Outfit catch up

Just want to remind everyone that even when I'm not on here, I'm always active on Tumblr!

Now to start catching up from the months I didn't post.

Some recent outfits! I haven't been keeping up with photos of my outfits very recently, I'm afraid (the photos in this posts are from a few months ago). I've been playing around with dolly kei more lately. I'll have to put the outfits back on sometime.

NY Renaissance Fair. It was raining so I didn't want to wear nice socks or shoes that might be ruined.
Dress: Dream of lolita
Blouse: Fan+Friend
Hat: Claire's

My Gunne Sax dress again <3 I just adore it.
I didn't do my hair because i was planning on wearing a wig :P It was a cosplay wig just for fun so I don't want to show it here ^^;
Top: Putumayo
Skirt: Dream of Lolita (ruffle added by me)
Socks: Claire's

Fairy kei for the fair! I was planning on rides, so I wanted to be sure to wear shorts. I would have preferred no hat, but I'm sensitive to the sun. On the right is my friend Amanda in her casual Ciel cosplay <3 Top&shorts: Me Socks: Secret Shop (they are the blue pony socks. They don't show up in this pic, do they?)

Trip to the Japanese shopping center. My face looks awful so often, I should probably always cut my head out lol
Jacket: Me
Top: Bodyline
Skirt: Dream of Lolita
Socks: Sock it to Me

Close up of my jacket. I thought I could use a fairy kei jacket. The jacket is from the triftshop and the embellishments were sewn on by me.

One last project :) I made myself a fairy kei tail! These are super easy. Anyone can do it!

Next post will be slightly less of my face XD

Tokyo Rebel visit

It's been a long time.
I don't think I've spoken much about it on this blog, but I have fibromyalgia. It mostly manifests in my back causing me to hardly be able to do anything but sit on the couch. It effects my life to the point where I really don't have one. I can't work or even do hobbies or chores inside the house. This causes me to become very depressed often and when that occurs, I have a difficult time keeping up with things like this blog. I often find more comfort in reading the blogs of others than writing my own.
So if I disappear for a long time again, that's probably why.

Saturday was my first trip to Tokyo Rebel! Despite living in New York, I rarely go to NYC mostly due to my inability to walk long distances. Not only that but I can't go outdoors during Summer so that cuts out a large chunk of the year (and Lolita Day, unfortunately).
I finally was able to prepare myself for the long trek out to Tokyo Rebel!


Outside the shop.

My major issue with the store is it's location. It's not near anything else in the city that I want to visit, so it's very inconvenient to reach. Even once I've made the 2 hour trip to the city, it's still a long journey to reach this shop. It's also frustrating that they are not open on Sundays. Many of my friends only get off work on Sundays and I would have preferred to plan my trip on a day they could come too.
The shop looks just like the photos they post on their blog, so I did not take any. The shop is the size of a bed room, but can still comfortably fit around 10 people inside (Really. We tried it) Even though the stock was not huge (it actually seemed like around the same amount of items that h.Naoto bring to convention dealer rooms), there were enough brands to choose from so that any lolita should find something she likes. The prices are average for lolita, with Putumayo being the least expensive brand. Since Putu is my favorite brand, I actually found quite alot of things I wanted. I finally settled on an OP.


My new Putumayo OP.

I was given my choice of a free poster at the check out. The posters were blown up versions of recent GLB covers. I chose the cover of #39 because the girl in blue looks like Belarus from Hetalia :)
The shop staff was very friendly and gave the place a very comfortable atmosphere. The were also comfy chairs for those who need to rest after the long walk to the shop.
Overall, I'm glad I went and once you are there, it's a great place to buy your lolita. They even let you try on the clothes, which ofcourse you can't do online. However, I don't anticipate making another trip there. I just lack the stamina for it. If you are used to walking, though, you should visit if you are in NYC.


I will also use this post to show off my new Baby Oz JSK! I got it off Mbok for much less than it was new. I've loved this dress since it was new in 2007 when I first got into lolita! I'm so excited to own a dress I've imagined for so long.

