Hello Everyone! For today's post, I'm doing a new coordinate series called "One Dress, Three Ways" where I challenge myself to create three distinct outfits in different styles using one main lolita piece!
I also challenge my other fellow Lolita bloggers to do it too! I'd love to see what you all come up with!
I bought this dress on a whim when I saw Jo Anna (@octavekitten) post it on her Instagram/Facebook that she received it. I never seen it before and I automatically fell in love with it and needed to have it. It reminds me so much of Searching for Baroque from Baby, the Stars Shine Bright, which is one of my dream dresses. However, that dress is very hard to acquire and is very expensive second hand, so this was the next best thing.
It also has a very JetJ feel to it, another brand I haven't been able to acquire main pieces from due to the fact that they can be so expensive.
A quick review: The piece is extremely good quality for it's price. I was really astonished when I received it. The fabric is a very lightweight polyester and should be easy to clean and maintain. The bows are all detachable and so is the pearl chain, which makes it very versatile. I really can't say anything bad about this dress. It features gorgeously printed images of classic Rococo painting and artwork, and I love this theme! I will be purchasing from the brand Inori again!
As a side note, I keep saying it but I am so impressed by the Chinese Lolita Brands lately and I hope that they continue to go strong. Their quality in many ways rivals even that of the Japanese brands, and the designs are very unique and interesting many times. I'm itching to own a piece from Krad Lanrette, whom I would say is the leading Chinese Brand design and quality wise based on what I've heard from others, their only downfall is wait times and shipping complications.
Anyway, on to the coordinates!
Coordinate I: Purely Classic
JSK: Inori The Maiden of Versailles
Blouse: Innocent World
Socks: Juliette et Justine
Bag: Evil Live
Crown: Voodoodolly
This is a very simple purely classic coordinate that fits with the Classic Lolita "trend" of gaudy accessories and prints. I paired the JSK with JetJ's Grimm's Fairytale socks which also has gilded frame motifs. It seems a bit out there, but it's my style and what I like. To take this outfit a step further, I would perhaps add an ivory lace trimmed veil and a long ivory lace underskirt (something that I'm waiting to add to my wardrobe!)
Coordinate II: Dark Elegance
JSK: Inori The Maiden of Versailles
Blouse: Pumpkin Cat
Tights: Juliette et Justine
Bag: Evil Live
Necklace: Moss Marchen
Headdress & Veil: Made by Me
For the second look, I wanted to coordinate this JSK in a more Classic Gothic way. I love true Classic Lolita but I think I love Classic Gothic just a bit more (being a true Gothic Lolita at heart.) And yes, I did pair frames on frames again! It's a bit matchy matchy, but I don't know, I dig it! I could even do lace tights instead if the frames on frames is too much.
Coordinate III: Subdued Romance
JSK: Inori The Maiden of Versailles
Blouse: Ancoco
Tights: Grimoire
Bag: Modcloth
Hat: Offbrand
Here is a more simplistic Otome styled outfit. I imagine wearing this outfit for a casual picnic or stroll on the boardwalk. Perhaps with an Ivory parasol. Instead of the tights, I could even pair this with ivory lace topped ankle socks. This is one of my favorite looks with this dress. It's the most wearable and comfortable!
Which coordinate is your favorite and why? Let me know in the comments!
And I challenge you all to do this coordinate series for yourself and see how many different outfits you can create using one main piece! It's so much fun to do.
Ever wonder how your soul would sound if it had its own musical soundtrack? Does it change daily, according to your mood? Does it have a constant theme that carries through no matter how you are feeling? Or is it a single song alone?
I began thinking about this today after revisiting some music from one of my favorite bands, Avenged Sevenfold. I listened to a playlist on YouTube of some of their top songs, such as "Beast in the Harlot", "Bat Country", "Nightmare", and more. It really got me hyped up and I remembered why I love their music so much. Their sound is hardcore, almost vulgar, devilish, fast-paced most times, and highly melodic. Some of my favorite musical attributes are encompassed in their music.
