Current Angelic Pretty Wants!

So as I've mentioned before, I constantly am torn back and forth between loving lolita fashion and wanting every opportunity to dress up and frills and buy new pieces, and feeling like it might be time for me to give up on it. Luckily now, I'm in a loving mood!

Angelic Pretty is my favorite brand, and lately they've been putting out some great pieces! So this entry is essentially going to be me blathering about what I'm saving for now and hope to get! Oh! And I have a new job! So I actually can save while still helping to pay bills and such! Yay!

They've opened preorders for a new series called Melty Berry Princess that's going to come out in October that will hopefully still be around to buy in a little bit! I've fallen in love with it! Berries are so, so cute to me, and this print is just so nice and summery! The first piece I'd really like to get is the onepiece in white!

This dress just looks like a giant cake to me, it's so adorable! I'm a big fan of when the dresses have either the print or brand name on them. I'm really wanting to get a lot of lighter-colored dresses in the future, and I think this would be perfect! And - this dress would fit me with room to spare! I like the red colorway as well, the pink not so much. 

I'm also really wanting the JSK from this series as well! And it would fit me as well, bonus! Instead of the same color, however, I think the red, more busy print looks better on the JSK. It looks so adorable I can't get over it! And here's some detail shots...

The buttons are clear little flowers!

The lace looks like typical AP lace - very detailed and amazing! The white contrast goes nicely with the red of the print.

Of course, I want the matching accessories! The OTKs (which sadly won't be OTKs on me, haha) would look great in white with either dress, I feel...or maybe I'd cave and buy both red and white. For the headbow, I think red would work great with either the red or white dress colorway!

 The Double Ribbon Shirring blouse in Ivory is also up on the website (for how long who knows) and not only would this blouse fit me, but it would go well with the JSK, and be a good staple piece for my lolita wardrobe! The sleeves are detachable at the upper arm, so it can be either a short or long sleeve blouse, which is perfect because more often then not I'm warm while wearing lolita.

My last want from Angelic Pretty is this adorable bag in lavender with daisy-like flowers all over it! There was a red version of the bag that would go well with the dresses, but it dosen't seem to be available on the site anymore. I'd honestly want this bag just for every day use!

I don't have any money to spare right now so I'm going to TRY and be good and not look at any sales comms, but I can't wait to see how my lolita wardrobe will grow~!

What pieces are you hoping to buy?

52 Week Lolita Tag, But All at Once

MTAC is coming up, which means a few good days of wearing lolita fashion! I actually haven't been in too much of a lolita mood lately, but I am excited to wear it again. I decided to do something that might help me get in a frillier mood, so I decided to do the 52 week lolita challenge...only, I'm not that patient, so I'm going to do all the questions at once!! I find things like this fun. If you like, take it and do it for yourself!

5 pieces that every Lolita wardrobe should have, regardless of style

     -Bloomers and a really good petticoat are the obvious first two choices. I think next one should have at least one basic blouse in the two colors that go with many things, black and white. Fourth, I think that you should have one good pair of shoes that go with lots of coords, so again, white or black. Lastly, this isn't a "wardrobe" item, but I think splurging on some good foundation is good.

5 movies for Lolitas

     -This is kind of hard. I'm not going to say Marie Antoinette because everyone seems to say that, but it is a good movie. I guess maybe a magical girl movie (like Sailor Moon, Pretty Cure, etc.). Umm...I honestly...don't know...maybe a version of Alice in Wonderland? Phantom of the Opera? 

What my own Lolita lifestyle is like 

     -Non-existant? Haha. I wear it so rarely nowadays. 

 Favorite thing to put on my head

     -Bows! Big bows!

 My wardrobe turnover

     -I'm not sure what this means by turnover...?

 My favorite Lolita brand

     -Angelic Pretty! Followed by Baby the Stars Shine Bright.

 Why I wear Lolita?

     -I like it and it makes me happy: why you should wear anything.

 Why don't I wear Lolita more often?

     -I don't really have a big lolita wardrobe, it's actually the smallest it's been in ages now. Also, I get hot easily, and it gets hot where I live early in the year and stays hot for a while...

 5 keywords that describe my personal Lolita style

     -Limited (lol), pink, happy, yes, roomforimprovement (lolol)

 How I first found out about Lolita

     -In 2005, I was a sophomore in high school, and in art class my friend was drawing Mana from Malice Mizer, so I did some research, found Moi Meme Moitie, and went from there~

 3 trends I wish would come back

     -The only one I can think of is nice old school lolita, but it actually does seem to be coming back a bit?

 Combining other fashions with Lolita

     -I'm kind of iffy on this...with things like fairy kei, mori, etc., I think it could be okay, but when people seem to combine it with anything else, I've just never seen it done too well (but that's not to say it couldn't be done!)

Lolitas I have met in real life

     -Just the ones from my local comm.

Lolitas I would love to meet

     -Any! But I guess especially PrincessPeachie, Frillypinkdreams, Lovelylor...jeez, I was just talking about this with a friend today, I can't think of anyone else!

 3 things I wish I was told when I was a new Lolita

     -Petticoats are NOT optional, do not buy that hideous bat wa-lolita thing it won't even fit, please wear a wig. 

10 facts about my Lolita wardrobe

     -It's as small as when I first started. It used to be bigger. I will never sell Toy Parade. I need more basics. I can't do many coords right now (do you see a theme?). I probably need a new petticoat soon. My pink shoes are worn with almost every coord. I used to have a whole bunch of replicas. I regret selling a few things. I can't wait to add to it.

