Masquerade Doll

Friday, August 9, 2013

LBC: Your First Lolita Fashion Piece ^_^

I've been waiting for this topic for a long time...mainly b/c I just acquired something that goes with my first ever Brand Lolita Piece ;)

But first, how my first purchase came to be ^^

I had been collecting the English Gothic Lolita Bibles and slowly started finding the imported ones at conventions & on ebay XD

But then, my friend went to San Fran & bought for me the latest volume for Christmas that year (2010) ;D

It was volume 36

I couldn't wait to look through it, so after opening my gift, I quickly flipped through it & put post-its on the pages I liked ^_^ Along with wonderful coord ideas, it showed all the latest prints and this was before I started keeping up with releases online, so I was very excited to see what was out there at the time ;D

And then...BABY and A/P were having some AMAZING prints that I INSTANTLY fell in love with...In Particular, THIS spread piqued my interest XD

The one on the left mainly...b/c i'm not a huge fan of pink ;P

But YES! AATP's MASQUERADE THEATER in Red caught my eye ^_^

Mainly the print was tempting me...because I LOOOOVE Phantom of the Opera!!!

And, naturally, I wanted the OP, but realistically, I couldn't afford it...

So...after looking up the print availability on the main japanese online shop site...and contemplating with my friend, who got me the mook, if i should get it or not...

I DECIDED TO GET THE SKIRT XD

And amazingly, Red was still in stock, so I quickly added it to my cart.

It was my VERY FIRST purchase on a Japanese site, so luckily, b/c the brand is soo popular, there were English instructions I could follow ^^

After many confirmation emails and invoicing emails, my skirt was shipped out & arrived super fast (by ems i'm thinking...which i didn't know at the time ;P)

And when it arrived, i took it out & was INSTANTLY happy I had given in & purchased it ^_^

I was working Part-time, so even buying one item is a big chunk out of my pay check, but it was totally worth it XD

here are some pics from when I first got it and tried it on ^_^

A REALLY quick outfit idea with all offbrand items ;)

A classic look with ivory (but of course i didn't know my style back then)

And I wore it this way to see The Beauty and the Beast play ^^

And seriously, this print is sooo beautiful in person...the fabric is absolutely amazing too ^^

I even tried a darker look...but...i've never actually worn it this way yet...maybe i shall...

This is a picture from later on when I was going to use the skirt in a photoshoot...and so, after acquiring a few more pieces...I did the shoot ^^

I wanted to make my look kind of "Christine~like" and even made a mask to match ;)

A cape would have really completed the look, but I also liked that somewhat "aristocratic" look b/c of my BPN blouse ^^

Even now I STILL love my skirt & i've been trying new ways to wear it, especially after getting more items to match ^^

Like this great bolero ^^ The red ribbon really matches the red of the skirt...and this red is a hard color to match, so I was really glad I found something even though it's not from the same print ;)

But...at the same time, even though I loved the skirt soo much...finding things to match was hard & the one thing i was missing was the EPIC matching bonnet XP I had the headbow for a short while, but it just didn't match me, so I sold it & then I spent a while searching for someone who was willing to sell the bonnet

to me,but in the end i had no luck and decided to just figure out other hair accessories...

But then, one day I was looking at the (then new) BABY SF facebook page and saw that there was a sale and that there was a lovely red bonnet in the pictures ;D

Immediately, I emailed the store & asked if they thought it would match my MT print...but sadly they said it wouldn't... :/ I had almost given up when they emailed me saying that they DID find a different bonnet that would match the print...and they knew it would because...One of the Sales Girls was Wearing the MT JSK...IN RED O_O I couldn't believe the odds & my luck XP

So, the bonnet they found was a beautiful Cream one, which does match well with the lace on the skirt:

And so i was happy, but still never wore the bonnet with the skirt (it actually matches Hymn really well though ;D )

After a while, I just gave up & took it off my wishlist...I would see it either in a different color...or only being sold as a set...until...just recently...I was casually looking through the egl comm sales...and then...Someone was selling JUST THE BONNET...In Red O_O I quickly Pm'd the seller & after a few discussions on price & shipping...I BOUGHT IT ^_^

Then, just last week...IT ARRIVED!!

