Brooks Brothers Goes For The Younger Set and Those Grace Kelly Barbie Dolls

Welcome to another new week here at the Prepatorium, bright, beautiful and sunny, simply splendiferous.

We begin today with news about a new endeavor for Brooks Brothers, a new type of focusing on a younger demographic, WWD has the story.

Brooks Brothers will open a new concept store in the Flatiron District of New York City later this fall to cater to college students and young professionals.

Brooks Brothers

Customers needn’t worry about the retailer moving away from its core customer however, the quote below is from a senior officer at Brooks.

“This is not an effort to compete with all the young, trendy retailers out there. We are still very much taking our Brooks Brothers heritage and translating it for a younger consumer.”

This isn’t going to be the only store targeting a younger demographic, the company will open another just like it in Georgetown, on M Street. (The old Smith & Hawken/Pottery Barn space.)  More from David Lipke’s story:

“You won’t find a shirt-and-tie wall here,” said Lou Amendola, Brooks Bros.’ chief merchandising officer. “It’s a lot less formal than a traditional Brooks Bros. store.

Another image from the fall catalog.

Courtesy Photo via Women's Wear Daily

Perhaps one of the best ways to visualize the distinction between “regular Brooks” and “campus Brooks” might be in considering what is available for video inside the stores: the Madison Avenue flagship shows CNBC, the new store will have WiFi and old video games.

The story also notes that Brooks is looking at a children’s only store on the UES, when the renovation of the Madison Avenue store is completed next month the second floor will be dedicated to the women’s and children’s merchandise.  As always, these are fun to watch, with any luck we’ll have an opportunity to visit one of the new shops at some point in the not too distant future.

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We have news of yet another collaboration, the news also comes via WWD (Women’s Wear Daily), the trade publication took a look at the upcoming Jonathan Adler and Lacoste partnership in this story.  Mr. Adler’s needlepoint pillows have been featured frequently in this space, we are fond of his design aesthetic and heaven knows, we love our needlepoint.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

A June GQ blog post offers insight in to why Mr. Adler was interested in working with Lacoste:

Jonathan Adler: I have been rocking LACOSTE since I was 10, so I’m a long time fan and an addicted user. When LACOSTE approached me about this collaboration I was excited and inspired. I am very lucky to have a career that allows me to express myself in a myriad of ways, but the downside is that I rarely get truly excited. When LACOSTE approached me, I felt like a child hearing the ice cream truck coming around.

A look at the Special Edition polo shirt from the collection, it will come in a number of colors and be packaged in a special needlepoint case.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

The Special Edition polo will retail at $150 (it must be a very lovely case), a Limited Edition version will have actual needlepoint on the shirt, that will set collectors back $250. Those shirts will be available online and at Lacoste shops in November, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom are also expected to offer them.

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With apologies to our Facebook friends for a slightly repetitive posting, we wanted to share photos of the Grace Kelly Barbie dolls. Below, the “To Catch a Thief” doll, one of three versions showcasing iconic looks.

Via Barbie Collector

The doll shown above was released in June, it sells for about $35. The most recently released doll isn’t in the same price range, it is more of an investment. (Cough-cough.)

Via Barbie Collector

The Grace Kelly Bride Barbie is $175, it was released earlier this month. The level of detail looks very nice on this particular doll.

Barbie Collector

The third doll in the series is the Romance Doll, it will be released in October.

Barbie Collector

There are two ways of dressing this one, it will include a navy ensemble.

Barbie Collector

I wonder what the percentage is of adult women buying these as opposed to little girls eager to add them to their collection…?

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Finally, we couldn’t let an Anti-Prep’s weekend activities pass without at least noting the events. In our own snarkish way of course, via comments made on Twitter.

Via Twitter

Another one shared by the Huffington Post.

Via Huffington Post

And a final Tweet on the topic.

Via Huffington Post

Indeed.

Preppy Back to School? & Brooks Brothers Collegiate Collection

Welcome to a one-topic Tuesday, it is another insanely busy day, so brevity guides our post.

Once again it is that time of year, when parents and children alike ponder the available back to school offerings. One can almost hear the conversations at local department stores:

• “No, you will not be wearing that to school this year.”
• “I don’t care what Olivia and Chapin are wearing the first day, I am not buying that.”
• “Well, then I guess you will be the only one at school wearing _________ .” (Fill in the blank.)
• “I said no and I meant no.”
•   “What do you mean everybody wears that? Name one person in ‘everybody’.”
• “No daughter/son/other of mine is wearing that. Put it back on the rack.”

