Gwyneth is Selling Stuff on GOOP, And When Whales Go Bad

Hello-Hello, welcome to another wacky week here at the Prepatorium.

We begin today with something that mystifies us was a surprise, Gwyneth Paltrow is selling tee shirts.

Via GOOP.com

The tee only comes in white, it features grosgrain piping at the shoulder and side seams.

Via GOOP.com

The tee shirt is $90.

More from Racked:

Otherwise, it is just a plain ol’ white T-shirt that costs $90. As if Goop knew it was a boring and predictable choice, they tried to spruce up the product page with hot tips like, “This sophisticated embellishment to Kain’s trademark silhouette will wear well for day into night” and, “We like to wear ours untucked.”

This is not for those seeking a cotton tee, it is 100% modal (a form of rayon), and then there is the care of said tee, we go back to the product page:

Care instructions: Dry Clean or Machine Wash Cold Water, Dry Flat

Ahem.

The goop website recently underwent a major overhaul, one of the new features being introduced is an e-commerce element.  The tee is just the first of what apparently will be many products Ms. Paltrow is going to be marketing. When going to the site’s “About” page here is what one sees:

goop is a digital media and e-commerce company founded by Gwyneth Paltrow.

Each week, goop premieres one exclusive limited edition collaboration. Whether it’s a wardrobe staple, a home accessory, or a beauty must, we believe these are the curated essentials for you, your wardrobe and your home.

Knowing the immense following the actress enjoys, it’s likely she will do quite well in this arena.

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Did you watch the Olympic Trials for the USA Gymnastics Team over the weekend?  It was a sea of red, white and blue when team members were announced.

USA Gymnastics Facebook

Gabby Douglas posted the highest two day score, earning an automatic place on the team.

USA Gymnastics Facebook

Below we see (left to right) team members Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney, Jordyn Wieber and Kyla Ross.

USA Gymnastics Facebook

It was a tough night for the 2008 Gold Medalist in the All-Around competition, Nastia Liukin, she took a tumble off the uneven bars during her routine, later announcing her retirement, using her Twitter feed to thank supporters

Nastia Liukin Twitter Feed

The athlete also shared this Instagram photo.

Instagram

You can learn more at the USA Gymnastics website or Facebook page, the Games get underway with the Opening Ceremony July 27.

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Finally today, visual demonstration of what we meant in the post title, “When Whales Go Bad”.

Thom Browne NY Facebook

Some readers may recognize the designer right away. For those unfamiliar with the outlandish apparel, we’re talking about someone we have excoriated relentlessly previously mentioned in this space, designer Thom Browne.  He also designs the Brooks Brothers Black Fleece collection.

His 2013 Resort collection for women showed similar patterns and motifs, but most pieces were done in a more subdued color palette, as shown at Moda Operandi.

Moda Operandi

From Moda Operandi:

For resort 2013, his classic shrunken shapes get a preppy twist with madras, pastels and a very deliberate play on the subculture’s current go-to animal prints (we aren’t talking leopard).

Little jackets stamped with whales that would bring all critter-wearing-preps in droves had they not been juxtaposed with their skeletal counterparts. That’s right: whale skeletons. It is fashion, after all.  Luckily, Thom Browne has a sense of humor that’s both dark and lovely — if the skeletons are too menacing, Browne’s collection also includes whale sequin appliques which are as striking as they are ironic.

The women’s Resort Collection is available for pre-order on Moda Operandi through midnight tonight, despite the nonsensical approach there are some exquisite pieces, you will need to look past some of the more outrageous designs.

Back to yesterday’s show, more from the On the Runway blog:

A Thom Browne show is a little like watching a long fuse crackle and burn toward a pile of dynamite — and then, pppfft, nothing. A dud.

On Sunday evening, in a palatial courtyard on the Left Bank, silver-painted models appeared in life-size Slinkies, each one covered in a skin of matte-silver fabric.

This photo from Mr. Browne’s Facebook page shows the silver slinkies:

Thom Browne Facebook

Back to Cathy Horyn:

The audience beamed as the models set off toward a square of grass, where shoes were arranged in a grid pattern. Each stepped into a pair. Then, on cue, their helical contraptions sank to the ground, revealing Mr. Browne’s short-pants suits in Easter-egg plaids, with whale and lobster motifs. The interest was very short-lived.

No one enjoys a good madras more than your faithful correspondent. And bright colors. And a critter or two.

Thom Browne Facebook

But in this case I’m thinking even the lobsters are a little mortified.

Thom Browne Facebook

Those feeling more positively about the collection will be able to purchase pieces starting this evening at 6pm, via Oki Ni.

