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DisneyBound: Dress Disney and Make It Fashion

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"What would Rapunzel wear if she was a real girl?" This is the question that launched author and influencer Leslie Kay's first look on her DisneyBound blog. Within days of sharing the look to her 300+ social media followers, she began getting more and more requests for Disney-inspired looks. Her blog grew to over 30,000 followers within three weeks, and eight years later, her community of Disny-bounders is now over half a million strong.




This book walks readers through every step of the Disney-bounding process, from choosing the outfit using items in your closet or from the local mall, to pushing Bounders beyond their comfort zone, to spreading good vibes. It also shows Disney fans and beyond that Disney-bounding is not just about playing dress up?it's about community, about finding who you are, and expressing it through the intersection of Disney and fashion




At the end of this book, readers will be left feeling inspired, empowered and ready to start a new Disney-bounding fashion adventure!

176 pages, Paperback

Published April 14, 2020

7 people are currently reading
95 people want to read

About the author

Leslie Kay

10 books

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5 stars
43 (44%)
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31 (31%)
3 stars
21 (21%)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Andrew.
2,360 reviews72 followers
July 18, 2021
You wanna do cosplay but have a tight budget?
Do you enjoy Disney?
Want to express yourself through characters...
Broken down through accessories, international bounders, the community, amping up your looks, personalized styling, tips and the future.

A fun, photo-filled, creative expression journey of Disney fandom!
Profile Image for Amber Hathaway.
Author 9 books22 followers
March 14, 2021
Disneybound by Leslie Kay is the perfect guide for anyone interested in Disneybounding.

If you're not familiar with Disneybounding, it's essentially a casual version of cosplay. Bounders use everyday clothing items to create outfits reminiscent of Disney characters through techniques like color blocking and clever accessory choices.

The book is easy to follow and provides copious example outfits. It includes looks for a number of the major Disney characters, such as Mickey and Minnie, many of the Disney princesses, and my personal fave, Alice in Wonderland. There are also suggestions for creating bounds based on Disney rides and even Disney food.

My favorite aspect of this book is the outpouring of positivity. The book is chock full of encouragement. Kay frequently reminds readers that there is no one way to Disneybound, that having fun is what's key, and similar sentiments. It's warm and welcoming, just like my experiences with the Disneybounding community.

I will say, that while every outfit in this book looks incredible, the heavy reliance on niche accessories makes them less attainable. I love Disneybounding, but as a person on a budget, I only have a handful of Disney-related accessories. If you're in a similar situation, don't let this stop you from trying out Disneybounding. Color blocking will get you a long way, and at the end of the day, it's about expressing your creativity and having fun.

If you're curious about Disneybounding and want to learn more, I'd highly recommend this book.

#book #books #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #booksofig #booksofinsta #bookreview #disneybound #disneybounding #disney #lesliekay
Profile Image for Karen.
359 reviews
April 12, 2022
I’m a huge Disney fan and decided to read this book whilst struggling with Covid.

Leslie Kay offers some great insights into Disney ‘bounding’ whether you are a novice, a pro or someone who simply likes to watch from the sidelines.

The only downside of this book is that it was a little repetitive, hence my 3 star rather than 4 star rating. But what I really applaud is Kay’s words of encouragement and positivity irrelevant of your age, size or ethnic background. In this horrible world of body shaming, it was refreshing to read.
Profile Image for Risa.
118 reviews
May 15, 2020
The perfect way to help with the Disney withdrawals! Between the illustrations and the photos, it’s a great book for both Disneybound veterans and those new to Disneybounding to find inspiration and dig into their own closets to find some Disney Magic! Also love the diversity of folks featured!
Profile Image for Elsa .
92 reviews3 followers
April 25, 2021
This book is full of tips and advices and is really helpful if you’re new to the disneybounding world. For me, it was more about reading a book that celebrates something that i cherish
Profile Image for Ashley Anderson.
13 reviews17 followers
December 4, 2021
Have you ever heard of Disney bounding?

I'd heard of it, but didn't know exactly what it meant.

Disney Bound jumps right it to share with you what it is.

"It's not a costume; it's a lifestyle."

Considered the official Disney-Bounding guide wortten by the creator of the DisneyBound blog @lesliekay!

