Royal Wedding Gown “Favourite” & J. Crew’s Billion Dollar Deal

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a somewhat frenzied Tuesday here at the Prepatorium.

The day started off with news that a date and location have been selected for next year’s big do: Kate Middleton and Prince William will marry on Friday April 29 of next year, the ceremony is slated for Westminster Abbey. The news prompted us to veer off our planned course, so we might update this story.

Anglophiles will recall that the Queen and Queen Mother were both married here; it was also where Princess Diana’s funeral was held.

Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles were married at St. Paul’s Cathedral, the other location in consideration for next spring’s event.

Getty Images

Generating perhaps more buzz than this news, word that the Church of England has suspended a bishop who referred to the young couple as “shallow celebrities”.  The Telegraph has more:

“In comments posted online he also claimed the Royal Family was full of “broken marriages and philanderers” and expressed disappointment that the wedding would cost the public “an arm and a leg”.

As it turns out, the Royal Family (with contributions by the Middleton family as well) is handling almost all of the expenses associated with the event, the one bill the taxpayers will have to foot is for security.

Conversation continues (there’s a surprise) about possible designers for Ms. Middleton’s wedding gown.  The leading contender, at least as far as British bookmakers go, is Phillipa Leply.

One shouldn’t laugh off the oddsmakers, this is serious business in some circles. Princess Diana’s designer, Elizabeth Emanuel,  was the odds-on favorite, correctly so as it turned out.  Below, more gowns by Ms. Lepley.

It is tacitly expected that Miss Middleton will select a British fashion house; Phillipa Lepley was born in the UK and her shop is in the oh-so-chic Chelsea part of London.

While many have suggested Issa (the company making that electric blue dress worn by the bride for the engagement announcement) may be chosen; the company is headquartered in London, but Daniella Issa Helayel was born in Brazil.  Is the distinction between being born in the UK and based in the country that important? It very well could be, especially when attempting to make a politically correct decision.

Two more designs by Ms. Lepley. Again, note the presence again of covered shoulders on both gowns.

Clearly, an “appropriate” (code for circumspect, modest) gown is required.  Below, two real-life brides in gowns by Ms. Lepley, actress/tv presenter Davina McCall (l) and tv presenter Ulrika Jonsson (r).

Other designers mentioned include Stella McCartney and Amanda Wakeley.  Below, two bridal designs from this fall’s collection by Ms. Wakeley.

People magazine has jumped into the conversation with a feature asking wedding designers to create looks for the bride.

Courtesy Monique Lhuillier via People

We weren’t gaga over either of the Reem Acra sketches, they are too skimpy for serious consideration.

Ben de Lisi is a British designer we weren’t familiar with; we like both of his designs.

Click here to see the rest of the designs submitted to the magazine.

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Also today, J. Crew is officially launching its new 769 line, at least according to yesterday’s story in Elle.

Douglas Friedman/Elle

Above, a photo from the party celebrating the 769 debut, hosted by Crew executive Jenna Lyons.

“With jacquard skirts ($395), sequined harem pants ($650), tuxedo jackets ($595), and bejeweled cashmere cardigans ($245), the idea is to rethink formalwear by mixing glittery separates with utilitarian staples.”

The reason we waffle on the 769 “launch” can be seen in this post from back in May, showing 769 items on sale at the company’s Weddings store in the city. Evidently this is a soft rollout of the line to other locations in addition to the Bridal shop.

In other J. Crew updates, blockbuster news today for those that follow the company’s behind the scenes operations, the company has been sold.  From BrandChannel:

“Another tony luxury brand has changed hands, with today’s $3 billion acquisition of J. Crew by a consortium of private equity firms. Yes, the house that Mickey Drexler built and Jenna Lyons designed, now has a new landlord.”

What will this mean to the average shopper? Not a lot, unless drastic changes are planned, and at this point that seems unlikely. What will impact your pocketbook when shopping at Crew is the other news released today, that of the company’s continued lackluster performance, the Journal has more:

“J. Crew has recently begun to show signs of sales weakness amid a lack of fashion hits, discounting by competitors and efforts to elevate the price of some of its merchandise to luxury status.

Translation: more markdowns.

