Lilly Pulitzer Spring 2012 Gifts & Stationery

Hello-Hello, and happy Monday.

We thought nothing would be better to start a fresh week than a look at some of the new goodies in our spring Lilly Pulitzer Stationery and Gifts collection. We begin with a group of items that is already very popular, the new Acrylic Collection.

Lilly Pulitzer Spring 2012 at PreppyPrincess.com

There are Pitchers, Tumblers and Wine Glasses in spring’s pretty prints, all are in stock and ready to ship now.  That includes the Nice to See You and Luscious pitchers, they are dishwasher safe, BPA, phthalate, and lead free, retailing at $21.95.  (The pitchers hold 56 ozs. of your favorite beverage, I think even Miss Janice would say that is a heap ‘o sweet tea!)

Lilly Pulitzer Acrylic in Nice to See You & Luscious at PreppyPrincess.com

Above we also show the matching glasses, each of these holds 18 ounces, they are $19.50 for a set of two, available in Nice to See You and Luscious.

Of course, there are bright new patterns in the acrylic Wine Glasses that match the tumblers and pitchers. I don’t think I’m alone in saying the Wine Glass Sets have emerged as a go-to hostess gift on more than one occasion, they are $19.50 per set of two.

Lilly Pulitzer Spring 2012 Wine Glasses at PreppyPrincess.com

This spring’s patterns are Luscious, Nice to See You and Fan Dance, like the other pieces in this group, the wine glasses are BPA-, Lead-, and Phthalate-free, as well as dishwasher safe.

There are also new paper party supplies to perk up your table.

Lilly Pulitzer Spring 2012 at PreppyPrincess.com

Yours truly has a fondness for flamingos just ask the neighbors, , you can guess which pattern popped out at us first, the Fan Dance napkins and paper plates are definitely smile-inducing. But we’ll always have a soft spot for pink and green, the Chum Bucket napkins and paper plates are sure to brighten up any table. (These are also in stock and ready to ship, plates are $5 for a set of 8, napkins are also $5 for a set of 20.)

The Consort thinks I should be using these all the time, he seems to believe there are issues with spillage (it washed out of the carpet, honestly), so seeing me with a lid on my drink makes him particularly glad to see the Eco Tumblers return in even more patterns, these beauties arrived last week, they are $14.95.

Lilly Pulitzer Spring 2012 Tumblers at PreppyPrincess.com

Oodles of paper products have arrived in the last week, these Notebook Sets are just part of the batch.  For only $7 you receive a set of two 4″ x 6″ notebooks filled with lined and perforated paper, that is a price that is pocketbook friendly.

Lilly Notebook Sets at PreppyPrincess.com

Also in stock, the spiral-bound Mini Notebooks in Fan Dance and Scarlet Begonias, shown below with the Notebook Sets we just described up above.

Lilly Pulitzer at PreppyPrincess.com

Lilly’s ‘Catchalls‘ are new this spring, they come in a beautiful open box filled with 150 sheets of Lilly paper and one of those cute pink Lilly pens.

Offered in Chum Bucket, Fallin’ in Love and Fan Dance, you get all this for only $13.50, making this a great giftable. Another cute little giftable, the new Fridge Magnet Note Pads have 60 lined and perforated sheets of paper, perfect for those little “don’t forget” notes and shopping lists ($7).

Lilly Fridge Pads at The Preppy Princess

We like this addition to the spring line, elegant Pen and Notecard Sets in Chum Bucket and Fallin in Love.

Lilly Pulitzer Pen & Notecard Sets at PreppyPrincess.com

The sets have 10 notecards embossed with gold foil for an upscale touch, matching envelopes and pen, they are $28 and in stock.

Also ready to ship, Lilly notecards that are more whimsical, the spring 2012 Boxed Note Cards are offered in Fan Dance and Scarlet Begonia, these come with 12 assorted notecards and matching envelopes, they are $14.50.

