Of Polo and Parties on a Royal Weekend

Hello-Hello and welcome to a Monday.

We are brief today, trying to catch up a zillion business-related projects, so we are going to do a ‘One Topic Tuesday’ on a Monday. (Gasp.)

As some readers are no doubt aware, a certain royal couple was in California this weekend.

Hans Gutknecht - Pool/Reuters

Saturday there was a little polo match, with a luncheon beforehand. As you might imagine, a number of celebrities were at the event. Below we see chef Giada de Laurentiis, who did the lunch, and actress Nicolette Sheridan (?).

Reuters/AP Photo

Actor Rob Lowe brought his son along, John Owen.

Ian Vogler-Pool/Getty Images

Actresses Rosario Dawson and Jennifer Love-Hewitt also attended the function.

AP Photo

The event was at the Santa Barbara Racquet and Polo Club, a fundraiser for the Prince William and Prince Harry’s charitable foundation.

Gus Ruelas/Reuters

Prince William’s team won quite handily.

Ian Vogler-Pool/Getty Images

Sharp-eyed readers may have noticed the players holding rather recognizable boxes in a certain color. They are precisely what you thought, Tiffany was a sponsor of the event, creating the trophy you see being hoisted in the picture above.  That robin’s egg blue could also be seen atop tables set up for lunch.

Via Kate Snow Twitter Feed

Then it was on to the big Hollywood bash, the gala BAFTA dinner (British Academy of Film and Television Arts). Prince William is the president of the organization.

Kate wore a lilac Alexander McQueen gown, accessorized with Jimmy Choo platform sandals and clutch.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images via Just Jared

Gossip Girl stars Blake Lively and Ed Westwick attended the big party.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

As well as Jennifer Lopez and wacky Jack Black.

AP Photo

Several people savvier than I have noted that Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Garner and Blake Lively were all in attendance at the dinner, Ben Affleck was not. If anyone wants to help me grasp the deeper meaning of this, any and all comments explaining things would be more-than-appreciated. 🙂

Also taking part in the festivities, Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson.

Bret Hartman/AP Photo

Here we see Prince William joking with Nicole Kidman.

Mark Large via The Daily Mail

Sunday morning brought more functions and fundraisers, below we see Reese Witherspoon greeting Kate at a private breakfast for Tusk Trust, a group working to conserve wildlife in Africa.

Chris Jackson-Pool/Reuters

Then it was on to Inner City Arts, the newlyweds painted with children in this program. (It seems William may be looking to Kate for inspiration.)

John Stillwell - Pool/Getty Images

The real stars at this event were the children who are part of the Inner City Arts program.

Kevork Djansezian - Pool/Getty Images

Throughout Kate and William’s nine day tour Kate has seemed particularly drawn to the children she meets.

Chris Jackson-Pool/Reuters

The couple wrapped up Sunday’s activities with an appearance at a Mission Serve job fair. “Hiring our Heroes” was the theme of the fair, with 1,500 veterans and military spouses meeting potential employees. William also spoke at the event.

“The idea behind Service Nation Mission Serve, an initiative strongly supported by The First Lady and Dr. Biden, is simple, but truly inspirational. To help those returning from active service to open a new chapter in their lives and find employment when they retire from the military.”

Francine Orr - Pool/Getty Images

Prince William noted this was the most important speech of the tour:

“This is because it is about men and women who—of their own freewill—choose to put their life on the line for their Country. They are the front line of a remarkable relationship between the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, which has safe-guarded our freedoms for a century. But Mission Serve is about something more than just men and women in uniform. It is about our other halves. The half that makes the loved one’s duty and sacrifices possible and worthwhile. It is about you: families, partners and friends.”

The couple also helped pack boxes for children of military personnel, ‘care packages’ of a sort.

Mario Anzuoni-Pool/Reuters

With that the nine-day visit was over and the royal couple headed to LAX for a flight home. (They actually flew commercial.) Below we see them boarding their plane.

EPA via The Daily Mail

(For anyone interested in the fashions worn by Kate during the trip, our sister site, What Kate Wore has many posts on the topic.)

For now, goodbye until next time, may the rest of your Monday be simply splendid.

Friday Fun of a Preppish Sort

Hello-Hello, happy (happyhappyhappy) Friday.

