About a month ago, I wrote a post about how to find deals on Lilly Pulitzer. Well, it’s finally the most wonderful time of the year for Lilly addicts who aren’t down with paying full price! (Or who don’t live near the company’s headquarters in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, where the Warehouse Sale takes place.) It’s time for the After Party Sale! It’s scheduled to start on Monday, August 18th at 8 a.m. EST and end on Thursday, August 20th at midnight EST… so mark your calendars.
The thing about this online sale–previously called the “Endless Summer Sale”–is that while it’s absolutely phenomenal (some of the best prices I’ve ever seen), it can frustrate the heck out of a first-timer. Because there are so many people logging on at once, the site tends to experience hiccups and crashes. So, without further ado, below are my tips for shopping the sale!
Make sure your Lilly account is up to date before Monday. Look over your billing address, shipping address, and credit card/PayPal information ahead of time, and then double check. (See Lilly’s guide to creating an account here.) I’m one of those people who moves nearly every year, and therefore it’s pretty normal for me to have out-of-date account info. The site will be down from 7 a.m. EST to about 8 a.m. EST for sale preparation, so set it all up before that time. I recommend pre-loading both your credit card and PayPal info, as it’s possible one payment method will be less glitchy.
Set a reminder (or an alarm). The sale starts at 8 a.m. EST, so if you’re elsewhere in the country (like I am!), account for that.
Remember to sign in before you start shopping. Actually, I’d recommend signing in the night before, that way you’re all set to go in the morning. Leave the window open, and simply hit “refresh”–over and over again, haha–right before 8 a.m. EST.
Realize that the site will probably crash. Like I said, Lilly will be working to prepare the site from 7 a.m. EST to 8 a.m. EST, but I can almost guarantee that there will be problems–and that we’ll all see the cute “Oh Shift” message a few times. Things to expect: site crashes, issues with checkout, and late e-mail order confirmations. An influx of traffic will do that to any site. Be patient and understanding. No need to get ugly and send nasty Tweets or post mean comments on Lilly’s Facebook… it’s super nice that the company is doing this in the first place! :)
Use multiple devices. Last year, I had a lot of trouble accessing the site on my computer, but it worked on my cell phone. If you have a tablet, it might be worth utilizing that, too. (Update: Lilly just weighed in and said desktop shopping may actually be smoother than mobile shopping this year, so that’s definitely something to consider!)
Know your size. Lilly sizing is pretty consistent, but from time to time, certain pieces–like the brand’s shifts, for example–run large or small. (FYI, I typically go one size down in Lilly shifts.) If you don’t own many Lilly pieces or are at a complete loss, do your research beforehand by reading product reviews and visiting fitting rooms. If you don’t live near a Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store, try department stores–like Nordstrom or Bloomingdales–that carry the brand.
Be aware of what you’re looking for, and set a budget. It’s pretty easy to get caught up in the excitement of a really good sale, but it’s also important that you don’t empty your bank account and buy things you don’t need. Need a dress for an upcoming event, and that’s it? Then stick to that. Would you have serious regret if you spent over a certain amount of money? Then know what that number is, and don’t go over it.
Narrow your search–quickly–by size and price. On the upper right-hand corner of Lilly’s site, you’ll see two options: “sort by” and “narrow by.” There’s no use in wasting your time looking at products that aren’t available in your size, so click “narrow by” and select “size” first. During online sales, I tend to then click on “sort by” and select “price – low to high” next. But everyone has her own method.
Act fast, and place individual orders for individual products. Just because a product is in your cart doesn’t mean it’s yours. Sizes go quickly, and products sell out fast. If you’re over-the-moon in love with a particular item and you have to have it, check out immediately. Shipping is free, so you can place multiple orders guilt-free.
Understand that particular stages of the ordering process might be running slowly. According to Lilly, after you order, you should receive a confirmation e-mail. Next, your order will appear as “processing” as it’s being selected and packed up. After that, the order is marked as “shipped.” While this process normally takes two to three days, understand that it might be completed faster or much slower during the sale. Some people receive order confirmation emails immediately, while others see them a few hours later… and some people receive their products within a day or two, while others see their orders two or three weeks later. It’s normal! You can check your order status here.
Follow Lilly’s Facebook and Twitter accounts for “Fan Only Flash Sales,” and check the site regularly for new products. Typically, Lilly adds a few new products every day, and provides a link to them–along with updates about the sale–through the brand’s social media accounts. Use ’em!
