Michelle Obama in J. Crew Again, Tommy Hilfiger’s East Hampton Store

Happy April Fun Day!

Turning a page on the calendar here at the Prepatorium is always a pleasure this time of year, and today does not disappoint. In keeping with the bright sunshine outside we wanted to share a few updates to some of our favorite collections at the shop.

We start with additions to our Lilly Pulitzer Stationery & Gifts group.  The Stickers & Labels Set matches our springtime mood perfectly!

The set includes 20 sheets of classic Lilly designs, and at only $14 they have turned out to be an excellent little gift. Another perfect present for someone special, the Circle Notes in Mumsie and Animal Crackers.

Lilly Circle Notes

We like the way they are finished off with the perky little grosgrain bows in matching shades of pink.

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Preppy-style retailer J. Crew must be on Cloud 9 today with news of Michelle Obama’s wardrobe choices for her first public appearance in London.

PHOTO: Leon Neal/Pool/Reuters

The First Lady selected Crew’s Dazzling Dots pencil skirt ($158) and the Crystal Constellation Cardigan ($298).

J. Crew Dazzling Dots Skirt

But if you are now making plans for adding the cardigan to your walk-in (it really is a delightful choice for an evening out), we bring you not-such-wonderful news: according to the J. Crew site, the sweater is sold out.

J. Crew Crystal Constellation Cardigan

We do enjoy British narratives on fashion, including the Guardian’s description of the outfit:

“As every girl who shops on the high street knows, it is the accessories that make or break an outfit. Obama did not put a foot wrong in low-heeled animal-skin-print heels and her signature pearls.”

Yesterday Mrs. Obama wore a  custom-made Thakoon coat with grosgrain piping when boarding Air Force One.

PHOTO: Jason Reed/Reuters

Upon arriving in London the First Lady was in a Jason Wu chartreuse silk crepe short sleeve sheath accented by a shawl collar.

PHOTO: Charles Dharapak/AP

The young designer tells WWD he had no idea Mrs. Obama would be wearing another one of his creations.

“Yellow is such a great color, and it’s nice that we are seeing spring right now,” Wu said. “It’s definitely very optimistic.”

We couldn’t be happier to see the First Lady in American designers again; we eagerly await news of her attire for her meeting with the Queen!

One note before we leave this topic: J. Crew is doing another Final Sale promotion, with an additional 30% Off sale prices.

Another word of caution however, this offer is not good at retail or factory stores, and it ends tomorrow (April 2) at midnight.  To receive the discount, use promo code EXTRA30 at checkout.

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Also today, news that Tommy Hilfiger has opened his new store in East Hampton, right on Main Street.

Courtesy Photo via WWD.com

Mr. Hilfiger has only 9 other free-standing shops; this is his first in the Hamptons.  In early March the company held its menswear presentation, announcing an expansion of their tailored clothing offerings.

PHOTO: Kyle Ericksen

Mr. Hilfiger can be seen in the photo, standing in the center, wearing an orange necktie.

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For today’s Adventures in Argyle we share another bit of shameless self-promotion…

PreppyPrincess.com

…using one of our new Ribbon Key Fobs.

PreppyPrincess.com

You select the ribbon of your choice, as well as the webbing.  And to be perfectly crass (again, really, how tasteless can we be?) in discussing prices, let’s just worsen the situation, shall we? These fun and fabulous goodies are a mere $5, offering the perfect pick-me-up gift for just about anyone on your list.

To be completely candid dolls, this is one of those times when we are grateful Great Aunt Molly departed this planet long before seeing us engaged in discussing something as inappropriate as this.  Frankly, the poor woman would be horrified; but then, having a career in tv for all those years didn’t exactly conform to family standards either.

Finally today, a peek at the new Britney Spears marketing poster for her Candie’s Only line at Kohl’s.

Candie's Only at Kohl's

The collection debuts in April. US Weekly will distribute 4 million copies of this poster in their April 15 issue.  Previous “Candie’s Girls” include Avril Lavigne and Hayden Panettiere.

We must apologize, as yesterday we promised photos from the Kate Spade fall collection, and we have just run out of space and time. Tomorrow, we promise-promise-promise!

New Thakoon Line, Preppy on Sale: Brooks Brothers, Hickey Freeman, LL Bean, More

The fashion comet known as Thakoon (formally Thakoon Panichgul) continues to fly high with word he is launching a new line, “Thakoon Addition.”  As seen in the WWD story:

“… a new capsule collection… a supplementary line with May-June and November-December deliveries, which will be inspired by some of the designer’s most popular designs, and sit alongside the main collection. The suggested retail price points for the line will range from about $495 for a top to $825 for dresses.”

