The Official Preppy Handbook Returns as “True Prep”

Hello-Hello, and Happy Thursday! With any luck at all you are enjoying a warm and sunny day filled with promise and thoughts of good things to come.

We are doing a one-thought-Thursday, focusing on news about TOPH:

Official Preppy Handbook fans and followers are sure to be elated by news that author Lisa Birnbach is coming out with a new version of that classic volume.

Courtesy Photo

The publisher’s notes detail the book’s direction much better than we can:

“True Prep looks at how the old guard of natural-fiber-loving, dog-worshipping, G&T-soaked preppies adapts to the new order of the Internet, cell phones, rehab, political correctness, reality TV and . . . polar fleece.”

Clearly the update has merit, offering serious possibilities. How shall the notion of ladies playing on the men’s course be handled? What about the errant child wanting a tattoo? (The horror!) We expect Ms. Birnbach and co-author Chip Kidd will provide us with an entertaining perspective on the perils a prep faces in the new millenium.

We have long wondered if there would be an update to the original, as it seemed an idea begging to be done. And when we saw this blog site we had hope.

Alas, the “Official Updated Preppy Handbook” blog hasn’t been updated since last December and the total number of posts comes in at a scant 12.

Via idp05

We must be candid in our thoughts on the original: it is something we loved reading, we still have a copy here at the prepatorium. We adore the writing style, the goofy (but spot-on) illustrations, the fact the entire topic is approached from a tongue-in-cheek perspective. We consider it a classic. However (and this is where some may find us heretical), it is not our bible.

We don’t have a lifestyle bible. We simply are what we are. We were fortunate to grow up in circumstances similar to those depicted in the book, but we never made, nor do we now make conscious decisions to ‘dress preppy’.  When it comes to apparel we wear Brooks Brothers or LL Bean or Lilly because it is what’s in the closet, mixed in among the Target tees and polos found at an outlet mall.  We merely seek that which is classic, stylish and of good quality and we guess most readers are of a similar mind.

Back to the fun stuff, here is more from the publisher:

• Wardrobe: Recent prep brands we are forced to recognize. How to tell Casual Friday from, say, Saturday.
• Money: We never talk about it.
• Food: Does the Food Network mean we’re going to have to cook? Bake? Now you’re going too far.
• Scandals: Poor Mrs. Astor. When Mummy’s plastic surgery goes terribly wrong. Rehab and the slammer: the new prep schools.
• We’re outta here: When to name something after yourself, and when not. The right obituary. What to do with your dogs if you predecease them.
• NO TEXTING AT THE TABLE, PLEASE.

You know TP is simply *dying* to hear about those ‘prep brands we are forced to recognize‘.  We can’t wait to see how those pesky and persistent logos are treated by Ms. Birnbach. The subject opens a whole new world of possibilities, don’t you think? Who do you think belongs on the list of brands to be recognized and who do you should be placed in the Fashion No-No column?

Do tell, expiring minds are dying to know!

Smiles to all of our cherished readers, we do appreciate you visiting!

Sexy Preppy? Plus the Lilly Pulitzer & LeSportsac Line!

Hello-Hello and Happy Wednesday!

We begin with a look at a style term we generally consider an oxymoron: sexy preppy.  Think back to those growing-up years, was appearing “sexy” something Mummy or Daddy aspired to? An achievement looked upon favorably, on a par with shooting in the low 70’s at this year’s club outing? A priority upon the fashion landscape at your palace?  We think not.  And it certainly was not a topic of conversation, heaven forbid.

Now, before we get our whiskers in a wad, be advised the Princess is not suggesting that those adhering to a preppish style aesthetic are not “sexy”.  Rather, we make a distinction in how one arrives at attaining such a look.  For preps this comes as a byproduct of pursuing classic lines in well-made garments; the result is an understated elegance. This far transcends any of-the-moment styles frequently revealing much-too-much and leaving nothing to the imagination.  The style is accented by a carefree touch of the whimsical, and it never takes itself too seriously.

