Best Hanukkah Cookies Ever & Nautically Inclined Gifts

Hello and Happy Hanukkah to those celebrating, we are going to be sharing some last-minute gift ideas this week, but first I have to share my favorite seasonal cookies this year. We’ve all heard about the ugly Christmas sweater, there are parties, pictures, all manner of fun associated with these. But what about the Ugly Hanukkah sweater?

Whipped Bake Shop etsy

Zoe Lukas of the Whipped Baked Shop in Philadelphia has this one covered, her Ugly Hanukkah Sweater Cookies are available via her etsy shop, $22.95 for the three shown above, or $87.95 for a Deluxe Set of 12, 2 each of the designs seen below.

Whipped Bake Shop esty

On to our primary topic, gifts with a nautical inclination. One of my favorite things about blogging has been the truly swell people you get to meet along the way.  One such person we have enjoyed chatting with (in a cyber sort of way) and getting to know is the one and only Nautical by Nature. Miss NbN is an *amazing* resource when it comes to all things nautical, and has shared wonderful ideas this year, as she always has. We have borrowed just a few.

One fun set of cards: the 12 Days of Christmas from a nautical perspective, found in these cards by Shirley Bell Designs.

Shirley Bell Designs Etsy

The Ahoy Rings via Five Knots, $30.

Ahoy Rings

Urban Outfitters offers this Leather Anchor Key Ring ($18).

Urban Outfitters

Ralph Lauren’s Cosmetic Bag in Newbury Nautical at Bloomie’s for $35.

Ralph Lauren ‘Newbury Nautical’

A 3 Piece Kitchen Set offering 2 towels and a potholder, $28.99 at Linens & Things.

Linens & Things

The Nautical Guest Towel at Lemon Daisy Designs on etsy.

etsy

Another Nautical Anchor Makeup Bag, this version via etsy vendor SSKDesigns, it runs $21.

SSKDesigns etsy

We also offer quite a few possibilities at the Preppy Princess.

PreppyPrincess.com

Here are the goodies shown up above, in quasi-clockwise order:

• Boatman Geller Anchor Lucite Ice Bucket, $55 (must be ordered by midnight tonight for Christmas delivery)
• Pink Pineapple Cape Breeze Whale Bangle bracelet, $28 (available in several colors, comes in gift box with striped grosgrain ribbon at no extra charge)
• Jonathan Adler Ahoy Letterpress Correspondence Cards, $17.50
• Bottom Line iPad Cases (also available for e-readers and netbooks) $30-50
• Boatman Geller Anchor Luggage Bag Tags, $12 set of two
• Pink Pineapple Enameled Anchor Cuff, $36
• Preppy Planet Have a Whale of a Holiday foldover note cards share a “Happy-Happy, Merry-Merry, Joyful-Joyful” sentiment, the non-denominational cards are $22 for a set of 1o
• Kiel James Patrick Norwich Tide Turning earrings in red/green whales $22
• Our exclusive Needlepoint Bracelets in anchors or whales are crafted by York Designs, available with ($60) or without ($42) single initial monogram
• Sailor Bags Sailcloth Lunch Sack is $20.50, $32.50 with personalization up to 25 characters
• Snoozies lightweight slippers (12.50) in red lobsters on navy
• Pink Pineapple Trip Vanderbilt anchor earrings $25

Until next time, may all of your sails be full!

Additional Pink & Green Monday Specials

Hello-Hello, welcome to another crazy day here at the Prepatorium.

As promised in our previous post hawking mentioning Sales & Savings Opportunities at The Princess this Pink & Green Monday, we want to share a list of those items that will have special discounts/prices in addition to the 20% sitewide discount in place this Monday.

The always-popular Lilly Pulitzer Agendas and Pocket Agendas (pocket size Navy Bloomers here and Docksider here) are all 10% off before your 20% discount.

Lilly Pulitzer Agendas & Pocket Agendas at PreppyPrincess.com

We’ll use our Jonathan Adler Journal Sets as an example of just how fab the bargains are with that additional 10% off: before any savings the set of two journals is $6.50, so you subtract 10% and they are $5.85, subtract another 20% = $4.70. (Can you say stocking stuffer?)

