R.I.P. Lilly Pulitzer

Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau, the socialite who turned designer to combat boredom and discontent more than 50 years ago, died today at her Palm Beach, Florida, home at age 81. Her company's Facebook page issued this statement.

"Lilly has been a true inspiration to us, and we will miss her," the statement said. "In the days and weeks ahead, we will celebrate all that Lilly meant to us. Lilly was a true original who brought together generations through her bright and happy mark on the world."

In search of a hobby after suffering a bout of depression in her late twenties, Pulitzer at first opened an orange juice stand in 1958, and then she began developing brightly colored and boldly patterned shifts and blouses to help hide the stains created by her new enterprise. Her clothing was an immediate hit and continues to be to this day. The world will miss her. She created happy fashion.

I found her fashions aspirational - they made me yearn for summer, color, and the leisurely lifestyle that they represented. I'll always think pink and green when I hear her name. Yes, I love the preppy look - always have. May she rest in peace.

Photos courtesy of CNN and the Washington Post