Get ready for a big sprinklin' of Pixie Dust!

Holy moly is the Cath Kidston Peter Pan Collection magical or what?

I am (sadly) currently on a budget so I won't be making any purchases, but if I could, here are the items I would invest in. (all images are from www.cathkidston.com)

Home & Office

PETER PAN IN LONDON DOUBLE OVEN GLOVE

Bring the magic of Peter Pan's London to your kitchen with these adorable oven gloves! I would be baking extra cookies every day if it meant I was able to put these cuties to work. I love the detail of the print - even the double decker bus has the Cath Kidston logo on it!














TINKER BELL POSY GLITTER BENTO LUNCH BOX


This is the perfect container for snack time... even if you're an adult! The two sections make it easy to pack apple slices and peanut butter, carrots and hummus, or any other delightful snack combo you can think of. Plus, Tink looks adorable in some of her best poses!






TINKER BELL POSY CHUNKY PEN + TINKER BELL STARRY NIGHT HARD COVER NOTEBOOK

I wouldn't mind taking notes at work with this adorable Tink patterned pen and notebook. On the pen, the simple floral pattern wouldn't look out of place, even in a corporate meeting. The notebook may stand out a bit more, but I would love to add a little Tink pixie dust to my work day!















GLITTER IPHONE 7 CASE

This may be one of the most magical phone cases I have ever seen!

Fashion

PETER PAN IN LONDON SLEEVELESS DRESS

Again, I just adore the London pattern that was created for this collection. From the color palette to the details of the print, there is so much magic in this dress. Another bonus is that it is in one of my favorite dress styles that looks flattering on just about everyone! To no surprise, this style is almost sold out!









TINKER BELL BUTTON SPOT CREPE DRESS


I am just loving the way Tink pops on the navy of this dress. The style could be appropriate for a casual business office environment or at the farmer's market on Sunday. I could so see myself wearing my Danielle Nicole Handbags Tink bag with this dress for the perfect pixie look.

Accessories

TINKER BELL BUTTON SPOT ENVELOPE Z-FOLD WALLET

I've actually been in the market for a new, small wallet and this could fit the bill. It looks extremely well made and roomy, and the Tink pattern is just too adorable!










TINKER BELL BUTTON SPOT FOLDAWAY OVERNIGHT BAG

Everything about this bag is perfect. The pattern, the size, and the price. It even comes with an additional pouch that it can be folded into when it is not in use. GENIUS!




SKETCHED TINKER BELL TAB SADDLE BAG

I love that none of these accessories use leather. This Tink Floral Print is just so versatile, and the bag seems to be a perfect crossbody size.

Kids

TINKER BELL WOVEN SKIRT

Okay... I don't have kids. But if I had a daughter, I would definitely buy her this adorable skirt!!!!! Actually, I wish it came in my size.

PETER PAN NOVELTY BACKPACK

So this is a kids backpack but honestly? The small backpack accessory is so in right now and the details on this, even the interior lining, are just too perfect. I would so get this and wear it myself!

So... did you snag anything from the Cath Kidston Peter Pan collection? I want to know!!! 

New York Fashion Week (aka NYFW) is a wondrous time of the year when the style loving people of the world flock to NYC and sneak a peek at upcoming fashion line collections. My friend Erin and I snagged tickets for two shows at NYFW SS18 and we were so excited to go.

Until I had to set my alarm on Saturday night - then we decided to just go to the 3PM Leanne Marshall show. We ventured to the city and grabbed a delicious brunch at Gardenia in the West Village. Also, Benedict Cumberbatch was there but I was in a NY State of Mind, trying to be cool, calm, and collected, and refrained from grabbing a pic.

But I am now FULL OF REGRETS.

This place was aesthetically adorable and their food and drinks were perfection. It was also kind of empty, which at 12pm on a Sunday in the West Village was amazing.





But onto the fashion.

The #1 accessory I saw at NYFW SS18 was: confidence.

Image from Vogue.com

Image from Vogue.com

Image from Vogue.com

Image from Vogue.com

Image from Vogue.com

Image from Vogue.com

Whether people were wearing multi-colored fringed jackets or a simple LBD, their confidence exuded through their fashion, making them look in-the-know. I saw so many incredible outfits and thought to myself, "Man, I could never pull that off."

That is because I tried to. When shopping for my NYFW outfit, I tried on so many different things that were so "un-Alli". I searched Nordstrom and Bloomingdales online for on sale merch with a pricey nametag but nothing grabbed me. I headed to Target and bought some cute stuff but when I went to try it on the night before, I sat frustrated on my bed wondering if I even wanted to go to the shows at all.

It is no secret that I'm not a size 0 and I've mostly come to terms with that. In fact, most of the time I'm quite a confident lady. So when I was trying to dress the way I "thought" I should for NYFW instead of in what makes me feel beautiful I ended up having a real issue.

But I forgot something I've learned in the past few years: It doesn't matter what size the clothes in the closet are, it is how you carry yourself when you wear them.

So I searched my closet for some of my favorite dresses and decided on a  mint, polka dot, flowy dress that made me feel comfortable. I paired it with my faux leather jacket and got some fun kicks at Target to stay true to my style (I can't walk in heels).

Your style speaks who you are without having to say a word. 

When you feel confident, that is when you look most beautiful. So forget what trends are hip right now and don't try to dress like someone you are not. Dress to be yourself and you will feel comfortable, confident, and gorgeous. 

