That New Preppy Style Book & When Anti-Preps Attack…Each Other

Hello-Hello, happy Thursday, it is another glorious day here at The Prepatorium, hopefully the sun is shining wherever you may be. (Unless you are in Texas, where we would wish a nice, steady moderate rainfall for you. TUWBVB, I Pick Pretty, Hopsy, all of you, we feel your pain.)

We begin today with an update on something we have chatted about previously, the upcoming release of Preppy: Cutivating Ivy Style.

Rizzoli

WWD carried a story about the book today; photos from the upcoming publication are shown, including this image of men from Deerfield‘s class of 1961.

Private Collection photo via WWD

(Can we talk about all of that fabulous madras?!)

The book remains on track for an October 4 release, David Lipke’s story is titled The Progression of Preppy Style, an apt description.

“The book, out in October, is a scholarly exploration of the roots of preppy style, enlivened with a treasure trove of historic photos and illustrations. The photos of boarding school students from decades past are particularly fascinating, as they show how consistent the look has been, even to this day.

Another image from the book, one that many readers will recognize, a still from the film Love Story with Ryan O’Neal and Ali MacGraw.

Photofest via WWD

More from Mr. Lipke’s review:

President Kennedy’s influence on preppy-dom is recounted, as are the contributions of other pillars of prep, such as Katharine Hepburn in her tweed skirts, Grace Kelly in her cashmere twinsets and Howard Hughes in his golf knickers. Edward, Prince of Wales, is of major import for many reasons, key among them that he popularized sporting clothes as casualwear and insisted on unstructured designs with minimal linings.

Getty Images & Rizzoli via WWD

The writers are Jeffrey Banks and Doria de La Chapelle, the duo co-authored “Tartan: Romancing the Plaid” back in 2007.

“Preppy isn’t just a way of dressing, it’s a culture and a language,” explained Banks, in a navy Lacoste shirt and red chinos. “It’s all about nuance.”

There is also a look at different interpretations of the style, below we see an image from the immensely popular blog Street Etiquette, the site did a piece last year on the “Black Ivy“.

Courtesy of Street Etiquette

On a related note, The Times has a story today with the founders of Street Etiquette, Joshua Kissi and Travis Gumbs. There is an accompanying photo essay, “The New Dandies: Prep Fashion With a Twist”.  From the story, “Pushing the Boundaries of Black Style“:

“Instead, this generation emphasizes the basics: great fabrics, aggressive tailoring, thoughtful accessorizing. It’s a return to style as a source of dignity, a theme that has run through generations of black American style, from Reconstruction to the Harlem Renaissance to the civil rights era to the mixed messages of the hip-hop era.”

Back to the book, more from the WWD story:

“Modern-day designers like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger have transformed preppy style with their own versions of the campus classics.

“Ralph Lauren made preppy lusher and more desirable,” said La Chapelle. “Every generation has its own interpretation of preppy.”

An advertising image from the 1997 Polo by Ralph Lauren collection is included.

Courtesy Polo by Ralph Lauren via WWD

We look forward to reading this one, it is available for pre-ordering through Amazon.  Rizzoli is also publishing Ralph Lauren’s eponymous book in October.

Via Rizzoli

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Speaking of Mr. Lauren, Women’s Wear Daily also had a brief preview of his spring 2012 mens’ collections:

“The flagship Polo collection continues to speak to the “diehard preppy,” Lauren said, with natural-shoulder three-button jackets with wider lapels and traditional patterns of herringbones, gabardines or plaids.

John Aquino/WWD

The trade publication noted there is a “country-club grouping with seersucker and patchwork patterns”.

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Finally today, something for our “You Can’t Make This Stuff Up” category. The story is about something we used to call ‘reverse compensation’ when working in tv; it refers to a practice that became common in the 1990s when local tv stations had to start paying the networks to be affiliates. In the former business model the networks paid stations to be affiliated with them.

At any rate, you can probably imagine where this is going: yesterday’s carefully timed publicity stunt news that über-AntiPrep retailer Abercrombie & Fitch has offered to pay another AntiPrep to *stop* wearing its clothing.  Really.

Elisabetta Villa /Getty Images via MSNBC

From an Abercrombie publicity release news release, evidently referencing someone referred to as “The Situation” from Jersey Shore. (The entire cast of this program have been declared AntiPreps.)

 “We are deeply concerned that Mr. Sorrentino’s association with our brand could cause significant damage to our image. We understand that the show is for entertainment purposes, but believe this association is contrary to the aspirational nature of our brand, and may be distressing to many of our fans.”

The Times has a story on the topic, including these side-by-side photos of Abercrombie bags and Mr. Situation.

Benoit Tessier/Reuters (L) Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images (R) via The NY Times

Two things come to mind:

1. “Hello Pot? This is Kettle calling”.
2. They deserve each other.

