Ivy League Style & Preppy Style Blogs

Hello and welcome to a Tuesday here at the Prepatorium.

We begin with a recent story in The Independent, “Ivy League Style: It’s still hip to be square.”

“…few modes of dress have remained so insidiously influential over the past 50 years as what people now talk about as the Ivy League look. That is, the squeaky-clean, supremely preppy and indefatigably American style vernacular that supposedly emanated from the US’s top-flight colleges in the 1950s, and was disseminated worldwide by sharply dressed Hollywood stars such as Steve McQueen, Sidney Poitier and Cary Grant in the following decades.

While geared primarily at men’s fashion, the story offers truisms applicable to both sexes.

While many might not be familiar with “Ivy” as fashion terminology, everyone should know what we’re dealing with: crisp button-down shirts, sharply ironed chinos, shawl-neck cashmere sweaters, wool blazers, Ralph Lauren polo shirts, penny loafers and flashing white teeth. Basically, exactly the kind of outfit you should whip out for dinner with your girlfriend’s parents.

The fact The Independent is a UK newspaper doesn’t impact the story either, the thrust of the story is universal: classic looks are timeless, appropriate attire is always in style.There are several menswear items shown with the piece, including these.

Via The Independent

Click here to read the story in its entirety.

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Our other tidbit today is something of a challenge to write about, for it relates to a delightful list of 10 Fantastic Preppy Style Blogs, and we are ever-so-excited to be on the list.

Preppy Style Blogs are your fashionable gateways to the good life. From blazers to plaid and nautical details to closet items that last generations, these fantastic preppy style blogs are your guides.

The story is on AllWomensTalk, and we are flattered to be among such amazing company, we wanted to share a few of the other blogs on the list. There is no truer prep writer than Muffy at The Daily Prep, here is how her site is described:

As far as preppy blogs go, hers is one of the genuine articles. Not only does she have the real preppy life, she is helpful when it comes to guiding us on how to live (or dress) like she does, too.

Also mentioned, Ivy Style:

Making a list of fantastic preppy blogs without including Ivy Style is a travesty. This gem of a blog focuses more on menswear but anyone who loves all things preppy should bookmark it.

Another site we enjoy, Unabashedly Prep:

The man behind this blog is F.E. Castleberry. He’s had a tailor since his early teens. His is a life of country clubs, summering outside the big city, and rubbing shoulders with high society. And yes, he dresses up nicely, too.

We were tickled to see our friend Lisa’s blog, Privilege, included:

“Beautifully written and real, this is indubitably one of the fantastic preppy style blogs today. From the blog: My ancestors signed the Declaration of Independence and wrote the preamble to the Constitution of the United States. No kidding.“

There were also a few names new to us, among them A Long(necker) Story Short:

This is the blog of Kristin. She is an adorable lady who loves dancing and good food. And even though she doesn’t say it on her blog, I think she has a fantastic preppy style.

Many readers will recognize others on the list, including the fabulous Nautical by Nature and The College Prepster, to see Meream’s full story, click here. We want to publicly thank All Womens Talk for including us with such an illustrious group.

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We leave you with today’s holiday fun shot, the Embroidered Bozeman Cords from Orvis.

Bozeman Holiday Cords at Orvis.com

As much of today’s post focused on apparel for your MOTH (Man Of The House) we show the men’s style above. No, we haven’t talked The Consort into them. Yet.

Brooks Brothers Gets Social, Preppy Sales & Savings

Hello-Hello, thank goodness it is almost the weekend. Somehow the week became a rather long and tedious sequence of days, frenzied and harried with little breathing room.

There are loads of things happening all over the Preppy Planet, so we jump right in with an item qualifying as Friday Fun in our book: the result of yet another fashion collaboration, the Social Primer for Brooks Brothers Bow Tie Collection.

Brooks Brothers

Some readers are familiar with Social Primer, an online etiquette blog geared to men, as well as a retail outlet operated by K. Cooper Ray.

