Roses in May - stories for Lolitas

I'm announcing the start of my new Blog Roses in May

Roses in May is an anthology of short graphic novels related to Lolita Fashion and Culture

The first story,  Molly and Fern, is about two young ladies on the outskirts of Lolita culture.  Molly finds she doesn't seem to fit the usually Lolita image, and Fern seems to fall prey to the negative elements of the online community.  However, when they meet they remember why the fell in love with lace in the first place.

Please check it out,  click the link below or in the Links category.

http://poppy-rosesinmay.blogspot.com/

Country Art

The peak summer heat is on its way for most of us, So this post is dedicated to the best summer style, Country Lolita!
Its an underrated style of Lolita I believe.  Maybe it's a little to 'grandma' or 'country bumpkin' for most Lolita's but it doesn't seem to have the same recognition of popularity as some of the other styles.  This could also be, at least in part, to it's lack of definitive guidelines.  The best way to describe Country Lolita is  a Classical Lolita on a picnic.

So, dedicated to the Country Lolita, to art pieces to help inspire your country style.

Mary, quite Contrary

Sorry y'all!

Just wanted to thank everyone who may still check this blog for an update.  Its been a long and hectic couple months for me (I've been working on my thesis film for graduation) but to cut to the chase I am finished!

 Its a wonderful short animation about a young man who finds a mermaid which I will be posting this summer to tie in with my wonderful mermaid dress!  Here's the print, I love this fabric soooo much. The style of the mermaid is so unique (sort of reminds of a McKean sketch of Coraline) and the color scheme is so different from most lolita but I think it could work.

Anyway, please check in because some real posts are coming up now that I have free time again and here's some artwork to hold you over.  <3

Copy-Cat Check List

Yup, I'm copying the other loli-blogs and posting a check list for the Lolita because it has been too long since my last post and I'm honestly to busy to do a proper post. Yes that's right, this is a cop-out post but I will treat it with all the respect and integrity of my other 'highly researched' posts.

 Of course, this list is tailored for the Classical Lolita!

So don't forget, a Proper Classical maiden...

• Loves to eat at bakeries, not look like one : P
• Speaks eloquently, even when she's swearing.
• Believes in natural beauty, especially when wearing fake eyelashes, nails, and hair pieces
• Has her own vanity in her room, with a charming stool and all her brushes in a neat row, because no maiden would perform beauty rituals in the same room she poops.
• Cuts all her sandwiches into tiny triangles, it tastes much better that way.
• Won't take a scone with out a healthy dollop of Devonshire clotted cream
• Loves rose flavored/scented...everything!
• Thinks Shiro-Lolita could be improved if they were tea-stained.
• Consider's a corset a staple undergarment, not an accessory.
• Matches her outfits to her French bisque doll whenever she can.
• When it comes to lace, less is more.  
• When it comes to ruffles and gathers, more is more
• Knows the difference between high tea and afternoon tea, and uses both appropriately
• Knows the difference between a pannier and a crinoline, and uses them both appropriately
• Just doesn't get the appeal of tea-party shoes, but loves a nice granny boot.
• Keeps bird cages, even if she has no birds to keep
• Sleeps in a chemise and night cap, a silk night cap, because its better for her hair.
• Her home furnishing are usually more than 100 years old, or at least look that way.
• Has very good balance and posture, otherwise its very difficult to turn up your nose at someone and look down on them at the same time.
• Cardigans are cute, but a fur lined cape is always preferred.
• Is a lover, not a fighter. But if she we're a fighter, it would be pistols drawn a twenty paces.
• Might take a trip to Japan to visit her favorite brand stores, but can't seem to book a direct route to Tokyo via Airship.

If you've checked off 10 items or more, congratulations, you are far more refined than your Sweet and Gothic sisters, you are the crowning jewel of antiquity, a Classical Lolita.

Inspiration for Afternoon Tea

Just added a new link for my classical inspirations,  Tea Time Magazine.  This magazine is carried by Borders and other retailers of the sort and is perfect for any classical lolita who enjoys hosting a lovely party (or just making tea at home a little fancier).  The magazine feature spotlights on special tea suppliers, recipes for delightful afternoon treats, beautiful spreads for decorating inspiration, and tips on holding a successful tea service. The website itself is pretty sparse, save a few of their featured recipes, but you can order the magazine from there if your so inclined and theirs also a calendar of special tea events being held all over the country.

If you prefer to getting your inspiration in a more digital format, my second new link is for you.  The website Razzel Dazzel Recipes has a wonderful section on tea services including methods for brewing all types of tea and has all their recipes beautifully organized.  Its also an adorable web design.

Enjoy.                                                

Lolita favorites in Remix

A quick post for lolita fans of cinema and music: Pogo has done my favorite movie!  Pogo is an artisit who samples soundtracks from films to compose unique and original electronic music.  Most notably ( at least for a lolita) are his video and audio remixes for Disney's Alice in Wonderland and my favorite, the Secret Garden.  Since these are two films very popular in the lolita community I thought I would post them here. 


