I pride myself on being a very frugal individual. I am a year from being a college graduate, have two jobs, and no debt. (No debt pushed off on parents/family either) That being said, I have always been very good with my money. I’m careful with how I spend and how I save, but I love shopping and spending money on things that I can actively use. I’ve definitely spent a significant bit of time in a love affair with Lilly Pulitzer. In reality, I can’t fathom paying $100+ for a single article of clothing, but many patterns are incredibly unique, colorful, and just plain fun. Some of the designer’s newest prints are about the only things that will get me to purchase anything that isn’t the color black i.e. Mai Tai! I hate that specific looks and designers have to represent a certain social class or status because that just isn’t the case. I’ve NEVER paid more than $100 (honestly not more than $75) for any piece of Lilly I’ve owned. How? Miraculous sales and second-hand. What’s wrong with a piece that’s been treated with TLC seeing a second owner? Not one thing. eBay, Facebook resale pages, and Tradesy are some of my favorite places to shop second-hand Lilly (and sell too!). Pictured below are some of my most recent purchases — One is new with tags, the other gently used. Both scored for less than $100 combined on eBay.
The real issue I have with Lilly is the implication that you have to be of a certain class rank to obtain and wear it. With Lilly for Target hitting stores in just over a month (April 19th!), the Lilly-wearing community has been more vocal than ever about how Lilly creating a unique line to be sold in Target stores is “lessening the value” and “cheapening” the brand. This is ridiculous. If you wear a piece of clothing to indicate wealth and status, you’ve entirely missed the point of fashion. I think Lilly for Target, although I have not seen any prints, will be remarkable. Not only is the collaboration allowing numerous more Lilly-admiring individuals to obtain looks for a MUCH more affordable price point, the collection is reported to include a variety of household items, party favors, etc. in Lilly themes. I for one am ecstatic about the decision to sell new prints in Target stores. And let’s be real…what major designers haven’t previously collaborated with Target or another major chain to produce more cost-efficient and readily accessible merchandise? Way to go, Lilly Pulitzer!
