Each year, the Aloha Stadium hosts a state fair on Oahu that boasts of carnival rides, interesting shows and enjoyable carnival food. This year happened to be the 50th anniversary of the fair, and many local photographers set out to capture the excitement and nostalgia. Hailey Faria, of Hailey Faria Photography and I put our heads together to dream up a vintage circus act starring two of the most adorable children!

I found this adorable swimsuit romper on Pinterest and traced it back to the Stella McCartney Kids Collection. I loved the stripes, the trapeze-atrist feel of the cape, the front ruching detail and the vintage appeal of the romper shape. Hailey agreed and I got to creating! I used the Adelaide Romper by Peekaboo Pattern Shop as a base for the romper. A few changes like omitting the front bodice collar and creating a sweetheart shape, lengthening the bodice to allow for ruching, shortening the shorts and using elastic casings for the legs in place of the hem band, emulated the look from the pinsperation romper. A black stripe on cream background taffeta kept the bubble shape well and looked great with the taupe piping around the edges of the bodice.

For the boy’s shirt, I used the Offbeat Oxford pattern by Terra’s Treasures. I loved the curved button placket in the front, the perfect shape and fit for a young boy, and the ease in construction. I had never made a boy’s shirt before, especially an oxford style so I was a bit intimidated. But, with the helpful photos and clear directions from the pattern, it sewed up in a breeze! Hailey picked out this really neat duponi silk with a gorgeous tungsten color and  rich slubs that brought lots of texture and a rustic feel. I used some great metal buttons found at our local fabric mart along the curved placket. She paired the top with some great loose fit jeans, some boat shoes, and thin striped suspenders.

Together, they became the perfect trapeze artist and assistant, enjoying the fair in the still, quiet, after-hours. Hailey did an amazing job of capturing these custom made outfits on her models, I am so smitten with each photo she took!