The End Of Immortal Eden by AatP

Today I will be taking a look at the new series by Alice and the Pirates. It is called End of Immortal Eden. The series contains 2 dresses, a skirt, socks, a shirt, a headbow, a bonnet, a headpiece and a few pieces of jewellery.

This is the JSK. The bodice is very well fitted and a good shape. I also like the slight heart shape neckline. The bodice has what I like to call a 'fake bow' as in there is material gathered to make it look like there is a bow stuck on the front. I still think that 'fake bows' can sit a little strange over the chest area. This dress has not convinced me that they are a good idea, but this dress looks better than similar designs I have seen and I think that is because it is more subtle. The fake bow is surrounded by pretty lace, which makes the neckline a cute shape. The front also has a ribbon corset. The ribbon looks well spaced and good quality. There is no detail at the waist, but I don't think this dress really needs anything there. The straps are a bit too thin for my liking, but you have the option of removing the straps to make this a strapless JSK. I think it looks better without the straps. The back has another ribbon corset which is again, neatly spaced and looks tidy. It conceals the shirring panel very well. The skirt part has a beautiful bell shape to it and I think it is absolutely perfect for this dress. You would be able to fit a decent amount of petticoat underneath to suit a classic or gothic lolita shape. The skirt has been kept fairly plain, so you can see the print in its full glory. The bottom hem is finished with some very beautiful rose lace.

This is the OP (although it is called JSK II on the site. I am going to call it an OP). The bodice shape is fine, although not as fitted as the JSK. However, the shape is helped by the solid colour ribbon belt. The OP also has wonderful waist ties, which have the lace part of the print on them. The ribbon belt appears to use good quality ribbon and the simple bow in the middle adds a nice bit of detail, without looking too sweet. The bodice also has a gorgeous cluster of roses with 2 lines of pearls hanging underneath. I think this is a really beautiful idea and I hope Alice and the Pirates use this design again in the future. The neckline has a nice square shape to it, finished with lace which although looks good, is not as pretty as some of the other types of lace used in this series. The sleeves look very stretchy. They are slightly puffy but thankfully, they don't look too sweet for this very gothic dress. This dress does not have any shirring and the back has been kept very plain. This dress also has a very pretty bell shape and it is suitable for the style of print. Like the JSK, the skirt has been kept very plain and the bottom hem is finished with rose lace again.

And this is the print close-up. If you read my last post about my 2012 wishes (which I wrote before this print went online), you would know I wanted to see more birdcages in lolita and I am very excited about this print. I think it is stunning! I love the decorative birdcage and the way the roses wrap around it. The roses have areas of light and drops of dew on them, giving them extra depth. The feathers float effortlessly around the print. I also like the line of lace with the subtle inclusion of the brand name hidden inside. This print is available in green, bordeaux, navy (shown) and black. The navy is my favourite, but the black/red comes a very close second. I have not been this excited about a print for a while now. There is not a single thing I dislike about this print!

This necklace is one of the pieces of jewellery being released. I like how it is not over-crowded with feathers, so it doesn't look too fussy. I also like the rose and the little brand logo charm.

This is the very feathery headdress. I wish it had been made a bit simpler because I think it is going to look too OTT when teamed with the dresses. If they took away a few of the feathers, I think it would look a lot nicer. I would stick with the headbow or bonnet.

So overall, this series gets a massive thumbs up from me. I love this set and I fell in love with it as soon as I saw the first scans appearing. I think the dresses are beautiful, and so is the skirt (not shown in this post). If I had to choose a dress I would go for the JSK, but I do like the use of roses on the OP. I think there are some very beautiful pieces in this series. Would I buy from this series? Do you really need to ask!? Of course I would buy from this series! It is such a shame I have already spent all of my Christmas money! This print is being added to my wishlist and it is definitely going to be one of my top priorities.

Things I would like to see in 2012

As we start a new year, it is time again for me to share the things I would like to see happen in the world of lolita fashion this year.

1. Angelic Pretty to release a duck themed print for Easter- Around Easter time, you can guarantee that Angelic Pretty will release a print with an Easter theme. In the past Angelic Pretty have released lots of things with rabbits, there was the chick shaped bag and last year, we got Sheep Garden. So... how about some ducks? Ducks fit a Spring time theme and it would be new ground for AP. AP, if nothing else, I can guarantee I would buy it!

