Do Not Read if Offended by Shameless Self-Promotion

Hello-Hello and happy springtime day to all!

Welcome to one of only two special days we have every year at Princess InterPlanetary HQ, it’s our special post celebrating the “Not an April Fool” sale, when everything at The Preppy Princess is 20% off. (Our only other big day like this is Pink and Green Monday, the Monday after Thanksgiving.)  If thinking about shopping, do use promo code APRILDEAL to receive your discount, this special offer expires at midnight tonight (April 1st).

Such an auspicious occasion prompts wretched and shameless self-promotion as we focus on a few goodies from our little store. And because we don’t want to simply flirt with impropriety, we want to step madly into that vast commercial abyss with flagrant references to the “M word,” providing actual prices for each item shown. (The horror.) Psssst, these are the prices before your 20% discount, so they are even more fiscally friendly!

We begin with one of our favorite items this spring, the Scout Original Dean-o Tote in solid colors ($30), we want one in every color.  Sadly, one of each is not something the Consort can wrap his brain around.

Scout Original Deano at PreppyPrincess.com

The sale means all of our custom grosgrain ribbon belts (starting at $19 for Tiny Preps and $23 for the grownups) and Key Fobs ($6) are even better deals…

…not to mention we have added several new ribbon styles, including one that Gator fans might like.

If looking for something a tad brighter, our Candi Belts ($48) or Flip Flops ($48) might be in order.

The color combinations are loads of fun and more-than-versatile, below we show the Stewart pattern followed by Gum Drop, the green and purple together make a great style statement IOHO.

We suspect The Queen Mother and a few other Spartan fans might opt for the Spearmint pair in green and white. The colors would be particularly stylish this weekend, I understand her team has some sort of basketball game in Indianapolis on Saturday. (Heh-heh-heh.)

Don’t forget about your four-legged family members, all of our grosgrain goodies are available as Dog and Cat Collars, Harnesses, and Leashes.

The sale also offers an opportunity to snag our new Jonathan Adler Pocket Papers ($4.50) as well as the Jonathan Adler Note Cubes ($12.50) at a great price.

And to get a jump on party planning for graduations, weddings, and other goings-on.  Lilly Pulitzer has just what you need for special occasions, including re-useable Plastic Tumblers ($15) that are dishwasher safe, making them eco-friendly, and Beverage Napkins with Fun Savings ($5), excellent conversation starters.

Our  new Monogramed Polka Dot and Striped Garden Flags ($40) are perfect for gifting…

As are the Personalized Argyle Doormats ($39) and Monogramed House Flags ($59).

Our Kiel James Patrick collection is one of our fastest-growing lines, with Earrings ($28), Headbands ($26) and Braided Rope Bracelets ($35 – $58) all sporting a nautical touch. The exclusive Preppy Princess Pink/Green/White model is flying out the door.

This doesn’t begin to mention our Preppy Paper goods or Lunch Bags, the fab Towels or Pillows, and scads of other treasures.  We’ll have to leave those for you to discover at your own pace, we must scoot so we can organize the elves to handle the deluge of orders… eek!

Next Year’s Hot Color & Lilly’s Take On It

Hello-Hello, and welcome to the corner condo here at the Prepatorium, where the wind is howling! We hope everyone is safe and warm, protected from the elements.

We start today with word on THE color for next year, at least according to the experts at Pantone.

Courtesy Pantone

Officially know as Pantone #15-5519, more generally referred to as ‘turquoise’ by most of us common folk. Every year the design minds at this color brain trust select a specific color (some may recall Pantone selected mimosa yellow as the color for 2009) as the ‘it’ shade for the coming year. The news release from Pantone explains more:

“…inviting, luminous hue… Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world.”

Courtesy Pantone via WWD

In their story on the color pick, the Los Angeles Times spoke with Janie Schoenborn, design director at Lilly Pulitzer.

“It puts everyone in the same state of mind — on vacation,”

We like that perspective. We also like turquoise pieces from Lilly, in a solid like the Casey V-neck (L) or a print, as with the Elsa (R).

More from Ms. Schoenborn in the Times story:

“Turquoise for us is a really big color. A lot of times it’s transporting, whether you’re actually going to a resort destination or not.”