I like a lot of Rock/Metal bands, but A7X is definitely close to my heart, along with bands like System of a Down, Slipknot, Green Day, to name a few. That's why I began thinking of what my soul would sound like if it had it's own soundtrack.
I think A7X's music is just that. That sound at least.
You must be thinking if you know me, or maybe if you don't know me, how the hell does a "sweet and mild mannered girl" like you get any type of Metal music from their soul?
When I discovered the Metal genre, it was something completely new and foreign to me. It was music that "people like me" aren't supposed to be listening too, i.e I'm a Black girl, so stuff like that is apparently "too white" for me. And maybe too "scary"?
Bullshit.
You see, I like what I like, and it usually takes me off the usual path. This goes for a lot of things. I also like a lot of different types of music, but if I had to honestly think of a certain sound of music that represents my soul, it would be melodic Metal music.
It's hard to choose just one band if I had to be honest, I like many, but A7X has this certain flair that, just speaks to me.
No I haven't betrayed you Moi dix Mois!
My soul is always screaming out but its outside appearance is silent. I like to think if people on the street could hear the rhythm of my soul, they would be afraid of it. It takes just the right kind of people to listen to it and think it's amazing. I don't know if that makes sense to anyone, but I think about this a lot.
I'm a nice person, I'm not violent or anything, but I often feel underestimated by society and the people around me. I feel like people think my soul is meek. I often surprise people who don't know me as well when I'm dropping the names of my favorite Metal bands or belting out dark sounding melodies at a karaoke party. The surprise I get from people who don't know really amuses me!
When I was in high school, I used to listen to Metal really loudly on the train rides going to and from school (an hour long commute that sadly hasn't changed much since), and old grannies/aunties would stare at me and shake their heads in disgust and perhaps disbelief that it was coming from me. I even had one woman call me the devil in Spanish once. That also, coupled with the way I was dressed back then (Hot Topic Goth/Punk), probably made an impact. But I was always very small and young looking, even to this very day.
These encounters have shaped who I am, which is, a person full of surprising attributes, many that can't be uncovered at face value. I'm proud of that deception.
So sometimes I wish I could let people hear my inner soundtrack, people who believe I'm perhaps that meek individual who is easily manipulated, so they can hear the roar of M. Shadows and the hypnotic thrash of Syn's guitar and run away fearing for their lives.
I now it's a little silly, but it's something I often wish.
Only people that share my bond with their music, or at least understand it, will be welcomed into my world.
I really dislike when people approach me on the street or otherwise and think they have me all figured out! Well guess what, if you heard the soundtrack of my soul, if you are an ignorant person, you probably will be very confused.
It's like, step off already! You don't and will never get me.
I'm talking a lot of nonsense in this post, but if you understood any of that and can relate to me, please comment! I'd like to know what your soul would sound like if it had a soundtrack...
Hello everyone! I'm here today with some interesting news, reflection, and self analysis. So about a month ago I did something I've wanted to do for many years, and that was to have my DNA tested for my ethnicity breakdown! I used Ancestry.com, and jumped at the opportunity to get tested when they had their Christmas sale (it was about $30 off the price of the test.)
Let's first speak about my cultural history. I identify as Afro-Carribean American. My mother was born in Antigua & Barbuda and my father was born in Jamaica. I am a first generation American born citizen. My parents immigrated here as young children (aged 4 and 7 respectively) and met each other in college here in New York City, my hometown. I've lived in the city my whole life. Most of my mother's side of the family from Antigua & Barbuda also immigrated here in the 1960's and 1970's, and many of my cousins are also first generation and second generation Americans.
That being said, without a doubt my family on both sides are descendants of slavery. The Trans-Atlantic slave trade brought slaves not only to the Americas, but the Caribbean Islands as well. This is the first piece in the puzzle of what I'd known my genetic makeup to be. I have been remotely aware of for the longest time. What I didn't know, was where the obvious European genetic attributes had come from.
An old-ish photo of me in my most "natural state", fro and all it's glory!
