Thom Browne, Sneak Peek at Alexander McQueen for Target

Happy sunshiny day!

We must take a moment and thank several more-than-generous Ladies of the Blogosphere for their kindness. We are ashamed to acknowledge it has been more than a week since the delightful Europa Fox and the stylish Winkie Houghton bestowed upon TP the Lemonade Award.

You know The Fox, tracking all things prep on the other side of the pond, and Miss Winkie, she of the outstanding recipes and shopping finds.

And then we open our email to read that Little Bow Prep, arguably the smartest teen we know, also conferred the Lemonade Award upon us. You are all much too kind, and we are very grateful you find the blog enjoyable; thank you! And now our face is going pink from blushing! (We will attempt to follow the rules about posting more blogs we enjoy, hopefully later in the week.)

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We know it may appear to frequent readers the Princess is not as upbeat as she might be when talking about menswear designer Thom Browne, known for his short men’s pants. Among other style preferences.  Of course, many readers think of Mr. Browne in conjunction with the Black Fleece line at Brooks Brothers.  Today we are being positive as we adore the men’s tennis socks:

Courtesy Selectism

They are only available at Colette.

Courtesy Colette

As part of his collaboration with the French store, Mr. Browne also did a group of silk ties:

Courtesy Colette via

A reminder to standard Brooks Brothers fans, the Spring collection is on their website for your perusal.

Brooks Brothers Spring 2009

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Our next item is an early look at the Pringle 1815 Spring Collection, a departure for the Scottish luxury knitwear maker. The line is aimed at a more contemporary (translation – younger), clientele.

Courtesy Pringle 1815

The looks are bright and fun while also retaining the Pringle elegance.

Courtesy Pringle

We do love the graphic prints, although they are probably not for us. Our ancient age probably precludes several of the pieces.

Courtesy Pringle

This is a company we are happy to vouch for,  as we know their men’s sportcoats as well as their lush and lovely women’s sweaters.  If unfamiliar with Pringle, get to know them, as their merchandise is top-notch, of uncompromising quality and attention to detail.

Courtesy Pringle

Besides, the sweaters and jackets last forever. Forever.

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We were very excited when at our local Boutique Tarjsay yesterday, as we saw the Orla Kiely merchandise being placed into stock almost a week ahead of time! Very cute, fun, and all very Orla. Below, the Orla Car Print journal.

Orla Kiely at Target

Our thanks to the good folks at Apartment Therapy for this next image:

Orla Kiely for Target Courtesy ApartmentTherapy.com

We don’t believe it is only our Target that has the merchandise out early; if eager to acquire some of the collection, toddle on over!

Another Target tidbit, early looks from the Alexander McQueen for Target collection (previous post on this topic here.)

Courtesy Nylon

This collection is close to the designer’s McQ line in spirit and style.

Courtesy Nylon

Singer Leila Moss from band The Duke Spirit was something of a muse for the designer.

Courtesy Nylon

It appears we may not be hip enough for most of this group. Or age appropriate.

Courtesy Nylon

The collection is due in stores an online in March.

Until next time!

A Tiffany Christmas + A Sneak Peek: McQueen at Target

Hello-Hello! Is everyone ready for something a little holiday-oriented?

How about the ultimate Pink & Green Preppy Christmas Plate? These are new here at the Prepatorium, and just fabulous! Talk about a great gift, and the selection is outstanding!!

PreppyPrincess.com

One of the things we are most excited about? The new line also includes trays, platters and more! This Christmas Plaid pattern is available as either a 10″ x 14″ platter or a 9″ x 14″ tray, exactly what we have been looking for here at the Prepatorium.

PreppyPrincess.com

Oh, this is just too fun!

Now we move on to offerings that are a trifle more upscale.  We are long overdue in taking a peek at some of the holiday offerings from Tiffany.  Anyone receiving the catalog knows what a huge push they have been making with their charms.

