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These Lilly Pulitzer essentials are a must for Spring Break 2025

March has officially arrived, which means Spring is finally just around the corner.

When it comes to swapping one’s wardrobe for the warm weather, Lilly Pulitzer is often a go-to brand for bright, fun outfits perfect for going out or vacationing during spring and summertime.

Notable Lilly Pulitzer pieces for Spring include its unique swimwear, fun dresses and UPF women’s clothing for sun protection.

For those who are on the hunt for the perfect outfit or swimsuit for Spring Break 2025 in particular, we’ve curated a quick rundown of our favorite pieces Lilly Pulitzer has to offer.

Be sure to check out our top picks below. You can also browse all Lilly Pulitzer swimwear here and Spring Break essentials here.

Lilly Pulitzer Spring Break Essentials

Lilly Pulitzer Spring Break 2025 Essentials.(file)

Make a splash in the Jossette One-Piece Swimsuit, a short sleeve rashguard design with playfully ruffled shoulders and a sporty gold zipper at the center front.

The essential poolside flip flop is dressed up with lots of Lilly details! A vibrant print covers the sole, paired with a solid jelly upper. Match ythe sandals to ythe printed swimwear or coordinate with a solid custom color suit.

Add the versatile Buttercup Mid Rise Short to ythe wardrobe for easygoing style wherever the day takes you.

Dive into the simply chic design of the scoopneck Cashel One-Piece Swimsuit.

Elevate your everyday wardrobe with the printed mesh Preslie Long Sleeve Romper – A skirted romper with shirring at the shoulders and a ruched waistband.

Upgrade your beachside look with the Sea View Linen Cover-Up. This easy-fit, long-sleeve layer features a stylish button-down design and is made from the machine-washable Lagoon Linen.

The Luxletic Jessamy Dress is a moisture wicking UPF 50+ active dress with front pockets and separate undershorts with a pocket.

Make a splash in style in the Aemma Ruffle One-Piece. This square neck swimsuit features ruffle detailing at the neckline and straps, guaranteeing you stand out at the pool or beach this season.

An elevated pick for everyday dressing, the Sadie Shift Romper is finished with elegant lace trim. Side slits and an easy, sleeveless silhouette keep it breezy in warm weather.

Step out in summer style wearing the leather Leena Sandal, featuring bamboo hardware and a plush padded footbed for all-day comfort.

A versatile option for day-to-night wear, the Leena Top Handle bag is crafted from wicker with bamboo details and a gold chain strap.

The glamorous Elvia One-Piece Swimsuit is an essential for any sunny getaway.

General

Joe Rogan, Elon Musk spark Trump assassination conspiracy, CNN reacts

Elon Musk joined Joe Rogan for a three-hour podcast last week.

As a result, CNN releases a statement after it was suggested the network somehow was involved when discussing the Donald Trump assassination attempt.

“CNN provided live coverage of President Trump’s Butler, PA, rally in anticipation of news about his pick of Vice President,” the network posted on “X.”

“Any suggestion contrary to that fact is completely false.”

What sparked the conspiracy was this comment by Rogan:

“You also know that CNN streamed it live, which I do not believe they did for any other rally, and certainly not for a rally in the middle of nowhere in Pennsylvania. Like, there’s a lot of weird s–t.”

The comment, of course, started chatter on social media about CNN’s role, resulting in the media entity’s statement.

The podcast addressed Musk’s Nazi-likened salute he made at an inaugural event last month among other topics.

Musk also claimed DOGE will save the U.S. an estimated $100 billion per year.

Rogan also claimed there was “a real fear” that evidence was being destroyed related to the Epstein files. Musk added, “I thought we were going to get some revelations.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

General

CEO of one of the nation’s largest grocery chains resigns after ethics investigation

Kroger Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen has resigned after an internal investigation into his personal conduct.

One of the largest grocery chains in the country said Monday that the investigation into McMullen’s personal conduct was unrelated to the business, but was found to be inconsistent with its business ethics policy.

