Valentine’s Day Lookbook: Casual Galentine’s Day Outfits with Graphic Tees

Disney Style, Style

Happy Galentine’s Day & (early) Valentine’s Day!💖 Instead of dressing to the nines this year, I decided to put together a couple outfits built around fun graphic tees. I love outfits built around easy shirts because…

1. Most people already have an all-time favorite sitting in their closet, so it’s easy to recreate these looks!

2. You can either dress it up for a more polished look or go make plans for an all-day at-home movie marathon. No judgements here.😉

3. Graphic tee outfits are super easy to throw together. And with Valentine’s Day sneaking up on me this year, I gladly welcomed any uncomplicated, yet fun outfits.

Vintage Minnie shirt: Etsy, Blazer: Frame via Nordstrom Rack, Jeans: Levi’s, Shoes: Leith via Nordstrom Mask: Second Wind, Sunglasses: Karen Walker, Earrings: Bauble Bar, Bag: Loungefly

Play heart to get on Valentine’s Day!❤️ This vintage Minnie tee is comfy and so perfect for a polished, but casual Valentine’s Day look. To play off the hearts on the shirt and pull the whole look together, I wore a heart patterned velvet blazer. The velvet and embroidered hearts add texture and whimsy to an otherwise straightforward “t-shirt and jeans” outfit.

To complete this look, I found the perfect heart accessories. And to no one’s surprise they’re all Disney accessories.😂 To find the right mix that worked together, I kept color palette and scale in mind. I knew red, white, black, and light beige accessories would coordinate well with my vintage Minnie shirt and choosing only one larger scale statement accessory with other smaller accessories helps keep everything from looking too overwhelming. Because you are the star of the show, not your clothes — even if they are droolworthy.😜

I mean…it’s a Bernaise.💁🏻‍♀️
Shirt (gifted): Cakeworthy, Shorts (similar): Amazon, Scrunchie (similar): Amazon, Necklace: Stella and Haas

In honor or Galentine’s Day, I had to wear this amazing Bridesmaids shirt from Cakeworthy! Because ladies, I just don’t think we can do any better. It’s a Fritz Beenaise afterall!😆

I usually buy graphic tees that are slightly loose on me so I can get that perfect fitted slouch when I tuck them into pants and skirts (exhibit A shown above👆🏼). But for this shirt, I decided to go up a few sizes so I can comfortably lounge on the couch all day bingeing Bridesmaids and other gal pal movies! I paired it with fitted pink shorts (which is actually a bodysuit onsie!) for a playful loungewear feel. And for a little glam, I topped it off with a matching sparkly scrunchie.💖

I hope you like these easy and more casual Galentine’s Day and Valentine’s Day looks! I used to get caught up thinking all my lookbooks had to showcase extravagant ensembles and be a huge production. And honestly, it requires so much more energy I would probably stress about it more than I should’ve.😅 But I’ve finally come to realize that even my more casual looks are still worthy of documenting. Just because it’s not fancy, doesn’t mean it’s not worthy! Reminding myself of that is one small way I’m showing myself some self-love and grace.🥰

Are you celebrating Galentine’s Day or Valentine’s Day this year? Or maybe you’re going to shower yourself with some self-love. Either way, I hope you’re weekend is filled with snacks and rest.😆

ABW

Lunar New Year Lookbook

Disney Style, Style

Happy Lunar New Year!🧧🎉 Lunar New Year is a holiday my family has always looked forward to and celebrated. As kids, and even as young adults, we would head down to Chinatown and play all the carnival games lined up along Portsmouth Square. Coin tosses, balloon darts, water guns, but the golden goose—or in this case horse—was the roll-a-ball horse racing.

My mom loved collecting the huge golden horse trophies, so naturally we’d wait for the all the seats to clear out and my siblings and I would compete against each other so winning that horse trophy was a guarantee. I might have been a little embarrassed that we were so shameless about winning those horses, but looking back, it’s a Lunar New Year memory I’m really fond of.🥰

Dress: BlackMilk, Minnie bag: Shanghai Disneyland, Shoes: Aldo, Sunglasses: Fendi, Mulan necklace: Awe Inspired, Mask: iluvit

This year is obviously very different from previous years, but that won’t stop me from putting together a festive outfit. Even if it’s just to walk the dog or lounge at home. Like the past couple of years, I loved making them into Disney Style outfits, but what I didn’t expect was my new love for BlackMilk to take center stage!😱

A few months ago, BlackMilk released a holiday collection full of sparkle and merry motifs. But when I caught a glimpse of this red star dress, I immediate knew I needed it for Lunar New Year. Red and gold are always appropriate for Lunar New Year, but stars were such a perfect bonus!⭐️

I then knew I had to pair the dress with an accessory from Shanghai Disneyland. One of my favorites is this Minnie crossbody. If you look closely, you’ll notice her usual vintage hat is designed to look more like a Chinese courtier’s or official’s hat. And the addition of the gold coin motif on the brim is just too perfect. Pairing this Minnie bag with this dress was just a match made in heaven.

