So I was flipping through a magazine today and they had a page of photos of Twilight-themed goods available to buy online. One of these was a wall transfer that said:

It wasn't quite the same as this particular decoration, as it was in gothic script and had the '...' after 'Edward,' but this one is close enough.

 Yep. “I’m just a Bella, waiting for my Edward…” Oh how I lolled.

So I got to thinking about Twilight, which led to thought on vampires in general, and then I came across a general vampire meme, and I thought: I need to blog about this. So here we go, Ace’s Vampire Meme.

Ace’s Vampire Meme!

Why do you think people are fascinated by vampires?

The thing about vampires is that they appeal to our subconscious. People often associate vampire with death, or with sex, but it’s more than that. Vampires are dead, powerful, faster and stronger than us, dangerous, and often gorgeous and alluring.  They appeal to people because they’re like we are, only better. They’re also the perfect predator. Vampires represent the mysterious, the erotic, the dangerous. They’re all about the repressed or the darker side of our psyche. They’re dangerous, alluring, sexually desirable and aware, near-invulnerable, and they can do anything they like without fear of the consequences. They appeal to us because they are an outlet for all the things in our subconscious that we cannot let out.  In the past 15-20 years there’s been a lot of tortured-soul vampire stuff; from Angel in Buffy or Edward Cullen from Twilight to name the two most well-known examples; and that’s another aspect that appeals to people. Lots of people have some dark secret, some dilemma or addiction that is mucking up their life, and that’s what the ‘vampire as a tortured soul’ stuff really is. It’s a metaphor. So much vampire stuff is a metaphor for something.

 Coolest vampire stuff out there?

Well, obviously Buffy has to be on this list, which in a way is kind of a shame, because it deviates quite a bit from the established vampire mythos of pop culture. Vampires as soulless, ugly demons? Who steal their names from Doctor Who and look like Dark Lords from Harry Potter, only less cool? (You don’t know what I’m talking about, check out this guy. Totally Voldemort with a nose. And with no fashion sense, obviously.) All the same, Buffy is nonetheless a good show and doubtless reinvigorated the vampire mythos for a new decade and a new generation.

My personal favorite part of the vampire pop culture is the Betsy Taylor series of novels by MaryJanice Davidson, about a blonde valleygirl-type airhead who dies and wakes up Queen of the Vampires, much to her horror and dismay. The earlier ones are strongly comic supernatural romance, but the later ones are a lot stronger on plot and a little bit darker as Betsy reluctantly takes on the responsibility of being the Queen.

Finally, Carpe Jugulum (‘Seize the Jugular?’) by Terry Pratchett is awesome, for parodying the vampire genre even as it tells a great story. 

 Since everyone is asking this question; Team Edward or Team Jacob?

*frowny face* Honestly, I don’t particularly like either of them. Let’s go Team Alice. She’s bouncy and fun and slightly eccentric, and the actress who plays her in the movie is pretty, and hot.

Favorite vampire stereotype?

The true predatorial vampires, that is the dangerous killers vs. seducer type, probably, and the ‘Gothic Lolita’ female vampire you see a lot in manga; that is, flirty and feminine and kind of goth, but with frills and lace and cuteness. If they’ve combined gothic vampire dress with cute feminine dress and hairstyle, it’s probably a ’Gothic Lolita’ vampire.

A sketch of a 'Gothic Lolita' vampire... is it just me, or does she look vaguely like Britney Spears?

No not really, it was in another one of my messed up dreams.

This dream was a lot more action packed than the Cats and Callcentres one. The dream that I had last night was a very long dream and unfortunately I don’t really remember the beginning. Just the ending.

The antagonist.

So basically I’m chasing a girl and her younger brother (similar to pic above lol) for some reason. I’m not sure but they did something that made me want to kill them… So the part that I remember starts here.

I’m driving after her on some really twisted multi-level roads (kinda like the on/off ramps on highways) inside this huge ecnlosed area. She’s driving a large truck with some red text on it. I know that she has something hidden in the truck that I’m trying to retrieve (might’ve been other people that they’d kidnapped or they may have been her followers, or something completely different). I see the two guards who are responsible for this area. I run up to them and ask them to lock down the area. They look at me quizzically and ask why. I tell them that the truck that the girl’s driving is full of stolen goods. Then the black guard (not sure why a remember this lol) says “Well why didn’t you say that in the first place” while smiling and pressing the lock down button.

Hänsel and Gretel

So now my partner and I approach the antagonists. I’m not sure how but I vaugley remember “taking care” of the “goods” in the truck. (Side note: They actually remind me of the two murdering kids, Hänsel and Gretel, from Black Lagoon now that I think about it xD.) I take a look at the kids and knowing that they were a large threat to me I decided to kill them right then and there to avoid anything happening to my parenter and I.

I take my 8mm pistol (well I remember the bullets being small so I’m just guessing the size) and shoot them both in the head. They look very surprised and a bit stunned but other than that they are unphased. Next thing I know the kids have gotten a grasp of me. I had no way of escaping and knew that I’d experience an extremely slow and painful death in their hands. My partner quickly shoots me in the head knowing it would be more humane than letting me suffer an inevitable painful death in the kid’s hands. And apparently before we’d chased the kids I”d actually told my partner to do just that in the case that I was captured.

LOL…

Well I had 3 consecutive days of messed up dreams last week but I was too busy to write about them and unfortuately have forgotten them. Though I do remember that in the 2nd dream I was in Africa…

Woops. I know. I Know I SUCKKKKKK! But as of late I have been extremely busy finishing my second year of University. I have been making a lot of jewelery and learning some new sewing projects (Here’s to making my own bloomers from now on!).

