west palm beach.

So if you've been following along with my ol' blog here for any time, you know now that I travel to West Palm Beach two times a year to order Lilly Pulitzer for my store, Sugar. Lilly makes up at least 40% of our store and we've carried it ever since we first opened our doors in 2008. 

About three years ago, they began requiring us to travel to either headquarters (aka The Pink Palace) in King of Prussia, PA or their showroom in West Palm. I've been to both and as cool as it was to see all of the "behind the scenes" at headquarters, who doesn't love a trip to beautiful Palm Beach? See previous WPB trips here, here and here. 

There's truly no better way to immerse yourself in Lilly's paradise than to surround yourself with towering palm trees, plenty of sunshine and overflowing bougainvillea. To see where she actually started her juice stand and walk the streets she walked is the best place way to be Palm Beach chic and truly inspired.

It's a super quick trip where the Spring 2019 presentation/ordering was on a Wednesday morning at 10:30am. I usually fly out the day before and spend the day there, then wake up early for the presentation/ordering then hop on a plane back. A quick 36 hour trip and I love to take different friends each time to show them around. This particular trip I took two long time, loyal customers that have become sweet friends. One just lost her mom unexpectedly this year and has had an absolutely horrific, unthinkable year and the other just celebrated her 40th birthday in August. This was a trip to celebrate both and give them a fun, memorable experience in WPB!!

Early flights to Florida out of GSP leave at 5:45 am. That meant waking up at 3am to get ready and travel an hour up there in time! This is us showing up at the airport all wearing the same cardigan...hahahaha

and to make matters worse (or better!?) we all had pink luggage!

We had a quick layover in ATL just long enough for coffee and doughnuts. Yes, please.

Once we arrived in Palm Beach, I surprised the girls with a car rental so we could zoom around and they could truly soak up the sights. Usually my bestie from Tampa drives over and picks me up/spends the trip with me and I sure did miss her this go round but it was exciting to rent a card and drive a convertible for sure. I had no idea what I was doing...the convertible top kept getting stuck... but hey we just tried to fake it til' we made it. "Country come to town" Ashley (the blonde) said! haha

and we were off! 

First stop: The Gardens Mall to scope out the Lilly store and do a little shopping. I love seeing all of the window displays.

Then I took them to R.E. Bradley's by the water. Great outdoor seating with tons of TV's, cool fans and views of the yachts on the water. Great mix of food, everything from burger and fries to great salads to the BEST mahi tacos. Oh and frose' because who doesn't love that in the 100 degree heat? It was much needed and much yummy.

Just next door is Sloan's Ice Cream, the absolute cutest ice cream shop and hands down the best ice cream I've ever put in my mouth. It's insane inside and out. You MUST visit if you're ever in the area!

After a late lunch, we drove around for a while then checked into the Brazilian Court a little early. This was the second time I had stayed here. The suites are large and insane and the prices are affordable compared to other hotels in the area, actually on west palm. Impressed to see they had macaroons from the cafe downstairs and a thank you card!

we were SO HOT from riding around in the convertible in the Florida heat, that we changed straight into our swimsuits for a cool dip in the pool. 

after resting for a bit at the pool, we went in to take our time getting ready for dinner!

fun photoshoot in the gorgeous courtyard of the Brazilian Court before we left for The Breakers...

Suzanne in Lilly's Nikki Dress // I'm wearing Lilly's Madelina Dress // Ashley's wearing Lilly's Jamie Dress

We took an Uber to The Breakers to HMF. It's a cool lounge, tapas type place with amazing signature cocktails. They are also always so sweet to celebrate birthdays! We were here exactly one year ago with my other friends and they did the same for her. So fun. Exceptional food and drinks + exceptional service. That's why I go back!

plus how could you not want to take in these views again!

after dinner they wanted to see the fish tank bar over at the Seafood Bar. The bar is literally a fish tank that's lit up at night. It's awesome.

The next morning my showing didn't start until 10:30 so we had time for a delicious breakfast at Cafe Boulud downstairs in our hotel. 

My appointment took the longest it's ever taken - nearly FIVE HOURS - because it's such a huge Spring collection that I'm SO excited about. Lilly's 60th anniversary actually!

Suzanne and Ashley rode bikes from the hotel to the beach and walked around shopping on Worth Avenue before meeting me at The Colony for lunch (finally! around 2pm!)

This Elsa Top is now ON SALE for $59 (we've got 1 small left. I'm wearing a medium) + the Buttercup Shorts for $29. Check out Sugar's AFTER PARTY SALE online now!

so many photo ops, this was one iconic palm beach destination I just had to take them to!

(I also had to change into a tank top before we rode around in the convertible again #blazinghot)

then we rode top down to see Lilly's former home + Trump's Mar A Lago . I mean hey, when in WPB!?

and it was back to the airport for our flight home to all of our boys. SIX between us all. Yes, we have two each so it's always nice to be around other boy moms and get our girl time and "girl fix"!

I truly think they had a great time and that's what makes my heart smile the most. It was a much needed break for all of us! GoPro video coming soon ;) 

Until next time Palm Beach...