Cheers to 2012!

Christmas Trivia on Facebook!

Throughout today, The Colorful Gator's Facebook page is having a Christmas movie trivia contest! To win a $15 Gift Certificate, you just have to answer the questions correctly and be randomly selected...it's that easy!



While you're on the Facebook page, check out TCG's "Gifts for the Girl on the Go!" You might get some great last-minute shopping ideas!

From The Colorful Gator Girls to you...Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

New Facebook Page!

Once we hit 1,000 fans on our NEW Facebook page we'll have a raffle for a brand new FREE Murfee scarf (perfect for this chilly weather)!

So start inviting your friends to like our page, and you might find yourself all wrapped up in a new, free Murfee!

Check out of box of Murfees in the store!! Don't you just want to wrap yourself in all of them? Delightful!

Florida/Alabama Discount Days!

In honor of the great rivalry and festivities that go along with the University of Florida vs. University of Alabama game, The Colorful Gator is happy to host a weekend-long event of discounts!

Bring either your Dierks Bentley concert ticket stub, or your ticket stub from the big game to the store for an additional 15% OFF anything! That's right, even brand new Fall items!

We're running this offer from Friday-Monday.

**REMEMBER:
No matter which team you cheer for on Saturday...We all cheer for pink and green!

Party Planning for Lilly!

Help celebrate the woman who started it all even if you can’t be there in person at the Preppy American Brunch celebrating Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau’s 80th Birthday on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 11:45am at the Museum of Lifestyle & Fashion History.

Lisa and Barbara and a group of their friends who they met through their love of the brand with Lilly Pulitzer herself at the Museum.

Lisa, Barbara and Mary Lane (in the Dripping in Jewels dress) with friends and very special attendees at the last event at the Museum: Jack and Rebecca Allred from Lilly Pulitzer.

You can wish Lilly a Happy Birthday in the official birthday card to be present to Lilly at the event. Please send your good wishes as a word document (color and photos are acceptable) to lillybirthday@gmail.com Send payment of $10.00 for each submission to the paypal account of the same address.

Lilly at the event enjoying the performance of a young violinist.

Lisa Stuart and Barbara Malone pretending to be mannequins in front of the Lilly exhibit at the museum.

Well wishes should be no more than one page long and payment is required for each one. All proceeds over the cost of the production of the card will be donated to the charity of Lilly’s choice.

Please email lillybirthday@gmail.com with any questions.

Thank you,

Mary Lane, Barbara Malone, Lisa Stuart (Birthday Party Committee)

One one more thing...

Mary Lane, Chairperson of the Event and member of The Gator Nation in her Lilly on the UF campus with the Bull Gator statue! GO GATORS!

You like me, you really like me!

Okay so no one can say it better than Sally Field (if you don't know what I'm talking about, look it up, it'll warm your heart!!).
We want YOU to like US...on Facebook! We've recently moved to a new virtual home, and we welcome you there with open arms and fabulous SALES! We also want to thank you all for your support, we made it over the 1 year mark (a tough thing to do in this economy) and we know the best is yet to come...thanks to Lilly lovers like you who support our store.

So "like" us HERE and receive updates on everything about The Colorful Gator!

Lilly Pulitzer Sorority Prints!

Finally the prints for the latest sorority line have been revealed! I am so excited...especially since my sorority has been included!


Although the University of Florida doesn't have an Alpha Phi chapter, they do have Alpha Delta Pi, Chi Omega, Delta Gamma and Kappa Alpha Theta. I can't wait to see these prints around campus and in my closet!

What did you think of them? Which were your favorites? And if you haven't seen them yet, view them better on the Lilly Pulitzer Facebook page!

xx TCG

Gearing Up for Gamedays

With the first game of the 2011 Gator Football season upon us, I've put together some Lilly looks that are chic and fan friendly!

Take a look and tell me what YOUR favorite gameday Lilly outfit is!

Here, the coral Lana slub cotton top is paired with the Avery skirt in "Fallin in Love" and a coral necklace by Loren Hope. Slub cotton is not only trendy right now, but light and breathable...perfect for the being out in the sun!

Here, I paired the navy Wynne top with the Roslyn skirt in "Dark N Story" along with another necklace by Loren Hope. The Wynne top is so versatile, as shown in making this a one shoulder top. This look is also heat friendly and perfect with sandals or a comfy pair of wedges.

The latest imports to hit the racks of The Colorful Gator, are these Gameday Gorgeous dresses. The soft jersey is another weather-friendly option, and the fit is SO flattering. If you're hesitant about straying away from the true Orange and Blue colors, this is the dress for you!

GO GATORS!!!

In With the New!

Hello Lilly lovers!!!

