The one major insatiable void in my life over the past 27 years has been a lack of Lilly Pulitzer in my hometown. I grew up in the Central Florida private school system, and although our official uniforms were from some brand called Sunshine or whatever– garbage, I tell you– Lilly Pulitzer was the unofficial dress code of the entire region. With brightly colored prints that go with everything and are appropriate for every occasion– school, work, partying, it was, and still is, a very responsible fashion investment for us young and scholarly ladies. We’ve had an adorable yet teeny tiny location on Park Avenue in Winter Park for years, but our Orlando hearts (mine specifically) needed more. I’m so happy to report that our favorite resort-loving queen of color has finally made her debut in Orlando! The new Orlando Lilly Pulitzer in the Mall at Millenia “quietly” opened on Saturday, yet still somehow attracted a line halfway around the mall. Ashley and I were finally able to meet the incredible team and get a private tour on Monday evening, and I’m 98% sure we overstayed our welcome. That’s what happens when you put two long-time Lilly lovers in a brand new, vibrant, jungle-themed playground, though. Sorry not sorry.

I’m leaving for a girls weekend at a new boutique hotel called The Gates of Key West in– you guessed it— the Florida Keys tomorrow morning, and what better way to leave than with a handful of my favorite Lilly garments?

The store itself is what you’d imagine your closet looks like if your wildest dreams became reality. The grand chandelier, which is made of coral, instantly lights the entire store, and I need one in my closet. K thanx. 

For your convenience, the new Orlando Lilly Pulitzer provides colorfully cozy seating for anyone waiting– both in the dressing room and in the store itself. Talk about southern hospitality.

An artist hand painted the walls in a colorful Lilly jungle theme and even included some hidden little critters in top secret spaces (ie in some nooks and crannies). Each and every dressing room has its own theme, including an amazing Orlando mural, a colorful portrait of Lilly herself, complete with a kitty cat, and a painted version of some of their most popular prints. Even if you’re not the world’s biggest Lilly fan, I implore you to stop by the new Orlando Lilly Pulitzer store in the Mall at Millenia to see the artwork alone.

After the tour, the shopping began. I’m drawn to Lilly like a moth to a flame, and Ashley and I may or may not have tried on a solid 50+ garments combined in a 2-hour period. The best part about this particular store? It’s at least double the size of our adorable Winter Park location, which is the only other location within 100ish miles. With extra floor space comes extra inventory, and the Orlando Lilly Pulitzer has got it all. They carry all the brand-spankin’ new prints in every style you can dream of. I needed a certain size in a two of favorite dresses, and before I knew it, one of their floor team members was coming out of storage with my requests before I even formally asked. Talk about efficiency.

And apparently a heck of a whole lot of other people love Lilly, too! These were some of the flowers they received on their opening day on Saturday. Needless to say, the place smells wonderful. The white orchids are actually part of their store-wide decor, and they add such a classic and peaceful pop of white to otherwise vivacious decor.

Last but not least, I had to share a few pictures from my absolute favorite dressing room, which features a pink and orange road map of all things Orlando, including Gator Land, Disney, Lake Eola, and a plethora of other hometown hot spots. My personal favorite artistic inclusions? The Orlando City Soccer stadium and the official mascot of the UCF Knights, our {almighty} Pegasus!

Next stop? The Key West location, of course! I leave at 6:30 AM tomorrow morning for an epic girls weekend in paradise. Can’t wait to spend even more of my summer in Lilly! Reall, though; is there any other way?!