There is a lot of talk in my family about what parts of Europe we take bloodline from. Growing up I've heard everything from Portuguese, to Italian, to British. Many people swear up, down and around on the Portugal thing, so for most of my life that's what I would go around saying when people asked if I "must be mixed", even though at the end of the day I just say I'm a Black person, or Person of Color.
So what did my breakdown end up being? Let's have a look below...
Okay, so the 77% African thing didn't really come as a surprise, since that was basically a given, I mean pretty much everyone currently native to the Caribbean Islands has some type of bloodline that traces back to the Sub Saharan West African coast (and yes that does include Hispaniola and Puerto Rico!) I was pretty sure that I was going to get a pretty high percentage of Nigerian or Ghanian ethnic traces. It's very exciting to have some sort of knowledge of where my African blood originates. I studied both cultures in college, and now I'm even more eager to make an even deeper connection and do more research on where I come from.
My only sadness is that they cannot pinpoint exactly which cultural groups I bear lineage from, and there are SO MANY, Hausa, Fulani, Ashanti, Yoruba, Igbo, and more. But I'm sure I'm not from one cultural group in earnest because all the people of the region mixed together during the slave trade, so there really is no way to know. I basically have trace amounts of many! Which is still something to merit. Yes, slavery happened, but I won't let that define who I am or erase my culture.
So that brings us to the little European surprise I wasn't expecting.
Scandinavian?
When I saw this result I was very confused. I never heard anything about any Norwegian or Swedish ancestry of any kind in my family (probably because it was remotely illegitimate to begin with, for reasons I don't think I need to mention here, we all know what types of atrocities went down during the slave trade.)
So I'm quarter Viking? Okay...?
But after a small bit of research, it made a little more sense. Scandinavian nomads went EVERYWHERE. They migrated to and colonized parts of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa too, primarily the Western coast because they traveled there by boat from the Northern Atlantic Ocean. They pillaged, they traded, and mingled in all of these places, thus why the bloodline traces add up. I doubt me having this blood in me is due to any fortunate circumstance, which is a little saddening, but it is what it is I guess. There is really no way to know for sure, so what can I say?
Happy Leif Erikson Day?
It's interesting however, since I've been remotely interested in Scandinavian music for awhile, mostly in the Rock and Metal variety. Not that it's traditional or cultural in any way, but in a modern sense I would say it is a huge part of Scandinavian pop culture at the very least.
I also love snow and cooler temperatures? I mean I do...
Yea, not saying I AM Scandinavian now because of a quarter drop of ethnic ancestry, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't take the time to explore this unknown part of what makes up my biological makeup.
And there is Irish as well, which in a way derives from Scandinavia to begin with. There is lots of similarity in the cultures, and a lot of migration involved.
Nigerian Celtic Viking? Hmm ok.
And some Viking dipped a toe into Iraq for two minutes, thus the less than one percent Middle Eastern ethnicity? I'm not counting that though since it seems rather inconclusive.
At the end of the day I still identify as Black, and being that is the majority of my ethnic background, and how I present to others outwardly, I will continue to embrace this fact.
There is much more research to be done. I'm so curious about the genetic makeup of my other family members now as well so I can get a clear trace and perhaps uncover more similarities and differences. I hope I can convince others in my family to try it too!
Can't wait to learn more about all the cultures that make up my ethnicity, I will be sharing my experiences here going forward!
Hello everyone! First off, Happy New Year! It's 2016, and I'm ready for a very exciting and eventful year. I have a lot of things up and coming, and I've made some positive changes in my life. I'm hoping to make this a great year, but only time will tell.
Anyway, I just wanted to get some thoughts down on a subject that I have been thinking a bit about lately. The topic is music, and it's a but of a multi faceted question I want to discuss my thoughts and get input from others on:
Why is it that certain types of music become strikingly more popular than others in mainstream media? (Let's keep to the USA for this one)
Why are certain types of music not as widely appealing to a broader audience (instead of a niche one?)
