About That Tennis Shirt Logo

Hello-Hello, happy top of the new week to all of our treasured readers.

We begin today with a look at a brand we haven’t chatted about much (if at all) in this space, one with a name and history many will recognize, Boast.  We have been reading about the brand’s return for some time now; word that women’s pieces are now available makes us think the company’s rebirth merits a post.

Launched in the 1970s, Boast was a standard on squash and tennis courts, seen on everyone from the Yale squash team to these notables.

Wall Street Journal

Above we show tennis great Roscoe Tanner and President George Bush (while Governor of Texas). If the Boast name still isn’t ringing any bells, a recent story in the Journal may provide some answers:

The shirts, a preppy icon, were launched in Greenwich, Conn., in 1972 by All-American squash and tennis player Bill St. John. “Everyone was wearing Lacoste, but the cool camp counselors were wearing Boast,” says (John) Dowling, a former New York University film student who worked in advertising.

While the line continued to be sold in some pro shops, it essentially disappeared from the radar until 2010. Now it is back on the scene, WWD explains:

The brand is currently in about 24 doors, including Scoop, By George in Austin, Conveyor at Fred Segal and Murray’s Toggery in Nantucket. Polo shirts for men and women, which retail for $68, are the brand’s core category, rounded out by T-shirts, neckwear, casual jackets, blazers and accessories.

Below we show some of the basics for men.

Boast Clothing

The men’s accessories sport the brand’s iconic logo. (Now, now, now, lest you think we’re promoting nefarious and illegal activity by showing that logo, we are not. More on that topic in a moment.)

Boast Clothing

As mentioned, women’s apparel is now available.

Boast Clothing

These are the basic tennis shirts ($68) for women.

Boast Clothing

As with any brand we continue to monitor products closely, doing our best to stave off unwarranted attacks of Logophobia. That is why we like these tees, the logo is embroidered in the same color as the shirt.

Boast Clothing

The company is also adding pieces by Minnie Mortimer.

Boast Clothing

Two women’s knit dresses by Ms. Mortimer.

Boast Clothing

Clearly these are meant for those who are fit and trim from all those hours on the court, they look a tad…. short. (Cough-cough.)

For those unfamiliar with Ms. Mortimer, she is very much a product of the UES (Upper East Side) and a clothing designer in her own right. Below we see the designer in one of her own creation on the left, and in a Beyond Vintage piece on the right.

Photos by Maia Harms via Refinery 29

In an odd coincidence, last week we chatted about Minnie’s former sister-in-law, Tinsley Mortimer. For those wondering if/how the two get on, here is more from a Page Six story dating back to 2010.

Tinsley Mortimer’s reality show, “High Society,” debuted last night on the CW network — but not everyone in her family is thrilled about it.

Fashion designer Minnie Mortimer Gaghan, Tinsley’s sister-in-law, froze when asked if any of her pieces would appear on the new show, given that she had previously named one of her dresses “The Tinsley.”

Of course, that is an old tidbit, perhaps things have thawed. Or not.

The spring collection harkens back to the company’s prep heritage with basic repp tie stripes for your MOTH (Man of the House):

Boast Clothing via PaperMag.com

Another name you’ll know is now involved with the brand, Andy Spade. Women’s Wear Daily has more:

Spade, who previously helped co-found Kate Spade and Jack Spade, is co-creative director at Partners & Spade, an independent advertising and branding agency whose clients include J. Crew, Warby Parker and Target. Spade previously worked on the relaunch campaign for Boast two years ago but has now taken on a more active role in the company and is hammering out a potential financial stake in the brand.

As promised, more on the company logo from Peter Davis’s story in PaperMag:

I grew up wearing Boast every summer at tennis clinic (sounds so medical!) at The Meadow Club in Southampton. The preppy brand the cool gear to wear because the label’s symbol looked like a pot leaf (it’s actually a Japanese maple leaf). Who would have known?

And from WWD:

The brand has long catered to country clubs but with a youthful, hip edge that set it apart from competing active brands. Its logo, prominent on its polo shirts, is officially a Japanese maple leaf but is often mistaken for a cannabis leaf.

There you have it.

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A quick reminder for fashionistas, tonight is one of the most important events on the calendar, Annual Costume Institute Ball, better known as the Met Gala. This year’s function celebrates the upcoming Met exhibit, Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations. Below, images from one of the exhibit’s themes, “Hard Chic.”

