J. Crew to Open Online Outlet Store, US Open Styles Revealed

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a Friday!

Today’s first bit of news probably qualifies as Friday Fun, albeit not in the wacky genre, more of the “Oooh, this could be fun” kind of news: J. Crew announced yesterday they are going to open an online outlet store in September. Elizabeth Holmes at the Journal broke the story:

“”The New York-based clothing retailer is gambling that it can expand sales without cannibalizing demand for more expensive merchandise at its mainline stores. Apparel companies typically locate outlet stores in out-of-the-way malls, forcing customers to drive long distances to get access to the discounted goods. J. Crew is among the first to risk selling outlet gear over the Internet.”

J. Crew

The company is having an exceptional year, reporting an 87% increase in profits yesterday, even as most apparel and accessory firms continue to struggle in These Difficult Times.  But with the economy entering a challenging phase, Mickey Drexler, J. Crew’s CEO, noted that customers are remaining price and value conscious:

“There’s a big world out there that’s playing the low-price game or lower-price game,”

Mr. Drexler’s comments came during a conference call with stock analysts; not everything he shared was considered good news by Wall Street.  From MarketWatch:

“… analysts said some of J. Crew’s fall merchandise also has been too edgy and not resonated as well with its customers. The company also may have been hurt by increased competition from rivals from Ann Taylor Stores… to Talbots that have also offered embellished tops and other looks that are similar to J. Crew’s offerings, analysts said.”

The “too edgy” comment in the MarketWatch story is interesting, as we have chatted for some time in this space about the company’s change in direction and Crew’s vocal disdain for the word ‘preppy’.  Another analyst quoted in the story referenced “…some fashion missteps”.  For more on the retailer’s dislike of the preppy appellation, click here.

IOHO an online outlet is a wise move in many respects. Bargain hunters will be pleased to know the company plans to include those items currently made only for factory outlets, things not available at regular J. Crew stores. Here is more from yesterday’s WSJ story.

“J. Crew, like most specialty retailers, manufactures merchandise specifically for its factory channel. It’s a different model than that of many apparel manufacturers and department stores, which use their off-price channel to liquidate excess merchandise.”

But operating an online outlet can also have negative fallout, cheapening the brand; it’s no secret some shoppers prefer a little exclusivity, something that makes them feel special, not items that “just anyone can get.”

For those interested in the new site, WWD reports the address will be Factory.com; it is expected to go live in September.

Does this mean shoppers at ‘regular’ J. Crew stores will see less aggressive markdowns of the kind now underway, the “Extra 20% off” Final Sale? (The sale ends this Sunday, use promo code OURTREAT to receive the additional markdown.)

J. Crew Final Sale ends 8/29/10

Crew’s identity challenges seem evident in two pieces shared in “Cooper’s Picks,” the pint-sized version of the popular Jenna’s Picks.  First, we show a $395 Girls’ Shearling Vest, very much like the women’s version.

J. Crew

Call us crazy, but the vest seems a bit over the top for the Young Miss at your Palace. We contrast that with the $138 Grey Flannel Blazer, its lines and details more akin with what we used to think of when hearing the name J. Crew.

J. Crew

One can make a strong case there is plenty of room for both items at the store and that old fuddy-duddies like yours truly are trapped in the past while the fashion world moves forward, we respect that stance, and remain intrigued by seeing how things fare in future months.

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Also on today’s hit parade, the US Open parties are underway all over the city, Nike’s was Wednesday night, with a solid cast of tennis celebrities: Maria Sharapova, Bar Rafaeli, Rafa Nadal, and Roger Federer, to name only a few attending.  With Nike hosting, everyone was able to preview the looks featured on players sponsored by the sportswear giant.

Below left we see Ms. Sharapova in her US Open togs, a deep blue or purple dress with tuxedo styling, especially the lapel; on the right, Nike’s image of the dress via Rich at Down the Line Tennis.

Rafael Nadal was in black with neon green accents, while Mr. Federer’s style remain constant, below he is in deep navy blue.

Below, the competitors at a news conference after the event.

Al Bello/Getty Images for Nike

The Open launches on Monday.

