My local community is utterly, completely lovely. We don't meet up often, and when we do, it isn't usually more than 3-6 of us (except for that one 2010 meetup which will live in infamy), but the size of the group doesn't matter because all of the local girls are wonderfully kind, fun people. Most of us have known each other for years at this point, and I honestly can't think of a single person who isn't a total sweetheart! We're so lucky to have such a low-drama community - it's always a topic of discussion .

For this meetup, we went back to an old favorite of ours, a small-town tearoom called Tea with Tracey. Coincidentally, I returned to an old favorite as well, because holy crap I cannot stop coordinating my Little Prince JSK, someone please send help. Friends are berating me, insisting that I can't wear the same dress to every meet; in this they are wrong, so long as that dress is a galaxy print that depicts roses, princes, and foxes. What is the limit for Little Prince coordinates on Her Lumpiness? Say it with me now: the limit does not exist.

In conclusion: as long as you don't run out of ways to coordinate it, I don't think there's such a thing as over-wearing your favorite piece. Sure, I wouldn't ACTUALLY wear it to every meetup, but any time I want to be sure I look and feel my finest? You'd better believe the Little Prince is coming out!

Rundown, more photos, and all sorts of antics below the jump!

One of my first blog posts, way back in the day, was lolified versions of mainstream trends. At the time, I was getting much more interested in mainstream fashion due to my customer-facing job, and since I enjoyed writing it so much and have found myself in a similar place sartorially, I've decided to bring it back for Spring 2014! As I don't exist in a lolita-specific bubble, nor do the rest of us, it's become one of my pastimes to keep up with this season's trends for my work and general non-lolita wardrobe. I've never been a trend-chaser, but looking at mainstream fashion recently has actually proved to be quite inspirational for my lolita coordinates as well. While we obviously do have our own trends that crop up, I feel like they aren't as diverse or rapidly-changing as the mainstream world is, so even they can get boring at times.

For example, some huge trends right now is layered chiffon, longer hemlines, and more mature color schemes, but many of the American lolitas I know have been doing that for years already. I remember planning my spring/summer wardrobe for 2010 and waxing poetic about those exact same looks, and I have friends of five years whom I've never seen in a regular cotton blouse or with exposed knees. Trends in lolita take years to build up, whereas in main stream fashion they're gone and forgotten within months. While that's slightly intimidating, and certainly would be costly to keep up with religiously, I think that turning to mainstream fashion for lolita inspiration can not only keep the subculture interesting, but since we can expect our malls and department stores to carry these items, it can be a great way to expand a lolita wardrobe as well. 

Three Mainstream Fashion Trends for Lolitas, Spring 2014

Spring 2014 Trends, Lolita Versions - orchid, bold lips, fancy shades, flower crowns

The top 3 mainstream trends for lolita, in my mind, are bold lips (particularly in orchid), embellished sunglasses, and flower crowns. A bold lip can be a great way to tie a secondary color more profoundly into your coordinate, as with the shades of purple in the outfit above. Particularly fab for the spring and summer sun, embellished sunglasses are an unexpected accessory for lolitas - bonus points if they're star- or heart-shaped; here, the little 3-D roses mimic the flowers in the Lady Sloth skirt's print, while bringing some pastel life to the otherwise muted piece. And finally, flower crowns/headbands feel to me like something that mainstream fashion actually borrowed from lolita, instead of the other way around; they've been growing in popularity for the past few springs, but this is certain the heyday for lolita flower accessories.

Those are my top three mainstream trends for lolitas this spring/summer, but there are so many good ones, I couldn't only pick one coordinate's worth!

Bonus Extra Set!

Lolita coordinate with sheer accents

For this outfit, the only spring trend I went with was the previously-mentioned chiffon. While in lolita it's common for us to wear full pieces of chiffon, such as a blouse or ruffled underskirt, I've noticed that mainstream fashion is being drawn more to pieces with bits of chiffon mixed in with other fabrics, such as cottons, synthetics, and satin. When I saw this Angelic Pretty dress, I knew it was perfect for this trend, and I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to design a coordinate around it!

So, readers, I'm curious: do you follow mainstream fashion trends?

And if so, which are your current favorites to mix with lolita?

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!

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!)

Last Sunday I was lucky enough to participate in a photoshoot for Amaranth Opulent with Carolyn of Ophanim Gothique and Lindsay of Lolita Nouveau/Lolitas-N-Cream. At Carolyn's suggestion, we settled on the mind-blowingly stunning Harkness Park as our location; even though we had to trek it across the state, as soon as I saw pictures I knew it would be the perfect showcase for all three designers. Our model line-up changed a few times due to time constraints, long car rides, and sudden illness, but we still ended up with four amazingly talented ladies: Crystal, Jesi, and two non-lolita friends, Cate and (another!) Lindsay. It was such a wonderful day; everything went spectacularly, so much better than I had every hoped for.

Crystal

Doing a spot of modeling myself for Ophanim:

I had given my petticoat to one of the models, so that's why I'm so deflated!

Fellow designer Lindsay offered her modeling services to Carolyn as well:

Jesi

Cate

Lindsay

The lovely Lolita Nouveau girls:

The Aftermath - well, no, just a picnic:

It was such an amazing day, spent around so many talented people. I hope we can do this again someday soon - a winter line, maybe?

