It’s A Little Racy & Not At All Preppy (Gasp!)

Hello everyone, happy-almost-long-weekend!

We didn’t plan to post about tennis togs or the US Open today, but have no choice, given the stories about Rafael Nadal emanating from Flushing Meadows. The topic?

PHOTO: David Gray/Reuters

The attire worn by Mr. Nadal, more precisely, the shorts.

PHOTO: Getty Images

Evidently the NY Post reported that the shorts are “slightly see-through.”  That original story has been picked up by all manner of publications, including NY Magazine.

“A funny feeling has come over us. We can’t be sure, but we think — just maybe — it’s called suddenly caring about sports. He is life-changing, that Spaniard.”

Lord, this is a wretched job, but we shall try to soldier on.

Indeed.

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Because it involves both the Open and Gossip Girl, we have a trivia question today: what G2 star is named after a brand used all the time in tennis?

In case anyone missed it, the answer would be:

Mr. Badgley is named after the tennis ball.  And because we haven’t yet done a Pretty in Pink today, here is something we haven’t featured, the Penn Pink Tennis balls.

According to the website, Penn donates .15 cents of each can sold to ‘breast cancer research’. (We put that in quotes because we’re not fans of generalized statements when it comes to fundraising claims, we like very specific data points and names of organizations benefiting from the donated funds.)

Back to Gossip Girl, it seems there is a bit of chatter about an episode being shot this week; it features a 1920’s-era party, complete with flapper-style party duds.

Above one can see actresses Hilary Duff and Blake Lively in their party frocks.

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Yesterday we mentioned the J. Crew sale underway, we also want to fill everyone in on the Brook Brothers promotion.

Unlike many other retailers doing special sales and discounts around the holiday weekend, the Brooks’ Consolidation Clearance is at its retail stores, it is not an online promotion at this point.

As we’re speaking of the Brooks’ retail stores, we are beyond tardy with this, but simply must thank John Doyle at the company’s Cleveland store. He was more than helpful when we popped in, recommending a shirt we adore, as well as some other goodies we acquired. A gentleman in the truest definition of the word, Mr. Doyle was not only first-rate in the customer-service arena, he was loads of fun and totally understands the Brooks aesthetic. What a dear man.

We’re a little underwhelmed by the online selection at Brooks Brothers, have you looked at their offerings recently? The Country Club section is headlined “Spring 2009” and seems to have negligible amounts of merchandise, and Thom Browne’s Black Fleece section seem to be equally depleted.  The Men’s Paisley Trousers are marked down by 50%, as are the Women’s Seersucker style Jacket and matching Skirt.

Every single pair of women’s shoes on the site is discounted at least 50% from its original selling price, including the Bow Peep-Toed Pump.

The shoes are $86.40; these originally sold at $288.

The lack of updated inventory seems odd, as Brooks appears ready to market their fall line; the company is going to emphasize those items made in America.

Courtesy Photo via WWD.com

A recent Women’s Wear Daily story has more on the campaign:

“In a campaign entitled Makers & Merchants, the 191-year-old retailer is shining a spotlight on iconic merchandise pieces that have been made in the U.S.”

There you have it.

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One last tidbit for those seeking reading for the extended weekend, Vanity Fair has an extended interview today with Mad Men’s Pete Campbell, seen to the right of Don Draper in the photo below.

Photo Courtesy amc-tv via Vanity Fair

Umm, of course we meant to say “an interview with Vincent Kartheiser who plays Pete Campbell, seen in this photo with Jon Hamm, who plays Don Draper.”

Of course we know they’re not real, honestly.

Heh-heh-heh.

US Open Tennis Togs: Polo Ralph Lauren, Nike & Fred Perry

Hello-Hello and Happy Friday!

It seems another week has flown by, vanished in a poof of ‘what happened?’ here at the Prepatorium.  If ever we were in need of some Friday Fun, today is the day!

