Is Martha’s Latest Deal a Good Thing? Also, Sales & Savings of the Preppish Kind

Hello-Hello, and happy Wednesday Thursday to everyone.

Once again we apologize for the less-than-sporadic posts, the crush of business has translated into no time for blogging. With regrets, it’s possible we may only be able to do one or two more posts before Christmas, eeek!

Today we begin with last week’s news that Martha Stewart has made a deal JC Penney, quite a deal.  Penney’s is buying a piece of Ms. Stewart’s company, they will be selling Ms. Stewart’s merchandise at its stores.  Not everyone thinks this is a brilliant move for JC Penney; Women’s Wear Daily’s story on the news questions the wisdom of the arrangement:

It’s a brand that’s been bounced around from retailer to retailer, has lost some cachet and embraces styles and a color palette that’s tasteful, safe and not particularly compelling. The Stewart deal is far from the groundbreaking pact… to bring Sephora shops into Penney’s stores, which moved the retailer into the beauty category in a major way, brought in a slew of high-end brands — and lured younger, hipper consumers.

Readers are no doubt aware omni-Martha Martha Stewart is currently sold at Macy’s. (Not including Martha merchandise at Home Depot (shown below), at KMart, or at Michael’s, and perhaps other places your trusty scribe doesn’t know about.)

Home Depot

Back to the Macy’s part of the story, obviously the department store has made an enormous investment in Ms. Stewart.

Macy's

From all we have read and seen the arrangement has paid off for both parties. (Below we show the Martha Stewart Collection Biscuit Cutters and Digital Thermometer at Macy’s.)

Apparently Macy’s was not thrilled to learn of the deal, more on that angle from the WWD story:

Many believe that Macy’s was blindsided by the Penney’s deal, and that it’s possible Stewart didn’t disclose her intentions with Penney’s, though Macy’s would have expected her to, and to try to work on improving her Macy’s business before taking it to the competition.

A Wall Street Journal article offers this:

In a statement Wednesday, Macy’s said it will review its Martha Stewart product line for “potential changes” in light of “the proliferation of Martha Stewart-branded product in the marketplace.”

Ouch.

We forgot Martha at PetSmart.

Back to the WWD story:

“A retailer who has done business with Stewart said, “Her merchandise has never been a barn burner in terms of sales. The category is not something that ever skyrockets. This is not like Target investing in Michael Graves and creating really edgy highly acclaimed product…”

Hmmm, obviously we’ll be hearing more about this one.

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Our other topic today, all those seasonal Sales & Savings Opportunities, many offering some preptastic style statements.

Vineyard Vines

• Vineyard Vines is offering an additional 30% off all sale merchandise, use code ELF for the discount
• Tory Burch is doing ‘up to 30% off’ select handbags, jewelry & accessories’ along with free shipping on all orders
• Ralph Lauren offers free shipping on all orders through the 20th, use code RLFS2011
• Banana Republic is taking 30% off your entire order and doing free shipping with a $50 purchase, use code BRGET30 at checkout for the savings
• Gapis touting it’s big sale and also offering free shipping with a $50 purchase
  

  The Gap

• Sadly, Talbots continues to do whatever it can to move merchandise, everything is 40% off, including full price and sale merchandise.
• Kate Spade has a solid amount of merchandise on sale and is providing free shipping to all 50 states
• J. Crew is offering free shipping on any order today only (or so they say), use code JINGLE
• Neimans, Saks, Nordstrom and almost all of the major department stores are offering either sales, clearances and/or promotional pricing. Neiman’s Last Call(in stores & online) is also doing 40% off one regular priced item through the 16th, as well as an additional 30% off your entire purchase through the 22nd
  

  Neiman Marcus Last Call

We leave you with this, Bergdorf’s fabulous holiday video about the store going to the dogs.

"Unleashed" by Bergdorf Goodman

Ho-Ho-Ho. May your holidaze Christmas and Hanukkah preps be going well.

Royal Engagement Photos, Sales & Savings

Hello-Hello, it is wonderful to be back blogging again, this week has been simply insane with work at the Princess and volunteer commitments. We couldn’t be more grateful for the Consort’s ease in stepping up to share his wit and wisdom with all of you. 🙂

We begin with a look at the official engagement photos of Kate Middleton and Prince William, something most readers may well have seen already. There are two pictures, here is the more relaxed setting.

