Tag Archives: self-confident

12 Modern Ways to Dress Like Your Favorite Disney Princesses

Posted in Fashion, Just for Fun, Pop Culture by

After finding new ways to reinvent my wardrobe based on Julie And The Phantoms and other popular TV and book characters, I kept thinking about how else I could reinvent the clothes in my closet. Then, it hit me, and additional inspiration popped up on my TikTok feed. Hmm, what about Disney princesses too? So, I compiled a list of some of my all-time favorite Disney characters because I’m a big Disney nerd as well, and I figured out how I could modernize their looks for myself to spruce up my wardrobe staples. So, here we go! Keep reading for some of my new favorite outfit pairings and how you can recreate something similar in your own closets to render looks just like some of the iconic Disney characters IRL.

Ariel

Look at this look, isn’t it neat? To dress like the littlest mermaid, I sought inspiration from her day-to-day “Under the Sea” look. I chose green jeans ala her tail and a magenta/purple blouse in homage to her seashell bra because I don’t have one in the back of my closet (Lol, I know *shocking*). Then, at the last minute, I grabbed my red flippy hat to somewhat represent her ruby-red locks since mine are naturally dark brown. Since Ariel lives in the water, she’d be barefoot, but since I have to leave my house most days because reality, I opted for a pair of sandals. Oh, and peep the dinglehopper in my hand (actually a themed makeup brush) because I’m nothing if not committed to a theme.

What You Need to Replicate It: Purple blouse (or crop top if you’re feeling confident, which you do you), green pants or skirt, red accessories (headband, barrette, hat), dinglehopper for brushing your mane out (obviously, lol), sandals

Belle

Belle’s my favorite princess for somewhat obvious reasons (1. She was the only one to remotely look like me and 2. Books), so obviously I had to pay homage to her and two of her iconic ‘fits. For her daytime provincial look (middle image), I choose a navy cap-sleeve blouse with a pair of white skinny jeans. And of course, I’m holding a stack of books that focus on royal romances or hidden royalty since that’s what she reads in the “Belle” song. (Books include An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn, A Royal Shade of Blue by Aven Ellis, Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston, Prince Charming by Rachel Hawkins, and The Royal We by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan) The second look swaps out the navy top for a marigold Victoria Beckham x Target scalloped halter in a similar hue as her iconic ballgown. I set my hair in a half up half down style, added some ballet flats on my feet, and grabbed hold of my enchanted rose water bottle. Oh, and my eyeshadow and blush are the Belle shades from Colourpop’s Disney Princess collection.

What You Need to Replicate It: Blue cap-sleeve blouse, sleeveless yellow top, white pants or skirt, books as the quintessential prop (of course, duh), ballet flats

Elsa

For this ice queen, I wanted to accomplish a “queen off-duty” look. To do so, I paired my gray, printed H&M formal dress with a diamond-encrusted headband. To give it a more street-style look, I added a denim jacket and some white Keds. I feel fierce, like a queen, but one who’s not one to be messed with because she just wants to relax and hang out for the day.

What You Need to Replicate It: Formal gray or white dress/gown, denim jacket, diamond tiara or headband, white slip-on shoes or ballet flats

Anna

While Elsa was an easy outfit to put together, I struggled more with her younger sister. I knew I wanted something badass that showed she was ready for any adventure. Enter: my Her Universe faux snakeskin motorcycle jacket. Underneath, I added a long-sleeve, cotton wrap dress that’s nice enough for a princess yet comfortable that I could kick someone’s butt as needed. Then, I chose a pair of matching ankle boots.

What You Need to Replicate It: Long-sleeve flippy cotton dress, fierce AF moto jacket, ankle boots

Tiana

For the self-made girl turned princess, I knew I wanted to pay homage to her signature green hue. I took this long-sleeve blouse from Ann Taylor Loft and wore it underneath my Her Universe Minnie Mouse black overall dress and paired it with some black flats. Now, I don’t have a pet frog (stuffed or real), so I gave a quick peck to my miniature Yorkie plush. Although, it’s yet to turn into a real pup or a prince. Oh, what a pity…

What You Need to Replicate It: Green top, overall dress, a mini pet to kiss (duh), black flats

Rapunzel

For Rapunzel, I wanted something bright, fun, and whimsical. That reminded me of my Lilly Pulitzer x Target floral-printed, strapless maxi dress and a pair of ballet flats. I couldn’t for the life of me think of a good prop for the photoshoot other than a hairbrush (which, like boring and expected) until I exclaimed “FRYING PAN” from my living room, so here we are. And any potential suitors out there: here’s your word of warning not to mess with me. Hahaha I kid, I kid. Besides, there are no suitors sniffing around at all; I was just trying to complete the joke.

