Hamptons Shopping Update & YSL’s Nautical Look

Happy Friday everyone, it is delightful to be contemplating a weekend after only four ‘office days,’ no?

We share more Friday Fun today, beginning with some updates for anyone planning a little playtime in the Hamptons this summer.  There are many additions to the retail landscape, with several stores recently opening or about to open, including Crewcuts by J. Crew (inside the existing Crew store), Restoration Hardware and Steven Alan, all in East Hampton.

There are also many seasonal shops, including pop-ups from both Sam Edelman and Stuart Weitzman, as well as Trina Turk and Lacoste. It’s TBD whether Lacoste’s new home will become a permanent fixture or just a summer shop, obviously we’re hoping for the former.

Via Guest of a Guest

Lacoste actually has a line of Hamptons Bags, below we show the Tote.

MacKenzie-Childs has opened its new Southampton store, not far from Vineyard Vines.  Also adding an East End outpost, The Black Dog, long a Princess favorite.

Via The Black Dog Facebook

In addition to all of the standard Black Dog fabulosity, the Southampton store will carry several lines specific to its locale, including Ella Vickers recycled sailcloth totes.

The Black Dog via the NY Times

This weekend and next week bring more openings, including a new Bond No. 9 store in Sag Harbor.

Courtesy Photo

It makes sense, considering the firm does market a ‘Hamptons’ fragrance, as well as a ‘Montauk’ scent.

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Regular readers know we have been loathe to spend much time looking at the fall fashion collections, let alone the resort/cruise lines that have been showing in New York the last two weeks.  Spring has just been too slow in coming this year, and in many cases when it did arrive it came with deadly, destructive force, leaving us eager to simply revel in a few days of warm, sunny skies and gentle breezes. Contemplating a future need for heavier, warmer garments just hasn’t been on the radar. Until now.

Mimi Ritzen Crawford/Vogue

Today we make an exception, sharing a few pieces from the Yves Saint Laurent 2012 Resort collection.

Mimi Ritzen Crawford/Vogue.com

The entire line carried a strong nautical vibe (sometimes overly so) in seagoing colors and details, as well as bright florals reminiscent of island tides.

Mimi Ritzen Crawford for Vogue.com

Very bright, very fun, perfect for a beachy escape.

Today’s final note consists of exciting news here at the Prepatorium, in the form of an announcement from our friends at Clairebella, they are officially Greek licensed!

That means very shortly we’ll be offering Clairebella’s wonderful accessories personalized with your favorite Greek organization.

Clairebella

May you enjoy a delicious weekend, marked by relaxation and good times.

Oh, That Bridal Biz & Poolside Preppy

Hello and happy Tuesday, the sun is shining here at the Prepatorium, it is a gorgeous winter day.

We have all manner of new bits and bytes today, we shall dive right in with a topic generating significant online buzz, Urban Outfitters‘ decision to get into the bridal business.

Kyle Ericksen/Women's Wear Daily

Women’s Wear Daily has a sneak peek at the line, here is a bit of Sharon Edelson’s story (an FYI, the name of the new line is not misspelled):

“There’s not a single Cinderella-style wedding gown in the Bhldn collection.

Bhldn, Urban Outfitters Inc.’s newest retail concept, is the firm’s attempt to put its unique, slightly off-kilter stamp on the bridal business.”

Bhldn delves into territory already explored (quite successfully) by J. Crew’s Wedding collection and freestanding boutique. There will be an online component as well as physical Bhldn stores, the e-commerce site is scheduled to be live on February 14.

Kyle Ericksen/Women's Wear Daily

Like Crew, Bhldn plans on carrying more than gowns and accessories, they want to be known for “special occasion dresses”. The company ultimately expects the website to expand beyond e-commerce, back to Ms. Edelson’s article:

“The Web site will eventually become a clearing house for services such as photography, catering and florists. “I can see us getting involved with event planning, helping with the look and feel of a wedding,” Norris said. “We’re not going to be like J.Lo’s [character] in ‘The Wedding Planner.’”

“We’ve taken DNA from Anthropologie,” Norris said. “I kind of think of Bhldn as the sophisticated older sister.”

And the name? We are guessing it is “beholden” sans vowels, for reasons our little pea brain is quite incapable of grasping.

As the WWD story notes, weddings continue to be big business, many other retailers are getting into the business or expanding existing lines; The Limited has launched an online-only Weddings & Events boutique.

The Limited

And Vera Wang has entered the mass-marketing venue with the Vera Wang White collection for David’s Bridal.

Vera Wang/David's Bridal

As the Times’ T Magazine explains:

“It’s official, ladies: You can now get married in Vera Wang for less than $1,500. Although the price may scream ABS by Allen Schwartz, design-wise, White, is all Vera.”

More from the White collection.

