Lilly Pulitzer Fall 2013

I am not ready for fall. I love summer so much and wish it could last all year. There's still a month left of summer and I plan on soaking up every moment! However, it's always exciting when Lilly Pulitzer debuts a new season. The Lilly Fall collection doesn't resemble "stereotypical Lilly" which is fine, because as much as I love my summery Lilly dresses, I am definitely a firm believer in seasonally appropriate fashion. I am absolutely an advocate of still wearing bright colors in the fall and winter months-there is no need to wear black, gray, and navy all the time. However, prints on dresses, skirts, and pants should be "toned down" a bit. With that being said, this year's Fall collection is probably my least favorite of all the past several years. There aren't really any prints that stand out to me the way there has been in Lilly Fall collections past. My favorite item from Fall 2013 is the Tusk In Sun Murfee scarf, and that is a print repeated from last year. Other prints from Lilly Fall that I've loved in the past are "Cameo White Fancy Fest" from Fall 2012, Starry Blue Drama Queen from Fall 2011, It's A Lilly from Fall 2010, and Worth Blue Little Master of the House from Fall 2009. 

Even though Fall 2013 is not one of my favorite Lilly collections, there are still some items I really like! But for right now I'm putting my Lilly budget towards the sale on RueLaLa Thursday morning (here's your free invite!) and the Endless Summer Sale coming up in a few weeks!

Murfee Scarf Tusk In Sun

I was obsessed with this precious elephant print when it first came out last Fall, but never got anything in it.

Riley Infinity Loop Get Hoppy

I don't have any infinity scarves, and this pink and navy frog print is a great way to incorporate Lilly critters into your Fall wardrobe. 

Cross Town Clutch Metallic Gold

This crossbody/clutch combo is classy, functional, and will match everything!

Selna Dress

This is absolutely gorgeous and would be perfect for fall weddings and cocktail parties. I love any type of lace or eyelet detail, and the blue eyelet contrasting the pink underneath layer is a nice twist!

Maris Top I've Got Butterflies

I love the concept of this top, but I think it's better suited for warm weather because having to wear a cardigan over it would cover up the beautiful bow detail in the back.

Beckett Dress Mambo Pink Polka Dot Stripe

This is a bright and polished Fall dress that would be great for both work and going out.

What are your thoughts on Lilly's Fall 2013 collection overall? What are your favorite pieces? I'd love to hear!

-L

xoxo

Featured Outfit: Summer Nights

Summer Nights Going Out Ensemble by pearlsgowitheverything 

I wore the ensemble pictured above for a night out with friends earlier this summer, and it's one of my favorite outfits I've put together recently. The neon pink blouse from the J.Crew outlet really pops against a pair of white Joe's Jeans skinnies. A bright yellow bubble necklace (also from J.Crew Factory) adds another burst of neon to the outfit. A fun Lilly Pulitzer bangle and Kate Spade turtle cocktail ring, classic pearl stud earrings, and some bronze Jack Rogers pull together the rest of the ensemble.

And here's a shot of me wearing this outfit! This will definitely be a go-to for summer nights out on the town!

-L

xoxo

Happy Birthday Jackie O!

Today is the birthday of former First Lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis, one of Lilly Pulitzer's original fans, and one of the classiest and best-dressed women of all time!

Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th posted this picture on their Facebook Page

This is the family picture of the Kennedys with Jackie wearing a classic gingham Lilly Pulitzer shift. The popularity of Lilly skyrocketed after this photo appeared in Life Magazine. (Image via Elle) 

Channeling my inner Jackie O in a classic Lilly shift from The Originals collection...

...and in some oversized sunglasses!

-L

xoxo

Friday Five

1. The Royal Baby- Prince George!

Image via

Nothing makes a Monday morning more exciting than news that Kate Middleton is in labor! The world anxiously awaited for news of the birth, particularly whether there would be a little prince or princess. At 4:24pm British time The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge welcomed a precious baby boy into the world, and a few hours later word traveled across the Atlantic. I can't get enough of this adorable little family and am looking forward to reading this week's Collectors Edition of People magazine. Kate Middleton always looks absolutely flawless, even one day after giving birth! I adore the Carolina blue polka dot Jenny Packham dress she wore to officially debut Prince George to the world on the steps outside St. Mary's Hospital.

