Tips for Shopping the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale

Cheers, because the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale (formerly known as the After Party Sale) is *almost* here!!!! If you know me, then you know I LOVE a good sale, especially from my favorite fashion house. Personally, I have shopped this sale many many many times. For many, the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale can be pretty daunting especially at first. So, today, I am spilling ALLL the tea on all about shopping the upcoming Sunshine Sale!

About the After Party Sale

The Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale is the brand’s biannual sale. Markdowns range from 30%-70%. One of the elements of Lilly Pulitzer that makes it and its Sunshine Sale so unique is the fact that their sales are only twice a year (January and September). There is NEVER a sale section on the Lilly Pulitzer website, well if you have yet to notice, or in-store to a high extent on most days. The Sunshine Sale takes place at all Lilly Pulitzer stores and Lilly Pulitzer Signature Stores or boutiques, including The Printed Peach and Postcards from Paradise, and even Zappos has some great deals. In this case of the September 2021 Sale, due to COVID-19, I am pretty sure that the sale will only be held online and may remain on this online format for sales to come.

Sale Duration

Traditionally, the sale lasts in stores only over the weekend for a first exclusive access and then online the following Monday and Tuesday. Typically, when online, the Sunshine Sale starts at 8am (Eastern time) on the first day of the sale and ends at midnight (Eastern time) the next. New sale items also arrive each day of the two days and even later in the day, too. Not only do all Lilly Pulitzer corporation stores participate, but also all Lilly Pulitzer Signature Stores – even online – take part in it, too!

The Waiting Line

Set your alarm clocks and grab your wallets, because IT’S SALE TIME!!! For the start of the online sale on the Lilly Pulitzer website, I highly recommend getting up about an hour early and shopping the sale early. However, you WILL be put in a waiting line virtually before entering the sale. Usually, it will say an estimated waiting time, but it will go by much much much faster than anticipated. In my experiences, it has lasted about 10-20 minutes maximum. The BEST PART?! You can log onto the sale on ALL of your devices at once! But, just be sure to not reload your device – otherwise, you will be placed back into the virtual waiting line from the start.

Signature Stores

As previously noted, Lilly Pulitzer Signature Stores DO participate in the Sunshine Sale, too! Signature stores include, The Printed Peach in Savannah, Postcards from Paradise in Holland, Pink in Greenville, North Carolina, and The Pink Crab in Annapolis and Rehoboth Beach. They sell all of the same merchandise if not more from previous seasons that they still have in stock, as compared to the corporate stores. In fact, some of the Signature Stores launch their online sales at midnight the day that the Lilly Pulitzer sale goes LIVE at 8am. So, you can score some great deals the night before hitting the Lilly Pulitzer site!

Tips

  • Log onto the Sunshine Sale on the first day about an hour to a half hour before the sale launches on the Lilly Pulitzer site. As the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm!
  • Upon joining the waiting list for the Sunshine Sale that first morning, have the site open on ALL of your devices! The more the merrier and the more deals and items you can score!
  • Check Zappos and Signature Stores at midnight on the first day. The moment the clock strikes midnight, stores such as Zappos and Signature Stores with websites may use this time to broadcast their own sale deals and give us all a sneak peek and opportunity to snag some for ourselves, too! Trust me, you’ll want to buy early since they WILL go fast.
  • An item you want isn’t in stock?! Then, check Signature Stores via messaging them on social media, calling them, their websites, and even going in-store.
  • Have a set budget. Yes, have a set budget in mind for how much you are willing to spend during the sale. It may be exciting and tempting to buy as much as you see, but be sure that you can afford all that you get, so you and your wallet can thank you later!!!

Now, Happy Shopping folks!

XOXO – Katie <3

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My New Favorite Iced Coffee Machine + My At-Home Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe!

If I told you that you could save hundred’s and even up to one thousand dollars or more on coffee/a year?! A way that you can forgo your go-to Starbucks or Dunkin’ order for something just as good and even more affordable?! It may sound too good to be true. But, you heard me right – there is, indeed a way that you can do just that! The Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Machine saves its customers $800 on average per year on iced coffee, according to its box. I recently purchased the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Machine, and many of y’all have been asking me about it wanting to buy it yourselves, too. Well, y’all asked and today I will deliver: I am sharing my own experiences with the Mr. Coffee Iced Machine.

