Haute Pink, More Preptastic Bargains Abound

Hello-Hello and greetings from the frenzied corner condo at Princess Intergalactic HQ!

Did everyone note the hot pink Angie Harmon is wearing on the cover of this month’s T&C (Town and Country)?

According to the Journal, she is just one of many in the “hot new color,” as explained in this story by Christina Binkley.

“No longer relegated to the garish masses, the saturated pink shades known as fuchsia and magenta are suddenly haute.”

The story includes a photo of an upscale kitchen by über-chic designer Clive Christian.

PHOTO: Courtesy Clive Christian via WSJ

The story even shares an inventive new appellation for what we have always called hot pink: “mangenta”.

Regardless of what one calls it, the color is a bright spot for many retailers:

“”Pink represents a certain playfulness and confidence, particularly in men,” says Simon Maloney, head of buying and production for shirtmaker Thomas Pink, where pink is selling well and will be marketed as a key color for fall.”

Below we show Pink’s Efland Stripe Traveller for men in their pink & white Stripe.

Thomas Pink

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There are still more Sales and Savings to pass on, beginning with Boden:

BodenUSA.com

Boden is doing a 15% off Mini-Boden special.

Kate Spade’s email shows “up to 50% off,” but when visiting the company’s sale pages one is greeted with a heading promoting “up to 75% off,” although that selection is limited.  The preppish retailer is also providing complimentary shipping on all orders; no need to invest a specific amount to enjoy this courtesy.

This makes things like the Haig Point Kei a relatively good bargain at $221.

KateSpade.com

The highly unusual but oh-so-wonderful 25% Off Bobbi Brown promotion ends tonight at midnight, so make haste if in need of cosmetics from this source!

BobbiBrown.com

Generally a little too hip for us, but fun nonetheless, the Gargyle Spring/Summer Sale is underway.

Gargyle.com

Loads of good buys are available, including classics like the mens Fred Perry Cardigan, now $75; its original price was $135.

And Men’s clothier Zegna begins their End of Season Sale tmorrow.

Zegna.com

We are absolutely buried today, so we shall simply scramarama and hope everyone enjoys a delightful evening!

Trina Turk Heads to the Hamptons & More ‘Preppy Chic’

Hello-Hello! Is everyone enjoying their “It’s Almost Friday” Day?

We are, in part because it is simply gorgeous here at the Prepatorium.  When the Consort is doing his imitation of a TV weather anchor his favorite phrase is “Sunny, Windy, Warm!” and that is exactly what it is like outside. (The Consort gets to do the imitation; although when he was a news anchor he did have to fill in a few times doing the weather.)

We start with a thank you to the always-elegant and fabulously witty Miss Pretty for nudging us about a story in the Times appropriately titled When No One Wants to Look Like a Banker.

“In a reversal of every recession in the last 100 years, figures show that men have not cut back on buying clothes as much as women have. They’re not buying power suits — they’re replacing them.”

And what are they wearing instead? The slide show accompanying the story shares several looks.  Below, the red silk knit tie is from Ralph Lauren and the Cotton Handkerchief is from Brooks Brothers.

PHOTO: David Roemer for The NY Times

In the next photo the striped shirt is from Thomas Pink and the Alexander Olch linen bow tie is carried by Bergdorf Goodman.

PHOTO: David Roemer for the NY Times

The story references the preppy aesthetic as seen by Bergdorf’s men’s fashion director:

“… . “It’s the preppy chic these guys have been into, and they’re just refining it, with the right madras, the right pair of khakis, the right cotton sport jacket.”

We cannot embrace the next look in its entirety, but if either of the madras pieces are appealing, they can both be found at Ralph Lauren.

PHOTO: David Roemer for the NY Times

Speaking of Ralph Lauren, a reminder their ‘Private Sale‘ is underway.  We have one more item from Ralph Lauren, this time from the company’s Rugby line:

The shorts are available online at Colette, the French purveyor of cutting-edge fashion.

And because we are already shopping at Colette, we’ll share this as today’s Adventure in Argyle. Most will recognize it:

This is the Junya Watanabe-designed cardigan Michelle Obama likes so much she has it in two colors.

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We have news about the new Trina Turk shop in the Hamptons:

The store is going to be right on Main in East Hampton; it is scheduled to open next Friday (the 22nd), just in time for the holiday weekend. Below, a look at pieces from the Summer Collection:

Courtesy Photo via WWD

We love the look of these totes.