Lilly Pulitzer at PreppyPrincess.com

Our next item is ideal for spring break and beyond, the Insulated Coolers are all in stock and ready to ship now. Below they are shown left to right: Chum Bucket, Fallin’ In Love, Scarlet Begonias.

Lilly Pulitzer Coolers at PreppyPrincess.com

These are water-resistant, have an outside pocket, micro-fiber EVA lining, and come with an attached can opener. For that bottle of Diet Coke, cough-cough. The Coolersare $29.50 and just begging for beach time.

One item synonymous with fun and sun, Lilly’s ever-so-popular Sunglass Straps. From left to right, Chum Bucket, Fallin’ In Love, Scarlet Begonia, and Bloomin’ Cacoonin’

The straps are available to ship at the end of the week, as are the spring Koozies.

Lilly Pulitzer Spring 2012 Koozies at The Preppy Princess

Also due here this week, a new item we like a lot – Lilly’s Tech Wristlet/Camera Case.

Lilly Pulitzer Tech Wristlet/Camera Case

These are ideal for your camera, cell phone, mp3 player or other on the go item that you want to keep cushioned safely.  The cases are made of neoprene and lined with a soft material to prevent scratches, best of all, they are only $15.

Lilly Pulitzer Tech Wristlet/Camera Case at PreppyPrincess.com

The Tech Wristlets close securely with a zipper, have an interior storage pocket, and measure 5-1/4″ x 3.5″ x 3/4″.

Another item we’ll be shipping by the end of the week, the new iPhone 4 Cases ($24.50), the new patterns are (left to right) Chum Bucket, Scarlet Begonia, Fan Dance and Fallin’ in Love. (Note: Fallin in Love will not be available for a few weeks.)

Lilly Pulitzer iPhone 4 Cases at PreppyPrincess.com

The fab new iPad Cases will be arriving at The Prepatorium this week.

Lilly Pulitzer iPad Covers at PreppyPrincess.com

The new cases are for the iPad 2 only, they are available in (left to right) Scarlet Begonias, Chum Bucket, and Fan Dance, they are $29.50.

Lilly Pulitzer iPad 2 Cases at PreppyPrincess.com

If in need of a case for your iPad 1, we still have them in You’re Flagged.

Also on hand, the new and improved Lilly Market Bags. Made of the same great material, the new size fits over your shoulder more easily, the new wider and shorter size still holds just as much, just in a more comfortable way.

Lilly Spring 2012 Market Bags at PreppyPrincess.com

The spring 2012 bags are done in Ugotta Regotta, Fan Dance, and Chum Bucket.

Last but not least, another item The Consort is happy to see added to the line, organizer bins. (He seems to think there is a clutter issue.)

Lilly Pulitzer at PreppyPrincess.com

The foldable storage boxes will add some spark to your home, they will be available in Chum Bucket, as seen above, and Fallin’ in Love. The bigger size is 22″ long x 13″ wide x 13″ high, the smaller bin runs 12.5″ long x 10″ wide x 10.5″ high. We expect to have these in stock in another week or two.

There are oodles of other additions to the collection, pop in for a visit and pick your favorites!

Lilly Pulitzer Fall 2011 Agendas, Talbots, Kate Spade & Prep World Updates

Hello-Hello, welcome to The Prepatorium, we are happy to see a bright new week!

Today we bring you dribs, drabs and tidbits of info, the post may read more like a headline service than anything else.

We begin with a look at Talbots styles for fall, loath as we are to even contemplate that season.  WWD (Women’s Wear Daily, subscription req’d.) has an early peek at some of the styles.

Kyle Ericksen/WWD

The deep teal seen above is pretty, but our favorite part of the WWD story may be this quote:

““The silhouette is definitely more important. Everything is more refined and dressed up,” said Michael Smaldone, chief creative officer…”

Amen and hallelujah to that sentiment, may it only prove true.  The pinstripes are also attractive.

Kyle Ericksen/WWD

As always, we aren’t crazy about every single piece, those shown below generate absolutely no sense of anticipatory excitement. The drape on the pants shown on the right is hideous.

