NYC Trip Pictures and Fun

I had such a blast last week in NYC!  We went there on a mission to see and show and visit a store and we achieved our goals.  We arrived in the city around 3 or so and got settled into the hotel about 4.  Since the Prince concert started at 7:30 we had an early dinner at the Ginger House.  It is right next to The Fashion Inst. Of Tech and was 3 blocks from our hotel.  Their food is so good.  I had yummy tofu in brown sauce with white rice. 

Once we were done eating my parents went back to the hotel and I went to the TD Bank to close my account that I haven't used in over 2 years.  I got my money, joined my parents, and we made out way to Madison Square Garden.  We got there around 6:30 because my mother told us that we should arrive an hour early) and Prince didn't get on stage until a little after 9.  That was a long wait.  

 Once the show started it was AMAZING!  The stage was his symbol and were right in the front.  He came out onto stage after about 4 and a half minutes of screaming , and he stood on top of his piano and let everyone take pictures of him for a good 45 seconds.   

Once they actually started playing everyone freaked out even more.  The band played snippets of their hits and each song got the crows going more and more.  It was such a good intro.  Here is a video of the show.  He is singing his hit Purple Rain.

After the show we went back to the hotel and went to bed with ears that were ringing just a bit.  Not too bad.  In the morning we had a nice low key breakfast in the hotel, packed up, and made our way to Tokyo Rebel.  We got there right at opening time and boy was it amazing. I have never been to a store that sells brand and I was so excited to see so much Angelic Pretty up close in person. Sorry about the pictures with a haze.  I used my phone to take them and they didn't come out super great but you can still see everything.

Deco goodies!

Socks.

Angelic Pretty

Mags

I had such a great time looking around Tokyo Rebel.  The shop had such nice things.  A good selection of dresses, socks, bags, and a small selection of jewelry and accessories.  I really didn't have much money but I wanted to get something so I purchased a pair of Innocent World socks and a pair of Angelic Pretty wrist cuffs.  I will post pics tomorrow.
I really want to head back to NYC and Tokyo Rebel this year so maybe I will plan to take a trip with my husband.

I am at the Prince concert!

This is not going to be a long post because I am using my phone but I just wanted to say that I am at the concert and it is going to start  in 10 minutes and I am so excited!!!!!!   I will have pics and videos in the next day or so.

NYC Trip

  Tomorrow I am going to New York City (which is about 3 hours away from me) to see a musical artist that I love and have loved for a long time.  Prince!  I am going with my mother and father.  We are all huge fans of his and he hasn't been near us in a long time so when we found out that he was going to be at Madison Square Garden we jumped at the tickets.  I am hoping that he plays Raspberry Beret and When Doves Cry. 

Since the show isn't until 8ish we have the afternoon to bum around the city and what would be more fun for a Lolita to do in NYC than to visit Tokyo Rebel?

   We East Coast Lolitas don't have a whole lot of shops to go for for Brand like the West Coast girls have with Baby and Angelic Pretty.  I have never been to Tokyo Rebel but I read their blog, web site, and Facebook.  It looks like a great shop with all types of goodies.  I might have to try some things on.  I might also be in the market for some AP  lace wrist cuffs.  We'll see. 

We are also staying at a super cool hotel but I will keep that a surprise until I have some great pics.  Since I am going to be out of town there will be a hiccup with my A Dress a Day project.  I also most likely won't have a post until Wednesday evening once I am home again and work is over.  But, I should have lots of great pictures, videos, and stories.

A Dress a Day -12

This dress is all about the heart on the bust.   The shape of a heart just fits so perfectly on top of a woman's bust.  The rest of the bodice will have ruffly lace along the seams and follow down the front of the skirt.  Tiny cap sleeves and tiny bows on the bottom of the sleeve will make you want to show off your arms. 

A Dress a Day -11

 

I know this most likely cheating but I ran out of time for a couple days so I flipped through old drawing and sketches and chose to put them up.  I did this design when I was super in love with crowns and the like.   Even though I did this a while ago I still really like it. 

The skirt is just so light and floaty looking.  If I made this it would have to be made of super light fabric.  I am not one to make or design a standard blouse but this one if nice.  The open collar would be flattering on many body types and the sleeves are kind of cool.  I know the body shape of the above girl is unrealistic but I really like it.  The long willowy legs and tiny waist show off the outfit well.  That is one thing I like and still use from my schooling.  Make your model about 8 to 9 heads high.  It allows you to show off the clothes better and more accurate.

A Dress a Day -10

I know this dress might not look like much at first glance but I think it could be quite special with the right fabric and lace.  I like the idea of two shoulder straps that you tie on top to make a cute bow that sits on your shoulder.  The above picture just illustrates the idea of the two straps.   The front bodice has stretchy shirring behind the ribbon corseting. 

