tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52328671911737750662024-03-14T04:11:56.173+08:00Tea-Tray in the SkyShuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232867191173775066.post-55011308924800783642012-11-22T12:05:00.003+08:002012-11-22T17:45:08.269+08:00Tea-party with Misako Aoki *starry eyes*I've been on a hiatus of sorts, my apologies! Part of the reason is because work has been very busy and just trying to stay afloat of things was sapping a lot of my energy and I simply wasn't in the mood. Excuses, excuses...<br />
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But I am back to report on a tea-party with Misako Aoki that I was lucky enough to attend on last Tuesday! <br />
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<a href="http://jrunway.com/">Jrunway</a>, in conjunction with the opening of their flagship store at Plaza Singapura, invited Misako Aoki as the runway model for the Putumayo range that they are carrying. At the same time, they organised a meet Misako Aoki tea-party session as part of the opening events, so I hurriedly signed up when it was first announced that the session would be limited to the first 30 persons and got a place! <br />
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There was some logistics problems for me though as the tea-party was on a Tuesday evening, starting at 6.30pm, and I would be at work until 6pm. Technically, I would be able to rush down to the cafe when the clock immediately strikes 6pm and to whoosh out after telling my boss, bye! But the dress-code for the tea-party was a strict be in Gothic Lolita fashion garb so I would have to be in loli at work in order to save time and be punctual for the tea-party, and being in loli at work is something I prefer not to do. <br />
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I decided to take time off instead from work and that is another story by itself, lol. I ended up leaving the office at 4.00pm instead, which would still have given me enough time to change. But on the morning of the day, I had wardrobe malfunction with my shoes, my only pair of white shoes, to go with my intended outfit, and I had to rush down to the mall to get a new pair instead.<br />
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Suffice, I found new shoes (painful but worth it), changed and was at the tea-party promptly! <br />
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Outfit worn for the tea-party! Photo by Jasmine</div>
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As I was coming from work and had to bring things to change, plus it was a workday night, I had originally intended my outfit to be casual and was going to wear a plainer Innocent World jsk. But upon advisement, I decided to be more dressy and chose to wear Metamorphose's Wonder Silhouette OP instead. And.... I still ended up being rather dress-down casual, compared to some of the other attendees, heh. I do like my outfit in the end, but I wish I had chosen a more obvious hair accessory at least. I'm wearing a dark blue bow on me head but you can't see it in the photo!<br />
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At the tea-party, we started off with a Q&A session with Misako Aoki. She is so very pretty in person! And taller than I had expected! From her photos in the EGL bibles and Kera, I had imagined her to be smaller in stature for some reason. Some of the questions asked to Misako was how she would coordinate her lolita outfits and she gave a few pointers like she would ensure her skirt would go with her hair bow. I immediately looked down at my skirt and remembered my hairband and yes, they don't match, hahaha! Another question was how many lolita outfits does she have and she said, after thinking a while, about 100? Misako also mentioned she likes ensemble sets and her most nostalgic brand would be Baby, the Stars Shine Bright. </div>
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After the Q&A, Misako happened to sit at my table with some of my friends (Steph of <a href="http://himerori.wordpress.com/">Moar Lace Please</a>, Jasmine of <a href="http://ducabit.colorfade.net/">Frivolous Indulgences</a>, Teresa of <a href="http://nuggetmeal.com/nosauceplease">No Sauce Please</a> and Ivory)! I think it was mainly because our table still had much slices of cake left and a chair to sit down! We chatted with her briefly about what places to go for good food in Singapore, lol. We recommended her to try a local dish, chicken rice, while here and we found out later through her <a href="https://twitter.com/aokimisako/status/271264363585863680">twitter</a> that she did! </div>
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No photos was allowed at the tea-party session but after, we convened to Jrunway, the shop itself, for a group photo. I'm not sure if the organisers relented the rule of no photos but they then said we can have photo requests with Misako.<br />
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Our group photo with Misako Aoki! Photo credit to Cher-ly</div>
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There was a flurry of photo requests with her and she was very obliging to everyone. Ivory then egged me to take a photo with just her and myself....I confess I was feeling a bit nervous since pretty Japanese models with long, smooth hair tend to make me so, heh. But it happened! </div>
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The ubiquitous victory sign and derpy (mine) face</div>
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As the invited model for Jrunway's Putumayo range, Misako was naturally wearing only Putumayo pieces. For the tea-party, she was in Putumayo's <a href="http://www.putumayo-home.com/ap-op/t177.html">Alice set</a>. One thing about Putumayo dresses is I always think they're rather short, but Misako carried the entire outfit off very nicely and the dress didn't seemed too short on her. Ah, the power of the kawaii ambassador is strong!</div>
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Group photo of all attendees taken by Jrunway with suitable product placements. Misako has a better photo on her own <a href="http://ameblo.jp/ribbon-misa/entry-11410048136.html">blog</a> actually</div>
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For more photos on the tea-party and the actual fashion show to see Misako on the runway, you can visit <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/jrunway.aw?fref=ts">Jrunway's Facebook</a> for photos. </div>
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Had a great time! :)</div>
Shuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232867191173775066.post-774863548947138202012-09-18T14:10:00.003+08:002012-09-18T14:49:12.581+08:00Stout figures present an interesting problemDespite the view that Victorian and Edwardian fashions were only full of rake-thin women with 12" waists, it's not true! I came across <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Home-Pattern-Company-Fashions-Catalog/dp/0486286886">The Home Pattern Company 1914 Fashions Catalog</a> in a bargain bin at a bookshop and immediately pounced on it. It's chockful of fashion illustrations showcasing what was in during 1914. <br />
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In the catalog book, there are specific mentions to big-size girls and how to choose a style that is flattering to a 'stout figure'. I quite like the Edwardian use of the word 'stout' in relation to plus-size girls. Makes me feel somewhat like a full-figured beer. <br />
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Click on the direct links below to read the full scan<br />
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<em>'There seems to be no other phase of women's costuming which is so little understood as that of the stout woman's problem.' </em>Hear, hear!</div>
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These Edwardian patterns even mention catering up a 44 inch bust and a 32 inch waist which happily debunks the myth that there were no or very little big size women 100years ago! Although the tips on how to flatter a larger figure is for dressing Edwardian, I think they can still be relevant for our now times and applied for some aspects of lolita fashion as well. Edwardian fashion for the stout woman emphasizes on a good fit and a well-fitted lolita dress can do wonders. Instead of squeezing ourselves into lolita dresses that were made for smaller girls, why not consider the alternative of tailoring?</div>
Shuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232867191173775066.post-89146667372845344442012-08-29T14:08:00.001+08:002012-08-30T21:10:26.059+08:00Japan Fashion NowThe title of this book, <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Japan-Fashion-Now-Valerie-Steele/dp/030016727X">Japan Fashion Now</a></strong>, had grabbed me as I was browsing at the new arrivals section of the library a while back. <br />
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According to the blurb:<br />
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<em>Japan Fashion Now<b> </b>will be the first book to explore how Japanese fashion has evolved in recent years. During this time, Japanese pop culture has swept the world, as young people everywhere read manga, watch anime, and play video games. Japan has had a profound impact on global culture, often via new media.</em><br />
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And I don't really think Japan Fashion Now is the first book to look into Japanese fashion sensibilities! But it was an interesting read nevertheless and had a section on gothic lolita fashion, of course.<br />
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I had scanned the relevant pages on lolita fashion from the book and posted on egl before but never got around to posting on Tea-Tray, so here they be now! Click on the scans for the full-sized images to read =)<br />
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Shuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232867191173775066.post-64697308021099072532012-08-03T23:43:00.001+08:002012-08-04T12:53:55.743+08:00Some alternatives to replicas for your kind considerationRecently, there was quite the furor over the banning of replica clothing sales/discussions on egl. You can read about it if you want and if you have time because this is a post with maaaaaany comments: <a href="http://egl.livejournal.com/18686404.html">http://egl.livejournal.com/18686404.html</a><br />
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Two main reasons that I can gather from the comments is that replicas are so popular because the buyers can't fit into regular brands sizing or they cannot afford brand dresses.<br />
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In which case, then I ask rhetorically why is it that the most popular replicas are usually of prints like Moi-meme-Moitie's Iron Gate, Holy Queen. Angelic Pretty's Sugary Carnival, Star Night Theatre, Milky-chan etc., ahem. So it's actually the prints that are really being desired here? Ah well....<br />
