Party Frocks, Mad Men, & the Perils of 8 Inch Heels

Hello-Hello and Happy Monday!

Some may be starting the week with less rest than normal, we know loads of friends stayed up last evening to watch the goings-on at the Kodak Theatre.  As always, hits and misses littered the scene once all was said and done.

We loved the Marchesa gown Best Actress Sandra Bullock wore.

The fabric was exquisite, and Ms. Bullock wore the gown, it did not wear her.  We adored her comments on choosing The Dress:

“There are so many gorgeous dresses out there I couldn’t possibly predict the trends,” she said. “My stepdaughter picked out my dress yesterday.”

Cameron Diaz was stunning in Oscar de la Renta, we called it the Fairy Tale Princess dress.

Gabourey Sidibe was radiant in blue Marchesa.

We laughed (and agreed) with the Twitter comment asking how many Muppets had to die to create Zoe Saldana’s Givenchy Couture gown.

The top portion of the dress was simply breathtaking. If only the lower half carried out through the theme.

WWD’s post-mortem had an insightful thought on the styles seen last night:

“Some, though, seemed a bit overwhelmed by their looks. Miley Cyrus in Jenny Packham looked less sexy than Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka.”

Of course, comportment always has a significant influence on any appearance. Below we see the darling bow on the Jenny Packham dress and Ms. Mirren’s oft-discussed tattoo.

We struggled with Sarah Jessica Parker’s look, it seemed to channel the sixties but appeared a beat off, whether it was the hair or eye makeup, we’re not sure.  More from Women’s Wear Daily on her gown:

“…donned a Chanel Haute Couture gown “that Mr. Lagerfeld so nicely made for me when I asked him,” was so in love with her dress “that I don’t want to give it back. I also don’t want to sit down, because the back is so beautiful.”

Fitting in one’s seat must have been challenging for some:

Donato Sardella/WWD

Tighter shots better show the diaphanous fabric used for Amanda Seyfried’s Armani Privé creation, as well as the Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.

While some awarded Mariah Carey points for ‘most improved,’ the Valentino didn’t work for us. The diamonds were provided by Chopard.

One report speculated the entertainer may be “in a delicate condition” (our term) and also commented on the struggles this particular ensemble presented:

“Wearing extremely high eight inch heels… and a dress that prevented her from actually walking on her own, Carey was held up by her security guards.”

“I don’t think I can do this,” she whispered.”

Most were not fond of Charlize Theron’s Dior Couture dress,and one report referred to Virginia Madsen’s gown from Kevan Hall as being “Frumpytown”.

Some celebrities took advantage of an opportunity to wear more than one party frock; below we see Faith Hill with husband Tim McGraw at the Oscars in one dress and in another gown at the Vanity Fair party.

Not everyone received the “less is more” memo this year; Hilary Swank’s dress for the after parties was by Valentino.

Also seen at the Vanity Fair party, Mad Men’s Jon Hamm and girlfriend Jennifer Westveldt.

Craig Barritt/Getty

Co-star Christina Hendricks attended along with Jennifer Hudson.

Others at the annual fundraiser for the AIDS Foundation included the Jonas Brothers….

Gus Ruelas/Reuters

Heidi Klum and Rachel Zoe…

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Olympians Apolo Anton Ohno and Johnny Weir….

Refinery 29 has compiled some wonderful montages, including their “Most Divisive” list:

Refinery 29

There are scads of places to look at more fashion coverage, including the Refinery 29 post mentioned above, InStyle, FabSugar and WaPo’s story.

We were puzzled by an unusually cranky-looking George Clooney.

Perhaps he forgot the reminder posted for celebrities as they face the cameras.

Until next time!

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• John Shearer/Getty
• Jason Merritt/Getty
• Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
• Frederick M. Brown/Getty
• Amy Sancetta/AP

A Gossip Girl on the Worst Dressed Lists, SATC 2, Pink & Green Whales You’ll Love

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a Thursday!