2. Bodyline to release a pair of sax blue shoes which are actually sax blue!- I get very annoyed with Bodyline sometimes and a personal gripe of mine is ordering sax blue shoes when... they are not actually sax blue! This so called sax blue shoes seem to have a green tinge to them and I think the best way to describe them would be a duck egg blue colour. Don't get me wrong, I do like the shoes I ordered, but when something says it is sax blue I expect sax blue! Maybe I have just been very unlucky with my selections? If you can tell me about any Bodyline shoes which actually are sax blue, then do let me know!

3. A Lief Gardenberry replica- I am not going to get in to a replica debate but seeing as Lief have gone out of business anyway and are not going to lose any money, could we please have a Gardenberry replica? Lief were known for not having the best quality but I have always adored the prints they released. Gardenberry has always been out of my grasp. I once came close to getting it on the sales comm, only to find it had sold just a few minutes earlier. Very frustrating!

4. Less chess themed prints- I simply adore chess prints but I think we have enough for now. Chess was big news in 2011 (mainly thanks to AP, but other chess prints came out too) and I will be very interested to see which trends appear in 2012.

5. More Rakuten shops to allow overseas shipping- Some brilliant Rakuten shops already let you order directly from them but with lots of others you still need to use their forwarding shipping service. I especially would love to be able to order from shops such as Paris Kids directly.

6. For Bodyline to have an actual sale- In 2011, Bodyline held lots of "sales" which were really not sales at all. Bodyline very sneakily upped their prices just before a sale and then for the sale lowered the prices back to their previous cost. Not only does it mean that we benefit from lots of cheap stuff, it also means that Bodyline sells out of their really old stock on the website, making room for lots more new exciting things. I should point out, it is not just Bodyline doing this with their "sales" but they appear to be the biggest offender.

7. Everywhere releasing more navy blue items- my new favourite colour!

8. Metamorphose to attend Hyper Japan- This was actually on my 2011 list as well. Due to bad timing, I was unable to attend Hyper Japan in 2011 (mega sad about that!) so I don't know if Metamorphose attended, but they probably didn't! I may be on my own here, but I really noticed Meta not being at Hyper Japan in October 2010. I am grateful to all the big brands which make the effort to come to Hyper Japan, but I think Meta deserves a bit more love!

9. More bird and birdcage themed items- I just think they are beautiful!

10. More variety in the lucky packs- Has anybody noticed that instead of mystery lucky packs, a lot of brands now just release special lucky pack prints? I think part of the lucky pack experience is not knowing what items you are going to get. It is a bigger risk but generally, people are able to sell unwanted contents on. I didn't buy a lucky pack in 2011 because I wasn't particularly excited by any of them. But if I do buy one this year, I would really like to save up and get an Innocent World one. Every time I see somebody post their IW lucky pack contents on EGL, I get mega envy!

And as for me personally, I really want any meets I host to go smoothly, I would like to meet lots of new people and make more friends. I also want to get more organised with my blog posting, money, and just in general. Also, whilst writing this post, I looked up my old post about things I wanted to see in 2011 and I was very pleased to see that some of my wishes came true! I hope that the same thing happens this year!

Christmas haul and festive holly nails

Christmas has come and gone and we are about to enter 2012. My Christmas was awesome and I hope all of you had a good time too! Despite being in a post-Christmas daze, I should be back to normal posting next week. In the mean time, I thought I would update you all on all things Luna!

Well, I did say I was going to do some festive nails! I was going to do something very simple but then I had a sudden brainstorm and these are the resulting nails. In the end, I did a holly design with 3D berries. This photo was taken about a day after I did them so they don't look as nice here! Anyway, the nails came about because ages ago, when I was still using clay to make nail pieces, I decided I would make some cherry nails to match a skirt I had. However, I sold the skirt on and I was left with these red balls. So I used them for holly berries instead! I did the leaves and black background with nail pens and it took FOREVER to do. The berries were quite small so they didn't really get in the way like other 3D nails do. The berries were coated with clear polish to give it a more realistic berry look.

And now on to the lolita presents I got. I didn't get much lolita stuff this time because a lot of people gave me money to help pay off my Starry Night Theater dress (and I am now all paid up!) and usually only my husband is brave enough to buy me lolita! But I did get some very nice stuff...

My husband got me these Bodyline shoes. I didn't have any white coloured shoes so these should be very useful. I already own this style of shoe in red, so I knew straight away that I would like them. Even my mother-in-law recognised the design! Out of all my Bodyline shoes, this design is my favourite. They are simple, but with a cute bow. I find them very easy to wear. So I was very happy indeed!

The other thing I was given were these cute Bodyline socks. They have macarons on them! They are so pretty and socks are always a welcome addition to my wardrobe. They are pink and white.