Lilly’s Checking In print exemplifies this sentiment.

Courtesy Lilly Pulitzer

A philosophy also easily seen in the packaging for Lilly’s Beachy eau de parfum.

Courtesy Lilly Pulitzer

Look how closely the colors in the Pantone beach image are replicated in the Lilly Sea and Be Seen tote.

The color conveys images that are peaceful and serene, yet also cheery, whether in the Loco Patch pattern on a paper napkin, or the now sold-out Recess backpack.

The designers at Lilly Pulitzer are not alone in their appreciation of the color; nouveau-prep designer/retailer Tommy Hilfiger chimes in:

“”The women in my life wear it on vacation and it looks great with a suntan at the beach,” Hilfiger says.”

However, Mr. Hilfiger does not think it is a color for everyone:

“I love it for women and I strongly dislike it for men. … If men are to wear blue, they should wear light blue or dark blue.”

Call us crazy, but the Tommy Hilfiger sweater in ‘saba blue’ looks amazingly like turquoise.

Tommy Hilfiger

Turquoise fans can also be found outside of the fashion industry:

Sur la Table

More from that Times story:

“Cookware maker Le Creuset reports its shade known as Caribbean is increasingly popular….

Customers are using turquoise in both light, coastal-vibe settings and darker, more urban spaces with wood and stainless steel.”

With a final thought on the color:

“Lilly Pulitzer’s Schoenborn calls it a “buy now, wear anywhere color” because in cooler months it pairs with black and navy, and in the spring and summer it can be worn with white or coral.”

We show the turquoise/navy combination below, the Murfee Scarf is seen atop a navy tee.

For a plethora of products in this hue, pop over and visit Erin at Everything Turquoise, guaranteed to perk up your day.

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A few other items of note:

• One of our favorite footwear designers is expanding into handbags. Stuart Weitzman will be launch a line of handbags next summer, below, a sample.

Courtesy Stuart Weitzman via WWD.com

• In our ‘you cannot make this stuff up’ category, we have word the vibrating makeup classification is not limited to mascara; behold the Lancome Oscillation Power Foundation.

• Today is the deadline for ordering the wonderful new Photo Clipsheets from Whitney English, our brand new item that lets you personalize a stack of note sheets with one of your favorite photos.

Also, a reminder the image you select doesn’t have to be a human being, as demonstrated by The Consort’s selections below:

On these cheery images we say g’bye until next time!

Help Me Understand, Lilly Pulitzer Calling Cards & Address Labels

Hello-Hello everyone! How are we all doing now that we’re approaching midweek?

Today we really aren’t covering much of anything one might consider preppy. Not really. Not unless one considers our first topic borderline preppish, only because the subject is affiliated with a certain faux-prep school television show we continually natter on about.

Okay now.  Not to sound like a crankenstein (translation: stand by for complaints peaking the Crank-o-Meter in the red zone, honestly, what a whiner), but upon seeing photos of Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester in this… ah, wearing this… well, we are clearly lacking nouns by which one could refer to such a… umm, such a garment. How’s that?

Before seeing the photos most relevant to our decision that this episode be officially classified as a “Help Me Understand,” we want to share a few other images to make the point that we find the actress to be absolutely beautiful.  And we thought Ms. Leighton looked stunning.

PHOTO: Reuters

From the neck up.

PHOTO: Kevin Winter/Getty

And perhaps even from the side… kind of, sort of, maybe.

PHOTO: Matt Sayles/AP

However, these first photos don’t actually reveal the depth and breadth lacking in said garment.

WARNING: The following photos are NSFW.

PHOTO: Jason Merritt/Getty

???

PHOTO: Jason Merritt/Getty

The Garment was worn to Sunday’s MTV Movie Awards; the photos prompted PTDD (Post Taumatic Dress Disorder) flashbacks, eerily reminiscent of the Blake Lively Romper Episode.

We recognize we’re not exactly the demo sought by the MTV pooh-bahs. Nor are we anything remotely resembling hip or slick or cool or stylish, but we didn’t think we had gone over to the dark side, you know, the dreaded old fuddy-duddy part of the planet.

Is it us, dolls? Our upbringing? Our age? We implore you: help us understand.

