Do you remember the instant excitement you experienced as kid when you spotted a hot air balloon in a clear blue sky? Right away, everything else around became unimportant, and your eyes were fixed on following that balloon travel seemingly as it pleased–without a care for any real navigation, very free-spirited.

When I was a little girl, I remember staying outside as long as I could spot a colorful balloon, hoping that I might see another. After all, hot air balloons tend to travel in groups, especially in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the world's largest balloon festival (Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta) takes places every October…not that I have ever been or anything though.

Anyway, while watching for these floating wonders, I used to imagine what it would be like to be a passenger, confined to that drop-down basket, peering down below my feet to see a world that looked bigger than I ever thought possible. Just thinking about what that must feel like takes my breath away. While a hot air balloon adventure is on my to-do list, riding on a plane across the ocean, standing on top of the Empire State Building, and seeing the Grand Canyon are the closest "WOW!" moments I have like that in my life so far. But each moment has still made me feel quite small in the grand scheme of things!

Okay, enough reminiscing…time to go shopping!

A hot air balloon's shape makes a great necklace pendant, looks pretty as a screen tee, and dresses up anything in need of decoration. Plus, bright color blocking in fabrics or loose draping helps one imitate the most recognizable aspects of the classic hot air balloon. So buy some pretty new things and turn on Owl City's very catchy song, Hot Air Balloon. Have fun!

1) Screenprinted Tank – $67.64 – ASOS; 2) Up Up & Away Necklace – $20 – CuteAbility; 3) Hello Up There Earrings – $18 – Ten Things;  4) 'Hot Air Balloon' Single by Owl City – $0.99 – iTunes; 5) Vintage Mug – $8 – Crook and Flail Vintage; 6) Flying Free (Polaroid) – $30 – Jersey Maids; 7) Hat Box Vintage Luggage Set – $90 – Bright Wall; 8) Color Block Balloon Dress – $84.55 – ASOS

By Sarah Corley