Extreme Prep, the Preppy Pack Rat + Bits & Bytes

Hello-Hello, welcome to a busy Friday here at The Prepatorium.

We merely share a few Bits & Bytes today, business pressures and other commitments mandate brevity. We begin with what might be considered a follow-up to Wednesday’s updates on how several preppish brands are doing, including Talbots (not great) and Lilly Pulitzer (quite well); it turns out that J. Crew is also struggling. Women’s Wear Daily reported the story in yesterday’s paper:

J. Crew Group Inc. continued to struggle in the first quarter with increased markdowns and promotions contributing to net losses and a comparable-store sales drop of 3 percent.”

WWD (subscription required) had more on the story today, including comments from the company’s CEO, Mickey Drexler:

“Drexler acknowledged not being “well balanced in the agelessness and timelessness of our assortments” and cited a lack of full-length sleeves, too many at three-quarter length, and skirts that were “a little too short.…They’re not anymore,” he assured.

The quarter wasn’t without some upsides. “We continued to strengthen our franchise businesses — cashmere, pencil skirts, blazers, ballet flats — those categories where we have leadership and customers come back to us day in, day out,” Drexler said.”

Those who regularly shop Crew have noticed the additional discounts and markdowns, hopefully things will perk up for the retailer heading into the back-to-school season.

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Next, we meet a gentleman referred to as the “preppy pack rat,” Thomas Cary, a fascinating individual.  Mr. Cary has been profiled previously in many publications, online and in print, (last fall in the Yale Daily News here) but we never seemed to have the time to share any of that coverage.

PHOTO: Jeffrey Hirsch/NY Social Diary

Mr. Cary is a book collector, among other things, he counts Kate Spade and Ralph Lauren among his clients, his finds have helped decorate stores for both.  The collection of books in Mr. Cary’s apartment is amazing. When you see some of the other treasures under that roof it is eye-popping.

PHOTO: Jeffrey Hirsch/NY Social Diary

There is no way we can adequately describe the scene in the apartment, we strongly urge you to pop over and visit New York Social Diary‘s post here, see for yourself.

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We also have a quick fashion update for Kate Middleton fans, last night was the big (really big, like GTH big, oh my!) formal dinner for the Duke & Duchess.

PHOTOS: Getty Images

Kate went with a gorgeous gown by bridal and party frock designer Jenny Packham, for more visit our sister blog, What Kate Wore.

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We have done a sizable amount of coverage on the Lisa Birnbach/Tommy Hilfiger collaboration, “Prep World.”  This weekend marks the final appearance of the portable Prep World store, it will be at The Grove in Los Angeles.

Via All The Rage blog

Last night’s launch party for the pop-up brought out a number of celebrities, including Hailee Stanfield, she looks darling in pieces from the limited-edition collection.

Via Pop Sugar Australia

Tommy Hilfiger continues its online contest, you can enter your ‘preppiest style’ photos (ahem) to win the “ultimate preppy getaway” vacation. (Don’t ask, I’ve nary a clue.)

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Here’s one we hadn’t expected to be writing about, “Extreme Prep,” from MTV’s Clutch blog.

“…we’ve noticed a recent trend in band-naming: extreme prep.”

This may surprise you, but this train of thought hadn’t previously crossed my mind. (We can’t speak for The Consort.) Here is the image that illustrates the piece, we’re thinking there might be a little Photoshopping involved, just guessing that is the case.

Getty Images via MTV

Back to the MTV blog:

“So if you’re considering calling your baroque pop three-piece something tongue-in-cheeky like, oh, we don’t know, Highball or Country Club, make sure it’s not already spoken for. Check out this list of groups that have already hopped on the jitney to Prep Island.”

