tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67119169294537115402024-03-13T07:28:26.756-07:00 The Twinkle BossUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711916929453711540.post-35068267536166851522015-06-12T12:56:00.000-07:002015-06-12T12:56:12.559-07:00Time To Grow Up<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been lonely for a very long time. This isn't to discount my two very best friends that I've managed to hold onto since we graduated what seems like eons ago. I love them both so much and would be so lost without them. But they both live a good distance away from me now, and neither of them understand my love for Lolita or BJDs, nor do they share my passion for artistic pursuits like writing or drawing. We're very different people, and that's amazing. But sometimes it's just really damn lonely too.</div>
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I've tried making friends in the Lolita and BJD comms for a long time, and my attempts have always failed for pretty much the exact same reason: I'm just too far away. </div>
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I know a lot of Lolitas have to travel for meet ups and I'm not special in this regard, but I'm beginning to feel like I'm fighting an uphill battle. If I am only capable of attending a meet up once a month, how am I honestly expected to forge meaningful relationships in just a few short hours?</div>
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Today, I think I've reached my tipping point.</div>
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I have been very excited about attending a BJD meet up that for once, was only about half an hour away from me. YAY! I've been planning on it for weeks and it's finally this weekend. However, because of the heat, the event organizer changed the location, to a spot an hour and a half away. I lamented my disappointed to the group about possibly not being able to come anymore because of the distance, and I was informed that I had been mistaken, this meet up was NEVER intended to be held in the spot I had thought it was. Somehow I had gotten myself turned around and I made a fool of myself. </div>
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Literally a few minutes later came a response to me about a question I had asked my "local" Lolita group on Facebook, wondering if there was going to be a sales meet up planned for this year. I was informed they only host one once a year....and it had already passed last month.</div>
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I know these seem like small things, but I feel so defeated. Because of wedding costs I had been gearing up and planning to post about my decision to sell a majority of my Lolita wardrobe with the plans to revive it later on down the road with renewed vigor. But now, I'm ready to throw everything I have on Lace Market at a deep discount, get it all out of my house and never dare touch anything poofy or lacy again.</div>
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I know some Lolitas have the desire and will to wear their frills all by themselves. I admire them, and take this to be a sign that perhaps I have been fooling myself for so many years into wishing this fashion could be for me. My feelings of confusion and shame over my looks have only worsened the older I get, and I never did find that courage I was looking for to wear the things I find most beautiful. </div>
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I don't know if this is the end of The Twinkle Boss. I had such high hopes and aspirations for everything I wanted to do. I still think that maybe if I had been someone else, I would have been able to make all these things happen. But perhaps it's time to accept that these things just aren't for me, to move on, and to grow up. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711916929453711540.post-36246726138887892432015-05-28T11:23:00.000-07:002015-05-28T11:23:07.258-07:00Redefining "Mature"<div style="text-align: center;">
So I know it's been a pretty slow months as far as updates go. I'm not going to lie, between wedding planning (and all the awesome DIY crafts that go along with it), gearing up for NaNoWriMo and preparing for summer at work (our busiest season), Lolita simply hasn't been on the forefront of my mind.</div>
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Well, sort of.</div>
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I feel like Lolita is so intrinsically tied into my personal sense of fashion, that even when I'm dressing like a normie, the cute, beautiful aspects of this niche fashion always manages to bleed through. And that's not always a good thing. </div>
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As the days constantly speed on by and I'm approaching such a huge turning point in my life, it's becoming more and more evident that I'm an adult now, and with that requires specific obligations-including my wardrobe. I'm sure a lot of 20-somethings can relate. We're too old to dress like we're still in high school, but not really ready to turn it all in for practical shoes and black pencil skirts. Even more so, I feel like we're a part of a generation that really values self expression, embracing our quirks and shamelessly flaunting our individuality. But how does that all tie into projecting a mature, confident adult image?</div>
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Through my travels on in the internet and research into what exactly makes up a respectable, adult-worthy closet, I find I usually come upon something that looks a little like this:</div>
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Essentials for an Adult Wardrobe</div>
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1. A black, simple blazer</div>
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2. A pair of perfectly tailored skinny jeans/boyfriend jeans/bootcut jeans/insert whatever type of jeans are popular at the time of the publication</div>
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3. A simple scoopneck white t-shirt and or/a white button up blouse (of the single pocket, pointy collared variety)</div>
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4. A classic LBD</div>
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5. A jean jacket</div>
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Hmmmm. I'm seeing an unsurprising lack of mentioning of anything remotely, well, frilly.</div>
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Okay, I get it. These really ARE the staples of a classic, timeless wardrobe and I won't dispute that. But what about the person wearing these clothes? What about someone like me who abhors pants of any style, fit or fabric and only owns one pair of jeans for farm work? Or additionally hates jeans on any garment, including the beloved jean jacket? Or who strictly wears t-shirts only for sleeping?</div>
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I can very easily gather a wardrobe like all the guidelines suggest. I can dress like a traditional grown up if a really wanted to. But that's just it-why are adults only allowed to fall within such a narrow definition to be considered mature? Why are details like lace, pastels and delicate fabrics treated with such disdain, and when included only so with the cautionary reminder to mix it up with something "masculine" like a jean or leather jacket and chunkier jewelry? Why is any outfit that is completely and 100% made up of traditional "feminine" elements viewed with such negativity?</div>
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I don't really have the answers to any of the questions. I know that somewhere in there part of the reason is lodged in (America's anyway) deep-rooted cultural mindset that traditional femininity is viewed as weaker or less than masculine traits. These sexist views are changing, but they have been so for many decades and these beliefs aren't just going to go away simply because I want to wear a bow in my hair and not be viewed as someone with a child complex. </div>
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So how does one exactly balance the external with the internal? How do I portray to the rest of the world that I'm a capable, mature adult while still staying true to myself and the person I want to be? I refuse to believe that growing up means letting go of the imagination, creativity and romanticism that fueled me in my younger years and continues to yearn to be expressed on the outside. </div>
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I feel like this struggle is one that I am going to continue to battle for the rest of my life. It's a delicate balance, one I've touched on more than once before and still don't have the answer to. Somewhere in there I'm sure the answer lies in self confidence of some sort, but until I find that holy grail, I will continue on my search.</div>
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Onward. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711916929453711540.post-62558315563995035672015-05-05T15:48:00.006-07:002015-05-05T15:48:50.231-07:00Forgotten Lolita Accessories Pt. 2<div style="text-align: center;">
Time for Part Two of Forgotten Lolita Accessories! It's been a little while and I figure now is as good a time as any to get the ball rolling again. So what are some more cute accessories that I think are often a little neglected and could definitely be used to spruce any outfit up?</div>
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<b> Sunglasses</b></div>
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I'm not the kind of lady who typically spends more than $12 on a pair of sunglasses. Honestly, if they're not getting lost in the abyss of what was once my bedroom (moving two people into a tiny room is hard!) then they're getting broken by my well-meaning but ever so not gentle fiance. Ah well, such is life. That just means I have more opportunity for variety! </div>
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I admit, I have a particular fondness for extremely round, large, Harry Potter-esque sunglasses, and much to my delight, with a little searching, they are available in a slew of colors! Which spurred me further into the next logical step of matching my sunglasses with my coords! Sadly, my favorite pair right now are a pair of super pink, glittery frames and I own nothing even remotely sweet in terms of Lolita, but the idea still stands. I'd love to see more super creative eyewear in the Lolita realm!</div>
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<b> Buttons</b></div>
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So, I have a basic chiffon white Forever 21 blouse, and a few weeks ago one of the buttons popped off the sleeve. I've been meaning to fix it for ages but always put it off for one reason another. Well, this past weekend I finally found myself wandering down the aisles of the local fabric store, and I stopped dead in my tracks when I came across the button aisle. Flowers! Bunnies! Rainbow colors, pearls, sparklies and pastels! There were buttons galore! Did I mention the bunnies!?</div>
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So I might just be super late to the party and everyone has already jumped onto the adorable button train, but maybe there's still some Lolitas out there who, like me, never realized just how much variety in buttons there really are-and just how easy they are to add to a basic blouse for an instant pop of Lolita charm!</div>
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<b>Brooches</b></div>
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Okay, so perhaps these darlings aren't quite as ignored as some of the other accessories I've listed, but I still feel they're vastly under appreciated in a fashion that suits them so perfectly! Perhaps it's because they have such a strong "granny" stigma attached to them, but I really think brooches can be so much more than the common cameo we'll occasionally see at the throat of a Gothic or Classic Lolita. A little digging through ebay, etsy, and the local flea markets and antique shops and there truly is a treasure trove to be found. They can also make an adorable addition to hats, shawls and scarves, and can be dressed up with ribbons and pearls for a little extra pop!</div>
