Mad Hatter's Tea Pot Meetup

Yesterday I organised my first meetup, this time based in Southport with CLAM (Chester, Liverpool and Manchester), the North West Lolita community in England. It was my first time organizing something, so thankfully I had some help from Anna, who lives nearby the cafe in our town. I had such an amazing time!

Everybody looked perfect and the food and service at the Mad Hatter's Tea Pot was great! Everyone in the cafe was really helpful taking photos and such. My friend from college worked there also, so it was nice to see her too. 

Here's a group shot:

I had a gluten free chocolate brownie and Margaret's Hope Darjeeling tea, which I chose because of the name (I have a character called Margaret Baron that I write about sometimes). I didn't get any photos of the food because at that point I had misplaced my phone into a pocket in my Angelic Pretty bag that I didn't know was there, so I panicked a bit looking for my phone, haha. 

Here are some more pics of inside the cafe. The interior was stunning with an Alice in Wonderland theme, as was the cutlery and china; the china was mismatched, which I like as you never know what special design you're going to get - I had a pretty tea cup with bluebells on, which looks similar to a set that my Grandma owns.

Mo, looking very cute as always! It was Mo's birthday at the meetup, so I wanted to make it special. I hope she had a great time!

The elegant Ruth and Nadina.

Mo again, as well as Katelyn, who's favourite colour may or may not be pink, and Emily.

Sweet Anna who helped me arrange the thing, and an angelic-looking Carol.

After a couple of hours inside the cafe, we took the train to Southport town centre and shopped and took some photos inside the Wayfarer's Arcade, which was all decked out for Christmas with decorations and carol singers. There was a Christmas-y balcony where I snapped some lovely shots of the girls, a huge Christmas tree, and an old-fashioned sweet shop. We also went inside the tights store and a shop selling parasols and umbrellas, as there were some very Loli-able finds. 

It was funny due to the reactions we gained from the public. Some people stared, some took a few not-so-discrete photos on their phones, and more than a couple of bemused people asked what we were wearing. "Don't tell me you dress like that everyday", "where did you get your costumes?" and "are you in a pantomime" were some comments. I wasn't too bothered by it, as I let other people do the talking (they explained that it was a fashion trend from Japan), but I thought the people talking about the pantomime were rather rude. 

In the Wayfarer's Arcade there is a sofa and furnishings company, and a lady from the shop came out and asked us to step inside so that they could take a picture and send it to somebody as a Christmas card! I thought it was really funny, and we got some great group shots there.

Afterwards we went to the amusement arcades on the seafront seeing as it was raining, and hilarity ensued, including two sweet Lolitas stuck inside a kid's Cinderella carriage ride! 

I had so much fun, and I'd like to thank everyone that came along for the laughs and a great time!

Haul Post: Innocent World and Closet Child

This afternoon I finally received my parcel from Japan! I've been so excited ever since ordering, and when I heard the doorbell ring just today I literally squealed and ran downstairs to answer and sign for it! 
I'm happy to say that its contents did not disappoint me, as everything is perfect and everything fits well. The only thing that disappointed me was the customs fee I gained, which totaled at eighty pounds - almost as much as the items themselves - it was completely unexpected, as I was under the misapprehension that the shopping service I used (From Japan) would do its best to lessen the blow at customs by marking it down. Never mind though; we live and learn, and I'm completely in love with my items!

 I ordered Innocent World's "Cherub Angel Candlestick Bow Ribbon" JSK in navy as an early Christmas present to myself, as I cracked under how gorgeous it was and figured that seeing as the past few weeks have been tough, I might as well treat myself in an attempt to cheer myself up. I love it! It looks like a sister dress to my Three Archangels OP, as both feature angels as a part of their prints. This print also has candlesticks and stars on it, and for some reason that I can't fathom, it reminds me of A Christmas Carol (my favourite book), perhaps because of the Victorian styled candlesticks and religious imagery. It would make the perfect Christmas coordinate, though I'll wear it all year of course!
 

