Neiman Marcus Says Goodbye to eBay, Targét + Lauren Bush Lauren = Collaboration

Hello and happy start of a new week.  Is anyone else dragging just a teeny bit?

Via CopyPress

On to our news of the day, remember the big announcement that many luxury brands were opening stores on eBay? We wrote about it back in September of 2011, the “eBay Fashion Outlet Mall” had many popular companies signed up to participate, the following is from that 2011 post:

Brands taking part in the new mall that may be of interest to our crowd include Brooks Brothers, Hanes, Elaine Turner, Hanky Panky, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Hickey Freeman.  eBay claims almost 200 other brands however (more on that number later), most of them ‘household names,’ from off-price department stores like Neiman Marcus Last Call to run of the mill retailers like Elie Tahari, Bruno Magli, Fossil and Hush Puppies.

A story last week from Reuters got me thinking about the undertaking, it’s titled “Last Call for Neiman Marcus’s eBay Store“:

Luxury department store operator Neiman Marcus is shutting its eBay Inc store, a setback for the e-commerce company, which has been trying to lure large retailers to its online marketplace.

Neiman launched a store on eBay.com in 2011 for its Last Call outlet brand. It was one of a slew of large retailers that eBay has attracted to its online marketplace in recent years, an important part of the e-commerce company’s effort to compete more with Amazon.com Inc.

The story notes Neiman’s will be selling deeply discounted merchandise on its own Last Call site. The retailer has upgraded the Last Call website substantially, so it makes sense to sell via their own means. eBay gets a cut every time Neiman’s sells merchandise via eBay’s site, why keep putting money in eBay’s pocket?

As it turns out, many of the upscale brands initially associated with the ‘Outlet Mall’ no longer seem to be participating. For example, this is what one saw when visiting the Brooks Brothers’ eBay store back in 2011.

Preppy Princess Blog 9.20.11

A quick check for the Brooks Brothers store turns up nothing, they no longer seem to be part of the eBay Designer Outlets. Nor could I find Lacoste, Elaine Turner or several other “luxury” names. However, Bobby Jones and Calvin Klein are still present, as are Bruno Magli and Tahari. My guess is that there will be fewer and fewer brands remaining as part of the eBay endeavor, it just doesn’t make sense to pay eBay when you can dispose of the goods yourself via your own means without handing over part of the profits to a third party.

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Our other item of note, Target has announced its next partnership will be with Lauren Bush Lauren’s FEED project. More from USA Today:

With FEED, Target is going the more minimalist, feel-good route with a collection launching June 30 that includes tote bags, kitchenware and blankets. Proceeds will benefit Feeding America, a non-profit with more than 200 food banks across the country.

Two of the items in the collection.

Via People StyleWatch

There will be 50 pieces in the line, including iPhone cases, bags, more jewelry and kitchenware. The collection launches June 30.  Here’s a bit more on the collapsible bicycle shown above from that StyleWatch story:

And the bike is a personal favorite of hers: “I ride my bike to work and around my West Village neighborhood, [so] I love [it],” she says. “Plus, it’s foldable and easy to store if you don’t have a lot of space in your apartment.”

I like this one, it is good to see Target offering a collection specifically tied to a charitable initiative.

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Also today, a quick glance at the big winners of this year’s Cruft’s International dog show. Cruft’s is a little different from our annual Westminster show, among other things, they include additional competitions, like “Flyball.”.

onEdition Photos via Cruft’s Flickr Feed

Two breeds we’re partial to, Scotties & Schnauzers.

Cruft’s Facebook

As always there were other events, many not involving the show ring. Below we see a Yeomanry Infantry group donating a big check to Hounds for Heroes, the organization provides dogs for disabled British military forces.

Cruft’s Facebook

Below we see the big winner, a Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit) named Jilly, with handler Gavin Robertson.

Cruft’s Facebook

“Big winner” is an accurate appelation, more than 27,000 dogs were involved in this year’s show.

It must be the season for dog shows, we actually went to one ourselves a few weeks back.

