Trick or Treat

My little pirate boy is under the weather today, so our plans for trick or treating might get scrapped. But I'm still looking forward to a night of candy, apple cider, and maybe a little popcorn whilst watching Sleepy Hollow, the official TCP Halloween Movie of choice (after we view It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! for the 4,852nd time this season, of course).

I leave you with TCP Toddler's favorite scenes from The Great Pumpkin...the child is obsessed with the show. I love it too, and find his constant discussion of bobbing for apples charming, but his newfound phrase "stupid blockhead" much less so.





Don't forget that today is the last day for the TCP discount with La Plates!! See the sidebar for all the gory details...

Happy Halloween, everyone!!

P.S.A.

The needlepoint headband that I bought at the TCP bash over the summer? Now up and available on the Tucker Blair website. I loooove this headband. It is really very comfy, and that is something that is of utmost importance in a headband, IMO. Now I'm tempted to get an orange and blue stripe version to go along with my summertime lobster design...

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Waiting for me upon my return from Mexico was a fabulous new Faith Hill holiday CD that I won from the lovely and talented Jillian, Inc. Thank you so much, Jill! I can't wait to listen to it...I promise to wait until after Halloween, though. (Mr. TC has a strict "no Christmas until after Thanksgiving" policy for our house, but one of the local radio stations starts their 24-7 Christmas music on November 1st...so I think I can do a sneak preview then!)

Along the same Christmas-y lines, I saw the most fab holiday cards on Chicagoist today... from esty seller spilledinkpress, a take on the iconic Chicago flag that I too have modified for my own logo:

Isn't that the best?? It looks like they might be sold out now, although since there is still plenty of time before Christmas, I'm guessing that they may restock.

Are you ready??

After a whirlwind trip south of the border, we're back on the Third Coast...and arrived just in time for a forecast that included the dreaded "wintry mix." Honestly, I'd rather snow than the nasty rain/sleet/snow combo.

Needless to say, this has caught me somewhat unprepared. After trying to stuff TCP Toddler into his coat from last year (FAIL) and realizing that the child has no snow pants or boots, I'm off to Lands' End to shop for new gear for the boy. Perfect timing, because they have free shipping through the end of the day today.

Speaking of coats, I was flipping through the new Talbots catalog and came across a coat that I would love to buy, if not for the fact that there is no way that this baby would zip up in a few months. If this is not an issue for you, you might like to check out their adorable duffle coat:

I must say that I saw quite a few things in the catalog that caught my eye. Looks like the revamping has made them more appealing to at least one consumer!

TCP Teams Up with The Merry Martini

Have I told you that I've joined with Kelly at the Merry Martini to become an Official Affiliate? (Doesn't that sound like something that should come with a sash and a tiara? No? You're sure?)

What does this mean? Well, Kelly will keep me in the loop for all the new goodies and best sales and deals at the Merry Martini so I can pass them along to you. All you have to do is mention "TCP" or "Third Coast Preppy" when you make a purchase so that she knows who sent you. In the interest of full disclosure, I do get a cut when you mention my name. But my same rule applies--I don't promote anything that I don't really like. And the Merry Martini, I like. A lot.

Not just because I miss martinis, either.

Little Preppy Book

From Estilo Weddings...on sale for $19.95, lined in seersucker or gingham. Perfectly cute. Thanks to sand for the tip!

Wish You Were Here...

Confidential to Mr. TC: Happy birthday!!

Giveaway a Go-go

Monogram Chick is giving away a sensational monogrammed recipe box today...click on over and tell her that TCP sent you, so we both can win! Also, use the discount code YUMMY you'll receive 10% of your Monogram Chick purchase through the end of the month.

Also, Preppy Mama is hosting a giveaway with Preppy Monogrammed Gifts where you can win one of their preppy signature embroidered cosmetic bags. They have the cutest things...I recently ordered a monogrammed check book cover from them, and I love it.