Mario Testino

The Prince is wearing a Turnbull & Asser shirt, and it turns out he actually borrowed the sweater he is wearing from photographer Mario Testino, as the pictures were being shot.  Nor is Miss Middleton’s blouse fresh off the rack, more about that in a moment.  But first, here is the more formal photograph.

Mario Testino/Courtesy Photo by Reiss via NYMag

On the right you see the dress worn by Miss Middleton, it is the “Nannette” style by Reiss, a company we hadn’t previously heard of until this week.  Here is more from the company’s blog:

“The Nannette dress that Kate is wearing comes as part of our core dress offering that we are renowned for. While this particular style is not currently available, there will be a version coming out mid January as part of our SS11 collection.”

Miss Middleton is wearing white topaz earrings by Links of London. If we’re not mistaken, it looks like she chose the Hope Egg Earrings.

Links of London

They make a lovely symbol, representing “hope and new life”.

Perhaps the most charming part of the engagement photo story comes via The Telegraph:

“Middleton insisted on dressing herself for the shoot – despite several assistants being on hand with a selection of designer clothes to style her – and chose a cream, silk blouse from high street chain Whistles for one of the portraits. The £95 blouse is over two years old, having featured in the retailer’s autumn/winter 2008 collection.”

The bride to be also did her own makeup.

When the big day comes next April most discussion will be about The Dress.  As they have done previously when it comes to high profile gowns, Women’s Wear Daily asked designers to come up with sketches showing what they might create if asked by the bride to design her gown.

First, a Gucci design that we found attractive.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

J. Crew’s design offers a scooped back.

Courtesy J. Crew via WWD

Next, a sketch from Elizabeth Emanuel, best known for designing Princess Diana’s frothy wedding gown.

Courtesy Elizabeth Emanuel via WWD

Below left we see a Badgley Mischka gown, and on the right, a Jason Wu design.

The Tommy Hilfiger design is seen below left, and the sketch, below right, Lela Rose.

There are loads more sketches to look at, click here to see them all.  We’re guessing our Royal Correspondent, the Queen Bee herself will have some insight on the dress at some point down the road.

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Another noteworthy engagement we learned about courtesy of Miss Coterie Books, that of Lauren Bush and David Lauren.

Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for UNICEF

Above the couple is seen at the UNICEF Snowflake Ball last month.  Apparently Mr. Lauren proposed to Miss Bush last Friday at the Met, which happens to be where they went on their first date. Of course, Mr. Lauren is designer Ralph Lauren’s son, while Miss Bush is the niece of former President George Walker Bush, granddaughter of President George Bush.

Miss Bush is also known for her philanthropic work via the Project FEED bags, although now there are things other than bags sold to raise funds for those in need. Below left, Plumpy the FEED 5 Bear, and on the right, the FEED USA Lunch Tote.

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We leave you with several Sales & Savings opportunities, this isn’t intended to be a comprehensive look, merely markdowns at a few shops we are aware of; we start with J. Crew.  Generally the retailer’s online factory outlet is open only Friday-Sunday, but it will be open (in a virtual sense) through the 20th.

Additionally Crew is taking 30% off all Factory prices and off ‘regular’ sale merchandise, use promo code MUSTHAVE at checkout to receive the discount.

Tory Burch has started its winter sale, promising savings “up to 50%’.

Neiman Marcus is taking an additional 30% off all regular and sale-priced cashmere through the 18th.

Talbots has taken markdowns on a sizable amount of fall/winter merchandise, and is also doing 40% off all full-priced accessories through midnight tonight.  Use promo code PRESENT to receive the discount.

A number of Lilly stores are offering excellent deals right now, check with your local shop to see what kind of fiscally friendly price points are available.

A final item of note today, the always delightful Preppy Southern Princess is doing a fun little contest; one lucky winner will receive one of our Lilly Pulitzer photo albums.

With that, we say g’bye until next time, we are off to supervise The Consort the elves here at The Prepatorium as they get all of those orders out the door.

