{Tipsy in Madras} {Just Madras Patchwork Tote in Montauk}

Ingredients: 

1 1/2 oz vodka

3 oz cranberry juice

1 oz orange juice

Preparation: 

Pour vodka and cranberry juice into a glass.

Stir well and top off with orange juice.

New rule: you can wear madras in the off season if you are drinking this cocktail. Yes or yes?

]]> http://dcgirlinpearls.com/2012/08/31/last-call-for-seersucker-white-and-madras/ Fri, 31 Aug 2012 12:00:03 +0000 DCGirlinPearls http://dcgirlinpearls.com/2012/08/31/last-call-for-seersucker-white-and-madras/

Who is ready for the long weekend??? While I’m excited for an extra day off, I am not excited about packing away my whites, seersucker and madras for the fall and winter. In anticipation of Labor Day, I have been trying to wear as much white, seersucker and madras as humanly possible!

{Get ready for this weekend’s Instagram pics!}

This weekend, I’ll be wearing:

White Jeans 

Seersucker Pants

Probably one of my all time best consignment finds, I snagged a pair of J.Crew seersucker pants for a mere five dollars at a consignment shop back home!! I could not believe my luck, I had them hemmed and they fit like a glove. You better believe I’ll be living in them this weekend

Dress from Just Madras 

This dress is absolute perfection: simple, classic and without zippers, it’s the perfect dress to have on hand when you’re in a rush. Throw on a pearl necklace and this outfit is “effortlessly chic” at its finest!

How will you wear out your whites, seersucker and madras this weekend?? I’d love to see pictures!

Have a lovely long weekend,

We started with a visit to LL Bean ( in a virtual sort of way) and peeked at a few nautically inclined items, like the Whale Percale Sheets (starting at $26) and Oceanside Sleepwear Shorts (now on sale at $19.99).

LL Bean

Lands’ End also offers some cute things for the kids and the adults. Below left we show the Anchors Away Hooded Towel ($35), it comes in a variety of colors.  They also have the hard to find Anchor Needlepoint iPad Case available again, and it’s on sale, discounted to $39.99.

Lands’ End

Bean also has Boys’ Chino Shorts with both anchor and marlin motifs. (Discounted to $16.99 from $22.50.)

LL Bean

Arguably the cutest nautical items I discovered come from Kohl’s, the Itzy Ritzy Reusable Lunch Sacks seem like fun ways to perk up a little one’s lunch bag.

Kohl’s

They are BPA and PVC free, and can be machine washed; for $9.60 they seem like a good buy. Another cute item for your wee prep, the Carter’s Whale Sleep and Play set at Kohl’s ($10.40), how cute is that?

Kohl’s

By the way, if this holds appeal but if you need something for a baby girl, it is also made in a sunny pink and yellow whales print.

The children’s divided Whale Tray by Jumping Beans also caught our attention, $3.59 at Kohl’s.

Kohl’s

Rounding out the kids’ coverage, this pink and green Whale Sprouts Waterproof Bib at Kohl’s, we enlarged the print so you can better see the whales swimming across the bib.

Kohl’s

At JC Penney we found a variety of budget-friendly jewelry pieces with aquatic themes, these are all from the company’s Mixit line.  The earrings run $10 and the stretch Crab Bracelet is $14.

JC Penney Mixit Jewelry

We decided to do a quick bit of madras meandering, you know how attached we are to our patchwork plaids.  Bean had some snappy pieces, the women’s Kennebunkport Bermuda Shorts are a good buy, on sale at $34.99.  The men’s Summer Weekend Shorts are not discounted, but still a good look for your MOTH (Man Of The House).

LL Bean

Remaining unapologetically fond of seersucker, we wanted to share LL Bean’s Seersucker Dress (on sale at $49.99), as well as this men’s Seersucker Bow Tie (also on sale at Lands’ End for $34.99).

LL Bean (L) / Lands’ End (R)

Lands’ End also has other pieces on sale, below we show Bean’s Essential Women’s Shirt in seersucker ($39.95) and the men’s Stripe Seersucker Buttondown (discounted to $39.99), both good buys at those prices.