We're baaaaaack!! Aren't you excited? We sure are! In honor of this, the change of seasons that's soon approaching and incoming shipments...we're giving you a special secret hint (look below!) and urge you to COME IN, call up or shoot and email out our way.



We still have a lot of must-haves in stock, and the deals are simply unreal.

Happy Shopping!


Address: 2441 NW 43rd Street Unit 7 Gainesville, FL 32606
Phone: (352) 225-3595
Website: http://thecolorfulgator.com/
E-mail: colorfulgator@yahoo.com

Pencil us in!

THEY'RE BACK!!!

That's right, the Lilly agendas are back by popular demand. And who isn't thrilled about it? In four new prints, they have me wanting one...even though I haven't run out pages in my current Lilly agenda! From the top left going clockwise their names are: Docksider, Nice to See You, Luscious, and Navy Bloomers.


I have to say, the Docksider print is my favorite, but it took me a while to finally settle on a #1 pick!

We all can see how irresistibly cute these agendas are, but I don't want their actual function to get lost. Here's the sitch, fellow blogging friends: It's been the MOST helpful agenda/planner I have ever owned. I kid you not. I love the layout, and there's plenty of room inside for all my school, work, internship and social activities!

There are two pockets in the front that carry loose papers and a few business cards. I turn a few pages there's the year(s) at a glance, a section for me to fill in important dates, holidays, an address book, months at a glance and a notes section. Then it jumps into the months, laid out week-by-week.

I'm strictly of the belief that you should endorse what you personally love, so I'm straight shooting with you all, and I always do!

So tell me...

• What do YOU love about YOUR Lilly agenda?

• What new print is your favorite this year?

AND DON'T FORGET:

Order your agenda with US by calling: (352) 225-3595 or emailing: colorfulgator@yahoo.com


xxTCG

Out of the Office

Please excuse our absence... we're on vacation ;)

Today's Hot Pick: the Beverly!

Still riding the waves of the 4th of July? No worries, we are, too!!! We approve your American pride, and your Lilly Pulitzer obsessions COMPLETELY!

SO for a more casual look, try the Beverly top. I love it loose and flowing with white shorts, but it's also great with a skinny pink belt and light-wash jeans!

Don't forget your fun jewelry! This neckline is begging for a funky long necklace!

America!!!!

Throwback Notes

Happy July! Happy Friday! And here's to a happy walk down memory lane, circa 2000 and spending my Friday paycheck on some Lilly!

Vacation, All I Ever Wanted

Today, I'm going on vacation...well, a virtual vacation. Continuing my infatuation with the color navy, I've created a round up of my favorite navy Lilly dresses for summer, and some hot spots to sport them!

Here's the scene: a sultry summer bar on the beach, plus you in the Ramona dress in the navy, "Hot Fun" print. Here's the plot: fantastically fabulous fun. That's right, not matter what happens that night, in the dress you're bound to have a great time. The dress itself is flattering and flirty all at once. What more could you ask for??? I rest my case. End scene.


Lately, so many of my friends have been traveling the globe. I am not only insanely jealous, but very inspired! Through the blog, I've come to realize how global Lilly truly is! We get viewers on our blog from so many different countries! Its astounding and very exciting. I can't help but imagine this fun chic Roslyn skirt in the "Cherry Bomb" print, the Heather tank and a great pair of wedges on Italian cobblestone streets. Casually traipse around town, dine alfresco at a local bistro and taste a lick of heaven at a nearby gelato shop. What are you waiting for? Andiamo!


Here's a look that's nautical, but nice! Slip on the Leslee dress and drive to your nearest beach. I consider this a great daytime, to casually throw up, yet still look effortlessly put together in. The anchors and rope are sweet touches and I just love that neckline! How unique and fun! I'm obsessed with how it looks with the Docksider tote.
This looks incredible. The dress. The sunset. The boat. The water. I want to be on a cruise ship in the Flor dress in the "Hot Fun" print. Seriously...someone help me make this happen! This is another example of a great transition dress. Add a skinny brown belt, Flat neutral sandals, a long necklace and a funky bag for a great day look. Dress it up by simply slipping on heels and accessorizing with a bold metallic necklace or cuff, and a bright colorful clutch. What a perfect dress to set sail in....

What Lilly "must-haves" are in your suitcase this summer? Inquiring minds want to know!

Lilly Likes to Party

I see this... and I hear THIS.

Can you blame me? I know, what a 90s throwback. If that didn't do it for you, maybe this Kenny Chesney favorite will. Enjoy!

We Want YOU!

With the Fourth of July juuuuuust around the corner, I couldn't help myself here. Besides, truly this is the summer of navy...but don't get me wrong, I'm not blue about it! Navy is magnificent on. It's a fabulous color, and can mostly used a neutral with endless possibilities in layering and accessorizing.

