Monday Musings: Liz at QVC, In the Pink

Hello-Hello, and Happy Day to all, especially those enjoying a day off, a little respite from their normal schedule!

We must begin by sending great good wishes, big smiles, hugs, prayers and lots of love to two of our favorite bloggers who started on a new path this weekend….

Courtesy Classic Confection Cakes

Congratulations to the one and only Muffy Martini and Daisy JD (Just Daisy), they married the loves of their lives Saturday.

Courtesy BlissTree.com

And now they are off honeymooning, whoo-hoo! (Note: photos are not from either wedding.)

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Moving on, big news for anyone who enjoys Liz Claiborne:

The line is being moved exclusively to Penney’s. Both the men’s and women’s labels are making the move; if things are going well after five years, Penney’s can even buy the name.

John Aquino/WWD

Liz Claiborne New York, moves to QVC and the company’s outlet stores.  The WWD story on this notes something TP has wondered about for some time: the perils of watering down a designer’s caché by creating multiple labels sold in similar stores.  As the firm’s CEO, William L. McComb, put it:

“It was time to break the conflict inherent in the strategy that had a lower-priced offering of the Liz Claiborne brand at one department store in the mall [Penney’s] and a higher-priced version of it in a department store across the mall [Macy’s],”

This brings comparisons to American Living, the Polo Ralph Lauren brand sold at Penney’s. Below, a fashion look and a table lamp, both from that collection.

It’s unlikely there is much brand dilution with this line; most retailing insiders believe the line really bears little resemblance to standard PLR merchandise.

Other retailers have done well with designer collections specifically for their customers, such as the Simply Vera by Vera Wang and Dana Buchman lines  at Kohl’s, and Tommy Hilfiger is now sold only at Macy’s or Hilfiger stores.

From a big picture perspective this also allows the Claiborne company to focus more attention on several brands many readers are familiar with: Kate Spade, Lucky Brand Jeans, and Juicy Couture.

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We have a few more Pretty in Pink things to share, starting with an extra cute pair of Keds.

The Keds Champion Pink Ribbon sneaker benefits the Breast Cancer Research Foundation – the company is donating 100% of proceeds to the BCRF.

Speaking of shoes, how about these Ragg Kids Puppy for infants and toddlers?

Or these Bibi Kids Laceups, also for infants and toddlers?

If TP and the Consort had been blessed with human children we would be bankrupt; every single cent would be spent on shoes for the little ones, they are simply too cute!

Another delightful find, Kate Spade’s Bon Vivant Lilia, actually something of a bargain right now.

Because of the chilly temps outside, we have to share the Pink Funnelneck coat from Old Navy.

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We leave with a look at the next generation Armani phone.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

It does look sleek and elegant – dare we say understated?

Courtesy Photo via WWD

However, we’re more than content with our iPhone tucked into its shocking pink case and we also have a greater understanding of just how easily one might become addicted to dependent upon the technology.

Until tomorrow,  we send smiles to each and every cherished readers!

Chuck Bass & Don Draper – Need we Say More?

Hello-Hello, and happy day everyone!

We start with a nudge on a must-read story in the Times for fans of the styles seen in Mad Men and/or Gossip Girl.  Friday’s story looks at the costume designs for popular television shows, including interviews with Gossip Girl’s costume designer Eric Daman and Katherine Jane Bryant of Mad Men.

PHOTO: Giovanni Rufino/CW

Mr. Daman’s thought on sartorial selections for Ed Westwick’s character, Chuck Bass?

““He’ll walk around the Hamptons in a beautiful mint-green suit and a bow tie if he feels like it.””

Is there a better representation of Betty & Don Draper doing formal apparel?

We highly recommend the story and accompanying interactive photo piece. Below, some of the Mad Men cast backstage at the Golden Globes earlier this year.

PHOTO: Gavin Bond via INStyle.com

Mad Men aficionados may be intrigued by this story sharing the compromise reached in the ongoing hoo-haa over adding two minutes of commercial time to the hit show when it returns this August. (The 16th of August to be precise, but really, who’s counting?) A wise decision it seems, the two minutes are added but the content is not curtailed; the show will run into the 11pm hour a tad.

And in a final Mad Men note, the show’s style is invoked in this brief review of the new Liz Claiborne Men’s Line.

“The debut collection combines the slim cuts of the Mad Men era with classic preppy pieces–narrow polos and cardigans, bermuda shorts in madras, and two-button jackets.”

This is the first menswear line created under Isaac Mizrahi; it is created by a designer of whom we are fond, the gifted John Bartlett.

