Extreme Prep, the Preppy Pack Rat + Bits & Bytes

Hello-Hello, welcome to a busy Friday here at The Prepatorium.

We merely share a few Bits & Bytes today, business pressures and other commitments mandate brevity. We begin with what might be considered a follow-up to Wednesday’s updates on how several preppish brands are doing, including Talbots (not great) and Lilly Pulitzer (quite well); it turns out that J. Crew is also struggling. Women’s Wear Daily reported the story in yesterday’s paper:

J. Crew Group Inc. continued to struggle in the first quarter with increased markdowns and promotions contributing to net losses and a comparable-store sales drop of 3 percent.”

WWD (subscription required) had more on the story today, including comments from the company’s CEO, Mickey Drexler:

“Drexler acknowledged not being “well balanced in the agelessness and timelessness of our assortments” and cited a lack of full-length sleeves, too many at three-quarter length, and skirts that were “a little too short.…They’re not anymore,” he assured.

The quarter wasn’t without some upsides. “We continued to strengthen our franchise businesses — cashmere, pencil skirts, blazers, ballet flats — those categories where we have leadership and customers come back to us day in, day out,” Drexler said.”

Those who regularly shop Crew have noticed the additional discounts and markdowns, hopefully things will perk up for the retailer heading into the back-to-school season.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Next, we meet a gentleman referred to as the “preppy pack rat,” Thomas Cary, a fascinating individual.  Mr. Cary has been profiled previously in many publications, online and in print, (last fall in the Yale Daily News here) but we never seemed to have the time to share any of that coverage.

PHOTO: Jeffrey Hirsch/NY Social Diary

Mr. Cary is a book collector, among other things, he counts Kate Spade and Ralph Lauren among his clients, his finds have helped decorate stores for both.  The collection of books in Mr. Cary’s apartment is amazing. When you see some of the other treasures under that roof it is eye-popping.

PHOTO: Jeffrey Hirsch/NY Social Diary

There is no way we can adequately describe the scene in the apartment, we strongly urge you to pop over and visit New York Social Diary‘s post here, see for yourself.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We also have a quick fashion update for Kate Middleton fans, last night was the big (really big, like GTH big, oh my!) formal dinner for the Duke & Duchess.

PHOTOS: Getty Images

Kate went with a gorgeous gown by bridal and party frock designer Jenny Packham, for more visit our sister blog, What Kate Wore.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We have done a sizable amount of coverage on the Lisa Birnbach/Tommy Hilfiger collaboration, “Prep World.”  This weekend marks the final appearance of the portable Prep World store, it will be at The Grove in Los Angeles.

Via All The Rage blog

Last night’s launch party for the pop-up brought out a number of celebrities, including Hailee Stanfield, she looks darling in pieces from the limited-edition collection.

Via Pop Sugar Australia

Tommy Hilfiger continues its online contest, you can enter your ‘preppiest style’ photos (ahem) to win the “ultimate preppy getaway” vacation. (Don’t ask, I’ve nary a clue.)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Here’s one we hadn’t expected to be writing about, “Extreme Prep,” from MTV’s Clutch blog.

“…we’ve noticed a recent trend in band-naming: extreme prep.”

This may surprise you, but this train of thought hadn’t previously crossed my mind. (We can’t speak for The Consort.) Here is the image that illustrates the piece, we’re thinking there might be a little Photoshopping involved, just guessing that is the case.

Getty Images via MTV

Back to the MTV blog:

“So if you’re considering calling your baroque pop three-piece something tongue-in-cheeky like, oh, we don’t know, Highball or Country Club, make sure it’s not already spoken for. Check out this list of groups that have already hopped on the jitney to Prep Island.”

1) Tennis
2) Public Radio
3) YACHT
4) How to Dress Well (Dressing well: very preppy.)
5) The War on Drugs (Reagan-y ,no?)
6) Clams Casino
7) Boat People (see also: YACHT)
8) Botany (And really, anything that sounds like a college major or Victorian hobby. See also: Social Studies, Archaelogy, Art vs. Science, etc.)
9) English Teeth
10) Football
11) Hull (It’s part of a ship. Look it up.)
12) French Horn Rebellion (The edgiest thing the french horn ever did was represent the wolf in “Peter and the Wolf.” Preppy. NEXT!)
13) Ladies Gun Club (Tinged with an intriguing threat of violence, perhaps! But “Ladies + [anything] + Club” = repping prepping.)
14) Madras
15) Nouveau Riche
16) Summer Camp
17) Taddy Porter (OK, Taddy Porter is a Southern rock band, but don’t they sound like an entitled young country clubber who would be an a**hole to Rodney Dangerfield. )
18) White Denim
19) Tom Collins
20) The Vespas (Hey, Vespas are still preppy, right?)
21) Yearbook Committee
22) The Debutante Hour

There you have it.  Any names missing from the list that you can think of?