Why do some people outright reject certain kinds of music based on narrow-minded views? (Language, deeper meaning to lyrics, instruments used, race/ethnicity of the performers)
I brought these questions up recently after my boyfriend went on a holiday trip to South Africa to visit family members there (just to clarify, because the question tends to be asked, he is in fact Black African, this will be remotely of importance later) and the question of his music tastes came up.
Basically, him being interested in mostly Japanese music was thought to be strange by his fellow family members, who almost exclusively listen to American Rap and Hip-Hop music. As many of us of African descent growing up in America, we are expected to follow suit, and his family expected that of him to, but it's farthest from the case. He does listen to some, but his passion is in Japanese music - mostly J-Rock and J-Pop to be more specific.
There is this stigma in the Black Community that if your music tastes aren't Rap, Hip Hop, and R&B, then you are an outsider. Your music, if it doesn't fall into those genres, is "too White."
My question always is, when the hell did music just belong to any specific race? I can understand said music originating from people of a certain race or ethnicity, but not the entire genre being a "race." Give credit where it's due but don't go denouncing people's musical tastes as though liking music made by someone not the same as you means you can't enjoy it. Seriously, that notion infuriates me to no end.
You can watch his video on the topic here (from YouTube):
That then brings me to my tastes in music, which I had been ridiculed for in the past for the very same reasons. I mostly listen to music in the Rock/Metal/Alternative variety with a toss of Dance/Techno/Happy Hardcore and of course Classical Music.
My favorite musical genre at the moment is Symphonic Rock/Metal (Moi Dix Mois, Versailles, Malice Mizer, Delain, Epica, Within Temptation, Sirenia, Nightwish, just to name a few.) Anyway, these genres are practically ignored as a whole by the wider Black Community. To my knowledge there are none or not many Black musical artists who participate in the genre either (but if I could make music, I would be so in that trust me...) It makes me a little sad, but I don't let that stop me from listening to whatever I want.
But, going back a bit before I get off topic, let's address our initial questions.
Why is it that certain types of music become strikingly more popular than others in mainstream media?
It's sadly simple, in my opinion, why this is. The general public, or the masses, like whatever is easy to consume. They like music with a hook, a catchy beat, generally upbeat sounding, and music that plays into their fantasies. People like music about partying, sexy women/men, finding love, driving fast cars, and getting riches. The melodies are often simple and easy to grasp. In comparison, many Symphonic Metal songs in contrast have very deep and heavy lyrics often melancholy (many about death, love lost, deep despair, and extreme emotion.) They have fast paced rifts and percussions that can be taxing on the ear of the "normal" person. The melodies are often more complicated and ever changing. This is why I think simpler Pop and Hip Hop songs hit the Top 40 and are regularly played on the radio because they are simply "easy on the ear" and make people feel fanciful. Is there more to it though?
Why are certain types of music not as widely appealing to a broader audience?
It's not that I want my favorite music to become mainstream and played out, but I really do wonder sometimes why don't genres other than Pop and Hip Hop/R&B get any real recognition? All the music on the radio sounds the same, like a carbon copy with a different voice. I feel as though people aren't really given a chance to even like anything different. Kids know all the songs that play on the radio like if those are the only songs that exist.
I grew up on an additional divide. I'm Afro-Caribbean, My family is from the Islands on both sides, so I do have cultural genres such as Reggae, Soca, and Calypso to identify with, and I do enjoy them, but I always looked for more. I was not a "follow the herd" type of girl. Thanks to the internet, I was able to discover, around the ages of 13-15, a lot of the music I still listen to religiously to this very day.
I feel like people are simply not exposed to enough music. Either they don't have the desire to seek it out, they might be afraid to stray from the pack, or they just don't know where to start? It could be a marketing thing, like maybe certain music was just never meant to reach a wider audience on purpose? Like the creators or small fan base want to keep it niche, which is fair. I'm not entirely sure how to answer this question with definition.