In the spirit of the weekend, we are going to enjoy some Friday Fun, beginning with Apartment Therapy’s look at Colorfully Preppy Rooms.  We love the way this room reminds one of striped grosgrain ribbon.

Domino via Apartment Therapy

From the story:

“Think crochet games, sailboat races, argyle sweaters, and Oxford shirts. Coordinated style with a crisp, refined edge — these are rooms that would do any Bunny or Chip proud!”

Desire to Inspire via Apartment Therapy

It is a fun read with lots to love, our favorite is the fifth room, “Reminiscent of a closet full of button-downs…”.

Apartment Therapy DC has another story we think readers will get a kick out of: The Color of Prep: Accessories in Pink, Green & Old Money. 

Writer Catrin Morris delves into just why pink and green are the colors associated with preps, and the way those colors are incorporated in home decor.  A group of home accessories is also featured, including that fabulous Cape Madras pillow above.

Apartment Therapy

We covet several items, including the madras plaid French Bull Salad Servers (pssst, they also come in pink) and the Thomas Paul Coaster set.

More from the story:

“Preppy homes are very traditional, old money affairs, full of antiques passed down from elite forefathers, faded oriental rugs, rustic and practical outdoorsy accessories. Sailing, camping and hunting motifs abound. Worn plaid throws rest upon faded leather Chesterfields. You get the picture.”

Also shown, Grosgrain Napkin Rings (we are lucky enough to have been given a set by a friend, they are wonderful) and some of our Lilly Pulitzer Melamine Plates.

We are more than flattered to be included in the story, and enjoy seeing a number of our virtual pals mentioned as well, Christian at Ivy Style, and Allie at Summer is a Verb.

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It looks like Brooks Brothers is extending its social media plans to include Twitter.  We have previously mentioned the retailer’s Facebook presence; the company is using that Facebook page to help select the design for its upcoming Twitter page.

Brooks Brothers

Click here for a better look at the three designs in the running.

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We turn to the Halloween weekend now, and begin with a member of the Anti-Prep contingent. We are fairly certain everyone would sleep better this evening if they only knew what ‘Snooki’ plans to wear.

Courtesy Image via WWD

As the sketch shows (?) it is a pickle-themed costume, we’re guessing perhaps there is a reason for this…Ms. Snooki likes pickles?

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Moving on, if we had been anywhere near the city last weekend, we would have headed straight to Tompkins Square Park for the annual Halloween Dog Parade, where we would have seen this.

AFP/Getty

Not generally what one expects to see when combining pearls, fur and a Tiffany’s box. This next one could well be our favorite, Gracie the pug in her replica of Scarlett O’Hara’s legendary dress made from the family’s green velvet drapes.

Clearly Lady Gaga is going to be much-imitated this season.

Timothy A. Clary/AFP

Mabel’s stab at the meat costume brings a smile, as does a Pomeranian dressed as Zorro, seen at a Philippines fundraiser.

Reuters

Whenever we see photos of this kind we stop and marvel at just how much our four-legged family members tolerate, and their infinite patience.  To see more pictures from the Tompkins Square Parade, click here.

With apologies for stooping to the dogs in costume level (dopey Princess), we hope everyone enjoys a happy and safe Halloween weekend!

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Stacie Joy/Gothamist: Tompkins Square Parade

Tiffany: The Good, the Bad & The Ugly (Including That Discontinued China Fuss)

Hello-hello!

There are so many things going on all over the Preppy Planet, we are forced to do a one-topic-Tuesday. Today’s topic is one near and dear to the hearts of many readers: Tiffany.

We begin with The Good: news that the storied company is launching a handbag collection, along with small leather goods. Now some may be saying “Nay, nay oh Miss Princess, not so fast, there *have* been Tiffany handbags before!” And that would be accurate, we described them on more than one occasion, most tediously way back in this post (July of 2008). Remember these?

We were actually rather fond of the style, liking the contrast in texture and color between the canvas and the leather. The bags were only available online, something that frequently raises an eyebrow, and at $395 they didn’t seem to tip the Outrageous-o-Meter in the red zone. ( Some can still be seen online, although they are not available for purchase, it may be a case of someone simply not taking the page off the site.)

