Tory Burch & Marc Jacobs Coming to Your Targét…?

Hello-Hello, we thought it might be a good week for some Friday Fun.

We begin with news about an upcoming collaborative effort announced this week: Target and Neiman Marcus are teaming up for a joint collection. Women’s Wear Daily has more:

The Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection will be sold beginning Dec. 1 at all 1,763 Target stores and the 42 Neiman Marcus stores, as well as online at target.com and neimanmarcus.com.

Among the designers included in the line: Oscar de la Renta, Tory Burch, Carolina Herrera, Diane von Furstenberg and Marc Jacobs.  Merchandise will be priced from 7.99 to $499.99, WWD says that most items will cost less than $60.  Below, the logo that you will be seeing when it comes time for promotion of the limited edition goods.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

Each of the 24 designers has created 1 to 3 items for the collection, back to the WWD story for what is in the line:

“…gifts in men’s, women’s, children’s apparel and accessories, as well as other categories that some of the designers are getting into for the first time, such as sporting goods, home decor, pet accessories and accessories for electronics.”

Here is the other designers participating:  Alice + Olivia, Altuzarra, Band of Outsiders, Brian Atwood, Eddie Borgo, Derek Lam, Judith Leiber, Lela Rose, Marchesa, Philip Crangi, Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler, Rag & Bone, Robert Rodriguez, Rodarte, Skaist-Taylor, Thom Browne, Tracy Reese, and Jason Wu.

As with so many of these partnerships, executives believe things will sell out quickly. (At the risk of sounding cynical, can you say ‘eBay’?)

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That is not the only news about a high-end retailer teaming up with a lower-priced chain: Nordstrom and Topshop have announced a partnership as well. This September the upscale company will start offering Topshop merchandise in 14 of its stores, some of the pieces will be exclusive to Nordstrom.

Business Week offers this:

To get women excited about shaking up their wardrobes again, Peter E. “Pete” Nordstrom, 50, the president of merchandising, has cut a deal to sell clothes from Topshop, a London-based retailer known for mid-priced trendy styles — punk-inspired pinafores and ladylike tweed — that defy easy characterization. It’s the sort of fashion people don’t expect to find at Nordstrom. And it could draw in new customers — or turn off existing ones.

And why we are seeing so much of this now? Back to Business Week:

At a time when wary U.S. consumers obsessively comparison-shop online and open their wallets only for must-have products, retailers are falling over themselves to lock up merchandise shoppers can’t find anyplace else.

Hmmm. Thoughts on either or both of these? Will it cheapen the brand for either Neimans or Nordstrom, or is it a savvy move for the discounters?  Too soon to tell?

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Two final tidbits today, the first one of those “You Can’t Make This Stuff Up” kind of items. Behold, the Sock Sandals.

Via Geek Alert

Thank heaven Geek Alert was all over this:

Meet the Silly Sock Sandals. No need to rub your eyes, seeing is believing. Now for the first time socks and sandals have joined forces and have melded into one. Imagine the smiles you’ll receive as you sport the silliest socks known to mankind. Furthermore, you’ll save valuable time getting ready for the day.

The time-saving benefits are something we somehow overlooked. Heh-heh-heh.

Our final morsel comes via the Times, it was too cute to overlook, a story about posh dog houses.

Drew Kelly for the New York Times

The article looks at a number of different styles, including this one that model Rachel Hunter commissioned.

La Petite Maison via The New York Times

Evidently it was intended to look like a miniature version of her Mediterranean-style home.

Then there is this one, intended to look like the Grant Humphreys Mansion in Denver.

La Petite Maison via The New York Times

Having lived a block from the house for years and years, I was surprised the replica didn’t resemble the real deal a little more.

Via About.com

Regardless, they are all fun to look at, there are even abodes for other pets. Oh my.

Stacy Sodolak for The New York Times

To enjoy the slide show in its entirety, click here.  Jennifer Kingson’s story is not only a great read, it offers some great resources for those interested in upgrading quarters for the four-legged family members.

We want to thank everyone for the lovely comments and email the past few days. They mean more than you might realize, we can’t tell how much we both appreciate them.

May everyone enjoy a wonderful weekend!

Next Target Designer Revealed, “Grunge Empress” for J. Crew?

Hello…

Remaining a little low on energy we shall resort to merely sharing news and photos…no snappy patter (like this is a daily offering?), no snarky asides…. our version of “We post, you ponder”, so to say.