Shirt: Macy’s, Shorts: BlackMilk, Mulan necklace: Awe Inspired

But let’s be honest, most of us aren’t going anywhere fancy to celebrate Lunar New Year—myself included—so I also put together a fun loungewear outfit. I started off with this oversized t-shirt that I bought on sale last year. I love that Minnie is shown as a lion dancer because I LOVE LION DANCERS.🦁 They’re just huge, colorful, playful dogs and the music is always gets me so pumped!😂 It was just too good to pass up.

I was originally going to wear plain black bike shorts, but I remembered I had this Disney pair from BlackMilk and to my surprise, the color palette matched the colors of the t-shirt! I don’t wear these bike shorts too often, but I truly appreciate the side pocket to hold your phone (or maybe some extra snacks). They’re also made of performance fabrics so you can actually workout in them. Who doesn’t love a good double-duty apparel item.

I want to conclude this lookbook with a reminder that Lunar New Year is celebrated by many different communities. I think a lot of times, Lunar New Year is interchanged with Chinese New Year and although Chinese and Chinese Americans are probably the largest group to celebrate the holiday, they’re not the only ones that do.

So if you have a minute, definitely check out this page from the Asian Art Museum to learn more about how Lunar New Year is celebrated around the world! For me, I’ll be eating some Chinese take-out since a lavish banquet dinner with my extended family is out of the question this year. But however you decide to celebrate, I hope this Lunar New Year is a memorable one!

ABW

#MinnieStyle Lookbook for National Polka Dot Day

Disney Style, Style

Happy #NationalPolkaDotDay!🔴⚪️⚫️ Polka dots are pretty much synonymous with Minnie Mouse, so it’s no surprise that many Disney fans celebrate Minnie and her iconic style today. In past posts, I’ve talked about how I used to shy away from #MinnieStyle for the fear of coming off as too girly, which often reads as childish as an Asian American woman. But now that I’m older, I’ve become more comfortable with wearing girlier, feminine outfits that still feel like me.

And even though today is supposed to be all about dots, I’ve decided use today as a great opportunity to highlight #MinnieStyle altogether. So here are a few fun ways to #RockTheDots and honor Minnie’s timeless style!

When Eggie, a clothing brand by Asian American YouTuber Jenn Im, dropped their Disney collection, I fell in love with this blazer and skirt set. From afar it looks like an irregular pinstripe, but it’s actually Minnie’s signature!🤩 I adore how the subtle print makes a usually stuff blazer more playful. And since we adore a themed outfit, I paired the set with the Uniqlo x Ambush Minnie Mouse bag. It’s reminiscent of the Christopher Raeburn Mickey and Minnie bags, but it was much more affordable. To stay warm, I layered up with Eggie’s bodysuit from the same Disney collection, a pair of tights, and some chunky boots. And I couldn’t forget my favorite upcycled Gucci mask!

Another piece I immediately bought from the Uniqlo x Ambush Disney collection was this embroidered Minnie T-shirt dress. I practically live in this dress and should’ve bought two because it’s already getting pilly.😅 It’s basically a cute and comfy cotton mumu, so it’s obviously been my go-to quarantine uniform. To add a few dots into the mix, I wore Baublebar’s Minnie dangle earrings and a velvet dot scrunchie. And a #MinnieStyle outfit almost always calls for a bright red lip.💄 I’m loving how luxe this Pat McGrath lipstick feels!

Dress: Reformation, Minnie bag: Aldo, Bag strap: Parc Pack, Sunglasses: Gucci, Mask: iluvit

For the last outfit in this lookbook, we’re going full throttle with dots!🔴⚪️🔴⚪️ Thank goodness red dot dresses were trending in the last couple of years because now it’s fairly easy to find a #MinnieStyle dress that fits my style. This Reformation dress feels so Parisian and will really stand the test of time. But to level up on the dots, I decided to wear this fun (and obnoxious) Minnie bag with a Parc Pack red dot bag strap. When wearing dot on dot, I like to mix the size and proportions of the dot patterns so overall, it’s not too overwhelming.

What’s your favorite way to #RockTheDots or don #MinnieStyle? I’m glad over the years, I’ve come to embrace Minnie’s look. It’s a great reminder that I shouldn’t shy away from styles just because they don’t seem to fit me at face value. If anything, I can use my creativity to be inspired by those styles and put together outfits that still feel like me. So here’s to Minnie me!❤️😆

Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Fandom Lovers

Disney Style, Musings, Style

If you follow this blog then it’s very likely you’re a fandom lover like me! There’s something about fandoms that really resonates with me and I’m sure many of you. To find people out there that love something as much as you do is incredible. Then you start bonding and helping build that little (or big!) community and in a flash you inherit a family that gets your love of movies, games, magical things, or comics.