What is Disney Bounding?
In short, it's about making regular street-wear (clothes we wear everyday) reflect different Disney characters, rides, or experiences.

This book is full of some of the most creative ideas, people, and staple wardrobe items.

𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:

I received this book from my sister. We are Disney FANATICS! Truly, we love everything Disney and we are both books of Disney trivia and knowledge.

In a perfect world, we'd be in Disney a lot more often. 😆

What I really loved about this book was seeing the creative ideas that different people have come up with as well as learning some staple items that we may already have in our wardrobe to help with your outfit.

I'm a big kid at heart, and while I probably wouldn't wear some of these on a regular day, the community is truly so happy and positive. Also, there truly are pieces that you can wear as everyday outfits.

The illustrations and images are AMAZING! As an adult at Disney, you can't wear a costume but you can Disney Bound!

Even if you're feeling a little down creative wise, I recommend opening this book to give you some unique ideas that have you thinking outside the box.

Best part? It doesn't even have to be a character! It can be a ride or experience. 💭 Think: Haunted Mansion or The Tiki Room!

𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐞'𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Disney fan? Read it 👍
Profile Image for Jess.
125 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2020
Are you having Disney withdrawals? Missing the costumes and characters that make you feel at home at Disney Parks?

Well, there are likely many Disney characters in your wardrobe.

A Disney-bound (also referred to as a “Bound”) is an outfit—but not a full costume—inspired by your favorite Disney character using items that you can find in your own closet or at your local mall.

Disney-bounding is a new way of life for Disney fans around the globe, allowing you and I to celebrate Disney anytime, anywhere. It happens to be the perfect solution for those of us spending a lot more time at home these days.

DisneyBound founder, social media influencer and author, Leslie Kay, shares all her Bounding tips and tricks in her new book, DisneyBound: Dress Disney and Make it Fashion.

Leslie’s book walks readers through every step of the Disney-bounding process, from choosing an outfit and drawing inspiration from Disney Parks across the world, to pushing Bounders beyond their comfort zone, to spreading good vibes. Not sure you want to Bound as a typical character? You can be a film, a Disney Parks ride or even a pineapple soft serve if you like!

Perhaps even more importantly, Disney-bounding is not just about fashion – it is about community, self-discovery and expression through the intersection of Disney and fashion (or whatever might occupy your closet).

Jeff Kurtti, Disney Legacy Authority and Author of The Art of Disney Costuming: Heroes, Villains and Spaces Between aptly describes Leslie’s book – and Bounding itself – as follows:

“This enchanting volume (and by extension, Disney-bounding as an art form) frees one to celebrate and honor favorite Disney characters and memories – along with granting an inspiring and liberating permission to fearlessly explore, to vigorously imagine, and to passionately create.”
Profile Image for Tiffany.
213 reviews1 follower
January 1, 2021
Disney Bound: Dress Disney and Make it Fashion is a great guide to Disney-bounding that leaves no stone unturned. Author Leslie Kay breaks down Disney-bounding in several steps. Starting with choosing a character, color blocking (creating an outfit that uses the character’s classic colors), using silhouettes and then accessories to complete the look. The book has several chapters that offer tips but I liked the chapters that put the focus on specific characters showing ideas to create the look with real life models and outfit sketches!

I love that the book includes photos of Disney-bounding models of all shapes, sizes and shades to show finalized outfits! One really relatable chapter describes the fashion journey of Disney-bounder April Barbossa who began Disney-bounding as a way to express herself and to distract from depression and an eating disorder. Disney-bounding allowed her to step into Cinderella’s shoes, to forget about her confidence issues for a day while creating some magic at Disney!

Most importantly this book shows just how much a having a passion for something can open up new doors. Author Leslie Kay took her passion for Disney and created a literal movement, there’s not a time when I visit the Parks where I don’t see people in Disney-bounding! Disney Bound is a great gift idea for any Disney fashionista and I’m looking forward to trying out some of the looks when Disneyland reopens!
Profile Image for Sharon.
Author 38 books400 followers
November 15, 2021
I admit, I've looked at the DisneyBound blog a few times, and thought "Those are super-cute ideas, but I'm older and chubby."