I also got given some basic items such as some new black tights (always useful), make-up and nail polish. I am very grateful for all of the wonderful presents I received. I especially love how my friend Jo got me the best children's book ever-

It is the book we found when a group of us went to London in November! Now I can treasure this story forever.

But I think the stand out present has to be this one from my husband-

I got given a copy of my favourite painting by Edgar Degas! I got to see the real thing earlier this year, which was a huge deal for me because I have been a fan of Degas since I was little. Now I have a copy! I am absolutely ecstatic! It is so beautiful. Now I get to see it every single day.

I have not had many chances to dress in lolita recently because of Christmas (apart from the outfits which are viewable on my Lookbook) and also, because we finally got around to getting a wardrobe! It is from Ikea and it is so huge that we had to put it in the living room. It is the only place it would fit. So I have been busy sorting out my wardrobe and using the space as best I can. A few people have asked me to do a wardrobe post and there should be a post coming soon!

So I wish you all a Happy New Year for Sunday! Stay safe and have fun!

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2012!

I just want to wish all my wonderful readers and followers a very Merry Christmas! And so, I present my very dodgy looking Christmas card! I have never been that good with technology!

I will be taking a mini break during the festive season to spend time with friends and family. I don't know yet if I will be doing any posts next week but we will see how things go. Things will be back to normal in January. So, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Here is hoping for a brilliant 2012!

Love Ring Present Box by BABY

Today I will be taking a look at Love Ring Present Box by BABY. This series has 2 dresses, a skirt, a shirt, a headbow, a hat, socks, a bag and various accessories. 

This is the Amy JSK. I thought the bodice didn't have a lot of structure to it. It looks a bit droopy and in the picture you can see folds of loose material. This is not helped by the shape of the sleeves. Although this dress is described as a JSK, the sleeves are almost like that on an OP and they look like they are falling downwards. The sleeves do appear very stretchy and will probably be useful for a plus-sized lolita, but I think this is going to look too big on smaller wearers. There is a very large waist bow, placed to one side and it does suit the gift theme. The bow appears to be well structured, but I think the middle part is a bit too wide and if it had been narrower, the bow would have a nicer plumper shape. The lace on the bow is pretty and firm, although some will say it is too OTT. You can detach the bow if you desire. I like how the bodice is solid colour instead of a continuation of the print part because I think it is a good idea to break up the print a bit and also gives a contrast to the lace colour. The bodice has a small lace bib, which is very detailed. It is cute, but I think it would have been good if the bib was a bit wider. The bib is topped with a ribbon bow, which has a pretty shape. The neckline and the bottom of the sleeves are lined with quality lace, and the neckline even has lace in the shape of card suits (although I don't quite understand how playing cards fit the theme) which is very pretty.

The waist straps are very well hidden from the front. I did like how they have these cute teddy shaped buttons! The back of the bodice has a very generous panel of shirring which is covered by a ribbon corset. However, the shirring panel looks very obvious due to the spacing of the ribbon and also the use of lace on both sides of the shirring. The skirt shape is quite straight and could have done with being a bit rounder, so that it suits a sweet shape. It does look like it will flare outwards a lot, so it will accommodate a lot of petticoat underneath. The skirt part has been kept quite plain, which means the print is displayed well and not obscured. The bottom hem has a ruffle of the solid colour material, which I think finishes the dress well because there is already a lot of lace on the bodice part.

This is the Patty JSK. The bodice on this dress appears a lot better and more well fitted. The bodice has a raised panel which gives the bodice extra depth and more texture. It will also suit small busted girls by adding more volume. There is a lot of lace surrounding the panel. The lace quality looks good, but I felt the design of lace used was a bit dull. The panel is topped by a large bow, which has a nice shape to it. The bow has heart shaped lace running through the middle, and then more lace around the edge. There is a lot of lace there, which wont appeal to everybody.

The main part of the bodice has a ribbon corset. The ribbon doesn't look too shiny and the corset is well spaced. However, what concerns me, is the way the ribbon is attached. As this picture shows, there are 2 lines of lace, which the ribbon is attached to. It looks a little flimsy, as though it could easily break.

The straps could do with being a little thicker, but they are lined well with lace (yes, even more lace!). The back has a panel of shirring, concealed by a ribbon corset. It looks a lot better than the other JSK. The skirt on this dress still looks a little bit straight and angular, but it has a nice subtle shape and looks less harsh. You will probably fit a good amount of petticoat underneath, but you wont create a shape to rival an OTT Angelic Pretty dress. But that might actually be a good thing, as OTT appears to be slowly going out of fashion anyway. The skirt is plain, which is good for displaying the print. The bottom hem has more of the good quality, but dull looking lace. 

