Sneak Peek at Target’s Next Jewelry Line & the Tale of a Tee Makes a Princess Weep

Hello-Hello!

Greetings from the soaked and sodden Prepatorium here in the Great Midwest!

We start with news we simply have to share because it is so fun: we are the lucky winner of a beautiful scarf given away by Coterie Blog! Coterie is a must-read for us, written with a delightful mix of elegance, wit and just the right amount of whimsy for a perfect blend, and we highly recommend it!

Here is a peek at the luscious scarf we won in Miss Coterie’s giveaway…

Thank You Miss Coterie!

As much as we love reading the Coterie blog, we are equally fond, if not more so, of her Coterie Books blog. We’re fanatical readers here at Princess HQ, it’s almost a sickness, really. It has been said about TP: “She’s never met a book she didn’t like.” At any rate, erudite verbiage and brevity are also hallmarks of the Coterie Book blog posts, and the recommendations are stellar. One of this week’s suggestions?

Toddle on over for a little visit, you’ll enjoy yourself at either spot, promise!

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Back in April we shared news about the next jewelry collaboration from the wise minds at Le Boutique Targèt, this one with Anna Sheffield, perhaps best known for her Bing-Bang jewelry collection, popularized by the collection she did with Urban Outfitters, Bee 23.

The Collection lands at your local Tarszay August 30, but here’s a sneak peek at some of the pieces, starting with the Bow Necklace as featured in this month’s Teen Vogue:

Courtesy Teen Vogue

Another look at the necklace can be seen in this next photo, on the far left.

Anna Sheffield for Target

The Charm Bracelet seen below carries that same look of a simple, single stone, in this case accented by two charms. The bracelet will retail at $39.99

Anna Sheffield for Target

The Hoops and Thoughts Heart Charm Earrings will also run $39.99.

Anna Sheffield for Target

Here is another group of necklaces:

Anna Sheffield for Target

The necklaces will run $29.99 to $49.99. Also from the group, a cute little ring…

Anna Sheffield for Target

And earrings with a similar topic or theme:

Anna Sheffield for Target

Again, this Collection arrives at select Target stores and online August 30th.

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In keeping with our tedious coverage continuing looks at fashions sported by the cast of Gossip Girl on-air and off, we share a few photos from this weekend’s Teen Choice Awards, starting with Leighton Meester.

PHOTO: Fred Prouser/Reuters

Also at the event, co-star Chace Crawford.

PHOTO: Frank Micelotta/TCA

Gossip Guy Ed Westwick was in attendance as well.

PHOTO: Matt Sayles/AP

Dolls, we are struggling with the appeal Mr. Westwick holds for so many; is the expression seen upon his face in the photo above supposed to make him endearing? Cute? Cuddly? Let’s give him another opportunity to show those qualities, shall we?

PHOTO: Getty Images

The best we can do is say this is brnging us back to the “weaselly” or “appearance of a well-fed ferret” comments of a previous post.  Are we just hopelessly out of touch? Do tell, as the sense of being an ignoramus is crushing. (Ahem.)

Oh, and the surfboards are evidently the prize given to winners. Guess that doesn’t quite fit in the carry-on.

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We close with a SOTT (Sign Of The Times) about Brioni, the upscale and ever-so-stylish Italian fashion house. (Think about the exquisite black tie apparel sported by “Bond, James Bond,” among other things.) Word comes today via the Times that the firm is acceding to These Challenging Economic Times. They will be marketing a tee-shirt.

A tee-shirt.

The story better explains why this is a shocker:

“…it will be the first offering of its kind for Brioni, whose image — and bottom line — have been built on formal wear and dressing rich Town & Country-style men since its founding in 1945.”

And while the Consort’s evening wear is not from this company, we have long loved the firm, in large part because of its rigid adherence to custom and quality, the refusal on their part to move manufacturing to less expensive locations, like Mexico.  More from the Times story:

“… it’s a telling sign of how both the financial crisis and changing consumer habits are forcing even the most conservative, family-owned luxury goods makers to adapt to a new world.”

Here is a look at the item under discussion:

PHOTO: Justin Maxon/The New York Times

It is difficult to discern from the photo, but the images on the shirt are vintage Brioni labels from 1950’s and 60’s vintage apparel.  We love the way the company’s CEO discusses the shirt:

“It should feel different from Hanes,” sniffed Mr. Perrone, a soft-spoken, aristocratic heir who became Brioni’s first sole chief executive last month…”

For more on “A Suitmaker to Princes Adapts to the Financial Crisis” from writer Nelson D. Schwartz, it is an outstanding read.  Sniff.

