An Anti-Prep Crosses the Line, We Are In the Pink & Brooks Brothers’ New Blog

Welcome to another week, we hope yours is filled with the promise of spring.

We begin today with a story you may have already heard about, we felt it merited discussion because of our chat last week about “letting girls be girls,” the egregious nature of the topic also contributed to our decision to cover this today. Below, just one of hundreds of headlines about the topic, and images of the item under discussion, they come from from the Abercrombie Kids online store:

Who Wouldn’t Get Their 7-Year-Old A Sexy Padded Bra?

Abercrombie Kids via The Daily Mail

The headline comes via Gothamist, it is indicative of the tone seen in most stories about the bikinis, although we should point out Abercrombie is not selling girls’ undergarments, but bikini bathing suit tops.  From the Gothamist story:

“Parents are outraged that the company has created a line of push-up bras and bathing suits for girls as young as seven-years-old.”

Our friends on the far side of the pond may have initially broken the story, here is part of The Daily Mail’s coverage:

“…the fashion chain was the subject of outrage today after it released a range of bikinis for eight to 14-year-olds with padded cups.

The Abercrombie Kids ‘Ashley push-up triangle’ top, which retails for $24.50, features thick padding in the cup to give the illusion of a larger chest size.”

The Ashley Bikini Top is still on the site, evidently the level of controversy has prompted the company to change the name, removing the “push up” portion.

Abdercrombie Kids

Below we see the original description of the top, followed by the description as seen today on the website.

To be fair (must we strive for fairness when discussing this company?), Abercrombie Kids describes itself as serving 7 to 14 year olds; the company could claim to be targeting the top at 13 and 14-year-old girls as opposed to younger children. But that prompts an obvious question: do we need those young ladies, at an age when one’s self-image and self-confidence are at their most fragile, having this sort of product promoted to them?

As many readers are no doubt aware, this isn’t the first time the tasteless retailer has crossed the line, here is more from The Daily Mail:

“A range of thongs bearing the words ‘wink wink’ and ‘eye candy’ sold by the retailer for the same age group in 2002 sparked a similar debate, but Abrecrombie Kids refused to recall the line.

Abercrombie: taking vulgar to new lows.

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On a more upbeat note, we turn our attention to a retailer that does offer age appropriate clothing for children; Fred Perry has launched its new Kidswear line.

Fred Perry

We liked just about everything we looked at online.

Fred Perry

We also think the young man in the photos is beyond darling, no?

Fred Perry

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We move on now to springy things, it may be chilly but the sun is shining and bright colors may help bring spring closer. We start with the Furla Candy Bags, definitely Pretty In Pink (and Green).

Furla Candy Bags

Also offering vivid colors, Kenzo, a brand we rarely talk about here on the blog, the bags look like Easter candy.

Kenzo

The handles on these remind us of a telephone cord. For the younger set, we used to use two-piece telephones, there were cords connecting the two separate parts. 🙂

Two more from Kenzo in shades of pink.

Kenzo

D&G offers shoes that also remind us of Easter eggs.

D&G

D&G actually has a variety of cute pieces for your Tiny Miss, including the Junior Shirt for Infants, the bloomers come with the top.

D&G at 6pm.com

The plaids from Vivienne Westwood are fun.

Vivienne Westwood

These next two items may be pink, but it is unlikely you will see them at The Prepatorium, below left, the DSquared2 Clear Bootie and a Roberto Cavalli boot on the right.

6pm (the Zappos discount site) has some wonderful shoes in our favorite color, the Chuches Infant/Toddler Cotton (top) and Pampili Toddler Flat (bottom) are both sweet.

They also have multiple offerings for Mom, including the Jackie Flat and the Holly Pump, both from Paul Smith.

We move over to one of our favorites, J. McLaughlin, for more goodies. Below left, the St. Kitts Rattan bag,and on the right, the Seville Print Cardigan.

Also at J. McLaughlin, the Marcy Henley top, and the Harbor Dress.

Being Pretty in Pink isn’t limited to apparel and accessories, why not put the color front and center on your tabletop? The Melamine Dinner Set in Tutti-Frutti can be found at Le Boutique Targét, along with the Set of 10 Double Walled Tumblers.

There are also a number of items for one’s boudoir, we show the Room Essential Floral Quilt on the left and the Xhilaration Floral Paisley on the right.

Our friend Erin over at Pink & Green Scene recently shared a blinding very bright pillow (L), as well as a darling little piggy bank from Mud Pie.

That may be just enough pink for today!

