Monday, January 28, 2013

Happiness Project - Third Post!!!

Once you have accepted that there are things in life which you simply cannot change, you need to focus on the things you can change to make you happier. You're going to need to be very frank with yourself and others here, because we're about to break a few traditional social rules in half here.

"Humans are cowards in the face of happiness. You need courage to hold on to happiness."

I always like to look to Momoko when it comes to finding happiness. She was strong enough to cast aside society's requirements and make herself happy in her own way. I'm not saying you should push away all friendships, cheat your father out of money, or eat only sweet things, however there is still a lesson to be learned there.

A common phrase that many hear often is "Money cannot buy you happiness." The trouble with that phrase is that in this day and age, money really kind of can. Don't get me wrong here, I'm not that shallow and I know that money can't buy friendship, true love, a good personality, or wisdom. However, money can buy you beloved lolita dresses, your favorite foods, a roof over your head, and a phone to communicate with all those friends. The fact of the matter is, a certain amount of money is necessary to facilitate happiness. You may feel like you never have enough money, but this is where your power to change comes in.We can always change our financial standings, if we're motivated and smart. It's not going to happen overnight, but the rewards are always so much sweeter when you have to wait for them. It may well be worth it to go to college for that higher paying job, or to quit paying for college to go into a job field where a college degree is unnecessary. They keep saying the job market is in the toilet, jobs are impossible to find, etc etc. I have people every day who tell me how they have been searching for a job for ages and found nothing.

-beep-beep-beep-
Prepare for a bit of a rant here. Unforunately, most people in America have no idea how to live within their means and, especially when it comes to job searching, tend to be a little high on their horse. Many people won't take lower paying jobs, even though some money is better than no money. When it comes to job searching, I know that laziness sets in a lot, trust me, I've been there and done that, then realized I really wasn't trying as hard as I could have been. That's the time when you shine those shoes, put on your nicest dress and do your hair up, even if you're just going to apply at the local dollar store. Stand out in a radiantly good way as soon as you walk in the door. You want everything about you to just scream, "I really want to be an exemplary employee for your company!" I have absolutely no issue finding jobs because I know what it takes. Don't be afraid of a little hard labor, either. Prince Right got himself all dressed up in a suit and tie and went down to the employment agency and landed himself a job in one day, making twice what he had in his other job. Why had he gotten this job? Because two other guys passed up on the job because they hadn't wanted to do factory labor, or wanted something that paid more. He then proceeded to get other job offers from other places he had applied at that day. My point is, so long as you try hard enough, there is not excuse. 
And if for any reason you cannot get a job, perhaps because of limitations due to your health, there are always other options. The craft world is booming right now, and so if you have any creative skills, you can certainly make money selling your wares. If you are too young, talk with any family members or parents' friends who have children. Most parents are always happy to hire a babysitter so that they can enjoy an evening out. Kids are delightful to spend time with if you handle them correctly, and so giving up your Friday or Saturday night can actually be fun! Just make sure you know all the proper emergency procedures and ask your parents to take you to a CPR certification class. If you are a well-qualified sitter, you can even put up posters to babysit around town, and when you're older, all those references can be very convenient if you wish to find a job at a daycare center.

At the end of the day, you need to decide how much money you need to help you along towards happiness. There is nothing wrong with loving "things" or being a little materialistic, so perhaps you may need a bit more money in your life than the person who is less "thing" focused.

It would also be wise to look at your relationships. I may seem a little cold to some people when I say that when a person stops making me happy, or we just aren't as compatible anymore, I don't continue to include them in my life. This has nothing to do with how often I keep them in my life. One of my best friends and I do not get to see each other very often, but she is still one of my best of friends. But so many people cling to lovers and friends who are damaging. These can be negative people who ruin your good mood, people who leech money from you constantly, or worst of all, people who actually abuse others. I cannot tell you how to find the strength to rid your life of these people, you must do it on your own. But I can assure you that once you do, it will be that much easier to surround yourself with positive people who will lift you up and you will lift them in return with your beautiful smile!







Thursday, January 24, 2013

Lolita 52 Challenge: A Lolita Topic a Week!

I was inspired by one of my favorite blogs, F Yeah Lolita to try a little challenge. I'm borrowing the picture she used on her blog because it is really, very lovely...
While you're supposed to do these one per week, over the course of a year, I may do two per week, depending on my mood. I'm just going to do these in order, because goodness knows that if I don't, I shall easily forget which ones I have and haven't done, then there will just be a big mess. And I'm not fond of big messes, mostly because that means I'll have to clean it up, and I'm not particularly fond of cleaning, either. (However, this past week I finally made the plunge into adulthood and cleaned my house! All that's left is the bedroom, but it's such a huge project because we are redoing things...it's a bit daunting.) But without further ado, here's the 52!
  1.  5 pieces that every Lolita wardrobe should have, regardless of style
  2.  5 movies for Lolitas
  3.  What my own Lolita lifestyle is like 
  4.  Favorite thing to put on my head
  5.  My wardrobe turnover
  6.  My favorite Lolita brand
  7.  Why I wear Lolita?
  8.  Why don't I wear Lolita more often?
  9.  5 keywords that describe my personal Lolita style
  10.  How I first found out about Lolita
  11.  3 trends I wish would come back
  12.  Combining other fashions with Lolita
  13.  Lolitas I have met in real life
  14.  Lolitas I would love to meet
  15.  3 things I wish I was told when I was a new Lolita
  16.  10 facts about my Lolita wardrobe
  17.  My first meetup
  18.  Trends I thought I would never get into, but I now love
  19.  Trends I thought I loved, but now I'm not too keen on
  20.  How satisfied I am with my current wardrobe
  21.  Plan for a trip! A week's worth of Lolita outfits I can fit in a small suitcase
  22.  How I accessorize
  23.  What influences my Lolita style
  24.  What's in my makeup bag
  25.  Best places to wear Lolita
  26.  How I get out of a wardrobe slump
  27.  Purses that I love
  28.  Bloomers or no bloomers?
  29.  Lolitafying things in my everyday life
  30.  How long it took me to build a complete wardrobe
  31.  Impulse buys that were totally worth it
  32.  My best deal
  33.  Something that I made
  34.  Wardrobe blunders! Things I bought that I ended up regretting!
  35.  What I thought when I got my first real piece of Lolita
  36.  Nails to match my favorite looks
  37.  Something that's not my style, but I love anyways
  38.  Favorite hair style
  39.  Most versatile Lolita item I own
  40.  5 inspirational fictional characters
  41.  Fondest meetup memory
  42.  The ways in which I fit the cliche
  43.  The ways in which I do not fit the cliche
  44.  How strangers react to my clothes, and how I react to their reactions
  45.  Something that was a gift
  46.  Parasols: Vital or frivolous?
  47.  The item in my wardrobe that was the hardest to get
  48.  My "signature" outfit
  49.  My favorite Lolita print
  50.  What's in my closet, but I haven't worn yet!
  51.  Predict the next Lolita trend!
  52.  How Lolita has changed me

So, for number 1. 5 Pieces that Every Lolita Wardrobe Should Have, Regardless of Style

I don't want to sound repetitive, but I feel that there are a few set pieces that every wardrobe should contain that won't vary at all, no matter who is writing. In fact, when you're building up a wardrobe, it's always best to start with these items that complete a basic outfit, then, by changing one piece at a time, start building more. Essentially, you're going to want a white cupcake pannier, a white blouse, a grey skirt, black shoes and a black head bow:


Basics every lolita should start with


Obviously, you can't see the petticoat in the picture, but it's still on the list! Just before a basic white blouse, a petticoat is probably the most important part of a lolita wardrobe as it gives lolita its signature shape.
Why grey though, you may ask? Grey is a very versatile and unfortunately, frequently overlooked color in lolita. I feel that grey can swing to almost any of the major substyles, and so makes a great base piece to any wardrobe.
Black accessories are also versatile. A basic headbow and mary janes can go a long way, even in sweeter styles.
Notice, also, the cut of the skirt I've chosen. I thought Innocent World's Astarte skirt would be the best choice. It's simple, yet still obviously lolita. I also liked that it is high-waisted, and that the bow belt is detachable, so that you can leave your blouse untucked if you like. Both tucked and untucked can be very attractive, and lend two very different looks to an outfit:
And once you have the basic outfit securely in place, you can begin changing it! Say you prefer a more gothic style, change the white blouse out for a black blouse to lend an overall darker tone to the coordinate. Then subtract the bow and try a lovely canotier with a tulle veil. When you're ready to make the big changes, take away the skirt and add more signature gothic pieces! Ta-da! The beginnings to a full and versatile gothic wardrobe is born!
And the same can be done for other styles, swapping things out one by one until you have an entirely new outfit, and a whole trail of outfits behind you to work with!

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

The Elegant Ballerina in Lolita

Hello, lovelies! 

As of late, I have been absolutely smitten with the ballet! The elegance and grace of every move, both large and subtle, enchants me. The lengths to which the human body can stretch and contort amazes me. I deeply admire the hardwork and dedication required to be successful. And of course, the lolita inside me just screams, "The skirts!"
I took ballet lessons for several years as a child, but as I did with most things, and sometimes still do, I grew bored and wanted to move on to my next curiosity. Sometimes I do wish I had stuck with it, though, as it would be a wonderful hobby and and an excellent way to keep fit, even if I did not take it as a serious and professional dancer. Perhaps I shall pick back up on it, if anything to fill my extra time with something productive.
So while I likely will never realize my childhood dream of becoming a professional dancer, I may emulate her grace and beauty through any one of these dresses and accessories:

Meta's Swan Lake, one of the most famous ballets.

Juliette et Justine's ballerina inspired dress.

A simple dress by Meta. The flowy, pleated skirt would be lovely to dance in!

A lovely pair of lace-up style socks from Innocent World, just like pointe shoes!

A jsk from Innocent World with elegant embroidery fit for a ballerina, and lovely detail on an otherwise simple bodice.

A luxurious Innocent World bustier. Paired with a simple black chiffon skirt, a pair of boots and a top hat, it would be easy to emulate the Nutcracker.

A solid chiffon skirt from Innocent World looks soft and romantic.

This Innocent World jsk is lovely on its own, but could be easily vamped up by a lace bolero and lace-up ribbon shoes.

This Innocent World bustier reminds me of those of a ballerina - perfect paired with a pink or white chiffon skirt.

This Baby skirt reminds me of a tutu!

This sheer blouse would add a touch of romance and modesty to the aforementioned red velvet bustier above!

This could easily work into a more casual coord, imitating the practice wear for ballerinas.

The details of this dress scream ballet!

A rather literal print, featuring delicate ballerinas in all manner of positions.

All the tulle and lace on the skirt of this dress gives a touch of ballerina, while the more basic bodice keeps it suble.

This Angelic Pretty number is aptly named "Lacy Ballerina."

The highly sought-after Angelic Pretty print, Puppet Circus, features puppet ballerinas in a divine gold print.

This bustier is similar to the Innocent World bustier, but with more of a sweet style. It would be perfect with dozens of pink chiffon ruffles!

An obvious pick!

Another elegant print, Twinkle Carnival also has a vibe that says "ballet."

A lovely pannier for the daring!

These Angelic Pretty socks will dress up any plain pair of flats!
A basic chiffon skirt from AP.
Feeling inspired yet? The key to feeling like a dreamy ballerina in lolita is to look for layered chiffon, or tulle accents and simple bodices, possibly with corset details, or even bustier style dresses! Skirts thick with chiffon would work well with a bustier style top, or if you're really daring, make sure you keep your modesty in check and try wearing your fanciest pannier on the outside! If you wish to more literally portray the beauty of the ballerina, you could try a printed dress. And if you don't want to go all out, try a pair of simple flat shoes that lace up around your calves, or socks that are printed in such a way.