Board member Ronald Sargent will serve as chairman and interim CEO, effective immediately.

Sargent has been on Kroger’s board since 2006 and has served as the lead director of the company since 2017. He’s worked in several roles at the grocery chain across stores, sales, marketing, manufacturing and strategy. Sargent is also the former Chairman and CEO of Staples.

Kroger said its board was made aware of the situation on Feb. 21 and immediately hired an outside independent counsel to conduct an investigation, overseen by a special board committee.

The company said that McMullen’s conduct is not related to its financial performance, operations or reporting, and did not involve any Kroger associates.

Kroger will conduct a search for its next CEO, with Sargent agreeing to remain as interim CEO until someone is appointed to the role permanently.

Shares of Kroger, based in Cincinnati, fell about 1.3% before the opening bell.

General

Severe storms possible Tuesday night in Alabama: What we know today

A line of strong to severe storms is expected to move across Alabama starting on Tuesday night.

Damaging winds, heavy rain and a tornado or two will be possible, according to forecasters.

The key points from National Weather Service:

* There will be a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather for most of the state on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. A Level 2 risk means that scattered severe storms will be possible. Eastern Alabama will have a Level 1 risk and could experience isolated severe storms.

* Tuesday could be very windy — even before the storms arrive. The weather service has issued wind advisories for most of the state that will go into effect at noon on Tuesday. Sustained winds of 15-25 mph and gusts as high as 40 mph will be possible through Wednesday morning.

The Alabama counties in brown will be under wind advisories starting at noon on Tuesday.NWS

Here are some of the details:

Forecasters think Tuesday’s storms could reach Alabama’s western border between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesday and quickly track eastward (see more details on timing below). Storms are expected to be the strongest over west Alabama.

The environment won’t be the best for a full-blown severe weather event, but several severe storms will be possible.

The strongest of those could have wind gusts from 60 mph to even 70 mph, according to the weather service, which could take down trees and power lines.

A few tornadoes will also be possible along the line of storms. They will likely be those hard-to-warn-for quick-hitting spin-ups that are there and gone within a few minutes.

Since the storms will affect parts of Alabama overnight it’s important to have a way to get severe weather warnings that will wake you up if need be. Some of those are a NOAA weather radio and phone apps.

Make sure you don’t set your phone on silent on Tuesday night.

Another thing to look out for is the wind on Tuesday, when wind advisories will go into effect for most of the state. The weather service said that sustained winds could be 15-25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph from Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning.

The storms are expected to move out of Alabama on Wednesday morning and cooler and calmer weather is expected on Wednesday through Friday.

The next chance for rain is expected to arrive over the weekend. So far no severe weather is in the forecast for Alabama with that next system.

Here’s a look at the timing from the weather service:

NORTH ALABAMA

CENTRAL ALABAMA

SOUTH ALABAMA

Southeast Alabama outlook — Here’s what forecasters are expecting for the southeast corner of the state.NWS

General

Pop music star’s message to save struggling popular restaurant chain

Hooters has support from Kelly Clarkson.

“The Kelly Clarkson Show” posted a message on its Instagram page that was a plea to help the iconic restaurant chain.

While the clip is from 2020 episode, the message was clear. The video clip, featuring comedian Fortune Feimster, made the point: Save Hooters!

“Plz don’t go Hooters” the caption reads.

“Where else can you see waitresses wearing pantyhose and tank tops at 11AM on a Tuesday?” Feimster jokes.

“They’re hurting, and they need our support. That’s why I’m proud to stand up here today with you Kelly to support the people that make Hooters or any restaurant special.”

Hooters, the sports bar & grill chain famous for chicken wings served by waitresses in short shorts and tight T-shirts, is preparing for a potential bankruptcy filing, it was reported last month.

The nation-wide, casual dining chain is planning to restructure its operations.

According to the report, citing sources, no final decision for declaring for Chapter 11 protection has been made, but a filing could take place in the next two months.

Hooters, an Atlanta-based company, has roughly 300 locations across the country.

