Lilly Pulitzer’s Home Store Experiment, Serious Party Frocks & Pooches on Parade

Hello-Hello, welcome to another wacky week here at the Prepatorium, when all manner of things seem to be happening at the same time.

We begin with word that Lilly Pulitzer is going to experiment with a new type of store altogether, one that the company is going to try out in Raleigh, NC. Here is more from the News Observer’s story:

“The store will be a Lilly Pulitzer Lifestyle Store, the first Lilly Pulitzer store in the country to sell home and fashion items under one roof. It will be similar to stores from companies such as Anthropologie that put different kinds of merchandise in one outlet.”

Below, pieces from the soon-to-debut Lilly Pulitzer Furniture line via Dovecote Decor.

Photo via Dovecote Decor

According to the story putting apparel & accessories right alongside the new home furnishings collection from HFI is a test; we presume that if it is successful the practice will be replicated in other locations.

Via Dovecote Decor

On the surface it makes a great deal of sense, allowing the company to display even a few items from what is an *enormous* furniture collection of 200+ pieces alongside its iconic clothing and accessories.  We may have to impose upon our friends in the area to do a little investigating once this is up and running, hello, Adventures of a Southern Newlywed?

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We move now to Fashion Week, with a look at Jason Wu’s wonderful RTW styles for this fall.

GoRunway.com via Style.com

While the notion of dealing with anything for fall is anathema, the tailoring in this collection is simply stunning. Below, just a few of the designer’s gorgeous party frocks.

GoRunway.com via Style.com

The word exquisite comes to mind.

GoRunway.com via Style.com

Here is a closer look at the incredible fabric used on one of the gowns.

Via

Bliss.

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In Friday’s post we promised a look at the Fall/Winter styles from Nautica, a Princess fave.

Via Fashionising.com

As with all collections, the company invokes its nautical roots. Designer Chris Cox said his inspiration for the collection was Sleeping Bear Dunes on Lake Michigan.

Via Fashionising.com

From WWD’s review:

“Never forsaking the brand’s DNA, he transformed an archival peacoat into a form-fitting, elongated version, trimmed the suits to give them a fresh and modern feel and added several wool toggle coats for those crisp evenings at the boathouse.”

Via The Fashionisto.com

The presentation was staged to look like a waterside setting, pulled off rather successfully IOHO.

Via Fashionising.com

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Because it’s not enough to have all of the nonsense mentioned above going on, it’s also time for this.

Westminster Kennel Club

You know we simply have to share a few reminders that Westminster is underway.

Seth Wenig/AP

The spots underneath those stripes belong to Mia, a Dalmation entered in this year’s show.  Below, Nicole the Basset Hound.

Tina Fineberg/AP

(Tilly is curious, wondering how Nicole can sit that way?)

Of course, the Westminster show means it was also time for the Pre-Westminster Fashion Show.

PHOTO: Natasha Ryan via Metromix

There is always an amazing array of styles, from both a canine and costume perspective.

PHOTO: Natasha Ryna via Metromix

It can be difficult to see where the pooch ends and the owner begins.

PHOTO: Natasha Ryan via Metromix

It seems not everyone was happy to see this on their social calendar.

PHOTO: Natasha Ryan via Metromix

Tilly is worried her vision of sartorial splendor isn’t quite up to snuff.

Tilly Models Her Favorite Sweatshirt

You can guess what category she’ll be watching.

Westminster Kennel Club

Television coverage begins this evening at 8pm on USA, switching to CNBC from 9-11pm; that schedule is repeated tomorrow night.

We hope to be back tomorrow with more, but it may be Wednesday before we can dig out from the mess that is the desk. Sigh. So we leave you with a Fashion Week photo selected with a few friends in mind (Preppy 101? Miss Julie?):

Mike Coppola/Getty

Yes, Mad Men’s Jon Hamm has been out and about at Fashion Week, in this case he was looking at fall styles by Rag & Bone.

Friday Fun & Fashion Week

Hello-Hello, we are ever-so-tickled that it is Friday, the promise of a slightly more relaxed pace over the weekend holds great appeal.