We are actually rather fond of many styles from this designer. (Psst, this is only for members of the Secret Squirrel Club: we are even contemplating carrying some of the Trina Turk interior design collection! What do you think? Yea… or nay?)

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An update to our Polyvore post about the fun contest the Southern Social was hosting. That contest inspired us to attempt more styleboards, including this one filled with nautical merchandise from the Princess:

Obviously, playing on Polyvore could become troublesome in terms of wasting time the wise investment of time used to create work-related boards. (It is work you know. Really it is.)

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Many readers we know are pondering/planning their sojourn to the Lilly Pulitzer Warehouse Sale in June. Following our post with all the details on the Sale we received many comments, including this much-appreciated insight and advice from Caroline, clearly an expert on the topic:

I have been going to this Lilly Pulitzer warehouse sale for at least 5-6 years. My mother and I make it a “girls night” beacuse people start to line up as early as noon the day before!!! So if your going to go get there at least 12 hours before it starts and bring your airmattress from the “Great Lilly Camp Out”. They do allow everyone to sleep indoors and time to pack your car back up. We always have the best time hanging out with other lilly lovers : ).

This sale is INTENSE. the prices are the best most amazing things around and if your lucky enough to fit into sample sizes (2 or 4 sometimes a 6) then you will be purchasing Lilly Dresses for $20. AMAZING!

This a a sale that you HAVE HAVE HAVE to have a plan and a shopping buddy. When we get inside I go to samples and shoes and my mom hits up dresses and bathing suits- we get everything in size 2-6 then meet up 1 hr later in the dressing room area (yes area no individual rooms) and we go through our santa clause size saks and narrow it down to the best finds. Sometimes hanging out in the dressing room you will find the best sizes- as ladies are finished trying things on they hang them back up on a rack and that rack can be GOLD if you monitor it.

After the dressing room we always go out for another round to see what we missed.

There is no cell phone service at the sale (it is in a basement ballroom).

I am from the area but recently moved to Nashville, TN and I will be flying up for this.

Once you shop this sale you will NEVER be able to purchase her regular priced clothing….

These sound like super suggestions – thank you Caroline!

Pink’s New Shirt, Talbots & Target Sneak Peeks

Hello-hello!

We are hyper-busy today, so we shall do some quick blog-bombs! (Essentially Headlines with a brief tidbit, and/or photos.)

There will be a new addition to this fall’s line of Thomas Pink shirts. This WWD story explains the upscale retailer’s announcement that it will offer a wrinkle-free shirt in its Men’s line.  An intriguing thought, although we are somewhat disconcerted, uncertain we wish to purchase ‘crease-resistant’ shirts for the Consort at Pink.

Speaking of TSU (The Spousal Unit), he was more-than-disappointed to learn one of his favorite haunts for apparel is struggling.  Mark Shale becomes another unfortunate SOTT (Sign of the Times), with word they are filing bankruptcy and plan to close stores in Kansas City, Atlanta, and Dallas. The 3 Chicago-area stores will be kept open as a buyer for them is sought; the outlet store closed on Monday. 

When visiting Chicago it is not unusual for TSU to pop into the Michigan Avenue store; he is also fond of the Galleria location (Dallas).  The retailer has women’s apparel as well, with brands many readers will recognize for their exceptional quality and style. This is a shame, as Mark Shale runs an outstanding operation with customer service unmatched by 99.% of their counterparts. 

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Those who follow TP on Twitter may remember yesterday’s Tweet about Talbots’ boosting the age of its target customer; previously they were hoping to reach Women age 45 – 55/65, now it is 45 to 65+.  Yikes.

We wanted to share a few looks from Talbots’ fall line. (We don’t know if these styles fit with a marketing plan aimed at women 65+… your thoughts?)

Courtesy Photo via WWD

The look in the picture above seems more suitable for the under-55 demo IOHO, while this next style easily transcends age. 

Courtesy Photo via WWD

The Women’s Wear Daily story describes some of the looks: 

“Among some of the highlights of the fall collection, are cardigans with ruffles, bows and rosettes; printed scarves and waist sashes; sheath and lace evening dresses from $129 to $149…”

Courtesy Photo via WWD

Here in the corner condo we are hopeful these photos do not represent the best of the fall fashions, as there is little that appealed to us.   

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We have an update on the eco-friendly Loomstate for Target Collection due in stores in time for Earth Day which is April 22. 