What You Need to Replicate It: Multicolored maxi dress, a frying pan or hairbrush as a prop, ballet flats

Jasmine

For Jasmine’s ‘fit, I also started with a Lilly Pulitzer x Target piece. Wearing a blue and white printed strapless jumpsuit, I paired it with a jean jacket, a blue headband, and some slip-on white Keds.

What You Need to Replicate It: Blue jumpsuit, denim jacket, blue headband, slip-on shoes

Aurora

While Aurora’s look is likely the simplest to achieve out the twelve looks I put together, it made me feel chic, beautiful, and confident regardless. I paired this pink dress with my diamond-encrusted headband, wedges on my feet, and a pillow to snuggle in case I’m suddenly under a lengthy sleeping curse.

What You Need to Replicate It: Pink dress, headband/tiara, a pillow for a prop, wedges

Merida

I loved Brave so fiercely, from the soundtrack, strong heroine, and lovely familial bond. When it came to Merida, I wanted to put a modern spin on her signature color and woodsy outfit. I paired the same green peplum top I wore for Tiana’s ‘fit with an open, cream vest and a pair of ripped jeans. I tied my hair in a side pony using a scrunchie and slid on some black sneakers. (Yes, the second photo is me pantomiming shooting a bow and arrow because I’m committed.)

What You Need to Replicate It: Green top, ripped jeans, cream-colored vest, scrunchie or hair tie, sneakers

Cinderella

For the classic princess, I wore a blue and white printed, strapless maxi dress and a gray headband. On my feet, I chose a pair of nude heels. Plus, since Cinderella arrives at the ball en masque, I chose a face-concealing pair of oversized sunglasses since I don’t have a masquerade mask handy. Sure, I could have used one of my pandemic-friendly masks, but that’s not as Cindy or fashionable enough.

What You Need to Replicate It: Blue maxi dress, headband, heels (only one if you’re going for true authenticity), sunglasses or mask

Mulan

While I’ve always loved and inspired Mulan’s fierceness, I had no intention of appropriation with this blog, and so I went with similar vibes or colors that seem to emulate the character’s spirit. I chose a pair of jeans and a red top with my hair tied up in a clip. I couldn’t decide which top I preferred, so I just included both on here. (Hey, it’s my blog, I can make the rules up as I go!) So, in one instance I chose this Ann Taylor Loft (left) flowy blouse. Then, on the right, I picked up this red peasant-style blouse sent from my aunt (If you’re reading this, I told you I’d find a purpose for it! And thanks!) and paired it with my moto-inspired black blazer. To finish off the look, I throw on a pair of black sneakers.

What You Need to Replicate It: Jeans, red blouse, moto jacket, hair clip, sneakers

Snow White

For the lovely Snow, I chose this navy, polka-dot cap-sleeve blouse because that’s so this next princess. On the bottom, I sought a little edge and fun. So, I went with this leather miniskirt with silver zippers and matching ankle boots. In the image on the far left, I added a black headband to pay tribute to her ribbon. But in the image on the far right, I chose my red flippy hat in honor of her classic red lip color. And, of course, I needed an apple as a prop to complete the look.

What You Need to Replicate It: Blue cap-sleeve blouse, black leather miniskirt, red headband or hat, black ankle booties, apple (don’t forget your Five-a-Day!)

16 Ways to Dress Like Your Favorite TV Characters And Update Your Fashion Game

Posted in Fashion, Miranda Tries New Things, Pop Culture by

After finding new ways to reinvent my wardrobe based on Julie and the Phantoms and matching new outfit pairings that I’d typically be too scared to wear, I wanted to continue my momentum. So, I compiled a list of some of my all-time favorite TV characters with the best style. I took that list and then aimed to replicate their looks for myself. So, here we go! Keep reading for some of my new favorite outfit pairings and how you can recreate something similar in your own closets.

