The Wedding Gown Ralph Lauren Created for Lauren Bush

Hello-Hello, welcome to a sparkling new week, albeit a shortened one for many.

We begin with an update to this summer’s post about the marriage of Lauren Bush to David Lauren, pictures of the exquisite wedding gown designed by her father-in-law, Ralph Lauren, are in this month’s issue of Vogue.

Mark Seliger/Vogue

From the story accompanying the photos:

Lauren, 27, and David, 39, were married over the Labor Day weekend at his family’s 17,000-acre Double RL ranch in Ridgway, Colorado, before some 200 guests—intimate by fashion-industry social standards.

Mark Seliger/Vogue

For anyone needing a refresher (it took yours truly a nano-second to recall the lineage), the bride is the daughter of Neil and Sharon Bush. Neither President George H.W. and Barbara Bush were able to attend because of the altitude (Mr. Lauren’s ranch is at 9000 feet) but the bride’s uncle and aunt, President George Bush and Laura Bush, were on hand.

More on how the gown was created from that Vogue story:

She and Ralph had a few casual conversations at family meals and holiday weekends about what sort of dress she’d like. In late June they met at the Ralph Lauren studio for their first official design meeting. “I walked in, and there were these beautiful illustrations of the looks we’d discussed with my face on them,” she recalls. “It was like a dream come true.”

The silhouette was an elegant blend of old and new, a Victorian influence is obvious when initially looking at the gown. Only when seen from another angle does the open back offer the very contemporary sense created by Mr. Lauren.  Ms. Lauren wore cowboy boots, her bridesmaids were in vintage prairie skirts and white linen shirts.

Mark Seliger/Vogue

It sounds like a lovely weekend, to read the entire story click here.

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Also today, a brief glance at this weekend’s big do celebrating the 100th episode of Gossip Girl.

Getty Images

Above, some of those Gossip Guys, Penn Badgley, Ed Westwick and Chace Crawford. A point of curiosity: are there any photographs in existence taken when Mr. Westwick is not posing? Next, two of the show’s stars, Leighton Meester and Kelly Rutherford.

Getty Images

Below we see Matthew Settle (evidently a fan of Thom Browne’s shrunken styles) and actress JoAnna Garcia Swisher.  (No comment on the fit of Ms. Swisher’s….scrap of fabric…dress.)

Getty

Many were eager to see what Blake Lively would wear to the party, she was in a Marchesa dress from the spring 2012 collection.

Via Red Carpet Fashion Awards

Red Carpet Fashion Awards did not think highly of Ms. Lively’s party frock:

The best place for this embroidered fringed dress is the ice rink at the Winter Olympics or ‘Dancing with the Stars’.

This dress is doing nothing for her and I’m bewildered that she selected it.

I’ve looked at every single picture to find something positive to say about this look, but I have no words.

Ouch. (Not that we disagree, it is a rather ghastly frock.)

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Finally, a delightful holiday collection from a brand we have vilified and relentlessly railed against occasionally questioned, Tommy Hilfiger.

Tommy Hilfiger

You may have already seen some of the ads from the print campaign, here are two pieces we liked.

Tommy Hilfiger

There are some darling accessory and gift items in the group.

By the way, if shopping online today, everything is 30% off, use promo code THANKS30.

With that we say g’bye until next time.

Target’s New Designer, That New Gossip Girl, Stella & Dot Adds Handbags

Hello-Hello, and happy top of a new week!

It has been a little busier than normal here at the Prepatorium, more on that later. But first, we have a quick look at the newest addition to the Gossip Girl cast. Although we don’t watch, a number of readers are fans, so we attempt to stay abreast of developments on the show, below we see Elizabeth Hurley shooting a scene with Chace Crawford last week.

Flynet Pictures via The Daily Mail

The show is in production for its next season, shooting on the UES. Ms. Hurley plays a character named Diana Payne,we also show Ed Westwick and Penn Badgley working on the set last week.

Splash/AKM Images via The Daily Mail

The new character is apparently that of a ‘media mogul,’ obviously a very attractive one.

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Next, word from Women’s Wear Daily (subscription req’d.) that Le Boutique Targét is adding another designer line, this one from Gwen Stefani. The Harajuku Mini collection will debut in November, with pieces for “babies, children and tweens,” according to the trade publication.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

Prices for the line will run $3.99 to $29.99. Sharon Edelson’s story points out that Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. collection is one of very few successful fashion endeavors being done by celebrities.

