Hello and Happy Friday to everyone.
We begin with a quick look at a new collection launching for your little ones, this one comes from French label Lanvin.
The new collection is clearly not for those seeking practicality.
….twenty-five precious pieces for 4–10 year-olds is awash with embroidered organza, crystal, satin and grosgrain and pleated tulle aplenty.
The pieces look darling, as we recall they are going to cost a pretty penny. Here is our favorite photo from all of the publicity stills:
She looks ever-so-serious, doesn’t she?
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Speaking of serious, the Times‘ Critical Shopper column pays a visit to Madewell this week, a brand we have discussed with some regularity in this space, although not to the degree we have covered its corporate partner, J. Crew.
“…a line that might be described as Skipper to J. Crew’s Barbie. Fewer sequins, more lanyards.
…the company is now producing clothes not for the working class, but for the class of young women who attend expensive private colleges and are taking a gap year to, you know, figure out what they want to do with their lives.”
Alexandra Stoddard’s story is just this side of scathing:
“Madewell brass, lovingly tarnished I’m sure, also pride themselves on showcasing items from local partners, or so-called “hometown heroes,” including…. Alyssa Ettinger “NYC-themed” white ceramic dairy bottles ($40 to $50).
They are less forthcoming about the fact that most of their all-American looks, including “heritage premium” overalls in a faded “bighorn wash” ($200), are made in China. Now that’s distress of another stripe.”
Ouch. To read the entire review, click here.
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We move on to some Friday Fun, offering a spot of color with a brief look at some of this fall’s Lilly Pulitzer Stationery & Gifts collection, starting with new styles in Wine Glasses and Water Bottles.
The new Wine Glass patterns include Cabanarama, Docksider (shown above), Floaters, remaining in the line is Trouble Hibiscus. New designs for Water Bottles include Nice to See You, as well as Luscious and Navy Bloomers. Perhaps the most talked about item we have previewed is the new Eco Cup.
The Cold Drink Tumblers are dishwasher safe, BPA- and Pthalate-free, and they will hold 20 ozs. of your favorite chilled beverage. These are going to run $14.50. Below, we show the new Photo Magnets, they’ll be sold as a set of three ($12.50), on the right you see the new Magnet Board patterns.
Agenda images have been on the site for some time as we continue to take your pre-orders, but here are a few more pictures of this always-popular item.
This year’s patterns include Docksider, Luscious, Navy Bloomers and Nice to See You, they remain priced at $24.50 for the Large Agenda, $14.50 for the Pocket Agenda. These also continue as 17-month calendars, running from August 2011-December 2012.
Another item garnering attention, the new re-useable Sandwich and Snack Bags.
The cotton bags are lined with moisture-resistant material, can be tossed in the wash machine and are Food Safe. They are also BPA-, Phthalate- and Lead-free. The bags will run $9.50.
We’ll post the rest of the catalog photos on our Facebook page, and also here as time permits.
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Finally this Friday, troubling news from the Land of the AntiPrep: the individual known as Snooki is debuting flip flops and the colors are what some might consider ‘preppish’:
You never know what she is going to do next, Snooki gets points for creativity, pink and green pickles, oh my! What do you think, is this something we should add to the store? (Heh,heh,heh.)
With that, we hope everyone enjoys an especially restful and relaxing weekend.