Sneak Peek at Narciso Rodriguez for eBay

Hello-Hello, did everyone manage to rest and rejuvenate this weekend? We hope so, this first week in February can be ever-so-dreary.

We begin with a look at the new Narciso Rodriguez line to be sold on eBay. That is not a typo or our Newzheimers kicking in, the designer really is opening an eBay store.

Some may recall initial news about the line when we originally mentioned it in September of last year.  The acclaimed designer is collaborating with eBay on a small collection, only eight pieces in total.

Women’s Wear Daily has an early look at the line:

“…more relaxed, accessible versions of the designer’s graphic classics, at considerably lower prices ($75 for a T-shirt; $350 for the reversible cotton coat).”

Here are a few more of George Chinsee’s photos from WWD’s story.

The Rodriguez eBay store is slated to open February 15.

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We take a very quick look at a category we rarely venture into, ladies’ unmentionables. (Gasp!)  Some experts believe the lingerie market is bouncing back along with many other retail sectors.

PHOTO: Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

Above, Tommy Hilfiger’s cotton flannel sleepshirt and microfiber bra/undies for  next fall, below, a DKNY sleepwear look for fall/winter.

PHOTO: Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

The DKNY could easily be today’s Pretty in Pink.

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We move on to a topic many readers are already familiar with, the upcoming release of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland.

Disney

This is the 3-D version with Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter; some might say “Not your mother’s Alice.”

The marketing bonanza tied into the movie is well underway, today we have a glance at several pieces by designer Tom Binns, beginning with his Shattered Teacups necklace.

Tom Binss via High Snobette

We found these images at High Snobette, the site has scads of photos from the line. Next, what we’re calling the “Off With Their Heads” necklace.

Tom Binns via High Snobette

Below, an amazing charm bracelet by Mr. Binns.

Tom Binns via High Snobette

The Los Angeles Times has more about the two lines Mr. Binns is doing:

“One is the six-piece, higher-priced, limited-edition Tom Binns for Walt Disney Signature collection (which will sell in the $1,000 to $2,000 range), and the other is a less expensive ($100 to $500) 35-piece Tom Binns for Disney Couture collection…  Both are slated to roll out for spring 2010.”

The film opens March 5.

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Another PIP (Pretty in Pink) to ponder, the first in a series of new ads from Saks Fifth Avenue.

Gilles Bensimon for Saks Fifth Avenue

The Chanel dress and pumps look just delightful; to see an entire behind the scenes album showing how the ad was shot, pop over and visit the Saks Facebook page. (If feeling neighborly, do say hello to TP as well!)

We close with one more Pretty in Pink item, the Handbag Charm from Tiffany.

Tiffany & Co.

Frequent readers may recall our attachment to charms, whatever their composition, and this one is no exception.

With that, we say adieu until next time!

Tory Burch & The Snuggie at Fashion Week, 2 Designer eBay Collections

Hello-Hello everyone, hopefully the sun is shining as brightly at your palace as it is here, there is nary a cloud in the sky, it is simply gorgeous.

Because we feel required to bring readers as much fashion news as humanly possible (ahem), and because we do take this responsibility ever-so-seriously (double ahem), we begin today’s post with something you are unlikely to find elsewhere:

PHOTO: JasonDeCrow/AP

Oh yes indeedy, TP is sharing these not-quite-exclusive photos from the Snuggie show at Fashion Week.  We ask, where else will you see shots of not only an adult Snuggie, but a pink one for your pooch?

PHOTO: Jason DeCrow/AP

Look at this amazing photo from backstage – the anticipatory excitement is palpable. Can you feel it?

PHOTO: Jason DeCrow/AP

The show was held at the Park Avenue Hotel (oh my!), and forced fashion mavens to make an exceptionally difficult decision: how does one choose between this amazing event and the Mulberry or Brian Reyes shows?

PHOTO: Jason DeCrow/AP Photo

For those seeking more on the collection this review from WNBC offers some insight:

“As for the styles, the runway looks ranged from simple-and-classic — basic blue and even bone-colored pieces — to animal-print sexy.”