Photo by Talaya Centeno

All of these pieces are made from certified 100% organic cotton. 

Photo by Talaya Centeno

 It is nice to see a GO International line with menswear, just a few photos down. 

Courtesy Photo

These next two photos are via the fabulous Nitrolicious, who has several more pictures from the group on her site.  

Pieces in the collection will range in price from $14.99 through $44.99. The men’s collection will be in stores about a month longer than the women’s, but as with many of Target’s limited edition collections, pieces may go quickly.  

That serves as a good reminder: the Thakoon for Target Collection is now drastically reduced. The clearance pricing includes things like tops at $4.24 and dresses at $13.99 

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For today’s Pretty in Pink we have several offerings, simply because we have absolutely no self-control in some areas. (We recognize that for most readers this is not new information.)

How about the Hello Kitty Polka Dots rain coat for kids?

Of course there is a matching Hello Kitty umbrella available, also at DLL Rainwear.

No need to be alarmed about finding something of this sort for your very own: the Pink Damask Raincoat for Women.

On that cheery note we say ‘bye, as we fly out the door!

A New Anti-Prep is Named, Pink Panther Collection in at Pink’s

Regular readers are familiar with an exclusive club, The Order of the Anti-Prep.  Membership in this society is reserved for those individuals or items so wretched, so horrid in their excess they simply shriek bad taste.  Conspicuous consumption. More than nouveau gauche.  You know what we mean, you don’t need us dredging up the gory backstory.

Our newest member is someone we have pondered naming previously, but we declined to do so out of concern for the ongoing challenges she seemed to face in her personal life.  We no longer harbor such concerns.

Once again Lindsay Lohan appeared on the Princess Radar, this time over the weekend. The reason was a plethora of gossip and non-news news stories about her demands for a First Class seat on a flight back to Los Angeles from Florida.  Ms. Lohan had journeyed to Florida for a Stoopid Super Bowl party, a paid appearance, we are speculating.

PHOTO: Steve Nesius/AP

According to Fox News:

“The 22-year-old caused chaos while departing on a Delta Flight from Tampa, Fla. on Saturday morning when the airline was unable to provide her with a first-class seat on the already overbooked flight.”

Besides being another episode in the “It just isn’t done” category, this is another in a series of seemingly endless incidents pushing TP  and the Consort over the line, leaving us no choice but to name Ms. Lohan an official Anti-Prep.  Honestly.

For those unfamiliar with the dubious title, previously named antipreps include Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian.  These individuals are also referred to as TAPWSNBN (The Anti Prep Who Shall Not Be Named), an acronym created by none other than the wonderful I Pick Pretty.

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Another stellar job in a trend report from the sharp minds at Women’s Wear Daily, as they take a look at a wardrobe basic, the white shirt.  Below, the shirt as Tory Burch does it:

PHOTO: Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

Another example, this one is from Tommy Hilfiger:

PHOTO: Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

This example comes from Thomas Pink, whose shirts we adore.

PHOTO: Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

While white is a must-have, isn’t this gem by Pink more fun?  We offer the Pink Fever shirt for your perusal and consideration.

Thomas Pink

It is one of many fabulous pieces in the retailer’s new Pink Panther collection:

Courtesy Thomas Pink

While the next item is crafted for the Man of the House, we do adore them. (However, there is not a chance the Spousal Unit is wearing these, no chance whatsoever.)

Thomas Pink

If any of these tickle your fancy and you plan on buying them online, haste in doing so may be wise, as the collection just went up Saturday and some items are already sold out.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: We must amend this to reflect updated information on the Consort’s socks sentiments: “What do you mean??!! I’d wear those, I think they’re pretty sweet!”  We stand corrected.

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The sales continue everywhere – we haven’t been posting most, as there are just *so* many. But we thought we would mention the Last Call at Emporio Armani:

And also remind everyone of the outstanding offers at J. Press.

J. Press

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We feel we must share a few more “When Pink Goes Bad” items that caught our eye:

Photo: Michiel Meewis

If one is thinking the neon creation above from designer Carly Garwin is merely an aberration, think again.

Montage Courtesy Refinery 29

The folks at Refinery 29’s Pipeline blog shared these in a post last week; you know we couldn’t keep them to ourselves!

