Lolita Blog Carnival: Plans Derailed! 5 Things In My Wardrobe That Just Didn't Work

In today’s edition of the Lolita Blog Carnival, I’ll be discussing a few pieces in my wardrobe that didn’t work out quite as planned! I’ve had my fair share of duds in my wardrobe over the years. To be completely honest, I can’t even remember all the things I bought and ended up selling. But I’ve noticed 2 patterns: I sold almost all of my Taobao/indie dresses after only a few wears, and I’ve literally sold every AatP item I’ve even had. I feel like my problem is that I fall in love with a print’s illustration, only to find that the cut is not flattering on me or the print does not translate very well into a life-sized dress.

1) AatP - Vampire Prelude

I have a love-hate relationship with AatP’s Vampire series….and with AatP in general. I’m a huge vampire fan (surprising absolutely no one) and the illustrations are beautiful. I just don’t feel like the illustration translated very well to the dress – it looks a little too full and busy, especially with the ivory areas on the black background. I prefer prints to be a little more muted, I guess. I’ve settled for using the print as my phone wallpaper. If I were to try it again again, I’d buy the ivory version. It’s still too busy for my personal taste, but I think it’s less jarring than the black version.

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2) Ista Mori - Nameless Poem

I really love the whole gothic nun aesthetic (surprising absolutely no one), so I snapped up this dress as soon as I could. It’s gorgeous…but it’s not gorgeous on me. I’m short and slim with broad shoulders, and the dress just didn’t suit my body shape at all. I guess I’m going to have to just wait until I see another Moitié Nun OP on auctions…

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3) Sweet Pirate Addiction Rose

Yet again, I fell in love with a print in a cut that didn’t look good on me. The dress also had some sewing quality issues and I wasn’t a huge fan of how the print looked in person - it is beautiful but overdesigned and has a bit of a clip art look. They released a cut with corset lacing about a week after I bought mine, which would have fit me much better. I decided to just let it go. I also managed to find  an old floordinate photo I made! This was such a long time ago…I have so many more accessories now!

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4) Moi-même-Moité Holy Stained Glass JSK

Something about this dress is just distinctly unflattering on me. I feel like the bodice is just a tiny bit too long and the hemline is a little too low. I had to shorten the straps. It’s not terrible, but it just looks…off. I truly love the print and the cut of the dress is lovely, so I’m really determined to make it look good. I’ve been on the fence about selling it for a few months. I'm both stubby and stubborn!

Ok, that was really bad. Sorry.

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5) Écailles de Lune Black Goat of the Woods

I bought this dress to twin with a friend of mine. It looks amazing on her but it’s a bit goofy-looking on me. The bodice is very…tube-like on me because my bust is pretty small. You need a little bit of boob to fill out the bodice properly. I covered it up with a corsage but it definitely doesn’t look right. I’m also 155 cm tall so even in my 12 cm heels it comes down well below my knees and I look like a little black layer cake. It’s such a beautiful dress but I feel like it was designed for someone a few inches taller with actual curves. I ended up selling it to someone who had been searching intensely for it and really loved it, so I'm glad it has a good home.

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Check out these bloggers' take on this LBC topic!

| Vanilla Bear | Cupcake Kamisama's Lolita World | Crimson Reflections | Sanakanin |

New Moi-même-Moitié Release! Neo Gothic Arch

I’m a little late to the party reporting on this exciting news because I was on vacation when the release dropped. But for those of you who don’t know, Moi-même-Moitié recently released a new print series Neo Gothic Arch on CDJapan and their webshop. Look familiar?

Unlike Angelic Pretty or Baby the Stars Shine Bright, MmM does not re-release old items – once they’re gone, they’re gone. However, this isn’t the first time that the brand has “refreshed” an older piece: for example, 2012’s Royal Gate print series is clearly a spiritual successor to the iconic 2006 Iron Gate. The cuts, colourways, and materials changed but the print details and overall feel are very similar. Likewise, the classic bat handbag has been released many times using different materials and colourways.