Having now bored everyone to tears said all this, we were intrigued by a story in the Calgary Herald last week, “The Prepster“ with a subhead “Local Designer Embraces Preppiness And Makes It His Own With Edgy Designs”.

Cheryl Gorski/Lucire Magazine via Fashion Ledge

The story focuses on the KaaDiki menswear line, seen above and in the photo below.

Courtesy Photo via Canada.com

The story describes the line this way:

“Featuring plenty of red, white and blue–he loves bright colours– his button-down shirts have preppy crests, zip-up sweaters are form-fitting and blazers are elegant yet funky.”

While the apparel exhibits preppish traits, we must be annoying and point out the phrase “preppy crests” belongs on our ever-lengthening list of fashion oxymorons. Honestly. The family crest is rarely (if ever) seen these days, far more a re-invention of designers like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger, and most assuredly not seen on a woven shirt.

Courtesy Photo via Canada.com

Designer Haithem Elkadiki describes his style in the story:

“I’m obsessed with the preppy thing, always. But preppy can be boring, so it’s taking the whole idea and mixing it with sex appeal.”

As mentioned, there is much to like in the line, and the young designer is more than appealing, passionate about his work. But we don’t think there is any peril The Consort will be seen sporting KaaDiki at Princess InterGalactic HQ.

Were you raised in a tradition favoring a  “sexy” look (ahem), or did the family favor things more like those found at LL Bean and Brooks Brothers?

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Our next little newsflash is almost a week old and most readers are probably already aware of the news, but you know what we used to say all those years we worked in TV: “If it’s news, it’s news to us!” (Heh-heh-heh.)

At any rate, we were tickled to learn via WWD that one of our favorite designers has announced a new collaborative effort: Lilly Pulitzer is partnering with LeSportsac on a line of bags for Spring 2010, whoo-hoo!

There are three different Lilly prints being used for the Sportsac pieces, including ‘Hip Hop Hooray,’ seen below.

Via Nitrolicious.com

According to the WWD story:

“The three prints — cobranded specifically for the collaboration — center on endangered species such as Florida panthers (other “animals of the Everglades” are also featured).”

Below, what we believe to be the ‘Purrrfect Patch‘ design:

Via Nitrolicious.com

The joint effort is nothing new for the company; previous collaborations have showcased designers like Stella McCartney, Diane von Furstenberg, and Jonathan Adler, among others. Next, more loveliness in the ‘She’s a Piston’ print.

Via Nitrolicious.com

This one is so luscious we are making it today’s Pretty in Pink. Our thanks to the always-on-top-of-things Nitrolicious for the photos, as well as information on the upcoming Lilly Loves Green campaign and the three LeSportsac prints:

“… a yearlong initiative generating support and awareness for all the green things Lilly loves (the ocean, the animals, and the planet) – the three co-branded prints center around endangered species, specifically Florida panthers, butterflies, and animals of the Everglades, generating environmental awareness in colorful fashionable style.”

We have had more than one LeSportsac on hand almost since the company’s inception thirty-five years ago and can’t wait to see these in person. There will clearly be more than one “must have” in the collection, they all look like loads of fun.

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We share a tidbit we think the lovely Muffy Martini will consider good news, word that Montblanc is expanding their footprint in Beverly Hills. Friday’s WWD (Women’s Wear Daily, subscription req’d.) shares the interior of the firm’s larger star on Rodeo Drive.

One of our favorite topics of conversation often arises when discussions of one’s favorite writing instruments. Below, the Paso Doble pen from Montblanc.

We didn’t realize Montblanc was making eyewear – are we hopelessly behind the times with this realization?

Above, the Montblanc Amalfi sunglasses.

On this note we say G’bye until tomorrow, may your afternoon be fabulous!

Blake Lively + Tory Burch = ???

