Where My Little Pulitzer Obsession Kicked Into Overdrive...

Shopaholic Confession Time: it's difficult to remember days when I didn't run around like a crazy lady, collecting Lilly Pulitzer dresses, tunics and skirts.  However, in years 2000, 2001, 2002 - I only owned a few pieces. The reason, you ask? Because in the town where I lived, it wasn't available in any of the stores. (Thankfully, this has all changed now - but 10-11 years ago, that wasn't the case.)


When we moved north in 2003, I was happy to learn that the best department store in town carried Lilly. Hello - Belk! Hello - Southpark Mall in Charlotte! (Don't judge - this was before Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, etc. came to Charlotte - Belk really was the best department store in town back then!)


Because I was away from home, and because there was no beach in Charlotte, I spent many a Saturday afternoon at Southpark Mall. More than I am willing to admit. The Lilly Pulitzer department at Belk quickly became my "home away from home". The sales associates knew me by name, and called me every time there was a sale. The Lilly dresses and other goodies I purchased there made me happy - especially when I missed my old life, old friends and my family. Shopping to fill a void? Perhaps...


Belk really does have a nice selection of Lilly at Southpark Mall. The following photos were taken when I went to Charlotte in mid-August. These will give you an idea how much merchandise they carry. 

Can I share something odd with you, though? I didn't buy one.single.piece of Lilly Pulitzer when I was in Belk that day! Can you believe it?!? My BFF Lisa was floored, and my DH was in a slight state of shock. It was the strangest thing...with all that Lilly at my fingertips, I didn't have the urge to make a purchase. The DH doesn't need to know that I more than made up for it at the Tory Burch boutique later that afternoon...please don't tell...sshhh....


Truth be told, most of the super sale deals were items I either already owned, or never was crazy about to begin with and just didn't want. Many items from the Fall 2011 collection had recently arrived in the store, but honestly I couldn't get into the state of mind to purchase Fall when it was over 90 degrees outside. Fall Lilly is always a little strange for me - our weather doesn't cool off here in coastal Alabama until at least November. So I generally wait on the Fall collection to begin going on sale before I make my purchases. 


Am I gambling, by waiting on a sale? Sure, I suppose I am. Then again - will it be the end of the world if I don't get a particular tunic or dress? Yeah, probably not. :-) 


Do you frequent a department store that carries Lilly Pulitzer? Do you visit them often? Tell me about your favorites! 


p.s. There are days that I do miss popping over to Southpark Mall to try on a dress, or check out the sale rack. Sometimes not living in a big city can be a little sad on the shopping front...then again, it's probably better for the wallet!