Two New Designers for Target, More Sales & Savings

Hello-Hello, and Happy Tuesday!

It is more than a little frenzied here in the Corner Condo at Princess InterGalactic HQ, so we jump right in today, there is big news about Le Boutique Targèt.  Our favorite reasonably-priced store (discount store just sounds so…so dreary, don’t you think?) has announced two new designer collaborations: the next limited-edition designer for a GO International® capsule collection will be Zac Posen, and a longer-term, larger partnership with Liberty of London.

The Zac Posen for Target collection will be available in stores and online April 25th of next year through May 30th.  Mr. Posen’s line for Target is in addition to his new lower-priced line, Z Spoke, this collection will be sold exclusively at Saks. Below, a few looks from that group, part of this Women’s Wear Daily story:

The story by Jessica Iredale continues:

“Z Spoke comes at a time when the market has shifted and many of Posen’s fellow young designers — Doo-Ri Chung, Thakoon Panichgul and Richard Chai among them — have recently launched lower-priced collections. … Posen’s new line will sit on Saks’ fourth floor… alongside Tory Burch, Elie Tahari, M Missoni and Ralph Lauren Blue Label.”

Two more Z Spoke looks for Saks:

Price points for the Z Spoke pieces will start at $78 for a cotton tee. BTW, all Z Spoke photos are by Kyle Ericksen at WWD.

Prices for Mr. Posen’s Target collection haven’t yet been announced, but prices for other GO International lines have been roughly between $14.99 – $149.99.  While not crazy about most of the Zac Posen Z Spoke pieces seen above, we are excited about his Target line.

And then there is the even bigger news about the Boutique and Liberty of London partnering up, bigger in part because it will include not only Women’s, Men’s, & Children’s apparel and a Home Collection, but also because of the Liberty heritage.

The luxury retailer is best known for colorful prints but also creates many other products, including their own lines of leather goods, home goods like towels and bath items, and more.

Today’s WWD story has more on the partnership.

“Target did not discuss specifics of the home collection. However, products could be similar to the pillows, cosmetics bags, lamp shades and notebooks in iconic prints found on the Liberty site. Timed to coincide with the spring season, Liberty of London for Target also will feature storage and organization and garden products.”

Below, a few of Liberty’s cosmetic bags.

Liberty has a history of successful partnerships across a broad and diverse spectrum, one of their current collections is with Ronnie Wood.

Courtesy Liberty of London

The company’s CEO understands that not everyone is familiar with Target, especially on the far side of the pond; here is more from the story:

“Despite the exposure, collaborating with Target wasn’t an easy decision for Liberty to make. “People outside the U.S. don’t really know how big Target is and what it means,” de la Bourdonnaye said. …and I had to explain to our shareholders just how important this collaboration could be.”

Perhaps they will create some cute melamine pieces like these currently on the retailer’s website.

But we’ll also settle for a scarf or two in the collection!

Here is one of the cotton scarves from the Hermès group:

A bit busy for us, but definitely today’s Pretty in Pink (and Green)!

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Very quickly, here are some links to the latest in Sales and Savings at some of our favorite emporiums; each image is clickable.

The Saks Designer sale is currently online only.

Saks Fifth Avenue

At Neiman Marcus the sale is both online and in stores.

Neiman Marcus

It is both online and in stores at Bergdorfs.

Bergdorf Goodman

The Lord and Taylor markdowns are available both online and in stores, and there is an additional 20% off regular and sale prices. To receive the extra discount, use promo code GREAT at checkout.

With that we say ‘happy hunting’ and ‘good day’ until next time!

Preppy Sales & Savings for the Weekend

Hello-Hello, and gobble-gobble!

Here is an updated list of markdowns, discounts and promotional offerings for  your consideration. Don’t forget that many retailers are also planning special pricing/online doorbusters/etc. for Cyber Monday.

Talbot’s is offering 20% off purchases and $5 shipping through midnight the 29th. Use promo code 020556520 online to receive the discount.

LL Bean: 20% off all sweaters + a $10 gift card with any $25 purchase; the sweater discount end ends at midnight Monday but the gift card offer runs through 12/24.

Lacoste is offering 30% off all merchandise ending Monday night (the 30th); use promo code THANKS09 at checkout to receive the discount.

Polo Ralph Lauren: Is offering 25% off online and in stores through 12/7/09; use promo code HOL2009.

Rugby is doing the same as its parent company (Polo Ralph Lauren), 25% off online and in stores through 12/7/09; use promo code HOL2009.