With that we say “G’bye until next time!”

Tommy Hilfiger & Brooks Brothers Black Fleece Spring 2012

Yesterday we promised a look at more Fashion Week by designers with a preppish aesthetic, we’ll jump right in with this weekend’s Tommy Hilfiger show.

Robert Mitra/WWD

From WWD’s review (Women’s Wear Daily, subscription required):

With the preppy circuit a hallowed seedbed of loud color and louder pattern, one might expect its sartorial guru, Tommy Hilfiger, to blend right in this season. Yes and no. The engaging show he presented on Sunday night felt perfect for the moment, yet stood out on the strength of Hilfiger’s approach to patterns.

Ummm, “hallowed seedbed”? Anyone? Bueller?

We always enjoy the bright pops of color one sees more of in the spring collections, the pieces below are fun while also offering a touch of whimsical sophistication.

Robert Mitra/WWD

More from the Women’s Wear Daily story:

Rather than outsize florals, he chose magnified men’s wear checks and subtle shirting stripes. As expressions of the Pop motif, the former came bright (orange and blue; pink and green) in Modworthy cuts, and were shown in matchy-matched ways that looked charmingly contrived — swimsuit matching skirt, matching bag matching shoes.

Some of those menswear fabrics can be seen in the styles shown below:

Robert Mitra/WWD

The pieces above are lovely, especially the soft pink-peach on the far right. As some industry insiders expected, it seems there is a return to more ladylike styles, no complaints about that from these quarters.

Robert Mitra/WWD

Back to the the story in WWD:

However one feels about the military-combat staple prettied up in pink and blue (it resonated awkward on the 9/11 anniversary), it went on too long.

Catwalking via NY Times

We concur with the sentiments on the camo, there were many more looks we haven’t shown, it simply didn’t fit with the rest of the collection, and it all started to look the same.

As for the voluminous Mondrian-inspired caftans, preppy girls don’t want to look fat, either. But these played like mere afterthoughts to an overall engaging collection.

Catwalking via NY Times

From Vogue UK‘s review:

Tommy Hilfiger’s show last night focused on the fusion of preppy and pop, paying homage to the Sixties – a recurrent theme of the season, though the ensembles here were more amped up Ali McGraw in Love Story, than Mod-style sharp and bold.

Long the undisputed king of youth-driven sportswear, the Hilfiger of late is compelling, playing around with the classics and fine-tuning the brand’s new-found high-end prep signature.

Finally, several of the swimwear styles.

Robert Mitra/WWD

Among the celebrities on hand for the show, Malin Akerman, NBA star Carmelo Anthony and actress Abbie Cornish.

Getty Images

It wouldn’t be Fashion Week if we didn’t share at least a look or two from that wild and wacky guy, Thom Browne. (Yes, of the Brooks Brothers Black Fleece fame.) Below we share several styles from Monday’s runway show.

Getty Images

From Newstimes:

The designer presented his spring collection Monday in the hallowed halls of the New York Public Library. But this was no study hall. It wasn’t a typical fashion show, either

Below we show several looks from this fall’s Black Fleece collection. (Mr. Browne’s collection is entirely separate, the similarities are visible however.)

Brooks Brothers Black Fleece

Which brings us to our Black Fleece preview for spring 2012. Again we return to Women’s Wear Daily:

In a word, preppy. For spring, Thom Browne did away with some of the more severe silhouettes he typically favors and instead showed the kind of clothes his bosses at Brooks Brothers are well-versed in.

John Aquino/WWD

Seersucker, plaid, lace and grey flannel, it was all here.  More from WWD‘s review:

For women, Browne honed in on bright pink, green and yellow designs with a Sixties touch, which is a departure for the label. He also put together contrasting seersuckers, and added details such as three pockets on a lace dress.

John Aquino/WWD

We very much liked almost everything we saw for the ladies, the bias-cut silk dress on the far right is something we would love to see on, it looks like a slice of understated elegance on a hangar.

John Aquino/WWD

A final note on next spring’s Black Fleece collection from Women’s Wear Daily:

Browne’s uberprep moment doesn’t mean he turned his back entirely on some of his earlier designs. Black Fleece’s hallmark red, white and blue blazer was still there, this time in a silk rep tie fabric.

John Aquino/WWD

That makes for two design surprises today, frequent readers know we have been less than positive about many of Mr. Hilfiger’s previous collections, as well as Mr. Browne’s, we find ourselves embracing many pieces in both collections.

Not quite as extensive a look at Fashion Week as we had hoped, but the best we can do today! We’ll be back on Friday with more Fashion Week along with a few other little tidbits.

