Origins

The 1980s was a great time for classic television and movies. Nick at Nite played all the television classics, the Disney Channel launched in 1983 bringing vintage Disney movies to new audiences, and the invention of the VCR meant that even kids in small towns suddenly had access to flicks from all different genres and time periods. Even MTV was all about the retro, launching a Monkees marathon in 1986, which led to a revived interest in the show. As an 80s kid, the 1950s and 1960s seemed like ancient history. The clothes were so different, the music seemed to have so much more beauty and depth than 80s pop, and life just seemed much more simple and optimistic when painted with a Hollywood brush. I totally ate it up. Needless to say, I have a fond place in my heart for the cheesy Disney movies I watched during my youth, and the The Moon-Spinners was one of my favorites. There is so much to love: early 1960s clothing, travel, romance, viscous cats! Need I go on?

So when I began planning a trip to L.A. for the Los Angeles County Fire Museum opening, I decided we really needed to spend one day at Disneyland. My family took one awesome theme park vacation to Southern California in the late 1980s, which included a trip to the Magic Kingdom, but my husband had never visited. Underwhelmed by the idea, I told him he HAD to go at least once in his life. As usual, if I plan it, he will go, and we usually have a pretty damn good time.

#DisneyBound

My dream would be to go to Disneyland on Dapper Day, a twice yearly event when Disney enthusiast dress fancy and visit the theme park. Many dress in vintage or retro clothing, and it always looks like a blast. Because our trip did not align with a Dapper Day event, I decided the next best thing would be #DisneyBounding.

DisneyBounding is when Disney fans dress up as contemporary versions of their favorite characters. It’s basically closet cosplay at its finest – prepare swoon with jealousy– Buzzfeed

Most of the adorable and stylish #DisneyBounds I see on Instagram are cartoon-based, but I decided to base mine on Nicky Ferris, Hayley Mills’ character in The Moon-Spinners. There are some great options: The dress with the sailor collar, the pink party dress, the capri pants and headscarf. . .

At first I thought I would go more casual, but it just didn’t feel right.  Ultimately, I decided to go with the green dress Nicky wears when confronting Madame Habib, played exquisitely by Pola Negri. Madame Habib would actually make a great DisneyBound! You can watch a YouTube clip of one of their scenes here.

I love wearing fit-and-flare dresses. They are so flattering! After searching for a dress online, I found a suitable option on Amazon, a Maggie Tang Swing Dress. I knew a cotton dress would be comfortable in the California heat, and I styled it with a thrifted white belt, and Papillio Lana Sandals. They are made by Birkenstock and I’ve been loving them this summer. They are comfortable for days with a lot of walking, but not as clunky as my other Birks.

A Hat was also absolutely necessary. I don’t get outside much anymore. My office doesn’t even have a window.  I wore a lot of sunscreen and still got sunburned. I think you can see it developing as you scroll through the photos.

The Happiest Place to Work?

We had a great time at Disneyland. Although my husband says he still doesn’t really get what all the fuss is about (don’t ask him about his opinion of mouse ears!)  we had a really fun day enjoying the rides and people watching. After our visit, he also made a keen observation. None of the visitors looked like they were having the time of their lives  . . . but the Disneyland staffers really did give the appearance that it was the happiest place on earth. Kids were treated so sweetly and frequently acknowledged, staff were smiling and helpful, and I had several comment on how cute my dress was. We live in a world where customer service is certainly not king, and I have come to anticipate that most interactions will be met with eye rolls, sarcasm, or apathy. Working environments are overwhelmed with bickering, gossip, and negativity.  Disney expertly created an illusion that this was the happiest place to work. It was very well played. I’m sure if I visited more often, I would see more of the cracks. It is just an illusion after all, but perhaps the best kind of illusion for adults trying hard not to lose their optimism and enthusiasm. A brief escape into another world, much like the feeling of escaping into classic tv and movies as a kid. Disneyland feels like it is of another time. One that is much more simple and optimistic, and expertly painted with a Hollywood brush.

 

Of course I also had to visit the Disneyland firehouse. You knew I would.

• Dress: Maggie Tang Swing Dress from Amazon
• Belt: Thrifted
• Shoes: Papillio Lana from Zappos. See the same model on Amazon here: Lana Sandals
• Hat: Wide Brim Straw Panama Roll up Hat   from Amazon

 

[Note- Opinions are my own, and all products were purchased by me, however this post contains some Amazon Affiliate links. See my About page for more information.]