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So there we have, Part Two of Forgotten Lolita Accessories! This was really quite fun, and I think it challenged me to think outside the box and dig a bit deeper into all those smaller details that I feel truly make Lolita a special fashion. It's always fun to find new ways to express yourself, and I love that these little additions are the perfect way to do it on a budget!</div>
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<a href="http://twinkleboss.blogspot.com/2015/04/forgotten-lolita-accessories-pt-1.html" target="_blank">Forgotten Lolita Accessories Pt.1</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711916929453711540.post-36557716833528944272015-05-01T11:48:00.000-07:002015-05-01T11:48:46.354-07:00Garden and Pavilion!<div style="text-align: center;">
So it's been some time since I've done a wedding update and I feel like indulging a little bit. Mostly because I just received some more photos from our wedding planner and I'm VERY excited! I had a little bit of a panic-induced meltdown not too long ago as there is quite some distance between us and our venue and I was very afraid of giving up so much control over how things would look and go for the day.</div>
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Well never fear! After a few phone calls I was able to speak with our coordinator and she was such a doll! Now that they know I'm a particularly detail-oriented bride, I'm feeling much more involved in the process and not nearly as anxious as before. Now if only I could nail down our theme!</div>
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I'd also love to share some photos. Reminder: NONE of these photos are mine! They were all sent from my coordinator and are from the archives of past weddings they've hosted.</div>
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So with that out of the way, here's where our reception will be held! It's ironic, as I never imagined getting married outdoors, but this is just so gorgeous! How can I say no to a classic white gazebo nestled in the midst of a perfectly manicured rose garden-my favorite flower? It looks so timeless and classy!</div>
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Our pre-reception will be held on the lawn right beside the gardens. Simple and lovely. </div>
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Lastly, the beautiful pavilion for our reception! I love it SO much! Our reception will still be held during daylight hours, but I just wanted to show the first picture since it's absolutely breath-taking! </div>
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As you can see, all of these photos are from very different weddings, so I'm still a little nervous about how it's all going to come together for my own (just looking at these photos gave me about a zillion more questions I forgot to ask). But all in all I'm I'm beyond thrilled with the beauty of our venue and I'm looking forward to bringing it all together for our fairytale day!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711916929453711540.post-36829236682336050102015-04-15T14:13:00.000-07:002015-04-15T14:13:55.296-07:00Dollaholics!<div style="text-align: center;">
So I know news of this brand spankin' new BJD forum has been making its rounds on Tumblr, but I wanted to join in the fray with my own little announcement! I am merely a member of the forum, but I'm already so thrilled by the positivity this forum is offering those to the BJD community. So I'd like to share it with you all, and encourage you all to join the brand new Dollaholics! </div>
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<a href="http://dollaholics.com/" target="_blank">http://dollaholics.com/</a></div>
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This forum is all encompassing and boasts not only it's own friendly, interactive forum, but a marketplace and specific areas to write blog posts (including offside blogs like Tumblr and Blogger), share photos and videos, and various groups. This forum is dedicated to bringing back the community aspect of the hobby, holding everything in a centralized space.</div>
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Personally, I'm very excited to see how this forum will continue to grow and hope more collectors will join and spread the word.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711916929453711540.post-57589628057416106702015-04-07T13:47:00.000-07:002015-05-05T15:49:29.388-07:00Forgotten Lolita Accessories Pt. 1<div style="text-align: center;">
One aspect of Lolita that I love is that it's all about the details. Even the simplest, most casual coord tends to look better with a hair bow or a necklace sprucing it up. And in Lolita, there certainly is a plethora to choose from! Anything from necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, crowns (hime or flower) and head bows of various shapes and sizes are all game. But many Lolitas take it one step further with caplets and shawls, purses, wallets and maybe the occasional gloves thrown on a classic Lolita here or there.</div>
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Still, I sometimes feel like there are still so many other interesting accessories that are going amiss! I know personally I am extremely guilty of ignoring almost a lot of the smaller elements (and it's something I hope to really focus on in this upcoming year), so I thought I'd take a moment to step back, and really reflect on everything the amazing world of fashion really has to offer. In this day and age practically anything goes, and Lolita seems to be transforming and growing at such an alarming rate that perhaps there's more room for some of these things than we've given them credit for.</div>
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So let's begin!</div>
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<u><b>Scarves</b></u></div>
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I won't even pretend to hide it-I absolutely adore scarves. If there's the tiniest nip in the air, I always feel ready to bust one out. And why not? They come in a huge range of colors, fabrics, prints and styles and there's absolutely guaranteed to be one that could suit pretty much any coord. While I realize not every Lolita lives in a climate cool enough to warrant a scarf, I know I'd certainly love to see more of them utilized when possible.</div>
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<u><b>Belts</b></u></div>
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Some might argue that belts aren't 'true Lolita', but I beg to differ. It's all about the details of the belt and placement. Belts that nip in at the waist are extremely popular in mainstream fashion nowadays, and as Lolita skirts and a large number of dresses rest at the natural waist, it really seems that belts are just the next logical step! Granted, these might be a little trickier to coordinate with some outfits, but when used correctly I definitely think they add just a little extra something!</div>
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<b><u>Watches</u></b></div>
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I admit, watches aren't really my favorite thing-to wear. But I never tire of looking up beautiful pictures of them! And the beauty of watches is they need not be terribly expensive and can be just as beautiful as a bracelet and definitely much more useful! I know in our modern age of cell phones that watches are certainly being phased out and those who do wear them typically stick to a tried and true favorite, but I think perhaps they might be an area we should open ourselves up to. They are after all a classic staple, and classics are deemed as thus for a reason.</div>
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<u><b>Baskets</b></u></div>
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Baskets are pretty popular for country Lolitas. And...that's about it. I realize these are definitely a little bit trickier to coordinate with, but I can definitely see them being used for sweet Lolita and something a little more classic rather than classic-turned-country. I admit this may be a stretch, but Lolitas are definitely known for their creative handbags, so why not explore the beauty of the basket a little bit more?<br />
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What do you think are some accessories you would love to see more of in Lolita? I'd love to hear them, and keep an eye out for Part Two!</div>
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<a href="http://twinkleboss.blogspot.com/2015/05/forgotten-lolita-accessories-pt-2.html" target="_blank">Forgotten Lolita Accessories Pt. 2</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711916929453711540.post-42871307316639822892015-04-02T15:04:00.004-07:002015-04-02T15:04:51.311-07:00Completing Kassia!<div style="text-align: center;">
So this post is a little overdue, but I figure a late update is better than none at all! A little over a month ago I posted about bringing home my very first girl BJD home,a DIMDoll Kassia hybrid with an <a href="http://twinkleboss.blogspot.com/2015/02/bringing-home-kassia.html" target="_blank">Asleep Eidolon body</a> that I purchased second hand. After that it was time to play the waiting game with DIM as I placed my order for her head.</div>
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True enough to the DIM website, less than a month later her head was shipped out, and she arrived March 12th, 2015. Her box was so much tinier than I had anticipated, but as I began to unwrap her I could instantly feel myself falling in love.</div>
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She came with a little certificate of authenticity! It's been so long since I've ordered a doll straight from the company I forgot all about those.</div>
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Freshly unwrapped, the smell of her resin was SO strong! </div>
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I wasted absolutely no time putting her together. Sadly my sunlight was beginning to wane by this time, but I was able to snag at least a couple of photographs of her fully assembled.</div>
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Ta da! I was able to borrow her wig, shoes and eyes from the stash I already had laying around from my other dolls. Luckily two of my boys have extremely small bodies and require girls shoes to fit them! Her dress was the only thing I purchased new from her, a quick $20 ebay purchase so she'd have something to stay at least a little modest.</div>
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Ironically, this look is absolutely NOTHING like what is actually suited for her character. Eventually, I intend for her to be a blue eyed, curly haired redhead with a penchant for detailed, extravagant dresses in jewel tones. It's going to take me awhile to have the time and means to get her to that point, but I look forward to the process and I'm just so enchanted with her at the moment I don't mind her inaccuracy. </div>
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So with that, I have my very first female BJD. She's everything I had hoped for and was well worth the effort to get her here!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711916929453711540.post-3878039462191007222015-03-27T15:16:00.001-07:002015-03-27T15:16:38.506-07:00The Dress Pt. 3<div style="text-align: center;">
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So, I realize it's been awhile since I actually updated this little series of my wedding dress shopping excursions. So although I know this isn't exactly the focus of this blog I still think it's important enough to warrant some attention. So with that out of the way, hopefully I will be able to complete these final few chapters fairly quickly. Without further ado, the second half of my David's Bridal experience.</div>
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This store ultimately wound up being the one I tried the most dresses on. Up next was another lovely Very Wang gown with a gorgeous crinkle chiffon and tulle skirt.</div>
