tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470295019687557172024-03-12T18:52:43.490-07:00Floating on MacaronsHello, all! My name is Bri, and this is a blog dedicated to my little Lolita bubble! Thank you for visiting!BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747029501968755717.post-21520869415831043102020-04-27T22:21:00.000-07:002020-04-27T22:21:03.422-07:00Closet Clean-Out<div style="text-align: center;">
Wishlists are nice and all, but what really needs to happen is a thorough spring-cleaning of my wardrobe. So much of it isn't my style anymore, or what I have in mind for my style. It needs to go to someone who will love it. Everything needs to be laundered, but for me, I'm just happy I got through Step One.</div>
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I'm actually quite pleased with myself for how large my "to-go" pile is and how small my "maybe" pile turned out.</div>
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I decided to keep my underskirts, petticoats and socks. Two of those are necessary for most outfits, and people don't like buying used socks half the time, so I'm not going to sink energy into it.</div>
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Here is my "keep" pile:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hUVD8lVdeA2qwJHXkoLZZghD8o2wpNHzwBOMFbIhyphenhyphenGXucuOt6srd9ENG7kb72gj0D2mbhGj5kKJVZ4ZjERKG2G5ZMgJgLi2v6koyJwSXCXQvzd5NO53HvhvoVlsltKm77EinyMRy2Hev/s1600/20200426_162336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hUVD8lVdeA2qwJHXkoLZZghD8o2wpNHzwBOMFbIhyphenhyphenGXucuOt6srd9ENG7kb72gj0D2mbhGj5kKJVZ4ZjERKG2G5ZMgJgLi2v6koyJwSXCXQvzd5NO53HvhvoVlsltKm77EinyMRy2Hev/s400/20200426_162336.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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See? Look how small! It all started with the Meta sundress on the far left. As soon as I took it out of storage, I smiled. I remembered how happy I was when I first got it in the mail. It was the true beginning of my Lolita journey.</div>
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Garden Alice is both a favorite of mine and an old, damaged dress. It had come to me in less-stellar condition, and I've never been able to really get it back to 100%. It's staying with me.</div>
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And then, of course, I can't let go of Sorcerer's Horoscope. She's too beautiful.</div>
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Finally, I've got one cardigan that I can wear with two of those JSKs, as well as my two underskirts. They can stay.</div>
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<b>Sell Pile:</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSneLV5kgumF3B8VJgxZ_5E3vhkpyJ25DGuQu9Y9oQZnx_isY21ePjSoMO_39rPHUTNjqIy_exz-DN0vUJmXRsQq589EVCkx5KbCoX015jsLrLFzl6baaH58MtLblkkeO7J4XO9W_GrwT/s1600/20200426_162428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSneLV5kgumF3B8VJgxZ_5E3vhkpyJ25DGuQu9Y9oQZnx_isY21ePjSoMO_39rPHUTNjqIy_exz-DN0vUJmXRsQq589EVCkx5KbCoX015jsLrLFzl6baaH58MtLblkkeO7J4XO9W_GrwT/s400/20200426_162428.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This is just about everything in my closet! I had to sit down and be honest with myself about how much I still loved the pieces. Some are no longer my style while others never were. Peter Pan collars and whatever's going on with Sugar Bouquet are never going to sit on me very well. Wheel of Time was never my favorite theme, but I kept it around because it was so comfortable.</div>
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I've also forced myself to let go of matching Rabbit Cafe to one of the titular bunnies in the print. It's never going to happen.</div>
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Finally, there's the <b>Maybe Pile</b>:</div>
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Only the pink and brown Baby cardigan, the black IW skirt, and Candy Bottle.</div>
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I was never head-over-heels in love with the cardigan, but I can still potentially make a decent coord with it if I put in some effort. As for the skirt and the JSK, I feel like I never really gave myself a chance with them? I had such plans for Candy Bottle, and the IW skirt can still fit in my new wheelhouse. I'll have to sleep on these items a little while longer.</div>
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I'm still not really sure where I'm going down the Lolita rabbit hole, but I know I'll feel a bit better knowing that these things I've held onto for so long will go off to new homes. "When" is a good question, current global climate in mind. My next step will be finding all of the detachable bows and waist ties, as well as going through my headwear to see what else I can sell.</div>
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If you have any closet clean-out photos or stories, I'd love for you to share! Go ahead and let me know in the comments below.</div>
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BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747029501968755717.post-55817268718717193852020-04-22T20:01:00.002-07:002020-04-23T18:42:32.867-07:00Hey, Y'all, We're Going to Talk About Feelings<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Buckle up, kids, because I'm about to take you on a ride through my personal, emotional, rollercoaster when it comes to Lolita fashion. In my sort of rebirth into the hobby, I decided to bring with me my newfound need to cut the exclamation points and sugar/salt that this blog had previously and let myself be a bit more real.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Content warning: we're going to be talking about mental health, self-loathing, depressive behavior, and disordered eating. If you want to skip this post, please feel free. My next post will be in a few days.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In my return post, I mentioned how Lolita feels "safe" again like it was ever dangerous. The truth of it is that my mental health is extremely poor and latches onto whatever is in reach. For a long time, I fixated on Lolita.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I used it to justify tearing myself down. I'm not pretty/thin/put-together like all the rest. Why do I bother? I can't socialize with my comm because I'm so cringy and awkward and gross at being a friend. And why am I spending this much money? I should be saving it for real-life things like a house or a new pet or paying off debt. Why am I so irresponsible? These things don't fit me anymore, anyway. If I was Responsible and Good, I would sell everything off and put it towards my wedding/debt/work attire.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">All these thoughts got worse every time I talked about Lolita out loud or tried to wear a coordinate. I think my last attempt was in 2018 for my first renaissance festival (it was slapdash).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After that, I stopped trying.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But my mental health never got any better. It adapted and had me criticizing myself for other things. I'm spending too much money on food, I'm not social enough, I need to exercise more and stop eating, I deserve all the bad things that happen to me, my attempts at story writing are laughable and I should give up-</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And on and <i>on</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I can't even allow myself to like everyday things. So often have I heard that what I enjoy watching or reading is bad, or why I'm wrong for not liking something different. I don't defend my pop culture or preferences in everyday life with the same ferocity of a Lolita, anymore. Instead of why I like things, I learned to head off criticisms with "Idk, I just like crap."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Somewhere in this pandemic mess we're in, I've found that my anxiety and depressive episodes have drastically reduced. I'm not working or making money, but being home keeps me calmer. I have unlimited time to work on my projects and consume my favorite shows and books. When the weather's nice, I take the dog out to play for a bit. When I bake, it's for my SO and I, not for work. Maybe that's given me room to like things again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I got curious about where the fashion had gone in my absence, so I started poking around LaceMarket and the brand stores. I really need a new everyday purse, anyway, and I told myself a long time ago that it's okay to have a Lolita bag for everyday. I was surprised at how nostalgic it all ways. That, and a classic case of the warm fuzzies when I saw dresses that were on my old wishlist or ones that I'd add in a heartbeat now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">That's when I started thinking... maybe, it's not so bad to go back. Maybe I can have one or two coordinates that I like. I don't have to have a big wardrobe, though I still swoon over a packed closets. And I don't have to go to meetups or anything, either. I can just have fun and feel that happiness again. I realized that I was falling in love with Lolita fashion for all the same reasons I did before.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm allowed to be feminine, and I'm allowed to define my femininity. It's okay if ruffles and dresses and floral prairie prints make me happy. It's okay to like lace and cats and ribbons.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm allowed to like things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">That goes for you, all, too.</span></div>
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BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747029501968755717.post-39556188592901010372020-04-17T21:57:00.000-07:002020-04-17T21:57:36.603-07:00Back in the Saddle 1: What Stayed<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While I work on things and wait and try to learn patience to re-start my Lolita journey, I thought it would be fun to share something I've discovered about it: my wishlist evolution.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've taken <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BH_RF7aNirY">LovelyLor's video</a> about starting over to heart a bit and began rebuilding my wishlist, swearing to look out only for things that I truly love and wait for dresses that are special to me. But first, I had to clean out the old one. There are a lot of new pieces, a lot of things that were pulled, and a shocking amount of dresses that remain! I don't want to start on a downer, so I thought I'd share what's being kept around on the list!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Top: IW Strawberry Jam, AP Royal Unicorn, MM Fraise Cerise</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Middle: AP Horror Garden, Meta Lace-Up Tiered Long JSK, AP Marine Kingdom</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Bottom: IW Fairy Tale, AP Chocolate-Chan Going Out, AP Dreamy Perfume</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I don't think this is an exhaustive list, but it's basically everything. I'm surprised at how much Angelic Pretty is still there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A lot of these are nostalgia pieces for me. Many of them were around for my formative Lolita years and I've never lost my love of them. Everyone who's ever read this blog knows how much I love Strawberry Jam, Fraise Cerise, Chocolat-Chan, and Fairy Tale.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Horror Garden and Royal Unicorn are pieces that I've always wanted but stayed on my mental backburner for a long time. I would love to add them to my collection. Unicorns are my favorite mythological creature and I need more Gothic prints in my life. I always have.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Revisiting the Lolita world made me realize how much I love perfume prints, so Dreamy Perfume stayed. I won't say no to <i>any</i> perfume prints if I'm honest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Meta JSK is simple in comparison, but I still love it. In fact, that might be why I still love it. You'll see in future posts how I'm gravitating well away from busy prints.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Finally, there's Marine Kingdom. I have no excuse, I have no reason. Mermaids and mermaid prints are great. I love that neckline and I can't tell you why. Seashell lace. Pearls on the bow. <i>Mermaids</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I hope this was fun! I tried to be more light-hearted because I know the last post was kind of heavy and the next one's going to be heavier. After that, expect a post about the pieces that were cut from the wishlist, then a post about the ones that were added!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Stay safe!</span></div>
BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747029501968755717.post-16963036204813672432020-04-15T20:45:00.001-07:002020-04-15T20:45:34.088-07:00When Saying Goodbye Doesn't Work Out<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, it looks like I haven't posted in well over a year. I'm sorry I vanished without warning, but I have to be honest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I almost left Lolita fashion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's not a big bomb-dropper because I've never been very active in the community, but it was a big deal for me as an individual. Keeping up with the hobby hasn't brought me joy in a long time. In fact, it did the exact opposite. Weight gain coupled with ever-stressful financial burdens and feeling like I didn't belong in Lolita murdered a lot of my desire to keep going. I haven't worn Lolita in a very long time (if we're not counting socks and the occasional headband or scrunchie).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On top of all of that, I've gotten a dog, been trying to plan a wedding (R.I.P. my Beltane wedding date. Thanks, coronavirus), and started writing books.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It cropped into my life every now and again, of course. I follow <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoD9K9Es25MVoICZyYsWHw">Cupcake Kamisama</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ScarfingScarves">ScarfingScarves</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/gitsforfits">LovelyLor</a> on YouTube, as well as the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/oldschoollolita/">#oldschoollolita</a> tag on Instagram. And I never sold off my wardrobe. I think I was too afraid of letting go of something that made me feel so much joy when I convince myself daily that I don't deserve it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But there are other things I want to pursue, things that didn't make me feel quite so ugly about myself. I want to get into LARPing. I'm flirting with the idea of making Sims videos. I want to reconnect with my Wiccan spirituality. I want <i>so desperately</i> to write stories. And I told myself that Lolita wasn't as good, or as important, or as attainable as these things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lolita fashion, to me, had that crucial keystone of Community that I always lacked and never found. Why bother?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can't tell you what's changed. Maybe it's the weather, or the fact that my coping mechanisms have drastically shifted in the last year. But Lolita feels safe again. I see clothing that makes me fall in love. And something in my heart tells me that if I achieve the career-related goals that I had set for myself this year, then maybe - <i>just maybe</i> - I can do this. And I don't need a community to love clothing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It feels like I'm starting over fresh. Trends have changed. My wardrobe needs rebuilding. But this time, I'm coming in with the knowledge of how to do it. I need to rein it in with purchases and other things in my life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have some posts planned going forward that are related to this, but I think this is where I pause for the time being. I've missed blogging, too. Have a good night, everybody, and stay safe!</span></div>
BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747029501968755717.post-6854054682439990602018-10-26T15:00:00.000-07:002018-10-26T20:07:07.064-07:00Leopardprint Lolita: Take... 5?<div style="text-align: center;">
Sorry, guys, I'm skipping the Halloween post this year-</div>
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(except let's be real, I haven't posted in months anyway because I've been writing a book, oops)</div>
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-and I'm just moving straight on to the thing that I apparently missed in between a mini Moitie revival, the sharp decline of shirred OPs, and my massive disappointment that the only toy print I've ever truly loved is being rereleased in the worst cut.</div>
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Angelic Pretty's trying to bring back leopard print?</div>
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Like, didn't we... didn't we do this already? Metamorphose pumped out three nearly identical leopard prints, Baby once in a while hands out some printed faux fur accessories, and we were good. Jewel Leopard is the butt of many good-natured jokes because Meta's our crazy and fun spinster auntie and I think a lot more people like it than we like to give away, but "tacky" is still the word tacked onto it. And let's remember how many jokes were on Lolita Updates about how Angelic Pretty clearly kidnapped a Meta designer (Girly Leopard isn't the first offender).</div>
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No joke, though, while I'm baffled that this happened at all, I think AP did a pretty good job of the print. Better than Meta.</div>
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I know, guys. It's me. #1 Meta fan. But look at Rose Leopard and compare.</div>
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Anyway, the print does the Garden Alice thing where the actual leopard print is used as a background to more central elements. In this case, little frames with shoes, hearts, roses and stuff and little swags of jewels in between, so while the fabric visually has a more complex texture, the fact that it's leopard print is easy to forget. I dig it.</div>
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I think the colorways all work pretty well, for the most part. Nothing is intensely eye-gouging. I think I like the tulle overlays because they dim down the print and give the garments an extra bit of fanciness, but I'm on-the-fence about the velour bows and trim. They would've looked better in velveteen.</div>
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The fur tippet on the OP has some beading that I actually quite like, and I enjoy the neckline underneath it, too - but oh, look, another OP without shirring :'D Ah, well.</div>
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I'm so torn on this series. Some of it works well, and then other parts don't. The beret's pretty classic Angelic Pretty, but the animal ears make me cringe in the same way as lace with a netting base - it's just one of those things ingrained into me when I was first starting out. But then the little "ankle covers" (you could probably use them as wrists cuffs) in the same breath look like you could make them a really nice and cozy part of a late autumn or winter look.</div>
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Honestly, I'm not super concerned about the series and I won't judge anyone for getting it, I just really needed to stop and make everyone take a look at it because it's one in the morning and my sleepy brain doesn't know what to do with itself.</div>
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Lots of love, my little macarons~ Wear your spots with pride.</div>
BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747029501968755717.post-74056364759892998102018-01-10T22:11:00.000-08:002018-01-10T22:11:26.165-08:00January 2018 Mood: Cozy, Red, and Classic<div style="text-align: center;">
Instead of Style Inspiration, I figured it would be easier just to do monthly mood collages based on what sort of Lolita style I'm feeling. This month, I've been really into a sort of Classic color palette based around red, brown, and green. Mostly, I've been eyeballing a lot of Baby, the Stars Shine Bright products because I ended up placing a small order from BtSSB New York to celebrate the end of my two-year break from school.</div>
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Recently, I've been really enjoying a few different key things: Underbust JSKs, more casual-style pullovers, cozy cardigans, bonnets, and lace-up sort of OTKs. I actually have the red-and-white Baby OTKs on order along with a pair of pink ribbon hair ties and an Usakumya pen (which is going to be my special note-taking pen for my only in-person class this semester).<br />
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Of course, any school set for me won't be complete without my Innocent World Angel Wing bag - it's just the right size for some notebooks, a textbook, and a few other odds-and-ends like wallets and things. Just skip it if you bring a laptop to class.<br />
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Here are a few coords I've mocked up; most of them are simple, easy outfits to wear to class. I've never been big on too many accessories, so most of them use minimal accouterments or the design details on the pieces themselves, such as the decorative collars of the blouse and turtleneck.</div>
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What are some color palettes or styles that you've been leaning towards this month? Let me know down below!</div>
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BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747029501968755717.post-38465813957272344952018-01-01T17:04:00.000-08:002018-01-01T17:04:08.510-08:00So Long, 2017<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello, 2018.</div>
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My year ended up finishing itself on a really awful note. Like... probably the worst way I could have immediately envisioned. But the only thing to do for it is to keep pushing forward and create goals for myself, even in Lolita fashion.</div>
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That being said, here are my 2018 Lolita Goals:</div>
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<b>1. Purchase something from a brand I've never owned before</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A JSK from Chocochip Cookie. They are <i>still</i> super old-school.</td></tr>
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This might be a little weird, but with the mass-death of several Lolita brands, I keep finding myself thinking, "Wow, I really should have gotten something of theirs when I had the chance." I already have a few brands in mind: Chocochip Cookie, Victorian Maiden (closing soon), Putumayo (also taking its death rattles), Moi-Meme-Moitie, or even h.Naoto.</div>
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<b>2. Buy a lucky pack</b></div>
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I actually really love the idea of the traditional lucky packs (the ones where you legitimately don't know what you're getting, only what kinds of pieces may be in there). There's something enchanting about having surprise items and then figuring out ways to work them in with your wardrobe. I really wanted to pick up one of the BtSSB packs from the NYC store this year, but things came up and I found myself without the funds I thought I would have. There's always summer!</div>
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<b>3. Continue pulling together a cohesive wardrobe</b></div>
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This was a big year when it came to living expenses (I moved, had medical bills, etc.), so I wasn't able to purchase as much as I would have liked, but I feel pretty good about how the things I did get work with my wardrobe as a whole and I'd like to continue moving in that direction this year. My main focuses are still shoes and tops, but I'm also starting to look at a few new headpieces, as well.</div>
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<b>4. Wear Lolita at least once a month</b></div>
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I really just don't wear Lolita so much anymore, but I really would like to! Something I'm going to try is getting back into casual coordination to make it easier.</div>
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<b>5. Go to a meetup</b></div>
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It's no secret that I'm terrified of my comms and going to meetups, but I'd really like to change this about myself. Even if it's just for the next convention, I'd really like to join a group of my fellow frillies and just do something fun.</div>
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<b>6. Try a new sub-style</b></div>
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Isn't this a weird thought to have when I'm trying to work on having a cohesive wardrobe? Definitely. But I also want to try something new, and I've realized that I do have a few pieces that can be worked into substyles like Gothic or Punk if I just put a little effort into collecting the right accessories. I've wanted to branch out from Sweet for quite a while.</div>
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These are my Lolita goals for 2018. What are some of yours?</div>
BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747029501968755717.post-41370988212810322502017-12-15T09:55:00.000-08:002017-12-15T09:55:31.579-08:00LBC: 5 Pieces You Regret Not Buying When You Had the Chance<div style="text-align: center;">
We've all had the feeling. <i>Why didn't I reserve Holy Lantern</i>, <i>why didn't I snatch up that bolero before it sold out, why did I wait until the last minute to bid on that JSK - </i>it's a common thing in Lolita. It also makes for a fun LBC topic. Here are five pieces I regret not buying when I had the chance!<br />
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1. Angelic Pretty's Victorian Tassel JSK</div>
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I had the money. I had the desire. I just didn't have the card to use to purchase it when it was on sale, and I was too afraid to ask anyone I knew for theirs.</div>
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2. Baby's Fawn Fur Beret</div>
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This is a hard piece to come by, and I've loved it since my early Lolita days! Someone was selling it as a set with a matching scarf or muffler or something for a pretty reasonable price, but I didn't get it for some bizarre reason. Next time!</div>
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3. All of the yellow Kumya-chan's Glittery Milky Way accessories!</div>
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When these were released, I got so excited because I had been searching for yellow star-themed accessories to make a coordinate for my Candy Bottle JSK, and these were so perfect! But in the few days it took for me to get my next paycheck, they were all sold out in yellow.</div>
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And let's be honest: blue just doesn't match the same way.</div>
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4. Innocent World's Patisseries de Paris Just Waist JSK</div>
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This was another one from my early Lolita days, and Innocent World ended up putting it on a decent sale. But at the time, I was still leery of spending so much money on a dress, so I just didn't get it. Now, though, I would absolutely buy it if I ever saw it pop up in the secondhand sales.</div>
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5. Angelic Pretty's Chocolat-Chan Going Out JSK</div>
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I've mentioned this before on one or two dream dress posts, but I've only seen it pop up in the secondhand sales <i>once</i>. I should've just bought the damn thing, but again, I was intimidated by conversion rates and the price. Oh, well. Next time, I'll be more prepared to pounce.<br />
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What are some Lolita pieces that you almost bought and then didn't? Let me know in the comments below!<br />
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<span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span><span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span><span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span></div>
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<img alt="Image result for lolita blog carnival" src="http://froufro.us/blogimg/egl/lbc.png" /></div>
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<i>~Other Participants in the Lolita Blog Carnival~</i></div>
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<span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿ <a href="http://cupcakes-and-unicorns.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/5-pieces-i-regret-not-buying-when-i-had.html">Cupcake Kamisama</a> </span><span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span><br />
<span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿ <a href="https://sweet-expedition.blogspot.com.au/2017/12/lbc-5-regrets-list-5-pieces-you-regret.html">Sweet Expedition</a> </span><span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span><br />
<span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿ <a href="https://poppy-noir.blogspot.com/2017/12/my-top-3-regrets-and-how-to-prevent-them.html">Poppy Noir </a></span><span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span><br />
<span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿ <a href="https://rolisramblings.blogspot.com/2017/12/lolita-blog-carnival-5-regrets-list-5_15.html">Roli's Ramblings</a> </span><span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span><br />
<span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿ <a href="https://thebloodyteaparty.blogspot.com/2017/12/lbc-5-regrets-list-5-pieces-you-regret.html">The Bloody Tea Party</a> </span><span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span></div>
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BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747029501968755717.post-74659105872874431152017-12-08T22:04:00.000-08:002017-12-08T22:04:07.434-08:00Do the Damn Thing: 5 Things for Newbies to Avoid or Not Do<div style="text-align: center;">
This week's Lolita Blog Carnival topic was one that I knew I had to post for, even though I haven't been keeping up on this blog like I've wanted to. The moment I saw it, I knew that I needed to write about it - if only for myself. I have such very strong feelings that apply towards it, and I really want this to be a lesson for new Lolitas in making good choices.</div>
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Because these are <i>all</i> things that I have done and continue to do because I'm the biggest chicken on the planet.</div>
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Without further ramblings, here are my Five Things for Newbies to Avoid or Not Do:</div>
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<b>1. Don't be afraid to be active in your comm.</b></div>
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Really, no one is going to be a snot to you for being a newbie. If you're a part of your comm's Facebook group or other form of social media, go ahead and introduce yourself in a post! Comment on other posts, start RSVPing (and going) to upcoming events, and strike up conversations with your fellow lolitas! I remember when I first posted in my comm (a comment on a photo), they were nothing but lovely to me - even though when they first met me, I was definitely still grossly in my ita phase.</div>
