Today’s I’m twinning with my good friend Stephanie Mann, a super creative bounder, crafter, performer and more. As Liz and I portrayed brothers, Stephanie and I decided to do sisters: Nani and Lilo from Lilo & Stitch.
About the Look
Someone asked me once, which Disney character most represented me. Ariel is my favorite princess, and Tinker Bell is my aesthetic, and I relate to Emma Swan on a spiritual level. But representation is different. Not just “I see myself in the character” but “I see myself represented in this character.” That’s Nani.
Nani, like me, is an older sister. Like me, Nani became her kid sister’s guardian after their parents died. She, like me, has a few different jobs that aren’t particularly fulfilling but provide a steady income and some stability for her family. Like me, Nani is tired a lot, and holds a lot of anger at an unfair world, and does not in any way have it even close to all together. But Nani is doing her best. Just like me.
My kid brothers, and my older daughter, are grown. But Nani is still the character that most represents me. My younger daughter is a teen now, but she reminds me a lot of Lilo, and it’s just us, like it’s just them. This is my family. It’s little, and broken, but still good.
About My Look
Stephanie had this wonderful dress for a Dapper Day Disneybound so I set out to put together a Dapper!Nani. Her basic outfit is jean shorts and t-shirt so I decided to stick with that, but in a 1940s style: high-waisted shorts with multiple buttons and blouse with a sailor collar and bow.
I already owned the shorts (worn earlier for my Rose Dewitt Bukater look), and the shoes (purchased last year as part of my Ciel Phantomhive look). In another moment of kismet I found the perfect blouse on Poshmark and added the sequin heart (purchased at JoAnn Fabrics) to reference Nani’s t-shirt. I chose the mask as a nod to Hawaii’s waves and Nani’s surfing and I have a collection of fabric flower crowns.
Stephanie’s look includes:
- Dress – Hearts & Roses, purchased from Zulily ($10)
- Petticoat: Tatyana, purchased on sale
- Cardigan: Purchased from Modern Millie
- Hair clip: Received free with a Poshmark purchase
- Beaded bracelets: Purple – purchased from a Sample Sale, Yellow – purchased from an artisan
- Mermaid Socks: Target
- Stitch: Purchased a few years ago on a Disney trip
- Scrump: Received as a gift.
- Makeup: Lips and Cheeks – Besame Cosmetics; Eyes – Purchased from CVS