New Tommy Hilfiger, Sneak Peek at the K-Swiss Ads With You-Know-Who

Hello-Hello!

We apologize for the lack of a post yesterday, we spent the day lunching and cavorting about The Big City with The Queen Mother.  We were simply having too much fun, and TP did not return to the Prepatorium until very late!

We begin with news that Tommy Hilfiger has announced they are doing limited edition runs of two perfumes, Tommy Summer and Tommy Girl Summer.  According to Now Smell This, the scents will launch next month.

Courtesy Tommy Hilfiger

On a related note, the Hilfiger website shows an Additional 50% off All Markdowns, providing significant savings opportunities for those looking for fiscally friendly merchandise.

Tommy Hilfiger

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Because a touch of Spring could brighten the day, we share a few images from the new Lacoste ad campaign:

Lacoste S/S 2009

Sadly, the core colors in this early collection are not the best for TP, sunny yellows, vibrant orange and coral hues.

Lacoste S/S 2009

If seeking more immediate gratification than the soon-to-be-released line, the preppy retailer is running their Clearance sale.  Bargains abound, like this Cotton Crewneck Sweater at $74.99, half of its original selling price.

Lacoste

This Girl’s V-Neck sweater is  $49.99, down from $85.

Lacoste

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A few follow-ups now to previous posts, starting with the Jason Wu Fur Collection, initially discussed here, where we mentioned that designer Jason Wu (of the Michelle Obama inaugural gown) said he was planning a “significant fur collection,” and we wondered how that was going to fly with PETA…? Well, it turns out they don’t have to get involved, as Mr. Wu told Women’s Wear Daily the fur collection is “on hold.”

It was just yesterday we shared a number of “When Pink Goes Bad” incidents of a most heinous nature.  Egregious because they were all men’s suits! In pink. (If you need photographic evidence of this, click here.) Perhaps we’d best get used to the idea, as there is now word we should expect to see more:

“Spring wardrobe memo to men: Think pink. And orange, lilac and cobalt blue, while you’re at it.”

That comes via this story at The Journal (WSJ) Online by Ray Smith, and it is accompanied by a slide show of some of the bright fashions for men.  Below, another photo from the Calvin Klein show:

PHOTO: Dan Lecca

And this next look is from upscale London clothiers Bamford & Sons:

Bamford & Sons via WSJ Online

Our final follow-up takes us back to this post about Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick being selected as a face for the K-Swiss Classic shoe.  Those ads have now been revealed:

Courtesy K-Swiss via People

Is this what one calls a “brooding” look?

Courtesy K-Swiss via People

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In honor of TQM (the Queen Mother) we share the following photo, for no reason other than it has a very high cool factor:

Courtesy Crooked Brains via Selectism

It is the facade to a parking lot in Kansas City, of all things!  Appropriately, it surrounds a portion of the parking area at the Kansas City Public Library; the books depicted were selected for their representation of the city.  We were alerted to the parking lot decor by this post at one of our favorite reads, the Selectism blog.  For more photos of this facade and another in Wales, pop over to Crooked Brains.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

And we close with another Pretty in Pink, sharing this treasure from Lulu Guinness, whom we absolutely adore.

Lulu Guinness

The Bow Purse in Fuchsia is simply TDF, without question.  Especially since we are all about the bow here at the Prepatorium.

We hope you all enjoy a splendid day!

An Anti-Prep Does Scrapbooking. Also, Mad Men Clothing For Our Very Own?

G’day everyone, we hope it is going swimmingly wherever you may be.

We are very excited here in the Corner Condo at Princess InterGalactic HQ: we spoke with the Lilly Pulitzer Stationery folks yesterday and everything is on track for them to ship our order this coming Monday! That means we will have things in house by Thursday or Friday – we can start shipping to you by the end of next week!  Whoo-hoo!

Because of that good news and because the Princess Consort has been working amazing hours to get some of the Lilly on the site, we thought we’d share a few more items. We start with the Beverage Napkins with Fun Sayings:

Lilly Pulitzer at PreppyPrincess.com

The Lilly words of wisdom include “Only count the happy hours,” a philosophy we can live by, and at $5 for a package of 20 napkins, a price we can smile at!

Frenzied parents can appreciate the wisdom of having Lilly’s My Activity Book on hand for little ones:

Lilly Pulitzer Activity Book at PreppyPrincess.com

These have 65 pages of activity sheets, stickers, 8 non-toxic jumbo sharpened pencils and an elastic closure.  The books will be $18, and they look just perfect for keeping the Young Miss and Master of your household entertained.

