Lilly Pulitzer Backgrounds

You know fall is nearing when summer sales top the 50% off mark.  It's a bittersweet time of the year when you can stock up on summer seersucker for a great price, but soon temperatures will be dropping and vacations will be ending.  But, if like me, you prefer to look on the bright side, then your closet can also become just a little brighter with these preppy summer staples (I confess to have stocked up on a few, myself). Seersucker: Brooks Brothers Skirt | J. Crew Dress | Sperry for J. Crew Boat Shoes | J. Crew Swimsuit Nautical: Tommy Hilfiger Striped Shirt | Brooks Brothers Silk Scarf | Brooks Brothers Knot Link Bracelet | Brooks Brothers Espadrilles | Sperry for J. Crew Boat Shoes Tennis Whites: Tommy Hilfiger Dress | Lacoste Dress | J. Crew Flats | Ralph Lauren Belt Even better, J. Crew currently has free shipping (even to Canada) if you spend over $100, and if you order in-store through Brooks Brothers, they will also wave any shipping and duty costs (su...

I always vow to banish the bland, play up patterns, and make every day just a little brighter - and that includes my tech.  As a former Floridian, downplaying colors just doesn't seem right to me.  I've been a fan of Lilly Pulitzer for as long as I can remember, and I just love that the brand has broadened its reach to downloadable desktop wallpapers (see here  for a library). I've been using their patterns on my desktops for a while,  but I've just been over-the-moon with the most recent prints they've posted. Inspired by the sea, creatures galore, and beautiful blooms, each design is bursting with color and charm. I've updated the library of Lilly prints, so check it out for some of the newer and older designs, but here are some of my recent favorites. Watch Out - Lilly always calls the seafaring girls home. Lobstah Roll - For those obsessed with this year's favorite summer food. I Herd You  - The Royal Tenenbaums, anyone? Sunny Side  - A vintage-lookin...

Unfortunately I don't get to travel often for work, but when I do, I have a few essential rules to ensure I'm always prim, professional, and smartly packed.  You really never know who you may run into, or what the occasion may call for, so it's important that everything you bring can contribute to your professional persona. Pajama Sets: Polka Dot Joe Fresh | Vintage J. Crew  Single Color Palette: Striped J. Crew Shirt | Giant Gray Kate Spade Bag | Dusty Blue J. Crew Cardigan | Flared Pink Tartan Skirt | Boden  Dot Dress Flats: Quilted   Ann Taylors  | Banana Republic Bows | Kate Spade Snakeskins Pajama Sets - It may seem silly to be concerned about pajamas, but last year at my agency's annual conference the fire alarm went off at 3am in our hotel... I ended up in the lobby with coworkers, delegates, and even clients.  Leave those cartoon boxers and worn t-shirts at home and invest in a spiffy pair from J. Crew or Brooks Brothers, or even a clas...