Those Vineyard Vines Hotel Suites

Hello-Hello, welcome to an almost-weekend here in the Corner Condo at the Prepatorium.

Today we are engaging in some much-needed Friday Fun, starting with news that Vineyard Vines is decorating hotel suites. From Women’s Wear Daily:

Talk about living the Vineyard Vines lifestyle.

The nautical-inspired brand has partnered with Lark Hotels, a boutique hotel group with properties throughout coastal New England, to create two guest suites.

Below, a suite at the Captain Fairfield Inn in Kennebunkport.

Captain Fairfield Inn

Back to the WWD.com story:

The suites mix the brand’s coastal preppy chic touches with the modern influences for which Lark Hotels is known. Pillows and bed bolsters are made from boardshorts material, and the edging on the window shades is from Vineyard Vines belts.

Another part of the suite.

Captain Fairfield Inn

The Captain Fairfield Inn is the first Lark property to have suites with VV decor.

Captain Fairfield Inn

Next to have the Vines treatment: 76 Main on Nantucket. That property’s grand opening is June 9.

This isn’t the first interaction between the two brands, Lark employees are outfitted by Vineyard Vines. More from the Lark blog.

From managers to housekeepers (and even friends and family!), you’ll see the crew at our hotels decked out in stylish vineyard vines dresses, khakis, polo shirts, tunics and capris.

Lark Hotels Blog

Lark’s other properties include the Attwater in Newport and the historic Danforth in Portland (Maine).

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Our other tidbit involves Friday Fun of the Four-Legged kind, we wanted to share more preppish duds for your pooch.

ParsonsDesignGrad on etsy

The madras coat is by ParsonsDesignGrad on etsy. The shop owner and design whiz got in touch last week about her creations and I just fell in love with them.  One of the niftiest things about the coat is that it is reversible, the flip side of the oh-so-snappy madras is a lovely repp tie stripe.

ParsonsDesignGrad on etsy

The coats are made from re-purposed and upcycled vintage linens, there are some wonderful patterns available.

ParsonsDesignGrad on etsy

If interested in visiting the ParsonsDesignGrad etsy shop, just click here.

We also stumbled across some new styles while endlessly grazing studiously reading some of today’s offerings at Fab.com.

Preppie Pup at Fab.com

These are by Preppie Pup, available at Fab, there are definitely some ‘fashionable’ looks.

Seeing these dapper styles reminded me of the posts we’ve done showcasing The Rover Boutique. Below, some of the images we have previously shared.

Rover Boutique

There are new styles at the Boutique, including the Fieldwork Raincoat.

The Rover Boutique

This one has a bit of the Barbour touch, don’t you think? Just in time for spring, the Boutique also has some cute new bowtie collars, like this seersucker style, definitely today’s Pretty in Pink.

The Rover Boutique on etsy

On that cheery note, g’bye until next time!

The Birds, Bugs, Fish & Fowl on Your Chest + Jason Wu Targét Update

Hello-Hello, and happy middle of the week.

Today we share a story from last fall about logos on polo shirts, obviously it is a topic we have nattered on about relentlessly occasionally mentioned in this space. More from Charleston’s Gazette-Mail:

“Polo shirt” has become a standard name — like “T-shirt” or “khakis” — to describe a knit shirt.

But after recent visits to my college-age children in Alabama and Virginia, I’ve learned there’s a zoo full of animals adorning the chests of students on campuses throughout the South.

Part of the article examines the broad (growing ever-broader) variety of logos now adorning the ubiquitous shirts. The story is illustrated with this graphic, showing just some of the many icons now besmirching seen on the shirts. (In reality, some of the icons are pretty darn cute. I still prefer mine sans logo, but that fish is darling.)

