dress like a princess

All girls are princesses. I have believed this statement ever since I was a young girl. My Dad was the first one to tell me, but a favorite childhood movie reminded me time and time again. The Little Princess, a film based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, is about a girl named Sarah Crewe whose father is a wealthy captain. Set in London during the Victorian era, she attends an upscale boarding school where she allows her creativity and imagination to keep her company in her father’s absence. After news of his bankruptcy and death reaches the malicious headmistress, Miss Minchin, Sarah is forced into servitude. There is a powerful dialogue between these two characters that will always stay with me:

Miss Minchin: Don't tell me you still fancy yourself a princess? Child, look around you! Or better yet, look in the mirror.
Sara Crewe: I am a princess. All girls are. Even if they live in tiny old attics. Even if they dress in rags. Even if they aren't pretty, or smart, or young. They're still princesses. All of us.

So there you have it. We as women can know that we are all princesses. Never doubt it. Claim it. Show it.

When one thinks of a princess, one might think of “Disney.” Yes, those happily-ever-after tales that have the flawless animated women with big doe-like eyes and high-pitched voices. While trying to be like these fairytale characters is simply unrealistic and impractical for us real, live women, we can still have a little fun trying – at least in terms of our wardrobe!

It’s time to get inspired by the fashion of our beloved Disney heroines. Let’s revisit some of their iconic outfits and figure out how to make these looks work today!

1. Inspired by BELLE

This is the perfect outfit for the office. It says, “smart” and “bookish” just like Belle, but the blue hue gives it a dreamy whimsical feel. The bow on the belt makes the professional outfit a bit more feminine, and the burlap purse adds a unique and modern flare. Don’t forget the sophisticated oxfords to make the look more casual. In this outfit, you will be a BEAUTY with or without your Beast!







2. Inspired by THE LITTLE MERMAID

Hit the boardwalk in oh-so-Ariel-attire. Against these bright colors, the silver is extra brilliant, so start accessorizing! The shell necklace is all your neckline needs to accent the softly pleated strapless top, which is loose around the hips to offset the tighter pants. The gladiator sandals add some shine to the teal skinnies, the mismatched earrings provide originality, the shades give you attitude, the ring makes you think of a “dinglehopper,” and if you want to layer, add some more shimmer with a silver cropped shrug.







 3. Inspired by SNOW WHITE

This vintage look will make you want to “whistle while you work”! The polka dot t-shirt is transformed when tucked into the yellow flared skirt. Add some striking red features with ruby lips, flirty wedges, and a headband full of roses. Make the outfit extra yummy with a red delicious apple to wear around the neck– just make sure it’s not poisonous!













4. Inspired by SLEEPING BEAUTY

It’s the box pleat dress that makes this outfit! The straw hat, resembling Aurora’s luscious locks, makes this ensemble perfect for an outdoor summer event. The silk scarf is lightweight enough for warm weather and adds a refreshing patterned design to the solid blush. You know nothing says dainty and delicate like a good shade of pink, but add a dramatic finish with black patent leather peep-toe pumps. And remember to show your personality with a few bangle bracelets!












5. Inspired by POCAHONTAS

Ah, Pocahontas – a true icon of tribal fashion! With her as inspiration, you could create tons of casual-chic outfits with tasseled boots and multi-colored aztec prints; however, I stuck with a look of bold elegance. The incredible necklace with “all the colors of the wind” paired with the to-die-for heels creates the WOW in this outfit. The duo provides the perfect ratio of color to offset the sandstone one-shoulder evening dress. A little chilly? Throw on this blonde fur shawl and you'll look real sassy!









6. Inspired by JASMINE 

In this Arabian outfit inspired by the Princess of Agrabah, you’ll be ready to take on “a whole new world.” Make the flowing maxi dress fit for royalty by wearing a jeweled broach in the center below the straps and elegant teardrop earrings. Add the daring bangle, inspired by Jafar’s snake staff, to match the pointy-toe metallic flats that are delightfully detailed with reptile embossing. To freshen the look, add a whimsical touch with this flower headband.










7. Inspired by CINDERELLA

BONUS: two in one! Whether you're wearing the glass slippers or you're slaving away in the kitchen, there is an outfit for you!