Hello-Hello everyone!

We jump right in today, as we’re leaning towards the possibility of a ‘hit and split’ as it were, meaning something akin to a poorly constructed post with even less import than one generally finds in these quarters! Hee-hee!

As we careen ever-closer to the season premieres of several television programs even TP is amazed at the volume of press devoted to same! (Ummm… this post and countless others would be called…??? Quite.)  This morning we noticed a story in WWD (Women’s Wear Daily, subscription req’d.) about fashion designers making cameo appearances on season 3 of Gossip Girl:

PHOTO: Giovanni Rufino / The CW

As you can surmise from the photograph above showing actress Blake Lively arm-in-arm with designer Tory Burch, Ms. Burch will be seen on the show this fall. In fact, word has it a special set was constructed to look like the inside of the designer’s office.

Also making an appearance on G2, designer and actress Georgina Chapman, half of the Marchesa label. Readers may have seen her in The Nanny Diaries or perhaps Factory Girl.  The WWD story shares a bit more about the designers-on-tv phenomenon:

“This isn’t the first time “Gossip Girl” has tapped real-life members of the fashion flock to appear on-screen — Nacho Figueras shot scenes in Greenwich earlier this summer for the show’s Sept. 14 season premiere, and Tinsley Mortimer had a guest spot last year.”

Both designers are can be seen in the October 5th episode.

Speaking of Gossip Girl… (how many times have we used this hackneyed phrase?) … it seems that the show’s marketing minds have come up with a Fall promotional campaign deemed by some to be more outrageous than those for Seasons 1 or 2.

PHOTO: Kurt Iswarienko/The CW

As someone who has never watched a full episode of the faux-prep program, we do have to admit the still photos for this year’s marketing campaign really have a touch of elegance. However, we shall refrain from using the 3-letter acronym used in the promos that is the primary irritant, as it is vulgar.

Speaking of vulgar, we have this image courtesy of the next issue of Elle Magazine:

Courtesy Elle

Have Leighton Meester and Ed Westwick gone goth? (Is that proper usage of the term…?) Or is it more of a look channeling the popular Twilight style?

Also, as we mentioned Tory Burch up above, we wanted to share this as well, arriving in this morning’s electronic in-bin:

Looks like an opportunity to acquire some new looks at a fiscally friendly price point.

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A few more retail headlines for those following the comings and goings of certain preppish brands:

J. Crew’s new Crewcuts store has opened on Madison Avenue:

Courtesy Photo via WWD

There are eight other Crewcuts stores, including NorthPark in Dallas (seen below) but this newly-opened shop is considered the flagship.

The story points out one styling point about the kids collection:

“… none of the apparel or accessories would qualify as “mini-me” versions of items in the adult J. Crew collection…”

Mrs. Newlywed, are you smiling?)

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And with one last retail note, the new Stubbs & Wooton store has opened, also on Madison Avenue. This is not an additional store, it is a relocation for the brand from their previous spot on Lexington, in the old Sigerson Morrison spot ‘neath the Carlyle. (The other shops are in Southampton and Palm Beach.)

Fashion Week Daily

There are loads of goodies on hand, including the flannel slipper with Pink Poodle, along with the firm’s classic needlepoint designs.

But much as we love pink and green, we’re not sure we’re up for the new camouflage needlepoint.

What do you think ladies? Is camo cool, whether it is in a slipper or a handbag? And if deemed fashionable, is it prep? (You know our answer.)

G’Bye for now, tune in tomorrow for a madly put-together post about another TV show premiering soon!

Harvard’s New Clothing Line. Seriously.

Hello-Hello and Happy Friday!

Today we have a rather bizarre tale to share, one that, to borrow a phrase, left us absolutely gobsmacked.  But first we must ask a question: when asked to ponder the notion of apparel sold under the auspices of Harvard (as in The University), what comes to mind?

The classic sweatshirt, right?

