International Lolita Day was wonderful this year - exactly what I've been needing these past few months. Spending the evening with beautiful, fierce ladies at first a scrumptious tea and then drinks at the beautiful Dove Parlor really reminded me of what I love so much about this fashion: expressing myself through my appearance, and being surrounded by people who value doing the same.

Rundown:

♥ Headbow: BABY, the Stars Shine Bright ♥
♥ JSK: Alice and the Pirates ♥
♥ Cutsew: Angelic Pretty ♥
♥ Choker: Offbrand, purchased at ConnectiCon ♥
♥ Wig: GLW, I think? Scored it in a trade! ♥

I busted out the brand this time in honor of international lolita day! For the most part, I've been strictly avoiding brand in my coordinates lately - it's never fit me right, and honestly it just feels like putting together a nice coordinate out of offbrand items is so much more rewarding for me. It's much more of a challenge, in my opinion, and therefore it's far more satisfying.

I'm so thankful to Martha for organizing this beautiful event and for taking these photos as well! It was really a lovely evening, and I'm so grateful to have been a part of it.

 And in closing, I leave you with this ubiquitous train selfie, the crux of all good lolita outfit posts:

This weekend I went to a meetup with the Western Massachusetts community! We had tea and crepes and fondue, and despite a few bumps in the road, much fun was had by all. I took my outfit inspiration from Snow White from the show Once Upon a Time, particularly her bandit outfit. Mostly, though, that just means I styled my hair a little like hers and wore a (faux) fur with her color palette. I may someday make an actual costume of it, because I really love that outfit!

Outfit rundown:

♥ Skirt and bow: Autumn Flowers by Lady Sloth

♥ Blouse: Forever 21

♥ Fur: H&M

♥ Harness: Redfield Design

♥ Brown belt (mostly hidden): thrifted

♥ Shoes: Payless

♥ Tights: great question! Offbrand somewhere.

Detail shot:

☆ What did you all do this weekend? ☆

Mommy and daddy at the end of the table!

 It's been a while since I did an outfit post! So much so that I forgot to get enough photos taken at the staff meeting to really justify its own post, so I'm lumping that one into the post for a meetup a week or two ago.

Coordinate #1 - The Little Prince for RuffleCon 2014!

Crystal and I represented the Guest Relations department for RuffleCon 2014 at our first staff meeting. It was really nice, and I'm incredibly excited for the conference - even moreso than before, if possible!

Outfit Rundown:

♥Dress: Haenuli's The Little Prince JSK
♥Blouse: Forever 21

♥Bonnet: Handmade

♥Purse: Gift from my boyfriend's mother

♥Accessories: Handmade or vintage 

Coordinate #2 - Gothic for a Connecticut Meetup!

 Would you believe that I've never done actual gothic lolita? I kept intending to and it just never happened! I realized that lately I've acquired a good amount of black clothing, so I figured I may as well give it a try. It's certainly something I'll wear more often, especially once I really master the makeup (I've never been one for overbearing eye makeup, so that was kind of out of my comfort zone for sure!)

I really like this hairstyle, but it kind of just happened on its own. Next time I try it, I'll know what to do differently, I think! Also, this was my first time in circle lenses! What do you think? I think I'm going to make it a point to amass a small collection, personally. They're just so much fun to wear! My boyfriend hates them, but really, since when has that stopped me from doing anything?

And because this port so far has had a gratuitous dearth of funny faces...

♥

  Also, this outfit got me compared to Clara Oswald, so therefore it's my new favorite ever, tada, the end.

(not going to bother with an outfit rundown- all offbrand!) 

For this year's ConnectiCon, Remi and I helped Tina of Ramble Rori and Caro of F Yeah Lolita with their Lolita Fashion 101 panel! I'd say it's kind of classic-country lolita, maybe? Also, I'm trying out posting this from my phone because my laptop is utterly unresponsive, so let me know if it doesn't turn out right!

