When is the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale?

If you’re a Lilly Pulitzer lover, then you may be wondering when is the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale? In this blog post, we will dive into when it may be plus some tips for navigating the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale!

*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.*

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

Interested in getting the latest scoop on all the preppy + grand millennial fashion and decor (& more!) deals?!?! Be sure to join in on the fun over on Substack!

  

When is the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale?!

The Sunshine Sale will occur the week/weekend after Labor Day (September 2026). You can shop the Lilly Pulitzer’s website here.

The Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale happens on a bi-annual basis, typically with a sale in early January (happened earlier this year) and early-mid September. Based on past years, the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale happens in January within 10 days from New Years’ Day and September usually the week following Labor Day weekend. Usually, the Sunshine Sale starts in both corporate and signature stores 1-2 days before the sale hits the web. Throughout the year, Lilly Pulitzer also has a variety of mini pop-up sales and usually offers Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals alongside their signature gifts with purchase with a minimum spend. My biggest piece of advice is to join one of the many Lilly Pulitzer lovers Facebook groups for community events and the latest scoop on sales (I LOVE and am apart of Styling My Lilly, Lilly Con! ‘The Pink Retreat’, Lilly in the City! Event Group Only, and Lilly Pulitzer Lovers- Chat Only). From years’ past, it is estimated that the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale will start in-stores the weekend following Labor Day weekend and online the following Monday-Tuesday/Wednesday. Nevertheless, things can always change, so stay tuned!!

The best place to find the most up-to-date information on the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale 2025 is here.

Sunshine Sale Tips

If you don’t know, the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale (formerly known as the After Party Sale) is Lilly Pulitzer’s biannual sale. It typically happens every January and September for only A FEW DAYS. Lilly Pulitzer does not have a sale section on their website (only in stores which can be hit or miss) which is something unique about the brand, making their sales SO MUCH more exciting and special. It is primarily online and has been in recent years due to COVID-19, yet many Lilly Pulitzer boutiques and Signature Stores do offer early access over the weekends in stores before the sale launches online (in this case, sales started showing up in both flagship and Signature Stores the day after Christmas!). Many of Lilly Pulitzer’s Signature Stores and Zappos (sometimes Belk, too!) offer sales online (those that have websites, though) starting at midnight the day of, so definitely stay up for that! Other Signature Stores offer shipping at a flat fee when you call their storefront during the duration of the sale to purchase – THIS can be a great way to purchase from a Signature Store (which ALL are small businesses) while sometimes *EVEN* getting a product you wanted from the sale which could be out of stock online before you get a chance to shop.

While I won’t dedicate this blog post to writing a bunch of tips about the Sunshine Sale, I will share some blog posts that I wrote in years past that include TONS of Sunshine Sale tips that are still pretty relevant to this day! I will say, though, that my biggest piece of advice is to be open-minded about what may be in the sale. I know many people who have made lists for the things that they want in the Sunshine Sale, which can either be a good or bad thing. I have also seen people being given the wrong package during the Sunshine Sale (especially in September 2022 – tons of complaints on Lilly Lovers Facebook groups!) so BEWARE and MINDFUL. In the meantime, you can read my previous Sunshine Sale blog posts, including several tips (!!!), here:

And, last but not least, if you’re looking for an investment piece either during the Sunshine Sale or for a little treat yourself moment, then look no further than my casual Lilly Pulitzer dresses shopping and styling guide!

Happy shopping!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Happy Belated National Wear Your Lilly Day 2025!

Happy Summer and Happy belated National Wear Your Lilly Day 2025! I am SO SO SO glad that it is *finally* Summer time, and I am excited for what’s to come this Summer 2025. Ringing in the Summer Solstice at my favorite quick Summer getaway spot in Bethany Beach, Delaware (see my travel guide here), I am a bit behind on sharing my annual National Wear Your Lilly Day post, but alas, here we are spilling the juice!!

About National Wear Your Lilly Day

You may be wondering … what exactly IS National Wear Your Lilly Day?! 

National Wear Your Lilly Day is celebrated on every first day of Summer/Summer Solstice aka June 20 as an annual celebration hosted by the beloved Palm Beach-founded brand. Fellow Lilly Pulitzer lovers may also find themselves on this very day in West Palm Beach, Florida for the annual “Lilly Con” known as The Pink Retreat. Furthermore, National Wear Your Lilly Day is a perfect day to celebrate your love for the popular Summer/Resortwear fashion brand!

Reflections

Getting a little bit personal over here, BUTTTTTT … Heading into 2025 after a rough Summer 2024 due to a family emergency, I am extremely grateful, thankful, and blessed to be able to spend this Summer with those that I love and to still have them in my life. This past year brought a lot of chaos and uncertainty within my own family health-wise, and I am grateful that we are all still here. Summer 2024 taught me that life is short and to enjoy our lives while we are here, no matter the year or season or what may be going on in our lives. We only live once and we may as well enjoy it. Hence, I am so blessed to be in calmer waters and to remain so in Summer 2025 and beyond. This Summer 2025, I am also going on a few lovely getaways (mentioned here) including a late-Summer escape to Italy, all of which will include those that I love. I will also be enjoying some time back at the homestead decorating my house and working on some soon to-be-announced things that I CANNOT WAIT to share with YOU. Now, enough of my soap box and cheers to Summer 2025 spent in Lilly Pulitzer!