There is so much happening on the Preppy Planet, it is hard to know where to begin. We’ll start today with the tale of a star from faux-prep school show Gossip Girl being excoriated by many of the fashion press and bloggerati.

It seems Leighton Meester’s wardrobe selections this past year do not meet with their approval.

Photo: REX Features

Some readers may recognize this as the wretched outfit we shared in a November post, and to be fair, we were not complimentary about the style.  But now Miss Meester has been declared the Worst Dressed of 2009 by our friends across the pond at Marie Claire UK. From the magazine’s website:

“Now this makes us sad. One of our favourite girl crushes, Leighton Meester usually gets it so right in the style stakes, but so didn’t when she threw together this fashion car crash of an ensemble. In her efforts to launch a solo pop career, it looks as though the Gossip Girl decided a complete image overhaul was necessary – perhaps to distance herself from the preppy on-screen style of her GG alter-ego.”

Ouch.

Yesterday Fashionista posted “An Open Letter to Leighton Meester“:

“Dear Leighton,

So maybe we’re used to you oozing Upper East Side debutante in Blair’s Ralph Lauren pea coats and Nanette Lepore frocks, and we are open to change, but we’ve really started to worry about your recent choice of outfits.”

The letter was accompanied by this collage of offending outfits:

Courtesy Fashionista.com

In November the Fashion Police dedicated this post to their concerns over the young star’s sartorial selections.  And that was before this outfit from the KIIS-FM Jingle Ball in Los Angeles earlier this month.

Or this one from Saturday’s Z100 Jingle Ball in the city.

Photo Agency

Us magazine places Miss Meester second on their list of 2009’s Worst Dressed Stars.  The outfit they use to make their point is below, worn by the young actress and singer to the Met Costume Gala in May.

Photo: Getty Images

While we may not be fond (ahem) of Ms. Meester’s wardrobe choices, we do applaud the young lady’s spunky approach and her refusal to be chastened by fashion writers and critics.

Ms. Meester is not the only G2 star on the Us Magazine hit parade; Taylor Momsen is also included.

George Napolitano/Getty Images For Giuseppe Zanotti

Indeed.

Speaking of Gossip Girl, WWD (Women’s Wear Daily, subscription req’d.) reports that the next real-life fashionista appearing on the show is Teen Vogue editor Amy Astley. From WWD‘s story:

“…. spent Tuesday with Blake Lively and company on location at the IAC building filming a scene for the CW soap that is tentatively slated to air in March.”

Ms. Astley can be seen on the far right in the photo below, taken in September at the Clinique Fresh Faces Tour kickoff, a promotional event put together by Teen Vogue, and featuring Taylor Momsen.

Mark Von Holden/Getty Images

That concludes today’s Gossip Girl fashion-related report. (Heh-heh-heh.)

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Also fashion-related, the Sex and the City 2 poster has been released, providing a peek into the design aesthetic for the upcoming movie.

“SATC 2: Carrie On” is slated for release May 28, 2010.  Sarah Jessica Parker wears a dress from the spring 2010 Halston Heritage collection, Christian Louboutin Pigalle Gold Sequinned Pumps, and she carries a Chanel clutch.  Here is a closer look at the pumps with black sequins.

Also debuting next spring, Candace Bushnell’s The Carrie Diaries, introducing readers to Carrie in her teen years.

The book is scheduled for release April 27.

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We close with our very favorite new item here at the Prepatorium, it just arrived Tuesday and we couldn’t wait to share!

PreppyPrincess.com

The Pink Whales Bag has a drawstring closure in bright pink, making it casual and easy to carry. It is very durable. and perfect for your little one to use as a laundry bag, to tote their toys or goodies to a sleepover, and more.

The closer look also shows the bag’s two other patterns, Pink Funkier Monkey and Blue Funkier Monkey.

With that cheery image we say g’bye until next time, may everyone enjoy a relatively calm Thursday!

FNO Follow-up & Fashion Week: the Lacoste Look

Hello-Hello, and welcome to the work week…!

