(Holiday Gifts for the Disney Fashionista)

Thanksgiving hasn't quite passed yet, but the shop windows are decked out in their holiday finest, and everywhere you look there are signs of Christmas. There's no trying to stop it - the time for holiday shopping is definitely upon us. Thankfully, there are a lot of fantastic options out there (I have my eye on a very specific pair of shoes, hint hint), and retailers are making our shopping very easy this year. If you have a Disney fashionista in your family, you're in luck. There are numerous on-trend ways to show your Disney pride - we have brands like Disney Couture and Swarovski to thank for that! Take a look at my picks for your Disney Fashionista, and you're sure to make this a Christmas she'll never forget!

1. Disney Couture Minnie Bow Ring | 2. It's a Small World Powder Room Case | 3. Crop Sublimation Mickey Tee | 4. Disney by Patterson J Kincaid Sweatshirt | 5. Disney Couture Minnie Hair Pin | 6. It's a Small World FEED Tote | 7. Pixie Dust Body Mist | 8. Disney by Patterson J Kincaid Snow White Tank | 9. Disney Couture Swarovski Ears Necklace | 10. Cinderella Castle iPhone4 Cover | 11. Bow Icon Minnie Mouse Tee | 12. Disney Couture Wonderland Through the Keyhole Necklace | 13. Silver Initial Mickey Mouse Necklace | 14. Swarovski Minnie Heart Pierced Earrings | 15. Dooney & Bourke Disney Sketch Crossbody Bag | 16. Mickey & Minnie Hipster Panty | 17. Disney by Patterson J Kincaid Mickey Pullover | 18. Alice in Wonderland Cheshire Cat Watch | 19. Disney Villain Fashion Tee | 20. Disney Couture Minnie Bead Necklace | 21. Disney Couture Heart Stone Earrings

Happy Shopping!

(Halloween Decorating, Disney Style)

Throwing a Disney-themed Halloween party, or just want The Mouse to help you decorate for the year's best holiday? While it might not look as fabulously decked out as the Disney parks at Halloween, some of these options below can sure help. Check 'em out!

1. Mickey Halloween Wreath | 2. Tinkerbell Jack O' Lantern | 3. Jack Head Ornaments | 4. Haunted Mansion Tombstone | 5. Hinged Jack Skellington Ornament | 6. Disney Parks Halloween Yard Flag | 7. Nightmare Before Christmas 5 1/2' Mayor | 8. Mickey Mouse Pumpkin Bucket | 9. Jack Skellington Wreath | 10. Mickey Halloween Ornament Tree | 11. Witch Tinkerbell Figurine | 12. Nightmare Before Christmas Village Collection

Happy Halloween!

(What to Wear: Disney in October)

It's my absolute favorite time of year, when the leaves start to change and the Halloween decorations come out of hiding. It's that time when I long for Sunday afternoons watching football and eating chili that has been stewing in the crock pot for hours. I have to resist the urge to buy new pumpkins every time I make a trip to the market. It's also one of the best times to visit Walt Disney World.

Depending on where you're from, chances are the temperatures are finally starting to drop as the last traces of Indian Summer slip away. So what then, do you wear in central Florida? Most visitors are used to bringing shorts and tank tops, and expecting lots of sunshine and to come home with a great tan. To be honest, that is largely still the case in October. My experience with October was very hot, actually warmer than most of my visits that take place in late May. Temperatures are still typically in the high 70s and 80s, but there must have been a major heat wave going on. Jackets were absolutely unnecessary during the night of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, but sometimes cold fronts do come through. So what the heck are you supposed to pack? Well it's quite hot, but still it's autumn, so you don't want to be wearing your bright summer colors - especially with all of the beautiful fall decorations throughout the resort. Take a look at some great options for stay-cool fall clothes that you just can't go on vacation without.

