Your Help is Needed for a Bridal 911. Now.

Hello-Hello everyone!

Today we have a post that is a bit different from the norm, certainly one likely to be vastly more engaging for readers than most of our day-to-day mental meanderings.

Many readers already are familiar with our ever-so-dear and delightful bloggy friend, Daisy Duke, attorney-at-law.  If not, the link below will pop you right over to her wonderful blog, Legally Blonde Ambition.

Ladies, Miss Daisy is in need of our assistance. Pronto. The situation has not yet reached dire nature proportions, but we promise you it could if we cannot offer prompt action.

The nature of the problem? We are talking about a fashion emergency, of a sort that has potential to reach cataclysmic levels. You see, Miss Daisy is now engaged to her Prince Charming.  (For all the romantic details on how Mr. Wonderful asked the question, including photos of the ring he designed, just click here.)

But we stray from our mission.  Here is the challenge: the bride-to-be has selected her gown, a stunningly simple and elegant design we show below.

PHOTO: Courtesy Brides.com

This piece of bridal beauty is from Anne Barge, and we adore the clean and classic lines.

But Miss Daisy is in desperate need of shoes, and she is beginning to despair of ever locating the absolutely-perfect pair.  So she asked yours truly if we might solicit your input on the topic; we all know what a fashionable lot Princess readers are, also possessing impeccable fashion taste.

A quick look at the bodice of the gown, adorned with über-elegant pintucks.

PHOTO: Courtesy Brides.com

Now here are the details on the dress and wedding itself:

• it is ivory silk taffeta with a chapel length train
• the wedding is in Savannah, Georgia this October

And here is the scoop on Miss Daisy’s shoe preferences:

• her taste is classic, no sequins or over the top frou-frou
• the biggest dilemma is matching the ivory gown, so much of what Daisy has looked at is bright white
• she prefers delicate flats or a kitten heel, no more than 2″, ideally a scosh less if possible
• Daisy has already looked into Cole Haan (their adorable ballerina wedding flat only comes in white-white), Stuart Weitzman, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, & Neimans
• our bride likes bows, and is fine with champagne, gold or silver for shoe color
• her personal personal shoes are mostly Coach, Cole Haan, Kate Spade & Stuart Weitzman

What do you say Princesses? Can we do this? Can we step into the breach and take one for Team Prep? We bellow shout come back with an appropriately discreet, “Why yes, of course, this is not a problem for us. Not at all. We’re on it.”

We offer our gratitude in advance for what we know will be utterly divine suggestions, be they designers you are fond of, a certain shop you frequent that our Miss Daisy may be unaware of, or a specific pair of shoes you just know will work their magic on Miss Daisy’s twinkling little toes.

Feel free to offer your insight here, or over on Miss Daisy’s blog.  A grateful nation thanks you.

J. Crew Final Sale, “Preppy Paradise” Opens, Kate Spade Summer 2009 Looks

Hello and happy new day everyone!

We start with a quick couple of hits, things going on you may be interested in, like J. Crew’s “Enjoy an Extra 30% Off“ Final (their word, not ours) Sale, ending Wednesday night at midnight.

To enjoy the additional discount use Promo Code EXTRA30 at checkout.

In other J. Crew news, the sharp eyes at the Material Interest blog on Men. Style. com have spotted an intriguing piece at the Tribeca Liquor Store locale.  It is a very limited edition jacket, something you may find appealing for the Mr. Wonderful in your life.

Courtesy J. Crew via Men.Style.com

A stop at the online Men’s Shop at the Liquor Store does not show the military style jacket, but then, with a run of only 7 (s-e-v-e-n) jackets (not to mention the $850 price point), it’s likely one must visit the store in person to view this item.

The jacket is a collaborative effort with the one and only Mister Freedom in LA; below, as shown in a November post on the Mister Freedom blog.

Courtesy Mister Freedom

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Lost in last week’s frenzy, news in The Cut blog about Fred Perry’s SoHo store opening. This is a beautiful thing.  As the story describes it:

“Buttoned-up British sportswear brand Fred Perry quietly unveiled its first Stateside store last week, bringing a preppy paradise of plaid, argyle, and tweed to Soho.”

We will never, ever, complain about a new stop on the circuit. Even when we are experiencing extraordinary difficulty getting away for a few days to enjoy the circuit. Sigh.

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Regular readers may remember previous posts about Michelle Obama wearing jewelry by Loree Rodkin; she wore earrings by the designer election night and several pieces during Tuesday’s Inaugural events. Guess who was in Loree Rodkin at the SAG Awards last evening in Los Angeles?

PHOTO: Danny Moloshok/Reuters

None other than winner Mickey Rourke, in Loree Rodkin sunglasses.  No diamonds that we can see, just the glasses.

