The Preppy Princess Turns 500

Hello-Hello!

Happy Tuesday to everyone, and apologies for yesterday’s whineathon of a post, it was most unbecoming. We promise to be a better Princess today. In fact, today’s post is all sweetness and light. Seriously.

Because today marks our 500th post!

And to mark the occasion we are going to do something we’re not very good at: talking about ourselves (all of us, each and every Princess…heh-heh-heh), in a manner of speaking. More accurately, talking about life on the Preppy Planet as seen through the eyes of our little blog.

Our very first post was back on February 10, 2008, titled Prepalicious Alberta Ferretti. We looked at an outstanding collection from this designer (perhaps better known for her Philosophy line), but not one generally considered to offer a preppy aesthetic.

Our single most popular post? It is titled Gossip Girls Haunt the Hamptons & Here’s One for the Military:

JustJared.com

“… this would be actor Ed Westwick, a Brit who plays a rather slimy fellow named Chuck Bass. There were other celeb sightings: we were told that any females in the vicinity of actor Chace Crawford tend to swoon, or get a bit giggly, as seen in the photo below. You know, teenage, pre-teen, post-teen, tweens, you name it, almost any female breathing in and out could be susceptible, at least from from what we understand.”

Our second most popular post has to have the longest title ever created: Summer Olympics Fashion Focus, Ralph Lauren Team USA Opening Ceremony Uniforms Reactions, and Who Was “Preppy” Dressed Team?

Courtesy Polo Ralph Lauren

Other hot topics include Tiffany Eyeglasses….

Courtesy Tiffany

… Goyard totes,

Courtesy Goyard

…along with all manner of apparel and accessories, especially of a preppish design.

Jim Young/Reuters

And when those styles intersected with politics and/or celebrity (let alone darling little girls), that only seemed to heighten the interest. Sketches have also been popular.

Courtesy J. Crew

J. Crew proved especially adroit at maximizing marketing opportunities in this arena.

Occasionally we let a little of our LogoPhobia (a little?!) rear its head, and we have delighted in sharing felt obligated to report on those newly named to the Anti-Prep Wall of Shame.  We have also loved finding things that are Pretty in Pink, discovering Argyle Adventures, not to mention sharing anything nautically inclined, adorned with grosgrain ribbon, or done in a seersucker or madras motif.

The goings on here at the Prepatorium have also been topics for discussion, as well as our little trips to visit TQM (The Queen Mother) and other royalty, along with cataloguing the travails of getting that drawbridge over the moat up and down when we’re at the mercy of such a testy group of gnomes.  Don’t you find that getting good help is so hard these days?! (This is where one inserts the smirk.)

Classic prep retailers, clothing with a Lilly label (let alone our Lilly Pulitzer stationery collection), spring and fall Fashion Weeks, Grand Slam tennis, nothing is safe it seems, especially if The Consort is doing the post! And we’ll probably keep it that way, unless you direct us to do otherwise. (Although some might be surprised at what we consider our favorite post, as it has nothing whatsoever to do with preppy style or fashion.)

Because we follow your lead; the very best part of all this bloggage has been our treasured readers. By far.  We consider ourselves more-than-fortunate to have made so many friends via this medium, we really are blessed. So if there is something you want to see more, or hear less about, anything at all, do tell! We always want to know your thoughts.

After this there really isn’t anything we can say other than “Thank you”.

The First Family Does Talbots & J. Crew, Our New Nantucket Collection

Hello-Hello, and apologies for the lack of a post yesterday! We can only  attribute it to loads of Princess personalization ordering and the Lilly pre-orders, yikes!

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Sadly we start with something transcending a fashion faux-pas dollfaces, more like a fashion disaster In Our Most Humble of Opinions.  Sigh.  Behold actress Hayden Panettiere Monday on her way to tape the David Letterman show.

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While we understand Ms. Panettiere’s need to promote her new film, is the sheer Caroline Seikaly dress even remotely appropriate for someone not yet 20 years old?  This is eerily reminscent of the dress (seen here) worn by Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester at an MTV awards show in June. Harrumph!