The news is out, the next designer capsule collection coming to your local Targèt is from the brains behind this (these?):

A story in WWD confirms that Jean Paul Gaultier is doing the next capsule  collection at Le Boutique. More from the story:

“The exclusive Jean Paul Gaultier for Target collection will debut on March 7 in more than 250 stores nationwide and on target.com. The collection will be available through April 11.”

Below, a look at pieces from Mr. Gaultier’s Spring/Summer 2010 Hermès collection.

PHOTO: Giovanni Giannoni/WWD

A collection referred to as ‘preppy’ by several fashion experts and writers, one we we hope to share more from in the next week or two.

But then we also have this from Mr. Gaultier:

Who knows what we’ll see come next March. We’ll cross our fingers and  hope for something more like this creation, again from the Hermès line for next spring.

Benoit Tessier/Reuters

We also have an update and photos of the upcoming Rodarte for Target collection, arriving in stores December 20th, created by designing sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy.  The ‘skeleton dress’ from the 55-piece line:

Courtesy Target via Refinery 29

This piece won’t surprise most fashionistas, aware of the designers’ fondness for horror films. Other looks, all via Trendhunter.

As Refinery 29 wrote in a story headlined “More Pantsless Tomfoolery in the Rodarte For Target Line“:

“Rodarte’s genius might have gotten lost in the commercial translation, but we’ll have to wait until December to get the last word in.”

We don’t link to the Refinery 29 post, evidently this particular story has been removed from the site.

These thoughts on the collection from BlackBook:

“First and foremost, the lace pieces will be perfect for layering no matter the season. Here’s hoping that the patterned tights… … will retail along with the rest of the collection—at a Target-appropriate price point of course.”

Of course.

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We finally have a look at the Mad Men Suit from Brooks Brothers.

As described on the B2 website:

“Directly inspired by the razor sharp 1960s tailoring favored by the characters of Don Draper (played by Jon Hamm) and Roger Sterling (played by John Slattery), the “Mad Men Edition” suit has been reinterpreted for today….”

There you have it.

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While visiting the good folks at Refinery 29 we noticed their story, “Grunge Goddess Erin Wasson Cleans Up for J. Crew’s November Catalog“.

Photos Courtesy J. Crew via Refinery 29

Connie Wang’s story notes:

“Erin Wasson is one of those models that can be molded to look crazy-good in anything from the pages of Vogue Paris to a Macy’s flyer. But, we were a little surprised to see the head empress of grunge leave her jorts and worn-out tees at home in the new November catalog from purveyors of preppy-chic J. Crew.“

Photos Courtesy of J. Crew via Refinery 29

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We close with a look at Blake Lively of Gossip Girl, attending the premiere of “Where the Wild Things Are“.

Lucas Jackson/Reuters

The actress was wearing Marchesa.

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Whoops, in our addled state we almost forgot two additions to our Pretty in Pink gallery, courtesy of our friends at the Pink and Green Scene.

First, the Yummy Kitchen Lunch Sack:

Courtesy Pink and Green Scene

And one of the cutest things we’ve seen,the Peas in a Pod Salt & Pepper Shakers Set, also at Bibelot.

Courtesy Pink and Green Scene

On that cheery image we say goodbye until next time.

The Princess is Unhappy, More Inaugural Party Frock Sketches

Hello-Hello everyone… did we all enjoy a splendid beginning of the New Year? We certainly hope so, it seems everyone is more than ready to turn a corner, although just which corner to select is up for debate.

Unfortunately, TP is feeling completely distraught. Why? Perhaps the photo below will provide a clue.

PHOTO" Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty

Non? Un autre….

PHOTO: Brendan Smialowski/Getty

Still not sure?

We are talking about the Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington.  One of the better-kept secrets inside the beltway. It is a fabulous little establishment, of the sort commonly referred to as a boutique hotel.  Its location is nothing less than perfect. From one’s room you can gaze upon Lafayette Park, St. John’s or the White House, among other attractions. The obvious question: precisely how is this establishment causing TP such distress? To be fair, it isn’t the establishment, rather the change in administrations.

You see, most students return to school after the weekend. This includes two darling little girls who are in the process of relocating to the District, Sasha and Malia Obama.  Classes begin for them Monday at Sidwell Friends, and the family is temporarily moving into the Hotel to ensure the girls start their studies on time. Blair House, where the family might usually stay during the last weeks of the transition, is occupied until January 15.