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I've never been wildly active in either of my comms - Ohio EGL was mostly due to distance, and by the time one of the main meet-hosters moved closer to my area, I was planning on moving to Michigan! But I have no real excuses for never seeing the Michigan comm - except for the fact that I'm easily intimidated and they're all vastly more lovely and more put-together than I am.</div>
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Which leads me to another thing: don't be intimidated by your comm! I wish I could take my own advice, but just go make yourself some friends. Even if you're not good at that sort of thing, I promise it'll be worth it. I still wish I had the courage to make friends in both of my comms. They seem like wonderful people, and I dearly want to be friends with these people. I'm just super socially awkward and bad at befriending others.</div>
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<b>2. Don't wait until you're "thin" to wear Lolita.</b></div>
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<br />Seriously - don't. This is something that a lot of us plus-sized women already do in the "regular" fashion world. "I'll buy a new wardrobe once I've lost a couple of pounds!" How often do we end up doing this? Rarely. Seriously, find clothes that fit and make you happy and just wear the damn fashion. You'll be much happier for it in the long run, even if you do end up dropping weight.</div>
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It'll be harder if you're plus-sized to find good Lolita pieces that fit, but that'll make it worth the effort. Handmade is an option, and Taobao is more popular than ever. It might end up being just as expensive as buying brand, but you'll be far happier wearing it than waiting for a moment that might honestly never come.</div>
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I know, I know, this might sound really tired and overused, and as a plus-sized Lolita, I get it, but it needs to be said: you can be cute <i>and</i> plus-sized. The two are not mutually exclusive.</div>
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<b>3. Don't buy something just because you can.</b></div>
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This will just make you have a collection of things you don't really love and an incapability to buy things that you do. I can't tell you how many times I've done this. I have money, I can't find anything on my wishlist that's in my price range (looking at you, Melty Ribbon Chocolate), so I just buy something else that I've convinced myself to like.</div>
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That's when you end up buying a skirt that definitely does <i>not</i> fit you because it's a damn steal at $40, and you're left to realize that you have a spending problem.</div>
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The image above is totally not related, and I have no idea what you're talking about.</div>
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<b>4. Don't think that you have to look like a good Closet of Frills coord.</b></div>
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Everyone has their own style, and you need to find yours. By all means, take inspiration from Closet of Frills and other lolitas, but never see a Paradiso coordinate with a foot-tall headdress, angel wings, handmade props and an overskirt with LED lights sewn in and feel like that's the look you have to achieve to truly be a Lolita. Wear your Ribbon Berry Bunny JSK with converse and a denim jacket with pride.</div>
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(Note: This isn't me giving permission to shatter every last Lolita rule, but at least have <i>some</i> fun with it once you have a decent grasp on what you're doing.)</div>
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<b>5. Don't be afraid to wear Lolita for mundane things - even just to wear when you're at home.</b></div>
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If you want Lolita to be a special-event-only kind of thing, then cool. Do it. But if you want to wear it without a reason, then do that, too! It's a street fashion, casual coordination is a thing, and it'll make you feel good! I'm not saying clean the house in it, but if I've had a long day at work, maybe I just want to take off my work pants and throw on my Sugar Bouquet OP or my Garden Alice JSK to lounge around in. Not only is this good practice for coordination, but it also lets you get used to wearing Lolita in a (relatively, depending on your family) safe, low-stress environment.</div>
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~~~</div>
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All in all, even though this list is supposed to be about what "not" to do, the main idea I want newbies to take away is this: <i>just grit your teeth and do the damn thing.</i></div>
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<span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span><span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span><span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span></div>
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<img alt="Image result for lolita blog carnival" src="http://froufro.us/blogimg/egl/lbc.png" /></div>
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<i>~Other Participants in the Lolita Blog Carnival~</i></div>
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<span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿ <a href="http://cupcakes-and-unicorns.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/5-things-i-would-tell-beginner-not-to-do.html">Cupcake Kamisama</a> </span><span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span><br />
<span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿ <a href="https://lady-tomoyo.blogspot.com/2017/12/lolita-blog-carnival-5-things-i-would.html">Petite Tomoyo</a> </span><span style="color: #545454; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span><br />
<span style="color: #545454; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿ <a href="https://gotadebaunilha.blogspot.com/2017/12/5-dicas-para-lolitas-iniciantes.html">Gotas de Baunhila</a> </span><span style="color: #545454; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span><br />
<span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿ <a href="https://queen-and-commander.blogspot.com/2017/12/log-67-lolita-blog-carnival.html">Queen & Commander</a> </span><span style="color: #545454; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span><br />
<span style="color: #545454; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿ <a href="http://a-princess-fairytales.blogspot.de/2017/12/blogmaslolita-blog-carnival5-things-not.html#more">A Princess' Fairytales</a> </span><span style="color: #545454; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span><br />
<span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿ <a href="https://thebloodyteaparty.blogspot.com/2017/12/lbc-what-are-5-things-you-would-tell.html?m=1">The Bloody Tea Party</a> </span><span style="color: #545454; font-family: roboto, arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span></div>
BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747029501968755717.post-42649833314663973472017-07-08T07:58:00.000-07:002017-07-08T15:51:24.742-07:00Candy Bottle Unboxing!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, last Friday and today have been kind of special for me: I ordered a new dress from Metamorphose! Not only is this the first thing I've bought for my Lolita wardrobe in more than a year, but it's also the first new-straight-from-the-brand dress I've ever purchased! I can't say first <i>order</i> ever, because I once bought a parasol from Baby SF, but this felt different.</div>
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Remember how I said in this post that I was in love with the Candy Bottle print? Well, guess what's on sale?</div>
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I ordered it, the dress shipped out on Monday, and I can't tell you how pleasantly surprised I was to find that it arrived yesterday! I was expecting a far longer wait.</div>
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<img src="http://38.media.tumblr.com/6f6377b4542560f97977300bd0373176/tumblr_mesu9mIC1v1rf3h7ho9_r2_400.gif" /></div>
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Meta sent me a bunch of little things along with the dress, too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKpOOGScLZ6_uvUUJBVjkrf5-zxEdbQVmFe1Ir5yph7qhwoC2MwxRuS3NNOvLdutgrt1g7Rm_Wu3LJooLhmIEdQFuZivmpY5-nGPlHwON0bxHOMP_nucn0tZv-0QT51He76Zlvmfc_-IW/s1600/matryoshka+doll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKpOOGScLZ6_uvUUJBVjkrf5-zxEdbQVmFe1Ir5yph7qhwoC2MwxRuS3NNOvLdutgrt1g7Rm_Wu3LJooLhmIEdQFuZivmpY5-nGPlHwON0bxHOMP_nucn0tZv-0QT51He76Zlvmfc_-IW/s200/matryoshka+doll.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMTbw79ZFTdBIlRZySwqQPjmdvWv5-F6PxX_eTLduS7GURnzINoYquZK-LyGkwx5KbKhuqKF8gCUrjZWEbZlA-dN7TZUVftbDJJOzb7Cb8R-DZVfeZyi8XZPDriuc5CP-_yTO84SDnPzt/s1600/meta+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMTbw79ZFTdBIlRZySwqQPjmdvWv5-F6PxX_eTLduS7GURnzINoYquZK-LyGkwx5KbKhuqKF8gCUrjZWEbZlA-dN7TZUVftbDJJOzb7Cb8R-DZVfeZyi8XZPDriuc5CP-_yTO84SDnPzt/s200/meta+bag.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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In addition to the obligatory shopping bag, there's also a nice little sticker, and fabric swatches from their Matryoshka Doll print!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQpNOJbfwsg0yUcyUUyuhZ4Z6OrZte8kzWn3Q94ARNCAyxvExVhBeG7LDpKDbXnfI6SDwIVokCYLg0XSrKVD5D-6qelRbOTccjBBv6vMO-HYpxVqdSpqjT47G4uzFD8alXBPxhxrk0EOx/s1600/bakery+cafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQpNOJbfwsg0yUcyUUyuhZ4Z6OrZte8kzWn3Q94ARNCAyxvExVhBeG7LDpKDbXnfI6SDwIVokCYLg0XSrKVD5D-6qelRbOTccjBBv6vMO-HYpxVqdSpqjT47G4uzFD8alXBPxhxrk0EOx/s200/bakery+cafe.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLU1R-5KZfSEhoYb3rgYsYKASucSREWbKkIJtEldsd3XiFCHl3u70Togk6SiOeHloFa3ks04ebwfuNuleCE0afjzrdaMZz5YTOMV0z10w6hX-MAmJ-dGOrpOv7ufBSYS9YxrMhfrxgfPhN/s1600/cherry+berry+song.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLU1R-5KZfSEhoYb3rgYsYKASucSREWbKkIJtEldsd3XiFCHl3u70Togk6SiOeHloFa3ks04ebwfuNuleCE0afjzrdaMZz5YTOMV0z10w6hX-MAmJ-dGOrpOv7ufBSYS9YxrMhfrxgfPhN/s200/cherry+berry+song.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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There are also two spreads of the Cherry Berry Song series, and Crown Label's Bakery Cafe.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifP-nLo5vBxoJYMryhdfhJbDPpg1iC45CqvECiX9WyO7G4FqCsALne3BhZIE-XYBdJwAmCVsWYG8nBsiwHZEsCM6iBrd67Nt8_b9dqQ7HgiL3s2dqJuhM7kKPNbVcn1JO6bmL-MuAE7S__/s1600/bakery+cafe+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifP-nLo5vBxoJYMryhdfhJbDPpg1iC45CqvECiX9WyO7G4FqCsALne3BhZIE-XYBdJwAmCVsWYG8nBsiwHZEsCM6iBrd67Nt8_b9dqQ7HgiL3s2dqJuhM7kKPNbVcn1JO6bmL-MuAE7S__/s200/bakery+cafe+2.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPwyoJsAg2_NplgjeMpUJ9tBvcGPTChr1pdHPNrdN0jwoc1TLLkkAJ_q4wkS-4b3ugKiEyzaxz-elr5D91_g4SuP8K7XMpf45_xs8BiemGj5Sk6maXDYxEptsPd86z4bHAo9wrx_QWVKA/s1600/dim+light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPwyoJsAg2_NplgjeMpUJ9tBvcGPTChr1pdHPNrdN0jwoc1TLLkkAJ_q4wkS-4b3ugKiEyzaxz-elr5D91_g4SuP8K7XMpf45_xs8BiemGj5Sk6maXDYxEptsPd86z4bHAo9wrx_QWVKA/s200/dim+light.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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... and two sets of design sketches! One for the Dim Light series, and the other for Bakery Cafe! That bear is <i>so </i>cute.</div>
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Alright, of course, now for the main event:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrf6KR7x3BePKypu_6l8H6rbmuHNliLesEVyGXmM8yv3rOq2TxnbDA71AtHfGJKbl1DxzQuserPWNCh49T_ZV8sfNPjNpArd1y9fALD3EOx8WYbGORLJhDJvGDYqD80pjtTeJu2C78qgr/s1600/jskfront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrf6KR7x3BePKypu_6l8H6rbmuHNliLesEVyGXmM8yv3rOq2TxnbDA71AtHfGJKbl1DxzQuserPWNCh49T_ZV8sfNPjNpArd1y9fALD3EOx8WYbGORLJhDJvGDYqD80pjtTeJu2C78qgr/s400/jskfront.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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The JSK! I went with off-white because it just seems like I can coordinate it with more things. It's a nice, soft cotton, and it's super girly, even though construction-wise, it's almost the same as my more Classic Wheel of Time JSK. The fabric almost has a pink hue to it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZ5balb-GD3VQTR_7KqRrZSt0NBCq-4zmiGK8fO1duMHDTRSr7VdJWs6ML25Eqt9xe-BtX2J8Egi5MFZ4Hx0NFpq2JSJh97zQ1YGa238JbcZTk9wNWDzXEBqty-e2aoElzwzVEbBP-39x/s1600/buttons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZ5balb-GD3VQTR_7KqRrZSt0NBCq-4zmiGK8fO1duMHDTRSr7VdJWs6ML25Eqt9xe-BtX2J8Egi5MFZ4Hx0NFpq2JSJh97zQ1YGa238JbcZTk9wNWDzXEBqty-e2aoElzwzVEbBP-39x/s320/buttons.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'm in love with these buttons down the front! No, they aren't functional, sadly!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIc5PAPA7iT9s4OaH761lopCQ78f3ji0XJ1Bamty2JkQDCBOXYEE5k7QChy9KzT3NyKWZKQgIguXPKLZAn3m-U7d9ZOaKtJS72tTBrOGpgz-Gk3y8PPn9vVpDyNToz203IuP4keGy9_cq/s1600/lace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIc5PAPA7iT9s4OaH761lopCQ78f3ji0XJ1Bamty2JkQDCBOXYEE5k7QChy9KzT3NyKWZKQgIguXPKLZAn3m-U7d9ZOaKtJS72tTBrOGpgz-Gk3y8PPn9vVpDyNToz203IuP4keGy9_cq/s320/lace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The little, pink satin bows are a great addition, and the lace on the hem has the Meta Swan Logo!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySyy0v9nqVYQXa9YAipNUi4COIJIVeP5p82QD6I3lYvRT73UKLczQrgoF4ztD1WyJk3rfeDRqHKpPiEo_LtOWjgvDB-ntB8iKQEyth9swtAP3jVw3ehLe9hxc7U-vrDyO2FpEMj7iwRK9/s1600/jsk+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySyy0v9nqVYQXa9YAipNUi4COIJIVeP5p82QD6I3lYvRT73UKLczQrgoF4ztD1WyJk3rfeDRqHKpPiEo_LtOWjgvDB-ntB8iKQEyth9swtAP3jVw3ehLe9hxc7U-vrDyO2FpEMj7iwRK9/s320/jsk+back.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here's a shot of it from the back - and the only thing about this dress that's off are the waist ties. This is my second-shortest dress, yet it has the _longest_ waist ties I've ever seen. But it's not a big deal in the slightest.</div>
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Have any of you gotten anything in mail recently? Let me know or link me to more unboxing videos in the comments below!</div>
BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747029501968755717.post-9491401654799757162017-07-01T19:06:00.000-07:002017-07-02T16:30:36.924-07:00Keeping it Together - How to Prepare for Wardrobe Cohesion<div style="text-align: center;">
You've fallen into the Lolita Pit of Hell: all you've bought are main pieces. Sure, maybe you have a blouse or two that match your first couple of dresses and nothing else, and the same might go for headwear. You look around; do you even <i>own</i> any other accessories?</div>
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Or, maybe you've suddenly found yourself with a complete 180 degree change. Your closet used to be sweet and pink and full of cupcakes, and never stopped to remember that when you just started buying up Moitie pieces.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe you bought this bag and have <i>no</i> idea<br />
what to wear it with. The eyes are just <i>too cute!</i></td></tr>
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How do you claw your way out?</div>
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<i>Note: I'm only speaking for my own wardrobe. You do whatever works for you.</i></div>
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<b>1. Reorganize Your Closet</b></div>