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Our final two tidbits are definitely Friday Fun:

• Cynthia Rowley is now offering designer Band-Aids. They come in chi-chi boxes and also actually help a good cause, one dollar from each box sold (at $10) goes to a fund to help high school and college students interested in design.
• The other item is definitely in our You Can’t Make This Stuff Up, featuring members of the Anti-Prep Wall of Shame. Behold the Jersey Shore Halloween Costumes.

What do you think? Is a Jersey Shore costume something we need to consider here at the Prepatorium? Should the Consort consider an evening as the Pauly D Situation? Do weigh in, your opinions matter a great deal. (Note we didn’t say they counted, heh-heh-heh, insert evil Princess cackle here.) These are available for pre-ordering at Costume Craze.

With that, we send wishes that everyone enjoys a weekend full sunshine and smiles.

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

Simply Amazing Tennis, & Fashion Week’s Bad Boy?

Hello-Hello, happy sunny day to everyone!

We are still gaga over last night’s US Open final between Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro and Roger Federer.

PHOTO: Clive Brunskill/Getty

The match took five sets, the first time that has happened since 1999. On hand to watch, Anna Wintour (back left), fresh from the Carolina Herrera show at Fashion Week, Gavin Rossdale (C) singer Gwen Stefani (R) and Roger Federer’s wife, Mirka Vavrinec (center front).

PHOTO: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

It was amazing tennis.  Congratulations to Mr. del Potro; we expect to see more of this young man in the future.

Call us crazy, but we expect he just might land on a few more magazine covers.

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In yesterday’s post we promised a peek at the new Tommy Hilfiger mega-store on Fifth Avenue that opened Monday.

PHOTO: Lauren Fleishman/Kyle Ericksen

The designer told Women’s Wear Daily (subscription required) about some of the special products this particular store will carry:

“Also unique to the location is Tommy Hilfiger Fifth Avenue Pink Collection — pink women’s outerwear, knitwear, dresses, hats, scarves, gloves, watches, belts, and gifts, and select pink men’s knitwear and ties. Additional special products for men focus on plaids.”

The decor features vintage pieces and themes, many purchased from eBay and others from the Brimfield Antique Show & Flea Market. (A spot of bliss, truly.)

Lauren Fleishman/Kyle Ericksen

While not generally Hilfiger fans here at the Prepatorium (the brand is much too new to the scene, and it does not market truly classic preppy goods, particularly when considering the logo-splashed merchandise), we do occasionally find things we enjoy, and hope the store surpasses all expectations for Mr. Hilfiger and company.

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Now to Fashion Week and a look at TP’s favoriter designer (ummm, not exactly), Thom Browne, perhaps best known to this audience for his Brooks Brothers Black Fleece collection.

Frequent readers may remember some of our ranting and raving commentary in posts about Mr. Browne’s more ridiculous, attention-seeking, and completely unwearable flamboyant designs.

The designer’s styles for his Spring 2010 Collection are equally outrageous.

PHOTO: John Aquino

We’ll let the professionals speak today, beginning with Ray A. Smith at the Journal:

“He’s done dropped-crotch trousers before, but never dropped this low — almost to the floor so that pants look like dresses. He’s done polka dots before, but never this big — one ensemble even had the polka-dot holes hollowed out.”

PHOTO: John Aquino

The Journal story continues:

“Lenses of visor sunglasses were used to decorate bucket hats — in some cases the hats were pulled over the model’s head with the lenses being implanted where holes were cut out so they could see. It was a very disturbing deep-sea diver look.

PHOTO: John Aquino/WWD

And then this in the Journal piece:

“An editor from a fashion magazine laughed out loud at one point during the proceedings, and who could blame him.”

However, Mr. Smith makes the point in his story that perhaps Thom Browne is enjoying the last laugh.

PHOTO: John Aquino/WWD

Nor was WWD’s review of the Collection kind.

“And the kitchen-sink styling only strengthened the final analysis: The clothes were ridiculous. What else can you conclude about a neoprene mini-skort? Or a polka-dotted halter romper? Add the lipstick, and it’s officially a drag show.”

PHOTO: John Aquino/WWD

Now, this may surprise you, but The Consort is unlikely to be sporting this to next summer’s formal events.

PHOTO: John Aquino/WWD

More from the WWD review:

To be influential in men’s wear is to innovate and surprise while still meeting the formal requirements of the medium, of the body, of a life. Browne knows it because he exerted that kind of power once, with his iconic cropped suit. It’s an elusive accomplishment, let alone to repeat. But to make unwearable art that takes no account of the wearer’s dignity is only dodging the challenge.”