On that note, goodbye until next time!

Those ‘Filthy Rich Teens’ & The New T Studio at Tommy Hilfiger

Hello everyone, how is everyone today?

Regular readers know we aren’t prone to public navel-gazing or introspective monologues in this space, with the exception of a few posts related to respect and remembrance of our military personnel. So we shan’t go into any long dissertations on the events of yesterday afternoon and evening, other than to say it certainly was a rather strange and bizarre turn of events.

Moving on, we have a quick glance at Gossip Girl star Blake Lively‘s latest style statement as she headed into last night’s gala opening of the new Swarovski Crystallized store in Soho.

PHOTO: Andrew H. Walker/Getty

Much of the conversation among guests centered on yesterday’s west coast events, especially as it was only Wednesday that Swarovksi announced they were doing the costumes for Michael Jackson’s upcoming concerts.

Also out and about in the city last evening, Ms. Lively’s co-star Leighton Meester, seen in Thakoon as she heads over to MTV for a taping.

PHOTO: Janet Mayer/Splash News Online

We seem to have spent an inordinately large amount of time discussing  Gossip Girl this week, including this post on sales of actor Chace Crawford’s People magazine cover issue vs. a Kate Gosselin cover on another magazine. (The numbers favored Ms. Gosselin.) Now it seems People is heading down the same path as that other magazine; behold their July 6th issue:

Courtesy People Magazine

As we have already spent too much time on G2, it seems only appropriate to spend even more time on the topic, sharing this link to a very funny WaPo (Washington Post) story comparing Gossip Girl with NYC Prep.  Here is the paper’s synopsis:

After watching the first episode of Bravo’s new “Gossip Girl”-as-reality-series show “NYC Prep” (it debuted last night), WaPoTeamTV’s “Gossip Girl” correspondent Emily Yahr decided she much prefers watching the filthy rich Made-for-TV Teens of the CW soap to the filthy rich Actual Teens featured on “Prep.”

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A few speedy more updates for you this afternoon, particularly a reminder the rather significant Sales & Savings opportunities continue at almost any establishment where preps might shop.  Not only are Brooks Brothers, J. Crew and Talbots all doing substantial markdowns and discounts, the major department stores are as well.

Neiman Marcus is promoting “An Additional 25% Already Reduced Prices” along with complimentary shipping regardless of how much one spends.

The promo code to receive no-cost shipping at Neimans is NMSUMMER.

Barneys is doing the additional discount, without the complimentary shipping:

Completing the trifecta is Saks, also offering no-charge shipping at any purchase amount, use promo code SAKSSHIP9.

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In other retail notes, on the heels of a successful opening for their new Tommy Hilfiger store in the Hamptons, there is word the retailer has plans to generate buzz for that location in another way, with the launch of ‘T Studio.’

PHOTO: Courtesy Tommy Hilfiger via Hamptons.com

Starting next Saturday (July 4th), the first 50 folks visiting the new Studio at the East Hampton store receive a silk-screened tee made to their specs. There will only be 50 made each week, so these are being dubbed “limited editions,” a very interesting maneuver on the part of the Hilfiger marketing machine.

It will be fun to watch this one play out and see if the concept is launched in other locations. This is only the company’s 10th free-standing store, an excellent location to test-drive the idea.

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As discussed in this post, the Coach Poppy line is officially on sale today, and there are some wonderful, fun, whimsical pieces.

This of course circles back to that whole ‘new definition of luxury’ and ‘changing pricepoint’ issue we keep reading and posting about. As this story from AP notes:

“The Poppy collection follows through with Coach’s previously announced plan to lower prices 10 percent to 15 percent … The strategy includes offering half of its handbags – about 70 different types – for $200 to $300.”

Do let us know if you end up acquiring any treasures from the Collection, sharing is caring!

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Finally, how many readers would recognize this as a Target store?

PHOTO: Bruce Bisping/Star-Tribune

Yes, it is the new Target concept store located in downtown Minneapolis, not far from the retailer’s headquarters. This story in the Star-Tribune explains the mini-grocery store opened in October:

“the company has since added fresh meat, chicken and produce to 14 general merchandise stores around the country. Other Twin Cities test stores are at Ridgedale and Medina. The concept will expand to 100 stores by year’s end.”

Would you purchase fresh fruit and veggies at your local Target? It is how the company plans to compete with the behemoth known as Wal-mart. Perhaps the one and only Queen Bee Swain can investigate, it is in her neck of the woods, although not in her back yard.

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With that we say adieu until next time, may your weekends be splendid, full of fun and spent in the company of those you love.

If this is true, THE END really is near…

Hello and Happy-Back-to-the-Grind-Day! Frankly, we’re rather pleased to be back to our more boring, dull, staid rut standard routine… are you?

