Designer and socialite, Lilly Pulitzer, passed away on Sunday in Palm Beach, FL, at 81 years old. When we think of her, we think preppy, perfectly summery style – style so juice-stand fresh that most of us here at Rue can actually remember that very first whimsical Lilly purchase. Below, we share those first sunny memories:
“My first (and favorite) Lilly was a pink and white seersucker dress. It was my go-to for the season. It made me feel so summery – feminine, bright, and complemented every pair of wedges I own.” – Meredith G., Corporate Customer Care Analyst
“In sixth grade, I spotted a teeny Lilly bikini on a shopping trip with Mom. It was all perfectly pink and speckled with palm trees. I have no idea how I convinced her to buy it for me – probably cried, or some other dramatic tool of persuasion. Nonetheless, I so rocked that middle school pool party.” – Joanna B., Editor
“In 2001, my mom gifted me a pair of super-bright Lilly men’s trousers (they looked girly, I swear). Back then, Lilly was virtually unknown at my suburban Chicago high school – I’d scored these in FL – though they were very well-received. Even when paired with the platform flip–flops I insisted on wearing with them.” – Sarah S., Junior Copywriter
“One of my favorite childhood outfits was a pink and green floral shift – besides being splashed in my favorite colors, it was most appealing because my mother had one to match. My love for Lilly has only grown from there… though eventually I did insist that my mom and I opt for different prints.” – Bridget R., Event Production Assistant
“Had my mother known her prints were spill-inspired, I probably would have been granted my first prized Lilly piece at a younger age.” – Jillian H., Feature Writer
“My first Lilly was a monokini – the one-piece ‘bathing suit’ you wear over a diaper. But the piece I remember most was a blue shift dress with pink and yellow flowers. I recall that I chose to ‘accessorize’ it with Band-Aids – applied to both my knees + elbows.” – Rachel S., Associate Creative Director
“My gin-gria chiffon tunic with a classic Lilly Pulitzer print is perfect for breezy summer nights in Cape Cod.” – Carolyn S., Feature Writer
“I actually got my first-ever Lilly piece from our latest Boutique. It’s a navy-and-white octopus print swimsuit – it’s really fun but still sophisticated and fits perfectly. I’m planning on wearing it during my honeymoon.” – Shaina M., Copyeditor
What was your first Lilly Pulitzer purchase? Share it in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.
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