Calling in Sick

I have the worst cold today...and I'm really missing all the fabulous cold medicines one can take when not pregnant! I have a mile long list of things to blog about, but my head is too stuffy to properly form sentences, so I shall leave them for another day.

In the meantime, check out Sharp Lilly's post on Gossip Girl style...she's got some great finds!!

Back to my cup of tea and box of tissues...

Droolworthy

Cashmere baby sweater set. Avec lobster. $59.50 at L.L. Bean.

Mama likes.

Two Quickies

• Brooks Brothers Friends and Family event, now through September 28. Save 25% with the code friend64.

• Today is the last day for 1cent shipping at Tervis Tumbler for purchases over $50.

Preppy Maternity Clothes

Personally, I've been doing lots of ebay shopping this go 'round. Let's face it, the novelty of an adjustable waist wore off sometime around month 9 of my first pregnancy. But since it seems like half the preppy bloggers are expecting, and at the special request of my preppy friend P in DC, here are a few goodies that I've stumbled across in my internet browsing...

Long Sleeve Wrap, from Rita Wilcox

Creme de la Creme dress, Etsy seller Boutique Mia

Due Date maternity shirt, by etsy seller Culpepergeneral

Afternoon Tea Jacket in Nottingham Toile by etsy seller pinkroses1220

Three Quarter Sleeve Graphic Sweater from Old Navy, $29.50

Zip Cardigan from Old Navy, $36.50

More to come as I discover new options!!

TOFRH - A TCP Book Report

(I typed "Book Report" instead of "Book Review" by accident, but I think I'm leaving it there. It feels so much more back to school, doesn't it?)

(Photo: Amazon.com)

I recently received a copy of The Official Filthy Rich Handbook by Christopher Tennant to review. An homage to our beloved Official Preppy Handbook, TOFRH is a how-to guide for the well-to-do of the new millennium. Tongue planted firmly in cheek, Mr. Tennant describes how the newly rich can attempt to acquire the tastes and manners of the old money establishment.
One of my favorite sections was the Plutocrat Primer, which introduces the reader to their "new friends" including "The Raider" (see, e.g., Ron Perelman), "The Dynasseur" (see, e..g, Steve Forbes), and "The Wastrel" (see, e.g., Brandon Davis, Stavros Niarchos). Mr. Tennant used to write for Page Six, and it shows. The snark, it is plentiful.



While it certainly can't replace The Official Preppy Handbook, TOFRH is good for a few laughs and would make a great gift for someone who has it all and needs a little help figuring out how to spend it all.

Shop the Weekend Away

20% off at Design Her Gals with the promo code FALL20 or get a second set (with the same gal) free with the promo code MORE. And remember, 5% of every order goes to our Gal to Gal Foundation for Stage IV breast cancer patients.

Best Dressed Child has their entire stock of swimwear on clearance, with savings up to 50% off.

Boden is celebrating International Talk Like a Pirate Day (for real) by drawing 8 internet orders at random today and giving them away for free.

Stephen Bonanno has 50% off all Lilly Pulitzer.

Lands' End has free shipping with the Promotion Code BOOTS and the PIN 00005206 . Offer ends Tuesday.

Kayce Hughes has free shipping with the code freeship for the next week.

Calista Cove has a ridiculously cheap sale section and is offering an additional 50% off with the code final50sale.

Scooped!

I'm generally not one to pat myself on the back. Usually I tend more toward the opposite end of the spectrum. But...

Remember when I wrote about the return of the penny loafer? On August 20? And then the Trib piece from last weekend had a little mention of the Cole Hann penny loafer?

Well, I just came across a Travel + Leisure article by none other than Lisa Birnbach about those very same Cole Haan loafers. For the October 2008 issue.

We scooped the author of The Official Preppy Handbook! This is a major milestone for any preppy blogger. I propose to celebrate with a Pumpkin Spice Latte (natch).

OMG

I am just dying over these teeny, tiny Jodphur Leggings from Ralph Lauren. Honestly, if this baby is a girl*, the shopping is going to be very hard to control. Very.