On that wacky note, we hope the sun shines on our weekend, wherever you may be. 🙂

Another Tale of Two Posts & Kate Makes Her First Post-Wedding Appearance

Once again circumstances dictate what we refer to as a “tale of two posts,” with news events rendering a post entirely dedicated to lighthearted fare inappropriate.

Of course we refer to the situation in Missouri (although Minnesota was hard hit this weekend and people in Alabama continue to experience extremely difficult circumstances as they try to put the pieces back together again).  We use the words posted on Twitter by one of our favorite reporters, Brian Stelter, to go along with some of the photos.

Mr. Stelter writes about television and other media for the NY Times, and he was scheduled to be in Chicago yesterday for the final Oprah show. Instead, he volunteered to help with the paper’s coverage of the disaster in Missouri.  It was his first experience covering a natural disaster as a reporter.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

From Mr. Stelter:

(FYI, the Tweets we show from Mr. Stelter are not all in chronological order, please disregard the ‘time stamp’ shown on the graphic.) Below, Kyle Gordon looks out the window of what used to be his home.

Eric Thayer/Reuters

His wife Alicia managed to rescue her wedding bouquet from the debris.

Eric Thayer/Reuters

This used to be a Walmart.

Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo

This was a Home Depot.

Jeff Robersoon/AP Photo

More from Mr. Stelter.

Below, outside St. John’s Regional Medical Center Sunday night.

Ed Zurga/Reuters

And inside.

Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo

And a wider shot of the hospital.

Eric Thayer/Reuters

Another tweet from Mr. Stelter, followed by a photograph he took.

Another image from Joplin.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

One final tweet from Mr. Stelter.

And one final photo.

AP Photo

As one would expect, local and national non-profits need as much help as they can get, KMOV-TV has a lengthy list of such groups you can peruse if thinking about a possible donation.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We move on to far more lighthearted fare, beginning with the Obama’s official visit to the UK.  Below, the Queen with the President and Mrs. Obama earlier today.

Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images

Michelle Obama opted for Barbara Tfank, wearing a dress from this past winter’s Resort collection. Queen Elizabeth was in Peter Enrione, her longtime tailor.  (If interested in purchasing Barbara Tfank, Barneys carries her exclusively.)

Perhaps of more consequence to our readers, the First Lady and Mr. Obama met with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, aka William and Kate.

AP Photo via The Daily Mail

Kate opted for the “Shola” bandage-style dress by one of her favorite labels, Reiss. (One caveat for anyone planning to look at the dress online, the Reiss website crashed this morning from the crush of traffic it is experiencing and remains down as of this writing, 4pm EDT 5/24.)

Getty Images/Reuters via The Daily Mail

Not only was this the couple’s first official engagement since their wedding, it was also Kate’s first formal appearance as a member of the Royal Family.  Below, we have a better look at the dress as it was shown on the company’s website, it came in two colors, the camel and a royal blue.

Via Reiss

The Princess (we won’t go into the tedium as to why it is deemed acceptable to refer to her this way, it just sounds better than the Duchess) looked tan following her 10 day honeymoon.

Toby Melville/Pool/AFP/Getty Images

As always, the British media weighed in on what was worn by whom; the following is from The Daily Mail’s story:

• The Queen’s patterned white dress is a trademark look, but Michelle’s clashing outfit was a far cry from the pared-down elegance we have come to expect from the First Lady
• The faux-pas could perhaps be explained by Obama’s nerves as she probably erred on the side of caution, choosing an outfit she knew would please the Queen
• So perhaps nerves have got the better of Catherine Middleton, who looked thinner than ever when she met the Obamas at Buckingham Palace today.

