The Carnival May Be Over... But The Party Never (Really) Ends When You're A Kid...

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Dress: Chercher La Femme silk/cotton

Sandals: Bare Traps

Bag: Mascotte vinyl

Diamante Bracelets: Colette

Pink Faceted Bead Bracelets: Colette

Clear Faceted Bead Bracelet: Witchery

Pearl Bangle: Gift

Silver with Pink & Purple Crystal Hinged Clasp Bracelet: Swarovski

Ring: Pumpkin Patch

Hat: Vintage, 1960s (from Ipswich Antique Centre)

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The Carnival is over & it was great! 

Had the pleasure of attending a dear family friend's daughter's 8th birthday party & even a 43 degree scorcher of a day couldn't dampen spirits at the Carnival themed celebration. 

A event like this required a lightweight cotton dress that was cool enough for the heatwave conditions, comfortable enough to help out with party games & cute enough for the old-time carnival atmosphere & this little number from Chercher la Femme really fit the bill. In fact, it could be said that it even surpassed my expectations as the addition of silk into the cotton fabrication - a hydrangea pattern unique to the brand - meant that it hung beautifully, didn't cling & didn't crush. WINNING.

Sprightly spring accessories were then added in the form of a pair of flesh tone sandals with beaded t-bar strap embellishment, a flesh tone & mauve snakeskin embossed vinyl handbag,  a cute diamante bow ring & armfuls of eclectic bangles & bracelets. Grouping together jewellery items of different textures, colours, sizes & price-points works best from a visual interest perspective, helping to create that louche, well-travelled, "gypset" look that is consistently in fashion for spring/summer. 

One item was missing from the ensemble - a hat - & this "new" vintage acquisition, a straw 1960s modified fedora with white crochet band & straw "bow" detail (echoing the shape of the tiny diamante ring) was the perfect finishing touch, providing a stylish way for me to protect myself from the sun's biting rays. 

But about the carnival...

Festivities included a Balloon Pop Game, Balls in the Clown's Mouths, Lolly Toss, Guess How Many Mentos are in the Jar, Knock'em Down Cans, Duck Pond, Crazy Golf, Bean Bag Toss & the chance to get your picture taken with a ringmaster, clown & ferocious lion jumping through a flaming hoop... as well as chance to have your fill of popcorn, lollies, chips & birthday cake - cupcakes in a little carousel, no less, with tiny Polly Pocket riders!

Roll Up! Roll Up! (or, in this case, scroll down) to see some party pictures...

As I said, the Carnival may be over, but the party never really ends when you're a kid & the summer holidays are on the horizon...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLIVIA KAREN!

May the year ahead be filled with as much fun, magic & wonder as you'd find 

at any great carnival! 

(Keep scrolling for a little peek at what we gave the Birthday Girl.)