The Preppy Princess Turns 500

Hello-Hello!

Happy Tuesday to everyone, and apologies for yesterday’s whineathon of a post, it was most unbecoming. We promise to be a better Princess today. In fact, today’s post is all sweetness and light. Seriously.

Because today marks our 500th post!

And to mark the occasion we are going to do something we’re not very good at: talking about ourselves (all of us, each and every Princess…heh-heh-heh), in a manner of speaking. More accurately, talking about life on the Preppy Planet as seen through the eyes of our little blog.

Our very first post was back on February 10, 2008, titled Prepalicious Alberta Ferretti. We looked at an outstanding collection from this designer (perhaps better known for her Philosophy line), but not one generally considered to offer a preppy aesthetic.

Our single most popular post? It is titled Gossip Girls Haunt the Hamptons & Here’s One for the Military:

JustJared.com

“… this would be actor Ed Westwick, a Brit who plays a rather slimy fellow named Chuck Bass. There were other celeb sightings: we were told that any females in the vicinity of actor Chace Crawford tend to swoon, or get a bit giggly, as seen in the photo below. You know, teenage, pre-teen, post-teen, tweens, you name it, almost any female breathing in and out could be susceptible, at least from from what we understand.”

Our second most popular post has to have the longest title ever created: Summer Olympics Fashion Focus, Ralph Lauren Team USA Opening Ceremony Uniforms Reactions, and Who Was “Preppy” Dressed Team?

Courtesy Polo Ralph Lauren

Other hot topics include Tiffany Eyeglasses….

Courtesy Tiffany

… Goyard totes,

Courtesy Goyard

…along with all manner of apparel and accessories, especially of a preppish design.

Jim Young/Reuters

And when those styles intersected with politics and/or celebrity (let alone darling little girls), that only seemed to heighten the interest. Sketches have also been popular.

Courtesy J. Crew

J. Crew proved especially adroit at maximizing marketing opportunities in this arena.

Occasionally we let a little of our LogoPhobia (a little?!) rear its head, and we have delighted in sharing felt obligated to report on those newly named to the Anti-Prep Wall of Shame.  We have also loved finding things that are Pretty in Pink, discovering Argyle Adventures, not to mention sharing anything nautically inclined, adorned with grosgrain ribbon, or done in a seersucker or madras motif.

The goings on here at the Prepatorium have also been topics for discussion, as well as our little trips to visit TQM (The Queen Mother) and other royalty, along with cataloguing the travails of getting that drawbridge over the moat up and down when we’re at the mercy of such a testy group of gnomes.  Don’t you find that getting good help is so hard these days?! (This is where one inserts the smirk.)

Classic prep retailers, clothing with a Lilly label (let alone our Lilly Pulitzer stationery collection), spring and fall Fashion Weeks, Grand Slam tennis, nothing is safe it seems, especially if The Consort is doing the post! And we’ll probably keep it that way, unless you direct us to do otherwise. (Although some might be surprised at what we consider our favorite post, as it has nothing whatsoever to do with preppy style or fashion.)

Because we follow your lead; the very best part of all this bloggage has been our treasured readers. By far.  We consider ourselves more-than-fortunate to have made so many friends via this medium, we really are blessed. So if there is something you want to see more, or hear less about, anything at all, do tell! We always want to know your thoughts.

After this there really isn’t anything we can say other than “Thank you”.

No More Dirty English & Mad for Plaid

Greetings from a sodden, sopping, and soaking wet Prepatorium.  Well, not here inside the Palace exactly, but just generally in The Great Midwest. It’s terrible timing really, as Misadventures of a Newlywed is in the region and we wanted her to enjoy her trip.

We start with news from Juicy Couture they will shut down Dirty English, their Men’s clothing line. The final shipment for the collection will be this fall.

PHOTO Juicy Couture via WWD

As reported in WWD (Women’s Wear Daily, subscription req’d.), the line never really took off:

“The unabashedly girly Juicy brand was a bad fit for a men’s business, and Dirty English lacked recognition, the company admitted.”

In another SOTT (Sign of the Times) many readers will have already heard about, news that Conde Nast is shutting down their business magazine, Portfolio.

We enjoyed this one from its inception, but never subscribed as we simply have too many magazines already. But then Conde Nast closed Men’s Vogue and we had to select a ‘replacement’ subscription from the publisher, so we opted for Portfolio. Now we’re wondering what to pick next…?!

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Also in WWD, their look at fall accessories.  The story notes the influence plaid is having on the category.

PHOTO: Robert Mitra

Above, Polo Ralph Lauren mixes the popular animal print with plaid and below, Longchamps use plaid for one of their classic looks.