 

Preppish Bargains & Giant Hermès Kelly Bag

Hello and happy Friday to all looking forward to the weekend.

Most of today’s post is more of our inane nattering light and easy, with a focus on opportunities to maintain fiscal responsibility while also taking care of some Christmas and/or Hanukkah shopping. But first we look at an upcoming estate sale, something that is inexplicably provoking a touch of melancholy here at The Prepatorium. (Yes, we know, we momentarily went off the rails there, veering dangerously into the TMI Zone. Goofy Princess.)

At any rate, it is tomorrow’s Dominick Dunne Estate auction that prompts the sadness. For some reason, the item we are most saddened to see is part of Lot #94, “Mexican Embossed Leather Box”.

Via Artfact

It isn’t the box itself, but rather, the collection of cufflinks.  They seem so very personal, selling them to the highest bidder in such a public forum feels… odd. (At best.) The Times carried an article about the auction last week.

“…the colorful remnants of his estate have been consigned by his family to Stair Galleries in Hudson, N.Y., which will auction them on Nov. 20.

Visitors to the gallery’s ground floor will enter what Colin Stair, the auction house’s president, called a “mini-re-creation of an era of Dunne’s life” at Clouds, his 1961 colonial-style saltbox in Hadlyme, Conn., which he bought in 1993. He had fled Hollywood more than a decade earlier, his career as a movie producer sunk by alcoholism and financial ruin.”

Of course, the reality is that the auction isn’t what we find troubling, not at all.  The dejection comes from realizing Mr. Dunne is gone.

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Now we shall careen wildly move to the aforementioned Sales & Savings, beginning with Kate Spade.  The Barrow Street Anabel is now $137 (from $275), perfect to carry on this winter’s getaway.  A possibility as a party pump this season, the Karlisle in black is now $224, discounted from its initial selling price of $320.

We are partial to the Gold Coast Kip bag (originally $225 and now $112); the Moon River Pearl Bracelet will perk up any number of styles, it originally sold at $195 and is now $136.

Brooks Brothers is promoting its Thanksgiving Clearance Event.

Brooks Brothers

And Tory Burch is touting the “Divine Sale”. (?)

ToryBurch.com

There are many season-appropriate offerings like the Simone Cardigan (initially selling at $225, now $112.50), available in several colors, and the Nolde Turtleneck (originally $125, now $62.50).

Shoes are also marked down, including the Afrikan Reva flat (originally priced at $235, now $165).

The selection appears fairly broad.

Barneys Not-So- Private Sale is also underway.

Barneys New York

Offerings include a few Pretty in Pink goodies, like the Hooded Puffer Coat (Now $66 from $110) for Babies and Toddlers, or the Cupcake Fleece Jacket (originally $55, now $33), also in Infants and Toddlers.

We also have word about a significant sale at The Gap, tomorrow only (Saturday, 11/20/10).

“This Saturday only save 40% off the entire store, including sale merchandise. All existing Gap, BR or Old Navy cardmembers will receive 45% off when they use their Gap, BR or Old Navy Credit Card. Or if you apply and are approved for a GapCard you can receive 40% + 15% off!”

That would include styles like these for the tiny preps at your palace.

Note this is in-store only, not online, at least not as of now. We thank our Twitter friend ap for the tip.

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In honor of the delightful Summer is a Verb we share a glance at an amazing Kelly Bag from Hermès. (We credit her for playing a significant role in helping the company achieve record-breaking profits this year. Heh, heh, heh.)

Via Fashion Tribes

The massive ‘handbag’ is actually part of an interactive exhibit the legendary firm has undertaken with Selfridges, a UK retailer we have enjoyed visiting now and again.  From the Selfridges news release:

“Bringing new meaning the term ‘oversized handbag’, The Kellydoscope is a giant version of the iconic Hermès Kelly bag – named after movie star and Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly.

Made exclusively from the label’s leather and toile fabrics, The Kellydoscope features a side door through which you step, to find out what its like inside a handbag.”

Via Selfridges

We would be happy with the reversible Double Sens. After all, reversible = practical, oui?

Hermès

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We leave you with an unusual Pretty in Pink, something we have dubbed “When Snails Attack”.