David's Bridal

Our final wedding note involves True Prep’s bestselling author, Lisa Birnbach.

Fashionable Bride

Fashionable Bride has a delightful piece on “preppy weddings” with insight from Ms. Birnbach.  The post is done in a Q&A format, and the first question asks about basic dos and don’ts:

“Lisa Birnbach: ‘First, no rhinestones or crystals on the invitations. Ever. And it’s very nice to use engraving or letterpress.'”

One of the fun facts discovered in the piece by Kelly Skahan was a tidbit about seersucker wedding gowns from designer Michelle Roth.

Michelle Roth

Above we see Ms. Roth’s Zoe at the Ball dress in blue and white cotton seersucker.  Other versions include Zoe by the Bay, below left, and Zoe in the Country, with a crochet top and seersucker skirt. All are a bit foofy for our taste, but the notion of using seersucker for a bridal gown is one we like.

One gown from Ms. Roth that we fell in love with – the Maya.

Something about silk organza and polka dots just invokes images of sunshine and happy smiles.

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Next, an early peek at yet another collaboration, this one from Trina Turk and Alice Supply. The new collection is showcased at She Finds, in a piece describing the designer as “the queen of California poolside preppy,” an appellation we like. Below, a coordinating ice bucket and glass.

Domestic tasks would have to be more fun with the pretty Dust Brush and Dust Pan from the upcoming line.

We don’t yet know when the collection will be available, click here to see all of the photos at She Finds.

A few fast notes on Ms. Turk’s more standard wares for spring and summer – we found lots to like.

The designer’s bright geometrics are always fun, frequently pieces employ classic lines ensuring longterm wearability.

We are also partial to Ms. Turk’s accessories and home goods, particularly her rugs and pillows.

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We leave you with two quick Pretty in Pink items. The first involves the soon-to-launch Lilly Pulitzer Home Furnishings collection from HFI Brands.

Although the line will be available only to the trade (interior designers, decorators), you can now email furniture inquiries directly to the Pink Palace, just click here.

PHOTO: Patricia Sheridan via Louisville Courier-Press

(For more on the 200+ piece line, here is a link to one of our more involved posts on the topic.)

The other item is from the folks at Nantucket Noose, perfect for spring’s rainy days.

Nantucket Noose

The Island Hopper Boots come in other colors if the pink and green is a little too bright (is that possible?), the boots showcase a  beach permit near the top.

Until next time, g’bye!

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!

Barbie’s Fabulous 50th & Lilly Pulitzer Contest Reminder!

Hello-Hello and Happy Start of the New Week!

PHOTO: Timothy Clary/AFP

In yesterday’s post we promised more on the special Barbie Show at Fashion Week; we begin with more on those in attendance, including, a number of the social set. Below, Muffie Potter Aston and daughters, Bracie and Ashleigh Tatiana.

PHOTO: Getty

Also in attendance? The one-and-only Fashion Herald; we almost emitted a most-unbecoming shriek when we read her Tweets about it!

Next, the little ones gather backstage.

PHOTO: Patrick McMullan

For those unfamiliar with all the hoopla, in honor of Barbie’s 50th Anniversary this year, fifty designers created actual looks for the show. Below, Rachel Roy’s sketch…

Courtesy Rachel Roy

And the real deal, designed to honor the very first Barbie outfit.

Lucas Jackson/Reuters

Yesterday’s post really had a better shot of the special Christian Louboutins worn by every model walking the show; here is another look. (Not a terribly flattering shot, is it?!)

PHOTO: Stephen Chernin/AP

We retract a portion of the previous: not every model was wearing the Louboutin heels:

PHOTO: Stephen Chernin/AP

Those look like your basic Chuck Taylors to us, too cute! Now, we are guessing this next dress is the Diane von Furstenberg creation:

PHOTO: Imaxtree

It looks like the basic wrap dress… yes? And below, we are also guessing on the designer. The style seems very Tory Burch to us.

PHOTO: Imaxtree

Here is the Tommy Hilfiger sketch for his beaded white mini-dress, very “groovy,” don’t you think?!

And the real deal:

PHOTO: Imaxtree

Here is TP’s favorite unidentified look:

PHOTO: Imaxtree

Another unknown design:

PHOTO: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for IMG

Other designers we are fond of who participated in the show were Calvin Klein, Trina Turk and Bob Mackie.  Here is a closing shot of the models and their young escorts…

PHOTO: Thomas Iannaccone

A few notes on things related to all of the above:

• To see all of the incredible Barbie dolls dressed by Bob Mackie, click here.
• To read the Suzy Menkes story in the IHT about the show, click here.
• Trina Turk is having a sale online; we do not know about markdowns at brick and mortar retail outlets.
• Calvin Klein is doing 30% off select spring styles for the President’s Day weekend.
• The clearance sale at Tory Burch continues, with 40 – 60% off original retail prices.
• The Tommy Hilfiger Fall/Winter 2009/2010 collection shows on Thursday. Below, a few sketches from that group.