2. Lilly Pulitzer Sleeveless Island Polo

 A couple weeks ago I was in a Lilly Pulitzer store and bought the Sleeveless Island Polo in Sunrise Orange for 50% off! (This color looks especially nice with my Ice Cream Social shorts). I don't have many sleeveless polos or Lilly polos so this was a nice addition to my closet. In fact, I loved the fit and comfort so much that I went back a few days later to get one in Glenda Green!

3. Stella & Dot Elephant Weekender Bag

The cousin of a longtime family friend recently launched her business as a Stella & Dot Stylist. She knew I loved elephants, so she brought this precious elephant print weekender bag to my attention. I have a carry-on size basic black Samsonite rolling suitcase, several smaller duffel/tote bags, and a jumbo LL Bean duffel bag that is not very practical because it's awkward to carry. I didn't have any bags quite like this, so decided to order it! It came yesterday and I love it! The size is great and it's so much cuter and more fun than my boring black rolling suitcase. This will definitely be my primary weekend trip bag from now on! And you can see in the picture below from the Stella & Dot website that the bag is expandable, in case you're an over-packer like me! If you want to purchase one and don't have a Stella & Dot Stylist, I highly recommend Sarah! Follow this link to go to her Stylist page and order this bag (or other goodies) through her!

4. Beach Drinks

Few things are more wonderful than enjoying an cold beverage in a Lilly Pulitzer koozie on the beach, like I did with one of my best friends last weekend! Wish we were there again this weekend!

5. Karen Kingsbury Anniversary Tweet

This past Tuesday I saw on Facebook and Twitter that Karen Kingsbury, my favorite author, was celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary with her husband Don! So I tweeted "Happy Anniversary" to her, not thinking she would actually respond, since I'm sure she gets tons of tweets each day. Sure enough, she took the time to reply to me and it made my day!!! KK and her husband are such an amazing example of a Godly marriage! Also, my dear friend and Godly mentor, who is actually the one who got me hooked on Karen Kingsbury books, will be celebrating 25 years of marriage with her husband next Tuesday! I think that's so cool her wedding was exactly one week after KK's! 

Have a great weekend!

-L

xoxo

Looking Ahead

"There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind." -C.S. Lewis

This C.S. Lewis quote was on the front of the bulletin at church a couple weeks ago and I just had to share it with y'all! I had heard it before, and it is one of my favorites. These words encourage and give hope in so many circumstances. Ultimately, for those who know and follow Jesus, Heaven is the "better thing ahead" that we have to look forward to. This earth is not our home, and even if we live 90 years our time in this world is just a blink of an eye in comparison to our eternal life in Heaven with the Lord. Also, even the most amazing things on this earth pale in comparison to the glorious riches we will  inherit in Heaven. And that is just amazing!

However, this quote also provides comfort to situations throughout our lives on this side of eternity. During our time on Earth, seasons come and go, and people walk in and out of our lives. God gives and He takes away. Sometimes He closes doors and we don't understand why. He takes away things we thought were the best thing for us and we just don't see how there can be anything better for us than what we lost. And we kick and scream and moan in protest, and even doubt God's goodness and sovereignty. God is ALWAYS good though, even when we can't see it or feel it. He "works all things for the good of those who love Him" (Romans 8:28) and "no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless" (Psalm 84:11). God knows us better than we know ourselves, and thus knows what's best for us. And His timing is flawless. He also cares deeply about the desires of our hearts. As a good friend of mine once said, "God never closes a door without opening a window." It's okay and healthy to experience grief and mourn the loss of closed doors. But instead of dwelling on that, look ahead to the future and get excited about the better things God has in store for you in His perfect way and time! 

