A few Halloween’s ago, at the school I work at as a Special Education Instructional Assistant for LAUSD, I got to live out my fantasy of dressing like the fairy Violet from Louisa May Alcott’s short story “The Power of Love”. Clad in a handmade tulle skirt, floral leggings, fairy wings, and a tiara I danced a happy fairy dance with my coworker (who was also dressed like a fairy) on the playground in front of the whole school. What made the costume so memorable was the how the color scheme showcased various shades of purple.

In addition to being one of my favorite colors, purple is also quite significant for me, because it’s the color for lupus awareness, and I was diagnosed with SLE lupus in 2008. After seeing the lovely lavender light purple puff sleeved ballet-inspired dress on the simpleretro.com website https://www.simpleretro.com I knew it was going on my wish list.

Slightly 1930s, I love that the subtle design and longer hemline make it a perfect garden party or afternoon tea frock especially if paired with a pretty hat, bag, and ballet flats.