New Purchase on the Cheap: Bodyline Cherry JSK

A few days ago I was on the egl sales comm browsing around for fun and I spotted something that I couldn't pass up. A seller that lives only a few hours away from me was selling Bodyline's Cherry JSK in blue/sax for $20 including shipping. I have always taken note of this dress and admired it for being a pretty print from Bodyline but I didn't feel like shelling out $40 plus shipping for it. But, for $20 shipped, it's a great deal! 

I think it is coming in the mail today. I can't wait. I am going to alter it a little when I do receive it. I think I will give it little capped sleeves and perhaps add a ruffle along the hem of the skirt. Give the dress a little more substance, a little more fluff. The dress will be a good addition to my closet because I don't have much sax and it is good to have a variety of colors. (Even though I always seem to be leaning towards black)

I am getting a print that i have wanted to quite some time. Is there a print that you are wanting our lusting after?

Lolita Videos on YouTube

YouTube is great.  So many videos on so many topics make it a great place to cure boredom, find on old commercial from your childhood, or watch music videos.  It is also a great place to find Lolita videos.  On the right side of my blog there is a button that says "Lolita Videos on YouTube".  I have been gathering what I think are good Lolita videos that are worth your time.  It is a playlist with an ever growing collection. 

There are runway shows, stock previews, documentaries, interviews, and more 3 minute gems.  I highly suggest taking a peek sometime.  Also, if you know of a good video and think it should be on the list just let me know with a link in the comments.  

Here is a sampling.  Enjoy!

Super Cute Lolita Stationary

  This isn't brand new but it is still really pretty and perhaps some of you missed it.  Deviant Art artist Dark Devi made a design for your next Lolita letter.  I don't send much snail mail but this will give me an excuse to.  

Click here for her Deviant Art page.

  She posted it on EGL a few months ago and I loved it when I saw it.  She said that she did it because she got a nice new pen and wanted to use it.  I think it is serving her well.  I know what she means though.  Whenever I get new art supplies, sewing supplies, or any other new things I can't wait to use them.. And, they make for good inspiration. 

It must have taken her a bit of time to finish this piece.  There is so much detail in the whole thing.  The lace and ribbon along the top is so real looking.  The girl as well has pretty details to her.  Her hair, stockings, and blouse have many fine ruffles and ribbons.  Lovely.

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 -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?

What is Lolita to You?

  I have been working really hard on a Lolita project which I am very excited about.  From this day forward I will refer to it as the Lolita Project.  With the Lolita Project I will be asking my readers their opinions a lot.  I really hope that you want to share. 

  The first thing that I wan to know is what is Lolita to YOU.  I know the definition and the explanation we give to people who ask what Lolita is but I want your feeling and thoughts on Lolita.  

How does it make you feel?  Why do you love it?  What is it to you?

Please note that I might quote you and use the name that is linked to your comment so keep that in mind.  If you don't want to be quoted please just make a note after your comment that you would prefer not to be.

So, lay it on me and let me know how you feel.

Baby the Stars Shine Bright Cinderella Jewelry Print

  Last week I was bummin' on Baby's Alice and the Pirates latest print, Vampire Forest.  Now, this week I am glowing at Baby's new print Cinderella Jewelry.  When I read that they had their new print out I didn't get too excited because of last week and boy was I happily surprised.  So, lets get started.  The print.

 

I just L-O-V-E this print.  I just smiled when I saw  this.  Cinderella wearing the slipper and having her hand kissed by Prince Charming is just too sweet.  The filigree frame, floating pearls, dangling jewels, and lace ribbons make this a very feminine print.  I really like the other prints but there is just something magical about the one above.

 The two JSK's have great designs to go with the great prints and colors.  

