When the Dress Code is ‘Lilly or Louder’, Tretorn at J. Crew

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a very busy Tuesday, we are off to a volunteer function almost all afternoon, so today’s post is brief.

Many readers may have already read or heard about last week’s big bash at the American Museum of Natural History, we’re more than a little late reporting on the festivities.  If it doesn’t sound familiar, we offer a visual clue:

Patrick McMullan via Huffington Post

It was the annual spring dance, and Lilly Pulitzer sponsored the event. The party was much brighter than most black tie events, compliments of a dress code that said “Lilly or Louder”. Below, the retailer’s design director, Janie Schoenborn, wore Pandamonium.

Patrick McMullan via Huffington Post

Below, socialites Blair Husain and Sara Peters.

Steve Eichner/WWD

Below we see Tinsley Mortimer in what we’ll call “modified Lilly,” as she explained to Women’s Wear Daily:

“I shortened it to make it cuter,” said Mortimer. “I took a pair of scissors to it right before I left the house.”

Peter Kramer/AP

Lilly pooh-bah Jim Bradbeer and his wife Carol were colorfully clad.

Patrick McMullan via Huffington Post

On the not-so-Lilly list, actress Michelle Trachtenberg (L) and model Coco Rocha.

The event’s Honorary Chair did not wear Lilly, actress Claire Danes was in Zac Posen.

Actors Sebastian Stan and Matthew Settle (of Gossip Girl).

Steve Eichner/WWD

One of the best parts of any function Lilly is involved with has to be having the chance to watch the amazingly talented artists from the Lilly Mother Ship in action.

Steve Eichner/WWD

Below, the über-talented Paige Smith works on a floral canvas.

Patrick McMullan via Huffington Post

It sounds like an delightful time, you can read more about it here at the Lilly blog.

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Loads of bits and bytes today, here are a few quick links:

• This story hypothetically lists the “10 Preppiest Colleges,” at least according to the Huffington Post; the comments are as entertaining as the story IOHO.

• J. Crew’s design guru Jenna Lyons will be featured on tomorrow’s (Wednesday, 4/21) Oprah show; the topic is Dream Jobs. (Click here for a teeny bit more info.)  Below, Ms. Lyons in her office.

Roger Neves via Oprah.com

• Speaking of the retailer, our friends at High Snobette report that Crew has launched its collection of Tretorn.

Via HighSnobette.com

With that we say g’bye until next time!

That Back to School Preppy Look…?

Hello-Hello, and welcome to another edition of “Preppy is Everywhere, Version #4921”.

There are numerous and diverse references to what we’ll call broadly term ‘preppy fashion’ strewn about the media landscape this week. In yesterday’s post we discussed the merits, or lack thereof, of ‘sexy preppy’.

Today we turn to the Trib for “Preppy fashion takes on an edgy look,” offering a more egalitarian look at the task of clothing one’s offspring for the approaching (or already underway) school year.

“For most people, back to school does not mean a return to a pricey prep school.”

“But no matter what your age or station in life, prep school style is a classic.”

We actually concur with the majority of statements in that portion of the article outlining classic style. As frequent readers may be expecting, we do reach a point where TP’s opinions don’t sync with the author’s. In this case it is the point where the story suggests “replacements” for classic preppy styles. For example, the ‘Naughty nurse white stretch knee-highs’ replacing regular knee-highs? We think not. (Fear not, TP is not accessorizing her skirts with knee-highs.)

We also have “preppy collegiate” as described by Lands’ End and Parents magazine in a ‘ joint survey’ on back-to-school fashion, described in this post on a Plain Dealer (Cleveland) blog:

“… experts say girls and boys are tweaking their looks under themes they’ve dubbed “boho chic” and “preppy collegiate,” with loads of references from the 1980s — skinny jeans, tunic tops and sweaters, leggings and splashes of neon.”

For those of us having witnessed many of the looks mentioned above, we can only say this is frightening. Very, very frightening.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette offers the following in a similar piece, using an ad from Kohl’s as an illustration:

• “Whether it be the rocker look or that Upper East Side preppy look … a lot of kids, especially teens, are taking their cues from celebrities…”
• “The combination of preppy and edgy make for a fun outfit…” (according to an American Eagle spokesperson)

  

We’ll be sharing more on the continued association of the ‘preppy look’ with other styles in the next few weeks; it appears there is no shortage of material on the topic. We’ll end today’s conversation with a look simply referred to this way in OK! Magazine:

“Ed Westwick and Sebastian Stan don their preppy best on the set of Gossip Girl…”

PHOTO: Joseph Giannattasio/PacificCoastNews.com

The Gossip Girl crew was shooting in Central Park yesterday.

What is your preppy best…?

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We actually have two Pretty in Pink items today, the first is our darling  Funkier Monkey Backpack from Four Peas, as seen in this recent story about Polo Ralph Lauren styles for back-to-school.  The story is a good read, as the styles are actually reviewed after being given a bit of a test drive by the kids.