Jonathan Adler Journal Sets

More items at 10% off (in addition to the 20%) include, Lilly Pulitzer Pinwheels (now $8.50) and Paper Lanterns.

Lilly Pulitzer Pinwheels & Paper Lanterns at PreppyPrincess.com

Our Lilly Pulitzer Patch Day Laptop totes are only $15 before your 20% discount.

Lilly Pulitzer Patch Day Laptop Totes at PreppyPrincess.com

The Jonathan Adler Handy Dandy Tool Sets in Flame and Moroccan Grill are also 10% off before the 20% savings: $24.95 – 10% = $22.45 – 20% = just a bit under $18, an amazing price for an outstanding gift item.

Jonathan Adler Tool Sets at PreppyPrincess.com

Also on the list of merchandise discounted 10% in addition to the 20% savings, our Foldover Note Cards by Jonathan Adler, now $9.50.

Jonathan Adler Foldover Note Cards at PreppyPrincess.com

These come in four of the designer’s most popular patterns, Diamond, Greek Key, Square Pegs, Acapulco. Also offered in the same four patterns, Jonathan Adler’s Pocket Papers (now $4.50), an extra 10% off Monday.

Jonathan Adler Pocket Papers at PreppyPrincess.com

Books always make a splendid gift, we have two that are perfect for the prep on your list; included in that additional 10% markdown, Take Ivy by Shosuke Ishizu and Lisa Birnbach’s True Prep.

Take Ivy & True Prep at PreppyPrincess.com

Everything in our Four Peas group is 20% off before your additional 20% discount, including the oh-so-popular Pink & Green Whales collection. And all of our Scout Totes and Storage are 20% off before the 20% discount.

Four Peas and Scout at PreppyPrincess.com

We may add a few later this afternoon, either way, may your Sunday be fun and fabulous!

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ADDED 5PM SUNDAY:

All Jonathan Adler iPhone Cases are 10% off before your 20% discount; this includes both the iPhone 3 and iPhone 4 cases:

• Chevron & Links iPhone 3 and Plume iPhone 4 are found here
• also included, iPhone 4 cases in Diamond Lattice, Flame, and Moroccan Grill

All Lilly Pulitzer iPhone 3 cases are discounted by 10% as well:

• This includes Do the Wave and You’re Flagged in this spring’s iPhone 3 patterns
• Also in this group are the fall iPhone 3 cases (Luscious, Nice to See You, Docksider and Navy Bloomers)

All Jonathan Adler Bag Tags are 10% off before the 20% discount.

Sperry Named Brand of the Year, Nautical Gifts, Sales & Savings

Hello-Hello, and Happy Friday! We are struggling to accept the fact that Christmas is one. week. away. Oneweekfromtodayomgwhatevershallwedo????  There. Enough hysteria; we solider on.

We have a hodge-podge today, including some last-minute gift ideas. Before we do anything else, we want to acknowledge Sperry Top-Sider, named Brand of the Year by Footwear News.

We’ve made no secret of our love for Sperry, especially some of their recent offerings, like the women’s Print Bahama.

Sperry Top-sider Bahama

As the editor wrote in naming Sperry:

“And while Sperry Top-Sider has owned the nautical category for a long time, clever updating and interesting collaborations put the brand ahead of the fleet in a tough year.”

Not all of the firm’s offerings are for us. The Women’s Abacos look uber-snuggly, but are clearly much-too-hip for TP.

Sperry shares the award with Sam Edelman.

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We begin our nautical gifts section with Jonathan Adler’s Whale Ornament, still available on the designer’s site. Crafted in unglazed porcelain this treasure comes complete with an elegant little box just ideal for gifting.

Jonathan Adler

We like the alternative use for the whale described on the Adler site:

“Decorating tip: break off the metal hanging loop and these little guys are fab figurines sure to dazzle any tablescape or bookshelf.”

The ornament is not the only whale swimming on the Adler sea. How cute is the Salt & Pepper set?

