Loving Lilly

I first heard of Lilly Pulitzer back in the 80s, when she was featured in The Official Preppy Handbook. (Yes, I still have my copy). At that time, I rarely saw her clothes available in shops, and the company hadn't branched out to things like paper goods or linens yet. But every once in a while, while on vacation, I'd see someone wearing a sundress or skirt that I knew must be Lilly.

The cheerful prints and bright colors called out to me, and I wanted a skirt or dress of my very own "someday." Unfortunately, Lilly's things tend to be in the designer category, and since I could only really wear them in the heat of summer around here, I saved my splurges for other things I would wear mostly year round.

A couple of months ago, some friends and I were checking out a new consignment shop. The store owner had a number of designer things, some with the tags still on. I asked about Lilly, and she said to check back in March and April. Look at what I found!

 

This has only been worn once or twice, and is of a longer length I can wear. Some of the newest Lilly skirts are too "mini" for me. I love the scalloped hem, and "Lilly" hidden inside the pineapples. I can't wait until it ever warms up around here, so I can put this on with a T-shirt and a pair of sandals. And maybe it needs a hot pink knitted cardigan for the inevitable air conditioning?

When Lilly started making clothes in the 1960s, she definitely wasn't a designer. She bought inexpensive fabric and sewed her own wash-and-wear clothes, like so many people on Etsy. It makes me wonder who on Etsy may be the Lilly or Amy Butler of tomorrow?

If only Target would strike a deal with the Lilly people, and put some of her prints on things the way they did for Orla Kiely or Liberty of London! And while they're at it, if they could also talk to the Laura Ashley and Cath Kidston people and bring back some of that rose chintz...I can dream.

Thank you for your kind comments on Rainy. I took her for an ultrasound this week, to rule out anything terrible going on in her abdomen. Thankfully, "everything looks good." (direct quote from veterinarian). He advised against anything further, unless she were to have more seizures, which she hasn't had. Paws crossed that it was a one-time incident, and that she'll start gaining weight too. We may be the only people who consistently have an underweight cat!

Have a relaxing weekend, and if you are Italian American like me, Happy St. Joseph's Day! Enjoy your zeppole!

Comments

[Bridget]

Lucky you - love the skirt!

I'm glad Rainy is doing well. Please give her a pat from me.

Zeppoles! Hooray!

[2paw]

I'm so glad to hear the vet had pronounce Rainy to be well. Happy news!!
It's such a lovely skirt and how clever to have the name in the pineapples. Very Spring too!!

[Catherine]

What a brilliant find! I love the scalloped hem. (I have some stuff about Cath Kidston on my blog if you would like to have a look)

[Bubblesknits]

What a gorgeous skirt! I'm on a mission to sew some bright, cheerful, skirts like that. I've acquired the fabric...now I just need skill. LOL

Glad to hear Rainy's scan came back okay. One of ours had a seizure that was a one time thing. Never did find out what caused it, either.

[Kara]

Oh, pineapples!! LOVE! You are going to look amazing in that skirt.

And I second the Target collaborations with Lilly and Cath Kidston. That would be amazing!

And hope Rainy continues to get better.

[Dorothy W.]

I'm eager for the warm weather and summer wardrobe too. Rick put on shorts last week when it was in the 60s, but the long pants are back, alas. Soon enough, though!

[Jodi]

Hurray for Rainy getting a positive MD report! The skirt is really cute.

Honestly, I'd LOVE to see a Cath Kidston/Target crossover. I was a little disappointed with the Liberty stuff, as the material seemed cheap and not up to snuff. I treasure my Orla Kiely goodies, though. :-)

[madalyn]

Cute skirt! And I'm glad to hear about Rainy!