Pretty in Pink… and on Sale

Hello-Hello, and an ever-so-happy-Friday to you!

We start with good news for Vineyard Vines: the company has announced they will be adding three more stores.  The new stores are slated for Palm Beach, Southampton and Tysons (the Galleria) in Virginia.

Courtesy Image via WWD

Women’s Wear Daily (subscription req’d.) reports the Southampton shop will open this month; Palm Beach and McLean stores are scheduled for November openings.  The company also operates three outlet stores.

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We have a quick look at preppy style from the always stylish Fab Finds Under $50.  Kimberly saw a spread on ‘preppy style’ in June’s In Style magazine…

Courtesy InStyle via FabFindsUnder59.com

And put a more fiscally-friendly spin on things:

Courtesy FabFindsUnder50.com

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Speaking of things kinder to one’s pocketbook, today we combine a few Sales and Savings opportunities with our Pretty in Pink feature.

We begin with the LL Bean Sale, officially underway today.  On the left, the Girls’ Jewell Island Polo, $11.99 (originally $16.50) and on the right, the Grand Lake Moccasin for Women, ($54.99 from $89).

Bean also offers the Fabric Belt for Women at $13.99 (from $19.95) and the Cotton Lobster Print Sweater at $42.99, it was originally $59.

Saks Designer Sale runs through June 5; the Burberry Canvas Flat is discounted to $136 from $195, and for those who don’t mind a logo as the focal point of one’s shoe the toe decor, the Tory Burch Espadrille is now $80 from $115.

In more pink footwear, the Tod’s Laccetto is now $297 (from $425) and the Tod’s Leather Driver shares those same price points.

Irresistible to us, the Kids’ Madras Sandal from Polo Ralph Lauren, originally $30, now $20.  Wrapping up our Pretty in Pink sale goodies at Saks, the Florence Eiseman Striped Dress for Infants, now $75 from $107.

Neiman’s Designer Sale has started as well, the discounts appear deeper than those at Saks. Below we show the Elaine Turner Balinese Bucket Shoulder Bag (originally $250, now $112) and the Frye Distressed Sneaker, (marked down from $118 to $79).  We adore Frye boots (and have worn one spectacular pair to death); boots seem to be the company’s strong suit.  IOHO.

For two Pretty in Pink and Green treasures, the Kate Mack Daisy Diva Tunic and Capris (L), and also from Kate Mack, the Rose Bubble Swimsuit and cover up.

Not to be left out, Barneys Designer Sale is also underway; it includes such cuties as Cordo Roy, another of today’s Pretty in Pink finds, originally $28 and now just $14.

With that soft and sweet face, we say “Happy Weekend!” to all of our cherished readers – enjoy!

Preppy Sales & Savings for the Weekend

Hello-Hello, and gobble-gobble!

Here is an updated list of markdowns, discounts and promotional offerings for  your consideration. Don’t forget that many retailers are also planning special pricing/online doorbusters/etc. for Cyber Monday.

Talbot’s is offering 20% off purchases and $5 shipping through midnight the 29th. Use promo code 020556520 online to receive the discount.

LL Bean: 20% off all sweaters + a $10 gift card with any $25 purchase; the sweater discount end ends at midnight Monday but the gift card offer runs through 12/24.

Lacoste is offering 30% off all merchandise ending Monday night (the 30th); use promo code THANKS09 at checkout to receive the discount.

Polo Ralph Lauren: Is offering 25% off online and in stores through 12/7/09; use promo code HOL2009.

Rugby is doing the same as its parent company (Polo Ralph Lauren), 25% off online and in stores through 12/7/09; use promo code HOL2009.

Tory Burch is doing a gift with purchase, the limited edition Cheetah Print Tote seen below, with purchases of $100 and more while supplies last. Shoppers spending more than $300 will receive 30% off their purchase through December 22nd.  If purchasing online use promo code TURKEY30.

Courtesy Tory Burch

Bobby Jones is taking 30% off Fall merchandise and also has a good sale section online with discounts up to 70% off original retail prices.

Banana Republic has a variety of offers, including an excellent in-store bargain: cashmere sweaters are ‘Buy One Get One Free’, although that may end tonight (Friday). Online only BR offers 30% off all “sweaters, outerwear and more” through the 29th.

Banana Republic Outlets: 50% Off the entire store.

Banana Republic Outlet Stores

We don’t know if a coupon is required to enjoy the 50% discount, but just in case, click here to print one out for this BR Outlet stores deal.

