Hello-Hello and happy day to everyone!
We’ll jump right in today with a few things we never seem to fit in our daily posts, despite the fact we start out planning to include them every. single. day. We are so slow in sharing them many readers are likely to have already seen them, yikes! Here they are in completely random order:
1) The Times had an outstanding story from David Colman a few weeks back in their Dress Codes series, “The All-American Back from Japan,” examining contemporary preppy style. A sample from the article:
“There is madras everything, button-downs everywhere. Nantucket reds — washed-out pink pants — are the new khakis; Sperry Top-Siders are more common on roof decks than top decks; and the Polo pony and the Lacoste crocodile are now but two of the critters in a zoo of polo shirt insignia.”
The story is accompanied by a companion slide show, “Dress Codes: The Preppy Look” with excellent photos from Dean Isidro. Below, the gentleman wears Benjamin Bixby, Lacoste, Trovata, Brooks Brothers Black Fleece, Marc by Marc Jacobs.
PHOTO: Dean Isidro/NY Times
The article looks at the history of ‘preppy fashion’ in the US (or more appropriately, that particular moniker for the style) as well as what Mr. Colman refers to as “…the Japanese penchant for Americana…”.
Some of the brands cited in the story and slide show are definitely not “your Father’s preppy style,” although again, TP’s family never referred to it this way. If asked and forced to describe the look TQM probably would have merely said it was conservative or classic, perhaps being so bold as to inquire “why do you ask?” as it wasn’t something one consciously thought of or needed to discuss. The only possible exception might be if one the children dared desire something out-of-the-norm, in the “no, no, that’s not something we wear” category. How did your family refer to their clothing style? Or did they?
We highly recommend the story and slide show, they are great fun and offer a slew of new brands, some of which you have seen showcased in this space, such as Band of Outsiders, and others we probably won’t be sporting.
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2) Also on the radar for quite some time, this story from the Times of London’s online site:
Preppy power
From twinsets and pearls to cashmere hoodies — new fashion tribes are taking their lead from the Sloanes
The story is another fun read, offering a slightly different perspective as it originates from the far side of the pond.
“Yet rapidly growing numbers of people are embracing the preppy look — whether it’s stripy boat-neck T-shirts, argyle sweaters, brogues or cotton pea coats. Look closely and you’ll see preppy is having a makeover right under our noses.”
The story breaks the preppy looks into five different styles, including Euro Preppy, Fashion Preppy and Power Preppy. Prince Harry’s former flame, Chelsea Davy, is pictured as an example of Public School Preppy:
PHOTO: Antony Jones/UK Press/PA Photos
A reminder that in the UK ‘public schools’ are actually what we call private schools here in the States, for example, Miss Porter’s or Choate would be called ‘public schools’ in England.
The article also has scads more details with the writer’s ideas on what brands specific prep types would wear, their ‘best looks’ as well as “A Look Too Far,” our favorite sub-category. Prince William’s girlfriend Kate Middleton is classified as a Euro Preppy, although the story notes:
“To be fair, Kate is more neo-Sloane ranger, but, for obvious reasons, the Euro preppy holds her in high esteem.”
As to the paper’s suggestions of a Power Preppy, they include First Lady Michelle Obama in this group. Rather than bore you with more recitation of the article’s content we suggest one toddle on over and personally read the story, we highly recommend it. A visit to the fabulous Europa Fox is also likely to provide far better insight than anything we offer.
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True Chanel addicts with pin money (okay, investment quality pins) to spare will be pleased to learn of the 1980’s and early 90’s Chanel jewelry and accessories now being offered at high-end vintage retailer Resurrection. Some pieces serve to remind us that the development of LogoPhobia is not merely in reaction to recent creations:
Courtesy Photo via WWD
If interested, the catalog of goodies can be downloaded by clicking here.
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TP is ever-so-excited to learn one of our favorite spots for retail therapy is undergoing a bit of a lift, so to speak. Fashion Island in Newport Beach (CA) is going to have some work done, adding wonderful stores like Nordstrom to the roster of existing shops, including Neiman’s, Saks, and Bloomies. Below, an artist’s sketch of the ‘new and improved’ Fashion Island.
Courtesy Photo via LA Times
The LA Times has the full story.
We leave you with some of the soon-to-be-out, or already available magazines one will spot at the local newsstand:
Courtesy Time Inc.
There are reports of at least two west coast memorial services, one on July 3rd, the other July 10th.
Courtesy People
There is also a report that the Jackson family has been denied permission to bury him at Neverland Ranch.
Courtesy Post-Newsweek
The Preppy Princess 