime green printed shift dress at our country club in Weston, Connecticut. Lilly Pulitzer was a summer uniform and always defined summer style.”

Lilly's Original Shop (PHOTO: Howell Conant/Timepix)

Our favorite quote is probably this one from Jonathan Adler:

“Lilly Pulitzer makes everyone look happier, richer and more fun-loving than they probably are. Lilly equals sunshine.”

TP has never been to the Mother Ship in Pennsylvania:

PHOTO: Talaya Centeno

Nor have we visited the Lilly store at King of Prussia mall, practically in the backyard of Lilly HQ:

PHOTO: Talaya Centeno

Remember the 50th Anniversary Lilly Pulitzer Jeep we showed previously? Well, here at the Prepatorium we  periodically queried the Princess Consort, asking if he thought anyone was ordering up the Special Edition vehicle. (Of course, he loves queries of this nature in all their profundity and thought-provoking significance.)

Courtesy

It turns out people *have* been buying the Limited Edition Jeep:

“About 70 of the Jeeps were preordered and, at $25,000 a pop, some of the Signature store owners will not only be driving one, but they are also able to sell them to their customers.”

Still to come? A Florida’s Natural orange juice carton done in one of the signature Pulitzer prints. An altogether remarkable story, quintessentially American with its ups and downs, and its happy ending for the company’s founder. Although she no longer owns the company, Lilly is still on hand as a consultant; her design influence and imprint can be seen everywhere.

The WWD special edition was written primarily by Julie Naughton with contributions from Dianne M Pogoda, and they did a bang-up job IOHO.