So I’m super excited to share my second gift guide of the season, a Holiday Gift Guide for Fandom Lovers! Obviously, there are a lot of Disney-related items mentioned here, but many of the shops listed also carry licensed products from Nintendo, Studio Ghibli, Star Wars, Golden Girls, and Looney Tunes just to name a few. I also mention a lot of apparel and accessories items on this list, but a handful of the shops mentioned also carry books, home items, and toys!

Cakeworthy: Apparel & Accessories, $20-$80
Cakeworthy is one of my go-to shops for licensed apparel. Most of their collections are Disney, but over the past few years, they’ve expanded their offering of licensed collaborations — including The Golden Girls, Nikelodeon, Looney Tunes, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Nintendo! The character quote flannels specifically are great gifts since the colors, quote, and details are all designed around a specific character or franchise. And one of their newest ones is inspired by Buddy the Elf! But the totes, all over print t-shirts, and dresses also make great gifts for fashion-loving fans.

Buckle-Down: Accessories & Pet Supplies, $16-$30
Buckle-Down is another shop that sell products from a variety of licenses. Aside from Disney, they also have licensed products for DC Comics, Warner Bros., various car brands, and even Grumpy Cat! Known mostly for their buckle belts, Buckle-Down recently introduced quirky licensed crossbody bags to their assortment. The bag is on the smaller side, but still roomy enough to carry everything you need! Other items that make great gifts are their Signature D belt collection and purse straps!

PARC Collection: Crossbody Bag Straps, $28
This small shop just released their newest item, polka dot crossbody bag straps! The crossbody straps are meant to be paired with their travel cases, but the clips make it possible for you to attach it to any of your other Disney bags. Although these aren’t officially licensed, I love that the oversized dot print really evokes that classic Minnie style look. I may have ordered both colors and I can’t wait to pair them with my Minnie Mouse Disney bags!

BoxLunch Totoro Sweater

BoxLunch: Sweaters, $60 (but check for sales!)
The holiday season is pretty much synonymous with sweater weather. And when I saw BoxLunch’s collection of fairisle-inspired licensed sweaters, I was obsessed! All the designs are so adorable and the sweater itself is soooo cozy. They’re perfect for those homey quarantine nights with a toasty hot chocolate in hand. Aside from sweaters, BoxLunch also has tons of other apparel, accessories, home decor, figurine, and beauty gifts. Plus, for every $10 you spend BoxLunch donates a meal through Feeding America.

DIFF Eyewear: Star Wars Sunglasses & Frames, $95-$105
DIFF Eyewear released a capsule collection of Star Wars sunglasses and frames I’ve had my eyes on them. When the time came for me to write my holiday wishlist, I immediately knew these would be on my list. Each pair is super wearable and has that hint of character inspiration. And they also offer the same frames as blue light blocking glasses, which is great for anyone who is staring at a screen all day, aka me!

DisneyBound Dress Disney and Make It Fashion” by Leslie Kay

DisneyBound Dress Disney and Make It Fashion by Leslie Kay, $17.99
DisneyBound is now officially a book! Written by the DisneyBound creator herself, Leslie talks about the myriad of ways everyone can DisneyBound and how it’s ultimately a way for Disney-lovers to express their own style and creativity. Although it’s written with newcomers in mind, this is still a great coffee table book for the most avid DisneyBounders. And the outfit illustrations are too cute!

Chronicle Books: The Disney Princess & Star Wars The Jedi Mind Books, $15-$50
A couple other great coffee table book options are The Disney Princess and Star Wars The Jedi Mind from Chronicle Books. The Disney Princess book looks like it’s filled with beautiful illustrations and histories about our beloved princesses and I love how Star Wars The Jedi Mind is pretty much a mindfulness book in Jedi wrapping.

BlackMilk Bambi Slip Dress from Poshmark

BlackMilk: Apparel, $42-117
From Pokemon to the Mandalorian, BlackMilk has released so many amazing licensed collections that I literally could not not get everything. Ok, not everything, but I adore the innovative ways they use characters to inspire their fabrics and prints. The cuts of their dresses are also really flattering and you can’t resist the urge to twirl. And gifting the joy of twirling sounds like a pretty great present if you ask me!

Poshmark, Depop, Etsy: Vintage or Unique Apparel & Accessories, prices vary
If you’re looking to shop sustainably this season, definitely turn to shops like Poshmark, Depop, and Etsy. These sites are great for finding vintage or unique Disney finds, but I love when I get lucky and find pieces from past collaborations that I missed out on, like old BlackMilk collections. And of course, you can also find other fandom licenses, like Harry Potter.

Loungefly The Child Wristlet (Background: Cakeworthy The Child Shirt)

Disney Store: Accessories, prices vary
An obvious pick for this Holiday Gift Guide, but I want to talk specifically about all things Grogu and the character stretch headbands. With season 2 of The Mandalorian, baby yoda merch, or should I say Grogu merch, is on the rise! Some of my favorite Grogu merch from the Disney store is the Loungefly wristlet and ear headband. Another great stocking stuffer is the character stretch headband, which is available in a variety of characters. I don’t believe they’re available at Disney Store locations, but you can easily order them online. They’re perfect for those self-care nights when you need to keep hair out of the way while wearing a face mask!

