Those Vineyard Vines Hotel Suites

Hello-Hello, welcome to an almost-weekend here in the Corner Condo at the Prepatorium.

Today we are engaging in some much-needed Friday Fun, starting with news that Vineyard Vines is decorating hotel suites. From Women’s Wear Daily:

Talk about living the Vineyard Vines lifestyle.

The nautical-inspired brand has partnered with Lark Hotels, a boutique hotel group with properties throughout coastal New England, to create two guest suites.

Below, a suite at the Captain Fairfield Inn in Kennebunkport.

Captain Fairfield Inn

Back to the WWD.com story:

The suites mix the brand’s coastal preppy chic touches with the modern influences for which Lark Hotels is known. Pillows and bed bolsters are made from boardshorts material, and the edging on the window shades is from Vineyard Vines belts.

Another part of the suite.

Captain Fairfield Inn

The Captain Fairfield Inn is the first Lark property to have suites with VV decor.

Captain Fairfield Inn

Next to have the Vines treatment: 76 Main on Nantucket. That property’s grand opening is June 9.

This isn’t the first interaction between the two brands, Lark employees are outfitted by Vineyard Vines. More from the Lark blog.

From managers to housekeepers (and even friends and family!), you’ll see the crew at our hotels decked out in stylish vineyard vines dresses, khakis, polo shirts, tunics and capris.

Lark Hotels Blog

Lark’s other properties include the Attwater in Newport and the historic Danforth in Portland (Maine).

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Our other tidbit involves Friday Fun of the Four-Legged kind, we wanted to share more preppish duds for your pooch.

ParsonsDesignGrad on etsy

The madras coat is by ParsonsDesignGrad on etsy. The shop owner and design whiz got in touch last week about her creations and I just fell in love with them.  One of the niftiest things about the coat is that it is reversible, the flip side of the oh-so-snappy madras is a lovely repp tie stripe.

ParsonsDesignGrad on etsy

The coats are made from re-purposed and upcycled vintage linens, there are some wonderful patterns available.

ParsonsDesignGrad on etsy

If interested in visiting the ParsonsDesignGrad etsy shop, just click here.

We also stumbled across some new styles while endlessly grazing studiously reading some of today’s offerings at Fab.com.

Preppie Pup at Fab.com

These are by Preppie Pup, available at Fab, there are definitely some ‘fashionable’ looks.

Seeing these dapper styles reminded me of the posts we’ve done showcasing The Rover Boutique. Below, some of the images we have previously shared.

Rover Boutique

There are new styles at the Boutique, including the Fieldwork Raincoat.

The Rover Boutique

This one has a bit of the Barbour touch, don’t you think? Just in time for spring, the Boutique also has some cute new bowtie collars, like this seersucker style, definitely today’s Pretty in Pink.

The Rover Boutique on etsy

On that cheery note, g’bye until next time!

Ralph Lauren’s $2000 Jeans, The Preppy Pup, That Dirty Shirley Fabric

Hello-Hello, it is one gorgeous morning here at The Prepatorium, bright, beautiful, and still very snowy. Sigh.  We do hope those enjoying the day off yesterday were able to revel in some relaxation and savor their time away from the daily hum-drum.

We should call this post “Tidbit Tuesday,” as we have many little updates, but no overarching theme (another classic example of our poor planning and). We begin with Ralph Lauren’s move into the luxury denim market, Women’s Wear Daily broke the story:

“The designer has introduced a luxury denim line, Ralph Lauren Collection Denim, that aims to reinvent the American classic by giving it a more luxurious twist than ever before. And he’s doing tops, blouses and shearling outerwear to go with it.”

Below, several images from the upcoming line.

PHOTOS: John Aquino/Women

Marc Karimzadeh’s story explains there will be more than denim in the new collection.

PHOTOS: John Aquino/Women's Wear Daily

A number of the styles are more than attractive.

PHOTOS: PHOTOS: John Aquino/Women's Wear Daily

While others hold absolutely no appeal.

PHOTOS: PHOTOS: John Aquino/Women's Wear Daily

One item we shouldn’t overlook – price points for the new line, for that information we head back to WWD’s story.

“The collection will hit stores in July and will carry a suggested retail price tag from about $300 to $2,000.”

Oh.

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Next, we bring you an update on That. Perfume.