That is a giant schnauzer, like our boy Phred, the pooch we had before Silly Tilly. It wouldn’t be out of the question to see another schnoozer at The Prepatorium.

Friday Fun: Ralph Lauren Spring 2012 & The New Gossip Girl Collection

Hello-Hello, is everyone ready for a touch of Friday Fun?

Hopefully you answered “yes,” as we dive right in with a look at the spring 2012 styles from Ralph Lauren.

John Aquino/WWD

It was a show filled with lush and lovely confections, drenched with a Daisy Buchanan sensibility that was updated for today.

Wire Image via Fashionologie

The palette of pastel hues was made more vibrant by the other color used throughout the show, white: bright, glittering, shimmering, silvery white was everywhere the pastels weren’t.

John Aquino/WWD

It could almost have been an iteration for Bridal Week, understandable as Mr. Lauren has spent no small amount of time designing wedding gowns for his daughter Dylan and daughter-in-law Lauren Bush Lauren, both were married recently in Ralph Lauren gowns.

More on this from the Women’s Wear Daily review:

He also may have recalled his glorious all-white collection of 10 years ago, which he designed before, but showed after, 9/11, its gentility somehow so right for the moment. Either way or neither, the mostly white and silver gowns — Jean Harlow satins, floral metallics, crystal encrustations — dazzled.

Wire Image via Fashionologie

From Fashion Wire Daily:

“Defiantly pure in its slim silhouette and shiny new colors, and elegantly staged on a white marble catwalk, Lauren’s latest collection was the best expression of a key trend in this season of shows – an aching for ladylike grace.”

Again we see that word, “ladylike,” it did permeate the runway.

John Aquino/WWD

And ladylike works just fine for us.

Wire Image via Fashionologie

A closer look at some of the pieces.

Getty m

The pearls add just the right touch of twenties decadence.

Getty Images

And a few more details.

Reuters

To see the collection in its entirety click here for a visit to Fashionologie. Below, Mr. Lauren is congratulated by his wife Ricky, daughter Dylan and son Andrew.

Richard Drew/AP Photo

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Next, news about that much-rumored Gossip Girl clothing line, it seems such a thing really is happening. Women’s Wear Daily reports:

“The collection, priced from $80 to $200 retail, includes embellished tops, bottoms, novelty sweaters, outerwear and draped chiffon dresses with touches of leather, pleats and prints, inspired by characters including Serena van der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf.

A look from the upcoming line.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

According to WWD handbags and other accessories will be added to the collection at some point in the future.

Courtesy Photos via FabSugar

Those interested will be able to shop the line shortly at Neiman Marcus, Saks and Kitson. The timing is ideal, the show’s new season debuts on the 26th.

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We leave you with a sure sign the apocalypse is nigh:

The New York Times

That’s right, author Curtis Sittenfeld has joined Facebook. The author of “Prep” and other novels explains why she finally did it in this delightful essay from the Times.

Until next time, may your weekend by filled with fun!

A Gossip Girl’s Fashion Faux Pas, Neiman’s True Prep Effort

Hello-Hello, and happy Thursday.

We have all manner of Bits and Bytes to share, the majority of today’s tidbits are fun and frivolous, with little or no redeeming social value whatsoever. We begin with an item we mentioned yesterday on Facebook, with apologies to our friends from that venue, we simply must show it again.  For only the fifth time in its history, the Hope Diamond was moved from its place at the Smithsonian.

Ann Heisenfelt/AP

The legendary piece was moved to the Harry Winston 5th Avenue flagship for a gala Tuesday night. It was also the first time the stone was seen in its new temporary setting, some readers may recall that the design was selected by the public through an online voting process.

From WWD’s story about the event:

“The security surrounding the Hope diamond’s appearance at the Harry Winston store last night rivaled that of a sitting President. There was to be no mention that the stone would be at the party, everyone was advised to bring photo ID and doors were locked at 7:30—no exceptions for latecomers.”

This photo gives a better sense of how truly immense the stone is.

Ann Heisenfelt/AP

Celebrities on hand for the big party included Halle Berry and designer Rachel Roy.