This is not connected with the Thakoon for Target Resort collection, now slated to hit stores December 28.  The previous release date was December 25, an absolutely absurd day to launch the line; the 28th is far more reasonable.  Below, one of the looks from that group.

Courtesy Thakoon

The News-Observer (Raleigh-Durham) makes some intriguing observations on the upcoming Target collection:

“His look for Target is J. Crew meets Anthropologie, with a heavy-handed mix of stripes and florals — a look that’s expected to be big for spring. He was generous in using colors traditionally found at J. Crew — where he was once a merchandiser — including canary yellow, Kelly green and navy.”

The writer, Samantha Smith, is always a great read; she also does an excellent blog. It appears fashionistas will see the designer’s work at Target long before knowing if he is doing any Inaugural Day fashions for Michelle Obama, or even Sasha or Malia.

In our ‘Preppy on Sale’ update, Brooks Brothers has substantial inventory in their online Clearance section, including most Handbags and Shoes at 70% off.  They are also doing their Golden Fleece Foundation through tomorrow (Thursday, 12.12.08) night.

Courtesy Brooks Brothers

Shoppers using their Brooks Brothers Platinum MonsterCard MasterCard or  Brooks card will receive a 25% discount on their purchases; those using any other form of payment enjoy a %15 savings.  2% of net sales will be donated to Golden Fleece Foundation which supports charities like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Miss Nautical by Nature, we couldn’t help ourselves – the moment we spotted this we thought of you:

Brooks Brothers Nautical Scarf

Although truth be known, we aren’t seeing this on you.  If anyone finds it appealing,  Brooks has the Nautical Scarf marked down 50%, now $114 from $228.

Banana Republic says they have added new items to their sale; we found the Striped Peacoat Sweater appealing, now $119 from $175.  It looks like it could have a very high snuggle factor.

Banana Republic

LL Bean has added lots of new inventory to their sale and they are also discounting a number of outerwear styles.

LL Bean

Their offer of a $10 Bean gift card with a $50 purchase continues through Dec. 24.

LL Bean

Bergdorf’s is touting their sale, including three pages of Jay Strongwater markdowns.  The Tory Burch Channing Sporty Patent Flat is available in a number of sizes in both khaki and navy (left), and the Kate Spade Sassy Bow ballerina flat is also on sale.

The Penelope clutch from Kooba in either pink or black is now offered at $207, from $295; the Florence Eiseman Pleated Ribbon Dress for 3-9 Months is selling at $82 from $136 (we love the Peter Pan collar and front bow!).

J. Crew continues with what is beginning to seem like the never-ending promotion; we are reluctant to use the word ‘sale,’ as that implies a discount on specific merchandise. This is Crew’s discount predicated upon how much one spends.  J. Crew is also offering free shipping for purchases totaling $100 andmoreonline. Use promo code HOHOHO at checkout.

J Crew

Hickey-Freeman continues their sale, also offer free shipping on internet orders of $100+, with the code GSHOL. The Boy’s Navy Pinstripe is $148.50 from $195, as is the Donegal tweed.  Both are the Madison model, and at these prices one can’t go wrong.

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Hickey-Freeman’s younger, trendier Hickey merchandise also provides significant discounts right now, like the Striped Crew sweater at $82 from $248.

Hickey Striped Sweater

Hart Schafner Marx is in the midst of their Semi-Annual Sale; their cotton/silk sport shirts are $40.50 from $135, absolutely heavenly to the touch.

Hart Schaffner Marx

We are surprised to see they have removed the little promotional box about President-elect Obama from their home page. This is the brand doing the tuxedo for the Inaugural festivities, and they have also done several suits Mr. Obama wears frequently.

And the upscale Bobby Jones line has some very fiscally friendly bargains, items that whisper discreetly, “Take me to your closet!” Women’s Clubs are an additional 25% off, and the Argyle Cardigan in Navy is now $147, from the original selling price of $245.  Their $250 Urban Plaid Pleated Skort is now $75, available in a full range of sizes as of this writing.

Bobby Jones

The Men’s Madras Shorts are now $75 down from $125.

Bobby Jones

Free ground shipping is also included here for orders totaling more than $100, use Promo code GSHOL for the shipping offer.

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We close with an item dedicated to the always-wonderful Third Coast Preppy: the Times says lobster is at its lowest price in 25 years!

PHOTO: Andrew Scrivani for The New York Times

We thought everyone would appreciate that news, as well as the shopping and pricing rationale from the story’s author, Melissa A. Clark:

“I’M a sucker for a sale, the kind of shopper who tallies the amount “saved” rather than spent. My arithmetic goes like this: It makes more sense to buy the $125 cashmere sweater marked down to $95 than to pay full price for the $80 one.”

