Sunday, September 22, 2013

Disney Gets DAPPER!

John and I caught the last few hours of Dapper Day out at Disney's Hollywood Studios yesterday, and WOW. So many folks dressed up! I'm told this is the biggest year yet, so you've got to give major props to everyone willing to brave the 90 degree heat and humidity in heels and Victory Rolls - or a full suit and tie, for the fellas.

In case you're not familiar, Dapper Day is a fan-run event that's all about dressing up for the parks. Most folks interpret that with a vintage flair, so you'll see bow ties, dainty gloves, and hats, hats, glorious HATS galore!

Everyone who wants to see guys dress like this all the time again, raise your hand. 
[raises both hands]

I decided to play with my photos a bit - try to make them look retro, too. Of course, that means most of them look like I just put an Instagram filter on, so, you know, limited success there. Heh.

Here's my first shot of the day - I love the pastel shop buildings in the background:

Then we stumbled across these lovely ladies hula-hooping it up:


Bright poofy dresses and fabulous sunglasses. LOVE.

There was a Dapper meet-up at the Great Movie Ride at 5pm, which meant a great big crowd of well-dressed lovelies filling the plaza out front for over half an hour. I gleefully dove in with my camera:

I was delighted to see so much Disney Bounding combined with Dapper Day - here's one of several dapper Snow Whites, and I think the girl in pink might be Lottie from Princess and the Frog:
Oh, and given his apple necklace, I think the guy in black and purple is the Snow Queen. Fun!

(As you've probably gathered, Disney Bounding is a form of closet cosplay - ie dressing as a character using non-costume clothing - and it's getting super popular in the parks now!)

Check out this fabulous Tower of Terror bellhop dress - complete with pillbox hat!

Victory rolls and sassy poses:
And again - the sunglasses! I need to score me some fun ones, stat.

(If you're wondering, no, John and I didn't dress dapper. Did I mention it was 90 degrees and about 5000% humidity? And that I'm lazy?)

This gal was standing there so sweetly by herself - I love her hat, and I love her face.

And while I'm spreading the love around, THESE DRESSES:
Especially the green one. And the pink one. And the two pink ties. (Tempted to wear a bow tie and suspenders to the next Dapper Day - with some killer wingtips. Aw yeah. Now I just need to acquire all those things...)

It's hard to see, but this glamorous girl had a vintage tapestry pillbox hat on - and check out that stole!
So many of the ladies had bang-on PERFECT makeup, just like this. Winged eyeliner and classic red lips.

Here's my favorite shot of the day:
The girl in brown looks like she stepped out of a vintage magazine ad! And I think this shot looks the most authentically vintage - but John pointed out that's probably because both girls look the part so well.

Here's a dapper Peter Pan, wearing a Tinker Bell necklace:

And Woody and Bo Peep!


Carl and Ellie from Up:
(Melody here is one of the several readers we met up with, and she's wearing little balloon earrings! She also made their grape soda pop pins.)

Despite the fact that I didn't announce we were going until we were on our way, John and I still had three or four groups of readers find us, which made the day extra fun. Somehow I didn't take a picture of them, but Tricia and Eric were first, and when I complimented Tricia's big floppy hat, she gave it to me! Ha! (Thanks again, guys!)

We stayed out front chatting with Allison and Jason here the longest, and when we realized the crowd had cleared, naturally John and I talked them into posing on the classic car out front:

Allison spray-painted her shoes to match, ladies, and they looked awesome. FASHION TIP. And don't these two look like they could be Dapper Day's cover models? I mean, she's holding the official Dapper Day fan and everything!

Some of the most fashionable gentlemen were sporting red lipstick smackeroos on their cheeks:
:D

I've been mostly scared off of Dapper Day because I don't "do" heels, so I was thrilled to see so many cute flat options in the crowd:

I also saw several pairs of saddle shoes. Fun!

Once everyone had filed into the Great Movie Ride, I hit upon the idea of staking out the exit to grab more pics as they left. Worked pretty well, too!
The gal in the middle is a dapper Incredible - see her little pin?

Oh! And here's one of the best Disney Bound Rapunzel & Flynn I've seen:

He even has her tiara hanging out of his bag! Ack! I LOVE DIZGEEKS SO MUCH, you guys.

I also saw several Dapper Mary Poppins, but this was my favorite:
Check out the little carpet bag.