Please visit Pogo's site for more music from these films.


ALICE



MARY'S MAGIC

March's Off Brand finds!

Brought to you by... time wasted at the mall, thankyou!

The Disney Store

Some great Alice merchandise...mostly.

Adorable teacup

but if you look on the back.

OMIGOD <3 attack!!  There's a scary pic of the mad hatter on the back (not a fan of ol' Johnny's look in this film)

Their jewelery line is much more of a win.

Forever 21

As usual, they're never short on nice cardigans and crazy accessories

Sock Dreams

Simple, yet hard to find at times, crotechets socks can make any co-ordinate a little more classic.  These come in great colors like olive and burgandy that match my classic color sets and are hard to find in socks.

TARGET

These victorian style boots are better looking than their old, all fake leather style ( which looked a bit cheap).  The pumps are ver simple, yet with enough cute details to be charming.

Kohl's

Has a great line of fashion jewelery right now and more key pendants than even I could handle (well I probably could)

Also some Alice in Wonderland merchandice from Claire's and Hot Topic (proceed at your own risk: tacky and cheap crap ahead, may be difficult to find the items of quality without seeing them in person).  I would only recommend the socks and some of the smaller jewelery at hot topic, as much of the rest of the merch has a not cute Johnny Depp all over it.  As for Clairs, they're much better.  The crown ring is amazing in person and the drinkme bottle necklace is priceless.  The Alice cosmetic case is very charming and they have some stationary in that print as well (in store), as well.  Also not on the website are two grey Alice tote bags that wonderful, and more classic looking, illustrations.

Well that's what stood out for me this month.  Happy Shopping!

Sleep tight young maiden

I've been on a pajama kick lately.  It's been so cold in my house this winter that I've been sleeping in sweats but as weather gets warmer (and now the the heater is working)  I'm dying for some cute sleep/lounge wear.

Here are some wonderful victorian styled and inspired pajama's!

The Chemise 
This has been the basic style sleepwear for many century's, as well as an everyday undergarment.  It's warm, comfy and gets the job done.  Depending on your budget, you could have a number of gorgeous details on these sleeping gowns including lace, embrodiery, pintucks and gathers, flounced sleeves and ruffled edges.  They can also be worn with a bed jacket.
To avoid the 'granny gown' effect, stay away from pastel flannel.  The simple white cotton is classic, elegant and has a sort of huanting feel.  You walk down your hallway in the middle of the night and your family/roomates are sure to think your a ghost!

(above images from http://www.thistledown.on.ca/index.htm)

The Camisole and Bloomers

The term camisole can refer to a number of garments, but is usually meant to describe a type of blouse worn under the clothes but over the corset/bra, usually for modesty.  these garments also make for convinient sleep wear.  They can have be sleeveless or not, and com in a variety of styles.  Bloomers were originally created to give the 'modern woman' something modest and functional.  They didn't really take off until bicycles became popular, and thus bloomers became more necessary.  They are of course a staple of Lolita fashion as they provide modesty for our modern short hemlines and are adorable.

(above photos provided by http://www.recollections.biz/)

Brand Name Sleepwear

Many of the popular Lolita brands have and still do, carry sleepwear (sometimes called roomwear).  Each brand has had a different take on the idea and there are a lot of options out there.  A friend of mine had the innocent world pajamas and the were unspeakably adorable on her (and she says they were quite comfy).  

If your not comfortable paying brand prices for something you won't even wear outside there are alot of wonderful seamstress on livejournal and etsy who will comission equally cute and snuggly Lolita pajama sets.  In fact,  if your feeling crafty, they're not very difficult to make on your own.  Since the look of pajamas doesn't change to much, you could use almost in basic pajama pattern (and there are a lot of very easy ones out there) and Loli it up with some soft eyelet lace and well place ribbons.

Now here's a fun nighttime fact.  On a Nova special on dreams, scientist discovered that if you go to bed thinking about what you want to do in your dreams, you have a fifty percent chance of making those dreams happen.  It's a useful technique because further studies have shown that you can actually improve at activities that you have just dreamed about, with out even practicing.  It seems that your mind is especially creative when your sleeping and it gives you the opportunity to look at problems from a more abstract point of view.

Now get your beauty sleep, and make sure you go to bed with lovely thoughts!

New Look!

Update the blog to make it a little easier to read and give it a more 'dark romance' sort of feel.  If you do check this blog, please let me know if you like the changes, or if there are any format issues on your screen that are not showing up on my end.  Thankyou!

Sewing break! building a 'life syle' wardrobe

Took a some time off from the busy life and did some.  I spent most of the day in faded baggy sweats thinking to myself, why can't I feel cute even on groggy days.  If only I had Lolita in other parts of my life.  I as I thought this I began to take notice of just how much of being classical lolita had seeped its way into other facets of my being, aside from wardrobe.  My growing interest in classical beauty had transformed my bathroom cupboard, and my fondess for afternoon tea and fingerfoods had transformed my pantry.  I guess it was only a matter of time but I began considering the possibility of being a life-style lolita.  Well,  its hard to do if you have a wardrobe my size so I suddenly had the urge to stary making clothes!  Starting with this...

