Toy Story has such a special place in my heart. Although I am a big fan of the series myself, it is the movies’ connection to my little brother that I cherish most.

“I can’t stop Andy from growing up. But I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

When my brother was a kid, the only movie he ever wanted to watch was Toy Story. For about a year, he would ask me to rewind that VHS for him at least thrice a day. (Yes young ones you read that right – VHS. Go google it lol). I practically memorized every single scene and have probably said the words “You. Are. A. Toy” more times than Tom Hanks himself. Heck, I even used Woody’s speech in one of my school monologues and I got an A without having to lift a finger. That’s how often Toy Story was played in our house. And funnily enough despite of that, I never got sick of it.

In fact, our entire family loved it – so much so that we’ve watched all three movies together several times throughout the past two decades, even without my brother’s insistence. 

So when they announced this new movie, I was hesitant. I thought, how could you possibly beat the masterpiece that was Toy Story 3? But I have trust in Pixar, and trust in these characters – that no matter where our dear old pals end up, seeing Andy’s toys back together will always be cause for celebration.

Now if you’ve been with me for a while, you probably know that the best way I know how to celebrate something is through Disney style. So in honor of Toy Story 4 coming out today, here are 4 Disneybounds inspired by some of our favourite toys:

 

WOODY

Since all these looks were created from items I already own, this was the closest to Woody’s yellow top I could get. Added some faded jeans, a red bandana, and a brown belt with a western style buckle to finish off the look.

 

BUZZ LIGHTYEAR

This was quite a challenge since I don’t own much green. But I did have this workout tank top, and this white jacket that I thought could pass off as a bound for Buzz’s standard issue uniform. For a touch of purple, I used these sunnies. And to drive the point home, I carried this Buzz Lightyear popcorn bucket I got in Tokyo Disneyland as a purse. I really hope Star Command approves.

 

JESSIE

I didn’t have anything “cowhide” unfortunately, except for this little scrunchy. So I just put on a simple white blouse, a yellow bandana, and the same jeans and belt from my Woody bound. I also did some yodeling (not seen in photo, but definitely heard by some annoyed neighbors).

 

BO PEEP

When I saw her new practical outfit in the trailer, I knew I wanted to do something that celebrated both her classic style and her femme fatale one. So I went with an in-between – a ruffly romper, a pink sash and a pink headband. Perfect for both sheep-herding and ass-kicking.

Toy Story reminds me of a simpler time – back when having one toy you truly loved was far more important than having many fancy ones, back when there were no gadgets for each member of the family, so siblings had to share a TV as well as time, back when cardboard boxes and imagination were all you needed to create the perfect settings for your toys, back when children still played – back when my little brother still did. And back when I did. Back when Woody and Buzz could still be found in Andy’s room.

“You should never tangle with the unstoppable duo of Woody and Buzz Lightyear!”

But just like Andy, and just like you and me, life changes and moves on too. And that’s okay, because things aren’t meant to stay the same. We’re meant to create new stories and make new memories. We’re meant to go on new adventures. But if there’s one thing these toys have taught me, it’s that no matter how old we get, we’re never too old to play.

“To infinity and beyond!”

This blog post is dedicated to my photographer and not-so-little-anymore brother Khrister Llave, who still fills my days with wonder and imagination even though he spends more time with his Playstation than he does with me lol.

You’ll always be Andy to me kid. And you’ll always, always have a friend in me.