 My first meetup

     -Uhh. I think it was...not with the existing comm, but with a group of lolitas and oujis and bit older then the current comm's demographic...we went to one of their houses, had some finger food, and went to see Alice in Wonderland in theaters. I think this was my first?? I don't remember...

 Trends I thought I would never get into, but I now love

      -OTT Sweet

 Trends I thought I loved, but now I'm not too keen on

     -When I first learned about lolita, I liked that cheap Hot Topic-esque lolita look. Ew.

 How satisfied I am with my current wardrobe

     -Not! At all!

 Plan for a trip! A week's worth of Lolita outfits I can fit in a small suitcase

     -I could probably fit my whole lolita wardrobe minus petticoats and wigs in a suitcase, sadly.

 How I accessorize

     -With bright colored things!

 What influences my Lolita style

     -Probably tumblr. Hah. The lolitas that I look up to.

 What's in my makeup bag

     -I couldn't begin to list everything x_x

 Best places to wear Lolita

     -Hmm...somewhere like a tea house, or maybe an exhibit at a museum? Or a play? Or just at someone's house~

 How I get out of a wardrobe slump

     -Buy something, browse sales posts or outfit posts.

 Purses that I love

     -Purses that look like food! I love the ridiculous Honey Cake (I think that's the one?) pancake mix purse.

 Bloomers or no bloomers?

     -Bloomers always.

 Lolitafying things in my everyday life

     -I'm not very patient so any DIYing I would like to do, I rarely do...

 How long it took me to build a complete wardrobe

     -HA.

 Impulse buys that were totally worth it

     -Toy Parade! I had to even put it on payment plan because it was such a sudden decision.

 My best deal

     -Not sure :o

 Something that I made

     -When I first started liking lolita and I was still very, very much ita, I made crappy wrist cuffs and a headdress out of cheap black lace.

 Wardrobe blunders! Things I bought that I ended up regretting!

     -Replicas...

 What I thought when I got my first real piece of Lolita

     -"It's...perfection!"

 Nails to match my favorite looks

     -I never do any fancy nail art, but I usually try to coordinate colors.

 Something that's not my style, but I love anyways

     -Hmm...I guess gothic.

 Favorite hair style

     -Pinned back under a wig cap ;)

 Most versatile Lolita item I own

     -Pink Bodyline heels. I wear them with almost every coord. They're so used, I need new ones!

 5 inspirational fictional characters

     -...well, I don't really know any fictional lolita characters (except for the obvious).

 Fondest meetup memory

     -Hmm...maybe at the swap meet, I got SO much stuff!

 The ways in which I fit the cliche

     -Uh? I like cute things??

 The ways in which I do not fit the cliche

     -I am not tiny and delicate :(

 How strangers react to my clothes, and how I react to their reactions

     -I've never had any "bad" reactions per se, just confusion or awe or the usual "are you in a play" or "did you make that" questions. Oh! This one time I was at the mall, and these girls were very very obviously hiding their faces as the walked passed me, phone pointed at me (I assume they were recording me). It was...huh. At least be polite!

 Something that was a gift

     -Hm...I used to have some Bodyline an old boyfriend gave me, but I've since sold those dresses.

 Parasols: Vital or frivolous?

     -I don't really care one way or the other.

 The item in my wardrobe that was the hardest to get

     -So far I haven't really had a hard time obtaining anything, yet.

 My "signature" outfit

     -Toy Parade JSK, pink blouse, pink shoes, white or black ankle socks, short split brown wig, and a cute purse.

 My favorite Lolita print

     -I have a lot, but Dream Sky is probably my ultimate favorite.

 What's in my closet, but I haven't worn yet!

     -Nothing!

 Predict the next Lolita trend!

     -I'm not good at this game.

 How Lolita has changed me

     -...I don't know? What an anti-climactic end.

Lolita Tag!!

Hello, lovelies~! I'm going to start posting here more, as I promised. I'm half posting here to keep me awake, as my first day of work is tomorrow and I need to fix my sleep schedule! But also, I've really been in a lolita fashion mood...yet, I have nothing new to post about just yet. So, I thought it would be fun to do a tag! I actually did this tag years ago back on LiveJournal, so it will be interesting to see how I've changed since then (let the cringing begin). If you'd like to do this, feel free to take it!

(1) Screenname and DOB, please tell me these~
Um…depends on where we are, but just call me Bunny. I was born May 28~

(2) height, weight, clothing size and shoe size~
I'm 5'2'', I have no idea what my weight is right now. My shoe size is usually 7-8.

(3) why did you start to dress lolita?
I first learned about lolita fashion when my friend showed me a picture of Mana from Malice Mizer, and I found his clothing brand while doing research. Then when I was at my first anime convention, I bought two issues of Gothic and Lolita Bible.

(4) which style of lolita do you like?

I like all styles, but the only styles I see myself wearing are sweet and classic. I'd like to try hime, too.

(5) express in your own words, the ideal your above answer.
Anything over the top ;)

(6) Do you have piercings? Where?

Just my right ear.

(7) Which brands do you like?

Angelic Pretty, and some of Baby, the Stars Shine Bright's more ornate prints.

(8) Which are your favourite clothes you wear?
Aside from lolita, anything cute.

(9) how many lolita friends do you have?

Only a few now, but they're good friends.

(10) What do you love most about lolita?

Yes. Haha.

(11) What do you hate about it? Pet peeves??
I hate the hate in the community :/

(12) Magazine you read?

I don't read any often, but I do like GLB, EGG, Kera.

(13) Headdresses, bonnets or ribbons/katsushya?

I like ribbons and bows. I like the look of super big and fancy bonnets but I don't think they would look good on me?

(14) Yes to Drawers/Bloomers?