Wrap-Up

Lilly Pulitzer has been my favorite fashion brand for YEARS now. I am so excited that Summer 2025 is here am so thankful to be able to spend it with loved ones in my favorite Summer styles. Cheers to Summer in Lilly!!

See my previous posts on National Wear Your Lilly Day here:

And, nevertheless, Happy belated National Wear Your Lilly Day 2025!

XOXO – Katie <3

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20 Brands Like Lilly Pulitzer

Why I Love Finding Brands Like Lilly Pulitzer

If you know me, you know that I LOVE Lilly Pulitzer! In fact, Lilly Pulitzer is my favorite fashion designer and has been for over a decade. Throughout my college years (see my apartment from those days here), I was proudly known as “the Lilly girl” and pretty much exclusively wore that brand. However, there are so many incredible brands like Lilly Pulitzer to become acquainted with and support, too. Although I do LOVE Lilly Pulitzer and still purchase Lilly Pulitzer products and clothing, I also LOVE supporting brands like Lilly Pulitzer. There are so many incredible brands out there to support, many of which are women-owned or family-owned and have incredible stories and reasons behind them. I’m hoping that with this blog post, you can learn something new about brands like Lilly Pulitzer and support them, too!

It is worth mentioning that Lilly Pulitzer’s price point can cost a pretty penny at times, which makes it unattainable to some. This blog post while focusing on brands like Lilly Pulitzer, does share a variety of brands offering clothing at a variety of different price points – some of which are higher, equal, or lower to that of what Lilly Pulitzer currently retails at (as of June 2025). If you are looking to find ways to save on gorgeous preppy pieces from Lilly Pulitzer (or brands like it), then check out Lilly Pulitzer’s semi-annual Sunshine Sale and Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals, my list of Lilly Pulitzer Dupes on Amazon, where to buy dresses like Lilly Pulitzer, as well as other brands that are mentioned’s sales. 

*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.*

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

Follow Along for More Preppy Style Finds

Looking for ways to save on your favorite preppy brands?!?! Be sure to check out my Poshmark which is updated weekly with the latest & greatest secondhand preppy deals!

 

Interested in getting the latest scoop on all the preppy + grand millennial fashion and decor (& more!) deals?!?! Be sure to join in on the fun over on Substack!

  

20 Brands Like Lilly Pulitzer

20 Brands Like Lilly Pulitzer

1 – Crown & Ivy at Belk

Started in 2014, Crown & Ivy is a Belk-exclusive brand selling all-things colorful and preppy. Shop Crown & Ivy here. 

2 – Simply Southern

Known for their colorful and preppy tees sold at Hallmark and many gift shops throughout the United States. Simply Southern is more than just a t-shirt brand. Simply Southern also sells vibrant and preppy apparel and home decor pieces while supporting nonprofits. Shop Simply Southern here.

3 – Vineyard Vines, a Preppy Brand Like Lilly Pulitzer

Founded on Martha’s Vineyard in 1988 by brothers Shep and Ian Murray. Vineyard Vines is an all-things preppy, bright, and Americana fashion brand known for their pink whale logo that makes a splash. Shop Vineyard Vines here. 

4 – Jude Connally

Founded in 2010 by a busy working mother Jude Connally Zimmerman. Jude Connally is an American-made women’s fashion brand that focuses on empowering women to look great, feel great, and have easy to care for pieces that mold into their busy lives. Shop Jude Connally here.

5 – Talbots, a Classic Alternative to Lilly Pulitzer

Dating back to 1947 as a catalog-based brand, Talbots is a preppy, New England lifestyle brand empowering women of all sizes to look and feel their best. Shop Talbots here. 

6 – Cabana Life

Founded by Melissa Marks, a melanoma survivor. Cabana Life’s stylish and preppy pieces will take you from a day on the beach to a happy hour at sunset while keeping you protected from the sun. Sun safety awareness is a big proponent of Cabana Life’s mission and philosophy. The brand has a UPF 50+ rating, to ensure you feel great while looking it, too. Shop Cabana Life here. 

7 – Sigrid Olsen

Known for her unique prints and “beach to bistro” vibe, Sigrid Olsen attainable and sustainable artisan crafted resort wear. Shop Sigrid Olsen at TJ Maxx here and Marshall’s here.

8 – Mahi Gold

Family owned and operated out of Chatham, Massachusetts in the heart of Cape Cod. Mahi Gold is a womenswear brand designing pieces inspired by all-things classic, Americana, and coastal living. Shop Mahi Gold here. 

9 – Gretchen Scott Designs, Another Colorful Lilly Pulitzer Alternative

Living by the motto “Laugh More, Gripe Less, Ignore Critics, Say Yes, Order Dessert, Love Life,” Gretchen Scott Designs’ founder and CEO Gretchen Scott specializes in super fun, chic, and globally-inspired designs often in a bright and bubbly fashion. Shop Gretchen Scott Designs here.

10 – Aryeh Collection

Known for the UPF 50+ and cooling fabrics. Aryeh Collection curates a uniquely designed line of stylish pieces featuring intricate watercolor patterns. Shop Aryeh Collection here.

11 – Mary Square

A women-owned brand founded by Kelly Shiley. Mary Square designs bright printed clothing to inspire joy, brighten one’s day, and build confidence. Get 15% Off Your Entire Order at Mary Square with code THEPINKCHICKADEE. 