One thing about taking pictures of people at Disney: it's not like conventions, where folks in costume are used to it, so it's fun to see all the surprised smiles when I ask. For example, these next two ladies were clearly having a ball, and dissolved into giggles when I complimented the one's sparkly Figment hat and asked for a photo:


My first shot of all the guys in suits was also fun, since they seemed so cool striding around in a pack, but broke into easy grins for the camera. I tell ya, sometimes I think carrying a camera is the easiest way to distribute compliments. I wish it was acceptable to ask for people's photos all the time. :)

And here's my final shot, snapped on our way out of the park:


Hope you enjoyed my Dapper Day! If you're local and want to get in on the bow-tied action, the next one is March 9th at the Magic Kingdom - and Disneyland has them twice a year, too, so check the Dapper Day website for those dates. (In fact, it started at Disneyland, so traditionally their events have been bigger and better - not to mention cooler. Not that I'm jealous. Ok, I'm jealous. WHY MUST IT BE SO HOT HERE?)

51 comments:

  1. We were at Magic Kingdom yesterday with Darth Maryn when I realised it was dapper day. Most eye catching dapper/bounder we saw was a Peter Pan who was wearing bright green tights under his shorts. I have no idea how he was walking around without succumbing to heat stroke.

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  2. Having grown up in Florida and only ever lived in the south, a trip to California was a revelation to me- how could the weather be like this in late JUNE??? I was slightly confused the whole time- had no idea it was even possible!

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  3. We stumbled on Dapper Day in February a few years ago at Disney Land. It was so fun to see all the beautiful vintage clothes. A few people told us that it was originally started by cast members as a fun way to enjoy the park during slow times, but I have no idea if that is true.

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  4. So many great pics! It was wonderful spending time with y'all! :-)

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  5. I had no idea this was a thing, but I love love love it! These pictures are incredible! I would love to be able to do something like that.

    And you CAN take people's pictures all the time - look at HONY! (Humans of New York.)

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  6. What fun! I would be all over this if I was a local. And yes: men should start dressing that way again. Maybe it's slowly happening, what with the resurgence of the bow tie and all. One can dream.

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  7. We were at Magic Kingdom yesterday evening, there were a couple of dapper pirates there & I literally thought they were castmembers until I saw them later again in full costume at the Polynesian. I'm excited they started dapper days here too, but seriously in Sept? I think Nov/Dec & Jan/Feb would be better choices for more participation in FL Dapper Days. Its FL, its still summer, (despite what the calendar says). Mega props to those who dressed up for this one.

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    1. I know it's not Nov/Dec because it was somewhat started/ heavily supported by young castmembers, and everyone who works on property is too busy to visit the parks during those months with the holiday rush. Plus, Sept is so dead that you aren't crowded walking around. Jan/Feb would be a good idea though, since it is similarly slow.

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  8. Love! If only I lived close enough to participate!

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  9. I think the green dress is this one: http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/luck-be-a-lady-dress. Melody is also wearing a ModCloth dress, http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/you-re-in-luck-dress.

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  10. I learn something new every time I check into Epbot! I didn't even know this was a thing! We moved to South Florida 3 years ago and we have been pass holders ever since. I love finding out about cool things at Disney. Thank you!!!!!

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  11. I would also like to raise my hands in agreement! I love it when guys dress up a bit and some of the older styles just look so good. Also, I love the girl in blue and white sitting on the car. I want her shoes!

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  12. The couple from Up are my favorite!! I love her dress, and the pin and earrings just totally complete it. They are totally adorable! Thanks for sharing.

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  13. FYI, the one in September this year was HOT... up to 103 degrees! The one in February tends to be really cool. I couldn't make it this year but my amazing husband dressed up with our 2 boys, ages 3 and 6... I'll share a pic on the Epbot page. It's one of the best fan run events, so cute and friendly and sweet and just a good feeling all around... and I ALSO wish we could dress like this all the time!!!

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  14. I think the Peter Pan Disneybounder is MagicalRibbons on tumblr, she makes shamazing hairbows.

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  15. I love this! And I had no idea about it! Thanks so much for mentioning it, Jen...and the link to it.

    Love the dresses of the gals, and the handsomeness of the guys. VERY cool.

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  16. THIS. I also had no idea this was a thing, but I love it. We just became locals, and this may be the incentive I need to get my husband (who usually does dress like this all the time, but can't now because it's so stinking HOT) to Disney! So, March 9, you say? We'll be there :)

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  17. When is the next one? I had no idea this occurred! I usually dress like this EVERYTIME I go to the parks, so i wish I had known. :-( I'll go next year if I can find out the date!

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  18. That makes me totally want to go! Too bad you are on the other side of the US from me! :( I've never been to a Disney park anywhere and wanted to go for my 25th wedding anniversary very badly. Unfortunately my fridge decided to die a couple of months prior so all extra funds were spent there. :( I do love my fridge though! lol. Maybe for my 26th in March! lol.