Speaking of television shows featuring fashions of a preppish nature, NY Magazine has an in-depth review of last night’s NYC Prep for those following that train wreck. (As many readers have referred to it.)

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On a more upbeat note, the marketing minds at Talbots must have been thrilled to see First Lady Michelle Obama in their rose print dress again, worn this Sunday when boarding Air Force One on the way to Moscow.

Photo: Luis M. Alvarez/AP

BTW, the Talbots Clearance Sale now offers an additional 25% off already reduced prices, making the dress seen above $89.99; it was originally priced at $169.99.

Once arriving in Moscow Sasha and Malia Obama exited the plane in J. Crew.

PHOTO: Sergei Guneev/AFP/Getty

Malia was wearing the Silk Taffeta Trench ($298) and Sasha wore the Girls Crushed Twill Trench (now on sale at $129.99).  Both girls also wore ballet flats from Crew; Sasha in the Printed Minna Flat (left, $98-$108) and Malia in the Womens Black Satin Flats with Contrast Trim (lower right, $98).

And a reminder that J. Crew is also doing a Clearance Sale, with an additional 20% off already reduced merchandise; use promo code EXTRA20 when checking out to receive the discount.

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Remember Hadley-Pollet, the firm doing reversible ribbon belts, as well as totes? If you are a fan of the brand and in the Boston area, the company is having their first sample sale in years this Friday and Saturday.

HadleyPollet.com

The place to be for the bargains is 230 Newbury St.

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We close with something ever-so-fun, a new collection at the Princess! Our Susan Wallace Barnes line features scenes from one of our favorite spots, Nantucket! Below we share an image from the Susan Wallace Barnes 2010 Desktop Art Calendar:

Susan Wallace Barnes at PreppyPrincess.com

We love the bright, vibrant colors and seashore scenes, they just make us smile, and smiles make us happy, happy, happy. (We know, it doesn’t take a lot, does it?!)

The Note Cubes are loads of fun too, and a delightful hostess gift. (At only $14, they are also fiscally friendly.)

Nantucket Notecubes at PreppyPrincess.com

These come finished with a beautiful blue grosgrain ribbon bow, a really cute touch.  The Boxed Note Cards have more island scenes, including an adorable pink station wagon!

Susan Wallace Barnes at PreppyPrincess.com

We’re so ga-ga over that vintage wagon with the wood panels we are takiing executive action and making it today’s Pretty in Pink.

Susan Wallace Barnes at PreppyPrincess.com

We shall leave you with that cheery beach scene, hoping your afternoons are filled with summer splendor!

Sneak Peek at Anna Sui Gossip Girl for Target, Lacoste Red Goes Retro

Hello-Hello and welcome, and most importantly, thank you for visiting.

We don’t tell you that enough, do we? Your visiting and comments and all-around goodness make our days better, brighter and happier than we can say, we must be more attentive to sharing our gratitude.

Those following us on Twitter already know this morning’s sad news: a symbol of classic apparel and accessories for Children is no more.  In an awful SOTT (Sign Of The Times) Best & Company has filed bankruptcy, and it’s not Chapter 11, allowing an entity to get its act together; unfortunately it is a Chapter 7 filing, meaning liquidation.

Remember the retailer’s sketches of possible Inauguration attire for Sasha and Malia Obama?

Courtesy Best & Co.

What a shame. Sniff.

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We are fortunate enough to have stumbled onto a few blog posts sharing an early look at the upcoming Anna Sui for Target collection.  Only obsessive readers Frequent blog visitors may recall this post explaining that Ms. Sui’s Target designs would be based on, or inspired by, the hit television show Gossip Girl.

Below, the Blair, Serena, Jenny and Vanessa looks from the Collection, due in stores September 13 through October 17. (Our thanks to Nitrolicious for the nicely done collage.)

Collage via Nitrolicious.com

Without becoming entirely tedious going into too much detail, here is a portion of that original post on this back in May:

Industry trade publication WWD broke the story yesterday; in an intriguing twist, Ms. Sui is using the four main characters from TV’s Gossip Girl to guide her designs.