General

JD Crowe: Trump Zelenskyy meeting was a masterclass in gaslighting

This is an opinion cartoon.

“If Russia ceases combat operations, the war is over. If Ukraine ceases combat operations, Ukraine is over.” – Adam Kinzinger

Yes, it was a hot mess of bullying, chaos and confusion. But Friday’s shameful Trump/Zelenskyy reality TV Oval Office meeting went perfectly! And according to plan.

Putin’s plan.

Punch-me-face VP Vance had a week to apply his mascara and practice his lines for this moment on the golden couch he had to share with speechless little Marco Rubio.

I’ve made this point many times: Trump is the ultimate narcissistic gaslighter-in chief.

I posted a version of this cartoon on Facebook and other social media platforms last Friday night.

Former Alabama senator: Trump berating Zelenskyy one of US history’s ‘most embarrassing, pathetic episodes’

Speaking of gaslighting, this ChatGPT analysis about the Trump Zelenskyy meeting has been making the rounds on social media. Maybe you’ve seen it.

I’m not a big fan of AI. Not yet. But one time, at cartoonist camp … never mind.

See what you think:

1. Blaming the victim for their own situation

Trump explicitly tells Zelenskyy: “You have allowed yourself to be in a very bad position.” This is classic abuser rhetoric—blaming the victim for their suffering. The implication is that Ukraine itself is responsible for being occupied by Russia and for the deaths of its people.

2. Pressure and coercion into ‘gratitude’

Vance demands that Zelenskyy say “thank you.”

3. Manipulating the concept of ‘peace’

Trump claims that Zelenskyy is “not ready for peace.” However, what he actually means is Ukraine’s capitulation. This is a classic manipulation technique—substituting the idea of a just peace with the notion of surrender.

4. Refusing to acknowledge the reality of war

Trump repeatedly insists that Zelenskyy has “no cards to play” and that “without us, you have nothing.” This is yet another abusive tactic—undermining the victim’s efforts by asserting that they are powerless without the mercy of their ‘saviour.’

5. Devaluing the victims of war

“If you get a ceasefire, you must accept it so that bullets stop flying and your people stop dying,” Trump says. Yet, he ignores the fact that a ceasefire without guarantees is merely an opportunity for Russia to regroup and strike again.

6. Dominance tactics

Trump constantly interrupts Zelenskyy, cutting him off: “No, no, you’ve already said enough,” and “You’re not in a position to dictate to us.”

7. Forcing capitulation under the guise of ‘diplomacy’

8. Projection and distortion of reality

Trump declares: “You are playing with the lives of millions of people.” Yet, in reality, it is he who is doing exactly that—shifting responsibility onto Zelenskyy.

9. Creating the illusion that Ukraine ‘owes’ the US

10. Undermining Ukraine’s resistance

Trump states that “if it weren’t for our weapons, this war would have ended in two weeks.” This is an attempt to erase Ukraine’s achievements and portray its efforts as entirely dependent on US support.

We’re all just trying to figure how to cope with this upside-down Trumpy world of lies, chaos and confusion. Did we wake up in Russia? Lordy. God help us.

Love y’all. Hang in there.

True stories and stuff by JD Crowe

The mysterious ‘Bubble Guy’ of Fairhope and the art of bubble Zen – al.com

How I met Dr. Seuss

Robert Plant head-butted me. Thanks, David Coverdale

I was ZZ Top’s drummer for a night and got kidnapped by groupies

Check out more cartoons and stuff by JD Crowe

JD Crowe is the cartoonist for AL.com. He won the RFK Human Rights Award for Editorial Cartoons in 2020. In 2018, he was awarded the Rex Babin Memorial Award by the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists. Follow JD on Facebook, Twitter @Crowejam and Instagram @JDCrowepix. Give him a holler at [email protected].

General

Movie star apologizes to Mexicans for her Oscar-winning film: ‘Could have done better’

After taking home the Oscar for best supporting actress, “Emilia Pérez” star Zoe Saldaña responded to criticism of the film’s portrayal of Mexico, after a journalist shared that it has been “really hurtful for us Mexicans.”