LL Bean (L) / Lands’ End (R)

JC Penney has a pair of Seersucker Shorts for men ($17) from American Living (the brand by Ralph Lauren, soon the line will be discontinued, the partnership between the two companies has not been renewed) and an Alyx Seersucker Dress, $17 at JCP, a touch short and snug IMO.

JC Penney

Our friends at Country Club Prep have a wonderful blog post featuring the two women behind Just Madras, Kim Haney and Kimberly Hoag.

Country Club Prep

There’s no shortage of madras pieces at CCP, including this Pocket Square ($20), Montauk Madras Belt($60) and Jenny Change Purse ($26).

Just Madras at Country Club Prep

While the sun isn’t feeling quite as warm as it did in July, we’ll always enjoy a spot of seersucker and madras.

Until next time, may all of your whales be smiling.

Here is an old OOTD picture of me in their Mackenzie dress in the Nappa Tree Large print (this was pre-iPhone so the quality is a little off):

My top picks from Just Madras right now are:

Note: All images c/o Just Madras’ site.

Ellie Dress in Great Island

Ballet Flats in Nappa Tree Large Print

Lucy Skirt in Tuckers Point

Madras Sash in Sea Island Print

Who else is mad about madras? What are your favorite madras items to break out soon?

If you already haven’t, go here to enter my Swell Caroline Giveaway!

Finally, some colored bottoms! These red skimmer pants from J.Crew are going to be worn to death this summer (and probably before then, too). I can see them with Sperry’s and a crewneck sweatshirt for chilly nights at the beach, with Reva flats and an OCBD for class, or with wedges and a fun eyelet top for drinks with friends.

Speaking of wedges… I haven’t decided which color I want (well, both, but I’ll be reasonable), but these will rarely leave my feet from May through September.

Charming Charlie normally makes me want to kill myself (..sorry), but I received a gift card and decided to browse the store and find the least tacky item. I was totally surprised when I found this great weekender bag! I’ve been in the market for one ever since my last broke, so I couldn’t be happier.

I already own a black maxi dress, and I think I’ve maybe worn it once. For some reason, I’m still dying over this version from VS! I like this cut much more than the one I own, and it’s majorly discounted right now…so that’s reason enough, right?

More colored denim, more J.Crew. Shocker. I love these jeans, though – so many color choices, but I think the green would be really flattering with a tan (and the pink wedges above!).

Lastly, I definitely need to invest in a new going out bag. This Rebecca Minkoff is the perfect size for a night out, and the classic color will go with the majority of my wardrobe.

I also picked up a blue madras Lacey dress from Just Madras during their sale.

I can NOT wait for this summer! Bring on the beach

xox

Check out Just Madras on Black Friday weekend. They are having a big sale and are offering FREE shipping. They have a great selection of stuff for the men and ladies on your shopping list. 

The Just Madras bow tie collection is pretty sweet. If you are unsure of how to tie a bow tie yourself, here is a helpful “how-to” video from YouTube: 

So, in that spirit, here are two great choices for madras:

Just Madras–Cool company serving up madras for the dudes and the ladies, plus home gear too. If you are a prep, check them out and join their campus prep program. Email me for a promo code that will hook you up with free shipping. I rock some swag from J/M from time to time. Summer year round.

Cape Madras–Great company from Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Really nice people too! I personally  own a pair of Cape Madras shorts and they are pretty sweet. Make sure to check this company out.

As the weather warms and the flowers bloom, I find myself attracted to preppy classics. There’s just something so fresh about clean lines and bright colors. I’m not going so far as to tie a sweater around my neck but I do have a certain fondness for madras and seersucker. I tend to veer towards the Jackie Kennedy or Kathryn Hepburn version of prep rather than Lilly Pulitzer. How about you?

Sources: Matchbook Mag, Prep Perfection, A woman of casual elegance, Nautical stripes and critter skirts, Just Madras, Pink Preppy

We begin with a quick follow-up to our previous post about this famous black party frock:

Princess Diana’s gown was auctioned yesterday for a price far exceeding the estimate of £30,000 – £50,000, ultimately selling for £192,000, approximately $276,000.