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I had never really seen a fabric like this and it admittedly was very fetching. I absolutely adore the bodice of this dress. It was so unbelievably flattering and comfortable and made me feel just beautiful. The sweeping details on the skirt were also gorgeous as they were quite unique and reminded a lot of Disney's classic Cinderella's dress. Again we tried it with another belt just to give it a little pop of sparkle, but I know with something so wintery that the flowers weren't quite to my taste.</div>
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Sadly, this gown was just a tad above my comfortable price range. I know that had I fallen head over heels in love with it my sisters and mom would have helped me pay the difference. But since I was still on the fence, I was hesitant to take them up on such a generous offer. In the end, I think it was the crinkle chiffon that was both a bless and a curse. It was so unique and beautiful to touch, yet it was just different enough that it strayed too far from what I had always envisioned. </div>
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Next up with this little beauty. This was actually a gown chosen by my mother, which is why it might look a little different from the previous dresses. My mother and I have very different tastes, but I knew that I absolutely wanted to try on something that she specifically chose for me.</div>
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I was surprised at just how much I actually liked this dress. I was wary as it was covered in lace , had a lot of detail on the bodice and didn't have as full a skirt as I tended to prefer, but once I slipped it on I was pleasantly surprised. It was certainly a lot lighter than the other dresses I had tried on, and the sparkle and lace was way more elegant and classy than I had initially thought. What can I say, my Mom has good taste! And while this dress might not have been The One, I was pretty pleased to have tried it on.</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I tried on a few more dresses, but my appointment was winding down and with nothing jumping out at me I decided to try on</span><span style="font-size: small;"> the original Vera Wang dress on just one last time. This time I opted for the second version of the dress in blush and gold. Slipping it on felt like magic as I was once again enveloped in folds of beautiful, soft tulle. The pink was an element I hadn't ever considered before and the whimsical bow sent my heart aflutter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Still, as far as my entourage was considered, it was less than a winner.</span> <span style="font-size: small;">I wasn't ready to give up on it just yet. This had been the dress of my dreams the second I saw it online and I wasn't about to throw in the towel. I knew my dress shopping journey had just begun, so while I wasn't going to make a decision just yet, I wasn't ready to let go of it either.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So ended my very first wedding dress shopping trip. As I left the store, I was a finding myself wrestling way more emotions and confusion than I had anticipated. I knew exactly what I wanted and it wasn't particularly complicated, so why was I having such difficulty finding it? Was it supposed to be a super clear Aha! moment? Did it really matter if my family and friends disliked the dress if I loved it? Could I really opt for anything other than traditional white? Would I regret it later?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">It was a lot to take in and I wasn't nearly as prepared as I thought I was. One might argue that for a dress I would only wear for one day, it needn't be such a huge obstacle. And yet I view it from the other side of the coin. <i>Because </i>I get to wear this dress for only one day, should it not be absolutely perfect? Even a cheap gown will more than likely run a pretty penny, so should I not invest in something I truly love on a day I intend to remember for the rest of my life? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I left the shop with more questions than I did answers. </span><br />
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Part One: <a href="http://twinkleboss.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-dress-pt-1.html" target="_blank">Introduction</a></div>
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Part Two: <a href="http://twinkleboss.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-dress-pt-2.html" target="_blank">David's Bridal (1)</a></div>
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Part Four: Mafalda's Bridal</div>
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Part Five: Bay Area Bridal</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711916929453711540.post-34412202292956448132015-03-26T12:20:00.002-07:002015-03-26T12:20:49.622-07:00On sewing...<div style="text-align: center;">
Sewing and I have a very long and complicated past. I still remember the first time I became enchanted by its wonders. I couldn't have been more than 7 or 8, and I was standing in the local Grange hall, watching as the 4-H troupe prepared for their open house. There was a very tiny sewing group, made up of exactly one girl in fact, and the group leader was none other than my very own grandmother. Throughout the year she had created a beautiful line of dresses, and as I learned that those lovely garments came from none other than her own hands, I rapidly grew obsessed with the idea of someday making my own gorgeous wardrobe. </div>
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That moment was just the start of my tumultuous sewing journey. I joined 4-H as soon as I can, specifically with the goal of learning how to sew (and admittedly, it was an awesome excuse to convince my parents to let me adopt a bunny).</div>
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I learned immediately that I was terrible at it.</div>
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Tangled threads. Pokey needles. Unpressed seams. A frazzled mess of bunched up fabric and crooked hems. It was terrible. I stuck it out for a couple years before I threw in the towel. Everything I created had been a disaster.</div>
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But I didn't give up entirely. A few years later I discovered sewing was offered as an elective at my school, and once more I was rapidly taken in by the swoon-worthy idea of finally mastering this tantalizing art. I decided to give it another go. Fortunately for me the teacher was amazingly patient (despite dealing with 30 dramatic teenage girls at a time) and highly skilled, and despite my horrible lack of talent, I was able to, at the very least, come home with a very nice potholder at the end of the year.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After I graduated I was determined to continue my sewing pursuits. I bought my own sewing machine and lugged a 100lb box brimming with fabric and notions 6 hours away with me as I moved for college. I had projects, ideas, and a renewed zest. I was definitely going to make it work this time. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nowadays that box is sitting maybe 10 lbs lighter in the back of my sister's closet. Once again, my best efforts had left me with nothing but lopsided aprons and a hopeless wondering of where I went so wrong.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not it's been awhile. But as usual, the desire to sew has never fully abandoned me. Every time I struggle to find something beautiful in my size, only to find it's limited to those with a 26 inch waist, I feel that sting. Searching store after store, both physical and online to be left with the sheer frustration at the lack of simple peter pan collars, midi skirts and blouses thicker than tissue paper has left me in a haze of envy of those who never gave up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So here I am. Once again staring into the abyss of fabric and thread and needles and trying not to back down. I feel determined. I know patience is my downfall. Coupled with my burning desire to finally own beautiful clothes that truly fit correctly, I hope the passion won't diminish quite so easily. The fact that I continue to come back to it, despite the sheer irritation it causes me gives me a glimmer of hope that maybe this is something I really am meant to do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Crossing my fingers, and going forward with caution.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711916929453711540.post-79837260794552795992015-03-18T11:48:00.002-07:002015-03-18T11:48:51.546-07:00I'm Lost<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you guys remember that scene in Disney's <i>Lilo and Stitch</i>,where Stitch runs away? He takes Lilo's book, <u>The Ugly Duckling</u>, with him, after she read it to him and told him about the little duckling who was searching and cry out for his family. Alone and confused, Stitch wanders into the first, calling out for a home he doesn't realize he already has.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b2jHNDTH9FQ/VQm3jd5YuBI/AAAAAAAAA3k/IZQMSMr6fOM/s1600/imlost_by_colbybluth-d7618js.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b2jHNDTH9FQ/VQm3jd5YuBI/AAAAAAAAA3k/IZQMSMr6fOM/s1600/imlost_by_colbybluth-d7618js.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artwork by Colby Bluth</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sadly, I am neither as cute, fluffy or as as poignant as Stitch. But, I do think he and I do share something between us that is still very important. That is, a lack of understanding and acceptance of who we are.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I started writing this blog, I never intended for it to revolve around such issues as body positivity and the self acceptance movement. And honestly, I still don't really intend to delve too deeply into those very complicated issues. But, given how intrinsically tied together fashion and my own body image are, I think it would be naive of me to dismiss them altogether.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Personally speaking, I have never fully accepted, understood or loved my body for what it is, and I'm honestly not sure if I ever will. However, I do find that with the right clothes, I can find a new appreciation for it, which is why I think fashion as a whole is so important to me. I don't like to use clothes to hide myself or to feel like the garments are wearing me instead of the other way around. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Still, I'm struggling. Despite my bold attempts in the past few months to break out of my strict "all black only" box to pursue bigger and better things, I find myself seriously floundering. I look into my closet crammed with clothes, and this is what I find: half a dozen tulle skirts in various colors, too many solid black Lolita dresses I never wear, solid knit plain long sleeve t-shirts and tank tops, maybe three regular blouses and another half dozen frilly shift dresses. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nothing is cohesive. Nothing works. I hate wearing knit tops, yet I seem to be extraordinarily picky when it comes to purchasing blouses. Yet the lack the blouses makes it very difficult to wear my JSKs or my skirts. I feel like there is a HUGE absence of accessories-jewelry, belts, hats, cardigans, etc. that really pull together an outfit and make it look complete, yet I've so little understanding in how to coordinate these things without looking busy that I never seem to purchase any. Instead, I constantly feel plain, boring and ultimately <i>frumpy</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I do feel lost. Not only in my navigating my wardrobe, but in simply trying to understand who I am and what exactly it is I am trying to represent. I feel childish, insecure and self conscious in poofy skirts, cutesy tea parties and adorable head pieces. Yet I feel extraordinarily dull, uninspired and sad in the simple, boxy designs often offered by most American retail stores. I long for whimsical skirts, romantic lace and flowing chiffon. I adore bows and pretty roses and feminine polka dots. Yet I can't seem to find the right balance. Sweet, yet mature. Playful yet elegant.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm still searching. Still looking and hoping and trying. But I've come to accept it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm lost.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711916929453711540.post-52245497994458800092015-03-05T12:26:00.000-08:002015-03-05T12:26:45.160-08:00The Shift Dress<div style="text-align: center;">