1. Wren Spiderweb Sequin Tank | 2. Gold-Oriented Flats | 3. Cotton-Stripe Should Zip Tee | 4. Bow Buckle Flats | 5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Leather Shoulder Bag | 6. Joie Drew D Striped Silk Tank | 7. Walker Park Colorblock Hat | 8. Large Spider Y-Necklace | 9. Bone to be Wild Earrings | 10. Long Feather Duster Earrings | 11. Long Accordion-Pleat Skirt | 12. Colorcode Maxi Dress | 13. Graphic Scarf Tunic | 14. Harris Tweed Shorts | 15. Layered Tank Dress | 16. Junk Food NY Giants Tee | 17. FEED Trick-Or-Treat Bag | 18. One Dear Day Dress | 19. Rubbish Peter Pan Collar Shirt | 20. The Boyfriend Midi-Rise Shorts | 21. Tory Burch Eddie Leather Ballerina Flat | 22. Karen Walker Patsy Sunglasses

Happy Autumn Shopping!

(Disney Does...Avatar?)

On Tuesday, Disney made the announcement that they will be pairing with James Cameron to bring an Avatar-themed land to their Animal Kingdom theme park. While I do recognize the similarities between the messages of conservation that both the Animal Kingdom and Avatar convey, I'm just not sure how I feel about this announcement. Avatar was a very visually stimulating movie, but certainly not a favorite on my list. It sort of feels like a Universal Studios move; acquiring the rights to a huge movie and making a land out of it (ie, Harry Potter). I am a huge Universal fan, but there are major factors that distinguish it from Disney. I do not like the idea of the two crossing paths. Don't even get me started on how I felt when I found out that Disney had purchased Marvel. What a mess.

Nonetheless, I trust that my beloved Disney won't let me down, and in 2013 when construction is slated to begin, will be sure that the creation of this new land is done with subtlety and a huge serving of the Disney magic that everyone so loves. So however reluctantly, I'm going to show my support. Check out my picks for what to wear to show your Na'vi blue!

1. Tibi 3/4 Sleeve Drape Dress, $297 | 2. Tibi Crepe-de-Chine Top, $275 | 3. American Apparel Jody Sunglasses, $35 | 4. TopShop Scallop Tank, $30 | 5. Madewell Dovetail Shirtdress, $158 | 6. Lanvin Asymmetric Top, $425 | 7. ASOS Frill Dress, $204.90 | 8. Urban Outfitters Boyfriend Blazer, $78 | 9. Tibi Cobweb Lace Dress, $396 | 10. Hanky Panky Boyshorts, $29 | 11. Alice & Olivia Fiona Dress, $550 | 12. Pierre Hardy Colorblock Ankle Boots, $1,200 | 13. ASOS Pleated Maxi Skirt, $47.57 | 14. Equipment Signature Blouse, $145.60 | 15. Free People Utility Jeans, $98 | 16. DVF Judith Wrap Gown, $1,600 | 17. Anthropologie Dessous Ballerinas, $99.95 | 18. Trina Turk Tassel Necklace, $248

Happy Shopping!

(Miss Piggy & Fashion's Night Out)

Who, Moi?

Happy September! I love this time of year. Soon the leaves will be changing, and my favorite holiday is right around the corner. Another great part of September, especially for New Yorkers, is Fashion's Night Out. For the third year in a row, fashionistas and celebrities alike will mingle for the best night celebrating designers and their beautiful work that we so proudly obsess over.

If the biggest fashion party of the year isn't enough to get you excited, there is something else that is bound to appeal to the Disney girl in you: Miss Piggy will be in attendance at this year's event! Yes, that Miss Piggy. No, I'm not kidding.

Her Royal Pigness will be on hand to unveil her new collection, Muppets x Opening Ceremony. The design house is collaborating with Piggy and the gang in celebration of the Muppets Movie, in theatres November 23. I've been told that Opening Ceremony is the place to be on FNO as it is. The addition of my favorite pig should make the place an absolute zoo! (No pun intended).

Happy Shopping!

(Style Guide: Baby Mine)

photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

Residents of Disney's Animal Kingdom have reason to celebrate: there's a new baby elephant in the neighborhood! Born on Thursday, August 25, the little one, who has yet to be named, weighed in at a whopping 311 pounds. This is the second calf for 25-year-old mother, Vasha. She gained more than 800 pounds and carried the calf for 22 months! I can't wait to find out the new little guy's name. For now, celebrate his arrival with this appropriately themed shopping guide!

