Even though we’re *technically* adults now, we’re always down for an awesome adventure at one of the magical Disney Parks (especially since Disney World got a whole lot boozier last year too, so… yeah). But while Walt Disney himself originally said that Disneyland is supposed to be a place both kiddos and adults can enjoy equally, there’s still one rule that keeps us grown ups from truly embracing our inner child. According to the Disney website, guests over 14 years old are not allowed to wear costumes at any of the Disney Parks.
We totally understand why Disney officials would create a rule like this (nobody wants their child going up to a total stranger dressed as Tinkerbell and thinking she’s their favorite character IRL), but it’s still a big bummer for those looking to showcase their creativity and broadcast their Disney spirit during a magical vacation. To sneak around this unfortunate rule while respecting its intent, a bunch of extremely creative Disney fans decided to create a phenomenon they called Disneybounding — AKA using normal clothes and accessories from your closet to give the impression of a character without going into full cosplay mode. Because we loved the idea so much, we decided to showcase some of the best recent Disneybounds we could find on Instagram.
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1. Belle: Using simply a denim dress and a long-sleeve white tee, a young Disney fan completely transforms into this beloved Disney character just in time for the live-action version of Beauty and the Beast.
2. Minnie Mouse: A pair of gorgeous kicks, an iconic polka-dot dress, and matching Minnie ears make this Disneybound as sweet as can be.
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3. Perdita and Pongo: The classic 101 Dalmatians gets a Disney Parks upgrade with these two stunning ladies rocking some killer polka dots and matching collars… er, we mean chokers.
4. Gus-Gus: A yellow turtleneck and a sweet teal headband transforms this stylish chick into our favorite Disney mouse. We agree, Brynne: Gus was totally the real hero of Cinderella.
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5. Mad Hatter: We’re mad for this adorable Alice in Wonderland Disneybound from Briana. Seriously, can we wear this colorful #OOTD every day of the week please?!
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6. Gaston and Lefou: This gender-bending Disneybound of Beauty and the Beast characters is definitely one of the best we’ve seen all week. (Eating five dozen eggs before you leave for the parks is encouraged but not required.)
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7. Ellie: If you haven’t already fallen head over heels for this sweet Up character, maybe an adorable Disneybound will change your mind. Plus, we love that this look is super-simple to create with the clothes that you already have in your closet.
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8. The Beast: This outfit is so stylin’ that it*actually* makes us want to burst out into song (“Tale As Old As Time,” obviously) and re-watch the live-action version of Beauty and the Beast in theaters. You go, girl!
Would you consider Disneybounding on your next magical vacation? Tweet us by mentioning @BritandCo.
(Featured photo via @Brianamatopoeia)
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.