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Next on the menu today, a look at a new accessories collection from a company called Sloane Ranger.  The line is just being launched, from its website:

“Inspired by the streets of Sloane Square, It was time to bring the Sloane’s effortless cool and confident styling across the pond.”

Many readers remember Princess Diana as the most well known individual associated with the moniker. Here are a few of the company’s iPad/Netbook cases, retailing at $20.

And here are some of the belts being offered, they run $18.

Thoughts on the new wares? Intrigued? Yawn? Cute?

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Women’s Wear Daily also has word about Stella and Dot, the jewelry and limited accessories line sold through private trunk shows. The company is adding handbags to the merchandise its stylists will be offering, below we show one of the bags.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

The initial handbag collection will consist of five bags, here is more from the WWD story:

“A clutch; a convertible, three-way style; a cross-body bag; a wristlet, and a key pouch will comprise the first collection. Prices start at $44 for the key pouch and go up to $258 for the convertible bag. “

Stella and Dot already offers jewelry totes and rolls.

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Finally today, one of the reasons we say the weekend was a little chaotic.  Facebook fans have already heard that we hired a new shipping manager, seen on the job below overseeing Friday’s shipment of Lilly Pulitzer Agendas to Princess customers.

Courtesy Tilly T. Bulldog

It was good to have new personnel on the job, we had quite a few Lilly Pulitzer Agendas to get ready for today’s shipping run.

Above we show boxes being prepped for shipment, below, some of the boxes ready to go.

The Prepatorium

And more boxes filled with Agendas going out today.

The Prepatorium

Of course, with this many orders one counts on the shipping supervisor.  You’re wondering where that employee is aren’t you? So were we.

Caught Red-Pawed

We finally located her, tracked by the sound of her snores.

Honestly, you just can’t get good help these days.

Gossip Guy Updates, Luxury Baby Clothes & An Homage to Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a Tuesday here at the Prepatorium.

We have multiple tidbits to share today, most are of the hit and split headline only variety, with apologies, we are pressed for time.

1) It isn’t only the summer solstice, today also brings something of a holiday for many:

Lilly Pulitzer

It’s National Wear Your Lilly Day, and regardless of the weather, Lilly Lovers everywhere were sporting the vibrant hues and prints.  Below, the understated elegance our pal Lisagh was going to be wearing.

Here’s a peek at all of the fun back at the Pink Palace (Lilly Pulitzer headquarters).

Via Lilly Pulitzer

2) This Saturday we enjoyed a story in the Journal looking at the increase in children’s clothing collections from luxury brands.  From Sameer Reddy’s story:

“With the launch of several children’s lines from mega fashion brands like Fendi, Lanvin and Gucci, however, parental projection is going to a new level, with mini-me’s dressed to impress rather than for recess.”

The piece is accompanied by a number of photos with fashion montages styled many ways, including “Preppy Baby” (L) and “Hippie Baby” (R).

F. Martin Ramin for The Wall Street Journal

It makes for an interesting read, one we happily recommend; click here for the entire story.

3) It’s Men’s Fashion Week again and there are reports Gossip Guy Chace Crawford walked the runway for Versace at yesterday’s show in Milan. As best we can tell he did *not* actually model for Versace but he did attend the show.

PHOTOS: Getty Images

4) Another Gossip Girl star, Penn Badgley, has been chosen for the lead in one of the upcoming films about musician Jeff Buckley, prompting rumors he may need to leave the show to accommodate the production schedule for the movie. (Gasp.)

5) Theminute-by-minute (almost) schedule for the Canadian portion of the upcoming Royal Tour in Canada is now available, click here to see the details.

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What sounds like a must-see exhibit for anyone who is going to be in southern California is now open, “LBD (Little Black Dress) An Homage to Breakfast at Tiffany’s” can be seen at the FIDM Museum.

Via FIDM

The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising show isn’t huge, but looks at a subject matter near and dear to our heart, who doesn’t appreciate the beauty of a LBD … or several? Here is more from All the Rage:

“Standouts include Hubert de Givenchy’s line-for-line re-creation of the “Tiffany’s” dress (on loan from Hubert de Givenchy Couture) and glam takes on the staple from Christian Dior, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Madeleine Vionnet, Valentina and L.A.-based designers Monique Lhuillier, Kevan Hall and Chan Luu.”

