Desktop Designs: Wallpaper for your devices

When the legendary fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer, best known for her tropical print dresses, passed away last month, my friend Joy shared this tweet:

Despite the forecast, live like it’s spring. – @lillypulitzer

Remembering a beautiful woman today at the #pinkpalace

— Joy Laforme (@joylaforme) April 8, 2013

(Fun fact: Joy designed my blog and now works for Lilly Pulitzer!)

I had never heard that quote before, but I instantly found meaning in it. Actually, I found it to have several meanings. On a superficial level, I interpret Lilly’s quote as instructions on how to dress: If your days are dark and dreary — if it’s overcast or rainy — wear something bright and cheerful.

Spring is a season of renewal and new beginnings. The grass is growing, flowers are blooming, and sunshine warms the air around us. A temperate spring day begs for color, from ladylike pastels to energetic neon. Yet when the weather is less than ideal, I find it hard to part with wintery shades of blue, black, grey, or brown. How about you?

I’ve always admired girls who flaunt florals in the snow and white jeans in the rain. (Although I do not approve of wearing open-toed shoes when it’s only 50-degrees outside!) Obviously, they are dressing for themselves, not for the weather. I should start doing the same.

On a deeper level, Lilly’s quote fills me with optimism: If your days feel dark and dreary — if you’re sad or depressed — have hope that tomorrow will offer you a fresh start. No matter how challenging today may be, tomorrow is a new beginning. There is comfort in knowing that change is on the horizon.

Download this month’s desktop wallpaper here!