There is also musical theory which plays into why music even sounds "good" to the human ear. Just like there is the Golden Rule in mathematics involving symmetry, the same applies to music as well. Notes aren't just strung together at random to create music. It's chaotic to hear someone smash a piano keyboard or guitar strings haphazardly. However, for a musical piece to be truly astounding, it must have all the appeal I stated previously and follow the Golden Rule - and there is your hit song!
Science.
Why do some people outright reject certain kinds of music based on narrow-minded views?
This is what really bothers me the most. I've heard people denounce music for the silliest of reasons. Some people refuse to listen to music unless they can understand the language. That's being said, again I also listen to a lot of Japanese music. I also listen to music in many other languages. It's easy enough to look up the lyric translations for any song in the world these days. Not being able to understand is not an excuse. It's stupid, plain and simple.
I find this reigns true with many of my fellow Americans. Our music, music in the English language generally speaking (I guess we can include music from Europe as well) is regarded highly globally, especially if it's a well known song or artist. But music in other languages do not get the same recognition here in America. Most music in any other language besides English can't even get on the Top 40 list, and if there is one, the most we'd get is one song in Spanish (since it's the country's second language), and even then it's often mixed with English or has a repetitive hook of the same Spanish phrase over and over.
Also, is it conditioning? Does it come from ones parents and family, the renouncing of non-mainstream music? Media outposts dictating what you see, or in this case, hear? We are often taught, as Westerners, and as Americans, that everything we produce from all angles, are superior to that of the rest of the world, and I'm sure that includes music. We are told to like the music that "our people" like (or are supposed to like? I don't even...) is the music we should be listening to. That music is a trend, and not something to be cherished. That lyrics don't matter so long as you can bump and grind to it.
I believe, music is much more. Music is meant to be analyzed and picked apart. It's meant to be explored across boundaries of geography, time, culture, and language. It's meant to bring you up or down. It's meant to convey a deeper message or meaning, even a subliminal one. It's meant to be understood fully and with reason.
Music is life.
Please share your thoughts on this subject, I'm very eager to hear input from others on this topic. Remember, everything I said here is opinion, and not fact, so if you disagree with anything I said, none of it is absolute, its simply just my opinion which can be different from yours.
Hello everyone! It's been quiet around these parts for a bit, but hopefully I can get back into the swing of things on this blog again. Today I bring a mini haul and review of some recent Taobao purchases I made! For those of you who don;t know what Taobao is, it's a shopping site sort of like Amazon where you can buy a multitude of items from sellers all over China. Things however can tend to be hit or miss, so it's important to buy with caution and look out for scammers, knock-offs, and bad quality items. Just as you would be cautious on sites like eBay and the like, the same applies here.
To shop on Taobao, if you are from the West, you would need to use a shopping service. My service of choice is spreenow.com. Their site is very streamlined and easy to use, and their customer service is impeccable! I highly recommend using their service. They charge a 10% service fee for every purchase as well as paypal fees. In the long run, it's very cheap and even cheaper when you buy as a group, just keep in mind that the cost of shipping to you will increase the heavier the items are, so shoes and bags really drive up the costs by the end.
Anyway, I will assume most of you reading this are familiar with Taobao at least remotely, and are familiar with the many Lolita Fashion brands that are over there. Some of my favorites to list a few are Infanta, Krad Lanrete, Little Dipper, Boguta, Surface Spell, and Pumpkin Cat. If you are interested, here is a link to a comprehensive list of fairly trusted lolita brands on Taobao. Just keep in mind that some shops no longer update or can take very long to ship items (sometimes up to six months or more!) So again, be weary. Your taobao agent should be able to help you contact the shops to find out how long items will take.
Ok onto the items!
Infanta - Burgundy Striped Blouse
with Pointed Collar and Gold Trims
Quality - 3.5/5
No link because they blouse is currently not available.
This is quite a lovely blouse I must say. Sadly, at the time of purchase, they no longer had Size M in stock, so I had to buy a Size L. I tried it on, and it is rather big in the bust. Eventually I plan to take it in myself so it fits me a bit better.