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We also have a few SOTTs (Signs of the Times) to share:

• Lots of speculation that Eddie Bauer may be filing for bankruptcy as early as this week; for more info, head for the story in USA Today. This one frustrates us no end, as this was once a great American company; now reduced to a B-school case study in what happens when a brand loses its way.
• Neiman Marcus will cut the hours it is open in some locations to trim expenses; the story in yesterday’s WWD explains that the changes in hours will vary by location. For example, the underperforming Galleria store in Houston will now open at 1pm on Sundays (instead of noon), while another location will close at 8pm Monday-Friday, instead of the more standard 9pm. Hours at premiere sites like Northpark in Dallas and the Beverly Hills store will remain the same. And as we’re speaking of Neimans, don’t forget their sale continues. The new promo code for complimentary shipping with any purchase amount is JUNNM.

In other Sales & Savings news, Lord & Taylor’s Friends and Family sale offers an “Extra 25% Off Almost Everything,” with “10% off Cosmetics and Fragrances.” Use the promo code FRIENDS at checkout.

Online Shoes is doing their Summer Sale:

And J. Crew has decided to throw in Complimentary Shipping with their Extra 20% off promotion.

Yes, they call it Free Shipping, but TP refuses to use that term; it isn’t really ‘free’ by our definition.  It is complimentary, or included, or no charge, but not free. (Ooooh, do we have a reappearance of Crankenstein Princess?!) The promo code remains the same, EXTRA20.

And to continue our tedious whine-athon, we’re curious to know if anyone else finds it almost laughable/borderline offensive when a retailer puts an item “on sale” by taking approximately 13% off the original selling price? The issue came to mind with the Crew Perfect-Fit Short-Sleeve tee:

J Crew

We don’t mean to unfairly pillory J. Crew, and we adore the tee, there are more than we care to think about a few here at the Palace.  Nor is J. Crew the only company pursuing what seems an insane practice, but 13% barely covers the sales tax in some locales these days. Can someone help us understand?

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Okay enough of our insanity, it’s time to perk up with a few Pretty in Pink items, our first from Polo Ralph Lauren, also holding a sizable Sale and Clearance event.

The Fairway Print stretch polo is now $69. While not for us, the shorts hold potential. (This could be attributed to our Logophobia, but it seems a high proportion of the womens items we surfed had the logos-on-steroids issue.)

The second is a discovery by our good friends over at the Pink and Green Scene:

The Company Store

The letters are just too cute, available at The Company Store.

Happy hunting, if that is your task today! Until next time, g’bye.

Budget Prep, SATC Wedding Gown Update, More Preppy Sales

Hello-Hello and Happy (oh-so-happy) Friday! We hope your weekends are going to be filled with fun and frolic, relaxation and perhaps even a break from the chaos of daily life.

We start today with the Sun-Times and a nifty little story they ran this week, Preppy on a Budget. The column is accompanied by a fun slide show called Preppy Shopper. The story by Jessica Sedgwick showcases several shops unique to Chicago as well as national retailers. From their slide show, the Spiegel signature stretch seersucker jacket.

“Those who enjoy rocking their inner Blair Waldorf (“Gossip Girl” queen bee of prep) might think the only way they can get that look is by spending big bucks. Not anymore.”

Collage Courtesy SunTimes.com

“Retailers such as Kohl’s, Old Navy and even indie-minded Urban Outfitters are unleashing affordable preppy pieces — many adorned with sailor-inspired buttons and crisp seersucker stripes…”

Also showcased in the story, the Unisa TammyLee Ballet Flat at DSW.

And these Chaps Madras Shorts for boys are only $18 at Kohl’s, originally selling at $30.

Chaps Kohls.com

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Other ‘preppy style’ retailers are discussed at length in an excellent story in yesterday’s Times;  it surveys the competitive terrain at midlevel stores like Ann Taylor and Talbots.

The always-insightful Eric Wilson (a big favorite of TP’s) wrote the story:

“… mainstream retailers like Ann Taylor and Talbots have been hiring new designers and sprucing up their looks to appeal to modern women who are now shopping for style within their means.”

As these stores become “recession destinations,” shoppers are discovering that they aren’t as fuddy as they used to be.”

Here is an Ann Taylor Jacket with contrasting trim.

AnnTaylor.com

The jacket is now on sale at $69.99, but with the additional 25% discount the retailer is offering, the price is about $52.

Mr. Wilson’s story focuses primarily on Talbots, Ann Taylor and the new Liz Claiborne line from Isaac Mizrahi. The writer’s perception of the inside of a Talbots store makes for a fun read:

“Walking into the Talbots store on Madison Avenue, with its festive red painted door, homey décor and piles of melon-colored cardigans, bamboo prints and safari suits, the change is only beginning to become apparent. You might think that Michael Kors and Tory Burch had wed in a year-round Christmas superstore.”

