Pink Sunday: My #LillyforTarget Shopping Experience
Black Friday is for amateurs.
Lilly Warehouse sales are tame. After my whirlwind experience of the past 24 hours and the Lilly for Target collaboration launch online and in store, I realize three things. I really love my Lilly, the thrill of the chase is pretty exciting, even if it is a rough ride, and there are some lovely Lilly lovers out there.
I set my alarm for midnight and woke up on cue. I felt like a child on Christmas Eve, the excitement was palpable. At first, it seemed that the collection had not been released online. Then, I learned that there were backdoor links to find the items. Using two computers, multiple browsers, and my phone, I attempted to shop from midnight until well after 1 a.m. without any success. As soon as I added an item to my cart, it disappeared or my cart froze during the checkout process.
I amused myself by reading the tweets for #LillyforTarget and messaging with friends who were also awake and trying to shop. After a steady intake of Diet Coke and pure energy flowing through my brain, sleep was out of the question. Meanwhile, at 4:30 a.m., despite my so-called savvy internet skills, multiple devices, and diligence, I still had not been able to check out or buy anything at all from the collection.
Luckily, I planned to go to my local Target. Natalia and Alexia eagerly awaited their morning wake up call a la Mommy, and we arrived at the store at 6:30 a.m. I was the first person in line! We set up camp and braved the chilly, windy morning. Armed with some iced tea and a croissant, I looked forward to the next segment of this adventure. So many lovely ladies stood in line with us and I enjoyed chatting with them about our love of Lilly. Some of my friends also arrived to join the party in line.
By the time the security guard and a Target employee came to speak to us, the colorful throng of Lilly lovers had grown to over 100 people. Just before the 8 a.m. store opening, the employee gave the following instructions, "Ladies. I want you to remember. This is Target. Lilly Pulitzer for Target. Not Wal-Mart. Please walk in an orderly manner."
The next ten minutes are a bit of a blur. We entered the store through a single door and the games officially began. Natalia and Alexia picked out their clothing while I made a beeline for the only thing on my wish list, the strapless maxi dress in Nosie Posey. Next, we headed to the home department where we met up with Pam for an exchange of Lilly. She picked up a pair of the pineapple sandals for me and I had a lace tank top for her. I even found a dress for my neighbor and a toddler cover up for blogger Erin's little girl.
The home department was packed to the gills with people and some boxes still sat unopened on large, flat carts. The Lilly lovers opened those boxes immediately and helped themselves to plates, tea cups, wine charms and more. The girls and I also successfully picked up our wish list items here, too. To be honest, although the group of mostly women behaved respectfully, the volume of crowd surrounding small displays was a bit overwhelming and the feeling today was one that I have never felt on the busiest time at a Warehouse Sale.
Incredulously, I noted that it was only 8:10 a.m. on my phone. In only 10 minutes, we had shopped and paid for our items.
Meanwhile, empty displays in every department were the only reminder that anything had ever happened at this Target store.
Here is the accessory and jewelry department...
And the clothing department...
At home, I enthusiastically opened my new treasures with time to spare before heading to church. I'm thrilled to report that the quality of the shift dresses and maxi dress that I bought equals that of Lilly Pulitzer from corporate stores. Details like textured fabric, lace trim, and a pineapple zipper pulls beautifully embellish these dresses. Only the Lilly lace hem and bra strap loop are absent from the design. The substantial fabric of the strapless maxi dress seems thicker than some Marlisa maxi dresses that I already have from last year. Overall, I'm pleased with the quality and wonderful price point of the collection. I also love the retro-style prints that remind me of so many older prints.
 |
My #LillyforTarget Dress Haul |
 |
Natalia's favorite picks! |
After a long night without any shopping success, the morning at my local Target store offered a sweet reward while meeting some fabulous Lilly lovers.
What did you buy from the Lilly for Target collection?
P.S. Be sure to
enter to win a rain jacket in my giveaway.
xoxo