Today let's look at some photos from the Diagon Alley Preview Red Carpet event (my outfit here)!  Sadly I didn't get good pictures of everyone there but I at least got (in order) Bonnie Wright, Matthew Lewis, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Evanna Lynch, Helena Bonham Carter and Warwick Davis! We missed Tom Felton, Domhnall Gleeson and Robbie Coltrane. But we caught up with Tom and Dom later so it's okay! And, as per usual I had to get a picture with my buddy Matt Lewis.


You can watch our interviews in the video below, I only asked one question for our group but thought of a few of the others we asked. I hate the sound of my voice on camera, ha ha.


Also, one of my friends screenshotted my hug with Matt that is in Universal's official recap video (at 1:33).  We both made the goofiest faces...haha.

This outfit was from the most magical evening of my life!  The Wednesday of our trip there was a red carpet event followed by a "reception" in the new Diagon Alley park at Universal.  I say reception, but it was more like WELCOME, GO HAVE FUN!  Sadly we weren't allowed to take our cameras into the event so all my outfit photos are from iPhones.  We were inside the park from around 9pm until almost 1am and didn't want to leave!

We got to go into Gringotts Bank (and almost rode the new ride, but it was having technical difficulties) and then we rode the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade (the other Harry Potter park at Universal) and back again!

Dress: Carven (Yoox), Sandals: Manolo Blahnik (Roundabout Resale)


Standing in heels for over 7 hours was probably not the best idea, so I took off my shoes right at the end of the night because I could barely walk.  So I get to say I walked on the cobblestone/brick floors of Diagon Alley!  The ground was probably as clean as it will ever be since thousands of people haven't tramped through it.

My other vacation outfits: Diagon Alley by Night | Hot Rod | Floral in Florida |  The Happiest Place on Earth

This is one of my must-wear outfits in the Summer. It's super comfortable and airy, keeping my nice and cool! And, funnily enough, both pieces are handmade! My Grandmother made the knit top for my Mom years ago. And my Mom made the skirt for me a few years ago!

Here's another view of the hotel I stayed at. It's a bunch of different buildings with pools in between. Pretty cool, right?!

Top: Made by Grandma, Skirt: Made by Mom, Sandals: Target, Necklace: Bubu Ruby, Watch: Skagen (Rue La La), Rings: vintage, Brilliant Imports & Mom's, Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Shopbop)

Universal put us up at their brand new Cabana Bay Beach Resort during our time at the theme parks.  The hotel is brand new and has a really fun old-timey theme, hence the old cars parked outside the lobby!  The hotel is really fun, they play old cartoons in the diner inside the hotel and they have a bunch of pools and a lazy river! Sadly I didn't have time to go in the pool because we were so busy. BUT on Thursday night there was a Grand Opening party for special guests and we got to see THE BEACH BOYS!!! Can you say amazing?!  Universal certainly knows how to make sure you have a good time! I wore this outfit for our VIP tour of the Universal parks. 

(for those that are wondering I was covering the event for my Harry Potter and Matthew Lewis fan sites.)

Top: Equipment c/o Marshalls, Shorts: Zara, Sandals: Malu c/o Marshalls, Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Saks Friends & Family Sale), Necklace: Bubu Ruby, Watch: Skagen (Rue La La), Rings: vintage, Brilliant Imports & Mom's, Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Shopbop)

A quick pause from vacation outfits and photos for a French Wardrobe Challenge update!

I knocked out 2 of my five items this month during Net-a-Porter's End of Season Sale. I bought a Carven skirt I've had my eye on and the Ancient Greek Sandals that have been in my wishlist for months.  I can't wait to wear the skirt and have already worn the sandals a bunch of times. So far I'm really happy with each of my items, except the Alberto Makali set, guess that will teach me to not impulse buy.  Anyone want to buy them off me? ;)

I also bought a bunch of items for a collaboration I'm doing with ThredUp, but they haven't arrived yet so I'll update the post with a photo of those pieces when I get them.



THE RULES

1. Just five standout pieces per season.
2. Quality over quantity.
3. Basics don’t count.
4. Accessories don’t count, unless you’re spending a lot more than usual.
5. Socks and underwear don’t count.
6. Shoes do count.

MY PROGRESS

Part of my Five:

• Carven Paris Map Print Dress via Yoox 
• Alberto Makali skirt & vest set via Village Vogue Boutique  
• *NEW* Carven Printed Skirt via Net-a-Porter End of Season Sale
• *NEW* Ancient Greek Sandals 'Astrapi' via Net-a-Porter [used H&R Block Emerald Card I won]

Basics: 

• Teal Keds Sneakers via DSW
• Current/Elliott ankle skinny jeans via The Outnet
• 3.1 Phillip Lim 'Peggy' ankle boots via Barneys Warhouse (Memorial Day Sale)

Accessories:

• Indulgems necklace via Gilt
• House of Harlow"Multi Arrowhead Necklace" via South Moon Under Trunk Show
• House of Harlow "Blue Stingray Station Necklace" c/o South Moon Under
• House of Harlow "Tribal Locket Necklace" [won from South Moon Under]   
• House of Harlow "Engraved Orb Pendant Necklace" [won from South Moon Under] 
• Bubu Ruby  Lightening bolt necklace 
• Bubu Ruby  Amethyst necklace

Exempt:  Not counting any items I got from brands or bought for Marshalls Project FAB (bought with a gift card)

• Mother Denim 'The Rascal' Crop Jean in white [Marshalls]
• Equipment 'Mina Tie Front' Blouse in dark grey [Marshalls]
• Solitare Top in navy [Marshalls]
• Etienne Aigner Sunglasses [Marshalls]
• rag & bone boyfriend shorts [Marshalls]
• Malu sandals [Marshalls]
• Cloth & Stone chambray bomber jacket  [Marshalls]
• Mother Denim 'The Looker' crop jean in True Hollywood Lies [Marshalls]
• *NEW* MICHAEL Michael Kors Blouse [ThredUp]
• *NEW* Marc by Marc Jacobs Tank Top  [ThredUp]
• *NEW* Elementz Dress  [ThredUp]
• *NEW* Sam Edelman Sandals  [ThredUp]
• *NEW* Studio 1 Blouse  [ThredUp]
• *NEW* Free People Top   [ThredUp]