Pageant of the Masters

If you want to literally see famous works of art come to life, the Pageant of the Masters, held in Laguna Beach, is just the show for you. Every year the show features various tableaux vivants or living pictures in which famous works of art are recreated using actual people. Thanks to exquisite costuming, makeup and scenery, these tableaux look like the real thing.

I chose to wear this red dress from Forever 21 to the pageant. I picked it up for about $15 and I was surprised that my husband really liked it; he liked it even more when I told him the price. It features some artistic cutouts around the neck and a quasi tropical print.

Getting back to the show, I was excited that this year the theme of the show was "Art Detective". It revolved around the Nazi's plunder or acquisition (aka "stealing") of many valuable pieces of art during World War II. While the show was entertaining and breathtaking in its construction of various masterpieces, it also was very informative, talking briefly about each piece of art, exploring other notorious art thefts, delving into the lives of the artists' models and muses, and raising questions about the ownership of art.

While I didn't take any pictures of the works featured in the Pageant, I would highly recommend checking it out, especially if you are an art lover. The works of art covered range from that of the ancient Egyptians, to Dutch Masters, to pop art, and even movie posters from the 1940s. Below you will see an advertisement for the pageant featuring Rembrandt's The Night Watch looming larger than life over patrons.

Dress: Forever 21

Belt: kate spade bow belt

Shoes: J. Crew J. Crew "Evie" Metallic Mid-heel Sandals here

Bag: J. Crew Sophie Bag in "Henna" here

Watch: kate spade "Carlyle" bow watch

Bracelets: Forever 21 and J. Crew Factory