Elizabeth Holmes at the Journal did a splendid job sharing news of the jeweler’s new foray into leather in “Something New in Tiffany Blue” last week. (You do not want to contemplate the shriek the poor Consort had to tolerate, emanating from yours truly upon first spotting the story in the paper, the poor man really deserves hazardous duty pay.)

Tiffany & Co.

The Collection may be previewed on the Tiffany website, we are very fond of the tote shown above when done in another of the available color combinations seen below.

Tiffany & Co.

One of the best things about the new line? The designers: Richard Lambertson and John Truex, hired by Tiffany about a year ago when the duo shut down their own Lambertson Truex accessory line.  Below, two more styles.

Via BestFan

The Journal story points out the benefits of offering leather goods:

“Handbags have enjoyed sparkling sales in recent years and are in some ways easier for a retailer to move: Women are more likely to splurge on bags for themselves than on jewelry. “Unlike jewelry, which sometimes feels extravagant, handbags always serve a purpose,” says John Long, a retail strategist…”

Next, the Galaxy Clutch with Austrian crystals and semi-precious stones on silk, $1295, a style that dovetails with the Tiffany look.

Tiffany & Co.

Something that shrieks says “Tiffany”, the Avenue Tote.

Tiffany & Co.

The Tiffany East Side tote in leather, $1495.

Tiffany & Co.

The men’s products include a leather card case and top out at $1295 for a crocodile organizer.

Bryan Derballa for Wall Street Journal

More from Ms. Holmes’ story:

“Every piece bears an element of Tiffany’s signature robin’s egg blue, whether on a clasp, in a lining or all over a dyed-crocodile purse. Prices for women’s handbags start at $395 for a small suede tote and rocket up to $17,500 for a large crocodile handbag.”

Here is a look at that higher-end Manhattan satchel.

Stephen White for Tiffany & Co.

The Tiffany blue may be seen in the accent on the clasp.

Bryan Derballa for the Wall Street Journal

We are also impressed with several of the formal styles, the satin Camille ($1195) and the Morgan ($995).

The marketing campaign is in full swing, Tiffany has posted photos of Jennifer Aniston carrying the Reversible Tote on their Facebook page.

FAME via PopSugar

The firm also placed one of the new bags with Jessica Biel for the London première of The A-Team.

The collection will not be offered at all Tiffany stores; click here to see a list showing where the handbags will be available.

Bryan Derballa for the Wall Street Journal

We’re putting Tiffany’s new leather collection in the “Good” category.  We move on to the “Bad”.

Beyond the Rack

Yes, that is authentic Tiffany jewelry at discounter Beyond the Rack, one of those ubiquitous members-only (ahem) pop-up sale sites. (If in need of an invite, just email us at thepreppyplanet@gmail.com.) The sale was buried in a Saturday morning start, it ended yesterday at 11am.  We counted 32 different pieces that were offered, most sold out quickly, like the Atlas key ring (sold at $179 versus $235 at Tiffany).

Tiffany via BeyondtheRack.com

Pieces by some of the jeweler’s more notable designers were on sale, Paloma Picasso and Elsa Peretti.

Tiffany via BeyondtheRack.com

We harken back to the WSJ handbags story for this insight, applicable to the discount sale over the weekend.

“And Tiffany continues to walk a thin line as it tries to drive sales through accessibly priced goods while maintaining its uptown image.”

It can be very difficult to regain the luster in a consumer’s mind (and pocketbook) once a brand is cheapened or otherwise damaged.

This brings us, finally, to The Ugly.

The sad subject is best explained in a post receiving more comments than many others: the dreary “Tiffany Makes the Princess Pout” from back in March of 2009.  It involved Tiffany Blue Band china.

DISCONTINUED

Blue Band was/is our formal pattern, and ‘back in the day’ we were fortunate to receive many pieces from our wedding registry, also adding pieces over the years. The post was essentially a whine-a-thon of epic proportions about our deep disappointment in the company, we were never told about the pattern going away.

It turned out we weren’t alone in the situation, as seen by the comments left by readers:

• “I have just had the same thing happen with my pattern, Palm. I simply cannot fathom why Tiffany would not notify customers using their registry information!”
• “I now own an incomplete set of Platinum Band china and I had no idea it was being discontinued until last week. The girl on the phone said they would have sent me an email. I asked her when I would have received the email, and she said, “I wanna say…. like a year ago.” !”
• “… turned to Tiff for my bridal pattern AUDUBON and naively thought I would be able to add to my pattern at any time. That’s why you go with Tiffany, right?? Because of its long history of customer service and dependability??”

