Weekend Wear-abouts: Cutest Lilly Shoes + Disney + Birthday Party + Melbourne Visit

Howdy. Haven't written one of these posts in a while!

I had a few people ask about what shoes I was wearing the other day on my Instastory.

They are Lilly Pulitzer Lia espadrilles, and they are SO comfy! I wore them around Magic Kingdom the other day, that's how comfy they are. I picked mine up at the After Party Sale a few months back, but you can still find them here. They run true to size and have stretched out a bit while wearing them. I'm between a 7 and a 71/2 in most shoes, and I went with a 7. They're perfect.

On Saturday we drove over to Melbourne. That's where I went to high school and taught Kindergarten, and where my parents still live. Our goal was to empty out the storage unit I have had for the past seven years or so, filled with all of my teaching supplies. We had to rent a Uhaul truck to fit everything!

When you teach primary grades, you need a lot of 'stuff' that doesn't come with the public school curriculum, including art supplies, fun science things, dramatic play stuff (think kitchen set, dolls, dress up clothes, etc), board games, manipulatives, and books. TONS of books. I mean, you CAN teach primary grades without all this stuff, but it makes life a lot easier and a lot more fun for both the kids and teacher alike if you have plenty of developmentally appropriate things in the classroom.

So yes, teachers may get summers 'off' and seemingly only work until 3pm each day (I can probably count on one hand the number of days I actually left at 3:00), but we also use weekends and breaks to haul shit back and forth between our classrooms and storage units. Oh, and we pay $70 a month for the 'convenience' of doing so.

But I digress.

Anyway, that took up all of our Saturday. We also went to dinner with my mom and went to see the many manatees that congregate in the warm canal waters during a cold snap.

On Sunday we attended our friend's 2nd birthday party, which was camp themed (Happy Trails TWO You) and was just adorable. Everyone got a red bandana to style at the party; the details were off the chain. From there it was off to Epcot to meet up with my sorority sister and former roommate. We were Tri Deltas at the University of Florida; she's just as much fun as ever, and I LOVE her kids! We all had a great day.

On Monday, after music class, Will and I headed to the Magic Kingdom to meet up with a friend from Twitter. Yes, I know how odd this all sounds and I once thought so too, but now it's just kind of the norm for me to get to know people over Instagram or Twitter and meet them when they're here visiting WDW. I've met some of my favorite people this way!

MK was great; surprisingly crowded, for it being a Monday after race weekend and school back in session. But it was cool and overcast and we had a lovely time eating citrus swirls, riding Mansion, Jungle Cruise and seeing the Tiki Room. They still had the Christmas music loop playing on Main Street, and I'm not gonna lie, I teared up a little. It's just so damn magical.

Hope you had a fabulous weekend, and the week is treating you well so far. HUMP DAY!!

Dressing for a SALE! Giveaway + My Lilly Pulitzer After Party SaleFinds + What's Still Available That I LOVE

Well, did ya do it? Did you brave the Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale this morning?

If so, hope you got what you wanted. I know I did, and then some.

Here's some of my favorite finds, as well as some items that are still available in multiple sizes (some of which I'm very surprised about... I'm looking at you, Travel Pant!)

I'm so happy I got the Valencia top that I had been eyeing- and you're in luck, all sizes are still available! 

Valencia Top- was $158, now $64

If I hadn't tried this on in the store, I would have passed it over; admittedly, it doesn't look all that special on the model. But I promise, it's a great top. Classic, basic enough for everyday wear, but special with the drapey fit and embellishment. I ordered a Small to give it some room- I fit into an XS, but it was too fitted for what I was going for. This runs big. 

I also added to my Callahan collection with this pair, in Sea Foam Montauk Green. 

Unfortunately, there aren't ANY Callahans left on the Lilly site, but with a Google search, you may still find some on sale at other authorized Lilly retailers.  

I picked up the Beach Plum purple color of the Dusk racerback tank. Another item from my wish list!

