The Big Winner!

Hello-Hello, and Happy Wednesday!

We are off shortly to collect a friend from the airport, our ‘extended girls  weekend’ is almost underway.  But before we leave, it is time to announce the winner of our Whitney English Make Your Own Crest stationery giveaway.  The lucky winner receives a complete suite of Folded Note Cards, Return Address labels, Flat Cards and Calling Cards from this fabulous new line:

And from Random Number Generator that number is 51,

Liz at Our Explosive Life!!!

If the blog name doesn’t ring a bell, perhaps this button will look more familiar:

This can be spotted on many bloggers’ sidebars, it takes you to Liz’s blog chronicling her husband’s recovery from treatment for wounds he received in Afghanistan; David is on Ward 57 at Walter Reed Army Hospital. Thus the reference in her blog name to explosions.

We’re just tickled Liz won; we were first introduced to her through reading her mother’s blog, Self-Confessed Lamp Tramp (or Fabulous Fluff Stuff, we’re not sure which is the right name to use), a delightful spot featuring all manner of things we love, from interior design projects to methods for storing one’s dishes.

These are both amazing blogs to read, and there is an ancillary benefit from reading Liz’s updates: any tendencies for wallowing in self-pity are vanquished, replaced with gratitude for those who make such incredible sacrifices on our behalf. We highly recommend Our Explosive Life, it is always time well spent.

Liz, we’ll send you an email so we can connect and get your goodies ordered!

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We leave you with a brief look at what you’ll be seeing from retailers as we get closer to Christmas and Hannukkah:

Courtesy Banana Republic

This shot is from Banana Republic’s ‘Embrace the Moment’ holiday campaign, already underway.

Macy’s television ads will feature celebrities, including this spot with Queen Latifah titled ‘The Trek’. These commercials start airing Friday.

Courtesy Macy's via WWD

The messaging from JCPenney surrounds the ‘Joy of Giving’, with the campaign starting on the 15th. Of November.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

If we were to advise those in charge of such things that we have no interest in holiday commercials at this time, what sort of response do you think we might receive?

That’s it for today dollfaces, our thanks to everyone who entered the contest and to all of our readers!

Ralph Lauren Gift Vault, Banana Republic Spring 2010

Hello-Hello!

Today we begin with a look at the Banana Republic collection for next Spring, with a continued emphasis on classic looks.

Robert Mitra/WWD

The color palette adhered to the neutrals the company is know for.

But the collection is a tad more lighthearted, or whimsical, according to a brief review of the line in WWD.

“Its spring collection… highlighted relaxed, well-worn looks in denim, chambray, cotton and silk. “We got overassorted in work,” said firm president Jack Calhoun. “We were too serious. We’re still a work brand, but we want to have great weekend and going-out clothes, too.”

We actually found some of the men’s styles more appealing, not unusual here at the Prepatorium, especially when it comes to sweaters of a snuggly nature.

The silhouette is looser, much easier than in previous collections, although the skinny pant remains a ‘must’ for the line.

As we are chatting about BR, we want to mention they do have a significant amount of merchandise marked down on the website, with lots of goodies. The Helen Buckle Peep-toe is one such item on sale, as are the Bow Jewel Earrings.

We can’t help ourselves when it comes to sharing Sales and Savings opportunities.

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We have a quick update to last week’s post on the upcoming Olsenboye line Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are doing for Penneys: the footwear and accessories will be made by Steve Madden.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

The accessories will be available online in time for the holidays.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

Price points are expected to run between $20 – $50.

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Have you read about the recently launched Ralph Lauren Gift Vault? The new line offers “…a specially curated collection of rare and unique objects from the world of Ralph Lauren.”

As the news release explains:

“The Ralph Lauren Gift Vault is the perfect destination for the discerning gift giver looking for something extraordinary for someone truly unique or even for themselves.”

The offerings are in different categories, like Americana, Estate or Hollywood Glamour.

Courtesy Ralph Lauren

We discovered some lovely treasures, like the Platinum, diamond and sapphire ring, circa 1920, seen below.

Courtesy Ralph Lauren Gift Vault

The Siberian Amethyst and Gold Bangle is part of the Estate Collection,

Courtesy Ralph Lauren

There are lots of fun vintage pieces, not all of them jewelry either, as evidenced with the Art Deco Lacquer Card Case.

Courtesy Ralph Lauren

This one will be interesting to watch: brilliant marketing or over-extension of the brand? Hhhmmm.

In an entirely different vein, the Polo Ralph Lauren ‘Private Sale’ promotion gets underway Thursday (the 5th), offering many items at 40% off their original retail price. To receive an additional 15% off, use promo code NOV0509 at checkout.

Basics like the Elani Suede Ballet Flats are already discounted to $69, an additional 15% off that price might make them rather appealing for those in need of another pair of flats.

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The folks at Vineyard Vines are also offering some financially-friendly items, like the Whales Mini-Murray Beach Tote.