As well as that, I saw my dream print since my early days of Lolita on Closet Child - Star Chiffon skirt from Alice and the Pirates - and just had to have it, as I knew it would fit and it was going for a really cheap price (24 pounds!). Needless to say, the shipping and customs made it much more expensive than that, but I don't mind because it's so cute.
I hope the injection of navy blue in my wardrobe will make good on my promise for the New Year's Lolita goals! 

Here's a coordinate that I quickly put together for my meetup this Saturday, using my new dress.

Blouse: Baby the Stars Shine Bright
JSK: Innocent World
Everything else: Offbrand

Midnight Georgian Petticoat

 I've been doing this project on and off for about a month now, so I'm glad it's done and I can move on to new things. The pattern was referenced from Janet Arnold's Patterns of Fashion volume 1, though I added an additional panel to give it more volume.

 My original design had it paired with a pale blue Georgian sack-back gown that had black trimmings, though I'm always open to suggestions for a new contrasting colour if you have any ideas.

 The back, where you can see the ribbon tied from the front.

I was initially going to gather the skirt, though the material was so hard to work with that I had to give up and try maths with pleats, which didn't really work either, so I ended up with the strangest looking double-pleats ever - perhaps a new sewing invention? (haha)

It looked a bit plain with nothing on it, so I sewed a ruffle and it went really well, even if I was very nervous sewing it! It looks so gorgeous on the end of the petticoat, if I don't say so myself. 

Things I'd like to do better next time I make a petticoat:

• Use a thicker ribbon for the waistband. Trust me, it will make it a whole lot prettier and easier.
• Also, make the ribbon longer for tying round the opposite side of my waist. Ten inches is apparently not enough to tie a bow for me!
• Instead of polyester taffeta, use silk taffeta or cotton - my fabric was really hard to work with. 
• Do single pleats or gathers instead of double pleats (for some reason I couldn't get the waist measurements right, and had to settle for double pleats, which I don't think look very professional - I'm such a novice!).
• Use a proper pattern instead of making your own (or following a Janet Arnold diagram, as obviously extant garments are only one size and would be different to my measurements). 

Next time I'll definitely look at buying a historical pattern from a company in my size, rather than rely on providence to make a Georgian pattern my measurements! Still, I had some fun making this, even if I did commit some sewing sins and the material frayed like the dickens. If I make this again, I'll probably do it in white cotton without as much decoration as an underlayer.

Sewing Plans for 2016

 Everyone knows that I'm the world's slowest sewer, so who knows if I can get all this done? In no particular order, I want to sew the following this year:

• Edwardian (1909-1913) dresses in white, blue and white,  and black and gold - all from this pattern.

• Victorian-inspired nightgown from the pattern on the top right.

• Gothic Lolita dress. I'm going to use the Alice in Wonderland pattern as a basis and make it in entirely black cotton, perhaps with some lace in the shape of a crucifix a la Moi Meme Moitie style.

• Period Lolita dress (inspired by the Victorian era). Something like this, in dusty purple and black. I'd like to look like a little Victorian girl!

• Georgian francaise gown in blue, made from my Father's office curtains that he no longer needs, haha. I have a sketch but it isn't scanned yet. It will be pale blue with black trimmings.
• Georgian robe a la reine with pink, purple, black and blue satin or taffeta sashes. I may also make some Lolita versions of the chemise a la reine.

• 40s summer top from strawberry material. In my mind it's cropped and very summery. I already have the fabric.
• 60s clothes from a Burda magazine I purchased, specially to wear in Florida when I go next year!
• Vintage beachwear.

From EGL: New Year's Fashion Review and Future Predictions

 It feels like a while since I've done something Lolita related on my blog, so I shamelessly copied and pasted this from EGL.

End of 2015 Questions:

1. Favorite look of 2015
 I don't think I've photographed many of my looks from this year, to be honest. Mostly I've worn my Three Archangels OP from Innocent World in many different ways, so it probably has to be a coord with that particular dress.

2. Least favorite look of 2015
 I love all my dresses, however I'm not too sure I'm into Sweet Lolita as much nowadays, even if little girls do call me a princess. I do love this Baby dress, don't get me wrong, but I'm not so sure that the shirring suits me.

 I think I was going for an old school look here.

I'm also not too keen on the colour and textures going on here.