Giving your friend or family member a present that supports their fandom is such a meaningful way to say “I support you and what you love.” And for those of us that found each other through our shared love of fandoms, you’ll be able to create an even stronger bond and passion over the mouse that started it all, little animal villagers or even senior citizen cheesecake lovers. For me, passions for fandoms is what brought some of the most important people into my life.

If you’re still looking for more fun gift ideas, check out the Galentine’s Day Gift Guide for Disney Lovers that I posted earlier this year or jump back to the first gift guide I posted this week of gifts that support BIPOC brands and shops.

Happy Holidays!
ABW

Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts that Support BIPOC Brands, Shops, & Creators

Musings, Style

It’s the first day of December which most likely means I’m already behind on holiday gift shopping. And if, like me, you haven’t quite gotten around to finding that perfect holiday gift for your friends, family, and loved ones, then I hope you’ll find this Gift Guide helpful!

I’m excited to share one of the two Gift Guides I’m putting together this year. But this Gift Guide is especially significant to me because all the gifts on this list are created by or support BIPOC! Even better, most of the shops included are considered small shops. So not only are you supporting BIPOC, but you’re most likely supporting a business that truly values your business.

FOR THE FASHIONISTA

Marte Egele Toy Ese Top Handle Bag in pink

Marte Egele: Toy Ese Top Handle bag, $120-$150
I learned about this brand through Melissa Soldera who showed off the Ese Top Handle bag. I immediately fell in love with the unique shape, but once Melissa raved about the quality, I was sold. Made in limited runs, Marte Egele bags are designed by Nigerian native Uche Egelecarefully and handcrafted by local artisans. So it’s perfect for the fashion lover!

Urban Native Era: Apparel, Hats, & Accessories, $14.95-$64.55
Urban Native Era is a brand that specializes in clothing design that that increase the visibility of indigenous peoples. The clean designs also make the apparel, hats, and accessories super versatile and wearable. Or pick up a stickers, patches, or pins for less than $13!

Sunflowers & Honeycombs Flower Earrings

Sunflowers & Honeycombs: Sunflower Earrings, $8-$15
*cue Post Malone’s “Sunflower”* You can’t help but smile when wearing these bright sunflower earrings! What I love most about these earrings is that they’re the perfect size to standout and make a statement, but not so big to be distracting. Bree crafts flower earrings and hairpins, but you can also find colorful sugar scrubs, necklaces, and sage sticks.

Warren Steven Scott: Earrings, $45-$70
If sunflowers are too floral, try Warren Steven Scott’s geometric shapes instead. As a member of the Nlaka’pamux Nation, Scott’s designs with a modern image of fashion through an Indigenous lens. Go for a more classic looking metallic mirrored pair of earrings or choose something mismatched and colorful!

Second Wind: Face Masks & Chains, $38-65
Masks aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. So why not invest in a timeless mask handmade by master tailors? Everything about Karen Perez’s masks feel super luxe, from the sleek cut to the chic chains. And I love that all the colors are neutrals so they literally go with everything!

iluvit Upcycled Gucci Face Mask with Chain

iluvit: Face Masks & Chains, $25-$50
Time for the shameless plug! My mom and I also started our own little shop to sell handmade masks. Like I mentioned, masks aren’t going anywhere. And I love having a matching chain so I can easily take my mask off the second I get back into my car and not have to worry about where to hang it. With most of our masks and chain sets under $30, it’s an easy and stylish holiday gift! Did I also mention most are adjustable and reversible?

FOR THE BEAUTY GURU

The Lip Bar Liquid Lipsticks

The Lip Bar: Liquid Matte Lipsticks, $13
For only $13, Lip Bar’s vegan & cruelty free liquid matte lipsticks are perfect beauty stocking stuffers. They work really well for the price point and one person even did a mask wear test and there was barely any smudging! My favorites are the darker and punchier colors, but honestly we need all of the colors.

Cheekbone Beauty: Liquid Lipsticks, $23
Another BIWOC beauty brand that has also gotten stellar reviews for their liquid lipsticks is Cheekbone Beauty. I haven’t tried any of them yet, but I can’t wait to get my hands on some of their high quality and cruelty free products.

Rare Beauty: Soft Pinch Liquid Blush & Eyeshadow Palettes, $20-$25
Probably one of the hottest beauty launches this year was Selena Gomez’s Rare. After trying out a few different things from the collection, I think my favorite products are the soft pinch liquid blush and the holiday eyeshadow palettes. And If you need some inspo, I’ve been obsessed with Rare’s Global Stylist, Cynthia Di Meo.

KNC Beauty Star Eye Mask

KNC Beauty: Lip and Star Eye Masks, $25-40
Self-care night never looked so cute! The all natural and retinol-infused star eye masks are so fun to wear and really depuff and hydrate my eyes. The collagen-infused lip masks are equally fun to wear and my lips feel so silky afterwards. The packs come in adorable matching pouches making these sets another great beauty stocking stuffer!