SocialPrimer.com

For those not yet enjoying the Primer we share this description from Brooks Brothers:

“The voice of SocialPrimer.com, “SP”, is a stickler for tradition and good manners. He reminds men to walk on the curbside of a lady and to always stand when they shake a man’s hand. SP is sometimes a dandy and always a gentleman.”

The partnership between these entities makes good sense, affording Brooks an opportunity to offer an updated look for a traditional item.

No one will be surprised by our appreciation for the ties; it is common knowledge we are silly for seersucker and rarely see a madras we don’t like, let alone a nautically inclined look.

Kudos to Mr. Ray and Brooks Brother. The collection is not yet officially launched (that happens May 19th), but the ties are available online and in Brooks Brothers stores.

Speaking of B2, they are in the middle of their Friends and Family Sale; everything is 25% off online, at retail stores and factory outlets stores.  To receive the discount, use promo code Friend1A at checkout. The promotional pricing runs through Monday, May 10th and it does include Black Fleece items.

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We smiled when reading the Financial Times’ story: “A summery outlook for men’s shoes”, illustrated with this image of Tod’s brightly colored driving moccasins.

Courtesy Image via Financial Times

The story shares insight from Lacoste’s chief marketing pooh-bah:

“Colour and the whole preppy style is very much on trend at the moment, and it’s something that Lacoste is strongly associated with,” citing the brand’s new pistachio green, baby blue and salmon pink canvas slip-on shoes…”

We haven’t yet seen the new Lacoste shoes referenced, but are guessing the look isn’t one The Consort will be sporting.

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Other Sales & Savings of note:

• Talbots is taking an additional 50% off sale prices.
• Polo Ralph Lauren offers an extra 15% off already-reduced prices through Monday, May 10. Use promo code MAY0610 for the discount
• Lacoste is taking 30% off merchandise through May 10th

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We close with two quick Pretty in Pink items; the first is an item from the store we used here at the Prepatorium just yesterday.

The Scout Insulated Casserole Carrier was put into action transporting our Apple Cake across town and it worked perfectly, as it always does. And that recipe? It is so easy recipe even yours truly can’t mess it up. (Well, not yet.)  Here is the recipe:

KitchenAid Apple Cake

• 11⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 11⁄2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 11⁄2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 11⁄2 cups applesauce
• 1⁄2 cup butter or margarine, melted
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup chopped, peeled apple
• 1⁄2 cup chopped walnuts

1. Combine dry ingredients in mixer bowl. Add applesauce, butter, and eggs.
2. Attach bowl and flat beater to mixer. Turn to Speed 2 and mix about 1 minute. Stop and scrape bowl. Turn to Speed 4 and beat about 30 seconds.
3. Add apple and walnuts. Turn to STIR Speed and mix just until blended.
4. Pour batter into greased and floured 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
5. Cool completely on wire rack. Frost with Caramel Creme Frosting, if desired.

Yield: 12 to 16 servings.

Per serving: About 318 cal, 5 g pro, 51 g carb, 11 g fat, 36 mg chol, 315 mg sod.

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Our second Pretty in Pink is something we stumbled upon when visiting the Everything is Better Pink blog:

Emma Graham Designs

Pieces from designer Emma Graham were featured on the blog, and we couldn’t resist sharing the image above, it is such a perfect pink and green! Our thanks to Sally at the blog, she has a great eye.

With that we say G’bye until next time, may everyone enjoy a weekend filled with love and laughter!

Pink’s New Shirt, Talbots & Target Sneak Peeks

Hello-hello!

We are hyper-busy today, so we shall do some quick blog-bombs! (Essentially Headlines with a brief tidbit, and/or photos.)

There will be a new addition to this fall’s line of Thomas Pink shirts. This WWD story explains the upscale retailer’s announcement that it will offer a wrinkle-free shirt in its Men’s line.  An intriguing thought, although we are somewhat disconcerted, uncertain we wish to purchase ‘crease-resistant’ shirts for the Consort at Pink.

