The Nautical Prep

Hello-Hello! We hope the gorgeous sun we are seeing here at the Prepatorium is shining for all of our cherished readers, but particularly for our drenched and sodden friends in those areas pounded by yesterday’s record-breaking downpours.

The sun prompts more thoughts of boats and beaches, so we gaze upon goodies in this genre today, beginning with items for the smaller preps in your life.

We think the Girl’s Nautical Capri set is darling, as is the Little Me Nautical Romper, covered in sailboats and anchors.

We’re somewhat taken by the Oceanside Sleep Shorts (for grownup girls) and your MOTH (Man Of The House) might find the Old Port Graphic Tee appealing, both items are from one of our faves, LL Bean.

We just love the Coastal Crab hooked pillow as well as the Embroidered Crab linen pillow, both can be found at Blue Barnacles.

The red, white and blue Anchor Duffle on the left is from Fred Flare, the Anchors & Stripes Vinyl Handbag on the right was discovered at a site called PlasticLand(?).

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Also popular looks, the Straw Studios Anchor Tote and the Heart Anchor Tote.

Because one can never have too many reuseable market bags, below left we show the elegant Tote Aweigh eco-friendly bag ($13.99) at ModCloth, our eco-prep Anchors Away ($14) market bag is insulated, often a plus for getting things home from the market.

If seeking heels with a sea-going motif the 56 Platform Mary Jane might be for you, or Alberta Ferretti’s Nautical Wedge Sandals.

Not for us, but then, the Maine Isle Flip Flops at LL Bean are probably more our speed.

Of course, when researching one of these little thematic posts one always bumps into thing things not completely in sync with personal tastes; the TUK Nautical Anchor Heart Striped Heel Platform Double Strap Maryjanes is in this category.

Perhaps we’re not seeing their full potential.

Nautically-inspired jewelry is always fun, below we share Anchor Necklaces at Cherry Red Boutique, only $9 and $10, quite the bargain for the younger set.

When it comes to home decor, Targét offers the Oversized Striped Wall Clock, along with some cute Double-walled Plastic Tumblers (à la Tervis perhaps?).

The Nautical Lamp is available at Posh Tots,while Land of Nod carries this “Totally Nautical Bedding, Dude“.

We head back to Le Boutique Targét for this final item:

Target

The Paws Aboard Doggy Life Jacket comes in a variety of sizes and is made of nylon.

We might just have to do another post on this topic, we saw oodles of goodies we would like to share, from clothing and home accessories to more jewelry….hhhm.

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A few quick hits:

• Our friend Lila (aka Madison Avenue Spy) has a wonderful interview with Lilly Pulitzer’s design director, Janie Schoenborn, found here.
• We have a gentle reminder for those interested in tomorrow’s Princess event:

DON'T FORGET....

Our ‘Not an April Fool’ special gets underway at midnight tonight: everything at The Princess is 20% off for one-day-only, ending at 11:59pm tomorrow (Thursday, April 1st) night. The promo code to enter at checkout is APRILDEAL, all one word.

The sale includes everything at the shop, from our brand new Jonathan Adler Nifty Gifties to our Lilly Pulitzer and Kiel James Patrick collections; our Greek Preppy paper and bag tags, the new monogramed Argyle Doormats and House Flags (talk about a great wedding gift!) in our Preppy Home Collection, and other preppy standards you have come to expect, our Ribbon Flip Flops, Custom Grosgrain Belts, and Scout totes, to name just a few.  We hope to see you there!

The Great Preppy Princess Giveaway

Hello-Hello, what a glorious day we are enjoying here at the Prepatorium!

Today’s post is short and hopefully sweet: we are giving things away.  More specifically, five premium items from the Preppy Princess shop! It’s the Spring Fling Thing, an easy and fun way for us to share new merchandise with you!

We will draw not one, not two, but five winners; the first name selected wins Item #1, the second receives Item #2, etc.

Here are the goodies:

ITEM #1: An exclusive Kiel James Patrick bracelet made just for the Princess!

PreppyPrincess.com

We are über-excited to have added Kiel’s line of nautical-inspired accessories, especially since many of the items you find at the Princess are made only for us. The Princess Bracelet is one such exclusive item, hand crafted in Rhode Island of pink, green and white braided rope atop KJP’s signature madras lining, opening and closing with the signature KJP button.

You may have read recently about this designer extraordinaire and his wonderful creations, Kiel is garnering all manner of good buzz lately. In addition to his other bracelet styles, we also have some fabulous KJP earrings and KJP headbands we think you will like.