I have some more posts planned and I'm back in gear! I hope you'll stick around. Thank you so much to my followers! <3 I love you all! I've installed Discuss for the comments so I will be able to reply to you more easily!

Kawaii Goods LP review

I got a Wuzzles book from the used bookstore.





It's never been colored in <3 I want a Moosel plush so bad. The only Wuzzles stuff I ever find in the shops is books...

I ordered a Kawaii Goods lucky pack!



I ordered the $10 fairy kei LP.

Pictured on my new MLP cel because I can <3

I received:
2 way fuzzy stars
necklace
ring
hair clip
earrings
sticker

I love the fuzzy, ring and necklace and will use them alot! I don't have anything to match the hairclip, but it's still cute and I like it.
The fuzzy is very well made and I'd say slightly nicer than the similar one I own from Cat Nap Caps. The necklace looks well made too and it's really cute. The ring is a standard cabochon on a ringbase affair, but it's nice because I don't have any candy themed rings yet. The heart clip is a little cheaper feeling than the other items, but still charming enough.
I am disappointed that I received earrings, however. I wish it had been mentioned on the site because not everyone can wear earrings! I have a crippling phobia of pain and I've never been able to get my ears pierced. I will save them aside as a birthday gift for a friend.
My major issue with this pack was the cost of shipping. While I feel my items were worth $10, when you add in the expensive shipping, the pack suddenly feels like a stretch for the value. Even with the actual cost of the shipping and the envelope considered, the $7 or so I paid for the shipping was expensive. It also did not include tracking for that price.
All in all, I'm happy with my pack. A surprise is always fun and I'll be using most of my items.

70s patterns

Yes, here is that dolly kei themed post I've been promising.

This now sold out necklace from ShanaLogic is amazing! I would have ordered one, but I was afraid I'd kill it ^^;; *no good with plants* If it comes back in stock, I think it'd be amazing with dolly kei!

I was able to make half price day at the Salvation army today!

Got some fab stuff for my dolly kei wardrobe.





And now the best part...


I GOT ANOTHER FOX HUNT THEMED BLOUSE!

I thought the one I found months ago was a very oddball find...but here is a very similar one! I couldn't beleive it.

Here they are together



I still like my first one more, but this one is amazing too!

Now I want to share my vintage pattern collection with you.

These are all from the 70s, given to me by my mom.







Aren't they amazing? So much cuter than modern designs! I also find them easier to use and of higher quality than modern patterns. I've seen patterns like these often while thrifting so I'm sure you can find some too :)

My Little Pony Fair

I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while. I was sick, then I was preparing for My Little Pony Fair.

I'll get back to my regular posting soon, but here is my report on MLP Fair!

Friday was the tour of Hasbro!

Here's my outfit:


Dress: Bodyline
Shirt: Fan+Friend
Socks: Secret Shop
Shoes: Em&Sprout
Accessories: Me, Pretty Pop, Wear it Cuter, Kawaii Goods...

Chillin' with the Transformers


The tour was very nice. We were shown how the commercials are made, the design process for MLP from clay to product, and the design process for the Fair pony. The Hasbro building had toys every where inside! All along window ledges, stuck to walls, etc.
While it was fun and interesting, I don't think I'd need to do it again if the Fair was held in RI again. It was cool, but not worth another extra night in a hotel for. I'd just go for Saturday from now on.

After the tour, we were allowed to shop in the Hasbro toy shop. I was surprised how tiny and no-frills it was. Maybe it's for Hasbro employees to buy toys at? However,everything was more than half price! I got a few G4 and G3.5 MLPs and some LPS/Blythe sets. I forgot to get a pic, but it's not too exciting.