Speaking of TSU (The Spousal Unit), he was more-than-disappointed to learn one of his favorite haunts for apparel is struggling.  Mark Shale becomes another unfortunate SOTT (Sign of the Times), with word they are filing bankruptcy and plan to close stores in Kansas City, Atlanta, and Dallas. The 3 Chicago-area stores will be kept open as a buyer for them is sought; the outlet store closed on Monday. 

When visiting Chicago it is not unusual for TSU to pop into the Michigan Avenue store; he is also fond of the Galleria location (Dallas).  The retailer has women’s apparel as well, with brands many readers will recognize for their exceptional quality and style. This is a shame, as Mark Shale runs an outstanding operation with customer service unmatched by 99.% of their counterparts. 

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Those who follow TP on Twitter may remember yesterday’s Tweet about Talbots’ boosting the age of its target customer; previously they were hoping to reach Women age 45 – 55/65, now it is 45 to 65+.  Yikes.

We wanted to share a few looks from Talbots’ fall line. (We don’t know if these styles fit with a marketing plan aimed at women 65+… your thoughts?)

Courtesy Photo via WWD

The look in the picture above seems more suitable for the under-55 demo IOHO, while this next style easily transcends age. 

Courtesy Photo via WWD

The Women’s Wear Daily story describes some of the looks: 

“Among some of the highlights of the fall collection, are cardigans with ruffles, bows and rosettes; printed scarves and waist sashes; sheath and lace evening dresses from $129 to $149…”

Courtesy Photo via WWD

Here in the corner condo we are hopeful these photos do not represent the best of the fall fashions, as there is little that appealed to us.   

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We have an update on the eco-friendly Loomstate for Target Collection due in stores in time for Earth Day which is April 22. 

Photo by Talaya Centeno

All of these pieces are made from certified 100% organic cotton. 

Photo by Talaya Centeno

 It is nice to see a GO International line with menswear, just a few photos down. 

Courtesy Photo

These next two photos are via the fabulous Nitrolicious, who has several more pictures from the group on her site.  

Pieces in the collection will range in price from $14.99 through $44.99. The men’s collection will be in stores about a month longer than the women’s, but as with many of Target’s limited edition collections, pieces may go quickly.  

That serves as a good reminder: the Thakoon for Target Collection is now drastically reduced. The clearance pricing includes things like tops at $4.24 and dresses at $13.99 

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For today’s Pretty in Pink we have several offerings, simply because we have absolutely no self-control in some areas. (We recognize that for most readers this is not new information.)

How about the Hello Kitty Polka Dots rain coat for kids?

Of course there is a matching Hello Kitty umbrella available, also at DLL Rainwear.

No need to be alarmed about finding something of this sort for your very own: the Pink Damask Raincoat for Women.

On that cheery note we say ‘bye, as we fly out the door!

Fiscally Friendly (On Sale!) Goodies: J. Crew, Barneys, Bloomingdale’s, Brooks Brothers, Saks,

The only thing about the stock market yesterday that brought a smile to our face:

Photo: Timothy Clary/AFP/Getty

Apparently a satire group performed some sort of skit right outside the Exchange, and they had a dancing bear on hand to represent the mind-numbing bear market.  Not seen here? The dancing girls accompanying the bear. The whole thing shrieks “radio station promotion” but we elected not to investigate that possibility.  We were laughing inside. (Not. Even. Close.)

It has been awhile since The Princess went shopping online and while you know we are loathe to discuss anything related to the “M word,” it seems to be the only topic on anyone’s mind right now. So we thought it our duty to share a few retailers with you that are determined to help us weather these challenging times. We start with the Barneys Good Guy sale.

And with offerings like the Trovata madras shorts, or perhaps a Rag & Bone blazer, or Rogan windbreaker…

Or one of their silk ties in a rich print, stocking up on some basics could be in order. Maybe a lush pair of socks from Italy?  Whatever “guy stuff” one might need, odds are it is available at Barneys; likely even at a savings.