ITEM #2: The Anchors Away Jet-Set Duffel from our new line of Bella Bags

Bella Bags at PreppyPrincess.com

This gem is oh-so-versatile, measuring 22″ long x 14″ tall and 9″ wide, made of coated polypropylene that takes a beating and is easy to wipe clean.  With zippered pockets on the outside and an enclosed shoulder strap to use in addition to the attached handles, the Jet Set Duffle is perfect for traveling because it collapses down into a 9″ x 7″ pouch!

ITEM #3: A Thermal Mug from our new line of Nifty Gifties by Jonathan Adler

We love this new collection of stationery and gift items, the winner will choose a mug in their choice of Acapulco, Diamonds, Greek Key or Chevron.

ITEM #4: A set of Lilly Pulitzer Circle Notes!

These pretty notes perk up any office or kitchen, handy for all of those last-second “hey there” or “don’t forget” reminders. This winner will be able to select whatever pattern tickles their fancy from these Spring 2010 Notes…

Lilly Pulitzer at PreppyPrincess.com

Or one of the classic patterns!

Lilly Pulitzer at PreppyPrincess.com

Item #5: A Scout Lunch Bag in your choice of Cabanarama Stripes

Scout Lunch Bags at PreppyPrincess.com

This is just one selection from our Lunch Bag collection at the Princess, the Scout Doggie Bag is good-sized and also insulated, the perfect way to make ‘brown bagging’ a bit more stylish.

We are very excited about this Giveaway; it’s spring, it’s sunny, we could all use a little fun and frivolity, oui? Here is the scoop on how to enter.

• For one entry, leave a comment about an item you like at the Princess;
• For a 2nd entry, post the Giveaway on your blog or Facebook page & leave a comment telling us you did;
• For a 3rd entry, Tweet about the Giveaway on Twitter & let us know you did (here’s the Princess on Twitter);
• For another entry, become a Preppy Princess fan on Facebook & let us know you did (If already a fan, just let us know so you receive this additional entry!)
• For multiple additional entries, tell a friend! For each friend leaving a comment that mentions your name (or your blog or email or other means of identifying you) you receive two additional entries!

Entries will be accepted until midnight on Wednesday, March 24th; we shall announce the lucky winners in Thursday’s post!

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!

Carolyne Roehm for Best & Co., Sketches from the new Gwyneth Paltrow Line

Hello-Hello and welcome to another wild week at the Prepatorium!

We start off with a heartfelt ‘Thank You” to the inimitable Queen Bee Swain, and her generosity in bestowing upon us the Friendship Award!

Thank you Queen Bee Swain!

Per the rules: these blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbon of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

Here we go with a quick eight names!

• A Crafty Mom’s Blog
• Belle of the Ball
• Lipstick at the Mailbox
• The Gifting Gumshoe
• The Preppy Player
• The Roaming Southerner
• Preppy Pink Crocodile
• Preppy Sue

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Many readers know that here at the Prepatorium we simply adore the children’s clothing carried by Best & Co.; this spring the retailer has added something special, a line designed by none other than the über-talented Carolyne Roehm.

Courtesy Best & Co.

The Collection won’t be in stores until Mother’s Day, but one can preview the group online right here.

Courtesy Best & Co.

The dresses are simply darling, with the understated elegance one expects from both Ms. Roehm and Best.

Courtesy Best & Co.

There’s no need to be concerned about anything over-the-top, no pieces covered in any frou-frou details or embellishment.  We have long been fond of Ms. Roehm’s design aesthetic; she is possessed of an exquisite eye, and also likes TP’s favorite color combination, blue & white.

Courtesy Carolyne Roehm

In fact, the designer’s newest book is entitled A Passion for Blue and White.  A look behind the scenes at inspiration boards for the Best & Company collection reveals Ms. Roehm’s attention to detail:

There isn’t a piece in the Collection we aren’t in love with.

Courtesy Best & Co.

And all are done in a timeless navy and white, or variations thereof. Sigh. How long until we see grown-up girls sizes, puh-leeze? (Silly Princess.)

Courtesy Best & Co.

Ladylike little dresses are even available for toddlers.

Courtesy Best & Co.

The entire group is simple and sweet, in designs and fabrics that will long stand the test of time, the styles are that classic.  (Now remember dollfaces, these pieces are not available until Mother’s Day.) To read more about it, visit the At Best blog for a nice read!

As we are already at Best, we share a different clothing group: delightful sweaters in Boys sizes.

Best & Co.

Above, the Lighthouse Sweater in a plush cotton knit, and below, the Nautical Knot sweater, also for the Young Man in your house.

Best & Co.

There is also the Boy’s Anchor Sweater, as well as many others we are not showing here.

Best & Co.

Unfortunately, similar offerings for the Young Lady of the house are not as nautically inclined.  This is the only seafaring-ish we could find, the Sailor Sweater in Girls sizes 2-12.

Best & Co.