I had to rank this down in quality because the bow brooch broke in two places. One of the crosses came off as it was attached with really cheap nickel plated rings. I was able to re-attach, but I can see them falling off again. I will need to use pliers to really close the loop more securely. Then when I tried attaching the brooch, the pin back completely broke off. I will have to replace that too. So basically, the hardware on this blouse sucked. But overall, it's nice for what I paid (about $40 USD give or take.)
I actually bought this blouse in a previous Group Order. I got the Ivory, and then I loved it so much that I ended up getting the black one this time too! It was hard to resist buying every color, as they have many to choose from! I really recommend this blouse! It fits amazingly! The sleeves are so fluffy! It;s very versatile and perfect for both Gothic and Classic looks! These blouses pretty much go with everything in my wardrobe, and I love them. They each cost me about $40 USD.
Ranked down only because I had to sew the top button back on because it fell off, and because the elastic on the sleeves are quite tight, so be very mindful of that. It's like that for a lot of Taobao blouses. I guess they want the elastics to stretch out over time and wear, or they think everyone has pencil wrists, haha.
Little Angel - Black Striped Blouse with Gold Lurex and Detachable Bow
I just love this. The fabric is soft and has a bit of spandex for a nice comfy fit! I love the detachable bow. It has a very quirky and circusy feel to it, and I'm sure I will be getting a lot of wear out of this. I kind of want more colors now! I bought their Size M and as I said, the fit is perfect with only one flaw - the sleeves are a bit short. I have fairly long arms, so be weary of that. It's not drastic, but it's noticeable when I bend my arms. I don't mind it too much though.
Fox's Feathers - Death Angel JSK II
Quality - 4.5/5
I ultimately decided on the long length JSK in Black, which I don't regret! This goes right past my knee and looks great on.
I was completely floored at the quality of this piece. The fabric has a nice texture to it and doesn't feel cheap and it isn't shiny at all. This dress is also no longer available as far as I know, as there was a bit of controversy about copyrighted art regarding this dress. The link I bought it from is no longer available for some odd reason. Apparently the issue was rectified, but I still wonder, haha!
Anyway, there are really rich and great quality laces and trims on this piece. The only thing I don't like is the lacing at the front is a little awkward, but I don't mind it. I also wish the waist tie was attached. It's a loose sash instead. However, it does give you varied options to tie it. The dress zips at the back, which is hard to get off and on, I would have preferred a side zip. I also wish the back was fully shirred, it would have been even more comfy that way, the bodice is a just fit for me. I like my shirring dammit!
Ultimatum? I think this was a good ass mini haul!
Coordinate One
Elder Witch
Here is a mature Gothic look. I used the JSK and the Blouse I received, that match perfectly. I paired it with a Gunmetal wig (from Lockshop), a circular veiled headdress I made, and a Moss Marchen gold rosary. I threw in my good ol' trusty Evil Live school bag like always (I only have two lolita purses currently, and this is my main one. I'm not one to collect purses. I just like having my staples that I can use over and over in many outfits.)
I would pair this with some black lace tights and witchy boots!
Coordinate Two
Spoopy Time
If you know me well enough, you will realize that I wear spoopy Halloweeny shit all year round, so I cracked up this number.
I recently also got the Metamorphose Secret Laboratory Long JSK in Emerald, and then I put it next to this blouse, and they are a match made in heaven! At first I didn't like this dress because I thought it was a textured cotton when I was on the website, but when it came in, it was Chiffon, and I was a little disappointed (I didn't read, I just clicked BUY.) But I think it's growing on me now! The blouse is like a soft woven cotton, so the mixing of textures is nice!
I added a bunch of other spoopy touches, like the Moss Badger Ouija necklace, Skeleton clips, and my new Aetherlund Batwing cuffs. I threw in the harlequin tights for a little circus feel. Also if you know me well enough, I like mixing crazy unexpected nonsense together! I topped this off with a sparkly veiled headbow and some clip in roses. I need more gold hair accessories!