I juuust took it out of the package, so I haven't put together a coord yet, but I love it sooo much & the seller didn't even wear it, so it's pretty much new...with tag still on...I couldn't be happier ^_^

Well, it's apparent that i've got lots of History with my skirt, so I will probably NEVER sell it XP

But instead, I can now have fun making a whole new outfit using the now matching bonnet...& maybe do another photoshoot ^_^

Now feel free to check out these LBCers first Lolita pieces ;D

A sweet Lolita's Disney Life

Hello Batty

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

LBC: My Favorite Brand

I'm a little late in posting this, but "this week's" topic is Favorite Brand & I've changed my mind about my favorite many times, but I've finally decided on one...or 3 technically ;)

When I first got into the Lolita fashion, my all time favorite brand was

INNOCENT WORLD ;)

I fell in love with the designs while looking through my Gothic Lolita Bibles & dreamed of going to the store one day & trying on the dresses ;D

But...sadly, that brand was not meant to be...the fit is not that great for me now and I starting being drawn to lots of Prints more than simple classic pieces ;) BUT! I STILL Love Innocent World's

TEDDY BEAR PRINTS ^_^

I'm a huge fan of Teddy Bears, so I love how they have sooo many prints with teddy bears ;D

Sadly, I decided to sell a bunch of Teddy bear prints I had accumulated: Museum Bear, Chocolate Teddy Bear & British Bear, but I'm pretty happy with my 2nd IW print: Sweets Teddy Bear ^^

My Now small IW collection: IW Sweets Teddy Bear JSK w/ headbow I made to match (I used the free tote bag w/ the same print), Rose Lace book bag in black (bought off Tokyo Rebel), and then, I HAD to buy my Namesake dress: The Aileen OP (I love how it has a nice Alice look as well ^^ )

And I LOVE INNOCENT WORLD SOCKS!! They're super comfortable and the prints are versatile for even every day wearing ;D

So, with Innocent World a little too small & classic for me, I decided to try other brands...until...I found the one that matched & fit me the most ^^

And so MY FAVORITE BRAND became:

BABY THE STARS SHINE BRIGHT & ALICE & THE PIRATES ^_^

I like to think of them as one brand b/c I have quite a bit from each...&...my collection is still growing XD

I have 3 reasons for LOVING this brand:

1) The Fit ;)

out of all the brands, I can fit into MOST of baby/aatp...mainly the dresses though...the skirts are still too small, unless they're high waisted ;)

2) THE PRINTS!!

I really can't get enough of how intricate the designs are and the colors make it so much fun to create coords ;D

3) MIDORI ^_^

Yes, Midori is my all time favorite Lolita model & I've even bought several pieces that I saw her wear in the GLBs or KERAs...basically, if she's worn it, I start to want it ;)

Anyways, I wanted to do it, so...here's my collection of BTSSB & AATP items, ranging from clothes, headwear, jewelry, bags & accessories & just recently, shoes ^^

These were found on Closet Child, egl comm sales, fb sales, Mbok & ordering online through the San Fran site ^_^

AATP: Victorian Card Print, AATP Hymn OP (ABSOLUTE DREAM PIECE), BTSSB Alice in Funfair OP (w/ Transparent Rose Bolero in Red)

Top Row: Paris no Mado w/ Raphael blouse in Lavender, Lace Frill JSK in black, Mirage in Paradox(Current Obsession) in Navy (w/ matching hair ties), Antique Wooden Sole Shoes in Blue

Middle "bag" row": Usakumya Pochette, Ribbon Heart Bag, Fairy Tales Pochette, Tent Bag

Bottom row: Double Lobelia JSK in blue, Masquerade Theater skirt in red(Another Dream Piece), Grimoire of the Moonlight Forest skirt in black, random bonnets, Gloria headpiece in red, random headbows ;D

I've also been collecting some jewelry ;)

Hair pins & gold heart necklace & ring = mbok finds

Rosary, Usakumya ring: fb sales

Mirage pin: BABY SF online

Also can't forget my one brand parasol from BABY & some diamond otks in brownxivory

And here are some other pieces I forgot to take pics of ;)

I forget the name...it's to match Mirage ;)