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

The Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Machine Review

The Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Machine retails for $30 at its full retail price; however, recently, I have seen it retail on sale at Target for $25 (where I purchased) and Walmart for $15. This coffee machine comes in 4 different colors to meet your coffee station’s decorative coloring and needs. Along with the coffee machine, your purchase of up to $30 comes with a high quality clear branded tumbler with a lid and straw as well as a measuring cup to measure out your coffee grounds. Personally, you get A LOT of bang for your buck!

So far, my experiences with the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Machine have been pretty great. It is easy to use, with the instructions on how to use it taped right to the top of it upon unboxing it, and even pours coffee quicker than *drumroll please* the Keurig. In order to use, you add 1/2 cup of water to the base, a measuring cup (provided with the machine) full of coffee grounds to the coffee ground container, place a tumbler with ice underneath, and press the button to allow it to work some magic for less than a minute. It’s easy as eating a slice of pumpkin pie!!!

As for the taste of the coffee, I find it to be pretty great. Personally, I see great benefits to buying your own coffee grounds and/or K-Cups and brewing your own at-home coffee. As a self-proclaimed caffeine queen and an actual caffeine addict (hey, at least I own up to that part!), I find a lot of benefits in saving my own money and enjoying some coffee straight from the comfort of my own home. At the same time, I do enjoy some Starbucks here and there, but in moderation (and, yes, I am Team Starbucks over Team Dunkin’!). When using the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Machine, you get to choose which coffee grounds you use and you can use your favorite, too. As for adding in an additional taste, I always add creamer to my hot coffee and use the same one with my iced coffee and add in a bit of flavored syrup too, and no, not maple syrup. You can even add in whipped cream, some sweet spices such as cinnamon and pumpkin spice, or sugar – the possibilities are unlimited! I find it pretty great that one can choose what they put on their own iced coffee to their liking, especially when made at home.

Overall, the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Machine is a 10/10. Not only is this coffee machine super easy to use and convenient, it is also super affordable. I can customize my coffee the way I like it and be my own barista (see my at-home Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe using this machine below!). Personally, I felt like I robbed the store because the price and everything included was too good to be true!

My At-Home Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe!

***Please note that this recipe is made using the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Machine.***

Ingredients:

  • Pumpkin-flavored coffee grounds (I got mine at TJ Maxx)
  • SkinnyGirl Pumpkin-flavored fat free/sugar free syrup (I got mine at TJ Maxx)
  • Pumpkin-flavored coffee creamer (I use Delight’s fat free creamer)
  • Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice

Steps:

  1. Use the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Machine as usual (add in coffee grounds to the machine, water to the machine base, ice to tumbler, and start the coffee brewing!)
  2. Add in the coffee creamer and syrup
  3. Sprinkle the pumpkin spices on top
  4. Stir it all together
  5. Enjoy!

If you are interested in purchasing your own Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Machine, then you can purchase your own in store at Target or Walmart or using this link: https://rstyle.me/+qRo5tDvuyPCTStDva8jw-Q

Happy coffee day!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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The Life of Katie!

Hey y’all! Today, I will be sharing my third-ever The Life of Katie! Fortunately, these have become quite a hit here on this platform, so I will continue to do them for weeks to come. As always stated in these posts, before I get into sharing a peek into my life and the inner workings of my life and how I spread my own confetti, I want to hear a bit about yours. So, at the end of this post, comment below one or two things that you’re looking forward to this week – I would LOVE to know!

What’s Been on my Mind?!

