You might remember that a couple of weeks ago, I introduced you to the carnival party theme with my Twisted Ringmaster post. For part two of the Steve Brings It Holiday Campaign, I was asked to create the playlist for a carnival-themed party. Right up my alley! All parties need good tunes to keep ’em ticking along. Here’s a selection of tunes that I think exemplify a carnival theme!

Abel – Boogie Nights

The Go! Team – T.O.R.N.A.D.O.

Burning God Little – Notes On Being Snowblind

Alpine – Icypoles (Star Slinger Dreamix)

ARMS – Heat & Hot Water (Birds & Batteries remix)

Bon Accord – Honeydew

Botany – Feeling Today

Coolrunnings – I Am You

Craft Spells – Love Well Spent

Bjork – Crystalline

Click on ’em to listen… They all make me wanna dance! & of course, I had to get dressed up… Bring on the COLOUR!

We took these photos on East 7th Street, against a fantastic mural of Joe Strummer & amongst the yellow leaves in Tompkins Square Park. My neighbourhood is very photogenic!

Dressing like a carnival requires plenty of colour, some texture, some height & some unexpected flourishes. Wouldn’t you say? Here’s how I did it!

I wore…

Grey knit beanie from Urban Outfitters
Black polka-dot HeatTech thermal from Uniqlo — I bought this last year & it served me VERY well all winter! Their HeatTech stuff is MARVELLOUS, I recommend!
Leopard sweater by Sonia Rykiel
Indigo midi skirt from ASOS
Black blazer by Betsey Johnson (covered in old pins I bought on Etsy)
Ombre dipped lace stockings from Century 21 (not sure of the brand)
Steve Madden Babylonn heels

Yes, that pin says STAMP OUT REALITY!

Balloons are the ultimate fashion accessory!

Those colours! I mean, DAMN!

…& that pin says, GIRLFRIEND WANTED: No experience necessary. I am a class act!(You find the funniest old pins looking around Etsy — I couldn’t help myself!)

Hey, remember: If you use the promo code GalaDarling15, you’ll get 15% off of SteveMadden.com with free shipping! (Clearance is excluded, & the code can’t be stacked with other codes.) You have until 12/31/11 @ 11:59pm EST to use it, too! Party time, excellent!

Photos — of course — were by the ever-lovely Lydia Hudgens!