I was so excited to have my Dolly style shoes that I had to have something to go with.  I had a dusty pink cutsew  so I dug up some old fabric that matched and went to town.
The pic doesn't do it much justice I think.  Oh and the lining was old bedsheets with a decent thread count so it feels very soft and warm, even without anything underneath!

Speaking of underneath, I made this...

With matching BLOOMERS!

(there's no un-naughty way for showing off bloomers XD)

I made the dress because I needed something comfy and simple for around the house, whatever, and had enough fabric and trim for matching bloomers. I'm so stolked, these are my first made pair of bloomers and I can't wait to do another, and maybe something for pajamas.

I started these projects, not just to rebuild my wardrobe, but because I'm moving into more of a 'Lifestyle Lolita' mode. Whatever that means.  There's a lot of debate on that and will be posting my thoughts as the weeks go buy, but for now I want to have pieces that work for every life and situations.  The top dress (which I"m calling my rococo dress as the print is of scenes of rococo women and men...doing whatever it is they do) is obviously not wearable to everyday events, but it is super comfy and can be worn out.  The bottom dress (which I call Rose in Cream) is meant to be more casual and practical.  I have some knit fabrics that will be appearing as outfits as well so check back for more 'life style pieces"

Dolly-kei make over: shoes

This is a brief post, basically I"m just excited to be finished with this project.  I've altered some old shoes!  I bought them used and fell in love with the color and texture of the suede, but they clearly had signs of wear and I wanted to find a way to make them more 'Dolly style' to spruce up my basic pieces.
I've mentioned it in a previous post,  but Dolly style is another sub-trend in the Harajuku fashion world.  In the words of a well known memeber in the Lolita community, "It's like Mori and Lolita had a beautiful baby!".  For me, it's like Loli went shabby chic, which I love, because while Lolita fashion emphasizes perfect coordinates and elegance, I love to see a little roughness around the edges.  Having an off the wall piece in you outfit definately gives it character and makes it personal, and I see alot of girls and boys doing this with some wonderful handmade accesories or unique vintage pieces and when done right, its awesome, and Dolly is doing it right.

Well here are the shoes before:  ( don't know what that net stuff was supposed to be...)

And after!  ( look closely, pearl drops on the front bow!)

I don't know how much this will appeal to Loli-tist (lolita elitist...clever haha), but I've been wanting to do this for along time, and with some help from reading issues of Altered Couture magazine, I figured out how to do it.
Long story short-glue gun.  Not the most 'classical' method but it got the job done well and efficiantly.  This particular design is special to me because the lace used was all completely vintage. The wide pieces are at least 50 years old I was told, and basically there wasn't enought of it to use in many other ways and I wanted it to be apart of something I would wear often.  Well these are my new favorite shoes and can't wait to co-ordinate.  Hope your inspired to take a chance with an old pair, you've got nothing to lose!

Mori-Loli: part 2 - shoes, hats, and more inspiration

Starting of the day


The biggest winner in my mori search was getting myself over to S.C.R.A.P., wich is basically a crazy person's basement.  SCRAP functions as a non-profit organization that helps lost bits of fabric, cardboard, paper, manneguins, biscuit tins, lamps, records, and the like find loving and caring homes with people who may know how to put them to good use.  
The biggest find of course was a giant bin of sweets charms!  I don't own any sweet jewelery myself as it seems to go better with sweet lolita, but these pieces seem to have an intrinsically classic feel.  The lack or silicone dollops of cream and glitter might help, along with the fact that they represent some lesser used treats such as crepes and danishes (not a cupcake or sprinkle in sight)  I always felt that alot of ama-loli style could cross over.
I also found some wonderful empty glass bottles in various forms, and some wonderful fabrics (one of which was used to create my 'classically alice' dress.

Well I'm quite excited to incorporate mori-style and to get some focus, I'm going start with this hat, purchased second hand.

 I also found THIS!

If there is anyway to incorporate an owl made of hay into a Lolita outfit, I will find it.

With these pieces as starter points, I'm just about ready to work on the main event, and put together and lucky for me there are many styles and brands coming out that incorporate these elements.  One of them is called Mielette Tautou.  I found this brand reading and watching videos and blogs about New York's Tokyo Fashion Festa and its looks like its going to be AWESOME.   Right now the "shopping" page is still coming soon, and I can't say if its going to be international but for now their gallery looks amazing. (photos from their website)

(drop waist yay!)

Even Innocent World is producing looks that and fit in with this newer aesthetic.

The biggest inspiration I got was the look of layers.  Now as intensely layered as Lolita already is, a lot of these layers aren't visible, so you don't get the same effect.  There is also a lot of texture involved in these outfits which I love, as I always feel I have to touch clothing.

So that's it for Mori-inspirations, the next mori-post will be of fabric and designs.  I'm also concurrently working on incorporating some "Dolly" style so their will be posts about that as well. 


Thankyou!