The Great Preppy Personalized Plate Giveaway!

Hello-Hello and Happy Thursday!

The crush of business prevents us nattering on as we usually do, so we share just a few items today, starting with our great Preppy Personalized Plate Giveaway here at the Princess!

We have added loads of new designs to our selection of Preppy Platters & Plates.  To celebrate the new styles we are doing a Giveaway: the winner receives a Preppy Plate or Platter of their choice, personalized however they choose!

Here is how to enter:

• For one entry, leave a comment telling us your favorite design on any of our preppy dishes
• For a second entry, post the Giveaway on your blog & leave a comment telling us you did
• For a third entry, Tweet about it on Twitter & let us know you did
• For a fourth entry, become a Preppy Princess fan on Facebook & ley us know you did. (Go to Facebook and do a search for Preppy Princess.com)

Some of the fabulous new designs we have in are from the good folks at Boatman Geller, including the Ashley Plaid in Pink:

PreppyPrincess.com

If seeking something more masculine, the Ashley Plaid is available in a sophisticated blue palette. Perhaps you would prefer the Espadrille Nautical stripe brightening your table?

PreppyPrincess.com

This jaunty pattern also comes in the Espadrille Preppy Stripe (below), or the Espadrille Bright Stripe.

PreppyPrincess.com

Our favorite new styles just might be the updated initial plates, like the Repp Tie in Cherry/Navy:

PreppyPrincess.com

At a baby shower the whimsical Confetti Pink is fun for a little girl, but it is also offered in blues for a baby boy. (And ideal for grown-up boys and girls in your circle of friends and family!)

PreppyPrincess.com

Frankly, there isn’t a one of these we don’t just adore as a hostess gift, or a delightful personalized present on any occasion.

Because we want you to enjoy our growing preppy dish collection and enjoy a bargain at the same time, we are offering our treasured readers a 10% discount on the Plates and Platters Collection!  Simply enter DISHDEAL at checkout to receive the more favorable pricing.  We will keep this special discount in place until midnight on the 18th.

And don’t forget to enter the Giveaway before midnight Thursday (the 17th), we will draw a name and announce a winner on September 18!

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Next, last night’s big party at Saks, a gala thrown by Anna Wintour/Vogue, and Charlize Theron. The occasion was a public celebration of the retailer’s newly renovated third floor.

PHOTO: Steve Eichner/WWD

We love the easy elegance seen in the photo of Oscar de la Renta & Ms. Theron. Also attending the party, Dylan Lauren in a vibrant frock we shall categorize as today’s Pretty in Pink.

PHOTO: Steve Eichner/WWD

Gossip Girl star Blake Lively looked lovely in a sleek blue dress.

PHOTO: Steve Eichner/WWD

Also on hand and woefully underdressed, Ms. Lively’s costar and IRL (In Real Life, yes? We feel très cool using this acronym.) romantic interest, Penn Badgley.

PHOTO: Steve Eichner/WWD

It was a very busy night for the Gossip Girls and Guys, as there was another function to attend, this one in honor of the Gossip Girl-inspired collection at Target from designer Anna Sui.

PHOTO: PaperMag.com

And if that wasn’t enough partying for the G2 set, co-star Leighton Meester enjoyed a screening of the Sundance Channel’s fashion series “The Day Before“. The four-part special focuses on Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler as their upscale label preps for Fashion Week. Joining in, socialite and fashionista Lauren Santo Domingo.

PHOTO: Getty Images

Enjoy!

Jack Rogers Plans Huge Expansion

Hello-Hello everyone!

We start with news about a favored brand that is expanding their product offerings. Serious expansion. We’re talking about Jack Rogers, makers of the ubiquitous Navajo sandal seen below.

PHOTO: Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

For those not familiar with the footwear, here is a brief explainer from this story in WWD:

“In resort towns like East Hampton and Nantucket, the Jack Rogers Navajo sandal has for decades been as much a part of the scene as tennis skirts and tunics. In the Sixties, the sandal was popularized by Jackie Kennedy.”

