A.P.C. Madras Collection, Target’s Online Only Nautical Fabulosity

Hello-Hello and Happy Almost Weekend! Yippee! The sun and warmer temperatures have never felt better, and we hope to finish our work in time to be outside enjoying the springy weather.

At the risk of violating personal TMI standards, we share the following only because we must apologize for yesterday’s hideous post. Our only excuse? We were coping with another one of these:

Fortunately it has departed, and we are now merely dealing with the daily frenzy that is standard here at the Prepatorium. And we must tell you, we are simply awash in new merchandise! While it is loads of fun, it can also be borderline overwhelming, or as GAM (Great Aunt Molly) might say, my goodness-gracious-sakes-alive! (We promise, we will share one of the new items in a bit, from a great new line that we are ever-so-excited about!)

Now, many readers may already be aware of this tidbit, but if not, we bring good news – TheOutnet.com is online and open for business!

TheOutnet.com

Created by Natalie Massenet, founder of Net-a-Porter, the new site “…will offer previous-season items from more than 200 designers, with steep discounts of up to as much as 80 percent…” In fact, we’ll use a couple of Outnet items for today’s Pretty in Pink.  For your perusal on the left: the Milly Dress (originally $355, now $177.50), and on the right, Chloé’s Ines Clutch (originally $1380, now $690).

New merchandise is scheduled to hit the site every Tuesday and Thursday – happy hunting!

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Next, our thanks to the always-on-top-of-things High Snobiety for tipping us to the new Madras Collection at A.P.C.

Once again the line offers outstanding choices with clean lines and .

A.P.C. Madras Collection

The entire collection is made in India, and is top-notch in terms of quality.

Just another reason we are grateful that A.P.C. ships to the US!

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For madras that inflicts a tad less damage to one’s pocketbook, we turn to our good friends at Target. Below, the Merona® Patchwork Madras Skirt in blue, now offered at $19.99.

Merona Skirt at Target

Also in plaid at Target, the Women’s Zulima Plaid Rain Boots are a great value at only $24.99.

They look like a lot of fun, oui?

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Yesterday we shared a few of the nautically-inclined treasures we discovered online, but did not get  anywhere close to posting them all. Next, this Anchor Necklace from the fine design minds at Giles and Brother.

Giles & Brother

We are guessing the one and only Nautical by Nature is well aware of our next item, Target’s Nautical Shaped Plate Set.

Target

Initially we thought these would be melamine, but upon reading the description discovered they are actually earthenware; they are also dishwasher-safe.

This next line is so delightful we are tempted to add it to our china closet. Seriously. The Nantucket Cocktail Plates are only available online, and at only $19.99 for the set, we are guessing the set of 4 porcelain plates will go quickly.

Nantucket Cocktail Set

In fact, that plate set just might qualify as Prepalicious. What do you think dolls…is it out of this world enough?

Our final nautical item also hails from the Boutique (Target); we offer the Nantucket Floating Whale Salt & Pepper.

Nantucket Whale S&P at Target.com

A word of caution: don’t look for this item in stores either as it is another online only item.

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We promised to share an item from our new line; below, the Personal Size Boat Tote.

Boat Totes at PreppyPrincess.com

At 12″ x 9″ x 5″ these are an excellent size. One feature we really liked when initially considering them was the detachable matching strap one can use to convert the tote to a shoulder bag, a bit of versatility we thought was a nice addition to make this just a step above the basic tote. These are heavy cotton canvas that can really take a beating, equipped with a zip top to safely keep things inside, another plus as ‘handbag mishaps’ are not unheard of for TP.

Best of all? We managed to price the bags at only $15. This is the smallest of the sizes we are carrying, thus the ‘Personal Size’ moniker; we promise the larger size bags will be equally outstanding values. We are proud of the fact we have found a way to offer our totes at prices that are better than those of the two big guys! (You know who we mean.)