Tonight we shall see serious party frocks at the State Dinner hosted by the Queen and Prince Philip. For more information than you could possibly want on the ensemble, visit our sister site, What Kate Wore.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Yesterday we chatted about the fabulous news of the soon-to-open Ladurée store, but also asked for insight on the distinction between a macaron and macaroons.  A tip of the hat to the inimitable (and always gracious) Toad, of To the Manner Born fame, for he was good enough to share this story from Sauce Magazine addressing this very topic.

“Macarons – or “macs” as I affectionately refer to them – are French sandwiches whose shells are made up primarily of whipped egg whites, ground almonds and sugar. They rise in the oven and are paired together with a sweet filling. There are various methods, recipes and baking times that work for some and not for others (you can read all about the tasty tribulations of macarons here). Although finicky, macarons are delicious, beautiful and – to me – macarons vs. macaroons

the trouble.”

Via One Charming Party

Our friend Elle Marie is also an outstanding chef, and she verifies that the two are completely different creations, while also giving us some background on the confusion:

“There was a huge debate publicly after an editor for “BonAppétit” spelled the French Macaron “Macaroon” insisting that was the English spelling, but they are actually two different pastries….  I know it’s still a debate, but they are actually two different cookies, but some think they are synonyms.”

With thanks to both Toad and Elle Marie for their assistance, we say adieu until next time!

A Gossip Girl at Prep World Launch & Kate’s Coming to California

Hello-Hello, we are just all adither, business and volunteer commitments have combined to make the time fly by, so we are brief.

We begin with a more in-depth look at the Prep World pop-up shop.

Tommy Hilfiger

From a NY Times story about the store:

“It could have come straight from the Hamptons or Martha’s Vineyard, or “The Wizard of Oz.” Instead, it came from a warehouse in Yonkers, a pop-up dwelling built to look like a fancy beach vacation house, and assembled in less than three days on newly planted sod in Gansevoort Plaza.”

The cottage/shop is designed to have a weathered feel.

Via Dazed Digital

The store opened with a party last night, bringing out a number of celebrities, below we see John Legend and Christine Teigen, as well as model Jessica Stam and Gossip Girl’s Jessica Szohr.

Steve Eichner/WWD

Prep World is a collaborative effort between “TOPH/True Prep” author Lisa Birnbach, and mass merchandiser Tommy Hilfiger.  Below we see the best selling author at last night’s party with actress Hayley Atwell, on the right, Mr. Hilfiger with his wife, Dee.

Steve Eichner/WWD

Teen Vogue has photos from inside the store.

Via Teen Vogue

Why do the limited edition line? More from the Liz Robbins story in the Times:

“The preppy lifestyle has gone global,” he said. “We feel that our business has grown so well because preppy travels so well. It’s all-American classic.”

Via Teen Vogue

Below, merchandise from the 60-piece collection, the Fabric Boat Shoe, and the Anchor Tote.

Via Tommy Hilfiger

More of Mr. Hilfiger’s thoughts on the designs from the Times story:

“When you’re wearing it, maybe you feel like you are a yachtsman,” Mr. Hilfiger said of the line. “Or if you’re wearing something madras, you feel like you’re out on the lawn playing croquet, or if you’re wearing something beachy, you feel like a surfer. It has a lot of different meanings to a lot of different people.”

Shot By Jake

That is true, the word definitely has very different connotations to people.  Just how different? Well, most preps we know wouldn’t even consider wearing these shoes, yet they have already proven to be very popular with the more fashionable crowd.

Tommy Hilfiger

More photos from the store may be found on the the Hilfiger Facebook page.

Tommy Hilfiger

Fortunately there are a number of the cottages, because the London shop in Covent Garden is opening as we type, with another Gossip Girl star on hand, Ed Westwick.  For more detailed background on the collaboration, click here for our original post.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Our other tidbits involve Prince William and Kate (more formally The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge). St James’s Palace has verified the newlyweds will visit the US, spending three days in California. They are expected July 8-10, following almost ten days in Canada. From The Telegraph’s story:

“While on tour, the Duke and Duchess will take part in Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa on July 1. They are also expected to zigzag across then country, visiting the Arctic, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Alberta.

It will be the Duchess’s longest time in the public eye to date, with the world’s media scrutinising all that she wears, says and does.

The Duchess will have more than enough time to prepare herself – and her wardrobe – for the trip.”