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<img height="303" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/6f/bd/5d/6fbd5d2014c20c98f099fdb812b78009--konmari-methode-declutter.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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This might not seem like an intuitive Step One, but this is actually where I've started from. I finally decided to buy a free-standing closet (not a wardrobe) with the express intention of having somewhere to bring all of my Lolita out of storage, and going through how it has to be organized has really made me take a look at everything - both individually, and how it all looks together.</div>
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Reorganization gives you the opportunity to think about a few things: do you even still <i>like</i> some of your pieces? Where did these socks come from? What will work with multiple main pieces, and are there things that you want that will make a nearly-complete outfit with what you already have?</div>
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<b>2. Make a List</b></div>
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<img src="http://38.media.tumblr.com/d7f9bc5c01882475888c1908ab2d388c/tumblr_n9wu5fuYrU1r80pqzo9_500.png" height="306" width="400" /></div>
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<b></b>Well, I made two lists: things that are going to get sold, and things that I'd like to have to make a more complete coordinate with each piece.<b></b></div>
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I made a list of each main piece I own, complete with what colorway it was, and then added a bullet-pointed list of bits and bobs that would look really nice with them - I absolutely wrote down duplicates. Like, if I had more than one dress that would look nice with brown shoes, I wrote down "brown shoes" for each one. It's going to look <i>really long </i>at the end of it all, and that's okay! We'll take care of that in the next step.</div>
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Have a snippet of my list:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhveSjbsG4vyHx-8h8lByHocW_7JcFwqAV8Ka4T8EaDuimO9dZvlmbPmfRVgnFPttHnzYH5OJqJcHLvjbItPZMyx8af3KGSsi2vrWuwZqFWO9NGHLn4S7ao3yZTDOXg9infO2cZEo3EciCG/s1600/cohesion+list+snip.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="290" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhveSjbsG4vyHx-8h8lByHocW_7JcFwqAV8Ka4T8EaDuimO9dZvlmbPmfRVgnFPttHnzYH5OJqJcHLvjbItPZMyx8af3KGSsi2vrWuwZqFWO9NGHLn4S7ao3yZTDOXg9infO2cZEo3EciCG/s320/cohesion+list+snip.PNG" width="197" /></a></div>
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I used my wardrobe post from last year to make the list, and simply deleted the things that I had sold or am now planning on selling. It was helpful because I could look at images of my clothing without having to either pull them all out of their storage space or looking them up individually on Lolibrary.</div>
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<b>3. Condense the List</b></div>
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Once you figure out everything - what shoes you need, what purses or blouses you're missing, all that stuff - <i>now </i>you can start deleting duplicates.</div>
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First, take out the names of all of your dresses. Then, as tedious as it sounds, start going through and taking out the doubles, triples... quadruples, even. You'll find that your pages-long list will quickly trim down to far less!</div>
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<b>4. Put Everything Into a Category by Item</b><br />
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This one's only necessary if you're like me and you <i>really </i>thrive on putting things into categories or labels. Re-sort your list by:<br />
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Shoes<br />
Blouses<br />
Headwear<br />
Socks<br />
Accessories<br />
Purses<br />
[Insert Other Categories Here!}</div>
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<b>5. You Have Your Shopping List!</b></div>
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Behold! You now have a pretty clear shopping plan to put together, and maybe some things you can sell off to contribute to the fund, as well. I've been having some very strong urges to reorganize everything - this was simply a side-effect! And I like having a clear-cut idea of what I have to do in order to make more wearable coordinates out of what I have already, and I'm excited to start rounding it all out again.</div>
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I hope this has been as helpful for you as it has for me! What are some of your favorite methods for organizing or figuring out how to reach better wardrobe cohesion? Let me know in the comments below!</div>
BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747029501968755717.post-11224451887564042272017-06-16T20:48:00.000-07:002017-06-18T14:54:32.006-07:00Lolita Blog Carnival: Pet Peeves; Five Things You Hate About Prints<div style="text-align: center;">
This week's topic was actually really hard for me to put together! There are so few pet peeves I have with prints, really - sure, there are prints that I actively dislike because maybe it's just not my style, but it's probably not some single element that immediately turns me off from it. So, I ended up branching out a little bit.</div>
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That said, the following accounts for a very small majority of Lolita prints in the world, and if you love these things, then that's awesome! You rock it! Just know that I'm probably not ever going to try to outbid you for something that I'm describing.</div>
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<b>1. Prints Over Pinstripes</b></div>
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I will say that this personal pet peeve doesn't always apply to everything that goes over pinstripes. I mean, AP's Chocolat-Chan Going Out JSK is <i>still</i> one of my dream dresses. The difference is that the applique or print needs to contrast well enough with the stripes to not either blend in or hurt the eyes. Even with the dress above, AP's Lucienne Dream, the brown colorway actually does this pretty well! But the rest of the colors, particularly the black, sort of flop.</div>
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Baby, the Stars Shine Bright did this, too, and quite recently with the My Dear Sweetheart Regimental JSK. The print is metallic, so maybe it looks better under different lighting, but in the stock photo, it just looks... not great.</div>
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<b>2. Crosses in Non-Gothic Prints</b></div>
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<br />There's a whole discussion out there about whether or not using crosses in Lolita or "Nun-Lolita" as a substyle is cultural appropriation, and that's not what I'm here to talk about. I'm down with crosses in Gothic Lolita, and if you want to throw on a veil and Ista Mori's Nameless Poem OP, then you go for it, but when I see it pop up in sweet prints, I'm just... eh. I don't even know what it is, something about it just makes me cringe away from an otherwise lovely print.</div>
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<b>3. Great Prints, Bad Cuts</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meta's Cherry Berry Song OP</td></tr>
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Maybe this one isn't so much a pet peeve I have with prints, themselves, but with something annoying I stumble upon every now and again. The print's gorgeous, or really cute, and I really like it, but then the cut of the dress is just terrible. Luckily, most prints come in more than one cut, and if you can fit into the nicer option, then there you go!</div>
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For us busty girls, who often can't... learn to love the sack dress? Or, more likely, to live without that print.</div>
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<b>4. The Extra-Overt Brandwhore Print</b></div>
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A ton of Lolita prints in the world feature the brand name in some way, shape, or form, whether it be Angelic Pretty's monogrammed lace, Baby's hidden, scrolling cursive name nestled in the background of its prints, or anything else. And then there is the occasional piece that has the damn thing <i>plastered</i> onto its fabric. As much of a self-described brand-whore as I am, I didn't buy the dress out of brand loyalty, I bought it because I liked it, and I don't feel like being <i>that</i> much of a walking billboard.</div>
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<b>5. Meta's Skirt (and Occasional JSK) Thing</b></div>
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Meta, why do you do these things you do?!</div>
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This is Meta's Mermaid Princess Ribbon Shirred JSK. It's a perfectly standard print, an interesting take on the whole "mermaid" theme, I think. I can dig it.</div>
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This is the skirt.</div>
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Meta does this with so many of its prints: they take one of the pieces, and strip it down to its least-cluttered section of fabric. And for some of them, that's fine! I even like them better that way (like Wheel of Time in its fully-shirred JSK version - at first I was a little salty about the lack of clocks, but now I really prefer the toned-down version of gears and keys). But for others, it just feels... lacking. Like Mermaid Princess.</div>
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And this will be different for everyone depending on their preferences. For instance, the Matryoshka Doll print skirts come in two flavors: one with the full print, one without. The one without the full print is the longer of the two, and unless you're very short or really into their mini-skirts, maybe you'll feel like you're missing out on something.</div>
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~~~</div>
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That's all I've got for this one! What are some pet peeves you have with prints? Let me know in the comments below!</div>
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<span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span><span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span><span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span></div>
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<img alt="Image result for lolita blog carnival" src="http://froufro.us/blogimg/egl/lbc.png" /></div>
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<i>~Other Participants in the Lolita Blog Carnival~</i></div>
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<span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿ <a href="http://cupcakes-and-unicorns.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/5-things-you-hate-in-prints.html">Cupcake Kamisama</a> </span><span style="color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span></div>
BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747029501968755717.post-38669170058522534482017-06-10T08:02:00.000-07:002017-06-10T08:02:21.109-07:00Lolita Blog Carnival: Beat the Heat<div style="text-align: center;">
I ended up falling asleep without remembering to post this week's Lolita Blog Carnival topic! Oh, well. This one's perfectly suited to early June - start planning ahead your coordinates for summer with Beat the Heat - 5 Tips to Beat the Heat While in Lolita.<br />
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<b>1. Chiffon Blouses</b></div>
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There's no doubt that the layering is really what kills most of us during the summer, and I'd rather just avoid JSKs altogether, or dare to go blouseless with the right dress. But if you really want to stick with your JSKs, then finding the right blouse will be vital.</div>
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Many of the brands are putting out chiffon blouses and have been for quite some time. It's a light fabric that's not nearly as stifling as the cotton, and many of them have lower necklines to help keep you cool. And don't count out long sleeves - on particularly <i>sunny</i> days, long, breathable sleeves can actually keep you cooler by keeping the sun off your skin!</div>
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<b>2. Parasols</b></div>
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Following that line of reasoning, parasols are also going to be greatly helpful for keeping out of the sun and keeping cool, like having portable shade. I would recommend going for something with a longer handle, rather than something shorter like <a href="https://lolibrary.org/items/btssb-petit-ribbon-short-umbrella-1">Baby's Petit Ribbon Short Umbrella</a>, just because a longer handle will let you hold the parasol farther away from your head. You'll get all the shade, and less of the stuffiness.</div>
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<b>3. OPs</b></div>
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<a href="http://fyeahlolita.blogspot.com/2011/04/why-i-hope-to-add-more-ops-to-my.html">F Yeah Lolita</a> already wrote a post about this, but Miss Caro raises a lot of good points about why a onepiece will be your best friend during the hotter months, and it's worth sharing! Light fabrics, short sleeves, breath-easy necklines, OPs provide endless options that won't suffocate you in the heat!</div>
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<b>4. Go Wigless</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chrissy from <a href="http://chrissyplaysdressup.tumblr.com/">her Tumblr page!</a></td></tr>
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I don't personally wear wigs, anyway, but I know for a fact that they get warm and <i>fast</i>. If you feel comfortable with your own hair, use it! There are tons of tutorials and inspirations on the internet (and in the Gothic & Lolita Bibles) if you need a little help. Easy staples usually include braids or buns, but there are plenty of other options!</div>
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<b>5. Swap Out the Bloomers</b></div>
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Bloomers are great for keeping warm come Autumn and Winter, and even early spring, but you don't want to completely skip them during warmer weather. Why? <i>Thigh chafing</i>. Not only for those of us with wider thighs, either, you'll want to be wearing something beneath your petti to avoid the pain and discomfort! But bloomers, particularly longer ones, can be <i>really warm.</i></div>
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How do we fix this? Swap out your bloomers for something that's not particularly Lolita, since no one's going to see them as part of your coordinate, anyway. Athletic shorts are designed to be breathable and help keep your body cool, and would be perfect.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<img alt="Image result for lolita blog carnival" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhj1UjcjGaVQnFKaM3R-8wNWL1E4L_O1h8-cjGbq_ySzJb4w6vX_gWLB1WtCOGU1CMZf6x_G_F2RRZgThKEusic7mus9Xi1ziv_UqrSe6exOcu8rl8ms0NGVmuguuaqEXb5kkJBSg=s0-d" /><br />
<br />
<i>~Other Participants in the Lolita Blog Carnival~</i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿<a href="http://itsvanillabear.blogspot.com/2017/06/5-tips-to-beat-heat-while-in-lolita.html">Vanilla Bear</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿<a href="http://poppy-noir.blogspot.com/2017/06/5-tips-to-beat-heat-in-lolita.html">Poppy Noir</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">✿</span></div>
BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747029501968755717.post-90901951745662329792017-05-26T10:38:00.005-07:002017-05-26T10:38:55.941-07:00Lolita Blog Carnival: What Made Your Dream Dress Your Dream Dress, and Has That Changed?<div style="text-align: center;">
I really liked this week's topic, because it makes for a light, fun topic to write about while I'm trying to get back into the swing of keeping up the blog! Why don't we just dive right into it with a selection of my top dream dresses?</div>
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<b>1. Strawberry Jam Long JSK by Innocent World</b></div>
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I think this was my first real "dream dress," and I came across it while I was still in my "research" phase of Lolita. I was perusing through the different substyles, and a long-defunct website had an image of a Lolita wearing this exact dress in the prettiest Classic coordinate (complete with an IW princess-sleeved bolero, and I believe violin OTKs).</div>
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Unfortunately, I can no longer find this image to show you, but it was basically the first time I had ever seen a coordinate and was just <i>floored</i> by how lovely it was and how well-put-together. It was one of the dresses that sort of cemented my love for the fashion.</div>
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I'm not as in-love with it as I used to be, but I still like the print, and I'd love to own it one day as a sort of sentimental piece.</div>
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<b>2. Chocolat-chan Going Out JSK by Angelic Pretty</b></div>
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This was another one of my early dream dresses, and it was sort of the first Angelic Pretty dress that I really fell for. When I started Lolita, AP was winding down its OTT Sweet phase with prints like Whip Showcase, so that's what I came to expect of it.</div>
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And then I stumbled upon Chocolat-chan. The velveteen, the classy black cat, the little pearl details, it was a match made in heaven, and I'm still in love with it for those reasons. I once came across it in the second-hand sales, but conversion rates were awful, and I didn't quite have enough for it. Maybe I'll find it again, one day...</div>
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<b>3. Fairy Tale Square JSK by Innocent World</b></div>
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Another Innocent World dress - this one had just been released shortly after I started Lolita, and as soon as I saw it in this particular cut and colorway, I fell <i>hard</i>. It's been at the top of my wishlist for years, now, and I've never come across it. The details are what sweep me away for this one: the apple buttons, the delicate lines of printed roses, the craftsmanship on the fairy tale panels, the overall construction... I'm in love!</div>
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If you recall, though, I <i>did</i> find the green, high-waisted version for sale, and I bought it because I wanted something with the print that I still loved. But if the opportunity ever arises to trade it for the black, square-necked JSK, I'm taking it.</div>
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There's just no beating those apple-shaped buttons.</div>
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<b>4. Fraise Cerise OP by Mary Magdalene</b></div>
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I feel like I've mentioned this dress in a <i>lot</i> of posts, and there's a reason for it: I really, <i>really</i> adore it! It made me fall in love with the idea of Country Lolita, and it's another one of those simple, Mary Magdalene pieces that I could see myself wearing absolutely everywhere.</div>
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Clearly, I haven't changed my opinion on this dress.</div>
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Why did you choose your dream dresses, and have your thoughts on them changed over the years? Let me know in the comments below!</div>
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✿✿✿<br />
<img alt="Image result for lolita blog carnival" src="http://froufro.us/blogimg/egl/lbc.png" /><br />
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<i>~ Others Participants in the Lolita Blog Carnival ~</i><br />
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<i>✿ <a href="http://cupcakes-and-unicorns.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/what-made-your-dream-dress-your-dream.html">Cupcake Kamisama</a> ✿</i></div>
BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747029501968755717.post-13626065839082315632017-05-19T21:27:00.000-07:002017-05-19T21:27:20.982-07:00AP New Release: Classic Florals are Back!<div style="text-align: center;">
I was perusing the Facebook feed and someone posted a new Angelic Pretty release that made me stop and make sure that this was a dress from 2017 instead of 2007:</div>
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This release, I actually <i>am</i> a little salty that I don't have the money to drop on a new dress, because this is lovely! Instead of a busy print like the ones to which we've become accustomed, it's a delicate, very Classic sort of floral and striped pattern with detail variety that comes in the form of construction, rather than graphic design.</div>
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The second thing that sort of stuck out to everyone commenting on the thread involved the price: <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">¥</span>31,104 for a <i>cotton </i>jumperskirt? Why?!</div>
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... Ah. That'll do it.</div>
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There is so much lace and other accouterments packed onto this thing that it would easily drive the price up. On the bodice alone, I can count five different types of lace or piping in multiple rows, not to mention the satin bow and the line of faux pearl beading - this isn't even mentioning the rest of it on the dress.</div>
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I'll give this one to AP.</div>
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Classical Petit Rose (I'll ignore the French, as we must often do) comes in three colors and has a onepiece version as well as a JSK. Personally, though I do really like the JSK, I have to have a preference for the OP, this time. I just love the clean, vertical lines of lace that stretch from the top of the bodice to nearly the hem of the skirt, and the bow isn't as heavily burdened as the one on the JSK with lace or pearls.</div>
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There's also a brown colorway, and a headbow!</div>
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All in all, I really like this release, and I think it's something that people will feel more comfortable wearing out and about - you know, the way we used to when this was still truly a street fashion, when it was more common to wear Lolita to class or the grocery store or just to hang out somewhere with friends.</div>
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What do you think of the new Angelic Pretty print? Are there any other prints that have been coming out lately that have been catching your eye? Let me know in the comments below!</div>
BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747029501968755717.post-87352726728511347912016-12-09T21:13:00.000-08:002016-12-09T21:13:00.924-08:00Lolita Blog Carnival - Create a Lolita Zodiac<div>
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Moment of truth for just a second: as much as I love and respect Astrology, I really just wanted to have fun with this particular topic. I hope you find something to enjoy in whichever "sign" you fall in with!</div>
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<b>1. January - The Snow Maiden</b></div>
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The Snow Maiden has a certain sense of refinement to her, and understands that beauty can come from even the most physically unpleasant of seasons. She is content to watch the snow fall outside the window while she sits near a cozy fire, or even to take a quiet morning stroll in the frosty air.</div>
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<b>2. February - The Winged Angel</b></div>
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The Winged Angel is delicate and moves with a sort of natural grace that others find difficult to capture without practice. Lolitas with this sign tend to make friends easily with those born under the sign of the Unicorn.</div>
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<b>3. March - The Hind</b></div>
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The Hind is a gentle but curious spirit, with a strong desire for helping others and learning more about new acquaintances. While it's hard for anyone to <i>not</i> get along with the Hind, she will oftentimes find herself paired best with the Lamb.</div>
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<b>4. April - The Sugar Fairy</b></div>
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The Sugar Fairy is the definition of sweetness, coming alive during the time of year when Spring starts to arrive, and nature wakes up once more. Sugar Fairies have an eye for decoration and a love for pretty collectibles, but don't think that these Lolitas are nothing more than materialists; they enjoy sharing their happiness and lovely environments with others.</div>
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<b>5. May - The Lamb</b></div>
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The Lamb is almost innocent to a fault, preferring to believe the best in others rather than approaching people with suspicion. Their sweetness makes them fast friends with the outgoing Hind, and Lambs in that partnership will find themselves being brought out of their soft shells.</div>
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<b>6. June - The Strawberry Maiden</b></div>
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The Strawberry Maiden greets each day with a diligent optimism, seeing all of the possibilities ahead of them and planning how to best tackle each challenge. Strawberry Maidens bring a refreshing energy to group projects, and will often inspire those around them to work just as hard.</div>
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<b>7. July - The Fire Witch</b></div>
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<img height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/17/b7/55/17b755379b3315da9228a0194580a72e.jpg" width="213" /></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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The Fire Witch is lively and excitable, ready to meet everyone and everything head-on and with a bright smile. The gentler signs may think of the Fire Witch as exhausting, particularly the Snow Maiden, but a Fire Witch will always find a friend in the Forset Cat or the Night Rider.</div>
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<b>8. August - The Shooting Star</b></div>
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<img height="320" src="http://tokyotelephone.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/ap1.jpg" width="227" /></div>
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Shooting Stars are natural showmen and have a great love for the performing arts. This doesn't mean that they are attention-seekers; rather, they enjoy coordinating group efforts so that everyone can bring their talents together to create something amazing! Shooting Stars shoud be wary of befriending the Fire Witch-- so much energy in one place can lead to explosions!</div>
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<b>9. September - The Toadstool Maiden</b></div>
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<img height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/d3/e5/a6/d3e5a6822b706b2b51416815fe843666.jpg" width="213" /></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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The Toadstool Maiden likes to use her spare time in the pursuit of knowledge and expanding her understanding of the world. This can make for an excellent listener or councellor, as her experience gives her a wealth of advice for anyone who comes seeking. Toadstool Maidens tend to prefer solitude to company, but won't say no to the right Hind or Night Rider.</div>
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<b>10. October - The Unicorn</b></div>
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<img height="264" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/82/DomenichinounicornPalFarnese.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The Unicorn is regal and dignified-- so much so that the other signs may find her unapproachable! They would be wrong, though, in their assumptions, as the Unicorn is a fiercely loyal and lifelong friend. Often, the Unicorn gets along best with the gentle ways of the Winged Angel.</div>
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<div>
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<b>11. November - The Forest Cat</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<img alt="Related image" height="225" src="https://66.media.tumblr.com/37d5e6153d9bbc6e930bf8b2423bab2c/tumblr_nmcsc3R3wY1r682bko1_1280.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Forest Cat is playful and sometimes fiery, but with more caution than some similar signs. Though she welcomes new experiences, the Forest Cat also likes to plan ahead before she acts. Thinking before leaping gives the Forest Cat an excellent advantage in her major life decisions, but for the Cats who <i>over</i>think, they will find that a Fire Witch for a friend will give them an extra push to chase after their dreams.</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>12. December - The Night Rider</b></div>
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<img alt="Image result for elegant gothic aristocrat night" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1punPR0xqhQW_Z-zbJHcUcigU6mQDEuSvoD_8tu-LcBlIDzkZD-68ci_vtnwphkxMSotnnhJ75PXpAG-22RSE88YOVFOF1ZNDfogsyydZzHQHWz52CzPy5T2-VqAUYG-xvAzcibJ6yUv/s320/glb6_053.jpg" width="223" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elegant and sophisticated as the winters' night through which she rides, the Night Rider is the most solitary of the signs, and finds great peace and opportunities for reflection when alone. Meditation makes for a great activity, though they can find outlets for action in unexpected places: the Fire Witch and, most surprisingly, the right Sugar Fairy can balance out the Night Rider's instinct to withdraw from the world.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">✿</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">✿</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">✿</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="Image result for lolita blog carnival" src="http://froufro.us/blogimg/egl/lbc.png" /><br />
<br /></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<i>~ Others Participants in the Lolita Blog Carnival ~</i></div>
</div>
</div>
BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747029501968755717.post-70267055434491152332016-11-18T09:18:00.001-08:002016-11-18T09:28:03.651-08:00Lolita Blog Carnival - Four of Your Favorite Fall/Autumn Motifs<div style="text-align: center;">
Several months back, I joined the ranks of the Lolita Blog Carnival -- and then promptly started a job that made my blogging opportunities quite limited. However, this week, I'm proud to present my very first entry as an official member, and it's a fun one: four of my favorite Autumn motifs!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>1. Fawn Fur</b></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="helloworld" src="http://lolibrary.org/sites/default/files/109P323-camel.jpg?1381504291" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice and the Pirates' Bambi Fur Collar<br />