While much-too-cool for TP, we look forward to seeing them in stores. Those hoping for designs true to Miss Sui’s runway creations will be pleased by what Nylon magazine has noted:

Courtesy NylonMag.com

As Nylon writes in this post:

“Target says their new Go! International collection, with youthquake designer Anna Sui, was inspired by Gossip Girl.

And while we definitely see hints of Vanessa, Blair, Serena, and Little J in the recently-leaked look book, we’ve got our own idea about where the clothes came from:

Anna Sui’s most beloved past runways!”

To view the entire collection look-by-look, click here.

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Speak of the devil… trade publication Ad Age has an interesting review looking at a couple of this summer’s reality shows.

“NYC Prep,” easily pitched and packaged as “the real ‘Gossip Girl,'” explores the luxe lives of six New York City teens. In doing so, the show actively prods viewers to rage — rage against the careless lives the protagonists lead. It wants us to bemoan their vanishing youth, their premature descent into jadedness. It wants us to demonize the parents who empower them.

Don’t take the bait. This is merely a show about sniveling, graceless little s—s,….The six bon vivants are neither smart nor charming, and they possess all the self-awareness of a twig. At least “Gossip Girl” dishes out its blithe urban bitchery with a wink and a smirk; the entire point of “NYC Prep,” as with each of Bravo’s “Housewives” offerings, is to hold its subjects up to ridicule.”

It seems ‘scathing’ might be a better term to describe writer Larry Dobrow’s reaction to NYC Prep. (Airing tonight, BTW.)

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We have long loved Lacoste for their classic understatement and timeless lines. (Notwithstanding a few pieces over the years triggering a raging case of Logophobia.) The company’s younger, hipper Red Collection debuted this spring with a slimmer silhouette and lower pricepoints, aimed at the 18-25 year olds.

Courtesy Lacoste

WWD reported yesterday that the sporty retailer has teamed with ever-so-chic Jeffrey New York for a small collection launching in October. The group has a definite retro appeal as seen in the sleeveless tipped cotton piqué polo dress.

Courtesy Photo via WWD.com

We are calling the long-sleeve cashmere cardigan below our Pretty in Pink for the day. It is somewhat more vibrant than the hues one might see us sporting here at the Palace, very bright indeed. (How about neon? Does that seem more apropos?)

Courtesy Photo via WWD.com

BTW, there are two Jeffrey New York stores, one in the Meatpacking district and the other in Atlanta. As in Georgia.

It would be almost sinful to be chatting up Lacoste and neglect a reminder of  the rather significant Lacoste Summer Sale now underway online and in stores.

Lacoste

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We want to share another fun Giveaway with goodies from the Princess shoppe, this one at The Reality of Happily Ever After, aka Newlywed Central.

NewlywedCentral.blogspot.com

No, Tilly has not slimmed down and gone brunette, nor is the pooch in pink being given away. 

But the lucky winner will receive a set of Lilly Pulitzer Dress Notecards,and one of our Cotton Canvas Boat Totes in the Personal size; the winner gets to select the tote color and personalization choice.

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Also included in the contest, five of O Magazine’s recommended nail polishes, sure to please and perfectly timed for a summertime manicure or pedicure.

And they all look fun, click here to float over for a visit with Newlywed Central.

See you again soon!

A PREPPY INAUGURATION: Malia, Sasha & Michelle Obama in J. Crew (& Jimmy Choo!)

Hello-Hello…we just flew in the door 7:55pm EST… gasp… and logged in to check on today’s Inaugural

Please accept our apologies for being TARP (no, not that TARP, it means for The Absent Roaming Princess), our time at Market in Chicago stretched beyond our plans. But you will be ever-so-pleased that it did, for we spent oodles of time gazing at the loveliness that is the Lilly Pulitzer Spring accessory line, to name just one cause of our prolonged absence.

