See's Candies opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, Lily Pulitzer deals with "maintenance issues" (Photos)

See's Candies has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The seasonal candy store has a variety of chocolate assortments in gift boxes. There are also Christmas-themed gift bags on display. Look for See's Candies on Level 1 of the mall, next to Journeys.

Lily Pulitzer was temporarily closed at the mall yesterday. According to a sign posted at the store, the closure was due to "maintenance issues." No reopening date was specified on the message.

Lilly Pulitzer closes at Bethesda Row

Lilly Pulitzer has closed at Bethesda Row. Formerly The Pink Palm, the store has been cleared out. It was an abrupt closure without a closing liquidation, but has been in the works for some time.

Last August, a source told me Lilly Pulitzer would be closing. A store employee told me at that time that there were no plans to close.

While we never saw the "Store Closing!" and "Everything Must Go!" signs now ubiquitous across moribund Montgomery County, it's troubling to see a popular and enduring brand store closing in what was once a target market. The rapid flight of the rich from Montgomery County to lower-tax jurisdictions in our region seems to have impacted their favored stores as much as it has the County's collapsing tax revenue haul.

White Dress Party at Lilly Pulitzer today at Westfield Montgomery Mall

Have a wedding, graduation or other white dress occasion coming up this year? Stop by the Lilly Pulitzer White Dress Party today, February 27, at Westfield Montgomery Mall, between noon and 5:00 PM.

Enjoy a glass of complimentary champagne and shop for the perfect white dress for your event. For one-stop shopping purposes, local vendors including Ella Letterpress, Bethesda Florist, Blo Blow Dry Bar, Lilly Magilly’s Cupcakery, and Cristina Calvert Signature will be on hand to discuss their products and services.

There will also be free gifts for $250 or $500 purchases, and free monogramming.

Lilly Pulitzer

Westfield Montgomery Mall

Level 1

Lilly Pulitzer Jeep at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda (Photos)

The Lilly Pulitzer Jeep has returned outside of the Lilly Pulitzer store at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. You may remember it appeared there last spring, when the store was just opening. There is a second Lilly Pulitzer retailer in Bethesda, The Pink Palm at Bethesda Row.

LILLY PULITZER JEEP TURNING HEADS IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

And you thought your Lilly iPhone 5 case was the ultimate fashion statement... Check out this Jeep that just rolled into Westfield Montgomery Mall this week, and is now parked outside the new Lilly Pulitzer store there.

This is Bethesda's second Lilly outlet, joining The Pink Palm at Bethesda Row.

LILLY PULITZER OPENS AT WESTFIELD MONTGOMERY MALL IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

Shopping just got twice as nice for Lilly Pulitzer fans in Bethesda. The existing Pink Palm boutique at Bethesda Row is now joined by a Lilly Pulitzer store, which has just opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall. They also have a display in the center of the corridor outside of the store.

In other Westfield Montgomery Mall news, frantic construction is underway inside the future Talbot's, which is moving over from White Flint Mall. I could hear loud machinery operating behind the wall.

The Walking Company has moved into, and opened, its new second level location. Speaking of moving, Crabtree & Evelyn is about to open its second level store, as well. Yesterday, workers were making the move, clearing out the current store on the lower level.

The current Crabtree & Evelyn on
the lower level was being emptied
Tuesday, with contents moving
upstairs to the soap and fragrance
boutique's new location

LILLY PINK PALM BETHESDA ROW OKTOBERFEST SALE THIS SATURDAY

Lilly Pulitzer fans have one more reason to head to Bethesda Row during Redwood's Oktoberfest celebration this Saturday:  OKTOBERFEST SALE!

Did you miss out on items from Lilly's Spring and Summer collections?

Colleen romper

Your patience has paid off - literally; remaining stock of those lines will be 50-75% off!

Ferra dress

Spend $100 (and that won't be hard for you to do, right?), and you'll get a FREE Pink Palm mystery gift.

Fall collection

So drop the BF or husband off for beer on Bethesda Lane, and hurry into The Pink Palm between 10 AM and 8 PM this Saturday during Oktoberfest.

THE PINK PALM ENDLESS SUMMER SALE ENDS TONIGHT AT MIDNIGHT

The name Lilly Pulitzer and the phrase "up to 60% off" are rarely used in the same sentence.  But today they are both found at The Pink Palm's Endless Summer Sale.  Shop from the comfort of home on the website, or come in to their Bethesda Row boutique.

Here are just a few of the products massively reduced in price until midnight tonight:

FREE GIFTS WITH PURCHASE TODAY AT LILLY PINK PALM

Fans of The Pink Palm at Bethesda Row:

Today is National Wear Your Lilly Day, and you can get a free gift with any purchase.  And more gifts with a $150 purchase.

LILLY PULITZER FASHION SHOW IN BETHESDA

Cesco Osteria and Co2 Lounge chef Francesco Ricchi is finally making good on his promise that fashion models would hit the latter venue's runway.

"Warning," Ricchi advised in a blog post, "this event is going to be hot!"

But it's not a Victoria's Secret show.  Rather, it is an exclusive preview of the new Summer collection from Lilly Pulitzer, favorite of Jackie Kennedy, sorority sisters, Southern girls and preppy women everywhere.

Bethesda Row shoppers know that there is a Lilly Pulitzer Pink Palm boutique on Bethesda Lane.  Being a guy, I'd never even heard of Lilly Pulitzer, until the Pink Palm sculpture was erected on the sidewalk by Bethesda Lane.

This Sunday, May 6, from noon until 2:00 PM, DC area LP fanatics willing and able to fork over the hefty ticket price will enjoy not only the fashion show, but a special brunch prepared by the chef himself, a Bellini cocktail toast, a tasting of rose wines especially chosen for the summer season, a raffle ticket for a mystery Lilly gift, and a chance to purchase select Lilly summer pieces at a discount - before they are available to the public at The Pink Palm!  By the way, you're also supporting the wives and children of American soldiers, through the Thanks USA organization, which will benefit from your ticket purchase!

Order tickets online, and they will be $65 for adults, and $35 for those under 18.  Or you can pay $100 at the door on Sunday - if seats are still available.

It's certainly pricey, but a great event for Lilly aficionados, a Mother-Daughter brunch, or a chance to catch up with your sorority sisters while they're in town, etc., etc.

Get your tickets now, for a surprisingly rare event in downtown Bethesda - a fashion show.

Co2 Lounge, 7401 Woodmont Avenue. 301.654.8333.

The Pink Palm, 4867 Bethesda Avenue. 301.913.9191.