Courtesy Harvard Bookstore

Or perhaps a standard-issue long-sleeved tee, like this?

Courtesy Harvard Book Store

Of course.

Well, there’s a little update; we hope you are sitting down.

Look at the latest apparel authorized by Harvard. The University. (Really. Most readers have a passing acquaintanceship with at least one individual who refers to it this way. Come now, you know precisely what we mean, the pronunciation and emphasis suggesting there really is no. other. school. in. the. western. hemisphere. Indeed.)

At any rate, back to the topic at hand, the new Harvard Yard clothing line.

PHOTO: Robert Mitra/WWD

Would it ever have crossed your mind that The University would get into the business of fashion?  It has.  Here is another look from the Harvard Yard label debuting next spring:

PHOTO: Robert Mitra/WWD

Actually many of you may have already read about this; WWD broke the story yesterday.  From their article:

“So it was perhaps just a matter of time (and business acumen) before somebody tapped the source of that look — Ivy League universities — for a brand.”

Brenner Thomas makes a good point in his story about the launch, it really was only a matter of time.  As he stresses, it isn’t the first time style has been associated with the school:

“It also served as the font of Ivy League style in the late Fifties when its undergraduates flocked to stores such as Brooks Brothers and J. Press to snap up what would become prepster staples: button-down shirts, flat-front khakis and penny loafers.

Below, a classic look from J. Press:

Courtesy J. Press

The new line will feature:

“… short-sleeve plaid shirts, Liberty print wovens, seersucker shorts, regimental stripes, sporty knits, patterned jackets and fancy pants — all in a contemporary, tapered fit.”

Another look from the upcoming collection:

PHOTO: Robert Mitra/WWD

A few points about the Harvard Yard line we need to make:

• the only time one will see the name “Harvard” is on the inside of the pieces in the label
• there will ultimately be a collection for women and for children if all goes according to plan
• prices for the menswear are expected to run between $195-$495
• there will be a lot of the color crimson used in the line

The collection is aimed at “… alums and fans of the (Ivy League) universities…” according to the WWD story; somehow we don’t see too many alumni purchasing the line, but we have been wrong before.

What do you think?

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Speaking of a long and storied history, another article in WWD reminded us it is Pendleton’s 100th Anniversary.

Courtesy Pendleton via WWD

Pendleton is doing all manner of exciting things for its big birthday, including collaborations with ever-so-hip companies like Opening Ceremony, Vans and Nike.

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And speaking of collaborative efforts, there was word this week Target’s next designer collection will be done by Rodarte, the edgy line created and designed by sisters Laura and Kate Mulleavy. Below, a montage from their Fall 2009 collection:

Courtesy Lola 29

This edition of Target’s Go International line will hit stores December 20, with prices ranging from $9.99 to $79.99

For today’s Pretty in Pink we stick with the Boutique, showcasing the discounter’s Kid’s Modern Polka Dot Chair in Candy Pink.

Target

We must toddle along, we’re off to the Large Lake for a wedding. We hope everyone has an absolutelty splendiferous weekend!

J. Crew Execs Everywhere, Are Crossword Puzzles an Ivy Thing?

Hello-Hello and Happy Monday!  We hope everyone enjoyed a splendid weekend!

It seems this past weekend had a bit of a J. Crew management theme in some of the national media. As previously mentioned, J. Crew Grand Pooh-Bah Mickey Drexler was profiled yesterday on CBS’ “Sunday Morning” program.  The feature looks quite interesting, click here to see the full story.

Also this Sunday, the LA Times carried an interesting story on Jenna Lyons, J. Crew’s Design Director.

PHOTO: Melanie Acevedo

If curious about what duties and responsibilities her job actually involves, the story explains:

“That title means she’s in charge of every design element of the company, website and catalog, and it’s her attention to detail — delicate beading, raw edges, crepe de Chine ruffles — that sets J.Crew apart from other mall stores. The company’s ability to be both aspirational and attainable has made it popular with Indianapolis career women and Birkin-toting Malibu trophy wives alike.”