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That last tidbit about Crew and discounted merchandise reminds us of one final thought: we are receiving inquiries about our annual Black Friday post, showcasing bargains with a preppy slant.  We will have a 2010 edition, out late tomorrow or early Thursday.

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• REUTERS/Eddie Keogh: Kate Middleton photo
• REUTERS/David Moir: Prince William
• REUTERS/Paul Hackett: Westminster Abbey

Sexy Preppy? Plus the Lilly Pulitzer & LeSportsac Line!

Hello-Hello and Happy Wednesday!

We begin with a look at a style term we generally consider an oxymoron: sexy preppy.  Think back to those growing-up years, was appearing “sexy” something Mummy or Daddy aspired to? An achievement looked upon favorably, on a par with shooting in the low 70’s at this year’s club outing? A priority upon the fashion landscape at your palace?  We think not.  And it certainly was not a topic of conversation, heaven forbid.

Now, before we get our whiskers in a wad, be advised the Princess is not suggesting that those adhering to a preppish style aesthetic are not “sexy”.  Rather, we make a distinction in how one arrives at attaining such a look.  For preps this comes as a byproduct of pursuing classic lines in well-made garments; the result is an understated elegance. This far transcends any of-the-moment styles frequently revealing much-too-much and leaving nothing to the imagination.  The style is accented by a carefree touch of the whimsical, and it never takes itself too seriously.

Having now bored everyone to tears said all this, we were intrigued by a story in the Calgary Herald last week, “The Prepster“ with a subhead “Local Designer Embraces Preppiness And Makes It His Own With Edgy Designs”.

Cheryl Gorski/Lucire Magazine via Fashion Ledge

The story focuses on the KaaDiki menswear line, seen above and in the photo below.

Courtesy Photo via Canada.com

The story describes the line this way:

“Featuring plenty of red, white and blue–he loves bright colours– his button-down shirts have preppy crests, zip-up sweaters are form-fitting and blazers are elegant yet funky.”

While the apparel exhibits preppish traits, we must be annoying and point out the phrase “preppy crests” belongs on our ever-lengthening list of fashion oxymorons. Honestly. The family crest is rarely (if ever) seen these days, far more a re-invention of designers like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger, and most assuredly not seen on a woven shirt.

Courtesy Photo via Canada.com

Designer Haithem Elkadiki describes his style in the story:

“I’m obsessed with the preppy thing, always. But preppy can be boring, so it’s taking the whole idea and mixing it with sex appeal.”

As mentioned, there is much to like in the line, and the young designer is more than appealing, passionate about his work. But we don’t think there is any peril The Consort will be seen sporting KaaDiki at Princess InterGalactic HQ.

Were you raised in a tradition favoring a  “sexy” look (ahem), or did the family favor things more like those found at LL Bean and Brooks Brothers?

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Our next little newsflash is almost a week old and most readers are probably already aware of the news, but you know what we used to say all those years we worked in TV: “If it’s news, it’s news to us!” (Heh-heh-heh.)

At any rate, we were tickled to learn via WWD that one of our favorite designers has announced a new collaborative effort: Lilly Pulitzer is partnering with LeSportsac on a line of bags for Spring 2010, whoo-hoo!

There are three different Lilly prints being used for the Sportsac pieces, including ‘Hip Hop Hooray,’ seen below.

Via Nitrolicious.com

According to the WWD story:

“The three prints — cobranded specifically for the collaboration — center on endangered species such as Florida panthers (other “animals of the Everglades” are also featured).”

Below, what we believe to be the ‘Purrrfect Patch‘ design:

Via Nitrolicious.com

The joint effort is nothing new for the company; previous collaborations have showcased designers like Stella McCartney, Diane von Furstenberg, and Jonathan Adler, among others. Next, more loveliness in the ‘She’s a Piston’ print.

Via Nitrolicious.com

This one is so luscious we are making it today’s Pretty in Pink. Our thanks to the always-on-top-of-things Nitrolicious for the photos, as well as information on the upcoming Lilly Loves Green campaign and the three LeSportsac prints:

“… a yearlong initiative generating support and awareness for all the green things Lilly loves (the ocean, the animals, and the planet) – the three co-branded prints center around endangered species, specifically Florida panthers, butterflies, and animals of the Everglades, generating environmental awareness in colorful fashionable style.”

