The Yule Ball

"The Yule Ball is a chance for us to - er - let our hair down."

-Minerva McGonagall

For three years, Milwaukee has hosted an annual Harry Potter themed Yule Ball, and if it weren't for a last minute stomach flu the first year, I would've proudly attended every single one. #pottheadforlife What started as a bar hosting a theme night blew up into transforming Turner Hall in Milwaukee into a wizard wonderland.

I started the evening at Central Standard Craft Distillery - they were hosting a special HP themed cocktail menu for the evening so I had to drop by! As a witch sorted into Ravenclaw, I was drawn to my house's themed libation! With brandy, pomegranate, lime, and bitters, it was a cocktail fit for a bronze eagle. From there we headed to the ballroom filled with witches, wizards, and muggles alike. Between the market booths, waltz lessons, and live string music, I couldn't tell if I was at Hogwarts or a hall in Milwaukee!

The guests in attendance brought their attire A-game. Snapes, Bellatrixes, and Potters around every turn! There was even Sirius, Fleur, Hagrid, Mad Eye, Trelawney, and he who must not be named himself. Last year, we attended as VIP guests and had the pleasure of being announced to the ballroom. I chose to be announced as former Weird Sister, Hailey Mirkes of Ravenclaw! Since we had the pinkies out experience last year, we elected to attend in general fashion and had just as much fun.

I was so excited for an occasion to take my Ravenclaw diadem bag by Danielle Nicole out for a spin! From the velvet details to the Ravenclaw Crest- "wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure." - I knew the Yule Ball was the place for the bag to make its debut. It was the perfect addition to my metallic embroidered maxi romper. If you've been following me for a while, you may recognize this as a duplicate! Back in the summer, I got this same gown in orange at Discovery Clothing! I'm just so smitten with this plunging neckline style that I couldn't resist snagging another shade when I saw it in the store. To top things off, I wrapped up in this cozy caramel faux fur jacket. Target's jackets were half off so this was totally one of my takeaways! I think we all know by now that I will take any excuse I can get to dress up.

After a glass of amortencia and a mug of butter beer it was time for our magical night to come to an end. I love living in a city where so many people will come together and celebrate the boy who lived. This spellbinding evening has me wondering if it was real, or if it was all in my head...

"Of course it's happening in your head, Hailey, but why on Earth should that mean that it's not real?"

-Albus Dumbledore (sort of)

Go!