Mea Culpa

I've been a bad blogger. I've been slacking even more than usual, and despite my preemptive declaration of being a "procrastinator extraordinaire" on my sidebar, I still feel guilty when I neglect Ye Olde Bloge for too long. There's been much going on a Chez TCP, both good and bad, over the past several days. Rather than dwelling on the bad (I will simply sum it up by saying that Mr. TC was forced to play the role of Joe the Plumber in not one but two rooms of our house), let's just move right along, shall we?

I stumbled across an interesting Slate article on Emily Post today... it says her "disastrous marriage drove her to etiquette." Hmm. How very Bree Van de Kamp of her. I just might have to pick up this new bio to read more about it.

I've also been remiss in not thanking the fabulous Heaven in a Paper Cup for my recent award! If you haven't checked out her blog, you really should. And not just because she's been my friend since sorority days, but because she is sensational and completely stylish in ways I can never hope to be. The girl has a serious flair for decorating...even though she too has a toddler, her house has not been overcome by foam alphabet mats and small trains. Not that mine has or anything. Ahem.

The TCP family is soon to depart for the (hopefully) sunny beaches of Mexico for several days, and just in the nick of time, as there is snow rumored in the forecast. But I'm planning a few scheduled posts to keep you occupied in the meantime. I leave you with my latest (budget-friendly) find:

Ivory Beret, $12.99 at Tarjay. Would be perfect with my navy peacoat, yes?

More Sales Info...

Lands' End has 30% off all "back rack" outerwear from October 16-26 (and free shipping through today!)

Iomoi has 20% off through Sunday with the coupon code TAKE20.

Restoration Hardware has 20% off through Monday, October 20. I'm drooling over their new holiday decor....love the Pomengrante Berry collection. I have two similar wreaths from Tarjay that I would love to upgrade!

If you're in a holiday frame of mind (and don't think I'm nuts, but I am starting to think along those lines), Ballard Designs has 15% off on Christmas decor,

Janie & Jack has an extra 20% off all sale items (including those super cute pumpkin fair isle sweaters I told you about awhile back), for up to 60% savings.

Thursday Night on the Town

Don't forget the two great events on the Third Coast tonight...The Junior League of Chicago's Talbots Event and Uncork the Cure for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Mr. TC will be representing the TCP family at Uncork the Cure, while I'll be at home avec TCP Toddler and the Tivo. Wine tastings are not much fun to attend unless you can actually drink the wine. And shopping events are not as much fun when you can't fit into any of the clothes. Next year.

Tomorrow night is my night out...I'm going to see the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago's Fall Program. I'm so excited because, you know, I would like to be a ballerina when I grow up.

Any Preppy Designers Out There?

I would ask if there is a budding Jenny Humphrey in our midst, but I must admit to finding that character utterly irritating...so instead I will say that we need the next Tory Burch or Lilly Pulitzer.

So here's the scoop--a friend of a friend is a designer at a new Third Coast label, vfish. While this is not necessarily a preppy company, they are hosting a contest to design a fabulous print that will be featured on an article of women's clothing for next year's fall collection. And if there is one thing that I think preppies know, it's prints. Seriously, do we not champion the Go To Hell Pants?

Here's all the info straight from the source...I'd love to see what you all come up with!!

Think you have what it takes to design a fashionable print? Now is your chance to prove it. The new, Chicago-based women's fashion label, vfish, is proud to announce the first ever student print design contest!

The Brief

"V Print" is a contest, which gives you the chance to create a print that will be silkscreened onto a piece of the vfish Fall/Winter 2009 women's clothing collection.

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:A strong, imaginative design which:

-Must show flair, creativity, versatility and originality

-Must be appropriate for contemporary women ages 20 to 35

-Must be in accordance with this brief
Rules

-Must be an original creation

-You can use anything to create your design: pens, paints, pencils, photography, computer aided design, collage - anything you want.

-The print must be suitable to use in a women's dress or top.

-There is no theme.

