Preppy Style In The Home, & Ralph Lauren Tears Up Over Dylan’s Wedding Dress

We hope you are enjoying a delightful Thursday, with any luck you are avoiding the Midwest monsoon that has now planted itself on the east coast. However, a glance at the television or a newspaper or one’s computer screen reminds us we really have nothing to complain about.

Scott Olson/Getty Images

Not one thing.

On a brighter note, we look at a portion of yesterday’s Ralph Lauren interview on Oprah.

George Burns/Harpo Productions/AP

From The Show Tracker blog:

“The show was practically moving in its ode to striving, to these two exceedingly rare cases of American mobility: the Bronx-bred son of immigrant Ashkenazi Jews, whose artist father painted houses to support his family, and an African American woman born poor in Mississippi and raised poor in Milwaukee.”

Perhaps the most touching moment was hearing the designer talk about making his daughter’s wedding gown. Dylan Lauren is marrying financier Paul Arrouet in June; her father designed the dress, but it wasn’t easy.

Harpo Productions

Mr. Lauren said…

“I had to do something that was better than ever before. I mean I have to—it’s the only daughter I have, beautiful girl—I want to just give her something that she’ll really treasure, give her something that would be really amazing. I want her to feel fantastic.”

After seeing initial sketches, mother of the bride Ricky Lauren told him the dress wasn’t right: “Ralph, that’s not Dylan”.  Below we see Ms. Lauren with her fiancée, Paul Arrouet.

Via The Examiner

But it seems everyone is thrilled with the finished product. Dylan Lauren says the dress is stunning.

‘I told my fianceé, “I may sleep in it. I might wear it the next day,”‘ she added. ‘It’s really beautiful. I know that every bit of his energy and heart went into making sure that I liked it.’

As soon as there are photos of the gown available we’ll have them right here. If you would like to see the clip about the gown, click here.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Speaking about preppish styling and weddings brings us to our next tidbit, Preppy Wedding products at Bridefinds. From the story:

If “The Preppy Handbook” is the only book you can’t live without, it’s time to take it to the next, next level.

The piece suggests all manner of things that will hypothetically help one achieve a prep aesthetic for the big day. Below left, a 4-Piece Set for your young MOTH (Man of the House) from Dillard’s, and on the right, Kate Spade’s Seersucker Jenny Ann Clutch.

Bride Finds bills the post as the “Preppy Wedding Handbook,” and while there are a few interesting items shown, that title far oversells the story.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

There is another online photo series about “preppy style” and interior design.

Designers Guild for Benz via HGTV

The post by Cassandra LaVelle (of Coco + Kelley) is on the HGTV site.

“No longer just for the country club set, preppy style enters the home with classic patterns, bright colors and the essential navy and white stripes. Discover how to add a little prep to your favorite room.

Patrick Cline for Lonny Magazine

Below left we see another room via Lonny magazine, and on the right, decor by Tobi Fairley Interior Design.

Patrick Cline for Lonny / Tobi Fairley Interiors

As described in the story:

The fastest way to add a little “prep” to your style is definitely with a bit of trim. Designer Tobi Fairley adds white piping to the dining chairs and black trim to the lattice-print drapes for some classic preppy details.

Click here for the entire post, it is a good read.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

While looking for an item on the Dior site today we stumbled upon some simply darling Dior looks for young ladies.

Baby Dior

Saks has many of the styles in stock, as does Neimans.

Baby Dior

Regular readers know we cannot resist most designer duds for the little ones, despite our frequent outbursts and tirades occasional mention of the frivolous nature of such things.

Baby Dior

Here on the Preppy Planet we see merit in both upscale pieces and the more practical offerings from your local Targét.

We leave you with another reason to smile.

Jacques de Marthon/AFP/Getty

The French Open is underway.

‘Fleece’ by Brooks Brothers Sneak Peek

Hello-Hello, and Happy Monday!

With things crazy-busy here at The Princess, we jump right in with an early look at the new Brooks Brothers line for young ladies, Fleece.

Courtesy Brooks Brothers

These images were posted this weekend on the new Brooks Brothers Facebook page.

Courtesy Brooks Brothers

The new line is slated to launch in time for back-to-school shopping.

Courtesy Brooks Brothers

The Brooks Brothers Facebook page also shows this fall’s styles for the young master of the house, just click here to see the upcoming fashions; below we show the logo for the new line.

Courtesy Brooks Brothers

According to the Brooks FB page, information about a private Fleece Trunk Show for FB fans will be announced on their FB Wall (for those unfamiliar with Facebook, this is rather like one’s home page, for lack of a better term).  Our hats are off to the design team at B2, for the most part we think the girls collection looks promising.