Kyel Ericksen/WWD

However, it is likely that come August yours truly will be coveting this coat.

Kyle Ericksen/WWD

As we are on the topic of next season’s clothing, Kate Spade fans might enjoy Fashionista’s sneak peek at the fall ad campaign being shot in Soho last week.

Via Fashionista.com

Once again Bryce Dallas Howard is featured, we are more-than-intrigued by that polka dot suit.

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One might think this next item would go in our “You Can’t Make This Stuff Up” files, but sadly it isn’t shocking, merely a sad commentary.

Manhattan mom sues $19K/yr. preschool for damaging 4-year-old daughter’s Ivy League chances

The headline is from a story in The Daily News, here is more:

“She’s demanding a refund of the $19,000 tuition and class-action status for other toddlers who weren’t properly prepped for the standardized test that can mean the difference between Dalton and – gasp! – public school.”

Oh, the horror.

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Several other items of note that may hold interest for some:

• Our friend over at The Preppycrat is back to posting again and has a nice look at the Painted Pink Pony shop in a recent post
• Prep World, the Lisa Birnbach/Tommy Hilfiger collaboration (detailed in this post) has announced the opening date for its New York pop-up shop: May 19. If not in the city, shoppers will find most of the collection available in Hilfiger stores and online starting then. We like seeing our friend Kiel’s bracelets showcased in the collection.

• There is a new blog up and running, Real Preppy, below we show a delightful style montage from Friday’s post

RealPreppy.com

• One item you may have missed. (That is liberal use of the word “missed”.) Behold, the Royal Wedding Donut.

Dunkin' Donuts via Eater.com

Eater puts it well:

“Because nothing says royal matrimony like a heart-shaped donut filled with jelly and topped with vanilla icing and a chocolate drizzle.”

Perzactly.

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We leave you with two quick items, both slightly more upscale than the donut.

Tiffany Blue® Bow Mug

Tiffany is now offering “Blue Bow” items, and while not a fan of the company’s logo-ridden pieces, the Mug somehow seems cute and whimsical, sure to brighten one’s morning.

The other item is a sneak peek at this August’s Agendas from our Lilly Pulitzer Stationery line.

Fall 2011 Agendas

This year there will be four Agenda patterns, making it even more difficult to choose just one.

Lilly Pulitzer

Until next time, thank you so very much for coming to visit!

When Logos Go Bad & Hamptons Habitats

Hello-Hello!

We are brief today, in large part because The Consort and I the Princess Elves must deal with this:

Princess InterGalactic HQ

That is but a portion of the 300+ pounds of Lilly Pulitzer Fall 2010 goodies, along with ribbon belts, preppy totes and other treasures the UPS man dropped off today.  Sadly, Tilly doesn’t quite seem… well… she doesn’t appear to be engaged with the task at hand.

"Where's my biscuit?"

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We begin with a follow-up to a previous post about the topic of a hypothetical decline in the popularity of designer logos; today’s story comes via the Telegraph, on the far side of the pond.  We offer the following from the paper’s story, “Designer logos are a fashion no-go“:

“Handbags and accessories with large logos are being removed from designers’ collections to be replaced with more subtle designs as part of a move for “antibling” fashion.”

The Telegraph story uses an image featuring one of our original AntiPreps, below we see Paris Hilton with her Louis Vuitton handbag and bathing suit in 2006 and on the right, a new bag from Louis Vuitton.

REX Features via The Telegraph

The story is pegged to a quote from the CEO of Vuitton’s parent company suggesting logos are shrinking and/or disappearing. (That quote was mentioned briefly in this post.)

“His admission was an extraordinary turning point in the top-tier designer industry, where design labels have made billions of pounds by having accessories with big logos showcased by rappers, footballers’ wives and socialites.”

Below, Farandole Strass rings by Vuitton.