It is also the season for media stories heralding “preppy” back to school styles.  The following is from a Bloomberg story entitled “Gossip Girl Couture is Back to School Boon“.

“Sears… also is featuring preppy fashions over casual wear, pushing back-to-school gear from MTV star Audrina Patridge and reality socialite Kim Kardashian.”

Because nothing says ‘preppy’ like the new Kardashian Kollection at Sears.

Kardashian Kollection at Sears.com

More from the Bloomberg story, still referencing Sears.

“The department store, which is offering $38 polo shirts and $30 Dockers pants, introduced a “Varsity Prep” line.”

A few offerings from the Varsity Prep collection.

Sears "Varsity Prep"

The line is for young men, not teenage girls or ‘tweens’ as they are now called. (Ahem.) Three more items are shown below.

Sears "Varsity Prep" Collection

Many pieces in the collection look fairly standard, polo shirts, tees and the like. But some are far removed from what readers would refer to as ‘preppy,’ that sleeveless t-shirt on the right is one such item, while the sweatshirt in the middle looks like it could have come right out of an Abercrombie & Fitch store. (Another Anti-Prep.)

The good news in the Bloomberg article is that many of the shoppers interviewed say they plan to move away from the jeans and tennis shoes look.

“Angela Ricci is shopping for lacy tops, ruffled skirts and floral dresses to wear when she begins her senior year of high school in Pittsburgh. One thing she won’t be buying: jeans.

“I want to show a new kind of style and make a better impression,” said Ricci, 17. “I think that my generation is inspired to dress up a little more.”

That might seem like a good thing to many moms, but there is one caveat, the impact on your pocketbook.

“Teens like Ricci are following the example of television shows such as “Gossip Girl” — in which actress Blake Lively prances to class in couture — as they head to stores to stock up for the new school year. Retailers, stung by slowing sales growth and record cotton costs, are obliging with blouses and dresses that sell for higher prices.”

The story makes for an interesting read, click here if you would like to read it in its entirety.

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Staying with the back to school topic, the new Brooks Brothers Collegiate Collection is now available online.

Brooks Brothers Collegiate Collection

In case the graphic above doesn’t show the schools currently part of the new line, here is a better image.

Brooks Brothers Collegiate Collection

Much of it looks like what we expected, sweaters and ties emblazoned with the school crest, like these from Stanford. (Where a tiny piece from my heart remains.)

Brooks Brothers Collegiate Collection

Or these from Notre Dame. (A sliver of TQM’s heart lies among the shamrocks at this university.)

Brooks Brothers Collegiate Collection

The ties are silk, made in the USA, they are $79.50. The polo shirts are classic Brooks, 100% cotton with the school crest on the sleeve, they are $69.50. These two are from the Boston College group of merchandise.

Brooks Brothers Collegiate Collection

The element that is baffling? The school name or initials on the dress shirts, as shown below right.

Brooks Brothers Collegiate Collection

We can’t think of one Princeton (or Yale or BC or Stanford or Notre Dame or…well, you get the drift) graduate who would ever feel it necessary to wear something like this:

Brooks Brothers Collegiate Collection

A dress shirt with your school name on the cuff? Once again we quote Nancy Reagan: “just say no.”

This clearly goes in the “Help Me Understand” category, as we are completely mystified by this aspect of an otherwise fine collection. We prevailed upon a friend for his opinion; here’s what Bumby of the Preppy Chronicles (also Princeton, class of ’87), had to offer:

“The only advantage of having the name of your school tattooed on your cuff: After the police, put you in the back of the car they know where to drop you off.”

Perhaps Christian at Ivy Style or Alexander Grant can pop in and provide a little elucidation on the topic, as yours truly is beyond baffled.  (Speaking of Christian, the topic of Friday’s post is related, looking at club ties and where one should/shouldn’t wear them. The comments are what really make the post sing, fascinating, all of them.)

Thank you for coming to visit!

Mixed Signals on Designer Logos & Those Snooki Slippers

Hello-Hello, welcome to a fab Wednesday here at the Prepatorium.

Today we take a look at children’s’ fashions, with an emphasis on the logofication issue. A number of publications have suggested These Challenging Times are fostering less conspicuous consumption, including smaller, fewer, and more discreet use of logos, particularly for luxury labels.  This first picture may help explain why we’re confused.   Above we share an image from Burberry’s online store in the Girls’ apparel category, but similar use of the company’s signature check motif is abundant throughout the site.  These items do not seem to fit in the smaller and discreet categories.

