My Favorite Preppy Black Friday Sales 2021

If you know me, then you know I LOVE to shop til I drop! With it being Black Friday and cheerful sales all around, I couldn’t not share some of my favorite deals. Let’s get shopping!

*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.*

Happy shopping and an even happier holiday weekend to you!

XOXO – Katie <3

Happy 90th Birthday, Lilly Pulitzer!

Cheers to 90 years of bringing sunshine into this world! On this day 90 years ago, a true icon was born: Lilly Pulitzer. Although the fashion designer and socialite is no longer living today, her soul and sunshine lives on within her brightly colored and cheerful designs. Lilly Pulitzer encouraged me to be my best, bubbly, and over the top self on a daily basis. This fashion brand has allowed me to embrace who I am with a pop of confetti and take off after my late Great Aunt Margaret who introduced me to the brand that I now love.

Growing up, I coincidentally fell in love with the name “Lilly”. I actually used to tell my Mom that I wanted me name to be Lilly. Well, it was a sign I suppose, since my favorite fashion designer is Lilly Pulitzer, herself. My Great Aunt Margaret was the hostess with the mostess – she loved her Lilly Pulitzer amongst many other preppy name brands, her social gatherings, her trips, and her wine. I see a lot of her in me today as I carry her legacy, especially within my Lilly Pulitzer-filled wardrobe on a regular basis. To me, Lilly Pulitzer is more than just a fashion brand – it is a lifestyle. And, yes, I am quoting the Lilly Pulitzer brand positioning statement seen within many many many of its catalogs – haha!

Me & my Great Aunt Margaret in 2013!

When I was a Freshmen in college, I decked my dorm room out in Lilly Pulitzer. I had taken all of my old planner sheets full of the bright and bubbly prints that I so love and made a collage with them on the cork board on my door. Needless to say, I was most definitely the brightest of the bunch, especially since all of my hall mates that year were on softball or volleyball or lacrosse team. My bedroom also had a paper banner that I had created with one of my favorite prints – Peel n’ Eat. In fact, Peel n’ Eat was the theme encompassing that entire dorm, from the bedding to the coral throws to the flamingo sheets and even the plush flamingo on my bed. My Freshmen year of college had a lot of ups and a lot of downs with a ton of changes thrown in between, but my love of Lilly Pulitzer remained true throughout the year and beyond.

As the days go by, my love of Lilly Pulitzer remains true to me. I thank my late Great Aunt Margaret for giving me this love of mine, as I plan to live out her legacy everyday – one splash of pink confetti at a time! Happy Birthday to the two great women who have made me me.

XOXO – Katie <3

DIY Lilly Pulitzer Notebook Cover!

Call me crazy, but I have been a major major major notetaker at work, especially since starting my new job. I have seen myself channel a brand new intern look so much since it all began. That being said, I have discovered the bargain notebook section at Target and have been going a bunch, too. On a recent trip to Target, I needed to purchase a bunch of notebooks, and I found some for 69 cents. As great of a deal as these notebooks were, they also had Target’s logo sprawled all around them and I knew I wanted something different for mine.

I love love love some adorable and fun notebooks. I have found some at Target and Walmart, but am not willing to pay even $5 for a notebook that I will only use for a week or less to jot down information at work, whether it be from meetings, acquiring new project information, or trainings. At the same time, I cannot justify the price of the oh so adorable Lilly Pulitzer and Erin Condren notebooks of a Whooping $15+. So, I set out to create my own notebooks straight from my crafting bin! These notebook designs can also be used for the Back to School season, too, along with a variety of other purposes.