We want to follow up on our post about FNO, Fashion’s Night Out, as there was excitement in the stores and in the street with this enormous event. With the season premiere of Gossip Girl just hours away it seems only proper to start with Blake Lively, at Polo Ralph Lauren.

PHOTO: Lexie Moreland/WWD

Here is another shot, with Camilla Belle, Nacho Figueras (the polo playing model), Ms. Lively and David Lauren.

PHOTO: Lexie Moreland/WWD

Next, the Tory Burch block party:

PHOTO: Tyler Boye/WWD

Justin Timberlake was on hand at Saks.

PHOTO: Lauren Fleishman/WWD

St. John took on a special look for what they dubbed “Studio 53,” we like the little touch of humor. BTW, St. John’s tweeds for fall are TDF, we highly recommend treating yourself to a look!

PHOTO: WWD

Over at Brook Brothers, designer Thom Browne helped unveil a new product for the retailer.

PHOTO: Lexie Moreland/WWD

Mr. Browne helped launch the company’s new fragrance, Black Fleece, named for Brooks’ Black Fleece line of clothing.

Musician Tim Brantley offered up entertainment at Tommy Hilfiger.

PHOTO: Lexie Moreland/WWD

Now here’s a quartet: Sarah Jessica Parker, Barbara Walters and Bette Midler joined Oscar de la Renta in a little singing at his shop.

PHOTO: Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

Reviews are mixed on actual sales (as opposed to shoppers) generated by the promotion, but as a stand-alone event, Fashion’s Night Out was clearly an enormous success.

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Moving on to Fashion Week, there is loads to share, today we look at the Lacoste Spring 2010 RTW collection.

PHOTO: John Aquino/WWD

We simply adore the look seen above, fun, flirty, and filled of understated elegance.

PHOTO: John Aquino/WWD

For some reason we prefer Spring RTW (Ready to Wear) shows over the Fall and Winter collections, probably because we find the sunny, warmer seasons vastly superior to their cold and gloomy counterparts.

PHOTO: John Aquino/WWD

The review in WWD offers more on the Collection:

“a relaxed French sensibility — “simple, sporty and chic” according to show notes…”

Men’s styles echoed the colors and lines seen with the womenswear.

PHOTO: John Aquino/WWD

More from the WWD review:

“Shapes were slouchy and swishy, as in terrific roomy knits, poplin micropleated skirts, poncholike toppers and ultrachic wide-leg linen pants.”

PHOTO: John Aquino/WWD

One unfortunate men’s top was reminiscent of something generally seen on the football field.

PHOTO: John Aquino/WWD

And one women’s look seemed more appropriate to the hospital OR (think surgical scrubs), but this was more a function of pairing both pieces in the same color combination, than a flaw with the basic styles or colors.

PHOTO: John Aquino/WWD

Overall we thought almost every look offered lots of possibilities.

PHOTO: John Aquino/WWD

It is best summed up by these lines from the WWD review:

“The obligatory crisp whites (often with navy piping) were mixed with chambrays and whiffs of the sea via blue and green shades, which, coupled with the chic stripes and a charming dot print, lent a refreshing feel to the clothes — some of the label’s best to date.”

Much of the credit for this goes to Lacoste’s creative director Christophe Lemaire.

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One quick reminder, don’t forget to enter the Great Preppy Personalized Plate Giveaway to win one of these.

Preppy Princess

Just head over here to learn how to enter. The lucky winner will choose their favorite plate or platter, personalized as they wish, and it is free.

With that we say g’bye until next time, when we take a look inside the new Tommy Hilfiger mother ship, among other things.

say a quick g’bye, tomorrow

Budget Prep, SATC Wedding Gown Update, More Preppy Sales

Hello-Hello and Happy (oh-so-happy) Friday! We hope your weekends are going to be filled with fun and frolic, relaxation and perhaps even a break from the chaos of daily life.