And some of them are just darling:

The Purse Charm is fun with its pink enameling and little diamonds. We like the Fifth Avenue store charm because it doesn’t scream “Tiffany” at anyone, although it would be way down our list in terms of desirability.

The Candy Cane charm is perky…

And even comes in Tiffany Blue, as does the Ice Skate charm.

The Ballet Slipper charm is in platinum with a diamond,while the Tiffany Shopping Bag charm comes in sterling and platinum.

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We don’t remember seeing this before, do you?

The Tiffany Wrap in cashmere and silk appears to be be super-snuggly, something TP could become accustomed to wearing. The T-Clip Pen makes an outstanding gift, although what we *really* want is the return of the Pink Purse pen, below right.

Although we will probably always have a soft sport for the basic Tiffany Blue Purse Pen.

Tiffany’s ornaments are always popular gifts and stocking stuffers; the Star Ornament is lovely while the Gingerbread Man adds a whimsical touch to any tree.

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Of course The Princess is partial to the Ice Skate Ornament, and we are betting Miss Little Bow Prep is as well!

There is no shortage of ornaments, including the new Polka Dot porcelain styles.

Tiffany has done a nice job providing a broad spectrum of goodies – enjoy!

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Also today, a quick look at the Alexander McQueen collection due in March 2009 at Target.  The group is closest in spirit to his McQ line; singer Leila Moss from band The Duke Spirit is something of a muse for the designer, and her image is featured in some of the pieces.  Below, Ms. Moss in pieces from the collaboration: a cotton jersey T-shirt, cotton/spandex denim pants by McQ Alexander McQueen for Target.  (The boots are by Guillotine Hinfray.)

PHOTO: Robert Mitra/WWD

A recent story in WWD (Women’s Wear Daily, subscription required) discussed the collection…

“The collection has a muted color palette of black, white, gray and tan with accents of cobalt blue and bright pink. Studs and mesh give items an edge. There are studded jeans, shorts and denim jackets with asymmetrical closures, short tuxedo jackets and matching shorts….”

Along with price points for the merchandise:

“Nor does McQueen see any irony in the fact that his gowns cost thousands of dollars while his clothing for Target, which operates 1,658 stores in 48 states, will be priced under $129.99. That’s because McQueen knows what it’s like when money is tight.”

Below, Ms. Moss in a cotton mesh dress and rayon tank from McQ Alexander McQueen for Target. (The shoes are Christian Louboutin.)

PHOTO: Robert Mitra/WWD

More Election Fashions Including Michelle Obama’s $10,000 Earrings, Sneak Peek at Thakoon for Target, Preppy Updates

It is Friday, and what a magnificent thing that is… sigh. “And visions of bubble-baths danced in her head…”

We start with more photos from Election Night in response to the ongoing inquiries we are receiving related to Cindy McCain’s dress (a suit), as well as Michelle Obama and Sarah Palin’s apparel.

PHOTO: Jim Bourg/Reuters

There isn’t really loads more to report.  However, we can share new information regarding the future First Lady’s earrings on Tuesday night, hopefully seen in the photographs that follow.  (We do apologize in advance for their large size; clearly we are trying to show those beautiful earrings!)

PHOTO: Morry Gash/AP

They are by Loree Rodkin, crafted of white gold and diamonds. UPI spoke with Ms. Rodkin about Ms. Obama wearing her design election night:

“Loree Rodkin, a Los Angeles-based designer of expensive jewelry, said she was surprised and pleased to see Obama wearing her earrings. Rodkin said the design retails for $10,275 a pair — and were not a loan.”

PHOTO: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty

The earrings look light and lacy, and very feminine, stunning on Ms. Obama.  In the online bio at her website the designer is described:

“…known for her noncomformist visionary approach to jewelry making…. has designed jewelry for most of Hollywood’s brightest stars including Madonna, Mary J. Blige, Cher, Aerosmith…”

According to the Browns Fashion website, the earrings are available for ordering now, if one is so inclined:

Courtesy Browns Fashion

If interested in purchasing the earrings, one must email Browns, they are not currently available on the site.

