Friday Fun: Ralph Lauren Spring 2012 & The New Gossip Girl Collection

Hello-Hello, is everyone ready for a touch of Friday Fun?

Hopefully you answered “yes,” as we dive right in with a look at the spring 2012 styles from Ralph Lauren.

John Aquino/WWD

It was a show filled with lush and lovely confections, drenched with a Daisy Buchanan sensibility that was updated for today.

Wire Image via Fashionologie

The palette of pastel hues was made more vibrant by the other color used throughout the show, white: bright, glittering, shimmering, silvery white was everywhere the pastels weren’t.

John Aquino/WWD

It could almost have been an iteration for Bridal Week, understandable as Mr. Lauren has spent no small amount of time designing wedding gowns for his daughter Dylan and daughter-in-law Lauren Bush Lauren, both were married recently in Ralph Lauren gowns.

More on this from the Women’s Wear Daily review:

He also may have recalled his glorious all-white collection of 10 years ago, which he designed before, but showed after, 9/11, its gentility somehow so right for the moment. Either way or neither, the mostly white and silver gowns — Jean Harlow satins, floral metallics, crystal encrustations — dazzled.

Wire Image via Fashionologie

From Fashion Wire Daily:

“Defiantly pure in its slim silhouette and shiny new colors, and elegantly staged on a white marble catwalk, Lauren’s latest collection was the best expression of a key trend in this season of shows – an aching for ladylike grace.”

Again we see that word, “ladylike,” it did permeate the runway.

John Aquino/WWD

And ladylike works just fine for us.

Wire Image via Fashionologie

A closer look at some of the pieces.

Getty m

The pearls add just the right touch of twenties decadence.

Getty Images

And a few more details.

Reuters

To see the collection in its entirety click here for a visit to Fashionologie. Below, Mr. Lauren is congratulated by his wife Ricky, daughter Dylan and son Andrew.

Richard Drew/AP Photo

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Next, news about that much-rumored Gossip Girl clothing line, it seems such a thing really is happening. Women’s Wear Daily reports:

“The collection, priced from $80 to $200 retail, includes embellished tops, bottoms, novelty sweaters, outerwear and draped chiffon dresses with touches of leather, pleats and prints, inspired by characters including Serena van der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf.

A look from the upcoming line.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

According to WWD handbags and other accessories will be added to the collection at some point in the future.

Courtesy Photos via FabSugar

Those interested will be able to shop the line shortly at Neiman Marcus, Saks and Kitson. The timing is ideal, the show’s new season debuts on the 26th.

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We leave you with a sure sign the apocalypse is nigh:

The New York Times

That’s right, author Curtis Sittenfeld has joined Facebook. The author of “Prep” and other novels explains why she finally did it in this delightful essay from the Times.

Until next time, may your weekend by filled with fun!

Secret Sales at Luxury Retailers & Are Those Gossip Girls Underdressed?

Hello-Hello and welcome to a Wednesday!

We start today with a look at a new phenomenon in online shopping, courtesy of several upscale retailers: the limited-time sale. It generally starts with an email like this:

Courtesy Neiman Marcus

The image above is from a Neimans email we received Monday; it is for the ‘midday dash’ at Neiman Marcus, a two-hour online-only sale.  At the appointed time this is what a savvy shopper will see at the Needless Markup Neiman Marcus site; the merchandise changes with each sale.

As described in a July story in the Times:

“Customers learn about the sale mere hours before it begins. This week’s “dash” featured a $697 Burberry handbag, marked down from $1,395. A Carmen Marc Valvo chiffon gown was $575, down from $1,150. And Cole Haan flats were $82, down from $165.”

By no means is Neimans the only luxury retailer trying new ways to prompt consumers to open (re-open?) those pocketbooks.  The following screen grab shows what one sees today after the most recent Saks ‘Fashion Fix’ sale ended.

Courtesy Saks Fifth Avenue

The Fashion Fix email explained “Today, the rush begins. Get Yours. Online Only.” and promoted 50% savings on top brands at Saks like Herve Leger, Alice and Olivia, Chloè, and more.