12 – West Indies Wear

West Indies Wear is pure cotton wear made for high heat or tropical getaways that’s extremely fun, vibrant, and colorful. Shop West Indies Wear here.

13 – Avara

Avara focuses on high quality and cute clothing with a colorful, boutique-like flair since its founding by Emily Wickard in 2018. Shop Avara here. 

14 – J Crew, a Popular Brand Similar to Lilly Pulitzer

Founded in 1983, J Crew is a renowned American preppy fashion brand known for its classic and affordable styles with an emphasis on high quality. J Crew also brings its preppy and classic A-game at an even affordable price range via its outlet store J Crew Factory. Shop J Crew here and shop J Crew Factory here. 

15 – Tuckernuck, a Preppy Favorite Like Lilly Pulitzer

Taking its namesake from Summers on Nantucket via the nearby island Tuckernuck, Tuckernuck focuses on designing gorgeous preppy fashion with price ranges and styles from affordable luxury to high-end investment pieces. Shop Tuckernuck here.

16 – Sail to Sable

A collection of “chic meets preppy” pieces, Sail to Sable is a fashion and lifestyle brand targeting women of all ages, sizes, and stages of life. Shop Sail to Sable here. 

17 – Draper James, a Southern-Inspired Lilly Pulitzer Dupe

Launched in 2015 by “Legally Blonde” actress Reese Witherspoon. Draper James is a fashion brand that pays homage to the actress’s “Southern roots and personal style” and is notably named after her grandparents Dorothea Draper and William James Witherspoon. Shop Draper James here. 

18 – Trina Turk

Started in 1995 by fashion designer Trina Turk. The Trina Turk collection focuses on creativity, the sunny side, and California’s multicultural melting pot via its optimistic bright and bold designs. Shop Trina Turk here.

19 – Kim Rogers at Belk

Kim Rogers is an affordable Belk-exclusive brand known for its bright colors and highly-detailed designs. Shop Kim Rogers here. 

20 – Stella Parker Designs, a Fun Find Like Lilly Pulitzer

Stella Parker stylishly makes UPF sun-protective resort wear in vibrant and fun prints. Shop Stella Parker Designs here.

Wrap-Up: Finding the Best Brands Like Lilly Pulitzer

Brands Like Lilly Pulitzer

There are SO many incredible brands like Lilly Pulitzer to support. Personally, I had a blast getting to craft this blog post. It taught me some new things about some brands I already love and support but also a few I’ve admired via browsing local boutiques (many of which you can find these brands like Lilly Pulitzer at!) and allowed me to empower and give those brands a nice shoutout. At the end of the day, if you walk away with one thing after reading this, it is to bring more awareness to some incredible fashion brands like Lilly Pulitzer.

XOXO – Katie <3

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How To Launder Lilly Pulitzer

***Please note that this How To Launder Lilly Pulitzer guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date information. This guide was most recently updated as of July 2026.***

If you know me, then you know that Lilly Pulitzer is my favorite fashion brand! With its bright colors and prints coming in delicate fabrics, it may come as a challenge to launder your Lilly Pulitzer garments. As someone who values convenience over time most of the time, I am going to share some tips for taking your Lilly Pulitzer finds to the local laundromat or how to laundering Lilly Pulitzer yourself (which can even be a bonus when you are on the road!!!).

*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 sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

Interested in getting the latest scoop on all the preppy + grand millennial fashion and decor (& more!) deals?!?! Be sure to join in on the fun over on Substack!    

How To Launder Lilly Pulitzer

What I Regularly Use to Launder Lilly Pulitzer

To shop current Lilly Pulitzer products, look no further than the Lilly Pulitzer website using this link. 

Laundromats

Wherever you may be, locally-owned Laurdromats are probably near by. The majority of them are corn-operated, as seen in the movie’s. One of my latest and favorite laundromats is The Clothes Spin. The Clothes Spin is a laundromat that is based in Lynchburg, Virginia. Unlike the majority of laundromats, The Clothes Spin has 24/7 access for all of their customers. That being said, you can easily come in and launder your garments when it best fits for your schedule. The best part of it all?! This 24/7 laundromat located in Madison Heights allows you to pay for you to wash your clothing through an app rather than with change! I most definitely do not carry huge chunks of change in my pocket anymore, and I know many others who do not either.

Tips For Laundering Lilly Pulitzer

Whether or not you choose to go to a laundromat or launder your Lilly Pulitzer garments at home, there are quite a few do’s and don’t’s that will make it so much more helpful for you to take care of your garments to the best that you can. I have washed my Lilly Pulitzer and do pretty frequently. Knock on wood, I have not had that many issues with washing them, as I strictly follow these do’s and don’t’s as well as the tips that I also list below, too.

 

Do’s

  • Wash in cold water, in order to prevent shrinking and color run
  • Wash your white’s and colored clothing separately, in order to prevent color bleeding on your white garments (no one wants a white shirt to unintentionally become pink!)
  • Wash garments with embroidery inside out. Embroidery may include pom poms, sequins, or delicate buttons.
  • Hang or lay your Lilly Pulitzer to dry, rather than drying it! This will prevent your garments from shrinking. If the garment is 100% cotton, then most definitely be sure to lay or hang it to dry as it will shrink a size if put in the dryer!
  • Wash garments inside out, in order to prevent pilling

Don’t’s

  • Wash light-colored garments and dark-colored garments together. Darker colored clothing items can rinse into lighter colored clothing items, which can most definitely change their colors. Typically, I wash my whites separately from all of the other colored garments and have not had many issues.
  • Put 100% cotton, cashmere, sweaters, or other vulnerable garments into the dryer – they will shrink a size! It’s best to lie them flat to dry.
  • Hang popovers or Finn tees to dry. The shoulders will be stretched out. Rather, lay them flat to dry.