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Being a bigger size loli, I can understand the frustration of not being able to fit into a size 2 Juliette et Justine dress or even an Innocent World's 98cm bust jsk. It can be quite demoralizing. Whether it's just a fashion or not. It's an unpleasant reminder that much of general society, even a fashion subculture, views you as physically unappealing. Although I know I'm luckier as there are still brand dresses that I can fit into as long as the shirring is forgiving.<br />
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If one is unhappy about sizing problems and just want a loli dress that fits well, be encouraged! There are a growing number of indies loli brands out there to explore and which can custom-make dresses as well. And some of these brands are even branching out into creating original prints of their own, after starting out by doing replica prints, which is nice.<br />
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Taobao can be a great place for custom-make loli that is affordable. It does take some navigating and a reliable buying agent but the returns can be quite worth it. I use a local agent, <a href="http://buy4u.peeka.sg/">Peeka</a>, and so far, I have no complaints. They've been good, speedy and their system of ordering from Taobao is wonderfully easy! I'm not sure if they can do international orders but it doesn't hurt to ask =)<br />
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<a href="http://store.taobao.com/shop/view_shop.htm?shop_id=33695866">Kidsyoyo</a> has an original print, Alice Falling Down, that is gorgeous! Such a pity it's already sold out. I would have liked to order one.<br />
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While <a href="http://krad666.taobao.com/">Krad Lanrete</a> has a lovely OP that's fantastic for a mature lolita too.<br />
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And I love the red version of this!</div>
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<a href="http://akane-alois.taobao.com/">Akane&Alois</a> is another Taobao-based brand to notice. Their stock is relatively limited but what they have is mostly classic and very pretty.<br />
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Akane&Alois's Leaves of Grass jsk</div>
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I've just ordered their new Anne of Green Gables outfit. It's not really loli unless one stretches it by calling it country mori/loli I suppose....anyway, I'm preparing it for my eventual visit to Prince Edward Island, where the Anne of Green Gables books are mostly set, haha. Will do a review post when I get the dress!<br />
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Other stores to consider for all your custom-size loli needs:<br />
<a href="http://surfacespell.taobao.com/">Surface Spell</a><br />
<a href="http://chess-story.taobao.com/">Chess Story</a><br />
<a href="http://boguta.taobao.com/">Boguta</a><br />
<a href="http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.10.66&id=17914084494">Miss Moe</a><br />
<a href="http://rose-melody.taobao.com/">Rose Melody</a><br />
<a href="http://shop57826848.taobao.com/">Elpress L</a><br />
<a href="http://annahousefashion.com/">Anna House</a><br />
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And do be careful when shopping on Taobao though. Quality can vary and what you see on the site may not arrive exactly as pictured. A little research never hurts! If you see a dress that you like, check out any reviews available on it. Chances are someone probably purchased from the shop before so poke around the memories section at egl. And stay away from shops that re-uses brands' photos! They usually turn out to be crap, and I kid you not. Milanoo, milanoo!Shuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232867191173775066.post-78216699766103190192012-07-25T18:26:00.001+08:002012-07-25T20:13:18.470+08:00All aboard the Hogwarts Express!Not a loli-related post per se but I'll like to post about Harry Potter: The Exhibition which finally reached our sunny shores early June this year. And which I finally managed a visit to last Saturday, as a random Hogwarts student, along with two others (Ravenclaws). Strangely enough, I always thought the Harry Potter books were only alright, nothing really outstanding in terms of writing and plotwise. What I really loved was the cinematic world that the Harry Potter movies created instead.<br />
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The Harry Potter exhibition basically features props, artifacts, a few recreated sets and costumes from all eight Harry Potter movies. Some of the recreated sets were the Gryffindor's common room, Hagrid's hut and the Great Hall. No photography allowed inside the exhibition halls though so here are some from the official website.<br />
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And there was a section with mock Mandrakes that actually squeals when you pull one up. Needless to say, everyone tried to. Pull one, that is.</div>
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Copies of the Marauder's Map were available for sale in the exhibition shop but much too expensive to justify getting one, sighs.</div>
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The featured costumes were my favourite part of the exhibition though!</div>
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The dress that Hermione wore for the Yule Ball in the fourth Harry Potter film installment, Goblet of Fire, was amazingly pretty, as was Cho Chang's cheongsam/evening gown hybrid.</div>
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<em>Photos sourced off the net</em></div>
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And Ron's Yule ball tuxedo was absolutely hilarious!! I already grinned when I saw the whole ensemble on screen before but in actuality, it even had crochet lace on it. CROCHET LACE! The poor boy!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cuqjHqrgink/UA_G6K-ogDI/AAAAAAAAAtk/hFWGOg5u15g/s1600/yule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" sda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cuqjHqrgink/UA_G6K-ogDI/AAAAAAAAAtk/hFWGOg5u15g/s400/yule.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em>Photo sourced off the net</em></div>
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It was not a very big exhibition and took only an hour or so to go through the whole event. It would be longer if we examined everything they had throughly though. I enjoyed it and it was fun to dress up and visit the exhibition with friends! We had a fair share of stares at the exhibition while wearing the Hogwarts' uniforms. Some of the exhibition staff were actually rather excited to see us and asked for photos together, lol.</div>
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A Gryffindor, of course. Much too old to be a Hogwarts student really but still terribly fun to pretend to be!</div>
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And if you pay a bit more, you can have an official Harry Potter photo with inserted appropriate background of your choice. Definitely the Hogwarts Express for us.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3uzsc8yddw/UA_Jj61xnQI/AAAAAAAAAt0/23p0M-c1wjI/s1600/545533_10150970707818167_2036525145_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" sda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3uzsc8yddw/UA_Jj61xnQI/AAAAAAAAAt0/23p0M-c1wjI/s400/545533_10150970707818167_2036525145_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Shuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232867191173775066.post-39933016458599535162012-07-10T19:42:00.002+08:002012-07-10T21:22:25.000+08:00Sale Clearance! Everything Must GO! 50-30% OFF!So summer sale season is in full swing! And I myself have just come from the Innocent World sale, which I caved in and bought 2 dresses, one being an impulse buy. The flesh is so very weak, unfortunately.<br />
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Here's a list of brands currently having online sales that I know of. <br />
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Innocent World - <a href="http://innocent-w.jp/shopping/sale_e.html">http://innocent-w.jp/shopping/sale_e.html</a><br />
Metamorphose - <a href="http://metamorphose.ec.uncvr.com/1173/1157/1243/-2/-/-1/new/1">http://metamorphose.ec.uncvr.com/1173/1157/1243/-2/-/-1/new/1</a><br />
Baby the Stars Shine Bright - <a href="http://www.babyssb.co.jp/shopping/2012-online-summer-sale.html">http://www.babyssb.co.jp/shopping/2012-online-summer-sale.html</a><br />
Excentrique - <a href="http://excentrique.shop7.makeshop.jp/shopbrand/016/O/">http://excentrique.shop7.makeshop.jp/shopbrand/016/O/</a><br />
Millefleurs- <a href="http://millefleurs-noirs.com/sale.html">http://millefleurs-noirs.com/sale.html</a><br />
Putumayo - <a href="http://www.putumayo-home.com/sale/index.html">http://www.putumayo-home.com/sale/index.html</a><br />
MA/MAM - <a href="http://www.maxicimam.com/?mode=cate&cbid=564764&csid=0">http://www.maxicimam.com/?mode=cate&cbid=564764&csid=0</a><br />
HeartE - <a href="http://www.hearte.co.jp/product-list/61">http://www.hearte.co.jp/product-list/61</a><br />
Moi-meme-Moitie - <a href="http://moi-meme-moitie.shop-pro.jp/?mode=cate&cbid=721035&csid=0">http://moi-meme-moitie.shop-pro.jp/?mode=cate&cbid=721035&csid=0</a><br />
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*Angelic Pretty's online sale is still forthcoming.<br />
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Plus here are a few tips when confronting sale season. Do not follow my not-so-shining example of impulse buying.<br />
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<li>If you can wait....WAIT. Some of the brands do have further reductions after the first or second week of their sales, especially for Metamorphose.</li>
<li>Do remember to check out the shipping charges, it might still push you over budget despite the sale price.</li>
<li>Also, don't forget to check measurements! Sometimes we can get blinded by the tag <strong>'50% off</strong>' (gawd knows I did) and forget to check if the dress on sale can actually fit or not.</li>
<li>And even brand dresses on sale can still be expensive. Check if that dress on sale is up on any auction sites or secondhand clothing stores first, if you don't mind secondhand items. The dress could be going for cheaper there.</li>
<li>Regardless of items going for half the price, still buy within your means. Tempting though it might be, "but this is on sale! I'll just add in another pair of socks, another dress, a trinket..." can all add up.</li>
<li>However, if you are very sure the dress on sale is the dress you want now, then get it!