  • Chicago Med, cont. – Recently, I have been watching a LOT of Chicago Med. Y’all I LOVE THIS SHOW! While I do love Grey’s Anatomy too and the patients that they bring into the hospital, I have found that I prefer the patients and their cases that Chicago Med has brought on a bit more. Not to mention, I really love that this show has a psychiatric program that is regularly seen on the show – it is something different that I think is so so vital to today’s society and especially with hospital patients and their cases. At the same time, they have a regular doctor on the show who is on the autism spectrum, which brings about a ton of diversity even more than what the show’s cast has to offer. Needless to say, this show is a hit and has oddly enough, helped me to be more productive with my work.
  • Pumpkin Spice, am I right?! – Creamer, syrup, and coffee grounds, oh my! I have been LOVING the pumpkin spice season, especially with it now being September! Recently, I purchased Mr. Coffee’s Iced Coffee Machine and have been enjoying every minute of owning it. I have been brewing up ALL the iced pumpkin spice lattes in the comfort of my own home since. Through it all, I have been embracing this pumpkin spice season, and enjoying every minute of it!
  • Addison Montgomery coming back to Grey’s Anatomy! – If you know me, then you know I LOVE Addison Montgomery from both Grey’s Anatomy and its spin-off Private Practice. This past week, actress Kate Walsh who plays this favorite character of mine announced in the form of a super fun Tik Tok that she would be coming back onto Grey’s Anatomy for its upcoming Season 18. Let me just say that I am SO SO excited that Addison Montgomery is making her first appearance back on the screen after around 10 years. It’ll be super fun to see her back at it again and as a regular within the ever-evolving show cast and of course with causing drama for the series lead Meredith Grey!
  • Fall recipes! – The other day, I saw a meme about how, since it is September, it is officially soup season! My mind has been wrapped around the idea of all of the adorable Fall recipes that I can be doing this season, from Butternut squash soup, to spaghetti squash pasta, to candy corn cookies. At the same time, I am super excited to be able to hit the aisles of Trader Joe’s and local Farmer’s Markets in the coming weeks for Fall goodies to try in my own kitchen, too. I have been doing a lot of meal planning and searching the web and Pinterest to admire some of the many Fall recipes that I plan to try this season.

These are a Few of my Favorite Things!

  • Downtown Fairfax, Virginia – The other day, I took a day trip to downtown Fairfax, Virginia. Located in the heart of Northern Virginia’s Fairfax County, Fairfax, Virginia has an ADORABLE tiny downtown that has lots to do. I made a visit to go get dinner with my friend Haley at the local Coyote Grill and we had a great time! Not only was the food good, but the restaurant’s atmosphere was even better. Haley also lives right near the downtown, so it’s fun to know that I have someone I can see who calls this adorable place home. Needless to say, many of the other restaurants in downtown Fairfax gave me that same appeal. Luckily for myself, downtown Fairfax is an easy 20-30 minute day trip from my own home, and I will be back very soon.
  • Glitter & Daisies – One of my good fellow influencer friends, Holly, of Glitter & Daisies created her own shop selling Disney ears with the same namesake! Holly has worked countless hours, days, weeks, and months to get this shop up and running and she is so deserving of all the glory that has come to her since. Her Disney ears are oh so adorable and provide several ounces of glam, especially if you’re going on a Disney trip or doing a Disney run (virtual or at the parks). This past weekend, Holly’s shop went live and she is doing so so so well since it did, and I could not be any prouder. Above all else, I cannot wait to place my order after Lilly Pulitzer’s After Party Sale! You can shop her site here: https://www.glitteranddaisies.com.
  • Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Machine – Last week, I unboxed my Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee machine. Let me tell y’all, it is amazing! I am so excited that I was able to purchase this easy-to-use iced coffee machine and how much money I will be saving, too. I will be publishing a review on this iced coffee machine later this week, so be on the lookout for that. In the meantime, the other day on Facebook, I spotted that this exact iced coffee machine is being sold for $15 at Walmart. So, run!!!!
  • The Dollar Tree’s Fall Decor – I have been oh so excited, whenever I walk through the doors of my local Dollar Tree, to admire ALL of the Fall decorations. From wooden silhouettes in the shapes of pumpkins and witches, to block decals even in the form of a monogram, to outdoor scarecrows, to pumpkins, The Dollar Tree has it all. The Dollar Tree has truly stepped up their game in the recent months/years. In fact, my friends Kaylee and Julia go there for holiday decorations and decorations in general and I can see why! I have similarly started doing the same, myself, too. Needless to say, I am excited to go back and make a visit this week for even more Fall decorations.
  • My new do! – Last week, I *finally* got rid of my long, COVID-19 locks and opted for a shorter AND blonder hair do! I have been going to the same hairdresser for almost 10 years now and my mother much longer than me and I could not not go to her yet again. I had a great time getting my hair done and am excited about my new look. Y’all, it WAS about time!

Recent Purchases & My Wishlist Items!