And this is the print close-up. It comes in off-white/red, pink/mint, brown/mint and black/red. I worry that the pink/mint might look a bit washed out because there are a lot of pale colours in the print. I think my favourite is the black/red colourway. At first I thought this print was full of dull looking boxes. But actually, the boxes have a lot of detail going on. If you look closely, you will see the girl in the print is even wearing the Amy JSK! I love the bows on top of the boxes, especially the gingham ribbon, which has a lot of detail and shape. I like how the ribbons which make up the square pattern have been made to look as though they have shine and are overlapping each other, like how real ribbon would look. However, the pattern does remind me of a table cloth!

I was a bit amused by the hat. In the off-white/red colourway, I can't help but feel this hat looks a bit like what an England football supporter would wear! It definitely looks a little like the St George Cross. I think it looks a little silly, and I am glad there is a headbow option too.

Overall, I am not that impressed by this series. I think that both dresses have their positive points, but they also have their negative points. Whilst the print is cute, I don't find it that exciting. It is just underwhelming.

Fantasy Christmas Gifts

As much as I love to daydream, I am not made of money. But sometimes I do like to imagine of all the things I could do if I was rich and I will browse loads of websites to admire their pretty items. So let's just say I was able to buy whatever I wanted and decided to treat some of my friends this Christmas... what would I buy them? So today I am going to show what I would buy some of my local group and best loli friends if I didn't have to worry about money, sizing, availability and nasty customs fees. I should point out that this post is purely for fun and I am going on what these people already own, their wishlists and what I think they will like.

Sammi

1. Dreamy Dollhouse salopette by AP 2. Sugar Hearts wristcuffs by AP 3. Hummingbird Bakery cupcakes 4. Sugar hearts bracelet by AP 5. AP Milky Chan scarf 6. Milky chan bangle 7. AP cape from their 2011 collection

Sammi got her dream print Milky Chan earlier this year, so I included some matching items for her. I also know she ordered the Sugar Hearts skirt so I included matching items for the same reason. I put the Dreamy Dollhouse salopette on there because when I first saw Sammi wearing a salopette I remember thinking that she looked amazing in them! Not many people can pull off salopettes, but they really suit Sammi. The AP cape is there because I remember us both saying how cute it was on Facebook. And finally, I would want to give Sammi a massive box of Hummingbird Bakery cupcakes because we enjoyed getting cakes from there back in June. I have the Hummingbird Bakery cookbook but I failed miserably at making some of the more complicated items, so I would definitely buy these in to avoid disappointment. Plus, I can't compete with the Queen of Desserts- Beau's Mum!

Michelle

1. AP Sugary Carnival 2. Some skull gloves 3. AP Jewelry Heart Ribbon bag 4. Sugar Hearts JSK by AP 5. Juicy Couture charm 6. Eyeball hairclips 7. Wonder Party JSK

Another AP fan! Michelle's picks are based on conversations I have been a part of, or witnessed on Facebook. I totally agree with Michelle about the heart ribbon bag. It is very cute! I know Michelle has been rating Juicy Couture charms. I have no idea why I chose the banana split charm for this post. I was browsing some charms and this one stood out. I like how Michelle's style is a mix of cute and creepy. That is why I included the eyeball clips (I blame Kyary!) and the skull gloves. The skull gloves actually have 3D bones so they may be a little difficult to wear, and I have completely forgotten the store I saw them in! The gloves are a reference to the infamous skull sock debacle. Let's just say that the company in question are total idiots! I would be hoping and praying that Michelle would at least like these gloves.

Jenni

1. IW Gretel boots 2. AatP's St mephisto 3. blue rose hair clip 4. black veil 5. IW book bag 6. Rose Basket JSK by IW 7. Lady Rose dress by AP

I know Jenni likes Innocent World, so her item choices were heavily influenced by their website. I have seen her mention the book bag and Rose Basket before (I would love to own Rose Basket too. I promise I am not just getting things I like!). The Gretel Boots were a random choice I decided on myself. I would just go for them and hope Jenni likes them. We have discussed the upcoming St Mephisto replica before so I know she would like to own this. Jenni is the Moitie queen of our group but the hair clips are in fact from Taobao. Despite this, I have gone for Moitie inspired pieces. I also know Jenni has mentioned Lady Rose before, and I think the mint colour is very pretty. I know Jenni is not completely against AP, so I thought I would slip some in!