I keep telling myself that I'm done with lolita, don't I? Well, now that I've graduated and am working six days a week, I have more money than usual and evenings with nothing to do but dream of new ways to spend it. It's possible that I'll have a few more of these hiatus hiccups in the next few months - I may even start updating this blog again, but no promises! Anyway, my local lolita group had a meetup last weekend at Olde Mystic Village's international food festival, which is apparently a thing they do but I knew nothing about it (and still know little). It was so nice to get out and see the people I haven't seen in ages, as well as making some new friends, too! Also, being in lolita and sassing the normal folk is something I didn't realize I missed doing.

This outfit's theme became "Steampunk lolita warrior princess" somehow. Here's what happened: I went to Remi's house, complained that I had nothing to wear, she threw things at me until I stopped crying, and then I stole accessories off her vanity while she wasn't looking. I mean, it all has a similar color palate, so that means it matches, right?

Rundown (spoiler: most of it was stolen from Remi):

♥Crown and skirt: Handmade by Remi

♥Cutsew: L'est Rose (old Gyaru brand, I believe?)

♥Gas mask, rose clip, and belt: pilfered from Remi

♥Fawn tights: Ophanim Gothique

♥Boots: Forever 21 (aaaages ago)

♥Purse: Gift

See, here's the thing with my lolita wardrobe. I'm totally uninterested in it now. I never got around to selling off the bulk of it, because I hate posting it all online; I'm going to try and get to a swap meet at some point and throw it at other people, but for now I'm stuck with a whole bunch of clothes I don't want and a far too stubborn disposition to buy new ones until the old ones are gone. Therefore, I reeeeeally like dressing up in the summertime, when my good friend Remi is only a few towns over (as opposed to 2 hours away at school). Remi has a fabulous, fierce style; crazy sewing skills; and just enough patience to allow me to play dress-up in her closet every so often. It works out amazingly for me, and I'd like to believe that I bring to our friendship... well, I'm sure there's something...

and HERE'S REMI HI I LOVE YOU DON'T HATE ME!

We tried to take a group photo at one point. They all ended miserable because we were too busy being idiots. Here is a photo of all of us making those weird kitty-paw-faces:

And um also I ate. A lot. Well not necessarily a lot, just... very animatedly. I just really enjoyed this sandwich. I have no regrets; it was an excellent sandwich. Pretty sure I was only aware of the camera for the first photo, the rest just... happened.

So, despite the fact that the humidity did hilarious things to my hair, I wore almost none of my own clothing, and we didn't arrive until 3 (IT WASN'T MY FAULT I SWEAR ;o; ), I had such a lovely afternoon! It really reminded me what I loved about lolita in the first place: that the fashion is really an amazing gateway for meeting like-minded people who are wonderful to be around and really just all-around sweetie pies.

Also, I got to wear a leather gas mask and Sleeping Beauty crown out in public at the same time. How many people can make THAT boast in good faith?!

See you next time!

And who knows, "next time" might be sooner than either of us planned!

EDIT:

Carol made me this gif of me shakin' my fluffy little rufflebutt! I love it so- I've never been a gif before!

Shake that bustle!

This is what I wore to help host Loli Brunch at my friend Marrisa's apartment this Sunday. It was a lovely afternoon full of sweets, cats, and sex jokes- de rigueur for my local gals!

What I wore:

Dress: BABY, the Stars Shine Bright

Corset: The Lady & The Leopard (Local company)

Bonnet: Handmade

Magpie Nest brooch: Amaranth Opulent

Socks: Uniqlo

Boots: Forever 21

A close-up of the Magpie Nest:

This is one of my favorite AO pieces, like, ever. I love making Magpie Nests, but they're so difficult to ship that I only ever make them on commission or for myself (occasionally for events I'll be selling at, like local craft fairs or anime conventions).

And because I promised cats...

Don't worry, there'll be plenty of Toby and his brother Tux in the meetup report next week! Also, love this pic because you can see my brand new septum piercing- after years of pining after it, I felt the need to shock myself out of a dodgy patch I went through last week, so I took the plunge. I ADORE it. I feel so much more like myself with it- so much more Taurean, too! It's the piercing of the Bull ♥

And apologies for not updating last week! The entire Northeast was under a blanket of unseasonable snow and most of the state lost power. I'll make up for it by all the posts I have planned for coming weeks, promise! 