In the story, the Telegraph’s fashion director is quoted:

“This really began the day Daniella Westbrook was pictured head to toe in the Burberry check. The shift has been taking place for some time.”

Below, Ms. Westbrook in the ensemble under discussion.

PHOTO: MrPaparazzi.com via The Sun

To be sure, this….

Chanel

is a vast improvement over this.

Chanel

The subject seems to be gaining traction, another UK paper had a story on the topic today; The Mail’s story is titled, “Stealth wealth: Why the label to have this season is no label at all as consumers turn their back on logo-heavy designers”.  That story also uses a photo of another member of the Anti-Prep Wall of Shame, “Snooki” and her Gucci handbag.

PHOTO: Xposure via The Daily Mail

Clearly we are intrigued to see how this plays out, do let us know your thoughts on the topic, and what you are seeing in your corner of the globe. We are guessing this isn’t exactly your vision of the ideal decor for your domicile.

)

ModerneKunst.no

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One other quick note we meant to include yesterday, spotted when perusing Vanity Fair; the magazine has a pretty feature, “Behind the Hamptons Hedges“. The piece showcases eight individuals who spend significant time in the area, like polo player Nic Roldan….

Alix Smith/Vanity Fair

… and Dylan Lauren, photographed at the Dylan’s Candy Bar in East Hampton.

Alix Smith/Vanity Fair

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We’re off to have a little talk with Tilly about her work ethic.

We’ll see you next time, probably Monday!

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.

The Consort Gets A Mannerly Rap On The Knuckles

Hello-hello, all.  The Consort strolling casually mikeside to share a moment while The (lovely and talented) Princess recovers from a migraine.  I hope I’m not being rude and you’ll excuse my interrupting your day.  And that’s my point today: Manners.

While browsing the Wall Street Journal today I noticed an obit for Elizabeth Post.  Does the name ring a bell?  Perhaps her husband’s grandmother might be more familiar.  Emily Post wrote “Etiquette: The Blue Book of Social Usage”, the 1922 book that has never been out of print.

Courtesy: Etsy

Elizabeth Post updated the classic book and was a gentle guide through the turbulent 1960s, 1970s and until she retired in 1995.  Her advice was grounded in the reality of the times in which we lived.   But now I wonder what has become of our manners?

Many of you readers are parents.  Do you pass on to your children the same etiquette lessons you learned?  I had an interesting experience the other day while having a conversation with a teenager.  While we were talking her cellphone rang.  She stopped our talk, turned sideways to me and began a phone conversation.  Perhaps I’m being overly sensitive but I couldn’t help but feel a bit put off.  I was also amused by the situation of being put on “live hold” in a face-to-face convo (as the kids nowadays like to say).

One of the things we enjoy most about sending out packages from The Preppy Princess is including a handwritten note in each box.  The Princess is much better at this because she is the more gifted writer in our family.  Isn’t sending a note a polite thing to do?  The power of the handwritten note cannot be ignored.  I know I get a special feeling when I open up a note from someone who took the time to take out a notecard, pick up a pen, write down their thoughts and mail the card to me.  Personalized notecards do not have to be budget-busters.  We found some wonderful personalized cards that are great for fiscally responsible men or women.

I remember when I was just a Young Consort I was looking forward to my first “big” dinner-dance.  It was to be a semi-formal event and I was escorting a delightful young woman.  A week before the big night my parents took me to the restaurant where I would be taking my date for dinner.  They wanted to make sure I was prepared to deal with ordering from a menu and how I conducted myself with our server.  They reminded me to be polite, use names and not “Hey, you” and how to figure a generous tip.  When I reflect on that night I realize how important that “test flight” was for me.

But enough of me.  What are some of the etiquette lessons you’ve learned?  Do they still apply today?  Let’s share with the group.

Look at the time!  I have to go check on my lovely bride so I will leave you with my usual advice:  Take care of your waitperson tonight because they’re working hard for you.  I’ll leave you with three gentlemen who know their way around a fretboard or two.  Good night, everyone!