But we must interrupt our normal blogging. This could be it.  The End of the world as we know it.

Seriously. The End.

We aren’t speaking in code here dolls. It is a simple matter of properly interpreting the signs and signals sent to warn us of impending doom.  And today we were alerted with what can only be called the “Ultimate Alarm.”

What would cause such distress, prompting us to tell the Princess Consort we would be checking out immediately?  Why this headline:

Paris, Clooney are an item

PHOTOS: Getty Images via Life & Style Magazine

And then this one:

Paris Hilton’s Clooney love

The folks at Life & Style Weekly (?) are responsible for the initial rumor, which has spread like an airborne virus to every media outlet in the galaxy.  Here is a look at Paris with sister Nicky Hilton on New Year’s Eve:

PHOTO: Brendon Thorne/Getty

If someone is able to assist TP in comprehending the pose assumed by Ms. Hilton, we are all ears. Really.

We are presuming this is sufficient warning that you are able to gather the kids, the pets, the household staff, and perhaps a few photographs before leaving for the next life.

There is only one way this might not be what it seems; there is every possibility someone tipped Paris to the fact we’re in the middle of TP’s “Pick the AntiPrep” voting and she simply can’t bear the thought of finishing second to Lindsay Lohan.

Here are more of your comments on the completely and totally non-scientific poll:

Preppy 101 thinks:

“Anti-prep = Paris Hilton

Preppiest = {This is very hard} – Ralph Lauren

[others that I thought about – Anderson Cooper and Caroline Kennedy :-)]”

And the delightful Daisy at Legally Blonde Ambition offers these thoughts:

“Preppiest…honestly….well I think Elizabeth Hasselback. You might not like her show or her politics (or you might like one or the other or perhaps both) but one must admit that both on-air and off she is awfully preppy. I think her style is rather adorable & she’s always appropriately clothed. And 2nd place goes to Suri Cruise. She is just always in her darling little dress, bob & patent leather shoes. Divine!

Anti-prep? Can we have a tie between Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, and, ugh, Brad Pitt with the mustache? (Perhaps it isn’t anti-prep but it is fairly horrid.)”

So there you have it.  Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

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On a far more delightful note, we promised to share the rest of the designer looks for Sasha and Malia Obama on Inauguration Day.  Our first two are from Reem Acra, long a Princess favorite.

Courtesy Reem Acra via WWD

Here is the second design:

Courtesy Reem Acra via WWD

Our only thought on these? While lush in appearance, pastel colors are generally not a first choice for either Michelle Obama or the girls.

Next, an Olive Juice design for Sasha Obama, who is seven years old.

Courtesy Olive Juice via WWD

And the sketch for ten-year-old Malia:

Courtesy Olive Juice

Both looks are sweet and certainly age-appropriate, but not as compelling as one might hope. This may be a function of the black and white sketches, making it difficult to discern subtleties of design and color.

We harken back to our original post with the Isaac Mizrahi sketch showing all three Obama ladies as it remains one of our favorite designs for the girls, as well as Mrs. Obama. We say this despite the neckline on Malia’s dress, really a bit outré for a young lady of that age.

Courtesy Isaac Mizrahi via WWD

BTW, it was “Back to School” for the Obama girls this morning as they headed off for their first day at their new school (Sidwell Friends), although they are at different campuses.  Judging by the draperies in the background we are are presuming this photo was taken at the family’s hotel (please don’t get us started on this topic again) in Washington.

PHOTO: Callie Shell (Obama Transition Office)

For those interested in the details, we are told that Sasha carried a JanSport backpack in pink. Target carries this line, but they do not have the style carried/worn by the youngest Obama girl.  It appears to be pink and the snooze news release from the Obama Transition team described it this way:

“Sasha carried a Trans by JanSport pink, magenta and gray backpack and wore blue jeans and a brown jacket with a hood and her hair was pulled into two braids.”

Our choice for a cute backpack? If for a youngster, it has to be the Blue Whales at Preppy Princess…

PreppyPrincess.com

If looking for someone a little older, then the standard size Chocolate Polka Dots is always an excellent choice.

PreppyPrincess.com

We leave you with a few Pretty in Pink items, the first available at one of the shops mentioned above, Olive Juice; this is the Skerry Rainboot by Tretorn:

Skerry by Tretorn at OliveJuiceKids.com

The next two items are not at all preppy. TP Is well aware of this fact. Yet, yet we remain obsessed with their cute factor, which is off the charts and peaking in the red zone.  They are called Qees, and absolutely TDF, at least IOHO.

This one is name Pink Virus, and it is our favorite.

Qee4All.com

Probably because the shape of the head looks like a TV, reminding us (as well as The Princess Consort) of all those years working in teevee, feeling like our heads were to heavy to hold up for one more second.