Jonathan Adler

Mr. Adler definitely has a flair for the nautical, his Anchor Rug is something we are rather fond of here at the Prepatorium.

Jonathan Adler

This makes us think of the one and only Nautical by Nature, who has done a marvelous series of posts on nautically inclined gift ideas; they really are must-reads. (You haven’t seen adorable until you see the sailboat mobile she featured.)

We have always loved this designer’s work, his whimsical approach to design matched with the clean, unfussy lines seen throughout much of his work are very appealing. That is why we are just tickled to announce we shall be carrying his new line of stationery and gifts!

We are very excited about this one; if you would like to be on our Jonathan Adler mailing list, just click here and scroll down to see the mailing lists on the lower righthand side of the page.

Back to the nautical gift scene, the Brendan Set of two onesies looks precious, for a little one, we adore the nautical striping and sailor collars.

We found the set at ChicNautic, where there is a nicely curated offering of nautically themed goods. The Anchor Sweater at Bella Bliss is darling, available in sizes 12 months to 12 years.

Bella Bliss

Also from Bella, the Baby Whale Cardigan in three different colorways.

Bella Bliss

If that doesn’t send the Cute-o-Meter into the red zone, we don’t know what will. A more reasonable alternative perhaps, the Avery & Addison Whale bodysuit at Targét.

Le Boutique Targét

St. James Boutique is always a good stop; the retailer carries a broad variety of merchandise, all of it top quality.  Their La Vellette knit jacket is timeless, and the Embrun Parka a workhorse.

They also have some darling stuffed animals for the Young Master and Miss of the House.  We love the Plush Lobster for kids, along with the stuffed Crab.

The company’s slickers are attractive but also built for heavy duty; the Anita in pink is our favorite, but the Marie is also outstanding.

St. James is known for their striped tees. The Ouessant is on the left, and on the right we show the Chalut.

If one doesn’t mind beading on their tee (ahem) the Polo Ralph Lauren Otho Long Sleeve top might work.

Polo Ralph Lauren at Bloomingdale's

The shirt also comes in navy blue and is currently reduced by 40% at Bloomies.

The Anchor Earrings by Helen Yarmak are seen in Elle’s Naughty Nautical feature, something we didn’t feel we needed to share in its entirety.

The good folks at Cape Cod Jewelers offer this elegant bracelet.

Cape Cod Jewelers

The man on your list might appreciate the Jack Spade Nautical Billfold.

Jack Spade

This also comes in a rich chocolate brown if the lighter color shown above isn’t appealing.

Finally, the Nautical Towels at Preston’s are a fun way to bring a touch of the sea indoors.

Preston's

May all of your shopping be smooth sailing.

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Now we move on, there are Sales & Savings opportunities to share. Brooks Brothers is promoting up to 60% off original prices in their Clearance Sale; this includes some Black Fleece for Women and Men’s Black Fleece as well.  We like the Madras Bow Tie.

The colors on the right make it ideal for a U of M Wolverine fan.

J. Crew is doing an online only Extra 25% off sale, that additional discount is applicable only to sale merchandise.  Use promo code EXTRA25 at checkout to receive the savings.

J. Crew

Hypothetically this ends Sunday night (the 20th) at midnight.

The Tory Burch Sale offers a healthy selection of products. We like the Pier jacket (L) and the Oriel cardigan (R).

The Neiman Marcus online only Last Call clearance offers an additional 30% off sale prices.

And Barney’s is in sync, taking an additional 33% reduction in price for their fall sale items. This covers some items in the Home Department, including several of the Fred Red pillows; from left we show Kaleidostripe, Modern Maze, and the Double X in chocolate.

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For today’s Pretty in Pink (and Green) we share the Monogrammed Onesie and Burp Cloth Set at Bella Due.

Bella Due

Sweet as can be in pink and green stitching complementing the bright pink and green ribbon. (Although we wonder if that bow on the onesie might irritate a little one?)

With this we send everyone wishes for a wonderful weekend, may it be merry and bright!

A Gossip Girl on the Worst Dressed Lists, SATC 2, Pink & Green Whales You’ll Love

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a Thursday!