We have had more than one LeSportsac on hand almost since the company’s inception thirty-five years ago and can’t wait to see these in person. There will clearly be more than one “must have” in the collection, they all look like loads of fun.

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We share a tidbit we think the lovely Muffy Martini will consider good news, word that Montblanc is expanding their footprint in Beverly Hills. Friday’s WWD (Women’s Wear Daily, subscription req’d.) shares the interior of the firm’s larger star on Rodeo Drive.

One of our favorite topics of conversation often arises when discussions of one’s favorite writing instruments. Below, the Paso Doble pen from Montblanc.

We didn’t realize Montblanc was making eyewear – are we hopelessly behind the times with this realization?

Above, the Montblanc Amalfi sunglasses.

On this note we say G’bye until tomorrow, may your afternoon be fabulous!

‘Patently Preppy’ and ‘Prepster Deck’ Shoes

Hello-Hello!

We start with an homage to the one and only Third Coast Preppy; when we saw this hat it simply shrieked TCP.

Courtesy Refinery 29

It may be difficult to discern because the photo is so dark, but the hat is a giant lobster.  The creation is by milliner extraordinaire Stephen Jones and was worn at a gala noting the opening of the V&A’s new show “Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones.”

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As always, we like to bring you news of ‘preppy perspectives’ around the world. Today’s comes via The National in Dubai.  Their story, Feet on the Ground, takes an in-depth look at the saddle shoe.

“…. think appliquéd college jackets, button-down Oxford shirts and rolled-up pants – footwear that wouldn’t be out of place at a boys’ boarding school circa 1950 is back in style. Two-tone saddle shoes – usually sporting a suede upper, contrasting leather and a red rubber sole – are a key look.”

Courtesy Paul Smith via The National

Red rubber sole? We think not. A number of interesting assertions are put forth in the story; we do not concur with all of them, but suggest readers may still find it an interesting read. Another point:

“The patently preppy saddle shoe has infiltrated the streetwear market as well.”

Almost every brand we can think of seems to be included in the story, from Sperry to Gucci to Fred Perry.  Happy Reading!  (As an aside, the Paul Smith website shows a number of Mens’ Brogues, but not the style seen in the photo accompanying the article.)

Regular readers know we are simply batty for Paul Smith, especially their socks with the little bow.

Adoration of these is not our fault, it is something in our genetic makeup, we are quite sure.  (Tee-hee.)

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Since we seem to be featuring shoes today, we’ll share a pair used in a story proclaiming the following to be *the style* to have this summer.  We generally wear a pair so beaten up they really are an assault on the eyes, but they are our favorites and we can’t bear the thought of discarding them!

Stephanie Prommer at the Teen Fashion Blog writes:

“This may sound crazy, but I predict that prepster deck shoes are going to be THE footwear choice of the summer. I’m personally crushing on these $60 Bahama Plaid Cuff kicks from Sperry Top-Sider, which come in five adorable color combos.”

They are available in a variety of delightful colorways, including this one:

We do adore the shoes, and think another blogger of a Prepalicious sort may have already featured them.

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Speaking of Prepalicious, Miss Nautical, did you see this one at Bergdorfs from Stella McCartney?

Net-a-Porter also carries it and there is a coordinating sail print skirt as well.

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We almost never-ever-ever do this, but today we post a springy message lifted directly from our electronic in-bin, compliments of Bergdorf’s.

Courtesy Bergdorf Goodman

The retailer was promoting their a pink theme.

On that note, ‘bye until next time!

Nautical Gifts and Goodies any Preppy Will Love!

Ahoy mate!

It has been some time since we really grazed all of the goodies available with a nautical theme. It is time we do so again, don’t you think? We dedicate our post to Miss Kate, who is always so very Nautical by Nature.

From Kayce Hughes, the red anchor necklace at $40.

From Stella McCartney’s Resort 2008/2009 collection, the absolutely TDF earrings. TP lusts after these, and cannot await the time the Resort collection arrives.