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Now, go forth and enjoy summer lolita sale season! =)<br />
<br />Shuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232867191173775066.post-83693382529836017402012-06-27T16:34:00.003+08:002012-06-27T16:37:42.939+08:00'Titanic' may have started it but I still can't stand Jack and RoseSummer sale season is upon us once more! And this means that a few brands will be having lucky packs and online sales. At present, Metamorphose has summer lucky packs on sale while Innocent World has a 10% discount on all items going on until 1st July. <br />
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I've been on an Edwardian fashion jag lately. And not because of the 3D re-release of 'Titanic' early this year!<br />
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Rose's Boarding Suit that is supposed to be the height of Edwardian fashion in 1912. I can well believe it.</div>
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However. I did love the costumes in the movie when it first came out in 1997, just not the movie itself. But 'Titanic' probably did spark me down on the path to finding out more about this era, its fashion (and the ship as well). Not to mention, with <a href="http://www.itv.com/downtonabbey/">Downton Abbey</a> winning accolades for its costume-designs, Edwardian fashion is somewhat back in the spotlight. And there's something uniquely elegant about Edwardian fashion. While not as loose, airy and Grecian-inspired as Regency gowns, a structured outline for the well-dressed Edwardian lady was still required, it's not as constrictive as Victorian fashion which dictated the worth of a woman by the fussiness of her wardrobe and the tightness of her waist.</div>
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1910-12 evening gowns worn by Queen Maud of Norway. The detailing is amazing. The creation of exclusive custom-fitted gowns, or how haute couture was born, came about during the Edwardian era via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Frederick_Worth">Charles Frederick Worth</a>.<br />
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Lolita fashion doesn't really draw as much inspiration from the Edwardian age, as say, compared to the Rococo and Victorian eras. Maybe as the 20th century progressed, Edwardian fashion for women placed a greater emphasis on the overall silhouette being narrowed and straightened with high waists and a stiff collar, unlike the lace, frills, pomp of a late Victorian bustle gown. Not that an Edwardian gown couldn't be decadent too. I especially love early Edwardian tea and lawn dresses with their pintucks and lace details.<br />
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While I did say Edwardian inspired lolita dresses are hard to find, I have come across some few that can evoke a sense of this era. </div>
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Innocent World's Lidie OP is rather reminiscent of the Edwardian sailor dress.</div>
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Of all the brands, I think Excentrique probably is the closest to having an Edwardian aesthetic to some of their clothing designs. Although I'm not even sure if Excentrique can be classified as a 'pure' lolita brand actually, so many of their pieces have a distinct old-world European charm. Or as one of their earlier collections says it, 'Euro Vintage Euphoria'. And that term kind of encompasses the whole Excentrique appeal.</div>
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So, right now? I'm hoping really hard that Excentrique has a summer sale oncoming! </div>Shuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232867191173775066.post-60117886266962214332012-06-17T18:57:00.001+08:002012-06-17T19:23:47.583+08:00'Frills and Lace and Everything Nice'Last Saturday, I went for a workshop panel on gothic lolita fashion. The workshop itself, titled 'Frills and Lace and Everything Nice', was part of a pre-event leading up to an annual local cosplay event that's usually held in July. That annual cosplay event is called Cosfest btw. So I attended for a while and took some photos.<br />
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Besides explaining what is gothic lolita fashion, the workshop organizers also tried to give examples of different lolita styles like Gothic, Classic, Sweet etc. The end of the workshop culminated in a makeover for two of the attendees.<br />
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The workshop did have a rather rushed and incomplete feeling surrounding it. I had a chat with the organizers and they said the workshop was a last minute thing and tie-up with Cosfest actually, they only had a week to prepare everything. The workshop being held in a corner of a shopping mall was restrictive as well. The organizers also mentioned they had expected the workshop to be held in a private room with invited attendees but it didn't turn out that way, unfortunately. Still, I think the organizers did try their best with the limited time and resources they had.<br />
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Let's hope if there's another gothic lolita panel or loli related-event, more time and a conducive environment would be readily available. I'll be interested to attend such another event since they're far and few in-between here in Singapore. The last attempt at a lolita fashion panel was held in 2006 or 2007 I believe, at another anime/cosplay event. I guess it's unavoidable that gothic lolita fashion is associated with cosplay events as much as I still roll my eyes when someone on the street says lolita is cosplay, lol. And I would love to see a brand spokesperson like Atelier Pierrot or Angelic Pretty etc come to our shores for a panel, like they do for anime/cosplay events in the United States or Europe but I don't really see that happening, as Singapore just doesn't have a large enough base to warrant such a visit.Shuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232867191173775066.post-9236389412967487732012-05-31T15:51:00.003+08:002012-05-31T16:38:27.686+08:00Indies Brand - dolce piu amabileAfter doing a quick google translate, I discovered dolce piu amabile means '<span a="undefined" class="short_text" closure_uid_nee1hy="91" f="4" id="result_box" lang="zh-CN" sc="null"><span closure_uid_nee1hy="195" sc="null">更加</span><span closure_uid_nee1hy="196" sc="null">甜甜蜜蜜' in Chinese. And in turn, in English, that means 'even sweeter'. Lol! That tickles me because I am, sadly, easily amused.</span></span><br />
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<span a="undefined" class="short_text" closure_uid_nee1hy="91" f="4" lang="zh-CN" sc="null"><span closure_uid_nee1hy="196" sc="null">dolce piu amabile is an indies brand that I discovered today by accident. While randomly surfing, I had come across this photo:</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_LQjWzbfBY/T8cc0sIB0oI/AAAAAAAAAoM/SPCHGgsGYbI/s1600/45185752_1932106178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_LQjWzbfBY/T8cc0sIB0oI/AAAAAAAAAoM/SPCHGgsGYbI/s320/45185752_1932106178.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Instantly intrigued by the dresses being modeled by the Kokusyoku Sumire duo, and I am a sucker for smock dresses, so I did more digging and found they're from <a href="http://dolcepiuamabile.com/index.html">dolce piu amabile</a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wTb8KsxaOFE/T8cds3bzywI/AAAAAAAAAoU/PIysmAG33No/s1600/P1000649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wTb8KsxaOFE/T8cds3bzywI/AAAAAAAAAoU/PIysmAG33No/s400/P1000649.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span a="undefined" class="short_text" closure_uid_nee1hy="91" f="4" lang="zh-CN" sc="null"><span closure_uid_nee1hy="196" sc="null">This particular dress is no longer on sale, alas! I really do have a habit of stumbling across dresses, loving them at first sight, and then finding out they're sold out already. </span></span><br />
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<span a="undefined" class="short_text" closure_uid_nee1hy="91" f="4" lang="zh-CN" sc="null"><span closure_uid_nee1hy="196" sc="null">There's quite a few indies brands out there and once their items are sold, it's probably nigh impossible to find them again on the secondhand market. Dresses from indies brands doesn't come cheap and can be, if not, even more expensive than your 'regular' loli brands. If you like the idea of having something unique as probably only one or two pieces would be made of each design, indies is the way to go! Not to mention, indies loli dresses sometimes can think out of the box in terms of style and design and present something quite unusual but still recognizably loli.</span></span>Shuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232867191173775066.post-59847115841058346932012-05-13T21:04:00.004+08:002012-05-14T00:18:31.012+08:00Giveaway Result!Thank you to everyone who participated in Tea-Tray in the Sky's second giveaway! I know I'm going to say practically almost the same thing I'd said during the first giveaway, but I really enjoyed reading everyone's comments and suggestions for the 3 outfits.<br />
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Using a random number generator, I'm happy to announce that the winner of this round's giveaway is.......<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_v1v3mvxOro/T6-wUYH1rPI/AAAAAAAAAoA/Mue0FX2qwMY/s1600/2nd-giveaway-result.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_v1v3mvxOro/T6-wUYH1rPI/AAAAAAAAAoA/Mue0FX2qwMY/s400/2nd-giveaway-result.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And the winner is comment no. 15, <u>Katzu</u>! Congratulations!</div>
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Once more, thanks to everyone for joining in the giveaway!Shuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232867191173775066.post-63633981516678796812012-05-10T21:21:00.001+08:002012-05-11T14:12:48.730+08:00Tea-Tray in the Sky's Second Giveaway!After more than a year in existence and some shaky moments at the beginning of the year, Tea-Tray in the Sky finally has a new banner + layout! The banner is done by my talented friend, Ivory, who kindly agreed to design one for Tea-Tray in the Sky since I have no designing abilities whatsoever to save my life. The photos in the banner are actually an Alice in Wonderland themed photoshoot I shot way back in 2010 and Alice is modeled by none other than Ivory herself.<br />
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So in commemoration of a new banner and design, Tea-Tray in the Sky is hosting its second blog giveaway! I hadn't realized my first giveaway had been over a year. Definitely time for a second one.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yA888VOPvRQ/T6tmfIj909I/AAAAAAAAAnI/qgbT2zxS27o/s1600/Steampunk_Wallpaper_by_MyScarredHeart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yA888VOPvRQ/T6tmfIj909I/AAAAAAAAAnI/qgbT2zxS27o/s400/Steampunk_Wallpaper_by_MyScarredHeart.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And the giveaway is a pair of brand-new Tutuanna green lace socks.</div>
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<u><strong>Giveaway Guidelines</strong></u></div>
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* I have an upcoming lolita meet (lolita-mori inspired fashion is allowed) and 'test-drived' three potential outfits. Leave a comment which outfit is your favorite, that you think I should wear to the meet, and why (you can click on the photos to enlarge if needed).</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5j0IXnjP-FI/T6u7efmfpOI/AAAAAAAAAns/KxigOI2h8pI/s1600/IMG_6419a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5j0IXnjP-FI/T6u7efmfpOI/AAAAAAAAAns/KxigOI2h8pI/s320/IMG_6419a.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b>Outfit #1</b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ectbx-dUBM/T6u62GHLe4I/AAAAAAAAAnk/Aski3R3__2s/s1600/IMG_6440a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ectbx-dUBM/T6u62GHLe4I/AAAAAAAAAnk/Aski3R3__2s/s320/IMG_6440a.jpg" width="212" /></a> </div>
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<b>Outfit #2</b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vhGP_Nc07AM/T6u77PPlu8I/AAAAAAAAAn0/jwBXiuK1nWY/s1600/IMG_6362c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vhGP_Nc07AM/T6u77PPlu8I/AAAAAAAAAn0/jwBXiuK1nWY/s320/IMG_6362c.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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<b>Outfit #3</b></div>