PHOTOS: Regina Relang (L) / © Toby McFarlan Pond (R)

For a fab Hamish Bowles piece on the show from Vogue, click here.

Vogue

This year’s Gala offers something new for those of us not attending whose invitations were somehow misplaced.

Vogue

Through the magic of fairy dust and other things-we-don’t-understand-but-do-appreciate, you can watch the red carpet live this year.

Met Museum

The big bash gets underway online at 6:30pm, the livestream will be hosted by Elettra Wiedemann and Vogue’s William Norwich. More on what you’ll see from Vogue:

….an inside look at the party of the year as well as on-the-scene interviews with celebrities from the worlds of fashion, film, sports, business, and society—

The live feed will be available on Vogue.com, Amazon.com/Fashion, and metmuseum.org/metgala.

That’s it for now, g’bye until next time!

Popped or Not, Nantucket or the Vineyard?

Hello-Hello and happy Monday.

For those who don’t summer an entire season at the shore it is once again that time of year, friends and families are packing up and heading off for for a few days at the beach. That makes a story in today’s Boston Globe perfect reading, it looks at two of our favorite places.

Via Weather-Forecast

“Islands Apart” considers the age-old debate about which is the preferred island: Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard…? The story suggests that perhaps sentiments on the topic have intensified.

“But what has changed, natives say, is how rabid the rivalry has become off the field, especially among the summer people… who care very much about what their island choice says about them.”

Now, we don’t come from the school of “let’s pick where we summer based on how it will impact the way people think of us”.  IOHO basics like proximity, history, ease of access, and weather make more sense when determining one’s vacation spot, no? Nor are we sharing our personal preference between the two islands (full disclosure: yours truly grew up summering on the shores of Lake Michigan, these two lovely spots are merely places we have been fortunate enough to visit), but we can say many of the observations made by residents and visitors in Billy Baker’s article ring true:

“Both islands, of course, are summer paradises of great natural beauty. They are also very expensive, very exclusive, and very preppy. Nantucket, the broad-brush argument goes, is just more extreme in all categories. In other words, many Vineyarders say, “snobby.’’

One point made in the article involves simple geographic distinctions:

“Martha’s Vineyard is much larger and more populated, with six towns that have distinct personalities; while Nantucket is just one town. The Vineyard is also considerably closer to the mainland. The traditional ferry takes just 45 minutes to arrive, and well over two hours to get to Nantucket.”

The story hones in on an aspect of the rivalry that may be easiest to envision, fashion differences between ACK and the Vineyard, more specifically, brands.

“In Vineyard Vines, a self-described “preppy’’ clothing store that began on Martha’s Vineyard and has now spread to other Sperry meccas, including Nantucket, pastels, braided belts, and shorts with whales on them rule the day.”

And it’s here where we get to a hot-button issue for many Princess readers, the article quotes a VV assistant store manager, Julia Graham:

“It’s basically the same style,’’ said Graham, who is from Greenwich, Conn. and has been summering on the Vineyard her whole life. “But in Nantucket, they pop the collars up.’’

The popped collar, even for a girl from Greenwich, is a thing, a symbol, the epitome of the preppy snob. Except that on Nantucket, many wear that exact stereotype as a badge of honor.”

Full disclosure #2: your trusty correspondent does not ascribe to the popped collar practice.  With no disrespect to those who do, we never have, it is more-than-unlikely we ever will.

Murray's Toggery

When presented with Graham’s assessment, John Murray, the latest generation of his family to own Murray’s Toggery Shop in Nantucket, the birthplace of Nantucket Reds – perhaps the quintessential preppy trouser – did not dispute the pop-collared joke.

“I’m OK with that,’’ he said. “We like to think of ourselves as more sophisticated.’’

Via Damee NYC

Your thoughts? Is one or the other considered a favorite?

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Also today, a quick update on this weekend’s Red Cross Ball in Monaco. Below we see newlyweds Prince Albert and Charlene, behind them you can just about see the Prince’s sisters, Princesses Caroline (L) and Stephanie.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Princess Charlene wore a deep fuchsia gown by Akris, as well as a custom-made necklace by Van Cleef and Arpels.

Reuters via The Daily Mail

As an update to our post that shared some of the rumors about the couple’s relationship and marriage, the Palace says those reports are untrue; the couple is suing L’Express, a French magazine that printed allegations about the Princess trying to flee the country just days before her wedding. Hmmmm.

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Finally today, an early look at one of the soon-to-be-released ads promoting the upcoming Missoni for Target collection.