The first JSK has a lower waist line which I really like.  The delicate sheer black lace on the straps and the small ruffle along the hem make this perhaps ones of my favorite JSKs that Baby has ever made.  I love how the print on the skirt goes pretty high.  It makes the skirt look very full and fluffy.  The pink JSK is super young and sweet looking.  The gathered and tucked bodice and large bow at the waist make this JSK so pretty.  Baby really knew what they were doing when they were designing this collection.  Now for my absolute favorite piece, the Op.

I would feel just like Cinderella in this dress.  How could you not?  Let me list the reasons why I love this Op.  This silhouette, the long detachable sleeves, the open neckline, the delicate lace, the open skirt front, the bows, the pearl and heart charm, and everything else.

  There are other pieces but I really wanted to show off these few.  What do you think of them?  Do you love love love them like me or are you not really a fan?

Vampire Forest Dissapointment

  When I heard that there was going to be a "sequel" to Vampire Requiem I got very excited.  Vampire Requiem is one of those dream prints for me.  It really reminds me of Tuxedo Mask from Sailor Moon.  Baby did such a good job with it and I expected the same for Vampire Forest.  When I saw the print, dress, and Jsk's I made a sad face.  As a whole the collection is not my favorite at all.  The print on it's own has great images and when they are put together I like them but the color choices might be a bit off.

These top three fabric swatches make me sad.  These look as if Baby stuck a bunch of stickers on black, red, or periwinkle fabric.  The pictures are too separate from the background.   They did get it right with their dark navy color.

Since the whole fabric has a blue color of some sort, it fits.  This is just my opinion.  Do you love the red and not the navy?  I am sure there are people who do. On to the actual pieces.  I will start at my least favorite and work up to the best.  First, 1 of the 2 JSK's. 

When I saw this the first thing that came to mind is "This is what a 1st year fashion design student designs and learns to make."  This is so basic and so unexciting it makes me sad.  The black lace embellishment on the bust is a good start but not nearly enough by itself. This JSK just needs more. Now for the skirt.

Again, it just needs more. This fabric print and color just looks like $1/yard fabric you get at the JoAnns Fabric.  This design is pretty bland and done.  On to the dress.

This dress is not all bad for me.  I really like the detail on the front skirt panel.  The lace on the bodice that circles the waist then runs up the front is lovely.  The two bows and cap sleeves are really cute.  The only problem I have with this dress is the fabric print and the strangeness of the black front panel.  Other than the front there is no other black fabric to be seen.   I just wish that the black fabric went all the way up the front.  The head bow is pretty cute.  Even with this print and color I really like it.

The bow is so flowy and the black center rose is great.  The delicate lace sewn to the hem finishes the bow and makes it very feminine and delicate looking.  Even thought  I like this I would never spend 30 something dollars on it.  It would have to be a lot more magical for me to actively seek it out.  Now, for the best piece in my opinion, the 2nd JSK.

Please don't misunderstand me when I say this is my favorite piece in the Vampire Forest collection.  I like this but I do not love it at all.  The bodice is nice, the bottom ruffle is cute as all heck, and the simple and flat straps will fit nicely under a blouses collar.  I do not like the skirt portion, it looks awkward to me.  There is something about the panels that just don't sit right with me.  I also am not a fan of the fine lace detail running down the princess seams of the skirt.  I would have loved to have seen a  black chiffon peplum that opened i the front.  

I am so sorry that this has been a bit of a negative post.  I normally love Baby and AaTP.  This particular collection just fell flat for me.  How do you feel about it?  Do you love every piece or do you feel as I do?

Big'ish Milestones!

  Today I noticed that my blog just got 20,000 views and has 199 followers (so close to 200).  How exciting.  I remember when I first started the blog, I was literally writing it for myself.  That is not the case anymore.  I really want to thank all of you for actually coming to my blog, reading, and commenting.  It still surprises me that I have this blog and it is doing well.  I will keep adding to it, improving it and my posts, and keep you guys interested.  Thank You.

My Bodyline Haul

  About 2 times a year I make a nice purchase from Bodyline for a few reasons.  One, they are inexpensive.  Two, their stuff has gotten better (quality and design).   Three, it is fun to make a little splurge.   This latest splurge was quite a ride.

