The Vitals Preppy Guidebook & Another Preptastic Collaboration

Hello-Hello, welcome to a Wednesday here at The Prepatorium. One that started out with some unexpected excitement (more on that momentarily).

We are brief today, with only two tidbits to share.  The first involves something that somehow escaped me, a book called “The Vitals Preppy Guidebook“.

The Vitals Preppy Guidebook via Alex Grant

Once again we turn to our pal Skip over at the Alexander Grant blog, for more info:

Five years before Lisa Birnbach decided to update The Official Preppy Handbook with True Prep, Rosecrans Baldwin and co. of the now elusive Vitals magazine penned an updated version that still holds true today.

Skip shares scans in his post about the Guidebook.

The Preppy Guidebook via Alex Grant

Vitals had a short tenure on the magazine rack, which was too bad, I remember reading several issues, it was a solid product. The Vitals Preppy Guidebook was published eight years ago, in the spring of 2005. No one will be surprised at the number of heritage brands shown in the Guidebook that remain with us yet today, like Nantucket Reds, Brooks Brothers, Barbour and others.

The Vitals Preppy Guidebook via Alex Grant

There were sections on “Where to be seen,” “Where to spend money” and other tongue-in-cheek topics.

“The Vitals Preppy Guidebook” via Alex Grant

Decor images included the Preppy’s Study.

“The Vitals Preppy Guidebook” via Alex Grant

From the description of one’s study, “It’s his solace and his right. It is, if given the option, where he’d be buried. In J. Press plaid.”

Photograph by Matthew Hranek – “The Vitals Preppy Guidebook” via Alex Grant

Does anyone remember this one…..? It looks like such a fun read.

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We also have another collaboration news to share, this time with a decidedly preppish slant.  Stationers Dempsey and Carroll and J. McLaughlin have partnered on a collection of correspondence cards.

Dempsey & Carroll

As many readers already know, Dempsey & Carroll’s cards are simply wonderful. They’re all-cotton heavy stock with hand-bordered edges, accompanied with exquisite lined envelopes. There are three J. McLaughlin designs available: from left to right, the Marrakesh, the Olana (yes, after the Frederic Edwin Church home) and Moroccan Paisley.

Dempsey & Carroll

The Correspondence Cards are $55 for a set of 10 cards and matching envelopes. There are also coordinating Gift Tags.

Dempsey & Carroll

The tags are $7 each, $35 for a set of 5. The paper goods are available online at both Dempsey & Carroll and J. McLaughlin, as well as select J. Mac stores.

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Back to that early a.m. excitement, it involved this.

TPP InterGalactic HQ

Someone who shall rename nameless (although you could always touch base with The Consort) wanted to “sanitize” a dishcloth. How else would one do that other than popping it in the microwave for a full 2 minutes??? Did I mention it was basically dry when it went in the microwave?

Actually, there were lots of popping embers going, and no damage to anything other the dishcloth, so we’re in a major attitude of gratitude.

New (and Cool) Goodies at the Preppy Princess Part 1

Hello-Hello and welcome to the Prepatorium. Today we have some Friday Fun targeted a little closer to home, we are going to share some of the wonderful new products we have added at The Princess. There are so many new treasures we have had to split the post into two parts, today we have the first portion.

We begin with word of a line we are *very* excited to offer, the Pomegranate Collegiate Collection. Behold, the official plaid of the University of Florida.

Pomegranate Collegiate Collection at PreppyPrincess.com

The motifs adorn all manner of items, from tote bags and duffels to tablecloths and oven mitts. All patterns and designs are officially licensed by the NCAA, here are a couple of items in the UGA (University of Georgia) group, the Tablecloth (2 sizes, $36, $64) Napkins and Koozie ($12).

Pomegranate Collegiate at PreppyPrincess.com

Jayhawk fans will be pleased to see the University of Kansas collection.

Pomegranate Collegiate at PreppyPrincess.com

All of the patterns are not plaid, here are some of the items in the official Alabama paisley group.