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Just a heads-up from the corner condo here at the Prepatorium:

snarky

Pronunciation: \ˈsnär-kē\
Function: adjective
Etymology: dialect snark to annoy, perhaps alteration of snark to irritate
1 : crotchety, snappish
2 : sarcastic, impertinent, or irreverent in tone or manner <snarky lyrics>
snark·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb

Fair warning.

Having issued the advisory above, we move on, with news of several new lines launching in the not-so-distant future:

Courtesy Image via StyleList.com

• Gucci’s new Childrens line debuts June 24; it will include apparel, accessories, shoes and sunglasses. (Because there aren’t enough logoed sunglasses available for the Young Miss and Master at your Palace.) We cannot resist part of StyleList’s take on the upcoming collection.

“… since most of its target audience can’t read, the designs…  will be marked with a gold teddy bear logo (how very Kanye!) so that little Susie’s playmates will know when to seethe with jealousy.”

The Consort also offered his insight: “Why don’t they do dogs, then we could have Gucci Poochie.”

Indeed.

• We have a backup plan for you just in case the Gucci childrenswear doesn’t pan out: the new Little Miss America collection.
  

  Courtesy Image via WWD

  Sized for both babies/toddlers and tweens/teens, all of the items will be priced at $25 or less. Again, we turn to StyleList’s report:

“So what does a mini Miss America dress like? There’s not as many sequins and flesh-toned pantyhose as you might expect — although it is very girlie. Initial sketches show ruffled tuxedo-style tops, bow-detailed skirts, lots of pink, and a onesie with an imitation pageant sash emblazoned across the front.

Hey, just because you’re still in diapers doesn’t mean you can’t get a head start on baton twirling or prepping those responses on world peace, kids.”

• One more launch to share today, although this one is more of an expansion; Men’s Wearhouse plans to open a chain of Women’s Wearhouse stores. As the Post put it in their exclusive story this morning: “Ladies, you’re gonna like the way you look.”

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This is the time of year when designers show their Cruise/Resort collections, and there have been some stunning pieces, beginning with Oscar de la Renta.  As seen in the following images, there is a nautical influence evident in some pieces from this collection.

The vibrant colors and elegant lines are delightful.

Natch, we are gaga for several of the party frocks.

In any length.

Perhaps our favorite:

George Chinsee/WWD

One quick advisory, the OdlR spring collection is currently on sale.

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The other resort collection we are sharing today is from Marc Jacobs.

The two styles shown above almost qualify as a Pretty in Pink… and Green, but it is a tad challenging to see the colors with images this size.

The WWD (Women’s Wear Daily, subscription req’d.) review described some of the looks as “…playful preppy.” We particularly like the dress on the left.

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Next on today’s hit parade, a few product updates, beginning with a fast glance at some of the springtime treasures recently added to the fab merchandise mix at Just Madras. The Girls dresses look darling…

As do the bow ties for your MOTH (Man of the House), or the always-popular Madras Skirts.

We do love the ladies at Just Madras, and too many of their goodies!

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We are tickled to share additions to our Preppy Ladybug line here at The Princess, here are more delightful designs by Shannon.

We have added patterns to our Flat Card selection ($15 for a set of 12), like the navy/red/lobster motif, as well as a new pink & green gator.

There are new designs ideal for the younger set. (It’s never to early to start them on the handwritten note concept, IOHO.)

There are also additions to the Ladybug’s Stickers and Labels line ( $4.50), including blue and pink perfect for announcing blessed arrivals, as well as that wonderful lobster.

One can even do a coordinated set for their little princess.

We adore the Ladybug and her fabulous eye.

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We leave you with an image that we understand has provoked some chatter about the watercooler, so to speak.

Getty Images via TMZ.com

When initially seeing this photo we knew two of the individuals pictured above. After all, they carry the distinction of being charter members in the Original AntiPrep Class of 2008. (Paris and Nicky Hilton.) It has been explained to us by TSU (The Spousal Unit, aka The Consort) that the other two creatures are named Snooki (sp?) and Jwoww(sp?). Our question to those in the know: are the latter two individuals solid candidates for the APHOS? (Anti Prep Hall of Shame.)

Do tell. We have an expiring mind dying to know.

Until next time, may your afternoon be filled with smiles!