However, not all ‘secret sales’ are online only, as the Times story details:

“… the benefits of secret sales — whispered discounts and discreet price negotiations between customers and sales staff in the aisles of upscale chains. A time-worn strategy typically reserved for a store’s best customers, it has become more democratized as the recession drags on and retailers struggle to turn browsers into buyers.”

Nor do the higher-end stores want to tell everyone in the world about their discounted goods.

“The conventional wisdom is that the more consumers who know about a sale, the better for business. But that rule does not necessarily hold in luxury retailing.”

The Journal has also written about the relatively new practice; from their October story on Saks testing this method of selling:

“The realm of online “private sales” so far has been dominated by a small number of retail startups that specialize in the brief sales of discount designer apparel. Their Web sites, including Gilt.com, RueLaLa.com and HauteLook.com, have built a following with virally marketed, daily “members only” sales.”

Below, a recent Rue La La screen shows listings for that day’s ’boutiques’.

AOL’s Daily Finance has more on how the designers’ perceive these sales:

“The sites are popular with designers, who’d rather have their goods sold there than hung in clearance racks at department stores. Designers know their brands are their currency and they are very wary about cheapening them; it’s a constant point of friction between designers and department stores. That’s why you’ll never find Hermès sold off-price.”

Back to Stephanie Rosenbloom’s story in the Times, with more on the psychology behind selling this way:

“Such discreet sales preserve a brand’s veneer of exclusivity and help create a sense of urgency by limiting the time customers have to score a deal. Additionally, secret sales enable stores to discount their merchandise deeply without angering regular customers who may have bought at full price.”

In many respects this doesn’t seem all that different from what many retailers have been doing online for some time, providing early notice to its better customers of special discounts, sale and promotional events. One issue that may be a concern is overexposure; below, another email received here at the Prepatorium from Neimans, this one touting the Last Call sale currently underway.

Courtesy Neiman Marcus

Some customers may start to feel inundated with ‘special sale’ notifications and promotions.  It’s no secret that we find J. Crew a repeat offender in this category, with the volume of email creating a perception that everything is always ‘on sale’, and if not currently ‘on sale’, it will be ‘on sale’ again very soon.

On the other hand, here at the Princess we have been told we should email customers on our mailing lists more frequently. We only send our newsletters to those requesting them, generally every four to five weeks.  We take your email address and privacy very seriously, and while desirous of offering special savings and sharing new merchandise with you, we want those occasions to remain ‘special’. (If not a subscriber and interested in receiving either our Preppy Planet or Lilly Pulitzer newsletters, just click here for our  home page, and look at the lower right-hand side of the page to sign up.)

BTW, if anyone needs invites to the ‘members only’ sites like those listed above, just email us (thepreppyplanet@gmail dot com) and we’ll get one on its way to you.

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Also on the hit parade today, a follow-up to yesterday’s post showing a rather scantily clad Blake Lively attending the premiere of her new film. It is not unusual for Ms. Lively to be out and about in such apparel (or lack thereof), while Gossip Girl co-star Leighton Meester is generally deemed to be more conservatively clad.  Ummm… perhaps not so much any more.

PHOTO: Splash News

Ms. Meester is seen at last night’s American Eagle store opening party, where she performed several songs from her new album.

PHOTO: Steve Eichner/WWD

Whiles these images may look fairly provocative, the actress’s photos in the December issue of GQ are far racier. The one we show below is the only image not carrying the dreaded NSFW caution.

GQ

We really were amazed at the other pictures.

Speaking of G2, there is word today that Michelle Trachtenberg is doing a jewelry line with Coach.  From the story in today’s WWD:

“Trachtenberg will apply her tough-girl meets sugary-sweet vibe to her first jewelry collection in collaboration with Coach under the accessories giant’s youthful and spirited Poppy line.”

The new line will launch next Spring.

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We close with a special Pretty in Pink, French department store Printemps is all aglow for the holidays.

We loved shopping at this retailer when they entered the US market many years back (ultimately an unsuccessful endeavor), but we have not visited any located on the far side of the pond for years.

On that, may everyone enjoy an evening that is light, bright and filled with fun!

Tory Burch & The Snuggie at Fashion Week, 2 Designer eBay Collections

Hello-Hello everyone, hopefully the sun is shining as brightly at your palace as it is here, there is nary a cloud in the sky, it is simply gorgeous.

