A WKU alumnus is bringing a new fashion option to Bowling Green.

Since November of 2001, WKU alumnus Dale Augenstein has donated $1 million to the construction of the WKU Alumni Center, raised $5 million for the WKU Foundation Board and is now opening a Lilly Pulitzer signature store in Fountain Square called The Pink Daisy.

“It’s going to add a dynamic shopping opportunity for Bowling Green,” he said.

The Pink Daisy, opening in mid-March, will be located at Main Avenue and State Street and is the third signature store to be opened in Kentucky, with the other locations in Louisville and Lexington.

Elizabeth Shipley, director of retail at Bluetique Cheap Chic, which will be near The Pink Daisy, said she thinks this addition will be beneficial for her store and the plaza.

“We’re excited to have more retail business on the square,” she said. “It’s what we want.”

The label, known for its flamboyant colors and floral prints, includes swimwear, formal wear, children’s clothing and accessories.

The debut line at The Pink Daisy will be a spring collection entitled “Party Animals.”

Bowling Green senior Katherine Meredith is excited about the store.

“Lilly Pulitzer has been dressing young girls and women for years,” she said. “In fact, my mom was even a Lilly-lover at my age and passed on the love for Lilly’s vibrant patterns, excellent quality and passion for a colorful life.”

Meredith, who is a member of Alpha Delta Pi, said that Lilly Pulitzer accessories are especially popular in her sorority.

“Lilly’s accessories, such as scarves, totes and organizers are wonderful and are popular Christmas gifts in my sorority,” she said.

Meredith said the accessories are preferable to for women her age because the clothing is expensive.

“Her line in general has a higher price that makes it harder for girls my age to purchase it,” she said.

Augenstein said that the store will feature an assortment of high-end clothing, but there will be plenty of moderately priced items available as well.

“There is wonderful marketing mixed in the store,” he said. “It is very high quality, but not extremely expensive.”

The idea for the store came to Augenstein several years ago when treating his niece to a shopping trip.

“I fell in love with the line,” he said. “The clothes are gorgeous, well-made, have lots of color and have tremendous appeal across the country — you can’t deny the quality.”

While it is Augenstein who fell in love with the Lilly Pulitzer line, representatives from the company fell in love with Bowling Green right away, he said.

Augenstein has big expectations for the store.

“We’re excited as can be,” he said. “It’s going to be a tremendous boost to economic development in Bowling Green.”

Meredith is also optimistic about the store.

“I think opening up a new shop on the corner will add much more character and charm to historic downtown Bowling Green,” she said. “It will carry on the classy trend of fashion in our college town for women of all ages,” she said.