DIY Lilly Pulitzer Notebook Cover

Materials

  • Lilly Pulitzer planner paper (or your favorite Lilly Pulitzer print straight off of the printer – a Google image search can do just that for you)
  • Solid colored construction paper in the color of your choice
  • Stickers/embellishments (I went with rhinestones that I probably purchases during my tween bling-loving days – haha!)
  • Scissors
  • Tape/Glue (I have found tape as simple as Scotch tape to be very effective)
  • Black Pen

Steps

  1. First, I cut the construction paper to be the size of the notebook cover, then I taped it to the notebook cover.
  2. I cut out an old Lilly Pulitzer planner sheet into a square and then taped it over the construction paper.
  3. Then, I cut out a small rectangular piece of the construction paper and taped it over the center of the Lilly Pulitzer print. Its purpose is to serve as a label for the notebook.
  4. With a black pen, I wrote on my label what the purpose of my notebook is.
  5. Lastly but not in the least, I added a few rhinestones to bedazzle my notebook!

The best part of it all?! My notebook makeover costed $0 for me to do. That way, I could save and still have what feels like a $15+ notebook without even paying the hefty price tag!

XOXO – Katie <3

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

The Life of Katie!

Hey y’all! Welcome to my second-ever The Life of Katie!, where I will essentially be taking y’all into my life and the inner workings of how I create my own confetti. As always, before I get into sharing a bit about my own life, I want to hear a bit about yours. So, at the end of this post, comment one or more things that you’re looking forward to this week – I would LOVE to hear!

*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.*

What’s Been on my Mind?!

  • Chicago Med – *surprise, surprise* Yes, I started binge-watching yet another medical drama television show! I have been obsessed with ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and its spin-off Private Practice, so I guess watching another was in the works! I’ve most definitely enjoyed this show and the drama that it offers.
  • Work it gurl! – Recently, I have been working on literally working it! Whether it be in my job, on my blog, or focusing on my own self and personal goals, I am striving to create and achieve my own goals in life. In this time of my life, I think it is important to not only invest in myself and my career, but also where I would like to go in my life beyond college. Thinking along the lines of where I see myself 5 years from now, the answer may still be a bit uncertain but I do have an idea of the person that I want to become and how I will acquire the skills to become that woman.
  • Fall – Y’all, I AM SO SO SO EXCITED FOR FALL!!!! Yep, you heard me right! With Labor Day weekend upon us, my Fall-obsessed brain has been planning all the Fall content. Although I do not want to giveaway what’s all in store, y’all, I will say that it’s exciting!

These are a Few of my Favorite Things!

  • Rae Dunn’s Fall Tumblers and Mugs – I am oh so obsessed with Rae Dunn! Recently, her Fall collection hit the shelves of Marshall’s/TJ Maxx/Home Goods, and I have been smitten. Although I am one that does not usually purchase holiday-oriented tumblers/cups/mugs that I will only use a few months out of the year (surprisingly, I am very practical here!), I found the tumblers and mugs on the shelves of my local Marshall’s/TJ Maxx/Home Goods to be oh so adorable and perfect for those who love holiday-themed tumblers and mugs to sip their favorite drink out of and embrace their best Fall lives.
  • Semi-Reversing Last Week’s Blog Structural Changes – Trial and error, y’all! Sometimes new systems put in place do not work, and that is OKAY! I have since realized that my blog structural changes that I put in place last week were not realistic given my super Type A planner persona, so I went back to that structure for my blog, and I think it is for the better. Although I won’t be all out planning, I will be planning a lot more and embracing content ideas as they come to my brain and as I or any other fellow influencer should!
  • PSL Season! – It doesn’t get any more basic than this! Last Tuesday August 24, the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) hit every Starbucks everywhere. As a fellow PSL lover, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to grab a hot PSL despite the 90+ degree heat and humidity here in the DMV – HAHA!
  • Washington, DC TJ Maxx’s – I have recently discovered that the TJ Maxx’s in Washington, DC have a better selection of items than the one’s by me at my home base of the nearby Northern Virginia. In the past few weeks, I have visited multiple TJ Maxx’s, Marshall’s’s, and Home Goods’s locations and have indeed preferred the one’s in downtown Washington, DC over the one’s closer to home. I definitely think that my shopping desires better meet those of city folks – maybe I’m just a city girl at heart?!
  • Lilly Pulitzer’s New Arrivals – Last Friday, Lilly Pulitzer launched the second line of their brand-new Fall collection. If I tell you that my obsession with it is an understatement, then I would be telling y’all the straight up truth. I am more than obsessed with Lilly Pulitzer’s second Fall line, and I will be the first to admit it. The purple’s, green’s, blue’s and even pink’s are oh so gorgeous and perfect for the upcoming Summer-to-Fall transition and into the Fall/Winter season. You can shop some of my favorite pieces below!