Photo: Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

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If seeking goodies geared specifically to the holidays, the Caribbean Sea Life Ornament Set from Nautical Luxuries might wet your whistle.

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Also from Nautical Luxuries, the Sailboat Needlepoint Baby Slippers that are miniature works of art. These are handmade, lined in kid leather, and sure to be the talk of the baby shower!

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From Head Porter Plus, the elegance of the cotton handkerchief, although we could do without the extra logo-ing.

From another angle…

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A bright and buoyant handbag from BCBG….

Photo: Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

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While planning what to pack for this winter’s Caribbean getaway, the Pegleg NYC tee for kids is a must.

Pegleg NYC

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Naturally the same style in a Trident motif is also a favorite here at the Prepatorium; both are $52.

Pegleg NYC

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Table linens with a nautical theme sometimes veer perilously close to “too cute” IOHO, (In Our Humble Opinion), a risk minimized with these.

The napkins are covered in elegant little anchors and they are 100% cotton, machine washable and best of all? They are reversible, so you get two looks for one price, $18.

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One never have too much stationery, and it always makes a superb gift, especially when for the Young Miss or Master in your household. It helps get them started on the proper method for conveying a ‘Thank You,’ adding a touch of whimsy to the tortuous task.

Hope Notecards at PreppyPrincess.com

The ‘Hope Anchors‘ notecards in a red ticking stripe are an outstanding selection, as are the ‘At the Helm’ notecards. Both make an elegant style statement; they are $22 for a box of ten cards and eleven envelopes.

At the Helm at PreppyPrincess.com

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The Brass Signal Flags Plaque might make a great gift for someone with a love for the sea; the Bowlines Pub Sign is on sale (*really* on sale), both at Nautical Supply Shop.

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This one is similar to a tote The Princess carries: the Paul Smith Boat Plans Bucket hat at Saks.

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Here is the aforementioned tote, The Hamptons bag at the Preppy Princess in both white and navy.

These are fabulous because they are so large 19″ x 13″ x 9″ wide, so there is more than enough room to carry all your goodies to the beach, or your groceries, perhaps toys to occupy the little ones while you are busy.

Best of all, these are constructed of a heavy, coated cotton canvas, so they are water-resistant. Not to worry about the spray from the water when on the boat. Below, a close-up showing the detail in the drawings and also a shot showing the generous size.

In our silly segment, here is a beach towel one might stow on board where no one will lay eyes upon it. Why? Perhaps the design, with that wretched crown up top, rather dreadful on its own merit, but the real reason one would tuck it away? You couldn’t bear having friends know you spent $260 on a towel for the boat.

A far more practical (and we are nothing if not practical here at the Prepatorium) treasure? The Anchor Repeat Foldover Notecard set by the brilliant designers at Boatman Geller. Personalization is included with this set of 25 notecards offered at $66,  and shipping is free.

In a recent post we showed jewelry by Erickson Beamon, the next jewelry designer to do a capsule collection at Target, and also favored by Michelle Obama.  Here is a little nautical treasure from the company, the Anchor Necklace, 4″ wide on a 32″ chain, so it is large. This can be yours for $258 at Blue Bee.

A few final items now, starting with the Old School placemats, $16 each, 2 for $30, or even better savings with a set of 4 running $55.  These are reversible, with the classic Lighthouse grosgrain ribbon on one side, and the definitive rep tie stripe on the other, they are also machine washable, you know we love these!

We leave you with a bit of nostalgia: a pair of vintage earrings worn by the Queen Mother, circa the 1970s.

We must fly, we are late for a luncheon. Do have splendid weekends, wherever you may be!

The Pirate over the Preppy, Sharapova’s Next Dress…?

Hello-Hello! This afternoon’s Wimbledon final is to blame for our incredibly late post, with ‘The Preppy,’ Roger Federer facing “The Pirate,” Rafael Nadal. (For more on those appelations see our post of June 24th.) Perhaps the cloud should have been an omen…

But first, are we feeling a little more rested, relaxed, and ready to go? Or did we turn into an ogre-like crankenstein heading back into the city when traffic became a little backed up on the LIE? Or on the Dan Ryan from New Buffalo or Holland? Don’t tell us you let the residual cleanup from Harborfest get you grinding your molars coming in from the Cape? Shame on you. Life could be worse:

(That statement was about as deep as the puddles at SW19 today during the rain. Perhaps Daddy was right about the sun baking my brain.)