“First of all, I’m very, very sorry that many Mexicans felt offended. That was never our intention. We spoke from a place of love,” she told press in the interview room.

“I don’t share your opinion. For me, the heart of this movie was not Mexico. We were making a film about friendship. We were making a film about four women.”

She continued, “These women could have been Russian, could have been Dominican, could have been Black from Detroit, could have been from Israel, could have been from Gaza. And these women are still very universal women that are struggling every day, but trying to survive systemic oppression and trying to find the most authentic voices. So I will stand by that, but I’m also always open to sit down with all of my Mexican brothers and sisters, with love and respect, [to have] a great conversation on how ‘Emilia Pérez’ could have been done better. I welcome it.”

Earlier in the night during her acceptance speech, Saldaña highlighted her family’s history as immigrants to the United States, “My grandmother came to this country in 1961 — I am a proud child of immigrant parents. With dreams and dignity and hard-working hands, and I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award, and I know I will not be the last. I hope. The fact that I’m getting an award for a role where I got to sing and speak in Spanish — my grandmother, if she were here, she would be so delighted, this is for my grandmother.”

Despite drawing criticism from the Mexican and queer community through awards season, “Emilia Pérez” was the top contender at the Oscars Sunday night, leading the field with 13 nominations.

Saldaña won for supporting actress, while the musical’s number “El Mal” took home original song. However, with 11 losses across all categories, the feature also tied as the all-time biggest loser in the history of the Oscars, a record shared by films like “The Color Purple” and “The Power of the Dog.”

“Anora” was the top winner at Sunday’s ceremony, with five wins including best picture. See the full list of Oscar winners here.

General

3 questions for Alabama football as spring practice begins

It’s that time of year already. Alabama football begins spring practice on Monday in Tuscaloosa.

Kalen DeBoer enters his second season as the Crimson Tide’s head coach, and after a 9-4 season in 2024, UA is looking to bounce back to its traditional championship form. As the journey begins, here are three questions for Alabama to answer during spring ball.

Will we learn anything about the quarterback battle?

To recall a line Nick Saban trotted out at SEC media days in 2023, the cake is back in the oven. With Jalen Milroe off to the NFL Draft, the Crimson Tide once again needs a new quarterback.

Ty Simpson is the presumed frontrunner after spending the past two seasons as UA’s primary backup. However, he’ll have stiff competition from fellow returnee Austin Mack and five-star true freshman Keelon Russell.

It’s unlikely DeBoer finds his starter during spring practice. However, it will be interesting to see how far the competition progresses leading up to the A-Day game.

Complicating matters is the upcoming transfer portal window. The Alabama staff will need to correctly thread the needle where each prospective starter feels they have enough incentive to stick around through the rest of the offseason.

Which newcomers can make an immediate impact?

As usual, Alabama lost plenty of talent to the NFL Draft after the 2024 season. As the new season approaches, DeBoer and company will be looking to see which new faces can help fill in.

An obvious candidate to make a major impact is Isaiah Horton. The wide receiver who transferred in from Miami could be primed for a big season, as defenses try to stop Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard as well.

Up front, with Tyler Booker gone, Kam Dewberry could play a major role. The Texas A&M transfer will look to earn a starting job, beginning in spring practice.

And that’s not to mention all of the freshman, from Russell to Dijon Lee and the rest of the class. Spring is a great time for coaches to get a first look at their latest crop of youngsters.

Does any of this matter?

The April 12 A-Day game won’t be on television. Around the country, coaches at other programs are canceling their spring games altogether, citing potential for standout players to get poached from their programs, not to mention injury concerns.

With the spring transfer portal window right around the corner, perhaps the current form of spring football is past its usefulness. Sure, it might be useful for freshmen and other newcomers to work on learning the Crimson Tide’s systems.

But with the window coming up, so much of the roster has the potential to change before the players take the field again. And that’s not to mention the injuries, which could damage the Crimson Tide’s 2025 season before it even gets going.