Short Coat in beige.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
If I could just have an entire Fall wardrobe that was trimmed in or went with fawn fur, I'd be over the moon. Seriously, it's so warm and cozy that it makes me almost believe that the harsh bite of winter won't be nearly as awful-- so long as I have a capelet and matching beret modeled after Bambi.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>2. Apples</b></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="helloworld" src="http://lolibrary.org/sites/default/files/08031328_55beee05486c1.jpg?1459337260" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="266" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angelic Pretty's Classic Apple shoulder bag</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Apples are the quintessential Fall fruit, and make for a perfect print or coordination theme during this time of year. While fruit's generally a very sweet motif, Alice and the Pirates has put out a <a href="http://lolibrary.org/apparel/black-cat-witch-and-apple-tree-jsk-i">couple</a> of <a href="http://lolibrary.org/apparel/wicked-queens-poison-cellar-jsk-i">prints</a> that have a smaller emphasis on the apples themselves (while they feature in the print, they don't overwhelm it), and tend to lean towards Classic or (if coordinated properly) even Gothic Lolita as a whole.</div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>3. Classic Florals</b></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lolibrary.org/sites/default/files/imagecache/apparelpreview/iw_antiquebouquetvneckjsk_2016%20%2816%29.jpg" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="252" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Innocent World's Antique Bouquet V-Neck JSK.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Floral prints come in a few flavors, and I have a sharp preference for the ones you can dig up in any Classic Lolita's wardrobe. Earth tones, muted pastels, and classic cuts are an easy way to hold onto the beauty of spring and summer flowers well into the chilly weather.</div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>4. Books</b></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lolibrary.org/sites/default/files/imagecache/apparelpreview/TB2NORXbpXXXXbzXXXXXXXXXXXX_%21%2141178.jpg" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="212" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surface Spells' Dusk Library Gobelin<br />
Velveteen Bookshelf JSK.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
As an avid bookworm since the tender age of... hell, I don't even remember, I desperately need more book prints in my life. Innocent World puts them out every now and again, and I enjoy what Surface Spell did with the idea. If only we could get Baby to pump out a classic book print...<br />
<br />
What are your favorite motifs for this time of year? Let me know in the comments below, or link me to posts of your own!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">✿</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">✿</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">✿</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="Image result for lolita blog carnival" src="http://froufro.us/blogimg/egl/lbc.png" /><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>~ Others Participants in the Lolita Blog Carnival ~</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">✿ </span><a href="http://itsvanillabear.blogspot.com/2016/11/4-of-your-favorite-autumn-motifs.html">Vanilla Bear</a> <span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">✿</span></div>
BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747029501968755717.post-19658838546217442232016-10-13T19:33:00.002-07:002016-10-13T19:33:38.743-07:00October Style Theme - Hold the Halloween<div style="text-align: center;">
Brace yourselves: Halloween Lolita is coming. Soon, the coordinate posts will be plastered all over the internet of beautiful Lolitas sporting witches' hats, animal ears, scepters, and so much more. It's become a yearly "tradition" that you either enjoy or despise, and it seems that there's little room to feel sort of nonchalant about it. Then again, this is the internet: those of us who are nonchalant probably just don't say a whole lot.<br />
<br /></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/87/7b/e2/877be243df8ab272e4f0acdd2984e64e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granted, I love a good witch coordinate as much<br />
as the next person.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That being said, if you <i>want</i> to put together coordinates that are perfect for October without falling in line with the more costume-like outifts, here are a couple of fun ideas!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>1. Grey is Great</b></div>
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<b><br /></b>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="http://lolibrary.org/sites/default/files/imagecache/apparelpreview/BerangelOP-1_0.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Magdalene's Bérangère OP in Grey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Seriously, whatever time of the year it is, grey is one of my favorite colors in Lolita, and it's vastly underrated. It's a shade that's gentle enough to be used for most styles, and can be combined with all kinds of accent colors. Try seeing what you can come up with in your currently existing wardrobe. The most surprisingly elegant combination I've ever seen was grey and pastel <i>pink</i>.</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>2. Embrace the Pumpkin</b></div>
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<b><br /></b>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pumpkin jewelry set,Pumpkin earring,Pumpkin necklace,Orange Pumpkins,Cute autumn jewelry,Autumn earrings,Squash earring,Pumpkin art and gift" height="294" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/102/1/9725792/il_570xN.839337128_g7lj.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/245683852/pumpkin-jewelry-setpumpkin?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=pumpkin%20necklace&ref=sr_gallery_29">Check these out on Etsy!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
I'm not talking jack-o-lanterns; like apples or strawberries, try to appreciate pumpkins as a theme! I know there isn't much in the way of pumpkin prints out in the world, right now, but there's a plethora of appropriate accessories! Use it as an accent: with the right, light shade of orange, you can add some very pretty interest to a sax or wine-colored coordinate, not to mention the usual browns and creams.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>3. Cardigan Season!</b></div>
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<b><br /></b>
<img alt="Image result for angelic pretty long sleeved bolero" height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/28/84/e3/2884e31b67375979093a450b47883048.jpg" width="240" /><br />
<b><br /></b>
With the chillier weather, out come the cardigans and boleros! Has the summer heat been too much for you to wear more than a short-sleeved OP? Now's the perfect time of year to dust off your old long-sleeved, knit favorites, or to scan around the sales for something new.<br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>4. Another Goddamn Chocolate Print</b></div>
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<b><br /></b>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="http://angelicpretty-onlineshop.com/upload/save_image/09092343_57d2caa080ad8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="266" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keep doing what you're doing, AP.<br />Antique Chocolaterie Switching JSK in navy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
Chocolate in the Lolita world is like Pumpkin Spice in the "real world." It's everywhere, and we simultaneously love it and think it's ultimately overrated. Personally, I'm one of those people who proudly spouts my love for Pumpkin Spice drinks from Starbucks-- it brings me joy, so why shouldn't I say that I like it?<br />
<br />
The same goes for chocolate prints, and many of them are really great for October: brown is obviously a Fall color, and chocolate can be a more indirect reference to Halloween than coordinating another outfit around your favorite witch's hat.<br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>5. For the Gothic Lovelies</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b>This is your time of year-- <i>own it!</i> But if, in the process of living it up, you find that you're searching for something fresh in your ever-black wardrobe, consider bringing in an accent color, or a color that you can buy a main piece in that still goes with your closet.<br />
<br />
Might I suggest blue?<br />
<br />
<img alt="Image result for moi meme moitie mana" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YKc_yyhFw48/UxW-JCXKPJI/AAAAAAAABBk/nyR-Jv0tTqo/w426-h606/GLB19-01.jpg" width="224" /><br />
<br />
Not sax, and maybe not even navy-- I'm talking royal Mana blue. It's vibrant enough to make for a great accent color, will easily go with most base colors, and the best part: blue looks <i>amazing</i> against the autumn leaves. Adding blue to your fall wardrobe could be as simple as adding a new jacket or bolero, or go whole-hog and hunt down an all-blue Moitie piece!<br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>6. For the Classic Ladies</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="https://lolibrary.org/sites/default/files/imagecache/apparelpreview/satin%20frill%20blouse%20coord.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AaTP's Opal Church Choir JSK in white and<br />
gold.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b></b><br />
Instead of a theme, how about you add a simple, but very elegant touch to your outfits this month: go for the gold. Done well, it can be wonderfully complementary to the changing leaves outside. Jewelry is the easiest way to pull it into an outfit, and we all know that gold hair accessories have been popular since the rise of OTT Classic (<i>*coughMadonnaCrowns*</i>), but also consider finding a dress that uses gold embroidery or screen printing.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>7. For the Sweet Dolls</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="http://lolibrary.org/sites/default/files/imagecache/apparelpreview/tartan%20check%20scallop%20jsk%20pink.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My personal favorite: Baby's Tarten Check<br />Scallop Hem JSK!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>Few things scream "Autumn Lolita" like a good plaid or tartan piece from Baby. It's such a classic staple for autumn, and comes in all kinds of colors to suit the rest of your wardrobe. I have a preference for Baby's Tartan Check Scallop Hem JSK, since it's one of those detail-heavy non-print designs that's been around forever (fun fact, Momoko wore it in red for a few scenes in Kamikazi Girls!); pair it with a long-sleeved, white blouse, lace-topped socks, and a lace headdress or a beret for a perfect old-school look!<br />
<b><br /></b></div>
BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747029501968755717.post-42797970189011186522016-08-01T14:53:00.001-07:002016-08-01T14:53:27.782-07:00The Work-Ready Lolita<div style="text-align: center;">
My life has literally been revolving around my new job for the last couple of months, and that means that most things have been put on a back-burner: this blog, for instance, and definitely Lolita fashion. Of course, my employer has a loose, if kind of odd dress code, so I've been daydreaming about the coordinates I could throw together for work. I used to wear it often when I worked at my university bookstore, and the habit of trying to figure it out is hard to break.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In my experience, most new Lolitas, or people planning on getting into the fashion, start out wanting to go full-stop Lifestyler, and figuring out how to coordinate for work can be the most daunting: does the dress code allow for Lolita, will my coworkers complain or harass me for it, will my boss mind? So, I decided to make this post all about navigating the waters of the Work-Ready Lolita!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>1. How to Decide if You Can or Should Wear Lolita</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/77/78/04/777804adf6cc553e2aabda620939d9c6.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is probably the most important section to consider-- you absolutely need to conform to your place of work's dress code. Knowing the clothing rules inside and out is imperative, but here are some other things to consider:</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Does my job require a uniform? </b>The simplest part of this process is the uniform. Obviously, if you have a full set (slacks, company shirt, etc.) that you <i>have</i> to wear, then wear it. Leave the Lolita at home. Other places have partial uniforms (I have a work cardigan, but can otherwise wear whatever within the rules).</li>
<li><b>Is Lolita comfortable enough or appropriate for my work duties? </b>Even if you can technically wear a full coordinate to work, you have to ask yourself if you can honestly do your job in your frills. For instance, if you do a lot of moving around for most of the day or do a lot of bending and lifting, then a dress might not be the best choice. And keeping your outfit comfortable will have a surprising effect on your demeanor: if you're wearing a pair of shoes that you can barely stand for the length of a meetup, then wearing them to work isn't a good idea.</li>
<li><b>Are some days better for wearing Lolita than others? </b>Many retail workers, like myself, know that shift length can vary wildly, from four or fewer hours all the way up to twelve or more! Shorter shifts are going to be more Lolita-friendly than long ones.</li>
<li><b>Ask your manager if it's okay. </b>This is the best piece of advice I can give you: <i>ask your manager or supervisor, </i>and do it <i>before</i> you wear Lolita to work. This is the most surefire way to figure out if you'll be allowed to wear Lolita, and you might be surprised! Just be sure to bring pictures of your dresses and coordinates, if you have them, to give your manager an better idea.</li>
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<b>2. Tips for Dressing in Lolita While At Work</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fannie Rosie is my ultimate Lolita style icon,<br />even if she doesn't wear Lolita a whole lot,<br />anymore. Her outfits are great examples of a<br />work-appropriate way of coordination.</td></tr>
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Now, assuming that you've checked everything above and have decided that you <i>can</i> finagle a Lolita coordinate, you have to figure out how to pull it off appropriately! </div>
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<li><b>Find your base color - </b>Most companies have certain colors associated with them, or will require you to wear neutrals. If you can make sure your coordinate utilises these, then it will look profoundly more professional. Sticking with black, white, navy, and grey is usually the best way to go.</li>
<li><b>Make it work with your uniform - </b>As I said above, my job and others only require a partial uniform. As long as I have my black cardigan, I'm pretty good. Luckily, I also have a lot of pieces that not only go well with black, but also look better with a black cardigan or bolero, anyway. If you have a similar partial uniform, then make part of your wardrobe work with it!</li>
