Sakura Ring & Rose Museum Set Opening!

Hi friends! <3

I saw BB and B was doing a new release featuring cherry blossoms and was very tempted. My birthday is in the spring and I love when cherry blossoms start blooming. It makes me feel that winter is finally coming to the end and spring will be here soon. I originally told myself I didn't need it, but then there was free shipping and a bonus item, so I went for it.

The rose museum print was one I had admired when it came out but didn't quite fall in love with. It gave off a nice classic-sweet vibe but the busy/ott bodice and trims kind of ruined it for me. It wasn't until I saw someone wearing it online in a video later that I recalled my interest in it. The special set was more toned down, yet still beautiful. I added it to my Wishlist album and some kind person came across it and notified me that theirs was available.

Stock Pics

BB and B: Sakura Ring (pink)

Angelic Pretty: Rose Museum Special Set (mint)

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The package...

Opening it up...

Inside...

Two little bags...

Bonus sakura keychain that I am debating on turning into a necklace...

 

And the ring <3

Try-on pic...

Both together!

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The package...

Opening it up...

Inside...

Ooh <3

Unfolding it...

Barrette (front and back views)...

Jsk (front and back views)...

Hanging up (front and back views)...

Bodice details...

Print and trim details...

Both together!

Thoughts:

The sakura ring is beautiful! I love it <3 I only wish they had smoothed out the base flower's edges a bit more as it looks kind of bumpy. But it's not that noticeable. I am also wanting to change the key chain into a necklace so it will make for a nice pairing with the ring.

The special set is more lovely than expected! The fabric is soft and lightweight. The print is full of details and you keep noticing things each time you look; sheer printed polka dots and tiny golden crosses. The roses are mainly pink but also a peachy pink color which will be interesting to coord. I am not too fond of the large bow at the neckline and wish it was detachable. Guess I'll have to wear shorter necklaces instead. I like that the barrette has little pearls on, but as I'm not a fan of barrettes, I will be putting it on a headband. I'm thinking this set would be great to wear to a tea party (with a white blouse, pearl necklace and gold accents) or to a garden meet-up (with a pink blouse and flower accessories).

Virtual Meet-up!

Hi friends! <3

Just a quick post this time. The semi local comm had a virtual meet-up. We chatted a bit and then played an online version of Cards Against Humanity (lolita edition)...

It was interesting and quite different, but fun. Hopefully we'll do another one soon.

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Wore a casual coord in navy x black x ivory.

Headdress~ Metamorphose "Tulle Lace Princess"

Earrings~ Metamorphose "Crown Cross"

Cutsew~ Metamorphose unknown/lucky pack

Necklace~ Metamorphose unknown/lucky pack

Otks~Metamorphose "Snow Party Logo"

Skirt~ handmade/gift from a friend

Cardigan, three rings, (slippers)~offbrand

Fourth ring~ vintage

Makeup and details...

Top Tips for Managing Your Wardrobe...

Hi friends! <3

www.facebook.com/groups/lolitablogcarnival/

One of the most difficult things when starting out in lolita, is building up a wardrobe. It generally takes years of saving, searching, and much trial and error. Along the way, you learn and grow. But what do you do once you have a fairly decent wardrobe established? That's where the maintenance part comes in.

Maintenance is important. It should be done periodically and to different degrees. Depending on ones wardrobe, it may take a few minutes to an hour or more. Here are some tips.

Cleaning

It shouldn't have to be said, but please wash your clothes. This can be done either by machine or by hand. I recommend checking the inner tag for specific directions. There are places online that can translate the little symbols. Test cleaners on an unnoticeable area of the garment to see if colors run or prints bleed. Use a gentle detergent. Small items can be hand washed in a sink, while dresses can go in the tub or a large bucket. Lay heavy items like dresses flat to dry (on towels) to prevent placing extra strain/pulling on the straps. I like to place my otks and blouses in little netted bags in the wash machine on low delicate cycle with cold water, then remove promptly and hang to air dry. 

Repair

Sometimes accidents can happen, or just after repeated wearings your items become damaged and need some extra attention. Lace may tear, buttons may fall off, necklaces may break, etc. Take out your repair/sewing kit and find a cozy seat with good lighting. I got a blouse from a thrift store that had a button pop off while trying it on. Luckily I found the button and can stitch it right back on.