Betty Cooper, Riverdale

To pull off the Riverdale gal’s “iconic and beyond reproach” look, I knew I had to create something extraordinary. I paired a pale pink sweater, like this Topshop one I own, with some dark jeans to take on B’s iconic look. And, of course, I tied my hair up in a classic high pony because, after all, it’s Betty we’re talking about.

What You Need to Replicate It: Pink sweater, dark jeans, ponytail holder

Veronica Lodge, Riverdale

While Betty is all about pink, Veronica looks a bit more mature with all of her black-colored formal dresses and skirts. To embrace my inner V, I paired this black, knee-length dress and Topshop handbag with a classic pearl necklace. Although not real ones from Daddy Hiram, my pearls are fakes from J.Crew. Easy, yet polished and business-ready.

What You Need to Replicate It: Black dress, black handbag, pearl necklace

Lizzie McGuire, Lizzie McGuire

While Lizzie’s looks are the sorts of things I wore back in middle school, I’ve come along way from that style. So, this ‘fit was seriously like bringing back Little Miranda and getting her thoughts on what I should wear. She helped me pick out a fun graphic tee (yes, that does say Little Women on it), patterned jeans, a jean jacket, and hairclips. No major loser award for this girl! Sure, it’s a look that’s certainly out there with all the prints and whatnot, but I had so much fun going back to a simpler time with this look.

What You Need to Replicate It: Graphic tee, patterned pants, jean jacket

Emily Cooper, Emily in Paris

Oui oui, Emily’s so stylish and avant-garde in her fashion tastes, and so, I really wanted to include her here as a way to boost my confidence and try something new. I pulled together this floral, flowy midi skirt from Ann Taylor with a black Who What Wear blouse from Target a few seasons ago. I then completed this look with a red hat, matching lipstick (currently wearing Little Snow from Colourpop’s Frozen II Elsa collection), and a red Kate Spade handbag with a bag charm pom (like a true ringarde) clipped onto it. I would like to point out that my Kate Spade bag did NOT come with the brown pom and I clipped it on myself for this shot.

What You Need to Replicate It: Fashion-forward skirt and blouse, bold red lipstick, hat or beret, handbag with bag charm (for maximum ringarde status)

Zoe Hart, Hart of Dixie

I’ve always loved Dr. Zoe Hart’s style from The CW comedy, although I can’t always pull off her “shorty shorts” on my petite frame, so I tweaked her style. I paired this leather midi skirt with a leopard-print sleeveless blouse, and a pair of impossibly chic embroidered Sam Edelman booties I’ve been obsessed with for years now. Now, if only there was a Wade Kinsella or George Tucker sniffing around my neck of the woods to compliment me on how good and stylish I look, but I digress…

What You Need to Replicate It: Leather skirt or shorts, leopard-print sleeveless blouse, heeled booties, ponytail holder

Blair Waldorf, Gossip Girl

Whether B was at Constance Billard for classes or strutting around one chic city or other, she had her own standard uniform and rocked it. To match Queen B’s flair, I chose a black skirt, a white Oxford button-down shirt, a classic black blazer, and a pair of black ballet flats. To finish off the look, I added a pair of tights underneath and chucked on a statement necklace and a headband, of course.

What You Need to Replicate It: Black skirt, Oxford button-down, blazer, tights, ballet flats, statement necklace, headband

Serena Van Der Woodsen, Gossip Girl

While I don’t have many pieces like S’s boho or couture looks, I can recreate one look where she paired a hat and blazer over a formal-looking dress. I have a red Topshop dress that’s normally reserved for formal occasions, but I remixed it to wear with my red floppy hat and a black blazer. Then, in true Serena fashion, I added a black pair of riding boots on my feet and slung my gray Zara handbag over my shoulder. I think GG herself would surely approve of my newfangled fashionista status.

What You Need to Replicate It: formal dress, hat, blazer, riding boots

Jess Day, New Girl

Who’s that girl? The quirky teacher is so much like me IRL, so this look should be a breeze to craft. I found this floral wrap dress in my closet and wore it with some ballet flats. Alternatively, I swapped out the floral dress for this hot pink one and wore it with a white cardigan over the top. Then, thank god for my poor vision this once, because I already had glasses like Jess!

What You Need to Replicate It: Printed sundress, cardigan, ballet flats

Carrie Bradshaw, The Carrie Diaries

I was nervous to pull off Carrie’s style from the SATC prequel because it’s set in the eighties and Carrie wears all sorts of prints, layers, shoulder pads, and accessories. Her adventurous style had me, a typically shy dresser, worried. I found this few-seasons-old, printed Trina Turk strapless sundress in my closet and knew this was so Carrie. To winter-fy it, I layered it underneath a white, long-sleeved tee. I completed this work with my favorite purple purse AKA my version of the Carrie bag and a statement necklace.

What You Need to Replicate It: Printed strapless sundress, plain long-sleeved tee for layering, large handbag, statement necklace

Samantha Jones, The Carrie Diaries

Carrie’s NYC bestie rocks a printed jumpsuit in many promo shots for the second season, and so, that was my inspiration. I threw on this Lilly Pulitzer for Target palm-leaf-printed jumpsuit with a pair of wedges and feel just as cool as Samantha. Plus, I decided to toss on a white vest at the last-minute for a layered look.

What You Need to Replicate It: Printed jumpsuit, wedges

Rachel Green, FRIENDS

Calling all nineties babies! There wasn’t a time during FRIENDS‘ tenure when we didn’t wish we could dress like Rachel, and guess what! It’s actually pretty easy to attain. Case in point as I paired my quilted leather skirt, fitted sweater, and riding boots together. If only there was a real-life Central Perk near me that I could go and show off my new ‘fit.

What You Need to Replicate It: Leather skirt, fitted sweater, riding boots, tights

Hanna Marin, Pretty Little Liars

Hanna was one of the few Rosewood girls that always looked so put together with flair. I found an easy way to replicate a classic Hanna look with this sleeveless pink blouse, printed floral military bomber, and dark jeans. I finished off the look with a long necklace and some heeled booties, and voila: Rosewood chic!

What You Need to Replicate It: Sleeveless blouse, printed blazer, dark jeans, long necklace, heeled booties

Jane Sloan, The Bold Type

Considering I’ve actually been told that I quite resemble the Scarlet writer IRL (true story, y’all) and since she has my dream job, obviously, I have to dress like her for this challenge. To do so, I put together this Who What Wear layered black skirt with a sleeveless, black button-down blouse tucked into the waistband (left). To finish off the look, I add some heels, threw my hair up in a high pony, and grabbed a black handbag. Alternatively, I created a different outfit that’s equally perfect for the Scarlet office (right). Here, my Kenzo x H&M off-the-shoulder blouse is paired with some ASOS pleather leggings, heeled booties, and a black purse. Then, of course, I needed a notebook as a prop to complete the shot, so I grabbed this marble-print one that reads “building my empire” because, on-brand.

What You Need to Replicate It:  Leather leggings or pants, off-the-shoulder or cold-shoulder blouse, booties, handbag

Kat Edison, The Bold Type

Just like Jane and their other bestie Sutton, Kat has an enviable wardrobe of her own. Taking inspo from her, I paired this multicolored Missoni for Target dress with a jean jacket and brown wedges. All together you get a professional yet casual look that just suits Kat to a tee.

What You Need to Replicate It: Printed dress, jean jacket, wedges

Kelsey Peters, Younger

The former Empirical publisher is such a fierce badass with a killer closet. And hey, I found something in my closet that reminds me of her! I put together this ivory, printed blouse (with a bow tied around my neck in true Kels fashion) with this matching tan miniskirt, some nude heels, and a colorful purse. Alternatively, I can swap out the tan skirt with a black pencil skirt for a different office-worthy look. I then brought in my iPad as a prop for the shoot, since Kels is always reading manuscripts on hers. Hey, I take my characterization very seriously!