<li><b>Styles and prints - </b>Be smart about the kinds of styles you wear to work. You do still need to look professional to a certain extent, and not every Lolita print pulls that off. And I'm not pointing a finger at the super-Sweet Lolitas and the carousel or bunny prints: Classic girls, I'd advise you to swap out your bonnets for a simple floral corsage or side-bow, and my Gothic sisters will want to leave the skulls and bats at home and instead choose jeweled cabochons.</li>
<li><b>Keep your hair and makeup work appropriate - </b>Unless you work in a salon, bright pink hair or the super-teased Mana pigtails are likely not going to fly with your employer, nor will having glitter all over your eyes. Go back to old-school Lolita, when hair was often straight or pulled into a cute or elegant style: braids and buns are perfect, here!</li>
<li><b>Go easy on the petti - </b>You don't need me to tell you that the petticoat is the natural predator of all things that live on a desk or a low shelf. Smaller petticoats are easier to move in and are less destructive; if you can live with your outfit not being whole-hog Lolita, maybe ditch the petti altogether.</li>
<li><b>Avoid the Brandwhore Print - </b>If you don't know what I mean by "brandwhore print," then please take a look at the <a href="http://fyeahlolita.blogspot.com/2012/12/walking-billboards-brandwhore-print.html">FYeahLolita! post all about them</a>. A lot of places, especially retail, don't appreciate it when their employees wear logos; even if no one at the office knows what Innocent World is, it still counts as a logo. If the brand name is subtle enough and you aren't sure, absolutely ask your supervisor if it's okay.</li>
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<b>3. Biting the Bullet -- S</b><b>kipping the Frills</b></div>
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Let's face it: Lolita is obviously not appropriate for every job, and you won't be able to get away with it. However, there's nothing wrong with still wanting to look cute and elegant. Little touches here and there will make your time away from your wardrobe more bearable.</div>
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<li><b><a href="http://fyeahlolita.blogspot.com/2009/10/everyday-elegance.html">Every Day Elegance</a> - </b>The very first thing I'm going to point you toward is the FYeahLolita! post about bringing touches of Lolita into your everyday life, as well as the one about <a href="http://fyeahlolita.blogspot.com/2010/01/dressing-your-age-in-lolita.html">dressing more maturely</a>. This is mostly directed towards people who want to start bringing more Lolita themes into their lifestyle at large, and people who feel they're growing out of the more childish aspects of the fashion, but they still apply very much to Work-Ready Lolita.</li>
<li><b>Have a kawaii area - </b>Keep something kawaii and your style near your locker or desk to brighten your day, like Sanrio writing utensils or Rilakkuma post-its or memo paper. Your coworkers will probably think it's adorable or charmingly quirky, and so may your clients (if they happen to get a look). </li>
<li><b>Be subtly kawaii - </b>Accessories are your friends. Pearls are easily one of the most versatile forms of jewelry in the Lolita world, and they're usually 100% acceptable to wear to work. If you have a looser dress code, it can be easy to wear something fancier or otherwise more noticeable, like bow clips and floral corsages. Shoot, I have a fuzzy, mint green bow with pastel stars sewn on that I occasionally wear to my job.</li>
<li><b>Don't be afraid to be That Employee - </b>Be Brittany from Accounting who always wears a fun necklace on Friday. Or Sam from HR who likes to wear lace-trimmed, puff-sleeved blouses. Or even Bri the Receptionist who has the damn adorable and kind of weird bunny-bear for a purse. Your coworkers and supervisors care less than you think they do, and it'll very easily become another personality trait that they know you by.</li>
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Not all of us can live the 24/7 Kawaii Lifestyle, and that's okay. But there are always ways of bringing each area of your life back to Lolita, whether that be wearing simple black-and-white coordinates or taking all of your meeting notes with a Sentimental Circus pen.</div>
BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747029501968755717.post-55552996224126398592016-07-02T12:42:00.000-07:002016-07-02T12:42:18.397-07:00July Style Theme - Stars!<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, yes, I know-- stars? In July? On an American Lolita blog?</div>
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But I couldn't resist! The warm months of summer are so perfect for stars in so many ways, it seemed natural to choose stars for this month's theme. Don't worry, I promise I'll keep the red-white-and-blue to an absolute minimum.</div>
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<b>1. Wear a Star Print</b></div>
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Just like Strawberry June, prints featuring stars are the most obvious way to bring them into your Lolita life! And there are a <i>lot</i> of star prints out there.</div>
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While there's a special place in my heart for AP's Dream Sky, I have to say that my favorite print overall is Baby's Stardust Fantasia. I mean, look at it. <i>Kittens</i>. In <i>top hats</i>. With wagons full of <i>stars</i>. It's damn adorable. The Jumperskirt I even has a detachable, star-shaped brooch that I'd probably prefer to wear as a headpiece.</div>
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<b>2. Go Star-Gazing</b></div>
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Whether you're visiting an observatory or having a late-night picnic to see the sky first-hand, having a more casual meetup centered around star-gazing would be a fun way to relax and bond with your fellow Lolitas. Or, if you're a lone Lolita, you can do it by yourself. A cute activity could be coming up with your own Lolita constellations! Just be sure to find a place far enough away from city lights that you can actually <i>see</i> the stars!</div>
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<b>3. Bring Star-Shaped Treats to a Meetup</b></div>
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This is one of the easier ways to bring stars into your Lolita day this month. Summer is a popular time for meetups, and if you can bring a dish, then even better! Star-shaped cookie cutters are common enough to find, so you can not only make cookies, but cheese and fruit platters, too! Even sandwiches can be cut into stars, if you're gentle enough on the bread.</div>
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<b>4. Accessorize with Stars</b></div>
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I know, it's like I nearly copied this list from June, but these are really easy, versatile ways to bring a theme into what you do! And stars are just as easy to find in Lolita as strawberries. Whether you want to round out a bold print or bring something different into a collection of solid pieces, a few pieces of well-placed, star-themed accessories are everything you need.</div>
BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747029501968755717.post-87823168409428631232016-06-18T18:00:00.001-07:002016-06-18T18:00:15.563-07:00Five Facts About My Lolita Wardrobe<div style="text-align: center;">
Another topic from the 365 Lolita Challenge: Share five facts about your wardrobe!</div>
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<b>1. Almost all of my main pieces are brand</b></div>
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With the exception of my Sweet Mildred JSK, all of my dresses and skirts (not including the underskirts) are brand. After I bought my first piece years ago, I knew there would be no going back for me.</div>
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<b>2. My wardrobe used to be entirely pink</b></div>
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Yep. Right now, I have mostly darker colors, but about a year and a half ago, I had mostly pink! A couple of Baby babydoll JSKs, an Angelic Pretty lucky pack dress, and even Happy Garden and the Sugar Pansy special set, all of it pink. This is why I still have pink shoes, a pink parasol, and my pink Usakumya.</div>
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<b>3. Almost all of my main pieces were purchased second-hand</b></div>
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Again, my Sweet Mildred JSK is the exception, though it was still purchased for a similar price to a lot of my other dresses.</div>
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<b>4. My clothes get hung up in sets</b></div>
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I pair blouses and JSKs on the hanger, and occasionally headwear and boleros. This saves on closet space, and is good for putting together coordinates so you don't have to scramble the week before a meet!</div>
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<b>5. My Lolita clothes take up half the closet</b></div>
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We have a walk-in closet, and since my significant other only uses a quarter of the space, I was encouraged to use more space to set apart my "normal" clothes and my Lolita wardrobe.</div>
BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747029501968755717.post-60840583500680677472016-06-17T15:14:00.001-07:002016-06-17T15:14:24.605-07:00Lolita 365 Cluster: Coordinate Challenges<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm sorry that this post was late! I recently started a new job, and they've been having me very busy with training!</div>
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There have been a couple of themed coordinate challenges on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lacealamodeblog/">Lace a la Mode's</a> page in the last week, so I thought I could throw them together in this post! Let's get started~</div>
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<b>Day 163: Design a Coordinate Based on a Book</b></div>
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I actually did a couple of these a long time ago, centered around the main characters of the Gregory Maguire novel, <u>Wicked</u>.</div>
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"The Glindaberry Bush" is from a very specific scene in the novel: it's just after the death of Nessarose, the Wick Witch of the East, and Glinda and Elphaba have a strained reunion. The description of Glinda's style is quite outrageous, and perfect for OTT Sweet/Hime Lolita.</div>
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<img alt="OTT Gothic-- Elphaba" height="400" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/99658309/id/JuCmNjEu4xGAWCoNj1-AEg/size/l.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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The Elphaba coordinate was a lot of fun, since she was the main character and there are so many symbols to associate with her. Almost all of it translated into accessories, such as the Innocent World bag for the Grimmerie, the black rose-patterned scarf, the flying monkey pin, the broomstick necklace, and the mirror ring. Of course, we also had to throw in a big, beautiful witch's hat and a couple of other Gothic accessories to round out the look.</div>
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<img alt="OTT Classic Nessarose" height="400" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/99206930/id/kNGyrMoq4xGc7pmDNxsv_g/size/l.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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Finally, I had to make a coordinate for Nessarose. In the books, she's described as being very much style savvy in her youth. During her introduction scene, as a teenager, she's described as wearing apple-green silk and a black shawl that all of the students at Shiz university wear. Along with a pair of silver beaded shoes (the Ruby Slippers were originally silver, though in <u>Wicked</u> they were described as having no color), I also added in a crucifix (she was extremely religious in life), and some more generic Classic-styled headwear, tights, and wristcuffs.</div>
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<b>Day 164: Design a coordinate using contrasting colors</b></div>
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Lavender and yellow is my favorite Sweet color combo! That's part of the reason why I love Angelic Pretty's Sugar Pansy so much in the yellow colorway. I also would like to pair yellow with the lavender Dream Sky print.</div>
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Did you do any of these challenges this week? What's your favorite contrasting or complimentary color combo? Let me know in the comments below!</div>
BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747029501968755717.post-42748993192519090482016-06-14T08:28:00.001-07:002016-06-14T08:28:32.791-07:00The Lolita Cliché - Who Am I?<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Today, I'm writing about two different Lolita 52 Challenge
topics that go together: which Lolita clichés I fit, and which ones I
definitely don't. Identity and Lolita fashion, as well as your identity <i>in</i> Lolita
fashion, comes up a lot in the community at large. How should we act, as
ambassadors of the fashion in the "normal" world? Should we change
ourselves to fit a certain image? What should that image be? Most people would
say (and I'm one of them) that Lolita is just clothes, and it has about as much
bearing on your character as what kind of food you like to eat, but plenty of
others disagree.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That said, there are lots of ideas that we all have, Lolita
and "normie," about who a Lolita is.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The Clichés I Don't Fit</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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1. I don't collect plush toys, like Tsum Tsums or vintage
stuffed animals.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2. I'm not really into Japanese culture. The food's great,
and I love eating it, and I can appreciate parts of Japanese culture like
clothing, education systems, and religion, but that's about it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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3. I'm not into Asian pop music.<o:p></o:p></div>
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4. I don't wear wigs! I always think about it, but I usually
end up preferring to spend that money on accessories like headwear and bags.<o:p></o:p></div>
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5. I'm not catty about other Lolita outfits, or I try not to
be. And most people I know in the Lolita world aren't. This fashion has rules,
and if you want to wear it, then you should follow them, but my comms and I aren't going to coldly shun you if you don't get it quite right.<o:p></o:p></div>
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6. I don't stick with one Lolita style or color. As
impractical as it is, I'd really like to have a wardrobe that has a good mix of
Gothic, Classic, Sweet, and a few of the substyles that I really enjoy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The Ones I Do</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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1. I <i>love</i> tea. Reading tea leaves is a
favorite hobby of mine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2. I try to bring cuteness and elegance into as many parts
of my life as I can, even outside of Lolita.<o:p></o:p></div>
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3. I like reading poetry, plays, and classic stories like
Alice in Wonderland, and have my own copies of my favorite titles. If I can
spend my reading time lounging around in the park on a sunny day in my frills,
it's even better.<o:p></o:p></div>
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4. I love, and own, Ragdoll cats. This might sound a little
weird, but think about it: what cat breeds would you associate with a Lolita?