Ouch.

While a few pieces harkened back to an old-school look with their prep school details, they do not qualify as preppy. Far from it.

PHOTO: John Aquino/WWD

To see all of the Spring 2010 styles from Thom Browne, click here.  And our final thought on the topic we share this commentary from one of our daily reads, The Choosy Beggar:

Courtesy The Choosy Beggar

From their brief post:

If you hadn’t heard, it’s New York Fashion Week, which means two things: Plenty of posing, and more confusion for an already disillusioned male consumer. Thanks, Thom Browne. (Browne’s S/S ’10 Dumb Donald look pictured above.)

There you have it.

Thanks for popping in, we’ll be back tomorrow with more fun and frolicking around Fashion Week, including a peek at the line some call “the preppiest thing going”!

It’s A Little Racy & Not At All Preppy (Gasp!)

Hello everyone, happy-almost-long-weekend!

We didn’t plan to post about tennis togs or the US Open today, but have no choice, given the stories about Rafael Nadal emanating from Flushing Meadows. The topic?

PHOTO: David Gray/Reuters

The attire worn by Mr. Nadal, more precisely, the shorts.

PHOTO: Getty Images

Evidently the NY Post reported that the shorts are “slightly see-through.”  That original story has been picked up by all manner of publications, including NY Magazine.

“A funny feeling has come over us. We can’t be sure, but we think — just maybe — it’s called suddenly caring about sports. He is life-changing, that Spaniard.”

Lord, this is a wretched job, but we shall try to soldier on.

Indeed.

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Because it involves both the Open and Gossip Girl, we have a trivia question today: what G2 star is named after a brand used all the time in tennis?

In case anyone missed it, the answer would be:

Mr. Badgley is named after the tennis ball.  And because we haven’t yet done a Pretty in Pink today, here is something we haven’t featured, the Penn Pink Tennis balls.

According to the website, Penn donates .15 cents of each can sold to ‘breast cancer research’. (We put that in quotes because we’re not fans of generalized statements when it comes to fundraising claims, we like very specific data points and names of organizations benefiting from the donated funds.)

Back to Gossip Girl, it seems there is a bit of chatter about an episode being shot this week; it features a 1920’s-era party, complete with flapper-style party duds.

Above one can see actresses Hilary Duff and Blake Lively in their party frocks.

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Yesterday we mentioned the J. Crew sale underway, we also want to fill everyone in on the Brook Brothers promotion.

Unlike many other retailers doing special sales and discounts around the holiday weekend, the Brooks’ Consolidation Clearance is at its retail stores, it is not an online promotion at this point.

As we’re speaking of the Brooks’ retail stores, we are beyond tardy with this, but simply must thank John Doyle at the company’s Cleveland store. He was more than helpful when we popped in, recommending a shirt we adore, as well as some other goodies we acquired. A gentleman in the truest definition of the word, Mr. Doyle was not only first-rate in the customer-service arena, he was loads of fun and totally understands the Brooks aesthetic. What a dear man.

We’re a little underwhelmed by the online selection at Brooks Brothers, have you looked at their offerings recently? The Country Club section is headlined “Spring 2009” and seems to have negligible amounts of merchandise, and Thom Browne’s Black Fleece section seem to be equally depleted.  The Men’s Paisley Trousers are marked down by 50%, as are the Women’s Seersucker style Jacket and matching Skirt.

Every single pair of women’s shoes on the site is discounted at least 50% from its original selling price, including the Bow Peep-Toed Pump.

The shoes are $86.40; these originally sold at $288.

The lack of updated inventory seems odd, as Brooks appears ready to market their fall line; the company is going to emphasize those items made in America.

Courtesy Photo via WWD.com

A recent Women’s Wear Daily story has more on the campaign:

“In a campaign entitled Makers & Merchants, the 191-year-old retailer is shining a spotlight on iconic merchandise pieces that have been made in the U.S.”

There you have it.

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One last tidbit for those seeking reading for the extended weekend, Vanity Fair has an extended interview today with Mad Men’s Pete Campbell, seen to the right of Don Draper in the photo below.

Photo Courtesy amc-tv via Vanity Fair

Umm, of course we meant to say “an interview with Vincent Kartheiser who plays Pete Campbell, seen in this photo with Jon Hamm, who plays Don Draper.”