*Yes, we are going to find out. Yes, we will tell you. But we won't tell the name until after he or she arrives. Although, you can bet that it will be more likely to be on one of these lists, than on this site.

Deals of the Day

To reassure you that this blog is not about to become all-pregnancy, all-the-time, I have some sweet sales to pass along...

Ralph Lauren Rugby: Fall Friends and Family event... save 30% through October 6 with the code RLFA2008. The virtual store has launched, so you can shop online at last. Now I stand by my earlier assessment of RLR as far as women's clothing, but I really do like the men's. Especially the wool toggle coat pictured below. Love that.

Lauren Nicole Gifts: Save 15% through October 1st with the coupon code october during checkout. I'm thinking about getting this personalized CD case for TCP Toddler. He loves his music and wants to carry it around with him, but his beloved Ralph's World and Miles the Crocodile CDs are getting all scratched up. This might help keep them protected. (There are lots of designs available...I'm thinking either blue and green argyle, or the blue mini whales, for him.)

My Own Labels: Free shipping now through the end of the year on orders over $50. No code necessary. Mr. TC uses these labels for his homemade beers and wines (what, you didn't know that I married a bootlegger?) and I think they would be perfect for homemade holiday gifts. Or pickles, you know, if you're into that kind of thing.

In the News

The Chicago Tribune isn't the only paper talking about preppy style this fall. The New York Times has a write up on the new J.Crew men's store today. (While the store looks to be a must visit on your next trip to NYC, the author doesn't seem to agree. Or be a fan of preppy looks in general, as he admits to past "prep prejudice.")

Pickles & Ice Cream

I would be completely remiss if I didn't thank all of you for the comments and emails congratulating us on the new baby. It's been so nice to hear from so many of you!! As for how I'm doing, let's just say that the first trimester is not my friend, so I'm very happy to be moving right along. I'm actually under doctor's orders to stop losing weight (seriously, any other time I would kill for such a problem), so I have implemented a strenuous program involving maximum couch time (yay for the fall tv season) and at least one PSL avec whip per day. That should do the trick.

To go along with my new program, I might need to pick up a pint of Ben & Jerry's Pumpkin Cheesecake ice cream. I just got an email about it this morning, and how good does that sound?

Photo by Annie's Eats

The other thing I'm craving lately? Dill pickles. (To be fair, pickles are pretty much a staple for me even when not pregnant. So right now I'm in overdrive.) I actually read that dill can have anti-nausea properties, so it's a craving that makes sense. But I've gotten really picky about which ones I like. So I decided to make my own. I know that it sounds like I've gone crazy, but it was SUPER easy, and they were so good. I may have eaten an entire jar yesterday. I found the recipe here, on a blog called Annie's Eats, written by a girl who is far more domestic than I ever hope to be. I actually had all the ingredients on hand, thanks in large part to our CSA veggie deliveries. It took less than 30 minutes to make, then they sit in the fridge for two days. I highly recommend them!

JBK Overload

For a while now, I've been swapping books through Bookins. It's great for someone like me who can't seem to stop acquiring books, but is completely incapable of throwing them away. This week, I've received a landslide of books about our favorite First Lady.

The first? Camelot at Dawn: Jacqueline and John Kennedy in Georgetown. I'd never seen some of these photographs before, a glimpse at their lives at newlyweds.

Then, America's Queen: A life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. I was nearly in tears on the 'El yesterday reading this one.

Next to arrive? One Special Summer by Lee Bouvier and Jacqueline Bouvier. I can't wait to read this one...it's been on my Amazon wishlist forever.

TCP and the Fourth Estate

Pick up a copy of the Chicago Tribune this weekend and check out the Sunday Style (Q) section for an article on preppy fall fashion featuring yours truly!

TCP Rave: Kayce Hughes Wrap Skirt

The early second trimester is a tricky time to dress for. Your "normal" clothes still kinda fit, but don't look great. Your maternity clothes are droopy enough to qualify you for clown college. It's more than a little disheartening.

But. Every once in a while you put on something that fits, is comfortable, and make you feel like you look like an actual person rather than a candidate for What Not to Wear. This becomes your uniform.