Tory Burch is doing a gift with purchase, the limited edition Cheetah Print Tote seen below, with purchases of $100 and more while supplies last. Shoppers spending more than $300 will receive 30% off their purchase through December 22nd.  If purchasing online use promo code TURKEY30.

Courtesy Tory Burch

Bobby Jones is taking 30% off Fall merchandise and also has a good sale section online with discounts up to 70% off original retail prices.

Banana Republic has a variety of offers, including an excellent in-store bargain: cashmere sweaters are ‘Buy One Get One Free’, although that may end tonight (Friday). Online only BR offers 30% off all “sweaters, outerwear and more” through the 29th.

Banana Republic Outlets: 50% Off the entire store.

Banana Republic Outlet Stores

We don’t know if a coupon is required to enjoy the 50% discount, but just in case, click here to print one out for this BR Outlet stores deal.

Kate Spade is offering Facebook fans 20% off any one regular-priced item through the 29th. Print out the coupon below, or head to the Kate Spade Facebook page and print it out; online shoppers seeking the same discount can use promo code WALLPOST at checkout.

Brooks Brothers: Friday & Saturday 7am – Noon receive an additional 15% off your entire purchase; receive an additional 5% when using your MasterCard or your Brooks Brothers Platinum MasterCard. This offer also applies online through Saturday night the 28th.

Brooks Brothers Factory Stores: 40 percent off all items until Sunday, and an extra 10 percent off of on Saturday until noon.

Ann Taylor: Take 40% off a single regular-priced item online, use promo code SAVE40 through

Ann Taylor Loft: Take an additional 50% off your entire purchase, with some exclusions through Saturday night.

Coach Factory Outlets: Take an additional 20% off prices at Coach Factory stores; the coupon must be printed and brought into the store for the discount to be applied.

Tommy Hilfiger Outlet Stores: 40% off the entire store all day on Black Friday and additional discounts for specific days; to download coupons providing these markdowns, click here.

The Gap: Already underway and online-only, 50% off all regularly-priced  Men’s & Women’s Sweaters, Kids & Baby Cozy Fleece styles.

Saks 5th Avenue: Up to 60% off original prices on selections for her & him, various additional offers too lengthy to list; also free shipping for any online order, use promo code HOLIDAY9, offer valid through midnight Monday night (the 30th)

Neiman Marcus: The Women’s Apparel Sale is already underway with up to 40% off original prices; there is also free shipping on any online orders until midnight 11/30/09, use promo code NMNOV at checkout.

Neiman Marcus Last Call: Shoppers using their Neiman’s card will receive an additional 25% off, ends 12/1; select stores are open midnight-8am as well, click here for details.

Barneys: their sale is already underway online with up to 40% off on select merchandise.

Bergdorf Goodman: free shipping with any online order, use promo code SHOPBG at checkout.

At Bloomies:

Nordstrom continues its Sale, and offers complimentary shipping on orders of $100 and more; use promo code HOLIDAY09

Henri Bendel continues its Thanksgiving sale with savings of 20% to 50%, ending 11/28.

We apologize for any stores and/or sites that may have been missed. Happy Hunting!  We will see you back here on Monday, and hopefully over at our big event: the Preppy Princess Pink & Green Monday sale, 24 hours of 20% off everything.

Vineyard Vines Friends & Family, More Black Friday: J. Crew, Neiman Marcus, Banana Republic

Hello-Hello… we do hope everyone enjoyed a simply splendid weekend!

TP is a little crazed and dazed; here at the Prepatorium the holiday frenzy seems to have commenced earlier than usual!

Let’s start by updating current and expected markdowns, sales & other discounts at retailers specializing in merchandise that tends toward a preppy aesthetic.

We’ll start with the Vineyard Vines, “Friends & Family shopping event” that provides “25% off Your Purchase,” now through midnight tomorrow night (Tuesday, 11.25.08).  The promo code online or by phone is FRIENDS2008.  If shopping in person, take along a copy of this email notice:

There is a really cute Toddler Puffer Vest:

Next, Banana Republic is already doing their “Dressed in Holiday Style” sale online and in stores. The sale runs through Monday, December 1st; we consider this the retailer’s Black Friday sale.

And BR does have a little Wool-blend peacoat the Princess is rather fond of:

The coat comes in a variety of colors and is now $118; originally it sold at $198.

Black Friday at the Banana Republic Factory Stores offers a substantial opportunity for those with the patience and sanity to cope with the crowds: 40% off everything in the store.  Many of the factory stores open at midnight; check your local store to confirm shopping opportunities.