But let us move on to a topic that matters: today’s Inaugural fashions! We were on the phone with The Queen Mother when our first photos of the Obama girls came up on the computer screen; she was subjected to a shriek, “OMG, how darling are they????!!!!!!” Really, can we talk about the bows? Everywhere? It was definitely cute overload, and we just love every inch of what they had on.

In case you wanted another glance….

In this next photo one can see how Sasha Obama’s pink and orange contrast beautifully with Malia’s royal blue. (Above, Sen. Hillary Clinton, and Jenna Bush.)

This story in Newsday gives more specifics on the girls’ outfits:

“Malia went for a double-breasted, deep periwinkle coat, while younger sis Sasha shone in a guava pink coat, contrasting orange scarf and gloves, with just the hint of a coral dress peeking from the below her hem. Both coats were tied with velvet ribbons, echoing the tie on Mom’s sparkly coat.”

PHOTO: Rick Wilking/Reuters

The Obama girls were both in Crewcuts, from one of Michelle Obama’s favorite fashion outlets, J. Crew.  That same Newsday story sheds more light on how the selections were made:

“According to the company, Michelle and the girls had an opportunity to choose what they liked. “We wanted to offer a collection …that would let their own personalities show through,” said Jenna Lyons, creative director of J.Crew.”

One word of caution however: do NOT look for these pieces online or at your local J. Crew. The looks are from the Fall 2009 collection, and they are somewhat modified from what will be available to Jane and John Q. Public.  First Lady Michelle Obama did her part for J. Crew, wearing a pair of their leather gloves for the morning.

Next, the Isabel Toledo dress and matching coat:

PHOTO: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty

As described on The Caucus blog at the Times,

“…the coat and dress were made of Swiss wool lace, backed with netting for warmth and lined in French silk. “I wanted to pick a very optimistic color, that had sunshine,” she said. “I wanted her to feel charmed, and in that way would charm everybody.”

PHOTO: Pool

As detailed in WWD’s initial story on the ensemble with reaction from the designer’s spouse:

“The soon-to-be First Lady did not tip her hand in any way. “We had no idea. We hoped she would wear something because she has bought Isabel’s clothes before. We never know what’s going to happen,” he said.

“It’s just another shock, but a great shock.”‘

Our favorite quote from the Toledos?

“We’re all grateful for this opportunity, and we don’t even have a PR person!”

Keep in mind, Ms. Toledo lost her job with Anne Klein earlier this year

And on Mrs. Obama’s feet? The Jimmy Choo Glacier pump, as seen below at DSW.

Jimmy Choo 'Glacier' Pump

Readers thinking “Hhhmmm….hasn’t Mrs. Obama worn Isabel Toledo before?” get a pink and green star! As seen in this post in June of last year…

..the look was an elegant tunic and palazzo pants. The occasion was a fundraiser on behalf of her husband put on by fashion industry leaders like the Anna Wintour and Calvin Klein.  In TP’s ever-so-humble opinion, the Toledo sheath and coat were just gorgeous, simply stunning on Mrs. Obama.  To our uneducated eyes however, the look was better suited to a semi-formal evening function.

So load up those poison pens angry people; we adore the design, love the color, and think both combined for a radiant First Lady.  We merely think the look better suited to a different occasion.  We are surprised at the volume of negative comments on the shape (or lack thereof apparently) of the coat, it seemed entirely in keeping with the refined flow of the dress underneath.

BTW, today’s pieces are not the only J. Crew fashions worn by the First Family during the festivities of the last several days. More on that in our next post…we’re off to see tonight’s gown for the Inaugural Balls! (We’re hearing Jason Wu… stand by formore!)

Next Target Home Designer (Fab!), Another Gossip Girl Cover

Happy Thursday everyone, we hope today is going swimmingly for you!

We are still aglow about the Lilly Pulitzer Stationery & Gift line we announced we will be carrying in just about two weeks, but other news abounds on the Preppy Planet that we simply must share with you! (Just take a glance at our first and/or second Lilly post if you missed the news yesterday.)