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Then of course, we have those free shipping offers…

Our good friends at Brooks Brothers are sharing the Fall Homecoming season, and want us to enjoy complimentary shipping when we spend more than $200. This runs through 11:59pm on Sunday, October 19th. No special code needed.

Free shipping on orders totaling $100+ at J. Crew requires one act post haste, you will need to be rather speedy; that little bonus ends at 11:59 pm ET on Wednesday, October 8, 2008. The coupon code is ACORN. An FYI: the discount does not apply to orders over the phone.

Of course, there are loads of goodies still on hand in Crew’s Final Sale section, like the Cashmere Boyfriend Cardigan.

Looking for something oh-so-snuggly for the Young Miss in the family? How about the J Crew Crewcuts Girls’ Popover Hoodie, fiscally friendly at more than 50% off its original retail price?

If you need something for the Young Man of the house, the Crewcuts Boys’ Cotton argyle V-neck sweater is very stylish.

Saks is doing its part as well with significant savings throughout the store.

This Ralph Lauren Cashmere Cardigan for Infants is available in pink or blue.

The Tory Burch Canvas “T” Tote is also reduced in price.

Bloomingdales is also doing their part to pitch in and lower prices. The Cole Haan Patent Elly Clutch is bright and vibrant.

The Princess is not fooled by the sunny and warm-for-this-time-of-year climate; the Lilly Pulitzer “Swellie” Rain Boot is just what the weatherman ordered! Especially when Bloomies has it on sale and in the pink houndstooth or the purple and pink spatters. (Our name.)

And let us not forget that Juicy Couture is finally open on Fifth! The new flagship store opened yesterday (the cross is 52nd Street) and it looks like lots of fun.

WWD/Kyle Ericksen

Complete with tracksuit bar…

WWD/Kyle Ericksen

And Juicy Couture Kids…

WWD/Kyle Ericksen

We do hope these brighten your day!

Another ‘How to be Preppy Guide’

Hello and a good day to all… we hope you are able to get out and enjoy it. Or stay in and enjoy it, whatever your preference.

Today we bring you another example of the as-yet-to-be-named viral infection sweeping Manhattan. Likely an airborne virus, this mutant strain appears to take over writers’  and editors’ thought processes, frequently resulting in columns on “How to Be Preppy.”  Our latest example comes via this column at website Complex, a site TP visits every now and again for research purposes only. Honest.

Band of Outsiders

In explaining how one accomplishes Prepdom (our word), Complex awards Band of Outsiders its designation as “The Brand,” presumably “the” preppy brand.  Above we show the apparel and accessories illustrating Band of Outsiders’ designation as “The Brand”: their trenchcoat in a Blackwatch plaid, accented by the ‘trapper hat’ trimmed with raccoon. Below, our selection of this look with David Beckham in the company’s cashmere tartan sweater vest.

Band of Outsiders Cashmere Sweater Vest

The rapid spread of the virus shows no signs of abating; we hear it is frantically being tracked by the CDDC (Centers for Design Disease Control) in an effort to maintain some, any sartorial standards. Below, our selection of Penn Badgely in a Band of Outsiders’ blazer and grosgrain wrapped loafers, from GQ’s August issue.

GQ August 2008

Many readers not ‘sur intime avec’ Band of Outsiders may remember them for their collection with Sperry Topsiders that debuted this past spring, the company’s first collaboration with an outside entity.

But we digress. The Complex Guide continues with pointers on ‘The Drink‘ (a Hendrick’s Gimlet)…

… as well as The Tie and The Shop (if you recognize the photo below, please award yourself ten extra Preppy Style Points, a currency we regret to inform you that is utterly without foundation or value, other than our holding you in the highest of esteem).

Now, you know exactly where this is going: The Shoe (of course), The Restaurant (appropriately situated on the UES,) and more. We must stop at this point to provide readers with full disclosure: we actually adore much of what Complex publishes, and quite love this little treatise as well, so there, our secret is out. We hope you don’t think less of us.

Until next time….