Sunday was my second time walking with the Beaches Library in the 72nd Opening of the Beaches parade. While our Florida beaches are open year-round, this event marks the start of warm sunny days and is a fun way to kick off beach season!

I was really excited about making a new beach inspired costume and worked my idea around a pair of blue wings that made me think of water swirling around me when moved. I tore apart a sparkly dress to make a long skirt and top, and added shells and little sea creatures. I bought a pack of 52 off Amazon and they really came in handy! My son got to play with all the extra ones I didn’t use.

I woke up Sunday excited and prepared! Or so I thought! As I was getting ready I realized I didn’t have any shoes that went with the outfit. So I pulled a few scraps of fabric out the trash, gathered the remaining decorations and quickly hot glued everything to an old pair of house shoes. Viola!

We had a great group of cosplayers walking with us highlighting various fandoms from Hello Kitty to Star Wars. I always forget to get good group pics when I’m dressed up, so I had to swipe this one off Facebook-

It’s not a really long parade and the ocean breeze helps keep you cool, but it was definitely hot and sunny! I got quite an arm workout from whirling those wings around too. I was feeling it afterwards, but at least my feet were really comfy in my custom slippers. Great time, great crowd, looking forward to next year when maybe my mom can join me with her silver wings!