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* Deadline for the giveaway is 13 May, 9.00pm (local Singapore time).<br />
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* A winner will be chosen at random so there is no wrong or right comment! I'm just interested to know what people think of my lolita/mori sartorial choices =)<br />
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* The winner's name will be announced on the same day so please come back and check if you are the one!<br />
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* I will request the winner to contact me with her address.<br />
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* The socks will be sent via registered airmail and postage fees will be borne by me.</div>
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That's it! Hope everyone have fun posting!</div>Shuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232867191173775066.post-49795001013148362622012-04-30T23:54:00.002+08:002012-05-11T00:12:38.885+08:00The Washington Ballet's AliceJust gorgeous, simply gorgeous, breathtakingly gorgeous set of photos done for the Washington Ballet's production of Alice in Wonderland. And, curse my wretched lack of funds or a time-machine, I couldn't be in Washington between 11-15th April 2012. If there be a DVD on this particular ballet production, I am so getting it.<br />
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<em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Creative & Art Direction: <a class="st_tag internal_tag" href="http://www.washingtonlife.com/people/?person=/jake-lefebure/" rel="tag" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="Posts tagged with Jake Lefebure">Jake Lefebure</a> and <a class="st_tag internal_tag" href="http://www.washingtonlife.com/people/?person=/pum-lefebure/" rel="tag" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="Posts tagged with Pum Lefebure">Pum Lefebure</a></em> of<em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.designarmy.com/flash/index.html" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Design Army</a><br style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Photography: <a href="http://www.deanalexander.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Dean Alexander</a></em><em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Hair & Makeup: <a href="http://www.lluminairesalon.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Dean Krapf</a> for <a href="http://www.theartistagency.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">T.H.E. Artist Agency</a><br style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Makeup: <a href="http://www.stilistaagency.com/JennQuin-MakeupArtist.php" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Jenn Quinn</a></em><br />
<em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Costume Designer: <a href="http://lizvandal.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Liz Vandal</a><br style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Costume Graphic Design: <a class="st_tag internal_tag" href="http://www.washingtonlife.com/people/?person=/julie-castan/" rel="tag" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="Posts tagged with Julie Castan">Julie Castan</a><br style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Fabric Digital Printing & Glossy Finish & Swarovki Elements Applique By Masking Technologies & Innovations: <a class="st_tag internal_tag" href="http://www.washingtonlife.com/people/?person=/diane-beaudoin/" rel="tag" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="Posts tagged with Diane Beaudoin">Diane Beaudoin</a></em></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffbf1; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
Based on<a href="http://www.lewiscarroll.org/carroll/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> Lewis Carroll</a>‘s beloved tale, “Alice” promises to be <a href="http://www.washingtonballet.org/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The Washington Ballet</strong></a>‘s grandest production yet with designs by <strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a class="st_tag internal_tag" href="http://www.washingtonlife.com/people/?person=/liz-vandal/" rel="tag" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="Posts tagged with Liz Vandal">Liz Vandal</a></strong> (<a href="http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/welcome.aspx" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Cirque du Soleil</strong>‘s</a> “<a href="http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/ovo/default.aspx" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Ovo</a>“) an original score by <a href="http://www.seedmusic.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Matthew Pierce</strong></a>, choreography by <a href="http://www.ballet-dance.com/200406/articles/Webre20040401.html" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Septime Webre</strong></a>, sets by <a class="st_tag internal_tag" href="http://www.washingtonlife.com/people/?person=/jim-cronzer/" rel="tag" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="Posts tagged with Jim Cronzer">Jim Cronzer</a>, and puppets by <a href="http://www.vanwykdesign.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5&Itemid=4" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Eric Van Wyk</strong></a>. The Washington Ballet World Premiere runs April 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th in the <a href="http://www.kennedy-center.org/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Kennedy Center</strong></a>‘s <a href="http://www.kennedy-center.org/about/virtual_tour/ike.html" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Eisenhower Theatre</a>.</div>
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<br />Shuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232867191173775066.post-18600723042433696632012-04-13T16:01:00.013+08:002012-04-14T00:51:14.666+08:00Sandman Slim and the pint-sized, knife-wielding lolita minions<em>'When I turn around, there's a platoon of twelve-year-old Cutie Honey types staring up at me, letting me know that I'm extremely not welcome. It's Village of the Damned with ankle socks.</em><br />
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<em>I say, "I'm looking for Cherry Moon."</em><br />
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<em>One of the Lolitas walks over to me. She barely comes up to my chest.</em><br />
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<em>"Who the fuck are you?"</em><br />
<br />
<em>It's exactly what I thought it would be, and now that I know, it's even worse. What comes out of this mouth of Lolita in a pink ball gown and yellow ribbons isn't a cartoon squeak, but the voice of a thirtysomething bar chick who's had too many late nights and smoked too many filtered Luckies. That's the other thing Mason gave Cherry. The power to be twelve forever and to do the same thing to her creepy entourage. A terminally fucked-up fountain of youth.'</em><br />
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Above excerpt taken from one of my latest library forages for good urban fantasy yarns. <em>'Sandman Slim'</em>, an urban fantasy book about one James Stark who was condemned to Hell while not dead and eventually becomes a hitman for a demon overlord. After finding out his girlfriend on earth has been horribly murdered, he manages to escape Hell, back to Los Angeles to seek bloody revenge on those who killed his girlfriend and also sentenced him to literal living hellish torture because, conveniently, they're the same posse. Of course.<br />
<br />
And one of the posse happens to be a Gothic Lolita going by the moniker of Cherry Moon. Who owns a store on Rodeo Drive called Lollipop Dolls. Who apparently, through blackest magic, is really a 30-ish year old woman who looks like an eternal 12 year old girl and has a website of pictures of her in <em>'maybe a hundred different Gothic Lolita outfits. everything from Shirley Temple pinafores to pirates to a kimono-clad vampire with fake fangs</em>.' (pg. 180)<br />
<br />
I was actually halfway impressed here, that the author knows about Shirley Temple Cute until I realised he was probably talking about the 1930s child actress with her little girl dresses and not referring to the brand itself.<br />
<br />
It gets better. Continuing from the first excerpt, after Stark confronts one of Cherry Moon's minions, she...<br />
<br />
<em>'snapped out a white furry-handled tanto knife and is pressing it under my chin hard enough to break the skin.</em><br />
<br />
<em>"Why don't you get out of here, Grandpa? We have a reputation and you're driving down property values. Cherry doesn't want to talk to you. And, by the way, you look like a faggot in that jacket."</em><br />
<br />
<em>Even with her cute move with the knife, I'm guessing that she's not a real blade fighter. If she was, she'd be holding the tanto under my ear, where she'd be right above a major blood vessel.</em><br />
<br />
<em>I sweep my arm in front of me, faster than she can see. All of a sudden, I'm holding the knife and she has a sore wrist.'</em><br />
<br />
Thankfully, the gothic lolita related parts in the book are minor and lasts only a few pages. I did enjoy the book despite the allusions to lolita = anime-<span style="color: black;">mad, cosplaying,</span><span style="color: #1122cc;"> </span>fake wannabe 12 year olds as I like gritty urban fantasies with foul-mouthed, down on their luck, but still bad-ass heros. Plus I had a good laugh over descriptions of Cherry Moon and her pint-sized, knife-wielding lolita minions. Whether or not lolita fashion is accurately portrayed, you know, I still always get a kick out of seeing the words 'gothic lolita' unexpectedly jumping out at me from a page in black and white.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8I-KRQO3EJ0/T4fdRGUK7LI/AAAAAAAAAlc/7BRONWnoUPU/s1600/sandman_cover_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8I-KRQO3EJ0/T4fdRGUK7LI/AAAAAAAAAlc/7BRONWnoUPU/s400/sandman_cover_07.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><div align="center">Read it if only for the mentions of lolita minions!</div>Shuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232867191173775066.post-90148552145669824662012-04-05T12:02:00.008+08:002012-04-05T18:27:20.029+08:00Shopping in Tokyo, love plus hateShopping in Tokyo for me is a balance of love and hate. Love because there's so many gorgeous things around and hate because said gorgeous things usually won't fit me. I was at Liz Lisa, a gyaru clothing store, at Harajuku, looking at dresses on sale and a lot of their clothes were labelled a Size 0 even with some back or waist shirring available.... unless I eat a cereal bar every day only for the next 6 months, I doubt I'll ever see a Size 0 looming on the horizon anytime soon. And neither do I really want to be a Size 0 either. I merely want to be large, healthy and happy!<br />
<br />
Happily though, some lolita brands like Innocent World have started making larger sizes and I find I usually can fit in Metamorphose back-shirring dresses and I'm more or less a UK size 12-14. Although when you're in Tokyo and surrounded by tons of lovely lolita dresses, one does kinda wish one was a smaller size so as to fit in them, lol.<br />
<br />
I managed to cram in visiting Marui One, LaForet, Closet Child Shinjuku and Harajuku for some loli shopping this time. But really, if you can visit these few places, you would have already covered most of the essential lolita shopping in Tokyo. <br />
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As mentioned, I was with my mother this time round so I didn't get to stay very long at each store and really pore through all the things each had to offer. I did manage to spy at least a few things I wanted on first sight.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYyKhbTUsw4/T30P0lz5SbI/AAAAAAAAAlM/fHQDbpQIFpw/s1600/6892850994_4d86c4b9a5_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYyKhbTUsw4/T30P0lz5SbI/AAAAAAAAAlM/fHQDbpQIFpw/s400/6892850994_4d86c4b9a5_o.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div align="center">Metamorphose's Revival Bouquet Bustle OP & AP's Moon Night Theatre OP</div><br />