What You Need to Replicate It: Peasant-style blouse, mini or pencil skirt, heels, colorful purse

Liza Miller, Younger

Kelsey’s friend and co-worker Liza also has a unique sense of dress that I think I can emulate. I pair another Missoni for Target shift dress with some black riding boots and a black purse hanging off my shoulder, and TBH, I feel just like Liza. Of course, I’m reading my beautiful hardback of Little Women as the ultimate Liza prop. (Side note: As I wrote this entry, Sutton Foster singing “Gimme Gimme” popped up on my shuffled Spotify playlist which is just so perfect considering she is Liza.) Then, I threw on a denim jacket to give it a layered look and transition this dress into a fall ‘fit.

What You Need to Replicate It: Printed dress, riding boots, black purse

There you have it! Sixteen different ways to bring your favorite TV characters to life based on the clothes you already own! Yes, these looks very much took me out of my comfort zone, but that’s the great part. These looks gave me all the confidence that, sure, I could rock any of these looks in my usual day-to-day activities, and I think I well.

It’s Time to Put on The Damn Swimsuit This Summer

Posted in Fashion, Wellness by

Recently, the body positive movement has reached a fever pitch, especially considering we are reaching peak swimsuit season.

Now, I’m normally pretty proud of my body, accepting what I look like (FYI: it’s taken awhile to fully embrace what I look like.), but I still feel self-conscious when it comes to *shudder* wearing a bathing suit… in public.

To backtrack, I’ve known that I don’t have the traditional “bikini body” since elementary school, where I always had a little tummy sticking out of my two-piece swimsuit. And so, since third grade, I embraced the tankini (as long as it was long enough!) and one-piece life. And sure, I often felt embarrassed standing next to my skinny-mini friends in their trendy two-pieces while I seemed super modest in a Target-brand one-piece.

And by early high school, I was deeply immersed into the world of Spanx and had adapted my swimsuits to only wear ones with ruching or get a flowy cover-up, so as little of my body would be visible as possible… or just avoiding a swimsuit whenever I could get away with it. Which even meant avoiding the water on sweltering days or running into the water quickly so that as little people got a glimpse of my swimsuit and my so-called “problem areas.” But that type of beauty standards really mess with a young girl’s head. Makes you think that they way you look isn’t good enough, that no one would ever like you for it, and that really screws up your sense of self.

OK, back to my point:

In reading about all the kick-ass women out there standing up to the body shamers, it truly inspires me. Why should being a certain size be the key factor in IF you can pull off a swimsuit. New mantra: if you like the suit, wear it with pride. Body size be damned. No shallow body-shaming haters have the right to take that away from you. It hurts me to admit that worrying what other people would think about me once prevented me from enjoying my life and feeling confident in my skin.

I’ve known skinny-mini Barbie types that have admitted to feeling self-conscious in their own skin because they (who regularly fit in sizes 2-6 mind you, something I have never been) feel overweight and thus, not pretty? What?! That really put a lot in perspective for me. How do people who arguably look far more like the traditional beauty standards of models and Hollywood than I not feel confident as they are? So, then and there, I slowly started to look at my body in the mirror and learn to rock it. So what if I’ve never fit in anything less than a size 10? So what if I have a little tummy poking out of my two piece? So what if I don’t look like a supermodel? SO WHAT? At some point, I hope you can look at yourself as is, and realize you are a queen, regardless of what Hollywood would approve of.

So, I’m proposing a change this summer: PUT. ON. THAT. DAMN. SWIMSUIT. ALREADY. Rock that bikini, that crop top, that dress, those shorts, rock whatever the hell you want. It shouldn’t matter what some outsider thinks you should be wearing. If you like it, wear it. And not just wear it, OWN it.

You’ll never be okay with your body and self-image until you learn to accept it. Sure, we all have our insecurities. But, the sooner you learn that you can never look like stick-skinny Hollywood and fashion types, the better. Because it starts with acceptance. Look in the mirror and say, You are beautiful, You are awesome. Start the day with confidence. Next step, head to the pool/beach in your swimsuit — SANS cover-up. And just enjoy your freaking life. Life’s too short to worry if someone is judging your bathing suit. (I’ll save them the trouble: I may not look like a Kardashian in my swimsuit (nor will I ever), but who cares? It’s a cute suit and I feel like a supermodel when I hit the water.) BAM.

Own it, love it, live it.

…There’s your summer mantra. And mine too. We’ll get through this together.