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We leave you with news about a storied prep brand boosting its online presence even more:

Of Rogues and Gentlemen

That is a look at the new blog from Brooks Brothers, aptly titled Of Rogues and Gentlemen.  The blog launched at noon today, with sections on topics like “Style Commandments” and “Fabrics“.

Of Rogues & Gentlemen blog by Brooks Brothers

Brooks shows its social savvy by offering content not limited exclusively to posts tied to its merchandise, offering articles like “Give Me The Keys,” about vacationing in the Keys.

Of Rogues & Gentlemen blog by Brooks Brothers

We do hope to see content directed to female interests as the new site matures, although the blog’s tagline leads us to believe we shall be disappointed: “Style Advice, Tips, and Essentials for the Modern Man.”

The blog adds to the company’s already robust Facebook following and a strong presence on Twitter.

Goodbye until next time!

A German Take on Ivy Style, “The Prepicenter” & When Preppy Weds Hippie

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a Thursday here at The Prepatorium, where spring has been evicted by winter’s return. (Insert royal whineathon here.) Are you also experiencing the nasty weather in your corner of the globe? 

We have quite a few tidbits to share today and jump right in with a topic that is somewhat disconcerting, the April issue of Vogue Enfants.

Vogue.fr via Fashionista

Two different fashion sites have interesting perspectives on the magazine, published by Vogue France. The always-on-top-of-things-Fashionista has a column headlined “Things that Creep Us Out from the New Issue of Vogue Enfants“.

“On the whole, French Vogue supplement Vogue Enfants is a gem for parents and children alike.”

“But after reviewing the issue, Lauren, Leah and I all felt a little uncomfortable after looking at some of the images, both ads and editorials.”

Below, two pages from the magazine.

Styleite also writes about this month’s issue:

“We know this is Vogue — and a supplement of Vogue Paris at that — but when we think of our childhood we think of smiling faces and candy and finding ways not to eat cauliflower, not giving a photographer the perfect pouty stink eye or looking malcontented.”

“They just look angry. And they shouldn’t. Because they’re six. If fashion magazines can do stuff like this to kids, it’s no wonder they can’t get it right when it comes to grown women.”

Two more images.

Back to the Fashionista story by Steff Yotka:

“Maybe we don’t get it because of our Puritan mentality (Vogue Enfants is French after all but then again TLC puts out a popular show called Toddlers and Tiaras), or maybe it’s that seeing children modeling like they’re adults–adults who are supposed to be sexy–is just plain unsettling.”

Well then, mark us down as puritanical as well, we agree with the concerns articulated by both stories, particularly when looking at the makeup on that beautiful girl in the cover shot.  But we should also point out that while Vogue France doesn’t need us to defend it (there’s a concept), we must acknowledge seeing many other publications showcasing little girls with inappropriate clothing and makeup, this is not the first time a glossy fashion publication has prompted us to express a fervent wish that little girls be allowed to be little.

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Next, another look at prep style, this time from Germany.

Via Ivy Style

Our friend Christian over at Ivy Style posted about this earlier in the week; we thought readers might enjoy a glance at some of the images.

Via Ivy Style

The feature is from a magazine published by German retailer Breuninger. More images are also available at Fashionisto, we leave you with these two shots.

Via Fashionisto

We have one more editorial spread to share with you, this one from Virginia Living. We are fortunate to have spotted a post on this at The Classic Preppy.

Cade Martin/Virginia Living

The photos by Cade Martin are beautiful, lush and rich. The majority of the piece was shot at a place close to the hearts of many friends, Sweet Briar (where yours truly almost went, in part because the school colors are pink & green).  From the feature:

“We had fun shooting this story at Sweet Briar College with students and faculty, and some friends from nearby Hampden-Sydney College—Virginia’s “Prepicenter.”

Another stunning photo from the story.

Cade Martin/Virginia Living

The talented Whit at Worthy Style also has a look at the story, or click here to visit Virgina Living.

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The upcoming marriage of Lauren Bush and David Lauren receives an interesting treatment in The Post, the paper’s Page Six magazine “When Preppy Weds Hippie“.

New York Post

The piece attempts humor at the blending of cultures and backgrounds, although when reading it a third and fourth time in an effort to write about it for you, it just felt flat. More forced than funny, as if an editor said “We *are* running this, you *will* finish it, and it *will* be funny.” (Having been on both ends of that kind of conversation, we can only confirm that it happens. More often than we care to remember.)  At any rate, if you pop over to look at the illustrations, do let us know your thoughts, our expiring little mind is dying to know if you found it humorous or humorless. (And while you are there you may enjoy a gossipy little story “Leader of the Snob Mob” about the Native Society, certainly not a new topic, it has been covered extensively by other media, but still a fun read.)