On that happy thought, until next time!

Thakoon for Target & Gossip Girl Board Game (Seriously.)

Hello-Hello!

We must apologize. Here at the Palace we are woefully behind, and we do not mean simply behind the times from a fashion perspective.  No, we are unforgivably slow in getting several tidbits to readers.  Part of the slowdown is all the last-minute orders we are receiving at the Preppy Princess. (And don’t you miss the personalization deadlines for your favorite lines like Boatman Geller, Whitney English!)

Thus it is that we are about a week behind in sharing the rest of the Thakoon for Target photos with you,  others previously shown in this post, all from the collection launching on December 25th.

Courtesy Target

We are rather fond of the floral coat, even at our decrepit stage of life.

Courtesy Target

The next look is clearly too young for TP, but we know it will flatter all of our readers.  Sigh.

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It all looks fun and flirty, rather what we would expect from the designer.  Thakoon Panichgul, one of Michelle Obama’s favorites, has steadfastly refused to divulge any information he may have on the future First Lady’s Inaugural gown.  We say “good for him!”  Discretion is always the better part of valor.

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We mentioned a Gossip Girl game in our headline and there truly is such a thing:

Courtesy Urban Outfitters

The official name of the game (so to speak) is “Gossip Girl Never Have I Ever Game,” and it is available at Urban Outfitters online.  It is *not* available in their brick and mortar stores.  As described on the website:

“Hey Upper East Siders, it’s time to play a little game. Answer “Never Have I” questions about style, dating, school, family and gossip to win allowance money and become the Queen Bee!”

UrbanOutfitters.com

Categories include School, Style, Dating, Family and Gossip. The cards have photos of the major characters played by Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Chace Crawford & Ed Westwick.

UrbanOutfitters.com

The game is selling for $32 at Urban Outfitters; we did a little poking about and discovered it is also available at Walmart (at least online) for $10.  One can also purchase it at Amazon at $19.98 for a new version; it is referred to by a slightly different name, “Imagination Gossip Girl Board Game” and the company one is actually dealing with is a Florida liquidation firm.  TP thinks there is something odd about all of this. Perhaps plans for marketing the game didn’t go according to plan. 

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Most readers with travel plans that involve sending children separately by air probably already knew this, but we were surprised to learn most airlines are increasing their fees for this service.  (Did that sound odd to you, as though the children were being sent via a cargo carrier?) Northworst Northwest is now charging $100 one-way and United Scare Lines United’s fee is up to $150 from $100.

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A few Pretty in Pink indulgences if you don’t mind, commencing with the Backgammon Travel set from Organize.com:

Organize.com

Our love for that is surpassed only by…

Organize.com

… the TDF Pink and Green Tic Tac Toe set.

On that cheery note, ‘bye until next time!

Another Prep Fashion Faux Pas, Inaugural Updates, AntiPreps

First off, before you read one more word, scoot over here and leave a comment so you are entered in this week’s Great Giveaway, with preppy goodness anyone can win! Leaving a comment about anything you are thankful for = giveaway entry.

Quick headlines of the day, many of which may well be moldy oldies to many of you, but here we go anyway.

The Presidential daughters will be attending Sidwell Friends school; Malia at the Middle School in Northwest DC (the Upper School Building is also here), and Sasha at the Lower School campus that is actually located in Bethesda. Malia is in fifth grade and Sasha in second grade.

PHOTO: Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

The Obamas selected the Quaker school where Chelsea Clinton and Al Gore III received their educations, deciding it was a better fit than Georgetown Day and Maret. For more background, our post here may be helpful.

Newsweek features the future First Lady in their Dec.1 issue, on newsstands today.

PRNewsFoto/NEWSWEEK

And we hear an entire book dedicated to the Michelle Obama style is quickly being put together; former Mademoiselle editor Mandi Norwood is writing the book. It is scheduled for publication sometime next spring by Avon Books.  Coming out even earlier, “Michelle Obama: Meet the First Lady“ is due December 9.

Harper Collins

Written by David Bergen Brophy, the publisher is Harper Collins.

Speculation continues on who will design Michelle Obama’s gown for the Inaugural Balls in January, but we have seen little devoted to basic inauguration day apparel for Michelle Obama and the girls….? Seeing some designs in that genre would be most enjoyable.

That now-famous Thakoon dress worn by Michelle Obama is now officially out of production, at least for the time being.

PHOTO: Mark Wilson/Getty

More sketches for Inaugural gowns are floating about from other designers, including this from Isabel Toledo, done at People magazine’s suggestion, for a story.