Courtesy Coty

People magazine did a brief story last month about the primary “face” of the ad campaign, “Hollywood Royalty Zoe Kravitz on Being a Preppy Princess,” she is seen wearing the tiara in the advertisement shown above. From the People story:

“The self-professed flea market shopper is, however, just as familiar with classic preppy style, having spent some time going to school on New York City’s tony Upper East Side.”

It makes sense to use Ms. Kravitz for this campaign, as she was the primary face used back when the original Princess scent was released. At any rate, our primary reason for sharing this is because we continue to receive inquiries about the perfume: do we, or shall we be selling the perfume? No, and no.

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The dreary weather has made us yearn even more for a glimpse of spring’s bright colors and vibrant hues.

Givenchy

No, we aren’t resorting to Rorschach Test images, that is a look from the advertising campaign for Givenchy’s upcoming cosmetics collection, Acid Summer. And while not something we are likely to indulge in, we do appreciate the saturated colors of the advertising images.

 

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We have a brief update on the upcoming Lilly Pulitzer for Lee Jofa fabrics line, one image from the line has slipped out here on the interwebs. (Oh my.)

Via Matters of Style Marketplace

Some Lilly lovers may recognize the “Dirty Shirley” pattern, definitely today’s Pretty in Pink. The piece is actually for sale at Matters of Style Marketplace, sister site to one our favorite blogs, the always-stellar Matters of Style.  (Well worth a visit today, as this morning’s post is all about nautical style.)

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We have previously featured these, but seeing the photos again in AOL’s Paw Nation made us want to do it again.

RoverDog via PawNation

The coats are created by the talented folks at Rover Dog, and Jaime Derringer profiled the company in a delightful post, “The Rise of the Preppy Pup“.

“No, this isn’t an outtake from the latest J.Crew catalog photo shoot. Preppy pups are in. It’s the newest trend, and leading the pack is the self-proclaimed “J.Crew of the dog world,” Rover.”

If more interested in madras or seersucker for your four-legged family member, here are two possibilities.

RoverDog on etsy

While we don’t dress Tilly (because she’s too tubby, she would need a triple-XL!), we know some friends do enjoy the practice, so we are always on the lookout for items capable of making the appropriate style statement.

With that, we say adieu until next time!

Spring Dreamin’ at the Preppy Princess

Hello-Hello, we are whining our way through yet one more experiencing another snowy day here at the Prepatorium. Truth be told dolls, we are in peril of succumbing to the glums, we are eager to see less snow and more sun. But because we are pure of spirit (ahem), we shan’t allow this to happen and are implementing drastic measures to combat our wavering spirits.

How drastic? Well, we going completely off the fashion and folderol grid. Instead we are looking at fun new goodies arriving (or already on hand) here at Princess InterGalactic HQ.  Watchwords for the day: bright, vibrant and Springtime-ish.

We begin with a simply divine new tote, the Greely.

Shown in Paris Paisley and Green Flair, we are making this today’s Pretty in Pink & Green. It’s likely TP will be appropriating test-driving one of these. (Sheesh, it is only out of concern and care for our treasured customers, you make it sound like I help myself to everything coming into HQ.)

The totes are oilcloth, making them very lightweight and also water-resistant, a definite plus in our mind.  The larger bag measures a more-than-healthy 14″ x 17″ x 8″, and comes with a matching wristlet* bag that is 5″ x 8″.  (*= we struggle with the ‘wristlet’ word, but not the concept, and must inquire: does anyone actually wrap the strap around their wrist?)

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Also heading our way, an outstanding Adventure in Argyle:

PreppyPrincess.com

This is one of our new gift items, the Soft Touch Manicure Set in four adorable argyle patterns.

Less than an inch thick, these are ideal for a young graduate, part of a bridesmaid’s gift bag, you name it. As we do love a bright pop of color, we have them in additional colors and patterns.

We like their $10 price point, just right for casual gifting.

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Another new bag here at the Princess, the Pink & Green Paneled Zipper Tote.

PreppyPrincess.com

The tote is also an outstanding buy at only $10; we’ll let the product description provide the other pertinent info.

“The bag has features normally found on a much more expensive tote such as an internal zipper pocket, an exterior pocket and zippered close.

This bag is up to your most demanding tasks because it’s made of an easy to clean poly material.  Each bag measures a robust 16″ W x 12″ H x 4″ D”

We love this one.

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One of the most popular items in our new Jonathan Adler line is something new for us:

PreppyPrincess.com

The Desk Dock Organizer is a fabulous little stand, helping one clear out clutter by providing handy places for pens, paper, and most importantly, the small electronics that seem to be taking over the Palace.