And when considering the Talbots Sale is now offering an Additional 25% off reduced prices, you know there are likely to be possible purchases under the red awning. Even ‘wear now’ basics show significant price reductions, and that is before the additional 25% discount.

Talbots.com

A good example of the price cuts is Talbots Pima Cotton Crew Tee, on sale at $8.99, in 21 different colors.

The Times story is a fascinating read, well worth a little investment of time, but we want to know your thoughts…? What is making you buy… or not? Has Talbots updated its inventory, do you like what they are offering? How about Ann Taylor? TP is just dying to know your thoughts on this topic.

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Hayden-Harnett fans may want to scoot into their Online Sample Sale running through April 5, with bargains like the Margot Eyeglass Case at $10, reduced from$30.

Hayden-Harnett

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Then we have one more preppish retailer offering price reductions, Brooks Brothers. The company is doing their Preferred Customer Event, taking 25% off prices if one uses their Brooks card or Brooks MonsterCard Mastercard, 15% off for other forms of payment.

Brooks Brothers

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We have an update for those fond of Sarah Jessica Parker’s wedding gown in Sex and the City.

PHOTO: Diane Cohen/Everett Collection

There is (was) a shortened version of the Vivienne Westwood dress available.

However, the shortened version selling at Net-a-Porter was gone almost as soon as it went up on the site.  But do not despair of owning this version, one merely needs to get in touch with Dame Westwood and be willing to part with about $9,900.  BTW, the release date for Sex and the City 2 has been announced; ask your social secretary to mark you as “busy” on May 28, 2010, if planning to see the film its first day in release.

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On a lighter note, two young gentlemen have a new take on an old, and much-maligned medium: the Jello mold.  Well, no one actually says the “J Word,” in all honesty. A NY Times story looks at the phenomenon and its creators, Sam Bompas and Harry Parr. (Below, the Madrid airport and aircraft in jelly.)

Photo: Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners

The wizards creating these masterpieces are definitely products of an ‘Old School’education, having attended both Eton and University College, London; they refer to themselves as ‘jelly mongers.’

On that creative note we shall take our leave! Happy weekend dolls!

Nautical Goodies, Liz Sneak Peek, Jimmy Choo & Hunter Wellies are BFFs

Happy Weekend!

Today we start off with a few brief headlines, all of them SOTTs (Signs of the Times), none of them bringing a smile to the Prepatorium.

• Say goodbye to Country Homes magazine; it is going the way of O at Home and Cottage Living. Waaaahhhhh!

Country Home magazine

• The retail earnings data came out yesterday and it is beyond dreary. All of TP’s favorite retailers struggled, along with a not-so-favorite establishment, Macy’s.  The arrogant dolts that blew off the proud heritage of Marshall Field’s company announced they are closing eleven stores; click here for the list.
• eLuxury.com will stop selling online within the next sixmonths, instead switching to a “magazine format” specializing in luxury goods.

But will we allow these headlines to drag us down here at Princess HQ?  Not on your life.  In fact, we are going to share a few nautical goodies that have caught our eye of late, starting with this Gold Rush Outfitters Infant Romper at Saks.

Gold Rush Outfitters Infant Romper

Next, and in honor of the inimitable Nautical by Nature we present the Rogues Gallery Sailing polo at one of TP’s favorite online haunts, Gargyle.

Gargyle.com

Here is a piece we absolutely adore from a line we love, the Nantucket Rainbow Fleet Collection:

We know that if another water baby, the Landlocked Mermaid, were buying the plates, she would also include the mugs. She’s just that way – if you are going to do something, then do it properly, of course. (Tee-hee!)

You can gaze at these pieces, and more, by toddling over to visit L’Ile de France, aka the French General Store.  All of their Quimper is simply gorgeous.

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Many Isaac Mizrahi fans are just starting to cope with the harsh reality of his departure from their local and online Boutique Tarszhay stores. With goodies like this Melton Coat in Pink Glow at Target, how could we not be depressed by his move to Liz Claiborne?! (We’re also considering this as today’s Pretty in Pink offering.)

Isaac Mizrahi for Target®

We admit to being curious about his new designs for Liz; today we share a few early looks as seen in this story in WWD earlier this week.

PHOTO: John Aquino

Above, a look we’re just kind of so-so on, but then we have never been big on orange, even at the beach.

PHOTO: John Aquino

We do find the more tailored designs more appealing than the casual pieces.

PHOTO: John Aquino

If going the beach route, we probably would do Lilly Pulitzer rather than the blue and white design below, despite the higher price point on the front end. TP believes the Lilly look would outlast the Claiborne dress…oui?

PHOTO: John Aquino

In all candor, we have not purchased Liz in we-don’t-know-how-long, so it would take a great look to coax us back to the line.  It doesn’t mean we are opposed to seeing the new designs, as we do adore Mr. Mizrahi.