FYI, following up Friday’s post about the First Lady’s jewelry at the Inaugural Balls, Ms. Rodkin says she has she has taken “… 100 orders for jewelry that is similar in style…”. This according to WSJ’s On The Runway blog, always on top of this sort of news.

BTW, not all the stars were at the SAG Awards over the weekend. Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester was at the launch party for Nylon Mexico.

The Nylon blog shows the dress worn by Ms. Leighton in detail; it is now available at Net-a-Porter.

It is referred to as the “Preen Cordula Lace Up Dress” as well as the “…lace-up bandage dress.” If it is a style you fancy, not to worry about showing up at a function with TP in the same frock.  A tad too racy for us. We knew you would understand.

Let’s go from one Nylon item to another… a stop at Nylon online today revealed these cute shoes in the blog’s Spring Awakening story. The Ballet Flats are found for $19.50 at Old Navy.

Another example demonstrating precisely why we effort a visit to the Nylon site every day.

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Also a quick look at some of the Kate Spade Summer goods featured in today’s WWD story on the company, most notably the brand’s foray into apparel. Below, pieces from the upcoming collection.

PHOTO: Robert Mitra via WWD

The story focuses on efforts to rejuvenate the brand, and the highly competitive landscape when it comes to accessories:

“Contemporary lines like Rebecca Minkoff and Botkier are appealing to fashion-driven consumers, while J.Crew and Tory Burch are fortifying their accessories focus with a solid infrastructure already intact.”

PHOTO: Robert Mitra/WWD

We’re not sure yet how crazy we are about this look… is anyone else thinking hula skirt? There is also an elegant cuff bracelet from the line.

PHOTO: Robert Mitra/WWD

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Not to be left out of the picture, a Kate Spade competitor is featured in today’s email missive from Bergdorf’s:

Bergdorf Goodman

The retailer is featuring the new Tory Burch Logo Sandal.

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And for a closing smile we get back to our semi-regular feature, “Pretty in Pink,” with the Pink Ligne Roset chair by Pierre Paulin:

That’s a smile and a half… enjoy your day!

More Preppy Sales & Discounts: Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Polo Ralph Lauren, Vineyard Vines, Tucker Blair

Hello and Happy Friday!

The deep markdowns continue at most of the prep-friendly stores TP is fond of, so we want to do a quick update before the special offers expire.

We start with the Kate Spade Friends and Family Sale, offering 30% off everything in the store now through Dec. 8th. Use promo code HOLKSFF08 at checkout to receive the discount.

Kate Spade & Jack Spade

With merchandise like the Gesture heel already 50% off the original selling price of $298 (now $149), how can one resist? (One can’t, really, not when looking at that bow!)

Kate Spade

Sigh.

Jack Spade is also offering 30% off merchandise; use the code HOLJSFF08. This sale also concludes the 8th.

Jack Spade

The always-fabulous Vineyard Vines is taking 20% off all merchandise through Dec. 9th.

Vineyard Vines

To receive this discount at the Vines use promo code THANKS08 at checkout.

Another Princess favorite, Tory Burch, has bargains throughout the online Sale section of the store. Bargains abound, including the Graeme Flat in two colorways, now selling at $206, about 1/3 off its original selling price of $295.

Tory Burch Graeme Flat

Tory Burch is also providing free shipping through midnight on Sunday, Dec. 7th; no code is needed for this promotion.

However, a code is needed for the Tory Burch ‘Gift Giving Sale’ that discounts select merchandise by 20%.  The ‘select’ merchandise includes the Slim Card Case as well as the Foldable Cosmetic Case.

If one is seeking an excellent gift this holiday season, the Tucker Blair sale is not to be missed.  Everything on the site is 50% off through December 24.

Tucker Blair

Their needlepoint belts are simply luscious, not to mention the headbands, also handcrafted needlepoint treasures.  (TP is wondering why this particular headband makes her think of the one and only Third Coast Preppy…?)  To receive the discount use promo code HOLIDAY08

Tucker Blair

Another preppy stalwart, Brooks Brothers, is offering 20% off a purchase totaling $300 or more.  While Brooks will need to take far more aggressive discounts to be competitive with their peers, this does represent a savings, and is certainly nothing to scoff at in this economy.

Brooks Brothers

J. Crew continues their markdowns, now taking 20% off purchases totaling $150 or more.

J. Crew

If practicing fiscal austerity this season, the discount can be very appealing with merchandise like the Taffeta A-Line Skirt at $59.99, originally selling at $138. This could be darling when paired with the Cashmere V-Neck Tee, now $99.99.

Use the code GIFTS at checkout for the Crew discount.

Not to be left behind, Boden USA is doing 10% off everything with free shipping and free returns.