  • Fall Decor – This past week, I went to both Hobby Lobby and The Dollar Tree, in order to purchase Fall decorations. Soon enough, I will be revealing my Fall decorations for this year on my social media and here on the blog. Let me just say that there are SO many adorable decorations on the shelves this Fall y’all!
  • Ipsy – Back in June, I finally took the plunge and got an Ipsy Makeup Bag monthly subscription. I have to say that I LOVE getting new and exciting makeup finds that I would not have found elsewhere each month. August, I got an eyeshadow duo palette and a blush that I LOVE and have been wearing since I unzipped my pouch!
  • J Crew Factory Fall Items – I’m a sucker for J Crew! J Crew Factory has continuously been one of my favorite fashion brands. Their new Fall arrivals are oh so adorable, and I cannot wait to shop them in the coming weeks. In the meantime, I am having the hardest time being able to decide which item(s) to take the plunge on and purchase. Though, I will say that I LOVE their scalloped tanks, paper skirts, patent wedges, and top knot headbands.

What’s on the Docket?!

  • Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale – Rumor has it, the Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale will be occurring within the next week or two. Let’s just say that this girl will be shopping until she drops. I always use the September After Party Sales to stock up on Lilly Pulitzer products that I can style someway for the Fall months. I am also a sucker for Fall, y’all, and cannot wait to wear some Lilly even if it is cooler outside!
  • Sunday Football Day – Sunday is a big football day, especially in my family’s house! This upcoming weekend, my Dad is coming into town to watch the football game with my brother, so I will be baking them some Italian football snacks and lunch. I am super excited to be able to provide my Dad and brother with some fun snacks to enjoy their football fun on the couch!

Now, as stated up above, I would LOVE to hear what you’re up to this week! Comment down below something that you’re looking forward to!

XOXO – Katie <3

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DC Diaries – Part 7 + My Favorite Labor Day Sales!

Being just over 1 month into my brand new job, my post-graduation life in here in Washington, DC is coming together little by little. At the same time, life can sometimes feel as if it is falling at the seams. Through it all, life, including post-graduation life, is essentially a roller coaster with twists and turns. But, it is great, and if we follow along and enjoy the journey and make the best of it, then that is pretty great and, indeed, a pretty great time!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

My work life is most definitely growing and it is super exciting on that end – I am getting to know my coworkers on my projects and beyond and starting to work on some pretty cool projects, too. At the same time, work-wise, I am starting to work on my first of two certifications via online courses, in order to better expand my skillsets within the Data Analytics world. Overall, my life in the work world is expanding and it’s expanding for the better.

As for my life outside of work, it has felt like an adjustment. This has been the first time that I have not been in school since circa 2002-2003-2004. So, needless to say, it has been real strange not being in school and starting school when I’m seeing others around the same age as me still in school, whether older or younger. I definitely miss being around others around my age within the classroom and social setting. I, mean, in college, I lived in a building such as a dorm or an apartment complex where all of my friends and classmates lived, meaning social life galore. Now, in the post-graduate world, it is anything but that socially.

When I graduated from college, I was departing college extremely drained and burned out. I was a workaholic in college and still am to some extent! But, I was really really engaged in my college’s academic, social, and extracurricular lives. I truly made the best of my college experience and am forever grateful for it. However, I knew that I could not jump right into another semester of school just yet. I knew that I wanted to be able to do some meaningful work that would make an impact beyond the classroom and my job has provided me with just that.

When in DC, do as a Washingtonian does! Last weekend, my friends Cassie and Caroline came to visit me from North Carolina. We had a pretty great time exploring the city and simply going with the flow. We visited the International Spy Museum, the monuments, TJ Maxx, and much more! I have ALWAYS been a big big big Type A person, but it was nice to be able to let go a bit. It was nice to know that ALL of us are in the transition phase from college life to post-graduation life. None of us are alone, no matter how weird it may feel from time to time.

Above all else, life may not feel super ideal given that I am going through the post-graduation life transition, but it is something to enjoy along the way. In the meantime, I am going to be admiring some of the great Labor Day Sales (listed below!) while saving my money for the Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale. Happy shopping!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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How I Dress for Work When there’s NO Formal Dress code!

A couple of weeks ago, I was on a walk with my friends Haley and Violet. I was telling them all about my job, and they were wondering with gleam as to whether or not I would be dressing like a starting out woman in a glam pencil skirt circa any early 2000’s New York City-set movie featuring a female starting out. Their expectations of my work dress code were anything by accurate. My job, in fact, has NO dress code! Just a mere 5 years ago, this may come as a shock to many to even think of setting foot into your office doors without even considering a workplace dress code. But, with the COVID-19 pandemic’s onset expansion of work-from-home and folks wearing sweatpants and pajama pants over trousers, no dress codes for work have become the norm.