So I've been thinking a lot about why my latest purchase from My Lolita Dress failed me so badly. I have a few staple pink piece in my non-Lolita wardrobe that I wear without a problem, so I don't think it was exactly the color. The fabric wasn't terrible, and while it was thin, it didn't feel cheap or wrinkly. It was loose, but it was structured to be that way. So what went wrong?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then this morning I was browsing one of my favorite online shops, <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/" target="_blank">Modcloth.com</a>, and I was hit like a battering ram with this new beauty:</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CSnzS0CBqlo/VPi0Fmksd9I/AAAAAAAAA28/xYMzg-km3nw/s1600/Pink%2BShift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CSnzS0CBqlo/VPi0Fmksd9I/AAAAAAAAA28/xYMzg-km3nw/s1600/Pink%2BShift.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh gosh, I literally felt my jaw drop. It's <i>gorgeous</i>! I instantly stuck it in my shopping cart as I eagerly await my next pay day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But it got me thinking-this dress has a lot of style similarities to my much failed MLD dress. They're both pink. They both have a shorter hemline. They both have no defined waist. They both are cutesy. Was I going to have the same miserable result with this dress as I did the last?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But then it occurred to me-I already own two dresses in the style of the Modcloth dress, and I love them! They're both so incredibly comfortable while at the same time always make me feel polished and pretty. And I think that's where I hit my snag with MLD. As similar as the cuts are, there was still one huge difference. That is, the MLD dress was still a Lolita dress, and as such needed to be made large enough to contain a petticoat. It wasn't an actual shift dress, but designed after the style of a Lolita dress.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now, I know I'm not a designer, but after slipping on one of my favorite shift dresses I could blatantly see that as flowy and loose as they were, no petticoat would ever live comfortably beneath their hems. They just aren't structured that way. So while I expected to have the same lovely, princess moment with my MLD dress, it was ultimately doomed to failure. I was looking for a shift dress effect, not a Lolita dress effect. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Personally, as I am slowly trying to wade into the world of proper clothing terms and design, this revelation is pretty huge to me. It means I can't assume every Lolita dress without a defined waist is going to fit like a shift dress, but it also doesn't mean I have to give up my beloved loose and comfortable frocks either.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So with that, I leave some further inspiration as to just how beautiful shift dresses truly can be.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AS8OAcf4tgE/VPiyfgo9nNI/AAAAAAAAA2g/BFRDXDmylEE/s1600/shift%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AS8OAcf4tgE/VPiyfgo9nNI/AAAAAAAAA2g/BFRDXDmylEE/s1600/shift%2B1.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qKHun1W0v7Y/VPiyiO-hO1I/AAAAAAAAA2o/70O72RJzI_w/s1600/shift%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qKHun1W0v7Y/VPiyiO-hO1I/AAAAAAAAA2o/70O72RJzI_w/s1600/shift%2B2.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qg0V-rjDCUw/VPiyknYR6CI/AAAAAAAAA2w/34-AhrcTJeg/s1600/shift%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qg0V-rjDCUw/VPiyknYR6CI/AAAAAAAAA2w/34-AhrcTJeg/s1600/shift%2B3.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you Modcloth!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711916929453711540.post-39796599196162725652015-03-04T12:12:00.000-08:002015-03-04T12:12:02.764-08:00Underskirt Ahoy!...and some bad news<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bad news first. I was really hoping to start off this month with a review of my very first lucky pack that I ordered from the brand Pink Up on the My Lolita Dress website. <a href="http://twinkleboss.blogspot.com/2015/02/my-first-lucky-pack.html" target="_blank">You all remember that, right?</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, it seems that shall not be so, as I woke up this morning to an email from Linda over at MLD that the lucky packs had all been sold out before my order has processed. So...no lucky pack for me. She asked if I would like to use the purchase toward something else in the shop and as an apology she would include a free gift.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Okay, I'm pretty bummed you guys. Like, really really REALLY bummed. But, I'm trying to look at the silver lining. I've been wanting an underskirt for a very long time and continually put it off in favor of more interesting things. So I figure this is a pretty good opportunity to get myself into gear and jump on that.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--TxgpanBju8/VMauJ1LXg7I/AAAAAAAAAtw/v1V9cAT5uIc/s1600/Underskirt%2Bblack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--TxgpanBju8/VMauJ1LXg7I/AAAAAAAAAtw/v1V9cAT5uIc/s1600/Underskirt%2Bblack.jpg" height="400" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JeJ Chiffon Underskirt</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the beauty I'll be ordering. Ideally I would someday like to end up with both a black and a white/off-white one, but for now I'll be going with the black one as it will suit a majority of my current wardrobe. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll still have a little left over for one other thing to go in my order, and I'm debating between either a mini shawl like one of these:</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2hMWxp6mhsk/VPdj-MfnYII/AAAAAAAAA18/XWvIUUN0trA/s1600/sweet-hollow-lace-lolita-cape-inf-1981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2hMWxp6mhsk/VPdj-MfnYII/AAAAAAAAA18/XWvIUUN0trA/s1600/sweet-hollow-lace-lolita-cape-inf-1981.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In wine red</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rceKhDSiAyo/VPdkCx_rJnI/AAAAAAAAA2E/jH6A-ELJQP4/s1600/sweet-white-hollow-chiffon-lolita-mini-cape-mif-3_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rceKhDSiAyo/VPdkCx_rJnI/AAAAAAAAA2E/jH6A-ELJQP4/s1600/sweet-white-hollow-chiffon-lolita-mini-cape-mif-3_1.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In white</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or this beautiful headpiece:</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yw1LH9Iopwk/VPdkKgRSLRI/AAAAAAAAA2M/owlhYeqajoo/s1600/kira-round-flowers-lace-lolita-headbow-1-kk-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yw1LH9Iopwk/VPdkKgRSLRI/AAAAAAAAA2M/owlhYeqajoo/s1600/kira-round-flowers-lace-lolita-headbow-1-kk-28.jpg" height="320" width="268" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
While either of the shawls would be quite practical in my wardrobe as I'm severely lacking in blouses and shawls are great for summer whether, but I also could use a pretty piece of headgear as I'm mostly limited to small, unimpressive head bows at the moment. What do you guys think?</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711916929453711540.post-34592060891413685672015-02-25T13:53:00.000-08:002015-02-25T13:53:59.822-08:00When dresses fail...<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some of you may remember my excited post <a href="http://twinkleboss.blogspot.com/2015/02/my-lolita-dress-review-ii.html" target="_blank">a couple of weeks ago</a> about my latest My Lolita Dress review. You know, for this dress:</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YeaAnKD91KQ/VO4m6cJksbI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/hYhBcFrAqdY/s1600/candies-stars-sweet-lavender-lolita-op-dress-hb-6_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YeaAnKD91KQ/VO4m6cJksbI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/hYhBcFrAqdY/s1600/candies-stars-sweet-lavender-lolita-op-dress-hb-6_3.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, sadly, not all dreams are meant to come true. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I first tried the dress on it felt lovely. The fabric was
comfortable and very lightweight and it flowed around me just as I
expected. It was shorter than I was hoping for but I wasn't surprised. It lands just a few inches higher up than I would prefer, though it's
nothing that a pretty white chiffon underskirt can't fix. The sleeves
are the biggest problem, although it's relatively minor. They are
definitely long enough and just as loose as the rest of the dress, but
they are a bit snug up top across my shoulders and back. Fortunately
this is only when I'm really stretching and it fits fine when I'm
otherwise standing or walking normally.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sadly,
when I turned around and looked in the mirror, it was a completely
different story. I ain't gonna lie, it was not a pretty picture. The
entire dress felt like a frilly, frumpy nightgown. I literally looked like the
definition of an overgrown toddler and I felt utterly moronic.<br />
<br />
I gotta admit, my heart was pretty crushed.<br />
<br />
I
took the dress off trying not to cry and put it away. To this day I'm
still not entirely sure where I went wrong. I do wear pink in my other,
non-Lolita clothes and the mature neckline and understated decorations
seemed like the perfect compromise between sweet and classic. But something about this dress just doesn't jive.<br />
<br />
A couple days later I did try it on a second time. This time, I tied the waist sash at a different spot, higher on my waist than before. That seemed to help a little. I put my hair up instead of down. I opened the window to let some natural light in. All these things (and heaping dose of under eye concealer ) all made the entire picture not quite so frightful.<br />
<br />
Still, it isn't enough. I literally dread the thought of ever wearing this dress in public. I briefly entertained the thought of transforming it into a skirt, but given my lack of skill and the fact that this color and fabric just might not ever look good on me, I've since retired that idea. So, sadly, up for sale it must go. I've never tried to sell off a dress quite so quickly before as I usually try to give them a few chances to mesh with my wardrobe, but this time the decision was pretty easy.<br />
<br />
Oh well. Some people just weren't meant to look cute.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711916929453711540.post-45892452623455501372015-02-23T13:24:00.001-08:002015-02-23T13:24:25.026-08:00Bringing home Kassia...<div style="text-align: center;">