Moon Night Theatre isn't something on my wishlist but I was pleased to find the cream version at Closet Child as I did like the print, especially in the red colourway. But the cream version is quite lovely too so I get! Especially when the dress fits well. It can easily stretch up to 100cm at least for the chest area. And I was surprised to see that the bodice is actually has plastic boning so that was an added bonus!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9iLOOr9R4k/T30PrXpbXoI/AAAAAAAAAlE/EH3IlTgIfIs/s1600/6892851428_ac1794be72_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9iLOOr9R4k/T30PrXpbXoI/AAAAAAAAAlE/EH3IlTgIfIs/s400/6892851428_ac1794be72_o.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Victorian Maiden Frill Collar dress & Excentrique's Thorn Princess dress</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">VM's Frill Collar dress is on my wishlist so very, very chuffed to find it at Closet Child on my second visit! But I love the Excentrique dress even more. I bought it new at the Excentrique store at Marui One. Over-priced? Definitely. But I loved it instantly. Maybe it's the simple lines and that it has the look of a vintage 1920s summer dress that attracted me so much. I don't regret buying it even though it did cost a pretty penny. I've always been intimidated by Excentrique because their clothes look so structured and veering on the heavily gothic side but I realise they have a lot of vintage inspired looks that isn't solely just Victorian. Browsing through their shop and subsequent online catalogue, I find Excentrique has a lot of Edwardian and 1920s inspired designs too. I suspect I'm more than halfway to being an Excentrique convert after this trip! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">For other non-lolita purchases, I got a Liz Lisa lucky pack for the fun of having a lucky pack and opening it, lol. I do like Liz Lisa though, just that, as said, their clothes are really geared for Size 0 - 2 girls mostly. But their fun and flirty, feminine dresses plus hyper shopgirls always make visiting Liz Lisa enjoyable.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vIObdtMD7O4/T30ZAFgF6ZI/AAAAAAAAAlU/AZwCdL_J0O8/s1600/6892851910_38e9626484_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vIObdtMD7O4/T30ZAFgF6ZI/AAAAAAAAAlU/AZwCdL_J0O8/s400/6892851910_38e9626484_o.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>Shuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232867191173775066.post-69027300537132826562012-04-02T01:14:00.004+08:002012-04-02T16:15:44.974+08:00Back from Tokyo! With loot!Well, not as much loot as I might have gotten if I didn't go with my mum! It's very hard to buy lolita when your mum's standing next to you with a critical eye and words, hur ^^ I managed though and got some dresses from Closet Child and one from Excentrique.<br />
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Here's a few pictures of the displays at OIOI, Shinjuku and LaForet, Harajuku, that I snuck with my cam. OIOI, LaForet and practically all the major departmental stores in Tokyo doesn't allow photos inside their premises. I've been stopped (nicely) by a sales staff at OIOI when I attempted to take the Moi Meme Moitie shop. I know folks have taken photos of the brands' shopfronts and gotten away with it but I decided to be law-abiding and not do it anymore, lol. But the mannequin displays outside the shops and on the different escalator levels of OIOI are more or less safe to take.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yl1RKcDCCu8/T3iJEpn6rHI/AAAAAAAAAkM/POS2fn-a4qc/s1600/IMG_4254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yl1RKcDCCu8/T3iJEpn6rHI/AAAAAAAAAkM/POS2fn-a4qc/s400/IMG_4254.JPG" width="300px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> LaForet </div><div style="text-align: center;">Metamorphose on top, Angelic Pretty below</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OL4fTrn2Bhc/T3iJGtHOoII/AAAAAAAAAkU/-6Nhx6LM-cU/s1600/IMG_4260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OL4fTrn2Bhc/T3iJGtHOoII/AAAAAAAAAkU/-6Nhx6LM-cU/s400/IMG_4260.JPG" width="300px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emily Temple Cute window display at OIOI. Rather liking the electric blue dress! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GbTxg-in9Kk/T3iJIvFd0fI/AAAAAAAAAkc/2zuJ0-g6JC8/s1600/IMG_4262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GbTxg-in9Kk/T3iJIvFd0fI/AAAAAAAAAkc/2zuJ0-g6JC8/s400/IMG_4262.JPG" width="300px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not a lolita brand per se, La Parfait. More gyaru style. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Z7aclMBmf8/T3iJKtfRKbI/AAAAAAAAAkk/nijQVYAqals/s1600/IMG_4263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Z7aclMBmf8/T3iJKtfRKbI/AAAAAAAAAkk/nijQVYAqals/s400/IMG_4263.JPG" width="300px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Also, not lolita or even a lolita kimono! But they're still gorgeous.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uakXcK7H5YU/T3iJM5JxpRI/AAAAAAAAAks/vQCWHFj6q3M/s1600/IMG_4266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uakXcK7H5YU/T3iJM5JxpRI/AAAAAAAAAks/vQCWHFj6q3M/s400/IMG_4266.JPG" width="300px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Metamorphose's new print, Card Playing Kitty, on display. It's a lot nicer in person! The blue colorway is the best, imho.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xF51pwAaOGc/T3iJPF1B70I/AAAAAAAAAk0/vsvHfZi1Jrc/s1600/IMG_4269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xF51pwAaOGc/T3iJPF1B70I/AAAAAAAAAk0/vsvHfZi1Jrc/s400/IMG_4269.JPG" width="300px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Angelic Pretty's Sugar Fairy Cake print. A bit too waitressy for my liking.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-scrSFJpRJfE/T3iMA9R5UjI/AAAAAAAAAk8/R9HBgew8eck/s1600/IMG_4270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-scrSFJpRJfE/T3iMA9R5UjI/AAAAAAAAAk8/R9HBgew8eck/s400/IMG_4270.JPG" width="300px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lastly, Putumayo. Randomly, Putumayo shopgirls are always quite nice. Even if it's a pretense, they really look genuinely happy to see you! For hyper cuteness, that would be Liz Lisa shopgirls.</div>Shuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232867191173775066.post-26951379065151309262012-03-14T21:46:00.007+08:002012-03-14T21:55:20.593+08:00A Library FindI've been a regular library goer ever since I was old enough to be let loose on my own to the outside world. When I would be playing hooky from school, I wouldn't be hanging out in the malls or shopping centres, no, I would be found at the library usually. So yes, truancy is bad, bad, bad but I tried to negate it by doing something literary on the sly at least?<br />
<br />
So here's my latest find from the library that caused me to emit a loud squeak of delight when I saw it on the shelf, still wonderfully new and fresh and barely borrowed by previous readers!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JkZ9S7C0RH4/T2CfrAlKPsI/AAAAAAAAAkE/dBWiLd5mBis/s1600/P040312_12.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JkZ9S7C0RH4/T2CfrAlKPsI/AAAAAAAAAkE/dBWiLd5mBis/s400/P040312_12.13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Alice in Zombieland!!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm still reading the book but how can I not instantly love the concept of combining one of my favorite books with one of my beloved genres. Yes, I'm a unabashed zombie lover, especially in films. Something about a post-apocalyptic world, overrun with flesh-eating undead and a bunch of survivors fighting to hold off the former really just appeals to my sensibilities. With regards to 'Alice in Zombieland', it basically merges Lewis Carroll's original prose with...ZOMBIES.<br />
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I CAN HAZ BRAINS, says Alice, as she wanders through a Wonderland filled with rotting, shuffling denizens while trying to decipher why is she just so <i>hungry...</i></div>Shuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232867191173775066.post-62481053403622853252012-02-21T10:38:00.008+08:002012-02-21T14:21:41.597+08:00Oh dear god, it's the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man....no, wait, it's Milanoo!!Just mention the words 'Milanoo' and 'quality' on the egl LJ comm and you'll get tons of remarks asking if you're a sock puppet/troll or much dire warnings to just stay the heck away from this china-based supplier of lolita fashion.<br />
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And those dire warnings are not without any basis. Milanoo is probably one of the most, if not, most heinous <span class="hw">purveyor of lolita dress replicas that I have ever seen.</span><br />
<br />
So for anyone who hasn't heard of Milanoo and do plan to purchase from them, please, don't, for the love of all that's holy. If you still don't believe me, head over to the egl comm: <a href="http://egl.livejournal.com/tag/review%20company%3A%20milanoo">http://egl.livejournal.com/tag/review%20company%3A%20milanoo</a>. There are some instances of buyers being pleasantly surprised when Milanoo sends them half-decent replicas but on the whole, the chances of one getting a dud are still too overwhelmingly high.<br />
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That being said, I am rather flabbergasted to come across this online article which speaks of Milanoo as a 'premier Lolita fashion supplier in China', its new 2012 lolita collection line (huh?!), plus its ongoing sale.<br />
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Don't bite the bullet, is all I can say.<br />
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<div id="lastupdate">Feb. 10, 2012, 8:00 a.m. EST </div><h1>Milanoo Features Lovely New Arrival Lolita Items</h1><div class="clear"></div><div id="mainstory"><div class="pressreleaselogo"><img src="http://i.marketwatch.com/MW5/content/story/images/PR-Logo-Newswire.gif" /> </div><div class="pressreleaselogo"></div><br />
CHENGDU, China, Feb. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Global fashion apparel supplier Milanoo, a premier Lolita fashion supplier in China, announces the new arrival of a collection of the most concerning and popular spring Lolita products at its official website, http://www.milanoo.com/ . <br />
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In the 2012 Milanoo Lolita dress collection, intrinsic Lolita styles of classic, sweet, gothic, punk and Cosplay dresses are different with the latest Lolita fashion concepts and elements. Classic Victorian and aristocrat Lolita fashion is added by more color choices of apricot, silk red, gem blue, navy green and black. Traditional essential designs of pink floral, bow square and cross straps are refreshed by new types of delicate lace, which is pure and romantic. <br />
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When it comes to new designs of Milanoo's 2012 Lolita collection, casual and fashionable elements, like double-breasted and hoodie outwear, could be widely loved by both Lolita lovers and fashion pursuers. <br />
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At Milanoo.com, the latest sale means that you can enjoy 10% off of some selected Lolita coats, skirts and dresses by using the code LOLITANEW now through Feb, 16th, 2012. With this affordable and special collection of Lolita items, women will certainly get a reason to style themselves more appropriately. <br />
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Nowadays, Lolita is regarded as a philosophy of living rather than a dress style. More and more worldwide women customers are pursuing this different way of living and unearthly Lolita fashion. If you want something exciting then you can surely visit http://www.milanoo.com/en/promotions/specials-id-111921.html to know more about Milanoo's 2012 Lolita collection. There is a unique collection which you will come across and will admire it. <br />
<br />
About Milanoo.com <br />
