How to Shop the Lilly Pulitzer Fall 2020 Online Sale
Tried & true shopping tips for the Lilly Pulitzer online sale.
(This post contains affiliate links; I may receive a very small commission per purchase at no cost to you.)
Did you hear that the Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale starts Monday, September 14th? I know a lot of y’all, like me, enjoy stocking up on sundresses, shorts, and lots of Lilly goodness during this event. Over the years, I've developed a few pro tips to help you navigate it quickly and efficiently.
1. Log on early... and prepare to wait. Have a browser window open to lillypulitzer.com by 7 am, and be prepared to be placed in a long online queue once the sale goes live around 8!
2. Know what you want to shop. I usually formulate a list of the searches I'm going to conduct, based on my tried and true favorite styles. I usually search for the Skipper Popover, the Elsa Top, the Sophie Dress (my mom's favorite style!) and for "maxi", for the landing page for maxi & midi dresses.
3. Place a couple of smaller orders rather than one large haul. This will ensure that you don't "lose" as many items in your cart to faster shoppers.
4. Run a filter for your size. See what's available to fit you. After I look for myself, I run quick searches for my mom's sizes and my little nieces. (We take Lilly pretty seriously in my family!) I find this helps me discover styles I’ve maybe overlooked in the past — like my new favorite, the Kaia tunic!
Happy Shopping, y’all! Let me know if you score anything good!!
How to Clean Your Closet Responsibly
Most of us spend a lot of time thinking about where we’ll buy our next favorite piece of clothing, but we don’t always task ourselves with finding the best home for those no-longer favorite pieces.
Most of us spend a lot of time thinking about where we’ll buy our next favorite piece of clothing, but we don’t always task ourselves with finding the best home for those no-longer favorite pieces.
Of course, earlier this year, Netflix dropped the “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” series; predictably, Goodwills around the country were inundated with stuff that no longer sparked joy. People donated their no-longer-loved items in record numbers. And, of course, we’re hitting the time of year when we’ll soon put away our sweaters and start to think about what to wear to Keeneland, Easter Sunday, and Derby. I have a few tips that will help y’all make those transitions with a vision toward utility.
Recently, I’ve started to think a lot more about the complete life cycle of a garment, and where things actually go when we’re finished with them. My eyes have been opened by a couple of badass Kentucky ladies whom I follow on social media. Gretchen Hunt, a Louisville-based attorney and advocate for domestic violence victims, runs an instagram account called ThriftingKY that details her adventures in shopping for a thrifted wardrobe. Samantha Moore, a Lexington designer and fellow Transylvania alumna, upcycles vintage garments into stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces for her brand Modern Country Couture. Both Gretchen and Samantha are committed to reducing the issue of textile waste. Both Samantha and Gretchen have made me think far more closely about whether I actually need the things I have or the things I want to buy.
My involvement with Dress for Success over the past few years has made me think far more deeply about the ways in which I discard or donate the items I no longer need or want. Y’all know that I’m committed to both volunteering and raising money for the Dress for Success affiliates in Lexington and Louisville; it is so incredible to see the profound effect that a newer work outfit can have on a woman’s future. Dress for Success has also had an important impact on my consumer habits. The other day, I was volunteering in the Dress for Success boutique when I saw a really pretty skirt. Upon closer inspection, I realized that I’d once owned a skirt — lilac and grey wool from Loft — just like it. It was 15 years old, but it was a timeless style and quite gorgeous. If it were still in my closet and still fit (few of us are the same size 15 years later…), I’d wear it today. Isn’t that what we should all be striving for a little more of? Timeless styles, reduced waste, and keeping ourselves a little healthier and trimmer? Of course, I certainly hope that skirt finds a great home, and I’m so glad that its previous owner was socially conscious enough to donate it to a place where it can be used. I’m embarrassed to say that I have no idea what happened to my own skirt in that style, which is an area where I need to do better.
Here are the rules I’ve come up with for cleaning my closet and responsibly resourcing my items; I hope that they can help you as well. I’m providing specific examples from my closet; I hope these help you with your own decision tree.