Detergent & Bleach

I am a loyal Tide user. Ever since I went off to college, I have used Tide detergent in the scent April Spring. To go with it, I use Febreeze Fabric Softener in the same exact scent. However, recently, I have used Kirkland’s detergents and fabric softeners from Costco that actually come in a similar scent. Personally, I am someone who is extremely particular about the way my clothing and things smell, so it works well for me. As for bleach, I find OxiClean, a classic soap and water combination (especially when traveling!), or Tide To Go to be one of the best out there! Not only does it do the job, but it does the job well!

When it comes to traveling, running around on the go, or being on a time crunch, having something such as Tide To Go and anti-wrinkle spray has been my best friend when I have either a stain, wrinkle, or both!

Regular Wash VS Delicate Wash

When washing Lilly Pulitzer garments, it varies per item which type of wash that you would want to do on your washing machine. For most garments, I use regular, however, for some I use the delicate wash. I have listed down below what type of wash I use for which Lilly Pulitzer styles that I own!

Regular Wash

  • Sophie shift
  • Mila shift
  • All Luxletic products
  • Delia shift
  • Ophelia shift
  • Kelly pants
  • Adalee shift
  • Skirts/skorts
  • Popovers
  • Cotton tops (including cotton Elsa’s, Essie’s, and Etta’s)

Delicate Wash

  • Elsa Tops (especially those coming in silk fabrics)
  • Anything with embroidery (i.e. pom poms, sequins, delicate buttons)
  • Anything that is cashmere
  • Scarfs or wraps

To shop current Lilly Pulitzer products, look no further than the Lilly Pulitzer website using this link. 

Wrap-Up

However you choose to launder your Lilly Pulitzer garments, the consistency that you choose to wash them is key. Over the years, I have remained consistent in my techniques for washing my Lilly, and it has worked. That being said, whatever works for you is what you should do!

XOXO – Katie <3

A special thank you to The Clothes Spin for sponsoring this blog post. Without their support, The Pink Chickadee wouldn’t be where it is today.

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A Lilly Pulitzer Holy Grail Moment

Ever since Bryn and I were planning on visiting our friend Maxwell in Hawaii, I had a dream photo shoot at the iconic “pink palace” aka the Royal Hawaiian Hotel located in downtown Waikiki. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel is seriously iconic in all its pink glory. And, what better way to style this photoshoot of my dreams than in a Lilly Pulitzer holy grail printed shift?!?!

*Just* in case you didn’t know, Lilly Pulitzer has a few select popular prints over the years that are considered “holy grail”. Many of these holy grail prints are archived and not sold/continued to be sold by Lilly Pulitzer. Some of these prints are upwards of 10+ years old, too. I found this amazing holy grail print guide by Ayana Lage here. When people think of Lilly Pulitzer prints, they may very well picture one (or more!) of Lilly Pulitzer’s iconic prints. Holy grail prints also sell for hundreds of dollars on secondhand sites such as eBay and Poshmark. Some of my favorites include “Let’s Cha Cha” (which I’m wearing for this photoshoot!) and “First Impressions” which I have hanging in a mini skirt form on my Lilly Pulitzer wall in my cloffice (here) alongside another “Let’s Cha Cha” shift. When I started to fall in love with the Lilly Pulitzer brand and styles, I immediately fell in love with many of the well-known holy grail prints, too!

For my photoshoot at THE Royal Hawaiian Hotel, I decided to *finally* style my “Let’s Cha Cha” shift that I purchased off of ThredUp earlier this year. I initially purchased a “Let’s Cha Cha” shift off of Poshmark in a much smaller size in my college years that now hangs on my Lilly Pulitzer wall! During my latter college years, I ended up growing into my figure and sadly couldn’t fit into many of my loved clothing pieces (including many holy grail Lilly Pulitzer garments). While it took quite a bit of grieving on my part that I probably wouldn’t be able to fit into many of my previously worn Lilly Pulitzer holy grail pieces, I was over the moon when I *finally* found a “Let’s Cha Cha” shift in my now-size for a reasonable price (thanks to eBay and Poshmark, usually it would be out of my price range!). During those years of grieving, I definitely struggled to feel confident with my newly grown into figure and truly feeling like my best self. It wasn’t until Summer 2023 that I felt like my best self again figure-wise. All bodies are beautiful bodies folks! Through it all, truly, having a photoshoot in my “Let’s Cha Cha” shift IN HAWAII no less years after not being able to fit into my previous one was such a full circle moment for me. Only if 2021 Katie knew, she’d be SO excited and smiling SO big!

Indeed, my Lilly Pulitzer holy grail photoshoot was such a dream come true and truly a full circle moment. 100000% one for the books!