That's like asking if you wear underwear while wearing a skirt, so...

(15) do you tie headdresses at the front or at the back?

At the back under my hair.

(16) Who is your favourite band/type of music?

Right now, a mix between indie/trip hop/ambient and video game soundtracks.

(17) What is your phone ring tone?

The theme from when you catch a Pokemon from the original games.

(18) Do you go to concerts in lolita?

Never have, but I'm not against it.

(19) For people who attend concerts: Do you headbang there?

I don't.

(20) What colours do you like?

Pink, yellow, black...but right now, lavender is my favorite!

(21) What are your hobbies?

Drawing, comicking, writing, playing video games, sleeping, blogging or vlogging.

(22) If you have any favourite perfumes, please tell us.

Coincidentally, L de Lolita (I think that's what it's called?) is a favorite. I also like Juicy Couture and Harajuku Lovers scents, Bond No. 9, and some others I have samples of.

(23) Is there anything you are careful of in lolita?

Um, everything. Crumbs, stains, spills, snags, and knocking things over. Oh, and sitting on my petticoat and flattening it.

(24) Do you have any favourite haunts to go to in lolita?

Not really.

(25) how many times a week do you dress lolita?

It's usually only at events or special occasions nowadays.

(26) Please tell us an embarrassing story when you were a beginner in lolita.

Before I got lolita clothing, I called some of Hot Topic's frilly clothing "lolita." I wore lolita sans petticoat for far too long. I wore very poorly put coordinates and even JSKs without blouses for a bit and just called it "casual." I did very poor makeup and wore my natural hair when it didn't match. I consider myself a beginner still. I'm very careful nowadays so I don't make these mistakes.

(27) Your current hairstyle and colour.
Blue turning green and my roots are showing :( But it will be green, soon!!

(28) What is your lolita history?

After discovering lolita in 2005 I didn't get my first piece of lolita clothing until my first year of college. I was pretty ita up until...maybe middle of last year, haha.

(29) Do you store your clothes in a special place?

I hang them up.

(30) Did you ever think about stopping Lolita? What was the reason?

Sometimes my love for lolita wanes and I feel like I've wasted money on things I rarely wear...which is why my lolita wardrobe is so small. Sometimes I feel very down on myself and feel I can't wear it and look nice.

(31) What is your motto?

Right now...it's more of a phrase from a poem. "Once they [they being your fears and such] are counted and compelled, they are quickly dispelled!"

(31) Your dreams of the Future?

I want to be happy and have everyone around me happy. I want to have my comics and such published.

(33) “This person is so perfect for lolita!” – Do you ever think that about certain celebraties?

No?

(34) Any products/items you have with a fond memory?

All my lolita clothing?

(35) What was your first item?

A big order from Bodyline - Black and purple underbust JSK with a kitty caplet, white blouse, black shoes, white frilly socks, some accessories, and a really tacky wa-lolita bat dress that didn't even fit.

(36) Have you got a pose for photos?

I can't pose well to save my life.

(37) What is your heart’s bible? [book/magazine/CD/etc]

Can I say...a sketchbook?

(38) what is the best cm for heels?

I dunno...I like taller shoes, sort of. I don't like smaller heels.

(39) Do you wear tiaras?

I don't have any.

(40) Do you think you want to try prince style? What kind of prince? Ankoku-kei [Gothic/dark prince]? Or “prince on a white horse” style?

I don't think I could pull that off at all.

(41) What types of lace do you like?

Good lace??

(42) Do you own a doll? Does it give you fun, childish feelings?

No.

(43) What is in your lolita bag?

Since lolita bags are notorious for being small, I usually only have my debit card, apartment key, 3DS, phone, and maybe whatever lip product I'm wearing for touch ups.

(44) What is your favourite flower?

Lilac and lavender!

(45) Right now, what is your favourite accessory?

Probably my only piece of AP jewelry, a bunny necklace.

(46) Please reccommend us some cosmetics.

I like Urban Decay, but I guess some of their products wouldn't be too good for lolita. For foundation and other base cosmetics, I like Benefit.

(47) With Eye-tape your eyes look like a Doll’s! What eyelashes will you wear?

I have western eyes, so...no need for that. Right now if I want super dramatic lashes, I first use Eyeko London's Black Magic mascara, and then Makeup Forever's mascara (I can't remember the name of it). I don't mess with falsies because I'm bad at putting them on.

(48) Your eyemakeup for these eyelashes?

^^^

(49) Red Lipstick? Blue? Black? Pink?

It depends what I'm wearing. Usually I wear a light pink, but for my last coordinate, which was a Halloween witch bunny, I actually wore lavender!

(50) Or which nail polish do you choose normally?

Fake, plastic nails.

(51) Have you ever changed in a train station bathroom?

I don't live anywhere with that good of public transit.

(52) What do you think of ‘twinning’ and ‘triplet’ lolitas?

I find it adorable.

(53) How do you keep in shape for lolita? Reccommend us something.

Yeah, not the right person to ask for this.

(54) Do you keep calm when by yourself in Lolita?

Yes, but I am very aware of the stares, haha. I don't let it get to me, though.

(55) How much do you spend per month on clothes/accessories?

Not much.

(56) Was there a time lag between you knowing about Lolita and dressing?)

Years, yes. I found out about what it was when I was fifteen and didn't start wearing it until I was eighteen.

(57) What is your most expensive Lolita item?

My first AP item, Toy Parade JSK in black. It was a little over $300 secondhand, but never worn by that person.

(58) It takes a lot of money to do Lolita. How do you save?

I'm terrible at saving money.

(59) Just a little secret here…How much have you spent so far on Lolita, roughly?

Not as much as many,but more then others.