As we have mentioned, Fashion Week is officially underway, kicking off Wednesday with the Heart Truth Red Dress Collection. The fashion show is part of the month-long effort to raise awareness about heart disease, the #1 killer of women.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images/Heart Truth Red Dress

Above we show Denise Richards, Dita Von Teese and Suzanne Somers.  Below, Julianne Hough in a Swarovski embellished gown.

Here is more on the event:

“….reminds women of the need to protect their heart health and inspires them to take action. Each February since its launch, The Red Dress symbol has come to life on the runway with the support of the fashion industry and celebrity models at the Red Dress Collection Fashion Show.”

The scene backstage before the show officially started:

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Below, several people attending the Red Dress event, left to right, Kat DeLuna, Bill Rancic and Matthew McConaughey.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Is it just us, or do all three people in that photo look a little… off?

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One can always look forward to a full slate of social events tied to NYFW, including the amfAR gala headlined by President Clinton Wednesday night. Below left we see the President’s daughter Chelsea, as well as Gossip Girl actress Blake Lively in Alexander McQueen.

One of last night’s hot tickets was GQ’s menswear bash at the oh-so-chic Ace Hotel.  Ms. Lively’s co-star Penn Badgley was in attendance at that party, along with Tommy Hilfiger and Jessica Alba.

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Shifting our attention back to actual fashions, we offer a few images from yesterday’s Steven Alan show.

Catwalking via NYTimes.com

Before offering any bloviations thoughts about the styles, it should be said that we seem to be having a bit of a Crankenstein moment; the words ‘fall fashion’ bring to mind images of wintry weather, and the very. last. thing. we want to see are runways overflowing with fall colors, fabrics and designs. We are eager to embrace the bright, vibrant colors of spring, not autumn’s earth tones. (Insert ‘harrumph,’ crossed arms and world class pout here.)

Back to the Steven Alan show, described by several reviewers as “rugged preppy,” the pieces are always cut with classic lines and also very well constructed. We generally find lots to like when seeing this line, but just didn’t have that reaction this time.

Catwalking via NYTimes.com

The Spring 2011 line seemed far more appealing, if interested in seeing that collection in its entirety, click here for the lookbook.

Wondering what models do when it is time to hurry up and wait?

Jessica Rinaldi/Reuters

Fashion Week crowd shots are always entertaining, here is one that caught our eye:

Timothy A. Clary/AFP

In the “will they never learn?” category, we take a peek at yesterday’s Christian Siriano show. Below we see model Alexa Chung with actresses Gabrielle Union and Mena Suvari at the show.

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for IMG

In speaking to the ‘will they never learn?’ issue, a look at the shoes; keep in mind Mr. Siriano is an experienced footwear designer with several collections for Payless under his belt.

From Fashionista:

“It was like Christian went a little too overboard trying to balance the chiffon and floral theme with big angry shoes. I love a big shoe, but it’s time to take it down a notch, never mind the peril to the models.”

The peril?

AP Photo

One of several models losing the struggle with the sky-high shoes. More from Fashionista:

“The shoes at Christian Siriano’s show were killer. No, that’s not a compliment. They nearly killed at least four models. One girl took a tumble and multiple others tripped, faltered, or stumbled; one was so completely irritated by them that she took them off during the finale walk in a huff.”

While it is unlikely any of Mr. Siriano’s work will ever be seen here at The Prepatorium, we do admire his talent, below, two gowns from the designer’s fall line.

Our final NYFW shot today is from a show just about to get underway, Nautica, this image is from the company’s Twitter photo stream.

Courtesy Nautica

That is model Ryan Carney getting ready backstage before the presentation, we look forward to sharing more from this collection Monday.

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We have a quick update for those asking about Verizon iPhone 4 cases: our personalized Clairebella cases are now offered for that phone. 🙂

PreppyPrincess.com

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We leave you with two items qualifying as Friday Fun, the first comes via the Shiny Sheet, the paper mentioned a segment on Lilly Pulitzer vintage fashions airing in today’s Martha Stewart show, this fab photo accompanied the story.

Via Palm Beach Daily News Shiny Sheet

That is Ms. Pulitzer in the amazing pink headdress, she is wearing one of her own designs at a 1968 party she hosted.  A reminder that the show now airs on the Hallmark Channel, and while it aired this morning at 10am, we presume it will be repeated at some point.

