Champagne Kisses & Birthday Dreams

theprepinpink / / Comments

Now if you know me, you would know that my birthday is not just a day but the party can last all month long. I thought the best way to celebrate would be a birthday bar crawl through Duck… and we did just that!

We started off at our local spot, Sweet Ts Beer & Wine. Sweet T herself hosted a high end wine tasting that was completely ‘angel’ themed, after my last name of course. To top it off, each wine was paired with my favorite hors d’oeuvres from pigs in a blanket to Georgia peaches.

I was more than delighted to see a full house of my favorite folks who came to celebrate my big ‘2-6.’ A few bottles of bubbly later and we were off to Roadside Bar & Grill for more birthday debauchery.

Walking down Duck Road, I blushed seeing my name on the bar signs on the way to the backyard. I couldn’t wait to spend some time with my handsome date. We laughed and danced the night away as the band began to play. Just when I thought this night couldn’t be topped, I stood corrected when they unveiled my unicorn piñata full of jello shots!

Right when I thought the party was coming to an end, my parents paid me a special visit. They took me out for a sunset dinner at Aqua overlooking the sound. Later we made our way to Blue Point as the band surprised me with a serenade. 

I mean, who could ask for a better birthday? 26 is a lot sweeter with friends and family by my side. My first birthday in the Outer Banks was one of the best… so cheers to many more years!

 

Special thanks to Sweet Ts Beer & Wine and Roadside Bar & Grill for hosting

Location: Duck, NC

Linley Maxi Dress: Lilly Pulitzer  .  Sandals: Jack Rogers  .  Party Dress & Glass: Lilly Pulitzer

 

Happy Fall Y’all

theprepinpink / / Comments

As we watch summer slip away in September, you can see the seasons start to change. Autumn makes its way to the beach as we bundle up beneath the dunes.

A sweet retreat here on the Outer Banks has to be Jockey’s Ridge State Park. I love to sneak away to these little hideaways for sightseeing and sunsets.

Day trips to the dunes forever bring fabulous views, from hang gliders overhead to wildlife in the waters. Adventure awaits you, whether you wander through the woods or slide down the sands. I can’t wait to see what else this season has in store…

-The Prep in Pink X Marleylilly Collaboration-

Fall Collection by Marleylilly: Monogrammed Cowl Neck Tunic & Monogrammed Puffy Vest

Location: Jockey’s Ridge State Park in the Outer Banks, NC

Life’s A Beach Turns 15

theprepinpink / / Comments

As some of you may know, this is my first year managing Life’s a Beach, but it has actually been 15 years since Lilly Pulitzer hit the Outer Banks, and our team couldn’t wait to celebrate the success. We were happy to host a party for not only our store, but for the customers who have supported us for so many years.

One thing that you can always count on with Lilly ladies is a party. We started the morning off with muffins and mimosas. I couldn’t wait to see all the familiar faces of customers in the community, along with some newfound friends.

The afternoon was filled with fun, from face painting to free prizes. We welcomed shoppers of all ages to join in on the festivities. We even had a surprise ‘paint-a-print’ class. As the sun went down, the hors d’oeuvres came out as we raised a glass to our guests.

What better way to end the day than with my Life’s a Beach babes. As the season is coming to a close, I have to say that my first summer in the Outer Banks has been one for the books, and I can’t wait to see what fun the fall holds here for me at the beach.

Brunch at the Breakers

theprepinpink / / Comments

I tend to say ‘it’s always sunny and 75 in my head.’ I close my eyes and dream of the beach, but when I open them, I am stepping out of the plane in Palm Beach! My sister just landed a job there, so of course I was on my way before she could say when. The weekend was a special celebration of her new job, little sister’s graduation, my promotion to manager, Father’s Day and my mother’s birthday. It was the perfect excuse to bring my fab fam back together.

We shopped for hours at the best boutiques, and we hit the town to dance the night away at a Dierks Bentley concert. There were many memorable moments but the one I will never forget would have to be brunch at the Breakers. We drove through the gates, passing the palm trees on the promenade. We pulled up to lambos lining the valet. Walking into the lobby, I was in awe of the grand design of this luxury resort. I couldn’t wait to peek out into out to the Palm Courtyard.

Checking this location off my list, I must say, made me a bit emotional. I have always dreamed of being at the Breakers, and walking through the square and  into the mecca: Lilly Pulitzer.

The store was everything I envisioned, full of fabulous fashions and sprinkled in shells. The dressing rooms were my favorite part, each with their own personality. I left the shop with the signature palm beach breakers tote, what a treat!

Just when you think it couldn’t get any better, we were off to a mimosa brunch at The Circle. We made our way into the grand dining room, and couldn’t wait to sip champagne beneath the crystal chandeliers. We tasted fabulous treats as we were serenaded by harp hymns. What a perfect ending to a posh trip to Palm Beach!

Location: The Breakers, Palm Beach

Julie Caftan: Lilly Pulitzer  .  Breezy Tote: Lilly Pulitzer

Life Under the Printed Palms

theprepinpink / / Comments

The only thing that could get me off the beach, is if I’m headed to another. Last week I left the Carolina coast and made my way down south to the sandy shores of Naples Florida. I couldn’t wait to drop my bags in the suite and hit the beach!

My first full day I hit the pool to soak up some sun. I met some fab Lilly ladies in the loungers, and some handsome fellas in the hot tub. What could make this day better? Only a few frozen drinks to sip under the sunshine.

Once the rest of the buy trip babes trickled in, it was time to get back to business. We had breakfast bright and early at Broadwell’s, overlooking the golf course. After that we were off to the Imoklee room to view the exclusive Lilly Pulitzer Resort 2017  collection. We were in awe of all the fabulous winter fashions and fabrics and couldn’t wait to shop for our store.

That night we put down the line sheets and picked up the champagne. I met my besties at the open bar and buffet and hit the terrace to see the sunset. It was a perfect photo-op beneath the palms. We made our way to the beach bar and watched the band jam before we hit the bed.

On our last day of paradise, we finalized our orders and hit the sand for one last break before our flight. I had the best time catching rays and catching up with up with friends.

This must be why they call this the Lilly dream job. What better way to work and play than on vacay? Follow along for more of this life under the printed palms…

 

Baggage: Lilly Pulitzer  .  Swim: Lauren James  .  Gizelle Maxi: Lilly Pulitzer

Location: The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club