Brooks Brothers Gets Social, Preppy Sales & Savings

Hello-Hello, thank goodness it is almost the weekend. Somehow the week became a rather long and tedious sequence of days, frenzied and harried with little breathing room.

There are loads of things happening all over the Preppy Planet, so we jump right in with an item qualifying as Friday Fun in our book: the result of yet another fashion collaboration, the Social Primer for Brooks Brothers Bow Tie Collection.

Brooks Brothers

Some readers are familiar with Social Primer, an online etiquette blog geared to men, as well as a retail outlet operated by K. Cooper Ray.

SocialPrimer.com

For those not yet enjoying the Primer we share this description from Brooks Brothers:

“The voice of SocialPrimer.com, “SP”, is a stickler for tradition and good manners. He reminds men to walk on the curbside of a lady and to always stand when they shake a man’s hand. SP is sometimes a dandy and always a gentleman.”

The partnership between these entities makes good sense, affording Brooks an opportunity to offer an updated look for a traditional item.

No one will be surprised by our appreciation for the ties; it is common knowledge we are silly for seersucker and rarely see a madras we don’t like, let alone a nautically inclined look.

Kudos to Mr. Ray and Brooks Brother. The collection is not yet officially launched (that happens May 19th), but the ties are available online and in Brooks Brothers stores.

Speaking of B2, they are in the middle of their Friends and Family Sale; everything is 25% off online, at retail stores and factory outlets stores.  To receive the discount, use promo code Friend1A at checkout. The promotional pricing runs through Monday, May 10th and it does include Black Fleece items.

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We smiled when reading the Financial Times’ story: “A summery outlook for men’s shoes”, illustrated with this image of Tod’s brightly colored driving moccasins.

Courtesy Image via Financial Times

The story shares insight from Lacoste’s chief marketing pooh-bah:

“Colour and the whole preppy style is very much on trend at the moment, and it’s something that Lacoste is strongly associated with,” citing the brand’s new pistachio green, baby blue and salmon pink canvas slip-on shoes…”

We haven’t yet seen the new Lacoste shoes referenced, but are guessing the look isn’t one The Consort will be sporting.

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Other Sales & Savings of note:

• Talbots is taking an additional 50% off sale prices.
• Polo Ralph Lauren offers an extra 15% off already-reduced prices through Monday, May 10. Use promo code MAY0610 for the discount
• Lacoste is taking 30% off merchandise through May 10th

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We close with two quick Pretty in Pink items; the first is an item from the store we used here at the Prepatorium just yesterday.

The Scout Insulated Casserole Carrier was put into action transporting our Apple Cake across town and it worked perfectly, as it always does. And that recipe? It is so easy recipe even yours truly can’t mess it up. (Well, not yet.)  Here is the recipe:

KitchenAid Apple Cake

• 11⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 11⁄2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 11⁄2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 11⁄2 cups applesauce
• 1⁄2 cup butter or margarine, melted
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup chopped, peeled apple
• 1⁄2 cup chopped walnuts

1. Combine dry ingredients in mixer bowl. Add applesauce, butter, and eggs.
2. Attach bowl and flat beater to mixer. Turn to Speed 2 and mix about 1 minute. Stop and scrape bowl. Turn to Speed 4 and beat about 30 seconds.
3. Add apple and walnuts. Turn to STIR Speed and mix just until blended.
4. Pour batter into greased and floured 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
5. Cool completely on wire rack. Frost with Caramel Creme Frosting, if desired.

Yield: 12 to 16 servings.

Per serving: About 318 cal, 5 g pro, 51 g carb, 11 g fat, 36 mg chol, 315 mg sod.

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Our second Pretty in Pink is something we stumbled upon when visiting the Everything is Better Pink blog:

Emma Graham Designs

Pieces from designer Emma Graham were featured on the blog, and we couldn’t resist sharing the image above, it is such a perfect pink and green! Our thanks to Sally at the blog, she has a great eye.

With that we say G’bye until next time, may everyone enjoy a weekend filled with love and laughter!

Brooks Brothers Online Outlet & “High Society”

Hello-Hello, welcome to a Wednesday.

In honor of the warming temps here at the Prepatorium we share a few looks from the Brooks Brothers spring/summer collection.

This seems to be the navy sleeveless wrap dress in the photo on the right.

Brooks Brothers

The images immediately below are all clickable if any of the styles are intriguing.

We do like most of the madras pieces shown for men.

The Black Fleece items are always… interesting. The spring styles seem much more wearable than Thom Browne’s previous collections.