So I know in times of grieving that "retail therapy" is never usually the best solution. But I don't care. Right now I need something new to focus on. Something with instant gratification that I ccan hold and touch and play with. And it just so happened, being tax season in the United States, I actually had the excess funds to do so.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I decided to purchase a new BJD. It's been a very long time since I've added to my collection and although I constantly wish about getting back into the hobby, I never really do. Well, I've wanted a girl doll for years, and as I've mentioned before in previous posts, there has been only one girl who has ever really caught my attention and stuck with me: DIMDoll Kassia.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ironically, I only purchased her body so far. I knew I didn't want the default DIM body, instead hoping for something a little more delicate and pear shaped. After too many hours of research that doubled as a wonderful distraction, I finally found the Asleep Eidolon 1/3 body. It's absolutely perfect. And by a stroke of luck, I found an amazing seller in the United States who was willing to split their Asleep Eidolon Solstice they had for sale so I could only purchase the body. She arrived super quick, and here she is.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4UAWxS9z-nU/VOuXG5mM8MI/AAAAAAAAA0w/joA1iavXZIU/s1600/20150220_165927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4UAWxS9z-nU/VOuXG5mM8MI/AAAAAAAAA0w/joA1iavXZIU/s1600/20150220_165927.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Been such a long time since I've had the excitement of opening one of these...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9-hTMGBjQmk/VOuXRPxyoLI/AAAAAAAAA04/hII1BKnE__k/s1600/20150220_170034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9-hTMGBjQmk/VOuXRPxyoLI/AAAAAAAAA04/hII1BKnE__k/s1600/20150220_170034.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And the first peek, a little bubble-wrap mummy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-emWIKVCStg4/VOuXgYfYZGI/AAAAAAAAA1A/yUdmrltmP2A/s1600/20150220_170123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-emWIKVCStg4/VOuXgYfYZGI/AAAAAAAAA1A/yUdmrltmP2A/s1600/20150220_170123.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here she is. Gosh, I feel like it's been so long since I've even handled my own dolls. Just unwrapping her and inspecting her over was such a delight.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XKXBkFRqc6c/VOuX7My2gAI/AAAAAAAAA1I/RWB_d4F1WU0/s1600/20150220_170256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XKXBkFRqc6c/VOuX7My2gAI/AAAAAAAAA1I/RWB_d4F1WU0/s1600/20150220_170256.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Standing all on her own. She's so beautiful and absolutely perfect. As my only girl BJD, it was very important to me to find her a body that I absolutely adored and I didn't want to compromise on that. I specifically knew I wanted a girl with smaller breasts and wider hips, and it was vital she not be overly thin with visible ribs or hip bones. This body is just gorgeous, slender but still with an obvious softness about her. <br />
<br />
Overall, I am extremely pleased with her and so happy to finally have my one girl BJD home. Her head is already on its way home to me as well, so luck willing she'll be whole in no time.</div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711916929453711540.post-74136046896651668862015-02-17T15:35:00.003-08:002015-02-17T15:37:12.779-08:00Muneca<br />
<br />
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I think I might be ready to do this. This is my sweet, dearest Chihuahua. Her name was Muneca. On February 12th, 2015, she made her journey to Heaven. She would have turned 16 years old in March.</div>
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She was very frail and very sick.</div>
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I love her very much. I won't ever forget her.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GPGtSH5sMwo/VOPOHZaNkoI/AAAAAAAAA0g/VuvaVl2YLfs/s1600/Muneca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GPGtSH5sMwo/VOPOHZaNkoI/AAAAAAAAA0g/VuvaVl2YLfs/s1600/Muneca.jpg" height="221" width="400" /></a></div>
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Farewell for now Muneca.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711916929453711540.post-19954314014179422312015-02-11T15:49:00.000-08:002015-02-11T15:49:21.295-08:00My-Lolita-Dress Review II<div style="text-align: center;">
Time for another review!</div>
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I readily admit I'm loving <a href="http://www.my-lolita-dress.com/" target="_blank">My Lolita Dress</a> more and more for their wide range of options, a comfortable range of prices and absolutely excellent customer service. I really wanted to splurge a tiny bit on a dress for Valentine's is it would be my fiance and I's first year anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than by wearing pink? I know, pretty scary right?</div>
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But I've never denied it. I LOVE the color pink! I simply lack the confidence to wear it. I don't feel comfortable in overly cutesy things so I know I didn't want to choose something that would only be suitable for sweet Lolita. So while I was browsing I was caught in by this lovely dress.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KbpPVdn0jMI/VNQkNV38NgI/AAAAAAAAAyM/kygm1Rvna0U/s1600/candies-stars-sweet-lavender-lolita-op-dress-hb-6_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KbpPVdn0jMI/VNQkNV38NgI/AAAAAAAAAyM/kygm1Rvna0U/s1600/candies-stars-sweet-lavender-lolita-op-dress-hb-6_3.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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I was really charmed by the more mature, classic looking collar and wrist cuffs, and the dress came with a matching sash that could be tied around the waist for a more fitted, less flowy look which definitely sealed the deal. Made of chiffon and sprinkled with tiny moons and stars, it was sweet, but (to me in any case) still held an air of elegance that could potentially be even more accentuated by the right accessories and shoes. </div>
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So on January 27th, I placed my order. As usual, the process was very simple through Paypal. I awaited my email to be notified when it was shipped out, but much to my surprise it arrived quite early on February 4th! I didn't choose a special shipping method, so 9 days in total was quite speedy!</div>
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As usual I forgot to take a picture of the packaging, but it was all wrapped securely in a Fed Ex bag, and the dressed was placed again in a second bag. Pretty standard and aside from some minor wrinkling (seriously, why do I not own a steamer yet?) the dress wasn't damaged in any way.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lsGVDDIFPzM/VNvLhJguXFI/AAAAAAAAAzs/gQDo8gLPig8/s1600/ATT_1423678639845_20150207_111042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lsGVDDIFPzM/VNvLhJguXFI/AAAAAAAAAzs/gQDo8gLPig8/s1600/ATT_1423678639845_20150207_111042.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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As you can see, the dress is pretty true to it's stock photo. A lovely soft shade of baby pink and adorable "pearl" buttons. They don't seem entirely strong however so I will have to keep an eye on them to ensure they don't break, although the dress did come with two extra ones attached in a bag.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YPg41H7C7C8/VNvM-rrabYI/AAAAAAAAA0A/VBKMugcZLWA/s1600/ATT_1423678639120_20150207_111115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YPg41H7C7C8/VNvM-rrabYI/AAAAAAAAA0A/VBKMugcZLWA/s1600/ATT_1423678639120_20150207_111115.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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The adorable little moon and star details! You can even see the extras like planets and star clusters, it's all so cute but tiny enough as to not feel super overwhelming.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1iJ7qlV1ebU/VNvNdg9KI5I/AAAAAAAAA0Q/o-dmD3Rn7OQ/s1600/ATT_1423678638348_20150207_111257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1iJ7qlV1ebU/VNvNdg9KI5I/AAAAAAAAA0Q/o-dmD3Rn7OQ/s1600/ATT_1423678638348_20150207_111257.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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The lace is unfortunately not the best, and I included a close-up of where it doesn't quite match up and there are loose threads in some places. Still, it doesn't particularly bother me as it's very small, and only on the hem of the dress and a small amount on the neckline. It's not extremely scratchy and stiff, but definitely not the best either, but since it's used in such a limited amount I don't find it particularly bothersome.<br />
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Overall, I am once again impressed by My Lolilta Dress' level of customer service (I must have bothered poor Linda, the sales representative about half a dozen times and she always answered me back promptly and courteously), and the professionalism of the entire transaction. Their website is constantly updating with new, beautiful items so I'll definitely be keeping my eye on it for the future!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711916929453711540.post-38162120759545087382015-02-08T16:22:00.001-08:002015-02-08T16:32:47.375-08:00Shopping Services and Taobao<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is my confession.</div>
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I'm scared to use shopping services. During all my years in Lolita I used one exactly once, and that was only because I was determined to get my hands on the Twinkle Journey OP by Metamorphose (which I ended up selling a year later, but that's besides the point). I didn't get scammed or end up waiting for ages. Nothing was damaged or needed to be tracked down during shipping. But. I <i>was </i>very, very anxious the entire process, and I couldn't feel truly relaxed until I had the dress in my hands. From that day forward, I vowed never to use a shopping service again.</div>
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Naturally, this limits quite a lot of things I can buy from taobao stores. For the most part I've been okay with this. My-Lolita-Dress is offering more and more from many of the popular indie brands, and there are so many beautiful things to be find from second-hand sales I never felt like I was really missing out.</div>
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Then the other day I was reading over at <a href="http://luna-rain.blogspot.com/2015/02/taobao-order-january-2015-picture-heavy.html" target="_blank">Luna Rain</a>'s blog, where she recently posted a review about her newest taobao order. I was instantly stricken when she showed two beautiful cutsews from<a href="http://shop58470817.tw.taobao.com/?spm=a1z3p.7398038.2014080701.2.eqfSKD&_lang=zh_CN:TB-GBK" target="_blank"> one particular taobao store</a> and I could absolutely not get them out of my head. For what feels like a ridiculously long time I have been searching for simple, but elegant knit tops to wear with casual, Lolita-inspired coords and have grown more and more infuriated by the lack of options! I honestly can not believe the lack of cute details in just about every place I have searched, except for-of course, Korean or Chinese sellers on ebay where anyone with a 96cm is listed as a 2XL (and the garment is probably STILL too small).</div>
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But as I'm browsing this shop (and per the review discovered these tops would likely fit quite comfortably), I have to admit, I'm wondering if it's time to give the ol' shopping service a try once again. Just take a look at these!<br />
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How can you say no to that! I have to admit, every day I am more and more tempted, and once I buck up the courage I may finally attempt my second ever taobao order. Wish me luck!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711916929453711540.post-75680347299330574412015-02-04T16:13:00.001-08:002015-02-23T13:29:59.955-08:00My first lucky pack!<br />
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I am so excited! I have finally purchased my very first lucky pack!</div>
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For as long as I have been a Lolita, I have always adored the exciting Lucky Pack posts that sprinkle egl, wondering what goodies awaited inside the many packs from the likes of Angelic Pretty, Baby the Stars Shine Bright and Metamorphosis. I longed to have one too, but many factors always stopped me- I don't like shopping through a shopping service, lack of funds and a general fear of wasting my money on a bunch of items I wouldn't even like or fit into.</div>
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So I waited.</div>