XOXO – Katie <3

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National Wear Your Lilly Day 2024

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY Summer Solstice ANDDD National Wear Your Lilly Day!!!! SO, *of course* I am celebrating the start of my FAVORITE season in *none other than* my favorite fashion brand Lilly Pulitzer! Every Summer, I fall IN LOVE with Summer more and more and more than the Summer before. Funny enough, I used to despite Summer, as I despise the heat and humidity in the air (despite LOVING Summer ironically – LOL!). But, today and every day this Summer 2024, I am going to celebrate my favorite season of the year in *of course* Lilly Pulitzer!

*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.*

Summer brings me SO MUCH JOY! Not only is it a unique time as its peak tourist season in the prime spots that I spend Summer in aka my home base of the Washington, DC/Northern Virginia are and my Dad’s home base and my Summer escape of Bethany Beach, Delaware, but it is also a prime travel time making it much more relaxing on the work and personal front. Oddly enough, I LOVE peak tourist season, due to the fact that I get to meet people from EVERYWHERE without leaving my own backyard and it truly is a melting pot (both culturally and LITERALLY with the heat!). It truly is magical when tourists are around! Summer is truly an opportunity to explore where I live but also some new-to-me places, too, as I try to add 2-3 new places to my list of places been each Summer as well. At the same time, I LOVE the many opportunities to truly slow down, recharge, and emphasize the need to practice mindfulness in the Summer months. Truly, there are SOOO many reasons that I love Summer, and I could gush about this incredible season that I adore ALL SEASON LONG.

My Summer 2024 is an exciting one, as I have two trips planned to two very new-to-me states, yet two states that I have had on my radar for YEARS (more to come in August/September on those!). I am also going to visit some previously visited places in North Carolina and the Midwest, too, to visit some friends and enjoy some new spots in those places this Summer season. At the same time, I will ALSO be spending LOTS of weekends (and weeks too) in Bethany Beach, Delaware with my Dad, Step Mom, and their Yorkie aka my “Sissy” Ginger whom I have a close bond with, alongside our family and friends. My Summers in Bethany Beach are SO SO SO special to me and nothing short of a blessing. I also love the magic of the beach (and busy boardwalk) during the peak Summer season! At the same time, I plan to spend some special moments with my friends close to home, such as happy hours overlooking the waterfront in Old Town Alexandria, a few performances at the Kennedy Center, picnics with friends to local parks, and many days in the sunshine with my dog Rosie. Through it all, I am excited for what Summer 2024 has in store!

As we all know, Lilly Pulitzer is SUCH a Summer staple. Although I am a firm believer that Lilly Pulitzer can be beautifully styled in different ways all year long, Summer truly is THE MONTH for styling ALL THINGS Lilly Pulitzer! One of my favorite Summer staples is the Kristen Flounce Swing dress (similar style here) that I am styling that can be worn for casual Summer work from home days and walks with Rosie to dinners on the town or (in my case) the boardwalk. Truly, my love of Lilly Pulitzer and wearing it in the Summer months is the icing on the cake of my love for Summer!

My love for Summer truly continues to grow as the years go by! Lilly Pulitzer has definitely made my love for this fun month only bloom into something very beautiful. For now, I am *more than excited* to enjoy the longest day of 2024 and I hope YOU are too!!!

See my previous posts on National Wear Your Lilly Day here:

Happy National Wear Your Lilly Day 2024!!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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The Life of Katie – April 2024

April 2024 was a WHIRLWIND of a month! From my first-ever solo trip to Europe to graduation from Ignite Young Professionals to back to reality to birthday celebrations for all and everything in between, April 2024 had A LOT going for it. Many highs and lows happened in April 2024, however, through it all, I am grateful for the growth that occurred during this Spring month.

*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 Favorite Buys:

I will pre-phase that due to my trip to Ireland during the first half of this past month, most of my buys are … souvenirs (which I will *of course* share with y’all!!!). HOWEVER, I did enjoy some sample products that I got from my monthly Ipsy subscription (more on that here) and a TJ Maxx/Home Goods run! I ALSO had a very fun collaboration with a super fun brand over on my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee) that I’ll share more on in this section, too!

  • This month, I had the HUGE honor of working with 66Disco Wholesale – a plus-sized wholesale brand focused on empowering women to feel and look their best at ALL sizes. Y’all, I was BLOWN away by how adorable their selection of well-made, high-quality clothing at AMAZING prices is, too! Use my discount code KT15 for 15% off your purchase today.

  • I have been working these past few months with a super incredible t-shirt brand: Mountain Moverz. Upon returning from Ireland, I received an adorable tee with the slogan “happiness comes in waves” that I LOVED styling for an ultra-fun outing via a picnic and walk with my best friend Haley the weekend after I got home. Use my discount code KATIET20 for 20% off your purchase today!

  • On my most recent TJ Maxx haul complete with a gift card, I got these gorgeous House of Harlow 1960 gold hoop earrings (similar here) for $13. I KNOW that these hoops WILL become another staple in my wardrobe, especially since they work for my hypoallergenic ears that become ultra-sensitive to wearing earrings ALL the time.
  • I have recently been getting into thrifting more often than not ANDDD I have found some AMAZING pieces (!!!!!). One of which was a pair of Kate Spade gold sparkly block heels that happened to be in my size for a whopping $7.49 at my local Salvation Army. I ended up going to my local Salvation Army *just* a day before STEM For Her’s Elevate Her Gala, which I attended on behalf of my company and they literally were THE PERFECT shoe to wear for the occasion and extremely comfortable, too!!
  • ANNDDDD, as for Ireland souvenirs, I got a hot pink wool blanket from Ireland’s LARGEST (!!!!) woolen mills outlet: Blarney Woolen Mills, matching Daisy the sheep keychains for me and my best friend Liz, a pink wool scarf, a tartan wool scarf, and tea from Bewley’s (THANK YOU to my Instagram friend Julie of @julies_colorful_life – go follow her!!!! – for the recommendation) as well as Titantic Tea from a Northern Ireland deli. Last but not least, I went to … the Disney Store (!!!!!) and got myself another plush Olaf aka my FAVORITE Disney character EVER!