Raine

1. Meta Vintage Cherry dress 2. Zombie movie encylopedia 3. Tartan JSK 4. Record shaped bag 5. Bodyline strawberry bag 6. Vintage Record dress by Meta 7. Tartan headbow

Raine is my fellow Meta fan and I have tried to appeal to the retro look that Raine likes. I had to include Vintage Record by Meta and I thought a matching record shaped bag was needed. Raine is "gay for polka dots" (her words, not mine) so I think she would like the red strawberry bag by Bodyline. Just as long as I can still be the strawberry princess of the Ox lolis! I know Raine would like a tartan JSK and I think the one in the picture would appeal to Raine's usual style and there is a matching bow to compliment. To finish, there is the Zombie Movie Encyclopedia by Peter Dendle because Raine likes a good horror movie. I bet she will have watched most of the movies inside already, but maybe it will give her ideas of further movies to watch.

I am sorry for not making more of these for more people. I can assure you that a lot of you were included in my thoughts when I was fantasy shopping. I have really missed a lot of people recently because I have not been to any meets the last 2 months. That is mainly down to bad timing. I am hoping to see you all a lot more next year. I have really missed you all...

Christmas Lolita

Christmas is very fast approaching and hopefully everybody is getting in to the festive spirit. I have already put my tree up (well, actually my husband did whilst I snoozed in front of the TV), Christmas cards are coming through the door and people are competing for the best Christmas lights display. So I have been thinking about how I can wear lolita over Christmas and make it suitable for this time of year.

Alice and the Pirates recently released their Drosselmeyer print (top left), which wouldn't look out of place on a tin of festive biscuits. It is very traditional looking and the more obvious Christmas colours such as red and green are available. Of course, you don't have to stick to traditional colours. I think Rose Candle by Baby (top right) looks beautiful in pink. My top choice for festive prints is Bunny Milk and Snow Strawberry by Baby (bottom left). I think the bunnies in the print are adorable and it is a bit unusual for a Christmas print to include strawberries. Of course, if I ever got this print, I would be avoiding the design with the little pom pom trim (a personal pet hate of mine!) but the pom poms do remind me of little snow balls, so it would be cute for a festive outfit. Christmas also reminds me of thick and heavier fabrics, such as velveteen. AP's Christmas Ornament (bottom right) comes to mind because chances are, this dress would be far too hot to wear in the warmer months.

This is my only concern about season-specific prints. Would you wear them the whole year around? Or would they gather dust in the back of your closet? Easter prints generally are not that difficult to wear at other times of the year but with Christmas prints it is a little difficult. You are expected to take down your Christmas tree by the 12th day of Christmas and generally, people get sick to death of Christmas by January. There is just something a bit odd about wearing a Christmas themed print at any other time! Maybe it would be better to buy something which hints at a Christmas theme instead of an actual Christmas print. I have already mentioned green and red, and perhaps a solid coloured dress in a deep green or red would look lovely. A simple tartan dress would be another option. Or instead, you could just wear festive accessories, which could work out cheaper.

I like the idea of using holly and ivy in my hair. It is very traditional and reminds me of those Christmas wreaths you can make. What I especially love about the hair band in the top left is that the berries have been frosted, making it all the more suitable for a Winter theme. The great thing is, it doesn't have to cost a lot and you could even use real holly instead of fake, if you desired. I always start craving ear muffs when it gets to this time of year. I have been tempted by styles like the Baby ear muffs (bottom left) which would definitely match the coat with fake fur trim that I have from Bodyline. Fake fur is always fun to wear and good for keeping warm. Ear muffs come in lots of different shapes and designs now, so there is lots of variety. I also think that around Christmas time, you can get away with a lot more. A cheesy Santa hat or a decoration you would stick on a gift are not normally things I would team with lolita but at this time of year, I just think "Go for it!". If I wanted something a bit quick and easy, I could tie a ribbon in to my hair. Ribbons are readily available. I even save the ribbons off the presents I get.

An easy way to nod at the Christmas theme is with jewellery. As soon as I saw the AP Country of Sweets re-release I thought the Gingerbread jewellery would be perfect for Christmas, and it is cute too! I also love wearing stars at Christmas and statement pieces with lots of pretty jewels. For the classic lolita, something like this deer ring would look perfect.

Of course, I would love to try some festive nail art this year. It is easy enough to remove when needed and helps to brighten up an outfit. My absolute favourite is the candy cane nails at the bottom! I will be searching "Christmas nails" on Youtube. Nail art has been very popular lately and there are channels and websites dedicated to nail art tutorials.

I have only really scratched at the surface of possible Christmas lolita ideas. I am sure my readers will be able to think of lots of other wonderful ideas to add to outfits. The most important thing is to have a bit of fun!