Behold, my new uniform:

I received this over the weekend and am not embarrassed to say that I have already worn it twice. The wrap skirt is completely adjustable, so it can grow (and eventually shrink!) with you. The corduroy is completely soft and cozy. On me, it hits below the knee, but I'm a shorty at 5'2" so I wore it with heels. The camel is neutral enough to work with brown or black. I love it. LOVE it.

Is it too early to think about the holidays??

I've been checking out the new designs over at La Plates and love them! As much as the Halloween ones are adorable, I think want to order some Christmas ones. Too soon? Maybe, but look how cute:

Wouldn't the Santa plate be perfect for leaving out cookies on Christmas Eve? (In an unrelated incident, TCP Toddler was insistently asking for his "Ho Ho Ho" book yesterday. The one that was packed away with the Christmas decorations in January. Maybe he's planning ahead for the holidays too??)

In case you need an extra incentive, La Plates is offering a discount for TCP readers with the code TCP10, now through October 31.

Doing My Best to Save You Money

Don't forget, today is the last day to save with the TCP Launch Party Sponsors: Bird Dog Bay, Tucker Blair, and Salmon Cove. Use the code TCP.

Babystyle has an extra 20% off all outlet with the code ALLOUT25.

in the pink is offering an additional 30% off everything in the Clearance Section with discount code 0909.

Lands' End has free shipping for the next two days with the Promotion Code WINDFALL and the PIN 00001207. (This might be a one time code, so first come, first serve.)

It's the last week for the Bonanno sale, with Emma Classic Monogram sandals $40 off.

Baby Gap has 20% off fall styles through 9/21 with the code BVQ2T1J16XLY.

I have one more for you, and it's a good one, so I'm going to give it it's own post. Happy Shopping!

Two New TCP Productions

By popular demand (Momx2!), I've started a little Cafe Press shop with TCP logo goodies. Just a few things to start, but one way for you to show your preppy pride if you live on the Third Coast!

The other? TCP Baby, version 2.0, due to arrive on the Third Coast in March. That's why you haven't seen any fall wishlists from me...because I won't be fitting into real clothes for much longer. I'll have to live vicariously through all of you this season.

Of course, all of my maternity clothes from my first pregnancy are summery. So there will be a new quest for warm, yet still preppy, maternity wear. And, god help me, a maternity coat. I think I have my work cut out for me!

Page 11

I know it seems like a random post title, but I'm just in love with everything on Page 11 of the CWD Kids back to school catalog. The outfits featured are from Little Joule, Hartstrings, and Lacoste, so it's no real shock that I'm a fan.

Do you think I can justify back to school shopping for TCP Toddler when his only "school" is an hour long class three times per week??

Today's Sale Scoop

Boden has a crazy sale scheme going right now: Order before midnight tonight, receive 15% off; order Saturday or Sunday, get 12% off; order Monday the 8th, get 10% off. So the early bird catches the worm, er, deal, in this case.

Hanna Andersson has up to 50% off right now on fall favorites.

At Lauren Nicole Gifts, you can save 15% through 9-8-08 with the coupon code laborday.

And J.Crew has an additional 20% off final sale items with the code EXTRA20.

Macy's Shop for a Cause ~ Saturday, September 20

Shop 'til you drop for a good cause! Macy's celebrates a national day of support for local non-profit organizations in our community including the Junior League of Chicago. Purchase a special Shop for a Cause Shopping Pass for $5 from the Junior League of Chicago and 100% of the ticket price goes back to the JLC.

The Pass entitles you to 10% to 20% savings all day*. Plus you'll enjoy entertainment and the opportunity to win prizes, including a $500 gift card**.Support the JLC while supporting a favorite habit... shopping! Tickets can be purchased at JLC HQ and various JLC events (cash or check only). Thanks for your support!

The Most Wonderful Day of the Year

Kids, I got a Pumpkin Spice Latte today. And not a moment too soon, as the temps on the Third Coast are in the 60s and rain is falling.

No matter what else happens today, I'm having a great day. Thanks to the most delicious beverage ever invented, the Pumpkin Spice Latte. (Addict much???)

Vote!