-L

xoxo

Wish List Wednesday

I'm devoting this week's Wish List Wednesday to items that I hope to get during Lilly Pulitzer's online Endless Summer Sale next month! Lilly has not announced the exact dates for this annual sale, but it's usually around the third week of August. I am going to try really hard not to make any more Lilly purchases until then! Here are some goodies I am hoping to score:

Cassie Dress in Tango Orange

I currently just have one Cassie Dress, and would love to add another color to my collection. There's no such thing as too many Cassies- they are so comfortable and so versatile! This orange is so pretty! 

Kaleb Dress in True Navy Step by Step Stripe

I already have one striped Kaleb Dress I love (see yesterday's Featured Outfit post) and would like to get this Navy one as well. This color would transition into Fall really nicely.

Kaley Dress in Pansy Purple Boat Party Stripe

Another comfy and adorable Lilly knit dress I would like to add to my closet! You can usually get great deals on these during the online sales!

Spence Skort in Resort White Sunkissed with a Glow

I really want something in this glow-in-the-dark print and you can't go wrong with a Lilly skort!

Corrie Skirt in Glenda Green Beach Bash

I love this print!

Buttercup Short in Glenda Green Pretty Gingham

Gingham is super classic, and the scalloped hem is so fun!

Buttercup Short in Resort White Nibbles

This neon carrot print is too cute!

Kirkland Dress in Tide Blue

This would be the perfect UNC Game Day dress! I haven't tried this style on yet, so if you have tried it on or bought it, I'd love feedback about the sizing and fit!

Chin Chin Cooler and Cloth Napkins

One of my favorite things about Lilly's online sale is that they often have items for sale that were previously only offered as a gift with purchase. There have been multiple occasions when I've really wanted a GWP, but couldn't justify the minimum spend required for it, such as this past spring when a cooler and cloth napkins were offered in Multi Chin Chin, one of my all-time favorite Lilly prints. I'm really hoping these will be available for direct purchase during the Endless Summer Sale!

What do y'all have your eyes on that you hope to buy during Lilly's Endless Sumer Sale? I'd love to know!

-L

xoxo

Featured Outfit: Lilly Knit Dress

This past weekend I was back at the beach with another good friend, and I wore my Lilly Pulitzer Kaleb Dress out to dinner one night. This dress is so incredibly comfortable but also looks extremely pulled together. I love the block of coral at the top of this dress. It adds a fun contrast to the stripes! Lilly knits are the perfect casual dresses for a night out at the beach! My friend wore a belted Lilly Pulitzer Cassie Dress in Schooner Blue. She absolutely adores the Cassie and is always looking to add new colors to her collection!

My outfit details (right)- Dress: Lilly Pulitzer Kaleb; Necklace: Lilly Pulitzer Shell Yeah; Shoes: Jack Rogers Bronze Navajos; Earrings: Kate Spade; Cocktail Ring: Kate Spade.

You can't see them in this picture, but I also wore my Kate Spade "Tickle The Ivories"(cream) and "Sweeten The Deal" (mint) Idiom bangles.

-L

xoxo

Featured Outfit: Fiesta Pink Gingham

Hey y'all! Internet is back up and running at my place! Hope y'all have had a great Monday. The news of the much awaited royal birth definitely helped ease the Monday blues. Congrats to Will and Kate on your precious baby boy. I can't wait to see pictures of the little prince! Any guesses as to his name? My top three guesses (in no particular order) are Henry, George, and James.

Although Duchess Kate gave birth to a boy, today's Featured Outfit post is all about pink! This is one of my favorite outfits I wore out when I was at the beach the week of July 4th. I was excited to debut my Mimosa Skirt in Fiesta Pink Pretty Gingham from the Lilly Pulitzer Spring 2013 line. I adore the neon color and scalloped hem. This skirt will be a staple in my warm weather wardrobe for a long time!