Recent Purchases & My Wishlists Items

  • Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Machine – So, last week I was having trouble falling asleep. Being the caffeine addict that I am, I found myself just a few minutes later purchasing the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee machine off of Target’s website with it being on sale for $25. I have yet to test it out since receiving it a few days ago, but I plan to this week. Many of y’all have asked me about it as y’all are considering purchasing one, too, so be on the look out for some reviews.
  • Lands’ End Maxi Dresses – I have recently most definitely grown to loving Lands’ End! So, long and behold, I made yet another purchase. Lands’ End is always having clearance sales, and I loved how confident I felt as a 5’2 woman who was finally able to sport a maxi dress that she didn’t need to get hemmed thanks to their Petites section. I was actually telling my Papa how confident I felt in my maxi that he suggested that I buy more, so I did just that!
  • Cora’s Den Olaf Earrings – My friend Cassie is a MAJOR gift giver! She came to visit last weekend and she got me the most adorable Olaf earrings from Cora’s Den. Olaf is my absolute favorite Disney character, so I was more than thrilled when I saw that precious pair of earrings awaiting me!
  • Lands’ End Denim Jackets – Lands’ End strikes yet again! This time around, I also bought denim jackets along with some maxi dresses. I have been loving Lands’ End’s clearance section and, since they had denim jackets on clearance, I could not resist getting myself some of this Fall weather fashion staple for a steal. You can purchase them here!
  • Gifted Customized Girl’s Weekend Merchandise – So, last weekend, my good friends Cassie and Caroline came to visit. Cassie, in fact, owns her own oh so adorable Etsy shop and small business Cassie’s Designs! Cassie designs many customized products that are affordable and adorable – perfect for the budgeting person who wants customization! Being the super sweet and extremely talented and crafty lady that she is, Cassie designed wine glasses and t-shirts for us all to commemorate our super fun Girl’s Weekend here in Washington, DC. You can shop of my favorite products of hers and enjoy photos of the merchandise that she gifted us with below.

What’s on the Docket?!

  • Certifications – This week, I am starting a brand-new certification in order to achieve one of my professional goals. I like to say that I am a closeted nerd, as I love love love coding and analyzing alll the data. This certification that I am starting includes both of those things along with some interesting coding/data analytics applications that I didn’t learn in my undergraduate years. It’ll be fun to add onto my portfolio and expand my skills in the workplace, too.
  • Fall Trips – Currently, I am getting oh so excited to plan some fun Fall trips! This Fall, I am making up a bit for lost time last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic with family and friends. So, I will be traveling to a few places along the East Coast to see some of my friends and family who I have yet to really see since the pre-COVID days.

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

XOXO – Katie <3

My Lilly Pulitzer-Inspired Bedroom

The secret is OUT! My post-graduation apartment is *FINALLY* being revealed here on The Pink Chickadee *cues the confetti*!!! Each week, I will be revealing a different part of my apartment – whether it be a room/space in my apartment or how I organized it. We are kicking off this series starting with my bedroom. Please note that most pieces have been purchased from years past or were recent purchases made affordably. I will list out where everything is from below and links so you can shop them too if an item is still available. Now, let’s get this party started!