Persians and Ragdolls are quite often favorites because of their long, lovely
fur and sweet, cherubic faces. They're very ladylike felines, at least in
looks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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5. I'm a brandwhore. I'll admit it. I can appreciate
beautiful off-brand, indie, and Bodyline pieces, and will absolutely
incorporate them into my outfits, but nothing will ever compare to the big
brands for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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6. I speak a "classy" second language. I don't think any
language is "better" than any other, but French is one of those
snooty choices that any stereotypically "proper" Victorian lady would
know. I'm not fluent, but I can get by, and I love it dearly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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How do you fit or fall outside of of the Perfect Lolita
Image? Let me know in the comments below, or link me to your blog post (if you
made one)!<o:p></o:p></div>
BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747029501968755717.post-35617554738339657952016-06-11T04:11:00.000-07:002016-06-11T04:11:53.911-07:00Lolita and Rococo Pt. 2: Our Devil's in the Details<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A while ago, I wrote up <a href="http://floatingonmacarons.blogspot.com/2016/05/lolita-and-rococo-part-1-rococo-in.html">this post</a> about the basics of the French Rococo period with the intention of talking about how all of this relates to Lolita and its inspirations-- mainly because I'd seen a handful of people hotly arguing that Rococo was never an inspiration for our beloved hobby. Though Lolita fashion didn't really make an appearance in my last post, it's important to get a decent grasp on the aesthetic movement in question before diving into the real meat of the debate.</div>
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Which leads us to today's discussion: what about Lolita has come from Rococo origins?</div>
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Before we begin, it's important to remember that Lolita is not supposed to be a direct recreation of Rococo fashion, just as it isn't a knock-off of any other era (as much as we like to think it's modern-day Victoriana). Lolita fashion is merely <i>inspired</i> by these time periods, and otherwise given a look all its own.</div>
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It's easy to find something nowadays that looks like it was plucked off the set of some Marie Antoinette movie. Mary Magdalene's Fleur Antoinette OP is probably one of the more well-known pieces, especially since it's been produced since 2009, but even Baby and Angelic Pretty put out plenty of OPs with the traditional trappings of Rococo fashion. 2009 isn't, by far, the oldest occurrence of my two favorite interests mixing.</div>
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Sadly, the now-defunct website HelloLace had much more of the super-old brand pieces than Lolibrary does now, so many of my earlier examples are lost to the sea of the Internet, particularly from the brand Millefleurs Mille Noir. However, that doesn't mean that I wasn't able to scare up a few images from the very early 2000s.</div>
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<b>1. Lines of Interest</b></div>
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If you look at the Angelic Pretty JSK above, you'll want to study the vertical strips of lace that run from the top of the straps to the ruffle near the hem of the skirt. Oftentimes, these two lines are used to help separate out blocks of color, like in the Fleur Antoinette OP above, or this Innocent World Pompadour JSK.</div>
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Historically, these lines were primarily on the bodice and at a sharper angle, drawing the waist in visually. This added to the preferred silhouette of the aristocracy, which involved a small waist and gigantic skirts.</div>
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<b>2. Embellished Bodices; Ruffles and Bows</b></div>
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Ruffles and bows are very common details in most fashion periods, and the 18th century was no different. The necklines and bodices were usually adorned with at least a small lace ruffle along the neckline and one bow on the bust, if not a line of them extending from collarbone to the waist. <i>Many</i> jumperskirts and onepieces have this sort of design, especially since detachable bows have always been so popular.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTC0a2NnyIWmiRVFlIHggVp9iKQuK01BuEoBMcL5_a4LupCnkyd0MNwFBcJTjLvP9IGGqyZ6W5FzaQDhhNvUaqvXMVGo4YXInH-U60Z9A5WKvtSHabzF6Aj96YWQdqXiI_LR7jNpx8q-hT/s1600/millefleurs+op.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTC0a2NnyIWmiRVFlIHggVp9iKQuK01BuEoBMcL5_a4LupCnkyd0MNwFBcJTjLvP9IGGqyZ6W5FzaQDhhNvUaqvXMVGo4YXInH-U60Z9A5WKvtSHabzF6Aj96YWQdqXiI_LR7jNpx8q-hT/s320/millefleurs+op.PNG" width="289" /></a></div>
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Rows of pintucks and lace can also be used as relatively simpler adornments on the bodice, though these would have been merely a backdrop for more bows in the 18th century French court.</div>
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<b>3. Princess Sleeves -- Some of Them</b></div>
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This image is from 2012, but Meta and other brands have been making blouses and dresses with similar sleeves for a lot longer. "Princess sleeves" refer to, in the Lolita world, sleeves that flare out like a trumpet, much like sleeves that a stereotypcial medieval princess would wear. For our purposes, we're only talking about a very specific sleeve.</div>
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A Rococo-styled princess sleeve is fitted at the upper arm and ends at the elbow in a large ruffle or a flared sleeve that extends anywhere from an inch to about halfway down the forearm. At the seam between the fit and the flare, there is usually lace, ribbon, or another bow to fancy it up a bit, and the lower part of the sleeve is usually trimmed in lace. </div>
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<b>4. The Square Neckline</b></div>
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Rococo fashion has just about one neckline, and it's this one. While you can find the square neck in plenty of other fashions, trimming it with ruffles and lace and using it as a guide for the trim that runs all the way down the bodice turns it into something distinctly 18th century. </div>
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Because this is Lolita, though, and we tend to fiercely pride ourselves on our level of skin coverage, the traditional Rococo neckline has been raised, so as not to show cleavage (or, at least, to show as little as possible).</div>
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<b>5. Hats and Feathers</b></div>
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Okay, so these came into the Lolita picture fairly recently; the Rococo-styled hats, feather, and rose corsages entered the scene on the waves of the Hime Gyaru crossover. They're still an integral part of making a Lolita outfit Rococo-inspired.</div>
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There is <i>one</i> other variety of headwear that shoves an outfit firmly into the Rococo category, and that's the kind that you normally wouldn't put on your head.</div>
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<img alt="Last Melody Violin Hair Accessory" height="240" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/133/0/6149461/il_570xN.877805025_c3ov.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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I'm not sure if Marie Antoinette ever wore a tiny violin in her hair, but with all the things the aristocracy shoved into their wigs, I wouldn't surprised if someone had. With the rise of Classic Lolita, especially over-the-top coordination, we've seen plenty of headdresses like this one by Sweet Mildred, with things like instruments and books. Though one could argue that it's just the Classic translation of the Sweet headwear (with icecream cones and cat-eared berets), it still reminds me of the infamous ship wig.</div>
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... though, maybe not quite as big.</div>
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There are other inspirations drawn from the Rococo period, including the rare cape that Baby tacked onto the back of the Arietta Princess Ball Gown, but these aren't nearly as common.</div>
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The Rococo period's aesthetic is near and dear to my heart, and one of the many reasons why I love Lolita fashion. To say that the latter had never taken inspiration from the former before recent years is certainly incorrect.</div>
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Whatever cues Lolita takes, it is still a fashion that's entirely its own. It takes vintage and historical styles and puts a modern day spin on them, reshaping them until they're no longer truly Victorian, Edwardian, Rococo, from the 50s, whatever. It's simply Lolita, and simply beautiful.</div>
BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747029501968755717.post-28049272627690868412016-06-09T08:44:00.000-07:002016-06-09T08:44:37.366-07:00365 Lolita Lifestyle Photography Challenges<div style="text-align: center;">
There were lots of topics for this challenge since the end of May that have had to do (or I made do) with pictures, so I decided to put them all on one post!</div>
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<b>Day 148: Carry Something to Take Notes On and Fill it With the Wonderful Things About Your Day</b></div>
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Or: I took a long walk around the lake and took pictures of some of the good things I saw.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXR7GqPD_UoajN20zRJq2RJm38ugZC_10HW-SyBwdLeY84PLr0ykeNn_CoQDsHMWVxQm6NU9i0P2lELm6eyc0cCbiE2cobWW5nirNszFiInS9XJT2Mi9BBYL0wT_ESKXruK9qr_6XW2qn/s1600/IMG_1186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXR7GqPD_UoajN20zRJq2RJm38ugZC_10HW-SyBwdLeY84PLr0ykeNn_CoQDsHMWVxQm6NU9i0P2lELm6eyc0cCbiE2cobWW5nirNszFiInS9XJT2Mi9BBYL0wT_ESKXruK9qr_6XW2qn/s200/IMG_1186.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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<b>Day 151: Photograph Your Favorite Lolita Purse</b></div>
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzu7Mg5qcTi9SEIZ_ByEOqclw3XnQwmsbq8dpqbDbQHFuYoORYQqhE9kjMk7lmD9tRkGpTA_DBbzJCuBHPMOsWxFXNh3sugzBE21RD2JxMFsb2FGaZVPaPV9BUlsOO8qR157qUD-x87Fg/s1600/IMG_1252.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzu7Mg5qcTi9SEIZ_ByEOqclw3XnQwmsbq8dpqbDbQHFuYoORYQqhE9kjMk7lmD9tRkGpTA_DBbzJCuBHPMOsWxFXNh3sugzBE21RD2JxMFsb2FGaZVPaPV9BUlsOO8qR157qUD-x87Fg/s320/IMG_1252.JPG" width="240" /></a></b></div>
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Ruby had a long day at Colossalcon-- I loaned her and the rest of a coordinate to a friend. She's been chilling in my desk ever since.</div>
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<b>Day 154: Design a Coordinate Based on a Uniform</b></div>
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This is usually a pretty easy challenge: there are a <i>lot</i> of pieces, particularly Angelic Pretty, that look like they were inspired by the typical school uniform. Lots of pleated skirts, and plenty of sailor-collar-styled tops and dress bodices. I wanted to try something different, though I can see a lot of other people trying this out for their uniform of choice, too.</div>
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<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/05/46/75/05467503d23b449a725bd8188a54f85a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/05/46/75/05467503d23b449a725bd8188a54f85a.jpg" width="126" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVpyLJclSAcFJuZ3Ai72p__uNGM61dkJ268-x-__0mh2mqOAOZFAiEUbYrWHLWiqKTyRBlTGYLTDYUwDvtJFsbOTchLdTuN4IEpZY2xKaeX0tNfDoAxj4DG3js45BrpsUOYSdod2EgS4i/s1600/ouran+uniform+coord.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVpyLJclSAcFJuZ3Ai72p__uNGM61dkJ268-x-__0mh2mqOAOZFAiEUbYrWHLWiqKTyRBlTGYLTDYUwDvtJFsbOTchLdTuN4IEpZY2xKaeX0tNfDoAxj4DG3js45BrpsUOYSdod2EgS4i/s320/ouran+uniform+coord.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is based on the girl's uniform from Ouran High School Host Club. It's definitely a warmer outfit because of the layers, but using a cutsew instead of a blouse should help that.</div>
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BriLeFromagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119985337399159791noreply@blogger.com0