Perhaps the only thing discussed as much as the famous stone was the clothing selection made by actress Leighton Meester.

Image via Styleite

The Gossip Girl star’s lacy jumpsuit from Marchesa was sheer, there is nothing earth shattering about that; unfortunately we are all seeing far more of the “too little fabric, too much flesh” syndrome.

The problem with the piece was how much of the back of the jumpsuit was sheer.  As in all of it. (We’re not showing that image, to see how sadly the outfit missed the mark, click here, or here.)  From Refinery29:

“Don’t get us wrong—we love pants-off Tuesday as much as the next guy—but only in the privacy of our own homes. It seems someone forgot to give Leighton Meester the memo.”

It was a surprising miss from the young actress, for if she is criticized at all by the fashion media, it is generally for playing things too safely, too conservatively.

One of Ms. Meester’s costars is known for frequently wearing more daring looks; that may or may not be a factor in Blake Lively landing yet another Vogue cover, this time for a special edition.

Vogue Magazine

The actress is featured on the cover of Vogue Best Dressed. To see the Top 10 on the magazine’s list, click here.

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Next, a few new books, both appropriate for gifting. The first showcases creations by Louis Vuitton.

Courtesy Image

Louis Vuitton: 100 Legendary Trunks will be released December 1, the title aptly describes the book; below we share a portion of the publisher’s description:

“…100 of the finest trunks the Louis Vuitton company has produced on commission, including boxes made for movie stars from Douglas Fairbanks to Sharon Stone and couturiers from Jeanne Lanvin to Karl Lagerfeld, as well as cases designed for Ernest Hemingway, Leopold Stokowski, and Damien Hirst.”

Here is a look at the ‘Deluxe Edition’.

Via High Snobiety

This version will only be available at Vuitton stores and through the company’s website.

The other volume we want to mention looks at interior design, the content all comes from T&C, one of TP’s favorite magazines.

At Home with Town and Country is the first home book from the magazine, the book offers a look at some of the magnificent homes and living spaces seen in the magazine.  This one was released in September, so it is available for purchasing now.

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Also today, it seems Neiman Marcus is embracing the prep style aesthetic, the NM Guide to Prep claims to offer “everything you need to achieve true prep status”.

Neiman Marcus

The guide is merely a collection of merchandise, with an an array of ideas for your MOTH (Man of the House). There are some obvious choices on the list, like the Hunter Boots and Neiman’s own brand of Pocket Squares.

The Lacoste Long Sleeve Polo and perhaps even the Armani Ties would make the cut.

But the Gucci Embroidered Crest Cardigan or the Burberry Wallet?

To quote Nancy Reagan, just say no.

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Our final item is dedicated to Muffy Martini, properly so when seeing the Question of the Day on auto-enthusiast site Jalopnik, where the question was asked, “What Would Muffy Drive?”

“As long as there are private boarding schools, Brooks Brothers button downs… and girls lacrosse there will be preppy kids with stupid names and nice cars. What would “Muffy” drive?

Here is the photo shown in the post:

Via Jalopnik.com

On that topic, g’bye until next time!

Is It a “Faux Clearance” at Those Outlet Stores?

Hello, happy beginning of a new week, hopefully everyone was able to garner a little bit of rest and rejuvenation over the weekend.

We begin with a closer look at what is actually being sold at factory outlet stores, a timely topic in light of These Challenging Times. This story from Bloomberg points out the majority of what is being sold at the discount stores no longer comes directly from the retailers.  Some may recall that 30 years ago when such stores were becoming part of the retail landscape that almost all of the wares came right from the regular-priced version of the company.

As savvy shoppers are aware, this is no longer the case.

“Increasingly, merchandise is made specifically for the outlets and sold nowhere else at full price (even though it may be made by a top brand like Calvin Klein), says retail consultant Steven Dennis, who dubs the phenomenon “faux clearance.”

