Summer Essentials: Best Beach Bags of 2013

There's still plenty of time to squeeze in trips to the beach and pool during this last month of summer, and if you're in the market for a new pool/beach bag here are some great options!

Lilly Pulitzer Shoreline Tote Chin Chin

I have this bag and actually use it as just a regular tote bag, but Lilly markets it as a beach bag. The inside wipes clean easily and there is an interior zip pocket for keeping iPhones and such dry and sand-free.

Lilly Pulitzer Insulated Cooler Bag

Lilly Pulitzer's insulated cooler bags are actually my top choice for a beach bag. I have the Limeade Floaters print from two years ago that I still use and it has held up well! You can fit a decent amount of stuff in it and it zips across the top. As an added bonus it comes with a pink Lilly Pulitzer bottle opener! (I have this cooler bag in Chin Chin as well, that I use as a multi-purpose bag.) 

I don't have these next few bags so can't speak from personal experience of their usefulness as beach/pool totes, but they are all adorable and appear very functional as well:

Stella & Dot How She Does It-Navy Stripe

My Stella & Dot Stylist Sarah highly recommends this tote as a beach bag. Multiple interior pockets, including a water bottle holder, make it easy to stay organized!

Vineyard Vines Nor'Easter Tote

This nylon tote from Vineyard Vines also has multiple interior pockets and would be a great beach tote.

Marley Lilly Monogrammed Large Jute Tote

This monogrammed tote from Marley Lilly comes in multiple color options!

Bamboula Ltd. for J.Crew Market Tote

This woven tote has a beachy vibe!

What have been your "go-to" bags for trips to the beach and pool this summer?

-L

xoxo

Friday Five

I can't believe it's already August! This summer is going by way too quickly! Here is this week's Friday Five!

1. Kate Spade Under The Sun Idiom Bangle

I recently put some more Gap Rewards towards another Kate Spade Idiom Bangle from Piperlime. I added the orange "Under The Sun" bangle to my collection!

2. My Three Sons Pimento Cheese

I recently tried this brand on pimento cheese when Harris Teeter had it on sale and I think it bumps Palmetto Cheese out of my "favorite pimento cheese slot." Plus its slightly healthier than Palmetto Cheese, which is a nice plus as well! I highly recommend My Three Sons Pimento Cheese!

3. Old Navy Embroidered Gauze Cover-up

This is my new favorite cover-up. I got it at Old Navy few weeks ago and love how light and breezy it is. I also like that it's sheer, so you can be both covered up and show off your cute bathing suit at the same time! 

4. Lilly Pulitzer Large 2013-2014 Agenda in Tusk In Sun

The beginning of August means time to break out your new Lilly Pulitzer Agenda! I get the large size every year and this year my print choice was a no-brainer since the adorable Tusk In Sun elephant print was an option! I can't wait until Lifeguard Press releases the rest of their Fall 2013 Lilly gifts and stationery line because I definitely want more goodies in this print!

5. Maybelline Baby Lips

Maybelline Baby Lips is my newest favorite beauty buy. This tinted lip balm moistures with shea butter and Vitamin E and adds a very subtle hint of color to your lips. And the flavors are so good- I have tried Pink Punch and Peach Kiss.

Have a great weekend!

-L

xoxo

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