1) Tennis
2) Public Radio
3) YACHT
4) How to Dress Well (Dressing well: very preppy.)
5) The War on Drugs (Reagan-y ,no?)
6) Clams Casino
7) Boat People (see also: YACHT)
8) Botany (And really, anything that sounds like a college major or Victorian hobby. See also: Social Studies, Archaelogy, Art vs. Science, etc.)
9) English Teeth
10) Football
11) Hull (It’s part of a ship. Look it up.)
12) French Horn Rebellion (The edgiest thing the french horn ever did was represent the wolf in “Peter and the Wolf.” Preppy. NEXT!)
13) Ladies Gun Club (Tinged with an intriguing threat of violence, perhaps! But “Ladies + [anything] + Club” = repping prepping.)
14) Madras
15) Nouveau Riche
16) Summer Camp
17) Taddy Porter (OK, Taddy Porter is a Southern rock band, but don’t they sound like an entitled young country clubber who would be an a**hole to Rodney Dangerfield. )
18) White Denim
19) Tom Collins
20) The Vespas (Hey, Vespas are still preppy, right?)
21) Yearbook Committee
22) The Debutante Hour

There you have it.  Any names missing from the list that you can think of?

On that wacky note, we hope the sun shines on our weekend, wherever you may be. 🙂

Signs of Panic for Monaco Wedding? A “Preppy Revival” & Kate Middleton’s Prep Look (Again)

Hello-Hello, and happy Monday.

There is an abundance of news to share, we begin with a story about the upcoming wedding of Monaco’s Prince Albert to Charlene Wittstock, seen below heading into Westminster Abbey for the marriage of Kate Middleton and Prince William.

Chris Jackson/Getty Image

The Sunday Times (London) carried a story titled “Alarm Bells Ring for Albert’s Wedding”.

With only two months to go before the 53-year-old Albert exchanges vows with Charlene Wittstock, a former Olympic swimmer from South Africa, invitations have yet to be sent out. “Albert and Charlene” wedding memorabilia is not yet ready. Nor is the commemorative postage stamp or a “Princess Charlene” rose that was supposed to have been created by now.”

With all due respect to the Principality, the lack of a commemorative stamp or hybrid floral component hardly seems catastrophic.  However, one would think those invitations need to get in the mail fairly soon. And there are other issues we hadn’t thought about. Back to Matthew Campbell’s article:

“Another worry is that Albert could end up being embarrassed by the mothers of his illegitimate children.”

Perhaps the most glaring part of that sentence was “mothers,” as in plural? Multiple offspring? Recognizing much of the world finds the American perspective on monogamy and children born out-of-wedlock to be provincial, we remain convinced Albert’s mother, Princess Grace would not be thrilled at the situation.  More on the offspring from Mr. Campbell:

“Nicole Coste, a former Togolese air hostess and mother of Alexandre, 7, has a record of turning up uninvited at Monaco’s red carpet events and is said to have been signed up by German media to give an account of Albert’s big day.

It is not known whether Albert’s 19-year-old Californian daughter, Jazmin, and her mother are on the guest list. They may turn up anyway, furious at the rejection.”

Below we see the couple awarding Rafael Nadal the winner’s cup at last month’s Monte Carlo Masters tournament.

Claude Paris/AP Photo

The event does sound as though it has the potential to get a bit off the track (understatement of the week), at the very least an interesting case study for those studying such things. One last portion of the story:

“Displaying signs of panic, the palace protocol chief in charge of the wedding has sent for reinforcements, hiring two experienced French wedding planners. It is hoped, at least, that the date, time and venues of festivities will not be subject to further changes…”

To read the entire story click here to visit a forum with the entire post (the Times is available by subscription only). There is an official wedding website for the media.

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Several stories referencing the prep aesthetic have surfaced in the last several days, below we share part of a story from Savannah Now, sister site to the Savannah Morning News.  From an “An Ode to Mommy Fashion“:

“There is also the preppy mom of uniformed preparatory school children. Her uniform is collared shirts and conservative solids and plaids.

Old-school brands like Brooks Brothers, Lilly Pulitzer and Ralph Lauren are returning this preppy look to popularity. Does your mom delight in her latest look from Lilly? Does she casually toss her sweater over her shoulders while watching your tennis match? Yes, preppy mom is back!”

The piece is illustrated with a vintage Time magazine cover.

Time Inc. via Savannah Now

If that doesn’t evoke wistful thoughts of another time, a more civil and genteel time, I don’t know what will.

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Next, a story looking at “The Preppy Revival in Fashion”

“It’s been patronised by icons from Grace Kelly and Jackie Onassis to Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow but, give or take the odd overnight fad (the choppy “Rachel” haircut in the 1990s for example), it’s never dominated fashion.