I would have done more coords, but it got late and I got very tired, but if you check out my Instagram, I post random coords when I'm feeling inspired, so do look for them over there! Lately I've been loving the regalia and gothic stuff, so there has been a lot of that.
I just experienced one of the most amazing weekends of my year. I attended Rufflecon, a fashion conference of all things frilly in Stamford, CT. I can't even believe it all happened. I met so many amazing people, saw so many extraordinary outfits, and felt so overwhelmed with feelings from it all that I just had to take some time to recollect it.
I'm home now and I'm literally crying writing this right now because of all my feelings. It's just that real.
Though I am tired, energy spent, socially exhausted, and it's all spiraling into a blur, I'm still over the moon and overjoyed that I was able to be a part of it.
First off, I must say that this weekend was a serious challenge for me. I have discussed it before, but I do experience moderate levels of social anxiety, which can make it difficult for me to be completely okay at large scale events like these. I tried very hard this weekend to talk to as many people as possible, interact with strangers, give compliments where they were due, and uphold a level of composure while facing my biggest fears. Though I wish I did better, I also have to accept the fact that I shouldn't push myself past my limits and only do what's within my means.
Sometimes were quite hard. I find that I over analyze my actions and always feel that I'm not interacting as well as others are, but it's probably all a mental thing. I hope that everyone I talked to this weekend didn't notice! Usually I am really afraid, but that heart-racing and gut wrenching feeling I usually get wasn't as bad this time around.
It's bittersweet. I wasn't able to talk to everyone I planned to, at least not as much as I wanted. Since everyone was demanding everyone's attention at all times, it was hard to hold extended conversation with people. That of course is no ones fault, as there was so much going on that it proved very difficult to hold a conversation with anyone for any longer than three minutes most of the time. Because of that, I won't hold any hard feelings. I will cherish even the smallest of moments I got to experience with people, even if they were awkward or didn't go as I had planned.
You can't plan out all the interactions you're going to have with people. We are just, people.
We are individuals, and you can't connect with everyone on a deeper level even if you desperately want to. It just doesn't work that way. If it doesn't happen naturally, then it's not as nice anyway.
But lets not be melancholy. Let's talk about the good things for a little bit.
I have to sincerely thank everyone who complimented all my handmade outfits, and all my dear friends who wore my handmade pieces this weekend and praised my work to others. Even though I wasn't vending or showing in the fashion show, I still felt like I left an impression on very many people with my creations. Just the thought of it is bringing me to tears again as I write this because I feel so encouraged to keep creating amazing things.
One of my favorite moments was when my dear friends Andrea and Susan walked on the runway for the coordinate contest in this amazing twin look featuring my Virgin of Guadalupe JSK and Skirt. They both looked so perfect, and were the embodiment of what I envisioned them to be. I wanted to cry when I saw them on stage, but I managed to hold it in, I guess why I'm crying now!
I also have to mention my friend Aly, who was wearing my Robin's Egg Blue Bustle Skirt in an OTT classic coordinate, and she looked so amazing and perfect that I couldn't believe it.
Photo courtesy of my friend Crystal Winterdream
My friend Chris wore her Walking Museum skirt too, and seriously, all of you guys really have brought me so much happiness that I don't even know what is life anymore.
I am so motivated to really kick it up a notch with all the sewing work that I do and really push myself to keep creating and stay inspired. Next year my goal is to make Lilith et Adalia a more well known brand, both online and in person, in both the women's and children's markets.
Another iconic and memorable moment of this weekend was getting to meet and chat with Shin Haenuli, head designer and owner of the Korean brand Haenuli. She is just the sweetest most genuine person and I was deeply honored to have met an talked to her on several occasions, first after the Designer Q&A panel, then in the Marketplace, and also at High Tea where I sat at the table she was at. I told her how I made my own dresses and accessories, and she was astonished and blown away and praised my talents every time (and even joked how she would bring me to Korea to work for her!) I was also humbled by her stories of the difficulties she had to face leading up to her now blossoming success as a well known Lolita brand globally, lessons that I'm sure I will learn in the task that lies in front of me in designing for and becoming a well known brand someday. The pieces I own from Haenuli are that much more special to me now, I hope to get more in the future!