Kate Spade is offering Facebook fans 20% off any one regular-priced item through the 29th. Print out the coupon below, or head to the Kate Spade Facebook page and print it out; online shoppers seeking the same discount can use promo code WALLPOST at checkout.

Brooks Brothers: Friday & Saturday 7am – Noon receive an additional 15% off your entire purchase; receive an additional 5% when using your MasterCard or your Brooks Brothers Platinum MasterCard. This offer also applies online through Saturday night the 28th.

Brooks Brothers Factory Stores: 40 percent off all items until Sunday, and an extra 10 percent off of on Saturday until noon.

Ann Taylor: Take 40% off a single regular-priced item online, use promo code SAVE40 through

Ann Taylor Loft: Take an additional 50% off your entire purchase, with some exclusions through Saturday night.

Coach Factory Outlets: Take an additional 20% off prices at Coach Factory stores; the coupon must be printed and brought into the store for the discount to be applied.

Tommy Hilfiger Outlet Stores: 40% off the entire store all day on Black Friday and additional discounts for specific days; to download coupons providing these markdowns, click here.

The Gap: Already underway and online-only, 50% off all regularly-priced  Men’s & Women’s Sweaters, Kids & Baby Cozy Fleece styles.

Saks 5th Avenue: Up to 60% off original prices on selections for her & him, various additional offers too lengthy to list; also free shipping for any online order, use promo code HOLIDAY9, offer valid through midnight Monday night (the 30th)

Neiman Marcus: The Women’s Apparel Sale is already underway with up to 40% off original prices; there is also free shipping on any online orders until midnight 11/30/09, use promo code NMNOV at checkout.

Neiman Marcus Last Call: Shoppers using their Neiman’s card will receive an additional 25% off, ends 12/1; select stores are open midnight-8am as well, click here for details.

Barneys: their sale is already underway online with up to 40% off on select merchandise.

Bergdorf Goodman: free shipping with any online order, use promo code SHOPBG at checkout.

At Bloomies:

Nordstrom continues its Sale, and offers complimentary shipping on orders of $100 and more; use promo code HOLIDAY09

Henri Bendel continues its Thanksgiving sale with savings of 20% to 50%, ending 11/28.

We apologize for any stores and/or sites that may have been missed. Happy Hunting!  We will see you back here on Monday, and hopefully over at our big event: the Preppy Princess Pink & Green Monday sale, 24 hours of 20% off everything.

Saks’ Sale on Christmas, Fierce Footwear & A New Anti-Prep

Hello-Hello and Happy Thursday!

Today we begin with a topic of a serious nature (ahem) impacting almost everyone (not exactly) in the free world: Hello Kitty.

Please allow us to be among the first to proclaim our fondness for said Kitty. While not found on anyone’s list of Top Preppish Accessories, we still find her to be cute and cuddly, perhaps even a little cheeky. Our appreciation of Ms. Kitty comes as no surprise to readers who have suffered through occasional posts containing KRC (Kitty Related Content).  Perhaps the best that can be said about this practice is that we have been consistently inconsistent, writing about the Hello Kitty MAC collection here, sharing products from the upcoming 35th Anniversary Collection here….

…or talking about miscellaneous Kitty merchandise here.

We have even included some Kitty products in our Pretty in Pink category.

We haven’t always understood everything Kitty, like the Large Diamond Pendant necklace at Needless Neiman Marcus… or the Coffee Maker… or the Toaster.

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However, we have always been able to comprehend their creation and merchandising.

Until now.

PHOTO: Markus Klinko - Indrani

This creature is known as Lady Gaga, and the next image may fall under the NSFW umbrella (Not Safe For Work viewing), something we diligently try to avoid here at Princess HQ.

PHOTO: Markus Klinko - Indrani

The Daily Mail initially got their little journalistic paws on the photos, and their story explains their ultimate purpose:

“The images – by celebrated photographers Markus Klinko and Indrani  – will be featured on the cover of  the special, limited-edition reissue of GaGa’s hit album, The Fame.

The 23-year-old New Yorker… is reportedly giving away a lock of her hair with every sale of the box-set.

According to her website, it will also include a pair of 3D glasses to view ‘forthcoming Gaga visuals’ and the definitive ‘book of Gaga’.”

Not only is this a Help Us Understand, it is most assuredly an addition to the Anti-Prep Wall of Shame, don’t you think?  If anyone is capable of passing along some information or perspective on Miss Gaga, we would be most appreciative for your gentle guidance and educational assistance.