Skirt: Lilly Pulitzer Mimosa Skirt in Fiesta Pink Pretty Gingham; Top: Banana Republic Outlet; Belt: Lilly Pulitzer Sullivan Belt; Shoes: Jack Rogers Bronze Navajos; Bangles: Kate Spade; Ring: Kate Spade; Earrings: Lilly Pulitzer; Pearls: Honora

Close-up of bangles

Close-up of ring

Close-up of earring

This was a fun outfit to play mini golf in. I was just a tad excited to get a hole-in-one.

-L

xoxo

MIA

Hey y'all! My apologies for being so slack with blogging this week as well. The Internet at my place has been super slow and frustrating all week. The Blogger app for iPhone is definitely not user-friendly unless you're doing simple text only. I will be at the beach this weekend, but will hopefully be back in the swing of things next week with some Featured Outfit posts and more! Hope y'all have a lovely weekend!
-L
xoxo

Friday Five

Friday Five is back this week! Hope it's been a good one for y'all!

1. Norts on Sale!

Confession: Until very recently my wardrobe lacked Norts (Nike Shorts) and I was still wearing Soffees to run in. (Please don't judge me!) I have known for awhile that Soffees are out and Norts are the stylish workout/super casual shorts, but didn't get any because I would rather spend money on non-workout clothes. I finally bit the bullet and got some Norts, thanks to the Dick's Sporting Goods Buy One Get One 50% off sale that was happening right before I went to the beach! (I also got a great pair at Nordstrom Rack several days before I purchased these, but they only had one pair in my size of the style I like and I wanted a couple more so I could rotate pairs.) I'm so glad I did, and since they're so much cuter than Soffees I will wear them for running errands, etc in addition to working out! 

2. Royal Baby Watch!

Lilly Pulitzer posted this 5x5 print on their Facebook page today in anticipation of Princess Kate Middleton's mid-July due date! I am so excited the royal baby will soon be here! I'm hoping for a little princess but irregardless I'm looking forward to seeing tons of pictures! I wish she would go ahead and have the baby already!

3. Trader Joe's Mini Crispy Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies

These are one of my favorite Trader Joe's snacks! They're perfect if you want just a little taste of chocolate chip cookie!

4. Breakfast of Champions at the Beach

One of my favorite beach traditions is going to Dunkin Donuts one morning and picking up some Munchkins and a Latte Lite before hitting the beach!

5. Old Navy Vintage Mickey and Minnie Tees

Old Navy is really hit or miss for me. My visit this week during their "Stuff and Save" promotion for Gap card holders was a success though! I snagged a few of these adorable limited edition vintage Mickey and Minnie tees that Old Navy recently got in. The kid in me loves all things Disney, especially classic Mickey and Minnie! And these shirts are so soft and perfect for sleeping or lounging in!

Hope y'all have a great weekend!

-L

xoxo

Featured Outfit: Aquarium Trip!

During my week at the beach my best friend and I went to the North Carolina Aquarium one day! I incorporated some sea creatures into my outfit by wearing seersucker shorts with embroidered lobsters, a seashell necklace, and a turtle ring!

Cardigan: J.Crew Factory; Camisole: Banana Republic Factory; Shorts: J.Crew Factory; Necklace: Lilly Pulitzer; Bangles: Kate Spade; Turtle Ring: Kate Spade; Shoes: Jack Rogers; Earrings: Kate Spade; Sunnies: Tory Burch

Turtle Ring + Live Turtle!

-L
xoxo

I'm Back + 4th of July Featured Outfit

Hey y'all! I have been MIA the past week or so because I spent an entire week at the beach! Despite my best intentions I did not have posts queued up to go before I left. I hope y'all had a safe and fun July 4th holiday! Here is my my red, white, and blue attire from when I wasn't laying out on the beach:

Top: Banana Republic Outlet; Shorts: Milly for Banana Republic Elephant Print; Hat: Southern Proper; Sunnies: Tory Burch; Earrings: Lilly Pulitzer; Bangle: Lilly Pulitzer; Turtle Ring: Kate Spade; Shoes: Jack Rogers; Pearls: Honora

My best friend and me!

What did y'all wear for the 4th of July?

-L

xoxo