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Still looking for the perfect pair of wellies for stomping about the estate? If you are a Jimmy Choo fan, you are in luck. Hunter Boots is partnering with the renowned shoe designer, and Vivre Magazine shows us the result below.

Courtesy Vivre

They are Jimmy Choo’s first entry into rainboots. We think we’ll keep the ones we have.

But when it comes to dress boots, we think the Ninol in black patent has merit. We fell onto them (in a cyber manner of speaking) at the Jimmy Choo site – on sale at 50% off!

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Knowing the trauma inflicted upon the Third Coast Preppy household as a result of their proximity to a certain person occupying a certain Gubernatorial position (well, he’s still there as of this writing), we thought it important she learn a little more about her neighbor and his hair styling prowess.  (Heh-heh-heh.)

Now this is not brand-new information, and it really shouldn’t be referred to as news, for you do know what we used to say back when doing teevee news…? “If it’s news, it’s news to us.”

So here is the inside scoop on how Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich handles that hair….

PHOTO: Charles Rex Arbogast/AP

… compliments of this story in the IHT (International Herald Tribune):

“… Blagojevich, 52, rarely turns up for work at his official state office in Chicago, former employees say, is unapologetically late to almost everything… cursing and erupting in fury for failings as mundane as neglecting to have at hand at all times his preferred black Paul Mitchell hairbrush. He calls the brush ‘the football,’ an allusion to the ‘nuclear football,’ or the bomb codes never to be out of reach of a president.”

Aha – the Paul Mitchell brush! There you have it. f course it’s too soon to tell if today’s impeachment vote will impact his personal grooming habits. (Ewww…!)

And on that note Prepettes, we say adieu.

Goodbye Goody’s, Permanent J. Crew Price Cuts & Next Target Designer Revealed

Today we have an abbreviated blog, a Preppy Digest if you will, providing links on stories you may elect to pursue at your leisure. We start with a few more Signs of the Times; this first one you are probably well aware of as it has been widely reported by many of our favorite blogs and the media:

• The Waterford Wedgwood group has filed for bankruptcy protection in Ireland
• After successfully emerging from bankruptcy in October, family-owned department store Goody’s is planning to liquidate. In fact, by the time you read this they may well have auctioned off their inventory.
• Our third SOTT (Sign of the Times) today is word that discounts are being offered to new Grosse Pointe Yacht Club members, according to a story in Sunday’s Detroit Free Press.

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Remember this post talking about the price cuts J. Crew planned to introduce with their spring line? Reading an Associated Press story “After sales, will shoppers pay full price again?“ we learned that:

“Already, retailers including Bebe Stores Inc. and J.Crew Group Inc. are cutting prices on selected spring styles to lure sale-savvy shoppers.”

Additionally, writer Anne D’Innocenzio notes:

“But many…  predict early discounts on spring goods. The signs are already there. Bebe has cut certain spring sweaters by 25 percent, while J.Crew has marked some spring items anywhere from 25 to 40 percent off, according to Amy Wilcox Noblin, an analyst at PaliCapital Inc.”

Back in a November post we shared comments on pricing from Crew CEO Mickey Drexler:

“… our ballet flat category will start at under $100 for the first time ever…If you look at our January catalog, you’ll see a ballet flat assortment at $98. This year I think they started at $128.”

J. Crew

And to be sure, new shoes have arrived; they are priced at $98, as seen here with the Jane suede ballet flat.

J. Crew Jane Ballet Flat

How is your shopping psyche? Forever changed by the deep discounting, or are you still willing to make the purchase at full price? Or is it contingent upon circumstances, cash flow and need?

Speaking of discounts at Crew, the following landed in our email today:

This Final Sale promotion is online only, ends Sunday, and requires promo code FREESHIP09 for the complimentary shipping on purchases more than $100. Be advised we have read in a couple of places that once again the website is not functioning.

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A quick mention is needed on Target’s next GO International designer, Tracy Feith, known for his beach and surf looks.  Below, Sarah Jessica Parker in one of Mr. Feith’s colorblocked dresses.

The line will hit online and in stores May 17, with prices ranging from $14.99 to $44.99.  In this courtesy photo the inspiration board for the line can be seen.

Courtesy Target via WWD

In an interview with WWD (Women’s Wear Daily), we learn Mr. Feith’s color palette for the Collection:

“…shades called lollypop red, Persian turquoise, seafoam green, neon orange and pink, and Saturn lime.”

We like the way that sounds! The group will include one upscale item priced at $139.99, a cropped motorcycle jacket in leather.  The good folks at Fashion Week Daily have this photo of Whitney Port in a Tracy Feith during a Clinique promotion they covered back in 2007. (Full story here.)

Fashion Week Daily

Grins and giggles until next time!