PHOTO: Robert Mitra

Of course TP also includes madras in the plaid category, like these J. Crew shorts:

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We have a few more Sales and Savings to mention:

• Both Ann Taylor and lower-priced sister store, Ann Taylor Loft, are doing their Friends and Family promotion. Use promo code FRIENDS at checkout to receive a 30% discount on purchases.
• Today is the last day to receive 30% off all regular-priced handbags at Shopbop. Use the code ARMCANDY at checkout.

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Although we go to great lengths to remain apolitical here at the Prepatorium, we make no secret of our efforts to buy American when acquiring goodies for the Preppy Princess.  Today we were pleased to receive a note about President Obama showing off the Made in the USA label inside his Hart Schaffner Marx suit.

White House Photo by Peter Souza

We can only hope that HartMarx (parent company to Hart, Schaffner Marx and Hickey Freeman) is able to resolve the financial difficulties currently facing the company.  The Consort will be crushed if either or both of these labels were to disappear from his retail landscape.

White House Photo by Peter Souza

And it would seem the Commander in Chief might also be wardobe-challenged without the upscale clothier. Above Mr. Obama is in Hart Schaffner Marx suit pants, and yes, that is Vice President Biden engaging in a little Friday Fun on April 24th alongside the President.

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We close with a couple of Pretty in Pink items to brighten your day, beginning with this treasure at Pink & Brown Love, a companion site to the Pink and Green Scene mentioned in this post.

Pop over to see Erin at Decor by Color or at Pink & Brown Love to learn how to add that poster to your walls if so inclined. Also, Kate Spade’s Union Square Satchel at Bloomingdale’s.

May your day be bright and beautiful!

Ralph Lauren…at the White House? Gossip Girl Reality Show in the Works

Hello and Happy Friday!  It seems the week has either flown by at a furious pace or been painfuly slow, no in-betweens for our friends and business associates. What about you? Frenzied crazy-fast? Or painfully slow-as-molasses?

Speaking of a frenzy, Fashion Week is officially underway. We will do our best to share relevant updates, photos and info as we can.  In fact, we’ll start with a little gossip via the always-on-top-of-things staff at NY Mag.  The GQ fashion week party was Wednesday night, and apparently the conversation turned to the Obama family and their sartorial selections.  Several attendees considered ‘preppy purveyors’ talked about the President’s selection of neckties.

“… designer Tommy Hilfiger said that while his company had not formally approached the Obamas about wearing his designs, “I know Barack wears some of my ties, I’ve seen them.” David Lauren, clad in Rugby and wearing a foot cast after a run-in with a cracked Soho sidewalk, added that the Obamas “have great style … and if they choose to wear us, we’d love it.”

The “He likes me better!” “No he doesn’t, he likes me best!” one-upsmanship apparently continued:

“But even if Sasha and Malia Obama eschew outsized Polo ponies this season, rest assured that the Ralph Lauren brand has already made its mark on the White House. “I believe that [the Obama girls’] rooms have been painted with Ralph Lauren paints,” said Lauren.”

We expect everyone shall enjoy much more restful sleep this evening being in possession of this information.

BTW, the online Tommy store does have *all* kids merchandise 30% off, according to the website:

Tommy Hilfiger

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On a quasi-related note, one of our original Anti-Preps, Kim Kardashian, is evidently attending some shows at Fashion Week.  Seriously.  Ms.Kardashian claims the idea to attend some of the shows was actually the brainchild (?) of “Reggie.” (Apologies, but we do not know Reggie, although we presume he is a romantic interest for Ms. Kardashian.)

At any rate, apparently the two are planning on being at the Adidas Y-3 show. Below we show a Y-3 look:

Courtesy Ruby Hornet

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Big news for Gossip Girl fans: Bravo is launching a reality show based on Gossip Girl! Broadcasting & Cable reports a new show is planned by the producer who does Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style.

The story on the magazine’s website says:

“The docudrama is being described by insiders as the real-life Gossip Girl, although the show will not feature any of Manhattan’s exclusive schools specifically.

This is not the first time a reality show based on the G2 theme has been attempted:

‘CBS also looked into a reality series about students at the Manhattan private school York Prep, but the school was said to be skittish about the attention such a project would bring.”

The story says the show will air later this year.

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We share a few SOTTs (Signs of the Times) our readers may deem to be of note:

• Both the The Inter-Con Montelucita & W resort hotels in Scottsdale are facing foreclosure. (Both remain 0pen.)
• The Knickerbocker Yacht Club is closing, according to this Newsday story.  Not a club we have ever visited, the article’s online photos show the charm of the Port Washington Club.  Apparently members even looked at merging with Manhasset Bay Yacht Club YC, but that is not an option. The Club has been in operation for 135 years.