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  19. We didn't know anything about it when we went to HS on Saturday. I asked a couple of people on the tram on the way in, and they let me know it was Dapper Day. I wish I would have known, but, then again, living in S. Florida, you think everyone must be insane for wearing anything more than shorts and a t-shirt, and even that is too much sometimes.

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  20. Oh I love vintage clothes, a nd i just found a website that has a lot of the "50s" style clothes that can be modified to fit my awkward body shape perfectly.. oh i am drooling over some of the dresses up there in the post.. I love the dress Melody is wearing for Ellie.. love it love it LOVE IT

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  21. What lovely pictures and people. I love that you've got pictures of a range of body types, and they all look fabulous! What a happy antidote to the world of airbrushed, photoshopped celebrities. Thank you for showing it like it is. This is great inspiration for Halloween, too.

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  22. I HAD NO IDEA THIS WAS A THING.

    The red-haired girl in the blue and cherry dress hula-hooping reminds me of Ariel so much I'm wondering if she was also Disney Bounding!

    That green stole = GORGEOUS.

    Allison's high heels: PERFECT.

    Jen, if you do anything fifties, you can totally rock not-heels. The fifties were so fun and laid back and it was about being a little crazy, too, which is why those saddle shoes and penny loafers were a perfect choice. And think about all the fun poodle skirts you could make! A little Stitch connected to the leash, or dress as Beauty with a little Beast (or her horse, whose name I'm totally blanking), etc. It's be like a slightly more obvious Disney Bounding cosplay! :D
    [Now I reeeeeaaaally want to make Disney-themed poodle skirts. Man. Life goal]

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    1. Phillipe is the name of the horse!

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    2. Yes, thank you! What kind of a fan am I that I totally space that?! :D

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    3. Disney-themed poodle skirts is my new favorite thing. You must make some and you MUST post pics!!!

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  23. What's even more amazing is how young some of these kids are! I'm SO impressed with them doing this! And the girl in brown in your favorite photo looks like Maggie Gyllenhaal!

    Now that I've seen this, I am much more inclined to do cosplay. It gets so expensive, but this kind of vintage dapper look would be perfect! I have wanted to do Mary Poppins, so this type of cosplay would be so easy, AND I could get my husband to do it with me!

    That does not deter my plans for being She-Ra someday with my horse, who is white, as Swift Wind...

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  24. P.S. I think my favorite dress is the Tower of Terror one. I LOVE that bell hop look!

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  25. How scary is it to look at these lovely outfits and find yourself thinking, "Hmmm, I wonder if that Perry Ellis dress I have in the back of the closet would still fit...". Then you realize just how "old" you're getting. When you still own the original clothing styles these charming kids are wearing, maybe it's time to think about closet-clearing. I still have petticoats, people! And full skirts with which to wear them, too. Yeeps.

    Merry from Annie's Book Stop/Sharon, MA

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    1. @Merry, those items are the foundation for fun and funky Halloween costumes! You can clear your closet, but hang onto those pieces which could serve you well in a dress-up way. For example, that petticoat is perfect under a poodle skirt. Just my two cents' worth...

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    2. PLEASE don't throw those things away! They sound fantastic for dress up, a night on the town, or special events like this!

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    3. Oh, I would never just toss my one and only Perry Ellis... and my hubby was just on me yesterday about "closet space" and how much room my petticoats and full skirts take up.... I told him, "Tough. You ought to be used to them lurking in the back of the closet by now, anyway! And when are you clearing out the piles of "Trains" and "Model Railroader" magazines, huh?" One reason for all the fluffiness is that we were square dancers until my knees quit on me - and those outfits just hold 'way too many wonderful memories to get rid of them. I mean, if I knew they were going to a good home, that would be different, but to just coldly Salvation Army them? Never! Never, I say! I still have a prom dress from 1967 (pale blue brocade), and a dress I bought at a thrift shop just because I adored the rhinestone/sequin design on the skirt (was always going to transfer that to something else... ), and the Last Winter Coat we bought for an Erie, PA winter (Melton wool, with full-length faux fur lining). It was never cold enough here in New England for it, believe it or not.

      There's even a square dance dress and petticoat on an antique dress stand here at the store in the Romance Room. *sigh* Those were the days.

      Merry from Annie's

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  26. Disneyland also has something called Bat Days where people dress up in Goth wear. I've always wanted to go. Here are some pics from that:

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/evaxebra/sets/72157608838673418/

    So cool looking!

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  27. I knew something must have been going on! We were at Magic Kingdom and spotted some Dapperly dressed people. So bummed we didn't go to Hollywood Studios!