Our other item is also a Pretty in Pink:

Via NetCarShow

Do you think it would make an acceptable Prepmobile? (Heh, heh, heh.)

Until next time, we hope everyone is able to enjoy a restful, restorative weekend.

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Payless
• Andrew H. Walker/Getty
• Jamie McCarthy/WireImage

Friday Fun of The Mostly Nautical Kind

Hello everyone, and welcome to a Friday; we hope everyone’s weekend looks promising, may there be no colossal weather events besetting any of our cherished readers.

Today we focus on springlike things in an effort to remind ourselves that the warmer temps and the next season are really just six weeks away (revisionist math it appears), we start with a darling item from the folks at Sperry:

Sperry Top-sider

That is one of the cutest key chains we have ever seen, the Original Boat Shoe Key Chain is available online for only $10; this one clearly peaks the Cute-o-Meter in the red zone.

Keeping our focus on a kinder, gentler Mother Nature, we bring you a few images shot for Nautica’s spring advertising campaign, we love the madras.

The nautical influences Nautica built its brand upon are evident throughout the collection.

Nautica’s spring collection is now online, below we show the Anchors Aweigh Polo for girls and the Anchors Onesie for infants.

Images from Nautica’s spring campaign may be viewed at the company’s flickr photo stream.

Nautica

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In keeping with the seaside theme we want to show off some of our newest goodies here at The Prepatorium, our line of Sailor Bags. Made out of real sailcloth, the bags are almost indestructible and come with a lifetime guarantee. First, the classic Duffel Bags.

PreppyPrincess.com

Made from double-layered sailcloth, these have a waterproof liner and are loaded with pockets on the inside, plus a quick access pocket on the outside.

There is also a smaller, personal-size ‘Duffel Purse‘.

PreppyPrincess.com

The Insulated Cooler Bags are outstanding.

PreppyPrincess.com

Available in 8-pack to 24-pack size, the Coolers run $37 to $64. We like the outside pockets on these, as well as the velcro handle wrap.

PreppyPrincess.com

All of our Sailor Bag merchandise may be personalized for an additional $12 charge.

No one will be surprised to hear that yours truly is interested in many items from this collection, including the Tote Bags.

Of particular note for those carrying lunch and other edibles to and from the office or school, the Lunch Bags ($29) offer a wider mouth to handle some of those take-out and plastic containers we all use now and again. The lining also pulls completely out for easier cleaning, and the handy outer pocket is ideal for silverware, condiments, and other necessities.

PreppyPrincess.com

There is also a Lunch Sack ($20) for those not requiring quite as much room.

PreppyPrincess.com

There are loads of other goodies on the site now (the poor Consort, he has been madly typing his little fingers to the bone getting these online) with more on the way, we do love this line.

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While sailcloth bags are ideal any time of the year, we move back to springtime goods from Coach, promoting new its new pieces, such as the Alexis Tattersall Trench.

Coach

Frequent readers are aware of our incessant whining distaste for the heavily logoed merchandise Coach has pushed the last decade, but there are some solid possibilities for the younger set in the spring group. The Poppy Spring Blazer is rather interesting.

Coach

Also appealing, the Emma Blazer in black and fuchsia, if one can overlook the insignia on the pocket.

The classic lines accented by the lapel, pocket & cuff trim evokes a prep-school style.  The Tyler Flat is promising in two new colorways.

We remain fond of the Poppy Enamel Bow Bangle, here is the newest version.

Coach

On that fun and whimsical image, we say g’bye until next time!

The Nautical Look for Spring 2010

Hello and greetings on a sunny Tuesday!

We have heavy volunteer commitments today, so we are making it One Topic Tuesday! Our subject is a favorite topic here at the Prepatorium, the nautical look. From the trend-spotters over at Women’s Wear Daily:

“Anchors aweigh! Nautical-inspired looks are always springtime favorites, but this season, designers are adding an unexpected twist to the classics, from tops with playful sequin stripes to sexy strapless dresses.”

Included in the story, the Sperry Top Sider and a trench from Nautica. (NOTE: Many of these pieces are not yet available for purchase, we have tried to note those that are currently selling.)