Boden USA

We wrap things up with the Friends and Family sale at Polo Ralph Lauren, providing 30% off with the promo code HOL2008.

As always,  happy hunting and an even happier weekend!

SAY HELLO: Juicy Couture, Tory Burch, Nordstrom SAY GOODBYE: Harold’s, ‘O at Home,’ Club Libby Lu, Men’s Vogue

Well if it isn’t the economy, then it’s the economy!

Yawn. (Please have the houseman send two Excedrin. STAT.)

Before we do all the dreary-dreary, let’s start with some fun news, like Tory Burch opening her Palm Beach store today!

Conveniently located right on Worth Avenue, this is the designer’s 16th store; next month her 17th opens in New York’s meatpacking district.  This reminds us, has everyone seen the new Reva in suede?

Another designer landing nearby on Worth? Michael Kors, with a new boutique he has planned for a long time, according to a story in the Palm Beach Daily News:

“In America, the warm-weather place to be is Palm Beach,” he said. “Palm Beach has always been on my radar.”

Also, Nordstrom *finally* opened their new store in Naples last Friday. At last!  And the Juicy Couture flagship on Fifth is now open, following Thursday night’s big do. Below, co-founders Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor.

Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for Juicy Couture

From the halls of popular prep school drama Gossip Girl star Blake Lively was on hand for the Juicy festivities.

Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for Juicy Couture

Co-star and real life significant other(?) Penn Badgley was on hand along with Jessica Szohr…

Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for Juicy Couture

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Many readers are probably familiar with most of these dreary headlines, but just in case anyone missed them along the way…we start with Saks announcing last week that it is closing the Club Libby Lu stores; that is almost 100 shops in total.

The company expects to have all closed by the end of their first-quarter in 2009.

Then we had surprising news today about perennial Wall Street favorite J. Crew, according to an AP story via CNBC:

“Shares of J. Crew Group Inc. fell to an all-time low Monday after an analyst said she expects weaker results from the apparel and accessories retailer…”

And now we are ever-so-glad the Queen Mother wasn’t planning to purchase the new flat-screen at Circuit City, with their bankruptcy announcement today.

But here is the loss that really hurts, hitting too close to home for our sensitivities. Harold’s.

Courtesy Harold's

During our years doing tv in Oklahoma City we frequently found ourselves at the Harold’s at Penn Place if shopping in town. Our favorite out-of-town Harold’s haunts were at River Oaks, The Galleria in Dallas and on Lover’s Lane; we would also pop into the store at Tyson’s when visiting that part of the galaxy.  Even TSU (The Spousal Unit) went nuclear upon hearing the news.

The liquidation sales started last Friday; the company expects it will take approximately four months to finish selling the merchandise.  Sniff.  Tissue please.

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The word came last week that “O at Home,” the quarterly spun off from “O: The Oprah Magazine,‘ will cease publishing with the Winter issue.  Any future issues will be part of O.

The Princess Consort was concerned when he learned that Men’s Vogue will essentially cease publishing, although technically it is being ‘absorbed’ by Vogue, and hopes to publish twice a year.  (Okay… truth be told, the Consort won’t miss this one iota, it is I who enjoyed flipping through the pages.)

And here is one that rapidly became one of our more enjoyable business reads, Conde Nast’s Portfolio. It is dropping from twelve to ten issues a year.

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We are in peril of becoming completely distraught, so rather than going off the deep end we shall mention the Great Preppy Giveaway here at  Preppy Princess Intergalactic Headquarters, where it is *always* pink and green.

You can win an outstanding Bungalow Scout Tote, simply by leaving a comment mentioning something about America you are thankful for… that’s it!  Just fill in the blank: “I am thankful __________” and leave a comment and you are entered!  Plus, if you mention the Giveaway on your blog and you win, you receive a fabulous set of oh-so-preppy Madras Photocards as a second gift that we’ll send to anyone of your choosing! And we pay the postage on all of this!

It is our way of saying ‘Thank You’ to all of our faithful customers and blogging friends! This contest closes at midnight Wednesday night, and the next one begins early Thursday, so have some fun…you just might be the lucky winner! For more information, click here to read detailed specifics and background!

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For today’s Pretty in Pink item we honor Club Libby Lu (not that TP has ever set foot in one, but we have heard about them…does that almost count?!) with the Pop Sugar Polka Dot Cupcake PJ Set in pink.

Club Libby Lu

Until later… grins and giggles.

Politics and Fashion #6, Preppy Knitting, Paul Smith Bargain Store!

Hello-hello to everyone on a sunny afternoon. We hope you are also seeing the sun shining in your corner of the globe!

Following Monday’s post about Cindy McCain’s jewelry, we have another look at fashion and politics. Below, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin walking onto the stage for last night’s Vice Presidential Debate in St. Louis.