(60) Is there a Brand you want near where you live?

The closest brand store is in New York, so, YES.

(61) “Man, what a rip-off!!” Have you ever thought that about a store?

A few accessories I've gotten, but never a clothing item, I think?

(62) Do you shop online? If so, put the good & bad points here to advise others.

I kind of have no other option? Just do your research.

(63) You can say if you want, but is there a Secret person/shop that you have ordered a dress solely for you from? [I guess commissioned/replicated]

No.

(64) “I can never have that/see that happening!! But I will always want it!!” Is there a brand you think this of?

I think this about dresses with a 65 cm waistline. Hah.

(65) What do you do with the clothes you don’t want anymore?

Sell them for new clothes.

(66) What is your most recent purchase? [Even non-lolita])

Probably food, haha.

(67) Is there an item which you love that you can’t buy/seem to find?
The two things I'm lusting over right now are online right now, so I'm good. -knocks on wood-

(68) What do you think of people who only wear lolita to concerts?

Whatever makes them happy!

(69) what do you think of lolitas without makeup?

Well...I want to say that you should do what makes you happy, but also, lolita has a certain appearance and aesthetic, so...

(70) Another lolita is wearing the same coordinate/clothes as you!! What do you do?)

I would think that's awesome, honestly.

(71) What age should you stop Lolita?

I don't know, I don't think there should be an age as long as one wears clothes that flatters their age and shape.

(72) When do you think you should graduate from Lolita? And why?

That's really up to the person.

(73) “You should stop that!!!>_<;” What must you not do when dressing lolita?

Being annoying is never cute.

(74) A lolita should be ‘this’! What do you think that should be?

Herself, a pretty princess :3

(75) Excluding #73, is there anything you should deffinately not do in lolita?

Um...just being rude, I suppose.

(76) What do you think of men in Lolita?

Do what makes you happy!

(77) Did you change yourself for dressing lolita?

No, not really.

(78) What does your family and surrounding people think of you dressing lolita? And do you accept it?

They don't really mind it?

(79) How do you dress Lolita in the boiling mid-summer?

Poorly. I end up dying of heat anyways.

(80) have you gone to School or Work in lolita?

Nope.

(81) How do you dress normally?

Since it's getting cold, just a sweater and pants.

(82) Do you think twice about buying second-hand clothes?

No. I mean, I look at the pictures carefully, but I don't mind it.

(83) Do you have a boyfriend? [or husband?] Does he understand Lolita?

My fiance calls me a cupcake!

(84) Please tell us your ideal man.

My man!

(85) What Lolita has left a big, shiny impression on you so far?

Well...in a good way, Princess Peachie (Ruth) and Frillypinkdreams (Josephine). They're so lovely and inspiring. But a few lolitas that I used to know have left a big and shiny BAD impression!

(86) Have you made your own clothes? What are they like?

I tried.

(87) Have you made your own accessories? What did you make?

I've made some simple jewelry.

(88) The best item you have made! What is it?

?

(89) Please say your most perfect Lolita coordination you wear.

Maybe the coordinate I wore in march to see Sebastian Masuda's lecture, minus the bag?

(90) Do you admire someone? What are they like?

Most lolitas, haha.

(91) One day I will go on a date with that person. What would you like to wear for him?

I wear whatever. I rarely wear lolita with my fiance because it's not practical.

(92) If you want one, what type of store would you open in the future?

Maybe an indie comic/zine/book store?

(93) Your eyes get attracted inadvertantly to something. What is this motif?

Something soft grunge, haha.

(94) Would you dress your child in Lolita?

If they wanted to be in it.

(95) How much do you spend on one outfit?

My most expensive coordinate was maybe around $500?

(96) “This is Lolita!!” Please say what you would say this about.

Softness.

(97) “I have always wanted to try that once!” What, in the Lolita world, have you wanted to try wearing?

Classic and OTT sweet!

(98) Look at you in Lolita. In one word/phrase, how would you express your style/image?

...basic. Haha.

(99) What is your ideal of Lolita?

Something ornate and lovely.

(100) Thank you for taking this Baton!! Please state your thoughts on it!

My answers actually did change quite a bit from when I was younger...oh my.

Current Lolita Wishlist - Classic Lolita Edition!!

I fall in and out of loving lolita. I'll always appreciate the fashion, but sometimes I'm just not that into wearing it or looking at it. But now, I've suddenly fallen back in, and fallen hard. I'm wanting to completely redo my wardrobe and have lots of new pieces to wear and touch and feel pretty in.

I'll always love sweet. I would never sell my Toy Parade JSK for anything. It was the first time I obtained a dream dress. But in the winter, I think I want to try my hand at classic. It's so beautiful and sophisticated, and can be very ornate. As you see from the top photo, I'm loving browns, and loving Angelic Pretty's new releases.

This is Angelic Pretty's tiered JSK in brown. This is my favorite colorway! And best thing, it would fit me with room to spare, haha. It's my new dream dress. It's around $290, which is pretty reasonable for a new print release from AP. I love the tiered fabric on the sides; it seems to be a trend with AP. I also love all the lace, especially the bottom layer. I'm definitely going to be getting it as soon as I can!

And this is Angelic Pretty's Quartet Chocolate skirt in pink. I'm not sure which is my favorite colorway, between the pink, the mint, and the brown. Maybe mint? We'll see. This is another super ornate piece...I think it was released in the international shop just a few days ago? I've only seen a few AP skirts that would fit me, but this is one of them! And it's less than $200! I, um...really want this and might get this soon as well!