About.com

You can also see the Pink Funkier Monkey School Supply Holder, ideal for those pencils, crayons, and who-knows-what your little needs to carry. (Pssst: these are also ideal for cosmetics and other items!)

Our second Pretty in Pink comes via The Peak of Chic in a post showcasing the many talents of boutique tentmaker Anne Girault; we thought the following would bring a smile to the soul.

What do you think, is it something Silly Tilly needs for her collection of beds here at the Prepatorium? She already insists on riding ‘up front’ in the Princessmobile, the better to provide directions to the Consort.

Of course.

Next Target Designer & Another Argyle Adventure

Hello-Hello and Happy Spring Fever! It is so fantabulous we are officially decreeing today as…..

… Prepalicious, the feeling is utter bliss here at the Prepatorium; we hope the same can be said for your corner of the globe.

We start with news of the next designer collaboration for Target. The Boutique will offer another jewelry line, this one in tandem with the oh-so-wonderful Anna Sheffield, perhaps better known to some readers as the designer of Bing-Bang jewelry.

Courtesy Anna Sheffield via Hungry Elephant/S. Varady

The Anna Sheffield for Target Collection launches August 30; it will be online and in stores through December 30.  Last year the designer teamed up with Urban Outfitters for a line. Below, a cuff currently in the Bing-Bang group.

Bing-Bang Courtesy Photo via WWD

Additionally, Miss Sheffield’s Hobo Bag was featured last year on Gossip Girl.

In addition to her own website, Ms. Sheffield’s work is available at Intermix, Shopbop and other retailers.

Speaking of Gossip Girl… we have a few updates for readers, starting with news that actress Leighton Meester has officially signed a record deal, with an album release expected this fall. We are more-than-tardy mentioning a fashion spread featuring Ms. Meester in the NY Times magazine.

PHOTO: Terry Richardson/NY Times

The Moment blog also has a story with the 23-year-old that fans may enjoy reading.

People has an interesting online update pegged to Monday’s return of Michele Trachtenberg’s character (Georgina Chapman) to the UES. One thing addressed in the story is what seems to be finds an incredibly high rate of intra-cast romantic relationships:

““I haven’t tasted or drank the love potion yet because I’m actually not dating anyone from the set,” Trachtenberg jokingly said. “But we all roll up with Red Bull in the morning, so maybe there is something in there.”

“With Ed Westwick dating Jessica Szohr, Leighton Meester meeting boyfriend Sebastian Stan on the set and lovebirds Blake Lively and Penn Badgley still going strong, Trachtenberg admits it’s usually only a matter of time before costars hook up.”

Of course.

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Just to prove we retain our capacity to cope with late-breaking news, we offer the latest for your consideration:

PHOTO: Andrew Milligan/AP

There is more in this article from The Daily Mail. Oh, what exactly does this have to do with preppiness, other than the possibility that is a Burberry scarf? Nothing.  Not a thing, dolls, we apologize.

There you have it.

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We have an interesting Argyle Update today, if only because of the individual sporting the argyle:

PHOTO: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

Yesterday First Lady Michelle Obama was wearing another Junya Watanabe argyle cardigan. Does it look familiar? Readers may recall Mrs. Obama in another colorful sweater by the designer during the G2 trip to Europe in early April; if not, this post may be of assistance.

The designer is no stranger to argyle, it is one of the reasons we are drawn to his creations. Below, a vest from this spring’s Comme des Garcon collection for Colette.  But prepettes also know it’s not exactly Brooks Brothers standard issue.

Courtesy Junya Watanabe via Hypebeast.com

Again the First Lady looks beautiful. We love the bright colors in her cardigan. However (you just knew this was coming) we are simply never going to adapt to daytime sequins despite intense counseling from the Fashion Herald and Wendy. We’re constitutionally incapable. It Just. Will. Not. Happen.

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We close today with a look at some of Kenneth Paul Block’s amazing fashion illustrations. First, “Babe Paley in Mainbocher and Amanda Burden in Sarni”

PHOTO: Courtesy Kenneth Paul Block via WWD

Next, Ungaro Dress, today’s Pretty in Pink:

Courtesy Kenneth Paul Block via WWD

Mr. Block created magnificent drawings for W and WWD as the principle in-house illustrator for Fairchild Publications, frequently using members of the ‘jet set’ as subjects. Below, Jackie Kennedy Onassis in a Valentino jumpsuit.

Courtesy Kenneth Paul Block via WWD

The artist also did numerous illustrations for upscale retailers like Bonwit Teller, Bloomingdale’s  and Bergdorf’s. In March Mr. Block donated almost 1900 drawings to the MFA in Boston.  For a real treat, pop over to the Museum’s Textile and Fashion Arts Facebook page and gaze upon the fabulosity. One can also check out Drawing Art: The Fashion of Kenneth Paul Block at their local library or consider adding it to their personal library.

Mr. Block passed away last week; he was 84.