Perhaps the spring system could be overhauled, but at current time, how useful is the exercise for Alabama?

General

Pope Francis endures another health setback: Latest update from the Vatican

Pope Francis was up and receiving therapy on Monday after apparently overcoming a setback in his recovery from pneumonia. The Vatican said he is stable, off mechanical ventilation and is showing no sign of new infection following a respiratory crisis late last week.

“The pope rested well all night,” the Vatican said in its update from Gemelli hospital, where Francis has been hospitalized since Feb. 14.

On Monday, he had coffee and breakfast and was undergoing therapy.

Earlier, doctors reported the 88-year-old pope spent all day Sunday without using the noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask that pumps oxygen into his lungs that he had to use following the coughing episode and crisis on Friday. Francis did continue to receive high flow supplemental oxygen through a nasal tube.

The respiratory crisis sparked fears of a new lung infection because Francis inhaled some vomit. Doctors aspirated it and said they needed 24 to 48 hours to determine if any new infection took hold.

On Sunday evening, they said Francis remained stable, with no fever or signs of an infection, indicating he had overcome the crisis. His prognosis remained guarded, however, meaning he wasn’t out of danger.

Francis on Sunday also received a visit from the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and his chief of staff, Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra. The content of their talks wasn’t known, but even when at the Vatican, Francis meets at least weekly with them.

He again skipped his weekly noon blessing to avoid even a brief public appearance from the hospital. Instead, the Vatican distributed a message written by the pope from the 10th floor in which he thanked his doctors for their care and well-wishers for their prayers, and prayed again for peace in Ukraine and elsewhere.

“From here, war appears even more absurd,” Francis said in the message, which he drafted in recent days. Francis said he was living his hospitalization as an experience of profound solidarity with people who are sick and suffering everywhere.

“I feel in my heart the ‘blessing’ that is hidden within frailty, because it is precisely in these moments that we learn even more to trust in the Lord,” Francis said in the text. “At the same time, I thank God for giving me the opportunity to share in body and spirit the condition of so many sick and suffering people.”

The Argentine pope, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to Gemelli on Feb. 14 after his bronchitis worsened and turned into a complex pneumonia in both lungs.

On Sunday night at the Vatican, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski presided over the evening Rosary prayer in St. Peter’s Square.

“Let us pray together with the entire church for the health of the Holy Father Francis,” said Krajewski, who is the pope’s personal Almoner, a centuries-old job of handing out alms. Francis has elevated the job to make it an extension of his own personal charity.

The American Cardinal Robert Prevost, who heads the Vatican’s powerful office for bishops, was celebrating Monday night’s prayer.

General

6 Alabama dishes you need to try in March

When people find out you’re an Alabama life and culture writer, one of the first things they ask you about is food.

“Ate at any good restaurants lately?”

“Where should I get dinner tonight?”

“Have you heard of so-and-so restaurant?”

They’re always fun conversations, and we love giving recommendations and hearing about the dishes we need to try. (Email us suggestions — we love to hear from you!)

So we decided to put our heads together and make a list of dishes we’ve recently loved that we think you should try in March. Some are elegant (potato pavé), some are not (Mardi Gras corndogs), but all are tasty.

Let’s get to it:

Potato pavé at La Fête in Birmingham, Ala.(Photo by Stacy K. Allen; used with permission from La Fête)

Potato pavé at La Fête

2018 Morris Ave., Birmingham

The potato pavé — savory squares of thinly sliced and meticulously layered potatoes that are baked, chilled overnight, cubed and then fried to order — have been a favorite at La Fête on Birmingham’s Morris Avenue since Kristen Farmer Hall opened her French bistro in late 2022. Her guests can’t get enough of them, and neither can she. “For me, as both an executive chef and a pastry chef, I love the merging of pastry techniques with savory flavor profiles,” Hall says. “I feel like the potato pavé is the best of all of the worlds.” Available as an appetizer at La Fête, the crispy potato cubes are sprinkled with Maldon sea salt and served with whipped crème fraîche and chives. “My favorite way to eat them is to peel them apart like an accordion,” Hall says. “You get the creamy potato interior and then you get those crispy edges. It’s like a celebration of the potato.” — Bob Carlton