-Submit print in vector files such as .EPS or .AI-Limit print to four colors

-No border prints

-Submit size measurements for the physical square

-List the visual repeat pattern in your submission

Prize

The winning print will be unveiled in the Fall/Winter 2009 collection and sold on the vfish website, flagship store and retailers nationwide. It will be shown in at least 1 piece of the collection. The winner will receive a piece of the collection and a portion of the proceeds from the winning print collection will go to the winner's charity of choice.

Spread your wings creatively and come up with something really inspiring!

All entries subject to dismissal, submissions become the property vfish upon entry and may be altered. Contestants are subject to a copyright waiver upon selection.
Competition deadline is December 1, 2008

For more information email kmooney@vfishdesigns.com

You Want It, You Got It!

You said keep it coming, so here's a slew of great codes and deals. It's true, there will always be occasions and needs that arise, no matter the economic climate, so why not save where you can??

Lands' End has free shipping today only with the Promotion code FREESHIPPING and the PIN 00004219. No minimum order.


Third Coast boutique Emily Lacey is having a huge sale, too. Save 50% on the entire website with the code CDS. Sale ends October 15. This would be a great place to get holiday outfits for the kids at a huge discount.

Three Chickadees has 20% off and free shipping now through October 19 with the code PREPPY.

New favorite Janice Cain Stationery has offered a special code just for TCP readers...take 10% off everything, including sale merchandise, with the code COAST now through November 13. If you have a few minutes, browse around this site. It's the "everything" gift store that you wish was around the corner from your house. Lots of cute things!!

Shopping Blogs in Recessionary Times

I've been having an internal debate of sorts lately. I realize that this blog is primarily frivolous and centered in large part on shopping. Spending. Consuming. And in light of all the recent financial fall-out, I can't help but wonder, is it bad form to keep posting about these things? Or do we all need the "little luxuries" now more than ever? A little monogramming, or a little pink & green to brighten up an otherwise gray and dark time?

What do you think, Internet? Do you want more codes and wish lists? Or does it just make you gloomy to think about spending more instead of cutting back?

Tucker Blair Discount

You know that I am a huge fan of the needlepoint, especially the Tucker Blair line. I was just emailing with Taylor over at Tucker Blair, and he's offered to do a special discount for TCP readers...20% off now through October 20th if you use the code TCP.

Honestly, it's not too early to be thinking about holiday gifts! Even though it's been in the 80s on the Third Coast, Christmas is right around the corner. I'm actually trying to get a jump start this year so that I won't be as much of a maniac in December. So if anyone on my list wants to find a belt under the tree...let me know now!

Preppy Specs

As you all know, I am decrepit and ancient. Lately, my eyes are really bothering me. Could be too much time in front of the the computer screen, could be one of the never-ending joys of pregnancy, but regardless of the cause, I feel like I always have "tired eyes."

I do own glasses, but wear them only on occasion. (For example, when they look cute with my outfit.) They are a good three years old, so I suppose I should get a check up and see if they need to be replaced. Which leads me (as you knew it would) to shopping for cute new frames.

I am of the school of thought that if you are going to wear glasses, wear them. Don't get the "invisible" kind, because we can all still see them sitting there on your face. A few pairs that caught my eye (ha ha)...

Laura Ashley "Lana" frames

Eyebobs "Old Money" frames

Eyebobs "Wide Awake" frames

Eyebobs "i Ball" frames

Kate Spade Lissette frames

Kate Spade Florence frames

Brooks Brothers BB 698 frames

Burberry BE2002 frames

(Sadly, many of the Burberry frames were totally chav-tastic. But I thought these were subtle in the logo-ness?)



Sadly, this is one of the few things I would never purchase online. I really think you need to try glasses on in person, especially when one has a face the size of a small child's. Seriously, I look like a bug in many glasses...a vehement head shake would send the specs flying across the room. But it's always a good idea to pre-shop, yes?

And While We're on the Subject....