Details: 
Dress - ASOS - it was such a comfy and fun dress, reminds me of mint chocolate chip ice cream
Shoes - TARGET - I loved these faux fur pom poms!
Jacket - TARGET - a fall staple
Black Bag - MATT + NAT 
Tink Bag - Danielle Nicole Handbags










 

Get it? Like a passion project?

Okay... well anyway... getting to the point now. 



A few months back, I was planning a quick trip to Walt Disney World - literally 32 hours (read about it here!). I knew that the only way to get the most out of those 32 hours was by spending as much time in the parks as possible. On a regular trip, there is plenty of time to head back to the hotel when you need an outfit change (um Florida is sweaty) or a shoe change (blisters) or a nap (is an explanation needed on that one?). But when you have limited time? Oh no, everything must come with you.

I knew I needed a backpack, so I set out to find one. There are so many cute ones out there! From Loungefly to Jansport, Disney backpacks are easy to find. However, I decided to go plain Jane.



I found this adorable canvas Jansport backpack with rose gold details. Yes - Rose Gold!!!! Anyway - after the Disney trip I decided I wanted to do something fun with the empty canvas space. So, here is the DIY I did to add a little fun to the my backpack! I totally one-of-a-kind accessory.

What you'll need:

• Backpack (Make sure it is made of a material that can have heat applied to it.)
• Iron
• Patches (Get different sizes and shapes to fit the blank space of the backpack.)

I found most of my patches at Hot Topic - except the Marie Tsum Tsum patch was found at Target. Most were iron-on, but Marie & the Danielle Nicole patches were actually adhesive.

How to:

• Take all price tags off the iron on patches.
• Arrange the patches until you find a layout you like. Make sure you don't place any adhesive patches yet - or they will stick and you won't be able to move them! 
• One you find the perfect layout, get your iron. 
• Press the iron down on the patch. Keep pressing for at least 15 seconds. 
• If you've press the hot iron over an area where there is a zipper - BE CAREFUL. It will be very hot and could burn you. 
• Continue this process until all patches are in place. 
• Let cool before touching. 

I am loving how my patchy backpack turned out! It is ready for all the adventures I have coming my way.

While I picked my patches up in stores, there are SO MANY incredible small shops that sell amazingly cute patches as well. Where do you get cute patches? I want to make more patchin' projects!

It is now September and that can only mean one thing... IT IS PUMPKIN SEASON.



While I hate to see August go (birthday month, end of summer, etc.), the fact that I have pumpkin season to look forward to makes it a little less painful, and a whole lot sweeter.

I always joke that I'm going to turn into a pumpkin by the time autumn rolls out, so obviously I have to celebrate the start of this joyous time in life. Here are just a few items that you will surely add pumpkin magic to your life this autumn, besides the coveted PSL.

Magical Mugs

It is no secret that I love mugs. My collection of Disney mugs continues to grow and I purchased the perfect pumpkin mug on my last trip to Walt Disney World.  You can find it in the Shop Parks App as the Fairy Godmother Mug, and it features a pumpkin that says Even Miracles Take a Little Time.

I even ended up getting one for my mom when I was in the parks because she loved it so much! It is a great size for a nice big cup of coffee - preferably pumpkin flavored!

 

Betsey Johnson Pumpkin Spice Crossbody 

Image from Betsey Johnson's website

For the PSL lover in all of us, this adorable crossbody is the perfect accessory for those chunky fall sweaters. Best part is - no fear of spilling coffee on our OOTD! It looks like there is plenty of room for cell phones, wallets and lipgloss and the inside has Betsey's signature rose pattern as the lining. I especially love the lipstick mark on the bag - so authentic! Looks just like my usual Starbucks cup with a nice red lip mark on it. Find it here! There is also a really sassy pumpkin crossbody as well, which can be found here.

 

 

Autumn Scented Home

One of the simplest ways to be prepared for Pumpkin Season is with scented candles! There are countless options of pumpkin scented goodness, but one of my newest favorites actually isn't even specifically "pumpkin" scented at all. At Nordstrom Rack, I found this Maple Bark + Tonka 10oz. candle that has such a deliciously vibrant autumn scent, like you're walking through a crisp forest. I also love the pretty black jar it is in along with the maple leaf illustration. It adds pretty fall flair to any home decor.

Image from Spireside Candles Website

 I enjoy finding candles in places like Nordstrom Rack, HomeGoods, Target and WalMart... because candles can be EXPENSIVE and I go through them way too quickly to be spending $20 a pop on them. However, an exception to this rule is Spireside Candles. I've gotten countless candles from them (my favorite scent is Sunshine Grove -previously Soarin' Over- because the orange grove smell is my very favorite), and I have never been disappointed by their amazing scents or their candle quality. Their Pumpkin Carriage candle got an updated look which is absolutely gorgeous, so I'm thinking about purchasing it simply as a piece of fall decor. I've had it as a candle before and the scent is perfection. Find it here!

Spice Up Your Pumpkin Life

Literally, the easiest way to add a little pumpkin into everyday life is with Pumpkin Spice. Just plain old Pumpkin Spice! I get mine at Target and add it to EVERYTHING. Coffee, smoothies, even french toast! A tiny sprinkle is all you need - kinda like pixie dust! Actually, I'd say Pumpkin Spice is the pixie dust of autumn. p.s. - would you like the recipe for my easy, vegan, pumpkin spice french toast? Let me know and I'll gladly share!

So tell me...

Are you a pumpkin queen? What are your favorite ways to add pumpkin into your autumn? I'd love for you to also share your favorite accessories for the season!!!!

xoxo,
The Pumpkin Queen