On a side note, we are ever-so-excited this morning because we finally learned what NSFW means! The Spousal Unit explained it once he collected himself after hearing TP trying to sort it out solo. A few guesses we actually thought were possibilities before crumbling and asking for assistance:

• Not Safe for Women
• No Situations for Work
• No Sly Favors Wanted
• National Sillies from Women (?)

Please don’t laugh until we’ve left the room, we already feel utterly uncool and clueless. Sigh.

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In other fashion news, word today from Wal-Mart they will be carrying a new line just in time for back to school shopping. It will be created by…

PHOTO: Courtesy Wal-Mart/PRNewsFoto

teen superstar Miley Cyrus and Max Azria, perhaps best known for his BCBG line.  This news comes on the heels of yesterday’s announcement by the Disney Channel that Hannah Montana returns for Season 4 this fall.  In the photo above Ms. Cyrus is wearing pieces from the new collection.  From the Walmart snooze release news release:

“The line will arrive in all Walmart stores and on Walmart.com in early August, and includes tops, pants, graphic tees, shoes and accessories, all priced less than $20.”

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A quick couple of Sales & Savings to pass along:

GarnetHill.com

Garnet Hill is offering loads of markdowns in their Childrens’ department, and eLuxury is promoting an Extra 40% Off and complimentary shipping for orders totaling more than $100, but the eLuxury promotion ends tonight at midnight.

eLuxury.com

Brooks Brothers is pushing deeper discounts at their online only clearance; J. Crew is touting the addition of more merchandise to their sale section.

Additionally, Lands’ End is offering “Save 20% to 40% Off Dresses, Pants, Skirts, & Shorts,” while competitor LL Bean is promoting “Savings up to 60%” on their site.

LLBean.com

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In honor of today’s kickoff at the Lilly Pulitzer Warehouse Sale we’ll share one of this week’s best additions to the Princess Shoppe, the Lilly Labels and Calling Cards!

The calling cards are printed on thick card stock, very posh IOHO. There are so many fabulous designs it is impossible to select just one favorite!  We adore the navy blue and hot pink used in Cloud Nine, so much so we will dub it today’s Pretty in Pink.

Lilly Pulitzer Cloud NIne

But then, we’ve always been a little crazy for Loco Patch too. (Ahem, it would appear that Silly Princess somehow got out today.)

Lilly Pulitzer Loco Patch

And there are another twenty-plus divine designs on the site, there really aren’t any we don’t like. Decisions, decisions. Sigh.

Smiles dollfaces, we are way too far behind in our duties here at the Prepatarium, we must scramarama! Don’t forget to share your wisdom on The Garment issue, we have an expiring mind dying to know!

Target’s Next Handbag Designer, Princely Polo, J Crew Talks Changes (More Price Cuts)

Happy-Happy Friday everyone, and may the sun be brightly shining upon you as we approach a respite from the frenzy that somehow took over the week.

We begin with news of the next designer collaboration for Le Boutique Tarzsay, aka Target.  The hip discount retailer is partnering with Carlos Falchi for a line of handbags in jewel tones like plum and teal, crafted of faux-snakeskin.

For those unfamiliar with this designer, we share a few current offerings from the upscale designer’s current collection, not associated with the upcoming Target line.

This will be Target’s eighth limited edition handbag collection; the line is slated to be available from Oct. 11 to Dec. 27.  Fashionistas can still purchase pieces from the company’s current collaborative effort: the Felix Ray for Target collection remains in stores until June 14.  (Pssst – several styles from this group are on clearance!)

Just to ensure we have a Pretty in Pink today, here is another piece from the current Carlos Falchi collection.

Falchi can be found at most of your standard stops: at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, eLuxury and Zappos.

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Big doings for Burberry yesterday in honor of the company launching their new Madison Avenue headquarters.  In fact, Mayor Bloomberg officially decreed it Burberry Day, and we’re sure readers will not be surprised to hear there were plenty of posh people celebrating such an amazing (ahem) and august occasion.  Many of the usual suspects were party circuit regulars popped in, or at least made sure to visit the red carpet area leading into the bash.