Via Miami New Times

45 of these massive monsters can now be seen allover Miami Beach. Formally, the snails are part of an international art project; here is more from the official website:

“Strategically placed throughout the city, this engaging public art series is designed to inspire a community-wide conversation about the importance of recycling and its environmental impact, while leaving a potent artistic trace on the Miami Beach community.”

Previously they were spotted in Milan.

Photo via Anabolic/Flickr

The snails will be ‘on the beach’ until January 3.

Belle Isle Blog

On that whimsical note, may everyone enjoy weekends filled with love and laughter!

Bargains of a Preppish Sort, Gossip Guys and Girls

Hello-Hello, and happy Thursday, it is simply beautiful here at the Prepatorium, we hope you are enjoying equally blissful conditions.

Once again we are brief, the crush of business remains a significant factor in the day, leaving little time for tea and bon-bons. Sniff.

We begin with an update on Fashion’s Night Out, a repeat of last year’s event during New York Fashion Week, created to get people shopping again. Ahem. Below, a photo from the news conference announcing some of the festivities planned for September 10.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Conde Nast

Eagle-eyed readers will recognize some of the notables at that event, including Francisco Costa, Tory Burch, Mayor Bloomberg, Anna Wintour and Marc Jacobs.

However, as Eric Wilson points out in the Times, the shopping celebration comes at a time when we are encountering less-than-stellar economic news (have you checked the balance on your trust fund of late, oh my!) and consumers are less inclined to spend:

“In one typical example of mixed messages, the big reveal for the Fashion’s Night Out Sept. 10 party lineup (celebrities and events galore at hundreds of stores staying open until 11 p.m.) appeared in an issue of Women’s Wear Daily that was otherwise dedicated to a theme of fashion frugality. “Mindless excess is over,” the trend forecaster Faith Popcorn said, right there on its front page.

Shop less!

Shop more!

Shop smarter!”

One of the many specialty items being offered for the event, the toile and striped sneakers Keds has created for Opening Ceremony.

Image via NY Times

Lots of celebrities have been engaged for the event, here is a partial rundown from Mr. Wilson’s story in yesterday’s paper:

“Elie Tahari will be giving dance lessons at Saks, while Simon Spurr and Ed Westwick play darts. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, with Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler, are judging karaoke at Barneys. Thakoon, Georgina Chapman and Reem Acra will model with their dogs at Bergdorf Goodman. There also appears to be an unusual convergence of designer table-tennis games, with matches planned at Barneys, Bloomingdale’s and the Stuart Weitzman store on Madison Avenue.”

There are activities and parties scheduled all over the country, perhaps there are festivities in your corner of the globe as well.

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A few shopping notes to share, this post in the JC Report led us to take a quick look at Consortiums New York, specializing in previously loved classic pieces:

“Consortiums’ brand of vintage prep avoids the era’s notorious pitfalls with sophisticated pieces like pristine mustard boat shoes by Bally, round Brooks Brothers tortoiseshell sunglasses and Ralph Lauren bags made of just-faded bluish green fabric and trimmed with leather.”

Consortiums New York

We do like the aformentioned sunglasses:

Consortiums New York

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We have a number of SOPS (Sales & Savings Opportunites) to share, beginning with the private sale at Tory Burch, offering up to 60% off retail prices.

Savings are significant on pieces like the Auden Cardigan (originally $250, now $100) and the Espadrille Ballet Flat ($46 from $116).

Saks is doing an online-only clearance.

Bargains abound at Polo Ralph Lauren as well, its Last Chance sale is underway, with savings up to 70%.

Speaking of Ralph Lauren, there is news about his daughter Dylan. Ms. Lauren received a marriage proposal on Sunday, Page Six has the romantic details:

“The way Paul Arrouet proposed to Dylan Lauren in Montauk on Sunday, there’s no way she could have said no. After a sporty day of jogging and biking, the squash-playing hedge fund manager invited Dylan, daughter of Ralph and Ricky Lauren, to the beach at sunset, where he’d set up a table under an umbrella with six dozen pink roses. Spelled out in candy for her were the words, “You are my ‘It’ girl.” Arrouet, who has been dating Lauren for four years, got down on one knee, presented her with an emerald-cut sparkler, and said the right words. Dylan — who owns Dylan’s Candy Bar and happens to have a book, “Unwrap Your Sweet Life,” coming out in October — said yes. “We’ve always been best friends. We always have fun together,” she said yesterday. “It’s very exciting.” Her parents joined them on the beach to celebrate. No date is set yet.”