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In today’s not-so-delightful news, it looks like those of us obsessed with fond of Mad Men may be waiting a little longer to see our favorite ad agency back on the air; more from this story in the Times:

“Fans accustomed to spending their summer Sundays with Don Draper may have to wait a while longer. It looks increasingly likely that the fifth season of “Mad Men,” the three-time Emmy Award-winning AMC series, will not have its debut until late 2011 or early 2012.”

AMC-TV

Brian Stelter’s story also points out:

“Money often causes strife between program creators and distributors, but rarely do the negotiations drag out this long.”

Harrumph.

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We leave you with something much cheerier, today’s Pretty in Pink.

Lilly Pulitzer Picture perfect Espadrille

That is the Picture Perfect Espadrille at Lilly Pulitzer, it shrieks spring, and we need a touch of that today.

Until next time, may the sun be shining for you and yours.

Of Preps and Sloanes, Neiman’s New Bargain Stores, Nautical Notes

Hello, happy Monday!

We begin with an intriguing story from the far side of the pond, this one from the student newspaper at Oxford. Published Friday, “Sloanes versus Preppies: the rise of upper middle class cool” is just as it sounds, the piece examines similarities and disparities between the groups.

“Two social groups of upper middle classes have particularly captured the imagination of thousands, prompting the production of numerous books, articles and aspirational clothing. They are the British Sloanes and the American Preppies.”

For those not as familiar with Sloanes (originally Sloane Rangers), the term became popular in the 80’s. Princess Diana is frequently referenced as an example, there were also Sloane Ranger Handbooks, not unlike TOPH.

“Exclusive, wealthy and well-connected, Sloaneys and Preppies may seem superficially similar in their lifestyles. However, scratch the surface and you quickly realize that the conservative and intellectual bunch of Preps is miles away from the “casually cool” set of Sloaneys from Kensington and Chelsea.”

Marta Szczerba’s story delves into many facets of life, including how each group spends free time:

“For both Sloanes and Preppies, sports and second homes are an integral part of the lifestyle. Sloanes love entertaining in country homes in Suffolk, having lunch dates off King’s Road and play tennis or lacrosse. Kids probably had ponies when they were little (which have since been traded into Mulberry bags). Holiday destinations include Scotland, Cornwall, south of France and Monaco.”

“Don’t look for Preppies in the city on the weekends. They are not there. They go to the country, to their second home to cook, go antiquing, nap, recharge batteries and socialize in country clubs. They are sporty and with a natural competitive streak, but their preferred sports are, well, clubby. Golf, sailing, tennis, squash, polo, biking, fishing are sports preps adore.”

We enjoyed the comparison of fashion styles between the two groups, here is a bit of that perspective:

“Preppies scorn the messy look often worn by Sloanies. As the True Prep handbook states, “Sweat suits are for sweating. You can try to get away with wearing sweats to carpool, to pick up the newspaper, or to drive to the dump, but last time you were at the dump, the drop-dead-attractive widower from Maple Lane was there, too.”

This one is a fun read, if so inclined here is the full story.

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On the heels of our post about factory outlet stores and the merchandise they carry, word that Neiman Marcus is opening yet another line of discount stores, different from the existing Last Call stores.  The new stores will be called Last Call Studio; the Times has the story:

“The new Studio stores will carry lower-end products, bought directly from vendors, not the scuffed but still new pair of Manolo Blahniks (as high as $1,995 at Neiman’s) that can show up at Last Call stores (for about two-thirds as much). “

“A prototype of the Studio store in Dallas looks more like a career-wear store — an Ann Taylor or a Chico’s — than it does a Neiman Marcus or an outlet store. Clothes are simple and conservative, and muted colors like black, taupe and pink reign.”

Matt Nager for the NY Times

Last week we mentioned customers can now shop Last Call online; the Times story notes that Nordstrom Rack is also available online. We would caution anyone heading to the Rack online – the selection is fairly limited at this point, presumably it will be expanded as the days go by.

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Next, a few nautical notes we think our treasured readers may enjoy. The first is a line of sailcloth bags we weren’t familiar with from True Wind USA.

The company’s bags are made in the USA, and they are super-durable.  We like the Classic Tote Bags, but there is a great selection of sizes and styles.

Next, with apologies to any of our Facebook Fans who may have seen our mention already, the nautically inclined chair from Halo Styles caught our eye.

Keeping with the signal flags theme, Nautica is shooting next summer’s catalog, and sharing pictures as they go.

