Brand Spotlight ~ Alice and the Pirates

Hello Lovelies~

 As of yesterday, it is officially Spring!

I love this time of year. Watching the world come back to life after a long winter is always inspiring, even if I do hate the mud and what it does to my shoes, I love a good rain shower and the sound of it tap tap taping against a window as I read Poe and dream of freshly picked strawberries...

 Today I thought I'd share with you my favorite collection of the season. Having looked through all of the upcoming reserves and found most to be nice and pretty, but typical, I was sad to find no one really venturing forth and capturing my attention, until Alice and the Pirates came out with a print that swept me away and has me all a flutter for a new year of fashion.

I present to you 'Last Note ~ Faint Spring Song' from Alice and the Pirates.

                                                                       Ivory

                                                                        Navy

 
                                                                        Pink

                                                                  Sax Blue
                                                     (My favorite of the colors offered)

My favorite part of these colors is that even though they are 'Spring', they aren't the pastel explosion I'm used to seeing this time of year. That may be due to the recent up swing of the Classic influence that cools the color pallet, but I've always loves the Classic Sweet style, so I'm just fine with that. ^_^

 This print has a beautiful mix of floral bouquets, chains, perfume bottles, clocks, lace doilies, and pearls. All set on a pin prick polka dot back ground. It's kind of like the designers looked around and asked, 'How much can we put in here before it's "To Much"?'. But I think it came together nicely, so yay for them. 

The designers at AatP really did a good job with the Dresses, keeping them straight forward and elegant, allowing the wearer and the viewer to focus on the beauty of the print.

The Under bust dress (Above) and the Lace printed cut sew (Below), Make a lovely match. There is also a skirt with the collection, but I don't think it pairs well with this shirt.

I love this OP. From the tiny cap sleeves to the ribbon under the bust, this dress screams 'Regency Inspired' to me. It's a clean silhouette and reminds me of Victorian Maiden's designs from 2008.

 The only downside with the design is that even way back when, it wasn't designed with well endowed ladies in mind.

The skirt below is bet is lovely in person, or actually being worn, but this picture does it no justice. It's an odd shape, not quite a cupcake...not quite an A-line. The ribbon on top is cute, but the small scalloped lace along the bottom is...bland in my opinion.

 It's almost like this piece was an after thought. A...because it's required piece. It shows no love or imagination like the ones above.

 On to the Accessories! Starting with Hair Accessories.

  Seems that with the raise of Classic Lolita, no collection is complete with out a Half Bonnet. The bonnet below has detachable roses on the front that can either be used as an independent hair accessory or a broach.

Like two accessories for the price of one.

While I wouldn't wear the bow below as a side bow, I would wear it in the back with a half up half down look.

This is my FAVORITE part of the whole collection. I love it to pieces and really want to add it to my wardrobe.

I really love how it's on a head band rather than ribbons and a hair comb.

Easy simple bobby pin. ...Not much else to say. But it is cute.

Next, Jewelry!

 This is the second time Baby/Alice has done a pearl and lace woven necklace. I'll be honest, for the $50 they want for this necklace, I could make 10 of them just like it. But it's beautiful. And does complete the collection.

If I were to get a necklace, I'd go with the one below. I love perfume bottles. I have a mini collection of them and am always on the look out for pretty antique or antique looking bottles like this one.

If you look close, the ribbon design on the bottle is either an pastel colored enamel or....something else. But I want to say it's enamel. I really like that extra splash of color.

Last, but not least, the socks.

 For me, It's like to see the worn before I make my call. They are nice. But the print is very big and there are no chains or pearls, just the clock doilies and the flower bouquets. It may all tie in very nicely, but I'm reserving judgment.

Though if not worn with the rest of the print, but on their own to enhance another outfit, I say yes. I do like them.

 In fact, I'm almost sad these weren't made into tights.
 

So there you have it! Alice and the Pirates 'Last Note ~ Faint Spring Song' collection. My favorite print this season.

 What do you think? Are there any pieces you'd like to have in your wardrobe? Which is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below, or on facebook! (I'm more likely to comment back on facebook.)

 Thanks for reading!

LBC : Design an outfit for under $100 ( Official for 2013 )

Hello Lovelies~

 Yes It's true! After much hoping, the LBC has finally decided to do a few of our old posts again! I am so happy to be doing this topic again in an official Carnival capacity.

