April Daily Coordinate Review // The good, the bad, and the ugly

I did the "thing" and completed a daily coordinate monthly challenge for April. Each day, I put together coordinates and posted them to Instagram. At first, the process was pretty methodical. I selected a main item and built around it. Then it become more exciting and fun as I  put together new combinations and experimenting with strange ones. Later, the challenge became one that were both inspiring and cathartic.

This challenge made me see my wardrobe for what it was and what it could be. I have a capsule Lolita wardrobe, it's small but practical. Given my current Lolita lifestyle, I don't go on many meets and I have to budget my money for other expenses and hobbies.  So my wardrobe reflects this balance. What was most interesting during this challenge is that it made me a more efficient Lolita. At the end of the month, I had coordinates constructed with pieces that I would never imagine pairing that worked so well but I had a few that I no longer liked and wanted to sell.

The challenge gave me a fresh start and the focus towards an esthetic that I could love and build a wardrobe around. I started out as a Sweet Lolita, but, as you will soon see, I leaned more on the classic side. As much as I love Gothic Lolita style, I realized it's not for me. Still I tried working with the few Gothic pieces I had, but I began to get disinterested, bored, and generally uncomfortable with the coordinates. 

Time to step on out and go through 30 days of beautiful outfits and some mulligans.

April 2015 Coordinate challenge, starring my dress form Alice Milky Kawaii Fawn Pastel Angel Smith Martinez the 3rd.

The Darling Hobbits - Inspired Coordinates

To wrap up the series of Lord of the Rings trilogy inspired Lolita coordinates, I end with the darling and courageous Hobbits of the shire. Featured in this post will be Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin. The coordinates will be reflected from the costumes worn in Fellowship of the Ring, as that is when you'll see their most Hobbit-esque outfits.

One thing I did notice from all four hobbits is the palette was very warm and centered around Earth tones. I don't think that these are colors you would find too much in Lolita fashion which makes this post both a challenge and an adventure!

*For the sake of this experiment, no shoes will be added to the coordinate, instead I thought Hobbit slippers would do the trick :D
*I placed the Hobbit costumes post Lothlorien so they all will have the same capes.

*Style Note: Merry and Pippin share items of the same print, in different styles (JSK vs. skirt). I did this to show the friendship and bond between the two over the course of the trilogy.

Fellas of Middle Earth - Inspired Coordinates

To continue with the fantasy inspired coordinates, it's time to start with the great men of Middle Earth! This post will include two men and one elf: Aragorn, Boromir, and Legolas. The coordinates are heavily based on the character's custom (a generalization) however, I did try to bring in characteristics of their race or personality into each outfit. If you're feeling particularly fancy you can get a replica sword or prop to go with any of these coordinates! Check out the great selection at Replica Dungeon.

One attribute that is missing from each outfit would be a headpiece, I leave that up to the discretion of each Lolita as I thought large Alice bows or headdresses wouldn't work for these. There are plenty of sources to get ideas on what to adorn the head with such as Etsy, Forever21, and accessory shops.

The next post will feature Gimli, Gandalf, and Gollum/Smeagol. I'm not sure if I will do a coordinate post for minor characters. The four hobbits: Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin shall be in a separate post (I have to do those four justice...I can't wait to start!)

Aragorn [Wikia Link]

2013 New Year Resolution - The Wishlist

Original graphic from hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/

Happy New Year! 2013 arrived and brought with it the promise of a new start for many resolutions and goals. From choosing a healthy diet, adding a fitness routine, or saving money, people all over the world are choosing a different path for the new year in hopes of a positive result. After all, isn't that the best part of a new year to work hard towards a goal to see what will happen in 364 days? It's an extreme example because humans aren't perfect and will power sometimes fades but I believe that's the beauty of the challenge.

Once Upon a Frilly Time - Part 1: Storybrooke

I have been swept away by ABC's television show, Once Upon a Time. I didn't watch the series when it aired originally as I wasn't that interested (I was distracted by hockey and baseball to be honest). The entire first season is available to stream on Netflix, so I took advantage of that and marathoned the episodes for a few days. After the pilot, I was completely hooked!

Fairy tales in many forms, whether a Disney adaptation or in a book, have been in my heart and memory since I was a young child. Thus, the natural progression to watching OUAT and enjoying it started rather organically. I love the way the show explains the fairy tales, with the dual worlds, but most of all the show represents women in a positive way.  They are empowered  intelligent, beautiful, and most of all they are independent.  In short, they're badass.

Now begins the series of Lolita coordinates inspired by the female characters of Once Upon a Time.

This entry will focus on the main and some supporting cast: the Storybrooke version.
Note: None of the characters have a handbag added as in the tv show they are rarely seen carrying any of the sort. However, I know Ruby may have had a basket but I didn't feel that handbags would be that significant. There are other minor characters I left out because they show up may be 1 or 2 episodes and either are not reoccurring or rarely seen after that.

The coordinates were chosen based on the character's attitude, general clothing style, and personality. Plus, I have to be honest, I definitely picked items that I like and would definitely wear!

Emma Swann

Angelic Pretty - POP'N ROCK Riders Jacket

BTSSB - Ribbon collar cutsew

BTSSB - Saint Helena jumperskirt

Rocket Dog Rachel Boots [Zappos]

First meetup in Raleigh !

Last Saturday, I attended my first Raleigh area Lolita meetup. The event was hosted at Davenport & Winkleperry, a Steampunk cafe and bar. The meet was also a "swap-meet", so there were items that were being auctioned, traded, or bought. I've never been to a swap before and I didn't buy anything but the best part of it was seeing the items of different brands that I've never seen before, first hand.

There was such good eats like delicious chocolate chip and peppermint cookies and tea sandwiches in yummy varieties.  Though the food and setting was grand the people who I met were wonderful! Everyone was so warm and inviting. My first meetup was a very memorable and the experience was one that I've always dreamed of having!

I hope to make new friends in this community and attend more gatherings in the future.

Here is a picture of my outfit snap from the event:

JSK and headbow: BTSSB

Tights: Betsy Johnson

Cutsew: Offbramd

Shoes: Offbrand

Jewelry: Offbrand

Wig: Clair Beauty wig

Petticoat: Malco Modes