While the majority of the Fleece styles for young men are also impressive, we have a moderate concern about this:

Courtesy Brooks Brothers

As many readers are more than tired of hearing aware, our LogoPhobia can be triggered by something like the item seen above, and in the case of Brooks Brothers, we are off the grid a bit sensitive to the topic, borderline hysterical concerned that logos on sweatshirts are merely the first step on a slippery slope. A slope that this company has judiciously avoided in most respects.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Saturday brought us our monthly issue of WSJ magazine, always a fun read. This issue was particularly enjoyable for any preppish reader, beginning with the cover story, “The Church of Mickey Drexler, Inside the world of J. Crew’s evangelical CEO“.

Courtesy WSJ Magazine

Tina Gaudoin’s profile is enlightening, and while we are not terribly fond of many Crew fashion decisions, we cannot fault Mr. Drexler’s business acumen.

Another interesting piece in this issue, an interview with designer Thom Browne.

Jeff Riedel/WSJ Magazine

Mr. Browne is perhaps best known to Princess readers as the designer of Brooks Brothers’ Black Fleece collections, as well as the man pushing higher hemlines. For men.

Finally, WSJ takes a fast glance at tote bags, commenting that “Preppy goes paisley and punchy with this summer’s take on the traditional tote.”

Nigel Cox/WSJ Magazine

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We want to mention another children’s line, this one from Princess favorite, J. McLaughlin.

J. McLaughlin

We like a number of the dresses for girls, along with other offerings in the limited edition collection.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Here is one of the day’s Pretty in Pink offerings, Marilyn Monroe in her iconic Gentlemen Prefer Blondes dress.

The famous gown was sold at auction this weekend for a staggering $309,000.

For another Pretty in Pink that is also an Adventure in Argyle, we bring you this image via the always-on-top-of-things Erin at Pink and Green Scene.

Pink and Green Scene

For more on the Summer Oasis beach Towel, click here.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We leave you with this image as we celebrate and honor Flag Day.

Toby Talbot/AP

Goodbye until next time!

J. Crew Seems to be Moving Away From “Preppy”

Hello-Hello!

We’re having something of a “major Monday” here in the corner condo at Princess InterGalactic HQ.  We can only thank the Consort the IT Department for their assistance and resolution of a major operator-error-induced-meltdown few minor foo-foos with the desktop. As a result of today’s lesson in patience, the post is brief.

We begin with great good news for one of our favorites, Kiel James Patrick, he of the fabulous bracelets, headbands and earrings.

.

Kiel shared a big announcement on Friday: he has signed a deal to create custom KJP products for several Ivies. More specially, exclusive KJP designs will be offered at the Harvard, Dartmouth and Yale campus stores. How cool is this news?!?  Better yet, Kiel is one of the world’s all-time nice human beings, Friday’s announcement shows that good things happen to good people.

Besides, he’s kinda’ cute. (But don’t tell him I said so.)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Next, word that Tory Burch is going to be adding eyewear to her offerings.

For more background on the story, click here to read the designer’s blog, featuring the trade magazine story seen in the images above.

No one will be surprised to read that while we like the Wraparound frame sunglasses, the logo would be a deal killer. To take a look at other eyewear styles Ms. Burch currently has available online, click here.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Also today, J. Crew fans might enjoy an interview Style has with Jenna Lyons. We found this particular portion of the interview fascinating:

““Preppy” style is often mentioned in the same breath as J.Crew. Is today’s preppy different from yesterday’s?
I have a hard time with the word “preppy.” To me, it’s a way of styling. Classic things mixed a certain way—especially special color combinations—look very preppy. We still have the same pieces: polo shirts, khakis, a great classic blazer, a beautiful white shirt.

Below, the wool Schoolboy Blazer and Stripe 3/4-quarter sleeve shirt. (Of the three “classic shirts” shown on the retailer’s website only one offers long sleeves.)

Back to the designer’s thoughts on ‘preppy’:

“But what we’ve been trying to do is change the way things are presented.  Maybe that little cargo jacket that we would have shown ten years ago with a polo shirt we’re now showing with a little sequin top and high heels.

Or perhaps the Sequin Chino shorts:

Call us crazy, but we’re not seeing these at the club for cocktails after the 18th hole. But then, the retailer isn’t proposing these styles for that type of activity; this portion of the quote better explains why not:

“And the thing about preppy is it can be alienating to some people. It’s very coastal and it leaves out a lot of Americans who aren’t yachting or going to the beach club.

They shorts are not for us, but then, we aren’t the brand’s target demo.This makes perfect sense when paired with recent and current Crew merchandise.  The company wants to be inclusive, continuing its path toward trendier, younger shoppers.  And to be fair, the credo has worked exceptionally well in recent years; despite These Difficult Times, the firm is very healthy.