There is so much happening on the Preppy Planet, it is hard to know where to begin. We’ll start today with the tale of a star from faux-prep school show Gossip Girl being excoriated by many of the fashion press and bloggerati.

It seems Leighton Meester’s wardrobe selections this past year do not meet with their approval.

Photo: REX Features

Some readers may recognize this as the wretched outfit we shared in a November post, and to be fair, we were not complimentary about the style.  But now Miss Meester has been declared the Worst Dressed of 2009 by our friends across the pond at Marie Claire UK. From the magazine’s website:

“Now this makes us sad. One of our favourite girl crushes, Leighton Meester usually gets it so right in the style stakes, but so didn’t when she threw together this fashion car crash of an ensemble. In her efforts to launch a solo pop career, it looks as though the Gossip Girl decided a complete image overhaul was necessary – perhaps to distance herself from the preppy on-screen style of her GG alter-ego.”

Ouch.

Yesterday Fashionista posted “An Open Letter to Leighton Meester“:

“Dear Leighton,

So maybe we’re used to you oozing Upper East Side debutante in Blair’s Ralph Lauren pea coats and Nanette Lepore frocks, and we are open to change, but we’ve really started to worry about your recent choice of outfits.”

The letter was accompanied by this collage of offending outfits:

Courtesy Fashionista.com

In November the Fashion Police dedicated this post to their concerns over the young star’s sartorial selections.  And that was before this outfit from the KIIS-FM Jingle Ball in Los Angeles earlier this month.

Or this one from Saturday’s Z100 Jingle Ball in the city.

Photo Agency

Us magazine places Miss Meester second on their list of 2009’s Worst Dressed Stars.  The outfit they use to make their point is below, worn by the young actress and singer to the Met Costume Gala in May.

Photo: Getty Images

While we may not be fond (ahem) of Ms. Meester’s wardrobe choices, we do applaud the young lady’s spunky approach and her refusal to be chastened by fashion writers and critics.

Ms. Meester is not the only G2 star on the Us Magazine hit parade; Taylor Momsen is also included.

George Napolitano/Getty Images For Giuseppe Zanotti

Indeed.

Speaking of Gossip Girl, WWD (Women’s Wear Daily, subscription req’d.) reports that the next real-life fashionista appearing on the show is Teen Vogue editor Amy Astley. From WWD‘s story:

“…. spent Tuesday with Blake Lively and company on location at the IAC building filming a scene for the CW soap that is tentatively slated to air in March.”

Ms. Astley can be seen on the far right in the photo below, taken in September at the Clinique Fresh Faces Tour kickoff, a promotional event put together by Teen Vogue, and featuring Taylor Momsen.

Mark Von Holden/Getty Images

That concludes today’s Gossip Girl fashion-related report. (Heh-heh-heh.)

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Also fashion-related, the Sex and the City 2 poster has been released, providing a peek into the design aesthetic for the upcoming movie.

“SATC 2: Carrie On” is slated for release May 28, 2010.  Sarah Jessica Parker wears a dress from the spring 2010 Halston Heritage collection, Christian Louboutin Pigalle Gold Sequinned Pumps, and she carries a Chanel clutch.  Here is a closer look at the pumps with black sequins.

Also debuting next spring, Candace Bushnell’s The Carrie Diaries, introducing readers to Carrie in her teen years.

The book is scheduled for release April 27.

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We close with our very favorite new item here at the Prepatorium, it just arrived Tuesday and we couldn’t wait to share!

PreppyPrincess.com

The Pink Whales Bag has a drawstring closure in bright pink, making it casual and easy to carry. It is very durable. and perfect for your little one to use as a laundry bag, to tote their toys or goodies to a sleepover, and more.

The closer look also shows the bag’s two other patterns, Pink Funkier Monkey and Blue Funkier Monkey.

With that cheery image we say g’bye until next time, may everyone enjoy a relatively calm Thursday!

Meet the Crillon Debs, More Preppish Black Friday Updates

Hello-Hello and greetings from a rather frenzied Prepatorium!