Here we have the Shayna. This eyelet dress is stunning in navy. It does what black can do...but better. It doesn't wash you out, and looks great anywhere at anytime.

Lilly wants YOU in navy.

I'd call it investing, rather than enlisting. Either way, this is a dress that's sure to win a star spangled salute, and turn a few heads!

What's your favorite navy Lilly dress?

A Shout Out to Dad

"He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it."
- Clarence Budington Kelland

Throwback Thursdays

"Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn."
— Gore Vidal

Happy Hour: The White Lady

In honor of White Out Week, I chose the cocktail creation The White Lady! Not you have a new recipe to try once 5 o'clock rolls around, while wearing your white Lilly wear...and without fear of spills! ha!

Here it is:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz of Gin
• 3/4 oz of Cointreau
• 3/4 oz of Lemon Juice
• Ice cubes

And here's what to do with it all:

Pour it all into a shaker (perfect time to use a Lilly shaker, if you have one!) and shake well. Then strain your cocktail into a chilled glass! Then simply enjoy responsibly! Simply scrumptious!

Throwback Thursdays

The best accessory for a white dress? A tan.

Throwback Thursdays

Just walkin' the pups...

Fun Facts about White

Lilly Pulitzer Wedding Collection

Lilly Pulitzer is THE top colorful, happy and bright brand out there. There's no doubt about that! Now that I think about it, it's truly ironic that white is the ABSENCE of color! In any case, it is sure fun to wear with all sorts of hues, tones and shades of colors!

We'll count this as the first fun fact, but here are some more:

• White is the traditional color worn by brides in the western world, as well as in Japan.

• White was the color of deepest mourning among medieval European queens was white rather than black. This tradition survived in Spain until the end of the fifteenth century.

• A white flag is universally recognized as a symbol of truce.

• In the Bible, white represents the color of light and is an emblem of the divine.

• According to Pantone Inc., white is the best selling color for the classic American t-shirt.

• More shades of white are available commercially than any other color.

• Originally, scientists wore beige coats. In the late 19th century, medical professionals chose white ones. The color white was chosen because of the idea of hope and expectations for healing and recovery that the physicians would bring.

• White Christmas: the appearance of snow on Christmas day.

• White teas are the most delicate of all teas. Great care is taken so that only the youngest leaves are used. The finest varieties are appreciated for their unmatched subtlety, complexity, and natural sweetness.

• The strong floral scent of the Gardenia blossom has a mood-lifting appeal.

• Wearing all white, or mostly white is the dress code at the Wimbledon, the oldest tennis tournament in the world.
  

• The name "The White House" wasn't official until Teddy Roosevelt issued an executive order in 1901.

Lilly Pulitzer Wedding Collection

Shaken, Not Stirred: White Work Dress

It's true, I love LP. And I love a fabulous little white dress...but I have a feeling I'm not alone here! The challenge I planned for this dress was to make it more than just a white strapless dress. I wanted to make it look like something completely different.


I truly love the "Pirate's Bootyniere" print in Shorely Blue cardigan. This cardigan is perfect for this dress. Not only is it a great fit, but the print isn't too busy for the skinny gold belt we paired over it. The ruffles add a feminine touch and the top of the white dress just peeks through. This is another great summer look for the office, too!


Our beautiful models look GORGEOUS in these two fun looks that are definitely a different twist on how to wear classic Lilly dresses.


This is a great photo of the complete look. The great thing about wearing a white dress under a buttoned up and belted cardigan is that there's no awkward shirt coming up our of a skirt. No uncomfortable movement and nothing gets un-tucked and turned around! It's effortless!


We paired these yellow heels with the look. It looks great and complements the femme feel of the outfit. Simple jewelry, like pearl earrings and a simple ring will to off fabulous look!!

~

Here's a fun group shot of ALL the girls from the photoshoot that day! We had a wonderful time and did our very best to change up the way we wear our Lilly!

Famous White Dresses

She famously did it all backwards and in feels: Ginger Rogers.

Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City.

The People's Princess: Princess Diana.

Madonna.

Best thing from England since The Beatles? Kate and Pipa Middleton.

Forever a style icon: Brigitte Bardot

Could you forget Alicia Sliverstone's Cher from Clueless? AS IF!

It's too late for you and your white horse, but not too late for Taylor Swift's white dress.

Sadly gone, but never forgotten, Elizabeth Taylor IS and always will be glamour.

Everyone's favorite Fair Lady: Audrey Hepburn.

Still inspiring style today: Grace Kelly.

Last but not least, the MOST notorious white dress: Marilyn Monroe.