But first we want to keep our word in yesterday’s post (Tiffany, Tennis and Fashion), we said we would peruse some of the new tennis togs slated for for the US Open, always a premier event to debut a new look or collection.

This is especially true for the Open’s official sponsor: Polo Ralph Lauren.

This year offers a number of new styles from the retailer, including an updated Cotton Cricket Sweater:

The sweater is described this way:

“Our iconically preppy sweater is cable-knit from soft Italian cotton with a wide V-neck, perfect for layering with one of our polos or tees for brisk mornings on the court or in the stands.”

Well done, this is very nice. (The Consort had nothing but raves when he saw us working on the post this morning, very unusual for him to be so vocal about a sweater. Hmmm.)

For the gentlemen, the US Open Canvas Sneaker has classic appeal:

To be quite crass and insert the “M topic” into our conversation, at $68, one could almost overcome their LogoPhobia, rationalizing that the emblem is of a commemorative nature.

There are also new uniforms for the ball boys and girls:

Courtesy Polo Ralph Lauren

The diagonal stripe is eye-catching, and the shirt is done in a mesh knit for comfort.

Courtesy Polo Ralph Lauren

Clearly the Logo-Gnomes have slipped that poor pony some performance- enhancing chemicals.  Ahem.

This year’s Open Canvas Tote has understated lines in classic colors:

If seeking Polo Ralph Lauren tennis apparel/accessories with fiscally-friendly price points, sale pieces offer styles that may appeal as well, like the Silk Tie Trimmed Blazer.

Originally $298, the blazer is now only $99, even better is the wide availability of sizes still available as of this writing.

There are loads of tennis pieces in stock across a broad selection of styles and price points, including pieces for the Young Master or Miss in the house. All of the US Open styles may be purchased online, at the Ralph Lauren shop at Arthur Ashe stadium, or at the interactive kiosks located elsewhere at the stadium.

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Also debuting new looks this week, Nike. We start with a look at ” The Preppy and ‘The Pirate’.  First, ‘The Preppy,’ Roger Federer.

PHOTO: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

Next, ‘The Pirate’ aka Rafael Nadal, still overcoming an injury in his effort to garner the only major title he has yet to win.

PHOTO: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

If interested in Rafa’s Nike styles, once can now purchase many of them directly from his website.

For today’s Pretty in Pink we share the Nike look sported by Serena Williams.

PHOTO: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

This month’s issue of Hamptons (magazine) features Ms. Williams on the cover.

PHOTO: Robert Ascroft/Hamptons

An interesting Q&A style story accompanies the cover shoot.

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Nike and Polo Ralph Lauren are not the only labels debuting collections at the Open.  Fred Perry’s roots in in the sport are deep, and yesterday Andy Murray showed the brand’s US Open line.

PHOTO: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Fred Perry

The “Scottish blue” is a stunning color, we just love it. Below, the Classic Fred Perry Polo Shirt for women in “Original styling with trademark twin tipping detail,” things we like.

There are several pieces in this group we are fond of, particularly the Pleated Tennis Dress.

Basic, fundamental tennis apparel. Yes, we are showing our age.  Basic tennis whites are what we were raised on and what we prefer.  Frankly, we like this collection so much it might help assuage the angst expressed Wednesday in this post about the hideous Fred Perry Preppy Pin Set.

Play gets underway Monday.

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Well dollfaces, we are absolutely out of time. That means we will have to leave Lacoste, as well as the line James Blake is launching with Fila (and other lines as well), for another post, we apologize.

But we simply must include this very quick note about Lacoste: another online ‘by invitation only’ sale boutique is offering Lacoste Men’s and Women’s watches at significant discounts. Beyond the Rack is doing the sale; it runs until 1pm August 29th (Saturday).

The Ladies Tiebreak Calfskin wristwatch seen above is selling at $199; the original selling price was $450.  If you would like an invitation to Beyond the Rack, simply email thePreppyPrincess@mac.com

And to ensure we continue our Friday Fun, we share a few Mad Men avatars (remember our posts about making your own?), but not of friends or family. No, these are avatars celebrating people a little better known, like POTUS.