One comment was helpful in shedding some light on the situation:

“My mother squeaked to her connections and was informed that Limoges is closing the factory in France that makes certain Tiff patterns. Limoges is relocating that factory to a location that La Tiff feels will not have the same level of quality control.”

The story Ms. Holmes did on Tiffany’s new handbags also explains what has been going on:

“The new bag collection will take up display space in stores that has been vacated by tabletop china and silver. Tiffany says it has been trimming down its selection of tableware, which also includes crystal, for a “number of years.” For example, there are fewer china patterns offered today than five years ago.”

One would think yours truly might have figured this out, but it never occurred to us; it makes perfect sense.  The post has now created something akin to a tiny clearinghouse for those in need:

“Looking for the following to complete my Aunt’s DESIGNED BY TIFFANY & COMPANY PLATINUM BAND, LIMOGES-FRANCE china:

1 SUGAR BOWL WITH LID
1 CREAMER
1 CHARGER PLATE
5 RIMMED SOUP BOWLS
5 CREAM SOUP BOWLS WITH SAUCERS

If you have any of these items please notify me at lanceromancetroy@cs.com“

That is merely one example; we share all this because comments continue to be posted by those looking to purchase (or in some cases, sell) certain patterns.  We do not want to become a go-between for those engaged in buying or selling of Tiffany china, we simply offer a suggestion that those desperate and unable to locate pieces they need via Replacements, online auctions, or other resources, take a gander at the comments section to see if there is any hope.

We have received notes and comments, Tweets and Facebook messages in the 18 months since the post was published, and thank everyone for their kind input. We felt an update was in order as the comments and email inquiries continue to come in, and we thank everyone, especially those with no stake in the matter for their gracious indulgence with today’s post.  Hopefully this will serve to conclude our public discourse on the topic.

With that we say goodbye until next time!

PHOTO CREDITS:

• Ian Gavan/Getty Images

A Tiffany Christmas, and The Top 40 Preppies? Ummm….You Decide

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a Wednesday.

Before we do anything else, we want to announce the winner of our giveaway that offered one of these treasures:

Kiel James Patrick

Those are the new Croffix Sailing Belts from our friend, Kiel James Patrick.  The winner of a brand new belt in her choice of pattern and size is So Georgia, of the So Georgia blog.  If you could send us an email with your preference in style and size, we’ll get it ordered for you!  We also send Kiel and Sarah a congratulatory hug on launching the belts and a “thank you’ for doing the giveaway with us!

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As predicted, the upcoming reprint of Take Ivy (explained here) and release of Lisa Birnbach’s True Prep is bringing increased attention to all manner of things deemed “preppy,” to wit, “The Top 40 Culturally Relevant Preppies” from FlavorWire. Coming in at #1?

Via FlavorWire.com

That distinction goes to Zack “Preppie” Morris (Mark-Paul Gosselaar), Saved by the Bell. Many on the list are fictional, including The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Carlton Banks as portrayed by Alfonso Ribeiro.

Via FlavorWire.com

From the story:

“Ladies, locate your tennis skirts. Gents, dig up those Nantucket red pants. The New York Times and The Awl have called it: Preppie chic is back.”

Here are two real-life people included in the Top Ten.

Via FlavorWire.com

The list contains some glaring oddities (Gordon Gecko? Non, non, non, if anything he was a yuppie), but we don’t look upon it as something to be taken seriously, it is more of a fun foray into how others interpret the term. We giggled in delight upon seeing one of our Mad Men characters, Pete Campbell (Vincent Kartheiser).

Via FlavorWire.com

Another quick bite from the post:

“So, in celebration of all things square and Country Club-approved, we have created a handy guide to the top 40 (get it?) most culturally relevant preppies.”

Many Princess readers will be pleased to see Lilly Pulitzer’s inclusion.

Via FlavorWire.com

Another style icon on the list of whom we are fond, René Lacoste.

Via FlavorWire.com

One last image from the list we simply can’t resist sharing?

