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Wednesday, May 23, 2012

FASHION

Lilly Pulitzer's Fashion Director on How to Unearth the Best of the Iconic Brand

Janie SchoenbornTo anyone who revels in a vibrant, colorful, utterly cheerful floral prints, Janie Schoenborn has the dream job—Lilly Pulitzer Fashion Director. She spends her days elbow-deep in those peppy, peppy prints. Having worked at Barneys New York and Calvin Klein, Schoenborn has certainly had a more traditional route into the fashion fray than the Lilly Pulitzer brand's namesake (who famously had a citrus-bright dress designed specifically to camouflage juice spills from her Palm Beach juice stand). Yet she is no less entrenched in the sunshine-y sartorial stuff. (Left: Janie Schoenborn)

For those who subscribe to the breezy, optimism of Palm Beach Living (whether you reside there or not), Schoenborn is in the enviable position of having access to the Lilly Pulitzer archives, full of dancing monkeys, blown-up lilies and bold tropicals. 

"We have such a large and varied collection of vintage ‘Lillys.’ We own around 300-plus pieces, including bathing suits, maxi dresses and skirts," said Janie Schoenborn. Not to mention: skirts, caftans, pant suits, bags, beach hats, menswear and children's wear. So much of the archives end up inspiring current collections, from direct prints to riffs on a certain color palette.

Lilly Pulizter

Whitt Shift, Blake Dress

Like so many Lilly Pulitzer fans, Schoenborn is always on the hunt for classic pieces that span the designer collection's half-a-century and, she says, "eBay is our first stop. When a print shows up on eBay that we do not already have, the bidding starts.”

Nevertheless, Janie Schoenborn shared some of her eBay search tips. First, there's always a treasure of Lilly Pulitzer. She usually finds up to 200 items on any given day when she starts with a straightforward “vintage Lilly Pulitzer” search. "I found the cutest set of six vintage melamine appetizer plates with matching napkins that I pull out when entertaining."

Lilly Pulizter

Shauna Tunic Dress, Aida Indigo Denim Pant and Paley Cardigan, Jillie Dress

Certain years are especially valuable in the fashion collecting world, like anything from the '60s and '70s, when style icons like Jackie Kennedy (a friend of Lilly's) and her daughter Caroline wore signature Lilly Pulitzer shift dresses. “Any style or print that Lilly and Jackie Kennedy are pictured in always commands a high premium,” notes Schoenborn. “The iconic shift in a great Lilly Pulitzer print is a great addition to any wardrobe. The Lucite handle patchwork purse is always a great find, too.”

From there, it's all about searching for the Lilly Pulitzer print that best speaks to your personality, which is the company's m.o. When asked to describe the designer brand, Schoenborn quickly throws out: “Happy, colorful, playful, cheeky, devil-may-care…Personality!” And, “what about fun-loving, surprising, joy?”

(images provided by Lilly Pulizter)

 

Janie Schoenborn used her favorite keyword combos to unearth these lovable Lilly finds on eBay

Roll over items for details
Parade Pink Juice Bar Halter Top
(buy it now price, $59.99)
Wind Chimes Eyelet Trim Tank Dress
(buy it now price, $50)
Vintage Mod Maxi Dress
(buy it now price, $95)
Lilly Flower Shift Print Dress
(buy it now price, $189.99)
Lilly Pulitzer's Fashion Director on How to Unearth the Best of the Iconic Brand

Clockwise from top left:

Lilly Pulitzer + Juice: "Staying true to our roots, Lilly herself started the brand with a simple shift dress that showcased a colorful printed intended to hide fruit juice stains…all while looking fabulous! This print just makes me want to grab an ice cold lemonade and relax poolside!"
 
Lilly Pulitzer + Green: "After all, Lilly was the “Queen of the Green,” so when searching for fun Lilly prints, it’s obvious to use one of her signature colors!! Palm green, prep green, parakeet green, green bean … soooo many greens, all so fabulous! We found this TDF piece with vintage lace—the perfect trim to put on just about anything."


Lilly Pulitzer + Vintage + Lace: If there is one thing I adore about the vintage Lilly pieces, then I must say it is the lace detailing. This vintage shift is 'Lilly.' I hope she had worn this very piece because it is absolutely stunning! I can definitely envision Lilly walking barefoot around the Jungle planning her next great party in this shift!" 


Lilly Pulitzer + Maxi Dress: What are the '60's without a Lilly printed maxi dress to dance around in at summer parties?!? I remember my mother playing hostess at one of her infamous cocktail parties in this stunning stress! Added perk: the tag is an absolute original. Lilly's dresses were called "The Lilly." So chic! 
 

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