This color isn't available anymore, but the Sunkissed Pink version is in size XXS, M, and L. I take a Medium. 

Dusk Racerback Tank - was $98, now $49

I can't believe I forgot to mention these in my post from yesterday, but the Travel Pant is one of my favorite Lilly items, ever! 

I'm not alone in my love for these- check out the many stellar reviews. I own the navy pair, as seen in this post and the picture above, and picked up a black pair today. I wear these instead of tights- they're more of a thick, pant-like material, and I feel more comfortable in these than flimsy tights. Plus, I'm kind of in the 'tights aren't pants' camp, and unless my rear is covered by my blouse, I won't wear them. These bridge the gap of being able to be worn as pants, or tights. Perfect! 

Travel Pant- was $98, now $39

Amazingly, there's all sizes left, in most colors. Getcha some! I'm a 4/6 and have a Medium. 

I picked up the Asher top in New Green Under the Palms. I ended up getting this from In The Pink, as it was $10 less than the Lilly site, even with shipping! There's still many colors and sizes left- I tried this on in the store and likes it's silky, flowy fit. I ordered a Small. 

Asher top- was $128, now $29 plus $10 shipping

The last item I picked up was the Gigi V-Neck Tank Top in Electric Feel. I've never tried it on, but it had good reviews, and I LOVE this print. I don't have anything in this particular print, so that sealed the deal. 

I'm bummed the Lindley tank I blogged about yesterday wasn't included in the sale, and I didn't see any Elsa's I couldn't live without, but overall, I'm VERY happy. And believe it or not, I practiced restraint with this order! If I were to go back, here are a few items that I love, and are still available in multiple sizes. 

Destination Quilted Jacket- was $248, now $89(!!)

If I didn't already have so many jackets, I'd buy this in a heartbeat. It's so flattering and warm, and the pop of color in the sleeves is great. Come to think of it, this may just be added to my cart before the sale is over...

Murfee Scarf in Libra - was $118, now $39

There's not many left, and this isn't even my horoscope sign, but still pretty! Check out the Murfee selection here; they're going fast!. 

Dusk Silk Dress- was $188, now $69

I wrote about this dress in my post from yesterday, and love it for warm park days. All sizes left, in True Navy. I'm a 4/6 and ordered a Small. 

There's one more day of the sale, and a chance that new items will be added, so keep checking back. Also, check out other authorized Lilly retail shops such as In The Pink, Mica & Molly's, Pink Narcissus, Ocean Palm, and C. Orrico, just to name a few. 

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To celebrate my successful sale haul (wink, wink), I'm giving away a Lilly Pulitzer cosmetic case! This was available earlier on the sale site, but went fast- here's your chance to get it, for FREE! I'll also throw in a Cinderella button from the upcoming movie. They were handing the buttons out at the Magic Kingdom the other day. 

To enter, leave a comment telling me what you bought or what you'd like to buy from the Lilly sale. You can also enter on my Instagram for additional chances to win. Contest ends Tuesday, January 6th 2015 at midnight, just like the Sale! US shipping only.   

Happy shopping and good luck!

Dressing for the Semi Annual Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale

What's almost as exciting as the Sorcerer's Hat coming down at Disney's Hollywood Studios, or Trader Sam's opening in just  a few short months at Disney's Polynesian Resort??

The Semi Annual Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale, that's what!

This too-good-to-be-missed event is happening TOMORROW at 8:00 am sharp on LillyPulitzer.com, and just like back in August, I'm here to give you some tips and fit guides for making the most of the sale. 

First, I'll give you a brief overview of the sale, then I'll show you some of my favorite finds and how I've worn them in the parks over the past few years. Cheers!

1. This sale is hugely popular for a reason- lots of Lilly at ridiculously good prices. The site will crash, it always does, but it's worth the wait. The most reliable way to shop is through your computer, but having your phone for backup is never a bad idea. 

2. Go to LillyPulitzer.com and create an account (top left corner, click Sign In, then Create An Account). The importance of this can't be stressed enough- see post from August for why.

