Gasparilla

Some of you may be familiar with the Gasparilla parade on Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa and some of you may know it all too well. Personally, I have only been one other time and all I can say is that it is an experience. If you live in South Tampa, you're probably sick of it by now. If you're in college, you probably love it. It's fun to hang out with your friends and get free things thrown at you, and the people watching is the best.

We started our day at about 8 am and headed to Bijan's house in South Tampa close to the parade action. Growing up here has given him a lot of experience with Gasparilla and it was great to have a home base! Our friends had never been to the parade before so they were determined to see what it was all about. Other friends brought a cooler with refreshments and it was still early by the time everyone met up, so we headed to Sally O'Neil's for some good quality pizza. Bijan and I had been there before for lunch but today was a different kind of business day for them with all the festivities going on. They had three types of pizza - cheese, pepperoni, and supreme. Most was already prepared and ready to order. The sauce was on point but they might have rushed it on the dough that day. However, if you're in South Tampa and you get a chance to go, they have great pizzas!

The parade itself was fun, but unless you're in front, you don't get a ton of beads. There were a lot of people getting wild and my friend got punched in the arm by a drunk and unruly porta potty girl. After the parade we sat on the lawn and watched people go by. Eventually people start making their way to Howard to go to the bars and such. That's basically Gasparilla.

We went home to get some Moe's and grabbed coffee at Felicitous. Deciding to keep with the pirate theme, we decided to finish the day by watching Pirates of the Caribbean.

So as far as the clothes for Gasparilla, I wanted to look cute but not reveal everything, (also, it's chilly there in the morning and evening). So I picked one area to show (midriff ) and wore a comfy sweater over it. It worked for me and it was cute and not too cold and I didn't feel too exposed. The sweater was an open knit so it had a pirate net vibe and was cool enough in the sun and warm enough in the shade. Boots are a must. I wouldn't recommend sandals just cause it gets a bit gross along the route. Plus, boots are piratey! Hope you like the look!

L

What I'm wearing:
Sweater: Don't Ask Why (I'm showing lots of love to this brand lately)
Crop Top and Leggings: American Eagle Outfitters
Boots: Charlotte Russe