A reminder these items and some of our other Lilly merchandise is up on the Princess website for pre-ordering.  With everything shipping Monday (Feb. 1st) we expect our first shipment here by the 4th or 5th. Pre-ordering means your order gets out the door first when the Lilly merchandise arrives here. Pre-orders are at the top of the list and will be turned around on the same day we receive the merchandise from Lilly.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

On to our quasi-prep news headling, beginning with a story that was really quite a shock to the system: Word that the original Anti-Prep, Paris Hilton, is going into scrapbooking.

PHOTO: Ben Tsui/Splash News

Paris Hilton, the Creativity Collection™ is described as “a multi-faceted line of fashion crafting kits from some of the most popular craft segments including scrapbooking, jewelry making and fabric embellishment.”

This has left us speechless. Not to do your thinking for you, but allow us to do your thinking for you: we are presuming you probably prefer we not start affixing crystals and other sparkly embellishment to your preppy placemats, towels and other items.  Is this a good guess?

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From our “You Can’t Make this Stuff Up” files, news today that the PETA ad for Sunday’s Super Bowl has been rejected by NBC; it is considered too sexually explicit for air.  How could a spot from this activist group involve sex, you wonder? We did too. Apparently because the ad features woman having relations. With vegetables.  Seriously.

PETA has their version of the story:

“After we submitted our proposed Super Bowl ad, which features a comely crop of models demonstrating their fondness for fresh produce, NBC nixed the ad, saying it “depicts a level of sexuality exceeding our standards.” No joke, this is straight from NBC—so stop fondling your fruit salad right now and read the list of shots NBC requested we cut before they’d reconsider:”

The group then lists some of the banned shots, not seen above, because we’re not listing them. One of their examples? “…rubbing —– region with pumpkin….” and the rest are far more explicit. And insane. But that’s just us. So there you have it.

On a related note, we *are* curious what PETA will have to say about Inaugural gown designer Jason Wu, creator of the party frock Michelle Obama wore last week.  In statements made by the  designer last week he did say he is “…working on a significant fur collection.”

For any readers still interested in behind-the-scenes details about J. Crew working on designs for Sasha and Malia Obama, the Telegraph has another story on the topic.

“Although the team never communicated directly with Mrs. Obama over the wardrobe created for the inauguration celebrations, says Lyons, they wanted to wish them well. “We tucked little notes in the coat pockets saying, ‘Congratulations, we love you guys!’ “

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The increasingly popular Mad Men continues to leave its mark on the fashion world.  Today we have news there may be a Mad Men clothing line in the works from the show’s costume designer, Janie Bryant. In an interview with Glamour, Ms. Bryant hedges a bit when asked specifically about future projects, and fashionistas have translated this response into meaning “possible/probable clothing line.”

Courtesy amc-tv/Everett Collection

One of the more interesting parts of the articles delves into sources of inspiration for Ms. Bryant when designing for “Betty Draper,” played by the incredible January Jones.

Betty Draper

The designer reveals in the story that her inspiration comes from Grace Kelly, as well as from her own grandmother.

Photo Courtesy amc-tv

Glamour.com writer Tracey Lomrantz is so fond of the show’s look, she named the Betty Draper character as one of her 9 Best Dressed TV Characters Of All Time.

Courtesy amc-tv

Also making that Best Dressed list, Blair Waldorf’s character from the hit show Gossip Girl.

Courtesy the CW

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

And in the “It Could be Worse, this Could Be You” category, a shot from yesterday’s Chanel Couture show.

PHOTOS: Imaxtree

Our thanks to Grazia and The Cut for the background on this.

A SOTT (Sign of the times) note to fans of Domino magazine that just crossed: the magazine is being shut down. WWD just sent an urgent with that sad news.

Now, in order to be sure we leave you with a smile, we end on an up note, the Big Fish Boys Sailboat Tee-shirt at one of our favorites, Best Dressed Child.

Best Dressed Child

If that doesn’t bring thoughts of spring to you, how about the Girls Lilly Preppy Palooza Polly shirt?

Best Dressed Child

Until next time, smiles to everyone!

Love that Lilly, and Michelle Obama in $500,000+ Diamonds

Hello-Hello everybody, and welcome to the almost-weekend!