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And if you click on the bio link for the author in the paragraph above, you’ll learn where we found this darling Fiat, today’s Pretty in Pink.

PHOTO: Rafal Klimkiewicz for The NY Times

Until tomorrow!

Next Target Designer & Another Argyle Adventure

Hello-Hello and Happy Spring Fever! It is so fantabulous we are officially decreeing today as…..

… Prepalicious, the feeling is utter bliss here at the Prepatorium; we hope the same can be said for your corner of the globe.

We start with news of the next designer collaboration for Target. The Boutique will offer another jewelry line, this one in tandem with the oh-so-wonderful Anna Sheffield, perhaps better known to some readers as the designer of Bing-Bang jewelry.

Courtesy Anna Sheffield via Hungry Elephant/S. Varady

The Anna Sheffield for Target Collection launches August 30; it will be online and in stores through December 30.  Last year the designer teamed up with Urban Outfitters for a line. Below, a cuff currently in the Bing-Bang group.

Bing-Bang Courtesy Photo via WWD

Additionally, Miss Sheffield’s Hobo Bag was featured last year on Gossip Girl.

In addition to her own website, Ms. Sheffield’s work is available at Intermix, Shopbop and other retailers.

Speaking of Gossip Girl… we have a few updates for readers, starting with news that actress Leighton Meester has officially signed a record deal, with an album release expected this fall. We are more-than-tardy mentioning a fashion spread featuring Ms. Meester in the NY Times magazine.

PHOTO: Terry Richardson/NY Times

The Moment blog also has a story with the 23-year-old that fans may enjoy reading.

People has an interesting online update pegged to Monday’s return of Michele Trachtenberg’s character (Georgina Chapman) to the UES. One thing addressed in the story is what seems to be finds an incredibly high rate of intra-cast romantic relationships:

““I haven’t tasted or drank the love potion yet because I’m actually not dating anyone from the set,” Trachtenberg jokingly said. “But we all roll up with Red Bull in the morning, so maybe there is something in there.”

“With Ed Westwick dating Jessica Szohr, Leighton Meester meeting boyfriend Sebastian Stan on the set and lovebirds Blake Lively and Penn Badgley still going strong, Trachtenberg admits it’s usually only a matter of time before costars hook up.”

Of course.

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Just to prove we retain our capacity to cope with late-breaking news, we offer the latest for your consideration:

PHOTO: Andrew Milligan/AP

There is more in this article from The Daily Mail. Oh, what exactly does this have to do with preppiness, other than the possibility that is a Burberry scarf? Nothing.  Not a thing, dolls, we apologize.

There you have it.

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We have an interesting Argyle Update today, if only because of the individual sporting the argyle:

PHOTO: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

Yesterday First Lady Michelle Obama was wearing another Junya Watanabe argyle cardigan. Does it look familiar? Readers may recall Mrs. Obama in another colorful sweater by the designer during the G2 trip to Europe in early April; if not, this post may be of assistance.

The designer is no stranger to argyle, it is one of the reasons we are drawn to his creations. Below, a vest from this spring’s Comme des Garcon collection for Colette.  But prepettes also know it’s not exactly Brooks Brothers standard issue.

Courtesy Junya Watanabe via Hypebeast.com

Again the First Lady looks beautiful. We love the bright colors in her cardigan. However (you just knew this was coming) we are simply never going to adapt to daytime sequins despite intense counseling from the Fashion Herald and Wendy. We’re constitutionally incapable. It Just. Will. Not. Happen.

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We close today with a look at some of Kenneth Paul Block’s amazing fashion illustrations. First, “Babe Paley in Mainbocher and Amanda Burden in Sarni”

PHOTO: Courtesy Kenneth Paul Block via WWD

Next, Ungaro Dress, today’s Pretty in Pink:

Courtesy Kenneth Paul Block via WWD

Mr. Block created magnificent drawings for W and WWD as the principle in-house illustrator for Fairchild Publications, frequently using members of the ‘jet set’ as subjects. Below, Jackie Kennedy Onassis in a Valentino jumpsuit.

Courtesy Kenneth Paul Block via WWD

The artist also did numerous illustrations for upscale retailers like Bonwit Teller, Bloomingdale’s  and Bergdorf’s. In March Mr. Block donated almost 1900 drawings to the MFA in Boston.  For a real treat, pop over to the Museum’s Textile and Fashion Arts Facebook page and gaze upon the fabulosity. One can also check out Drawing Art: The Fashion of Kenneth Paul Block at their local library or consider adding it to their personal library.