Rule 1: Only Keep Clothes that Fit
Last fall, I absolutely fell in love with this navy Draper James dress. It’s so flattering and can be styled for any occasion. It ran a little big to begin with, and then I lost some weight. So, this spring, it no longer fits! My number one rule for cleaning closets is that there is absolutely no reason to keep clothing that is ill-fitting. You just won’t wear it. Now, I seldom do a one-to-one replacement when cleaning out my closet. This was an exception because I know the dress is so flattering and functional, and I found the smaller size at a very reasonable price on eBay. I will consign or donate the larger size; hopefully it will find a home with someone who loves it as much as I do! In most cases, however, I stick to finding a similar, suitable replacement.
Rule 2: Only Keep Clothes that Flatter or Serve a Purpose
We all have things in our closet that we don’t quite know about. Maybe it’s an impulse buy. Maybe someone bought it for you. Maybe it’s from a weird phase when you were trying to make florals happen. And, it just sits there. For me, it was this French Connection wrap dress. It’s a stunning piece. It was perfect for a photo shoot I did last spring. And it’s never quite fit right. So, it needs a new home; it goes to the consign or donate pile.
Rule 3: See if it Could Serve Another Purpose
Honestly, I think this is an important one. There are other ways that our clothing can be used. I grew up with a grandmother who makes quilts, so my mind is never far from that use. Old t-shirts, for example, have a better use as a quilt than as drawer-fillers. (Bonus use: The excess t-shirt material makes THE BEST dusting cloths!!) I have several Derby-themed t-shirts that I plan to eventually turn into a quilt. You can read my t-shirt quilt tutorial here, or visit Louisville-based Campus Quilt to have a more professional-looking version made for you!) Similarly, a piece of clothing that you can’t bear to part with but that has a flaw that makes it unwearable makes a perfect quilt fabric. My granny made me this quilt using fabric from an old Lilly Pulitzer Kentucky Derby print. This would be a great way to repurpose a special dress or skirt into an heirloom!
Old party dresses in not-quite reparable conditions can become great dress-up materials for kids. The possibilities here are really only bounded by your time and imagination!
Step 4: Make a Responsible Plan for Your Discarded Items
If you only have one takeaway from this blog post, I sincerely hope this is it. Be responsible with the way you discard your item. It’s truly not enough to discard anything that sparks joy. The key here is to be realistic about your own situation. Consigning or selling your pieces can be a great way to earn a little bit of spare money, and, of course, donating your pieces to a charity or thrift store can help it find a deserving new home. But, responsible rehoming goes a little farther than just sorting into consignment and donation piles. You need to dig a little deeper to decide where an item goes. Here are my 3 basic rules of thumb:
(a) Assess the item’s value.
We all have some items in our closet that are nicer than others. Sometimes, these things have a higher resale value. Lilly Pulitzer, for example, is a brand for which well-maintained items can achieve a high resale price. You can sell a Lilly item on eBay or Poshmark, at consignment, or in a brand-specific Facebook group for close to its original retail price. Here in Louisville, we several GREAT consignment shops that focus on brand name women’s resale: Stella’s and Sassy Fox are both located in St Matthews, have the sweetest staffs ever, and are fabulous to buy from or sell with. Another great use for higher-value items is to donate to a charity that can turn them into creative fundraisers. Many Dress for Success affiliates, for example, pull higher value items from their donation piles for individual sale or for a higher price at their inventory sales. Goodwill has created the ingenious ShopGoodwill auction site. While these mechanisms have made the old “I found a Gucci bag at a Goodwill in a nice suburb!” urban legends even less likely, they’ve certainly helped to convert more donations into cash to nonprofits!
(b) Assess Your Commitment
Don’t let a whole bag of “this can go to consignment once I wash it and press it and sew on a button” things sit around. The truth is, you aren’t going to do that if you don’t do right now. Similarly, be honest with yourself about your financial motivation for selling your items. If you’d rather have the cash value for your item at the time you release it, go with eBay or a resale store like Clothes Mentor that pays cash up front. True consignment stores pay you when your item sells; this usually means a month’s delay in receiving payment for the item.