Highs:

  • I kicked off April 2024 with … a solo trip to Ireland! I had a home base in Dublin for 8 days and traveled ALLL across the country thanks to the power of the Viator app. I went to Northern Ireland, Connemara, Cork County, Glendalough, The Atlantic Way, and ALL around Dublin. My trip to Ireland was my first trip to Europe since studying abroad in my college years in 2018 (5th time to Europe!!!!) and my first time in Ireland. I truly fell IN LOVE with Ireland and its culture and people and many many many incredible sights to see. Needless to say, MORE information to come on ALL the details from my incredible trip to Ireland *very* soon!
  • Believe it or not, I have hit a new peak television genre interest this April 2024: true crime. From YouTube videos on true crime stories to Mean Girl Murders binge-watching on HBO Max, the my interests has peaked. I think, for me, the biggest fascination with it all is people’s psychologies and experiences behind these tragic events that shape what happened before/after them.
  • My best friend Liz celebrated a HUGE milestone Birthday turning 30!!!! Me, Liz, and some of her closest friends and family celebrated Liz’s special milestone birthday with a beautiful arrangement and setup done by her ultra-sweet sister-in-law Katie via @fleuriste_dc (follow her on Instagram!!!!), wine at The Winery at Bull Run, and dinner at Thompson Italian in Falls Church. Nevertheless, I had an INCREDIBLE time celebrating my best friend Liz to kick off Taurus season with her amazing friends and family.

  • I attended STEM For Her’s Elevate Her Gala for the third time at the end of April, alongside some of my super sweet coworkers all of whom have volunteered with STEM For Her – an incredible nonprofit focused on providing scholarships and academic opportunities and support to empower the next generation of girls and women in STEM. I have gotten to know some of the inspiring students and volunteers and board members that make the uplifting community and me proud to be a fellow Woman in STEM!

  • To kick off my Birthday week, I went to Barca Pier and Wine Bar in Old Town Alexandria aka a FAVORITE of my family’s and I’s for *none other than* a tapas BIRTHDAY BRUNCH (!!!!!) with Aunt Amy and Papa. It was such a special brunch AND a beautiful day to be on the Potomac River with those that I LOVE.

  • Just 10 days after my trip to Ireland, I packed my bags *yet again* for another trip to … Bethany Beach, Delaware to visit my Dad, Step Mom, and Sissy aka their Yorkie Ginger. My best friend Amanda came to visit for the weekend, too, and we enjoyed some super nice dinners, including to Ava’s Pizzeria and Wine Bar and The Libation Room, both in nearby Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. We also enjoyed a gorgeous day to Assateague Island National Seashore and Berlin, Maryland *complete* with a boozy ice cream refreshment. All in all, we enjoyed a super nice, relaxing, and rejuvenating weekend!

  • I have adored ALLLL the flowers this Springtime. Flowers bring me SO MUCH JOY and this Spring was NOOO different. I am oh so fortunate enough to live in a house with a HUGE backyard full of gorgeous Azalea blooms, making every April super duper cheerful! My best friend Haley and I ALSO went on a stunning walk to Bull Run Regional Park’s Bluebell trail, which was GORGEOUS. And, I have enjoyed taking SOOO many photos in front of ALLLL the blooms, from tulips to different cherry tree variations than the typical cherry blossom to Azaleas and EVERYTHING in between!

  • Right after I landed in the states from Ireland, I graduated from the Ignite Young Professionals Program via the Leadership Center of Arlington after 8 months of leadership, personal, and professional development amongst fellow early career professionals. I have served as the social chair for my Ignite Young Professionals cohort and it has been SUCH AN HONOR to serve my class, as we have been SOOO lucky to bond with one another over the 8 month time frame, too. While I am sad that classes are over, I am super excited to stay connected with my cohort beyond our program time.
  • In April, I have enjoyed dinners with friends and Papa and my own company (usually complete with Chinese takeout – LOL!) from a trip to Tyson’s Galleria to admire ALLLL the fashion with Liz or a home cooked meal with Briana and Papa. Dinners, whether at home or on the town, are SUCH A BLESSING when spent with those that we love!

Lows:

  • Pollen allergies are THE WORST during the April timeframe. If you know, you know! Enough said.
  • Since coming back from my travels, it is definitely tough getting back to reality and in the swing of things. Being transparent over here that while I LOVE my job, I also LOVE the time I get to completely clock off of Outlook and Teams and simply recharge. I miss Ireland dearly and truly cherished my time there. It was hard getting back to work, however, I am super grateful to have a supportive professional environment and coworkers who LOVED seeing photos from my trip, too!

Here’s to May flowers ALLL month long!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale: January 2024

*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.*

I haven’t personally written a blog post on the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale since January 2023. And, if you’ve been following and shopping the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sales this past year, then you know a few things have changed to make the sale much more exciting (!!!).

And, *of course*, if you want to shop the sale and support me at the same time, then feel free to shop here. I always appreciate every ounce of support that each of y’all have provided me in my happy community here! <3

What has changed since January 2023?! Two things:

1 – Since January 2023, Lilly Pulitzer launched their first-ever rewards program: Club Lilly (here). When the September 2023 Sunshine Sale came around, Lilly Pulitzer allowed Club Lilly members … Early Access to all next day drops. Club Lilly members can register AND redeem rewards on future purchases within the Lilly Pulitzer app (downloadable on all major phones in their app stores). SO, moral of the story is: join Club Lilly if you haven’t already!

2 – During the September 2023 sale, NOBODY I knew had to wait in the virtual queue to get into the sale. Everyone had instant access, NO MATTER WHAT time they logged onto the site, at approximately 8am. To me, it felt wayyy too good to be true, but I was SO happy to see that no one had to wait in the queue either. However, merchandise did sell quickly during the September 2023 sale, as everyone was logged on at the same time, so definitely keep that in mind. Hopefully, this no virtual queue remains true in the January 2024 sale!

If you don’t know, the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale (formerly known as the After Party Sale) is Lilly Pulitzer’s biannual sale. It typically happens every January and September for only A FEW DAYS. Lilly Pulitzer does not have a sale section on their website (only in stores which can be hit or miss) which is something unique about the brand, making their sales SO MUCH more exciting and special. It is primarily online and has been in recent years due to COVID-19, yet many Lilly Pulitzer boutiques and Signature Stores do offer early access over the weekends in stores before the sale launches online (in this case, sales started showing up in both flagship and Signature Stores the day after Christmas!). Many of Lilly Pulitzer’s Signature Stores and Zappos (sometimes Belk, too!) offer sales online (those that have websites, though) starting at midnight the day of, so definitely stay up for that! Other Signature Stores offer shipping at a flat fee when you call their storefront during the duration of the sale to purchase – THIS can be a great way to purchase from a Signature Store (which ALL are small businesses) while sometimes *EVEN* getting a product you wanted from the sale which could be out of stock online before you get a chance to shop. Check out several of Lilly Pulitzer’s Signature Stores and their websites, which I list in this blog post here: https://pinkchickadee.com/2021/11/20/preppy-small-businesses-to-support-this-holiday-season/

Lilly Pulitzer’s Sunshine Sale is an experience to not be missed. Personally, I prefer to shop online as I am NOT a fan of the big crowds and long lines which may come with shopping in-store the weekend before. However, I DID get the amazing opportunity to shop the Sunshine Sale in-store in September 2022 (the most recent Sunshine Sale) at The Pink Crab in Annapolis. The ladies at The Pink Crab were SOOOO sweet and made my shopping experience one that I look back on and smile about to this day. The same goes for when I went into the Lilly Pulitzer Flagship store in Alexandria, Virginia in September 2023. I have, since, become friends with the ultra-sweet ladies at that location, too! Though I did shop in-store twice during the Sunshine Sale, I have yet to experience the typical crowds that come with shopping it this way. But, on the other hand, as someone who primarily works from home, I get so giddy to wake up at 8am on a Monday morning to shop and then get going on my work without the occasional early work morning blue’s. Sometimes, I *even* shop the drops the next day(s) during the Sunshine Sale, too (which Club Lilly members get early access to!!!!). It is just such an exciting time!

While I won’t dedicate this blog post to writing a bunch of tips about the Sunshine Sale, I will share some blog posts that I wrote in years past that include TONS of Sunshine Sale tips that are still pretty relevant to this day! I will say, though, that my biggest piece of advice is to be open-minded about what may be in the sale. I know many people who have made lists for the things that they want in the Sunshine Sale, which can either be a good or bad thing. I have also seen people being given the wrong package during the Sunshine Sale (especially in September 2022 – tons of complaints on Lilly Lovers Facebook groups!) so BEWARE and MINDFUL. In the meantime, you can read my previous Sunshine Sale blog posts, including several tips (!!!), here:

Happy shopping!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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National Wear Your Lilly Day 2023

Happy Summer Solstice and first *official* day of summer (!!!). Over the years, summer has surprisingly been my least favorite season. I, then, despised the hot and humid weather and simply wanted to curl up in a warm blanket and sweatshirt and pajama pants with a cup of tea and admire the snow outside with a fire pit in the background. However, in recent times, I have started to LOVE the warmer months of summer and spring much more than the cooler ones (although, I will ALWAYS be a sucker for fall!!). To kick off the first day of summer aka the day that this post is published on the blog, fellow Lilly Pulitzer lovers like myself commemorate the start of summer with National Wear Your Lilly Day (see my 2022 posting on it here)!

This past weekend, I got to spend the weekend with my Dad and Step Mom in Bethany Beach, Delaware and my best friend Amanda came to join us, too (it was Amanda’s first time in Delaware!!). We had such a special weekend together and it was truly incredible. Going to Bethany Beach was such a GREAT way to kick off Summer 2023, SO I had Amanda take some photos of me here to share on this platform with y’all in honor of *none other than* National Wear Your Lilly Day. I feel so incredibly lucky to have such an amazing friend like Amanda whom I can call family, as we’ve known one another since we were little.

So, you may be wondering, what is National Wear Your Lilly Day (NWYLD)?! NWYLD is a day commemorated today (or the day that I published this blog post!!!) aka the First Day of Summer/Summer Solstice. THIS IS A DAY in which ALL Lilly Pulitzer lovers love to embrace. We can commemorate our love of the Lilly Pulitzer brand, our community, and share it with others, too. The Lilly Pulitzer brand all started with a juice stand in Palm Beach, Florida. Lilly (McKim) Pulitzer had recently moved to Palm Beach, Florida with her husband and simply needed something to do. So, Pulitzer started a juice stand and uncovered that there were no dresses and pieces that she loved that would cover her juice stains. And, well, that was how the brand of Lilly Pulitzer begun: Pulitzer started making brightly and beautifully printed clothing that would cover her juice stains. Soon after, the likes of the Kennedy family (including former First Lady Jackie Kennedy!!!) and many more flocked to the Lilly Pulitzer brand which has become a prominent brand that many love to this day. Knowing the start of the Lilly Pulitzer brand (which I wrote MANY high school and college papers on – LOL!) is helpful in bringing together the community that Lilly Pulitzer has brought to me and several others as well.

My FAVORITE part of kicking off NWYLD is the sheer fact that I can *finally* use the #SummerInLilly acceptably – LOL!! Every day feels like summer when you’re in Lilly Pulitzer, though (!!!). I decided to *finally* pop the tags on my Cody Shift dress from the Sunshine Sale back in September 2022, which I write about here, and pair it with my Talbots straw navy and white striped pineapple clutch which I got from ThredUp, Jack Rogers pineapple and flamingo sandals, and jewelry from the likes of Kendra Scott, Amazon, Target, and The Inspiration Co. This outfit was PERFECT for shopping on the Bethany Beach boardwalk and dinner nearby afterwards. It was also the best look to commemorate #SummerInLilly!

Needless to say, summer is ALWAYS better in Lilly Pulitzer!!! What can I say?!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Let’s Celebrate Lilly Pulitzer’s Birthday 2022!

Late fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer once said: “it’s always summer somewhere!” On this very day, Lilly Pulitzer would be celebrating her 91st Birthday. And, today, we are partying like it’s 1931 in our brightest Lilly Pulitzer shifts and a cocktail in hand in her honor! As a little girl, I fell in love with the Lilly Pulitzer brand and my love for the brand only continued to grow throughout my high school and college years. The Lilly Pulitzer fashion brand has helped me express myself and become who I am today.

*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.*

Lilly Pulitzer embodies everything in a person that I want to be! She was kind, classy, bright, bubbly, and always down for a GREAT time. Growing up, the brand Lilly Pulitzer embodied to me someone who was everything that Lilly Pulitzer, herself, was. My late Great Aunt Margaret was a Lilly Pulitzer lover as well. She introduced me to the brand as a little girl when we passed The Pink Crab – an Annapolis, Maryland-based Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store and I immediately wanted to buy everything in the store. Just like Lilly Pulitzer, Aunt Margaret truly embodied the woman that Lilly Pulitzer was. That all being said, today is a day that I think is well worth honoring these two women that helped shape me into who I am today.

In college, I was known as “the Lilly [Pulitzer] girl”: a namesake that I am truly proud of to this very day. I ALWAYS wore Lilly Pulitzer in college and both of my dorms along with my college apartment were decked out in all things Lilly Pulitzer-themed. At the same time, I constantly hosted my friends over for dinners, parties, and viewing parties of The Bachelor in my apartment with my roommate and one of my best friends to this day Sophie. Thankfully for us both, Sophie and I both have a very Lilly Pulitzer-like taste in home decor! I truly found the love of spreading joy, wearing bright colors, and being kind to go a loooonnggg way. All times of life are stressful by my college years surrounded by ALL things Lilly Pulitzer truly made me life a party and I dressed like it regularly, too!

“Anything is possible with sunshine and a little pink”

— Lilly Pulitzer

All things taken into consideration, I truly loved my college experience wearing Lilly Pulitzer for practically EVERY event that we had and living up to my nickname of “the Lilly girl”. I am truly proud to be someone that has never been afraid to be herself. Lilly Pulitzer once said “being happy never goes out of style” and it truly doesn’t. There is ALWAYS an opportunity to spread some joy to others, no matter what the occasion may be. In recent times, my Dad’s side of the family has unfortunately experienced some losses. But, through it all, my Aunt Sherri always made sure to give everyone a laugh. To her, laughter is the best medicine and I truly agree. I am a firm believer, just like my Aunt Sherri, that laughter always brings some happiness *even* during the toughest of times. Wearing Lilly Pulitzer brings me SO much joy.

To celebrate Lilly Pulitzer’s 91st Birthday, I have linked some of my favorite Lilly Pulitzer gifts for the strong and extraordinary Lilly lovers in your life!

Here’s to all the strong women in our world – may we know them, may we raise them, may we be them. And, may we honor them today and everyday! Today, I will honor my Great Aunt Margaret who helped shape my fashion sense and personality with her loving nature, kindness, poise, and bubbly personality. I will also honor the late fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer who gave me a love for a brand that I will cherish forever with memories and love of my Aunt Margaret and many others in my life whom I truly love and care for.

XOXO – Katie <3

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