Organized

It's great to have a wardrobe, but it's not good to have to hunt for an item when coording. Everything should have a proper place and be relatively easy to find. Clothes hung up in the closet, shoes lined up on a rack, and accessories sorted neatly into little containers. And once you're done with something, it should be put back. I like to use these boxes with the dividers to keep my necklaces from tangling up.

Review

Small wardrobes grow into larger wardrobes that can get out of hand or be overwhelming. This is especially true for those who have been in the fashion for a long time. You tend to acquire a lot. But you don't always need to keep everything. Look closer at what you have. Items that don't fit, have unflattering cuts or colors,  regretful impulse buys, things that don't match anything, are unworn or rarely worn should be set aside. Consider putting them up for sale. It may be difficult, but your wardrobe (and you) will be better off in the long run. Doing this can also help you realize areas where you may be lacking. Funds earned from sales can be put towards a much needed item or even a dream dress.

I hope these tips were helpful :-)

Feel free to check out what others had to say at:

Roli's Ramblings

The Bloody Tea Party

Alice in Lolitaland

Create a Coord That Sparks Joy...

Hi friends! <3

www.facebook.com/groups/lolitablogcarnival/

I decided to use my favorite piece from the last post, and make a fairly simple sweet coord in pink x lavender with some old-school elements. I would also include a pair of small gold hoop earrings and a pearl bracelet or wristcuffs. 

This coord sparks joy for me because it reminds me of when I was starting out in lolita. Coords were simpler and didn't requiring a lot of effort and extra things. I think a lot of people have forgotten that. You don't need to have a giant wig, large prop, and a million accessories to make a decent coord. Others must feel the same as I've noticed a mild return to old-school looks as well. What do you think?

BTSSB: Spin Doll Headdress

Vintage/thrifted: Blouse

Angelic Pretty: Dream Fantasy Jsk

Offbrand: Unicorn Necklace

Angelic Pretty: Unknown Otks

Bodyline: Shoes515

Angelic Pretty: Happy Lovely Heart Bag

Angelic Pretty: Candy Ribbon Ring

Check out what coords others created at:

Cupcakes and Unicorns

The Bloody Tea Party

Alice in Lolitaland

Bibelot Rose

Share a Bit About Your Favorite Piece & How You Acquired It...

Hi friends! <3

Will all the craziness going on in the world, the Lolita Blog Carnival group has been revived! That means fun new posts for all you lovely readers to enjoy :-) Let's get right into things shall we?

www.facebook.com/groups/lolitablogcarnival/

My favorite piece is Angelic Pretty's Dream Fantasy <3

I bought it in 2014 from a friend a couple years after I had moved. It was altered to be slightly bigger and came with the matching headbow. I tried it on and the fit was perfect. I was so happy! At the time, my wardrobe was mainly skirts and blouses with maybe a few dresses, so this was a great addition for me.

This jsk was originally from a 2013 lucky pack that included a jsk, headbow, otks, blouse, and small bag. Unknown to me, it was actually fairly new at the time I had bought it. Back then, I wasn't too knowledgeable about prints and releases. I have learned a lot since then though. I even ended up buying the bag from the blue version of that set from another person later on. What are the odds of that?

There are a few aspects that make this my favorite piece (aside from the larger sizing)...

Bodice- Fairly simple and cute. A little bib with tiny bows and star lace. The waist bow is a good size without being too large or obnoxious.

Print- Super cute animals (bunnies, bears, mice, unicorns), scoops of ice cream, rainbows, clouds, stars, castles, balloons, etc. It makes me think of a sweet dream land that I would love to visit. 
Colors- Soft pastels that appear faded, but are not. It really enhances the dream-like feeling of the print.

Lace- In addition to the star lace, there is special lace around the bottom hem that features bears holding balloons and more stars.

I love the attention Angelic Pretty gave  to details, even for just a lucky pack dress. I find it super easy to coord this piece. Here's some I've done over the years...

Feel free to check out what others had to say on their blogs at:

Roli's Ramblings

The Bloody Tea Party

Alice in Lolitaland