Kathryn Collings/MyStyle.com (R)

We hadn’t realized there were actually 4 of the Givenchy dresses made for Audrey Hepburn. The exhibit runs through August 13, and best of all, it is free.  For more you can also visit the FIDM Museum’s Shop page on Facebook.

Via FIDM Museum Shop Facebook Page

There is also more about the exhibit at the FIDM blog, it looks like a delightful way to spend one’s lunch hour!

On those lovely images we say goodbye until next time, may your day be as bright and filled with fun as the Lilly everyone is wearing.

Friday Fun & Fashion Week

Hello-Hello, we are ever-so-tickled that it is Friday, the promise of a slightly more relaxed pace over the weekend holds great appeal.

As we have mentioned, Fashion Week is officially underway, kicking off Wednesday with the Heart Truth Red Dress Collection. The fashion show is part of the month-long effort to raise awareness about heart disease, the #1 killer of women.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images/Heart Truth Red Dress

Above we show Denise Richards, Dita Von Teese and Suzanne Somers.  Below, Julianne Hough in a Swarovski embellished gown.

Here is more on the event:

“….reminds women of the need to protect their heart health and inspires them to take action. Each February since its launch, The Red Dress symbol has come to life on the runway with the support of the fashion industry and celebrity models at the Red Dress Collection Fashion Show.”

The scene backstage before the show officially started:

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Below, several people attending the Red Dress event, left to right, Kat DeLuna, Bill Rancic and Matthew McConaughey.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Is it just us, or do all three people in that photo look a little… off?

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One can always look forward to a full slate of social events tied to NYFW, including the amfAR gala headlined by President Clinton Wednesday night. Below left we see the President’s daughter Chelsea, as well as Gossip Girl actress Blake Lively in Alexander McQueen.

One of last night’s hot tickets was GQ’s menswear bash at the oh-so-chic Ace Hotel.  Ms. Lively’s co-star Penn Badgley was in attendance at that party, along with Tommy Hilfiger and Jessica Alba.

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Shifting our attention back to actual fashions, we offer a few images from yesterday’s Steven Alan show.

Catwalking via NYTimes.com

Before offering any bloviations thoughts about the styles, it should be said that we seem to be having a bit of a Crankenstein moment; the words ‘fall fashion’ bring to mind images of wintry weather, and the very. last. thing. we want to see are runways overflowing with fall colors, fabrics and designs. We are eager to embrace the bright, vibrant colors of spring, not autumn’s earth tones. (Insert ‘harrumph,’ crossed arms and world class pout here.)

Back to the Steven Alan show, described by several reviewers as “rugged preppy,” the pieces are always cut with classic lines and also very well constructed. We generally find lots to like when seeing this line, but just didn’t have that reaction this time.

Catwalking via NYTimes.com

The Spring 2011 line seemed far more appealing, if interested in seeing that collection in its entirety, click here for the lookbook.

Wondering what models do when it is time to hurry up and wait?

Jessica Rinaldi/Reuters

Fashion Week crowd shots are always entertaining, here is one that caught our eye:

Timothy A. Clary/AFP

In the “will they never learn?” category, we take a peek at yesterday’s Christian Siriano show. Below we see model Alexa Chung with actresses Gabrielle Union and Mena Suvari at the show.

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for IMG

In speaking to the ‘will they never learn?’ issue, a look at the shoes; keep in mind Mr. Siriano is an experienced footwear designer with several collections for Payless under his belt.

From Fashionista:

“It was like Christian went a little too overboard trying to balance the chiffon and floral theme with big angry shoes. I love a big shoe, but it’s time to take it down a notch, never mind the peril to the models.”

The peril?

AP Photo

One of several models losing the struggle with the sky-high shoes. More from Fashionista:

“The shoes at Christian Siriano’s show were killer. No, that’s not a compliment. They nearly killed at least four models. One girl took a tumble and multiple others tripped, faltered, or stumbled; one was so completely irritated by them that she took them off during the finale walk in a huff.”

While it is unlikely any of Mr. Siriano’s work will ever be seen here at The Prepatorium, we do admire his talent, below, two gowns from the designer’s fall line.

Our final NYFW shot today is from a show just about to get underway, Nautica, this image is from the company’s Twitter photo stream.

Courtesy Nautica

That is model Ryan Carney getting ready backstage before the presentation, we look forward to sharing more from this collection Monday.

