May 1, 2017

Space Opera














 Not long ago, in a city far far away, I wore my new galaxy inspired tulle skirt to frolic around the most beautiful Palais Garnier opera house. Probably one of my favorite buildings in the world, the angsty Phantom of the Opera obsessed young teen version of me would have died to have stood outside. This was my third or fourth visit to the facade, and what a grand facade it is too!

You can go inside too of course, which I did on my last visit to Paris in the summer of 2012. I would have liked to have toured the glorious staircases and hall of mirrors like grand foyer again, but it wasn't to be in our packed schedule this trip. We arrived in Paris at around 4pm last Sunday (the 23rd), and after settling into our airbnb we headed over to see the opera house and visit the Galleries Lafayette flagship store on Rue Haussmann. As usual, I was a bit out of place in my huge ballerina worthy skirt, especially since extra tourists were crowded around a small marching band that had installed itself on the front steps. The marching band was rather loud and distracting actually, but one cant plan these things you know.

Still, even with hundreds of people milling around we still managed to get some great photos of the finished galaxy tulle skirt! I wore it over my black Malco Modes petticoat and black cotton sateen circle skirt for maximum volume. I wasn't quite sure what to pair with the skirt so I ended up wearing a lace top over my black Rago longline bra. A pair of dangling earrings in faux red jasper and brushed gold and my trusty black Marilyn's from Royal Vintage Shoes finished the look.

After prancing around the opera house we headed inside the beautiful 1912 Art Nouveau Galleries Lafayette department store with it's glorious stained glass dome and pretty floral balconies. I had wanted to get to the top terrace and take in the view of Paris from the roof, but unfortunately it was already closed for the evening so we ended up doing a bit of souvenir shopping in the kitschy touristy department instead. I had a pretty strict budget on this trip (have I mentioned I quit my job in Feburary?...well yeah, I did) but I did want to take the opportunity to pick up some new berets in Paris. I love beret hats and I always have a hard time finding certain colors here in the states, but I knew that since they are such common tourist souvenirs in Paris I would have no trouble finding any color I should like! They are super inexpensive at all of the cheapy souvenir stands all around town, but at the luxurious Galleries Lafayette they have nice 100% wool versions and fine linen blend options! So I picked up both an ivory wool and a flecked sage linen beret for the combined price of 12 touristy souvenir berets. I was definitely helped along to buy the light green linen one because I knew it would go so well with my new Lillian two tone shoes from Royal Vintage Shoes when they arrive in June ;) They will be my nicer berets, but I did end up with...umm...five more berets of the 3 for 10 euro touristy variety. The berets were my planned purchases though, it was the unplanned ones that put me way over budget, but more on those later!

I still want to write one last post about finishing up the galaxy skirt and lessons learned making it. It sure is fun to wear, and I felt a bit Carrie Bradshaw wearing it (in the best way). I'm sure you will see it again in the future! If only I had more occasions to wear such a thing! Perhaps I should make a silk  corset/ballet inspired bodice to wear with it in the future?

Skirt: Made by me
Top & Earrings: Old Navy
Longline Bra: Rago
Fishnets: Amazon
Shoes: Royal Vintage Shoes
Petticoat: Malco Modes

30 comments:

  1. That skirt is a true masterpiece - a real tribute to your artistic ability and skills as a seamstress. It is just as well you took it with you to the artistic capital of the world where I'm sure it received many admiring glances from Parisians! I too was obsessed with POTO as a teen - and that still hasn't changed hehe. I am just a tad jealous but pleased none the less to see this incredible building in real life and as the backdrop to your blog photos. I must say you are very ballsy to take blog photos in such a busy spot - I wouldn't dare, but I'm so glad that you did! I've really enjoyed your IG stories of your wonderful adventure and can't wait for more blog posts about it :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Harlow! I actually find it quite easy to ignore onlookers for some reason, another tourist even took my photo at one point which was pretty funny! I always just figure none of these people know who I am or ever will, so I might as well get some photos ;) Many more posts coming up soon <3

      Delete
  2. The skirt is galatically impressive, you worked so hard on it, and it deserved photos in a special place. It's a beauty. Glad you picked up a few wearable souvenirs (the best kind). Looking forward to more photos and stories from your trip x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Porcelina! I have a ton more photos coming soon :)

      Delete
  3. Wow! You have done a splendid job of the embellishment on this skirt! I am absolutely in awe of its finished result!! Well done!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Beautiful photos, and what an outfit for the location - just lovely. As always. Kx

    ReplyDelete
  5. The skirt came out fantastic! I absolutely love it!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Fab skirt and perfect location for wearing it! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW! Gorgeous couture! Your painting turned out beautifully!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Liz! I was relieved when the painting technique worked ;)

      Delete
  8. Wow. O_O
    Just... wow. This skirt, and the rest of the outfit, and this gorgeous location - all of it is absolutely stunning.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jessica! I have to say your excellent editorial worthy photos have been encouraging me to try and up my game <3

      Delete
  9. I love how it turned out- and that was the perfect place for outfit photos too!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow, this is really stunning! It's great that you used so many different motives on the skirt and it still all ties together beautifully. Chapeau :-)

    ReplyDelete
  11. The skirt had turned out brilliantly and I can see why you were having a Carrie moment. The Palais Garnier is on my list to go inside and explore. I've only ever seen it from the outside in real life but I studied it in my Art History course and it looks amazing! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Cate! It is indeed totally amazing inside, I wish I could have scheduled in another visit, but it will have to wait for next time!

      Delete
  12. You did a stunning job!!! And gorgeous photos!

    xoxo
    -Janey

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love that skirt. The oblong panels really make it look midcentury.

    Paris is ace, isn't it? I've never been to the Palais Garnier, though. Perhaps I should fit it in!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Mim! Paris is beautiful, and I love visiting, but London still holds my heart ;)

      Delete
  14. It looks super! Your skirt is just stunning. Definitely worth the work. I love the background you have chosen, they go so well.

    ReplyDelete
  15. My most sincere compliments about the total construction of the skirt. It is made the way the Haute couture garments are made, a plain fabric which is manipulated through painting, beading, embroidery etc until we have the desired effect -and then, we costruct the garment sur mesure. One of a kind skirt, nobody else has another one like it, wonderful.
    This is the great advantage of making your own clothes, you can do excactly what you dreamed of. ☺

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...