Hello-Hello, happy Tuesday, we’re so glad you popped in for a visit, we don’t say that nearly enough. Thank you reading our goofy blog.
Today we begin with a look at something new, at least for us, Crew Clothing.
The company is based in the UK.
Crew carries loads of fascinating styles, the good news is that they ship to the US.
A number of their basics look appealing.
A bit of background on the retailer via Think Local UK:
“Crew started life way back in 1993 when Alistair Parker-Swift found himself running a successful windsurfing company in Devon during the summer, and spending his winters in France as part of England’s ski team.
The brand’s roots are thoroughly planted in the UK coastline, celebrating heritage and history with classic designs.”
To say I am fond of the Gerty Plimsolls (sneakers) would be the understatement of the decade.
The company offers a jacket favored by those inspired by the so-called Gossip Girl look, theirs is the Rowley Blazer.
But anyone seeking upscale dresses and business suits will have to look elsewhere, Crew’s designs are targeted to a casual, outdoor lifestyle. The company also carries a full range of menswear.
The Consort is more-than-fond of his sweatshirts; on a frequent basis rare occasions yours truly has swiped borrowed one or two.
These look like they have a high snuggle factor, we like that. 🙂
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We have a few quick updates, beginning with word that über-prep Gwyneth Paltrow is the new brand ambassador for Coach. The job comes at a propitious time, the company is planning a significant media blitz starting in September, they are celebrating the firm’s 70th Anniversary. Women’s Wear Daily broke the story:
““I grew up in New York City and I’ve always thought of Coach as the quintessential New York brand,” Paltrow said. “I’ll never forget getting my first Coach bag.”
Something else we stumbled upon, new treasures from Nautical Luxuries, a Princess favorite. Below, the Signal Flags Custom Initial Bracelet:
If seeking a more dramatic look, the Code Flag Link Bracelets a different style statement altogether.
If looking for the perfect thank you gift after a week on your friend’s boat, perhaps the Custom Nautical Scarf will fit the bill, these are handpainted to order, you can select up to 20 flags (letters).
A more understated look is found with the Tiny Rope Anchor Earrings from a fabulous shop, Giles and Brother.
Giles & Brother offers other treasures, including the Luck Love and Hope necklace (L) and the Nautilus necklace .
Sadly, we can waste while away more time looking at nautically inclined treasures than we care to admit.
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It’s no secret that we enjoy gazing at chapeaux here at The Prepatorium and Easter Sunday presents prime viewing opportunities; the Royals are top-notch in this department.
From left to right: Princess Eugenie, Sophie Countess of Wessex, Princess Beatrice, Prince Andrew, Tim Lawrence, the Duke of York, Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex and Princess Ann. Below, a better view of the styles worn by Princess Beatrice (L) and Princess Eugenie (R).
Both young ladies are sure to be all dolled up come Friday.
Speaking of Friday, the media has descended en masse for the continuing overkill coverage; we are reveling in every minute, although our schedule has kept those minutes to a minimum. Below, a seaman at HMS Collingwood naval base is photographed; the Royal Navy and Royal Marines will be part of the 1,000+ military personnel lining the route from the Abbey to Buckingham Palace.
At times like this one is forced to take photos of other people taking photos. (We are not being scornful, having directed many others to do the same during our years in the vast wasteland business.)
We’ve not had time to watch much coverage on television, but presume there have been many wide shots of the media village and other facilities created for the wedding. The work put into building adequate structures and technical capabilities has been immense.
The Times has an excellent article about the British celebrities US networks are using in their coverage of the wedding.
“Because every network will be sharing the same camera feeds of the royal wedding on Friday morning, they have competed fiercely to sign up on-air talent in an attempt to make their hours and hours (and hours) of coverage stand out.”
A few bullet points, all from Brian Stelter’s story in the Times:
- ABC’s biggest booking was probably Ms. Nicholl, whose book “William and Harry: Behind the Palace Walls” was published a week before the wedding date was announced.
- ABC’s other contributors will include Tina Brown, the Newsweek and Daily Beast editor; one of Princess Diana’s bridesmaids, India Hicks; and a former press secretary for Prince William, Colleen Harris.
- Mr. Morgan, who is British, said what he wants out of his guests on “Piers Morgan Tonight,” his 9 p.m. show on CNN, are personal stories and anecdotes. He said he would be recalling a private lunch he had with Princess Diana and Prince William when the prince was 13 years old.
We sympathize with anyone covering the event, working with pool feeds creates daunting challenges in terms of distinguishing yourself from competitors. Perhaps the best way a network might differentiate itself from the pack would be to invoke a “less is more” philosophy, minimizing the amount of chatter, allowing the pictures and natural sound to tell a good part of the story.
The Guardian also has a splendid article, talking about the plethora of “royal experts” and some of the alleged “inside information” being bandied about, including one outrageous rumor that Princess Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, would be speaking at this wedding (the ‘Katie’ mentioned below references Ms. Nicholl):
“And so to Katie’s most recent dispatch, which goes big on the fact that “William’s uncle, Charles Spencer … will have no formal role” in the wedding service – though he “had been expected to deliver an address”. Had been expected by whom, you might wonder? Meth addicts? People without access to media since 1986?”
BBC presenter Huw Edwards offers excellent insight on covering the wedding, here are a few tidbits from his post:
- The homework is essential.
- There will be a mountain of paper but most of that will not be accessible when we’re on air.
- Let’s just say it’s a good memory test.
An FYI for readers, you can download the most recent media briefing released by Clarence House, complete with lists of invitees, the seating arrangements at the Abbey, and a very (v-e-r-y) precise schedule detailing exactly who is supposed to be where at what time. Just click here to go to the Official Royal Wedding website.
Below, in preparation of the event an Irish Guardsman is measured last week for his uniform. Guards soldiers just back from Afghanistan are preparing for ceremonial duties, Prince William is the Colonel of the Irish Guards.
Regardless of who is doing the commentary, one must admit no one does pomp and pageantry better than our friends across the sea.
Anyone tasked with working on preparations will tell you it is all in the details.
Tilly was intrigued by Conmael, an Irish Wolfhound and mascot for the unit.
We leave you with a few images from the last royal wedding receiving this kind of attention.