NOTE: We have been advised by our house guest that she enjoys Miss Gaga’s musical offerings.

Evidently the performer will be guest starring on Gossip Girl next week.

PHOTO: Giovanni Rufino/the CW

In the photo above she is seen with G2 stars Leighton Meester and Penn Badgley.

There you have it.

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Those in search of fierce footwear will be pleased to learn that some of Christian Siriano’s line is already online at Payless Shoes.

The new handbags in his Holiday collection are not yet online, but the six shoe styles are available. Below, the Micola Zipper flay on the left; the Slither Boot is on the right.

Styles unlikely to be seen here at the Prepatorium, but certainly appealing for those more hip than TP (a group including most of America’s female population).

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We have several quick Sales and Savings opportunities to pass along, beginning with the Vera Bradley sale at ‘members-only’ shopping site Rue LaLa.

If in need of an invite, just email us: thepreppyplanet@gmail.com.

Don’t forget the Polo Ralph Lauren Private Sale begins today as well; use promo code NOV0509 to receive an additional 15% discount on reduced merchandise.

The Nordstrom semi-annual sale for women and children has commenced.

Also underway, Saks’ Online Only sale.

There is a significant amount of this year’s holiday merchandise in the sale, including Christopher Radko’s 2009 Saks ornament (originally $55, now $38.50), and the I’ll Take Manhattan ornament (originally $45, now $31.50).

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Also available, an ornament Silly Tilly would love.

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!

Next Target Designer Does Gossip Girl, TP is Upgraded!

Hello-Hello!

We begin with earth-shattering news: The Princess has been upgraded! We are now a Queen, compliments of the witty and wonderful All Things Southern & Preppy, who graced us with the Queen of ALLL Things Awe-Summm Award!!

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As the newly crowned Queen, I am obligated to do the following:

1.  List 7 things that make me Awe-Summm!!!

2.  Pass this onto 7 bloggers.

3.  Let those bloggers know that they have been tagged.

4.  Link to Her Majesty who tagged me.

5.  Copy the picture onto my sidebar to let the world know I am the Queen! (Ummm..this is one we have to cheat on as we are coping with a change to the blog’s format.)

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Seven things that make me Awe-Summm!!! (This is really mortifying, FYI.)

1.  TSU/TPC (The Spousal Unit, aka The Princess Consort)

2. TQM (The Queen Mother)

3. Belief System

4. Kindness

5. Beliefs

6. Compassion

7. Being a perfectionist/control freak (in a good way, of course)

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We are also directed to tag 7 people:

1. Privilege
2. Preppy Pink Crocodile
3. Mrs. News Readin’ Wife
4. The West Family Players
5. The Preppy Player
6. Making Stuff and Doing Things
7. A Crafty Mom

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As Target winds up its current design collaboration with Alexander McQueen (there is still plenty on sale), we have word their next partnership will be with Anna Sui.

Industry trade publication WWD broke the story yesterday; in an intriguing twist, Ms. Sui is using the four main characters from TV’s Gossip Girl to guide her designs.

“I liked the idea of creating a collection reflective of each characters’ style, sensibility and unique approach to fashion.”

A stock analyst who follows the retailing industry likes the Gossip Girl connection:

‘“Gossip Girl’ is very mainstream,” said Dreher. “Not only will it attract Anna Sui clientele, but ‘Gossip Girl’ fans. It’s going to appeal to a wide range of 15- to 34-year-olds. I love the co-branding of it and I love it that it’s names we’ve heard of. It covers a lot of bases.”

TP agrees with the financial analyst: this one will be big.  The Collection hits stores September 13.

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Speaking of G2, a FabSugar story tipped us to the new Fred Flare tees showcasing those four main characters:

Courtesy Fred Flare via FabSugar.com

The fun and fabulous Nautical by Nature may be interested to know that the Team Chuck version is already sold out in at least one size, while Team Serena is down to only 2 left in one size!!

We’re expecting these will go rapidly.