Those paying close attention to that photo probably already noticed something else: the new Jack Rogers slim ballet flat. Below we see another version of their new flat.

PHOTO: Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

But new footwear isn’t the only thing on the drawing board for the company.  This story from Women’s Wear Daily (subscription req’d.) offers more information about plans for the Jack Rogers brand:

“…sportswear, dresses, handbags, shoes, boots and a wider selection of sandals, and the first Jack Rogers retail stores, for the upcoming resort and spring seasons.”

The new merchandise will be available at Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, along with 400 independent boutiques already selling the brand; the plan is to expand this footprint to include:

“…Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and other stores. Trousers, priced at retail at $170; cotton sundresses, $168 to $200; woven dress shirts, $148, and closed-toe shoes, generally $129 to $189, are among the items being offered. There will be also be some handmade, detailed ballet flats and items in more expensive skins, priced at $225. Shorts, T-shirts, purses, totes, clutches, jelly sandals, driving shoes, boots and moccasins are also being designed.”

On a personal level this is splendid news. But from a business perspective we are reminded of many recent brand extensions that have not fared well, many with disastrous results. The failed Ruehl stores Abercrombie opened so quickly come to mind, as do the continuing rumors that Crocs, following explosive growth, could soon file bankruptcy. Even smaller efforts like the Oilily expansion into the US was not successful.

However, there are several executives at Jack Rogers who possess solid resumes with experience at firms like Polo Ralph Lauren, Gap and Tory Burch. This leads us to hope that the broad brand extensions of the kind detailed above prove to be the exception, rather than the rule.  When we see the word ‘jelly sandals’ included in the new product line we cringe more than just a little.

Wondering where the new Jack Rogers stores might be going…?

“…. the first expected to open around February 2010 in Manhattan, followed by units in the Hamptons, and Palm Beach or Bal Harbour, Fla.”

We know quite a few folks who will be pleased with this news. Are you excited by the news? And thoughts on Jack Rogers Jellies?

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We close with a fun tidbit we saw on British Vogue’s site, news that Christian Louboutin has teamed up with Ladurée, the famed French macaroon and pastry house.

Courtesy Ladurée via Vogue UK

The luxury shoe designer has created special boxes for all those delicious goodies, they will be available in the UK this September, no word yet on the possibility of anyone on this side of the pond being able to purchase the designs.

French Open Blues, Longchamp is Pretty in Pink & Rafa Nadal…Preppy?

Hello-Hello, and happy first week of June! Yippee!

Has everyone been watching the goings-on at Roland Garros? Some amazing things, we must say, and not all of them involving the actual play, although we were stunned to see the early ouster of Rafael Nadal. No, we’re talking once again about the fashions at this year’s French Open, and feeling like we didn’t get the blue memo.

Above left, Roger Federer and on the right, Serbia’s Jelena Jankovic. Below, we see Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka (R) and Serbia’s Ana Ivanovic.

PHOTO: Jacques de Marthon/AFP/Getty

Also in blue tones with teal and turquoise, Maria Sharapova.

PHOTO: Jacques de Marthon/AFP/Getty

Is it just us, or does this style almost make Ms. Sharapova look matronly? A difficult thing to achieve given the tennis star’s natural beauty.  Below, Roumania’s Sorana Cirstea sports similar colors.

PHOTO: Lionel Bonaventure/AFP/Getty

Two more in blue, Juan Martin del Porto of Argentina (L) and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, France.

PHOTO: Ryan Pierse/Getty

If blue isn’t your hue, then there is always our favorite color: pink! Below, superstar Rafa Nadal.

PHOTO: Ryan Pierse/Getty

The Nike Bold Open tennis polo Mr. Nadal is wearing is available online.

The Spanish heartthrob was also in pink for the news conference following his loss to Sweden’s Robin Soderling. In fact, we’ll just declare that both of the pink tops qualify as today’s Pretty in Pink.

PHOTO: Bertrand Guay/AFP/Getty

Russia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova was in the pink as well, paired with black.

PHOTO: Jacques de Marathon/AFP/Getty

Next, China’s Na Li in what is rapidly becoming a popular combination, hot pink and orange (or a peachy salmon/coral).

