Balloon Sleeves

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Spring is right around the corner! After a super eventful winter abroad, I am certainly ready to welcome spring. A few of my friends pointed out that they missed seeing me in dresses (hey, it was below freezing in Iceland - not exactly dress weather!), and I couldn't wait to slip into some of my new favorites now that I am back in Los Angeles. One of those favorites happens to be this embroidered dress with balloon sleeves that screams "spring!" Most of you already are aware of my obsession and love for royal history. If you follow me on social media, you'd know that lately I have been obsessed with Victoria on PBS (it aired on ITV abroad just before Christmas). I finished the whole season in two days, and I was absolutely in love with the costumes (Queen Victoria's plaid dress is my favorite!). I tweeted that I would be on the hunt for my own royal inspired dress, and I found it! I had actually first eyed this dress back while we were in Paris before I had even started the show, so it was already a dress I genuinely loved. [gallery link="none" columns="2" size="full" ids="10904,10908"] [gallery link="none" columns="2" size="full" ids="10903,10912"] Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella of The A List blog wearing Rebecca Taylor La Vie Blanche Fleur Dress [gallery link="none" columns="2" size="full" ids="10922,10915"] Balloon sleeves were very popular in the Victorian era, which is prominent in all of Victoria's costumes. I am so happy to see that balloon sleeves have actually come back in style over the past year (I wore a balloon sleeve shirt back in Seville). They're dramatic but still feminine, and for me they add a touch of history to modern day. Needless to say, I will be wearing this dress a lot this spring and summer as it certainly brings out my inner princess. [gallery link="none" columns="2" size="full" ids="10927,10909"] Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella of The A List blog wearing Rebecca Taylor La Vie Blanche Fleur Dress [gallery link="none" columns="2" size="full" ids="10926,10925"] [gallery link="none" columns="2" size="full" ids="10905,10916"] Side note: For those who are interested in learning more how Victoria became Queen Victoria (it's truly such a fascinating story as there was someone else in line to the throne before her), I highly recommend reading the book Becoming Victoria. This is one of my favorite books for a reason! It dives into a part of history before Victoria that I wasn't aware of that paved the way for her to become Queen. [gallery link="none" columns="2" size="full" ids="10924,10923"] [gallery link="none" columns="2" size="full" ids="10918,10917"] Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella of The A List blog wearing Rebecca Taylor La Vie Blanche Fleur Dress

Rebecca Taylor dress (also available here), Alice & Olivia heels c/o (similar here and here), Gucci bag, Sisley Paris Perfume 1

Photos by Felicia Lasala.

Spring is right around the corner! After a super eventful winter abroad, I am certainly ready to welcome spring. A few of my friends pointed out that they missed seeing me in dresses (hey, it was below freezing in Iceland – not exactly dress weather!), and I couldn’t wait to slip into some of my new favorites now that I am back in Los Angeles. One of those favorites happens to be this embroidered dress with balloon sleeves that screams “spring!”

Most of you already are aware of my obsession and love for royal history. If you follow me on social media, you’d know that lately I have been obsessed with Victoria on PBS (it aired on ITV abroad just before Christmas). I finished the whole season in two days, and I was absolutely in love with the costumes (Queen Victoria’s plaid dress is my favorite!). I tweeted that I would be on the hunt for my own royal inspired dress, and I found it! I had actually first eyed this dress back while we were in Paris before I had even started the show, so it was already a dress I genuinely loved.

Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella of The A List blog wearing Rebecca Taylor La Vie Blanche Fleur Dress

Balloon sleeves were very popular in the Victorian era, which is prominent in all of Victoria’s costumes. I am so happy to see that balloon sleeves have actually come back in style over the past year (I wore a balloon sleeve shirt back in Seville). They’re dramatic but still feminine, and for me they add a touch of history to modern day. Needless to say, I will be wearing this dress a lot this spring and summer as it certainly brings out my inner princess.

Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella of The A List blog wearing Rebecca Taylor La Vie Blanche Fleur Dress

Side note: For those who are interested in learning more how Victoria became Queen Victoria (it’s truly such a fascinating story as there was someone else in line to the throne before her), I highly recommend reading the book Becoming Victoria. This is one of my favorite books for a reason! It dives into a part of history before Victoria that I wasn’t aware of that paved the way for her to become Queen.

Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella of The A List blog wearing Rebecca Taylor La Vie Blanche Fleur Dress

Rebecca Taylor dress (also available here), Alice & Olivia heels c/o (similar here and here), Gucci bag, Sisley Paris Perfume 1

Photos by Felicia Lasala.

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Comments

  1. Sharon

    Great dress, and thank you for the tip on Becoming Victoria. Now on my list when I finish reading my book, Napoleon Bonaparte…sadly the Royals are all gone.

    • The A List

      Thank you, Sharon! I hope you enjoy the book! It’s one of my absolute favorites 🙂

  2. Hope

    I love book recommendations! I’m also a history major, so Becoming Queen Victoria is right up my alley. I just ordered it on amazon!

    • The A List

      I love hearing that Hope! I have been so tempted to go back to college to major in history (I went to acting school and then culinary school during my college years), and you’re making me really want to go ahead and do it!

      I can’t wait to hear how you like the book!

      • Hope

        I think it’s a certain personality type that has this history/arts combination of interests! I totally relate! I love keeping a balance of academic stimulation and artistic release in life (I’m a professional hairstylist as well). I’d encourage you to take some classes, if you have the time – anthropology is fascinating too!

  3. Ashley Goyette Mercer

    Thank you for suggesting Becoming queen Victoria! I am also a history girl when it comes to the royals! I am half way through the book and can’t put it down! Do you have any other good royal reads?

    Ps I love the dress! Certainly does remind me of the fashion on PBS’s Victoria

    Ashley

    • The A List

      Hi Ashley! I am so glad you are loving the book! I have so many other royal books to recommend – it depends what kind/era you’re interested in!

      • Ashley

        I love the Tudor era! Henry VIII’s story is very interesting to me! I actually found your blog because I discovered showtimes the Tudor very late in the game! I started following the cast on social media and found your engagement announcement!

        Any good Tudor books?

        Ashley

  4. Hope

    I just finished Becoming Victoria, and LOVED it! Any other recommendations for history buffs?