The story notes there is now a shortage of luxury goods available at many outlet stores, in part because retailers are manufacturing less, but also because of the abundance of online ‘flash sales’ sites like RueLaLa and Gilt Groupe.  The quality of the goods offered is also a topic of discussion:

“”You don’t have nearly the quality you had in the recent past and you don’t have the degree of discounts,” says Dennis, founder of Sageberry Consulting and a former Neiman Marcus senior vice-president. “It’s hard to believe all of these players can operate 50 to 100 outlets successfully. There’s going to be a shakeout.”

In some cases only 10-20% of the merchandise being sold at the off-price store actually comes from the full-price retailer:

“At Saks’ Off 5th stores, 10 percent to 20 percent of the merchandise is clearance from Saks’ full-priced stores, about 20 percent is Off 5th store-label goods, and most of the rest is made for the chain by vendors, says spokeswoman Julia Bentley.”

J. Crew recently opened its Online Factory store; the retailer makes it clear to shoppers that everything is “…designed exclusively for Factory at J. Crew.com”.

The company is attempting a sense of urgency, a “buy now, time is running out!” mentality, with messages like this weekend’s:

“Pssst… this is a limited assortment, so hurry – you only have three days to shop”

Crew also reinforces the ‘limited time and merchandise’ message by keeping the site active only on weekends.  From the Journal’s story announcing the outlet plans:

“The New York-based clothing retailer is gambling that it can expand sales without cannibalizing demand for more expensive merchandise at its mainline stores. J. Crew is among the first to risk selling outlet gear over the Internet.

Anne Kadet at the Journal recently wrote about her expedition to a factory outlet mall in a piece titled “High Price for a Bargain,” here are her thoughts on J. Crew’s offerings:

“But it all felt a little confusing. When I asked a J. Crew clerk how to tell the factory lines from the discounted overstock, she cheerfully replied, “You don’t!” And to my eye, the construction on some merchandise didn’t look so hot. These stores might make sense for folks seeking the mall look for less. But if it’s not as well made, it’ll wear out faster, and that means another trip to the store. No thanks!”

The trend is confirmed by this column from Australia’s Inside Retailing:

“These stores serve not just to clear merchandise from their full price stores, but also to access a more thrifty but aspirational consumer with branded merchandise made specifically for the outlet itself.”

As noted in this post two weeks back, Neiman Marcus has opened a dedicated Last Call site.  And the company has opened a store near Dallas featuring only goods made specifically for its Last Call stores.  Neiman’s Last Call wares are described this way on a mall owner’s site:

“Last Call from Neiman Marcus offers a consolidation of marked down merchandise from the upscale retailer’s 32 stores nationwide, as well as Bergdorf Goodman. Last Call offers quality merchandise that shoppers expect from Neiman Marcus at significant savings. Prices at Last Call are typically 40%-80% off the original selling price.”

Back to Anne Kadet’s tale of her trip to an outlet mall:

“… I started with the more affordable retailers I’d typically shop in the city, like Gap, Coach and Ann Taylor. These mid-price shops, it turns out, mainly stock “factory” merchandise specially made for the outlet stores. Spokespeople for Coach and Ann Taylor later told me there’s no difference in quality, and that the factory lines include classic designs that originally sold at the retail stores.”

The company is wise to exploit the online channel, expenses are much lower when compared to a physical stores, the issue remains cannibalizing its existing stores, begging the question: will the off-price business move to a model more driven by online sales as opposed to brick and mortar stores?

If shopping at off-price venues do you care if the merchandise comes from a full-price store, or if it is something made only for sale at the outlet store?  Have you noticed a degradation in quality at off-price shops?

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With last night’s finale of Mad Men we say goodbye to Don and Betty for another season. Sadly, there really wasn’t much of Betty this year, and when we did see the former Mrs. Draper, she was less of a stunning, stylish mid-century mom and more of a neurotic shrew, certainly not anyone you would want on your Junior League committee, to be sure.

Betty was ‘replaced’ by a number of women, below we see Don with Megan.

A number of friends have asked if we enjoyed the finale.  Yes, we liked the show, but we were also a wee bit disappointed, hoping for more of the dramatic tension we saw in last year’s final episode.  Below we see Don making The Call, he really is the poster boy for “What is a Cad?”.