Courtesy Image

The enormous collection launches September 13, and will be a major component of Targét’s Fashion’s Night Out event.

We’ll be back on Wednesday, until then may the sun be shining on your island, wherever it may be.

Brooks Brothers is Everywhere, Lacoste Collector’s Polo, ‘Prep Rally’

Hello-Hello!

Is the holiday frenzy beginning to hit you? Here at the Prepatorium we are definitely encountering some, oh, let’s call it the Enhanced Stress Syndrome, how does that sound? A little more civilized we think than ‘bug-eyed mad,’ a favorite phrase of the Consort.  Well, to brighten your holiday, before you read the rest of today’s post remember to enter the Preppy Princess Giveaway by leaving a comment today (or on any Princess post for that matter) with a holiday wish. That’s it, and you are entered for more than $60 in goodies from the Preppy Princess!

Brooks Brothers is everywhere it seems, starting with WWD’s story on their 5th Annual fundraising party for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, held at the 5th Avenue store.  Below, Gossip Girl stars Chace Crawford and Taylor Momsen with Brooks CEO Claudio Del Vecchio.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

Also, what Gossip Girl star was seen at DFW over the holiday weekend with his Brooks Brothers shopping bag nearby? As seen in the Editor’s Blog at W magazine (yes, this is the December issue featuring Blake Lively on the cover):

Courtesy

That is Ed Westwick with Jessica Szohr, shortly after co-star Chace Crawford left the trio to catch his plane.

The very next item in the W Editor’s Blog is “Prep Rally,” featuring an outfit comprised of preppy elements.

Courtesy W

The pieces shown include an Elizabeth & James cotton sateen blazer from ShopBop (we believe it is called the Lizzy Jacket), as well as Cole Haan loafers and the LL Bean Cotton Sailor shirt.  The pieces are suggested as part of the blog’s Holiday Gift Guide:

“On the gift-giving front, it’s hard to go wrong with classics — especially if they’re the hip takes on preppy looks that we’ve styled together here.”

Speaking of Cole Haan, their online store continues offering an additional 30% off all Sale styles with promo code DECSALE30.

Even HuffPo (the Huffington Post, not one of TP’s regular reads) is featuring Brooks in “Girls, Not Your Father’s Brooks Brothers,” a piece by Kate Schelter.  Ms. Schelter focuses primarily on the blazers, including the Camel Hair:

Brooks Brothers Camel Hair Blazer

Ms. Schelter popped into the retailer’s 5th Avenue flagship last week and was surprised by what she found:

“… the garments themselves were hardly the tartan, granny, prudish BB I’d remembered. They were very stylish indeed.”

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Here is a glance at this year’s Lacoste Visionaire Holiday Collector’s polo:

Lacoste Visionaire Collector’s Polo

Musician Michael Stipe of R.E.M. designed the shirt; it is available in a number of colorways. This was part of Visionaire’s 54th issue, honoring Lacoste’s 75th Anniversary, a topic covered fairly extensively by TP in this July post.

Oddly, the official title of the July post mentioned above was “J. Crew Says ‘I’m Sorry’ + Goyard/Lacoste/Visionaire Update.”  We say ‘odd’ in light of J. Crew’s struggles last week. Some readers are happy with the resolution of their shopping issues; La Belette Rouge says:

“The order I placed on Tuesday via the Internets was shipped on Friday. I imagine I will get it on Monday. My anger with them has been resolved by knowing I will be getting my Velvet ecole blazer for under $70.”

It seems from input we are receiving there are more concerned/unhappy/irate shoppers than those whose situations have been resolved in a positive manner; Miss Lisa at Very Busy Mom with 4 tells us:

And quick update on JCrew–still a mess. I was on the phone yesterday because some of my items were oddly cancelled for no reason and yes, still not shipped out.

Guess I am on the phone again 😦

Ouch.

Until next time!

All About the Lilly: WWD Runs Lilly Pulitzer Special Edition

TP is in heaven. Truly.

The editorial brains minds over at Women’s Wear Daily have dedicated an entire special issue of the paper to Lilly Pulitzer’s 50th.  (You may remember in today’s post on the Inaugural gowns that we mentioned WWD was doing some fabulous special issues… this is another one of those special editions.)

WWD

For those less familiar with the Lilly Pulitzer brand, it was started in 1958 by Lilly Pulitzer….