Also, Keith Olbermann.

To glance at additional celebrities who  have been “Mad Manned,” just click here.

We hope that brings a smile to your face – may your weekend be filled with them!

Betty Draper & Nate Archibald? Not Exactly. Also, Preppy Sales & Discounts!

Hello-Hello!

We begin today with a stars from the hit show Mad Men, actress January Jones; she plays Betty Draper, our favorite character on the program. Ms. Jones is featured on the cover of the August Interview magazine.

Interview Magazine

The actress wears a vintage leather jacket with contemporary Tiffany earrings, a combination unlikely to be seen on Betty, but one that is smashing on the stunning actress.

Interview Magazine

There is a lengthy interview with Ms. Jones, conducted by none other than actor Jack Nicholson. The photography by Inoodh Matadin and Inez van Lamsweerde created incredible results.

Also in the magazine this month, a story with actor Chace Crawford, styled much differently from the look generally seen on his preppy Gossip Girl character Nate Archibald.

PHOTO: Solve Sundsbo, Interview

It might be the tattoos that are a little out of sync with the actor’s normally clean-cut image.

PHOTO: Solve Sundsbo

If the Interview look is striking fear into the hearts of G2 fans, worry not, and direct your gaze at Mr. Crawford’s appearance yesterday, shooting in the city with costar Blake Lively.

PHOTO: Bauer Griffin

Quite a transformation, isn’t it?

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Next, some significant Sales and Savings readers may want to be apprised of, beginning with the Vera Bradley Sale at ‘by invitation only’ shopping site Rue La La.

The pieces are about 50% off their original retail prices; patterns in the sale include Pinwheel Pink, Mod Floral Blue, Daisy Daisy, and Frankly Scarlet.

If you need an invitation, just email me at thePreppyPrincess@mac.com (There is also a Movado sale underway at the site if that tickles one’s fancy.) Both sales end Thursday, the 11th, at 11a.m.

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Several other retailers with a preppish slant are offering substantial discounts, among them Kate Spade, offering many items at a 50% or 75% discount.

From a philosophical perspective we differ with the company about their marketing of the so-called “Sample Sale,” as it is not, at least not in contrast to the true ‘sample sales’ we have attended. However, one cannot quibble with the fiscally friendly prices of the merchandise.

For example, the Union Square wallet in pink nylon is now $50; the original price was $175.

Another Pretty in Pink: the Fairmount Park in this fun stripe, now $129.

Much more can be found online.

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Also promoting deep discounts: Polo Ralph Lauren, online and in-store.  Just a sampling of the savings, the Jackie Striped Tee is now $19; originally the top was $65.

If one can cope with the oversized crest, the Stretch Cotton Crested Blazer is now $179, down from $498.

The Tipped Cricket Jacket also features a crest; we mention it as well because many stylists thought it projected a certain Gossip Girl flair.

This is the point at which TP feels compelled to interject her standard, “Some things have a duty to be discounted, don’t they?” comment.  Indeed.

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Regular readers know how much we love our Lilly, and how fond we are of the effervescent Muffy Martini.  We mention Miss Muffy’s new blog, Lilly Lovers, because she is sharing a must-have discount code at Splash of Pink, good for an additional 20% off Sale merchandise!

In case the print is difficult to read, use promo code MYBUDDY at checkout to receive the extra discount. The Splash of Pink promotion ends Wednesday, the 26th.

The other discount available compliments of Muffy?  10% off everything on the Preppy Princess site, with promo code MUFFYDEAL. The Princess deal ends Thursday night, the 27th, at midnight.

Sneak Peek Polo Spring, Madly Awaiting Sunday

Hello-Hello, and wishes for an ever-so-happy weekend to all of our cherished readers!

