Lilly Themed Wedding

Lilly Pulitzer celebrates style, class, and heritage with bright floral tones and whimsical designs. So what better way to celebrate a wedding than with a Lilly Pulitzer theme!

I've posted some of my own notes on a particular Lilly Pulitzer themed wedding found on WeddingChicks.com, featuring the union of Dennis & Emily from Pennsylvania. I'll admit it: this is pretty much spot-on when it comes to what I'd want my dream wedding to be!

Family photo: Note that everyone (except the bride, who is dressed in a gorgeous strapless lace gown) is wearing the Trippin & Sippin print. The ladies are wearing the Ember shift and the gentlemen are wearing custom bow ties made from the fabric. The flower girl is wearing a Little Delia shift as well.

Such a gorgeous bouquet!



I'm assuming the bow ties were made by someone on Etsy. If you know who did these please let me know so I can post their info on here for people who would like to order some like these for their Lilly inspired wedding!

 

But really, how cute is this?!!?

 

Check out the entire Gallery from this AH-mazing wedding here. Congratulations to the bride and groom!

Photography: Amie Schroeder Photography
Venue: Rose Bank Winery
Stationery: Loveleigh Invitations
Flowers: London Creative Florist
Caterer: Mastoris Catering
Hair: Christina at David Witchell
Dress designer: Romona Keveza
Bridesmaid dresses: Lilly Pulitzer
Groom’s attire: JCrew
Band: The Exceptions
Trolley: Bucks County Trolley
Photobooth: Amazing Times Photobooth

Source : http://www.weddingchicks.com/2015/01/28/lilly-pulitzer-wedding/

#SpillTheJuice: Spring 2015

 

As the story "written in the sun" concludes, we'll continue to spill the juice this January upon the arrival of the first shipment of the Spring 2015 line.

 

The Iona shell is re-released in an intruiging new pattern. Get it now at your local LP retailer.

 

I would be lying if I told you that I love the spring collection. Frankly, I'm pretty indifferent about it. Sure, there are a few patterns and pieces I love, but it doesn't illicit as strong a reaction from me as this past summer's collection did. Perhaps it's the sizing that is such a turn off for me, having to go from a 4 to an 8, and going from a small to a medium in some cases, but I just don't love spring. That being the case, summer looks far more promising in the print department. Let's review a few things.

It's the first spring season with the new sizing, so it would be pretty unexpected if things weren't changed up a bit from previous years. As Lilly is releasing the Target line this spring, I would also expect a few items to vacillate in price to not only be competitive but further distinguish authentic Lilly Pulitzer and Lilly Pulitzer for Target. One of the items I see this happening with is the Murfee scarf. It never made sense for Lilly to produce cashmere blend scarves in the warmer seasons. The Lilly scarf, which appears to be taking over for the Murfee this season, is a 100% rayon scarf that prices out at $88- that's a whole $30 cheaper than the Murfee. We will see how well it holds up in comparison, but if it's anything like the Lillian jumbo scarf, things look quite promising! Perhaps this will also eliminate the need to take extra precautions due to snags in the fabric that were so common when wearing the Murfee.

The Lilly scarf is a departure from its predecessor, the Murfee
 

The Luxletics collection is by far the most exciting new idea to come from Lilly in quite some time. In the 1990s, Lilly produced an athletic line that disappeared as the brand began to grow out of favor prior to experiencing a revival in the late 2000s when Lilly began renovating its image. Lilly's return to the athletic apparel market means that another aspect of women's daily wear can be purchased through Lilly and that Lilly ladies can indulge in the whimsical prints the brand is best known for while they exercise. Loungewear has existed in previous collections (see items like the Skipper popover, Leona zip-up, and the beach pant) but for women who prefer a more put-together look a la Nike or Under Armour, this collection will delight them while meeting their preferential needs.

The new Luxletics collection assures Lilly wearers they will be well-dressed even as they lounge and exercise.

I'm excited at the prospect of Lilly giving some older prints and styles new life, as they appear to have done with the Ostritch pattern that will be arriving in stores this spring. I love that the Janice shift and Elsa top continue to be popular, as I find the new fits in those styles to be significantly more flattering than the styles that preceded them (the more blousy Elsa, or in the Janice shift's case, the numerically sized version of that shift dress). I'm also thrilled to see the delightful color palette Lilly brings to the table as always. It's amazing that a brand with such a myriad of prints and colors can always find fresh ideas to draw inspiration from, even if that means revisiting old prints. One such print is the Kappa Delta print. As an alumni of the Kappa Delta sorority I can personally say it's pretty awesome that our Kelly Green floral (minus our open motto of "AOT" and symbols) will be printed on Lilly shifts under the guise of a new pattern called "Heartbreakers". Very cool.

You can find the first spring shipments now at all Lilly retailers and online.

Some of the new shifts from the first Spring shipment.

A glance at the Spring Lookbook.

This ostrich pattern was inspired by a vintage Lilly print.

A view from the register at my Lillypad. 