The Organizer is offered in two classic Adler patterns, the vivid Pink and Yellow Diamond or Green Greek Key.

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Also perking up our corner condo, the newest batch of Lilly Pulitzer File Folders.

We love this spring’s patterns (Desert Tort, Crabtastic and Patchtastic) as much as the classic designs, they all enhance the environment significantly.

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One of our favorite categories at TPP is the Preppy Pet. We are excited to be adding more patterns and ribbons to our American made custom dog and cat collars, like the Lilac & Green Argyle to go along with the Blue Argyle.

Silly Tilly enjoys sporting her custom harness in the pink and green paw print.

And we can say it has worked well with Tilly’s expanding… ah, Tilly’s ever-growing….girth.

She’s just big-boned. Really.

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And finally, in the ‘just because we want to’ category, we may plant a few of these on the desk until we see real flowers blooming:

These are the Lilly Pulitzer pinwheels, and they are cute as can be, available in Later Gator and Desert Tort.

This has helped boost our spirits a bit, hopefully it has helped yours as well! Until next time, may your days be sunny!

It’s a Mad Mannish Gossiping Girlish Kind of Day at the Prepatorium

Hello-Hello and welcome to Thursday!

We are feeling a bit crushed under the weight of business and some travel commitments so we preface our post today with an apology, as it is much more flash than substance. (But good flashiness we like to think, in a Gossippy and Madly Mannish sort of way.)

Blame it all on the September issues of a few of our favorite magazines, starting with Harper’s Bazaar, using Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester for their cover.

Terry Richardson/Harper's Bazaar

As part of the magazine’s “Fabulous at Every Age” feature the story has photos of Ms. Leighton ‘aging’ into her fifties, a fascinating technique. We thought the young actress looked stunning in this Lanvin dress and belt.

Terry Richardson/Harper's Bazaar

Another Gossip Girl gracing a September issue: Taylor Momsen on the cover of Teen Vogue.

PHOTO: Patrick Demarchelier

The show continues filming all over the city; below we see Blake Lively with her pooch, a photo that has the Daily Mail saying her maltese/poodle dog is “the perfect accessory” in this story.

PHOTO: Splash News

And finally in Gossip Girl notes, official word came yesterday that the proposed G2 spinoff is dead. There you have it.

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Most readers know we are enormous Mad Men fans, eagerly counting the seconds until Season 3 of the 60’s-based drama premieres on the 16th. Knowing how many readers share our addiction fondness for the show, we thought we might alert you to this stunning image in Vanity Fair:

PHOTO: Annie Leibovitz/Vanity Fair

For those not-so-gaga not entirely familiar with the show, above we see “Don and Betty Draper,” played by Jon Hamm and January Jones.  The photo is one of several jaw-dropping shots accompanying an excellent story: “Don and Betty’s Paradise Lost” in the magazine.

The genius of Annie Leibovitz captures both stars perfectly.

PHOTO: Annie Leibovitz/Vanity Fair

Bruce Handy’s article is superb reading:

“Entering its third season on a fresh wave of Emmy nominations, AMC’s Mad Men is the most stylish—and perhaps best—show on television. Inside its meticulous reconstruction of the precipice that was New York advertising circa 1960, where the men and women of Sterling Cooper smoke, drink, love, and lie…”

Mr. Handy previously did stories with both Mr. Hamm and Ms. Jones; to see these, just click on their names.

Another must-read for M2 fans, Chris Mohney’s story in BlackBook simply titled “Elizabeth Moss: Mad Style“.

PHOTO: Bravo-TV via BlackBookMag.com

Ms. Moss portrays ‘Peggy,’ a young woman making waves at the fictitious advertising agency because she is doing a man’s work (gasp), having moved out of the secretarial pool into actually writing ads!

We can hardly wait to see the first episode next Sunday night (16th) at 10pm!

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We have a few quick Sales and Savings notes today, starting with Saks doing their Consolidation Clearance, a sure sign that we are approaching the end of summer in the retailing world. (Note that TP refuses to acknowledge we are inching ever-closer to the end of summer in the real world. Clearly denial has moved from Egypt to the Midwest.)  A cautionary note on the Saks sale; they say prices go back up August 17.

J. Crew is also promoting fiscally-friendly price points, with new items added to their Final Sale.

And Polo Ralph Lauren is doing their End of Summer sale.  This includes items for the four-legged and furry members of your family.