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  28. Yet again, Jen, you've taught me something! An intriguing activity that I wouldn't mind participating in some day. I love, love, LOVE the vintage dresses. And the idea of "cosplaying" Disney characters with non-costumes is awesome and so fun! Thanks for sharing.

    P.S. Mary Poppins was one of the few dolls I enjoyed as a child, so seeing the Dapper Mary made me squee!

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  29. I have to agree with the resounding heat concerns. I can't imagine dressing like that in any but the coldest times of the year, which are so rare at WDW, but even here in Georgia its a limited calendar. That one of the things that's kept me from DragonCon - what costume could I wear that wouldn't end in heatstroke!
    Oh, to live in a world where I could dress like that and not be a walking decorative fountain!

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  30. Oh Jen! I've been grading first draft research papers since Friday, and I have still about 15 to do tonight. Most of them are pretty wretched, even to misspelling the names of the people being researched, and with flagrant "who gives a flip" avoidance techniques like having only text on the first page and then stapling the correct number of blank pages to that page. Or having a bibliography with the correct number of sources on it . . . only it's the same source listed multiple times. Almost half of my students are essentially going to start over.

    I even dreamed of grading last night.

    So to have something fun and and pretty and light-hearted to look at is very sustaining, encouraging. emboldening. I feel like I might live to Wednesday after all.


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  31. *swoon!* I am not really that into vintage, but wow, this looks like so much fun! The people dressed up are so spot on. Why, oh why do I have to live so far away?! I'm just glad you get to experience all the fun stuff at Disney, and that you take pictures and share it with the rest of us who can't go there easily! Thanks!!!

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  32. This is so fantastic!! I might actually enjoy going to an amusement park like this. Since I don't ride rides (I'm a baby) it's usually me paying to get inside to pay to eat things that are bad for me (but delicious). But if there are photo shenanigans to be had, I'm there!

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  33. I think A LOT more of them were Disneybounding than you think :) Disneybounding is so much fun, I'm doing it once a week to school and the kids are having fun trying to decide who I am. Love your pictures, I wish I lived closer to DW!

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  34. I was at Dapper Day at Disneyland just a few weeks ago and it was my first time dressing for it. Sadly we were having a really hot few weeks (100 degrees) and had some actual humidity, which is rare in LA. Still so much fun. We did less riding of rides and spent more time on the "booze ride" than usual (the retro bar at Carthay Circle restaurant). It was also amazing to see so many Disney Bounders. There were a ton of Ariels, but my favorite was a group of villains who looked amazing--wish I'd been able to get a photo, but we always saw them from a distance.

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  35. I know one of these gals! The picture of the great dresses, especially the pink one with the two men in pink ties. The deep pink dress gal is the same lady as the mother in the Brave cosplay you featured on day one of your Dragon Con recaps - she's fantastic! :-D

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  36. I've never heard of Disney Bound, thanks for opening my eyes to it Jen! I was thinking of doing something similar for Halloween this year- not so much because I'm creative but because I hate wearing dresses. Going the Bound rout with something that's not too literal could be a nice way to combine costume with warmth- it's cold for Halloween in NY! Amy

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  37. Thank you for sharing this! Going to Disneyworld (or Disneyland) on a Dapper Day is now on my bucket list!

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  38. Jen do you have any more pics on flickr? I need more inspiration and a kick in the bootie to finish (start) my Disneybound dapper outfit. Since I live in the middle of the country, I've decided my Dapper Day is whatever day I get to go a park. DLR in October, who's in?!?

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  39. Jen, I just wanted to thank you for showcasing dapper folks of all shapes and sizes! It warms my big girl heart to see gals large, tiny, and everyone in-between getting some photo love on my favorite blog!

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  40. Wow! This is so neat! Looks like so much fun! I didn't know this existed. I love learning new things! My friends and I are totally going to the next one at Disneyland! Woo hoo!
    -Ally \^_^/

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  41. I was over at Magic Kingdom last Saturday while you were snapping these pictures at Hollywood Studios. (I'm just checking blogs and email now.) We saw people dressed in vintage clothes walking around there as well and just loved seeing them! Now I'm kind of sad that I didn't know you were going to be at Hollywood Studios that day and I could have found you!

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  42. Love all your pics! I've gone to several of Disneyland's Dapper Days - though I didn't make this last fall one (sniff) - and I definitely like the Spring day better because the weather is cooler, allowing for the wearing of coats and heavy vintage fabrics. You can find some of my collection of photos here:

    http://disneylandftw.tumblr.com/search/dapper+day

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