And for those curious about how photographers managed to keep the young bridesmaids and pages entertained while taking the formal photos, The Daily Mail has a cute story explaining the secret.

“…a £1 ‘wiggly worm’ which Camilla revealed yesterday had been bought by her stepson Prince Harry especially for the occasion.

Yesterday, the Duchess revealed that she had been ‘terribly worried’ that three-year-old Eliza and the other bridesmaids might find the event overwhelming.

AFP/Getty

“‘Harry pulled this wiggly worm out of his pocket in the carriage to keep them amused. Eliza loved it so much that she wouldn’t let go and it even made the official photographs.

‘Can you believe it? She was holding onto my finger but in her other hand was this worm.

The young lady was absolutely precious, and very well-behaved throughout the day’s events.

AFP/Getty

On that darling image we say goodbye until next time!

Target’s Next Designer Collaboration, & It Was Bobbi Brown for Kate Middleton

Hello-Hello, happy middle-of-the-week to everyone.

We begin with what could be wonderful news, word that Le Boutique Targét’s next collaborative partnership will be with Missoni.

Stefano Rellandini/Reuters; Luca Bruno/AP via The NY Times

The styles above are from 2007, but you get the idea. For those unfamiliar with the brand, Missoni is known for their strong designs, saturated in lush, vibrant colors.  Below, Alessia Piovan in Missoni, surrounded by pieces from the home collection during Milan Design Week last month.

Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty

Below we see Margherita Missoni at Monday’s Met Ball with Joy Bryant.

Mike Segar/Reuters

Vogue broke the news:

“…the 400-plus fruits of their collaboration (the biggest to date, apparently) will hit Target stores nationwide, the latest in a long line of couplings for the retailer (Proenza Schouler and Rodarte among them). Everything from clothes (women’s, men’s, kids’), to bed sheets, to enough dinnerware to set the table for colazione, pranzo, and cena—all in plenty of Missoni’s swirls, zigzags, and near-hallucinogenic florals.”

Although concerned by sentiment that the Target/Calypso collaboration is sub-par, we are optimistic this will be a strong collection. Our favorite part of the group is likely to be things made for the home.  Below, Missoni dinnerware shown at Milan.

Getty Images

Missoni Rugs via Verde Design Studio .

Verde Design Studio

A look at the results of this spring’s collaboration between Missoni and Converse,

Via High Snobiety

The spring 2011 Chuck Taylor All-Stars by Missoni come in a number of color palettes.

Via High Snobiety

More formal shoes.

Via Shoeblog

The company has been busy, a collaboration with Bugaboo was just announced as well.

Via Missoni

The line is slated to launch September 13.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Next, we look at a line being shown at Australian Fashion Week, now underway in Sydney. The designer is Lisa Ho, we may have a new obsession.

All Photos by Getty Images

The clean lines, structured cut and strong colors make the designs more-than-appealing.

All Photos by Getty Images

This is something your intrepid scribe feels the need to investigate.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Another follow-up to our royal wedding coverage, word on who helped Kate Middleton with her makeup. From the Bobbi Brown FB page:

“We are proud to confirm that Bobbi Brown Cosmetics makeup artist Hannah Martin provided makeup artistry assistance to members of the bridal party for the Royal Wedding. We wish to respect the privacy of all those involved, and therefore will not be releasing further details.”

The company has a step-by-step primer for those interested in learning more about the look, or trying it themselves.

Via Bobbi Brown FB page

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We have news about still more ‘copy-Kate’ gowns, dresses imitating the Sarah Burton/Alexander McQueen dress created for the newly titled Duchess of Cambridge.

Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty

Here is the version made for House of Fraser, a UK retailer. The Belfast Telegraph has more:

“Local dressmaker Mary Rose McGrath was among the hundreds of designers who got to work making cut-price copies of the regal look.

Her take on the gown, made of French lace and delicate ivory fabric, was put together in less than 24 hours.

It is said to be a perfect replica of Kate’s dress.”

Below, the McGrath dress.

Via Mary Rose McGrath

Ms. McGrath displays her Royal Replica gown.

Via Mary Rose McGrath

We’ll have more on this knockoff and others at our sister site, What Kate Wore, later today. (We already have a lengthy piece looking at other dresses copying both Kate and Pippa Middleton’s gowns, including one Nordstrom is offering.)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We leave you with today’s Pretty in Pink, personalized hard candy.