Next, a look from Tommy Hilfiger on the left, and a Navy/Creme Knit Dress from Thread Social. (The entire Spring 2010 Collection is available for purchase now, here is the link.)

Handbags exhibiting nautical traits are always popular here at the Prepatorium.  Below left, Nautica’s anchor bag, and the Eric Javits Squishee Mini Shopper is on the right. (Don’t you simply love that name? It just rolls off the tongue!)

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The Squishee comes in a fabulous selection of colors:

Also very appealing, the Rebecca Taylor sweater (L) and a Jones New York Signature sweater.

Jones New York Signature is showing a number of similar looks on their site right now for those interested, including the Nautical Stripe Sweater and the Rope Neck Tunic.

Not seen in the WWD story, this cute Condiment Set at Le Boutique Targèt.

And while finding it to be just darling, the Cute-o-meter might be peaking in the red zone with the Nautical Bath Collection at Target.

With that we say g’bye until next time!

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Adventures in Argyle, Preppy Sales and Savings

Hello-Hello, greetings for another week!

We have several Sales and Savings to report today; some may be repetitious but we thought they bore a second run, beginning with Brooks Brothers.

Brooks has taken significant markdowns on many items, including several pieces that definitely qualify as Adventures in Argyle.

The Merino Argyle Cardigan is now $117.60 ($168), and on the right we have the Cashmere Argyle cardigan, now $208.60 (originally $298).  Both seemed to be available in almost all sizes as of this writing.

The Country Club Mini-Argyle crew sock is now $16 (originally $40) and the Cotton Argyle Anklet now $6 ($15); both are offered in a variety of colorways.

As The Consort has been heard to say: “You can’t go wrong with a good pair of socks from Brooks Brothers.”

Not on sale at Brooks, but definitely worthy of a mention, the St. Jude Collection, including the Brooksie ™ Bear.

Courtesy Brooks Brothers

The retailer is donating $5 from the sale of each bear to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. There are several other items in this collection at Brooks Brothers, all with a portion of sales going to the hospital and research center.

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Also offering a sizable selection of Sale merchandise, Lacoste; the hat originally ($45, now $24.99) and gloves (originally $40, now $27.99) shown below definitely qualify as Pretty in Pink.

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Over at Bergdorf, their semi-annual sale is underway.

J. Crew continues their ‘holiday sale‘:

One item of note: Crew is also offering 20% off all orders of $150 or more; use promo code INSIDER at checkout. This is online only and ends Wednesday night (the 18th) at midnight.

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Nautica has a solid selection of discounted merchandise in their online Sale section.  We simply adore the Girls Anchor Print Skirt is now $14.99, originally it sold at $30. We also like the Girls Signal Flag polo.

Two things we fell in love with: the Baby Anchor Print Hoodie (now $14.99) and the Baby Dreamer Sweater Coat (now $21.99)

The item that really sent us over the moon? The Infant Plaid Trim Onesie.

If that doesn’t qualify as Prepalicious we don’t know what will; it is off the charts on the Cute-o-meter. (It is also only $9.99.)

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We have an update to the Jimmy Choo for H & M post from Friday: it was bedlam at most H&M stores when the collection went on sale Saturday.  In Vancouver shoppers camped outside the store.

Vancouver Sun

From a MarketWatch story:

“…the greater part of both Choo’s ladies’ and men’s collections sold out…. Even in Madrid, the epicenter of one of Europe’s most recession-battered economies, plenty of women and men could be seen toting glossy blue H&M bags Saturday afternoon.”

Below, Gossip Girl star Michelle Trachtenberg was among those shopping the H&M on Fifth this weekend.

Rob Loud/Getty Images

Speaking of Gossip Girl, many of Ms. Trachtenberg’s costars were seen at last night’s private screening of ‘The Private Lives of Pippa Lee‘.

Blake Lively was at the screening, along with Keanu Reeves, Julianne Moore, Robin Wright Penn, director Rebecca Miller and Zoe Kazan.

Jemal Countess/Getty Images

Many of the actress’s G2 costars were also in attendance, including Chace Crawford.

Jemal Countess/Getty Images

And real-life sweetheart Penn Badgley was on hand as well.

Jemal Countess/Getty Images

The film has a November 27 release date.