We promised more Lilly Pulitzer Stationery goodies, so here we go! First, the Note Card Books in Patchtastic and Lillywood:

Lilly Pulitzer Note Card Books at PreppyPrincess.com

At only $15 for each Set of 10 Note Cards (2 each of 5 different patterns) and envelopes, these are already a favorite here at the Prepatorium.  And they haven’t even arrived yet!

Also due in around the 4th or 5th of February, these bright and cheery Large Notebooks in Animal Crackers (L) and Cabanarama (R):

Lilly Pulitzer Notebooks at PreppyPrincess.com

The Large Notebooks are about 9″ x 12″ with an inside pocket; they will be $16.

At 6″ x 8″ the Mini-Notebooks are perfect for tossing in the tote.  They also have an inside pocket, and will run $14.  Below, the Mini-Notebooks in Mumsie and Bee’s Knees Patch:

Lilly Pulitzer Mini-Notebooks at PreppyPrincess.com

A reminder that the Princess Consort has been typing his little fingers to the bone, making sure some of the Lilly merchandise is up on the Princess website for pre-ordering.  The Lilly folks say they are shipping February 1st; we expect our first shipment being here by the 4th or 5th of February. Pre-ordering means your order gets out the door first when the Lilly merchandise arrives here. Pre-orders are at the top of the list and will be turned around on the same day we receive the merchandise from Lilly.

We also said we would share some sneak peeks from the market. Here is a glance at two new patterns from Scout that we went ga-ga over, starting with the Poolside Stripe:

Available 2/15/09

Stripes Away is another new pattern we will be getting in mid-February.

Available 2.15.09 PreppyPrincess.com

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

On the topic of Inaugural fashion, the LA Times raises a question about the propriety of a First Lady borrowing jewelry, in relation to these $17,000 Loree Rodkin earrings.

LoreeRodkin.com

Michelle Obama wore the sparklers to Sunday’s concert.

PHOTO: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty

(Frankly, TP is far more fascinated by the Narciso Rodriguez ensemble in camel and black, really quite elegant IOHO.)  The paper’s All the Rage blog cites rules about borrowed apparel and accessories set up when Ronald Reagan was President in the 1980s, and Mrs. Reagan was chided for her frequent borrowing of designer clothes.

“Michelle Obama wore $17,000 diamond chandelier earrings designed by Loree Rodkin to the “We Are One” concert on Sunday — not a gift from her husband, but borrowed from a Chicago retailer. The next morning, dispatches were dutifully sent out from the publicist for Rodkin to let the press know whom to credit for her ear candy. How very red carpet.”

Yikes… that seems a little cranky, no? We presume All the Rage would apply the same question to Tuesday night’s jewelry, a healthy 77.6 carats in diamonds, again, borrowed from Loree Rodkin. (Mrs. Obama is seen with U.S. Army Sgt. Margaret H. Herrera following her dance with President Obama.)

PHOTO: Gary Hershorn/Reuters

The Arizona Republic has a little more information on the bling (that is the proper term…yes?) in this story:

“Curious about costs, we called Moody Blues boutique in Scottsdale, which carries Loree Rodkin jewelry. There, a chain necklace with a cross pendant covered in an estimated 3 carats of diamonds is $21,000, says Catie Cerutti, store manager.

We’d hate to draw any cost-per-carat conclusions based on that, but . . . oh, who are we kidding. Our math shows that Obama could have been wearing $543,200 worth of diamonds.”

There you have it.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Now, if you are interested in sporting a knock-off of the First Lady’s Jason Wu gown, eDressMe has one available. Really.

eDressMe.com

We have an answer to our question Is Jason Wu Preppy?, asked in this post: absolutely.  Without question. According to Eric Wilson’s story in today’s Times, he attended Loomis, a not-very-well-know Connecticut boarding school.

We credit the Consort for the sharp eye on this – he is such a Fashionisto. (The male version of Fashionista…hello?)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

And in our “The Princess wasn’t Born Yesterday” category, we pose a question: is it possible that the “Marvelous Malia” and “Sweet Sasha” dolls pictured below have absolutely no connection whatsoever to the little girls who just moved into the White House?!

PHOTO: Scott Olson/Getty

That’s what the folks at Ty say; they just released the dolls for sale, and controversy  about the TyGirlz dolls is growing. An Associated Press story explains the “coincidence”:

“The Oak Brook-based company chose the names because ‘they are beautiful names,’ not because of any resemblance to Malia and Sasha Obama, said spokeswoman Tania Lundeen.”