Courtesy Photo via the Telegraph (UK)

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We will share more from Fashion Week as appropriate and when time permits. Tomorrow’s dance card includes the Brooks Brothers Collection Preview (not a runway show, but at the Madison Avenue store), Carolina Herrera, and one of First Lady Michelle Obama’s favorites, Thakoon.

Before we dash, a quick reminder on entering our Lilly Pulitzer Stationery Giveaway:

Lilly Pulitzer Mix & Match Stationery

To win the Mix ‘n Match stationery set, just leave a comment on this post, or any other. To learn how to be entered more than once, click here. We will use Random.org to pick the winner tomorrow (Monday, 2.16), before noon!

Banana Republic Closing Monogram? Hilfiger & Ferragamo Black Friday Deals

Hello-Hello!

Well, if we don’t seem to be encountering another preppy money moment here. We just read that Banana Republic’s new upscale line, Monogram, is closing its doors on Bleecker Street. According to the folks at Racked, American Apparel is moving into the space.  Below, the Monogram store.

The line received a fair amount of splash when introduced; regulars may recall The Princess wrote about it upon its launch back in April.  The line was described as being more sophisticated, more tailored, and more expensive; 30-40% more expensive in some cases.

This may not be as cataclysmic as it appears however, as we do remember reading back in April the standalone store was only scheduled to be open for 9 months, which would sync up with the timetable mentioned in the Racked story.

Courtesy Banana Republic

We would be more than surprised if the line performed at anywhere near hoped-for levels. Many loyal Banana Republic customers felt the collection was overpriced, with the merchandise providing little or no justification for the higher cost. Nor was there enough distinction between the Monogram pieces and original Banana Republic fare to attract a new following.

Below, a BR Monogram knot halter gown that is definitely not for the faint of heart, at least not in the Chroma Pink colorway.

As our Tuesday post focused in large part on the J. Crew struggles, and now today we are talking about Banana Republic, it seems ideal that Austin’s American Statesman recently did an interesting story advising readers how they can achieve ‘a James Bond look’ at J. Crew and/or Banana Republic prices.  In the story writer Marques G. Harper suggests:

“If Savile Row isn’t in your budget, other spots worth a look for Bond-style wares are Banana Republic and J. Crew.”

“….the BR Monogram specialty line has classic items such as cardigans, patterned pants, dress shirts, trench coats and a tuxedo (it goes for $650 compared with a Tom Ford tux, which sells for $4,650). In other words, get your Bond look for less.”

A photo accompanies the story, featuring a Tom Ford tuxedo and other items at Needless Markup Neiman Marcus.

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In our continuing effort to provide information that is moderately entertaining, yet also fiscally friendly, here are a few more tidbits on Black Friday sales and discounts, as originally mentioned in the WSJ blog:

• Salvatore Ferragamo boutiques will begin holiday sales Dec. 4, marking down men’s and women’s clothing and accessories by 35% to 50%.
• Tommy Hilfiger company stores will offer 40% off the entire store on Black Friday, plus they’ll take an additional 25% off purchases of $200 or more between the hours of midnight and 10 a.m.

One cautionary note: as TP was initially reading this she neglected to notice it only applies to Tommy Hilfiger factory stores, or outlet stores, whichever term you prefer.

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The new Gap advertising campaign features a personality from one of TP’s favorite shows, Mad Men.  Actor Jon Hamm plays the show’s always-natty lead character Don Draper; he is joined in the commercial by his real-life significant other, actress Jennifer Westfeldt.

Below, a photo of Mr. Hamm and actress January Jones, who plays Don’s wife, Betty Draper.

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One more quick shopping tip, in this case directed at anyone who uses Clinique cosmetics: there is a Trina Turk-designed ‘gift with purchase‘ underway now at Nordstrom. The goodies shown below accompany any $25 Clinique purchase at Nordstrom, actually a fairly good arrangement IOHO, as the lines at the beauty counters can really be tedious when it is GWP time.  TP loves collecting these throughout the year (only as appropriate, when we genuinely require something from the line doing the giveaway, honestly!) and then donating them to a local shelter at the holidays.

Whether visiting the store in person, or in a virtual sense, don’t forget this is going on:

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For today’s Pretty in Pink, this Leather Mini Wallet isn’t one you are likely to be lose inside the giant pile otherwise known as your purse! It is from one of TP’s favorites, Elaine Turner.

Don’t forget to enter the Great Giveaway, with $100+ in outstanding preppy gifts from Boatman Geller, the Preppy Princess, with the Summer at Tiffany book as a bonus gift! Just leave a comment telling us one friend you are grateful for and you are entered!

We hope everyone enjoys the rest of the weeknd!