Dapper Day Recap

My feet are still sore, I'm a little sunburned, and I still have a Disney hangover, but I survived Dapper Day! I spent Sunday in Disneyland with my fellow Dapper Day newbie, Erica, and it was a blast. Somehow, this was actually only my second Dapper Day and my first in the park (last year we just went to the Expo). I've always wanted to go, but as I didn't get my pass until this past year, I just never had a chance. Needless to say, I'm making up for it.

Erica bought a ticket since she doesn't have a pass so we just went to one park for the day. We decided to skip the expo for a few reasons, mainly because they started charging to attend. It's not much ($10), but the entire expo experience is essentially a chance to shop. Since Erica spent so much money on a Disneyland ticket, we figured it made more sense to spend our time in the park and spend any extra money on food. Which we did. A lot.

I go to Disneyland pretty often, but there really is something truly more special about going on Dapper Day. I always feel a little overdressed there (and everywhere), so it was seriously wonderful being surrounded by so many people dressed like I was. There certainly were a lot of people who dress like I do on a normal basis (and even more who dress up and dress more often and more seriously than I do), but it's lovely to see some people who don't dress like this unless given an excuse to. As vintage and vintage reproduction has become much more mainstream lately, the clothing has become much more accessible, and I love that Disney has given people an avenue (and the actual clothing through The Dress Shop) to do so.

But, of course, I'm getting to the important part: the dress. This was, well, the fourth dress I bought for the occasion. I know, it's ridiculous. I've been thinking about what to wear for the past few months - because this is a serious decision - and I finally settled on a dress about a month ago. It's a gorgeous white '50s true vintage dress that I'm in love with...but it doesn't fit. When I first tried it on, I was convinced I could make it work, but when I tried it a few days before Dapper Day, I came to terms with the fact that it just wasn't going to. I panicked and bought a dress off of Amazon that I knew would arrive in time, but I had my heart set on something vintage. With a backup dress at home, I went to a local vintage store on Saturday for one last shot at a dream dress. Naturally, I found two. I couldn't decided between this pastel one or a black and red plaid one with a pussy bow, and I ended up going with the red one. It's gorgeous and fit like a glove...but I couldn't stop thinking about how much better it would be for fall and how perfect this one would be for spring. I went back to the store 10 minutes later and got this one too. My bank account does not love me, but I have no regrets. I'll sell the first one that doesn't fit, and I know I'll get plenty of use out of the other two. Besides, this one was much better for the heat. Well, as good as it could have been. No dress was made for that heat.

The other great part? Getting to see Internet friends in real life, of course. I saw more than a few people who I follow from afar, but I also got to meet up with a few. Erin from @braidsandbigearrings and I have been trying to get together for a long time, but haven't been able to make it work, which is why I was extra excited to meet her in person. I also got spend more time with my pal Felicia from @becomingfelicity (and Instagram friend who I later found out was Jon's real life friend first!), which is always lovely. I got to see a few others around the park as well, and it was just the best having so many people in one place. Of course, I'm so happy to have gotten to go with Erica, who is just as awkward as I am and the best company.

Phew! Now to start planning for fall!i

Dress: Vintage (similar, similar)

Scarf: Vintage

D brooch: Jolly Hollieday

Minnie Pin: Femme De Bloom (taken from collar clips)

Shoes: BAIT Footwear