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We have a quick update for those asking about Verizon iPhone 4 cases: our personalized Clairebella cases are now offered for that phone. 🙂

PreppyPrincess.com

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We leave you with two items qualifying as Friday Fun, the first comes via the Shiny Sheet, the paper mentioned a segment on Lilly Pulitzer vintage fashions airing in today’s Martha Stewart show, this fab photo accompanied the story.

Via Palm Beach Daily News Shiny Sheet

That is Ms. Pulitzer in the amazing pink headdress, she is wearing one of her own designs at a 1968 party she hosted.  A reminder that the show now airs on the Hallmark Channel, and while it aired this morning at 10am, we presume it will be repeated at some point.

Our other item is also a Pretty in Pink:

Via NetCarShow

Do you think it would make an acceptable Prepmobile? (Heh, heh, heh.)

Until next time, we hope everyone is able to enjoy a restful, restorative weekend.

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Payless
• Andrew H. Walker/Getty
• Jamie McCarthy/WireImage

Gap, Banana Republic & Lands’ End Spring 2011

Hello-Hello, welcome to a Thursday filled with all manner of fun and fashion.

Today we confront that strange circumstance of barely moving into a new season in real life, while appraising light and summery fashions for the next season. It is always disconcerting.

With that caveat we begin with a look at Banana Republic for next Spring.

Women’s Wear Daily reviews the new styles; as one would expect, the color palette is muted, showcasing BR’s olives and khakis.

Along with muted gray and taupe.

A timeless navy was used as well.

A number of floral dresses helped soften the collective look.

As did the splash of coral and peach incorporated into the mix.

For your MOTH (Man of the House), basic BR pieces.

Classic profiles seemed to rule the day.

We do adore a basic v-neck sweater.

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For those wondering about styles from BR sister company, The Gap, here are a few images from that Spring 2011 line.

Ben Wright/WWD

These also come via a WWD story.

One of the first things we notice is the higher waist on some pieces.

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Our final group of spring fashions come from Lands’ End and Lands’ End Canvas.

We do like many of the styles, they carry upbeat colors in timeless silhouettes.

The styles are classic Lands’ End, from Women’s Wear Daily review of the regular Lands’ End group:

“Land’s End continued to evolve its preppy practicality with updated takes on heritage pieces for spring. Sailor-stripe shirts, fit-and-flare dresses and rain gear, including performance trenches, were key looks for women.”

A nautical feel was evident throughout much of the collection.  Here is a bit of the WWD Canvas review:

“…the Canvas collection, which targets an audience with “a younger mind-set” (early 30s), as president Nick Coe said, rounded the one-year mark. Spring’s focus was on washed oxford-cloth shirts, gingham shorts and fitted knitwear with an emphasis on brights, as well as more trend-driven denim and khaki.”

We must confess we can’t comfortably distinguish in some of the photos what pieces are from the Canvas line and what are not.

But for those who “like” the Canvas FB page, quite a bit of the spring collection may be seen at that location.

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Lest we not meet our obligations to keep our cherished readers up to date on inane and meaningless Goings-On of the Gossipy sort, look who was at a Vogue party Tuesday night.

Getty Images

The image does prompt us to ask if you think Mr. Westwick is sporting what we used to call a pompadour?

In other important G2 news (heh, heh, heh), word that there’s been a breakup for two of Gossip Girl’s stars.

Us Magazine

According to Us Magazine, managers for Blake Lively and Penn Badgley have confirmed the couple has split.

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We close with a rather strange phenomenon we are experiencing here at Princess InterGalactic HQ; it is the case of the vanishing Halloween candy.

As background, we do like planning ahead for things and an enormous bag of candy was purchased weeks ago for the little ghosts and goblins brave enough to cross the moat and show themselves at the palace doors. This morning we discovered a good portion of said sweet treats are gone, vanished.

Neither one of us has any idea how it disappeared, but here’s where the fickle finger of blame is pointing.

If that isn’t a guilty grin, we don’t know what is. Now, there’s no need to fret about Silly Tilly, Miss TUWABVB has jumped to her defense. Again.

Has anyone else had this strange occurrence, the candy purchased so earnestly in advance of the big day is just… gone?  (With apologies to those who may have seen this on our earlier Twitter and Facebook pages, we simply couldn’t resist.)

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• George Chinsee/WWD: All Banana Republic images
• Ben Wright/WWD: All Gap images
• Kyle Ericksen/WWD: Lands’ End