Showing My Disney Side – Belle
by Sunny
This is the second post on a series I created about channeling my inner Disney character in everyday life. Will others see a modern, pulled together look, or a silly juvenile costume? You be the judge.
As a child, I LOVED the blue and white Belle dress! I was not at all affected by the gigantic, golden ball gown she wears during the famous ballroom scene. I wanted that blue and white peasant dress more than anything. And my awesome parents made it happen. You can’t find that dress on the shelves, ladies and gentleman. No, we went to our rockin’ seamstress (God bless Mrs. Raito) and ordered one from her. It was a pretty good replica:
Sunny circa 1992
Not so practical now that I’m 30 something and it’s 2015. Keep reading to see the look I put together.
The character: Belle
Belle from Beauty and the Beast
The style: Belle has the French countryside peasant girl look going on. That’s kind of the basis of the story, right? Simple yet beautiful peasant girl brings out the beauty in what others consider a hideous monster. Belle’s intelligent, a voracious reader, and she doesn’t judge a book by its cover – very admirable coming from a girl whose name means beauty. She’s no muss, no fuss. She lets her natural beauty and inner beauty shine through.
My Belle-inspired look
My look: I ordered this blue and white striped skirt from Piperlime (RIP Piperlime!). Of course, on the model it was a flirty mini skirt. On me, a knee-length modest piece. Whatever, it works for my Belle-inspired look. I paired my skirt with a simple white blouse and flats, just like my muse. I added a basket weave purse (my sister April’s) and a ponytail for good measure.
The reaction: I got a lot of compliments on my skirt, and I must admit it is fun to wear. The loose pleats give it a fun “swing” that is missing from a typical A-line. My daughter also commented that it passed the “twirl test.” Perfect for that first warm day of spring, visiting the library, or strolling around a French village!
Stay tuned for my next Disney Muse: by special request, Alice in Wonderland.
Do you have a favorite Disney character that you think I should channel? (And no, I am not going to dress up like Baymax or Buzz Lightyear!) Leave your suggestions in the comments section!