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We do have a new J. Crew discount offer.

Now through 11.29.08

Spend $150 and take 20% off, spend $200 and take 25% off, spend $250 and save 30% off. The promo code on this one is TURKEY. BTW, if you missed our original J. Crew Black Friday post, just click here.

Also, don’t forget, the “take an additional 20% off sale prices” deal ends tonight. TP is guessing that somehow, someway, we’ll see this back *before* the end of next weekend or another incarnation of the offer. Definitely something on Cyber Monday.

If shopping online, the promo code is EXTRA 20.

Neiman Marcus is offering what are truly amazing markdowns for that establishment, certainly  this early in the season.

For example, the  Cole-Haan Air Genie ballerinas are now only $80 from an original price of $175.  Delman’s Quilted Suede Ballerina flats are $117, from $315.

Don’t overlook the markdowns on your favorite brands in apparel and accessories. Below left, from Lacoste we show the Trucker hat, originally $57, now $35. (This is the Lacoste hat Michael Phelps is frequently seen sporting.) And lots of children’s items are also on sale; the Lacoste Zip Sweater that was $95 is now $57.

One of TP’s favorites, Garnet Hill, is starting their Thanksgiving Sale and Clearance now.

Temptation is difficult to resist when it comes to the winter theme Hable pillow covers by Hable, now $34 each. The Painted Wood picture frames are also swell and almost 50% off their original price of $36, now $19.

Arguably today’s “most bang for your buck” item is the cashmere offered at Garnet Hill. Women’s Cashmere V-neck Pullovers are $64, down from $128, as are the Crewneck Cashmere Sweaters.

TP can assure readers that unless something has gone horribly awry, these are excellent additions to one’s walk-in, of good quality and ever-so-snuggly.

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If you like the apron with bright pink circles and/or the Preppy Stripe note cards and would love to have both absolutely free, be sure and leave a comment to this post telling us one thing you are thankful for. Anything at all. Someone’s name even – that’s it! And you’re entered in the Great Preppy Giveaway!

Yesterday we mentioned we would showcase a few items of note in the Vickie’s Secret fashion show.  Should this be declared preppy lingerie?

PHOTO: Alexander Tamargo/Getty

Perhaps our wonderful Nautical by Nature can advise us on the next look… Miss Kate, does it  qualify as officially nautical in your educated estimation?

PHOTO: Jeffrey M. Boan/AP

BTW, the models look absolutely stunning. The show airs on CBS December 3 at 10 o’clock.

We’ll be back!

PRIVATE SALES: Kate Spade, Polo Ralph Lauren, Barneys, Bergdorf’s, Brooks Brothers, Neiman Marcus + the Argyle Bicycle!

Hello-hello and Happy Friday!

Additional sales are everywhere it seems, many from retailers with a preppy aesthetic, if you will. We start with the Kate Spade Private Sale. A word of caution: when you click on this link or the image below, you will be taken to a page where you need to register. Not to worry, it’s not like filling out an application for the Country Club; one simply must provide a first name, an email address and zip code. That’s it.

Courtesy Kate Spade

Do not wait too long on this one as it ends on the 14th!  We thought this puffer vest might offer a high snuggle factor.

Barneys is also having a ‘Private Sale,’

Courtesy Barneys

As of this writing there are more than 390 shoe styles on sale just in the shoe department!

At Polo Ralph Lauren the Private Sale is on through Monday, Nov.17….. unless they extend or expand it, which would surprise no one at this point.

And while we adore the Windowpane Plaid Ricky bag, it just seems… well, it feels inappropriate somehow to spend $2400 on a handbag at this point in time.

Ralph Lauren Collection Windowpane Plaid Ricky bag

What do you think? Is TP taking the economy too seriously? Am I wrong on this one?

At Bloomingdale’s there is an additional 30% to 50% off the already-discounted sale merchandise….

Some of it “wear now” merchandise, like this Ralph Lauren Petites “Batya” Cashmere Sweater.

Ralph Lauren Petites Cashmere Sweater

Of course it is also time for the First Call at Neiman Marcus.

Even Bergdorf Goodman is goosing their sale; do not let the “Save as much as 40% Off” fool you. There are *many* items marked down 50%.

We end today with another Argyle Update, this one showcasing the absolutely TDF Electra Holiday Cruiser bicycle at the Gap in their “signature blue argyle pattern.”