Of course we know they’re not real, honestly.

Heh-heh-heh.

Tennis Togs Part Two & “When Logos Run Amok” Example 46

Hello-Hello!

Last week we ran a little preview of some of the tennis apparel being unveiled at this year’s US Open, including the new looks from Nike for Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Serena Williams.  We also looked at some of the pieces coming from Polo Ralph Lauren, the Open’s official sponsor.

Today we turn our attention to Lacoste’s new looks for Andy Roddick. Mr. Roddick can be seen below, as well as Mr. Federer, Ms. Williams and Maria Sharapova.

PHOTO: Ray Stubblebine/Reuters

He is wearing the Printed Check Super Dry Polo, we offer a better view:

Courtesy Lacoste

The Diamante Drawstring Short is on sale in select colors.Here is a look at the ensemble in navy as worn by Mr. Roddick yesterday.

PHOTO: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty

The Women’s Short Sleeve Super Dry Polo comes in both white and a rich raspberry pink.

Many readers probably saw Mr. Roddick visiting the David Letterman show last week. Unfortunately he was sporting the new polo from Lacoste, with the “Big Croc”.

We clearly have a new addition to the “When Logos Run Amok” category.

Lacoste.com

An interesting note, the Oversized Croc Pique Polos for men run $92, while the Short Sleeve Classic Pique Polos are only $54.99 – $79.50.  A similar theme is evident on the Ladies side of the shop, with the Women’s Oversize Croc Polo at $85 and other versions running $54.99 – $79.50.

One more comment about Mr. Roddick, he is not happy with the Open’s new rules regarding Twitter. The Straight Sets blog from the Times carried a post about the issue:

““I think its lame the U.S. Open is trying to regulate our tweeting,” he wrote Friday night. “I understand the on-court issue but not sure they can tell us if we can’t do it on our own time … we’ll see.”

The rules state that tweeting is not allowed on the court during matches. They also warn players about using Twitter away from the court, saying that sending “certain sensitive information” could be considered passing along inside information to gamblers.”

We are grateful there are no such rules governing TP’s Tweets!

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When covering the Nike togs last week we neglected to show the looks for Ms. Sharapova, always a fashionista on and off the court. First, her day dress:

The Night Dress is a very dark midnight blue with silver piping; there appears to be some sort of unfortunate glittery lamé fabric insert.

It is superior to the dress worn by Ms. Sharapova last week for the Rogers Cup in Toronto. We like the minty-green color, but the full skirt is reminiscent of a prom frock gone bad.

Chris Young/Canadian Press/AP

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A look we liked even less? The not-quite-Ed-Hardyish drawing on the back of the dress worn yesterday by Venus Williams for her first-round win.

PHOTO: Emmanuel Dunand/Getty

The dress isn’t quite as bad from the front.

PHOTO: Emmanuel Dunand

And we do like pink.

But… the color for tennis apparel is white. Granted, we are old. We are boring. Fuddy-duddy is a kind and gentle way to describe our ‘tennis style’ as there is no style whatsoever.

We are quite comfortable in this kind of look:

This comes as no surprise to readers.

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One of the more intriguing debuts this week comes courtesy of US star James Blake, who has moved from Nike to Fila.

Chris Trotman/Getty Images for DirecTV

Fila and Mr. Blake have partnered on an apparel and accessories line, launched at the Lord & Taylor on Fifth Avenue last week.  In honor of the player’s late father the collection is named Thomas Reynolds.  Below, Mr. Blake can be seen with actor Will Ferrell, who was dressed as Blake for the annual Arthur Ashe Kids Day event.

Ray Stubblebine/Reuters

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For those curious about the outcome of Roger Federer’s first match against Devin Britton of the US, Mr. Federer won.

PHOTO: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

However, we may need to pursue a future chat about ‘Monogram Man,’ and the overall issue surrounding Mr. Federer’s logo/crest/monogram.

Below we see Rafa Nadal practicing this morning, his first match is set for Wednesday.

PHOTO: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

On this smiling face, we say G’bye until next time!

US Open Tennis Togs: Polo Ralph Lauren, Nike & Fred Perry

Hello-Hello and Happy Friday!

It seems another week has flown by, vanished in a poof of ‘what happened?’ here at the Prepatorium.  If ever we were in need of some Friday Fun, today is the day!