After that, I loitered a bit and watched the vendors set up. While I was doing that, a camera man approached me and asked for an interview. He was fascinated by my outfit lol He said Hasbro hired him and he has no idea what the footage will be used for! It was the highlight of my day, though. You know I love talking about myself lol

Here's my Saturday out fit


Dress: Me! It's MLP fabric if you can't see it :)
Socks: Secret Shop
Shoes: Em&Sprout
Accessories: Pretty Pop, Kawaii Goods, Cat Nap Caps, a friend of mine, vintage MLP...

Alot of people liked it. I was very happy :)

My backpack! I've had it since I was 4 <3 This is the first time I've used it since then. I don't want to break it ^^;

The Fair opened at 9 on Saturday, but we got there at 10. The line for the official merch both was all the way through the room! But before I got on it, I stopped at Anitas_Mom's booth to get a Baby Seapony plushie! I adore her plushie work and as soon as she posted her new Seapony line on the forum, I knew it would be my first purchase at the con! I also got a mini Big Mac plush. He's my fave from FiM :) I then got on the merch line.
While on the line a man I presume was a husband holding a place in the line struck up a conversation with me about the con. It was nice having company waiting on the long line.
The merch booth was sold out of keychains and blind-bag figures!! Boooooo!! But I got a pony, shirt, pin and postcards.

After that, I went to the 'design seminar'. There was an online lottery to choose who would get to attend, so I felt special :3 It was alot of what we heard in the tour but it was nice to sit in comfy chairs :)

Once that was over, I wandered around and pony shopped.

Some cute cosplayers


My friend Dalin from La Vida Frills! Along with Lindsay from Pretty Pop! I'm a huge fan of her stuff and had even commissioned my furry glasses from her! It was so nice to meet her. On the right is Victoria from Lolita Charm! Her fairy kei outfit was excellent.



The only other loli and bjd fan! So funny we had the same dress.


Overview of the room

My haul


And there was a nice icecream social after.

Over all, it was pretty fun, but not quite as fun as an anime con just due to there not being many events. The people were more mature and friendlier than anime people, though! I think if they hold it near enough for me to go again, I'd just do one day. Especially since two days is really hard on my body. I was so sore ):
A note for the disabled: If you are not able to sit on the ground (like myself), you may want to reconsider this event. I hate when people don't give thought to the disabled (it happens so often), so I really want to let people know about this in case.

You can see all the pics at my FB.

Nail Polish review and tee tutorial

Since some of you liked the the shorts I made, the pattern is McCalls 6328 :) Thanks for the compliments!

I didn't have time today to get the vintage pattern post together today, but I hope you might like this instead.

I want to tell you about this great nail polish I found!

I've had difficultly in the past finding nail polish that did not chip on the second day. I finally found this brand in Rite Aid that just happened to have the shade of mint I was looking for. It was only $3, so I thought I'd try it. the brand is called CQ. It's amazing! The color looks fabulous and it hardly chips! I've had it on for about 4 days now and there's only very slight chipping on my right hand (since I use it more). I highly recommend CQ nail polish!

And now, here is a fairy kei tutorial.

I'm sure you've seen the 'remake' tees and hoodies from Spank and Nile Perch. Like these:

(both by Nile Perch)

They are adorable, but a little pricey, right? Especially with shopping service fees! Well, they are just as easy to make as they look! :)

There are two ways to go about it. This first way will look closest to the real Nile Perch stuff.

This is my remake shirt.

1. Get a plain shirt. I actually prefer thrifting them than getting one from the craft stores. The fit, cotton quality, colors, and price usually suit my tastes better. Plus, the money goes to charity!

2. Get something with a cute picture to cut up! The shirts at Nile Perch are made from cutting up character sheets, but you can use kids' tees too. For my Bambi shirt, I used a toddler nightgown!

3. Buy a product called 'Heat and Bond' (I don't know what it's called in other countries or if there are other brands) from the fabric store. It basically turns any fabric into an iron-on patch. Follow the directions on the package 100%! My mom and I made a huge mess on the iron by not paying attention ;_;

4. Iron your new patch on the shirt.

5. Decorate! Go crazy! Fabric paint, bows, buttons, lace! Everything you can find! lol Don't forget, in fairy kei, it's more typical to use cheaper lace, unlike in lolita :)

6. Wear it and feel totally outrageous.

Note: I found the Heat and Bond backing made the patch impossible to sew through. You will have to glue on the embellishments. You will probably want fabric glue.