W. Virginia Gazette-Mail

For those not familiar with each and every logo shown in the illustration, here is a quick rundown, beginning with Psycho Bunny (a Consort fave)…

Psycho Bunny

Southern Proper…

Southern Proper

Brooks Brothers…

Brooks Brothers

Vineyard Vines…

Vineyard Vines

Southern Point…

Southern Point

Southern Tide…

Southern Tide

Polo Ralph Lauren…

Polo Ralph Lauren

Southern Marsh…

Southern Marsh

And Eddie Bauer.

Eddie Bauer

The writer, Sara Busse, brings up a little family history in the article.

My dad, far from preppy and not a golfer or a tennis player, wore the little penguin shirts (by Munsingwear) around the house on Saturdays. Now Brad Pitt wears them. Dad was cool. Go figure.

Here is a 1970s era shirt like the one Ms. Busse describes.

Vendetta Vintage

But back to the present.

Look for Southern Proper’s Labrador retriever, or Southern Point’s German shorthaired pointer. These will set you back $75 or so. If you like bigger dogs, Southern Dignity is set to launch a Great Dane-embroidered shirt just in time for Christmas.

We did not see a Great Dane on Southern Dignity’s site, perhaps we overlooked it. (Who knew so many brands started with the word Southern?!)

A brand that certainly would have fit on the list would be Loggerhead Apparel.

Loggerhead Apparel

For a more in-depth look at the history of the shirt itself, Ivy Style offers ‘Le Crocodile: How Lacoste Became the Preppy Polo of Choice and Kyoto Maiko has a post on the topic as well.

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We were familiar with most of the brands discussed in that graphic up above, but always enjoy learning about new companies.  Here is a name that was new to us, Mahi Gold, offering styles ideal for wearing “from the boat to the beach to the deck to the bar.” Below, the Seaview Shift in both aqua and pink, the Claire dress, and on the far right, the Coastline Dress.

Mahi Gold

The company was started by brother and sister Michael and Becky Gorman, we like knowing the collection is Made in the USA. Another plus – everything is crafted of soft (but durable) organic cotton with a touch of Lycra for stretch (and comfort). They even have dresses available for your little one, below we show the Seaview Shift Dress for Girls and Toddlers.

Mahi Gold

To see a list of stores where you can buy Mahi Gold products, click here.

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Our other item today, a reminder about Sunday’s launch of the Jason Wu for Target collection.

Jason Wu for Target

Because the much-buzzed-about collection is only being carried in ‘select stores,’ Targét has even created a a Facebook page listing stores by zip code that will carry the line.

Jason Wu for Target

Target’s online photos are delightful.

Jason Wu for Target

Last week the company celebrated with a big do, below we see Gossip Girl’s Blake Lively and Chloe Moretz in pieces from the line.

Getty Images for Target via The Daily Mail

There are reports pieces from the collection are already on eBay. We aren’t even going to look, and hope to find a little something when the line is for sale this Sunday.  (For a peek at our post showing most of the collection, click here.)

A quick reminder about our Jack Rogers Giveaway, if you haven’t already entered, scoot on over and do just that, entries close at midnight on Friday.

Goodbye until next time!

Popped or Not, Nantucket or the Vineyard?

Hello-Hello and happy Monday.

For those who don’t summer an entire season at the shore it is once again that time of year, friends and families are packing up and heading off for for a few days at the beach. That makes a story in today’s Boston Globe perfect reading, it looks at two of our favorite places.

Via Weather-Forecast

“Islands Apart” considers the age-old debate about which is the preferred island: Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard…? The story suggests that perhaps sentiments on the topic have intensified.

“But what has changed, natives say, is how rabid the rivalry has become off the field, especially among the summer people… who care very much about what their island choice says about them.”

Now, we don’t come from the school of “let’s pick where we summer based on how it will impact the way people think of us”.  IOHO basics like proximity, history, ease of access, and weather make more sense when determining one’s vacation spot, no? Nor are we sharing our personal preference between the two islands (full disclosure: yours truly grew up summering on the shores of Lake Michigan, these two lovely spots are merely places we have been fortunate enough to visit), but we can say many of the observations made by residents and visitors in Billy Baker’s article ring true:

“Both islands, of course, are summer paradises of great natural beauty. They are also very expensive, very exclusive, and very preppy. Nantucket, the broad-brush argument goes, is just more extreme in all categories. In other words, many Vineyarders say, “snobby.’’