So, technically this isn't a daily outfit, but I decided a few days ago to try and put together a Halloween costume for myself...

Here you have it! Flapper-loli!

Rundown:

♥One piece: BABY, the Stars Shine Bright

♥Fur: Vintage (inherited from my Grandmother)

♥Hat: Forever21

♥Heels, pearls, tights: Offbrand

Unfortunately, as of yet I'm not sure if I'll even be wearing this costume this year. The two big events which I was invited to are both happening on the same night, and the one I'm actually going to is probably going to include something mosh-related, which I would never subject my old-school velvet BABY OP to! So that's why I'm posting it here, a few days early: I love this coord, so I have to use it for something! It'll be perfect for wintertime, though, so I'm sure I'll get to bring it out at least once this season.

And now, I leave you with my Halloween playlist- songs that capture the way the holiday feels for me: creepy and slightly psychotic with violent undertones and something that you just can't name hiding barely under the surface. I promise I'll try not to fill the entire thing with Florence and the Machine (under the cut so it doesn't kill your browser, but don't worry- they're just youtube videos!).

ConnectiCon, the local fandom convention in my state, was this past weekend. I've always had a love-hate relationship with CTcon; on the one hand, I supported it its first few years and will always have a special place in my heart because of that and the fact that, as a general fandom convention, it encompasses more than just "anime" (they always have a large steampunk presence as well as a lot of alternative fashion, sci fi, and Western comic fans). However, that being said.... it kind of sucks in general, and the people are usually not the sort I like to hang about with, to put it lightly. That's why I was pleasantly surprised this year when I found myself socializing and making lots of new friends, as well as reuniting with old ones and spending more money in the dealers' room than I should have -- it was like a flashback to the conventions of old, back in my formative years, and my inner fifteen-year-old enjoyed herself immensely.

I really don't plan on making a habit of frequenting conventions the way I used to; to be perfectly honest, the only reason I went on Sunday was to visit The Lady and the Leopard in the dealers room, purveyors of period-inspired clothing and, mainly, corsets. I've decided this was the summer of corset-buying, something that's been put on the back-burner of my wardrobe-building for far too long. When Angelina posted on my local lolita community saying that the company she worked for would be selling at the convention, I certainly knew where a portion of my savings account would be going!

Since I was unabashed in the fact that I didn't want to do anything but shop, my friend Savannah and I only went up for one day. Here's what we wore!






Sailor for summertime!

Ahoy there ♥

I don't know if you can really tell, but I was trying to channel a pin-up vibe with this outfit. The shoes are these really adorable rope wedges with navy and white striped fabric, ankle straps, and a peep toe. They just scream "Pin up" to me, so I tried to go for a 1940's hint with a vintage hat and cat-eye makeup. I wish I'd realized how wrinkled it was, though... I pulled it out of my luggage from Japan (okay, yes, there are still a few bags I haven't unpacked...) and didn't have time to iron it before I left. It's not that bad, but Taurus-the-perfectionist is internally raging at my bad time management skills!


Rundown:
Sailor OP: Offbrand (from a children's clothing store!)Hat: VintageShoes: PaylessSocks: Tutuanna


And the ever-beautiful Savannah, also looking lovely &retro!




Rundown:Blouse and bustier: Offbrand  Skirt: BodylineFascinator: Forever 21Shoes: TargetFur stole: Mine! Vintage, inherited from my grandmother

And I couldn't really talk so much about corsets without showing you guys the one I bought! It was the first of the display that I set eyes on, and I knew it had to be mine. I tried on a few, but this was the first one and I could tell immediately that it'd be the one I took home. They even had this same style and pattern in powder blue, but somehow I resisted and followed my gut with the chocolate brown one. It was definitely the right choice, because when I got home I put together a lovely mori-inspired coord for a meetup this weekend. I can't wait to show you guys! Anyone who's friends with me on facebook or follows my tumblr have seen a sneak preview of it, but everyone else will unfortunately have to wait until next week to see it!