Here is the other way to make one. This way is good if you can't find something cute to cut up for whatever reason.



That's my art work :)

1. Repeat step one from above, but make sure the tee is a light color!

2. Buy printable transfer paper from the craft OR office store. The only brand that I've found works is Avery. It's worth the extra cost, because it does not crack off in the wash! It also gives the best quality and is easiest to work with.

3. Choose an image from the internet from your favorite 80s series OR use you own art work!

4. Follow all directions on the package iron that sucker on!

5. Decorate as suggested above.

Note: The transfers are easy to sew through!

Have fun! I'd love if you show me what you make!

A rant about doing what you want

I have some auctions up right now! If you like Pokemon or Digimon, it's the place to be! MLP and Sailor Moon too!

This post applies to my feeling for all styles, not just lolita. Unfortunately, lolita has the most rules, though.
I watch 'lolita tips' on Tumblr, but some times the advice bothers me. I know it;s probably targeted at new lolitas to push the in the right direction, but I think some advice can be misleading.
I believe that people get into alternative fashion because they don't want to listen to what anyone says, because they want to be themselves, so why let people on the internet tell you want to do? One of the tips I saw was about not wearing animal ears. But what if you really like animal ears? What if they make you feel you cute? Isn't the point of lolita to make you feel cute and for you to be happy in your outfit? If you want to wear animal ears, please do!
Another thing that bothered me is 'bad lace'. Yes, cheaper lace does not usually look good on a full dress (though a touch around the skirt bottom is fine by me), but I can't see how on small accessories it should be a problem, especially if it has a pretty design. I hate when people say that you shouldn't use cheaper lace just because it 'looks itchy'. Not everyone has the same skin and it doesn't itch me at all for example.
I especially hate the term 'ita' because it's clearly being used as an insult, a dirty word almost. I think 'lolita cosplayer' is a nicer term. Why insult people just for having fun wearing a dress? How that does that help you? If you want to show them up, then dress better than them and go about your day. I believe some girls just do not want to be 'lolitas' in the same way that real lolitas do. Some girls just want to wear something fun, cute, and cheap to a con and that's fine. I have no problem at all with the cosplay lolitas mainly because they are my top customers when I sell at cons! haha I shamelessly make headdresses and other items targeted at them because it sells very well. I could buy the fancy lace and charge $20 a headdress if I wanted to and only sell to real lolitas, but there are other tables who fill that niche. It makes me feel really good to see girls wear my headdresses around cons :) They looks so cute! So in fact, I rather like cosplay lolitas. They are usually, nice, cute, and keep me in business. they don't hurt or bother real lolitas at all. So please be kind to them :) It's no different than being kind to a cosplayer of an anime character. You may not understand it, but let them have fun.
I don't see much drama in dolly and fairy styles, but the same words go. You still do not need to do what every one else does. For example, I enjoy wearing fairy kei, but don't like the tutus! I don't force myself to wear them just to fit in. Speaking of that, one of the things I like best about fairy style is that no ones yells at you if you use the cheap lace! heehee Do worry about what anyone tells you! If you are not breaking the law, go for it!

Disclaimer: I have been diligently studying lolita style since 2007, I do know what's what despite having an unpopular opinion.

Now for some happy Good Will finds :)

A perfect size purse! And official Sanrio too. I've been needing a mid-size purse.

Every trip to the Good Will, one more of these ponies turns up o_O I think they are toying with me. Finally one I don't have, though!

And my outfit for shopping:

Shirt and shorts made by me~

I'm sorry I haven't posted anything dolly kei related recently! Summer just doesn't put me in the mood for that style. I think you dollies might like the vintage pattern post I'm working on.