Of course these are just examples of things I'll be needing, but since I'm coming from an extremely sweet background, I'll need a whole new set of accessories! Brown and gold shoes, brown and ivory bows and barets, brown and ivory blouses, jewelry...a lot of this I'll probably get second hands. It will also depend on which pieces in which colorways I get. For example, if I get the skirt in mint, I might want a mint blouse, or mint shoes. Also socks, wrist cuffs...I get so excited thinking about it, but I also weep at all the money I'll spend!

Also, um, I want these earrings, but that has nothing to do with classic lolita, haha.

I'm going to my first meet in a very long time at the beginning of December. I hope I'll have one of these pieces by then and can put together my very first classical coordinate! If I don't get these exact pieces, I might get something secondhand for the event. I just am really feeling classic lolita right now. So lovely.

How I feel about lolita...?

When I was first introduced to lolita fashion, when I was in high school, I was really into the gothic and elegant look of it. Of course, I was into general gothic fashion as well at the time. I got my first coordinates from Bodyline when I was just starting college - one was a black, white, and purple set that wasn't necessarily bad, and the other set was this awful gothic batty wa-lolita getup that didn't even fit me right.

Somewhere along the road, I decided I didn't like gothic as much, and that I really loved all things sweet and fluffy. All of my pieces since then have been either very sweet or bittersweet, and I haven't looked back. Gothic lolita just reminds me too much of when I was younger and inexperienced, and I feel like I can't be as creative in it. But sweet? Pile on the hairclips and pin on the bows!

But lately, I haven't really felt that lolita kick inside of me. This time last year I was dressing up just to dress up and every penny I earned went towards new dresses. Now, I've sold most of my wardrobe and only wear it if there's a special occasion or if my bestie asks me to. I still love looking at the coordinates that others post online, and I love to draw and create coordinates, but actually wearing it...doesn't really appeal to me right now.

Why? Is it the dresses I have? I've been told by many that I would really suit classic, and I am starting to like the more ornate classic designs. I still like sweet, but I think I like more toned down sweet, like AP's dressed without prints, or more subtle prints (like the Cosmic series).  Maybe it's just because I haven't had any new additions to my wardrobe recently. Maybe I need to clear out what few dresses I have left and start over from scratch. Or maybe I just need another dream dress to hunt after and covet.

Maybe the drama has finally gotten to me? I have never directly inserted myself into lolita drama, but a few people have pulled me into it or tried to start it. I don't really care...but I don't know, seeing others so affected by it...Or maybe it's that there's really been no "event" for me to wear it to, lately. I've had to keep skipping out on cons because of money, and the local comm has been dead. I know I can always wear it on my own, but I just haven't felt like it, plus the weather is only now dropping out of the 90s...

I was thinking last night, maybe I should "quit" and just sell everything, even my dream dress. But would I regret it? Yes, probably. I always thought it was silly that people thought they were too old for lolita. I imagined wearing it all my life. But now that I'm a little older...maybe I am outgrowing it? Or maybe I do need to switch to classic. I don't think I'll be wearing it all my life, that's for sure!

I just wanted to write down my thoughts on the matter.

When do you think you'll stop wearing your favorite fashion trend?

Life Update: Three OOTDs, Zines, and Etc.

I haven't posted in ages, have I? -_- There's quite a few reasons for that, which I'll talk about later. Firstly, let's talk outfits!

About a month (yeesh, a whole month) ago, me and my bestie decided to get dolled up in lolita and just hang out around the local college campus. Miraiina is actually pretty new to lolita, and this was her first time going out in it! It's something that can be very scary, but she said that having me with her helped, so yay. We really didn't do much, but we did film an OOTD video, which, when it's uploaded, will be linked to HERE. Below are both of our outfits!!

Miraiina's look~!

OP: Bodyline

Socks: Bodyline

Shoes: Bodyline

Purse: Loris...?

Accessories: Many Etsy stores!

Pink & White Delight

JSK: Bodyline

Bolero: Off-brand (Target?)

Socks: Off-brand

Shoes: Bodyline

Purse: Loris

Wig: L-email

Accessories: AP, factoffrills, Etsy, off-brand

My second OOTD came maybe three weeks or so ago? Pretty much, I wanted to dress up, and I wanted to be PINK. Me and Miraiina got matching pink jelly shoes, and I've been wearing them pretty much any excuse I get. Now, I want to say something about this outfit. I'm plus sized. I have fat on me. I jiggle. So I was kind of self conscious wearing these shorts, but I wanted to because I hadn't all summer. And you know what, I felt cute in them. So wear what you want, guys and gals :)

Unfortunately this is the best and only shot I got x_x 

Top: Walt Disney World

Shorts: WalMart

Shoes: A'gaci (Brand is Bamboo)

For the third OOTD, I'm really feeling fall. Fall brings out my inner goth, so I like to wear dark clothes and such. I had a lot of fun with this outfit, and honestly I felt wonderful. I did an OOTD video for this look, which can be found HERE. While I did get a lot of head shots (ahem, selfies) from this outfit, I didn't really get any full body pictures, so I had to take a screencap from the video XD 

I'm going to keep calling it Nu Goth because I can XD

Hat: Forever 21

Dress: Forever 21

Shoes: UNIF

Glasses: Vintage (from my fiance's parent's storage unit!!)

I've been kind of in a rut, lately. I won't really get into it, but I just haven't been very happy lately. I have some things I need to do, but I just can't find the energy to do it, and I end up sleeping through most of the day. Not very fun.