Here is a photo of the couple, although it dates back to 2008.

Photo via Jet Set Socialite

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We have a quick update on two stars from everyone’s favorite faux-prep school show, Gossip Girl.

CraigMcDean for Interview Magazine

Blake Lively has landed another magazine cover, Interview features the actress on its September cover.  We had to giggle at the Daily News headline for its story on the photos:

“Blake Lively says she’s ‘shy’ but has no problem posing in bra and handcuffs for Interview magazine”

Also gracing a cover, costar Chace Crawford.

Nicky Emerson for ES magazine

Mr. Crawford was showcased in last week’s issue of ES, the Evening Standard’s magazine.

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We leave you with several images we have been hoping to share for some time.

Sarah Cates via Refinery 29

Yes, that is a cat, as is this.

Sarah Cates via Refinery 29

They were part of the “Fashionable Feline Extravaganza,” an event put together by the North Shore Animal League. Below, Carmen Miranda lives.

Sarah Cates via Refinery 29

And they are connected to preppish styles or fashion… how? Not. at. all.

For more wacky photos, pop over to Refinery 29.

Until next time, may you be surrounded by sunshine and smiles!

Pretty in Pink… and on Sale

Hello-Hello, and an ever-so-happy-Friday to you!

We start with good news for Vineyard Vines: the company has announced they will be adding three more stores.  The new stores are slated for Palm Beach, Southampton and Tysons (the Galleria) in Virginia.

Courtesy Image via WWD

Women’s Wear Daily (subscription req’d.) reports the Southampton shop will open this month; Palm Beach and McLean stores are scheduled for November openings.  The company also operates three outlet stores.

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We have a quick look at preppy style from the always stylish Fab Finds Under $50.  Kimberly saw a spread on ‘preppy style’ in June’s In Style magazine…

Courtesy InStyle via FabFindsUnder59.com

And put a more fiscally-friendly spin on things:

Courtesy FabFindsUnder50.com

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Speaking of things kinder to one’s pocketbook, today we combine a few Sales and Savings opportunities with our Pretty in Pink feature.

We begin with the LL Bean Sale, officially underway today.  On the left, the Girls’ Jewell Island Polo, $11.99 (originally $16.50) and on the right, the Grand Lake Moccasin for Women, ($54.99 from $89).

Bean also offers the Fabric Belt for Women at $13.99 (from $19.95) and the Cotton Lobster Print Sweater at $42.99, it was originally $59.

Saks Designer Sale runs through June 5; the Burberry Canvas Flat is discounted to $136 from $195, and for those who don’t mind a logo as the focal point of one’s shoe the toe decor, the Tory Burch Espadrille is now $80 from $115.

In more pink footwear, the Tod’s Laccetto is now $297 (from $425) and the Tod’s Leather Driver shares those same price points.

Irresistible to us, the Kids’ Madras Sandal from Polo Ralph Lauren, originally $30, now $20.  Wrapping up our Pretty in Pink sale goodies at Saks, the Florence Eiseman Striped Dress for Infants, now $75 from $107.

Neiman’s Designer Sale has started as well, the discounts appear deeper than those at Saks. Below we show the Elaine Turner Balinese Bucket Shoulder Bag (originally $250, now $112) and the Frye Distressed Sneaker, (marked down from $118 to $79).  We adore Frye boots (and have worn one spectacular pair to death); boots seem to be the company’s strong suit.  IOHO.

For two Pretty in Pink and Green treasures, the Kate Mack Daisy Diva Tunic and Capris (L), and also from Kate Mack, the Rose Bubble Swimsuit and cover up.

Not to be left out, Barneys Designer Sale is also underway; it includes such cuties as Cordo Roy, another of today’s Pretty in Pink finds, originally $28 and now just $14.

With that soft and sweet face, we say “Happy Weekend!” to all of our cherished readers – enjoy!