Scrubtious Inc: Dry Face Masks, $17-22
If masks are more your speed, try one of Scrubtious Inc’s dry face masks. Vegan and made of natural ingredients, the shop offers a variety of mixes that address different skincare needs. And as a first-time dry mask user, I thoroughly enjoy pretending I’m making a witchy concoction and manifesting brighter and softer skin.

FOR THE BOOK LOVER

“Bad Girls Throughout History” & “Legendary Ladies” by Ann Shen

Nevertheless, She Wore It by Ann Shen, $22.50
As a fashion and art lover, I’m so excited for Ann Shen’s newest book. Her books are such an easy way to learn about incredible women, who are very often barely recognized. Speaking of, other great gift options are her previous books, Legendary Ladies and Bad Girls Throughout History!

The Boba Book by Andrew Chau & Bin Chen, $22
Everyone might argue over who makes the best boba, but no one can deny that boba has become more mainstream, especially thanks to The Boba Guys. And this year, Boba Guys Andrew Chau & Bin Chen finally published a cookbook sharing step-by-step guides and recipes on how to make your favorite boba drinks at home. This book is a feast for the eyes and our bellies.

This Book is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell & Aurelia Durand

This Book is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell & Illustrated by Aurelia Durand, $14.99
Because of the importance of the BLM movement, this book is a great way to unlearn harmful habits and learn proactive ones. Packed with history and research in a digestible format, even the most unwilling will be able to learn something. Pair that with activities that challenge readers to reflect on themselves and how they fit into the world, it’s a great gift for everyone. Yes, if you’re daring enough, even for that stubborn family member that never seems to understand why this matters.

Gmorning, Gnight by Lin-Manuel Miranda & Illustrated by Jonny Sun, $22
I’ve added this book to my wishlist because who couldn’t use a little extra encouragement and love. Originally writing uplifting tweets before his name was widely known, Lin-Manuel Miranda has finally gathered his best words of encouragement into one precious little book. Plus, I love how cheeky the illustrations look!

FOR THE MODERN WITCH

“Black Mage” by Daniel Barnes & D.J. Kirkland

Black Mage by Daniel Barnes & Illustrated by D.J. Kirkland, $19.99
Since she who shall not be named revealed how problematic she is, find that same sense of witchcraft and wizardry with a racial twist with “Black Mage.” With the main character named Tom Token who is accepted to an academy through the “Magical Minority Initiative,” it’s obvious how cheeky the references are. And while it’s meant for kids, the nerdy adults in your life will also appreciate this fun story.

Heritage Apothecary: Smudge Sticks & Stone Candle Holders, $5-$105
Find an array of home & energy balancing products at Heritage Apothecary. I picked up the obsidian candle holder earlier this year and I love it. It’s beautiful and striking as a home decor piece and I gladly welcome the extra protection that obsidian is said to provide. Find a variety of affordable smudge sticks, cleansing kits, shells, crystals, and stones, which are the perfect gift for the modern witch.

Teas with Meaning Loose Leaf Tea

Teas with Meaning: Tea Blends, $22-25
Created in the heart of Oakland, Teas with Meaning is committed to providing organic loose leaf tea blends with a dash of magic. Kamilah Mitchell is a brain tumor survivor and began learning more about herbs after she was first diagnosed in 2017. She now uses her knowledge of herbs to make magnificently balanced tea blends. Plus, each season she offers seasonal blends!

I hope this Gift Guide encourages you to find presents that support BIPOC brands, shops, and creators this year! After what’s been a ridiculous year, I’m excited to support shops and brands that will actually value my business this season. What other BIPOC brands and shops do you love? I’m always open to finding a few extra gifts for myself!
ABW

#CityDisneyStyle: 5 Easy DisneyBounds!

Disney Style, Style

I remember when I first stumbled upon the DisneyBound tumblr almost seven years ago.  I was immediately obsessed and scrolled through page after page of these creative and colorful outfits.  My first DisneyBound was a dapper Elsa for Dapper Day and I racked my brain for weeks leading up to my trip trying to put together the perfect “clever” outfit.😆  Looking back, it wasn’t even anything crazy!  I wore a light blue dress that had clear beads on the neckline, clear jelly pointed flats, a silver belt, and white gloves and clutch.  But putting together a DisneyBound doesn’t have to be a chore!

With the March Disneybound Challenge well underway, and with everyone practicing social distancing, I thought it would be great to do a round up of incredibly easy DisneyBounds!  And participating in the March DisneyBound challenge is a great way to keep the magic alive while you’re at home and the parks are closed.  So here are the outfit formulas for 5 super easy DisneyBound outfits!