To celebrate our year anniversary, I decided to do a 'Dark Carnival' themed outfit!

 Let's start out as we mean to continue. This shirt is part of the 'Conncinous Crowns' Collection from the American Lolita Brand, Elegy.

Coming in at $55, it is the most expensive piece of our outfit. I chose this shirt because winter is approaching faster than expected this year and investing in one or two really good, versatile, neutral long sleeved shirts.

My favorite aspect of the shirt is the ruffles around the neck and cuffs. It's such a romantic look that can be mixed into Sweet, Gothic, and Classic outfits very easily.

 What I love most about Elegy as a designer is that she makes all of her clothes in inches! So this shirt can be made all the way up to a 50" bust.

You can order it HERE .

I paired this adorable top with a cute, but plain skirt from Forever 21 Plus. It's a bit shorter than I would normally recommend, but I feel it would look lovely with this top and I just love the peek-a-boo window on the thighs.

At $15.80, the Forget me not skater skirt is a must have for your winter wardrobe.

 Buy it HERE .

Printed tights have been The Thing for the past year and I don't see that trend dissipating any time soon. There is so much fun that can be added to an outfit with printed tights, but I couldn't find a pair I really liked with this outfit that fit my theme, but just when I was going to give up, 'Sock Dreams' made my dreams come true.

One side striped, the other side diamonds, These Harlequin tights are just the thing to add a bit of elegant whimsy to this look.

 Your can buy them HERE for $8.

OR for a look that screams 'Sexy and Classy' I would recommend these tights, also from 'Sock Dreams'.

These are $11, but well worth it! ( I like these more than the Harlequin ones myself. )

 Buy them HERE .

No outfit is complete without something fun in our hair, like the beautiful cherry on top for a fabulous sundae!


This "Gothic Victorian Circus Carnival Burlesque Black and White Striped Hair Clip Fascinator" from Hexotica on Etsy pushes the cost of my outfit over my $100 limit, but is so pretty!!!

It has Drama, Flare, Fun, and is the only thing I found in line with my outfit that wasn't a pair of boring hair bows.

 This hair piece is $38.43 . You can buy it HERE .

Let's Break it down.

Shirt          ~ $55.00
Skirt          ~ $15.80
Tights       ~  $ 8.00
Headdress ~ $38.43
-------------------------
Total            $117.23


So, all together my outfit comes out to $117. 23. Not bad! With the striped tights, this total ends up being $120.23.


 Again, I officially didn't make it under $100....Oh well!

 Thanks so much for reading and I hope you liked the outfit I created. Next week I'll be doing a 'No Price Limit' Gothic Carnival Outfit post, so make sure you come back from that!!

If you liked this post, please check out the other ladies from the LBC who have participated in this week's topic!

Lace a la Mode

The Silent Revival

Jess Cosmic Delight

Her Lumpiness 

Pictures from My Birthday Party!!

Hello Lovelies~

 My birthday was this week and I had a lovely day full of Impressionist art and Dr. Seuss. My favorite artist has always been and always will be Degas. For the first time, I actually got to see a Degas close enough to see the lightening of the upward strokes on his sketches.

Romantic.....Elegant.....soft, but strong....I could've stared at those sketches and paintings for the rest of my life and still not seen enough of them. There were other artists represented there of course, but Degas was the main reason I wanted to see the Exhibit.

 It was amazing to see the what each individual was going though by just the stroke of the brush. The amount of paint used. Even by how many colors used within the composition itself.

I can't say this exhibit changed my life. But I can say that after seeing these amazing works of art, my world out look will never be the same. I hope to keep the lessons I learned from the quite whispers in my heart forever.

 Unfortunately, I can't tell you the secrets the canvases wrote upon my heart. You will simply have to see them for yourself and learn your own truths.

 Friday I held a party as my actual birthday fell of Tuesday and I know very few people who actually want to party and stay up late in the middle of the week.

The day started with my very dear friend coming over to help set up for the party. She wasn't able to stay for long, but I really enjoyed getting to spend time with her.

She made cookies, chocolate doughnuts, and muffins. She even brought cream cheese frosted brownies! They were so yummy!

