Oops: Leaked Missoni For Target Pix, Serious Sales & Another Vanity Fair Royals Cover & William

Hello-Hello, we hope everyone enjoyed their extended weekend.

We begin with a sneak peek at a very few items from the oh-so-secret Missoni for Target collection. The retailer has been even more tight-lipped than usual about this particular collaboration, those invited to the preview were forbidden to take photos of any kind, nor were they supposed to disclose too much information on the collection itself, what sort of products were being created, etc.

Thanks to a Tweet from our friend Madeleine at the always-fabulous In New York Paris Tomorrow blog, we have a few images of said collaborative collection.

Via The Fashion Spot

Apparently the photos were taken by a paparazzi when seeing commercials being shot for the campaign, awarding Targét an honorary “Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men….” award.  Above and below we see Margherita Missoni, she will be featured in the advertising campaign.

Via The Fashion Spot

Ms. Missoni is the eldest grandchild of the company’s founders, and also the firm’s accessories designer. Here are two more quick images, again, via The Fashion Spot.

Via The Fashion Spot

Clearly there will be luggage, scarves, shoes (I think) as well as some interesting pieces in the menswear group. With 400+ products in the collection it seems there should be something for everyone, presuming the quality is a notch above some of the retailer’s more recent design partnerships. To see all of the photos at the Fashion Spot, click here.

On a related note, the second of five hotels under the Missoni name has just opened in Kuwait, Curbed has marvelous photos if you are interested in seeing how that famous zig-zag pattern and bright colors translates.

Via Curbed

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The past weekend is always big for auto racing, both here in the States as well as in Monaco, where the Grand Prix was held Sunday. Always an occasion bringing glitterati to the Principality as well as locals, below we see Princess Caroline’s daughter Charlotte Casiraghi visiting the pits before the race (L), and soon-to-be Princess Charlene Wittstock is seen congratulating the race winner, Germany’s Sebastian Vettel.

PHOTOS: Reuters (L) / Getty Images (R)

Ms. Wittstock was elegant at the Formula One Gala, we’re guessing she may be wearing Giorgio Armani Privé.

Photos: Getty Images

But our favorite ensemble for the evening was on racing legend Jackie Stewart.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

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For those still seeking to supplement their wardrobe, we share a few quick Sales & Savings opportunities, the first at Net-a-Porter.

It’s the upscale boutique’s end of season sale, and the bargains abound, including some very affordable trinkets that might enhance your gift closet.  One the left we show the Marc by Marc Jacobs Enamel Bow earrings at 50% off (now $24) and on the right, Mulberry’s Heart Keyfob, also discounted by 50% (now $32.50).

Staying with a Pretty in Pink theme, the Smythson Dreams and Thoughts notebook is 30% off ($294, originally $420) and the Vivienne Westwood Tartan Leather iPad Case is discounted by 50% (now priced at $110).

Today’s other fiscally friendly mention involves a new ‘flash sale’ site, but this one is a little different from the others. For openers, it is from über-merchant Amazon, called My Habit.  Additionally there is no nonsense about the site being “by invitation only” or “members only,” regular readers know how irritating your cranky trusty scribe finds that practice. The site has been operational for a few weeks now, but we thought we would mention it today, as Tod’s Shoes are on offer.

Via MyHabit.com

To be clear, the classic driving moc by Tod’s is not being offered, but a style we are fond of, the Dee Ballet Flat is available, as are a few other styles.

Other sales coming up at My Habit include Bruno Magli for men, as well as several brands for women we enjoy a great deal, Lafayette 148 and Sigerson Morrison get underway this week. Most sales start at 9am Pacific time, Noon on the East Coast, usually running 3 days. Click here to learn more about My Habit.

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We leave you with two royal notes, the first is next month’s Vanity Fair cover featuring a previously unpublished photo of Prince William and Kate.

Mario Testino/Vanity Fair

The Mario Testino image is from the photo session for the couple’s formal engagement pictures.  The magazine’s website has an interesting tidbit from the upcoming story accompanying the photo:

“Despite Will and Kate’s new official titles—dude duke and duchess, respectively—Will made it clear at the wedding that he will continue to be addressed as Prince William, meaning Kate by default will be Princess Catherine, reports Vanity Fair writer Katie Nicholl. This may rattle some family hierarchies— the Countess of Wessex had wanted to be known as Princess Sophie, but had been forbidden by the Queen.”

