A Preppy Wish List, Eco-Prep for the Young Master or Little Miss

Hello-Hello, and a happy day to everyone!

Whilst away at TQM’s (The Queen Mother’s) for a little social activity of the ‘Ladies Who Lunch’ kind, readers were treated to The Consort’s post showcasing runway trends for the Man of the House. We wanted to share a photo that wasn’t included in the post, an outfit that he really covets:

Giovanni Giannoni/WWD

This is a Spring 2010 look from Emanuel Ungaro, proof positive that yes, one can have too much pink. Now, if this were done in womenswear? Yours truly would be obsessed with each piece, including those shoes. Or the idea of each piece, perhaps not the reality.

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Back to reality here at the Palace, we begin with an inquiry from one of our favorite customers, the delightful Whale Flip-Flops in NYC. She gave us the okay to share her request with readers:

“I was wondering if it would be possible for you to create a wishlist option for your site? There are entirely too many things I want….”

From her mouth to The Consort’s ears our crack IT department (ahem).  May we ask for a drumroll??? Whoo-hoo Miss Flip-Flops, you may now create your very own list of goodies from the Princess store!

All that is required to make lists of your own is to scroll down the home page, on the left side you will see this button with a box underneath it.

Type any search term you like in the box underneath that button, and you will be taken to a page asking if you are a New or Returning Customer.  Once there you can login or sign up if not already registered (we never, ever sell or share your information with anyone, nor do we put you on our own internal mailing lists unless you specifically ask us to do so, we hate junk email as much as you do and respect your privacy) and as soon as you are at your personal account page you can start a shopping list.

Our favorite part? You can make as many lists as you like, and name them however you choose, be it by occasion or event (like Birthday or Graduation) or a type of merchandise, or specific category (like Lilly Pulitzer or stationery), it is entirely your choice how many lists to make and how to name them.

Thank you Miss Flip-Flops, for asking the question and nudging us to an improvement for the site!

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Next, the ongoing efforts of behalf of the Chicago bid for the 2016 Olympic Summer Games.  Rather, one of the looks being sported (very. bad. pun.) by the women in our US delegation to the IOC meetings in Copenhagen.

Maria Pinto Courtesy Photo via WWD

There are a number of pieces in this special collection by Maria Pinto for the women; the male delegates have suits and separates by Chicago-based Hart Schaffner Marx. Below, Michelle Obama arrives in Copenhagen to join in the efforts.

Claus Bjoern Larsen, Polfoto

The President is also going to help make the case on behalf of the city, with competition coming from Tokyo, Madrid and Rio de Janeiro.  The IOC will choose the winning city in a vote on Friday Oct. 2.  Despite all of the intense lobbying on behalf of Chicago, our bet is on Rio landing the games.

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We close with an addition to our eco-prep line, more of our popular RuMe bags, but this time we have special bags for the younger set:

These are the RuMe Junior Totes, brand new at the store. We love them for everyday use, carrying books, toys, craft supplies, just about anything.  They are also ideal for your mini-prep to use on Halloween. One of the nicest things about these is being able to toss them in the wash machine, a huge plus for us when choosing reusable market bags. Besides, we are suckers for a cool Rocket Ship.

We also have a few new styles in these for the grown-up preps, the City Park line is now in stock:

We do love all of our eco-prep market bags and totes; we’re so grateful to have discovered these in bright and colorful prints and solids. We just didn’t want to replace plastic bags with something equally drab and dreary, let alone something that wouldn’t go over the shoulder or wasn’t machine washable.

With these cheery colors we say g’bye until next time, thank you for visiting!

When Being a Princess Goes Bad, Kate Spade Sample Sale,

Hello-Hello everyone!

Today’s post is an exercise in what we refer to as pre-blogging, written in advance of a heavy schedule; we expect we shall be winging our way to The Queen Mother’s as you read this.

Readers can probably guess our reaction to this title for a column in Friday’s Journal:

Bringing Up Princess: Turning Girls Into Narcissists

Immediately our hackles went up as we said to ourselves, “Now wait just one minute.” But upon reading Megan Basham’s column, we find ourselves in agreement with much of her perspective.

“…little to do with indulging sweet princess fantasies and everything to do with catering to over-indulged princess egos.”

Naturally, invoking an anti-prep increased our comfort level:

“Take the popular tween retailer Justice. At malls nationwide, it carries multiple “Princess” tops and accessories that look a lot more like Paris Hilton’s attire than Snow White’s.”

For more on the “trickle-down narcissism” column click here.

One request: let’s not throw the Princess out with the tiara, so to speak?

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We have an update on tennis fashion just in time for Wimbledon, direct from our favorite tennis blog, Down the Line Tennis.

Scottish star Andy Murray‘s is expected to wear the ensemble shown above, all classic pieces by Fred Perry, one of Mr. Murray’s sponsors. The look is meant to emulate the styles worn by Mr. Perry in the 1930’s when he won Wimbledon.

A timeless style, and one we adore.  Some say the look is part of a greater campaign to help the sometimes-surly Murray move beyond his anti-English image.

Those interested in something for off-the-court wear may find the company’s accessories appealing, including the Tipped Webbing Belt.

FredPerry.com

Many readers may already be aware there has been significant speculation as to whether or not Rafael Nadal would play in this year’s tournament; that conversation ended yesterday when he began practicing on one of the famed grass courts.

PHOTO: Bertrand Guy/AFP/Getty

We are still fond of last year’s look as seen above, the shocking pink and gray. Not that we pay any attention to that.  (Actually, we’re such an old fuddy-duddy we still think white is a good color for tennis apparel.)

It does not appear we will see Roger Federer in his famous cardigan again, the one prompting our original Preppy vs. Pirate post.

We confess we don’t yet know what Mr. Federer is sporting for a signature look this year.

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A quick Sales & Savings note: fly to the Kate Spade Sample Online Sale:

Fiscally-friendly bargains abound, like the Jitney Cashmere Sweater is now $88. The original price was $295.

The sale ends the 19th.

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For today’s Pretty in Pink we offer Blake Lively at Monday night’s big do, the CFDA Fashion Awards.

PHOTO: Eric Thayer/Reuters

The Gossip Girl star was wearing Michael Kors.  Also in attendance, Andrew Lauren, Dylan Lauren and David Lauren.

PHOTO: Steve Eichner/WWD

The whole clan was on hand, including Ralph Lauren and Ricky Lauren; he took home the Most Popular vote award, the first time the award has been made.

PHOTO: Larry Busacca/Getty

Comedienne Tracey Ullman was the emcee/host for the evening’s festivities; she had a few tongue-in-cheek comments on Michelle Obama’s penchant for apparel from a certain retailer:

““In the short time her husband has been in office, she has already done a tremendous amount to promote the American fashion designers, especially J. Crew,” Ullman crowed. “Is J. here tonight? Mr. Crew? How about Mrs. Crew? Any of the Crew kids? Oh come on, you’d think that they’d be here tonight to show support for J.”

The Ullman quote is courtesy of this story in today’s WWD.  Another designer and retailer of a preppish nature, Tory Burch, wore her own design for the gala.

PHOTO Steve Eichner/WWD

Lauren Santo Domingo also wore Michael Kors.

PHOTO Steve Eichner/WWD

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Tomorrow’s post will feature loads of looks from this year’s Royal Ascot. Below, the Queen and Prince Philip on their way to the event yesterday.

Getty Images

Until next time, enjoy your day dollfaces!

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!