Then there was the Fashion show, and I'm so impressed by the work of all the designers. Triple Fortune was a show stopper, Haenuli was magical, Morrigan NYC was just mind-blowing, I Do Declare - simply amazing as usual, there was just so much talent and amazingness. I really look forward to being a part of all that next year. To have my work appear on the same stage as these amazing people, well just the thought alone of it brings tears to my eyes again, tears of the utmost joy. I really hope I can do it!
Brilliant Kingdom, the band formed by Triple Fortune designers Kaie and Babi, performed on Saturday night and it was a life changing experience. They just captivate my spirit. I felt like I was living in a dreamland. I loved their music so much. Their costumes were mind-blowingly amazing, and they are just as themselves, on some other otherworldly level of awesome. I'm a new fan of theirs no doubt. I was able to nab a pair of tights from them! No bonnet, but maybe someday! They are just so over the top and inspiring. I was happy to experience being pulled into their world of merriment. They evoked the same feeling I felt at the Kamijo concert, which really says a lot.
I just adore them, plain and simple. I hope they keep coming back year after year!
Though there were a few small things that brought me down, mostly due to social exhaustion, the fond memories will keep me happy for many years to come. Rufflecon 2016 here I come, I hope you are all ready.
So on June 6th, 2015, I had one of the most wonderful days of my life. Not only was it International Lolita Day weekend, in which I attended a wonderful brunch meetup with friends, and then hang out most of the afternoon surrounded by frills at Tokyo Rebel/Btssb NYC, it was also the day I would finally see my idol live in concert after being a die hard fan for about ten years.
Sadly we weren't allowed to take photos or video during the show, which is good in a way because it allowed me to fully focus on what what happening opposed to focusing on getting good pictures or video. I missed the opportunity to see Versailles in concert eight years ago when they came to New York City, so this whole experience was very important to me. Not only would he be performing Versailles songs, he would also be performing Lareine songs and his solo work. I was most excited for the really old Lareine songs.
Kamijo played with a support band of guys of various origin. On bass I was so happy to see Masashi, who was bassist for Versailles (following Jasmine You's passing) right before they disbanded.
The show began after several hours of waiting. I lost it when they began playing "Fuyu Tokyo" which is one of my favorite Lareine songs of all time. I couldn't help but sing along and dance, and I felt as though I was almost in tears from happiness. I swear Kamijo even looked at me in the crowd as I was singing my heart out. It was so magical and nostalgic.
A few more oldies were played, including "Finnacailles", which is another favorite of mines. And then he shifted into some Versailles era stuff and more of his solo work. All in all, I was most excited about the old stuff, even though I loved hearing Versailles era stuff live. I don't know his solo work as well unfortunately, but I did enjoy it nonetheless.
The audience was pretty great too. It wasn't too rowdy and it was pretty mellow. I danced and threw my hands in the air, things that are usually not done by me to be honest, but in that moment I was my inner self, expressing the feelings of my soul which was full of joy and excitement.
Kamijo is great live. Usually I don't like how most artists sound live, but no he was truly magical. I don't mean to be a fangirl, but it was like he was singing to my soul. Just being in his presence was like a religious experience. I've admired him for so many years of my life, and his music has influenced me all through my teenage life up until my adulthood and I hope that I will still be a huge fan, no, I know I will be for years to come. I'll be 80 years old and still listening to some of the best music ever made by him and his various band members.
There isn't much more that I can say without spazzing out, but I'm just so thankful that i was able to have this experience. By the end of the show I was exhausted, worn out, feet shot to death, and sleepy, but it was all worth it. If I could I would do it all over again. I don't know if he will ever be back in New York any time soon if ever, but I'm more than happy to have had the time of my life.
Until next time...
"Why don't you touch my heart, 'cause it's so sentimental night..."