I have discovered a new show which everyone else has already discovered before me - Orange is the New Black! Wowwww this show is so, so good. From the first five minutes, I could tell that it was brilliantly written. I intended to watch it just to have on in the background while I do other things, but I literally cannot look away while it's on! I wholly recommend it! (If you are of the appropriate age, of course ^^)

Something else I've done which hasn't made me sad is CREATE ZINES. I've been in a creative/destructive mood and zines are the perfect outlet for that because they are so open format and can be whatever you want them to be. Like, thinking about them makes my brain tingly (in a good way, of course) and makes me feel like I can do anything. I'll be putting them up on Etsy once I have some printed. I'm planning on making a few different ones right now, but I'm sure I'll end up making loads of different ones *3* I'm going to a used bookstore tomorrow to find some books and magazines to cut up.

Also, I've been oddly comforted by pictures of plants, lately. Plants, fog, and water. Let me show you one of my favorites!!

Daisies! Water! Vintage filter!

Finally writing this, I feel a lot better. I've had this blog page open for about a week and a half, trying to finally write everything up and post it. I've just been so depressed, but hopefully I'll break through it soon. I'm going to edit a vlog I filmed today and watch more OITNB and draw some alien girls or something. I hope you all are having a wonderful day!!

OOTD: International Lolita Day - Summer 2014

Last Saturday was International Lolita Day! International Lolita Day happens once in the summer, and once in the winter. It's a celebration of the fashion that unifies us all.

I didn't do anything particularly special this ILD; I had invited two friends over but both said they probably couldn't make it. But  did want to celebrate and get dressed up - so did!

Pinky Paradise!

JSK, Shoes - Bodyline

Blouse - Thrifted

Socks - Offbrand

Wig - L-email

Accessories - Angelic Pretty, My Dearest Victoria, Offbrand

This is one of two new dresses that I received. I love it! It's so princess-y and chiffon-y. But it was so hot, and the wig didn't help, so I really just dressed up and then took it off. But then, one of my friends, Ashley, texted me and said she wanted to come over and get frilly! I got to dress up again, this time in my second new dress, a replica of Angelic Pretty's Milky Planet!

Dark in the Night

OP, bow - Oo Jia

Socks - Secret Shop

Shoes - Bodyline

Wig - MintyMix

Accessories -  Angelic Pretty, Offbrand

Ashley doesn't yet have any lolita clothes, so I got to play dress up with her! I dressed her in my Cinderella Bunny dress, pink bunny blouse, ankle socks, and Bodyline shoes!

Here is a picture of the two of us! Isn't she ADORABLE?

Although we really didn't do any lolita-esque things, it was fun to get dressed up! 

I hope you had a fun saturday as well!!

MeltyBunny's Guide to Plus Size Lolita Fashion

EDIT (7/716) - This is absolutely my most popular post on both my blog and tumblr, and is still passed around, so I've updated a few minor things (mostly links)! I don't even wear lolita anymore and I don't even like those coordinated in the header anymore, lol...but, this post seems to really help people, so I'm glad.

The topic of today's blog is very self explanatory - plus size lolita fashion! How to find pieces that fit, pieces that are affordable, where to avoid, etc., etc.. I got inspired to write this because one of my besties is getting into lolita! I'm still pretty basic at the fashion, but, you know, I try. I'm going to be focusing more on the "plus size" aspect of lolita rather then other aspects such as where to find accessories or coord building. However, if you have questions about anything that I didn't cover, you're more then welcome to ask!! I'm going to try to organize this the best I can...I hope this is helpful to some of you!!

GETTING STARTED

Okay, so you've ogled the fashion for a while, and you finally want to jump in. Great! But to be honest, being a plus size guy or gal gives you some limitations. That's okay, it doesn't mean you can't wear lolita! Everyone can wear lolita and feel like a princess!

Firstly, you're going to have to know your measurements. Each piece has different measurements! What I do is put on the underwear I would be wearing when wearing lolita - any shapewear, sports bra (it helps reduce bust size but may cause boob loaf) or other bra that makes your breasts smaller. I also take my measurements in both centimeters and inches. Most lolita websites have their measurements listed in centimeters, but a few are in inches. Bust and waist measurements are essential, but sometimes shoulder width, arm width, and even thigh and hip width if you're buying pants can be necessary. It's good to just take all of them!

Now that you know what size you are, you can start looking for clothing! But what should you get for your first coord? You have a choice between an OP (one piece), a JSK (jumperskirt) and blouse, or a blouse and skirt. Personally, skirts don't look too good on me because right now my waist isn't very defined. You'll also need shoes, socks or tights, bloomers or shorts, a petticoat, and accessories! It can be a little daunting at first, but it will be worth it! And once you have your first full coord, you can slowly add other pieces to your wardrobe!

BRANDS

One of the biggest myths about plus size lolita is that there are no brand pieces that will fit. That is absolutely WRONG. There are loads of brand dresses, blouses, and skirts that fit a variety of sizes!

My favorite resource for finding brand pieces is a website called GorgeousPlusLolita. The link will bring you to a page of plus size friendly brand and their individual measurements. Wow! Look at all of that! 

And of course, take note of shirring in pieces. Usually if a piece has shirring, it can stretch an extra few centimeters then the max measurements given. But of course, sometimes this extra stretch might make the piece look bad or give you the dreaded "boob loaf," so estimate with caution! 

But GPL doesn't have every single piece on their website, and they don't have any blouses at all. There are two libraries where you can browse and search practically any piece of lolita, Lolibrary and HelloLace. I prefer Lolibrary over HelloLace, but they both essentially serve the same function. Almost every piece has measurements listed! 

And if you really want a piece but can't find the max measurements or think it can stretch a bit further then what the internet says - do your research! Look for reviews! A good resource for this is the EGL community on LiveJournal for older pieces; I'm honestly not so sure how active it is nowadays. They are a great resource or lots of things, but people often post reviews of what they bought, and measurements and reviews can be requested as well! Another good resource is the Plus Size Lolita community on FaceBook.