Fashion Critic Booth Moore’s article looks at the ‘cult of Jenna’:

“Bloggers evaluate her personal as well as professional style, contributing to the budding cult of Jenna. They wax eloquently about her love of neutral colors, Sharpie pens and Maybelline Cool Watermelon lipstick.

When it comes to the monetization of this phenomenon or other tangible values attached to such popularity, stock analysts aren’t necessarily seeing it:

“But praise in the blogosphere can’t guarantee a surge in sales of all those pencil skirts and cardigans. “Nobody needs another one-pocket tee or twin set or pleat-front skirt,” says Richard Jaffe, a retail analyst with Stifel, Nicolaus and Co. “Your closet is full of them.”

This feature on Ms. Lyons, when read in tandem with the CBS profile on CEO Mickey Drexler, provides insight into the business of fashion. More from the LA Times piece:

“The chief executive and the designer behave a little like a father-daughter team. Over lunch at Cecconi’s in West Hollywood, she tells him that “being back here even for one day, all my insecurities come back. Women here are in such great shape. Everyone is blond and beautiful. Girls are trying on bathing suits and coming out of the dressing rooms and I’m like, ‘Just stay in there!’ “

The story also  offers a look at select items from the Fall 2009 J. Crew Weddings & Parties line.

Lucinda Gown at JCrew.com

The dress is a poly/cotton/silk blend retailing for $2500.  Also shown, the cotton Erica dress in Cypress, a color available this fall.  (Note: our link connects to the current Erica dress, with most colors on sale for $99.)

Erica Dress at JCrew.com

And finally in our “J. Crews News section” this morning, word the company’s spinoff brand Madewell 1937 is launching a jeans collection deemed “… a bit more price friendly.”

Courtesy Photo via WWD

This morning’s WWD (Women’s Wear Daily, subscription req’d.) reports on the new line, Madewell ’37s, focusing on a single “skinny skinny” jean available in five colors. Perhaps most importantly,the new jean will retail at $58.50; other Madewell denim starts at $78.

Courtesy Photo

As far as differentiating the new jeans from other ?

“The tag line for marketing the ’37s is “Cool jeans. Great price. We’ve got your back.”’

This article also quotes J. Crew CEO Mickey Drexler:

“There’s a new world today. The denim customer is no longer trading up to higher price points. With customers giving us feedback and the marketplace changing, it was pretty clear there was a need to come out with a collection of jeans a bit more price friendly. Jeans at $92 to $110 represented the heart of the business.”

While we are not exactly the Madewell demo (cough-cough), it is good to see retailers being smart in pricing.

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Our final item today has *nothing* to do with either J. Crew Group or Mr. Drexler, not that we are Drexler-averse, to the contrary, we think very highly of his skills. We just need to chat about something else, don’t you think?

No, our next item involves a statement contained within this story in yesterday’s Times, a feature looking at the continued demise of the crossword puzzle, along with other puzzles, in many publications.

“The Atlantic’s Puzzler, which will take its final bow in September, and The New York Sun’s crossword are among the most notable recent casualties, in part because of their Ivy League street cred. (Let’s face it: the crosswords in TV Guide and People magazine seldom generate heat at Hamptons dinner parties.)”

“Ivy League street cred?” Now, TP adores her crossword puzzles. Nothing is quite as comforting as settling in with pen (it must be a very specific pen you understand) and newspaper, generally the Times, but we have been known to utilize others in a pinch. But we have never heard them associated with an Ivy, that is a new one for us.

Have you heard of such an affiliation in anyone’s mind previously? More importanly, do you use pen or pencil when you do the puzzle? When pondering how to best answer these deep questions, do keep in mind the world’s fate hangs in the balance. (Heh-heh.)

With this wackiness we say G’bye until next time!