Amaranth Opulent is a line of eco-friendly, one-of-a-kind jewelry by Miss Lumpy. Drawing inspiration from a slew of alternative fashions such as lolita, mori-girl, and steampunk, Amaranth Opulent is inspired to taking organic, sustainably-harvested materials and combining them with findings purchased from independent businesses to create jewelry of beauty and luxury. Every flower and leaf used in this jewelry has been hand-picked and hand-pressed by Aly herself in a sustainable manner, meaning that the entire plant is not picked so that it can continue to live as an important part of its local ecosystem. Jewelry findings such as bases and chain are purchased solely from either local craft stores or Etsy shops because it is important to us that we support small businesses.Amaranth Opulent is devoted to the idea that the corruption of the world humans have created for ourselves can be purified by combining man-made materials with natural components taken straight from the Earth. The society I've found myself is not one I'm particularly fond of, and I can't be alone; call it escapism, but I've realized that I need to contribute something to the world that reflects the old-worldly, the otherworldly, that anything-but-here. If you like getting lost in the woods, if you notice the flower growing between the sidewalk cracks, if your heart wrenches at the beauty of abandoned buildings covered with vines, Amaranth Opulent was made with you in mind.

Amaranth Opulent on Etsy
♥
Amaranth Opulent on Twitter
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Amaranth Opulent on Facebook

I got a new desk! As part of the "redoing my room before school starts" that never really happened (oops - who's surprised?) I went furniture shopping for a new desk. Mine was an old family... well, "heirloom" is definitely far too strong a word. More accurately, it needed a home and I needed a desk. Technically it was a vanity from an old bedroom set; its partners had long since abandoned it, and so the poor thing had sort of floated about for a few years until I found a use for it. The paint was chipped, the wood was warped from too many summers and spilled glasses of water, and the drawer of it has been stuck closed since I was, oh, seventeen. I finally decided that, if nothing else, this summer I would replace that sucker for good.


Speaking of replacing, here's my new laptop! As I mentioned earlier, a few weeks ago my old one finally bit the bullet and sailed on off to Laptop Heaven, that big motherboard in the sky. Oh, it was a loyal machine, and put up with a good five years of abuse from yours truly, but finally it had had enough and laid down its arms. That's why I got this sleek little Toshiba in a snazzy dark brown. The shade inspired its name, because I'm that odd of a duck that I have to name everything that's important to me; I call it Chocolat. Between the laptop and the desk, I now have a nice new blog-o-central from which I'll be reporting at least for the next, last, and (for me) only month of summer - at least with my summer class over, I can finally split my times more evenly between work, blogging, and the Project of the Summer - details to come! Next step... buy a real desk chair.

My boyfriend's birthday is this week! Since he took the whole week off, we've decided to have as many celebration days as we can. Sunday was the first one: I took him to one of my favorite places in the world, Mitsuwa Marketplace, for lunch and shopping. Unfortunately, I'm having some car trouble and didn't want to risk the almost-two-hour trek, so he ended up driving after all. I bought us treats when we got there, though!

Rundown:

• Blouse: Angelic Pretty (all washed out! :[ )
• Skirt: Bodyline (hard to tell from these photos, but it's actually black with teeny white polka dots)
  
• Socks: Angelic Pretty
• Shoes: an*tai*na
• Hat: H&M
• Underskirt: added after pictures were taken, black Metamorphose with lace trim

I always underestimate how short this skirt is! I threw on a black lace Meta skirt after the pictures were taken, but didn't have the heart to make Stefan take another set of pictures, so you'll just have to pretend!
The heat was horrific - 91 degrees Fahrenheit with a crapload of humidity. I find, though, that as far as going-out clothes go, lolita isn't any warmer or cooler than my other clothes are. I went to school with a relatively rigid dresscode that said we couldn't show our shoulders or wear anything shorter than two to four inches above the knee, which really rubbed off on me. Even today I'm not comfortable with baring those areas of my body, so I just sort of sigh longingly when I see other girls traipsing about in cool-looking tanktops and shorts. I figure, if I'm going to be covering myself this much anyway, I may as well do it with lolita!

Also, I just got my Tea Party knockoffs!! I bought them from Qutieland, and while I probably paid too much for them, it was worth it to be able to communicate directly with the company I was buying it from, as opposed to going through a shopping service and a site like TaoBao. They're a little tight on me because I am horrid at European sizing (note to self: 42, not 41 next time!) but even with that I can tell once I break them in a little I'll be abusing them like crazy. Review to come!


Heads up! My giveaway is closing on Monday! If you haven't entered yet, gogogo!!

So this one is a bit of a cheat. Technically, this IS what I wore to a little birthday picnic with friends, but I was gallivanting about the city all day and then we got caught in a thunderstorm (!!! though we weren't exactly surprised). So... I cheated. I re-dressed up in the same outfit today so that I could document it. Please forgive me for lying to you, my dearest readers! I didn't mind getting all gussied up again, though, because this is probably my dream outfit ♥♥♥
Rundown:

• Bonnet: Ophanim Gothique
• Hairbow: BABY, the Stars Shine Bright
• Necklace: Lolitas N Cream
• JSK & Overdress: I Do Declare
• Socks: Angelic Pretty (technically I started the day with BABY L'Oiseau socks, but I bought these when we went to Tokyo Rebel so I tossed them on)
  
• Boots: Bodyline
  

I tried something kind of unusual with the bonnet. It was very hot that day, my guess being in the upper 80's (you laugh, California, but I'm a spoiled little Yankee!), so I didn't want the ribbon to chafe under my chin. Instead, I tied it behind my head and for added stability I used this BtSSB headbow. I had the bonnet made very simplistically so that I could have the freedom to do something like this to dress it up or down - I think the pearls, gem, and charms on the bow help make it more dynamic without being over-the-top.

Also, look at that! I think this is the first time you guys have seen my bedroom! Don't get used to it, though - I'm going to be repainting it (hopefully) this summer... I'm currently planning on a light seafoam-y blue with minty-sage green accents.