Neo Gothic Arch is available in 3 cuts: JSK (33500 JPY), long JSK (36000 JPY), and OP (37000 JPY). It features colourways that are more in keeping with MmM’s newer releases, and none of the original colourways have returned. All 3 cuts are available in Navy x Silver, White x Gold, and Black x Silver.   

For comparison, the original Gothic Arch came as a JSK, skirt, midi skirt, and long skirt in 3 colourways: Black x Navy, Black x White, and White x Black. The matching handbag came in Black x Navy and Black x Silver.

The new colourways are interesting…I don’t like the two-toned navy in the Navy x Silver colourway, but the Black x Silver and the White x Gold are absolutely gorgeous. I fell in love with MmM’s metallic prints on black ever since I saw Silent Moon and Divine Cross. I would have liked to see a Black x Gold colourway, too! I'm torn on the cuts. I don't like the OP as much and I don't think it would suit most girls very well because of the sleeves and bust....I can't quite put my finger on why but I think it would just emphasize any broadness in the shoulders and chest. The JSK cut is lovely, it reminds me of the Royal Gate OP and is looks like it'll be more flattering.

Overall, I prefer the original cuts and colourways but the new print is way better. You can really appreciate the small details, and the larger print just looks more balanced compared to the smaller border print on the original release. It's practically twice the size of the original print!

Gothic Arch is one of the most expensive, coveted, and recognizable MmM prints (second only to Iron Gate) so it makes sense that they would choose to remake that print series. It’s a great opportunity for newer fans of the brand to get their hands on an iconic gothic print, while maintaining the exclusivity of the original. I'm curious how this release will affect the price on Gothic Arch, if it all. The JSK currently goes for ~$600-800 CDN and the skirt for ~$350-400 CDN, so it's not nearly as expensive as IG but still pretty pricy.

What do you think of this print series? Do you prefer the old or the new?

Brand Spotlight: Atelier Pierrot

Hello bats! This is the first entry in a series of blog posts I wanted to write about some of my favourite lolita brands. Today we’ll be taking a detailed look at the mainstay gothic brand Atelier Pierrot. All of the featured images are from their Facebook page and social media (click to enlarge!).

✝ Brand Info  ✝

Atelier Pierrot (sometimes styled Atelier-Pierrot) is a small Japanese gothic brand headed by lead designer and CEO Yuko Ashizawa. Their pieces have been featured in the Gothic & Lolita Bible from the very earliest issues right up to the present. While the brand is known for their distinctive bustled corset dresses and ruffled blouses, they also design hosiery, jackets, corsets, petticoats, and headpieces.

Atelier Pierrot isn't afraid to experiment. Many pieces are available in a range of unusual fabrics and textures that aren’t seen frequently in lolita: iridescent organza, shiny satin, brocade, and crinkled polyester to name a few. Many of their pieces are in unusual colours like dark purple, ultramarine, or bright green, but their signature colours are simple black and white. The few prints that they do release are range from simple, single-colour designs to technicolour cats.  Their dresses vary in length from ero miniskirts to calf-length dresses better suited to EGA, making it a very versatile brand.

Even though gothic seems to be experiencing a decline in populartity, Atelier Pierrot has been going strong for 30-odd years and shows no signs of stopping. Furthermore, they support the growth of other indie designers by carrying their lines in their store and webshop. Even if gothic dies out completely someday, I have no doubt that they'll still be around because of the good quality and versatility of their pieces.

Of course, we can't discuss any brand without mentioning their staff. These ladies have amazing taste and coordination skills.

✝ Signature Style ✝

Atelier Pierrot’s designs are very recognizable – no other brand makes anything quite like they do. You can almost always tell one of their pieces by the oversized details, drapey bustles with ruffles, chiffon underskirts, and heavy layers of lacy ruffles on hems and sleeves. Big, frilly, and OTT is their trademark style. However, unlike other gothic brands, they aren’t known for their prints. Most of their pieces are solids or simply patterned (often with stripes or harlequin diamonds).