1. Ballgown Belle from Beauty and the Beast

Outfit Formula: yellow dress + rose accessories

Belle’s yellow ballgown outfit is one of the easiest DisneyBounds out there.  Find any yellow dress, add a rose accessory, and you’re ready to dance with your Beast!🌹  To top it off, style your hair into a half-up topknot!  For shoes, there are a few options.  I opted to wear yellow shoes, but white would also be a fun option to mimic the petticoat under her dress.  A nude sandal would work just as well!

 

2. Benjamin Clawhauser from Zootopia

Outfit Formula: denim on denim + cheetah accessories

“Oh em goodness!” I love this DisneyBound because it’s basically an easy, polished weekend outfit.  A denim jumpsuit would also be great for this DisneyBound, but I decided to go with a Canadian tuxedo because it’s what I already had in my closet.👍  Add in a bunch of cheetah print accessories and your DisneyBound is complete!  And I’m sure Clawhauser would appreciate any donut accessories, like a bag charm or earrings.🍩

 

3. Gord from Ralph Breaks the Internet

Outfit Formula: brown sweater + black or brown pants + loafers or oxfords

Who knew that a bug-eyed assistant would wear one of the most timeless outfit combos; pants and a cozy sweater.  I decided to pair my brown mock neck sweater with black denim, but dark brown trousers would work just as well.  Add some polished shoes like loafers or oxfords and you have your Gord DisneyBound!  But to mimic his peculiar buggy face, I added white oval sunglasses and a pink hair accessory.

 

4. Audrey Ramirez from Atlantis

Outfit Formula: denim overalls + fiddler hat + black shoes

Probably the toughest female engineer is Disney animation is Audrey Ramirez.  Audrey can fix some of the most complicated machines, but putting together this DisneyBound is simpler than ever.  Start off with a medium blue denim overalls and throw a white shirt underneath.  Then wear a black or blue fiddler hat with black shoes or boots and you’re ready to explore The Lost Empire!🌊

 

Lizzie McGuire Movie Disneybound Trevi Fountain Italy

lizzie mcguire movie hilary duff trevi fountain5. Lizzie at Trevi Fountain from The Lizzie McGuire Movie

Outfit Formula: blue pinstripe shirt + chunky pendant necklace

If you have plans to visit Rome, definitely channel Lizzie McGuire and wear a pinstripe top to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain!💧  Lizzie’s style in The Lizzie McGuire Movie is definitely reminiscent of the early aughts.  But the blue and white pinstripe shirt she wears to the Trevi Fountain is a timeless pattern that you can easily find in stores, especially during spring!  Add a chunky pendant necklace and patiently wait for Paolo to whisk you away on an Italian adventure.🛵

I hope you found these easy DisneyBounds helpful!  DisneyBounding is what propelled me into this vast Disney communitiy, so I’m glad I was finally able to write a post about it.  It’s the perfect way to combine my love of Disney with fashion!  If you’d like to see more of my DisneyBounds, follow me on Pinterest or Instagram!

#CityDisneyStyle: 3 Tips to Finding the Perfect Dressy Disney Bag

Disney Style, Style

With the holidays upon us, so to are the numerous dressy parties and gatherings.  And adding a touch of Disney flair to your dressier outfits is a piece of cake with a Disney bag!👜  It’s just another way to bring Disney magic out of the parks and I love how it adds that unexpected touch of magic.✨

Here are some tips on choosing the right bag to compliment your dressy, festive outfit!

Tip 1: Find a bag that can be carried as a tophandle or clutch!  These kinds of bags tend to be dressier than a backpack, fannypack, or crossbody since they don’t obstruct your beautiful outfit that you worked so hard to put together!  Conversly, if you feel like your outfit looks too fancy and needs a little edge, try adding a more casual bag!

Tip 2: Try to veer away from bags that use more casual materials, such as canvas, and go for something that looks a little luxe, like faux leather or faux fur!  Hard case bags, like this Pixar tophandle ball, also tend to look dressier because it has structure.  And nice, quality hardware also help elevate the overall look of the bag.

Tip 3: A more “basic” Disney bag can easily pair with fun prints!  Because let’s face it, you probably have some fun prints in your closet and it can be hard to find that bag pairing.  I always have difficulty mixing prints and patterns, so my default is to carry a solid bag!  Preferably in black.🖤😆

Now that you have some tips on what Disney bags can complete your dressy outfits, go out and be your fanciest, festive Disney Style self!

 

 

Home Tour: Boo to You!👻

Disney Style, Home

DSC08971.jpgIf you were watching my Instagram stories earlier this year, you’ll know that I was renovating a new place with my boyfriend, and a couple months ago, we finally moved in!😱🏠 It only took us over a year thanks to a contractor that worked at a snail’s pace.🐌🙄 We’re still in the process of getting everything in its place and really making it a full fledged “home,” but Halloween was the perfect opportunity for me to have a little fun with home decor!