Also, those interested in the newlywed’s July tour in Canada with its quick visit to Los Angeles might enjoy this link to the “Official Royal Tour” website.  The itinerary is posted, as well as photos from previous Royal visits. We were a little disconcerted after clicking on the ‘photos’ link, this was the first photo that came up.

Via Royal Tour

That is from the 1991 visit, the site explains the historical images will be replaced with photos from the tour as soon as possible. We do love that impish look on Harry’s face.

“Preppy Kate Middleton,” Blake Lively Goes Red

Hello-hello, and welcome to a Wednesday.  Things are a tad mad here at The Prepatorium, orders flying out the door, The Wedding less than 48 hours away, tornado warnings.

We begin with a quick look at a new hair color for Gossip Girl star Blake Lively.

Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for TIME

The actress was sporting the new color at “TIME’S 100 Most Influential People In The World” party last night. Below, a closer look at the color and a shot of her with Seth Myer.

Getty Images

The color change is for a film role, the stunning gown is by Zuhair Murad. Unfortunately it seems the long train was a challenge, more from NY Mag’s The Cut:

“Lively’s long silk chiffon train — apparently not intended for fast maneuvering — had become ensnared under the foot of none other than ubiquitous party photographer (and dear friend of New York) Patrick McMullan.

…McMullan, oblivious, walked away — with the train still stuck to his shoe. A second later, Lively’s train had left her gown and was trailing along after McMullan like a four-foot piece of aqua silk chiffon toilet paper. Martha Stewart was the first to recognize the problem. “Patrick!” she demanded. “Give her back her train!” McMullan, still oblivious, turned around and gasped, “Oh, I seem to have stepped on some lady’s train!”

One more celebrity sighting we want to share in honor of a few friends (as always, you know who you are, heh-heh-heh), Mad Men star Jon Hamm was spotted at last night’s Lakers game.

Lucy Nicholson/Reuters

Also seen at the game, actors Jeremy Piven and David Beckham.

Lucy Nicholson/Reuters

For those wondering why we are mentioning Mr. Piven, Mr. Beckham or the Lakers, three subjects previously not discussed in this space, it is an effort to make a segue to our primary topic, as Mr. Beckham must surely be on his way east for Friday’s festivities.

He is escorting his wife Victoria to The. Wedding.

As you might imagine, last-minute details and photos are now ricocheting around the interwebs at a maddening rate. We are at that point in the process where we have more photos of… people taking photos.

Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images

Many of the more recent photographs are shot from far, far away.

Toby Melville/Reuters

Above we could not possibly see Prince William, Kate Middleton and Prince Harry arrive for the final rehearsal at Westminster Abbey.

Yesterday’s Guardian has an outstanding story, “Kate Middleton: William’s very private princess-to-be”:

“A slick press team and loyal friends have preserved Middleton’s mystique in the runup to the royal wedding, but plenty can be gleaned from what is not said”

Writer Patrick Barkham traces Miss Middleton’s background and the major influences in her life thus far. When talking about her style he writes:

“Salons in New York have reported customers asking for “a Kate” cut and her preppy look is credited with inspiring a Sloane revival. “

It isn’t the first time the bride has been described as possessing a ‘preppy style’ aesthetic.  The story shares an interesting fact:

“Middleton dresses herself “without any advice or input from the palace”, according to the royal source, and her style has attracted attention around the world.”

We don’t imagine that lack of input from the Palace will remain the case down the road.

This morning there was a full-scale dress rehearsal with the military, starting well before sunup.

Darren Staples/Reuters

Exactly how we’ll look come Friday.

Darren Staples/Reuters via MSNBC

The Tornado flyby is scheduled for 1:30pm (London time), the pilots also rehearsed today.

EPA via The Daily Mail

The decorating of the Abbey and environs also continues apace, below, a photo from The British Monarchy’s flickr photo pages.

The British Monarchy Flickr

A reminder, anyone can look at The Monarchy’s pictures, just click here.

A few more photos surfaced this afternoon.

JNVisuals via The Daily Mail

Above, the bride’s sister Pippa (also her Maid of Honour) and Carole Middleton head into London.

Next, a picture that has really started tongues wagging.

JNVisuals via The Daily Mail

Here’s why, from the Mail:

“…there was a sheaf of paper visible in the back seat of the car that included a passage from an unrecognised work.

While many of the words were obscured, it read in part: ‘With so much love within our hearts.’  While the passage could be from a separate reading, it opens the possibility that they have followed the example of many young couples and written their own vows for their special day.”