But first we want to keep our word in yesterday’s post (Tiffany, Tennis and Fashion), we said we would peruse some of the new tennis togs slated for for the US Open, always a premier event to debut a new look or collection.

This is especially true for the Open’s official sponsor: Polo Ralph Lauren.

This year offers a number of new styles from the retailer, including an updated Cotton Cricket Sweater:

The sweater is described this way:

“Our iconically preppy sweater is cable-knit from soft Italian cotton with a wide V-neck, perfect for layering with one of our polos or tees for brisk mornings on the court or in the stands.”

Well done, this is very nice. (The Consort had nothing but raves when he saw us working on the post this morning, very unusual for him to be so vocal about a sweater. Hmmm.)

For the gentlemen, the US Open Canvas Sneaker has classic appeal:

To be quite crass and insert the “M topic” into our conversation, at $68, one could almost overcome their LogoPhobia, rationalizing that the emblem is of a commemorative nature.

There are also new uniforms for the ball boys and girls:

Courtesy Polo Ralph Lauren

The diagonal stripe is eye-catching, and the shirt is done in a mesh knit for comfort.

Courtesy Polo Ralph Lauren

Clearly the Logo-Gnomes have slipped that poor pony some performance- enhancing chemicals.  Ahem.

This year’s Open Canvas Tote has understated lines in classic colors:

If seeking Polo Ralph Lauren tennis apparel/accessories with fiscally-friendly price points, sale pieces offer styles that may appeal as well, like the Silk Tie Trimmed Blazer.

Originally $298, the blazer is now only $99, even better is the wide availability of sizes still available as of this writing.

There are loads of tennis pieces in stock across a broad selection of styles and price points, including pieces for the Young Master or Miss in the house. All of the US Open styles may be purchased online, at the Ralph Lauren shop at Arthur Ashe stadium, or at the interactive kiosks located elsewhere at the stadium.

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Also debuting new looks this week, Nike. We start with a look at ” The Preppy and ‘The Pirate’.  First, ‘The Preppy,’ Roger Federer.

PHOTO: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

Next, ‘The Pirate’ aka Rafael Nadal, still overcoming an injury in his effort to garner the only major title he has yet to win.

PHOTO: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

If interested in Rafa’s Nike styles, once can now purchase many of them directly from his website.

For today’s Pretty in Pink we share the Nike look sported by Serena Williams.

PHOTO: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

This month’s issue of Hamptons (magazine) features Ms. Williams on the cover.

PHOTO: Robert Ascroft/Hamptons

An interesting Q&A style story accompanies the cover shoot.

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Nike and Polo Ralph Lauren are not the only labels debuting collections at the Open.  Fred Perry’s roots in in the sport are deep, and yesterday Andy Murray showed the brand’s US Open line.

PHOTO: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Fred Perry

The “Scottish blue” is a stunning color, we just love it. Below, the Classic Fred Perry Polo Shirt for women in “Original styling with trademark twin tipping detail,” things we like.

There are several pieces in this group we are fond of, particularly the Pleated Tennis Dress.

Basic, fundamental tennis apparel. Yes, we are showing our age.  Basic tennis whites are what we were raised on and what we prefer.  Frankly, we like this collection so much it might help assuage the angst expressed Wednesday in this post about the hideous Fred Perry Preppy Pin Set.

Play gets underway Monday.

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Well dollfaces, we are absolutely out of time. That means we will have to leave Lacoste, as well as the line James Blake is launching with Fila (and other lines as well), for another post, we apologize.

But we simply must include this very quick note about Lacoste: another online ‘by invitation only’ sale boutique is offering Lacoste Men’s and Women’s watches at significant discounts. Beyond the Rack is doing the sale; it runs until 1pm August 29th (Saturday).

The Ladies Tiebreak Calfskin wristwatch seen above is selling at $199; the original selling price was $450.  If you would like an invitation to Beyond the Rack, simply email thePreppyPrincess@mac.com

And to ensure we continue our Friday Fun, we share a few Mad Men avatars (remember our posts about making your own?), but not of friends or family. No, these are avatars celebrating people a little better known, like POTUS.

Also, Keith Olbermann.

To glance at additional celebrities who  have been “Mad Manned,” just click here.

We hope that brings a smile to your face – may your weekend be filled with them!