Milanoo.com is one of the most established website where you can find a wide array of chic and unique dresses that will definitely help you to steal the gaze of others. The inventory of Milanoo includes wedding wears, cosplay dresses and Lolita items, wigs as well as women's lingerie, formal wear, wedding attire, shoes and handbags. Men's fashion, bedding, housewares and yoga essentials are also in the range of their business. Being the leading online shop for fashion, it always strives to bring something new and unique to fashion lovers. </div>Shuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232867191173775066.post-71588896422290942272012-02-04T16:18:00.008+08:002012-02-10T09:08:05.986+08:00A Tokyo Trip and A Dream DressuSo looks like I'll be heading off to Tokyo once more, come end March! Delta Airlines was having a pretty good deal on the airfare to Tokyo so I thought why not. I love my short getaways to Tokyo. And it's been more than a year since I've been to Tokyo! I know over a year isn't really that long a period to not go Tokyo and I've been to UK instead during this interim but there was a time (mad times, mad times) when I would jaunt off to Japan twice in a year due to low airfares. But I'm trying to ween myself off short Tokyo shopping trips because while airfares might be low, lolita dresses aren't!<br />
<br />
But I'll be going with my mother on this trip and she calls my loli 'those poofy poofy dresses' and she doesn't really know how much lolita dresses cost and might have a heart attack if she does know, so having her around would be a deterrent to over-buying. Which, yes, is a good thing.<br />
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In other news, I found one of my dream dresses and got it!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Emily Temple Cute's Fairytale jsk! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CFub1zSjK2U/TyznH9f80II/AAAAAAAAAjs/ph64aJ60TMY/s1600/tumblr_ktdlkozIhq1qarb91o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CFub1zSjK2U/TyznH9f80II/AAAAAAAAAjs/ph64aJ60TMY/s400/tumblr_ktdlkozIhq1qarb91o1_500.jpg" width="268px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And I do apologize to the girl, Baudelaire I assume?, in the photo for using her photo! I just couldn't find a standalone pic of the jsk in question. </div><br />
I've been looking for this jsk for AGES. Ever since I saw it in Closet Child Ikebukuro (yes, during one of those short Tokyo trips I was talking about earlier, ahem) a few years back. I saw it, tried it on but I PUT IT BACK ON THE RACK. I regretted not buying it the very same day and went back to get it the next day to get it and it was already SOLD. Ah, how I kicked myself then and there! As Katy Perry sang, the one that got away, haunted me since then. During this period, I only saw this jsk in the yellow/blue colorway being sold on the egl comm sales once but someone else beat me to it that time too. Finally, idly surfing around a secondhand online site, I saw the jsk being featured and immediately clicked buy. The one that got away is no more, owohohohohoho, owhohohoho =D<br />
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<strong>Latest update: I didn't get the ETC fairytale jsk!! *CRIES* It was already sold instore and the website just didn't update their online inventory. This is really very disappointing, I was so looking forward to the dress! T___T</strong>Shuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232867191173775066.post-40165099838335454192012-01-05T17:28:00.009+08:002012-01-07T14:59:46.701+08:00A Princess Syndrome or DiseaseHappy 2012, everyone! <br />
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I make it a point to never make resolutions for because I know I'll end up not fulfilling any in the end, lol. <br />
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Let's hope 2012 will turn out to be a lolitastic (cue groans) year!<br />
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This little vid came to my attention via Steph of <a href="http://himerori.wordpress.com/">Moar Lace Please</a> and it's definitely a feel good, fluffy and not to be taken seriously song as you have <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Chou">Jay Chou</a> in a fuschia pink ruffled shirt strumming away. Jay Chou is arguably one of the hottest Chinese singers right now to come out of Taiwan and Western viewers might know him as Kato from the recent 'The Green Hornet' film. And that was a terrible movie btw but I guess mindlessly fun in its own way...<br />
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Literally translated, the song title is called 'Princess Sickness'. Although in some versions, the title becomes 'Princess Syndrome' to make it sound more platatable and less diseased-stricken, hur. I think a more proper translation would be 'Princess Complex' since the song is about a guy trying to please a super girly girl (like I said, fluff). <br />
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Watch the music vid as the girly girl or girls in question are wearing lolita dresses! Well, the dresses are rather short but I ascribe that to the height of the girly girls wearing them. I'm pretty sure the first girly girl is in Angelic Pretty's Country of Sweets sans blouse. The second girly girl, I think, is in an Atelier Pierrot OP. The third girly girl, in the white dress, is also in Atelier Pierrot? If you think otherwise, comment! I'll love to hear where you think their dresses are from. Or even on the MTV video itself!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/S-p4gXbIifo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ah, after making this post, the vid has been posted up on the EGL LJ comm and there's a pretty lively discussion going on about this so have a read if you're so inclined: <a href="http://egl.livejournal.com/18085783.html">http://egl.livejournal.com/18085783.html</a></div>Shuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232867191173775066.post-26770507449706498422011-12-20T16:02:00.005+08:002011-12-20T17:23:51.896+08:00Nabokov's Lolita, Black Lolita and basically nothing newWas getting my daily online dose of local and world news (North Korean leader, Kim Jong-il, has died! Hope the beleaguered North Koreans will find a modicum of independence, better living conditions and a piece of the wider world after his death. But somehow I doubt it, sighs), and I stumbled across this little article which doesn't really say anything new about our favorite fashion style.<br />
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After reading through it, I can only groan at the usual mentions of Nabokov's infamous Lolita and comparisons to the fashion with the book's titular heroine, wonder about Black Lolita which apparently is a "<em>is a mix of Sweet Lolita -- a style that makes heavy use of furs, including stuffed animals and fake rabbit ears"</em> (huh?), and ponder again about how old is old for wearing lolita. <br />
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For the interested, here's the article in full:<br />
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<div class="att"><span class="author"><cite>By Agence France-Presse, updated</cite></span><span class="date">: 20/12/2011</span></div><div class="stb-mincmnt" jquery1324366418892="84" style="display: none;"><br />
</div><h1><span style="font-size: large;">Japan's 'Lolita' style: cutesy and disturbing</span></h1><div class="stb-mincmnt" jquery1324366418892="84" style="display: none;"><br />
</div><div class="articlebody" id="abody"><div class="parent insert chrome6 single1 float2 cf" style="width: 249px;"><div class="child c1 first"><div class="img"><img alt="Japan's 'Lolita' style: cutesy and disturbing" class="img1" height="181px" src="http://sin.stb.s-msn.com/i/25/CA26DB5661D67E1B569EB44B4A9.jpg" width="245px" /></div></div></div><br />
Outlandish pannier skirts with layers of frilly lace; teenage girls with larger-than-life make-up; a dash of sexuality and lashings of Victoriana are the order of the day for Japan's Lolita girls.<br />
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What began as a street fashion two decades ago as youngsters aped the doll-like European styles of baroque and rococo has morphed into a near mainstream movement, with dozens of offshoots.<br />
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Popular Lolita models such as Misako Aoki were big hits at this autumn's Japan Fashion Week, showing off white parasols and pastel pink puff sleeves with high-laced boots, tiny top hats and huge ribbons.<br />
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"This is definitely one of the latest trends in Japan's fashion world," said Akiko Shinoda, a director for the Japan Fashion Week Organisation, adding Lolitas appeared for the first time last year at the twice-a-year show. "I think it will survive as one distinct category in Japan."<br />
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Taking its name from the title of Vladimir Nabokov's novel about a middle-aged man's sexual obsession with a 12-year-old girl, Lolita style embodies the childhood world of fairytales and comic-book fantasy.<br />
<br />
Over the last 20 years, it has developed and splintered into a broad range of subdivisions, taking on elements of the Gothic -- from black roses and coffin jewellery -- to the pseudo-holy, with some girls sporting crucifixes.<br />
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One young woman in Tokyo's Lolita heartland of Harajuku, who gave her name only as Mina, introduced herself as wearing "Black Lolita, which is a little different from the orthodox Lolita".<br />
<br />
Mina, in her late teens, said Black Lolita is a mix of Sweet Lolita -- a style that makes heavy use of furs, including stuffed animals and fake rabbit ears -- and Gothic Lolita, which employs black ribbons, lace, pearls and satin, while maintaining the Lolita basic of large skirts.<br />
<br />
"There is also Classical Lolita, which is more mature looking," she said. One thing all Lolita styles have in common is the distinct hint of sexuality and burlesque.<br />
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"Japanese girls love cute things, but they also love things that are slightly disturbing," said designer Maiko Fujii, standing next to a girl modelling her interpretation of Snow White, decked out in Gothic Lolita lingerie.<br />
<br />
"I think girls sometimes get enthralled by something forbidden, something ghastly," she said. Fujii, who studies the Lolita style at Tokyo-based Vantan design school, dressed her Snow White in a camisole with dark red chiffon and black knee-high stockings.<br />
<br />
Fujii said she found Snow White a perfect subject for her slightly disturbing Lolita image after "discovering in the fairy tale that she was supposed to be only 12 or so when she married the prince."<br />
<br />
Satomi Tsuchiya, 20, a school friend of Fujii, said: "I think we want to show somehow that we are not just cute."<br />
<br />
Norinao Tanaka, associate professor of fashion sociology at Bunka Gakuen University, sees the Lolita style as a manifestation of a psychological state unique to Japanese youngsters.<br />
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"The Lolita style in general represents the world of childhood, the time before girls achieve their womanly sexuality," Tanaka said.<br />
<br />
"They live in the inner world of cuteness and immaturity, as if they are refusing to grow into an adult," he said. "They seem to rebel against the styles of certain age groups imposed by society."<br />
<br />
Maybe for that reason, the Lolita style seems to be confined to a fairly small demographic.<br />
<br />
Designer Fujii, who wore a simple short skirt and t-shirt, said at 25 she already felt too old to wear the costumes she designs.<br />
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Kanami Naoi, an 18-year-old design school student, who wore a bright red, fluffy skirt with a white beret, said the style was very doll-like and could be difficult for older women to pull off.<br />
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"It depends on who wears it, but maybe 30 is too old. I would say 25 is a close call," she said.<br />
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But Imari Sato, 18, was more forgiving. "I think it's fine to wear it as long as it makes you happy," she said.</div>Shuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232867191173775066.post-72906003542606589382011-12-12T14:27:00.023+08:002011-12-13T16:18:28.732+08:00"I'll be 50 and still wearing loli!!" ... would you really?Recently, I caught up with reading Mitsukazu Mihara's manga works. For anyone not familiar with Mitsukazu Mihara, besides being a Gothic Lolita-centric mangaka, she has also illustrated many of the Gothic Lolita Bibles' covers. Several of her short stories have also been featured within GL Bibles. <br />