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Then just yesterday I was browsing through My-Lolita-Dress.com, and I came upon this:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ReA7PwMQn7E/VNJdMdLPYJI/AAAAAAAAAx8/Zp8O6WpLdkY/s1600/Pink%2BUp%2BLucky%2BPack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ReA7PwMQn7E/VNJdMdLPYJI/AAAAAAAAAx8/Zp8O6WpLdkY/s1600/Pink%2BUp%2BLucky%2BPack.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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Oh gosh, so many cute possibilities! And for such an affordable price!</div>
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I was super anxious. I had never heard of the brand Pink Up before and my goolge-fu was failing me. Still, with only 100 packs total (and only 1/3 of that in my size), I knew these babies were going to get snapped up fast. </div>
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Luckily some other Lolitas were able to help me out a bit and I learned that Pink Up is affiliated with the brand <a href="http://lnsears.storenvy.com/" target="_blank">Long Ears and Sharp Ears Studio, </a>which was only a hair more well known. Still, from what little I found, it seemed the brand had positive reviews and adorable options, and I was already chomping at the bit to finally experience what seemed a Lolita rite of passage.</div>
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I do admit I am very nervous about the sizing. Because of the lack of reviews, my only clear indication about their sizes is that they ran small. I ordered a size Large as their chart listed a bust of 96-98cm and a waist of 76-78cm, both of which should fit me quite comfortably with a little wiggle room to spare. However, my one review of the Long Ears and Sharp Eyes brand indicated that their L-XL size fit someone with a waist and bust at least 10 cm smaller than that! Oh dear...</div>
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Still, I'm keeping my hopes up! While about half their items look a little too sweet for my tastes, the other half is absolutely gorgeous and classic and mature! And as I'm especially focusing on expanding my wardrobe color palette and styles, I'm very much looking forward to what surprises are in store for me. Sadly my order won't be shipped out until the end of the month so there's a bit of a wait time, but I'll keep myself focused elsewhere until then.</div>
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I'll be sure to post a review once it arrives. Keeping my fingers crossed for a lucky Lucky Pack!</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711916929453711540.post-30809465831052054512015-01-22T16:06:00.001-08:002015-01-22T16:06:13.138-08:00Saying good-bye...<div style="text-align: center;">
This is Nazomi. </div>
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He's a Dream of Doll Kirill, and I purchased him in 2007. I am devoting this post to him because I am selling him.<br />
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Ordinarily I try not to dwell on the selling of a doll as I try to come to complete terms with it by the time I sell them and I'm more than ready for them to move on. At this point I've already sold two full dolls and two floating heads. It's not the most fantastic feeling in the world to realize a doll would probably be more suitable for a different home, but it's sometimes a necessary evil. But Nazomi is a little bit different. Nazomi is special.</div>
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He was, after all, my first doll.</div>
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I know there's a lot of differing opinions about selling one's first dolls. Some owners simply can't dream of it. Some owners hold onto their first even after they no longer like the sculpt. For some owners the sentimentality makes it worth it to keep first dolls around even long after they've been outgrown.</div>
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And other owners are different. Some sell their first doll within the first year. Some owners don't have a strong emotional bond to their dolls. Some owners never felt attached to their first at all and viewed them as a starter doll.</div>
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Neither type of owner is correct or incorrect. There are all sorts of reasons after all as to why someone may or may not choose to sell their first doll. And up until recently I was always in the camp of never being able to let him go. He is, still, quite special. He was the first doll I was truly smitten with and saved vigorously for. I purchased him as a graduation/birthday gift to myself. He arrived to me in my very first apartment on my own, and his arrival date just happened to fall on the birth of my cousin's very first son. He represented an original character who meant a lot to me and I had created in my final years of high school during a very difficult time in my life. Needless to say, he was quite precious to me.</div>
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But a lot changes in 7 years.</div>
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My tastes have changed. Even this little picture of him shows just a fraction of the amount of work that has been put into him in order to hopefully get him to look the way I want. He's been through more face-ups, wigs and outfits than any of my other dolls in a desperate attempt to get him to look how I envisioned. But there was always an underlying structural issue. His nose and lips were too thin. His chin was too pointy. Something, anything that could not be changed.</div>
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His importance to me as a character changed a lot as well. Although I still immerse myself in the fictional world that fuels my creative juices, the character of Nazomi had changed drastically, and is no longer as an important influence on me as he once was. He's no longer even a he! </div>
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I admit, it was a long process to accept the fact that he needed to be let go. Every time I looked up and saw him on the shelf, I was stung was annoyance over the money I poured into him and no matter how hard I tried, he just didn't aesthetically appeal to me anymore. Sometimes I would imagine what I would do if I could start over, would I get the same dolls? The answer was always yes...except for Nazomi. But I couldn't get over the guilt. He was my <i>first </i>doll!</div>
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Eventually, I caved. It wasn't easy. But after a lot of thought, I realized this doll had served his purpose to me. He helped me into an amazing hobby. He brought to life a character that was precious to me and encouraged me to continue chasing after my writing and artistic pursuits. He was an amazing inspiration to me that will continue on even after the doll is gone.<br />
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So this sweet Kirill is going to a new home. He is no longer Nazomi, and that's okay. Getting rid of the physical form does not diminish the spirit of his character, nor does it erase the wonderful memories he's brought me. I'll carry them with me and hope he can bring just as much joy and imagination to his new owner. <br />
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Good by Kirill.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711916929453711540.post-83206827802213843882015-01-19T16:24:00.003-08:002015-03-27T15:39:25.171-07:00The Dress Pt. 2<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>David's Bridal (1)</u></div>
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Although I had been intending to wait awhile between posts pertaining to me wedding dress shopping escapades, I have to admit the whole ordeal is still so fresh and exciting in my mind that it only makes sense to get it all out in the open now. While it may deviate slightly from my original Lolita-related intent, I find this is just such an important milestone in my life that it's difficult to really ignore it.<br />
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So while this little collection of posts might be a bit different than what I usually write about, perhaps that in turn is a good thing as it urges me to take that step forward in broadening my horizons and leaving reviews and examining other fashion outlets outside of strict Lolita.<br />
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Now, without further ado, I'd like to start with the first leg of my dress-shopping journey. The one, the only:<br />
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David's Bridal.<br />
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Yes. Just about every (American) bride knows of them, heard of them and perhaps even has an opinion on them. I've heard it all-from the amazing $99 deals on gorgeous gowns, to the shudder-inducing label as the 'Wal-Mart' of bridal stores. So I admit, this wasn't exactly my number one place to go shopping. <br />
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Still, fate has a funny way of turning our plans on our heads. While David's might not have been my top choice to go gown hunting, I was still chomping at the bit to go slip in some floofy white dresses. I had read numerous times online that the best time to go shopping was during the week instead of the weekend. Unfortunately, given how difficult it is for me to take time off work, that didn't seem entirely feasible, especially as I definitely wanted my mother, who also works, with me.<br />
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As it so turned out, my office closed down for about two weeks over Christmas and the new year, and I suddenly found myself with quite a few open workdays! I broached the topic to my mother about perhaps finding a day after the new year to make a dress shopping visit and she agreed. Lo' and behold, my little sister wanted to attend, and suggested we bring my cousin, whom we rarely see and would be down for the holiday, with us. Suddenly I found myself with an appointment at David's Bridal the day after Christmas!<br />
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Even though it wasn't top on my list of places to visit, I assumed it was a safe place to start. I could try on a few gowns, get an idea of what looked good on me, see some details up close, understand what was within my budget and most importantly, have a totally amazing day with my family. In the end, it turned out to be so much more.<br />
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The last time I stepped foot inside of a David's Bridal was almost ten years ago when my cousin was searching for her dress. It was a quick appointment and I remember very little from it. So stepping inside the store was pretty awe-inspiring. I had booked the first appointment of the day and once the doors opened I was floored at how beautiful everything was. Wal-Mart this was most definitely not!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">VW351213 in gold/champagne</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The second we walked inside I instantly saw this beauty. I admit, I had already been stalking this gown on the David's Bridal website for some time and it was the one dress I absolutely knew I needed to try on that day. It was gorgeous! A Vera Wang design, it had the perfect touch of whimsy with the bow on the front (a design element I have yet to find on ANY other dress), an empire waist that nipped in at the tiniest part of my figure and layers upon layers of gorgeous soft tulle! It was everything I had ever wanted in a wedding gown!<br />
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Except it wasn't white.<br />
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Yes, for some reason, this dress is not available in white. I had seen this dress in a few photos before and had thought that with the right lighting the gold and champagne might not be very noticeable, and it's true. I certainly don't think the gold is too obvious in this photo, but did I really want to wear something that I would have be trying to disguise all day? Especially as I don't even <i>like</i> gold all that much?<br />