Now, you can find some of these pieces on their brand's website. But many are no longer for sale there, or you may not want to pay full price. In that case, there are five great resources I have for finding and seeking pieces. The first is egl_comm_sales on LiveJournal (eta: again, not sure how active this is anymore). They even have a plus size tag! Second is LaceMarket, an auction site which also has a plus size tag, and is generally just a good resource for cheaper lolita items. Then there is Plus Size Lolita Sales on FaceBook. There's the regular Lolita Sales Community on FaceBook, but they do not have a specific place for plus size items. Finally, there's the used item shop Closet Child. A guide to ordering from them can be found here.

OFFBRAND

Next I'm going to talk about indie brands, off brands, handmade items, and replicas. 

There are many indie brands available, such as Chess Story, Dear Celine, Rose Melody, etc. Many of these brands have custom sizing options on their pieces for very reasonable prices! These brands can be found on the Chinese shopping site Taobao...unfortunately, I've never shopped directly from there, so I cannot offer much help. You do need a shopping service, like Taobao Spree, to buy for you. But, if that seems too daunting, there are websites that are essentially shopping services, like Qutieland* and Clobba. I prefer the layout of Qutieland over Clobba. If you do order from Taobao, whether you get it through a shopping service or one of these websites, it is going to take a while, so please don't order anything from here if you need it for a convention the following month!

*eta: It seems like this year, people have had problems with Qutieland taking their money and not following through and items not reaching their destination after months and months. I haven't heard an update about this recently, so please be cautious.

There are three main offbrands, the most popular being Bodyline. Bodyline used to have pretty poor quality clothing and was seen as "ita," but many of the pieces they have now are really good and high quality compared to what they used to have. There still are a few not-so-good pieces, but as long as you look carefully at the pictures and do your research, you'll be fine. Bodyline has many pieces in bigger sizes, and recently implemented a new search function where you can look only at those bigger pieces! One thing I've noticed about Bodyline pieces is that if they have shirring, they do seem to stretch further then what their max measurements say. For example, Cinderella Bunny has a listed max measurement of 100cm in the bust, but fits me at around 110cm. I can't guarantee that every piece is like that, but every piece I have bought seems to be like that. Bodyline is great for getting some cute dresses, socks, and blouses from, but I'd stay away from their petticoats, they tend to be not so good. The other two main offbrands are Fan+Friend and Anna House. Fan+Friend is great for staples such as blouses; they have larger and custom sizes in many of their pieces. Anna House does have a few lace monsters hiding on the website, but also some really cute pieces in custom and larger sizes.

Don't ever knock a handmade item! Even if you can't sew, there are some really talented seamstresses out there, and of curse they can make items to your specific measurements! ...that's really all I have to say on that subject.

Finally, there's replicas. A replica is what it sounds like, a cheaper and not always correct copy of another piece. Replicas are a big deal in the lolita community, as they are technically theft. But the two biggest names in replica makers, Dream of Lolita which can be found on Qutieland and Clobba, and Oo Jia, who can be found on her FaceBook or website, do make custom sizes, which is great in the case of a dress which might not originally come in your size. Most lolitas I've come across who do not approve of replicas won't be mean or anything if they find out you're wearing a replica. It's really your choice whether you decide to wear replicas or not. 

ET CETERA

"But I want to fit X!" Being plus size, there are just going to be some pieces that you probably cannot fit into. That doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you. It's just one of those things that you're going to have to accept. However, if you want to/are able to lose weight, I have a beginner's guide to weight loss here.

"I have wide hips, do I need a petticoat?" Yes. It's not really lolita if it doesn't have that silhouette. Classical Puppets on Taobao is famous for their poofy petticoats. eBay is also a good source for petticoats. And if one doesn't give you enough poof? Layer two!

"So I found this website called Milanoo-" No.

"Will other lolitas laugh at me for being bigger?" If they're decent people, no. There are cruel people in every community and lolita is no exception, so if you go to the places where people like these congregate, certain websites for instance, then you may find yourself becoming upset. But these people don't know you. They live on mocking others for no reason. They don't deserve to make you unhappy or make you doubt wearing lolita. If anyone ever makes fun of you because of your size, just ignore them and get them out of your life. 

I truly hope this helped some of you and like I said, if you need help with anything, I'm more then happy to respond! 

~Sunday Funday~ Friends and Lolita!

Today was a really great day for a number of reasons! Firstly, I hung out with one of my best friends, Chelsea! Chelsea and I have been friends since seventh grade! That's twelve years ago! We met because of our love of anime and Harry Potter!

We got coffee and went to the mall~ Neither of us had much spending money, but we walked around Sephora and ogled everything. Personally, I'm loving bright colors like Urban Decay's Electric palette and Sephora's in house brand liquid eyeliners in pink and yellow!

We also went to Hot Topic, and I decided it's been too long since I dyed my hair :x So I might dye it teal again? I don't know! Maybe pink again? Ummm…I don't knowwww. I think a darker color would look good on my shorter hair, so maybe purple? Thoughts?

Then we went to Hastings where I saw my friend Davey. She bought some movies there, and some popcorn! And when we got back to my apartment we watched Pineapple Express. Neither of us had seen it before, and it was pretty funny.

While we were watching it, I was browsing through a lolita sales comma…and I saw this set for sale:

It's a replica of Milky Planet, headbow and waist ties, another headbow, socks, replica bag, and jewelry! And the price was very reasonable! So I asked the seller to hold it until I get paid on Friday morning, and she said yes!! I'm getting a new dress and all these accessories!