We start today with the Sun-Times and a nifty little story they ran this week, Preppy on a Budget. The column is accompanied by a fun slide show called Preppy Shopper. The story by Jessica Sedgwick showcases several shops unique to Chicago as well as national retailers. From their slide show, the Spiegel signature stretch seersucker jacket.

“Those who enjoy rocking their inner Blair Waldorf (“Gossip Girl” queen bee of prep) might think the only way they can get that look is by spending big bucks. Not anymore.”

Collage Courtesy SunTimes.com

“Retailers such as Kohl’s, Old Navy and even indie-minded Urban Outfitters are unleashing affordable preppy pieces — many adorned with sailor-inspired buttons and crisp seersucker stripes…”

Also showcased in the story, the Unisa TammyLee Ballet Flat at DSW.

And these Chaps Madras Shorts for boys are only $18 at Kohl’s, originally selling at $30.

Chaps Kohls.com

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Other ‘preppy style’ retailers are discussed at length in an excellent story in yesterday’s Times;  it surveys the competitive terrain at midlevel stores like Ann Taylor and Talbots.

The always-insightful Eric Wilson (a big favorite of TP’s) wrote the story:

“… mainstream retailers like Ann Taylor and Talbots have been hiring new designers and sprucing up their looks to appeal to modern women who are now shopping for style within their means.”

As these stores become “recession destinations,” shoppers are discovering that they aren’t as fuddy as they used to be.”

Here is an Ann Taylor Jacket with contrasting trim.

AnnTaylor.com

The jacket is now on sale at $69.99, but with the additional 25% discount the retailer is offering, the price is about $52.

Mr. Wilson’s story focuses primarily on Talbots, Ann Taylor and the new Liz Claiborne line from Isaac Mizrahi. The writer’s perception of the inside of a Talbots store makes for a fun read:

“Walking into the Talbots store on Madison Avenue, with its festive red painted door, homey décor and piles of melon-colored cardigans, bamboo prints and safari suits, the change is only beginning to become apparent. You might think that Michael Kors and Tory Burch had wed in a year-round Christmas superstore.”

And when considering the Talbots Sale is now offering an Additional 25% off reduced prices, you know there are likely to be possible purchases under the red awning. Even ‘wear now’ basics show significant price reductions, and that is before the additional 25% discount.

Talbots.com

A good example of the price cuts is Talbots Pima Cotton Crew Tee, on sale at $8.99, in 21 different colors.

The Times story is a fascinating read, well worth a little investment of time, but we want to know your thoughts…? What is making you buy… or not? Has Talbots updated its inventory, do you like what they are offering? How about Ann Taylor? TP is just dying to know your thoughts on this topic.

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Hayden-Harnett fans may want to scoot into their Online Sample Sale running through April 5, with bargains like the Margot Eyeglass Case at $10, reduced from$30.

Hayden-Harnett

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Then we have one more preppish retailer offering price reductions, Brooks Brothers. The company is doing their Preferred Customer Event, taking 25% off prices if one uses their Brooks card or Brooks MonsterCard Mastercard, 15% off for other forms of payment.

Brooks Brothers

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We have an update for those fond of Sarah Jessica Parker’s wedding gown in Sex and the City.

PHOTO: Diane Cohen/Everett Collection

There is (was) a shortened version of the Vivienne Westwood dress available.

However, the shortened version selling at Net-a-Porter was gone almost as soon as it went up on the site.  But do not despair of owning this version, one merely needs to get in touch with Dame Westwood and be willing to part with about $9,900.  BTW, the release date for Sex and the City 2 has been announced; ask your social secretary to mark you as “busy” on May 28, 2010, if planning to see the film its first day in release.

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On a lighter note, two young gentlemen have a new take on an old, and much-maligned medium: the Jello mold.  Well, no one actually says the “J Word,” in all honesty. A NY Times story looks at the phenomenon and its creators, Sam Bompas and Harry Parr. (Below, the Madrid airport and aircraft in jelly.)

Photo: Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners

The wizards creating these masterpieces are definitely products of an ‘Old School’education, having attended both Eton and University College, London; they refer to themselves as ‘jelly mongers.’