Because we feel required to bring readers as much fashion news as humanly possible (ahem), and because we do take this responsibility ever-so-seriously (double ahem), we begin today’s post with something you are unlikely to find elsewhere:

PHOTO: JasonDeCrow/AP

Oh yes indeedy, TP is sharing these not-quite-exclusive photos from the Snuggie show at Fashion Week.  We ask, where else will you see shots of not only an adult Snuggie, but a pink one for your pooch?

PHOTO: Jason DeCrow/AP

Look at this amazing photo from backstage – the anticipatory excitement is palpable. Can you feel it?

PHOTO: Jason DeCrow/AP

The show was held at the Park Avenue Hotel (oh my!), and forced fashion mavens to make an exceptionally difficult decision: how does one choose between this amazing event and the Mulberry or Brian Reyes shows?

PHOTO: Jason DeCrow/AP Photo

For those seeking more on the collection this review from WNBC offers some insight:

“As for the styles, the runway looks ranged from simple-and-classic — basic blue and even bone-colored pieces — to animal-print sexy.”

PHOTO: Jason DeCrow/AP

Don’t let it be said we don’t share the joy here at the Prepatorium, nay-nay, meeting your every fashion and style need is our goal. Indeed.

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Readers know we also try and meet those goals by sharing photos of the fashionistas from that faux-prep school show Gossip Girl. Below, Blake Lively was on hand for the Marchesa show.

PHOTO: Steve Eichner/WWD

As always, the gowns at Marchesa were exquisite:

PHOTO: Kyle Ericksen/WWD

Party frocks extraordinaire from a firm that knows design, draping and drama, and executes all of them perfectly.

How about this for a stroll down the aisle?

PHOTO: Kyle Ericksen

And while much too chic for us, we’ll say this is a Pretty in Pink for today, it is one stunning gown.

PHOTO: Kyle Ericksen/WWD

Also yesterday, Leighton Meester heads into the 3.1 Phillip Lim show.

PHOTO: Eric Thayer/Reuters

Ms. Meester also attended the Proenza Schouler show; we share a group of looks from that collection as put together at Time.

PHOTOS: Slaven Vlasic/Getty via Time.com

Next, Time’s collage of Narciso Rodriguez pieces for next spring.

PHOTOS: Frazer Harrison/Garrison via Time

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Perhaps of more interest to our readers – the Tory Burch presentation yesterday.

As described by the Times:

“Tory Burch received a lot of retail love on Wednesday as the chiefs of Saks, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus, along with their buying teams, gathered…”

We found some styles appealing, and others just so-so.

The Journal also had rave reviews for the collection:

“The jammed tent was further proof of Ms. Burch’s buzz as well as her business savvy. She worked the crowd from her spot at the end of the runway, warmly greeting those in attendance. She did leave her station, however, to take Anna Wintour on a tour of her collection.”

PHOTO: George Chinsee/WWD

More from the Journal review:

“The outfits were her usual mix of infinitely wearable pieces, with her penchant for preppy and love of tribal both well represented. A floral jumpsuit, with bright tulips set against a navy background, as well as a coral suit, set the tone for spring.”

This blouse reminded us of a paper lantern:

PHOTO: George Chinsee/WWD

We are clearly not in the know, as we thought some styles were neither ‘preppy’ or ‘tribal’:

PHOTO: George Chinsee

But then, we only managed one year of fashion study in college before moving on and our knowledge of the topic is scant compared to that of those writing for the trades and the major newspapers covering the industry. (Pssst, we actually have an interest in trying on the leather skinny pants, however non-preppish they may be!)

We thought some looks oozed comfy, snuggly, casual fun.

PHOTO: George Chinsee/WWD

The neutral palette seemed subdued for spring and summer, but it also affords many pieces a longer and more versatile life.  Here is our favorite part of the Journal’s review:

“The only glimpse of her signature ‘T’ logo—the one that she plastered on her ballet flats and that made her a designer for the masses—was on a select number of purses.”

That is news of a logotastic sort.