Sometimes, one feels compelled to get involved. If an issue really speaks to you, you have an obligation to vote your conscience and make your voice heard, am I right?



Well, I think the time has come to make a stand. No, I'm not talking about politics. I'm talking about whether it's appropriate to wear white after Labor Day. She Finds has a poll going now that asks the question, "Do you think it's okay to wear white after Labor Day?" People, as of right now, 79% of the voters say that it is!



Exercise your right to vote, and just say no to white after Labor Day!

Drinking for a Good Cause: Uncork the Cure

Photo Credit: Mr. TC

You all know by now that there is nothing I enjoy more than being able to enjoy a delicious cocktail, secure in the knowledge that by doing so, I am actually doing a good deed.

Uncork the Cure is an annual wine tasting and fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Mr. TC and I attended last year's event, and I can tell you that not only did I try some sensational wines, but I actually learned a lot about what is being done to combat this horrible disease.

We'll won't miss this year's event on October 16th at the Chicago History Museum (a great venue and a strong contender to be the site of the TCP wedding reception back in the day), which includes a wine tasting, silent auction, and wine raffle. Additionally, VIPs will have a private showing at the newly opened “Chic Chicago” exhibit, which I am dying to check out, and a VIP gift bag. You can find all the details (and perhaps a glimpse of TCP!) here.

It's another good time for a great cause. Buy your tickets today!

Free Shipping at Vera Bradley

Spend more than $75, and Vera pays the shipping. Offer good through Sunday, September 7.

For Your Little Pumpkin

I am swooning over the Halloween stuff from Janie and Jack. Pumpkins + Fair Isle = Love.


Boys Fair Isle Pumpkin Cardigan ($48) and Beanie ($20).

Girls Fair Isle Pumpkin Cardigan ($48) and Beret ($20).

Perfectly Classic

Sometimes, when I'm shopping or surfing the 'Net, I see things that appeal to me on an almost instinctive level. It might remind me of a movie I love, or of something my mother wore when I was young, or the color of a favorite sweater. Kayce Hughes speaks to me in just that way. I can't quite put my finger on why I'm loving it, I just do.

One of my favorites for fall is the red corduroy ruffle shirt dress ($138). I think it would be great with flats or a pair of boots.

I also love the wrap skirt; it comes in pink, red, or camel corduroy or dark denim. ($90)

This tunic dress ($122) seems like the perfect summer into fall piece...when you want to wear fall stuff but the weather is unreasonably unseasonably warm. The sale section has some great deals, too.

As much as I love the women's clothes, the little girls' stuff just kills me. Oh, the jumpers! The poofy skirts!

And, I hear that Kayce Hughes/Pears and Bears is currently seeking trunk show hostesses across the USA and abroad for the Fall 08 season. The trunk shows feature women's collection in addition to the children's collection...something for everyone! Great commissions, great discounts and great fun! If you're interested in hosting a show, you may contact Caroline Anderson at 615-354-5771 or caroline@kaycehughes.com today to schedule your show. The deadline for scheduling Fall shows is Friday, September 12th, so if you're interested, don't delay.

Chain, Chain, Chain...

Maybe it's because the pattern is one I would wear in a dress, but I'm loving this navy Chain Rug from Pottery Barn. On sale for $89-399. I wish there was a good place for it in my house.

So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye

Ah, Summer 2008, we hardly knew you! Over in a flash, it seems. I'm nearly in withdrawal today after wearing my white Palm Beach sandals, Lilly, and/or white pants every day last week. I need to do the total closet overhaul, but the idea is just too exhausting to face tonight. Plus, the TCP family is heading to Mexico for a little break in October, so I'm hoping to get maybe one more wear out of some of my favorites.



I'm on the fence about a few items, too. I definitely feel that some of my madras is done until next May. But there are a few that are darker, more navy and green, that I think may be acceptable for a bit longer. What say you, Internet? Have you completely banished the madras?

Definitely done.

Maybe not yet?

I'm putting up a new fall play list today. And I may or may not have called a Starbucks this morning to see when, exactly, Pumpkin Spice Lattes will be available. (Later this week!!) Welcome, fall.