Also better shot of me makeup, woo!


(PS: Also, thank you everyone for your patience concerning my Japan articles! I have a few more pieces to post, and they'll be coming in the next few weeks, I hope. This summer has been a lot stranger than I anticipated, and my blog-schedule is definitely suffering for it... ♥s to all those who's stuck around despite that!)

Also known as the pinkest post you're likely to ever see here at Her Lumpiness!

This year I was finally able to make it to the Sakura Matsuri lolita meetup at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens! It was so amazing, totally worth the trip and making myself ill with exhaustion- the flowers were all beautifully in bloom and gave life a rosier tint than usual, and it was lovely to see all the girls I hadn't seen in ages, as well as meeting a few new friends! Unfortunately, as mentioned, I did make myself very ill from the past week's school stress on top of a minimal (to put it lightly) sleep schedule, so the latter half of the day was not the most enjoyable experience. However, it included bubble tea, sushi, and my friends taking care of me on the train home, so I suppose there are worse ways to spend evenings ♥

I didn't get many pictures, but here are the few I did manage to snap:

Being goobers on the train: Bonnet mustaches! My ribbon was chafing my chin, so I scootched it up to under my lips.... and then it just went downhill from there.

 Savannah:

Tina:

 

Some much less goober-y ladies at the picnic:

Andrea of Weekend Lolita

Bianca- it was so nice to finally meet you!

 Andrea's fab IW socks, which all of us were lusting over

 Skirts (Nancy's and mine- I kind of had an obsession with detail shots that day...)

My bento! I made these for myself, Savannah, and Tina (though Tina's was sans meatballs). We had macaroni and cheese, chickpea salad, sweet barbecued tofu, green beans, edamame, and Asian turkey meatballs. I also made us onigiri for breakfast/snacking- we went pretty Asian in honor of the festival, haha!

A shot of the cherry blossoms

And now, to what I wore! Jeez, I look so dour in this photo...

Rundown:

• Blouse: IW
• Skirt: Lolita Nouveau
• Bonnet: Handmade
• Tights: Sock Dreams
• Boots, sweater: Offbrand

Savannah and I were photographed for Mighty Harajuku! I was so proud- I've wanted to be since I heard about the project, so I'm so happy that I finally was! Stay genki Japan♥

Ugh, those bonnets... what a wreck! It was 2 AM the night before and I was still cooking when Savannah realized we hadn't even started them yet, so she started doing the cutting and gluing, and as soon as the bento food was done I finished mine up and helped her with hers. We finished everything around 4:15, and it was 5 before I was asleep, then up at 8:30 to start getting ready... that's why, as soon as we got home that night, I promptly went to sleep for 17 hours. I feel so much better! I should get a full week's sleep in one night more often! I've made a vow with myself to never subject myself to less than 6 hours of sleep again, which with finals breathing down my neck is probably wishful thinking...

It's officially spring! What are you doing to celebrate it?

Ooh, we have a "location" option on blogger now! Nifty! Wonder what it does... 

I'm sure you guys remember my post from last week, Picnic at World's End, which is a short photo-story inspired by a photo shoot I had with my friend Savannah that weekend. Well, there were quite a few pictures that we liked that didn't fit with the theme, so here are a handful of them!

Look, I'm smiling again! Weird! I think I'm getting into the habit of it.

My favorite thing about this shot is that my camera focused not on Savannah's face, but on the flowers in her hair and the edge of her bonnet.

Savvy also just started a blog, so if you're interested in art, crafts, and lolita you should totally check it out here! She's so talented~ She's actually the artist I'm working with to turn the short story from the last post into a comic, which has been giving me great joy in the past week or two. I love having creative projects to work on , it's so cathartic.

Speaking of creative projects, heads up! I'm going to be at Anime Boston this year on Saturday, April 23rd only. I'll be in the Artist's Alley sharing a table with Ophanim and I'll have lots of limited edition not-sold-online goods. Please come check us out! ♥