One point made in the article involves simple geographic distinctions:

“Martha’s Vineyard is much larger and more populated, with six towns that have distinct personalities; while Nantucket is just one town. The Vineyard is also considerably closer to the mainland. The traditional ferry takes just 45 minutes to arrive, and well over two hours to get to Nantucket.”

The story hones in on an aspect of the rivalry that may be easiest to envision, fashion differences between ACK and the Vineyard, more specifically, brands.

“In Vineyard Vines, a self-described “preppy’’ clothing store that began on Martha’s Vineyard and has now spread to other Sperry meccas, including Nantucket, pastels, braided belts, and shorts with whales on them rule the day.”

And it’s here where we get to a hot-button issue for many Princess readers, the article quotes a VV assistant store manager, Julia Graham:

“It’s basically the same style,’’ said Graham, who is from Greenwich, Conn. and has been summering on the Vineyard her whole life. “But in Nantucket, they pop the collars up.’’

The popped collar, even for a girl from Greenwich, is a thing, a symbol, the epitome of the preppy snob. Except that on Nantucket, many wear that exact stereotype as a badge of honor.”

Full disclosure #2: your trusty correspondent does not ascribe to the popped collar practice.  With no disrespect to those who do, we never have, it is more-than-unlikely we ever will.

Murray's Toggery

When presented with Graham’s assessment, John Murray, the latest generation of his family to own Murray’s Toggery Shop in Nantucket, the birthplace of Nantucket Reds – perhaps the quintessential preppy trouser – did not dispute the pop-collared joke.

“I’m OK with that,’’ he said. “We like to think of ourselves as more sophisticated.’’

Via Damee NYC

Your thoughts? Is one or the other considered a favorite?

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Also today, a quick update on this weekend’s Red Cross Ball in Monaco. Below we see newlyweds Prince Albert and Charlene, behind them you can just about see the Prince’s sisters, Princesses Caroline (L) and Stephanie.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Princess Charlene wore a deep fuchsia gown by Akris, as well as a custom-made necklace by Van Cleef and Arpels.

Reuters via The Daily Mail

As an update to our post that shared some of the rumors about the couple’s relationship and marriage, the Palace says those reports are untrue; the couple is suing L’Express, a French magazine that printed allegations about the Princess trying to flee the country just days before her wedding. Hmmmm.

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Finally today, an early look at one of the soon-to-be-released ads promoting the upcoming Missoni for Target collection.

Courtesy Image

The enormous collection launches September 13, and will be a major component of Targét’s Fashion’s Night Out event.

We’ll be back on Wednesday, until then may the sun be shining on your island, wherever it may be.

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.

Critters on Clothing, Can Eddie Bauer Come Back? And That Big Soap Opera Shocker

Hello-hello, welcome to another crazy day at The Prepatorium.

Business commitments mandate brevity today (it is turning into “one of those weeks”), so we jump right in with a story about something near and dear to many prep hearts, embroidered critters on everything from clothing to key fobs.

“Not all critters are created equal: Dogs and waterfowl are popular, but cats barely make it onto the radar — at least when it comes to creatures featured on the preppy clothes and accessories that seem synonymous with spring.

Below, ties from LL Bean, the blue is decorated with a deer and the moss green is adorned with a trout.

The story is by Samantha Critchell, it has run in a number of papers already; here is a link to the piece in the Fall River Herald News.

“You also can’t go wrong with a whale or crab; girls love their ponies and butterflies; and boys have a thing for sharks.”

LL Bean design director Jim Hauptman shares his expertise in the article:

“Brown and black bears, however, which would seem natural for an outdoorsy brand, are tough because the embroidery can only get down to a certain level of detail. “Bears end up looking like blobs,” Hauptman said. A panda is the exception to the bear rule because of its definitive coloring, he adds.”