The concept that DisneyBound is only for the young and slender went right out the window with this book. Author Leslie Kay, who also operates the blog, is very clear that the ideas are for anyone.

So, what is DisneyBounding? It's paying tribute to a beloved character, attraction, park, etc., without wearing a costume. It's using items in your own wardrobe to create an impression using color, accessories, and your own personal style so that you can wear something fun to Disney (whether it's Dapper Day or not) and stay within the confines of the park's dress code -- which is very clear that no one over age 14 can wear a costume unless it's a ticketed Halloween event.

I liked the emphasis on using one's personal style to work on the impression, as well as the idea that it's not necessary to break the bank. The photos included people of all sizes, ethnicities, abilities, and sexual orientation (I loved the two guys Bounding as Jack and Sally, whose photo clearly showed they were a couple).

This was a fun book full of encouragement and kindness. I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Mel.
769 reviews12 followers
July 17, 2020
Cute book about the Disney Bounding phenomenon, so of course I had to buy it! It gives tips on how to incorporate everyday pieces into Disney inspired outfits, not just for theme park visits but for work and play too! Lots of ideas on colour blocking and must have items to get you started. It's a positive and peppy how to guide which is all about spreading joy and kindness, and a little bit of fairy dust. I spotted some of my favourite Disneybounders in the photos too! It's fun and frivolous, and easy to read. Made me smile and think if good times at various Disney parks I visited long ago when we could travel...but also inspired me to Disneybound for my day tomorrow!
Profile Image for Julie McCord.
Author 11 books144 followers
September 5, 2021
A fast, helpful, inspirational read! For those who don't know the difference, "bounding" is different from cosplay in that, instead of making a costume to look exactly like your favorite character, you assemble regular street clothes to *evoke* a character - or a whole movie, a ride, or even a food. You can do it on any budget, any style, at any shape, size, or gender. The writer makes all of this very clear and inviting, and gives lots of examples of how she puts outfits together, along with repeated encouragement to break out and do your own thing. I am already looking at my closet differently.
Profile Image for HoopoeGirl.
338 reviews
September 23, 2022
What an absolute fun idea that I had never heard of before this year. DisneyBound is a wonderful overview into the fashion fun of evoking your favorite Disney characters without breaking park dress code (costume) rules. Leslie Kay's book provides a wonderful pixie dusting of inspiration for anyone willing to dapper themselves up for a day at the park (or anywhere else). Her fashion illustration of sample looks were beautifully done, but I really wanted to also see them realized as worn in photographs too. But mostly, good on everyone who participates in this and brings a little extra magic and engagement to their Disney days.
Profile Image for Lauren 📚.
75 reviews12 followers
May 7, 2020
I have followed the Disneybound fashion movement from the early tumblr days to now. It’s exciting to see a community grow and evolve over time! This book covers the essentials from how to create bounds, ideas for characters or something from the parks to bound and quips from the community on why it’s fun to participate. There are many familiar faces in the Disney community in this book! I was inspired to put together my own bound after reading (I went with Nemo!).
Profile Image for Amanda Wilkerson.
104 reviews
June 27, 2020
This book was an adequate primer and explanation of Disney Bounding with some neat ideas for folks who want to start bounding. However, it is EXTREMELY frustrating that there are no captions telling you what character the pictures bounders are portraying. Some are obvious, but many need that caption and having to flip to the back and find the page number to figure it out is not convenient (especially since many pages aren’t numbered).
Profile Image for Gigi Ki.
29 reviews
August 21, 2023
A cute, quick, and fun read about Disneybounding and Disney fashion. Kay does a good job simplifying how to mimic Disney characters without wearing a costume and violating Disney rules and offers multiple ideas for inspiration.
Profile Image for Kerri.
1,181 reviews4 followers
April 15, 2020
Super cute manual on dressing one's best Disney style. #disneybound
Profile Image for Liz Rattray.
6 reviews
February 4, 2022
This book helped my husband and I get started with ideas for Disney bounds and is good to have on the shelf!
Profile Image for Ashton Nelson.
56 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2024
Perfect read for anyone heading to Disney for the first time or just looking to spice up their next trip to the Happiest Place on Earth!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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