1. Alex Woo Little Luck Elephant Necklace, $148 | 2. Janelle Tee, $125 | 3. Sydney Evan Pave Elephant Multi Stone Wrap, $1,715 | 4. Elephant Charm Necklace, $114.99 | 5. Elephant Mirage Tee, $19.50 | 6. Elephant Pin, $6.99 | 7. River Island Elephant Print Tank, $40.23 | 8. Wildfox Elephant Love Beach Sweatshirt, $108 | 9. Crystal Elephant Drop Earrings, $50 | 10. Thai Elephant Oversized Tee, $39 | 11. Vintage Ethnic Skirt, $98 | 12. BCBGeneration Elephant Print Tank, $88 | 13. Elizabeth  and James Elephant Ring, $325 | 14. Cirque A-Line Dress, $148 | 15. Diamond Accent Elephant Pendant, $219

Happy Shopping!

(Shopping Spree: Apricot Lane)

Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

There's a new store calling Downtown Disney home. Opened on August 12, Apricot Lane is a fashion-forward boutique featuring "celebrity-inspired branded apparel, affordable fashion jewelry, handbags and accessories." Featuring some of my personal favorites like 7 For All Mankind, Joe's Jeans and Free People, this store is sure to please any Disney fashonista.
According to the company's website, Apricot Lane is currently the only franchised women's fashion and gift boutique. The first franchise was opened in 2007 in California, and there are currently around 90 Apricot Lanes in 28 States throughout the U.S.
Apricot Lane is located in the former Pleasure Island section of Downtown Disney. Vice President of Downtown Disney Keith Bradford said, "We're pleased to add Apricot Lane to our assortment of unique offerings at Downtown Disney. This boutique is another example of our commitment to bring new and compelling experiences to life at Downtown Disney and I'm confident that it will soon become a guest favorite." Could there be a designer-Disney collaboration some time in the future? I hope so!

Have you paid a visit to Apricot Lane? Let me know what you think!

Happy Shopping,

(Get Your Face On: Summer Sun Makeup Guide)

It's hot, I know. It is so very hot out there, what with 100 degree days and awful humidity. So why would I suggest wearing makeup when you're just going to sweat it off and/or spray yourself down with your spray/fan thingy (what are those things called, anyway?) If you're going to be taking lots of awesome photos, you should at least try to put your best face forward. And I'm not talking about painting on makeup for the Magic Kingdom. I'm talking a light as air, au natural look. Observe:

1. Caudalie Beauty Elixir, $16-46, Sephora | 2. Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20, $42, Sephora | 3. Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencil in Underground, $18, Urban Decay | 4. Caudalie Fleur de Vigne Energizing Fragrance, $30, Sephora | 5. Urban Decay Cannonball Waterproof Mascara, $20, Ulta | 6. Dior Creme de Rose Lip Balm, $26, Nordstrom | 7. NARS Orgasm Blush, $27, NARS

• Start with spraying Caudalie's Beauty Elixir on your face. It's a cooling, refreshing spray that makes for a great primer. 
• Use Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer with SPF; it offers a light coverage (nothing cakey) and protects your skin in the hot Florida sun. I use oil-free since my skin can get oily, but they also have a normal version if you have dry/normal skin.
• Add some color with NARS Orgasm blush on both your cheeks and eyelids. 
• Line the top lashline with Urban Decay's eye pencil in Underground to make your eyes appear larger. 
• Finish with Urban Decay's Cannonball mascara, waterproof and sweatproof so you can get as hot as you want and ride Splash Mountain without fear of your eyes running.
• Carry Dior's lip balm in your purse. It's a natural color, has SPF 10 to protect your lips, and smells and feels heavenly. 
• Spray yourself with Caudalie's Fleur de Vigne energizing fragrance on your way out the door, because you're going to need the energy and it just smells yummy. 

Viola! You are beautified and ready for a long hot day in the parks. Enjoy, and remember to take lots of pictures!

Do you have a Disney beauty routine, or a product you just can't live without? Leave it in the comments!