Isabel Toledo via People.com

Below, Mrs. Obama in the Isabel Toledo gown worn to a June fundraiser hosted by Anna Wintour (Vogue) and Calvin Klein. Many readers may be familiar with the divine illustrations Ms. Toledo’s husband, Ruben, has done for the Nordstrom catalogues.

PHOTO: AP

And Reem Acra also shared her creativity, again, per People magazine’s request.

Reem Acra via People.com

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We have another entry in the Gwyneth Paltrow Fashion Faux Pas category. While we do not want to appear as though we are unfairly focusing on Ms. Paltrow, her style statements of late are surprising in light of her über-preppy upbringing.

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Above, the actress at the grand re-opening of the remodeled Fontainebleau this weekend. The famed hotel was also home to the Victoria’s Secret fashion show taping.

The always-interesting Styleist blog takes Ms.Paltrow to task for the Antonio Berardi dress she wore (below) to the Two Lovers film premiere in London.

PHOTO: Getty Images

The comments include these:

“We see London, we see France, we see Gwyneth Paltrow in Paris at the premiere of ‘Two Lovers’ wearing another weird dress. Plus we see underpants! And her bra!

Gwyneth frequently comes thisclose to fashion greatness. But then she takes a giant leap off the Cliff of “Odd and Awkward” into the ocean of “Looking at Her Makes Us Wince”. Doesn’t she have any friends? Or a mirror?”

The Victoria’s Secret goings-on alerted us to very frightening news: two Antipreps were in the same place.  At the same time.  Clearly someone neglected to put up the deflector shield.  Mon Dieu.

Exhibit A:

PHOTO: Hans Deryk/Reuters

In case anyone is fortunate enough to *not* recognize this individual, it is TV personality Kim Kardashian; here is our initial post affirming Ms. Kardashian attaining official AntiPrep status.

Next we have Paris Hilton, our very first Anti-prep, as explained here. It could almost be said Ms. Hilton prompted the necessity of an Anti-prep category.  BTW, for those keeping score at home, this is the second such occurrence of dual (dueling?) anti-preps appearing at the same location.

PHOTO: Hans Deryk/Reuters

We apologize for the multiple spellings on antiprep; we just can’t locate the word in our Webster’s and don’t know how to spell it so we can find it when we look things up in the blog.

Until next time!

Obama Inaugural Gown Update, Preps Party at CFDA

Well, here we are again!

The volume of inquiries surrounding plans for the Michelle Obama inauguration gown is increasing; thus today’s additional post.  At last night’s CFDA gala Diane von Furstenberg shared an interesting tidbit, according to a story in today’s online New York magazine: she has submitted sketches for an inugural gown.  And why did she send sketches?

“Well, they asked me to. Of course, everybody has,” she said. “I’m so proud to be an American.”

In the story by Alisa Gould-Simon, the question of a dress for all those Inaugural Balls was put to one of Mrs. Obama’s favorite designers:

Thakoon Panichgul, one of Michelle’s favorite designers, tried to remain elusive when we asked if he’d submitted sketches. “Um … we’ll see what happens,” he said with a devilish smirk.

And the Observer has a headline that will grab the attention of most fashionistas: “Narciso Rodriguez Hoping for a Second Chance to Dress Michelle Obama,”with insight from designer Narciso Rodriguez on one of his designs being worn by Ms. Obama election night:

“She saw that dress and she liked it,” said Narciso Rodriguez, who designed Michelle Obama‘s Election Night dress. “She saw it on the runway, she chose it, I guess from the runway…” He nodded slowly and mouthed “yes” when asked if he’d known in advance that she would wear it.”

Should one be interested in more information about some of the Thakoon designs worn by Ms. Obama, here is a post as well as here. The Observer story includes speculation from those in attendance at the dinner about an inaugural gown:

The young designers of Proenza Schouler approached Mr. Rodriguez. “Did you see Michelle Obama in his dress?” cried Lazaro Hernandez. “Really major!”

“They have a fabulous new bag line,” deflected Mr. Rodriguez. Mr. Hernandez asked if Mr. Rodriguez was designing the inaugural gown. “It would be nice to think so,” he said modestly.

Also in attendance at the CFDA/Vogue gala were Gossip Girl stars Blake Lively (in a dress that didn’t really wow us) …

PHOTO: Scott Gries/Getty

…and Penn Badgley….

PHOTO: Scott Gries/Getty

…along with Tory Burch…

PHOTO: Scott Gries/Getty

and über-preppy couple David Lauren and Lauren Bush…

PHOTO: Scott Gries/Getty

We apologize for being tedious, but we may need to be back one more time again today with our update on Black Friday sales for Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, J. Crew and more.  We’re typing as fast as we can!