With that, we are off and out the door, sending smiles your way and hopes your weekends are spectacular!

Spring Goodies and ‘BritPrep’ Arrives on the Scene

Hello-Hello everybody, and Happy Weekend!

There is an old saying that those of us living in the Great Midwest enjoy two, not four, seasons: there is winter, and then there is the construction season. And while the adage isn’t entirely true, we acknowledge succumbing to a raging case of Spring Fever Friday, a syndrome most difficult to contain and almost impossible to control.

With that in mind, we are excited to share some of the new treasures here at The Princess!  We begin with our new Seaworthy Collection, its style enhanced by nautical influences. Below, the Beach House placemats in authentic madras….

We love them because they are 100% cotton, just fine in the washing machine, and they are also reversible, providing two looks for the price of one!  Of course there are matching napkins in a snappy red stripe, or the matching blue stripe.

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The Sailor’s Knot Napkin Rings add a great touch.

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Also new to our little shop, the One, Two, Three Lilly Pad from our Lilly Pulitzer Stationery & Gifts collection.

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Here is help for those struggling with different lists, as this is actually three separate notepads under one cover. Labeled Home, Work & Play, we are more than hopeful these might help TP improve her organizational skills here at the Palace!

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Next on our list, a question about an issue we have struggled with for several days. The challenge isn’t our reluctance to ask for your opinion. Rather, it is because the issue itself is the nature of the photograph that actually *is* the issue. Obviously you will understand why we find it vulgar, but even that isn’t the issue. Anyone opening a fashion magazine in the last several years is familiar with the Marc by Marc Jacobs print campaigns.

DAISY LOWE PHOTOGRAPHED BY JUERGEN TELLER

Here is our question: Is this appropriate for the hypothetical readers of Teen Vogue?  That’s all. We are merely attempting to determine the level of our fuddy-duddyness; are we over the top finding this not proper for inclusion in a magazine targeted at that particular demo? We are ever-so-appreciative-in-advance for your candid comments and insight.

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Many readers know a fave read of ours is The Luxist, with a finger firmly on the pulse of all things posh.  Recently they took a look at Barbour and their efforts to expand their customer base with a collection named BritPrep.  The Luxist’s Jared Paul Stern fills us in:

“So what exactly is “Britprep”? According to Barbour, the look is not quite as clean and crisp as American Preppy. Simple, stylish, and contemporary, the collection “pays particular attention to fashion, color and tradition capturing the essence of ‘Britishness.'”

Courtesy Barbour via Luxist.com

The new line looks as if it may offer some intriguing possibilities for one’s walk-in.  TP has always adored Barbour; for decades they adhered quietly to their own fine standards, with exquisite attention to detail, very much like the old Abercrombie & Fitch. (The current company using the A&F name bears no resemblance whatsoever to its predecessor. None.)

Another look:

Courtesy Barbour via Luxist.com

The only fly in the ointment, so to speak? There are pieces sure to induce a serious bout of  Logophobia:

“Barbour has never really gone in for logos, but with the Britprep collection (above) they’re employing a new crest. Unlike designers who invent crests, it’s an authentic bit of heraldry deriving from the original Barbour family coat of arms originating in Galloway, Scotland.

Courtesy Barbour via Luxist.com

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On a lighter note, we wanted to share another addition to the When Pink Goes Bad gallery:

Dr. Martens at Zappos.com

Don’t be worried about missing out on these dolls, they are available in an amazing array of colors, and sizes.

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In other news, word that ANTM (we have finally figured this acronym out and are feeling ever-so-hip, it is America’s Next Top Model) is also doing apparel. The tip for this comes from one of our fave daily blog reads, All the Rage at the LA Times website, and apparently the collection can be found at Wal-mart.

PHOTO: Wal-mart via All the Rage

We presume you will sleep better this evening knowing this is available. (Ooooh, the Princess is a Crankenstein!)

We must fly, but hope you have a splendid spring weekend!