The Daily Mail

The only thing we can add is that the typeface does look like it is prompter size. We also noted Miss Middleton is in heavier makeup, we presume today also included lighting and makeup test shots.

Later today the bride was carrying things into Clarence House.

PHOTOS: Splash via The Daily Mail

Lots of things have also been moved into the family headquarters for the next several days, the Goring Hotel.

Chris Eades via The Daily Mail

The location is under continual police protection, there have been comings and goings all day.

PHOTOS: Splash News (L) and Chris Eades (R)

But this has to be our favorite photo of the day.

Andrew Winning/Reuters

The Queen was visiting Cambridge earlier today, doesn’t she look splendid?

Here are a few other places to visit:

• The British Monarchy Facebook
• Clarence House on Twitter
• The Official Royal Wedding website

Until tomorrow, g’bye.

Prep World Paris, Black Fleece Bargains, Itty-Bitty Kate Middleton Dresses

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a Monday.

Things are a little frenzied this week, we’re pedaling as fast as we can here at The Prepatorium.

We begin with a look at the first Prep World pop-up store.

Via StyleRumor

The Tommy Hilfiger/Lisa Birnbach endeavor debuted last week in Paris.

Via Tommy Hilfiger Facebook page

The launch party was right in front of the store, modeled to look like a Hamptons cottage.

It looked like a beautiful day at Pompidou Centre.

Via PaperBlog.Fr

It is a special treat to see our friend Kiel’s work showcased, don’t his bracelets look wonderful?!

Courtesy Prep World

It is always fun to see the reactions to Mr. Hilfiger’s styles, this story in Paper Blog (France) is replete with references to Gossip Girl characters Serena (Blake Lively) and Blair (Leighton Meester).

“Preppy. The decor is slick and hostesses are welcoming. During a moment you feel like Serena or Blair, you invent a fishing trip and you fantasize about the sweaters and knitted pastel polo shirts.”

For a more comprehensive look at the shop, Style Rumor has a lengthy post with loads of photos.

If in need of more comprehensive background on the Prep World line and concept, click here.  To see more photos, the Hilfiger Facebook page has a number of photos, including this one.

Tommy Hilfiger

Hmmmm.

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We have a few quick Sales & Savings opportunities to pass along, but be advised two of them are time-sensitive:

• There are *amazing* savings at the Brooks Brothers Black Fleece ‘flash sale’ running only through midnight tonight.  A Cotton Seersucker Blazer that is normally $4oo is on sale for $125, and the Little Boy Piped Jacket, originally $450 is also $125.

• The other mention involves another flash sale, this one titled Gossip Girl Boutique at ‘invitation only’ sale site Gilt.com. The sale begins tonight at 9pm EDT, here is more from Gilt’s description:

“We’ve teamed up with Gossip Girl stylist Eric Daman, the man behind some of television’s most fiercely dressed characters, to replicate some of the show’s best looks. Whether you crave Serena’s sexy spin on boho-chic, Lily’s flawless elegance, or Blair’s ladylike polish, you’ll find plenty to choose from. And we haven’t forgotten the guys: choose from pieces for him that range from Brooklyn casual to classic Upper East Side cool.”

• J. Crew is doing an additional 30% off sale items in its Final Sale promotion, use promo code OURTREAT at checkout for the savings.

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For those like us with a mild interest in royal weddings (cough-cough), we share a headline from across the pond about the “William and Kate” movie now being shown in the UK.

Via The Daily Mail

The descriptions and reactions to the film had us both laughing.

Rupert Thorpe via The Daily Mail

From the Daily Mail’s story:

“…the Evening Standard’s Richard Godwin concurred, adding: ‘Critics in America have panned this movie as a cheesy chick-flick, but there are positives.’  It is recognisably a film, in that it takes place on a screen.”

Indeed.

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One item related to the upcoming nuptials that is adorable, the tiny collection of Kate Middleton dresses.

Images via The Telegraph

The set was done for Harumika, The Telegraph has photos of all the styles.

Apparently they will be sold at Toys ‘R Us. (Moms, aunts, grandmothers…TP needs your help, is this a popular brand?)

Our fave itty-bitty style:

Via The Telegraph

Although we are pretty sure Miss Middleton’s shoulders will be covered, we do love the tiny wedding gown created for the line.

On that darling image we say g’bye until next time!