point of purchase.

Monogrammed Wide Straw Derby Hat | Bow Clutch | Beige Clutch
(photo via ML website) | Monogrammed Baseball Hat

One of the biggest things you learn in Marketing, specifically Services Marketing, is that service recovery can create the most loyal customers. Marley Lilly is a shining example of this fact. My best friend first told me about Marley Lilly a few months ago, and then I started noticing the cutest things around on Tumblr and Pinterest were from the company. I decided that my best friend's birthday gift would be the brown Peyton crossbody clutch (monogrammed, of course), and I happened to order one for myself too. Much to my chagrin, there were some problems with ML's supplier, but they offered a lot of options that they really didn't have to for the customers who didn't want to wait an extra month or so for their bags to arrive. Nothing impresses me more than a company standing behind their customers and looking out for them. That's why I made that comment about my Marley Lilly items a few days ago – truly the best customer service. I spent a pretty penny with them this semester between birthday presents and Spring Break purchases, and I really believe they're providing a great service with a great product. And don't worry – when everyone asks you where you got that cute item, you can give them a Marley Lilly business card, enclosed with your order. Genius! Thanks to Marley Lilly for utilizing an excellent business model. You have a loyal customer in me.

where'd ya get that?

So I've gotten some Twitter, Facebook, and real life questions about where I got some of my latest purchases. Here are the answers!

Marley Lilly
Best customer service. Period. Shop here.

Metallic Molly Clutch with Bow. This has not left my side since I bought it.
So many font color choices, too. 

Monogrammed Wide Derby Hat. Obsessed.
Spring Break + Cinco de Derby, here. I. come.

Old Navy + eBay

Old Navy sailboat shirt. Also comes in navy with coral sailboats.
Depending upon how it fits on you this is more like a tunic. I'm weird.
J. Crew-esque bubble necklace via eBay. Similar here. $20 as opposed to like $150.. Yes, please.

Etsy

Monogrammed burlap koozie. This is a Pinterest find. They also have seersucker!!

Soooo... it looks like I have Spring Break on the mind! Two more weeks! Amelia Island is calling my name! Until then, cheers to one more day til the weekend! 

Derby Days

mint julep | dress, Anthropologie | perfect derby hat (via Tumblr).Mine will be monogrammed and from Marley Lilly |
Fornash anchor earrings | J. Crew striped peep-toe pumps

I'm early, I know; I've already picked out my Easter frock, remember? So naturally the next step is to pick out the perfect Kentucky Derby outfit for sipping on mint juleps (my favorite cocktail) at Dram. I've always loved the Derby. Watching with my family is literally one of the earliest memories I have. My grandaddy and mother would have their "bets" placed, and the loser would have to pay up-- it was all very serious, can't you tell? Mint simple syrup would be cooling on the stove, awaiting the sterling julep cups filled with bourbon and ice. It was exciting, and it was a tradition. Fast forward to now, when I'm able to have more than sweet tea and mint syrup in my julep cup, and the Derby is just as exciting; it's a break from the books and a chance to have fun with friends. In a few short months, the bets will be placed, the horses will race, and the juleps will be free flowing. Make sure you have your hat ready.

Update: The Kentucky Derby will be on May 5th. That's right, y'all, this will be an epic day of fun. Juleps in the morning & afternoon, margaritas at night. Cinco de Derby?