PHOTO: Bertrand Guay/AFP/Getty

Serena Williams donned a similar orange offset by dark gray.

PHOTO: Patrick Kovarik/AFP/Getty

Those mourning Mr. Nadal’s status may wish to turn their attention to this story from the June issue of Vogue.

PHOTO: Bruce Weber for Vogue

Renowned photographer Bruce Weber did the photos for the story.

PHOTO: Bruce Weber for Vogue

In the photo directly above Mr. Nadal is in a Nike shirt and Tommy Hilfiger khakis, the white linen suit in the first image is Ralph Lauren Purple Label.

As always, for the true insider’s scoop on all the tennis happenings, toddle over to see Rich at Down the Line Tennis, as he seems to know simply everything that’s happening on the circuit.

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Frequent Princess readers know how serious we are about protecting their pocketbooks, ever-vigilant in our search for fiscally-friendly opportunities to invest in our economy.  Here are a few:

Is everyone familiar with The Laundress? If not, trust TP when she says it is a fabulous line, one we greatly admire.

To receive 20% off all purchases through June 30th, use promo code INSTYLE09 at checkout.

Also offering a 20% discount, the funseekers at one of our online faves, Fred Flare.  Really, where else does one find upscale accessories like this?

FredFlare.com

The bacon bandage is one of this spring’s must-haves, to ensure you receive the 20% discount use the same promo code at checkout, INSTYLE09.

Who says we don’t have an eye to the elegant, the refined, the timeless classics, hmmm?

Speaking of same, the Designer Sale at Saks continues apace, and here is another Pretty in Pink offering:

SFA

The Longchamp X-Light Nylon Tote is an excellent buy dolls, at $269; the original price was $385.  To receive free shipping at Saks (no wretched minimum purchase foo-foo to cope with either) use promo code SAKSSHIP9 at checkout.

We leave you with just a few photos from this weekend’s Veuve Clicquot second annual Manhattan Polo Classic. We begin with David Lauren (L) and Nacho Figuera.

PHOTO: Steve Eichner

Next, Byrdie Bell.

PHOTO: Steve Eichner

And HRH Prince Harry of Wales.

PHOTO: Steve Eichner for WWD

We shall share more tomorrow.  Promise.

On that chipper note, we say ‘ta until next time!

A British Look at Preppy Style, Pain in Palm Beach, & Good News!

Hello-Hello, we hope everyone enjoyed their weekend!

We always savor the way preppy fashion is perceived in different cultures. President & Mrs. Obama’s recent G2 trip has turned up fun fodder.

Amidst the frenzy over First Lady’s fashion selections The Independent ran a story with this subhead:

“Its preppy, casual clothes are worn by actresses, housewives – and First Ladies. So why can’t we buy J. Crew in Britain?”

The story looked at similarities between J. Crew stateside and British equivalents like Jigsaw (womenswear), and Racing Green (menswear).

“J. Crew’s… careful mix of the sort of casual and preppy items you find at Gap (like jeans, chinos and basic T-shirts), the smarter pieces from Jigsaw (workwear and smart separates), and the prettier, dressy pieces at Whistles …. Except all these styles are under one roof, and ever so slightly cheaper.”

Jigsaw actually uses US-centric names to market some merchandise; every hat on their website this spring is named after an American city: the Chapel Hill hat, the Kentucky Straw Trilby, etc.  Below, a look from Jigsaw look that appears très Banana Republic to us; what do you think?

Jigsaw

Jigsaw’s pure Cashmere Trim Cardigan also has the classic look many of us are fond of, timeless fashions that are always in style.

Jigsaw

The article details the frustration felt by Crew’s UK fans:

“J. Crew is basically what Next and Racing Green never quite managed to be for us, and what Marks & Spencer consistently fails to achieve: it’s chic and classy, with a pretty, trendy edge that that doesn’t look cheap, frumpy or too outlandish… And it’s infuriating once you get into the habit of it, because you can’t buy it over here, nor does J. Crew ship to the UK. “

Well, this is no fun for our friends on the far side of the pond.