Courtesy Qee/Facebook

Keeping in mind TP is the least cool and the most technologically challenged individual on the internet, you will be stunned and amazed to learn we discovered these on Facebook last night!  It is an application allowing you to send Qees to Facebook friends. (Monogram Chick – you are very hip and know all about Facebook, are you with me here? Are we saying this properly?)

We *do* realize we couldn’t be remotely close to the demo the Qees people are targeting, but what the heck, right? It is TP’s tiny step into another world and it is too fun.

On that happy thought, don’t forget to leave a comment telling us about your favorite AntiPrep personality of 2008!

Another Prep Fashion Faux Pas, Inaugural Updates, AntiPreps

First off, before you read one more word, scoot over here and leave a comment so you are entered in this week’s Great Giveaway, with preppy goodness anyone can win! Leaving a comment about anything you are thankful for = giveaway entry.

Quick headlines of the day, many of which may well be moldy oldies to many of you, but here we go anyway.

The Presidential daughters will be attending Sidwell Friends school; Malia at the Middle School in Northwest DC (the Upper School Building is also here), and Sasha at the Lower School campus that is actually located in Bethesda. Malia is in fifth grade and Sasha in second grade.

PHOTO: Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

The Obamas selected the Quaker school where Chelsea Clinton and Al Gore III received their educations, deciding it was a better fit than Georgetown Day and Maret. For more background, our post here may be helpful.

Newsweek features the future First Lady in their Dec.1 issue, on newsstands today.

PRNewsFoto/NEWSWEEK

And we hear an entire book dedicated to the Michelle Obama style is quickly being put together; former Mademoiselle editor Mandi Norwood is writing the book. It is scheduled for publication sometime next spring by Avon Books.  Coming out even earlier, “Michelle Obama: Meet the First Lady“ is due December 9.

Harper Collins

Written by David Bergen Brophy, the publisher is Harper Collins.

Speculation continues on who will design Michelle Obama’s gown for the Inaugural Balls in January, but we have seen little devoted to basic inauguration day apparel for Michelle Obama and the girls….? Seeing some designs in that genre would be most enjoyable.

That now-famous Thakoon dress worn by Michelle Obama is now officially out of production, at least for the time being.

PHOTO: Mark Wilson/Getty

More sketches for Inaugural gowns are floating about from other designers, including this from Isabel Toledo, done at People magazine’s suggestion, for a story.

Isabel Toledo via People.com

Below, Mrs. Obama in the Isabel Toledo gown worn to a June fundraiser hosted by Anna Wintour (Vogue) and Calvin Klein. Many readers may be familiar with the divine illustrations Ms. Toledo’s husband, Ruben, has done for the Nordstrom catalogues.

PHOTO: AP

And Reem Acra also shared her creativity, again, per People magazine’s request.

Reem Acra via People.com

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We have another entry in the Gwyneth Paltrow Fashion Faux Pas category. While we do not want to appear as though we are unfairly focusing on Ms. Paltrow, her style statements of late are surprising in light of her über-preppy upbringing.

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Above, the actress at the grand re-opening of the remodeled Fontainebleau this weekend. The famed hotel was also home to the Victoria’s Secret fashion show taping.

The always-interesting Styleist blog takes Ms.Paltrow to task for the Antonio Berardi dress she wore (below) to the Two Lovers film premiere in London.

PHOTO: Getty Images

The comments include these:

“We see London, we see France, we see Gwyneth Paltrow in Paris at the premiere of ‘Two Lovers’ wearing another weird dress. Plus we see underpants! And her bra!

Gwyneth frequently comes thisclose to fashion greatness. But then she takes a giant leap off the Cliff of “Odd and Awkward” into the ocean of “Looking at Her Makes Us Wince”. Doesn’t she have any friends? Or a mirror?”

The Victoria’s Secret goings-on alerted us to very frightening news: two Antipreps were in the same place.  At the same time.  Clearly someone neglected to put up the deflector shield.  Mon Dieu.

Exhibit A:

PHOTO: Hans Deryk/Reuters

In case anyone is fortunate enough to *not* recognize this individual, it is TV personality Kim Kardashian; here is our initial post affirming Ms. Kardashian attaining official AntiPrep status.

Next we have Paris Hilton, our very first Anti-prep, as explained here. It could almost be said Ms. Hilton prompted the necessity of an Anti-prep category.  BTW, for those keeping score at home, this is the second such occurrence of dual (dueling?) anti-preps appearing at the same location.

PHOTO: Hans Deryk/Reuters

We apologize for the multiple spellings on antiprep; we just can’t locate the word in our Webster’s and don’t know how to spell it so we can find it when we look things up in the blog.

Until next time!