Vineyard Vines - Tis the Season for Giving!

Big Week for Birthdays: Lilly Pulitzer & My Mom on the 10th!

This week is an important week for birthdays in my life - one of my best friends will celebrate her big day on Tuesday, my mom and Lilly Pulitzer both turn year older thjis Wednesday, my dad follows suit with birthday on Thursday, and sweet girl I mentor and tutor is turning 18 on Friday. My mom is the most amazing person on earth and I love her more than anything else in the world, so her birthday alone means I've been looking forward to the upcoming week with bells on my toes, and these other birthdays on top make it extra incredible!

Anyone who knows me knows my most favorite thing to do in all the world is celebrating birthdays --- I believe they should be celebrated big and out loud with cupcakes, presents, and showers of love and good wishes. I want to start the week wishing these special people a wonderful week full of jubilee and smiles, and a year ahead of wonderful memories, great successes, and lots of happy times! xoxo MelyLil

As a special gift to readers, all day on this Wednesday, November 10th you can Celebrate Lilly Pulitzer's Birthday with a gift at all stores! Pop the bubbly, spread some cheer, and celebrate because with every $250 you spend you will receive a printed stuffed animal, and spending $500 you'll be given an exclusive printed tote! Happy times ahead!

Two Inspiring Women:

Maribeth Gowen

Lilly Pulitzer

Saks for Washingtonians Tomorrow!

Click to view details:

In addition,

Thank you to David at the Lifeguard Press in Bowling Green, Kentucky!

for sending me a sample of his fab's company's 

personalized game-state correspondence cards.

 With midwestern routes, my KU loyalty runs deep. 

Now with these cards, it's even easier to keep!

 Wherever your allegiance and state pride may reside - 

Lifeguard Press has the cards to help you show your pride!

personalize. print. share. at www.lifecards.com

enter for your chance to win!

Fifi's Fab Fall Sale!

It's that time of year again -- Grab your gal pals and head on over to the annual Fifi fall sale hosted by Get Dressed's Deb Johns in Georgetown. It's an amazing trunk show this Tuesday and Wednesday from 10-2pm. Come browse the stylish selection of vintage, Scout bags, and accessories for fall. You won't want to miss this fun shopping event! 

kate spade short stories collection

in collaboration with kate spade new york, the famous Strand bookstore in NYC, a new york legend in the literary world, we commissioned short stories from seven female writers. we asked each author to incorporate the phrase, "she is quick and curious and playful and strong" at some point in their story. the end result is a charming collection we're excited to share. artfully designed in a limited-edition set, it's a lovely gift to give (or to get).

kate spade will be hosting an event at the Strand on October 27. you may pre-order a signed copy here. the set is available both at the Strand as well as in kate spade shops.

far too long has passed since I posted about ks, my favorite designer. utility, wit and playful sophistication are the hallmarks of kate spade new york. her graceful, exuberant approach to the everyday manifests itself in every piece she designs, from evening bags to tennis balls. she has thirty-six shops across the united states, and is sold in every time zone and on every continent. whether in macau or michigan, her shops are always warm and inviting.

kate brosnahan has inspired me for quite some time. her story:



the former accessories editor at mademoiselle set out in 1993 to design the sleek, utilitarian handbag she'd been craving for years, but couldn't find on the market. along with her husband, andy spade, they launched kate spade new york. and so began a revolution in the accessories market. women and fashion editors alike quickly fell for kate's designs, which combined utility, simple silhouettes and crisp palettes. as the company grew, its core design values were reinforced by iconic logos and modern graphic elements, establishing a visual shorthand for the brand recognizable the world over.

although kate brosnahan no longers oversees the artistic direction of the company she created, her brand has continued to blossom and the past few seasons have been simply stellar. especially lately the company has been doing some amazing things, with pop-up shops and making a second and even more stunning debut into bedding. may today's posting be the first of a series of tributes and toasts to kate spade!

Think PINK! for October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

One of my favorite months of the year is October, when pink pops out all over town and country in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. Cause-worthy events and shopping specials bring together stakeholders giving consumers the chance to marry their purchasing power and making a difference.

Here are just a few of my upcoming favorites!



Bethesda Fashion Week: October 2-9

Bethesda Row Boutique Week!

What are you falling for this season? A fringe handbag? A slouch beret? A tailored blazer? Whatever your fall fashion craving, chances are you’ll find it at Boutique Week, an entire week of fashion events, gifts with purchase, styling tips, celebrity appearances and more—all at your favorite Bethesda Row boutiques.

Events:
Saturday, October 2, all day
Celebrate the opening of Equinox
Check out the area’s newest and most stylish fitness club. Free yoga classes on Bethesda Lane. (weather permitting)

Sunday, October 3, 9am-1pm
Farm Market (behind Jaleo)
Healthy eats fuel fashion ambitions. Don’t forget to stop in at Jaleo, Assaggi or Redwood and toast a week of fashion with your BFFs!

Monday, October 4, 6-8pm
Ginger
Ginger and Annie Lou Bayly, DC editor of DailyCandy, welcome The Devil Wears Prada author Lauren Weisberger as she signs her new novel, Last Night at Chateau Marmont. Plus a White + Warren trunk show all day.

Tuesday, October 5, 5-7pm
J. McLaughlin
Meet Andrea Rodgers from AskMissA plus accessories trunk show from Kenneth Jay Lane and Lauren G. Adams, samplings from Aveda Bethesda and cocktails.
Wednesday, October 6, all day
Urban Chic
Shoshanna trunk show plus 15% off Shoshanna. See the Fall 2010 collection and meet Betsy Lowther from Fashion is Spinach. Bubbly and treats after 5pm.

Thursday, October 7, 6-8pm
Sassanova
Meet Norah O’Donnell and her husband Chef Geoff Tracy, as they sign their new bestseller BabyLove. Visit babylovefoods.com for healthy tips. Enjoy special treats along with poshbrood.com.
LouLou, all day View the Mija Jewelry collection.

Friday, October 8, 9-10pm
lululemon athletica
Join lululemon’s fitness ambassadors and MoCo Scene’s Karen Watkins and take in a Function as Fashion show. Healthy tips and fitness gifts.

Saturday, October 9,10am-7pm
Luna
Soft Joie trunk show—soft, modern and sexy knits. Bubbly and special treats with Brightest Young Things.

*Free Georgtown Cupcake when you spend $150 at participating Bethesda Row boutiques during Boutique Week.*

(Redeem at the Bethesda location October 4-8)

Present receipts dated Oct 2 – 8, 2010 totaling $150 or more from participating Bethesda Row boutiques and you will receive a card for a free Georgetown cupcake. Limit 1/person/day regardless of purchase amount. While supplies last. No rain checks. Cupcakes are available Oct 4 – Oct 8, 2010, only at the Bethesda location of Georgetown Cupcake. Participating boutiques include: Ginger, J. McLaughlin, Urban Chic, Sassanova, lululemon athletica, Luna, LouLou, Aveda and Bubbles. 

Happy Birthday, Lilly Pulitzer!

Happy Birthday to Ms. Lilly Pulitzer, the birthday girl of today September 20th!

My she continue Happily living in her"jungle" in Florida enjoying life, family, friends and the pursuit of happiness for many years to come!

Lilly's wonderful story:

It all started with a juice stand in Palm Beach. Lilly, a young, sassy New York socialite had eloped with Peter Pulitzer, grandson of the Pulitzer Prize's Joseph Pulitzer and settled in Palm Beach to live the life of the rich and famous. Peter owned several Florida citrus groves, but Lilly needed a project of her own. So in 1960, with Peter's produce, she opened a juice stand on Via Mizner, just off Worth Avenue in Palm Beach.

Lilly Pulitzer's business was a hit, but squeezing oranges, lemons, limes, and pink grapefruit made a mess of her clothes. Realizing that she needed a juice stand uniform, Lilly asked her dressmaker to design a dress that would camouflage the stains. The result? A comfortable sleeveless shift made of bright, colorful printed cotton - pink, green, yellow and orange. The dress even had custom dressmaker details like lining and lace seam bindings. It was perfect for the job and became Lilly's first Classic Shift.

Although her customers liked Lilly's juice, they loved her dress. When people began to ask if they could buy the dress, Lilly had a few more made up to sell in the stand. Soon Lilly was selling more dresses than juice, so she decided to stop squeezing and to focus on designing and selling her "Lillys." Before long, Jackie Kennedy, an old school chum, began wearing Lillys and as First Lady was featured in Life Magazine wearing a Classic Shift. Then, of course, everyone wanted one and Lilly Pulitzer became a fashion sensation.

Through the sixties and seventies, the Lilly Pulitzer line was the unofficial uniform of the affluent at play. Lilly Pulitzer stores sprang up in the favorite resorts of the jet set and Lilly's pink and green colors became the banner of the preppy lifestyle. In 1984, however, Lilly closed her doors to settle into retirement with her second husband, Enrique Rousseau (her marriage to Peter had ended in 1969) and to enjoy her grandchildren. For the rest of the decade, Lilly devotees were left to scour flea markets and re-sale shops to find their beloved vintage Lillys.

In January 1993, the Lilly Pulitzer line was revived. Now, Lilly Pulitzer is more popular than ever! The Lilly Pulitzer line is now available in 75 Signature Shops, major department stores, and fine specialty stores nationwide. Its popularity continues to grow among those who knew it years ago and those who have just discovered the timeless fun of Lilly Pulitzer apparel.

Lilly is alive and well today. She often entertains her various family members and friends in her home in Palm Beach, which she affectionately calls "The Jungle."

Jim Bradbeer and Scott Beaumont acquired the Lilly Pulitzer trademark in 1993 and are now the company's owners. Distribution is by way of about fifty specialty shops, a catalog (available only at the specialty shops), select department stores, and through the company's new Web site.

Congratulations to Re-Lilly!

The brilliantly successful re-use concept Ms. Sue started for Lilly Pulitzer is being celebrated today, because the Re-Lilly page has reached 2,000 fans! For those of you who aren't familiar with Re-Lilly, it was created for Lilly Lovers to gather and Re-Lilly! reduce~ reuse~ re-lilly. Many fans have been recycling their favorite Lillys for generations, but now there is a portal specially designed where you can post photos of your Lilly pieces that you wish to swap, sell or give away. Your Lilly pieces should be in excellent pre-loved (pre-owned) condition or new with tags. Re-Lilly is also THE Place to also hear about Lilly Via & Specialty Store Sales! All store owners are invited to post promotions & sales here. Congratulations to Re-Lilly!

In honor of the record-breaking numbers this month, Re-Lilly is kindly hosting a lovely giveaway celebration. Entrants should visit here to become a fan of Re-Lilly and participate in the celebration!

Fall Wardrobe Sale!

Diane von Furstenberg wrap shirt dress - $100 shipped

Brand new, worn once and drycleaned. Consider wearing light color stockings (in light beige or nude) and a top underneath to perfect the working look. Originally $425 at Bloomingdales.

Lilly Pulitzer Saemus Colorblock Dress (brand new with tags!) - $135 shipped

Vibrant contrast trim offsets a pretty silk mosaic of seashells. Caftan neckline, long blouson sleeves. About 19” from waist to hem. Silk lining. Currently in stores for $248.

Bobbi Brown Bath almost Eau de Toilette , 1 oz. - $18 shipped

I just purchased this two weeks ago thinking I liked the scent, but when I got it home, on me I’m not very fond of it. Retails for $40 at Neiman Marcus and Saks.

Vineyard Vines of Georgetown invites Washingtoniette readers to attend a party our Georgetown store on Wednesday, September 15th. Lisa Birnbach, author of True Prep, will be there signing books and there will be plenty to eat and drink and loads to shop! Hope to see you there!

Love the Georgetown Cupcake Sisters!

Down-to-earth, genuine, full of smiles -- the Georgetown Cupcake founding sisters Sophie and Katherine happily take the time to truly connect with their customers face-to-face, even when the line of eager cupcake connoisseurs was stretching the entire city block back from M street last weekend. For me, it was so refreshing to see how their celebrity reputation has not tarnished their good intentions and heartfelt business whatsoever. Their show is turning the women into famous faces nationwide, yet their personalities continue to shine through, just like the success of their cupcakes and rapid growth of their business concept has never hindered the taste and quality of every cupcake that comes out of the oven.

Amidst the overabundance of distasteful reality shows airing these days, the sisters' show DC Cupcakes stands apart as a genuine glimpse of the lives and careers of two special sisters who share the stories inside their kitchen adventures and the behind growth of their business. Watch them Fridays at 10pm, and then at 10 the next morning stop by their shop where you might just see them bringing fresh cupcakes out of the oven!

Shopaholic in Alabama's Amazing Under the Palm Tree Giveaways!

The sweet and adorable Shopaholic in Alabama is hosting some fantastic giveaway for her fans and readers!

Today a wonderful store called the Pink Giraffe is sponsoring her12th giveaway! This shop is "Your One Stop Shop for Monogrammed and Personalized Items" including Monogrammed Ball Caps, Stationary, Photo Albums, Burp Cloths, Personalized Onesies and Children's Clothing". Search our site for all your monogrammed needs. For today's giveaway, The Pink Giraffe is offering their Monogrammed 8.5" x 11" Photo Album in your choice of fabric and monogram font. Personally I love it just the way it is pictured, with the Pink Bamboo print, Key Lime thread and fishtail monogram. One lucky Shopaholic reader is going to be very, very happy!

Under The Palm Tree is generously providing a $75 gift card. The gift card can be used online or in store, if you live locally! Ask me how quick I could use $75 at Under The Palm Tree? In exactly one click, that's how quick! :-) One lucky Shopaholic reader will be thrilled! Be sure to stop on over at her wonderful blog for your chance to enter today!

Fabulous Lilly Pulitzer Betsy Dress!

Lilly Lovers: I have decided to part with this brand new Lilly Strapless Betsey Dress with Lace in Sz. 4. It's an adorable and rare piece! I hope some Lilly lover out there might like it. It's new with tags (original price was $328). Please email mlg46@cornell.edu if you are interested! $135 shipped.

Tucker Blair & Bonobos "Win A Weekday Wardrobe"

Lucky readers! Just in time after my last post about the new TB-Bonobos partnership, I wanted to share with you all that Tucker Blair and Bonobos are hosting a fantastic "Win A Weekday Wardrobe" contest for a short time!

Click here to fill out an entry form for a chance to win 5 Tucker Blair belts, 5 Bonobos pairs of pants, and 5 Bonobos polo shirts (valued at $1,500)!

Announcing an Exciting Partnership: Tucker Blair & Bonobos

Bonobos, selling uniquely designed custom fit pants for men, is a natural partner for Tucker Blair. Now you can find a selection of Tucker Blair Needlepoint Belts at www.bonobos.com! Tucker Blair continues to search for the best ways to bring exceptional products to our customers around the world.

CustomerCentric - Truly Personalized Vineyard Vines!

Thank you for the Sugar Doll Award!

I've just been awarded the "Sugar Doll" award! Thank you so much to Sweets and Treats

for the lovely Sugar Doll Award! Sweets and Treats joined the blogging world rather recently, as a newlywed in Baltimore who writes lovely blog about her snazzy life and love of all things sweet. 

As a recipient of this award, the rules are to share 10 things about yourself and pass on the award on to 10 others.

1. I love my family more than anything in the world!

2. In the summertime I love watermelon, lemonade, and ice cream every day! My favorite thing is soft serve vanilla. I also love making milkshakes, which I try to make healthy by making them protein shakes made with frozen yogurt and chocolate soy protein powder. Such a refreshing sweet "treat"!

3. I feel so fortunate to have a wonderful job. I am an analyst for a financial consulting firm and my role is dedicated to the office of the CEO and marketing initiatives. Everyday I learn something new and inspiring on the job, and to be working in an industry that is so integrated with the current economic regulatory reform going on in Washington and on Wall St. offers exciting and challenging opportunities everyday.

4. Just like the lovely Sweets and Treats wrote in her award thank you post, I have a sparklingly sizeable sweet tooth! My taste palette extends not only in traditional sweets like chocolate but also to other things like balsamic vinegar, iced tea, even in wine at times. Just as much as tasting them, I love baking treats for others and sending sweet thoughts by snail mail.

5. Also like Sweets and Treats, I love to entertain. Ever since I was little I've loved helping my mom throw dinner parties and plan special events. Now I love bringing together friends for lovely evenings, and I'm working on being a more relaxing hostess because I certainly do have a perfectionist tendency, and it's always important to remember that it is being people that is the most important part. I love al fresco dinner parties and cocktail parties the best. G&Ts on the porch or dock. Nothing is better than entertaining by the water in New England in the summertime! 

6. Sweets and Treats and I must be two peas in a pod, because I too love organization. It keeps me going, inspires me, and has always come naturally for me. From color coordination to orderly files to clean cupboards, I love it all!

7. I love iced coffee in the afternoon! A strong brew, sweetened, with a hint of creme please.

8. My favorite place to be is by the ocean. Truly this is where I go to come back to myself. It inspires me, centers me, and awes me everytime.

9. Summertime is my favorite season of all. I enjoy tremendously the changing of the seasons and the coming of spring, but I could spend the rest of my life in summertime :)

10. I am astounded everyday by how fortunate and blessed I am. One of the hardest difficulties is not taking for granted all of the blessings of my life, but I believe by looking for the best in other people we see the best in the world and in ourselves.

And the winners are...

1. Preppy Pearl 

2. Sparkles and Sundresses

3. Spartanburg Lola

4. Landlocked Mermaid

5. Pink Preppy Lilly Lover

6. Grove Gals

7. Summer is a Verb

8. Running in High Heels

9. Etiquette with Miss Janice

10. MRM

DC Cupcakes Season Premier!

I've written about the story of Georgetown Cupcake before, and now it's finally time for the premiere of their DC Cupcakes show I've been awaiting since last October! For anyone with an interest in female entrepreneurship, the restaurant industry, or baking and the bourgeoning cupcake trend that's taken the world by storm, you really must watch tonight for what promises to be a fun and inspiring 6-episode summer series. DC Cupcakesshares the recipe to Sophie and Katherine’s sweet success, following their journey as they navigate the challenges and rewards of building a booming cupcake business. Each half-hour episode goes beyond the frosting to capture the behind-the-scenes drama in their fast paced, family-owned bakery.

Georgetown Cupcake's founders, sisters Sophie and Katherine, risked their life savings and traded high power careers in fashion and finance to pursue their passion for baking and their lifelong dream of opening a bakery. Armed with their grandmother’s recipes and strong family support, the sisters opened Georgetown Cupcake on Valentine’s Day 2008. To their surprise, the shop became an overnight sensation and now sells more than 5,000 cupcakes a day. Earlier this spring Georgetown Cupcakes expanded from its original tiny jewelbox location on a sidestreet in Georgetown to move into a beautiful new space on M Street. The first
additional shop outside Georgetown opened in Bethesda recently also and is equally adorable. Every weekend I'm either in Bethesda or Georgetown, so I love it never matters whether I'm able to stop off for a cupcake! Today at both locations all day long Georgetown Cupcake has been giving away free DC Cupcakes in honor of the show's premiere. Last night there was a stunning party at the Ritz to kickoff the excitement, and since then all day long the buzz around DC has been bubblier than champagne!

To watch a glimpse of the show on TLC, click here! Stay tuned tonight at 10pm for the season Premier. Happy Cupcakes everyone!

Previous Gtown Cupcakes posts of mine you might be interested in:
Cupcake Sisters Filming a New Show
Georgetown Cupcake Grand Opening in Bethesda