DSC08884.JPGLiving Room

This whole home decor frenzy really started after I spotted the cutest ghost pillow and throw from Home Goods! Since my boyfriend and I tend to like more monochromatic palettes, the name of the game for our couch is texture. So when we spotted a 3D grey tweed ghost pillow, we knew it HAD to come home with us! And just as if a spirit was conjured, we immediately stumbled upon a cozy ghost blanket. At that point, we were devoted to a ghost themed couch, so the Mickey Boo to You ghost pillow was a necessary spoopy purchase.👻DSC08889.JPG

DSC08922.JPGSince we still have no artwork for our living room walls, I focused on getting trinkets and decor for the coffee table to help bring some life and color into the room.  But because I went a little crazy buying anything that was cute, it’s a little bit of an odd mix.😅

One of my favorite purchases is the Jack Skellington candle holder from the Disney Store.  I love that it was actually pretty affordable ($15!), and that any kind of small candle can fit in it.  And for Christmas, it would look so festive with some poinsettias or cranberry stems coming out from the top!DSC08903.JPGThe other great and inexpensive item I picked up is a glass pumpkin jar from Target!  It’s perfect to show off my souvenir treats from Wizarding World at Universal Studios.  But once the treats are gone, it would look so magical with tiny LED lights!

One of the biggest pieces on the coffee table is a large Mickey etched glass vase from Ethan Allen.  It’s not necessarily Halloween themed, but it gave me the perfect opportunity to add some color to our mostly neutral living room.  I picked up bright marigolds from the farmer’s market that are a great contrast against all the grays and blues that dominate the living room.DSC08917.jpg

Tea Corner

Another area I loved decorating for Halloween was my tea corner!  I’m constantly drinking tea and hot water, so you can imagine my excitement when I realized I could buy lots of Halloween mugs and decor for this area!😆  One of the simplest ways to revamp this area is with a spooky sign.  I especially loved the simple typography of this Hocus Pocus sign and the obvious nod to a Disney Halloween classic.DSC08858.JPG

The other functional way to give this area Halloween flair, is with cups!  Though some are outright Halloween mugs, like a ouija board and ghost Mickey, others just have that spooky vibe.  I also like the mix of bigger, chunkier mugs with more delicate teacups.  The varying sizes make the whole mug tree look more interesting!

Bathroom

Another part of the house that was easy to update for Halloween is the guest bathroom.  During my recent trip to Orlando, I HAD to stop by Basin and pick up some seasonal soaps!  And what I especially love about visiting Basin is that you can easily find seasonal Disney soaps!

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I usually pick out the soaps based on the scents.  Since I’m not a huge pumpkin fan (I know, SHOCKING for someone who loves Halloween so much), I picked out soaps that had more wood and citrus based scents. And to my luck, the Sorcerer Mickey soap matches nicely to my white star and moon pumpkin and the orange bats match my Little Green Alien Halloween mochi cup from Tokyo Disneyland!🎃

Another simple Halloween update are these Sally jars. They’re more festive than my usual wood or fabric containers and perfect to display my makeup and brushes on the counter. I also love that there are three separate jars so I can easily separate my mascaras, lip products, and brushes!DSC08975.JPG

Nightstand

The last part of the house I added some Halloween flair to was my nightstand! Since the light switches are far from the bed and I’m not a huge fan of lamps, this Zero nightlight is perfect for my needs — my need for cuteness that is!😆  And honestly, it’s the combination of two things I love, ghosts and dogs.😂  It also has a timer option so it can automatically turn off after 15 minutes!  And if you need another reason to love this little trinket, Zero’s ears can also double as a ring holder.💍😏DSC09052.JPG

Halloween is definitely one of my favorite holidays, so I can’t wait to improve my Halloween home decor skills for next year!  There are still some areas I’d like to spruce up some more, but for only being in a our new place for 2 months, I think it’s a great start! But I definitely need to create a seasonal inspo board over on Pinterest to really be in full swing next time!🙌🏼  Maybe I should start my holidays inspo board tomorrow.😆

ABW

#CityDisneyStyle: NYFW

Disney Style, Style

Disney Style New York NYFW H&MxMoschino gold sequin parka Forever 21 Mickey sweater Pixar purse

Snowy hair, don’t care.

For February’s #CityDisneyStyle post, I was originally planning to share how I style a Disney sweater multiple ways.  But when I found out I was able to get small peak of NYFW during my trip to New York, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to put together a Disney Style outfit that was a little more…extra than usual.😆  And speaking of extra, can we just take a minute to appreciate the hilarity of these “smoke” photos?!☁️🤣

So let’s jump right in and break down this outfit.  And we’ll start with the most obvious piece — this crazy H&MxMoschino gold sequin parka!  I’ve been meaning to break out this bad boy for the perfect occasion.  So when I was packing for New York, I knew it would be the item that I built my outfit around.  PLUS, it’s a padded parka that was perfect for the cold weather.

But what to wear that would simultaneously compliment, but not compete with the gloriousness of the jacket? 🤔  With Ilana‘s advice to wear a Mickey sweater, I knew this cropped Forever 21 sweater featuring a dazed Mickey would be perfect. I love that the graphic stands out from the jacket, but isn’t too busy to compete with it.  And the yellow stars were such a fun way to play up the shimmer of the jacket.