ADD’L PHOTO CREDITS:

• George Chinsee/WWD: All Oscar de la Renta images
• George Chinsee/WWD: All Marc Jacobs images

We are all about apparel and accessories of a springy nature today, hopefully that is in keeping with your frame of mind! Earlier this week we mentioned the Shoshanna Trunk Show at Saks next Thursday; sadly, TP will not be popping in. We shall be trapped like a rat working spending our day lolling about the Palace. However, thanks to the good folks at Shoshanna, we’ll help everyone who can’t go feel like they were there. Sort of. In an abstract, far away manner of speaking.

As we did not (and are not) scooting out of town to a warmer spot this winter, just looking at clothing designed for warmer temps does our heart good.

Our thanks to Lindsey for the photos.

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Remember our post about the next design collaboration Target is doing, this one with designer Tracy Feith?  The always-on-top-of-things-Bust has shared some photos of the Collection, due in stores and online in mid-May.

Courtesy Bust.com Blog

The dress above is to retail at $29.99, the one below at$44.99.

Courtesy Bust.com Blog

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The title for the post referenced the remarkable number of sales and clearances; the notion of sharing some with readers had merit, so we start with Brooks Brothers.

While certainly not what anyone would mistake for a “screaming deal,” at least not when contrasted with recent pricing, there are savings in every department. In honor of Nautical by Nature, we show the Country Club Canvas Sailboat Tote in navy dotted with nautical flags.

At $88, it may not represent what most would term a bargain, but if you purchase one tote, a second tote can be had at %50 off that price. For much better buys, click on over to the clearance section for some fabulous markdowns on shoes, boots, shirts and just about everything else.

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Next on our hit parade, J. Crew, still offering a significant amount of merchandise in their Final Sale sections and on line.  Additionally, select women’s shorts are 20% off, select women’s women’s swimwear is up to 25% off, and there is up to 30% off select women’s tees.  Our favorite? The Clea Ballet Flat, now$49.99.

A cautionary note on these: we did not see a broad selection of sizes, so proceed accordingly.

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Also offering substantial markdowns, Banana Republic.

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Talbots is taking larger markdowns than normal at this time of year with their One Sweet Sale promotion.  These basic pumps are $34.99, down from $118.

Don’t forget to peek at the retailer’s Last Chance Clearance section of the website.

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Polo Ralph Lauren is offering an additional 20% off sale prices on ‘select items’ for a ‘limited time’. The Carole Taffeta Dress is $229, from $598.

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Combining two topics, a SOTT (Sign Of The Times) and a sale, we move to upscale accessories house Lambertson Truex.  The company has filed bankruptcy, and closed their shops in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.  Frankly, we enjoyed the Las Vegas store, and we are sorry to see it closed. On up note, efforts will be made to keep the website in operation.

The Large Margo minaudière is now offered at $345; the original pricepoint was $1145.

While most bags are not for us, we simply liked the idea of the shop being there for us to pop into when we were on the road. Selfish? Yes. An unusual sentiment? Doubtful.

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Our final preptastic mention for the day comes via the wonderful Just Madras, where there are some fabulous new treats as well as outstanding bargains! The Newport Clutch is darling, and at only $15, too good to pass up!

Just Madras Newport Clutch

The Pink/Green Patchwork Small Bucket is easy on the eyes as well as the pocketbook!

Just Madras Bucket Bag

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And because we so adore all things pink, and think so highly of Isaac Mizrahi, today’s Pretty in Pink features one of his last designs for Target, the Herringbone Party Coat in “Pink Glow” that reverses to black. We have been fond of that colorway name for months, pink gloooooowww.

Target.com

And talk about a price that is friendly from a fiscal responsibility perspective, the coat is on sale for a mere $22.49 – the original selling price was $89.99. And it appears to be available in all sizes, amazing this late in the season. Besides, it really is a collector’s item in a sense, from Mr. Mizrahi’s final collection at the retailer before his departure to run Liz Claiborne.

If that isn’t pink enough, perhaps the 23″ pink LCD TV will work:

Target.com

Have we shown this before dolls? We hope not, but if so, it probably merits a second look. How often do we see pink televisions?

On that cheery note, enjoy a splendid weekend!