Below, our custom Key Fobs showcase some of the themes discussed in the story. (Still one of life’s all-time great bargains at only $6.)

PreppyPrincess.com

Shep Murray from Vineyard Vines is also quoted in the story:

“Color can’t be underestimated, said Shep Murray. Brights draw in critter fans, while traditional colors, such as navy, khaki and white, suit those less adventurous.“We find if we put a fish — on khaki shorts with the simple outline of a navy fish — most guys will wear it. You can get those people a little less likely to wear a critter to wear it if you don’t color it so brightly,” he said, “but the guy who is a ‘total prep’ wants it pink and green.”

A pair of men’s Embroidered Whales Club shorts offered at VV.

Mr. Murry talks about the company’s new Kentucky Derby collection in the story, explaining customers will be seeing a lot of horses this spring. Below, a belt from that collection.

Brooks Brothers is also offering whales this spring in the Clark pants, the Seersucker Capris are available for the ladies, embroidered with lemons.

Four-legged family members demand equal-opportunity when it comes to personal adornment:

Courtesy Tilly T. Bulldog

Tilly enjoys stepping out in her harness from the Princess; Scooter-the-Wonder-Cat was happy when we read her this next part of the story, sharing Mr. Murray’s opinion :

“He said he’s going to revisit cats at some point since he personally is a cat person, but, again, it’s the issue of shape and color.

We’re proud that our vendor for critter ribbon belts, key fobs and pet collar/leashes does an outstanding job. Below, just a few of the offerings demonstrating the attention to detail in the designs:

Can you tell a book by its critters, so to speak?

“Regionally, New Englanders are partial to golden retrievers, boats and bluefish, while Floridians prefer flamingoes, marlins, sailfish and palm trees, Ian Murray said. Midwesterners like anything that reminds them of a vacation, he added, so the beach motifs do well there.”

The article is very well done, to read it in its entirety, click here. We are curious, do you wear embroidered clothing or accessories? What’s your favorite critter?

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Next, a very quick update on what some refer to as a heritage brand, Eddie Bauer.  In today’s Women’s Wear Daily there is an interesting story about the company:

“Eddie Bauer invented the down-filled jacket, outfitted the first American ascent of Mount Everest and even patented the badminton shuttlecock — and the 91-year-old company that bears his name wants consumers to know that.”

An image from the spring catalog.

Eddie Bauer

Eddie Bauer faces a challenging environment, it is recovering from not just one, but two bankruptcies since 2003. Getting those of us once fond of the brand back into a store will be even more daunting.  For both The Consort and yours truly, this is a case of feeling like the brand left us, we didn’t leave the brand.

Below, a look at one of the newly reformatted stores.

Courtesy Eddie Bauer via WWD.com

Reclaiming lost customers while also growing new fans is a key part of the company’s strategy moving forward.

Courtesy Eddie Bauer via WWD.com

It is unlikely we will go out of our way to shop at Bauer, but knowing how hard the company is working at re-invigorating the brand, we may peek inside a store.

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We leave you with a bombshell.  In fact, a personal admonishment to TQM: please seat thyself before reading further, lest you tip over from the shock.

Are we ready?

ABC cancels ‘All My Children’ and ‘One Life to Live,’ replaces soaps with lifestyle shows

Or, as our neighbor to the north put it

ABC Cancels Soap Operas, Hates Us All

The headline immediately above is from Macleans, here is more from that story:

“Okay, the news that ABC is canceling One Life To Live and All My Children is not a stunning surprise. It’s been a nearly-confirmed rumour for a few weeks. But look what they’re replacing them with:

ABC will debut two new daytime programs this fall and winter: “The Chew,” a program about food news and trends, and “The Revolution,” about health and lifestyle transformations.

That’s just cold.”

From TMZ:

Via TMZ.com

One Life to Live has been on the air 43 years, All My Children for 41 years.

ABC

Good bye Erica. Goodbye Pine Valley.

Sniff.