Certain motifs work better on the ladies than they do on the gentlemen.

Indeed.

Perhaps of greater interest, word the retailer will be offering merchandise in a new format; more from a late February WWD story:

“eBay also is creating an online outlet mall for the U.S. with some well-known retail and apparel brands. Lord & Taylor’s outlet division is already on board and Brooks Brothers will be added next month.”

This one may hold promise for those seeking outlet mall price point without having to make a trip to said outlet.We’ll let you know when the site is live.

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Next on today’s agenda: High Society. We are not talking about this version.

We refer to this incarnation.

Courtesy the CW

Debuting a week from tonight, the show is launching on the CW; the network’s blog describes the program:

“HIGH SOCIETY follows Tinsley Mortimer, New York’s most talked-about “Park Avenue Princess,” as she and her circle of often-controversial friends circulate through New York’s most prestigious black-tie affairs, outrageous parties and fashion exclusives, with never-before-seen access from behind the velvet rope.”

Or, as the New York Tix blog says:

““Jersey Shore,” look behind you. “The Real World,” step up the pace. “Dancing with the Stars,” watch your step. A new breed of reality show is coming to town, and it’s the New York bluebloods who will be in the spotlight. And no, it’s not “Gossip Girl”: This is the real deal.
Premiering March 10 on the CW, “High Society” looks at the infighting, cat-fighting and general, well, fighting, of a group of upper-crust society ladies.”

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We close with two more quick items. First, yet another in the ever-growing list of Gossip Girl magazine covers, this time Jessica Szohr showcases the April issue of Lucky.

Lucky Magazine

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Second, a sorta’-kinda’-maybe-not-really Pretty in Pink.  Meet the Christian Louboutin Barbie 2.0. (That’s our name for it.)

Net-a-Porter

The official title is Dolly Forever Barbie, we love the miniature shoes that come with the doll.

But the life-size version is much more fun.

Saks Fifth Avenue

Until next time!

PHOTO CREDIT:

George Chinsee/Brooks Brothers Spring Collection

The Consort Goes All Olympic-manic & Here’s A Tip…

Hello-Hello, everyone.  The Consort skipping merrily mikeside while my beloved bride, The Princess, recovers from a long night of long-form skating viewing.  Let’s careen through some random thoughts, shall we?

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

I’m not much on ice skates.  The Princess has “mad skills” (as the kids nowadays like to say) but I’m basically a functioning idiot on skates.  Can’t turn, skate backwards or stop once I get moving.  But I appreciate the astounding exhibition of power and grace the men demonstrated in Vancouver.   Gold medalist Evan Lysacek of the United States, silver medalist Evgeni Plushenko of Russia and bronze medalist Daisuke Takahashi of Japan treated the world to the equivalent of a staredown on ice.  The controlled power in the leaps, the dazzling footwork and restrained costumes added up to a delightful night of viewing.  Performance under pressure is always something wonderful to behold.

One of the challenges facing the Olympic venues is the warm weather.  Is melting snow why this guy showed up?

(AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

Always good to see Michael Phelps in the house.  I imagine he’d be something to see going downhill on the bobsled run.  He’d probably medal at that, too.

While we’re going downhill… Thom Browne unleashed his vision on Fashion Week in NYC.  Let’s look at some of the highlights, shall we?

(Courtesy: The Fashionisto)

This might surprise you but I like his salute to Elton John’s 1970’s look.  The pillbox hat works well and carrying a groundhog tops off the outfit.   You’ll have to agree Mr. Browne’s spin on outerwear is breathtaking.  Or makes you choke a little bit.

(Courtesy: The Fashionisto)

I can’t resist the urge to tell this guy that there are raccoons crawling up his dress.  He’s probably aware of that and is handling the situation very well.  Remember that “performance under pressure” we discussed earlier?  Well, here you go.

(Courtesy: The Fashionisto)

Now I really like this look.  The shades of gray look lush and flow together so well.  I’m serious.  Look at the lines on that coat.  Okay, the hat and muff are a bit over the top for me but those are accessories.  Mr. Browne is an artist of immense talent.  We need people with vision who are unafraid to take risks.  I think he’s great.  You won’t be seeing me in his designs but that’s probably a good thing for many reasons.

Rather than comment on the Tiger Woods controlled media propaganda event news conference I will let you fill in your own punch line.  There is no shortage.

So on that open-ended thought I will say good-bye for now.  The Princess will be back next time with another look at Fashion Week and Vancouver events.  I remind you to treat your waitperson right because they’re working hard for you tonight.  I’ll leave you with words of wisdom from a Motown giant who had some issues of his own.