The most popular Atelier Pierrot piece is their bustled corset skirt design, which is released every season. The standard design includes a plastic-boned corset, front and back lacing, several adjustable bustles, and a ruffled chiffon underskirt. The variable details are usually ruffles, peplum flounces, and trains. The design is incredibly versatile as you can lift all of the bustles for a poofy OTT look, let them all down for a more classic look, or lift a single one and for an asymmetric look. It’s easy to see why these skirts have been re-released for years and years!

They’re also well-known for their luxurious princess-sleeve blouses, which are also released every season. They typically feature layers of ruffles and often rows of shirring up the sleeves for that old-school Michelin Man kind of look. A nice thing about their blouses is that they’re often shirred and loose-fitting with elasticated necklines, so they’ll fit both petite and plus-sized people.

✝ Shopping Info ✝

The Atelier Pierrot store in Laforet carries not only their own brand, but other smaller indie brands such as Sheglit, Enchantlic Enchantilly, Pina, and Abilletage. If you can’t get to Japan, the webshop has fantastic service - they waive taxes on purchases over 5k yen and offer free EMS shipping for purchases over 20k yen. They have English-speaking staff who have very kindly created a shopping guide to help you purchase through their store, and they are prompt and available by email if you need help. It’s wonderful to see a brand really making an effort to reach out to international fans!

Previously, AtePie was available through the Lorina Liddell webshop which unfortunately has been closed indefinitely. It’s a shame because Lorina Liddell also carried indie brands brands like Excentrique, and offered similar support for international buyers. Additionally, sometimes they had items that had already sold out on Atelier Pierrot’s webshop and vice versa. Hopefully we see them open again soon!

One of my favourite things about this brand is that if you miss out on buying one of their trademark items like a corset skirt or princess blouse, never fear – in a few months, they’ll release something very similar. These staple items are always going to be available.

Secondhand prices for most AtePie pieces are quite reasonable. Their signature corset skirts frequently auction for under 10k yen (I bought one for 5k yen) and corset OPs can easily be found under 15-20k yen, depending on the colour and cut. However, if you’re looking for a specific item they can be very difficult to find (especially prints) because they are such a small brand and they don’t manufacture many. If you do see a piece you like, you might as well jump on it because it may never pop up again.

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That concludes my writeup on Atelier Pierrot. I hope you enjoyed reading it, and I’ll be back soon with another brand spotlight! Until then, stay spooky~

Spring 2016 Coordinates and Snapshots

I haven't had much time to wear lolita these days, but here are a couple of my most recent coordinates.

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Dress: Atelier-Pierrot

Blouse: Atelier-Pierrot

Bonnet: Elpress L

Socks: Moi-même-Moitié

Shoes: Antaina

Bag: Moi-même-Moitié

Accessories: Moi-même-Moitié, Restyle, offbrand

Outfit I wore for a friend's high tea at the Royal York Fairmont. I had to wear two pettis to get maximum poof....the cut of this dress makes it look really sad and droopy unless you have an absolute monster of a petti. It was blazing hot and my hair basically came apart over the course of the day, too.

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Coat: Atelier-Pierrot
Dress: Moi-même-Moitié
Blouse: Moi-même-Moitié
Bonnet: Elpress L
Socks: Moi-même-Moitié
Shoes: Antaina
Bag: Moi-même-Moitié
Accessories: Alchemy Gothic, Restyle, offbrand

Decided to wear Sleeping Garden for an Easter party since it was the first day of spring, and nothing says springtime like dead trees with a bunch of tombstones. Also, not a single shade of blue in this coord matches. Thanks, Mana.

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Jacket: Atelier Boz
Dress: Atelier-Pierrot
Blouse: Ista Mori
Bonnet: Elpress L
Socks: Metamorphose
Shoes: Bodyline
Bag: Mu Fish
Accessories: Restyle, Marble, offbrand

Some comm members held a tea party at their house and were kind enough to bake an amazing spread of gorgeous macarons, pastries, cakes, and scones. I wish I could bake on that level, but I have enough trouble with simple cakes.