Now it appears that Alexa Chung’s white cuffs were the tip of the iceberg. The global preppy movement currently bubbling under the fashion radar is not going to be merely a “revival”.

Writer Julia Robson’s story ran in The National (UAE), offering an international perspective.

“New preppy, though, is more glamorous and distances itself from campus and vintage looks. Think everyone’s new favourite fashionista Kate Middleton – who never looks anything but exquisite in her pared-down, impeccably ironed clothes – and you are good to go.

New preppy isn’t about Charlotte Olympia clunky platforms or Hervé Leger cleavage dresses. It’s classic Burberry raincoats, neatly pressed cream silk blouses and dainty hats all the way. It involves quality labels, conservative styles, not wearing too much make-up or tampering with natural hair colour (though brunette home hair-dye is seeing off its rival, blonde).”

Ms. Robson wisely distinguishes between classics and fads.

“Amazingly, by preserving… fundamental preppy stalwarts such as classic raincoats, brands like Ralph Lauren and Burberry look fresher than ever. The fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger is particularly enjoying a fashion “moment”.

Not surprisingly, Prep World, Mr. Hilfiger’s collaborative collection with Lisa Birnbach, is mentioned, as is the quirky “Meet the Hilfigers” campaign.

Craig McDean via Design Scene

Click here for the entire story, it makes for a good read.

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Speaking of Mr.Hilfiger, add his name to the list of designers who would like to dress Kate Middleton the Duchess of Cambridge.  From Vogue UK:

“”Catherine has a very classic yet modern style,” Hilfiger told us. “I would love to dress her and I think she already has the makings of the perfect preppy!”

That list of designers is lengthy indeed.

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We leave you with a few images from the weekend’s events.

Al Bello/Getty Images

Mornings at a racetrack are indescribable, stripped of the frou-frou accompanying the actual race. This is especially so at marquee events.

Al Bello/Getty Images

As always, the hats were delightful.

John Sommers II/Reuters

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Rob Carr/Getty Images

The more whimsical chapeaux are also fun.

Jeff Haynes/Reuters

It was an amazing race.

Travis Lindquist/Getty Images

Hopefully Animal Kingdom had a little treat with his dinner. 🙂

Garry Jones/AP

Oh, Those Party Frocks! And Prep World New York

Hello-Hello, it seems we might be back to “normal,” although ascertaining just what ‘normal’ is continues to evolve.

At the very least we return to more normal blather and bloviations topics, beginning with last night’s Met Ball. Considered by many as the fashion world’s Oscars, the night brings out the A-list.  As Hilary Alexander wrote in The Telegraph:

“In terms of style, effort, money and glamour, this red carpet mother of all fashion-fests, orchestrated by Anna Wintour for the last 13 years, outshines them all.

It was an occasion for the well dressed and the merely wealthy.”

Below we see Ms Wintour (yes, that is The André in all his regal splendor to her right) in a stunning Chanel couture gown. On the right she is with her daughter, Bee Shaffer, who wore Balenciaga.

Getty Images

The formal name for the event is the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala.  This year’s event coincides with tomorrow’s opening of the highly anticipated Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty show.

Met Photos via WWD

As one might imagine, coming on the heels of the royal wedding and the two Sarah Burton McQueen wedding gowns, the atmosphere was electric. Below, the woman of the hour, Ms. Burton.

AP/Getty Images

Sarah Jessica Parker was in vintage McQueen.

AP Photos

Hamish Bowles was in McQueen.

Via

For those not familiar with the Costume Institute, it is part of the Met, housing more than 75,000 costumes and accessories.  Below, part of the Lauren clan, left to right we see Dylan Lauren, David Lauren and Lauren Bush.

Getty Images

Jessica Alba also wore Ralph Lauren, she was radiant.

Getty Images

There were some figure-hugging creations; below left, Fergie in a Marchesa gown more reminiscent of a wedding dress, on the right we see Beyonce in Emilio Pucci with her husband, Jay-Z.

Getty Images

How snug was Beyonce’s dress? She was unable to climb the stairs in it,

Getty Images

The lights are blinding, Renée Zellweger is silhouetted below.

Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty

Some of our favorite faux-prepsters from Gossip Girl were on hand, Leighton Meester was in Louis Vuitton, Blake Lively in Grecian-inspired Chanel and Jessica Szohr in… in.. umm, we have lost our notes, eek!

AP/Getty/WWD

The level of detailing on these gowns is extraordinary.

AP/Getty/WWD

Below, Dakota and Elle Fanning, both wore Valentino.

Getty Images

Perhaps our favorite gown of the evening was Ashley Greene’s, custom Donna Karan.

Getty Images

It was exquisite.

Last night the first menswear from Tory Burch debuted, seen on Kanye West; the designer was in vintage Jean Patou that was gorgeous.

Mike Segar/Reuters

Tommy Hilfiger his wife, Dee,and Jessica Stam wore Hilfiger.

Reuters

It is a busy week for Mr. Hilfiger, the designer’s collaborative line with Lisa Birnbach, Prep World, launches its first pop-up store in the US.

Prep World/Tommy Hilfiger

As covered in this post, the first pop-up store was in Paris. The temporary stores are designed to look like a beachside cottage in the Hamptons, below we show the model store.

Courtesy Image

And here is the real deal under construction in the Meatpacking district, originally scheduled to open the 28th of April, now looking like it will be ready for a Thursday opening.

The capsule collection features an array of products, many of them appealing.

 

Some of the merchandise is available online.

http://usa.tommy.com/tommy/index.jsp?ctcampaign=871&ctkwd=tommyhilfiger&ctmatch=Exact&ctcreative=10700438385&gclid=CMGv_q2izKgCFUOo4AodOWuZpQ

For more background on the line, click here. If interested in seeing the Paris Prep World, click here.

Apologies for the brevity today, but we must race out the door!

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Kristin Somody Whalen/WWD
• Steve Eichner/WWD

Prep World Paris, Black Fleece Bargains, Itty-Bitty Kate Middleton Dresses

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a Monday.

Things are a little frenzied this week, we’re pedaling as fast as we can here at The Prepatorium.

We begin with a look at the first Prep World pop-up store.

Via StyleRumor

The Tommy Hilfiger/Lisa Birnbach endeavor debuted last week in Paris.

Via Tommy Hilfiger Facebook page

The launch party was right in front of the store, modeled to look like a Hamptons cottage.

It looked like a beautiful day at Pompidou Centre.

Via PaperBlog.Fr

It is a special treat to see our friend Kiel’s work showcased, don’t his bracelets look wonderful?!

Courtesy Prep World

It is always fun to see the reactions to Mr. Hilfiger’s styles, this story in Paper Blog (France) is replete with references to Gossip Girl characters Serena (Blake Lively) and Blair (Leighton Meester).

“Preppy. The decor is slick and hostesses are welcoming. During a moment you feel like Serena or Blair, you invent a fishing trip and you fantasize about the sweaters and knitted pastel polo shirts.”

For a more comprehensive look at the shop, Style Rumor has a lengthy post with loads of photos.

If in need of more comprehensive background on the Prep World line and concept, click here.  To see more photos, the Hilfiger Facebook page has a number of photos, including this one.

Tommy Hilfiger

Hmmmm.

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We have a few quick Sales & Savings opportunities to pass along, but be advised two of them are time-sensitive:

• There are *amazing* savings at the Brooks Brothers Black Fleece ‘flash sale’ running only through midnight tonight.  A Cotton Seersucker Blazer that is normally $4oo is on sale for $125, and the Little Boy Piped Jacket, originally $450 is also $125.

• The other mention involves another flash sale, this one titled Gossip Girl Boutique at ‘invitation only’ sale site Gilt.com. The sale begins tonight at 9pm EDT, here is more from Gilt’s description:

“We’ve teamed up with Gossip Girl stylist Eric Daman, the man behind some of television’s most fiercely dressed characters, to replicate some of the show’s best looks. Whether you crave Serena’s sexy spin on boho-chic, Lily’s flawless elegance, or Blair’s ladylike polish, you’ll find plenty to choose from. And we haven’t forgotten the guys: choose from pieces for him that range from Brooklyn casual to classic Upper East Side cool.”

• J. Crew is doing an additional 30% off sale items in its Final Sale promotion, use promo code OURTREAT at checkout for the savings.