The retailer still offers plenty of adult merchandise with its name and/or logo loud and proud, below we show the Wool Crewneck Sweater for women, and on the right, a Men’s Lightweight Hoody.

Bloomberg recently did a story about luxury labels turning their attention to other revenue streams, including children’s wear; the story is titled Burberry $750 Kids’ Trench Coats Turn Playgrounds to Runways.

“Celebrity culture and status-seeking are driving the growth, according to Fflur Roberts, Euromonitor’s luxury-goods research manager.

Suri Cruise, the 4-year-old daughter of actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, has been photographed wearing a Burberry fur- trimmed parka and beige velveteen coat lined with the brand’s signature plaid.”

To be fair, the iconic motif is seen very little on higher end Burberry London pieces, it is almost invisible in the Prorsum line. It is featured primarily on the lower end fashions and accessories targeted at the aspirational shopper.

The continued logo placement is not limited to Burberry.  Your little ones’ feet seem to be a popular spot for advertising, below left, the D&G Infant Sneakers, the Gucci Baby Sneakers are on the right.

We all know how yours truly feels about the logo on the left, adorning a pair of Children’s Sneakers, not to mention the all-over play it receives on the Baby Bal-Harbor Slip Ons.

More from the Bloomberg story:

“…. dressing their kids in designer gear is a guilt-free way for fashion-focused parents to indulge their own penchant for following trends, Roberts said. “It makes them feel good,” she said.

“Parents increasingly see their children as a reflection of themselves so they want to make sure they look good and are in the latest things,” said Sarah Peters, senior retail analyst at Verdict Research, a part of the Datamonitor Group.”

Calvin Klein ensures everyone will know where Little Bitsy’s togs came from.

We previously mentioned that Fendi is launching a children’s line in the spring, on the left we see children in the upcoming collection; we are hopeful pieces won’t be like these Baby Zucca Booties.

The Times ran a story on Monday about the lucrative returns in fashion for little ones, Designer Labels Go Pint Size.

“Gucci, Fendi and Stella McCartney are among the latest designers to add luxury children’s collections to their company’s stable, a small step for high-end fashion but among the first signs of growth since the recession.”

A few items from the soon-to-launch collection from Ms. McCartney.

The Stella McCartney pieces do not disappoint, they are cute as can be, eminently wearable, and sans logos.  Amen.  When it comes to the children’s line, buzz on Planet Fashion is all about the Gucci Kids advertising:  the word is that the campaign features Jennifer Lopez and her 2-year-old twins.  From the Women’s Wear Daily story, “Gucci Gucci Goo“:

“The images feature a sun-kissed Lopez and her two-year-old twins decked out in Gucci clothes and accessories, including sunglasses, romping on the beach.”

Apparently the ads were almost never shot, according to this story:

“Jennifer Lopez’s cute new advertisement for fashion house Gucci with her twin babies almost never happened – because her husband Marc Anthony refused to turn the spotlight on their children.

The singer/actress reveals she struggled to persuade Anthony to agree to let their kids Max and Emme join their superstar mum and model in the photo spread, admitting he only relented because it was all for children’s charity UNICEF.”

Via MumbaFashion

We haven’t seen enough of the new Gucci collection to know if children are at risk of Logophobia or not, but be assured we will not drop our guard, vigilance is our watchword. (Heh,heh,heh.)

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There is good news and bad news about two of our AntiPrep Wall of Shame member. First, the good: JWOWW’s clothing line is apparently not going to be created; Jezebel has more:

“Sad news for those who were eagerly awaiting our Boob Slings in the mail: JWOWW’s clothing line will not go into production, due to a trademark dispute.”

But now the bad: Snooki-branded products are now hitting the marketplace.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images & Happy Feet

The folks at Happy Feet say the first 10,000 slippers ordered should be delivered in time for the holidaze. Can a Snooki Snuggie be far behind? (Surely we aren’t the first people to consider this possibility…?)

On that tragic image we say adieu until next time!

True Prep Tuesday

Hell-Hello, welcome back to reality. Sigh. (Truth be told, we are happy campers indeed, the reality is that for us the work week is something to be enjoyed, not endured, so you shan’t hear any complaints from these quarters, we are blessed to do what we love, and love what we do.)