  I hopped onto Bodyline, made my purchase, never got a tracking number, and got the box 1 day ahead of the estimated arrival.  Yea!  My husband brought in the big box and slapped it on the kitchen table while I was playing Step Mania (It is just like DDR).  I made myself finish Step Mania (because I do it for exercise), take a shower, and then I got to open my box.  This is what I saw.

 So, I will start with the shoes.  When I had originally decided to make a purchase from Bodyline I had planned on buying more shoes but it just wasn't in the cards.  A lot of the shoes that I wanted were sold out in my size, 6 1/2ish.  After some hemming and hawing I settled on the two RHS and the awesome pair of pink boots.  I am very please with all 3 pairs of shoes.  They were all $25 a pop and worth it.  The boots I have worn about 5 or 6 times and I love them so much.  I can wear them everywhere but the RHS I have to be careful with.  I am not a very good walker (my balance is crap)  so I can only wear them to place where there are level floors and whatnot, like the mall.

The bows are all from the dresses that I bought but I really do love them by themselves.  They are great just to tack onto a JSK or skirt.  I have a fondness for the black blue polka dot one.  So Cute!  The white head dress is just a good generic white headdress.  I have a black one as well so now I have my two bases covered.  It was only $6 so it did not break the bank.  Now for the good stuff.  Dresses!!!

I ordered this dress for several reasons.  It has long sleeves that are detachable which will be great for winter, spring, and fall, and black is classic.  I like the high neck and I don't have any like that.  I believe I paid $34 for this one and it will be worth it.  I am sure I will get plenty of use out of it.  I have been leaning toward Gothic Lolita more and more.  

This pink dress was just too cute and innocent to pass up, plus it was twenty something dollars.  I wanted a pink dress because one of my light pink dresses got a stain on the front bodice and I cannot get it out.  I might salvage the bottom and make a skirt out of it.  This pink dress has really cute capped sleeves and a duo of cute ruffles along the hem of the skirt.  This dress just makes me smile.

I know there was a big buzz about this print when it came to Bodyline because it was a nice print and then there was a falling out of love with it because everyone has it.  Now I have one too.  I think it is very cute.  I have the matching bag in pink.  This dress I had to buy in a long size so it is very long, too long for me.  So, I am going to do a few pleat seems just above the carousel print to take away 4 inches.  It was a steal for twenty something dollars.  I really like the gold/yellow color.  It is kind of different and cool.

The big gem of the haul.  Dennis Teapot print!  This print is so playful and the polka dots just add to the cute.  It has a detachable collar which is to the right of the dress.  I like the option to wear it or not.  It is just nice to be able to choose.  The lace on this dress is quality.  It is soft and pretty thick.  I can see this dress with my new black RHS.  

I am super happy with my purchases and now I am happy to wear them and show them off.  So, what do you think?  Good purchases? 

Lolita Rules That I Follow #4 - Experiment

  Throughout my whole life I have always experimented with my clothing.  When I was little it was kind of like a challenge, can I wear every color today or do dots, stripes, rainbows, and kitty's go together?  Once in middle school and the very beginning of high school I did everything in my power to blend in as much as possible.  I was a skilled artist at blending into the background.

  Once I came into myself about sophomore year of high school, I started dressing how I wanted and for me.  I was all about colors again and started getting into girly styles again. From then until now (about 11 years) I have gone through several styles but one common theme has been trying to do fun and different things within the style.  And, Lolita for me is no different.  I try to push Lolita.  Sometimes it works and sometimes not so much.

Forth Rule, Experiment and Try Different Things

The blue dress above is one that I designed and made for my trip to SLC that I took a few months ago.  I went a little cray with the amount of fabric that I used to make the skirt portion.  I also went a tad nuts with the front part of the skirt.  I think more pictures are required of this dress.  I will post more shortly.