Courtesy CW

Despite our doubts at the ‘cultural influence’ exerted by either Ed Westwick or his Gossip Girl character, Chuck Bass, we can’t pass up an opportunity to show one of the most hideous garments ever worn on a television show… again. That vest is truly a crime against fashion. (And honestly, the young man resembles a ferret, or another member of the rodent family.)

We highly recommend seeing the list in its entirety; if so inclined, click here. But you simply must return and tell us who’s on your list.

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On a somewhat related note, we want to thank our friend Leesa for tipping us off to September’s Vanity Fair cover:

Vanity Fair

No, we are not bloviating opining about Lady Gaga again. Look more closely at The Consort’s arrow-enhanced-image.

Vanity Fair

Yes, the red arrow points out the “The Return of the Official Preppy Handbook” headline.  From the magazine’s table of contents:

“The Official Preppy Reboot

Thirty years ago, the best-selling Official Preppy Handbook codified the unspoken Wasp rules of conduct. In an excerpt from True Prep, Lisa Birnbach and designer Chip Kidd update prepster kitchens, careers, and colors.”

There you have it.

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Our other item of note involves a sneak peek at Tiffany’s Christmas advertising campaign; the plugged-in folks at Fashionista have the story. Below, Doutzen Kroes, the model fronting the campaign, heads to the set.

Christopher Peterson/Fashionista

Ms. Kroes is three months along with a blessed event.

Christopher Peterson/Fashionista

She looks lovely, very much the Tiffany style.

Christopher Peterson/Fashionista

The finished product is clearly going to be classic Tiffany.

Christopher Peterson/Fashionista

Ho-ho-ho, enjoy the snow!

Sneak Peek at Narciso Rodriguez for eBay

Hello-Hello, did everyone manage to rest and rejuvenate this weekend? We hope so, this first week in February can be ever-so-dreary.

We begin with a look at the new Narciso Rodriguez line to be sold on eBay. That is not a typo or our Newzheimers kicking in, the designer really is opening an eBay store.

Some may recall initial news about the line when we originally mentioned it in September of last year.  The acclaimed designer is collaborating with eBay on a small collection, only eight pieces in total.

Women’s Wear Daily has an early look at the line:

“…more relaxed, accessible versions of the designer’s graphic classics, at considerably lower prices ($75 for a T-shirt; $350 for the reversible cotton coat).”

Here are a few more of George Chinsee’s photos from WWD’s story.

The Rodriguez eBay store is slated to open February 15.

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We take a very quick look at a category we rarely venture into, ladies’ unmentionables. (Gasp!)  Some experts believe the lingerie market is bouncing back along with many other retail sectors.

PHOTO: Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

Above, Tommy Hilfiger’s cotton flannel sleepshirt and microfiber bra/undies for  next fall, below, a DKNY sleepwear look for fall/winter.

PHOTO: Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

The DKNY could easily be today’s Pretty in Pink.

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We move on to a topic many readers are already familiar with, the upcoming release of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland.

Disney

This is the 3-D version with Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter; some might say “Not your mother’s Alice.”

The marketing bonanza tied into the movie is well underway, today we have a glance at several pieces by designer Tom Binns, beginning with his Shattered Teacups necklace.

Tom Binss via High Snobette

We found these images at High Snobette, the site has scads of photos from the line. Next, what we’re calling the “Off With Their Heads” necklace.

Tom Binns via High Snobette

Below, an amazing charm bracelet by Mr. Binns.

Tom Binns via High Snobette

The Los Angeles Times has more about the two lines Mr. Binns is doing:

“One is the six-piece, higher-priced, limited-edition Tom Binns for Walt Disney Signature collection (which will sell in the $1,000 to $2,000 range), and the other is a less expensive ($100 to $500) 35-piece Tom Binns for Disney Couture collection…  Both are slated to roll out for spring 2010.”

The film opens March 5.

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Another PIP (Pretty in Pink) to ponder, the first in a series of new ads from Saks Fifth Avenue.

Gilles Bensimon for Saks Fifth Avenue

The Chanel dress and pumps look just delightful; to see an entire behind the scenes album showing how the ad was shot, pop over and visit the Saks Facebook page. (If feeling neighborly, do say hello to TP as well!)

We close with one more Pretty in Pink item, the Handbag Charm from Tiffany.

Tiffany & Co.

Frequent readers may recall our attachment to charms, whatever their composition, and this one is no exception.

With that, we say adieu until next time!