We begin today with an update on True Prep, did everyone see author Lisa Birnbach on the Today show this morning?

NBC/Universal

The appearance marked the official release of the new book, an expanded, updated partner to The Original Preppy Handbook, aka TOPH.  The segment kicked off with a look back at Ms. Birnbach’s appearance on the show thirty years ago, when the person hosting the segment was….

NBC Universal

Yeppers, that would be Tom Brokaw. (How about the Madras skirt, we love that.)

There was also a look at updated preppy fashion during the segment, including new styles from the just-launched Brooks Brothers Fleece line for the young Masters and Misses at your house, as well as looks from Lilly Pulitzer.

NBC Universal

Of course, if interested in purchasing the book, we still have a few copies available, with one cautionary note: Random House has already had to order a second printing, but those books won’t be available until at least the end of September.

We are also down to only two copies of prep classic Take Ivy, that has also had to go into a second printing. (Did we get crazy lucky with our first two books for the store, or what?)

Next, we have to say we love the fab madras jacket Ms. Birnbach is sporting in her on-camera interview with the Borders. This is very similar to one yours truly has, although ours is ancient. Seriously old. But we love it and haul it out every summer.

Via Borders.com

Today’s Pretty in Pink actually features Ms. Birnbach, she was looking at Lilly Pulitzer styles for possible inclusion in the Today show fashion segment.

Via True Prep Facebook

BTW, we were fortunate enough to spend some time on the phone with Ms. Birnbach this morning, and we’ll share part of that extended interview in tomorrow’s post. (Let’s just say that her thoughts about possible additions to the Anti-Prep Wall of Shame are entertaining.)

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Next, several quick updates on all manner of things preppy, beginning with a story in (of all places) the Financial Times. In “A Hipper Preppy Look is Back in Fashion” the writer posits that students aren’t the only people going back to school this time of year. “…fashion is too.”

“Take the long list of preppy brands enjoying success: British-owned Jack Wills recently launched three East Coast stores in the US; Boden is set to join the fray this autumn with Johnnie B, a new preppy tween line; Gant and Tommy Hilfiger, both forebears of the look, are revisiting their waspy roots with updated fashion twists; and LL Bean has put itself back on the map with a range of archive-inspired designs, following in the footsteps of Brooks Brothers, which has experienced a renaissance thanks to new collections from men’s wear luminary Thom Browne.

The story quotes Barneys‘ creative director and author Simon Doonan, offering his philosophy on the style’s popularity.

“It’s a nice antidote to the slutty porno-chic which is the dominant trend in our culture,” he says. “Maybe people are craving a bit of wholesome Americana to counteract the [MTV Reality show] Jersey Shore situation, and The Situation.”

Thank you a thousand times Mr. Doonan, thank you.

More from the FT story.

“Preppy’s previous old-fashioned jolly-hockey-sticks dowdiness is being replaced with a new, hipper image.

The styling in many preppy brand campaigns is taking an eclectic approach with old-fashioned tweed jackets being worn over baggy ripped jeans; traditional fits and trouser lengths are being played around with to give a new fashion edge.“It’s being subverted. There is the patrician privilege aspect, but there’s also a flirty, kinky side,” says Martin Raymond, co-founder of The Future Laboratory, a trends prediction agency.”

While not concurring with the notion of ‘kinky preppy’ (gasp!), we do think you will find the story interesting.

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Speaking of Brooks Brothers, we stumbled into a sale over the weekend with amazing prices on a limited number of Black Fleece items.  The sale was at another ubiquitous off-price ‘invitation only’ site, Gilt.com.

Gilt Groupe

The pieces included a Black Fleece Chesterfield coat originally priced at $1000 for $249 (L), as well as a $950 Black Fleece Cotton Dress priced at $69.

It’s probably a good thing we didn’t notice the sale until after just about everything was sold out; the B2 pooh-bahs can’t be thrilled to sell pieces at 75% off. Ouch. The sale ended this morning at 9am. (If in need of an invite for future sales, just click here.)

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Back to our primary topic, True Prep’s official release. There are any number of news stories related to the book and author Lisa Birnbach, we have a brief sampling of a few more:

• The Houston Chronicle’s Bookish Blog asks “Are You a True Prep?“
• Yesterday’s NY Post carried “Prep Rally – Thirty years later, plaid madras, popped-collars and loafers have become mainstream as a classic book gets updated”
• Jezebel asks “Are We Really Ready For Preppy Nostalgia?”
  