Here is a photo someone named Diablo Cody (?) in what is a similar style if the skull and crossbones are removed:

 

A Loree Rodkin ad from May, 2008:

 

TheEssentialist.com

For a good look at the designer’s work, try these items at Glimpse, or the selection at Blue Bee.  It would seem from surveying a variety of retailers and other sites that a fair amount of Ms. Rodkin’s work is done using images of skulls, daggers, and other “goth” (?) motifs. (Is that the term…?) Here is the designer in a press photo:

 

Courtesy Loree Rodkin

Our journalism background requires us to point out that Cindy McCain received substantial criticism for wearing diamond earrings at the Republican Convention valued at $280,000. A popular magazine estimated them to be 3 carats in size; the report was not confirmed or denied.

Today the Obamas attended a parent-teacher conference in Chicago:

PHOTO: John Gress/Reuters

Otherwise, the onslaught of newsprint and airwaves devoted to the Narciso Rodriguez dress worn by Ms. Obama election night continues to grow.

Back to the continuing questions here at the Prepatorium regarding Cindy McCain and Sarah Palin and their election night dresses.  Actually, neither wore a dress; they both were attired in what TP would call a “cocktail suit.” (Oh dear, that may reveal a bit too much information regarding our age, shall we say. There you have it.) And here we have the photo:

PHOTO: Brian Snyder/Reuters

Ms. Palin’s dark navy suit is by Tahari, and we have lots more information on it as well as several more photos, here at Wednesday’s “extended election night fashions” post.  That post reveals the only store where the navy color is available.

A reminder on the Michelle Obama book, the biography by WaPo reporter Lisa Mundy; reports indicate it is selling fast; why this would surprise anyone is beyond us.

LizaMundy.com

Readers may remember hearing about Target’s upcoming collection by Thakoon Panichgul, a designer Michelle Obama has worn several times. We have early photos showing some of the designs thanks to the always on top of things people at Nylon magazine.

 

As detailed in a previous post, this is one of a handful of designers favored by Michelle Obama. The collection is due to debut at the retailer on Christmas Day.

 

The pieces look very beachy, ideal for one’s resort wardrobe over the winter holidays. And that is perfect as the collection debuts in the middle of winter, on Christmas Day. That seems rather odd, doesn’t it?

The coat won’t work on an elderly prep like TP (sniff), but it will look darling on most anyone else.

 

Prices for the pieces will range from $20 to $70.  Also to debut On Christmas Day, the Erickson-Beamon for Target Collection, another line Ms. Obama is seen wearing. Here is a preview picture of what to expect, courtesy of the oh-so-hip Nitrolicious.

 

Courtesy Nitrolicious.com

Erickson-Beamon has already collaborated with a retailer, Urban Outfitters.  That line is available in the UK at the Kensington High Street and Oxford Street stores, as well as at the UK online site. Below, their Crystal Cube Necklace from that line:

 

Erickson-Beamon for Urban Outfitters UK

If the subject of designer collaborations with Target sounds slightly familiar, perhaps it is because just this Tuesday we talked about the surprise announcement of Target’s upcoming line with edgy designer Alexander McQueen.  We now have a date for that collection to be available: March 1st, 2009. If seeking more information and photos showing multiple pieces from each designer, this post is fairly comprehensive, albeit in a bloggage sort of way.