Meredith Blake’s piece on Show Tracker is outstanding, this may well be our favorite portion:

“It’s a scenario that I think will be familiar to many women: You do the hard work of making someone into a good boyfriend, then your new-and-improved boyfriend moves on to someone else. It’s like you found this great fixer-upper, you gutted the whole place, pulled out all the ugly vinyl siding to reveal the original moldings underneath. Then all of a sudden someone else is moving her furniture into your exquisitely remodeled home. So not fair!”

The Journal’s Speakeasy blog offers this:

“It will obviously have a profound effect on future seasons of the show. But in the eyes of this longtime fan, that’s not exactly a good thing. The engagement is an enormous misfire—a baffling plot twist that’s surprising but not at all logical.”

The episode does have us thinking we may have misread CreepyGlen, perhaps his name should be JustPlainGlen; his goodbye to LittleSallyDraper was actually rather sweet.  As was the wistful tone in Betty’s voice in one of the final scenes.

 

Jordin Althaus/AMC-TV

 

In reality, that wistful tone may be emanating here in the corner condo at Princess InterGalactic HQ, we liked those characters together, more of a DonandBetty. But that is forever gone, and it is time to move on. Sniff.

With that we say g’bye until next time!

Pretty in Pink… and Green

Hello-Hello, and Happy Monday!

Does it seem like the weekend flew by ever-so-quickly, or is that simply a reflection of our addled brain? We hope everyone enjoyed family, fun, and perhaps even a little down time to reflect and regroup, we are in the middle of what can be a more-than-wacky time of year!

Today is mostly pix, not prose, as the insanity of orders piling in is consuming most of the day. Our focus today is on gifts with a pink and green theme; we start with a find from the Pink & Green Scene:

The Fleece Throw looks like it would rank very high on the Snuggleometer.

From the folks at Not Soap, Radio we show the I’m Really at the Country Club collection.

Not only does it look like a perfect color combination, it is also an Adventure in Argyle, albeit in an understated pattern.

For those seeking something with a musical influence, the Mini Pink Piano at Neiman Marcus is really very cute.

Also at Needless Markup this establishment, and also possessing a high cute factor, the Paw-Print Cuddles & Burpies.

In honor of Jen at When Pigs Fly, we share this beauty in papier-mâché:

We found the little porker at Middleburg, an etsy shop, just one of many treasures available there.  Also at etsy, the Pink & Green Vines sleep mask from SourdoughSF‘s store, perfect for helping to smooth over any holiday wrinkles.

If still looking for tree decor, our friends at Tar-szay offer the Skiing Hippo (L), and on the right, Kurt Adler’s pastel Pink & Green Heart.

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Our fondness for the All Smiles ornament in pink will surprise no one,nor will our appreciation of the Pink 1959 Cadillac.

The Baby Girl’s Dress is sweet, and comes nicely packaged. On the right, the Painting Diva offers her handpainted pink and green ornaments in her etsy shop.

As one might expect, this year’s Lilly Pulitzer Glass ornaments are very popular; on the left we show Checking In, and on the right, Free Falling.

Both items shown above are at the Pink Pelican.  New this year are the Lilly Pulitzer Photo Ornaments, available at the Princess and many other retailers.

PreppyPrincess.com

For something a little more upscale, Smythson never fails to offer outstanding choices. Their Small Jewelry Roll is perfection, and one can’t go too far astray with one of their Key Fobs.

Other leather goods in fun colors can be found at Baekgaard. The Slim Case is available in a number of colorways, and very attractive from a pocketbook perspective.

Saks has bright leather Passport Covers:

Keep your little one warm and toasty in this sweet Faux Fur Jacket. The Pink Rosette coat is done in fleece, equally cute, but not quite as heavy.

We leave you with a few ideas for the four-legged family members, beginning with the Fairisle Wool sweater, available at Pretentious Pooch.

And then this, the Bone on Board sweater at Paw Palace:

After this, what could we possibly add?  Nothing of value, other than a ‘thank you’ for popping in to visit, and we shall see you next time.