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  PHOTO: Ana P. Gutierrez/Newsday

Our thanks to Luxist for both of these tips.

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Hello Kitty now has some hip apparel designs to accompany her MAC Cosmetics collection. MAC asked multiple designers to create looks for the doll; below we show two sketches, starting with Emanuel Ungaro:

Courtesy Vogue UK/Ungaro

If that isn’t the cutest pink bow, we don’t know what is. Of course, here at the Prepatorium we believe “Life is Better with a Bow,” so we are favorably predisposed to bows. Especially if they are pink.  This creation by Elie Saab also features a pink bow, although not quite as prominently.

Courtesy Vogue UK/Elie Saab

Other designers include Herve Leger by Max Azria, Zac Posen and Charlotte Ronson.  Each of the eight designs was then made into an actual garment; they are now being auctioned on eBay as a fundraiser for the FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) in New York. It is worth a nanosecond or two to see how the sketches translated into reality, very fun!

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Okay, it is time for some Pretty in Pink to perk up the gray day outside.  How about these darlings for your little darling? The Kenneth Cole Bow Glitz ‘n Bow Flats are sized for Infants & Toddlers; they are on sale for about $19 at 6pm.

A reminder that 6pm is actually Zappo’s site for sale and clearance merchandise – bargains abound! And speaking of fiscally friendly shopping, Target has the entire Thakoon Collection marked down, with discounts that look substantial.

On that happy note, don’t forget to enter our Lilly Pulitzer Stationery Giveaway, and Happy-Happy weekend!

J. Crew Obama Sketches, Jason Wu – Preppy? And, Ralph Lauren Debuts Watches

Greetings and salutations on a drab and dreary day here in the Great Midwest.  However, as we said to ourselves this morning, “Whine not Princess, as the temperature is above freezing for the first time in nearly three weeks.” Indeed.

J. Crew continues to update its website related to their winning looks for the First Family. (In case you missed our many posts on the topic, click here or here for a sampling.) Today’s home page provided insight into the design process, with a reproduction of their inspiration board for the Obama designs.

Courtesy J. Crew

We always enjoy seeing the final pieces alongside the sketches….

PHOTO: Jim Young/Reuters

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In this story from Cheryl Lu-Lien Tang at the WSJ’s fabulous Heard on the Runway blog, we learn a little more about Malia and Sasha’s individual styles from J. Crew’s Jenna Lyons:

“Malia, she likes pleats and pared-down things and is not a huge fan of sparkles, but little Sasha loves bright colors and sparkly things,” says Ms. Lyons, who says her team submitted 20 sketches based on the details they received.

That same WSJ blog story indicates that an opportunity to acquire an almost-identical look for your Young Miss should arrive in about six months:

“… (the company) plans this fall to introduce coats in its Crewcuts by J.Crew line that are similar to the ones Malia and Sasha wore on Tuesday.

“They’ll be versions of them but not the exact coat, in that color, with those buttons,” Ms. Lyons says. “Malia and Sasha will not go to school next year and see the girl next to them wearing the same coat.”

Not all was fabulous for J. Crew however, as noted in this story in the Times’ Bits blog:

“By Tuesday afternoon, the Web page on J. Crew’s site that features women’s gloves had crashed. By Wednesday morning, the whole women’s section of the site had crashed. Later in the day, the entire site was down, with a note that said, “Stay tuned…Sorry, we’re experiencing some technical difficulties right now (even the best sites aren’t perfect). Check back with us in a little while.”

Another look we saw on the J. Crew homepage:

Courtesy J. Crew

Those reading Tuesday’s post about Michelle Obama selecting a Jason Wu gown for the Inaugural balls may remember we closed with this line:

“We’ll be back with more, including the Princess Consort’s take on Jason Wu’s preppy aesthetic, including some pretty in pink confections from the runway.”

And TPC is feeling validated this afternoon, yes he is. We give you part of a story at today’s Arizona Central, titled Who is Jason Wu, writing:

“Whimsical and feminine at times, but he loves preppy and East Coast vibes, too. His spring collection is filled with bright ethereal gowns, ladylike shift dresses and menswear-inspired trousers and long shorts.”

Courtesy Jason Wu

We adore the pink look shown above, as well as this dress:

Courtesy Jason Wu

We just have to share a few more:

Courtesy Jason Wu

Courtesy Jason Wu

We do love almost everything Mr. Wu shows in this collection – what do you think?