It is really the only place we stayed when in town, unless we were attending a business convention of the sort requiring everyone be at “the official hotel.” (You know the usual suspects: the Mayflower, the Shoreham, etc.) We fear all the media attention and exposure will result in the Hotel becoming one of the latest “it” spots, and it shall be completely overrun with people. Perhaps we worry too much and all of the hubbub will amount to nothing?  Hopefully so. In the interim, we shall stop whining and discuss something more upbeat.

For example, the story serves as a reminder we haven’t shared all of the sketches submitted by designers for the Obama girls Inaugural apparel, like these two looks from Lucy Sykes:

Courtesy Lucy Sykes via WWD

Unfortunately, neither of these register at the Prepalicious level, IOHO, although we do like the little pearl studs.

Courtesy Lucy Sykes via WWD

They both appear almost run of the mill, a surprise coming from this designer, one of TP’s favorites for children’s apparel. The Bonnie Young creations are fun, and the jewel tones a good idea, sure to complement whatever color scheme is selected by their mother, Michelle Obama.

Courtesy Bonnie Young via WWD

We really can’t offer an opinion on the Rodarte… everyone looks like an alien being, come for a visit with the earthlings, no?

Courtesy Rodarte via WWD

Our final look today for the Obama girls comes from Eliza Gran, often featuring looks inspired by vintage creations. We promise to share more in our next post.

Courtesy Eliza Gran via WWD

We are enamored of the style used for this sketch, complete with the crayon-style drawing and the inclusion of the “dog” in the lower right corner!

Also from Women’s Wear Daily, nominations for MVP, or “Most Visible Players” in their story “The Ubiquitors of 2008.”  WWD’s Eye column ranked a number of celebrities, primarily using their number of appearances on photo websites as a criteria.  Who’s Number One?

PHOTO: Scott Rudd

The column ranks the entire cast of Gossip Girl in first place; above, stars Ed Westwick, Chace Crawford, Blake Lively and Penn Badgley.

PHOTO: Steve Eichner

The feature shows more G2 photos, including a shot of off-screen couple Blake Lively & Penn Badgley, as well as Leighton Meester, another one of the show’s female leads.  (Please tell me us that isn’t a romper she is wearing…?!)

PHOTO: Kristen Somody Whalen

Here’s how the article ranked the individual stars:

THE CAST OF “GOSSIP GIRL”
The group of young hotties is thoroughly enjoying its newfound fame.
Total: 189 (combined)
Leighton Meester: 45
Chace Crawford: 34
Jessica Szohr: 33
Taylor Momsen: 22
Penn Badgley: 20
Ed Westwick: 18
Blake Lively: 17

We openly acknowledge still having no clue as to how the votes were tallied, but we somehow think it isn’t critical that we comprehend this part of the story.  And it is also time for our usual disclaimer explaining that somehow we have not watched an episode of Gossip Girl, but after all, we’re in a new year and anything can happen…

Others included in WWD’s list of MVPs include Brooke Shields, the Olsen twins, and Becky Newton of “Ugly Betty” fame.

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A reminder that nominations are still open for our own awards, 2008’s AntiPrep of the Year, along with the Preppiest Person of 2008. (This was a little something started in the Princess Consort’s post from New Year’s Day.) We thought Muffy Martini should get off the fence and let us know her true feelings instead of being so wishy-washy:

“Anti Prep goes to Paris. She is SIMPLY horrid.”

And Mrs. Newlywed offers a number of possibilities:

“Anti-Prep? Lindsay Lohan for sure.

Prep? This one is tougher, but I am going to go with Cynthia Rowley. I think she did a stellar job with her Target line, and while her fall line was somewhat questionable. She is consistently on top of preppy fashion.

I am sure there are more, but I wanted to pick someone unique…not one of the Gossip Girls…especially since I don’t know their names.”

Belle in Bloom also gives us some suggestions:

“I’ll have to agree with everyone on the anti-prep. Paris Hilton. yikes.

For preppiest…I just don’t know. I do love Anderson Cooper. Can’t wait to see who is picked. Fun.”

On that note, don’t be shy – share your thoughts! Grins and Giggles until next time, we hope you enjoy a stellar weekend!!