3. In fact, I'm not going to re-write all of the tips because John and I are itching to get out the door to DHS to catch the Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special and have Cobb salads at the Hollywood Brown Derby (awesome Sunday, I know!). So check out this post, scroll halfway down, and get advice from there. Nothing's changed except the fact that this sale is only TWO days long instead of THREE. 

For more detail, click here for FAQ's from the Lilly site. 

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Ok, you're all set and ready to shop-- here's a few of my favorites, along with a fit guide. 

Callahan Shorts

These are my go-to warm weather staple when touring the parks. Toss on a tank or tee and you're done. 

I'm a 4/6, and usually order a size 6 in these. I have a few size 4's, and they tend to stretch out a bit with wear, but my standard order is size 6.

From summer Epcoting. 

From the 2013 Monstrous Summer 24-Hour day in the Magic Kingdom.

From the Fourth of July and featured in this post.

Buttercup Shorts

These are another closet staple, and are similar in fit to the Callahan, except they have a cute scalloped hem. Sizing is the same as Callahan- I'm a 4/6 and get these in a size 6. 

From the 2014 Rock Your Disney Side 24-Hour Day in the Magic Kingdom.

Cheering on the Gators at the Boardwalk and Epcot. 

Manila Cascading Ruffle Tank

Not sure if they'll have this exact tank in this sale, but any lightweight, flowy, silk tank by Lilly is in my warm weather rotation for the parks. They come in many prints and colors. I wear a Medium to give a bit of leeway. 

Epcot with a few of my faves @pangiehubbard and @tradzak.

Ready to ride the Davy Crockett canoes at Disneyland. 

Enjoying a mojito at the Dawa Bar in Disney's Animal Kingdom.

See, I wear this bad boy A LOT! 

Dusk Silk Dress

Along the same lines as the Manila top, the Dusk comes in a tank version. I got the dress version during the August sale and have worn it many times. I ordered a size Small, but the Medium would have worked too. Comes in many prints and colors. 

Bloody Mary's at the Dawa Bar- full post here. 

Elsa Top

While I don't necessarily wear these for park touring, they're great to put on for dinner at a Resort. I'd also wear this if we were going into a park for dinner or evening activities. Again, I'm a 4/6 and wear either an XS or S- these have a generous cut. 

Cocktails at Mizner's Lounge.

Not Disney, but a good example of the fit and style of the Elsa. 

To show that they're flattering for all ages, here's a picture of my mom wearing one during our Mother's Day Weekend at Disney's Beach Club Resort.

Since we're gearing up for 'winter' here in Florida, here are a few of my favorite items to use when the weather dips below the 70's- brr!

Murfee Scarf

These babies are the bomb. Yes, they're pricey, but with the sale, they're much more affordable. Made out of a cashmere blend, they're luxe and cozy and soft. They're perfect for airplane travel, layering for fluctuating park weather, even as a fancy bathing suit sarong. Treat yourself to one during the sale- you won't be sorry. 

Chillin' on the Walt Disney World Railroad. Literally chilling'. You KNOW it's chilly when I'm wearing jeans, long sleeves, a puffy vest AND a Murfee. 

Hanging with my main man Donald (and my nephew). 

Traveling to Disneyland. 

Skipper Popover

This lovely is relatively new to me- I got my first about a month ago, and have already worn it multiple times. It's stretchy, the perfect weight, and has a flattering fit. Comes in lots of colors and prints. I wear a Medium. 

Breakfast at Crystal Palace with one of my favorites. 

Finally, here are two items I'm hoping to score during tomorrow's sale. I tried them on in store so I know what size I want. Fingers crossed!

Valencia Top

This runs slightly big- I'm going to get a Small.

Lindley Ruffle Tank

Again, with the tanks. Again, with the ruffles. Again, with the navy. I'll get a size Medium, since this is cotton and may shrink in the wash. 

What are you hoping to score? Let me know what you end up getting, and happy shopping!

Cheers!