Mum and I made Cheeseburger balls. But they weren't so 'ball' like. But darn they were SO good!

 I missed pictures of people as they arrived, So I missed out on getting pictures of friends I hadn't seen is nearly forever! I'm sad I didn't but I know I'll have opportunities at another point in time.

(To everyone not shown who attended, I hope you know how much I love you! )

The next pictures are from somewhere in the middle of the night.

Look at this purse!!! I love it SO much!! Tabby, my darling friend above, got it for me and I have now transferred everything from my old purse into it.

Above is Al, she is so much fun and bubbly! I WISH I had gotten a picture of her outfit and her shoes. Oh my lord her shoes were amazing! Purple Suede four inch pumps paired with charcoal grey tights and a simple black sheath dress and black wool jacket with black leather accents. I loved it.

  Here she is modeling a pair of Gendo Ikari glasses I've had for about ever.

She got me the most adorable Teapot and yummy smelling Afternoon Tea blend.

And it was all wrapped in this Gorgeous pink shawl shot through with got thread.

Miss Jenee is the most amazing free spirit I've ever met. She is the one who encourages me to be more bold, even if she doesn't know it.  ^_^

Her hair was done so beautifully. I forgot to ask if her hair band was handmade, but it was very cute.

Below is the best gift!! The bow is not only a hair accessory, but a broach!

And inside was this SUPER cute bracelet she made herself! I love the large crystals. It's such a heavy bracelet, but it rattles and shakes and is so perfect.

Below is the Unforgettable C.J. . He's always the life of a party. He sure did bring something to the gathering!

C.J. Being evil about putting vegetables in Tabby's tea. It is one of my favorite memories!

 The vegetables in the tea happen to be Zucchini, Cucumber, Carrot, and a tomato. The tea itself is Pineapple and Blueberry. ....He said it was good. I didn't try it to find out.

And that was my birthday! I had so much fun and I hope the next year is full of just as much laughter and love.

Thanks for reading and sharing another birthday with me!

 

Design an Outfit for Under $100 : Mermaid Theme

Hello Lovelies~

 A few months back I did a 'Outfit for under $100' post. I really enjoyed that post and for a while now I have been debating on doing another. So here it is, my next exciting 'Under $100' post!

With the re-release of 'The Little Mermaid' in theaters this fall, it seems that were once Unicorns were the Must Have hot trend in Mythical Creatures, now Mermaids are swimming in to take their place. Wearable swimming Mermaid tails a popping up all over the place and one doesn't need a beach to feel like a mermaid these days as long as you have a pool close by.

  I have loved mermaids since I was tiny. They have always fascinated me and 'The Little Mermaid' was watched so much in my house that I wore out my VHS and my mum had to get a second copy.

To say I was excited to scour my favorite handmade site for mermaid related items is a bit of an understatement. I really just had to go though my favorites and pick a few of my top items to share. ^_^

First, let's start with the main piece, it'll be what most see first and really sets the tone for this outfit. The last time I did something fancy. An outfit that could be worn to a party or out to a beautiful dinner, but this time I went more casual. A 'Dress me up, Dress me down' type outfit that can fit anyone's taste.

This shirt is from the Etsy shop owner ' Em & Sprout '.  I own the Kawaii Unicorn shirt from them and it's a grat shirt, so I would order from them again and Recommend them to anyone looking for a comfy cute Tee.

 This one is priced at $18.00 for 1X or 2X.

How cute is this hair clip? At $25, it's a bit pricy for what it is. But when you think about the time and effort it took to make this lovely hair piece, I can understand.

 This is made by the Etsy shop, 'CutieDynamite'. She has other interesting hair pieces that I would recommend for various different outfits if one were inclined to check them out.

Made by the Etsy shop, ' Blacktulipshop ', these earrings add a flirty fun element that can't be passed up for $7.

For those of us who don't think hinting at a theme is good enough. This necklace states it as bold as could be. 'Poison Tragic' made a very cute Laser cut Acrylic label necklace. I like the color. It's a frosty ice blue that speaks to me of the water.

$10 and one of these cute necklaces will add a bold statement as to the mythical creature what dwells in your heart.

What outfit is complete without a stunning set of nails?  These show stoppers are done by the Talented ' Lhouraii ', who can be found on Etsy under the same shop name. I've seen nails like this cost as much as $70 before, but at $28.35, these are a steal!

Now these nails aren't for everyone. They're a bit long. A bit claw like. Very me, but not for all, so I found a style that is a bit more tame. And can be done yourself on your own nails.

 I found this on Pinterest. It's not my tutorial and I don't own it. But I've done it before and it's so cool!

It reminds me of mermaid scales and beach waves. For a mermaid look, change the hot pink to a sea green color.


 Now I didn't include a skirt with this outfit because partly I couldn't find one anywhere I liked, on Etsy or other wise, but then I thought, Why not make the skirt yourself?

We've all seen the Tulle Tutu skirts that are all the rage and if you've looked into making them, they are actually quite cheap and easy to do. But what if you replaced the Tulle with Chiffon?

 My good friend Violet LeBeaux, who writes the blog 'Violet LeBeaux - Tales of Ingenue', did a tutorial on a Tulle Tutu skirt which I think would be easy to convert to a Chiffon material.

How to make a Tulle Tutu by Violet LeBeaux

 So let's add it all up...

Shirt        -- $18
Hair Clip --$25
Earrings  --$7
Nails      -- $28.35
Necklace --$10
________________

Total --- $ 88.35

YAY!!!  I made an outfit for under $100!!!

This leaves enough left over to make or buy a skirt you like that would complete this look.

 I hope you enjoyed this Outfit! maybe I'll do another one soon. I had so much fun putting this together!
 

Lolita Blog Carnival : Week 24 : Your Favorite Type of Accessory!

Hello Lovelies~

 Thank goodness it's Friday!~ That means that it's the beginning of the weekend, my day off, and time for another Lolita Blog Carnival Post!

This week it is all about Accessories. We are supposed to post on our favorite accessory but as I worked on this over the week, I started to wonder if I was supposed to post on My Favorite Accessory, as in something I actually own, or if the post was supposed to be about My Favorite Accessories in general.

I decided to blend the two ideas! The challenge was really kind of open ended.

  

  To kick things off, we'll start with the accessory I actually own.

This is an older picture of me, I mean my hair is brown and everything!!!, Lol, But seriously. The headdress happens to be my favorite accessory. It is the Metamorphose Princess R.Lace Headdress.

 It was given to me by a friend who is very close to my heart for my birthday one year I do believe and I wear it quite often.

 I love it because it's simple, elegant, and can go with most anything I pair it with. Black and white, Pink, Red, Skirts, Dresses, It's very versatile and that is what I look for in all of my accessories. I pay a lot for them, so I want to use them for more than one thing ^_^

See? Dressed up or down, this headdress is a classic.

If you can make out the white frill in front, that is the headdress flat. It's such a bright white that getting pictures of it is really hard.



 Now, as for my favorite accessories in general, I must say I think in has to be False Nails.

That's right, False Nails are my favorite accessory. Sure, I love a beautiful peal necklace, I like my headdresses and head bows and my frilly socks, but if you walk out of the house and have old or chipped nail polish, it can really take away from the finished look you have put together.

 I confess, I walk out of the house and my nails rarely look perfect. My job is rough on them and more often than not, my nails are uneven and my polish is severely chipped, but I try to keep the nice. When I get a day to relax and dress up, my nails are the last thing on my mind, I just want to get out of the door and enjoy my day off, not spend all day getting ready for it!

I used to feel self conscious about them, but then I decided to fix the problem rather than always feel awkward about them. I bought my first pair of nails the very next day and put them in my purse with a package of thick adhesive to hold them in place.

 False nails are easy to find in stores, on line, or you can even make them yourself. They range in price and size, so if you want a look that is wearable over and over that can coordinate with every outfit and doesn't take forever to dry! Then I would recommend looking into getting a pair to try out for yourself.


  I have worn that set so much that they can't be worn any longer, and sadly, have no pictures of them to show all of you, but that's alright. I make my own nails now and showing off my own hard work is always more fun!

I hope you enjoyed reading this post and will check out the other posts in this topic from the other wonderful LBC girls.


The Bloody Tea Party

ABC Lolita

Dollhouse Diaries

Jewellery Box of a Starry Eyed Lolita

Ice Age

Paivanvarjon Alla

Hello Batty

Art du Noir