The bag comes in both Blue and Strawberry and initially sold at $79.50; it is now $49.99.  Several styles of belts are also marked down, below we show the Dragonfly Outrigger Belt, and on the right, the Pineapple Outrigger.

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And those fond of Lilly Pulitzer will be pleased to know the Lilly Warehouse Sale is only weeks away!

For more information, click here, or here.

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We close with a gentle reminder about these fabulous notecards from Whitney English:

PreppyPrincess.com

We are giving away a set of the Make Your Own Crest Notecards, along with a matching set of Make Your Own Address Labels…..

PreppyPrincess.com

And a matching set of Calling Cards…

PreppyPrincess.com

As well as a matching set of Flat Cards….

PreppyPrincess.com

One lucky person will be the winning of a complete suite of our incredible Whitney English Crested stationery.  Just click here and scroll down to enter by leaving a contest comment. Don’t wait too long though, entries close at midnight tonight (Tuesday, 11/3/09) and we’ll announce the winner in tomorrow’s blog!

‘Create Your Own Crest’ – a Preppy Paper Giveaway!

Hello-Hello, and happy day!

We know that some of our friends on the east coast are not enjoying the same sunshine and warmth we are seeing here at the Prepatorium, but we have a ray of sunshine we hope will brighten everyone’s day.

It has to do with these:

PreppyPrincess.com

These are from our new Create Your Own Crest stationery line by the fab design minds at Whitney English.

We are giving away a complete suite of Crested Products!

Our lucky winner will receive 25 of these personalized Foldover Notecards from the new line.

As well as a set of 25 personalized Flat Cards.

Along with a set of 40 Address Labels like those shown at the top of the post…. and a set of 25 elegant Calling Cards!

These are both elegant and whimsical – the perfect blend when treating yourself to new paper goodies, also ideal as a gift for almost any occasion.

A delightful take on the classic family crest, the collection allows you to select from 10 distinctive colorways, and then get creative with one of 24 icons; we share a sampling below…

… and here are a few more…

Pick a color combination, choose a motif, decide if you prefer horizontal or diagonal stripes, and decide on your typeface, and you are good to go!

Recapping, one lucky winner receives their own personalized versions of:

• 25 Flat Cards
• 25 Foldover Notecards
• 40 Address Labels
• 25 Calling Cards

We are very excited about our giveaway dolls; this new group is made with the same high standards used for all Whitney English merchandise, upscale designs matched by their impeccable attention to detail. Here is how to enter:

• For one entry, leave a comment telling us your favorite design on any of our Whitney English products
• For a second entry, post the Giveaway on your blog & leave a comment telling us you did
• For a third entry, Tweet about the Giveaway on Twitter & let us know you did
• For another entry, become a Preppy Princess fan on Facebook & let us know you did. (If already a fan, just let us know so you receive this additional entry!)

Entries will be accepted until midnight on Tuesday, November 3; we shall announce the lucky winner in Wednesday’s post!

We hope you like the new line as much as we do, thank you Whitney English for creating such a charming new group of goodies!

“Penny Pinchers Go Preppy” & More Preppy Sales

Hello-Hello! Isn’t this turning into a busy week!

It is because of the slightly-controlled-chaos here at the Prepatorium that today’s post shall offer more pictures than prose, a circumstance we know you find heartbreaking. (Tee-hee.)

In today’s SOTTs (Sign of the Times) we refer to an excellent story on ‘preppy style’ from late last year. Yes, we somehow missed this one. We don’t know how this happened. We promise we shall never, ever let it happen again. Never. (Heh-heh. Silly Princess.)

The story, “Penny-Pinchers Go Preppy in Economic Downturn,” looks at how well retailers specializing in traditional clothing are faring.

“As trepidation over the economy takes hold of personal budgets and weighs on the minds of consumers, the timeless ethos of preppy has taken hold of the retail apparel sector…”

Prep style stalwart Brooks Brothers is mentioned, as are several other brands readers will recognize.  Anne Szustek’s story is a good read, found on a site new to us that we enjoy, Finding Dulcinea.

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We have a few more nautical items we simply can’t resist posting, beginning with the Ship-Shape Area Rug from one of our favorite places for gifts and other goodies, and for window shopping (in a cyber sort of way), Blue Barnacles.

BlueBarnacles.com

There are pages and pages of just rugs in themes we all adore. There are bright and cheery themes like the Nautical Flags, as well as more sophisticated motifs, as seen in the Moray style.

If seeking something a tad more casual in dinnerware for the cottage, the Code Flags melamine is an outstanding selection.

There are scads of tableware designs from beach-inspired to nautically inclined to everything in between! We leave Blue Barnacles with a peek at the Sailboat Bookends.

Of course, if looking for a nautical gift that is monogrammed or personalized, here at the Princess we can help you with goodies like the Anchors & Nautical Flags plate!