PHOTO: Andrew H. Walker/Getty

Actress Blake Lively from TV’s Gossip Girl was on hand,sharing her sentiments on what her favorite Burberry fashion is:

“I just live in my Burberry trenches,” Lively said about the fashion company’s signature coat.”

Indeed. Ms. Lively wasn’t the only G2 star on hand, co-star and real-life paramour Penn Badgley also made it to the festivities.

Andrew H. Walker/Getty

The pièce de résistance for Burberry execs was the unveiling of the company’s logo high above Madison Avenue:

PHOTO: Kambouris/Wire Image

While poking a little fun at some of these functions we don’t want to overlook a seriously good thing occurring in tandem with Burberry’s move into its new US digs. The company is putting $500,000 from their newly established Burberry Foundation into projects geared toward teens.

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Some may remember a bit of our incredibly tedious pontificating post discussing the “Business of Preppy,” as we call it. We have an update for J. Crew, who released financial results for the quarter in a conference call with financial analysts yesterday. While things are still not good at Crew (profits down a whopping 33%), they were better than hoped.

One of the benefits of the earnings reports is the accompanying information that looks at future plans.  In today’s WWD story (Women’s Wear Daily, subscription req’d.) on J. Crew’s financial performance some of CEO Mickey Drexler’s insights and plans for the future are revealed:

• Adjusting Crewcut prices downward.
• Getting more aggressive on marketing the new Crewcuts catalogue. The first edition made its debut earlier this month; the second comes out in August.

• Adjusting investments in higher-priced goods, including the range on Madewell jeans to emphasize those under $100 such as Madewell 37, priced at $59.50, and the “ex-boyfriend” style, priced at $95. Premium jeans can go as high as $198.

According to the story, Mr. Drexler indicated more J. Crew Collection and J. Crew Menswear stores are possibilities, saying he scouted locations this week in San Francisco and Los Angeles for such additions. And how does the retail and branding whiz kid feel about the overall situation?

“In a very perverse way, the bad environment was a big wake-up call. I kind of like it. The customer has become so much more acute and educated about buying goods.”

Good for Mickey, we have always admired his tenacity.

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Because we want to end on some Friday Fun, we close with a quick peek at an addition to our Lilly Pulitzer Stationery line: the Lilly Party Pack.

Lilly Pulitzer Party Pack

If buying all of the items separately the cost would be $61.50, a more-than-fair and reasonable investment IOHO (but of course, we are biased!).

Lilly Party Pack in Taboo

But why spend all that when you can snag everything you need in a Party Pack while lowering the cost to a mere $52.50!

Party Pack in Juice Stand

Let Lilly and the Princess do some of the work for you with a Party Pack!

Party Pack in Loco Patch

With those sunny images and bright colors we say sayonara until next time. And whether contemplating weekend activities that are lush and languid, or fast and furious, we hope you can savor each and every minute.

SILLY PRINCESS WARNING — FORGOTTEN CONTENT — SILLY PRINCESS WARNING

Whoops!!! In our fervor to pop into the sunshine we almost forgot to mention Prince Harry’s visit to the city today and tomorrow’s big goings on!

The Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic will feature some faces you may be familiar with:

This would be Nacho Figueras, arguably the best polo player in the world, captain of the Black Watch Polo team. He is also the face for Ralph Lauren’s Black Watch fragrance; Mr. Lauren sponsors the Black Watch team, and also sells limited edition apparel adorned with the team’s logo and Mr. Figueras’ number “2”.

The match this Saturday is destined to be great fun, pitting the Black Watch against another team featuring a famous face:

PHOTO: Matt Cardy/Getty

This would be Prince Harry, who also knows his way around and atop a polo pony. A news release on the event explains the ultimate good purpose behind the gala goings-on:

“Event proceeds will benefit American Friends of Sentebale, a U.S.-based charity that supports at-risk children in Lesotho, Africa”

HRH has already made his first official stops, posing for a photo with firefighters:

PHOTO: Chris Ison-Pool/Getty

On his way to placing a wreath at Ground Zero.

PHOTO: Pool/Lucas Jackson/AFP/Getty

This is the first official visit to the US by the Prince, his first as a child was technically considered a private event.