Serenade Blouse in white

Lastly...b/c I could not afford the entire La Vert clair OP set...I settled for the Scarf, which is Absolutely Beautiful & it's a small tribute to Midori ;D

And now, b/c the collection is never complete...here are some items i'm waiting for...from my favorite brands of course...& interestingly enough...ALL TEDDY BEARS ^_^

Now here are more Favorite brands from the other members of the LBC ;)

Le Boudoir

Hello Batty

Tangled Lace

Pretty Little Habits

pinklaceglitter

Saturday, June 29, 2013

NEW STUFF ^_^

I usually just put my new purchases on my facebook albums...but...a friend told me to make a blogpost, so here it is...to showcase my Shopaholicism XP

But first, a quick review ;)

So, along w/ Lolita, I've been getting more into Cult Party Kei & i've been thinking of doing more Fairy kei ;)

Naturally, I needed to start expanding my wardrobe & accessories...& after seeing these cute bunny eared rings on as part of Pixielate's store...I really wanted one ^_^

Unfortunately, the currency exchange for Euope is too high of a difference, so I was bummed out... :/

And then, while checking out the lolita facebook sales...I came across a seller that had the same rings on their Etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/hysterickingdom...& they were located in the US ;D

The rings were super cheap, so I ended up buying 2 and after "Liking" the FB page, they were doing a promotion of getting $1 off a purchase...but I had just bought my items, so I commented saying I had seen the promo after I bought things...and then...the seller gave the promo to me anyways ^_^

I quickly messaged them saying thank you & I will definitely buy from this seller again XD

Shipping was pretty quick & just today I received my package, so...here's some pics:

They came all wrapped up in a cute bag ;)

And I even got 2 hairclips as a freebie ^_^ I actually really like wearing these ;)

And then...MY RINGS ^_^ THEY'RE SOOOOO CUTE XDDD

And they're pretty big, but I love chunky rings & these are CUTE & PERFECT!!

And now...my other loot...from various sites, sales, etc... ;D

First up: From the comm sales: A sweet Lolita Accessories Pack ^_^

Now, i'm NOT a fan of pink, but...something about that cute bunny scarf drew me to this pack & after trying everything on, I really LIKE IT ALL ^^

But, I intend to wear these items for daily wear or for cult party or fairy kei ;D

Next, after seeing countless blogs & tumblrs...i gave in and FINALLY bought the latest GLB ;D

I usually get it right after it comes out...but I was a little poor this time around, so I kept waiting...but then I couldn't take it anymore & ended up buying it from Fairytale Boutique ^_^

I'm REALLY glad this site exists b/c now I don't have to order it from Yesasia all the time...which takes forever to get to me...even after preordering...sigh...

And, just for fun, i added some chocomint fuzzy opera glasses b/c I always wanted to get one...i was surprised by how big they are, but I can't wait to use them in an outfit...they didn't have lavender, so I went with Multi, which is still a bit Pink-centric, but I like the mix of colors ;D

Along with selling my items, I've done a few trades as well...& my latest was to get this AMAZING & my FIRST Putumayo item, which is actually a Dress & matching Bolero set ^_^

I wanted to do an even trade & even though the cost was a liiitle off...the seller was nice enough & added in the bolero, saying that they really should be together ^^

And now, my Wishlist item purchases ^_^

I'm not a huge fan of Angelic Pretty, BUT! when I saw their new line of "Drink Me" items...inspired by Alice in Wonderland, of course...I NEEDED THE SOCKS XDD

And, luckily, I found a seller on the egl comm sales, so after saving up & selling some items, I decided to get a pair...or 2...originally, I only wanted gold, but...the black was calling to me ;D

Plus, I have an idea for the 2 ^^

AND LASTLY! THE EPIC FIND/PURCHASE ^_^

The much sought after BABY Heart Shaped Bag XD

When these appear on the comm sales, they sell out SUPER FAST...so, I thought I would just wait & take my chance on getting it either online or EVENTUALLY on the sales...