Happy Friday!

(What to Wear: Animal Kingdom)

Let me introduce you to my personal brand of crazy: I like to theme my Walt Disney World wardrobe. When packing for my vacations, I need a rhyme or reason to every outfit. I shop for vacation clothes with Animal Kingdom's leopard print in mind, and Magic Kingdom's flowy, princess-inspired colors. For me, the pictures that are taken on each trip will last a lifetime, and I like to think that I planned accordingly. I know I'm not the only one out there who does this...am I? (brace for awkward silence...)

One of the easiest and most classic outfits that you can put together is a simple black dress with subtle animal-print accents (a cuff, leopard print sandals, etc). This is definitely one of my Animal Kingdom favorites. Below, see my picks for what to wear in the Animal Kingdom.

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1. Zimmerman Safari Dress, $245, Shopbop | 2. Neon Safari Glasses, $6.99, Urban Outfitters | 3. Ralph Lauren Large Bead Necklace, $58, Nordstrom | 4. Gold Elephant Ring, $24.99, ModCloth | 5. Kate Spade 'Lulu" Sunglasses, $84.90, Nordstrom | 6. BCBGeneration Animal Print Romper, $118, Bloomingdales | 7. Moving Target Dress, $49.99, ModCloth | 8. Corey Lynn Calter 'Dede' Tank, $40.99, Bluefly | 9. Kenneth Jay Lane Leopard Pendant, $99, Shopbop | 10. Fossil Cheri Fedora, $38, Zappos | 11. River Island Animal Print Cuff, $22.41, ASOS | 12. Medina Sandals, $228, J. Crew | 13. Keds 'Animal' Sneakers, $40, Bloomingdales | 14. Silk Sandbank Tank, $89.50, Madewell

Do you have a favorite Animal Kingdom outfit? Send me your pictures! I would love to feature them here on the blog.

Happy Shopping!

(Shopping Guide: Backpacks)

Being prepared on your Disney vacation is important, and that often means bringing to the parks a menagerie of goodies; band-aids, water bottles, sunscreen, etc. One of the worst things that you can do is pile all of your effects into a shoulder bag and schlep it around. It's terrible for your posture, and hurts a whole lot after just a couple of hours (I know, I've been there)! I highly recommend mini back-packs. They're cute, they carry just enough stuff, and you can put them on your back and just forget about it. It's best to look for ones with a zip closure, and if possible, a fair amount of storage compartments. I have highlighted some of my favorites below.

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Preppy Nylon Backpack, $228, Saks Fifth Avenue | 2. Roxy Great Outdoors Backpack, $44, Zappos | 3. Deux Lux Canvas Mixed Backpack, $69, Urban Outfitters | 4. Wandering Star Canvas Backpack, $49.50, J. Crew | 5. Blue Mini Sequin Backpack, $48, Kitson | 6. Nylon Raimy, $345, Kate Spade | 7. Skip Hop Zoo Pack, $20, Nordstrom | 8. Le SportSac Mini Backpack, $62, Macy's

Happy Shopping!

(Patterson J. Kincaid Does Disney)

photo courtesy of fabsugar.com

Combining their vintage comfort with a hint of nostalgia, Patterson J. Kincaid, a comfortable yet fashion-forward contemporary force, is collaborating with Disney Consumer Products to bring us something truly special. Starting this month, look for their new line of highly adorable tees, tanks and sweatshirts featuring your favorite Disney characters such as Bambi, Thumper, and of course, The Mouse himself. In my opinion, this is the perfect way to wear your love for Disney proudly without being too loud. Nicely done, PJK. Nicely done indeed.

1. PJK Bambi Sweatshirt, $128, shopbop.com
2. PJK Patch Bambi Willow Tank, $88, Revolve
3. PJK Thumper Crop Top, $98, Revolve
4. PJK Watercolor Owl Tank, $88, Revolve
5. PJK Baby Bami T, Pre-Order, Patterson J Kincaid
6. PJK Forest Friends Baseball T, Pre-Order, Patterson J Kincaid
7. PJK Baby Flower T, $98, shopbop.com

Happy Shopping!