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One of her one-shots touched a nerve in me. The story starts innocuously enough with a young woman living alone in Tokyo. She gets frequent phonecalls from her family telling her to go back home for marriage meetings that they've set up but she refuses as she's determined to keep her independence and her love for loli fashion. As a lolita, she gets plenty of stares and whispers whenever she goes out wearing her frilly dresses and parasols. Is she lonely? It's hinted that she is isolated and ostracised because of her goth loli love. Her only companion is a robot doll (one of Mihara's favourite recurring themes is life-like androids who sometimes are more human than humans themselves) and another person whom she has never seen but communicates regularly through her cellphone over their mutual adoration for EGL fashion. <br />
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At the end of the story, nothing is what it seems and the young woman is revealed to be not so young in actuality. And it's implied that the stares she attracts is not because she wears lolita but because she's probably in her 50s more or less and still dressing up in loli fashion. She's living in a delusion created by herself that she's still young, still pretty and she doesn't need friends or human companions, just her doll and her dresses.<br />
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This is where it hits me. How old is too old? On forum discussions regarding age, one does see older lolitas in their 30s and 40s but they are very much in the minority. And naturally most would say that it doesn't matter what age one is at as long as you still love the fashion. That's the nice, positive outlook to have but in all honesty, loli simply isn't a very good fashion style to wear when one has reached a certain age and does show that age. This fashion does have ageism factors, no matter how we try to encourage older lolitas.<br />
<br />
I'll be hitting the 40s in a few more years and even if I still feel like a 20 something-year-old mentally, my body is definitely aging and showing the wear and tear that comes with the territory. Another school of opinion states that as long as one looks good in loli, who cares if you're 20, 30, 40, 50, 60. Thing is, not everyone can be an ageless-looking Nicole Kidman, Aishwarya Rai (or Mana with judicious photoshopping if you really want to push the ageless gothic lolita envelope). Regular women, even those who exercise regularly, would start seeing signs of age starting from their mid-30s.<br />
<br />
Loli fashion in itself isn't very forgiving already to those who are plus-sized, let alone if one has age spots, crows' lines, deepening grooves around the nose and cheeks. Aging signs doesn't have to be horrible, of course. People do and can age gracefully! But is persistently wearing a subculture fashion that is very much targeted and styled for a young crowd aging gracefully? And I do think loli fashion has an ageism limit to it. Even for the milder classical styles, there comes a time when loli dresses just looks and sits oddly on one's gradually aging appearance and body.<br />
<br />
Even though positive and well-meaning thinking dictates that as long as you love the fashion, it doesn't matter or shouldn't matter how people look at you when you're out and about wearing it. But all that's said and done, it does take a great strength of will and character not to care or feel hurt or embarrassed at times about the whispers, curious sidelong glances, snickers or nasty remarks. I can't help but think a lot of older lolitas do and would start feeling more self-conscious as pressure would be stronger on older women 'to dress your age' because that's how I feel, especially in an Asian society.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_8wusgT7go/TuWc4KYLHJI/AAAAAAAAAjc/6Y3dNfGRIIQ/s1600/What-Ever-Happened-To-Baby-Jane-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223px" mda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_8wusgT7go/TuWc4KYLHJI/AAAAAAAAAjc/6Y3dNfGRIIQ/s400/What-Ever-Happened-To-Baby-Jane-16.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div align="center"><em>She's got Bette Davis eyesssss</em></div><div align="center"><br />
</div>While I don't think I'm in danger of reenacting a macabre scene from 'Whatever Happened to Baby Jane' anytime soon, an encroaching fourth decade is making me reconsider on the future of lolita fashion and its wearability for myself. I will still always love and enjoy lolita fashion but I would hesitate wearing it as I get older (and older) until I stop completely. When that happens, I think I would continue to buy loli dresses to keep and appreciate as a hobby but I won't be wearing them anymore.Shuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232867191173775066.post-82385911040893167142011-11-23T18:44:00.006+08:002011-11-23T18:52:15.758+08:00Metamorphose Autumn Lucky Pack!It's kinda scary how much of a hold Meta's Lucky Packs have on me. I managed to resist the previous one, the summer LP, because of the then impending trip to UK but ever since the Honey Picnic LPs came out last year, I think I've practically bought one each time Meta has one.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For the Autumn Lucky Pack, there were three possible packs you could get this time. And here's what I received:</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ra8ryv4BAX0/TszKaMQpOxI/AAAAAAAAAis/StEgfq68WKs/s1600/6346988387_bf2cd3db74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="133px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ra8ryv4BAX0/TszKaMQpOxI/AAAAAAAAAis/StEgfq68WKs/s200/6346988387_bf2cd3db74.jpg" width="200px" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PueMP0O61Ys/TszKejkK-II/AAAAAAAAAjM/OSMu5MfqGAI/s1600/6347738344_de751cbf6e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="133px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PueMP0O61Ys/TszKejkK-II/AAAAAAAAAjM/OSMu5MfqGAI/s200/6347738344_de751cbf6e.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> Raschel lace dress in white and the Fruit Soda tote-bag which is really roomy and pretty!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_3CEek4Q2Io/TszKbXjb3fI/AAAAAAAAAiw/YbwwNortJu4/s1600/6346988653_c2e4428c06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="133px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_3CEek4Q2Io/TszKbXjb3fI/AAAAAAAAAiw/YbwwNortJu4/s200/6346988653_c2e4428c06.jpg" width="200px" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GetrF-sa6PY/TszKcCvsliI/AAAAAAAAAi4/AzDJXSSVnis/s1600/6346988763_f9e8fb9868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="133px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GetrF-sa6PY/TszKcCvsliI/AAAAAAAAAi4/AzDJXSSVnis/s200/6346988763_f9e8fb9868.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> I'm meh about the bloomers. I would rather have another pair of socks along with the Melody Poodle ones I got.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NpBgTcfKKNc/TszKdv2MBzI/AAAAAAAAAjE/ILVAj3ga5Tk/s1600/6347007871_95d74cee0a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="200px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NpBgTcfKKNc/TszKdv2MBzI/AAAAAAAAAjE/ILVAj3ga5Tk/s200/6347007871_95d74cee0a.jpg" width="149px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> And here's the cutsew I received. It's cute but so not me and it won't fit me either. There's hardly any give to the cutsew at all. So, Alanna of <a href="http://macaron.mintroses.com/">Macaron Hearts</a> who also bought an Autumn Lucky Pack, exchanged the cream bolero she got in her pack for it. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Default cream bolero received!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8DAWdSYCjpI/TszKl03i84I/AAAAAAAAAjU/2svCHCkdsDg/s1600/6347738450_6cd8f3ee4e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="132px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8DAWdSYCjpI/TszKl03i84I/AAAAAAAAAjU/2svCHCkdsDg/s200/6347738450_6cd8f3ee4e.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On first sight, I have to admit, the pack I got looks quite lacklustre and the colour combination is rather odd, to say the least. A white dress with black everything else?? Really, Meta??<br />
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Still, I really do like the raschel lace OP though, it was actually something I wanted to get for my pack when ordering, and I did get it! The secret raschel lace lover in me comes out here with a vengence. And I've tried the OP on and it fits nicely so that's a definite yey.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">But the OP did feel fragile and delicate as I was trying it on, to the extent that I was quite scared that tugging the dress into place would rip the lace. Thankfully, nothing tore but I can see I will need to be <em>quite</em> careful when wearing the OP out. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So I'm keeping the OP, the bag, the bolero and everything else must go, lol. The bloomers have already been sold off so if anyone is interested in the Melody Poodle socks, let me know!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After reviewing the latest pack, I can only conclude my love/hate relationship with Metamorphose LPs will still continue...darn it!</div>Shuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232867191173775066.post-80685508201394843462011-11-15T11:36:00.025+08:002011-11-15T17:49:28.137+08:00AFA 2011, Atelier Royale, Kalafina and KanameAttended Anime Festival Asia 2011 which was last Sunday at Suntec City Convention Hall. Purpose really, besides milling around, was to attend the butler's cafe which is named Atelier Royale. So a butler cafe is basically the male offshoot of the moe moe maid cafes that are popular in Akihabara, Tokyo. In a true-blue Japanese butler cafe, <a href="http://butlers-cafe.jp/">Swallowtail</a> for example, you're supposed to be treated and feted as if you were a sparkly princess by the butlers while there. <br />
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I had a blast attending the AFA cafe last year which was why I decided to go again for this year as well. But to be honest, the blast really didn't happen due to the Atelier Royale butlers but because of the company I was with then, Alanna of <a href="http://macaron.mintroses.com/">Macaron Hearts</a> and Cherly. The cafe itself with the local homegrown butlers trying to emulate the real ones from Japan was ooooookay but as long as one don't take the whole affair seriously, it's actually weirdly enjoyable.<br />
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This year, Alanna and I, joined by Ivory and <a href="http://felipyon.wordpress.com/">Feli</a> this time round, attended Atelier Royale again. And Atelier Royale's 2011 theme was Alice in Wonderland so naturally this meant we had to be in loli when attending. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_xSufVuqdRA/TsHZEEoqt6I/AAAAAAAAAiM/NewVJ9iPuZk/s1600/298260_292910127393320_150192868331714_1199115_1058803485_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282px" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_xSufVuqdRA/TsHZEEoqt6I/AAAAAAAAAiM/NewVJ9iPuZk/s400/298260_292910127393320_150192868331714_1199115_1058803485_n.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
Service by the butlers was a lot better than for the previous year. More attentive than before and I got called 'Ojou-sama' clearly instead of the one who barely mumbled it for the 2010 cafe visit. Like, damnit, if I'm paying for a butler cafe experience, I jolly well expect to get the basic requirements, not least of which is to be articulately called 'Ojou-sama' by my assigned butler. And as said, I did notice an improvement in the service area as the butler assigned to us actually volunteered to stir my tea and sugar, lol. But unfortunately, he gets some points deducted for neglecting to wipe some spilt tea drops after stirring and I surreptiously cleaned the table myself with a napkin. <br />