 

 

Fit Review: Kat Kitten Heel

Let me just say: I wish I had purchased these sooner! I've had many opportunities to buy the Kat Kitten Heel. They are a few years old and have been in every online sale I have shopped since 2013. I was pleasantly surprised to stumble across a pair, as I've mentioned before, from Lady Bird boutique in San Marino, CA while searching for some items I was having difficulty finding, for only $25. These shoes retail for $198 so that is a fantastic price and they didn't end up being what I anticipated to be a little bit of a gaudy color, which is even more of a bonus!

The green color matches a TON of the Lilly in my closet (notably Chomp Chomp, Just Add Mint, and Later Gator, and it can even be worn with more neutral colors like a combination of navy and white. Not to mention the heel is perfectly suited for work since it's only about an inch and a half and the shoe itself has a slight cushion, so you barely feel like you're wearing heels at all! The patent leather did not bother my sensitive skin or cause it to tear, and I wore these for about five hours. Typically I can do three hours max in heels, but the combination of the comfort and low heel of the Kat makes it plausible to wear these all day. 

The Kat has a petite bow on the shoe right below the toe. They are multipurpose and can be worn with just about anything. They're super cute and classy looking and come in a variety of colors to boot! Every Lilly lover needs a pair... Just IMO. The toe is a bit narrow so this probably is not the ideal shoe for a wide foot. It seems to run a teensy bit big to compensate, so if you aren't sure, go a half size down. I have worn everything from a 6 to a 7.5 in Lilly and I took a 6.5 in these, which fit perfectly. 

Cons: narrow toe

Pros: cute, classy, versatile, Lilly color palette, great quality and fit

IT'S HERE!!! Lilly + Hanky Panky Release Collaborative Lingerie Collection

THIS POST CONTAINS CONTENT ABOUT UNDERTHINGS.

IF YOU DON'T WANNA HEAR ABOUT BRAS AND PANTIES, OR HEARING PEOPLE TALK ABOUT UNDERTHINGS MAKES YOU FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE, DON'T READ IT.

 

Lilly Pulitzer for Hanky Panky, by the Lilly Print Studio

I've said before that I feel a sense of guilt when I'm not wearing Lilly. I don't know if it's the way the clothes fit, or if it's a psychological thing, but with the launch of the Lilly Pulitzer for Hanky Panky collaborative line this holiday season, I no longer have to feel that guilt - even if my Lilly is underneath whatever else I'm wearing! I'm somewhat of a collector of colorful, lacy lingerie- not to mention LILLY- so naturally, I am a fan of this collaboration! Although he printed undergarments are sweet nod and throwback to some older prints, featuring the years-old favorites Checking In and See You Later, I do wish that more prints would have been included. At least there are a good variety of styles to choose from, even a chemise and two styles of tank tops to round out the collection.

Pricing for the items isn't terribly expensive for a Lilly product, but considering that similar products can be bought from competitors like Betsey Johnson and Victoria's Secret for about half the price, $26-$40 for a pair of panties is pretty expensive. The other items are more comparable in price, particularly the chemise, which is absolutely gorgeous.

 

Lilly Pulitzer for Hanky Panky Surf Blue Checking In Chemise, $98.

 

I'm not much of a fan of Checking In as far as the print itself goes, but I do love its appearance printed on lace, so I purchased the bralette and original rise thong in this pattern. I've never worn Hanky Panky before, in spite of hearing wonderful things, more so because I buy most of my underthings during sales and I can't justify buying a $26 panty when I can get a panty of the same quality at a quarter of the price (what can I say, I'm a savvy shopper and make no apologies for it). However, since this involves Lilly... Obviously I'm going to make an exception! The Pink Door in Memphis had these on sale during the After Party Sale, but I bought mine at Nordstrom immediately upon seeing them just a few weeks prior to that.

But really... How cute would a Good Reef matching lingerie set be?! #Resort365

 

I love that Hanky Panky's panties are one size fits all. I'm not exactly sure how that works, but I always feel that I'm inbetween sizing for most lingerie. The Hanky Panky sizing is awesome for that reason. It's accommodating as far as sizing goes and provides good coverage while still maintaining some sex appeal that one wouldn't normally associate with Lilly! The printed lace material feels good, is lightweight and doesn't itch, which can sometimes happen, especially for someone like me that's highly allergy prone and sensitive to certain synthetic blend materials and even dyes.
 

I'm not sure why Lilly hasn't started producing its own lingerie line yet, because IMO, it would do incredibly well in signature stores as well as department retailers like Dillard's, and with the redaction of the men's line, there is an opportunity to invest some resources elsewhere. There are a myriad of colors and bright prints to choose from each season, and even if women don't feel confident enough to wear the bold, sunny prints on Lilly clothing, they can still indulge in the brand by purchasing Lilly undergarments! There is definitely a market for a high-quality lingerie line featuring cute floral patterns- ESPECIALLY FOR WOMEN WHO DO NOT LIKE EXTRA PADDING IN THEIR BRAS. I can't stress enough how difficult it is to find bras that are cute but not extremely padded, as a larger-chested girl. I, for one, LOVE Hanky Panky's lacy bralette undergarment, but wish it was more shapely without featuring padded cups, sort of like my favorite bra, the Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Unlined Plunge.
 