We start with word on Target’s next designer for their home collection: the Orla Kierly Collection for Target will land at your local Tarszay beginning February 1.

Courtesy Racked

TP predicts this collection will be as popular as last year’s Cynthia Rowley group at the Boutique, possibly more so.  It may not resonate as much with those favoring a strictly preppy aesthetic; the colors are more muted than the brights we adore, and the designs do not carry motifs associated with a ‘prep style.’ On the other hand, the lines are very clean; one won’t see a lot of ‘frou frou’ or fussiness with this designer.

The fabulous folks at the Decor8 blog have loads of great images of the Kiely Collection for Target in this post.  For those not as familiar with the company, we share a few looks from their apparel offerings. Below, the Sparkle Cashmere Sweater:

Orly Kiely

Some may recognize the more well-known ‘stem’ prints on their bags, totes and other items. Below, the Small Stem Large Tote:

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Believe it or not, another Gossip Girl star has landed the cover of fashion magazine. In this case it is a big deal for one Blake Lively, as she is the February cover for Vogue.

Mario Testino for Vogue

In the accompanying feature story Ms. Lively covers all sorts of ground, including topics show-related and fashion-related.

Also in G2 news, some readers may remember our post about a Gossip Girl spinoff; word now that the new show is moving forward. The details are in this story on Us Magazine’s website:

“The new CW pilot will center on a teenage version of Lily van der Woodsen (played by Kelly Rutherford) in Los Angeles in the 1980s.”

“Used to being a ‘have,’ attending a wealthy Montecito boarding school and living the high life, Lily is now forced into being a ‘have not,’ living deep in the Valley she once made fun of, and going to public school,” a Warner Bros. statement read.”

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Speaking of “cover girls,” we were delighted to open our T&C Special Issue on Wonder Women and see Diane von Furstenberg!

Town & Country

The special issue comes packaged with the Town & Country Weddings spring issue.  And since we are speaking of Ms. von Furstenberg, we feel compelled to advise you there is an astounding sale on some of the goodies in her online store!   (See our next item, for it also involves this designer!)

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Designers who participated in the last year’s Runway to Change fundraising efforts for President-elect Obama are now offering Inaugural items.  Below, the Obama Love Inaugural Tote Bag by Diane von Furstenberg:

Obama Love by Diane von Furstenberg

Along with this design from Tory Burch:

Tory Burch - Runway to Change

Not for TP, but certainly appealing for others, to be sure.

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Are the fashion and retail arenas still rife with what call SOTTs? (Signs of the Times.) Yes. Indubitably. However we elected to stay more upbeat today and avoid dwelling on the Neiman Marcus layoffs, Goody’s bankruptcy filing, or the Gottschalks bankruptcy.

Instead, we’ll share a tidbit about Curtis Sittenfeld, considered one of the more ‘preppy writers’ on the American literary landscape.  The author of “Prep“ and “American Wife” started an online novella yesterday. As explained on the Slate site, where the novella is running:

“In anticipation of the inauguration, Slate asked Curtis Sittenfeld, whose 2008 novel American Wife chronicled the personal side of politics, to write an original inauguration novella. It will run in five parts, starting today and concluding Tuesday.”

Entitled “All Along, This Was What Was Supposed to Happen: an Inauguration Novella,” the first installment is subtitled “Yes, We Did” and the second, “Got Hope?” How very interesting.

And lest anyone think we forgot, we have nothing new to report on an Inaugural Gown or a daytime look for Michelle Obama.  We did see sketches of designs for Malia and Sasha Obama from the upscale children’s line Bonpoint in a story that ran in WWD this past Monday (the 12th), but were highly suspicious when reading it.

Among other things the story said “the White House stylist” approached the French firm. For openers, we expect the family will be in apparel from American companies. And “the White House stylist” ???  That would be an addition to the staff list we do not expect to see filled.  FYI, the story has been pulled from the Women’s Wear Daily website.

Anywho, we’re out the door. After all, it is a tropical -1 outside, but the sun is brightly shining.  And you know what we always say: “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.”