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But improved service aside, the best bits of being at Atelier Royale this year was when we spotted Kalafina, who was holding a mini concert at AFA this year, there inside the cafe! The butlers were all over them, lol. But I would be too. Plus I think Kalafina was in Atelier Pierrot outfits as well!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-20F_a7if40w/TsHZ1OFBhbI/AAAAAAAAAiU/4iJOSu-tils/s1600/6340176996_66cd8e25b5_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306px" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-20F_a7if40w/TsHZ1OFBhbI/AAAAAAAAAiU/4iJOSu-tils/s320/6340176996_66cd8e25b5_o.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div align="center">A paparazzi shot of Kalafina by Ivory </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And the second highlight of being at Atelier Royale was when <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/KANAME/251737339451">Kaname</a> came in! For those not familiar with the cosplaying community, Kaname is a popular and sought-after professional cosplayer from Japan. Something like a regional celebrity in the cosplaying context. While no longer an active cosplayer myself, I can still appreciate the pains and dedication someone like Kaname puts into his own cosplays. And it helps that he is very good-looking with abs of steel, hur. And how do I know he has abs of steel? Because I had given him a hug, lol. What happened was his Singaporean minder was a mutual friend and when she saw us sitting at the cafe and waving to her, she dragged Kaname over to introduce him to us!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And as Kaname was cosplaying Sanji from One Piece, he was quite in-character and apparently, in the manga (I don't read One Piece!) Sanji is something of a skirt-chaser. So when Sanji came up, leering cutely at the bunch of lolitas, I looked at him and he looked at me and, 'Er, you want a hug?' popped out of my mouth, lol! Honestly, I was expecting a handshake and a bow really! But Sanji okayed me and so...we hugged! It was very funny really and I was laughing my head off when we were hugging. And at my age, I think it's pretty safe to hug younger men without surrounding fans (the Atelier Royale butlers were all over Kaname, I kid you not) mentally dissecting me to pieces =p</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> Afterwhich, we all had the requisite group photo but of course!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPzMD97gT60/TsHcInx9GTI/AAAAAAAAAic/mpF6-FGyHGY/s1600/kaname.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298px" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPzMD97gT60/TsHcInx9GTI/AAAAAAAAAic/mpF6-FGyHGY/s400/kaname.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pretty much my favourite photo of the day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm wearing Atelier Pierrot's Tsubaki Toori OP in honor of Kalafina, haha. I originally was wearing a black corset with the OP but it didn't feel or look right so I borrowed a black bolero from Ivory in the end to wear over it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fP9qh3A2BiE/TsHdg56046I/AAAAAAAAAik/Xmy9kQLawpc/s1600/photo3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fP9qh3A2BiE/TsHdg56046I/AAAAAAAAAik/Xmy9kQLawpc/s320/photo3.JPG" width="238px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm not very happy with my outfit, it's a beautiful OP and I could have coordinated it so much better, definitely. Oh well! But out of nowhere bonuses like Kalafina spotting and an unexpected Kaname hug and having these experiences together with good friends was lovely!</div>Shuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232867191173775066.post-7613395107153932212011-11-01T15:07:00.007+08:002011-12-20T16:27:26.000+08:00A Halloween Photoshoot - Cautionary TalesFor those who have already seen the post on egl, I apologise because you will be seeing the photos yet again! I wanted to do a post on Halloween itself but haha, I didn't manage to. <br />
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Presenting a guro-loli shoot that I did in honor of Halloween! Never done a guro-loli shoot before so the experience was interesting. I really love bright, vibrant colours for my photos and that preference shows in my post-editing, so it was a challenge to try a different kind of editing for this set of photos instead. I'm never sure about the end results but here you go!<br />
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Much love to my models, <a href="http://macaron.mintroses.com/">Alanna</a> and <a href="http://felipyon.wordpress.com/">Feli</a>, who braved the heavy rains and mosquitoes on the day of the shoot! Alanna came up with the original concept of guro fairytales and we decided on Cinderella and Red Riding Hood. Finding fake blood and miscellanous props was rather last minute (oh who am I kidding?! VERY last minute, lol) but ah, the satisfaction of finding clear bling heels for Cinderella in Chinatown for a steal and at the eleventh hour makes me feel quite accomplished, heh.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><u>Cautionery Tales - Cinderella</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We all know Cinderella's story. How her fairy-godmother bequeathed a gown, a new hairstyle and glass slippers unto her so that she can attend the ball, marry the prince and live happily ever after.<br />
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But while the fairy-godmother told Cinderella to heed the stroke of midnight, as the coach will turn back into a pumpkin, her fine dress into rags, she neglected to mention that glass slippers would <i>break</i>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aDvL1xsJ2Sg/Tq-ZEnaMu-I/AAAAAAAAAhE/kFkygtcXsCY/s1600/IMG_5266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aDvL1xsJ2Sg/Tq-ZEnaMu-I/AAAAAAAAAhE/kFkygtcXsCY/s400/IMG_5266.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-piqngdItYuY/Tq-ZMubTNUI/AAAAAAAAAhM/CfUXPxk3UH8/s1600/IMG_5536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-piqngdItYuY/Tq-ZMubTNUI/AAAAAAAAAhM/CfUXPxk3UH8/s640/IMG_5536.jpg" width="425px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ecF9aWdVkw/Tq-ZYr5Aq7I/AAAAAAAAAhU/l_gAn7LOk_s/s1600/IMG_5521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ecF9aWdVkw/Tq-ZYr5Aq7I/AAAAAAAAAhU/l_gAn7LOk_s/s400/IMG_5521.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Cautionery Tales - Red Riding Hood</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not a lot of folks know this but the 'Red' in Red Riding Hood's name wasn't always there. She was just, well, Riding Hood. <br />
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So how did the 'Red' end up in her name? It began when she went to visit Grandmama one day and a big, bad wolf followed her into the woods...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y3YDgvDLgbk/Tq-XcALnOjI/AAAAAAAAAgw/B2PC9dckqRo/s1600/IMG_5199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372px" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y3YDgvDLgbk/Tq-XcALnOjI/AAAAAAAAAgw/B2PC9dckqRo/s400/IMG_5199.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sWhGr1lLeR0/Tq-ZucmhanI/AAAAAAAAAhc/Xx-V59SPO8A/s1600/IMG_5321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sWhGr1lLeR0/Tq-ZucmhanI/AAAAAAAAAhc/Xx-V59SPO8A/s400/IMG_5321.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sid49IEfFSg/Tq-Z09YtEkI/AAAAAAAAAhk/GYY9hH3wha0/s1600/IMG_5452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sid49IEfFSg/Tq-Z09YtEkI/AAAAAAAAAhk/GYY9hH3wha0/s640/IMG_5452.jpg" width="425px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8gmwh55u90Y/Tq-Z_qKMCGI/AAAAAAAAAhs/Qp_NeVMgunc/s1600/IMG_5456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265px" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8gmwh55u90Y/Tq-Z_qKMCGI/AAAAAAAAAhs/Qp_NeVMgunc/s400/IMG_5456.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VFK3mrJWCYw/Tq-aG8CxvtI/AAAAAAAAAh0/Wq-Spq45OSI/s1600/IMG_5555c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VFK3mrJWCYw/Tq-aG8CxvtI/AAAAAAAAAh0/Wq-Spq45OSI/s640/IMG_5555c.jpg" width="426px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And I can never resist the headshots!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NeJjbtBgMmk/Tq-aUptzbUI/AAAAAAAAAh8/HgtgZyqsQZw/s1600/IMG_5200a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NeJjbtBgMmk/Tq-aUptzbUI/AAAAAAAAAh8/HgtgZyqsQZw/s320/IMG_5200a.jpg" width="213px" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZHogt7ZhAE/Tq-aXLK1HQI/AAAAAAAAAiE/RopL7edmlVk/s1600/IMG_5208a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZHogt7ZhAE/Tq-aXLK1HQI/AAAAAAAAAiE/RopL7edmlVk/s320/IMG_5208a.jpg" width="213px" /></a></div>Shuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232867191173775066.post-32016182616241470542011-10-21T16:08:00.006+08:002011-10-21T17:46:29.977+08:00Secondhand lolita clothing shops: Boon or Bane?I confess, I love Closet Child. Whenever I'm in Tokyo, I always hit the three Closet Child biggies which is Harajuku, Shinjuku and Ikebukuro. I haven't gone to the one in Yokohama because, well, I've never been to Yokohama. But now that mintedroses has posted about her <a href="http://macaron.mintroses.com/lolita-shopping-yokohama-station/">daytrip to Yokohama for lolita shopping</a> before and it looks relatively easy to get to from Tokyo, I shall try it on my next visit!<br />
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But I digress. Closet Child, much love and not only because they are a secondhand lolita clothing shop with excellent pricing for still relatively good to fair condition items but also because they stock things you don't normally find on the online brand websites. <br />
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If you're not physically in Tokyo to experience Closet Child, there's always the online secondhand clothing shops that's been springing up here and there. The most known and popular ones are Closet Child's own online store, <a href="http://www.fururun.com/">Alice Fururun</a>, <a href="http://fairy-angel.com/">Fairy Angel</a>, <a href="http://clothing-drop.com/boutique/">Clothing-Drop</a>, to name a few. <br />
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So I went on a secondhand buying spree lately...maybe due to post-holiday blues (shopping therapy is always horribly enjoyable and horribly heart-attack inducing when the bills come). And my loot arrived yesterday:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-upbD5fzR99A/TqEldKQR67I/AAAAAAAAAgU/JAot_4eO0bY/s1600/6263502051_39882b7f68_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" rda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-upbD5fzR99A/TqEldKQR67I/AAAAAAAAAgU/JAot_4eO0bY/s320/6263502051_39882b7f68_o.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I asked for the package to be delivered to my office to avoid a trip down to the post office to collect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nsVDQdAB8Bw/TqElf4_pmeI/AAAAAAAAAgc/VgCItoCqjjc/s1600/6263502445_b5efe9a127_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" rda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nsVDQdAB8Bw/TqElf4_pmeI/AAAAAAAAAgc/VgCItoCqjjc/s320/6263502445_b5efe9a127_b.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> And everything's nicely wrapped up! I love seeing lolita clothes nicely wrapped up XD</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BU0xDUbQNBE/TqElg439YNI/AAAAAAAAAgk/27rYn-tnNZs/s1600/6263509015_1776043ef6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265px" rda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BU0xDUbQNBE/TqElg439YNI/AAAAAAAAAgk/27rYn-tnNZs/s400/6263509015_1776043ef6_b.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Left to Right: Emily Temple Cute, Angelic Pretty, Innocent World, Millefleurs</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The ETC and IW dresses fit nicely! Unfortunately, the Millefleurs OP doesn't fit well so I will be selling it off soon. As for the AP dress...it was definitely an impulse buy, especially after my decision to do a more age-appropriate lolita style! I don't regret getting it as it's gorgeous in person, the lavendar colour is just perfect but it's a tad too short for me and plus, while trying it on, it made me realised I really can't do sweet AP style anymore. It just looks....weird on me, lol. So, it'll probably go too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ah well, shopping for secondhand dresses online is hugely enjoyable but there's always the danger that the fit isn't good or it's not quite right on one. Still, I'll continue to buy from reputable secondhand shops as you really can find some gems there at fantastic prices. So for me, they're more of a boon than a bane!</div>Shuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08773562790454470249noreply@blogger.com3