On that creative note we shall take our leave! Happy weekend dolls!

‘Pernicious Prep’ and Gossip Girls & Guys Hit the Shows

Happy Day everyone! The sun is bright & beautiful here at Intergalactic HQ for the Princess, it is just delightful!

First off, our Lilly Pulitzer Stationery Giveaway (featuring this Mix ‘n Match set) winner is Preppy Mama! We used Random.org to select the winner, congratulations to Preppy Mama!

We continue our Fashion Week coverage with the focus on those lines showing a preppy aesthetic. But before we even get to looks for fall, how about this look for right now from Boy by Band of Outsiders?! If the brand is not familiar and the name perhaps off-putting, be assured this is the women’s collection by Band of Outsiders, marked by tailored lines, flawless fabrics and attention to detail.

The Cropped Blazer with Grosgrain Binding is available online at Opening Ceremony, an outstanding retailer that did not have online shopping until this week. We are ever-so-pleased we can now graze and perhaps purchase at the website, although the majority of their wares are far too hip for TP.  They also do loads of collaborations, especially on footwear.

Last year the company collaborated with Sperry for distinctive Topsiders (Top-siders) and they are doing so again this year. In this post we talked about the line being named as “The Brand” for preppy attire by Complex.

Below, we shift to a Fall 2009 look.

In their review yesterday of the Band of Outsiders fall presentation at Fashion Week, Racked refer to it as “Pernicious Prep,” adding:

“…attendees found models posed in various tableaux vivants, all channeling naughty prep schoolboy/girl.”

Another style from the fall collection:

PHOTO: George Chinsee

BTW (by the way), the shoes in the presentation were all Manolo Blahnik.  One more style below:

PHOTO: George Chinsee

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It was only a matter of time before we heard about Gossip Girl cast members in attendance at the shows. Chace Crawford was spotted at the Calvin Klein show; below, a look from the Men’s RTW Fall 2009 line.

PHOTO: Thomas Iannaccone

WWD caught up with the actor before things got underway:

“Crawford…had the day off from taping “Gossip Girl,” pleaded ignorance about fashion even though the show is so stylish. “The fashion on the show is really for women,” he said.”

The star sat next to Jared Leto.

PHOTO: Getty Images

And the folks at The Cut also queried Mr. Crawford about his reaction to the show:

“”Favorite pieces? Uh, I like the solids, the grays,” he said. “I’m not that savvy with fashion.” He added that he feels “very weird” going to fashion shows. So why was he there? “They give me great clothes.” Touché.”

The show is now such a part of fashion culture that in their Band of Outsiders review, the writer at Racked refers to a model in the presentation as sporting “…what we like to call the “Chuck Bass lewd leer”.

Some in the fashion media are speculating about the ‘dueling Gossip Girls’ at Thursday’s Proenza Schouler show. The word is that Vogue‘s guest for the show is another G2 star, actress Blake Lively while Elle magazine is hosting Leighton Meester. We aren’t exactly anticipating any spat. Honestly.

Speaking of Vogue, editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and actress/designer Sarah Jessica Parker chatted up a storm at the Alexander Wang show.

PHOTO: Louis Lanzano/AP

In attendance at Herve Leger, actresses Lucy Liu and Mad Men star January Jones.

PHOTO: Carlo Allegri/Reuters

Here is another shot of Ms. Jones at the Leger show, and we think she almost looks like an entirely different person:

PHOTO: Steve Eichner

It matters not what angle the star is shot, for she is always lovely.

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Time for us to toddle off to other duties, we shall close with a look at the new Samsonite Black Label group by Viktor and Rolf.

PHOTO: Courtesy Samsonite via Hypebeast

We can’t remember the last time we saw a bow on luggage! We also find the retro airplane print rather fetching.

Photos Courtesy Samsonite via Hypebeast

Our thanks to Hypebeast for the story tip as well as the images.

Until next time dolls, may it be splendid and sunny wherever you are today!