Check Lilly Pulitzer Signature Stores for products. They’re allowed to participate in the sale as well, but Lilly fans often forget to check in with them. Because of this, they often have some of the best stuff, long after products sell out online!
Do the right thing. I’m not a huge fan of people buying up a ton of stuff during these sales just to turn around and sell it all on eBay for a profit. If something doesn’t fit you, fine. Sell or trade it. (Re-Lilly is a great option.) But it kind of takes the fun out of the sale when people use it simply to make money! Just think of the joy you got out of your first Lilly dress. Don’t you want some girl out there to have that same magical experience?
Don’t be crazy. If you can’t be at your computer or on a mobile device at the start time, it’s not the end of the world. (I’ve actually scored some great pieces on the last day of the sale!) I’m certainly not going to judge if you feel compelled to call out of work so that you can have first pick or employ your family members and friends to “divide and conquer,” but remember to stay grounded. ;) It’s just a sale. While they’re rare, this one won’t be the last. (Plus, there are other ways to find deals on Lilly! The “New Cheer Sale” takes place in January, and RueLaLa will likely have a Lilly sale shortly after the After Party Sale, too.)
Did I miss something? Please add your own tips or advice below in the comment section!
Good tips! I made the mistake of not immediately buying a Let’s Cha Cha dress last year and it was gone from my cart in less than a minute. Not making that mistake twice!
Oh man. You hate to see that happen! I hope this is your year! :) xoxo
So fun! While Lilly is a little out of budget, I’m looking forward to being able to shop the sale someday soon! Happy shopping!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
Smart girl, Meg! There will always be another sale…
Can’t wait!! Such great tips :)
I had been wondering when the sale would be so thanks for the heads up. I always read the comments to see how others felt the dresses fit to them, it helped me decided whether it would be true to size or if I should make a change!
-Alex
http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com
Me too! I depend on product reviews like whoa. And Lilly customers are great about providing details!
AH! Can’t wait for the fun! What a way to make Monday blues be gone!! :)
Seriously, right?! Definitely something to look forward to!
Aha, you’re such a teacher, with your Lilly Lesson Plan. I love it! I’m hoping to find something for a reasonable price (the only Lilly piece I have is a phone case with lobsters and was way too cute to pass up). Good luck on Monday ;)
-Katherine
http://thegreenbows.blogspot.ca
Haha, so true, Katherine! I certainly love lists. I’m sure you’ll find something special! :) xoxo
Are the items on the site currently the only ones put on sale or do they bring back the summer prints?
Are the items on the site currently the only ones put on sale or do they bring back the summer prints?
Are the items on the site currently the only ones put on sale or do they bring back the summer prints?
YES! They bring back summer prints!
Hi, I was wondering if they bring back the summer prints too and what are the average discounts? I want to buy some gifts and I’m trying to get prepared! Thanks!
Yes! They bring back summer prints!
Question: I ordered 3 items from this sale and the items are shipped and should be at my house on Tuesday. However when I bought the items it hit my bank account and then when it shipped, it completely disappeared from my account and it is still no longer in my account that I purchased these items. Any advice?
Courtney, please call Lilly with your order # ready and we can track your order if you still need assistance: 1 888 PB LILLY
Hi, I’m reallly late jumping on the Lilly bandwagon but now that I have I’m obsessed (even though I haven’t bought anything yet) Any tips for purchasing? I’m really worried about ordering shorts online because I’m not sure what brand is comparable sizing wise. Also when is the summer sale held? (Assuming August)
Hey, Halley!
Haha — I’m obsessed, too. I totally understand!
I tend to think that Lilly runs a bit on the larger side. While I wear a size 26 in designer jeans and a size 25 in J.Crew jeans, I almost always need a 0 or 00 in Lilly stuff. In shorts, the 0s are always a bit too large for me. That said, if you like tops and sweaters a little loose (like I do), order your normal size.
The summer sale will likely take place in August, and the King of Prussia Sale (which you have to attend in person) is this weekend!
I cover the online summer sale like CRAZY, so check in with me once in a while over the summer and you’ll be sure to see it!
XOXO! Welcome to the world of Lilly!
Thank you so so much! I’m looking forward to being a Lilly Shopaholic, even easier knowing what sizes will fit me. :)
Thanks for the tips! They helped me to be really successful this time around!