PHOTO: Jason DeCrow/AP

Don’t let it be said we don’t share the joy here at the Prepatorium, nay-nay, meeting your every fashion and style need is our goal. Indeed.

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Readers know we also try and meet those goals by sharing photos of the fashionistas from that faux-prep school show Gossip Girl. Below, Blake Lively was on hand for the Marchesa show.

PHOTO: Steve Eichner/WWD

As always, the gowns at Marchesa were exquisite:

PHOTO: Kyle Ericksen/WWD

Party frocks extraordinaire from a firm that knows design, draping and drama, and executes all of them perfectly.

How about this for a stroll down the aisle?

PHOTO: Kyle Ericksen

And while much too chic for us, we’ll say this is a Pretty in Pink for today, it is one stunning gown.

PHOTO: Kyle Ericksen/WWD

Also yesterday, Leighton Meester heads into the 3.1 Phillip Lim show.

PHOTO: Eric Thayer/Reuters

Ms. Meester also attended the Proenza Schouler show; we share a group of looks from that collection as put together at Time.

PHOTOS: Slaven Vlasic/Getty via Time.com

Next, Time’s collage of Narciso Rodriguez pieces for next spring.

PHOTOS: Frazer Harrison/Garrison via Time

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Perhaps of more interest to our readers – the Tory Burch presentation yesterday.

As described by the Times:

“Tory Burch received a lot of retail love on Wednesday as the chiefs of Saks, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus, along with their buying teams, gathered…”

We found some styles appealing, and others just so-so.

The Journal also had rave reviews for the collection:

“The jammed tent was further proof of Ms. Burch’s buzz as well as her business savvy. She worked the crowd from her spot at the end of the runway, warmly greeting those in attendance. She did leave her station, however, to take Anna Wintour on a tour of her collection.”

PHOTO: George Chinsee/WWD

More from the Journal review:

“The outfits were her usual mix of infinitely wearable pieces, with her penchant for preppy and love of tribal both well represented. A floral jumpsuit, with bright tulips set against a navy background, as well as a coral suit, set the tone for spring.”

This blouse reminded us of a paper lantern:

PHOTO: George Chinsee/WWD

We are clearly not in the know, as we thought some styles were neither ‘preppy’ or ‘tribal’:

PHOTO: George Chinsee

But then, we only managed one year of fashion study in college before moving on and our knowledge of the topic is scant compared to that of those writing for the trades and the major newspapers covering the industry. (Pssst, we actually have an interest in trying on the leather skinny pants, however non-preppish they may be!)

We thought some looks oozed comfy, snuggly, casual fun.

PHOTO: George Chinsee/WWD

The neutral palette seemed subdued for spring and summer, but it also affords many pieces a longer and more versatile life.  Here is our favorite part of the Journal’s review:

“The only glimpse of her signature ‘T’ logo—the one that she plastered on her ballet flats and that made her a designer for the masses—was on a select number of purses.”

That is news of a logotastic sort.

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There is more big news out of Fashion Week: a second designer will launch a collection on eBay.  First we had news that Narciso Rodriguez plans an 8-piece capsule collection to be sold next spring.

And today news broke via Women’s Wear Daily that Norma Kamali will also sell a line on eBay, with pieces priced under $250.  This is in addition to the collection she already does for Walmart, NK for Walmart.

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Very quickly before we fly, two shameless pieces of self-promotion, beginning with news that our Whitney English notesheets made the October O List!

And the second item is merely a reminder to enter our Giveaway for a free personalized Preppy Platter or Plate!

PreppyPrincess.com

Ideal as a gift, for the holidays, or anytime, these are fun, durable, and dishwasher-safe.

PreppyPrincess.com

Click here to join the fun and enter before midnight tonight (9.17.09), we announce the winner tomorrow!

PreppyPrincess.com

Also tomorrow, the Polo Ralph Lauren show and more prepalicious fun from Fashion Week.

Gossip Girls & Guys at Fashion Week, Preppy Nail Polish?

It is a grand and glorious day, despite the wild wind outside and prospect of more s-n-o-w. Bleh. But it is warm and bright here in the corner condo at Princess Intergalactic HQ, we are doing all we can to create our own sunshine!