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A few tidbits from the online shopping annals:

• TDF online shoe and handbag site Piperlime will add apparel to the merchandise mix this fall. It will be interesting to see if Lilly Pulitzer is among the clothing brands they carry; the site currently offers Lilly shoes.
• Sak’s has started their “Private Sale” with a substantial amount of merchandise offered across a good range of designers, price points and sizes. Frankly, we are expecting more reductions in prices down the road; the company’s April sales were down by 31%

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TP is looking into Fashion Week Daily’s news brief indicating that Lilly Pulitzer may be doing a jewelry collaboration with Justin Tranter, creator of the Fetty of Brooklyn jewelry line. FWD’s headline read “Which glam rocker loves Lilly Pulitzer?” Here is the one-sentence story:

“Justin Tranter Meeting with the fab people at Lilly Pulitzer about a Fetty/Lilly collab! NO JOKE!”

Mr. Tranter is no stranger to designer collaborations; last year he created a pair of tennis shoes for a very limited edition (24 pairs) partnership with DKNY.

PHOTO: Coolhunting.com

Barney’s carries a fair amount of his Fetty Signature Collection, including the “Shot Through the Heart” necklace (lower left)in 14k gold, and the Dog Tag necklace, also 14K.

Mr. Tranter is also in the band Semi-Precious Weapons.  We’re having a tough time reconciling this…

Courtesy Semi Precious Weapons

With this….

But then, we are not always looked at as a beacon for wild and wacky thought, are we? However, talented bloggy friends like the Fashion Herald and Wendy continue in their tireless efforts to update our look, working to the best of their ability to help us brave new frontiers.

Thank you again Miss Preppy 101! It is also time to thank each and every one of you, our remarkably bright, kind, and considerate readers; you so generously share your comments, your time, your wisdom, and most importantly, you share so much of yourselves, we can never thank you enough.

We send you all miles of smiles and hopes your Friday is fab.

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!

The Good, the Bad, and The Preppy.

Happy Friday everyone, direct from Princess HQ in “the country’s frozen midsection.”  (Is it just us, or does this sound like an area of the body desperately in need of cosmetic surgery?)

Having ripped off completely borrowed liberally for the title of our post, let us do The Good first, shall we?

The Good would definitely cover the delightful person responsible for surprising us with this:

Thank you Miss Breaking News!

Now, there are some rules associated with this honor:

• Put the logo on your blog or post.
• Nominate at least 10 blogs which you think are fabulous.
• Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
• Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
• Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

Here are ten more blogs that we just adore (not to mention Breaking News!) and read almost every day:

Down the Line Tennis

Fashion Herald

Imelda Matt (his logo is so fun)

Imelda Matt

Lilly P. Wannabe

Misadventures of a Newlywed

Muffy Martini

The Pink Tutu

Puttin’ on the G.R.I.T.S.

The Roaming Southerner

Steak and Cakes

Now we do the Five Addictions:

#1. Silly Tilly & Scooter-the-Wonder-Cat

#2. Literature. Of any kind.PHOTO: Somos Images/Corbis

#3. The fabulosity that is Mad Men.

Mad Men, amc-tv

Mad Men courtesy AMC-TV

#4. At least we’re not alone with this next one:

GaylesChocolates.com

#5. Our issues with #4 require vigilance; one of these is clipped on as soon as we are dressed.

Pedometer

As far as The Bad is concerned, regular readers won’t be surprised to see news of 1,100 layoffs at our favorite retailer, that isn’t making us feel any better about the future at Saks.  As the Financial Times put it:

“Saks’ cost-cutting follows news on Wednesday from its rival Neiman Marcus that it was shedding 375 jobs, or about 3 per cent of its staff, after seeing December comparable sales fall by almost a third.

Tiffany, the jewellers, reported a 35 per cent fall in comparable sales at its US stores in November and December, and has said it is considering further cost-cutting measures, having already offered early retirement packages to some 800 employees.”

Or as the Jewelry Designer Extraordinaire Wendy Brandes put it:

“Saks is still having its crazy sale. If you buy something, they might also throw in some store fixtures and a few sales associates.”

Ouch.

And double-ouch for anyone employed at Circuit City, or holding a giftcard from the latest in the liquidation line.

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Are we the last one on the planet to learn that The Preppy Potato closed?  Just above the “Spring Coming Soon” graphic on their home page is the following message:

“We have decided to close shop. Thank you for your years of business. We have enjoyed working closely with all of you.”

For those unfamiliar with the company, the Potato offered belts with classic icons; they could also be monogrammed.  (Two shown below.)

What a shame.

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Frankly, we should have put that little item above in with The Bad. Oh well.  Thank you again Miss Breaking News, we are ever-so-grateful for your generosity!

With that we say “Adieu” until the next time. Do enjoy your weekend and stay warm!