And then...I happened across someone selling one on Mbok for REALLY CHEAP O_O

Luckily, I had bought from mbok many times already, so after waiting till it was near the end of the auction...I put in my bid & deposit...& luckily...I GOT IT XDD

I've missed out on several auctions from "snipers" that appear right before the listing ends ;P

But I was soooo happy I managed to get this piece ^_^

It's also part of my "Inspired By Midori" obsession...that I will eventually get around to blogging about ;P

But anyways, I've been somewhat better, but I'm STILL buying some items & I have several things on reserve/hold/payment plan/etc...BUT! I intend to stop for a while...& instead SAVE UP for my trip to SF, where I can go to the ACTUAL LOLITA stores & buy items ^_^

LBC: Your Process for Wearing Lolita

I'm pretty sure my process for wearing Lolita is the same as lots of other girls, so I thought I would do an actual sample coordinate to show my steps ^^

First: Pick a Key Piece ^^

This can be either a dress...or a bag...or even shoes, socks, other accessories ;)

For today, I wanted to choose some new items I received recently ;D

Like one of my wishlist items: Baby Heart Shaped bag in white ^_^

2nd: Pick Item(s) to Match ^^

For my bag, I decided to choose another new purchase, IW's Chocolate Teddy Bear JSK in "pink" ;)

If a JSK is the main piece, the matching item would be a blouse or cardigan/coverup

3rd: Add more items to Complete Basic Coordinate.

This would be some socks & shoes...Oh, & a petti of course ;)

And Lastly, add More Accessories until Satisfied.

Jewelry, wig, hair accessories...And put on some makeup & i'm ready to go XD

(at this step, i may change something after trying it on, like different socks or shoes...& adding more or taking away from the coord) ^^

And now...because this sample outfit seems a little weak to me...here's another one I put together using the dress as a main piece ;D

I usually like to display my outfit like this...so I can see how everything looks together...

And then this is the look worn ;)

I actually didn't have any good hair accessories, so I made my tricorn hat last minute ;D

And here are some processes of other LBC members to check out:

geishababy

imaprincessblog

Derpland

A Sweet Lolita's Disney Life

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Drama in Lolita Land ;/

Warning: this is kind of a venting post ;P

Now, I HATE that Behind the Bows site & all the stupid Loli Secrets...but...some of my friends check it every once in a while & it's good because...There was a secret made about me(& a bunch of my friends) O_O But, here's the thing...for mine, it wasn't an ACTUAL picture of an outfit from a Lolita event...it was a random "Lolita-like" outfit when I hung out with a friend...& the other was from my "Lolita stuff I bought" fb album >_<

And I was semi-okay with one of them, but the other...of me, NOT IN LOLITA...showing a recent purchase...I CAN'T FORGIVE!! So, I wanted to write a response post about it...here's the picture & what they said about it...

I believe the comment was "How is this Lolita??"

WELL, considering I bought this from someone on the EGL COMM SALES, which is a LOLITA SALES GROUP...AND, A rather STRICT ONE AT THAT!! They catch ANYTHING & EVERYTHING that ISN'T LOLITA!!

And then, this picture, which was on a random photo album on my facebook proves it's someone i know/knew personally...so it's good i found out...i can do some filtering...

But, a bunch of people agreed with the post, so to show how this bag CAN & IS LOLITA WORTHY...HERE ARE SOME PICTURES!!

Technically, I used the bag for a cosplay idea, but this is the only pic i'm holding it as a bag ;)

And, just for fun, here's a breakdown of my outfit:

Blouse: Baby the Stars Shine Bright

Skirt: Alice and the Pirates

Socks: Metamorphose

Shoes: Demonia

A completely Lolita outfit with my violin bag...which i think matches PERFECTLY XD

And, it can also be a prop...so...I think it's even BETTER ^^...Duo Purpose!! ^_^

I still hate that site, but i guess I've learned my lesson & I will be more careful when posting pictures...it's just so sad it happened in our small Lolita Community...sigh...

I also don't like to post blogs like this, but...i'm mad that this person would DARE to use non-lolita pics >_<

Sorry for this & even though I feel I should update my blog more often...i hate that it had to be something like this...sigh... :/

Saturday, June 22, 2013

LBC: Create a Coord based on a Dessert ^^

I decided to do this week's challenge b/c it sounded fun & also, so I can make use of some of my newest items ^_^

One of my recent purchases from Closet Child was a beautiful blue dress, so naturally, I looked up "Blueberry desserts" ^^ And everything looked pretty & yummy, but...I ended up going with a classic: