BLACKTOP BALLERINA

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T.D.D. STYLE FILES | Inspired By The Ballerina Project

Sometimes being kidults (we are not quite ready to let go of being a kid, even though I suppose technically we are considered adults these days) can leave us feeling lackluster and gasping for inspiration while lost in the daily grind of grown-up life – work, eat, sleep, repeat. This is why we are so grateful for gems like the Ballerina Project, sources of creative stimulation, endless beauty, and motivation for the soul. If you are not familiar with this stunning photography project by photographer Dane Shitagi, take a look and fall in love with the incredible images just as we have over the years. 

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LOOK No. 1 «« Blacktop Ballerina »»

This outfit and parking lot adventure was inspired by the Ballerina Project. While we are not ballerinas, our aim was to highlight a little bit of the grace and poise from ballet culture, mixed with an urban flare – Converse and sporty Under Armour jacket – and all set against a concrete city backdrop (in west Los Angeles this meant a parking structure). While we cannot match the exquisiteness of the professional dancers featured in the Ballerina Project, this is our homage to them and the beauty they share with the world.

So the next time you come across unexpected inspiration, take a look in your closet through a new lens and see what you can create. Here we found a new way to use old ribbons (saved from an old birthday gift packaging) and played with the ballerina bun hairstyle by adding piecey volume and crossover braids. The lightweight, flowy dress has the silhouette of a leotard and ballerina skirt and we layered it over a baby pink lace bralette. And while we fell in love with the image of crisscrossed ribbons paired with heels for the traditional ballerina reference, we couldn't suppress the tomboy completely and also had to indulge in a more casual take on the look with folded hi-top Converse.

IN THIS LOOK
Dress | Brandy Melville | Similar Item (*Original item no longer available)
Bralette | Aerie | Similar Item (*Original item no longer available)
Jacket | Under Armour | Similar UA Jacket (*Original item no longer available)
Heels | Vintage | Similar Style (*Original style no longer available; ballerina inspired similar style)
Sneakers | Converse | Chuck Taylor Hi Tops (*Original color hard to find, but you can customize your hi tops to your liking)
Necklace | Ariella Collection for Nordstrom | Similar Item (*Original item no longer available)
Rings | Madewell | Similar Item (*Original item no longer available) 
Phone | Apple | iPhone 5s

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