Lilly Pulitzer at home in Palm Beach

… rapidly becoming very successful into the early 1980’s. And then – horrors!  The line ceased operating in 1984 and all hope was lost for true Lilly lovers. Life began anew in 1994 when Scott Beaumont and James Bradbeer Jr. (seen below) decided to buy the company and bring the storied line back to life.

PHOTO: Talaya Centeno

And it gets better moving forward: the company plans to grow the brand through the addition of a stationery and gift line. How fabulous is this news?!

Courtesy Lifeguard Press

The collection will be licensed by Lifeguard Press, the folks who handle the Vera Bradley paper line.  According to the WWD story the new paper group will include a variety of items:

“…. party goods and gifts, from wrapping paper and bags to partyware, cocktail napkins and drink umbrellas, office accessories like desk sets, diaries, notebooks, frames and calendars…”

The paper line is on track to launch in January. If you would like to be on the mailing list for updates on the line and other announcements, just click here to be taken to the Lifeguard Press site.

There is a quick mention of the sleepwear line, licensed by Carole Hochman:

Courtesy Lilly Pulitzer

As well as an intriguing look at the design process.  Have you ever wondered just how the company continues to come up with such smashing colors and designs? Here is an inspiration board from Lilly headquarters in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

PHOTO: Talaya Centeno

Below, members of the Lilly Design Team experiment with color.

PHOTO: Talaya Centeno

TP is absolutely transfixed by the pink and green chairs even though they are almost impossible to see in the photo.  Perhaps they are easier to see in this shot of the atrium at the Lilly Mother Ship:

PHOTO: Talaya Centeno for WWD

One of the dynamite stories in the special issue features quotes from some of fashion’s brightest talents on the brand and its founder.  Here is a sampling accompanied by fun photos of Lilly back in the 1970’s.  We start with Ralph Lauren‘s comments:

“Lilly Pulitzer created a very distinct look — her personal style of bright colors and prints has an important place in fashion.”

Courtesy Lilly Pulitzer

And this from Kate Spade….

“Lilly Pulitzer was one of the first to take a personal look and lifestyle and turn it into a brand. Her cheery and colorful prints are much imitated, but she is a true original.”

As well as Isaac Mizrahi…

“Lilly Pulitzer is one of the few designers worthy of copying. You can’t be an American designer without a little nod to Lilly.”

Reed Krakoff (the Grand Poohbah at Coach) has memories similar to those you probably have:

“One of my earliest memories of fashion is my mom wearing a lime green printed shift dress at our country club in Weston, Connecticut. Lilly Pulitzer was a summer uniform and always defined summer style.”

Lilly's Original Shop (PHOTO: Howell Conant/Timepix)

Our favorite quote is probably this one from Jonathan Adler:

“Lilly Pulitzer makes everyone look happier, richer and more fun-loving than they probably are. Lilly equals sunshine.”

TP has never been to the Mother Ship in Pennsylvania:

PHOTO: Talaya Centeno

Nor have we visited the Lilly store at King of Prussia mall, practically in the backyard of Lilly HQ:

PHOTO: Talaya Centeno

Remember the 50th Anniversary Lilly Pulitzer Jeep we showed previously? Well, here at the Prepatorium we  periodically queried the Princess Consort, asking if he thought anyone was ordering up the Special Edition vehicle. (Of course, he loves queries of this nature in all their profundity and thought-provoking significance.)

Courtesy

It turns out people *have* been buying the Limited Edition Jeep:

“About 70 of the Jeeps were preordered and, at $25,000 a pop, some of the Signature store owners will not only be driving one, but they are also able to sell them to their customers.”

Still to come? A Florida’s Natural orange juice carton done in one of the signature Pulitzer prints. An altogether remarkable story, quintessentially American with its ups and downs, and its happy ending for the company’s founder. Although she no longer owns the company, Lilly is still on hand as a consultant; her design influence and imprint can be seen everywhere.

The WWD special edition was written primarily by Julie Naughton with contributions from Dianne M Pogoda, and they did a bang-up job IOHO.

J. Crew Thinks You’ve Changed & Preppy Black Friday Sales: Lacoste, J Crew, Brooks Brothers, More

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here at the Prepatorium we realize almost everyone is interested in Black Friday, or perhaps Cyber Monday. In a word: savings. Everyone is seeking sales. Discounts. Markdowns. Tips on ‘fiscally friendly’ shopping, we know that.

