A Colorful Tribute to Lilly Pulitzer

       

Some things inspire you at first glance.

For me, my first encounter with a Lilly Pulitzer dress left a lasting impression and budding love for the colorful prints that have become the iconic party and play clothes of the Palm Beach crowd.

Despite growing up just minutes from Palm Beach, I didn't actually discover Lilly until high school. I'm not sure how I managed to overlook the splashy, citrus-colored patterns in which many girls and women around me were proudly clad. A Lilly girl isn't exactly a wallflower -- "Lillys" are made to stand out in a crowd.

Regardless of my former obliviousness, my newfound awareness of the dresses made it difficult not to notice them everywhere around me. Once she caught my eye, there was no denying it... I was smitten. And like any high school girl, my "awakening" meant just one thing: I had to have one.

I bought my very first Lilly dress at a clearance sale at a boutique on the island -- the only way I could afford one. I treasured that thing like it was priceless. I still have it in my closet today.

My very first Lilly.

It wasn't my favorite print, by any means. The fabric was a bright lime green, with punchy little animals in whites and citrons parading all over the simple a-line cut, Lilly's trademark signature cleverly hidden among the swirls like a preppy version of "Where's Waldo". {Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure it might have been a piece from the kids collection that was big enough to fit me.}



But still, I was just happy to have a Lilly of my own. It meant something to me. Like I was initiated into some exclusive pink & green society. Like suddenly I'd be invited to sip pink lemonade at a Palm Beach garden party. {Certainly, that wasn't the case. But if nothing else, it made it easy for my family to find me amidst the church crowd.}

From that moment on, I decided that slowly but surely, I'd grow my Lilly collection. Though my purchases gradually progressed to more classic pieces, I still find myself mesmerized by the whimsical, and even humorous prints that make the Lilly brand both vivacious and distinctive. There's something special about all the little details that go into a Lilly.

Inner hem lace detail of one of my Lillys.

When I heard about the passing of Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau this weekend, I felt like I had lost someone dear to me. It's a phenomenon that happens when you feel a connection to someone you've never met. Sure, we empathize with the loss of any individual out of respect and human connectedness.

Lilly Pulitzer, 1963.
Photograph by me, image from Essentially Lilly.

But sometimes, the feelings run deeper. An admiration... a fondness. Something that elicits a feeling of kinship.

Maybe it was Lilly's creativity. Her ingenuity. Her streak of entrepreneurship. Maybe it was her  irreverence in a world where things are expected to be "just so". The challenge in her prints to live life like the party it's meant to be.

Photo taken of page in my Lilly Pulitzer agenda

Whatever the reason I felt such a bond, my heart was deeply saddened. Perhaps it's a natural consequence of wearing someone's name like an emblem for so many years.

Photo taken of page in my Lilly Pulitzer agenda.

There's no denying that Lilly left her colorful mark on the world... on me, on my closet, on the header of this very blog. {I sent a picture of a Lilly print sketch from my agenda as inspiration to the graphic designer.} She's the reason for the "Prep" in The Kitchen Prep. And though she is no longer with us, I have no doubt in my mind that her vibrant legacy will continue to live on for many years to come.

A toast to Lilly.

May we each live to inspire those around us as you have.

Deepest sympathy & prayers to her family and friends.

Tropical Fruit Bellinis
Adapted from Essentially Lilly: A Colorful Guide to Entertaining

1 mango, peeled & chopped
1 peach, peeled & chopped
1/2 cup guava nectar
1/2 cup apricot nectar
1 bottle Prosecco or other sparkling beverage {seltzer water or ginger ale for an alcohol-free version}

Sugar for rims, optional*
Lime for garnish, optional

1. Combine fruit and nectars in a blender. Puree until smooth.

2. Pour 1/4 cup puree into each champagne glass. Top with Prosecco or sparkling beverage and stir gently.

3. Garnish with lime.

To sugar rims: Pour about 1/4 cup juice {or water} on a shallow plate. On another plate, sprinkle about 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Dip tops of glasses into the juice, shake to remove excess liquid, then dip into sugar.

Note: The fruit puree can be made ahead. Just prepare, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.