There are several things that seem to mark the beginning of summer for me: that first craving of lemonade or a large sweet tea, turning on the a/c, rummaging through my closet to find my favorite sandals, and, of course, the Mermaid Parade.

The Mermaid Parade is an annual event that happens every June in Coney Island, New York. This year it’s on Saturday, June the 20th at 2pm, rain or shine. To march in the parade all you need to do is sign up ahead of time and show up in your best mermaid attire.

Last year my friend Jessie and I were flapper mermaids, complete with pincurl wigs and ’20s-inspired dresses. To make the costumes, I altered two identical vintage dresses and Jessie and I made a quick tutu and tube top for her daughter Gabby.

This year we plan to be a bit more ambitious with our costumes. Our theme is the Milky Way Mermaids and our inspiration is Judy Jetson meets Louis Vuitton.

Here’s a few of my pics from last year’s parade, plus a sneak-peek into my design this year. We chose fabrics with glue-on sequins which proved to be quite the hassle at first. The two things I’ve learned: lubricate your sewing machine needle and clean it often with rubbing alcohol. With those two tips, sewing through those glued sequins has been a breeze.

Jessie and me walking the boardwalk during the parade

Gabby, Jessie, and me waiting for the parade to start

A mob of photographers trying to take our picture as we entered the parade grounds

Zombie mermaid

Geisha mermaids

My costume so far for this year with the shirt fabrics draped around the bodice (please excuse my messy studio!)

Jessie and myself walking the boardwalk during last year's parade

Gabby (Jessie's daughter), Jessie, and myself waiting for the parade to begin

my costume for this year so far