We start with a sneak peek at the Spring 2010 collection from Polo Ralph Lauren, if only because a few of the styles look like they would be ideal right now:

PHOTO: John Aquino for WWD

The photos are in yesterday’s WWD story on the company’s menswear collections for next year. Pieces from all three Ralph Lauren labels (Blue, Black and Purple) were revealed to fashion editors on Wednesday.  Next, a style from the higher-end Purple Label, the most luxurious of the three lines:

PHOTO: John Aquino for WWD

A look from the Black Label group:

PHOTO: John Aquino for WWD

The story describes three distinctly different looks within the sportswear collection:

“The first features a mix of vintagey athleticwear (evocative of Ralph Lauren’s Olympic uniforms for Team USA), washed white linens and cricket-player motifs.”

PHOTO: John Aquino for WWD

Remember this? It is the Ralph Lauren Team USA Opening Ceremony look referenced in the quote above, as dissected ad nauseam seen in this post and this post.

There’s something to look forward for those engaged in helping the man of the house put his best sartorial foot forward.

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As teased in yesterday’s post we are going to share some of the Mad Men frenzy currently washing over many of the media outlets we enjoy visiting here at the Palace.

USAToday has a series of stories, including a review of Sunday’s Season 3 premiere:

“The show gets off to a running start, with each of the major characters forced to confront some personal or professional shift, some of which you’ve seen coming, and some you haven’t.”

The paper also has a story titled “Distinctive ‘Mad Men’ reaches out to today’s style, culture” as well as a trivia quiz.

Below, a shot of Jon Hamm as Don Draper, and January Jones as Betty Draper.

AP Photo/AMC

We adore the image used in much of the promotion for Season 3:

Courtesy AMC-TV

Did someone say “metaphor”?

Not to be outdone, the folks over at Men’s Style have come up with “…a look at Don Draper through the years…” to see how he would fare in a variety of settings, beginning with Don visiting I Dream of Jeannie!

The Everett Collection/AMC/Illustration by David Wilfert

Moving beyond the 60’s, Don does Wall Street:

The Everett Collection/AMC/Illustration by David Wilfert

Over at Elle magazine’s online site there is a little quiz as well, asking “Are you a Betty, a Joan or a Peggy?”

Courtesy AMC-TV via Elle

And the site carries a brief story on Wednesday night’s screening of the Season 3 premiere sponsored by Banana Republic. Below, Jon Hamm arrives at the event.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Banana Republic

Banana Republic partnered with AMC, creating a “Banana Republic Mad Men Style Guide“.  Many readers have already seen the specially decorated store windows showcasing the joint marketing effort.

Courtesy Banana Republic/AMC-TV

Those wondering about a preppy connection to the show need only look at the endless number of bloodies consumed as a therapeutic tonic, or enjoy some of the fashions. (Not to mention the story line includes several blue bloods with money qualifying as ‘old.’)

Of course, there are the many references to the program’s fashions, as well as this mention of Jon Hamm’s style sense:

“…he grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, sporting head-to-toe prep gear…”

That tidbit comes via this story, and then we have one last snippet compliments of a story in today’s Women’s Wear Daily:

“Be it the critical acclaim and copious marketing budget of “Mad Men,” the retro mystique of his character Don Draper, or let’s face it, Jon Hamm’s chiseled physique and personal charm, the actor is undeniably having a moment.”

There you have it dollfaces, on the eve of another wedding weekend for TP and The Consort, we send fervent hopes your weekends are simply divine. You know that ours is going to end on a high note starting at 10pm EDT on AMC-TV. We’ll look for you there.

AP Photo/AMC

It’s a Mad Mannish Gossiping Girlish Kind of Day at the Prepatorium

Hello-Hello and welcome to Thursday!

We are feeling a bit crushed under the weight of business and some travel commitments so we preface our post today with an apology, as it is much more flash than substance. (But good flashiness we like to think, in a Gossippy and Madly Mannish sort of way.)

Blame it all on the September issues of a few of our favorite magazines, starting with Harper’s Bazaar, using Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester for their cover.