The look can be achieved with any brand, in any style!

Keep it sweet like the Sugar Plum Fairy:

Sugarplum Fairy



Channel the Black Swan:

Gothic ballet



Or try classic a la A Midsummer's Night Dream:

Classical ballet lolita


Whatever you choose, just remember to feel graceful and elegant at all times!

Monday, December 31, 2012

New Year's Resolutions!

The new year is here! This is sincerely one of my most favorite times of the year, perhaps even more so than Christmas! It's a time to drop the burdens of the past and start fresh, forgive yourself and others for what is done and gone and move forward. So here are my ten New Year's Resolutions for 2013, in no particular order:

1. Post regularly! I opened this blog for many reasons, and I shouldn't keep letting life get in the way of something I enjoy! This means, I will be continuing with all the things I've started, including the happiness project!

2. Get moved into a new apartment with Prince Right. Recently I met and moved in with Prince Right (for he is the right prince for me :D). Unfortunately, our little apartment is far too tiny for the two of us and all our hobbies, and so it is cramped and cluttered and I cannot wait to to reorganize everything into a lovely new space that I can decorate!

3. Buy more wigs. I know this sounds like a silly resolution, but I love wigs so much and it's a bit of a goal for me to have a few dozen wigs that I can wear wherever. I want to have short hair, but it's not very versatile, so when I have wigs, off comes the hair :D

4. Prettify, Lolify, Princessify, whatever you wish to call it, that is what I shall soon be doing with my life. I want to surround myself only in beautiful things and useful things. Everything else will go. Perhaps I should add simplify as well.

5. Revamp my wardrobe. I've already gotten started on this with a little shopping spree the other day. Basically, I want my normal wardrobe to be soft and romantic, or creepy cute. Everything else that does not fit lolita, fairy kei, or mori girl, is going to the goodwill.

6. Keep a diary. In my diary i will record little thoughts, lovely things in every day, and little bits and pieces in my life.

7. Get healthy! My mother put me on her family plan to go to the gym, so basically it's free to me. I have no reason not to go and make myself fit into brand! My goal weight is 160, back to my good old size twelve! That means I've got about 60lbs to lose! One step at a time!

8. Cook more! This is related to getting healthy, really. Prince Right and I have gotten lazy recently and have had a lot of takeout, or easy to cook meals. I want to fill my body with delicious, 
 nourishing foods that I took the time and love to make!

9. Take more time on myself. I want to feel beautiful, and the easiest step i can take right now is to just take my time, time to take a bubble bath, do my makeup, curl my hair or paint my nails.

10. Continue to grow in love and spirit. Prince Right is just that, and ever since he came around, my relationships with my friends have become close again, and my mother and sister and I are closer than ever, and I know that his joyful presence has helped facilitate this. 

So those are my resolutions, what are yours?
Until next time!

Friday, October 19, 2012

I haven't been posting!

My life has been CRAAAAZZZYYYY. So much has been happening, and I've been so busy! New posts coming soon though, and I'll be getting my "under construction" pages up and running!

Until then, enjoy a coord I threw together on polyvore using the new dress I'm going to be getting!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Sickness is poopy :( :( :(

We are sick!
I would liken sickness to many things...
poo.

Or perhaps...
a slug.

Or best of all...that feeling of falling asleep as soon as you get home, then waking up and getting ready for work, only to realize that it's ten o clock at night and you've slept your entire evening away.
Yes, I do believe those are accurate ways to describe how I'm feeling right now. Even my loving caretaker, EJ, has begun to show signs of falling ill, though not as bad as I am. He's lucky that way. He doesn't often get very, deathly ill.
So in an effort to keep things positive, I have turned our sickness into something more cute!


http://purikura.me/

Until next time!