The Junior League of Chicago's Talbots Hostess Event is coming up on Thursday, October 16, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Talbots store at 700 N. Michigan Avenue. Here's the scoop:

Talbots is reinvigorating its brand to reach a broader age range of women, and Junior League of Chicago members will be among the first in the city to experience the new brand at this private Hostess Event. Talbots' flagship store on Michigan Avenue will open its doors to our members and guests for an exclusive shopping night including hors d'oeuvres, champagne, models walking the store in fall fashions, a book signing by Dayle Haddon, author of The 5 Principles of Ageless Living and much more! Talbots will donate 20% of the evening's profits to Junior League of Chicago to benefit the JLC's community programs. There is no cost to attend but a reservation is required. E-mail your full name and the name of your guest(s) to abrinkman@jlchicago.org by Friday, October 10.

Mother of All Sales

The Talbots kids clearance is completely insane...we're talking most things are under $10!! The sizes seem to be selling out quickly, though, so check it out soon.

And don't forget to stop by Preppy Sue's blog. She has a code for free shipping and an additional 20% off!

Why I Might Unsubscribe from Daily Candy

Four words: Black. Lace. Arm. Warmers.

Honestly, I did not need to know that these things exist.

Update: Even more disturbing, they are apparently sold out!

New Shoes?

Kate Spade Polly flat, on sale at Nordstrom for $184, down from $275 originally. These look perfect for fall...love the plaid!

The Latest Codes and Sales

At TCP fave Kayce Hughes, for each $200 you spend, receive a $50 gift card. To give as a gift, or keep for yourself!

English Tea Paperie has new winter and holiday designs, and to make room for the new goodies, the Nautical/Beach Collection is on sale. Two words: Lobster. Notecards.

CWD Kids is offering 10% off Sara's Prints pjs with the coupon code CEY222...so cozy for the fall weather.

Tiny Prints is offering 5% off (including Tiny Prints 2008 Holiday Cards)through the holidays with the code AFLHOL.

Happy shopping!

Three Coins in the Fountain

One of my favorite Chicago landmarks is Buckingham Fountain. My first job after law school was in the suburbs, and I had a loooooong commute back into the city late at night. But when I would see the fountain, I would know I was (finally) almost home. It's even beautiful during the holidays, when the water is turned off and lights are draped over the sides.

Buckingham Fountain is over 80 years old and is undergoing a much needed facelift. If you would like to donate to the restoration efforts, click here. Even $1 can help to maintain this gorgeous Third Coast icon. That's less than the cost of your daily occasional PSL!

PSA - L.L. Bean at Old Orchard

I've been meaning to pass along this info from the lovely Maureen at L.L. Bean. She dropped me the following note:

You probably already know this, but L.L.Bean is coming to Westfield Old Orchard. The store opens in November. We are hiring now and are looking for people that love retail and are passionate about our brand. I thought I'd pass this along - you probably know some people (or they visit your blog) who'd love a job at L.L.Bean - you get a great discount on our products (up to 40%). Our jobs are listed at llbean.com, you can view them by clicking on the employment link at the bottom of the page.

Seriously, that is one great discount. If you are on the Third Coast and looking for a retail job, this could be just the thing. And I'm sure you'd see me, Mom x 2, Tres Poshe Preppy, Hemstitch & Hydrangea, and all the other Chicago girls on a regular basis!

Feeling Better

I was tagged by Preppy Cricket to list six random things about myself, and since I've done that one several times before, instead I give you TCP's List of Six Stores that Should Have Maternity, But Don't:

1. J. Crew
2. LL Bean
3. Lands' End (Apparently, they used to and discontinued the line. All that's left online is one pair of swimsuit bottoms.)
4. Boden
5. Joules
6. Vineyard Vines


I'm sure there are more, but these are the ones who keep sending me emails and catalogs with things that I want, but cannot have!

Along those lines, will someone who can fit into it please go to the TJ Maxx on State Street and buy this Lilly skirt??? I love it so, but can't bring myself to purchase it when I know I couldn't wear it for at least a year....



The color is a bit off, due to it being a cell phone pic, but it's the cutest camel cord skirt, with pink, brown, and green argyle diamonds around the hem and pink grosgrain trim. It was over 50% off!!