Lilly Pulitzer celebrates 50 years with A Colorful Cause

If someone were to ask me to close my eyes and think iconic summertime fashion colors… the palette of the Lilly Pulitzer brand would immediately come to mind.  Perhaps no other label encompasses the colors of ‘the American good life’ quite like Lilly does.  From Palm Springs to backyard BBQs, a touch of “Lilly”, as most fans refer to the label, is guaranteed to brighten up the event.

50 years ago the first Lilly shift dress debuted and quickly rose to fame thanks to fans like first lady Jackie Kennedy. Today the company and their signature colorful patterns are as strong and vibrant as ever.  And with the trend in fashion of mixing together ‘brights’ that is happening right now… it seems as if Lilly Pulitzer is perhaps at the top of her game once again.

And to help celebrate this incredible fashionable milestone, Lilly Pulitzer brand is putting their colors to a good cause.  Collaborating with 9 famous and stylish mothers, the company has created a limited edition collection with a portion of it’s proceeds to benefit EBMRF ( Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation). A foundations whose goal is to bring awareness and find a cure for this genetic, debilitating and life threatening disease.  This is a wonderful cause and a great reason to shop the Lilly collection!!!

Brooke, Gwyneth, Marcia, Bridget, Debra and more take a spin at being a Lilly designer

The collection has me ready to be sipping cocktails by the pool!  In fact just searching through their website had me feeling good vibes- after all how can you not love a pattern called ‘ I only count the happy hours’!

And If a full Lilly ensemble isn’t your thing… this limited edition scarf  may just be the right colorful touch for you ( and it doesn’t get much more ‘lilly-ish’ than this combo of pale yellow, bright pinks and greens! )

Lilly Pulitzer truly has become a ‘lifestyle’ brand -adding bedding, books, stationery, perfume, sunglasses and even a blog into the Lilly family.

I’ve been noticing some very “Lilly like” colors creeping into home as well… from Eileen Kathryn Boyd’s colorful living room at this year’s Kip’s Bay Showhouse to a wonderful seaside cottage by John Reilly that was recently featured in House Beautiful magazine.

Lilly palette-like inspired rooms don’t have to look like the lobby at your favorite palm tree lined resort… a touch of bright colors give that same optimistic feel without being too overbearing. I always think having the confidence to combine these hues give an instant air of sophistication to any space.

I’m feeling totally inspired by these two Lilly patterns this morning… hmm, which of my rooms will be getting a Lilly-like makeover today…?

Post Update:  This just in-

If you are in the NYC area?… Bloomingdale’s flagship store on 59th street is hosting two exciting events in honor of Lilly’s Colorful Cause.  Catch a glimpse of the entire collection ( along with a retrospective look at 50 years of Lilly style) in the store’s window display along Lexington Avenue starting today through May11-or even better yet, shop the collection alongside A Colorful Cause contributing designer, The View’s own Elisabeth Hasselbeck,  who will be in store helping to celebrate the event Thursday April 30th from 6-8pm. ( FYI-Spring has finally arrived in NYC… making it the perfect time to visit and shop! )

p.s. Thanks Marlee for passing along these colorful images of last night’s unveiling of the windows!  What a beautiful display- I can’t wait to see it in person!!!!