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There is more big news out of Fashion Week: a second designer will launch a collection on eBay.  First we had news that Narciso Rodriguez plans an 8-piece capsule collection to be sold next spring.

And today news broke via Women’s Wear Daily that Norma Kamali will also sell a line on eBay, with pieces priced under $250.  This is in addition to the collection she already does for Walmart, NK for Walmart.

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Very quickly before we fly, two shameless pieces of self-promotion, beginning with news that our Whitney English notesheets made the October O List!

And the second item is merely a reminder to enter our Giveaway for a free personalized Preppy Platter or Plate!

PreppyPrincess.com

Ideal as a gift, for the holidays, or anytime, these are fun, durable, and dishwasher-safe.

PreppyPrincess.com

Click here to join the fun and enter before midnight tonight (9.17.09), we announce the winner tomorrow!

PreppyPrincess.com

Also tomorrow, the Polo Ralph Lauren show and more prepalicious fun from Fashion Week.

Sales and Savings of a Preptastic Kind

Hello-Hello, we have a weekend edition today because of all the Sales and Savings opportunities we feel compelled to share!

The Land of Nod almost never disappoints, and their Summer Sale offers quite a bit of merchandise, like the Everything’s Coming Up Roses bedding.

The offerings at Barneys continue apace with their Clearance Sale. (That still sounds so odd, saying ‘Barneys’ and Clearance Sale’ in the same breath, let alone the same sentence.)

If in need of cosmetics, all of the Vincent Longo appears to be discounted by at least 50%.

Kate Spade is taking an additional 25% off all sale items.

That means the hibiscus island baby stevie will be approximately $160; it was originally priced at $425.

Seen in the pink and poppy colorway, the bag evidently has 14-karat gold plated hardware. Honestly. We were about to say this might serve us very well for today’s Pretty in Pink.  Scratch that. (The sound you just heard? TP’s mind slamming shut.)

The sale at Kate Spade runs through the 14th.

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The Designer Sale at Saks ends this Sunday night, the 12th.

There is a substantial amount of merchandise now discounted at the upscale retailer. Frankly, some of it deserves to be on sale. For your perusal, Exhibit A:

Burberry at Saks

The Transparent Burberry Rain Slicker was originally $695. It is now being sold for $417. There seems to be a sufficient supply of these on hand from what we can ascertain. Indeed.

The Lilly Pulitzer Shandy Top initially selling at $198, the top is now $118.

As much as we love this particular Lilly print, the ruffles make the top a little frou-frou for us, but it will be darling on most readers, we just know that for a fact.

Also at Saks, the Ralph Lauren Infant Patchwork Jumper in a madras we simply adore.

The jumper (shown with a sweet little blouse) is now $22.45, the original price was $65.

BTW, a good part of the Sale merchandise at the Polo Ralph Lauren online shop is also reduced an additional 25%  making a visit there worth the investment of time should one be in need of apparel, accessories, or home goods.  For example, the Large Equestrian Canvas Tote is now$299.

The original selling price was $695.

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Garnet Hill‘s sale runs through August 4th, so there is still a little time to look around.

The online and catalog retailer has Hanky Panky unmentionables on sale, including the Lace Bralette.

This item is selling for $29, it is usually $45.

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Many other retailers not shown here are offering substantial discounts. Brooks Brothers, is doing their Annual Sale, there is quite a bit of Black Fleece merchandise marked down. J. Crew and Tommy Hilfiger, and J. McLaughlin continue their sales as well.

We leave you another brand we are generally fond of, Lacoste, and their Carnaby Sneaker for Toddler, Little Kid & Big Kid on sale at Nordstrom.

This cutie is discounted in all sizes.  And don’t forget the Nordie’s Anniversay Sale beginning next week.

Enjoy!

Major Papers Talk Preppy Style

Hello-Hello and happy day to everyone!

We’ll jump right in today with a few things we never seem to fit in our daily posts, despite the fact we start out planning to include them every. single. day.  We are so slow in sharing them many readers are likely to have already seen them, yikes! Here they are in completely random order:

1) The Times had an outstanding story from David Colman a few weeks back in their Dress Codes series, “The All-American Back from Japan,” examining contemporary preppy style.  A sample from the article:

“There is madras everything, button-downs everywhere. Nantucket reds — washed-out pink pants — are the new khakis; Sperry Top-Siders are more common on roof decks than top decks; and the Polo pony and the Lacoste crocodile are now but two of the critters in a zoo of polo shirt insignia.”