It was one for the record books, leaving Mr. Federer as one of the world’s more despondent professional athletes this evening; we have a feeling he will bounce back, perhaps sooner than even he thinks. He has nothing to be ashamed of after today’s epic match at Centre Court.

A big Princess grosgrain ribbon bow and congratulations to The Pirate, utterly charming as he clambered about the court after the win in his efforts to reach family members for an emotional hug before proceeding to the Royal Box to greet Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia of Spain.

He then had a bite of a late supper.

If you didn’t see the Ladies’ Singles presentation yesterday, here are the Williams sisters, Venus of course is on the left, Serena on the right.

For those who may not know, there are all manner of other championships determined in the weeks that are Wimbledon. Here, a sampling of a few, starting with Jana Novotna and Kathy Rinaldi , winners of the Ladies’ Invitation Doubles title. (Some readers may recognize Ms. Rinaldi, having bumped into her at the Breakers, where she is a traveling pro.)

Wheelchair champions Ronald Vink and Robin Ammerlaan are seen above after receiving their trophy. What a wild week it has been!

Among those not making it to the Ladies’ was top-seeded Ana Ivanovic, seen below in what has come to be known in some tennis fashion circles as “the dress from hell.” Ivanovic’s dress is an Adidas creation; they are her sponsor for this sort of thing.

Despite its loathsome qualities, at least to some, it is scheduled for yet another appearance, this one also a high-profile Grand Slam event, the US Open. What is a far more egregious crime to many (and TP is in sync with this school of thought), is the color of said garment. We give you Exhibit A:

Taupe? It must have taken an extraordinary amount of time and energy to come up with such a wretched color. Ms. Ivanovic is a lovely creature indeed, and she shines despite the muddy tone of the dress, but honestly Mr. Adidas. Is this the best you can do? More depressing is what occurs when you click on the ‘Shop’ link on Ms. Ivanovic’s website; you are taken to the Tennis-Warehouse ecommerce site; what you see at the top of the page is this:

 

As the good folks at Down the Line Tennis note:

All you want is an originally designed, inspired and functional dress to wear for the final Grand Slams of the year and here’s what they give you: The Wimbledon dress (above), in the required white with lilac piping around the neckline and arm holes, was supposedly inspired by flower petals but I’m thinking someone was eating lady fingers when they came up with the design. And for the US Open you’re sporting the same dress but in some drab grey-brown moment (below). *Yawn* Even the proportions, most noticeably the length of the dress, seem awkward on you.

BTW, Down the Line is a must see for anyone favoring fashion + tennis, a wonderful read blending those two elements and more. Because we devoted a fair amount of coverage to Maria Sharapova and the now infamous Tennis Tuxedo (our capitalization) she wore at Wimbledon, we thought it only right we let you know Ms. Sharapova has recovered from the pain of that early departure from the tournament, at least on the surface of things.

Ms. Sharapova is seen above with Stella McCartney, at the London launch party for Ms. McCartney’s organic line of clothing. Ms. Sharapova then made her way to Paris, seen below at Valentino’s runway show for the 2009 Spring line (with friend Camilla Belle on the right).

If one is to believe Pro-Direct Tennis, the “Definitive Online Tennis Store”, then this is what we’ll see Ms. Sharapova wearing at Flushing Meadows, the Nike Sharapova US Open Day Dress:

 

The site also shows the dress in white, and offers both for pre-ordering. We’re not comfortable stating definitively this is the dress Nike and Sharapova plan for the Open, but wanted to share the info and the images. The site does have something for those who favor the Adidas Ivanovic dress planned for the Open, a coordinating/matching warm-up pant, seen below. We have learned the color is not mud, nor taupe, but Lava Grey, and there are several coordinates in the group, as you would expect. Below we show the tennis skirt, also available for pre-ordering.

Finally tonight, a reminder the Lacoste sale is still going on:

Lacoste Sale