(c) Assess a Charity’s Needs
This is so important, y’all. We are so fortunate here in Kentucky, especially here in Louisville, to have an amazing network of 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organizations serving a variety of populations. If you’re going to make a donation of used clothing, please take the time to touch base with the organization and see what their needs and guidelines actually are. For example, I’ve learned through years of grant-matching volunteer work that, as a general rule, missions and shelters will not accept used underwear and socks, no matter how clean. It’s an issue of dignity and basic hygiene, not a reflection on how well you washed your old socks. Similarly, a huge need for Dress for Success is always work-appropriate clothing that does not require dry cleaning. While many of us grumble about our monthly dry cleaning bill, it’s an actual impediment to use for a lot of people who are struggling to maintain basic employment. Remember, too, that donation-based charities like Dress for Success still have to pay rent for their spaces and don’t have a ton of storage space. Because of this, they’re really limited in how much out-of-season inventory they can house. You’d be far better off to donate by wear-now season! Remember to always check with your charity of choice to see what they need and how they can best put your item to use.
Rule 5: Be Honest!
Be honest with yourself when assessing your item’s path. Ask yourself if this item is as valuable as you perceive it to be. A 15 year-old Louis Vuitton bag may have a lot of sentimental value, but will most likely show so much wear as to command a far lower resale price than you anticipate. You may have splurged on a trendy cold-shoulder top two years ago, but many resell venues may deem that look to be, mercifully, past its expiration date. Be honest about the condition that your item is in. Work slacks with a torn hem aren’t immediately interview-ready for Dress for Success. Be honest about the decision you’re making to part with an item, and you’ll figure out a way to give it another use!
Let me know in the comments how y’all clean out your closets and where you donate your items!!
The HerKentucky Guide to L.L. Bean Boots
Guide to the classic outdoor shoes.
{This post contains affiliate links; HerKentucky LLC will receive a nominal commission per click at no cost to the reader. }
Autumn is my favorite time of year to stock up on L.L. Bean! I can't get enough of their Bean Boots . They have such classic styling, quality construction, and a fun, preppy style. They're seriously items that never go out of style, and that I find myself reaching for over and over. And, now through Monday, Bean Boots are 20% off with code AUTUMN.
I love my Bean Boots because they're so durable and waterproof. I use them for everyday errands like walking the dogs or walking through our often-leaky basement as well as to stay warm and dry in wet weather and blend in with the fall foliage.
The slip-on mocs are even good for summertime errands like yard work, and since they're made of rubber, they clean up so easily!
A word about sizing: these boots are meant to be worn with serious socks, so size down significantly! Half sizes are advised to order one and a half down! I wear an 8.5 in most shoes; I own a 7 in both of these pairs!
Here are a few of my favorite current LL Bean Bean Boot Styles!
Draper James Lucky You Sale Favorites
Labor Day Weekend Favorites!
My dress is $40 (also available in navy!!)
(This post contains affiliate links; I will receive a very small commission per click at no cost to the reader. All photos are © Sarah Caton of Space, Place & Southern Grace unless otherwise noted.)
Y'all, the Draper James summer sale is the best LDW sale I've seen (and trust me, I've looked at them all!) There are so many pieces that I've worn time and again, and the prices are insane -- up to 75% off! This bell-sleeved dress has been my go-to all summer because it's just so flattering and easy to wear; it's cut to $40, and I'm thinking of snagging it in navy as well! Here are a few more favorites for you!
Tees
This is a great time to stock up on DJ tees and tops. The striped tops are great beyond Labor Day and the tees are $10! The bell sleeved stripe tee has been a staple in my wardrobe all summer -- it's perfect for easy elegance -- and the What Would Dolly Do tee has gotten more compliments than possibly any other article of clothing I own.
Shoes and Boots
I'm pretty certain that I would wear Jack Rogers sandals every day if I could. I love these logo Jacks -- the Howdy Y'all and the Southern Belle are both adorable! The Soludos espadrilles and Old Gringo boots are great deals, too!
Magnolia Dress
Magnolia dress $50; Elizabeth's dress is sold out. (this photo is an iPhone snap!)
This dress is perfection, y'all. I wore it to the track and to a garden party and I've never felt more Southern in my life. The Ponte fabric is ridiculously flattering, and the print is fabulous. It's down to $50. Trust me, you'll be glad it's in your closet next spring!
Let me know if you score anything good from the DJ Lucky You sale! It runs through tomorrow, September 4th.
Pomegranate Sale
Lexington, Kentucky dry goods company Pomegranate, Inc hosts their spring warehouse sale.p
Lexington Print pillow c/o Pomegranate, Inc.
My very favorite shopping event in Lexington is happening this week, y'all. Starting tomorrow, Wednesday the 16th, and running through Saturday the 19th, the Pomegranate, Inc. Spring Warehouse Sale returns! Visit the Pomegranate Warehouse at 527 Lagonda Ave in Lexington from 9-6 Wednesday-Friday and 10-4 on Saturday for fantastic deals on Pomeganate's unique linens, bags, and resort wear! The Warehouse sale always has amazing deals on gorgeous items, and you can use HerKentucky's exclusive sale code, 1792, for an additional 10% off your purchase!
Raffia Indigo Napkin Rings, Provence Blue Tea Towel, Indigo Napkins, and Blue Raffia Hemstitch Placemats c/o Pomegranate Inc
I love the unique elegance that Pomegranate linens bring to my table, and I love shopping with a local Lexington company!
Tulip Trot napkins and placemats and Baldwin Gold Napkin Rings c/o Pomegranate Inc.
My very favorite Pomegranate pieces are their aprons. How perfect are these as hostess gifts?
UK Collage, Pineapple Citrus, Pick Six, and Hunt aprons c/o Pomegranate.
If you can't attend the sale in person, don't worry. A coupon code just for HerKentucky readers will be available next week.
Shop Draper James Lexington for Easter Dresses!
The Lexington Draper James store has the perfect spring dress for you!
Draper James has the absolute spring dress collection, y'all. I'm in love with all the navy and fun floral patterns, and have found so many cute pieces for date nights and spring horse races and the holidays!
Speaking of holidays, if you haven't been able to find the Draper James dress you want online, or if you're still looking for an Easter dress for this weekend, you should stop by the Draper James store in Lexington at The Summit at Fritz Farm. They always have a great variety of dresses, and the sales staff is so wonderful and hospitable and sweet! A trip to the Lexington Draper James store is always so much more than just a shopping trip!
Here are some of my favorite spring dresses from Draper James! The Love Circle Dress is an adorable fit and flare dress that is so adorable for any of your spring events. I especially love the Seersucker! These will be so perfect for every spring event, from Easter services to races at Keeneland or Churchill Downs to date nights! (Fun Fact: The Love Circle Dress is named for the road that runs around Love Park near Vanderbilt's campus, near Draper James Founder Reese Witherspoon's hometown, Nashville!)
Click to shop Draper James Love Circle Dresses: 1. Seersucker | 2. Hyacinth Floral | 3. Magnolia 4. Solid Navy 5. Elliston Floral 6. Dot
I love that this year's Draper James spring line includes some inclusive sizing -- running from XS to XXL to flatter as many ladies as possible. I also love that the price point has been lowered to make the dresses more accessible to more women. All of the dresses in the picture below are under $150, and a few are under $90!
Shop my favorite Draper James Spring Dresses: 1. Magnolia Persley Pointe Dress | 2. Hyacinth Floral Ruffle Sleeve Knit Dress | 3. Belted Daisy Vine Shirtdress | 4. Daisy Vine Roslyn Dress | 5. Belted Magnolia Shirtdress | 6. Ottoman Stripe Knit Dress
If you're still looking for that perfect spring dress, stop by Draper James in Lexington, enjoy a sweet tea, and try on one of these gorgeous pieces. I bet you'll find something you love!
Draper James Horseshoe Key Fob
If y'all are anything like me, you're loving all things equestrian and mint julep this spring. I mean, Derby is basically Louisville's own three-week carnival season; why shouldn't we dress like it?
A few of y'all asked about the Draper James Horseshoe Key Fob I posted on Instagram yesterday. I love to switch out fobs, or "charms," as I like to think of them, on my bag to keep it fresh with the season. The horseshoe is perfect for Derby time. You can find it here, and there are also some great new Lexington and Kentucky-themed products that have dropped on the Draper James site this morning. I seriously want them all! (Click here, and you'll receive $20 off your Draper James online order!)
If you want to celebrate The Horse Racing Capital of the World (and what I consider the prettiest town in America!), The Lexington Horseshoe Key Fob is now available to pre-order, celebrating the upcoming opening of the store at The Summit at Fritz Farm!
These Lexington Cocktail Napkins would be the perfect hostess gift for a Lexingtonian or a Lexington expatriate who misses home!
And how perfect are these mint julep paper coasters for a Derby party?
Happy week before Derby week, y'all!
(This post contains affiliate links.)