Now, I wore replicas about a year ago, and then I decided I want to support the brands instead and that my replicas weren't of the best quality. So I'm a little conflicted here. But the real Milky Planet is a dress that I couldn't normally fit into. And yes, I am trying to lose weight. So one day, I'll sell this dress and get the real thing. But for now, I think it's okay. I also justify it's okay because one of my lolita idols, Princess Peachie, wears replicas, hahaha.

I'm very excited because I haven't been into lolita in a while, and buying this has sparked my interests. I don't quite know where I'll wear it yet…there haven't been any meets in my comm lately that I want to/can attend…and honestly, I feel very distant from many of the other members of my community. So maybe I'll wear it alone, maybe I'll ask a lolita friend to join me for an outing, maybe to a convention of some sort, who knows.

I hope you all had good days today too!
~Bunny

Depression Sets In? Top Ten Favorite YouTubers!!

Apologies for not posting in the past few days. I've been kind of down, and yesterday was literally the worst day in ages. Ugh. I remember when my depression first really took over me. I couldn't do anything. I was a lifeless shell, pretty much. But one thing that made me smile a bit was certain YouTubers.

This isn't necessarily a list of those YouTubers who cheered me up then, but rather my all time favorite YouTubers right now. Of course, many of those people who made me feel alive again are on this list! Some of these people are well known, others aren't, and they all make videos about different things. I hope you find someone you like here!

And you can find my new YouTube account here. Where are the vlogs I promised? Well…I filmed two more, and now my computer won't recognize the SD card or the cord. Huh. One day?

10. Drew Disaster

Drew is a new find for me, but she still makes the list! It will become evident as you read this list that I like vloggers who make fashion vlogs! I love her goth-y, cute style. She is absolutely beautiful and her personality is so fun! Definitely check her out if you like alternative fashion.

9. Piinksparkles

Sammie is one of those vloggers I found when I was in my dark time. I don't remember how, but one of her videos popped up in my recommended videos list and I gave it a watch. This is when I fell in love with beauty vloggers. Sammie is absolutely adorable and has a really unique fashion style. I've been following her for a while, and I've really seen her grow. A lot of times with beauty vloggers, I watch then not necessarily for the video content, but because hearing their voice and seeing their smile is like having a friend talk to you. She's one of the "bigger" beauty vloggers, but still check her out. She doesn't let her popularity go to her head and remain true to herself. And she was going to school (I don't know if she finished yet or not) to become a mortician, how cool is that??

8. Sycra

I found this user through a tumblr post. Someone was saying he had discovered the "secret" to drawing perspective much easier. I gave it a look and…yes he did. He has a lot of cool drawing tips and hints that I never would have thought of! Sycra also reviews art programs and critiques art, as well as showing his own art and doing art tutorials. I honestly haven't watched many of his videos yet, but definitely recommend him if you are an artist!

7. Princess Peachie

Peachie is one of my favorite two lolitas! She's a sweet girl and sweet lolita, and I just love watching her sugary, frilly videos. Her world seems so interesting, she's one of those people I really just want to be friends with. She's also a very strong girl, for many reasons. I love everything that she does, if that doesn't sound too creepy, haha. She's an excellent lolita who wears mostly Bodyline and offbrands, also, which is really cool in a fashion filled with brand snobs. If you like lolita fashion, give her a watch!

6. Blogilates

I've mentioned Blogilates before in my "Weight Loss for Beginners" post! Cassey has revolutionized making exercise fun with her pop pilates videos. She is so happy and bubbly, and in each of her videos she is very encouraging. It really helps you complete the workout! And if you don't have a lot of time, her videos are short, so you can just put on a few and get a whole workout!

5. JonTronShow

Oh, Jon. I was introduced to him through my fiance, who watches more gamer videos then I. Jon has a great sense of humor and his editing is just fantastic. He doesn't do let's plays, but rather reviews, both on YouTube and Normalboots. I can't really give him enough praise, so just check him out.

4. ‪愛川こずえ‬

Kozue is a lovely girl and a fantastic dancer. And did you know she played KozKoz in Akibaranger? Anyway, she was another wonderful person I found when I was truly down, and her smile and dances really cheered me up. I can't explain why.

3. Caddicarus

Like Jon, Caddy has a very unique sense of humor and his video game videos are so different from the norm. Me and the fiance just started watching him about a month ago, but we've since watched most of his videos because they're all so great! As you can tell, I'm not good at describing video game vloggers, haha.

2. blndsundoll4mj

Yes, I disagree with a lot of this girl's views and actions. But Trish is such a lovely, wonderful person. She doesn't just make beauty videos, but those are probably the videos of hers I like the most. Trish has dreams of making it big, and I really want her to succeed. And before you insult her intelligence, you do know half her current videos are jokes, right? I don't recommend Trish for everyone, but she is a lot of fun.

1. grav3yardgirl

Her name is Bunny, too! Honestly, she annoyed me a bit at first, but I thought, "Her name is Bunny, so I have to watch one of her videos!" So I did, and I fell in love. Bunny is probably the most unique person on this list, both in terms of fashion and personality. She also suffers from depression and anxiety, and I think that's one reason why I connect with her on a deep level. To be honest, I'm not liking a lot of her recent videos, they seem to be aimed more towards what her viewers want to see rather then what she wants to make, and she always says certain phrases because that's what her viewers want. But her videos from about two-three years ago…I must have watched her old videos at least five times each. Like I said, it's not always about the content, but about having someone there, talking to you. My love for this girl is endless. I want so badly for her happiness. I'd recommend checking her out, maybe watching some of her outfit of the day videos first.