 3. Favorite purchase
 Definitely my Archangels OP from Innocent World! I wear it so much and it's so comfortable that I can just wear it around the house. It's also very versatile for an OP.

 4. Least favorite purchase

 I didn't buy it this year, but I'm not too fond of my Whip Showcase JSK from Angelic Pretty. I haven't worn it yet because it doesn't fit! I need it altered, and maybe then I'll love it more. Shown as part of an outfit here.

5. An item you wished you purchased but didn’t.
 I really coveted the Antique Cutlery JSK from Innocent World in the brown colourway, and was about to order it for my prom before it was sold out! Luckily I found my dream dress that I liked even more than that (Three Archangels of course).

6. Trends you liked and didn’t like from 2015
 I know I'd never have a place to wear it, but I really liked the OTT Classic Lolita trends of 2015; they remind me of balls and fairy princesses! I'm not too sure about trends I don't like this year, however OTT Sweet Lolita with the split-colour wigs are one of my dislikes.

 7. Favorite release of 2015

 It's certainly a late release, but I really love the Cherub Angel Candlestick Ribbon JSK from Innocent World. I'm so glad I ordered it, even if the custom taxes hit me hard (80 pounds!!!). I'm also a big fan of the Old School re-releases that Baby did earlier this year.
 

8. What were your fashion goals of 2015? Did you achieve them?
 My main goal was to wear Lolita whenever possible, especially at college, and I have achieved that goal. My classmates seem to find it very cute, and I even met a girl that ran a Lolita blog on Tumblr (even though she doesn't wear Lolita herself, I think).

New Year 2016 questions

9. Predict the new trends for 2016
 I have no idea really, but I hope Gothic and Old School styles are popular next year. I need more Gothic in my life. Perhaps OTT Gothic and EGA will emerge again? After all, we've already had OTT Classic and Sweet.
I also hope for... Medieval Lolita! Sounds weird, but I want the rich jewel colours and goriness to come to Lolita.

10. 2016 releases you are excited for
It's not really a Lolita release as such, but a collaboration that Baby is doing with Pullip and something called Petit Prince is rather exciting for me. I love this doll!

Look at that print! I'd call her Rosanne.
 

11. Fashion goals for 2016

• Incorporate more colours into my Lolita wardrobe, rather than just pink. I'm looking at colours like navy and dark forest green, as well as white and black for next year.  
• Wear Lolita as often as I can (this week I wore it three days in a row).
• Accessorize more, use more unusual accessories like bonnets, and wear jewellery.
• Do some more things with my hair, instead of having it just down or in a ponytail. I'll need my hair to grow more for this, though.

Art Inspiration: Peaceful Spring and Summer Days

On Pinterest I've found the sweetest paintings of Victorian and Edwardian girls in the countryside, which is living my dream to be honest. When I have my own house, I can just imagine myself swanning about the garden in Edwardian and Lolita dresses, drinking tea and reading books on my days off. I'd love to live in the French or English countryside of course! These scenes are like my dreams come true.

 Albert Lynch

 Edmund Blair Leighton

 Emile Vernon

 John White Alexander

 Richard S. Johnson

Spring, John Lavery - my favourite dress of all!

Which is your favourite painting?

My Art: Sororicide

This post is well overdue seeing as I finished this piece in May! It is actually my final GCSE Art piece and got me an A*, for which I am very pleased.
 

Featured are Johan and poor Celeste, my two dolls that I played around with in order to get a setting I liked. They are Isul Johan and Pullip Nella, the set that Mitsukazu Mihara illustrated and designed. Instead of drawing them as people, I rather liked the idea of drawing the dolls themselves, massive eyes and all - and now we have a scene of a doll poisoning another doll! After all, the theme was "Fantastic and Strange", so you can't blame me for going all out, haha.

The story behind this drawing is that Johan, the younger brother, poisons his sister out of jealousy of her looks and beautiful dresses that their parents buy for her, earning her more attention. In my head he was a very lonely boy (or doll) and relied on the attention from his parents for everything, and when he realised that Celeste was fairer than him, he snapped and murdered her. It was inspired by a shoot in the Gothic Lolita Bible and my drawings of it, as I have done them in the same styles.