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In light of this weekend’s wild play in Augusta (how fun was that?!) we thought we would share a few lines from The Augusta Chronicle. The paper’s story on spring fashion trends quotes students at Augusta Prep, like Laura Lemley:

“I’m most looking forward to wearing Lilly Pulitzer dresses and skirts, Jack Rogers sandals and white shoes,” she said.

Absent the white shoes we couldn’t agree more with Miss Lemley. The brighter, lighter, perkier clothing we can wear as a result of the warmer weather is probably our favorite thing about spring.

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We have a few quick shoe notes, starting with today’s Adventure in Argyle: the Ecco Casual Pitch Argyle Golf Shoe as seen at Golfalot.

Ecco Golf Shoe

This gem also comes in a camel brown colorway that is fetching.

Barneys is promoting this spring’s crop of wingtips, saddle shoes, and oxfords for both Men and Women.

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We share a few SOTTs (Signs Of The Times) relevant to preppish style:

• Today’s USA Today has a story stating that retailer Eddie Bauer is facing a “…potentially dangerous level of financial duress…”
• This weekend the Times ran a story about recession-caused pain in Palm Beach:

“More noticeable are the empty storefronts, which have started popping up even on Worth Avenue, the home of a Saks Fifth Avenue, a Chanel and an Hermès, to name just a few.”

“Caterers are finding that charity galas, long the core of the Palm Beach social scene, are either canceled or sparsely attended. We’re getting fewer requests for lobster and caviar,” says Charlie Crawford of the White Apron Catering Company, “and a lot more for mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese.”

Yikes.

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There are multiple sales and clearances underway at many of our favorite shops; we shall effort updates on them throughout the week. If you have any to suggest, do let us know so we can share with the rest of the class. 

We noted last week that J. Crew is now doing a Spring Sale; erstwhile prep purveyor Banana Republic is also offering substantial savings throughout the store, including 30% off the Nantucket Tote.

Banana Republic Nantucket Tote

The tote’s price is reduced approximately 30% from the original $130; it is now offered at $89.99.

Saks starts pre-sale today for their Friends and Family event that begins this Thursday, running through Sunday the 19th. The sale offers 15% off cosmetics & fragrances, an unheard of 20% off jewelry and 25% off just about everything else. The Coupon Code to use at checkout is SFAFAM8.  (Some brands are excluded in the jewelry category, but it is still a remarkable discount for a major retailer to offer.)

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In light of the spring season and cheerier spirits, we wanted to share some Good News of our own here at the Prepatorium:

Scout Good News Bagette Tote

We are so excited to finally have all of our Good News merchandise in stock from Bungalow Scout, including the Bagette Tote seen above.  The pattern features fun words and phrases with a bit of camp, like ‘sunshine’ and ‘my-t fine’ and ‘Sure!’, to name a few. It is one of of our most popular Scout patterns, selling out with amazing speed.

The Bagette totes are great bags, the perfect size to replace paper/plastic at the market, 15″ x 12″ x 12″, with dual handles allowing one to carry it over the shoulder or by the handles.  We aren’t sure which is better, the fact Bagettes are only $20 at the Princess, or knowing these are collapsible for easy storage. 

With such “Good News” it seems appropriate that we make our exit.  Team Princess sends everyone wishes for a blissful afternoon and evening!

More Price Cuts: Lacoste, Coach, J. Crew + Gossip Girls & Guys Do Rolling Stone

Hello-Hello! We hope your week is progressing splendidly, and that a touch of spring has entered your spirits, if not your habitat!

Before anything else, we must thank the one and only Preppy Player, who was much-too-kind in bestowing the Kreativ Blogger award on TP!

Thank You Preppy Player!

Thank you Miss Player, we are flattered by your generosity!

Today we have a jumble of all things preppy, or something akin to that, so let’s jump in with the topic near and dear to almost everyone’s pocketbook, the cost of enhancing one’s wardrobe.  (Yes, we are completely suspending the ‘no discussion of the M-word’ rule, as it is simply too top-of-mind and relevant to today’s content. So there.)