I see this being a winter/fall dress with nice think fabric.  Perhaps a fabric with a texture to it like a light wool.  I think a print would be a good idea as well.  The lace that is along the hem and on the bodice would be nice if it was a woven or knit lace.  I see this dress having an antique feel to it. 

A Dress a Day -09

In this dress I wanted to do something different for the sleeves again. The strap along with the off the shoulder sleeve is pretty cute.  If you wear a blouse underneath it with puffy sleeves they will peek out in between the strap and sleeve.  This dress makes me think of a Victorian teenager.  Elegant but still youthful.  I want to layer fabrics for this dress.  I am thinking of getting a fabric with a subtle print and then laying a chiffon on top of it.  

The gathering for this skirt should be very tiny and fine.  No chunky gathers.  This is a lovely and delicate dress. 

A Dress a Day -08

I know this dress looks as if it is all straps but once you tie them up you will have a nice set of bows along your back.  I wanted to do a dress that was focused on scalloped edges.  The top of the bodice, at the hips, and the bottom of the skirt haves strong scalloping.  I think a fun and kicky print will make up for the semi plain design.  I don't want a lot of lace on this piece.  Ribbon should be enough with the scalloping and printed fabric.  

A Dress a Day -07

This dress is one that I have wanted to make for quite some time but just haven't gotten to it for no reason.  It is an under-bust which I really do love.  I don't have an under-bust dresses but I want a dozen.  There are a few here and there in Lolita but they aren't very popular.  Off the top of my head I can only think of 2 or 3 dresses that are an under-bust.  

The skirt portion of this JSK is going to be 2 layers.  The bottom layer will just be the under skirt with a double ruffle along the hem.  The top layer will be a shorter version of the bottom but it will also have bustle/cinching at the seams.  You can pull up just one like in the above picture or any number of them.  There will be 6.  You can bustle up the back, front , all of them, or even the sides if you are feeling a little spicy. 

Since the top is pretty simple and the skirt is just ruffles I thought it would be nice to have a fancy removable bow to add where ever you wanted.

A Dress a Day -06

I am just going to preface this ADAD by saying that I didn't know if I would be able to or like doing a design everyday.  It's not that I don't like designing (I actually really enjoy it)  it's just that I thought it might feel forced knowing I HAVE to do one each day.  But, I love it!  Each day that I have one done it is a small accomplishment and I am trying new things that I wouldn't otherwise.  I usually design when I have an idea and inspiration so something very specific comes out.  With these I am thinking while designing.  having said that.....

This dress is really sweet.  It has a very youthful and cheery feel.  The scalloped over skirt with the two bows is a very simple but a very pretty design element.  I like that the over skirt is up a bit higher than they normally are.  I am thinking there will be a foot to a 16inch difference between the scallops and bottom the skirt.  The top is a little busy so I will have to use very fine and light laces and trims so it doesn't get bogged down.  The business of the top and the simpleness of the bottom even each other out I think.  I didn't design this dress with a color in mind but I might go with a yellowy-creamy color.

A Dress A Day -05

I think I will call this dress the "I spent 20 hours sewing ruffles dress.".  This dress is not doing anything revolutionary or drastically different but it is super pretty.  The skirt is going to made up of alternating eyelet and chiffon or another light fabric.  The bodice front will have a ribbon cris-crossing across and shirring behind it.  I have never sewing shirring in the front but I imagine it is almost the same as putting it in the back. 

I am thinking that this dress won't have a print or if it does it will be subtle.  I also think that would be an expensive dress to make just because of the amount of eyelet it would need.  Even at 1 dollar per yard it would be $40 -$50 just on that.  I am all about good prices, sales, clearance, and all that so I might have to wait to make this one.

A Dress A Day -04

I didn't really have an inspiration for this dress but more of an element that I started with.  I really wanted an open neckline with a wide lace finish.  It just kind of went from there.  This dress is very romantic and light to me.  I am thinking a chiffon for the ruffles and a nice lite lace.  I also thought I would try something by putting the bow on the side and on the hip.  You can't see it in the above picture but the bow is going to have 4 tails all together.  2 in the front and 2 in the back.  Also, a long tail and a short one on top.  I am thinking of making the bodice a bit more stiff than the average top so I will be sewing muslin in between the outer fabric and the lining.

Speaking of lining.  I think it is a necessity for almost all Lolita dresses and it disappoints me when I purchase a dress and it doesn't have one.  A lining makes a dress more finished, clean on the inside, and sturdy.  All of the dresses that I make have a lining.  Even a light lining is nice.

I really like this dress and I want to make it. I don't know how many of these dresses will actually get made but I will have to try and make quite a few of them.

Daily Lolita Highlight - Uttate

  I have got a snazzy little Daily Lolita Highlight for you all.  Uttate took a few photos the Day before Christmas in her Holy Night Story JSK (which I totally love and am totally going to steal).  In her post she says that she whipped this coordinate together but I think she did a beautiful job.  Her swaying curls and pretty pink beret make for a natural and easy elegant look.  I also really like her glasses.  I need to go to the eye doctor and I might get a pair like hers.  The color and shape are super cute.  Alright, take a peek.