Mr. Block passed away last week; he was 84.

Budget Prep, SATC Wedding Gown Update, More Preppy Sales

Hello-Hello and Happy (oh-so-happy) Friday! We hope your weekends are going to be filled with fun and frolic, relaxation and perhaps even a break from the chaos of daily life.

We start today with the Sun-Times and a nifty little story they ran this week, Preppy on a Budget. The column is accompanied by a fun slide show called Preppy Shopper. The story by Jessica Sedgwick showcases several shops unique to Chicago as well as national retailers. From their slide show, the Spiegel signature stretch seersucker jacket.

“Those who enjoy rocking their inner Blair Waldorf (“Gossip Girl” queen bee of prep) might think the only way they can get that look is by spending big bucks. Not anymore.”

Collage Courtesy SunTimes.com

“Retailers such as Kohl’s, Old Navy and even indie-minded Urban Outfitters are unleashing affordable preppy pieces — many adorned with sailor-inspired buttons and crisp seersucker stripes…”

Also showcased in the story, the Unisa TammyLee Ballet Flat at DSW.

And these Chaps Madras Shorts for boys are only $18 at Kohl’s, originally selling at $30.

Chaps Kohls.com

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Other ‘preppy style’ retailers are discussed at length in an excellent story in yesterday’s Times;  it surveys the competitive terrain at midlevel stores like Ann Taylor and Talbots.

The always-insightful Eric Wilson (a big favorite of TP’s) wrote the story:

“… mainstream retailers like Ann Taylor and Talbots have been hiring new designers and sprucing up their looks to appeal to modern women who are now shopping for style within their means.”

As these stores become “recession destinations,” shoppers are discovering that they aren’t as fuddy as they used to be.”

Here is an Ann Taylor Jacket with contrasting trim.

AnnTaylor.com

The jacket is now on sale at $69.99, but with the additional 25% discount the retailer is offering, the price is about $52.

Mr. Wilson’s story focuses primarily on Talbots, Ann Taylor and the new Liz Claiborne line from Isaac Mizrahi. The writer’s perception of the inside of a Talbots store makes for a fun read:

“Walking into the Talbots store on Madison Avenue, with its festive red painted door, homey décor and piles of melon-colored cardigans, bamboo prints and safari suits, the change is only beginning to become apparent. You might think that Michael Kors and Tory Burch had wed in a year-round Christmas superstore.”

And when considering the Talbots Sale is now offering an Additional 25% off reduced prices, you know there are likely to be possible purchases under the red awning. Even ‘wear now’ basics show significant price reductions, and that is before the additional 25% discount.

Talbots.com

A good example of the price cuts is Talbots Pima Cotton Crew Tee, on sale at $8.99, in 21 different colors.

The Times story is a fascinating read, well worth a little investment of time, but we want to know your thoughts…? What is making you buy… or not? Has Talbots updated its inventory, do you like what they are offering? How about Ann Taylor? TP is just dying to know your thoughts on this topic.

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Hayden-Harnett fans may want to scoot into their Online Sample Sale running through April 5, with bargains like the Margot Eyeglass Case at $10, reduced from$30.

Hayden-Harnett

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Then we have one more preppish retailer offering price reductions, Brooks Brothers. The company is doing their Preferred Customer Event, taking 25% off prices if one uses their Brooks card or Brooks MonsterCard Mastercard, 15% off for other forms of payment.

Brooks Brothers

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We have an update for those fond of Sarah Jessica Parker’s wedding gown in Sex and the City.

PHOTO: Diane Cohen/Everett Collection

There is (was) a shortened version of the Vivienne Westwood dress available.

However, the shortened version selling at Net-a-Porter was gone almost as soon as it went up on the site.  But do not despair of owning this version, one merely needs to get in touch with Dame Westwood and be willing to part with about $9,900.  BTW, the release date for Sex and the City 2 has been announced; ask your social secretary to mark you as “busy” on May 28, 2010, if planning to see the film its first day in release.

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On a lighter note, two young gentlemen have a new take on an old, and much-maligned medium: the Jello mold.  Well, no one actually says the “J Word,” in all honesty. A NY Times story looks at the phenomenon and its creators, Sam Bompas and Harry Parr. (Below, the Madrid airport and aircraft in jelly.)

Photo: Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners

The wizards creating these masterpieces are definitely products of an ‘Old School’education, having attended both Eton and University College, London; they refer to themselves as ‘jelly mongers.’

On that creative note we shall take our leave! Happy weekend dolls!