To view any of several videos showcasing the Black Watch, Mr. Figueras and the Polo fragrances he fronts, click here.

Now finally, we say adieu.

Your Vote is Needed, and Lilly Pulitzer Warehouse Sale Details

Hello-Hello Dollfaces!

We have a few housekeeping issues to handle today, beginning with a giant “Thank You” to the coolest coxswain on water, Miss Queen Bee Swain. We were fortunate enough to win her Birthday Blog Giveaway, and just look at all the goodies we received!

Thank You Miss Queen Bee!

The Giveaway included a massive amount of Origins (not that one can ever have too much!): their body souffle, bubble bath, body scrub and soap, all in Ginger.  Yum.  The Giveaway also came with a Plum Sykes book that surprisingly, we haven’t yet read: The Debutante Divorcee.

Then we congratulate the always-tasteful Miss Janice, who is the big winner of Muffy Martini’s Giveaway! Miss Janice won the Lilly Pulitzer Party Pack from our Lilly Stationery & Gift line, featuring loads of tableware in the Loco Patch pattern.

If ever there were someone suited to this, it is Miss Janice, of Etiquette with Miss Janice renown. You know who we mean, Social Graces… Southern Style, that Miss Janice. She absolutely adores Lilly and also knows how to throw a party like nobody’s business! (If any doubt remains, click here to see her Lilly-fied Luncheon post. You can even see a photo of the aforementioned Queen Bee Swain and many other bloggers, wearing their Lilly!)

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In other bloggage news, just as one contest ends another begins: The Southern Social has an excellent contest underway that requires your attention and your vote. You see, Miss Social requested wardrobe suggestions for a ‘First Date’ sort of outfit, asking only that contributors put together the outfits using Polyvore, a most delicious online service/tool/creative assistant.

The suggested collages were outstanding, including this one from Beaufort Belle, offering an elegantly understated look accented by a Tiffany ring and Marc Jacobs clutch.

ENTRY: Beaufort Belle

I Pick Pretty is also in on the fun, with an excellent collection centered around a stunningly simple dress by Banana Republic with accessories by J. Crew and BCBGMaxAzria.

ENTRY: Legally Blonde Mel

The always on-trend Mrs. Newlywed created this sensational look using a J. Crew dress and Lilly Pulitzer sandals, along with jewelry by David Yurman.

ENTRY: Mrs. Newlywed

This fab collection is from the Chic Runner, featuring an Alexander McQueen clutch we have long found to be fabulous.

ENTRY: Chic Runner

And the Prep-E Girl found an outstanding way to incorporate seersucker into her group, with the Dooney & Bourke Cindy Tote.

ENTRY: Prep-E Girl

Pop on over and visit Miss Social to cast your vote for best outfit; the winner receives their pick of a Lilly Pulitzer candle or a year’s magazine subscription! As an aside, we have to admit that playing in Polyvore definitely made this one of the most intriguing online contests we’ve had the pleasure of entering!

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A few notes in the Sales and Savings category today – many readers will already be up to speed on the Lilly Pulitzer Warehouse Sale, but if not, here is the information one needs be in the know:

The dates are as follows:

• Wednesday June , 5am-8pm
• Thursday, June 4, 7am-8pm
• Friday, June 5, 7am-8pm
• Saturday, June 6, 8am-4pm

A few other notes on this:

• Shop Friday & it is BOGO (Buy One, Get One free) on Kids’ Clothing, plus Ladies’ & Kids’ Footwear
• Saturday is BOGO on Mens’ Clothing, Ladies’ Knit Polos, Ladies’ Swimwear, and all Samples/Seconds/Clearance

TP is consulting her calendar in reference to this… is anyone else contemplating possible participation?

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We have two other very quick sale notes of a preppy sort, the next being Kate Spade.

The retailer is offering 25% off a selection of goods along with complimentary shipping, now through May 1oth.

Also hitting our electronic in-bin, this note from J. Crew with news of their “long awaited sale“. Not to be negative about any savings at any decent prep purveyors, but “long awaited..?” We think not, as Crew just finished a recent “Take an additional…”, you know the drill. Proceed accordingly. (Heh-heh.)

We’re once again about to race out the door, we hope everyone has a completely splendid afternoon and evening!