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It was pretty heart-breaking. But I refused to give it up. Even when my entire entourage agreed for one reason or another that it wasn't the dress for me, I ignored them. Despite the color, I felt like a pretty princess and I didn't want to take it off. Still, the appointment was just beginning and there were more dresses to be had. So up next, a beautiful gown in stark white...</div>
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Ah, this dress was so lovely! A David's Bridal design, it too encompassed everything I had wanted-a ballgown, tulle, simple-and it was white! I have to admit, the second they put that veil on you it's almost impossible not to want to get married right then and there.<br />
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But something was missing. I couldn't quite place my finger on it, but there was a quality, there was...<i>it.</i> The dress just didn't have <i>it</i>.<br />
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But not to fear! That's what a huge selection of sparkly belt, flowers and bows are for! My consultant (and four year old cousin) were quick to rush off and find me a multitude of options that could possible spruce it up a bit. That could hopefully add that touch of dazzle and give that dress <i>it</i>. And I have to admit, there were some very beautiful options.</div>
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It was beautiful! It was gorgeous! It had some sparkle now! Some personality! And gosh darn it, did this dress make my waist look good!<br />
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You know, from the front.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SNNFqrFPon0/VL2XZcRRorI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/h-IiSbNINCI/s1600/photo%2B1%2B(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SNNFqrFPon0/VL2XZcRRorI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/h-IiSbNINCI/s1600/photo%2B1%2B(2).JPG" height="320" width="208" /></a></div>
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The side left something to be desired. </div>
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It was disappointing. My entire family adored this dress, and I couldn't understand why I didn't. It was everything I had described that I wanted, and yet when it just came down to it...it was boring. I felt like, if a random person was asked to describe a generic wedding dress, this would be it, and no amount of blingy belts could fix it.</div>
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But I admit I didn't want to give up on it all at once. After all, it <i>was</i> what I said I wanted. Still, this was only the second dress I had tried on, there were still plenty more to go!</div>
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Sadly, this post has already grown quite long, so I will be breaking up the second half of my David's Bridal trip into a second post. I hope so far my review and experience were enlightening!</div>
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Part One: <a href="http://twinkleboss.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-dress-pt-1.html" target="_blank">Introduction</a></div>
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Part Three: <a href="http://twinkleboss.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-dress-pt-3.html" target="_blank">David's Bridal (2)</a> </div>
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Part Four: Mafalda's Bridal</div>
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Part Five: Bay Area Bridal</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711916929453711540.post-56683421630326231572015-01-16T16:01:00.000-08:002015-01-16T16:01:05.302-08:00Late to the trend<br />
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I will fully admit, when I used to think of deer in Lolita, my mind usually went to something like this:</div>
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So cute! So adorable! So something I would never be confident enough to use in public without feeling like I raided my 4 year old cousin's toy chest.</div>
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It was sad, but true. Deer were very cute and lovely, but somehow I had warped them in my mind into something that was almost strictly associated with sweet Lolita. Huge eyes, pink fur and often associated with other baby animals, they were so sugary they made both my teeth and heart ache at the same time. I loved them, but I already knew through my trials in sweet Lolita that they would just not be for me. And somehow, through all of this, I was missing out on just how versatile they had truly grown to be within the Lolita community. </div>
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But then all of that changed when one day I was browsing through My Lolita Dress and stumbled across this beauty. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--8Yga4T-fMI/VLhXZSGOStI/AAAAAAAAAsk/_FVSzsGdlHI/s1600/chess-story-dear-deer-embroidery-daily-wear-lolita-jsk-dress-cs-34-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--8Yga4T-fMI/VLhXZSGOStI/AAAAAAAAAsk/_FVSzsGdlHI/s1600/chess-story-dear-deer-embroidery-daily-wear-lolita-jsk-dress-cs-34-8.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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It was like something had flipped a switch in my brain. Those soft, muted colors. That A-line, flattering cut. Such beautiful, elegant embroidery. It was all so...so...classic!</div>
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I know. I missed out on a lot.</div>
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But I think that's what happens sometimes when we get into our heads that trends are an inherently bad thing. We read about the lack of originality and the boredom, and it can sometimes urge us to back off from exploring something we might truly love. After all, who wants to a bandwagon jumper?</div>
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But I ordered that dress. And I learned something.</div>
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I didn't care.</div>
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I didn't care if I was joining a trend that many had long since considered tired and drawn out. </div>
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I didn't care if I was joining the masses with a dull, unimaginative coord that had been done a thousand times before.</div>
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I didn't care if my dress looked matronly or my accessories didn't perfectly match.</div>
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And most importantly?</div>
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I still don't care! </div>
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I'm not a very confident person, and as much as I loathe to admit it, I often put too much stock in what other people think of me. But allowing myself to love and adore deer and wade as deep into this trend as I want has taught me something I should have realized a long time ago. That is to say, <i>I would never be able to cultivate and accept my own personal style as a reflection of who I am if I continued to shape that perception based off of what other people wanted. </i><br />
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<i> </i>I know this is something most people realize by their late teens. But for me, this is a huge revelation. I know it's still going to be a struggle. I'm still going to feel that pressure and that doubt. But I hope that every time I look into a sweet little doe eyed face, I'll be reminded that I am my own person, that trends might come and go and that's okay to get swept up in them, and that my only goal should be to wear and express myself however makes me happy. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUKURdtRC_A/VLhZg53fQnI/AAAAAAAAAsw/fdt7npUpjcQ/s1600/deer%2Bhairpin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUKURdtRC_A/VLhZg53fQnI/AAAAAAAAAsw/fdt7npUpjcQ/s1600/deer%2Bhairpin.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lightinthebox.com</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-buM72KO7NtY/VLhZoHIlreI/AAAAAAAAAs4/IJEzHXdJz2M/s1600/IWdeer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-buM72KO7NtY/VLhZoHIlreI/AAAAAAAAAs4/IJEzHXdJz2M/s1600/IWdeer.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Innocent World</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-moaLPNJ_qDs/VLhZtIjdiOI/AAAAAAAAAtA/bsRTwARl7-o/s1600/vintage-sweet-deer-embroidery-lolita-bag-art-86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-moaLPNJ_qDs/VLhZtIjdiOI/AAAAAAAAAtA/bsRTwARl7-o/s1600/vintage-sweet-deer-embroidery-lolita-bag-art-86.jpg" height="285" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Lolita Dress</td></tr>
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Yay deer!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711916929453711540.post-63226073812032668512015-01-09T16:28:00.001-08:002015-03-27T15:39:43.543-07:00The Dress Pt. 1<div style="text-align: center;">
Dress shopping.</div>
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Every Lolita on the planet has, or will, more than likely, do this at some point in their life. It's a scary step, taking the leap to buy that first staple of the gorgeous alternative fashion we've been pining after for weeks, months, and sometimes even years. But then we take that leap and it's done. We made it. Then there comes another dress. And another. And maybe a skirt thrown in here and there.We learn what work for our body shape, what colors look great on our skin tone and inevitably, through the passage of time, we'll be drawn to that one gorgeous dress in our closet and over again. It makes us feel powerful. Beautiful. It's the epitome of everything we've wanted in a dress.</div>
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But what if things were different? What if we could only buy one dress, and that was it? What if we had to know we were making the right decision, out of the thousands of options? What if we only had one chance?</div>
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It's pretty scary, but that's exactly what I had to do. Only it wasn't a Lolita dress I had to choose.</div>
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It was my wedding dress. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bf8_Cb-ZIWM/VLBqsCnT-FI/AAAAAAAAAqI/DUMFMPuP49U/s1600/206_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bf8_Cb-ZIWM/VLBqsCnT-FI/AAAAAAAAAqI/DUMFMPuP49U/s1600/206_lg.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alfred Angelo Disney Collection "Belle"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I'm not going to lie. After I got engaged, I got bit by the dress-shopping bug HARD. Even though my wedding isn't for another year, I had to go shopping, and I mean right now. Honestly, can any Lolita really blame me? For years I have already been blissfully obsessing over poofy skirts and dresses dripping with lace and crystal jewelry. I knew what looked good on me, how I wanted to feel walking down that aisle and I was ready to go. Just grab my mom, sisters and bestie and we'd be off to drool over all the gorgeous gowns before I'd inevitably become struck by 'The One'. Psh. I'd have my dress in less than a day. It was that easy, right?</div>
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HA. HA. HA.</div>
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So young. So naive.</div>
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Don't get me wrong, I loved getting dressed up and seeing myself in the mirror for the first time in a huge, poofy white ballgown was a pretty enchanting moment. But I should have realized, for someone like me, who obsesses and agonizes and nit-picks every minute detail, this was not going to be a smooth ride.</div>
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So I'd like to share my journey. I know it all might seem a little self-indulgent (and I readily admit it), but not only do I love sharing into the wealth of information to other brides, I also feel like this dress-shopping excursion has also taught me a lot of lessons that can be applied to my daily wear wardrobe as well. After wearing on a dress literally worth thousands (and forever out of budget), I feel as though I've achieved a new perspective on clothing and what exactly goes into their creation. Additionally, I've also learned what exactly is and<i> isn't </i>important to me when it comes to how I wish to present myself, even on one of the most important days of my life. </div>