The Striped Crest Polo is one of today’s Pretty in Pink items, despite it triggering our Logophobia. (Honestly. How disturbed can one get when it discussing a garment intended for your favorite pooch?) It is now only $14, discounted from the original selling price of $40.

Bargains abound dollfaces, so if at all possible we shall attempt to shop early, shop often and do what we can to help move the country beyond These Challenging Times.

We close with our second Pretty in Pink item, this one directly from the Princess shoppe. For your consideration we offer the Good Living Gift Labels:

The labels are about the size of a business care and come in their own little acrylic plastic case, so they can be kept orderly, something near and dear to our OCD heart. (We do hate it when we have labels loose all over our little gift closet, it just makes us a little goofy.) At just $6 for a box of 18 labels, we love this as an outstanding way to label gifts and goodies, perfectly preppy and ideal for gift-giving. There are several other patterns and colors available if these just a little too preptastic.

With that perky note we must scamper back to the Corner Condo here at InterGalcatic Princess HQ. Thank you for stopping in, we’ll be back tomorrow!

Please Tell the Princess What To Do

Hello everyone, and welcome to a frenzied Friday here at the Prepatorium!

TP is a tad crazed and dazed taking care of Princess business while simultaneously trying to collect her wits to scoot out of town…

While this is old news to those who follow us on Twitter, we may not have openly mentioned that we’re off to find new goodies at the Stationery Show.

This actually works out very well, as we are going to do a more-pictures-than-substance-post today, and it dovetails nicely with our desperate need to solicit your input, your wisdom, your exquisite good taste. Pourquoi ça? Because we need your insight and opinions on this topic: what lines or items would you like to see The Princess carry in the future?

We start with needlepoint pillows by a designer you know, very nicely done in 100% wool over cotton:

The pillow on the left is 12″ square and would retail for about $45-48, while the pillow on the right is larger at 20″ square; it would be $98-$105. You would like one on your sofa? Perhaps a gift for someone this holiday season? Or, “TP, tune in. There’s a recession out there and this is a little too high for our gift-giving budget right now.”

Next, needlepoint eyeglass cases; we would retail these in the $22-$25 range. A nice stocking stuff or MIL gift? Love it? Hate it? Almost worse, is it a yawn? (Remember, when it comes to your opinions, sharing is caring.)

Are silk and cotton embroidered pillows at in the $70-$90 range on your radar….? Or are there simply too many other possibilities out there? Or the house is already decorated, or more formal accents like these are not what you use, or…?

And finally with this group, the needlepoint coaster sets would run approximately $36.

A possibility you would consider for yourself or for a gift? The price is okay but the spouse doesn’t care for needlepoint coasters, or we use whatever coasters we bring home from the club (seriously, TP has lived with this phenomenon), or…? Or….?

We do need your wisdom on these, you can’t possibly hurt our feelings as these are merely ideas we are contemplating here at the Palace. And if feeling self-conscious about sharing personal taste, just leave your comments as ‘anonymous,’ and no one will be the wiser!

Not by any ‘notable’ designers but still fun, tell us what you think about the hooked pillows in 100% wool and cotton. The 14″ x 18″ lighthouse would sell for approximately $38-$40, and the 16″ square crab on the right about $48-$50.

Cute? Good gifts? Just so-so? Meh, pillows just aren’t my thing?

What things are we not carrying you would like to see us add? More totes? Lilly Pulitzer accessories, you know, the handbags and jewelry collections? More stationery and notepaper? More of the same or lines with lower or higher pricepoints?  More pillows, towels, or home accessories? More preppy pet items, or more/less belts and flip-flops?

Now, before flitting away without sharing your thoughts, just remember – Tilly’s future is hanging in the balance.

Tilly On Guard

As one can see, Miss Tilly doesn’t miss many meals.

And she does enjoy her regular trips to the spa:

A Day at the Spa

Not to mention her grooming; she prefers the students in the Veterinary Medicine School at the Large University handle her ‘special needs.’

"How Could You?!"

And her appreciation of fine apparel is well-documented.

"Does the Tailor make house calls?"

Fortunately, Scooter-the-Wonder-Cat has lower expectations.

A good set of shelves to hide out in when being pursued by the Much-Larger-Animal and an occasional meal keep Scooter happy.

And they both revel in some time stalking each other.

So do share your thoughts on Princess inventory.

They’re counting on you.

"Please tell Mommy & Daddy what you think...puh-leeze!"

Heh-heh-heh.

See you sometime next week, we hope everyone enjoys an utterly divine weekend!