Mardi Gras food

Mobile

Look, have a corndog. I’m sure this sounds a little weird in the context of the fine selection of entrees doubtless presented by my colleagues … But it’s Mardi Gras time in Mobile. So, if you work downtown or if you’re coming downtown for a parade, corn dogs are on the menu. As are funnel cakes. As is chicken on a stick. As are the diverse specialties of numerous food trucks. So lean into it. You don’t have to wait until county-fair season to indulge your inner 8-year-old. And dessert is on the house, at least if you want a MoonPie. — Lawrence Specker

Mahi wrap at Domaine South

200 West Side Sq., Huntsville

A beach vacation for your mouth. Domaine South’s mahi wrap is built around the titular fish, seared and seasoned with coriander and cumin. Also inside the warm tortilla, house-made cucumber tomato pico de gallo and salsa verde ranch sauce, plus queso fresco and shredded lettuce. On the side, more of that zingy salsa verde ranch for dipping. Comes with fries. But pay the $2.50 to sub Domaine’s duck-fat fries, delectable planks served with curry ketchup and herb aioli. — Matt Wake

Orchiette pasta at Ravello Ristorante

36 Commerce St., Montgomery

I’ve been to Ravello Ristorante in downtown Montgomery a few times since it opened in 2022 and have always enjoyed my meal. On my most recent visit to the fine dining spot, which serves authentic Italian cuisine inspired by the Amalfi Coast and made from fresh, Southern ingredients, though, I had a pasta that I’ll likely be ordering again and again. The “Orchiette,” offered on Ravello’s dinner menu, features the restaurant’s handcrafted pasta, made in-house daily, as well as Italian sausage, broccolini, cherry tomatoes and parmesan flakes for a savory flavor that comes with a touch of heat. While it’s the kind of meal that makes cleaning your plate easy, I will suggest you save a little room for one of their nightly desserts too. While the offerings vary depending on when you go, count yourself lucky to be there if the tiramisu cheesecake is up for grabs. — Amber Sutton

Sautéed salmon dish at Brick & Tin — Sautéed salmon with sweet potatoes, kale, farro, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, sorghum-sherry vinaigrette and pesto at Brick & Tin in Mountain Brook, Alabama.(Mary Colurso | [email protected])

Sautéed salmon at Brick & Tin

2901 Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook

We’ve tried plenty of salmon dishes at restaurants in the Birmingham metro area, and lots of them taste pretty darn good. But there’s a new favorite in town — the sautéed salmon at Brick & Tin’s Mountain Brook location — and it’s delicious. According to the menu, you get seared salmon, nestled atop a bed of sweet potatoes, kale, farro, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, sorghum-sherry vinaigrette and pesto. The salmon has a crispy skin and tender interior. And that farro salad it’s paired with? Just plain yummy. The mixture of flavors and textures makes this a dish to remember — and to order again on the next visit. — Mary Colurso

Cajun Sampler at Papa Dubi’s

9510 US-431, Albertville

Someone once told me that the further you get from the Coast, the worse the Cajun restaurants become. Respectfully, that person is very, very wrong, and if they’d eaten at Papa Dubi’s in northeast Alabama they’d understand why. The Albertville restaurant has it all — an inviting atmosphere, refreshing cocktails and delicious food that won’t cost a fortune. I’ve never had a meal there I haven’t liked (and I’ve tried most of the menu), but my go-to is always the Cajun Sampler. Choose three or more from their offerings — etouffee, gumbo, sausage and chicken jambalaya, crawfish sauce on rice, lobster sauce on rice, imperial sauce on rice, or red beans and rice. Choose as you wish, but always make sure you get the crawfish sauce and rice. The sauce is hearty and perfect and unlike anything else I’ve tried before. (You can also get it topped on your fish or steak, if you’d rather go that route.) — Haley Laurence