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I know there isn't any real comparison to all of the attention and detail that goes into a wedding day look, especially for the bride, but I like to think it's an experience worth learning from. It was a pretty anxiety-inducing couple of weeks, but absolutely well worth it all in the end! Next up, let's see those dresses!!</div>
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Part Two: <a href="http://twinkleboss.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-dress-pt-2.html" target="_blank">David's Bridal (1)</a><br />
Part Three: <a href="http://twinkleboss.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-dress-pt-3.html" target="_blank">David's Bridal (2)</a><br />
Part Four: Mafalda's Bridal<br />
Part Five: Bay Area Bridal</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711916929453711540.post-87660777327995457662015-01-02T15:34:00.001-08:002015-01-02T15:34:28.647-08:00My first OOTD!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy first official post of 2015 everybody! I'm unsure why, but I'm feeling all sorts of nervous and giddy about this post. I know I've posted outfit shots before, but perhaps I'm so jittery because this isn't a strictly Lolita outfit, even if it is Lolita inspired.</div>
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My fiance and I really wanted to dress up and go out for the first day of the year, and I found this gorgeous skirt on sale New Year's eve. It was so exciting to find as there were only two left and one was in my size! It's a lovely knee length with a gorgeous print of Paris on the hem! It instantly reminded me of a beautiful Lolita print and I love the idea of using it to ease my way into possibly wearing more true Lolita prints in the office. Here is how I ended up coordinating it.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VfOukHFR8Mc/VKbrHq4KZaI/AAAAAAAAApw/pjqQTzbDNbE/s1600/20150101_123229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VfOukHFR8Mc/VKbrHq4KZaI/AAAAAAAAApw/pjqQTzbDNbE/s1600/20150101_123229.jpg" height="320" width="140" /></a></div>
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<b>Outfit Rundown</b></div>
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Coat: Target</div>
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Skirt and blouse: Kohl's</div>
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Shoes: Modcloth</div>
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Hairbow: Daiso Japan</div>
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And a quick shot without the coat. Unfortunately this picture doesn't capture all the detail, but the blouse actually has an adorable bow near the neckline that is so sweet and feminine.</div>
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I realize now I probably should have taken a better close up photo of the print as I didn't how difficult it was to see in these photos. I'll be sure to try to stay more mindful of such details in the future. I also tried something a little different with my hair as well (you can even see the bow) and I'm pretty happy with it. It's nothing fancy but I feel like it adds a little more cuteness to the overall look and keeps my hair from completely falling in my face. I'll take more photos next time!</div>
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I'm honestly really excited about how this outfit turned out. It's soft and girly, but still gives me a nice feel of Lolita with the printed skirt, delicate hair bow and soft pastels. 2015 is off to a great start!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711916929453711540.post-11727746438873706052015-01-01T22:37:00.002-08:002015-01-01T22:37:48.465-08:00A renewed beginning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello everyone. It's a new year and I would like to reintroduce myself.</div>
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This is me.</div>
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I often go by the internet handle of Boss, I'm in mid 20s and I'm still finding out who I am. It's the new year, and even though this blog isn't even a full year old yet, I feel like it needs a fresh start.<br />
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I started this blog for a lot of reasons. Because I love Lolita fashion and adore reading blogs by other Lolitas. To reach out and connect with others who shared my interests. To stretch my writing skills and give myself a challenge. None of these things have changed. But over the past few months, I've realized that it's grown into more than that.<br />
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I've followed the blog, <a href="http://www.aslobcomesclean.com/" target="_blank">A Slob Comes Clean</a> for awhile now, and recently the author published a free e-book titled Giving God the Worst of Me, a personal biography about her unexpected journey which led her to online blogging. While I read, I couldn't help but compare myself to her words, my own struggles, desires and goals to her unique journey. It was absolutely eye opening.<br />
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And then it hit me.<br />
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I realized I want this blog to be more. More than a simple writing challenge. More than what it has become since I began writing back in March.<br />
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Don't get me wrong. I don't want or expect fame. But I do want to connect to people on a deeper level. To share more than the pretty, put-together, easy sides of me. I find that my favorite blogs are those belonging to people who I relate to, who are also struggling and learning through a particular new phase in their life, whether that be house cleaning, getting married or even starting a family. On some level, even if I'm not yet in their stage of life, I understand these people. I know what they're going through, and I love to read about how they overcome their problems while piecing together how I can apply these lessons to my own life. These aren't documentaries or written my doctors or magazine articles. They're just blogs written by real people, figuring out their real lives.<br />
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These are people just like me, and I want to blog just like them.<br />
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There will always be a heavy dosage of Lolita in this blog, because Lolita is such an integral part of who I am. But it's not all of who I am, and that is exactly what I hope to find. More and more I've been exploring the best way to express myself through fashion and I've already been through some bumps in the road while likewise making some interesting discoveries. Fashion is a fluid thing, and it's a personal choice we all make every single day in expressing who we are.<br />
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2015 is going to be a huge year for me. I'll be planning a wedding. I'll be on the hunt to move out into my own home with my fiance. I'll be moving departments at work while my company switches locations to a facility three times as big in the next town over. It's a lot to take in, and ultimately, as excited as I am, I don't want to lose myself in it.<br />
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Fashion gives me a great joy. It keeps me grounded and the opportunity to truly understand who I am. So while I'm always going to dabble and adore niche fashions like Lolita, I can't box myself into it. It's an important part of who I am and I have no intention of leaving it behind, but it's not all of me, and I'm finally learning to accept that.<br />
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I hope to use this blog to reach out and maybe even inspire others in my same boat. Fashion is so flexible, and there's a myriad of options. My body isn't perfect and I'm not fabulously wealthy. I have to work within these confines as a real person, learning real things. If what I'm learning can connect with others also searching to find their passion through fashion and understanding their own unique style, then that will be amazing. But even if not, simply having this blog here to help get me through my own journey will be enough.<br />
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Happy 2015 everybody, let's be off to a fantastic new year!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6711916929453711540.post-22629031497918862592014-12-30T18:57:00.000-08:002014-12-30T18:57:01.595-08:00BJD Resolutions 2015<div style="text-align: center;">
As my BJD hobby is becoming a great part of my life again, coupled with how easily it fits into what I deem as my personal "Lolita lifestyle", I thought it would be fun to add a secondary "resolution" list pertaining to it. However, as BJDs are even more frivolous than Lolita (as at the very least I do require clothing of some sort), I'm attempting to keep this list a bit on the more low-key side. As much as I would adore to splurge, with money on the tighter side of things this year, I really have to get a bit creative.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elysium Jamie</td></tr>
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<b>Customize Elijah: </b><br />
Elijah is my Elysium Jamie head hybrid on a MSDoll body. I've had him since 2010 and this poor boy has had almost NO work done on him. In my defense, he requires a pretty heavy modification as his character is half Indian and half Native American, so his super pale resin just isn't going to cut it. I'm going to attempt the perilous journey of somehow getting him to the right shade of brown (whether that be through dyeing or some other means), though after that my creative juices will probably be shot and I'll more than likely send him out for a face-up. Either way, he must be finished! This includes finally getting him an actual outfit that really suits him instead of the leftovers that just happened to fit.</div>
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<b>Find proper shoes for all: </b><br />
I'm not proud to admit that two of my dolls have absolutely no shoes to speak of. None. Zero. Not even slippers. This must be fixed. This year. Period.</div>
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<b>Take proper profile pics of all:</b></div>
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This ties into my Lolita resolution of attempting to grow patience with photography in general. I've put a lot of work into my dolls and I'm proud of them. While photo-stories and the like don't particularly interest me, I would like to have at least one, clear, pretty profile shot of each of them to share. Sadly, I only have about three thus far. </div>
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<b>Switch out eyes:</b><br />
I know this is such a simple thing, but I think this really shows the extent of my laziness. One of my dolls, embarrassing to admit, has never had a pair of eyes in his head. The others all have eyes, but many do not have the proper color or material. A few months back I went to a small BJD convention with my sister and actually managed to snag quite a few pretty glass eyes for awesome deals...and they've been sitting in a box since. It's time to stop avoiding it and just get them in their heads already.</div>
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<b>One big doll purchase:</b><br />
Pretty self explanatory, but I do aim to have at least <i>one </i>major doll purchase by the end of the year. This could be a new head (or two or three), a new body or even a really awesome, super intricate fullset outfit. I don't have any specific plans at the moment, but I know with proper saving then I will be able to achieve something special.<br />
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Yay for resolutions! I have a very positive feeling for 2015 and I'm excited for all it has in store!</div>
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