But we need your thoughts: does J. Crew work for you? Is the company’s direction one you find appealing? Or are you still fond of some things, but finding yourself back at Brooks Brothers or J. McLaughlin for many basics? Do tell, expiring minds are dying to know.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Next, a look at some of the limited edition bottles Kiehl’s had created to recognize Earth Day.

Courtesy Kiehl's

Among those designing bottles, actress Julianne Moore and artist Jeff Koon. The bottles are now available at Kiehl’s online and in stores.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A reminder on our great Spring Fling Thing:

Enter to win these and other goodies in our contest, we are drawing five winners! And we have one more element to entries as the result of a great idea accompanying an entry: all active military automatically receive two entries, just be sure to let us know your status.

Until next time dollfaces, may your Mondays be bright and beautiful!

Best Kids Sweaters, Sneak Peek at Brooks Brothers Next Perfume, Talbots Sale

Hello-hello on another lovely day in the Great Midwest, perhaps the weather is at least this wonderful wherever you are? But then we have this:

Getty Images

Rather than sit and fidget with glazed eyes watching CNBC or Bloomberg, we will simply move forward and do a Scarlett O’Hara: “….after all, tomorrow is another day…,” knowing that cooler heads on Wall Street and in the FiDi (Financial District) will prevail and the market shall correct today’s correction. Of the earlier correction. That preceded the….oh, never mind. Onward.

The Princess is accepting she must acknowledge that the chill in the morning air is evidence transcending any doubt that the seasons are changing and Fall is here. Fine. We grasp the reality. Truly. See us digging the LL Bean catalog out of the pile and looking at things? Hear us speaking with Cook about the Princess Consort’s delight in slow-cooker entrees?

And just to prove how utterly in sync we are with the Weather Pooh-bahs, we share some of the following, Boys and Girls sweaters from Best & Co., with more than a few styles you may wish were available in Big People sizing!

The first is an argyle, irresistible for TP and also available in a beautiful blue. If this next one is not an all-grown-up-girl’s sweater with a definite ’60s-ish and Jackie look, TP doesn’t know what is!  The double-breasted cardigan would also work as a light jacket and is available in a great lipstick red. (We do hope it’s okay to use your name in this way Miss Lipstick!)

And while we have never been advocates for spoiling children, we don’t take issue with introducing them to cashmere as an integral part of one’s existence at an early age, so long as it is well appreciated and well cared for, that goes without saying. Having bored everyone to tears with that information, we come to the Girl’s Scottie sweater, all sweetness and snuggles and cuddles tied up with a pink bow around its neck.

And you know what the Princess is always saying: Life is better with a bow. It just is, and that is why it’s our mantra here at the Preppy Princess.

There are so many appealing looks for the little girls it is impossible to choose just one as our favorite.

Let’s switch to the Boy’s sweaters, equally fun to look at online IOHO. Best has wisely stocked up on a wonderful array of novelty sweaters for the little guy in your life. And look, each can have a Scottie sweater all their very own, but his is wisely made of wool.

We are also fond of the Crewneck with Terrier style, accented by nicely understated argyle trim.

What young man doesn’t enjoy all manner of vehicles? The Truck Crewneck is cotton, frequently a welcome change from all that winter wool.

There is also a superb rugby sweater for Boys, in a chunky knit, available in three colors.

As with the young ladies, there is also a plethora of attractive looks for the young Master at Best:

Well, after fifty years without introducing a women’s perfume, come mid-November Brooks Brothers New York for Ladies will hit stores. By its side, look for (oh, you already guessed!) Brooks Brothers New York for Gentlemen. Below, an early look at the packaging for both scents.

It’s doubtful readers will remember the mid-fifties womens’ perfume Brooks sold, taken off the market by the end of that same decade. Women really weren’t a priority for the company unless they were buying things for the men in their lives.

Some readers may recall the days when there was very little women’s apparel at B2. As in, “Oh really, if we must have something for the girls, fine, but we are a gentleman’s shop and truthfully, can’t be bothered waiting on them hand and foot…” etc., etc., etc.  There was almost no clothing or accessories or much of anything else in the store worth taking time to look at for females. And one must remember there were only ten stores in existence into the late sixties. TP remembers going into stores in the 1970s and 1980s, some into the 90s, where it was very much a struggle to be taken care of if you were “a girl” unless, as previously noted, you were purchasing something for the man of the house.

This does not take away from the fact that girls at Miss Porter’s wore Brooks Brothers Polo Coats for decades, first introduced to the US in 1910.  (The name for the coat is just too fun when considering one of the company’s largest competitors!)