Imitate Cinderella’s famous ball gown with this light-blue layered tulle dress. Wear the chiffon flower headband with a glamorous up-do so you can show off the pearl and diamond earrings. The grand finale? These ivory satin shoes with pleat detailing and crystal-embellished tips. You’ll look like you stepped out of your very own contemporary Cinderella story!

OR

If you’re looking for everyday wear, try getting inspiration from Cinderella’s drab rags. Try your favorite pair of jeans (you know, the pair with rips or holes) and wear them with a loose and longer fitted button-up. Layer by slipping on a shearling or a leather jacket. Cover your locks with a hat if you’re having a bad hair day (this knitted hat has a built-in bow, which conveniently matches Cinderella’s bow on her apron!) and never underestimate the way a pair of shoes can transform something from shabby to classy! These wedges do the trick with the cocoa brown leather, faux wood stacked heel, and olive ties. It says “Princess” and “damsel in distress” all at the same time! Don’t forget a vintage clock on an extended necklace so you can see when it strikes midnight!

If you’re anything like me, you have your favorite Disney princess from childhood and she may have even inspired you in some way. Perhaps you want to be selfless like Belle – taking the place of her father as the Beast’s prisoner so that he can be free. Or maybe you want to be courageous like Ariel – leaving all she knew behind to embrace a new adventure. Or instead you want to be beautiful like Snow White – being known as the “fairest one of all.” Whatever the reason, take a break from dreaming about their qualities and start dreaming about those iconic looks that leave you in awe! But don’t take my word for it -- treat the inner girl in you and have fun creating outfits that resemble your favorite Disney darling!

this article is featured on www.MyFriendDebbie.com. Check out this online magazine for more interesting and encouraging articles! 

a fall wishlist

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Grandma sweaters

these boots. and these.

Victoria's Secret PINK NFL collection

Switchfoot's new album, Vice Verses

this book with this cover

polaroid camera

apple picking, hay ride, corn maze, howl-o-scream, pumpkin carving, farmer's market, Octoberfest, bonfires, homemade pies

cowboys vs. redskins tickets

this "sing" necklace

Breakfast at The Trellis and walks in Colonial Williamsburg

this vintage style ring

meeting my soon-to-arrive niece

Forever 21 outerwear

a nice 22nd birthday

a floppy hat

new CNU hoodie

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take advantage of the most beautiful time of year,

d.

the first summer day of many

It is 84 degrees outside.

I finally I have my summer plans figured out.

I just had my second meeting for my summer England trip.

I unpacked some of my summer clothes --- and then ached to go shop for tons more.

I just bought a new pair of black, strappy flat sandals.

Currently, I am sitting outside under the beautiful sunshine on the green lawn with some of my hallmates. Due to the perfection of the day, we decided to take advantage of it.

Yes, folks, summer is vastly approaching.

So, to commemorate the end of the semester and the start of a new, glorious season, I am posting my summer "lists."

SUMMER 2011 PLAYLIST

1. Wannabe -- Spice Girls (for my sisters, mostly)

2. Girls They Wanna Have Fun -- Greg Laswell (such a good cover)

3. Feeling a Moment -- Feeder

4. Hey, Soul Sister -- Train (because of Ben)

5. Cecilia -- Simon & Garfunkel

6. Young London -- Angels & Airwaves (reminds me of driving 90 down the interstate)

7. Forevermore -- Katie Herzig

8. I'm Only Me When I'm With You -- Taylor Swift

9. Island In The Sun -- Weezer (this always makes the list)

10. Nothing Left to Lose -- Needtobreathe

11. Overboard (feat. Jessica Jarrell) -- Justin Bieber (and pretty much anything j.biebs)

12. Save Me, San Francisco -- Train

13. You'll Ask For Me -- Tyler Hilton (another that one that will never be cut from the list)

14. Hey Jude -- The Beatles (reminds me of a sunset)

15. Take It Home -- The White Tie Affair

16. Weight of the World -- Chantel Kreviazuk

17. Shark In The Water -- VV Brown

18. Little Lies -- Dave Barnes

19. Kiss a Girl -- Keith Urban

20. Touch My Hand -- David Archuleta (another one dedicated to my sisters)

21. Love Today -- Mika

22. Here It Goes -- Jimmy Eat World

23. The Awakening -- Switchfoot

24. Come On, Come Out -- A Fine Frenzy

25. Open Your Eyes -- Andrew Belle (the perfect retrospective, end of the summer song)

SUMMMER 2011 FASHION:

1. multi-purpose black dress

2. african sundresses courtesy of my mama and dad

3. metallic sandals

4. bandanas worn in your hair

5. toms wedges

6. straw hats

7. tie-dye

8. homemade jeans-turned-shorts

9. crop tops with neon tanks worn underneath

SUMMER 2011 READING LIST:

1. Anne of Green Gables -- L. M. Montgomery

2. Pride & Prejudice -- Jane Austen (again)

3. Pillars of the Earth -- Ken Follett

4. Murder in the Cathedral -- T.S. Elliot

5. The Lucky One -- Nicholas Sparks (in preparation for Zac Efron)

6. Jane Eyre -- Charlotte Bronte

7. Little Women -- Louisa May Alcott

8. Emmanuel's Veins -- Ted Dekker (courtesy of big sis, taylor-lynn)

SUMMER 2011 TRAVEL:

1. Colorado Springs, Colorado

2. Cambridge, England

3. Wilmington, North Carolina (with my seeeesterss)

randoms:

1) I miss my nephew right now. He's getting big in Texas (no pun intended) and I can't witness it. It's such a bummer. I want to feel his little teeth come in, see him crawl, rock him to sleep, snuggle him.....:(

2) I have been listening to some super good music. I need to share:

- "Little House" Amanda Seyfried

- "Ride" Cary Brothers

- "Jar of Hearts" Christina Perri

- "Feel This (Love Fall Down)" Enation

- "From the Ground" Lisa Gungor

- "War Sweater" Wakey!Wakey!

- "Marathon" Tennis

- "Thistle and Weeds" Mumford & Sons

- "The Ocean" Mae

3) Tony Romo is engaged. This was life-altering news.

The fiancee (sob) is the sister of this fine gentleman:

maybe I should just "settle" and marry him to be in the family? psh...settle. 

3) Chace Crawford (above) makes me miss Gossip Girl...new episodes return next week!

4) I really love how my professor fooled our class today and presented us with both Dixie Chicks and Green Day lyrics and told us to analyze the "poems" simply by the context. She told us their true identities at the end of class. Productive strategy, I think.

5) my best friend will be in VIRGINIA in um, approximately 1 month. I'm ready for fresh adventures, inspiration, memories, and everyday LIFE with this girl -- without the looming plane ride back to washington state. IT'S ON, M!

6) I have to read this book for my "Justice in Literature" course which I'll take in CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND this summer. This looks like an enticing read. I'm reeeally excited. And the fact that we get to VISIT the cathedral in which the book takes place? glorious.

7) The Virginia Symphony is performing "Carmina Burana" tomorrow night at the ferg. I so desperately want to go, but alas, have no one to accompany me. Not many people want to sit through hours of ancient music, it turns out.

8) I'm still looking for a job. Until then, I'm staying busy with my sweet hallmates, t.v. series on dvd, reading for english classes, reading of friends' blogs, and.....wow, my life is pretty lame.

9) I have been discovering the most amazing truths and reminders in Proverbs these days. Definitely more to come on that. I'm engrossed in the Bible as of late!

10) Perogies. Noodles stuffed with a blend of cheese and mashed potatoes. Cook them in vegetable oil, fry up some onions, add a side of sour cream for dipping, and wham -- delicious heaven. I may or may not be googling how to make them homemade right now.

11) I watched this movie last week with my mom and brother, Landon (yes, he watched the whole thing) which came out in my birth year: 1989. I loved everything about it --- the characters, the passion, the soundtrack, the elegance. The romance of this movie targets your heart...and your tear ducts.

12) my dad will be in India for Superbowl sunday. The Superbowl simply isn't anything without my dad. I'm kind of lost on what to do. Is that pathetic?

13) b. rothwell went to minnesota over christmas and shopped at the Mall of America. He brought me home a "cowboy boot purse." It's the most genius thing -- recycling cowboy boots and using the leather for trendy purses. It's my new favorite accessory. He says it is for the "wannabe texan in me."