All of these creations are from the recent Menswear Fall/Winter 2009 shows in Milan and Paris. Givenchy is responsible for the suit on the far left, Calvin Klein deserves credit for the middle photograph, and the more formal look on the far right comes from Dolce & Gabbana.  We thought the Givenchy was one of the “worst ever” suits until we saw this:

Courtesy Givenchy

To be fair, all three design houses showed some outstanding styles, especially Calvin Klein, frequently worn by yours truly.  But there was simply no way we weren’t posting some of the more outrageous creations.

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We close once again with a Pretty in Pink, sharing another delightful item from our new Lilly Pulitzer Stationery & Gift line. These are the Letterpressed Correspondence Cards, or note cards.

Lilly Pulitzer at PreppyPrincess.com

They are shown in the Color by Numbers motif; we are fond of its elegant look accented by a touch of whimsy.

Brooks Brothers With An Edge, the Azalea Maids Need our Help!

Good day from Snow Central in The Great Midwest!

Today we start with a few photos of what we call ‘edgy’ Brooks Brothers, the result of another collaboration with design genius Junya Watanabe.  First, a new twist on an old favorite, the madras blazer.

PHOTO: Snobiety.com

Along with a fresh take on the classic Brooks button-down.

PHOTO: HighSnobiety.com

Not something we are likely to see the Consort turn in his existing shirts for, but fun to look at nonetheless! Our thanks to the folks at HighSnobiety!  And in more “Brooks Brothers News,” imagine our surprise when we saw this headline and story in Racked.com (another one of our daily reads):

Discontinued: Brooks Brothers Folds Fifth Ave Store

A Racked tipster writes, “In a letter dated Jan 5th and sent to customers, Brooks Brothers indicated that they are relocating their staff and associates from the 5th Ave (and 53rd) store to their flagship location on Madison Avenue as of January 26th 2009.”

Apparently the departure is not related to the economy, at least not according to the Post’s story. And BTW, we continue to receive daily email from Brooks touting their Clearance Sale with ‘Up to 60% Off” original price points.

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The last several daze days have been filled with little odds and ends of stories our cherished readers may find moderately interesting, so we’ll do another Preppy Digest this afternoon, starting with word from The Choosy Beggar in Friday’s post that Tretorn is having a great sale.

We liked the French Terry Hoodie because of its snuggle factor, clearly peaking in the red zone on the Snuggle-O-Meter. Also offering fiscally friendly prices, Kate Spade.  We are seriously considering the Holly Heights ornaments at only $38.

The two-tone Tracy Bucket Tote is now $139.

And did we mention the ongoing sale at Tory Burch? (Not to mention all of the Tory Burch on sale at Neiman’s, Saks, Nordstrom, etc.) The Lara Flat is reduced 33%, available in both navy and french yellow.

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Fans of the oh-so-preppy-inspired Gossip Girl will be intrigued by the news that Chace Crawford‘s character (aka Nate Archibald) will be joined by a new character, a cousin.  And the new character’s name? Kip Vanderbilt.  Seriously. In other C2 news, the Leona Lewis music video Mr. Crawford is starring in debuts next week.

PHOTO: Dean Freeman

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The Washington Post announced a winner in their “First Lady Formalwear Contest” in today’s paper. Readers were asked to submit their own designs for an Inaugural gown for Michelle Obama. WaPo fashion critic Robin Givhan selected the winning sketch from almost 200 designs submitted by the general public.

PHOTO: Katie Ermilio Photo

Katie Ermilio is the designer creating the sketch seen above; Ms. Givhan’s column detailing her reasoning for this choice is outstanding – a fabulous read.

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For today’s Pretty in Pink we offer the utterly divine Pink Panther Collection by Thomas Pink.

Courtesy Selectism

The story idea and fabulous photos come via this story by the always-ahead-of-the-crowd folks at Selectism. Look for these treasures and a few more in February when the new Pink Panther movie is released.

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And for our favorite photo of the day, we offer this stunning shot of the Azalea Trail Maids from Mobile, Alabama.

Courtesy: Presidential Inaugural Committee

The Maids are beyond divine, but they need our help.  They are going to be in the Inaugural Parade in just over a week and are still raising $$$ to finance their trip to our Nation’s Capital.  A bit of background:

“The Azalea Trail Court, which is widely recognized as representing the finest in Southern charm and hospitality, has grown from a 10 member court who gathered for 3 days, to a 50 member court who represent Mobile year round at hundreds of civic events.”

TP loves the Lawn Rangers, but let’s face it: the Azalea Maids are much prettier to look at, yes?

Until next time!