Disney Style NYFW Moschino H&M gold sequin jacket parka Mickey Forever 21 F21 Pixar bagFor pants and shoes, I wanted to wear more “basic” items.  But as I mentioned in last month’s #citydisneystyle post, I like to choose interesting basics to help keep my outfits from looking too boring.  Instead of just wearing any pair of black pants and shoes, I wore these wide leg, velvet burnout pants and chunky velvet sneakers.  The patterned pants are subtle enough to not overpower the outfit, but still add texture and interest.  And the platform soles on these Supergas help give the whole outfit a more street style vibe.👟

Disney Style New York NYFW H&MxMoschino gold sequin jacket Forever21 Mickey sweater Pixar ball purseAnd of course to complete the look, I chose a fun, graphic bag!  For the shows, I actually decided to carry my Cakeworthy Mickey hand bag, but I also like how my new Pixar hard case bag looks with this outfit too!  I especially like how the star plays off of Mickey’s dazed stars.  And the tophandle came handy since the parka is so puffy.  Have you ever tried throwing a bag strap over a puffy jacket before? Not. Easy.

And as a BONUS, here’s one other way I wore this crazy sequin parka with some Disney Style flair!  After picking up this black and gold Mickey bag from the Shanghai Disney store, I knew it would look amazing with my gold parka and a sleek black outfit.  And for an extra touch of Mickey, I wore these gold Mickey stud earrings I picked up from the parks a year ago.  It was the perfect outfit for a late night dinner out in New York and SO easy to put together!

Since I didn’t get to share the original #citydisneystyle outfit I wanted to post for February, keep an eye out for it next month!  I’m going to share the different ways I like to style a Minnie sweater!🐭🎀 And since February is already over, I promise you won’t need to wait long.😉

ABW

#CityDisneyStyle: Rock The Dots!

Disney Style, Style

dsc08653Happy National Polka Dot Day!  And say hello to the first #citydisneystyle post!🙌🏼  If you follow me on instagram, then you already know that this series is an idea I’ve been toying around with for the past month.  After getting all your great feedback, I’m finally pulling the trigger!

I hope that each month I can tell you more about how to put together a Disney Style outfit that suits your city life.  Instead of following one format, I’ve decided to focus on one topic each month. I’m planning to write up step by step guides, how to style one item multiple ways, and hopefully showing you how to easily transition at-home Disney loungewear clothes into a pulled-together errand outfit!🏃🏻‍♀️

This month, I decided to provide three tips on how to wear one of the most timeless prints around — Minnie polka dots!🔴⚪️⚫️🔴⚪️⚫️

dsc08665Tip 1: Choose interesting basics to pair with your dots.

I love a good pattern mix, but for easy city dressing, I usually pair a pattern or print back to interesting basics.  What do I mean by interesting basics?🤔 It sounds like such a contradiction, Alisa. Well, I’m talking about basic pieces with an unexpected point of interest.  Basics with an intriguing detail that makes them NOT so basic.

Notice in this outfit, that the points of interest in my black coat are the longer streamlined silhouette, slim collars, and distinct pocket details.  For my bag, the mixed metal buckle feels unexpected. And blue tinted aviators actually pick up on the blue in Donald’s hat. These kind of small details help to elevate your basics from literal “basic clothes” to stylish staples that stand the test of time.

dsc08659Tip 2: Mix different styles into your outfit.

Mixing different styles is something I often think about when putting together a #citydisneystyle outfit.  As much as I prefer to have a predictable life and schedule🙄, I try to go for an unexpected mix in my outfits.  And when it comes to styling Disney pieces, mixing fun and bright with more refined items easily transforms Disney clothes into city clothes.

Since I based this outfit on my flouncy Cath Kidston dot skirt, I decided to pair it with more structured items to get that nice mix of feminine and sleek.  Again, my black jacket instantly adds polish with its sharp silhouette and my earrings are minimalistic and streamlined. Both give a nice contrast to a flowy skirt and that contrast is what taps into that “je ne sais quoi” cool city girl mood.

dsc08697.jpgTip 3: Tuck it in!

It’s such a simple styling “hack,” but it has so much pay off.  For skirts or pants that sit at your waist, try to tuck in your top.  Not only does it help keep the shape of your outfit, but doing a French or half tuck will also help you channel that cool Parisian city vibe.  I mean, it’s called a French tuck for a reason!👩🏻‍🎨  Tucking your shirt in ever so slightly will instantly read as effortless and more polished.

Minnie dots are such a playful and timeless print to wear and I hope these three tips will help you wear them with confidence around the city!  Minnie may be girlie and sweet, but she’s also strong and independent. So to style an outfit that speaks to different sides of Minnie’s character was fun and meaningful for me.  And to share this outfit and these tips on National Polka Dot Day is just the icing on the cake!🎂

How do you like to wear your Minnie dots?  Let me know here or over on instagram!