You can find the Lilly Pulitzer for Hanky Panky collection this holiday season at Lilly Pulitzer online, Lilly signature stores, and at major retailers such as Nordstrom, Saks, Neiman Marcus, Macy's, Dillard's, and Bloomingdale's. Availability may vary based on location, but nearly all of them have the products available to purchase on their websites! 

Melanie's Dillard's store now carries the Lilly for Hanky Panky line as well. You can call her store and ask for the Lilly Pulitzer or lingerie department at (501)661-0053.

The Lilly Pulitzer for Hanky Panky collection includes two popular Lilly patterns in a lacy brief, low-rise thong, original-rise thong, bralette, camisole, tank, and chemise. 

Pros: Coverage, quality, cute, variety
Cons: Only two prints, cost

Overall rating: 4/5 smooches

 

Xx,

Carol Anne

Edit: Intended to post this back in November when the collection was released but it's been sitting as a draft since then. I've edited it to include some recent findings. Sorry for the delay!

#OOTD

HAPPY MLK DAY!

Before I step in for my shift tonight, here's a glimpse of my outfit (and my custom Elephant Ears steering wheel, shout out to mammajane of etsy.com). 

Two of these pieces are new items I purchased this week. (See previous post on finding January deals for details!) You can't see my shoes, but I am wearing my gold Jack Rogers Regina flats (available at Dillards for $99!) The Etta top, originally priced $128, was purchased earlier this year at my Dillards location. I love it! It's airier than the Elsa due to the fabric (it's a cotton/poly blend I'm pretty sure) but it's got a nice weight and embroidery around the chest area with a little v-neck. It isn't quite the length of a tunic. I'd say it's closest relatives are the Briony and Moxy tops (pictured below). Off to work I go! If you are looking for some spectacular deals let me know and I will provide you with the contact info for Melanie and myself. 



The Briony top and Moxy are the closest tops to the Etta.

Wear pink & make the boys wink tonight! Hope everyone has a wonderful evening.

Product Review: On the Rocks Necklace

As a whole, I think Resort was my favorite collection of 2014: there wasn't a single piece produced that I wouldn't wear.

Lilly Pulitzer "On the Rocks" Necklace, $88.

That being said, one of my favorite Lilly purchases EVER is the On the Rocks beaded necklace. It's pretty much all that and a bag of chips; a menagerie of pearls, diamonds, and gold all with a signature Lilly finish. I bought it out of sheer impulsivity to complete my last minute NYE outfit, and haven't regretted it since the second my receipt printed.

At $88, it's a pretty steeply priced accessory for not being a David Yurman or James Avery piece, but it looks at least twice its value and is worth every penny and compliment it recieves (and I've gotten at least two each time I've worn it)!

I also wore it recently to a cocktail party for EY at Hotel Zaza in Houston. I wore it with the Lilly Pulitzer Betty slip dress in Almond Jacquard Packin' Heat and a pair of gold patent leather BCBG pumps (and will substitute those for gold McKim wedges or the Kristin resort wedge in the summer to come!) 

Little did I know, there was a shot of rum in each champagne glass. Whoops. Tipsy but classy as always with my handsome date!

Overall product review: 💋💋💋💋💋 (5 smooches)

#LillyforTarget

A preview of print swatches from the upcoming Lilly Pulitzer for Target collection, coming to a Target store near you, April 2015.

Naturally, I'm excited to see this collaboration between Target and Lilly. If you haven't heard by now, the two have paired up to produce a line of home, beauty, and clothing products ranging in price from $2-150. Am I over the moon thrilled? While some of the prints are eye catching, they don't quite emulate their $178 counterparts to a T, which is good. Most of the clothes are distinctly different from the Pulitzer brand from what I've seen, just adding a bit of its signature flora and fauna flair to Target's designs.

#LillyforTarget

This isn't resonating well on Twitter and Facebook. I understand the backlash, but it's not like you'll be able to walk into Target and see the 2015 spring and summer lines exclusive to Lilly Pulitzer retailers. If anything, it will generate a more ubiquitous interest in the brand.

An impending PR disaster? Only time will tell. These Facebookers don't seem too thrilled.

So while it was a pretty bold move for a brand that prides itself on its luxury and exclusivity to collaborate with a retailer known for its cheap chic fashion, by doing so, Lilly for Target will be attracting new customers to its more expensive, signature brand counterpart. If a few people end up falling in love with Lilly's whimsical prints and becoming well dressed in the process, I can't really complain. 

THAT GIRAFFE BOTTLE OPENER THOUGH. MUST. HAVE.

Honestly, I was more excited to hear about the home products, since the collection Lilly did for Lee Jofa is pretty rare to come across anywhere and there has yet to be a cohesive collection of tableware aside from the Lifeguard Press melamine trays, cups and plates, and the Lilly wine glasses. Can't wait to see the full line of these products and give my final word on everything. When I make my decision.... Trust me, you'll know! 

Xx,

Carol Anne