We close with few quick hits on preppy goings-on …

• Talbots has confirmed they are selling J. Jill
• the oh-so-stylish Third Coast Preppy found this fun article about the Lilly Pulitzer exhibit that opened at the New School for Design at Parsons
• Online shopping is now available at Lilly Pulitzer! FULL DISCLOSURE: An awesome preppy blogger discovered this outstanding information, and we cannot remember who it was, but they deserve the credit, not us. (If you know, please let us know so they might be properly thanked
  • NOTE: We owe our thanks to the incredibly gifted Teddi, as we read about this in her superb blog, Jewish Girl in WASP’s Clothing.  🙂
• The über-preppy television show known as Gossip Girl has another star landing a big endorsement opportunity: Ed Westwick (who plays Chuck Bass) is the new face for K-Swiss. Below, the actor shooting in New York Thursday:
  

And a reminder to enter our Great Preppy Giveaway Contest by leaving a comment telling us one thing you are thankful for related to America …one thing about the United States for which you are thankful. Remember, if you mention this contest on your blog, you are then eligible to send the snappy Madras photocards to a friend! And the best part of this?  It is all free! Here is a quick glance at the Primary Prize, the Scout Tote:

Bungalow Scout Tote

And here are the Holly House Madras photocards, also from the Preppy Princess store.

Holly House Photocards at PreppyPrincess.com

For all of the details and information, just click here.

Have a splendid weekend!

This Just In….the Next Target Collaboration & And Inaugural Party Frocks?

Well, for heaven’s sake – if news isn’t breaking out all over the place this election evening!

We quickly interrupt your election updates to share a few preppy news alerts, starting with the a look at what Michelle Obama plans to wear this evening.  With the Obama campaign clearly hoping tonight’s event in Chicago’s Grant Park is celebrating a victory, in this piece from the Journal’s ‘Heard on the Runway‘ blog we learn about a possible wardrobe selection for Ms. Obama.

The blog showcases a conversation with Maria Pinto, one of Michelle Obama’s favorite designers:

“For Tuesday, Ms. Pinto has a dress in mind that she hopes Ms. Obama will wear. The dress, a coral-red silk crepe sheath with three-quarter sleeves, an empire waist and a high neckline with a burst of sunray pleats emanating from the collar, is a piece that Ms. Obama bought a few months ago but hasn’t worn to an event yet.”

And as far as a dress (more appropriately, a gown) for a certain date in January, should Ms. Obama need a party frock? The designer told reporter Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan “…she’s already begun sketching an Inaugural Day look in her head.”

“Something bright in color, with some movement,” says Ms. Pinto, declining to share more beyond that. “I just did costumes for the Joffrey (Ballet) so I have dance on the brain.”

While Ms. Obama has made no mention of an inaugural dress, über-star Oprah Winfrey has, calling in to a radio show this morning and sharing the following:

“So help me God, I am looking at it right now…. Actually I started in February. I was speaking with Michelle [Obama] and Caroline Kennedy and Maria Shriver — we were all doing a big rally out in California. At the end of the rally Michelle Obama said something powerful, ‘and I want you to leave here and envision Barack Obama taking the oath of office’…. I created a vision board. I had never had a vision board before. I came home, I got me a board and put Barack Obama’s picture on it and I put a picture of my dress I want to wear to the inauguration.”

In a different story the paper profiles the designer; we show these pieces as photographed by Jens Mortensen for The Wall Street Journal.

We’ll take all three please.

Also tonight, word on everyone’s favorite mass-market retailer, Target. The company is expected to  announce its collaboration with high-end designer Alexander McQueen in a move fashion insiders consider to be the most notable of all Target’s collaborative efforts.

PHOTO: Talaya Centeno

Above, a suit from the McQ by Alexander McQueen line. The Target collection will be closer to this in look and feel than to the regular Alexander McQueen line.  The designer’s McQ group is not entirely unknown to Princess readers; here is an August post featuring ‘Nouveau Prep’ looks, including this McQ fringed skirt at Bluefly in blue, red and black. (Pssst…it is now on sale!)

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Next we show the McQ Dotty wool jacket at Net-a-porter.

The fabric for this piece is a lush and lovely wool with a soft hand and beautiful drape.

The McQueen collection will be part of a larger initiative from Target, an effort the retailer is calling ‘Designer Collaborations.’

While the often edgy and frequently racy designer isn’t TP’s style, we do think this one will be just oodles of fun!