  Via Jezebel

• Slate carried a great story from June Thomas, “Saved by Corduroy – How the Original Preppy Handbook Changed my Life.“
• The delightful Life of a Suburban Princess alerted us to “Prepster style stages a comeback” in the Toronto Star.  The story is accompanied by a slide show offering the writer’s take on contemporary preppy styles.

We must admit to some most unflattering conduct here at the prepatorium, we’re quite proud today’s post didn’t engage in yet another annoying whineathon lots of chatter mentioning that for many of us, the style isn’t “back,” it never went away.

For those interested in staying on top of all things True Prep, the Facebook page is a good place to start, and if you enjoy Twitter (as we do), you can also find Lisa Birnbach tweeting.  Click here for the entire Today Show segment, give the video player a few moments to load.

With that we say g’bye until next time!

Saks’ Sale on Christmas, Fierce Footwear & A New Anti-Prep

Hello-Hello and Happy Thursday!

Today we begin with a topic of a serious nature (ahem) impacting almost everyone (not exactly) in the free world: Hello Kitty.

Please allow us to be among the first to proclaim our fondness for said Kitty. While not found on anyone’s list of Top Preppish Accessories, we still find her to be cute and cuddly, perhaps even a little cheeky. Our appreciation of Ms. Kitty comes as no surprise to readers who have suffered through occasional posts containing KRC (Kitty Related Content).  Perhaps the best that can be said about this practice is that we have been consistently inconsistent, writing about the Hello Kitty MAC collection here, sharing products from the upcoming 35th Anniversary Collection here….

…or talking about miscellaneous Kitty merchandise here.

We have even included some Kitty products in our Pretty in Pink category.

We haven’t always understood everything Kitty, like the Large Diamond Pendant necklace at Needless Neiman Marcus… or the Coffee Maker… or the Toaster.

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However, we have always been able to comprehend their creation and merchandising.

Until now.

PHOTO: Markus Klinko - Indrani

This creature is known as Lady Gaga, and the next image may fall under the NSFW umbrella (Not Safe For Work viewing), something we diligently try to avoid here at Princess HQ.

PHOTO: Markus Klinko - Indrani

The Daily Mail initially got their little journalistic paws on the photos, and their story explains their ultimate purpose:

“The images – by celebrated photographers Markus Klinko and Indrani  – will be featured on the cover of  the special, limited-edition reissue of GaGa’s hit album, The Fame.

The 23-year-old New Yorker… is reportedly giving away a lock of her hair with every sale of the box-set.

According to her website, it will also include a pair of 3D glasses to view ‘forthcoming Gaga visuals’ and the definitive ‘book of Gaga’.”

Not only is this a Help Us Understand, it is most assuredly an addition to the Anti-Prep Wall of Shame, don’t you think?  If anyone is capable of passing along some information or perspective on Miss Gaga, we would be most appreciative for your gentle guidance and educational assistance.

NOTE: We have been advised by our house guest that she enjoys Miss Gaga’s musical offerings.

Evidently the performer will be guest starring on Gossip Girl next week.

PHOTO: Giovanni Rufino/the CW

In the photo above she is seen with G2 stars Leighton Meester and Penn Badgley.

There you have it.

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Those in search of fierce footwear will be pleased to learn that some of Christian Siriano’s line is already online at Payless Shoes.

The new handbags in his Holiday collection are not yet online, but the six shoe styles are available. Below, the Micola Zipper flay on the left; the Slither Boot is on the right.

Styles unlikely to be seen here at the Prepatorium, but certainly appealing for those more hip than TP (a group including most of America’s female population).

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We have several quick Sales and Savings opportunities to pass along, beginning with the Vera Bradley sale at ‘members-only’ shopping site Rue LaLa.

If in need of an invite, just email us: thepreppyplanet@gmail.com.

Don’t forget the Polo Ralph Lauren Private Sale begins today as well; use promo code NOV0509 to receive an additional 15% discount on reduced merchandise.

The Nordstrom semi-annual sale for women and children has commenced.

Also underway, Saks’ Online Only sale.

There is a significant amount of this year’s holiday merchandise in the sale, including Christopher Radko’s 2009 Saks ornament (originally $55, now $38.50), and the I’ll Take Manhattan ornament (originally $45, now $31.50).

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Also available, an ornament Silly Tilly would love.