The story is accompanied by a companion slide show, “Dress Codes: The Preppy Look” with excellent photos from Dean Isidro. Below, the gentleman wears Benjamin Bixby, Lacoste, Trovata, Brooks Brothers Black Fleece, Marc by Marc Jacobs.

PHOTO: Dean Isidro/NY Times

The article looks at the history of ‘preppy fashion’ in the US (or more appropriately, that particular moniker for the style) as well as what Mr. Colman refers to as “…the Japanese penchant for Americana…”.

Some of the brands cited in the story and slide show are definitely not “your Father’s preppy style,” although again, TP’s family never referred to it this way. If asked and forced to describe the look TQM probably would have merely said it was conservative or classic, perhaps being so bold as to inquire  “why do you ask?” as it wasn’t something one consciously thought of or needed to discuss. The only possible exception might be if one the children dared desire something out-of-the-norm, in the “no, no, that’s not something we wear” category. How did your family refer to their clothing style? Or did they?

We highly recommend the story and slide show, they are great fun and offer a slew of new brands, some of which you have seen showcased in this space, such as Band of Outsiders, and others we probably won’t be sporting.

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2) Also on the radar for quite some time, this story from the Times of London’s online site:

Preppy power

From twinsets and pearls to cashmere hoodies — new fashion tribes are taking their lead from the Sloanes

The story is another fun read, offering a slightly different perspective as it originates from the far side of the pond.

“Yet rapidly growing numbers of people are embracing the preppy look — whether it’s stripy boat-neck T-shirts, argyle sweaters, brogues or cotton pea coats. Look closely and you’ll see preppy is having a makeover right under our noses.”

The story breaks the preppy looks into five different styles, including Euro Preppy, Fashion Preppy and Power Preppy.  Prince Harry’s former flame, Chelsea Davy, is pictured as an example of Public School Preppy:

PHOTO: Antony Jones/UK Press/PA Photos

A reminder that in the UK ‘public schools’ are actually what we call private schools here in the States, for example, Miss Porter’s or Choate would be called ‘public schools’ in England.

The article also has scads more details with the writer’s ideas on what brands specific prep types would wear, their ‘best looks’ as well as “A Look Too Far,” our favorite sub-category.  Prince William’s girlfriend Kate Middleton is classified as a Euro Preppy, although the story notes:

“To be fair, Kate is more neo-Sloane ranger, but, for obvious reasons, the Euro preppy holds her in high esteem.”

As to the paper’s suggestions of a Power Preppy, they include First Lady Michelle Obama in this group. Rather than bore you with more recitation of the article’s content we suggest one toddle on over and personally read the story, we highly recommend it. A visit to the fabulous Europa Fox is also likely to provide far better insight than anything we offer.

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True Chanel addicts with pin money (okay, investment quality pins) to spare will be pleased to learn of the 1980’s and early 90’s Chanel jewelry and accessories now being offered at high-end vintage retailer Resurrection.  Some pieces serve to remind us that the development of LogoPhobia is not merely in reaction to recent creations:

Courtesy Photo via WWD

If interested, the catalog of goodies can be downloaded by clicking here.

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TP is ever-so-excited to learn one of our favorite spots for retail therapy is undergoing a bit of a lift, so to speak.  Fashion Island in Newport Beach (CA) is going to have some work done, adding wonderful stores like Nordstrom to the roster of existing shops, including Neiman’s, Saks, and Bloomies.  Below, an artist’s sketch of the ‘new and improved’ Fashion Island.

Courtesy Photo via LA Times

The LA Times has the full story.

We leave you with some of the soon-to-be-out, or already available magazines one will spot at the local newsstand:

Courtesy Time Inc.

There are reports of at least two west coast memorial services, one on July 3rd, the other July 10th.

Courtesy People

There is also a report that the Jackson family has been denied permission to bury him at Neverland Ranch.

Courtesy Post-Newsweek