Also, I smashed my phone to bits and I couldn't recover all of the photos I took of my eye makeup, which I was very proud of. :(

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Dress: Moi-même-Moitié

Bonnet: Elpress L

Shoes: Antaina

Socks: Moi-même-Moitié

Bag: Moi-même-Moitié

Accessories: Moi-même-Moitié, Restyle, offbrand

My outfit for International Lolita Day meetup at the Toronto Botanical Gardens! It's beautiful, but the weather was nice that day and there were heaps of people in the garden. People kept coming up and pestering us for photos until our tour guide kindly told them off. I was pretty happy with how my hair cooperated despite the crazy wind, but I probably should have trimmed those side bangs off.

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That's all for now - my next post will actually be something more interesting than selfies, I promise!

Gothic Lolita Soundtrack: Volume II

I decided to make this into a recurring topic since I can babble on and on about music for hours. Last time, you met Lacrimosa, Stillste Stunde, Cross Vein, GPKISM, The Birthday Massacre, Lacroix Despheres, Rose Noir, Kaya, and Elend.

As before, I’m going to avoid mentioning the most commonly suggested artists like Malice Mizer and Kanon Wakeshima – not because I don’t love them, but because everyone has heard of them already. Also, a lot of these artists are French – just a heads up!

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Rasputina

Rasputina is quirky and unique – definitely one of my favourite bands. The lyrics often have unusual or historical themes. Many lolitas enjoy their sound, since they even performed at Rufflecon!

Recommended Songs: Transylvanian Concubine, Stumpside, Girls’ School,  Antique High Heel Red Doll Shoes

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The Eden House

 Refreshingly modern gothic-rock/post punk band with a lovely female vocalist. Like a softer, dreamier Fields of the Nephilim.

Recommended Songs: Hunger, Trashed Treasure 

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Switchblade Symphony

While their sound is a bit dated now, Switchblade Symphony is a hallmark of 90s goth music. They bring together darkwave, ethereal wave, and trip-hop in a wonderfully creepy and dreamy mix. Their later albums are much more industrial/trip-hop influenced, but the first album is a cult classicthat  would definitely appeal to many gothic lolitas.

Recommended Songs: Bad Trash, Dollhouse, Wallflower, Clown

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Artésia

Artésia’s music is so relaxing. I like to go for long walks through the cemetery or woods while listening to them – it almost feels like walking through a movie scene (cliché, I know...). It’s instrumental dark, folky, ethereal music, sometimes with haunting female vocals. I would recommend Artésia to anyone who enjoys nature, faeries, or fantasy. You don’t need to understand French to enjoy their songs.

Recommended Songs:  Le Haut Bois, Lying on the Grey Foam, Eveil Et Deséspoir

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Emilie Autumn

Self-styled “Victoriandustrial” artist Emilie Autumn is adored by angsty teenage girls the world over for her asylum escapee persona and frilly costumes. Her music is an odd blend of industrial and neoclassical with dramatic fluttering vocals. She makes lots of references to Victorian-era literature and events, if you’re into that historical sort of flavour. Her discography up until Fight Like a Girl is pretty solid.Definitely a guilty pleasure. 

Recommended Songs: Castle Down, Misery Loves Company, Leech Jar, Rose Red

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Rule of Rose OST

Rule of Rose is a fairly disturbing survival horror game about creepy, psychotic little girls from an alternate world. Naturally, the music is melancholy, instrumental piano and violin music – not a cheerful soundtrack by any means. Sadly, most of the songs are pretty short.

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Cécile Corbel

Some more French music for you!I feel that Cécile Corbel’s music is appealing to all lolitas because her voice is so sweet and dreamy, but not overly saccharine and poppy. The string backing tracks are pleasant, too. 

 

Recommended Songs: Jardin Secret, Red Rose, Folia

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I hope you enjoy these recommendations! Until then, stay spooky and keep your eyes out for Round 3 of the series.