Courtesy The Gap

It is available in two sizes, Adult and Kids.  We can’t imagine how we would react if it were also in pink – we would probably layoff the drivers (heh-heh) and start pedaling around ourselves! (Well, actually, no, I don’t think that is what we would do at all. Not really.)

Today we start a new feature that will pop up every now and again: “Can You Tell It’s Ratings?” as in “oh my gosh sweetie, do you think they are doing this story because it is ratings?” Also known as “sweeps” in our former life, you know what we mean (of course you know what we mean!) ladies, stories that are heavily promoted on local and network news and entertainment programs. Stories that are teased dramatically, breathlessly, that you simply must see, that you cannot miss!

Like this one on ABC….

PHOTO: Kristian Dowling/Getty Images for Beatie

Or the “Are you a Sex Addict?” quiz on KTLA-TV in Los Angeles.

KTLA-TV

And let us not forget our personal favorite: “Sharks in Lake Michigan – Tonight at 11!”

We are off to a function in the Big City tonight, major party frockage, so we must run-run-run out the door. Grins and giggles to everyone, and don’t forget to to enter the Great Preppy Giveaway!

The New Tiffany Concept Store, Luxury Magazines Update

Hello-Hello!

Most readers have struggled with the challenge of shopping at upscale jewelry boutiques, in particular the inability to pick up an item and examine it more closely unless assisted by an employee.  And for those who prefer looking at things sans a sales associate, the new Tiffany is a dream come true.

Located in the Americana at Brand complex in Glendale (if the name sounds familiar we did a little preview before the shopping/condo complex opened), the shop showcases a new concept store for the company – the items are not locked away or inaccessible.  As an article in Monday’s edition of WWD explains:

“… a comfortable, airy environment meant to exemplify the opposite of buttoned-down selling. Customers are encouraged to try on the jewelry, with entry and middle price points ranging from $80 to $42,000 and averaging $200 to $5,000. Engagement rings and statement pieces, the steepest-priced category, aren’t available.

Jewelry is openly exhibited on mountings, under glass that’s not fully enclosed and in drawers that customers are invited to open. “What it becomes is an evolution of the jewelry box,” said Canavan.”

PHOTO: Tyler Boye

According to the story, Tiffany even considered re-naming the store something other than the standard Tiffany; it was referred to within the company as “collection store.”

PHOTO:Tyler Boye

TP has noticed some new additions in the catalog, like the Elsa Peretti bangle bracelets.

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We just know that Muffy Martini, with her finger on the pulse of all things shopping and style in SoCal, will be able to provide us with an update on the store in the not-too-distant-future. And it goes without saying that she will also be able to tell us about the new St. John store that just opened.

PHOTO: Courtesy St. John

You may recall our earlier post showcasing some of the merchandise for the new St. John concept store. Located at the fabulous South Coast Plaza, the store is actually called St. John SoCa.  Here is the Colorblock Stretch Cotton Dress at Nordstrom.

The second ‘SoCa’ store will be in Palm Desert, but merchandise landed in most stores on Friday.  Retailers expected to carry the line include Bloomingdale’s, Saks, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom. Below, the Beaded Jersey Shell, also at Nordstrom.

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Is the current economic situation a challenge for magazines that cover high end and luxury brands? According to Folio magazine:

“While they aren’t recession-proof, necessarily, the super luxury segment tends not to take as big a hit in tough economic times as other magazines do.”

But apparently there is a rumor the ultra-lux Robb Report is about to sold.

Robb Report

However, word today that 02138, the magazine targeted at Harvard alumni, is folding. (The number is the school’s zip code.)

The magazine’s publisher, Manhattan Media, released a statement Friday:

“Manhattan Media has decided to suspend publication of 02138…. the current economic environment has made it too difficult to proceed at this time… “

According to a story in the Yale Daily News, Manhattan Media planned to expand upon the 02138 concept:

“The publisher of 02138, Manhattan Media, had hoped to start a similar magazine at Yale, but the idea has now been suspended indefinitely …”

And finally, a few quick updates from our ongoing efforts to keep wise shoppers to date on markdowns and sales. First, the Neiman’s sale continues:

Even Frette, one of the great luxury brands, is having a sale on their lush linen offerings.

Also, the good folks at ShopBop are thinking of your pocketbook!

In fact, today’s Pretty in Pink photo we share the Coconut Lips tote by Tory Burch, now on sale in a shocking pink cotton canvas print.

The wacky print of two-tone lips and large logo combine to make this one a bit over the top for us, but it is fun nonetheless for one more youthful and relaxed in outlook.