Thank you to James Avery for my complimentary piece of jewelry. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to my INCREDIBLE husband for such a wonderful birthday surprise!
I remember “accidentally” stumbling into Dapper Day at Magic Kingdom a few years ago. I felt like a total dolt! I hadn’t checked any sort of calendar to plan for the event but was completely in awe of all the beautiful outfits. Having a background in theatre and costume design made me want to be a part of it so badly! When I caught wind of the Spring 2018 dates, it fell over my birthday weekend, and I knew I had to be a part of it. I announced to my husband I was going to take a 48 whirlwind trip, courtesy of the Dapper Day room discount and my Annual Pass… I just had to. I created my Alice in Wonderland Dapper Day outfit along with an Orange Bird Dapper Day outfit and packed my suitcase…
The night before I was planning to leave, Chase, my husband, waltzed into our bedroom wearing the outfit you see below… his hand-selected Carl Fredrickson Dapper Day outfit. This. Was. Amazing. He had totally surprised me by planning for childcare, an extra plane ticket, and two Dapper Day outfits to complement mine. This birthday weekend was going to be awesome!
Our first day we spent in Magic Kingdom as Orange Birds (I’ll detail that in another post!) but our Dapper Day at Epcot we really turned some heads… especially Chase! His flight hat was the talk of the crowd, and I simply adored his extra attention. It nearly turned his face pink all day long.
Carl Fredrickson Dapper Day Disneybound
I was incredibly proud of Chase. His Disney streak is clearly present but doesn’t run nearly as deep or as wide as mine does. (Mine would surely get me locked in a padded room). He looked up some examples of Dapper Day clothes, Carl Fredrickson and even googled his Carl Fredrickson glasses on a costume website. Chase asked to borrow my “Ellie pin” for a dash of young Carl authenticity and easily packed his already-owned button up, black slacks and real bow tie. He was thanking me hours into our park hopping for telling him not to break in new oxfords and instead recommending his tried and true black slides. Way more comfortable!
Alice in Wonderland Dapper Day Disneybound
My Alice in Wonderland Dapper Day outfit was super cheap! This blue dress was snagged from a discount dress site for $20, and though it had to trek all the way from China, was very breezy, light and stretchy. A total win. The apron I slapped together with scrap fabric and some purchased trim. The black headband (an Alice must!) had a jaunty bow on the side and didn’t pinch my head at all. I’ll happily wear it again with another dress. The petticoat came from Disney Springs’ Dress Shop on Cherry Tree Lane and I’ve worn it so much with both this dress, Orange Bird and an old J. Peterman 1950s silhouette.
My Birthday Cake Charm
Now when Chase and I arrived back home, the kids were very happy to see us, despite us visiting the Most Magical Place on Earth without them (I made sure to bring them a small prize, each!). But I really do loathe the trip home. I hate leaving the magic behind and heading back to the grind. I think that’s why my office is decked out in my favorite souvenirs, collectibles, and symbols of my favorite place to be. It’s my way of keeping the magic of each trip with me.
If you asked any of my close and friends and family, they would tell you of my extensive collection of every Disney items. T-shirts, sneakers, desk items, and even jewelry. It doesn’t have to be official anything, but if it reminds me of a character or a movie or even an attraction, into my rotation it goes. I spotted a small pink enameled James Avery charm that did just that.
The sterling silver birthday cake is a timeless design, but on a personal level, it reminds me of this fantastic birthday trip with my husband. It reminds me of that special part of the Disney Alice in Wonderland film where Alice blows out candles on top of… (that’s right!) a pink birthday cake. In fact, for a business meeting I had, I paired my new charm with my Alice D-signed collection dress and got a few compliments on it. The pink enamel easily stands out from my 28-year charm collection, making it a cheerful reminder of this occasion. Every time I look at it, I’ll be reminded of my Dapper Day Disney trip! Much like my James Avery Cat charm that reminds me of my family, this pink cake is more than jewelry. Both of these charms are symbols of my life story and an emblem of my self. My collection like a mood board for my being!
On April 16, James Avery kicked off the most charming offer of the year. When you shop at James Avery through
May 29, buy two charms and you’ll receive a charm necklace or bracelet for free, up to a $70 value. You can choose from 15 styles to mix and match your charming wardrobe! Offer valid 04/16/18 through 05/29/18 while supplies last. Available at JamesAvery.com, James Avery retail stores, through James Avery Customer Service, at select Dillard’s Department Stores and at Dillards.com. May not be combined with any other offer or applied to previous purchases. We reserve the right to limit quantities. No cash/credit back. *Glass Enhancer Beads do not count as James Avery charms for this promotion.
You two are the cutest!!! Your hubby did so good.