Terry Richardson/Harper's Bazaar

As part of the magazine’s “Fabulous at Every Age” feature the story has photos of Ms. Leighton ‘aging’ into her fifties, a fascinating technique. We thought the young actress looked stunning in this Lanvin dress and belt.

Terry Richardson/Harper's Bazaar

Another Gossip Girl gracing a September issue: Taylor Momsen on the cover of Teen Vogue.

PHOTO: Patrick Demarchelier

The show continues filming all over the city; below we see Blake Lively with her pooch, a photo that has the Daily Mail saying her maltese/poodle dog is “the perfect accessory” in this story.

PHOTO: Splash News

And finally in Gossip Girl notes, official word came yesterday that the proposed G2 spinoff is dead. There you have it.

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Most readers know we are enormous Mad Men fans, eagerly counting the seconds until Season 3 of the 60’s-based drama premieres on the 16th. Knowing how many readers share our addiction fondness for the show, we thought we might alert you to this stunning image in Vanity Fair:

PHOTO: Annie Leibovitz/Vanity Fair

For those not-so-gaga not entirely familiar with the show, above we see “Don and Betty Draper,” played by Jon Hamm and January Jones.  The photo is one of several jaw-dropping shots accompanying an excellent story: “Don and Betty’s Paradise Lost” in the magazine.

The genius of Annie Leibovitz captures both stars perfectly.

PHOTO: Annie Leibovitz/Vanity Fair

Bruce Handy’s article is superb reading:

“Entering its third season on a fresh wave of Emmy nominations, AMC’s Mad Men is the most stylish—and perhaps best—show on television. Inside its meticulous reconstruction of the precipice that was New York advertising circa 1960, where the men and women of Sterling Cooper smoke, drink, love, and lie…”

Mr. Handy previously did stories with both Mr. Hamm and Ms. Jones; to see these, just click on their names.

Another must-read for M2 fans, Chris Mohney’s story in BlackBook simply titled “Elizabeth Moss: Mad Style“.

PHOTO: Bravo-TV via BlackBookMag.com

Ms. Moss portrays ‘Peggy,’ a young woman making waves at the fictitious advertising agency because she is doing a man’s work (gasp), having moved out of the secretarial pool into actually writing ads!

We can hardly wait to see the first episode next Sunday night (16th) at 10pm!

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We have a few quick Sales and Savings notes today, starting with Saks doing their Consolidation Clearance, a sure sign that we are approaching the end of summer in the retailing world. (Note that TP refuses to acknowledge we are inching ever-closer to the end of summer in the real world. Clearly denial has moved from Egypt to the Midwest.)  A cautionary note on the Saks sale; they say prices go back up August 17.

J. Crew is also promoting fiscally-friendly price points, with new items added to their Final Sale.

And Polo Ralph Lauren is doing their End of Summer sale.  This includes items for the four-legged and furry members of your family.

The Striped Crest Polo is one of today’s Pretty in Pink items, despite it triggering our Logophobia. (Honestly. How disturbed can one get when it discussing a garment intended for your favorite pooch?) It is now only $14, discounted from the original selling price of $40.

Bargains abound dollfaces, so if at all possible we shall attempt to shop early, shop often and do what we can to help move the country beyond These Challenging Times.

We close with our second Pretty in Pink item, this one directly from the Princess shoppe. For your consideration we offer the Good Living Gift Labels:

The labels are about the size of a business care and come in their own little acrylic plastic case, so they can be kept orderly, something near and dear to our OCD heart. (We do hate it when we have labels loose all over our little gift closet, it just makes us a little goofy.) At just $6 for a box of 18 labels, we love this as an outstanding way to label gifts and goodies, perfectly preppy and ideal for gift-giving. There are several other patterns and colors available if these just a little too preptastic.

With that perky note we must scamper back to the Corner Condo here at InterGalcatic Princess HQ. Thank you for stopping in, we’ll be back tomorrow!