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A note for students or afficionadas of interior design, especially those intrigued by White House decor: today’s All the Best is a must-read. Ronda has done an outstanding job sharing inside information and photos on designers like Dorothy Draper and Sister Parish (to name a few) and their work with varying First Families.  Just seeing the photo of the Kennedy family in front of the Christmas tree in 1962 is worth the visit, not to mention the image of Babe Paley at the Eisenhower Inaugural Ball!

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One more quick item almost lost in the Inaugural shuffle: Ralph Lauren unveiled the company’s new luxury watch line this week in Switzerland.

The company plans three different collections, with the first launching in April of this year. Price points will range from approximately $8800 – $25,000 according to a Bloomberg story.  The initial group is designed with the retailer’s iconic equestrian theme in mind.

Courtesy Luxist.com

Ariel Adams at Luxist has a wonderful piece on the line loaded with fascinating tidbits:

“These are no mere fashion watches as can be seen from their unveiling at which occurred at the luxury watch show SIHH 2009.”

For more, click here.

We’ll be back shortly!

It’s Baaaack – Ultimate Preppy Names

Hello-Hello, and good thoughts hoping everyone is enjoying a splendid day, not too frazzled and frenzied by the holiday crunch.

We start with a holiday greeting from one of the employees here at the Prepatorium, perhaps the hardest working staff member. If you ask her. Frankly, we think she spends more time lounging around than she does testing products, which was part of her job description. (And she promised us she was qualified for this part of the job way back when we hired her to be part of the Princess Team.)

It’s not like it’s a hard job either. This is one of the products we needed her to try out:

Stewart Dog Collar at PreppyPrincess.com

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Heh-heh-heh. Yep. We are talking about Silly Tilly, the largest lounge lizard this side of the Mississippi. And she just couldn’t turn down the delightful Daisy’s request for a photo op.  Of course, this all started with the Princess Consort’s Giveaway Post.  (Don’t forget to enter! Just leave a comment asking him a question; the drawing is tomorrow night.)

Tilly's Christmas Wish for You

Oh, and those fabulous grosgrain ribbon dog collars?  Miss Tilly is only allowed to wear a harness because of her throat issues, no more collars. (Don’t ask; we’ll just say the most recent surgery involved removing tonsils and trying to help her collapsed trachea. She is our little Bulldog Rescue girl, health issues and all!)

Besides, when it comes to work, this is Miss Tilly’s idea of a hard day at the office.

Tilly at Work

And after what Tilly refers to as “The Episode”…..

"Never Again!"

… we were advised that she was going on strike.  (Honestly, it was just a little fundraiser put on by Vet students at the The Great Midwestern University nearby.)

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Once again, it is time to break out the Prep-O-Meter; we need to rank some names in terms of their ‘preppiness.’

• Caldwell Rohrbach
• Thayer Damm
• Skyler Hopkins
• Porter Whitman
• Wick Kelley

Yes, these are names of real people on Lacrosse teams at real schools. Every year Inside Lacrosse selects the preppiest sounding names, all in good fun, and puts together the Inside Lacrosse Yearbook All-Name Team.

Inside Lacrosse

As described by the editors:

“Lacrosse has long been known for its prep school roots. And while that changes and diversifies rapidly every year, it still crops up in some of the 1,000-plus names that appear in IL’s Face-Off Yearbook.”

The list is more than entertaining, click here to read all of the names on the 2009 rosters; many just shriek prep, or old school, or WASP.  If thinking about your very own copy of the Inside Lacrosse Yearbook, just click here.

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We have been sharing some of the Inaugural Day sketches submitted by menswear designers for President-elect Obama.  The request for the fashions came from WWD, and they have all been posted on their site as well as the looks, their visions of stylish looks for the next President.

Today a few of the suggestions for accessorizing, starting with Brooks Brothers and their Tie #1 in silk and cashmere:

Courtesy Photo

And as seen in the catalog in a different colorway:

Brooks Brothers

If you are looking for the tie Ms. Aniston wore on the cover of GQ, that is Brooks’ Black Fleece Triple Guard Stripe Tie in silk and cotton.  (No, we aren’t running the photo.) That tie is actually on sale, now $112.50 from $150.

An offering from Countess Mara:

Countess Mara Tie

Having visited the Countess Mara site for the first time in forever we must say we find their marketing more than intriguing: “Countess Mara – Be a Gentleman.”

Countess Mara

The next sketch is from Perry Ellis .

Perry Ellis

For today’s Argyle Update we offer a Black Fleece Argyle Sweater at Brooks Brothers. One of designer Thom Browne’s better looks, in cashmere with grosgrain trim.  (Quite the bargain too, originally $1000, now $600.)

Brooks Brothers Black Fleece

We close with Miss Tilly giving you the look she generally wears: