Designer and socialite Lilly Pulitzer passed away yesterday at 81, leaving being legions of fashion loyalists. Influencing generations of women and introducing countless others to the world of pink, green and preppy styling, Pulizer’s iconic prints are remain a constant in Newport as much as they are in Palm Beach, the Hamptons and other coastal enclaves across the globe. It’s no surprise Newporters adored Pulitzer’s simple shift dresses and classic silhouettes. A W magazine piece revealed a retailer once told the designer she needed to create a fall line, so which she reportedly replied: “Oh, but you don’t understand, it’s always summer somewhere.”
See below for a Newport Stylephile posted originally published April 27, 2012.
April Showers Bring Lilly Flowers
Lilly Pulitzer will never go out of style, but in Newport and Palm Beach, perhaps more than anywhere else, it’s a brand that’s embraced, synonymous with our City-by-the-Sea living. Launched by Lilly when she was just 21, the line of simple silhouetted 
colorful dresses was lovely, and though refreshingly vibrant, it wasn’t until Lilly’s schoolmate, a budding fashion icon by the name of Jacqueline Kennedy was photographed wearing a Lilly that the brand skyrocketed to national recognition.
Though still pumping out simple, classic (read: covetable) sheaths, Lilly’s entered the 21st century with much have accessories including smartphone covers, tablet covers and a stationary suite I plan to let bloom in my office this spring .
There’s also a full line of entertaining accessories like durable plates, napkins, koozies (at 
top) and wine glass tags (cheers!), tumblers and serving pieces (acrylic and melamine, respectively, for practical outdoor use), most all of which can be found at Chace N’Lulu and online). ‘They’re just perfect for languishing on Second Beach on a sun-soaked summer day, or on a picnic cruise through Newport Harbor. Clink, clink!
Color images from the divine Preppy Princess; black & white image of Lilly Pulitzer from lillypulitzer.com
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