Click here to see the photos on Twipic, or on the company’s FB page to take a peek at the upcoming styles.

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There has been all sorts of chatter about the upcoming Lilly Pulitzer Furniture Collection that launches in the spring (most recently we posted about it here and here); we wanted to let everyone know there are a number of additional places to see more photos.

• Above we see pictures from Jamie at Furbish Studio, she has scads of amazing photos showing many of the eclectic color combinations, her description of the new line is perfect:

“…it was the perfect match of dorothy draper meets the sorority house meets jonathan adler meets delight.”

• Sophie Pyle has added some images to those seen in her original post
• Matters of Style actually supplied many of the accessories used in the showroom, they have some excellent pictures of the Collection as well

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We close with today’s Pretty in Pink and Green.

The Polka Dot Yoga Tote is just now in the shop, from the ever-so-talented Candi, who also does our Ribbon Flip-Flops and other accessories.  (Can anyone help a dopey Princess who can’t seem to figure out if “polka dot” is one or two words….?)

Goodbye 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.

It is All About the Pink!

Good afternoon dollfaces…

We seem to be a tad scattered this sunny afternoon; the prospect of sun and 60 degrees arriving at the same time has our brain addled.

Because of said addled state, we shall proceed with a brief, yet thematically consistent post.  We know how vitally important thematic standards are to everyone, precisely the reason we are so consistently inconsistent. (Heh-heh.)

We begin with additions to previous posts about ongoing sales at many retailers trading in preppish wares.  Now Tommy Hilfiger isn’t really in this category, more on the bubble in our mind, but they do merit the occasional drive-by and are having quite the clearance sale:

In The Pink Zone we show the Fitted Oxford Stripe Shirt, marked down about 40%, from $68 to $39.99.

 

TommyHilfiger.com

Over at Lacoste there is also a broad selection of merchandise on sale. The Girls Cotton Drawstring Skirt was $65 and is now offered at $38.99, the Misses Cotton Knit Pea Coat is $163 from $235.

Next, we move to the treasures at Baekgaard, including the pink luggage Tags:

 

Courtesy Baekgaard Ltd.

Also on sale, Baekgaard’s Mini Card Case in scads of fabulous color combinations.

 

Courtesy Baekgaard Ltd.

We do adore this line, in large part because they do use lush, rich colors; we actually discussed carrying it here at the Princess.

For our final pink item selling at a reduced price, the Lilly Pulitzer Toddler’s Maddy Dress.

 

Lilly Ulitzer Maddy Dress at Saks.com

The dress originally retailed at $68; it is now $46.90. BTW, if planning a visit to Saks, remember it is Friends & Family Sale time, as discussed in this post.

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We move on to a question for everyone about this Brooks Brothers skirt. On the surface it would seem the Country Club Embroidered Wrap Skirt has everything a Princess would love.

 

Courtesy Brooks Brothers

The skirt has pink. It has seersucker. It has little embroidered thingies. It even has grosgrain ribbon, used as tipping. Unfortunately when looking at it our mind sees only one thing: the word FRUMP.  What do you think? In our mind each and every reader is a Princess (or Prince), and we need your input. Are we being too hard on B2? Do you like it? Would you wear it? Do tell, as our expiring mind is dying to know.

Also not on sale but priced so reasonably it had to be shared:

 

The Pink Whale Supply Bags just landed here at the Prepatorium and we are loving them because they are so versatile.  At 9 x 4 x 4 they are simply perfect for your little one’s school supplies, or toiletries when traveling, or even your cosmetics.  The cute factor is off the charts, they are certified PVC-free, and at $14 a great buy. (Psst…if you like the whales, there are also Toddler Backpacks, bigger kids Book Backpacks, as well as Duffle Bags.)

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Finally we share the snappiest item we have seen in a long, l-o-n-g time, perhaps the ultimate Pretty in Pink. This gem is a Digital Photo Frame Japanese design firm Greenhouse.  TDF.

Courtesy Greenhouse Design via Gizmine

The frame is also an alarm clock and calendar. The screen is 3.5″ and the frame can run about 2 hours on one battery charge, or one may use the AC adapter, included in the $100 price. But wait – there’s still more! (We always wanted to sound like an infomercial.)

Are you sitting down? This also plays back MP3 audio and mjpeg video files! How cool is that?!  The frame is available at Gizmine and does come in several other colors. In fact, this is so nifty we just have to go oput on a limb and declare it to be officially Prepalicious!

With this on our minds, we are racing off to the Gizmine site.  Have a fabulous evening!