PreppyPrincess.com

Or the Anchor Stripes Platter, also loads of fun, an excellent wedding gift at $40.

Obviously the Boatman Geller Anchor notecards are a great fit, as are the Whitney English notecards.

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Lots of store openings this last week, including the new J. Crew in Malibu. It’s official name is J.Crew-at-the-Beach, and it is not your average Crew. There are custom surfboards, and it’s a little different: no Men’s merchandise, and a ‘shop in a shop’ concept allowing special merchandise to be showcased. The new store is actually located in the Lumber Yard, brand spanking new outdoor mall. We shall count on Muffy Martini for a review the next time she heads to the beach!

Other retail-related openings? The new Barneys in Chicago (enormous from what we hear), Roberto Cavalli in Bal Harbour, and Palm Beach Garden’s Lilly Pulitzer.  For a amazing account of the Lilly opening, you simply must toddle over to visit Miss Janice; she has the most captivating photos. (Pssst – you do not want to miss her shots of the dressing rooms!)

And though technically open since last fall, Kenneth Jay Lane ‘officially’ celebrates his new store at the Plaza this Thursday. (You know, the somewhat challenged retail area at the Plaza….?)

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We have a few sale reminders readers may find helpful; it seems every little bit helps in these challenging times, yes? We begin with Kate Spade now offering an Additional 20% Off Sale merchandise.

This is online only, and runs through April 24.  L&T is doing their Friends and Family event, with an “Extra 25% Off Almost Everything”.

The online promo code to use is FRIENDS. Also, J. Crew is running their Spring Sale.

And the folks at Bergdorf Goodman are also taking markdowns.

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In closing we share a quote from a story in Sunday’s WaPo about singing sensation and internet superstar Susan Boyle. It seemed appropriate as a “Quote of the Day”:

“We’re all tired of 23-year-old models trying to sing on TV. Susan is a 47-year-old spinster who, by God, can sing,” said Michael Nicolson, 64, the bingo caller at the community center where Boyle has volunteered.”

Any readers unfamiliar with Ms. Boyle, click here and do stay for all 7 minutes; you’ll be glad you did.

On that fun note, may your days be filled with sunshine and smiles!

Thakoon for Target & Gossip Girl Board Game (Seriously.)

Hello-Hello!

We must apologize. Here at the Palace we are woefully behind, and we do not mean simply behind the times from a fashion perspective.  No, we are unforgivably slow in getting several tidbits to readers.  Part of the slowdown is all the last-minute orders we are receiving at the Preppy Princess. (And don’t you miss the personalization deadlines for your favorite lines like Boatman Geller, Whitney English!)

Thus it is that we are about a week behind in sharing the rest of the Thakoon for Target photos with you,  others previously shown in this post, all from the collection launching on December 25th.

Courtesy Target

We are rather fond of the floral coat, even at our decrepit stage of life.

Courtesy Target

The next look is clearly too young for TP, but we know it will flatter all of our readers.  Sigh.

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It all looks fun and flirty, rather what we would expect from the designer.  Thakoon Panichgul, one of Michelle Obama’s favorites, has steadfastly refused to divulge any information he may have on the future First Lady’s Inaugural gown.  We say “good for him!”  Discretion is always the better part of valor.

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We mentioned a Gossip Girl game in our headline and there truly is such a thing:

Courtesy Urban Outfitters

The official name of the game (so to speak) is “Gossip Girl Never Have I Ever Game,” and it is available at Urban Outfitters online.  It is *not* available in their brick and mortar stores.  As described on the website:

“Hey Upper East Siders, it’s time to play a little game. Answer “Never Have I” questions about style, dating, school, family and gossip to win allowance money and become the Queen Bee!”

UrbanOutfitters.com

Categories include School, Style, Dating, Family and Gossip. The cards have photos of the major characters played by Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Chace Crawford & Ed Westwick.

UrbanOutfitters.com

The game is selling for $32 at Urban Outfitters; we did a little poking about and discovered it is also available at Walmart (at least online) for $10.  One can also purchase it at Amazon at $19.98 for a new version; it is referred to by a slightly different name, “Imagination Gossip Girl Board Game” and the company one is actually dealing with is a Florida liquidation firm.  TP thinks there is something odd about all of this. Perhaps plans for marketing the game didn’t go according to plan. 

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Most readers with travel plans that involve sending children separately by air probably already knew this, but we were surprised to learn most airlines are increasing their fees for this service.  (Did that sound odd to you, as though the children were being sent via a cargo carrier?) Northworst Northwest is now charging $100 one-way and United Scare Lines United’s fee is up to $150 from $100.

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A few Pretty in Pink indulgences if you don’t mind, commencing with the Backgammon Travel set from Organize.com:

Organize.com

Our love for that is surpassed only by…

Organize.com

… the TDF Pink and Green Tic Tac Toe set.

On that cheery note, ‘bye until next time!