While it is always fun to look at the styles being shown at New York Fashion Week, it is even more fun to share a philanthropic story about the goings-on in the city.  In conjunction with the opening of his new flagship store on Fifth Avenue, Giorgio Armani donated $1 million to the Fund for Public Schools in New York.

PHOTO: Diane Bondareff/AP

That is news that brings a smile to this camper’s face, it is wonderful to see anyone sharing like this.

One could almost term the celebrities ubiquitous at the gala celebrating the store’s opening, including one of our favorites, January Jones of Mad Men.

PHOTO: Steve Eichner

Gossip Girl actor Chace Crawford makes another Fashion Week appearance:

PHOTO: Evan Agostini/AP

Also at the festivities, designer Thom Browne, he of Brooks Brothers Black Fleece fame.

PHOTO: Steve Eichner

Mr. Browne is also known for the length (or lack thereof) of the pants in his men’s suit designs.  Mayor Bloomberg and Caroline Kennedy joined Mr. Armani as part of the ceremony marking the designer’s donation to the City’s schools.

PHOTO: Evan Agostini/AP

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We mentioned Thom Browne above; it reminds us of the sneakers he designed along with Converse for the fabulous French store, Colette.

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Other Gossip Girls stars were spotted at varying shows. First, Taylor Momsen at Anna Sui.

PHOTO: Stephen Lovekin/Getty

Also seen, Leighton Meester in attendance at Proenza Schouler.

PHOTO: Andrew H. Walker/Getty

Ms. Meester appears to be sporting a new do, with bangs!

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The Tommy Hilfiger show was this morning; we will effort more photos later today, in tomorrow’s post at the latest. This grouping is from a just-published story in the Telegraph.

PHOTO COLLAGE: Getty Images via The Telegraph

You know that TP is simply ga-ga over the pink coat. Below, four more looks from this morning’s show.

PHOTO COLLAGE: Getty Images via The Telegraph

We shall have additional photos as promised. We intend to do the same with another prep-style designer, Tory Burch, who showed her Fall 2009 collection yesterday.

PHOTO: Imaxtree

According to this story from the WWD staff, the designer has shifted her approach:

“Tory Burch is trading in her sandals and ballet flats for a pair of ready-to-rumble combat boots. This season, she’s gone streetwise and edgy.”

Here is one more style:

PHOTO: Giovanni Giannoni

The WWD story cautions those fond of a little more tailored or conservative look not to be alarmed by the edgier pieces. Apparently the collection also includes designs more familiar to the Tory Burch customer.

Actually, Ms. Burch was in the front row at a show herself, viewing Narciso Rodriguez yesterday.

PHOTO: Steve Eichner

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Because we attempt to keep an eye on all things prepatitious (?), we thought we’d share the following with you from this post at the Fashion Matters blog:

“Anyway, Orly has introduced new spring colors for its Prepster Collection.  Prepster. Preppie. Get it?”

We are loving the names for the different colors, they are fun and witty:

• Prim & Proper – lavender shimmer
• Tennis Anyone? – nude crème
• OMG – fuchsia pink crème
• Polo Princess – pastel pink crème
• Country Club Khaki – taupe crème
• Cashmere Cardigan – iris blue crème

Below, a closer look at Polo Princess, courtesy of the always-ahead-of-the-trend Katee at the E-Polish blog.

Courtesy E-Polish Blog

We simply have to ask: what name do you fancy the most?

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We share a little piece of heaven we just got in, part of our Lilly Pulitzer stationery and gift line here at the Princess. Below, the Take Note Mousepad:

Lilly Pulitzer at PreppyPrincess.com

This is too fun in the pink and green Cabanarama pattern, a standard size mousepad topped with a pad of paper! (And all for only $15, who can beat that?!)

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The always-wonderful Ronda at All the Best shared some insight today about this poster, long a favorite of ours.

The message just says it all, don’t you think?  We’ll close on that thought dolls, we hope your day is splendid!

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

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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.

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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?)

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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!

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!