Photo Jim Bourg/Reuters

Below, the Alaska Governor is seen on Tuesday in Sedona, Arizona, prepping for last night’s debate with Randy Scheunemann, a senior policy adviser for the McCain-Palin campaign.

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

An intriguing story in Thursday’s WWD looks at an odd phenomenon: the unwillingness to comment on her apparel by fashion industry insiders.

“I am not commenting on this one,” Saks Fifth Avenue fashion director Michael Fink replied when asked about the $2,500 silk shantung Valentino jacket Palin wore to the Republican National Convention that was reportedly purchased at Saks. “We just can’t comment,” a spokeswoman for Valentino said when asked about any other pieces by the designer that the candidate had worn.”

Below, Ms. Palin in the much-discussed Valentino jacket worn the night of her acceptance speech at the Republican convention.

Photo: Paul J Richards/AFP?Getty

Other tidbits gleaned from the onslaught of editorial copy being devoted to the topic? The candidate has supposedly changed lipstick brands from Mary Kay to MAC, and much is being made of her shoes. In particular, the red Naughty Monkey brand shoes the Governor wore on August 29th when she was announced as Senator McCain’s running mate in Dayton, Ohio.

Photo: John Gress/Reuters

The shoes are garnering attention because (among other reasons) they are apparently a brand Paris Hilton is seen wearing. Ms. Hilton is of course, one of our first AntiPrep selections.

Below Ms. Palin’s shoes behind the podium at the debate.  At the risk of engaging in unbecoming behavior, we feel it necessary to point out that amazingly, we were unable to locate any photos of Senator Biden’s feet. Do you imagine we simply didn’t search hard enough?

Carlos Barria/Reuters

Much is also being made of the fashions worn by Michelle Obama, wife of Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama. Below, the Senator and Michelle Obama at a campaign rally in Detroit earlier this week.

Photo: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP Getty

Below, a photograph better showing Ms. Obama in another dress provoking commentary, an off-the-rack shift from H&M; the retail price for the dress is $34.95.

Photo: Alex Brandon/AP

Quite by accident TP stumbled across a site that is absolutely heaven-sent at this point in the process, Mrs. O.

The site is described in the following way on their ‘about’ page:

“The site hopes to be a central, ever evolving resource to chronicle Mrs. O’s look, while providing fashion commentary and information.”

Below, Ms. Obama on the cover of More magazine’s October issue.

2008 More magazine

The Huffington Post has a story from More’s Editor-in-Chief, Lesley Jane Seymour, detailing the behind the scenes machinations that went into the cover shoot.

“Her people had begun, days earlier on the phone, by ordering us not to bring any fancy dresses that “would look presumptuously inaugural.” I got that.”

“But then a second dictum arrived: Obama was going to wear a dark brown dress by H&M. We immediately sent an assistant uptown to get us the dress…”

“It took several more rounds of negotiations to bring the two businesses–selling magazines and selling a candidate’s wife–together. What won the peace prize: a bright pink Maria Pinto sheath, and as a back up, a navy satin Narciso Rodriquez shift (both dresses from Obama’s personal closet).”

Deeper into the article Ms. Seymour reveals once the pink Maria Pinto dress was on, the magazine asked her to remove the bow on the collar. It is clear from the cover what side won that point.

If you ever question why on earth you spend any time whatsoever reading our silly little blog, today we shall earn our keep. How? By alerting you to the Paul Smith store opening on the 16th in the Williamsburg area of Brooklyn.  And this is important because…? The shop is carrying only merchandise that is on sale. Marked down. Discounted. By whatever word one elects to use, this makes it pretty much a must-see in many fashionistas’ minds.

Above, a Men’s shirt with fabulous detailing, and below, a hat and matching gloves for the ladies.

Below, two pair of their fabulous socks, for which we have long had a serious weakness.

That will become a new stop anytime we are in the city.

Now, compliments of Second City, how about this for a fabulous collection of penny loafers?

It comes via Second City Style and is more than fun to look at, with loafers from a large group of designers including Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Ferragamo, and Cole Haan. The Princess is quite fond of Second City, a delightful site always overflowing with good information.

TP must admit complete and total ignorance on the art of knitting; the total of our knowledge is the phrase “knit one, purl two,” and how we can even recite that much is a mystery.  However, if we were to take up knitting, it is possible we might attempt creations like the two seen below, discovered on the blog Learning from Chavah.

Oh, one more thing following up on Tuesday’s post about the incredible email problems the House of Representatives was experiencing mentioning the email backup. This tidbit from The Hill explains it now also applies to the telephone

To cap off our little news roundup, word that come next year A&W, KFC, Long John Silver’s, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, will start posting calorie information. Do you want to know?