A Dress a Day -03

Sorry I didn't post this yesterday.  There was a problem with our scanner so I had to use the one at work and it is not very good.  But, you get the point.  This is going to be the Mario dress for PAX in March.  I am so excited about it, I cannot wait.  Last year was such a blast and this year is going to be even better.  More on that later.  If I let myself go this whole post will be about it.

I saw a Mario Lolita dress a while back and I loved the idea so i wanted to do my own version of it.  I went with world 1-2 from the original Super Mario Bros. game to give the skirt a print.  The skirt and bodice will be black and the accent colors will be a teal blue and yellow.  In addition to the print I will be incorporating more Mario elements into the JSK.  The mushrooms on the end of the waist ties, star in the middle of the bow, Toad on the head bow, and perhaps a few more things in the future.  I think I will make a semi-sheer blouse to go underneath.  I am nit sure which color yet.  I have to outline and throw the pic into Photoshop so I can play around with the colors.

For the shoes I am sure it will just be black socks and black boots.  It would be really cute if I attached little goombas to the boots or something.  I should go all out and even make Mario jewelry.  I like sewing and making dresses but I have a feeling this one is going to be a joy to make.

So, do you like it?

Christmas Goodies

  Last Christmas was kinda stinky so I was really hoping to have a good one this year to make up for it, and it did.  The presents weren't amazing but the day was good.  Everyone got along, no one cried, and all were happy.  At the end of the day I could look back and smile.  My husband and I opened our gifts the moment midnight hit.  It is so much fun opening gifts.  He loved his presents and I loved mine.  Here are the things that I got from him and other family members.

 My Aunt and Uncle gave me the black rose headband which is really cute but it gave me a headache because it is so tight.  The tin has little star candies in it and the flower barrettes are from my boss.

 This Dungeons and Dragons comic is from my sister in law and her boyfriend. 

I love this magazine.  My boss gave it to me because it had a lot of pink in it.  

 I saw this shirt on Woot and I freaked out.  My husband got it for me.  Such a sweetie.  I love mermaids.

I also freaked out because of the cuteness when I saw this cupcake shirt.  I still smile every time I see it.  Look at its face!  I can just see and hear it running around and reveling in being naked and free.

Now, the big present.  I love to read and I have been wanting a Kindle for a while.  Now that they are not so expensive I got one from my husband.  It is great.  I found a bunch of free books and some college text books on science so I will be a busy bee.

I got a few other things like white tulle from my mother and some money from my father in law.  It was a very good Christmas and now I can look forward to February for Valentines day and my B-day! 

A Dress a Day -Day 2

This dress started with the sleeve.  I had the idea for a sleeve that is open on the top and could be tied.  The small ruffle and little ribbon bow make for a pretty and interesting sleeve.  Quite often short sleeves in Lolita are simple (a puffy sleeve) and don't have a lot of detail.  I went with a more simple skirt so the bodice gets the attention.

A Dress a Day -Day 1

Alright, day 1.  I designed a very spring dress that is very happy and light hearted.  Since their isn't a whole lot of detail as far as ruffles and lace so I am thinking that the fabric would be a print.  Perhaps a floral stripe.  I have never sewn a Lolita halter dress but I like it in the sketch.  The idea of a Peter Pan collar turning into a halter. 

Happy New Year and A Dress a Day!

  I hope everyone and a safe and fun New Years Eve.  My husband and I went to a friends house and had a pretty low key and at some times boring night.  But, there were lots of little things to nibble on so that was good.  I am still hashing out my new years resolution.  I think it is going to be along the lines of being more ambitious and more driven.  I have a habit of letting things go and not following through like I should.  I think I just need to set time aside for each thing I want to work on and improve.  Mostly sketching, the gym, sewing, and working on the Lolita Project. 
  I am starting a new project for the month of January, A Dress a Day!  I will be designing and sketching a new Lolita OP or JSK everyday.  31 dresses in 31 days.  They most likely won't be in color or super fancy illustrations but they will be ideas on paper.  I have a nice Moleskin sketchpad that I bought a couple of years ago and it is perfect.  It is small enough for me to carry around in my purse but big enough to make a nice sketch in.  My sketches usually aren't very big anyway.  I tend to sketch and write very small. 
  It will be fun to sketch everyday again.  I haven't done that since I was in school.  I also want to do a couple of sketches for a cosplay that I need for March and a Mario themed Lolita dress for March as well.  March is the Penny Arcade Expo again (the one that I made the Gabe and Tycho Dresses for) so I need a couple of cute things to wear.  So, big things ahead.  I have a very good feeling about 2011.  I think it is going to be a good year.  I hope it is a happy, healthy, and super fun one for everybody!