*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.*

How I Shopped:

  • Quilt – Lilly Pulitzer x Pottery Barn Kids
  • Printed Shams – Lilly Pulitzer x Pottery Barn Kids
  • Pink Shams – Kate Spade Home
  • Flamingo Pillow – TJ Maxx
  • Headboard – Wayfair
  • Hotty Pink First Impressions Duvet – Lilly Pulitzer for Garnet Hill
  • “Choose Happy” Painting – The Redheaded Camel
  • White Chest – Family Piece
  • White Bedside Table – Pottery Barn
  • Hotty Pink First Impressions Lookalike Pillow – DIYed with fabric from Hobby Lobby
  • Alarm Clock – a gift from Amazon
  • Black Mannequin – Gift from an Antique shop
  • Paris Mannequin – Gift from a friend
  • White Mirror – Pottery Barn
  • Flamingo Head – Hobby Lobby
  • White Pom Pom Curtains – Target
  • Flamingo Painting – Gift from a friend
  • Wreath – Cassie’s Designs (check out my amazing friend’s shop here!)
  • White Dresser: Pottery Barn
  • White Bookshelf: Ikea
  • Shopping Bags on Bookshelf: J Crew, Chanel, Lilly Pulitzer, Coach, Kendra Scott, Tory Burch, Gucci Garden, MAC, & Jack Rogers
  • Handbags on Bookshelf: Kate Spade
  • Brown Dresser with Mirror: Family Piece
  • White Lamps (2): Family Piece
  • Angels (3): Family Piece
  • Disney Ears: Disney Shop, won from a giveaway, & The Polka Dot Emporium (check out her shop here!)
  • Candle: The Dollar Tree
  • White Tall Dresser: Pottery Barn
  • Pink Lamp: Pottery Barn Kids
  • Necklace Holder: Gift from my Mom
  • Brown Basket: Family Piece
  • Chickadee Painting: Purchased from a local artist
  • “Rest” Birdhouse: Rae Dunn
  • Tissue Box Cover: Sewn by my Grandma
  • Air Purifier: Amazon
  • Flamingo Canvases & Framed Photos: Hobby Lobby, The Dollar Tree, & The Redheaded Camel
  • White Jewelry Organizer: Gifted from my Grandpa
  • Tan Jewelry Organizer: Gifted from my roommate Sophie
  • Aqua & White Chevron Cubby: Amazon
  • Teal & White Damask Storage Block: Home Goods
  • Clear Jewelry Tray: Gifted from Meredith College Staff
  • Crystal Bowl: Thrifted
  • Crystal Perfume Holder: Family Piece
  • Glass Flamingo: Gifted from a friend
  • Pineapple Jewelry Tray: Gifted from a friend, but is Lilly Pulitzer

I hope you enjoyed my mini tour of my brand-new bedroom in my brand-new apartment! Here’s to next week where I will be sharing my affordable jewelry organization and how I did it spending $0. Have a great week y’all!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

DC Diaries – Part 2

My life in Washington, DC is a much different life than the one I had in Raleigh at Meredith College. It is been such a transition these past few weeks. Life post-graduation can be extremely daunting. The transition from college life to post-graduation life is not one that is easy, but it is one that is also unavoidable. Everyone that I have talked to has said the same thing: the post-college life transition is not an easy one. I have most definitely witnessed that these past few weeks. It is weird not being able to have my friends and social life right at my fingertips – you spend a lot of time alone (something that I got more acquitted with during the pandemic), technology becomes your best friend, and adulting comes in the full-swing *whaaaattt?!*.

Raleigh is where my main social life has been in the past, so it is quite strange having to adjust to living near my family rather than my friends. I do not start my new job until late July, so I am in a holding period for sure. Also, I have some friends here in the area that I have yet to see (I am seeing a few pretty soon!).But, I am definitely looking to build my social life here in Washington, DC and I know that once I start my job and get settled in I will be able to more so!

On the flip side, I am grateful for my move to Washington, DC. Personally, I am all about continuous self love and growth. During my last few months in Raleigh, I knew that I was ready for something fresh, new, and different and that Washington, DC would do just that for me. Many of my friends in Raleigh love it there and are super content and I am oh so happy that they are! However, I knew that Raleigh was not where I wanted to be at this stage in my life. My friend Callie phrased it well – I crave excitement – and I surely do. Washington, DC will provide me with that excitement and hustle and bustle that I oh so love and enjoy.

Currently, I am planning some excursions and things to keep me busy before I start my new job. I am in the process of setting up my new apartment (which I will be sharing with y’all soon!). At the same time, I am planning some days to go into the city and explore a bit – the Smithsonian Museums are starting to open up again and I have reserved some tickets to a few of the sites to see AND for free. The same concept goes for some places in Virginia and Maryland, too. Additionally, once my apartment is set up, I will be hosting some gatherings like dinners with friends, a housewarming party, and a birthday party for my Shepherd-Chihuahua mix Rosie. I am also striving to map out the future of my platform here on The Pink Chickadee. Excitement is most definitely up in the air!

My Look:

  • Romper: Lauren James (scored during one of their $10 sales last year)
  • Scrunchie: Lilly Pulitzer free Gift with Purchase
  • Earrings: Sugarfix by Bauble Bar (bought 4 years ago)
  • Tote: Etsy (currently unavailable)

XOXO – Katie <3

Memorial Day Weekend 2021 Sales Going On NOW!

Tis the season for a sale! Memorial Day weekend is such a great time to stock up on some excellent deals throughout the sweet summertime. Today, I have rounded up some of the current sales going on, so you can have them all in one place!

*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.*

Fashion

Beauty

Home

Miscellaneous

All of the Above

My look:

  • Dress: Hatley (thrifted years ago)
  • Hat: Marley Lilly (currently out of stock)
  • Earrings: SugarFix by Bauble Bar at Target (got a few years ago)

Cheers to those great deals!!!

My Summer 2021 Beach Essentials

With summer just around the corner, the beach season is beginning!!! As exciting as it all is, the process of deciding what to get to bring on your beach and/or pool excursions can be daunting. But don’t fret, I have rounded up my favorite beach essentials for this Summer 2021 season in order to help you out!

*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.*

Beach Essentials

Shop my Look!

Happy almost-Summer and cheers to the many memories you will make either beach or poolside!!

XOXO – Katie <3

Preppy Girl Graduation Gifts Worth the Investment

Longchamp, Tory Burch, Lilly Pulitzer, and Kate Spade, …, these are a few of my favorite designers!! Likewise, these preppy fashion designers also make products that are excellent for the preppy girl in your life – especially if she is graduating. This past Thursday, I wrote a blog post on preppy girl graduation gifts that are budget-friendly (read it here!). Now, I am going to share a list of graduation gifts that are worth the investment for the preppy fashion loving ladies in your life for years to come!

*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.*

Tory Burch Minnie Travel Ballet Flat ($228)

Image courtesy of Tory Burch

Link to shop: https://rstyle.me/+RPRGPxSGK_44n8Qs14tctg

Barrington Gifts St. Anne Tote ($190)

Image courtesy of Barrington Gifts

Link to shop: https://rstyle.me/+ydKEfhQgS27gFWTG_yo0RQ

Kate Spade New York Spencer Zip-Around Continental Wallet ($188)

Image courtesy of Kate Spade New York

Link to shop: https://rstyle.me/+XH7tE6Q8VbgOgcadvxmuwg

Lilly Pulitzer UPF 50+ Skipper Popover ($98)

Image courtesy of Lilly Pulitzer

Link to shop: https://rstyle.me/+IQMPfsBMRK6D-hDzruSh_Q

Longchamp Large Le Pilage Tote ($145)

Image courtesy of Nordstrom

Link to shop: https://rstyle.me/+2Jri6A-DKWIZP7VP6qfjdg

Lands End Supima Cotton 6-Piece Towel Set ($88)

Image courtesy of Lands End

Link to shop: https://rstyle.me/+GQtCFdIul3O963b-KJXM-A

LL Bean Bean Boots ($139)

Image courtesy of LL Bean

Link to shop: https://rstyle.me/+Zx6i57-DmROAKy6KqmeWDg

Kiel James Patrick Valerie Pearl Necklace ($82)

Image courtesy of Kiel James Patrick

Link to shop: https://rstyle.me/+Mo-JjinEG4a28mxA5viRpA

Jack Rogers Jacks Flat Sandal ($128)

Image courtesy of Jack Rogers

Link to shop: https://rstyle.me/+wBQxbgbrCGruocGVsM4ADA

Here’s to treating the preppy lady in your life!

XOXO – Katie <3