Yum Baked Goods

How darling would that be as a wedding favor? The candies are from etsy seller Yum Baked Goods, and they come in a variety of colors.We also like the company’s Tie the Knot rings.

Yum Baked Goods

Until next time, g’bye!

That Party at the Palace, Official Photos Released

Hugo Burnand

Hello, and welcome to another wedding-filled day here at The Prepatorium.

We thought we’d start things off with a look at the official photo by master photographer Hugo Burnand. Above, the actual wedding party is shown in the Throne Room; in addition to the Prince and Princess, we see Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Miss Eliza Lopes, Miss Grace van Cutsem, Lady Louise Windsor, Master Tom Pettifer, Master William (Billy) Lowther-Pinkerton. (To see all three formal photos, click here to visit the official Royal Wedding site.)

There are very few photos from yesterday’s wedding receptions, below we see the Duchess greeting guests.

WPA Pool/Getty Images Europe

Here is another shot giving a better view of her gown.

WPA Pool/Getty Images Europe

As most readers know, there were two receptions.  The bride and groom looked elegant as they headed out for last night’s party.

PA

One might say they looked downright glamorous leaving Clarence House for Buckingham Palace.

Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Kate wore another Sarah Burton/Alexander McQueen design, a strapless white satin gown with a diamente rhinestone belt and white angora shrug, or bolero.

Getty Images/PA

The gala was officially hosted by Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla. Her hand-embroidered blue gown was another style by Anna Valentine, who also did her dress for the wedding.

Getty Images

A crowd favorite yesterday, Kate’s sister and Maid of Honour, Pippa Middleton.  She chose a rich green Alice Temperley gown for the second reception.

Photos via The Daily Mirror

On her feet she wore a silver sandal by Aruna Seth, the “Lynn” style in silver leather with a 4″ heel.

Courtesy Photo Aruna Seth

The shoe is still available as of this writing (click the link above), although we expect it to sell out very quickly.

Bauer-Griffin

A quick note on Pippa’s McQueen dress that had everyone talking yesterday.

Reuters (L) / Getty Images (R)

Many have said it is the same gown worn by Cameron Diaz to the Golden Globes in 2009.

Courtesy Photo

While similar in fabric and cut (the exaggerated cowl neckline and drape of the skirt are very much alike), it is not the same gown.  Carole Middleton, Kate and Pippa’s mother, also wore Temperley last night, a black chiffon dress.

Erotme.Co.UK

The dress featured multiple tiers of pleated fabric and a deep v-neckline.

Not taking part in last night’s festivities, the Queen and Prince Phillip, they turned the Palace over to “the younger people”.  Below we see Prince Harry headed home after the festivities.

Splash News

If keeping track of such things, Harry’s guest Chelsea Davy did not leave with him. She departed with Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice. (Oh my!)

For the Middletons, things started getting back to a new normal for the family today, below we see the family as they left the Goring Hotel.

Ian Gavan/Getty Images

Pippa was in a royal blue double-breasted jacket over a cream top and white jeans.

Getty Images/Reuters

For the newlyweds there was a change in plans. The much-discussed honeymoon has been postponed, they are merely taking a two-day weekend before Prince William returns to work in Wales.

AP Photo

Above we see them on the lawns of Buckingham Palace this morning.

PA Photo

Kate wore a deep blue dress with a black belt and a black three-quarter sleeve jacket.  They left on a helicopter for an undisclosed location, some think it may be Balmoral, the Queen’s estate in Scotland.

We leave you with two other official photographs shot yesterday by Hugo Burnand, first TRH, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in their formal portrait.

Hugo Burnand

And then this image of the larger wedding party.

Hugo Burnand

Here are the names of those shown in the official portrait above (left to right): : Front row (left to right): Miss Grace van Cutsem, Miss Eliza Lopes, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, HM The Queen, The Hon. Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Lady Louise Windsor, Master William Lowther-Pinkerton. Back Row (left to right): Master Tom Pettifer, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, HRH The Prince of Wales, HRH Prince Henry of Wales, Mr Michael Middleton, Mrs Michael Middleton, Mr James Middleton, Miss Philippa Middleton.

Thank you for popping in, enjoy the rest of your weekend!