Before I get into how I dress for work without a particular dress code in mind, I need to throw out there that there are times where I do have to abide by a certain dress code. These instances may be when I am presenting, in a meeting for a particular topic/occasion/even a person, or an event. On the same token, it is important to note that when most offices, including my own, do not specify a formal dress code, it is important to dress to the environment that you are working from. If everyone is in suits and ties, then you may consider a pantsuit. The same goes for t-shirts and jeans, well, if that is your cup of tea. Similarly, it is extremely vital that one does not show up just as if they were to have gotten out of bed to go into the office or hop onto a Zoom meeting with their video camera on. No matter if you’re in a t-shirt or a blazer and blouse, the way that you present and carry yourself goes far and will reflect on you in the workplace.

HOW I DRESS FOR WORK WHEN THERE’S NO FORMAL DRESS CODE

  • Adding in my own flair – Since I do not have a formal dress code protocol that I have to follow day by day, I can seriously add my own flair to my work outfits as much or as little as I want to. I can truly be Katie and show it with my work looks. I have always been one to love seeing how people spice up their work looks, whether on social media, in movies, or simply in the office. Inspiration comes from a variety of different angles for me, and I love to add my own twist to something that someone else did as well.
  • Dress in the way you’ll be the most productive – You may have heard the saying “dressed for success”. Indeed, many of us feel as if we can take on the world when we get all dressed up and feel the most confident in how we look, in order to get the job done. Personally, this rings true to me! I am more productive when I am dressed up rather than in leggings and a t-shirt and/or hoodie. However, that does not mean that when it’s Friday, I may wear just that! I know some folks would much rather be comfortable in a t-shirt and sweats than all dressed up and that’s great, too. However you’re the most productive with what you wear is how you should go about doing it all.
  • Dress according to the environment – One of the best ways that I have gauged how to dress in the workplace is simply by what others are wearing. In the few times that I have been into the office, I have noticed that people are more likely to get dressed up than not. So, I replicate that concept for myself too.
  • Overdressed >>> Underdressed – being overdressed can be mortifying in some situations, such as walking onto a school bus in an elegant floor length gown, but in the case of going to work it is not. Though I would not advise wearing a floor length formal gown to work, wearing something that is a bit more overdressed than others (such as a blazer/suit) is always a bonus. Especially when you are starting out on the job, dressing up a bit more than your coworkers allows you to make a good impression and show off your best self, too!
  • Be YOU and have fun! – Above all else, be YOU! Add hints of yourself into your work wardrobe. Actually, right before I started my job, I put together a rolling rack of outfits to pull from for my first few weeks. I still use it, and it’s a fun way to put together a variety of outfits from pieces that I may not normally wear which at the moment for me are my Lilly Pulitzer Kristen flounce dresses. The persona that I wanted to portray about myself through my work wardrobe is that she can get business done with a sprinkle of confetti! That being said, I pulled from a lot of my J Crew Factory scalloped shifts, Ouges dresses that I got for a steal off of Amazon, Lands’ End shifts and maxi’s, and even added some of my favorite brand Lilly Pulitzer into the mix. Through it all, I even wore a t-shirt, *yes* a t-shirt to work from home, too!
  • Be mindful of your schedule and work-related events – Dress code or not, being mindful of your work schedule and the correspondence that may be coming from it is key. If you are in a meeting or attending an event which may require that you dress in a manner that does involve a dress code, then it is imperative that you do so while adding a bit of personal flair in a different way than a typical day, too.
  • Have some business causal clothing on-hand – Yes, despite not having a workplace dress code on the regular, I still have some business casual clothing items on hand. Business casual clothing items being a blazer, trousers, little black dress, little grey dress, tweed jackets, pencil skirts, etc. is an important thing to note. I found a lot of my favorite business causal pieces at Lands’ End and J Crew along with Marshall’s/TJ Maxx. While I don’t need to wear them on a regular basis, I still try to put them into my wardrobe here and there and where I need them, too.

What you wear to work is apart of your day to day life. In fact, it plays a more important role in our lives than we can even imagine! I mean, we get dressed and we set off on our days from there. Why not make that time into something that can add to your confidence and comfort, especially within the workplace?! I surely have and I hope you can as well.

XOXO – Katie <3

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