Sometimes I see girls on daily Lolita who have great coords because they try something different.  There is so much in Lolita that is the same and it is good to see people trying things that might not necessarily go with Lolita at first glance.

  Keep experimenting! ;)

 

Lolita Rules That I Follow #3 - Boots Go With Lolita

  Now, I know a lot of people don't share my intense love of boots.  I own tons of boots and about 4 pairs of shoes, and these shoes are all Lolita shoes.  When I am putting myself together for the day I always head straight for my boots.  I can't help it. 

  I have been a boots girl for about 10 years now.  I can remember the first pair of boots that gave me the boot bug.  I was 17, working at a summer camp in Upstate NY, I made an order through the Delia's catalog and bought The Boots.  They were calf high, iridescent silver, and the coolest boots that I had ever seen.  I wore them until they literally fell apart.  You could see my toes out the front, the back soles were no longer connected, there was not traction, and there were holes all over them.  I loved those boots so much.

Third Rule, Wear Boots 

 I think boots with Lolita don't get enough love.  When I look at Daily Lolita and egl and see pictures of Lolita 9 out of 10 times they are wearing shoes.  I know the Tea Party Shoes and Rocking Horse Shoes are really cool and cute  but there is something magical about tall boots with a puffy skirt.

I know sometimes weather does not permit people to wear boots (100 degree weather) but most of the time you can wear them.  Now is the perfect time to get a pair and wear them for the next 10 months.  Most of the boots that I have are just regular boots and not meant for Lolita, I don't care. In my eyes, they go with everything.

I am not shoes bashing (I just bought 2 pairs of RHS from Bodyline) I am just sharing a little of my              boot love.

Sailor Moon Lolita Dress

  About 3 or 4 weeks ago I started designing a Sailor Moon inspired Lolita dress and now I have finally gotten around to inking, scanning, and posting it.  I wanted it to be a dress inspired by Sailor Moon and not a costume.  I think I walked that fine line pretty well.  Sometimes it is hard to judge what is too much and what is just right and sometimes I have to reign myself in a little bit.  It is fun and easy to go over the top.

I want to color it but I have to wait till my lappy comes back home to me from the lappy hospital.  That should be this week with a little luck.  I am thinking the main color will be a navy blue with white trims perhaps.  This is what is in my head right now but I am sure it will change when i am playing around with the colors in Photo-shop. (You can click on the picture to embiggen it)

The main elements that I took from Sailor Moon and added to the dress are the pleats (even though her skirt does not have box pleats), the lace just off the shoulders mimicking the sailor collar, and the princess seam lines and seam just under the bust.  I looked at all of Sailor Moons fuku's for inspiration.  Ones from the anime, manga, original designs, and all of her different transformations.  

I really love the embellishment on the front.  My husband has just gotten into screen printing so I thought I would  utilize it in this dress.  A simple silhouette of Sailor Moon sitting on a moon with clouds and surrounded by tiny stars reminds me of the Vampire Requiem print with what looks like Tuxedo Mask flying through the air.  (I really would kill to have a dress or JSK in that print.  It is just so darn expensive.)

Anyway, I will be posting more of the dress when I am coloring it and sewing it.

Daily Lolita Highlight- Psycho Shoujo

  Most of the time when I do a daily Lolita highlight I am a little jealous, a healthy amount of jealous.  These girls (and hopefully soon some guys) are my favorites who I feel do just a great job and have a certain something that makes them special.  And that makes me a little envious and it also makes me want to be a better Lolita.  This Lolita is not different and perhaps I am even more jealous of this one.  She has an air about her that is just lovely.

 Psycho Shoujo  posted her pictures from her trip to Ireland and more specifically, Dublin on St. Patty's Day.  Ireland is in the top part of my list of the countries that I would absolutely love to visit.  For some reason I feel all the people in Ireland are super friendly and kind.  I absolutely know this is not the case but I can dream.  I applaud her for not wearing all green outfits just because she is in Ireland on St. Patty's Day.  Her classic modest skirts with Gothic crosses match and embody the strong religious ties Ireland has.