Pomegranate Collegiate at PreppyPrincess.com

There is an enormous selection in the University of Kentucky plaid, including the Cotton Scarf ($28), D-Ring Belt ($30), and Picture Frame ($22).

Pomegranate Collegiate Collection at PreppyPrincess.com

The final group we share from this line is the Louisiana State group, below we show the all cotton Tablecloth (2 sizes, $32 or $64) and cotton Napkins ($28).

Pomegranate Collegiate Collection at PreppyPrincess.com

Don’t despair if you do not see your school here, Pomegranate is adding more as quickly as possible. Next to join the collection? The Vols from Tennessee (Hello Preppy 101!) and Sooners from Oklahoma.

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Also new, our Clairebella Greek gifts and goodies.

Delta Zeta Gifts by Clairebella at PreppyPrincess.com

The line is currently offered for 17 different sororities, items are priced $17.50 to $55.

Kappy Kappa Gamma Gifts by Clairebella at PreppyPrincess.com

Items in this collection can be done in any color and almost any font you choose, there are lots of options. Below we share one last sorority, this one on behalf of TQM.

Delta Delta Delta by Clairebella at PreppyPrincess.com

That’s not all that’s new from Clairebella this fall, here are the new ‘preppy’ designs by Kathy Denness, the brains behind the beautiful patterns at this company.

Clairebella at PreppyPrincess.com

The new patterns are available on all of our Clairebella products, including the personalized Phone Cases, Cutting Boards, Platters, Melamine Trays, License Plates, Clipboards and more.

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Another addition that also makes an ideal gift, our Personalized Mugs from Lovie and Dodge, $24.50.

Personalized Mugs at PreppyPrincess.com

Not only do they offer a snappy Halloween polka dot, there are several more masculine designs, a possibility for Dad this Christmas or Hanukkah?

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Next on our list of new and fun finds here at the Prepatorium, our stationery that matches the oh-so-preppy icons on the 2012 Preppy Calendar ($12).  Here are some of the Preppy Calendar Flat Cards in two of my favorite designs, the Plaid Woodie from the month of March, followed closely by January’s Knotted Anchor.

Preppy Calendar Flat Note Cards at PreppyPrincess.com

Of course the delightful designs are by the very talented Shannon of the Preppy Ladybug, she created all of the artwork for the Calendar. She has also created these snappy Preppy Calendar Address Labels ($4.50 and up). We show the Argyle Christmas from December (you know you need some of these!), May’s Seersucker Tote and the Polka Dot Wellies from April.

Preppy Calendar Address Labels at PreppyPrincess.com

There are also darling Foldover Note Cards, we don’t have them all on the site yet, they should be there before the weekend is over.

Preppy Calendar Folded Note Cards at PreppyPrincess.com

(The poor Consort, he is typing just as fast as his fingers can fly while building the pages.)

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Our final item today, can you guess what it is and who is all excited about it?

Jonathan Adler at PreppyPrincess.com

That’s right, Silly Tilly is all gaga over her new Jonathan Adler dog mats, only $12.50 and very durable, the mats come in four vibrant designs.

One last note:

Lilly Pulitzer Agendas at PreppyPrincess.com

Our wildly popular Lilly Pulitzer Agendas are back in stock, we have them in both Large and Pocket size in several of this year’s patterns.

On that note we say goodbye until next time, may your weekend be wonderful!

J. Crew Fall 2010 Wedding & Lilly Pulitzer Stationery Goes Paperless…?

Hello-Hello, welcome to a Wednursday here at the Prepatorium. Yes, a Wednursday – that’s what happens when you combine two days of the week into one, precisely what we are attempting with our post, the schedule is a bit frenzied these days and this is the best we can offer at this point.

We begin with a look at styles from the fall J. Crew Weddings & Parties collection.

Courtesy J. Crew via FabSugar

There are some lovely confections.

A few frocks are almost impossible to view properly online because of the light colors and softness of the design.

As with all Crew Bridal looks, the detailing can be exquisite.

Pieces are crafted of silk taffeta, chiffon, and faille.

It appears chunky statement jewelry remains in vogue at Crew.

Most of the silhouettes are true to Crew’s clean, unfussy aesthetic.

But not all.

J. Crew calls the fall palette “cotton candy colors,’ there are rich neutral and earth tones, with few splashes of color.

Here is one of those palettes showing the colors for gowns in silk taffeta.

The dresses are available for pre-order, and the lookbook can be seen online.

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We also have a look at the just-launched Lilly Pulitzer online only stationery and invitation group at e-stationer CocoDot.

Couurtesy CocoDot.com

CocoDot provides what are commonly known as e-greetings, things like e-vites, e-cards, etc. You may select from blank templates and fill in the appropriate text.

There are too many delightful patterns to count. In addition to words, photographs may also be used to create the desired look.

While we see the beauty of online correspondence in some circumstances (small thank you notes for online courtesies come to mind), wedding invitations via the interwebs?  Non, non, non!

Despite the lovely palettes…

Courtesy CocoDot.com

And stunning Lilly designs…

Courtesy CocoDot.com

Wedding invitations need to arrive the old-fashioned way.  As does most other correspondence.

Buuuuut…..if one is inclined to engage in this sort of thing, and we are (gasp) on a wee, small scale, CocoDot is the service we are likely to use.

Now before anyone starts sending nastygrams in our direction, let’s not get our whiskers in a wad. We recognize and respect the notion we are partaking of a verboten practice. Heresy that is especially distasteful for someone engaged in selling Lilly Pulitzer invitations and stationery made of real paper, as we are.

However, there are individuals we only know online, for whom we have no physical address, virtual acquaintances if you will, people we may not want to ask for their address.  A personalized online greeting to thank a Lilly friend, or say ‘hello’ to a casual online associate seems in perfectly acceptable taste; using the CocoDot product makes sense in that respect. Vastly superior to one of our tedious emails.

CocoDot works like other ‘paperless post’ services, one pays a fee to join, differing levels of memberships are offered.  For anyone else considering this sort of thing, In-style readers can save 30% on an annual membership by using the code INSTYLE at checkout.

InStyle

We shall always offer paper Lilly Pulitzer products here at the Princess, the two methods for staying in touch and extending invitations and other greetings are not mutually exclusive.

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Next, an interesting take on the Ferragamo fall ad campaign from Lauren at Fashionista.

Courtesy Ferragamo via Fashionista

Her issue? The company’s efforts to “… freshen up the Ferragamo brand for a younger audience…”.

“I don’t think that they succeed, nor do I want them to. I like Salvatore Ferragamo because it’s the best in old lady-chic.

I’ve got a couple pairs of those vintage bow flats, with the square little heel and gold charms. I bet spokesmodel Dree Hemingway does, too. Why? Because they look great. And they are great. They don’t need to be modernized or updated. The Vara pump, to me, is as classic as a Chanel ballet flat.

So instead of trying to be something it’s not, Ferragamo should embrace what it is. Soon enough, everyone will be pining for Vara pumps all over again.”

We heartily endorse that sentiment.

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We leave you with this item, we simply must have your esteemed and refined opinions on these:

Courtesy Nike via Coco Perez

This is what happens when Nike meets Hunter, at least that’s our impression, and also what Coco Perez notes in his post on the boots.

Courtesy Nike via Coco Perez

What thinketh everyone? Hot… or merely hideous?

Oops, we almost forgot (this is the last-last thing, honest, promise!) the reminder about the sale on the Lands’ End Canvas collection.  Yesterday we mentioned the LL Bean Signature sale and we know some readers are devotees of this group as well.

LandsEnd.com

Happy hunting.

Lady Diana’s Dre$$ & Gucci Goes Young

Hello-Hello!

We begin with a quick follow-up to our previous post about this famous black party frock:

Princess Diana’s gown was auctioned yesterday for a price far exceeding the estimate of £30,000 – £50,000, ultimately selling for £192,000, approximately $276,000.

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Just a heads-up from the corner condo here at the Prepatorium:

snarky

Pronunciation: \ˈsnär-kē\
Function: adjective
Etymology: dialect snark to annoy, perhaps alteration of snark to irritate
1 : crotchety, snappish
2 : sarcastic, impertinent, or irreverent in tone or manner <snarky lyrics>
snark·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb

Fair warning.

Having issued the advisory above, we move on, with news of several new lines launching in the not-so-distant future:

Courtesy Image via StyleList.com

• Gucci’s new Childrens line debuts June 24; it will include apparel, accessories, shoes and sunglasses. (Because there aren’t enough logoed sunglasses available for the Young Miss and Master at your Palace.) We cannot resist part of StyleList’s take on the upcoming collection.

“… since most of its target audience can’t read, the designs…  will be marked with a gold teddy bear logo (how very Kanye!) so that little Susie’s playmates will know when to seethe with jealousy.”

The Consort also offered his insight: “Why don’t they do dogs, then we could have Gucci Poochie.”

Indeed.

• We have a backup plan for you just in case the Gucci childrenswear doesn’t pan out: the new Little Miss America collection.
  

  Courtesy Image via WWD

  Sized for both babies/toddlers and tweens/teens, all of the items will be priced at $25 or less. Again, we turn to StyleList’s report:

“So what does a mini Miss America dress like? There’s not as many sequins and flesh-toned pantyhose as you might expect — although it is very girlie. Initial sketches show ruffled tuxedo-style tops, bow-detailed skirts, lots of pink, and a onesie with an imitation pageant sash emblazoned across the front.

Hey, just because you’re still in diapers doesn’t mean you can’t get a head start on baton twirling or prepping those responses on world peace, kids.”

• One more launch to share today, although this one is more of an expansion; Men’s Wearhouse plans to open a chain of Women’s Wearhouse stores. As the Post put it in their exclusive story this morning: “Ladies, you’re gonna like the way you look.”

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This is the time of year when designers show their Cruise/Resort collections, and there have been some stunning pieces, beginning with Oscar de la Renta.  As seen in the following images, there is a nautical influence evident in some pieces from this collection.

The vibrant colors and elegant lines are delightful.

Natch, we are gaga for several of the party frocks.

In any length.

Perhaps our favorite:

George Chinsee/WWD

One quick advisory, the OdlR spring collection is currently on sale.

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The other resort collection we are sharing today is from Marc Jacobs.

The two styles shown above almost qualify as a Pretty in Pink… and Green, but it is a tad challenging to see the colors with images this size.

The WWD (Women’s Wear Daily, subscription req’d.) review described some of the looks as “…playful preppy.” We particularly like the dress on the left.

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Next on today’s hit parade, a few product updates, beginning with a fast glance at some of the springtime treasures recently added to the fab merchandise mix at Just Madras. The Girls dresses look darling…

As do the bow ties for your MOTH (Man of the House), or the always-popular Madras Skirts.

We do love the ladies at Just Madras, and too many of their goodies!

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We are tickled to share additions to our Preppy Ladybug line here at The Princess, here are more delightful designs by Shannon.

We have added patterns to our Flat Card selection ($15 for a set of 12), like the navy/red/lobster motif, as well as a new pink & green gator.

There are new designs ideal for the younger set. (It’s never to early to start them on the handwritten note concept, IOHO.)

There are also additions to the Ladybug’s Stickers and Labels line ( $4.50), including blue and pink perfect for announcing blessed arrivals, as well as that wonderful lobster.

One can even do a coordinated set for their little princess.

We adore the Ladybug and her fabulous eye.

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We leave you with an image that we understand has provoked some chatter about the watercooler, so to speak.

Getty Images via TMZ.com

When initially seeing this photo we knew two of the individuals pictured above. After all, they carry the distinction of being charter members in the Original AntiPrep Class of 2008. (Paris and Nicky Hilton.) It has been explained to us by TSU (The Spousal Unit, aka The Consort) that the other two creatures are named Snooki (sp?) and Jwoww(sp?). Our question to those in the know: are the latter two individuals solid candidates for the APHOS? (Anti Prep Hall of Shame.)

Do tell. We have an expiring mind dying to know.

Until next time, may your afternoon be filled with smiles!

ADD’L PHOTO CREDITS:

• George Chinsee/WWD: All Oscar de la Renta images
• George Chinsee/WWD: All Marc Jacobs images

The Princess Figures Out That Bieber Hair & A Preppy Cookie

Hello-Hello, happy Wednesday!

We begin with something that seemed to hit a nerve:

Charles Dharapak/AP

Last week we briefly chatted about teen idol Justin Bieber and his hair in this post, and were surprised by the number of comments and email volume related to the topic.  Not wanting to shirk our journalistic responsibilities (ahem), we investigated. It seems others are also looking into this. Like the Old Gray Lady:

“Just as every girl wants hair like Blake Lively of “Gossip Girl,” her brother wants to look like the artist who helped bring “Eenie Meenie” to the world.”

This is from a Times story that assists us in comprehending the appeal:

“Most fans seem to agree that Mr. Bieber’s skillful hair-flipping is part of his appeal. A video of him blow-drying his locks is all over YouTube, meant as a teaser for his new show on MTV, “The Diary of Justin Bieber.” In it, he towel-dries his medium-brown hair then proceeds to have at it with a hair dryer, tossing his head with pubescent insouciance.”

Courtesy Island Def Jam via NYTimes.com

We do love our insouciance. But let’s get back to the important part of this compelling story, explaining what we didn’t fully grasp about the style:

“Call it the Flip and Switch, the Flow, or the Twitch: the Bieber hairstyle — with sideswept bangs that end about an inch past where the Beatles snipped theirs off — is everywhere. Tim Urban wore it on “American Idol” before he was voted off in late April, and Miles Heizer wears it on the NBC show “Parenthood” to play a brooding teenager. The idea is that the front-combed bangs are so long that they must be flicked aside constantly with a whole lot of attitude.”

Finally. It’s the flippage. Now we at least comprehend the point of the do, if you will.  Not to be left out, The Moment blog (part of the Times fashion apparatus) has a post on the topic, aptly titled “Pop’s Hair Apparent“.

“Since you’re in the mood for fun: inquiring minds what to know about your hair. Let’s talk man-bangs — how do you get hair like that?
[Laughs] I’d love to be able to say it was complicated, but I’m just chilling. My hair takes five minutes to do in the morning. I shower and as soon as I get out I just shake it and it just does that. For real.”

And just in case the Times isn’t a solid enough source, Coco Perez says that 6 of 10 teen boys ask for the haircut.

Fame via Coco Perez

There you have it.

Don’t let it be said TP doesn’t go to every length to dig up the dirt facts on ridiculously inane and insipid important issues of the day.  Indeed.

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In addition to yesterday’s news about our exclusive new Madras Headband from Kiel James Patrick, we have another exciting addition to the store:

We are thrilled to be offering this terrific line from The Preppy Ladybug.  All of our new Stickers and Labels from the Ladybug are personalized with your return address and adorned with a standard monogram, single initial, or classic preppy icon.

These little gems are $4.50 per sheet; we think they make an ideal gift.

The Preppy Ladybug also does a delightful line of stationery, we are fortunate to be offering these personalized Flat Cards.

The Cards come in sets of twelve for just $22.

There are even pieces geared to the young Master and Miss to use whilst away at summer camp.

We are just tickled to be carrying this wonderful collection!

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Next, how cute are these?

Eleni's Cookies

A friend emailed us about Eleni’s Cookies and we were off to learn more about such yummy-looking goodies.  The Handbags caught our eye.

Eleni's Cookies

As did the Polo Shirt cookies, looking ever-so-preppy.

Eleni's Cookies

What a fun and delicious spot!

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We leave with a quick reminder to our friends fond of their Lilly:

RuueLaLa.com

Beginning at 11am EDT tomorrow (Thursday, 5/13/10) there is another Lilly Pulitzer Sale on the Rue LaLa members-only shopping site.  The sale only runs through the 15th, so shopping earlier is better than later if so inclined. (Anyone needing a pre-approved invitation to the site can click here.)