“‘There’s nothing on the dolls that refers to the Obama girls,’ Lundeen said. ‘It would not be fair to say they are exact replications of these girls.

Oh.  Silly Princess.

However – let it be said that at least the moronic company (really, this is PR Debacle 101 level stuff) put a little madras on the dolls’ cuffs and one pair of sneakers.

PHOTO: Charles Rex Arbogast/AP

Do enjoy your Saturday and Sunday!

The Princess is Unhappy, More Inaugural Party Frock Sketches

Hello-Hello everyone… did we all enjoy a splendid beginning of the New Year? We certainly hope so, it seems everyone is more than ready to turn a corner, although just which corner to select is up for debate.

Unfortunately, TP is feeling completely distraught. Why? Perhaps the photo below will provide a clue.

PHOTO" Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty

Non? Un autre….

PHOTO: Brendan Smialowski/Getty

Still not sure?

We are talking about the Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington.  One of the better-kept secrets inside the beltway. It is a fabulous little establishment, of the sort commonly referred to as a boutique hotel.  Its location is nothing less than perfect. From one’s room you can gaze upon Lafayette Park, St. John’s or the White House, among other attractions. The obvious question: precisely how is this establishment causing TP such distress? To be fair, it isn’t the establishment, rather the change in administrations.

You see, most students return to school after the weekend. This includes two darling little girls who are in the process of relocating to the District, Sasha and Malia Obama.  Classes begin for them Monday at Sidwell Friends, and the family is temporarily moving into the Hotel to ensure the girls start their studies on time. Blair House, where the family might usually stay during the last weeks of the transition, is occupied until January 15.

It is really the only place we stayed when in town, unless we were attending a business convention of the sort requiring everyone be at “the official hotel.” (You know the usual suspects: the Mayflower, the Shoreham, etc.) We fear all the media attention and exposure will result in the Hotel becoming one of the latest “it” spots, and it shall be completely overrun with people. Perhaps we worry too much and all of the hubbub will amount to nothing?  Hopefully so. In the interim, we shall stop whining and discuss something more upbeat.

For example, the story serves as a reminder we haven’t shared all of the sketches submitted by designers for the Obama girls Inaugural apparel, like these two looks from Lucy Sykes:

Courtesy Lucy Sykes via WWD

Unfortunately, neither of these register at the Prepalicious level, IOHO, although we do like the little pearl studs.

Courtesy Lucy Sykes via WWD

They both appear almost run of the mill, a surprise coming from this designer, one of TP’s favorites for children’s apparel. The Bonnie Young creations are fun, and the jewel tones a good idea, sure to complement whatever color scheme is selected by their mother, Michelle Obama.

Courtesy Bonnie Young via WWD

We really can’t offer an opinion on the Rodarte… everyone looks like an alien being, come for a visit with the earthlings, no?

Courtesy Rodarte via WWD

Our final look today for the Obama girls comes from Eliza Gran, often featuring looks inspired by vintage creations. We promise to share more in our next post.

Courtesy Eliza Gran via WWD

We are enamored of the style used for this sketch, complete with the crayon-style drawing and the inclusion of the “dog” in the lower right corner!

Also from Women’s Wear Daily, nominations for MVP, or “Most Visible Players” in their story “The Ubiquitors of 2008.”  WWD’s Eye column ranked a number of celebrities, primarily using their number of appearances on photo websites as a criteria.  Who’s Number One?

PHOTO: Scott Rudd

The column ranks the entire cast of Gossip Girl in first place; above, stars Ed Westwick, Chace Crawford, Blake Lively and Penn Badgley.

PHOTO: Steve Eichner

The feature shows more G2 photos, including a shot of off-screen couple Blake Lively & Penn Badgley, as well as Leighton Meester, another one of the show’s female leads.  (Please tell me us that isn’t a romper she is wearing…?!)

PHOTO: Kristen Somody Whalen

Here’s how the article ranked the individual stars:

THE CAST OF “GOSSIP GIRL”
The group of young hotties is thoroughly enjoying its newfound fame.
Total: 189 (combined)
Leighton Meester: 45
Chace Crawford: 34
Jessica Szohr: 33
Taylor Momsen: 22
Penn Badgley: 20
Ed Westwick: 18
Blake Lively: 17

We openly acknowledge still having no clue as to how the votes were tallied, but we somehow think it isn’t critical that we comprehend this part of the story.  And it is also time for our usual disclaimer explaining that somehow we have not watched an episode of Gossip Girl, but after all, we’re in a new year and anything can happen…

Others included in WWD’s list of MVPs include Brooke Shields, the Olsen twins, and Becky Newton of “Ugly Betty” fame.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A reminder that nominations are still open for our own awards, 2008’s AntiPrep of the Year, along with the Preppiest Person of 2008. (This was a little something started in the Princess Consort’s post from New Year’s Day.) We thought Muffy Martini should get off the fence and let us know her true feelings instead of being so wishy-washy:

“Anti Prep goes to Paris. She is SIMPLY horrid.”

