Just as a wee bit of a warning, there is the possibility of naked-people-bits in the following photos. I didn't comb through to check but I know there were a few naked folks wandering around, just in case I caught one and didn't notice. And if you happen to have your kiddos around and don't yet feel like explaining why that man is wearing a dress and heels.... here's the time to not scroll down. Everybody else... read on!
Leather jacket - Danier Leather
Flower Necklace - Gift from boyfriend, purchased from Lisa Burkin on Etsy
Dress - Purchased from Carbon Copy on Etsy
Tights - Sears
Shoes - Walmart
Yeah, I'm classy in my Wally World sneakers. But they're comfy and were just $20 so I'm not about to complain, right? And I am giggling in this photo because... I had a friend to photograph me, yay! It feels slightly awkward asking someone to take my outfit photos (primarily because most folks think it's weird) but I wish I had a photographer more often.
What's even better is when the person taking your photo is down for having theirs taken too! Above is my wonderful friend Tina. You may note her super awesome rainbow coat. It was a birthday present from me earlier in the year and man, compliments flying right and left over this coat. I know how to pick a gift, eh?
Clearly we used the parade as a great excuse to get dressed up, and we weren't the only ones. Tina spotted this next lovely lady wearing a fantastic dress and I had to go up and ask to snap some photos. I of course forgot to ask her name... But she was more than happy to have her photo taken. I know from experience how nice it is to know other people like your outfit enough to say so in person. I asked where she got the dress and... vintage second hand. Once again proving that old/used clothes are ah-mazing.
The Pride Parade is always a great place to see some killer shoes. Drag Queens in particular are the, ahem, Queens of Killer Shoes. And I have to give props to anybody who looks better in a mini-skirt and heels than I do, and can walk over a kilometer in their stiletto platforms on top of things. Case in point...
It was so great seeing everybody there. I had a grin plastered to my face the whole time. (Okay, maybe I teared up a little when the NDP came by and had Jack Layton signs.) The public library, the transit company, the emergency services... the whole community was showing their support and you could feel the love. We did have to deal with some crazy hurricane-leftover winds but that didn't stop everyone having a great time. See for yourselves...
There was a little boy marching along with the NDP group, holding his own little Jack Layton sign. I've never been one to really feel emotionally touched by the passing of a political figure or celebrity, but the loss of Jack Layton is one I felt as well. I felt the strong love for him here.
Of course, it's not a Pride Parade without pushing the boundaries a little, going slightly beyond tame. The kink community is always happy to come out and show their colours... err, or their reigns?
I hope you all enjoyed those photos. I know I had a great time at the parade. I mean, how can you not be in a good mood when you are dressed up like a rainbow, surrounded by happy colourful people? Impossible! I hope you all had a good weekend too. Cheers!