But first, a quick recap on the latest news from J. Crew, all of it impacting how you spend your trust fund when shopping at the specialty retailer.  Speaking with analysts yesterday about the company’s performance, J. Crew CEO Mickey Drexler was unequivocal in his opinion that the economic crisis has permanently changed how customers perceive and purchase at retail outlets:

“…we recognize that a sea-change has occurred with the consumer….”

Mr. Drexler believes consumers are demanding higher quality at reasonable prices, two attributes he says J. Crew merchandise has. Surprisingly, he mentioned price points on some specific items, unusual in light of the competitive environment:

“… our ballet flat category will start at under $100 for the first time ever…If you look at our January catalog, you’ll see a ballet flat assortment at $98. This year I think they started at $128.”

When asked about what items customers are willing to pay full price for, Tracy Gardner, J. Crew’s President, mentioned several items:

• “…there’s a beautiful ruffly blouse….”
• “… the T shirts that have all the fabulous embellishment, embroidery are blowing out.”
• “Our match stick cords continue to be phenomenal; our match stick denims… “
• “They still love our cashmere cardigans.”

Today’s story about J. Crew’s awful performance in WWD (Women’s Wear Daily, subscription required) also quoted Mr. Drexler:

“We don’t want to be the cheapest player. We want to be the longest-lasting high integrity quality player…. “

So what is J. Crew doing for you come Friday?  They are opening at 6 a.m. and all sweaters are 20% off, with Clearance items also an additional 20% off. Things are already heavily discounted online, like the Girls Riley Critter Cord in bright pink, available in all sizes as of this writing. The Crewcut Kids slacks were originally $54, now $19.99 and $30 with the price determined by the color you select.

The company is also doing their Holiday Cheer promotion through midnight Saturday night, with a 20% – 30% discount dependent upon how much you spend. (Click the graphic to go to the Crew site and see the specifics.)

J. Crew Factory Outlet stores are doing a significant promotion of their own starting Friday, most opening at midnight.

If it is difficult to read the small print up above, early risers who shop before 10am can take an additional 50% off clearance styles, nothing to sneeze at. Here is a list of all Factory Stores so you can check the hours.

Another preppy retailer (perhaps the original), Lacoste, is offering 25% off all merchandise; this includes items already on sale. The discount is good through Monday, December 1 and free standard shipping on all orders is also included through Monday. Use promo code HOLIDAY1 to receive the benefit of these offers.

Brooks Brothers is offering 15% off all merchandise online and in their stores. (See below for Factory Outlet store offers.) This promotion even applies to the Black Fleece merchandise from designer Thom Browne.

However, from today’s WWD story on retail promotions for the holiday weekend:

“Traditionally, the retailer has held tight on promotions until after Christmas.”

“… it’s not a fire sale,” said Lou Amendola, chief merchandising officer. The company is “very selectively” discounting much of the women’s apparel, which is seasonal, along with some men’s wear. Outerwear is 25 percent off. ‘We won’t promote blue or white dress shirts, for example. We have no reason to liquidate basics.’”

Additionally Brooks is offering free shipping on all orders totaling more than $200.

If shopping online at Talbots now, or in stores starting Friday, everything is 30% off and there is free standard shipping on every order. Stores open at 8am Friday and both promotions run through December 1st.

TP was in a Talbots on Monday and all Clearance merchandise was an additional 40% off; we can’t imagine this not being the case over the weekend. (As always, check with your local store – do not take our word as the ultimate answer.)

For the Polo Ralph Lauren fans in the household, the Friends and Family promotion continues, offering 30% off all merchandise through December 8. The promotion code is HOL2008, and free shipping is included in this offer.

The Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Outlet stores open at midnight tomorrow night

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Banana Republic continues their “Dressed in Holiday Style” sale online and in stores. The sale runs through Monday, December 1st.

At Banana Republic Factory Stores starting at midnight the discount is 40% off everything in the store.

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Tommy Hilfiger is offering substantial savings for Black Friday, and according to their news release, the discount is 50% off merchandise as opposed to the 40% shown in our graphic.

There are also a number of coupons for specific savings at the Factory Outlet stores, such as “Save an Additional 25% on any $200 Purchase,” but we have no idea if one must have an “official coupon,” or if it could be printed off any site.

Ann Taylor is promoting 30% off your entire purchase plus free shipping only through midnight Thursday.  The promotion code for checkout is TURKEY.

At Ann Taylor Loft stores, there are multiple promotions underway, including a $25 gift card for every $50 you spend starting online Thursday and in stores Friday.

Gobble-gobble!