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For those like us with a mild interest in royal weddings (cough-cough), we share a headline from across the pond about the “William and Kate” movie now being shown in the UK.

Via The Daily Mail

The descriptions and reactions to the film had us both laughing.

Rupert Thorpe via The Daily Mail

From the Daily Mail’s story:

“…the Evening Standard’s Richard Godwin concurred, adding: ‘Critics in America have panned this movie as a cheesy chick-flick, but there are positives.’  It is recognisably a film, in that it takes place on a screen.”

Indeed.

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One item related to the upcoming nuptials that is adorable, the tiny collection of Kate Middleton dresses.

Images via The Telegraph

The set was done for Harumika, The Telegraph has photos of all the styles.

Apparently they will be sold at Toys ‘R Us. (Moms, aunts, grandmothers…TP needs your help, is this a popular brand?)

Our fave itty-bitty style:

Via The Telegraph

Although we are pretty sure Miss Middleton’s shoulders will be covered, we do love the tiny wedding gown created for the line.

On that darling image we say g’bye until next time!

Friday Fun: Calypso St. Barth for Targét, Prep World Under Construction

Hello-Hello, and happy Friday!

It has been quite awhile since we did a proper Friday Fun post, we think we’re overdue for some lighthearted frivolity and hope you agree.

We begin with a quick glance at the new Trina Turk collection for Schumacher, purveyor of fine fabrics and wall coverings to the design trade.

Schumacher Trina Turk

The collection is just now launching and we love the bright, vibrant prints.

Trina Turk for Schumacher

It’s no secret here at The Prepatorium we are fond of Ms. Turk’s work, the beauty of these new textiles is that they are all suited for both indoor and outdoor use.

Trina Turk for Schumacher

As with most of her creations, the designer’s bold geometric prints make a strong statement.

Trina Turk for Schumacher

The Consort very much appreciates the blue palette, it is his favorite color scheme.

Trina Turk for Schumacher

The heavily saturated colors create a lush feel, the blue and teal and green shriek poolside cocktail party.

Trina Turk for Schumacher

Other motifs are done in warmer hues.

Trina Turk for Schumacher

Very, very fun. To see the entire collection, click here.

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The color palette for another new collection nicely complements the hues seen above, we have an early look at the upcoming Calypso St. Barth line for Le Boutique Targét.

The company’s reputation for bright, bohemian designs is evident throughout the group; accessories also showcase tie-dye motifs in rich tones.

Calypso St. Barth for Target

Here is more info from the Target snooze news release: “Calypso St. Barth for Target brings destination-chic style to apparel and accessories for women, girls and babies, as well as an assortment of home furnishings. Ranging in price from $1.99 to $79.99, the Calypso St. Barth for Target collection is available May 1 through June 11 at all Target stores.”

Calypso St. Barth for Target

Many readers will welcome news that with this collection the company plans to offer both petite and plus-sizes online.

Calypso St. Barth for Target

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A few more very quick hits, our first comes via the amazingly talented Pink Martini and Pearls, she recently shared pieces from Janna Conner Designs, a jewelry line we hadn’t heard about previously.

Janna Conner

When visiting the Pink Martini you may want to stay a few moments to gaze upon some of her edible creations.

Pink Martinis & Pearls

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Also on our hit parade, the new Vera Wang Barbie was released yesterday.

BarbieCollector.com

The ‘doll’ is priced at $159.95; at the risk of sounding more out of step than usual, are these made for little girls to actually “play” with? Or are they created primarily for people to collect and re-sell?

We must admit however, the detailing is exquisite.

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Next, an early look at the first “Prep World” pop-up shop under construction in Paris.

Via MailMovement.com

Seen in Pompidou Centre in the lower right corner, the cottage is being built as part of the Tommy Hilfiger/Lisa Birnabch collaboration.

Courtesy Photos

In addition to apparel, the merchandise will include lifestyle items like croquet sets and backgammon boards.

The Paris shop opens next week, on the 21st.

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A final note on an event that is sure to be fun.

This year’s warehouse sale is June 9-11 at the same spot, the Valley Forge Convention Center in KOP (King of Prussia). Mark your calendars if planning to take advantage of the bargains.

With that, happy weekend to all!