If shopping at the site, for 25% off the prices shown, enter the word CATCH at checkout.

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We haven’t yet made time to post anything at all about the news that oh-so-preppy Gwyneth Paltrow is releasing her own clothing line. The actress announced the line will be done in collaboration with Zoe Tees, a French company. The official name is said to be ZOEtee’s Loves Gwyneth, and proceeds will benefit Kids Company in London.

Women’s Wear Daily showed sketches from the new line in a story today.

Courtesy Photo via WWD.com

According to the story, the pieces will include cashmere blends along with other fabrics, and will have a bit of a 70’s look.

Courtesy Photo via WWD.com

The entire collection is to be released sometime this week. TP is ever-so-curious to know your thoughts on these looks…?

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We are ever so happy to be adding more items to the shop, including this treasure:

PreppyPrincess.com

The Ahoy Coir Door Mat is made of 100% coconut fiber, and comes from the fabulous design minds at Scout, makers of some of our fave totes!  On the left we have the bright blue Stripes Away, and on the right, the pink Poolside Stripe tote.

These are the perfect solution for those seeking an alternative to the plastic or paper question when at the market; they measure 19 x 15 x 10, plenty of room for the foie gras and Brie! Besides, the , Bungalow Scout bags and sunny color combinations bring an enormous smile to our face!

On that note, we shall say ‘Bye and look for you tomorrow, back here at the Prepatorium!

How About a J. Crew Wedding Store? Also, the $300 Monogram

Hello-Hello everyone!

We are a little crazed and dazed here at the Prepatorium, having just received enormous shipments of new Bungalow Scout totes and Lilly Pulitzer Stationery.  The Consort is busy supervising his minions (heh-heh-heh) in the unloading process. Us? We’re whiling away the hours watching Martha Stewart’s Lilly show, but our primary goal today is planning a foray into the stockroom housing the new treasures.  Methinks we have earned one of these:

Scout Totes at PreppyPrincess.com

The Poolside Stripe pattern simply shrieks “Summer” at us and it will hold a million things. (Ssshhh. Don’t tell TPC, he’ll never miss it.)

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On to a few pieces of J. Crew news, starting with the one closest to your pocketbook, their ‘Private Sale.” We almost didn’t post this one ladies, as it really does not fit within the parameters of what we define as a “sale.”  To us a sale is a price that is less than the original price at which an item was sold, a discount on merchandise.

This particular “J. Crew Private Sale” is not a sale as it merely provides a discount of 20% off one’s order when spending $175 or more.  We think of this as a promotion and there’s nothing wrong with a promotion, not at all.  But we don’t want to become tedious in posting every little promotional effort offered by our favorite retailers, so we shall leave it up to you, our treasured readers:

1. Does this qualify as a ‘sale’ in your estimation?
2. Do you want us continue providing information on such promotions?

BTW, if interested in taking advantage of this promotion, the code to enter at checkout is SECRET.

Also, there is word that the preppy retailer is thinking about opening a bridal salon, a simply marvelous notion we heartily embrace! In a recent conference call with stock analysts, CEO Mickey Drexler talked about that possibility.

““A bridal salon store is something we’re talking about,” he said. We’re looking uptown and downtown. If the right location came up, we’d do it.””

That information comes in this story from WWD, as well as another comment from Mr. Drexler on Crew’s pricing strategy:

“We’re responding to customer preference,” Drexler said. “Our bestsellers are things that are in fact stylish and fashionable and under 80 or 90 bucks. That’s where the action is right now.

The company plans to continue with their Madewell brand, opening another 8 stores this year, and they recently announced their new Size 12 shop for children.  Speaking of children, how much do we like this as a Pretty in Pink for today?

J. Crew Girls' Katy Trench

The Girls’ Katy trench coat is available in Dune (a more traditional tan), but that is nowhere near as fun as the fuchsia color!  And when we spotted the bow on the back, we were goners.

J. Crew Girls' Katy Trench

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Also today, news that Louis Vuitton is offering a new service, Mon Monogram, for almost all of their items. In essence they will put your monogram on their monogram.

Courtesy Louis Vuitton via Style.com

A Style.com story provides this tidbit, sharing the image you see above of the Vuitton Speedy 30, available at $700 for the standard version, $1,000 if you would like to personalize the monstrosity place your initials on their initals.

Now, to be fair, Vuitton provides complimentary hot-stamp monogramming on the majority of their small leather goods. And the company offers leather-goods in patterns other than their Monogram line.

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We are more than a little behind the times with our final tidbit, but we really wanted to share some of the photos of Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester from this past weekend.

Courtesy FashionHerald.com

The wise and wonderful Fashion Herald took the pictures at Lady Footlocker this past Saturday, and shared them on her blog.

Courtesy FashionHerald.org