And Mrs. Newlywed offers a number of possibilities:

“Anti-Prep? Lindsay Lohan for sure.

Prep? This one is tougher, but I am going to go with Cynthia Rowley. I think she did a stellar job with her Target line, and while her fall line was somewhat questionable. She is consistently on top of preppy fashion.

I am sure there are more, but I wanted to pick someone unique…not one of the Gossip Girls…especially since I don’t know their names.”

Belle in Bloom also gives us some suggestions:

“I’ll have to agree with everyone on the anti-prep. Paris Hilton. yikes.

For preppiest…I just don’t know. I do love Anderson Cooper. Can’t wait to see who is picked. Fun.”

On that note, don’t be shy – share your thoughts! Grins and Giggles until next time, we hope you enjoy a stellar weekend!!

Thakoon for Target Now Online, Gossip Guy goes Prep

Hello-Hello and Happy Days-After-Christmas!

A quick reminder to all that the Thakoon for Target collection has dropped, at least online. 32 items are priced below $24, the additional 23 items are in the $25 – $49 range, so the Collection is fiscally friendly, as promised.

As best we can tell from the photos, there are some nice pieces, like the Oxford Stripe Tee:

Thakoon for Target®

The Sleeveless Sweater is also cotton, available in ‘navy pride’ and grey.

Thakoon for Target

The brightly colored bathing suits look fun, and are wisely being sold as separates, similar to the way Shoshanna markets her fabulous swimsuits. Many of the looks carry a preppy aesthetic in either their overall design or the textile pattern. (Or both in isolated instances.)

We aren’t overly entranced with all of the pieces in the collection; this Pleated Stripe Dress is 100% polyster. Ouch. It is a shame, because it almost looks like the perfect repp tie stripe, no?

Sadly, the colorblock dress we were so enchanted by in all of the early photos is also polyester.

We just don’t understand the poly, especially when used for pieces designed to be worn next to one’s skin. Who knows, TP is frequently wrong and it is entirely possible our opinion will be changed after visiting the Boutique and feeling the material firsthand. So to speak. At any rate, the entire Collection should be available tomorrow morning at those Target stores  designated to carry the line.

We can only hope it won’t be long before we learn if this gifted designer has been selected to style either Michelle Obama’s Inaugural gown, or her daytime look for January 20th.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Another month, another big magazine story featuring one of the oh-so-popular Gossip Girl stars.

PHOTO: Terry Richardson

In the January 2009 GQ (yes, the one with Ms. Aniston on the cover in nothing but a Brooks Brothers tie) issue, actor Penn Badgley is featured in “AMERICAN SPLENDOR – Essential pieces of sartorial Americana worn by Gossip Girl’s Penn Badgley. In the photo above Mr.Badgley wears a Lacoste sweater and polo shirt.

PHOTO: Terry Richardson

All pieces shown in the photo above are Polo by Ralph Lauren. We found the caption/descriptor intriguing:

“It used to be that cardigans were worn by preppies and grandpas. Lately, they’re worn by everyone from artists to DJs (and yes, still grandpas). Try yours with a tie—you needn’t belong to a Princeton eating club to pull it off.”

BTW, Mr. Badgley and co-star/off-screen companion Blake Lively are named as one of the “Best Celebrity Hookups 2008” in a story from Canada’s National Post.  (We can hardly contain our excitement.)

PHOTO: Robert Pitts/Landov/MCT

Another ‘Gossip Guy’ figures in a cover story for the upcoming Spring issue of “YourProm” magazine. Teen singing sensation Taylor Swift (a talent of whom we are quite fond) shares her dream date for prom; it is none other than Gossip Girl’s Chace Crawford.

Your Prom

BTW, GQ is running a contest on their site featuring (among other prizes) a $10,000 J. Crew wardrobe.

And finally, a look at what happens When Pink Goes Wrong:

No one will be surprised to learn the pink Bentley belongs to one of our very first anti-preps.

We are now speechless.

🙂