The three existing Brooks Brothers men’s fragrances will stay on the market through the new scent’s launch; this includes the Signature, 1818, and Country Club colognes.

The bottles are quite nice, cut crystal with the company’s Golden Ox logo. The fragrances are being done by the same firm that does the Gap and Banana Republic “personal care products.”  BTW, if you do happen to pop in and visit the good folks at Brooks Brothers, there are some remarkable bargains available! The scented soap set as well as the boxed set of the Brooks Brothers scented candles in silverplated holders, are now $16, a substantial markdown from their original prices of $68 and $78 as we recall. Don’t let it be said The Princess isn’t looking out for your pocketbook in these stressful times.

If you haven’t yet received your “One Sweet  Sale” catalog from Talbots, look for it in your mailbox any day now, or head for your local store, or even shop the sale online. With pieces like this Stretch Wool/Silk/Jacket at price points 40% off the original selling price you are sure to find something you need, or didn’t yet know you needed, as sometimes happens.  Not everything is discounted at that level; the French terry zip-front hooded jacket is only 23% less than its retail price.

If some new clothing is on the agenda for the little ones or the man in your life, the Talbots Online Outlet is worth a visit, as they are closing out everything in the Men’s and Children’s lines. For example, the Quilted critter jacket in Sizes 2-7 looks darling (50% off), as does the Hooded dot-print raincoat in an oh-so-preppy pink is also (0% off; this looks similar to what we used to call a slicker.

Who can resist such stylish Argyle overalls for the newborn, or the Beary-Good Raincoat? It’s also for newborns and available in two colors.

Such cute clothing for the precious treasures in your life, with many more pieces available for your perusal online.

Polo Ralph Lauren Olympic Games Children’s Collection, Martha Stewart at Wal-Mart

The Princess promised in a previous post about the Polo Ralph Lauren Olympic Games Collection that she would alert you when the Children’s merchandise arrived. It is now available on the Ralph Lauren site.

Well, let us be a bit more precise in our description: there are 11 pieces shown in the Boys Section of the Olympic Games Collection, but this breaks down to only 6 different items, if The Princess did the math correctly. (An unlikely occurrence, we recommend counting yourself if this trivial piece of information is at all important.) This is a result of the same items being listed repeatedly for as many different size classifications as that particular piece comes in; for example, the Olympic Games Logo Polo is offered in Infants, Boys 2-7 and Boys 8-20.

There is one piece available as of this writing in the Girls area; that is the Olympic Games Stripe Polo available for Girls 7-16 (in Small, Medium, Large & XL) and Girls 2-6x. It is shown below and described as a “Preppy short-sleeved polo shirt in breathable stretch cotton mesh, mercerized for added luster.” The Princess is confident in her belief that the good folks at Polo Ralph Lauren have much more Girls merchandise coming for this collection. (There is an identical Olympic Games Stripe Polo for boys available as well.)

On the Boys side, we show a great pair of cotton twill shorts for Boys 2-7, officially called the Olympic Games Short and lower right, the Olympic Games Big Pony Polo. Should you fancy other colors, you’re in luck as the shirt also comes in red and white.

Probably the most detailed piece in the Boys Collection at this point is the Olympic Games Sweatshirt, available in white or red. This is currently available in Boys 2T-7; below we show the red version.

Here is the Boys’ Olympic Games Logo Polo, available in white, green and red.

The Princess fully expects a significant amount of goods to be added to the Children’s Collection in the next several weeks. This group is far too important to the company to allow the Boys and Girls clothing group to be anything less than robust. Whilst the Adult segments provide more to the bottom line, there is also an image component to this equation.

One other note on the Polo Olympic Games group: some pieces are also available on the USOC’s USA Olympic Shop online. When we see additions to the Boys and Girls groups we’ll let you know.

It’s All About The Nails

Chanel once again proves to The Princess how techno-hip it really is with a free collection of online wallpaper for your computer that is extremely stylish.

These are the $25 Limited Edition colors created to promote the company’s recently opened boutique on oh-so-trendy North Robertson Blvd. in Los Angeles. The colors have been given names synonymous with a few of LA’s nicer traits: LA Sunset, Melrose and Rodeo Drive.

A few more sale updates, beginning with Sak’s, where the price points on some items reflect some very deep discounts.

The summer sale at Ann Taylor is also getting well under way with additional markdowns.

And finally this evening, word that Martha Stewart Crafts are going to be sold at Wal-Mart stores; some merchandise will be available within the month. This is apparently an effort to replace K-Mart, where the line is now sold, with another low-price retailer. The collection will be made by EK Success, a name familiar to most scrapbookers. The Princess is unclear how the executives at Michaels craft stores are feeling about all this, as they also carry Martha Stewart crafts.