Regular readers may recall our posts last November and this January about permanent price cuts being implemented at J. Crew.  One example we shared was the Jane suede ballet flat; its original selling price was $98, less than what Crew previously charged for similar shoes. (One note: the Jane style flat is now marked down to $59.99 as part of the company’s Final Sale; this season’s version of the shoe is the Marjorie flat.)

The prep-style retailer is extending its pricepoint sensitivities to online marketing efforts, now offering “Instant Gratification” groups at the Crew website.

J. Crew

The featured merchandise is below $100; there are links for both Men’s and Women’s “gratification” items.

Now other retailers are sounding the same theme. Lacoste says they will be lowering the price of some merchandise, according to a column Jeanine Poggi recently did for Forbes.

“For the fall, Lacoste will offer cable-knit sweaters, normally $145, for $98…”

We are speculating the sweaters being referenced are similar to these, from last Fall’s collection.

Lacoste.com

Originally priced at $135, the Long Sleeve Cable Knit Sweater is now $68.99 in most colors in Women’s sizes.  The Men’s Crewneck version of the cable sweater is on sale for $73.99, marked down from $155.   One thing Lacoste is promoting heavily for Men this Spring?

Lacoste

“Madras… the Preppy Classic” is also featured as a trend for Women.

Lacoste

We’re not sure how flattering this madras High-Waisted Skirt will be for most, that waistband could prove a little dicey.

Back to the Forbes story, apparently Lacoste plans to drop prices on more than just their sweaters:

“In spring 2010, Lacoste plans to lower prices in other categories, including its signature polo shirts.”

Also mentioned in the piece, party frock and gown designer extraordinaire, Monique Lhuillier…

“Monique Lhullier, for example, will offer several gowns retailing for $2,500. Her dresses usually sell for between $3,000 and $7,000.”

…along with upscale leather-goods firm Coach.

“Coach is also planning to trim profit margins, reducing its average handbag price to $300 from $335.”

As we mentioned in this post on their soon-to-debut Poppy line, Coach is using a variety of strategies to offer customers different price levels.

Perhaps the most frightening item in the Forbes story is the insight on other brands offered by a retail expert, Eugene Fram. His inside perspective on two companies near and dear to TP’s heart is chilling:

“In terms of pricing, some of the organizations are now on the defensive, like Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany’s,” he says. “It wouldn’t be surprising to see price reductions of 50%-plus in their attempts to avoid Chapter 11 proceedings.”

Simply put, this can’t happen. Cannot. Happen. At. Tiffany. Or. Saks.

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Also today, news of another magazine cover for stars of tv’s Gossip Girl show, but some may be surprised just which cover is featuring Blake Lively & Leighton Meester. Those with refined and/or delicate sensibilities may want to scroll quickly past the next photos as they are rather vulgar.  Perhaps we should have ascertained this from the title of the Rolling Stone story, “The Nasty Thrill of ‘Gossip Girl‘”.

PHOTO: Terry Richardson for Rolling Stone

For a moment we were a tad confused, sure we must be looking at images from an issue of W, as the article contains the requisite photos of the cast together in bed.

PHOTO: Terry Richardson for Rolling Stone

The story also includes Taylor Momsen and Jessica Szhor as well as most of the Gossip Guys, Ed Westwick, Chace Crawford, Penn Badgley.

Those interested in “more on the steamy cover shoot” can read all about it right here.

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Because we feel the need to lift ourselves up and out of the gutter, we shall close with a bit of nautical accessory fun, prefaced by this Pretty in Pink, the Silk Blazer from Smythe:

Smythe Blazer at Net-a-Porter

We adore Smythe jackets, for they fit like a glove while somehow managing to provide room enough to move around in without feeling like you are in a strait jacket.

And our spirited nautical item? Also from Net-a-Porter, the much-too-fun shoes from Stella McCartney.

Courtesy Stella McCartney

Yes, much-too-hip for anyone here at the Prepatorium, and a little (ahem) over the top from a budgetary perspective, but really… aren’t they darling?

Until next time dolls, smiles at each and every one of you!