We jump right in today with a look at some of the young ladies making their debut this weekend at the Bal Crillon in Paris, always a fascinating event filled with pretty people and stunning party frocks. (Previous participants include Lauren Bush, Scout Willis, Victoria and Vanessa Traina, and Lily Collins.)

This year’s group includes Francesca Eastwood, daughter of Clint Eastwood, seen on the right in the photo below; younger sister Morgan is on the left.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty

Also entering society, Lady Kitty Spencer, seen below on the cover of Tatler, (she was named the magazine’s ‘Girl of the Year’).  The young Lady is the daughter of Earl Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother.

Seen in a more casual photo, this debutante will be wearing British couturier Bruce Oldfield, a favorite designer of Princess Diana’s.

Frederic Nebinger/ABACAPRESS.COM

Also making her official entry into society, Autumn Whitaker, daughter of Forest Whitaker and actress/model Keisha Whitaker.

Christophe Guibbaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

Today’s story in WWD about the Bal notes that Miss Whitaker will be wearing Jason Wu and shares a bit more on her escort:

“Friend William Bellingham, who can trace his ancestry back to Sir Anthony of Bellingham, 8th Baronet of Castlebellingham.”

A young lady who happens to be a delightful blogger is also part of this year’s class, Jane Aldridge.

Frederic Nebinger/ABACAPRESS.COM

Miss Aldridge writes the Sea of Shoes blog and has also designed two capsule shoe collections for Urban Outfitters. We are guessing the teen is probably more concerned about her hair than she is about shoes at this time; here is part of Saturday’s post from her blog:

Courtesy Sea of Shoes

Miss Aldridge will be wearing Chanel Haute Couture.  We can only hope the poor child’s hair turns out as she hopes.

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The holiday season increases the amount of merchandise described as ‘preppy’, with most merchandise labeled this way resembling nothing most readers would own, but it is that time of year.  We were pleasantly surprised when perusing the Prepster gift guide at PlazaToo suggesting this Shearwater Boot from Sperry.

On the flip side of the coin, a new boot debuting this Friday, created jointly by Ralph Lauren and Ronnie Fieg.

PHOTO: Pj Monte via High Snobiety

The new Ranger “Cookie” boot will only be available at hip shoe emporium David Z and its online site.  Clearly not for us, but the David Z site does have some fabulous markdowns on footwear for those in the mood for a little harmless shoe surfing. (Ahem.)

We move to another Ralph Lauren-related item, one of today’s updates to our Black Friday listings.  The Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Outlet Stores offer a 20% discount on purchases of $150+ after midnight Thanksgiving night/Friday morning.

Courtesy Polo Ralph Lauren

We enjoyed the helpful suggestions included with a portion of the copy detailing this year’s Midnight Madness event, tips on how a “well-planned excursion creates a more enjoyable environment” and remembering the “generous spirit of the season”.

Courtesy Polo Ralph Lauren

Ah, an effort at bringing civility to a rather uncivil occasion, laudable on PLR’s part.

We also have an update on Lacoste; this retailer is not waiting until after Thanksgiving to start its sale.

Lacoste is offering 30% off all merchandise as of now; use promo code THANKS09 at checkout to receive the discount.

Eddie Bauer is promoting its Thanksgiving Weekend sale; like Lacoste’s promotion, the Bauer sale is also in progress.  Yesterday’s post offers more Preppish Sales and Savings information.

Finally, we close with a look at our “9 Under $10“.

This was actually supposed to be “10 Gifts Under $10,” but someone here at the Prepatorium is clearly incapable of performing the most rudimentary math functions. (That would be yours truly, most assuredly not The Consort.)

At any rate, our idea was to make a quick and easy list of preptastic gift ideas for Christmas, Hanukkah, whatnot, all of them under $10. Friends who visit us on Polyvore may have already seen this little effort, but we want to blanket the Planet (heh-heh) as part of our ongoing efforts to Protect Your Pocketbook. The Seaside-themed Notecards, Custom Key Fobs, Magnet Packs and everything else you see is fiscally friendly, $10 or less.

With that shameless self-promotion, we say G’Bye until next time, may everyone enjoy a perfectly splendid evening!