I know black and white are not quite as popular as they used to be together but I love they was she has put them and herself together.  Her killer Demonia shoes (which I totally want to steal) look amazing with her corset style designed socks.  One of my favorite parts of her outfit is her headdress which she made herself.  I obviously make and wear most of the jewelry and accessories that I wear so I just love it when girls do the same.  There is something very special about a handmade piece, especially when you make it yourself.

Her long cherry coke hair and simple black eye shadow and eyeliner allow you to really appreciate her outfit.   There are times for super fun make up that is a bit over the top and sometimes you have to make it a little quieter.  I believe she made the right choice.

Along with her black and white outfit she also wore a great red Meta JSK.  She has a way of putting herself together.  She has lovely quiet outfits that are still very interesting to look at and smartly combined.

Perhaps one day I can stand in Dublin in my cute and smart Lolita dresses just  like Psycho Shoujo.  I doubt I will be quite as lovely as her though.

Trying out Gothic Lolita

  I have been trying out Gothic Lolita a bit these days and I have also been playing with my hair styles.  This past weekend I bought some nice dark colored eye shadows and eye liner.  Here is a snap of what I wore on Sunday.  My husband and I did nothing special on Sunday so I pretty much hung around the house like this and then went to dinner at his parents and sister in laws house for some yummy dinner.

The Dress and the head dress are from Bodyline.  The boots/socks are off brand.

This weekend I will have to take more pictures and better ones of my fancy make-up.

Cute Etsy Finds

  I am constantly scouring the depths of Etsy to find cute items and see what is going on.  In my travels tonight I stumbled upon some of the cutest hair corsages/round headdresses that I have seen in some time.;p[[[[[[[[[[[[[[00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000  Excuse that bit of rubbish.  One of my cute kitties wanted to add something to the blog and just walked on the keyboard to add her 2 cents. 
  Anyway, these cute pieces are irresistible.  They are made by Alice Arisu Hearts.  Take a peek at her shop!

And the winner is.....

Angel, ladydagger@gmail.com!  Yea and Congrats!!!

 I printed out every bodies entries, put them in my brand new Bodyline bag, chose a random slip, and pulled out ladydagger@gmail.com.

Thank You to everyone who entered the contest.  I was super surprised and grateful that so many people visited my blog and still do now.  I hope to do another contest in the near future.  In the mean time I will post many cute posts about kitties, sewing, jewelry, clothing, make-up, and much much more.

All official like with cute business cards

  For the last 2 weeks I have been designing business cards.  I made about 6 different designs and I finally came up with a finished product that I am very happy with. 
  I have been putting off getting business cards for no good reason.  I knew I needed them long ago but I just didn't feel like designing them I guess.  As much as I like Fashion Design, my blog, my Etsy shop, and owning my own business there are certain aspects that I don't love and tend to put on the back burner.  My business cards were one of them.  But, I am happy to say with hours of work and determination I came over my laziness and make a pretty cute business card.
  I will be using these cute cards to hand out to people who like my things, give them to shop owners who I have as selling prospects, send them along with orders, and always have them with me when I talk jewelry/accessories.

 FRONT

 BACK

I am very proud.  It is cute, delicate, to the point, easy to understand, and if I need to jot down more info on the card for someone (a date, phone number, an amount of product , and/or pricing)  there is enough room on the back to do so.  I made the order for 1000 of these babies and I think I shoud get them in the mail next week some time.  Once they come in the mail I will have to show you the actual cards.  There are square (I thought I would do something a little different from the standard business card shape) and 2x2 inches. 
I can' take all of the credit though.  My husband helped me by brainstorming with me, giving his opinion, and made sure that I didn't make any stupid spelling errors.

So, what do you think?  Good? Bad?