I say that my return to blogging will be brief because in less than a week’s time I will be in El Salvador until December and in San Antonio Texas for most of January. When I get net access I will try and update on traveling to Central America and what a Lolita should know.

It turns out that Lolita are like owls, found on every continent on earth save for Antarctica. I had a look for the possibility of their being any Lolitas in El Salvador (Central America’s smallest but most densely populated countries) and lo I found some! When traveling and if you do want to meet up with other lolitas it’s good to just ask communities like egl on livejournal to see if separate forums or communities exist.

The only problem with travel to El Salvador is that you must be very careful how you dress even in normal people boring clothes. Nothing too flashy or expensive looking though nothing that makes you look like a mutton headed backpacker because it makes you a soft target for criminals or potential kidnap and ransom victims. Finding the local Lolita community to hang with is a good safety tip but if your not sure always have your travel buddies/family close by. Save your AP OTT neon icing dresses for home and opt for casual lolita, country and classic as it will attract LESS attention (lolita is intrinsically attention grabbing). Sensible shoes are a must so leave the 6 inch Mana platforms at home, opt for smaller hair bows and veto the jewelery if you can because nothing says tourist and pickpocket bait much like accessories.

A part of me is sad about traveling there because I love accessories and will have to wear dull “comfortable” clothing out of necessity though as soon as I get to the US I will have more opportunity.

Before I do leave I will update a few more times with some posts I have been thinking on expanding on for a while now. Mainly on the subject of ERO Lolita and doing it right for both ladies and the fellas and an upcoming documentary series by my friend on the subject of Lolitas and the growing Lolita subculture in Australia.

Angelic Pretty仙台店.

I love checking out this blog for the latest AP stuff.

Added a pair of Gothic Lolita Resin Necklaces to the ZLY shop today, Bow/Cross and Heart/Top Hat, both of which feature super sparkly black silver glitter and gunmetal black ball chains.

I also really need to set up this month’s giveaway … have a good idea for December but I’m not 100% sure what I want to do for this month yet … which is a problem since it was supposed to start yesterday. D’oh!

–*In Japan, it is thought that one day robots will do all our menial labor, take care of our children, take care of the elderly and keep us from having to invite foreign guest workers into our countries.

–*The love of anime in Japan has reached almost grotesque proportions, with women using special contact lenses to make their eyes look like those of anime characters, and with one man even petitioning the government to marry a large-breasted manga character. Westerners may scoff, but the character is only 40% more fake than former Miss California USA Carrie Prejean.

–*Given the stringent immigration policies and the current negative birth rate of actual people, Japan will likely achieve its ambitious agenda for a majority of its citizens to become anime characters by 2056.

–*Japan is one of the most ethnically homogenous countries in the world but does have a small minority of Chinese and Koreans just to have somebody to blame the crimes on.

–*The Harajuku area of Tokyo is a fashion Mecca where many fashion subcultures can be found, including “Lolita” fashions, anime character fashions, glam rock, and the perennial favorite, “Ruined Catholic schoolgirl.”

–*Among the rampant “Lolita” subgenres on display in Harajuku are “Gothic Lolita,” “Punk Lolita,” “Wa Lolita,” “Sweet Lolita,” and “Injured Lolita.” Though the name has sexual connotations, the look is mostly a conscious throwback to chastity, and it is done mostly to promote the aesthetics of irretrievable cuteness.

–*Japanese religious beliefs tend to mix a variety of traditions, including Shinto, Taoist, Buddhist and Metrosexual

–*Young Japanese men are very fussy about their appearance and like to keep their hair somewhere in the aesthetic range between Michael Jackson and Florence Henderson.

–*If the subway posters, fashion statements and literature are any indication, the age of consent in Japan must be 10.

–*The Japanese love of space age, kitschy architecture, reflects what is either a sunny optimism about the future—about the possibility that science and technology can lead us to better lives—or an unhealthy love of the 1970s camp classic “Logan’s Run.”

–*Japan has been suffering from heavy economic deflation due to a number of factors, including decline in aggregate demand and undercapitalization of banks. But fuck that. Did you know the sex industry’s contribution to GDP there equals the entire defense budget! Isn’t that wicked?

–*There is a growing problem of work related stress in Japan that causes adverse health effects. One excellent way to deal with stress is to go to an arcade and play a totally fucked up game called Pachinko that has lots of little balls flying around and that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

–*You must try not to sound racist when you are an American in a Japanese hospital and asking for “peneshirin.” If you are worried that that sounds racist then be very afraid of the phrase “peneshirin arerugi,” for “penicillin allergy.” Hopefully, the doctor will understand that you are not mocking him and will not deny you care. Good luck.

–*Crime rates are very low in Japan, because of a stronger economy but also because of extensive social groups that instill a deep sense of shame. In an economic stimulus move, Japan hopes to export some of its shame to the United States, where it is in woefully short supply.

I hope this little exercise did not sound too catty. In truth, I very much loved Japan and if I were to write a regular travel blog, I’d recommend the delights of Tokyo and Kyoto to everyone. Stephanie and I have pictures up elsewhere on my Facebook page for those of you who would like a peek at our adventures.

Hi world and all the cosplayer from sabah, of cuz I also say hi to other cosplayer from other place.

Today this post I want talk about Cosplay =/= Lolita or Fashion to all the “SABAHAN”.

Well, Why I need to post about this? Because, just now one of the sabah magazine (I wouldn’t post out the magazine name.) they send me a message in facebook. And then the message make me facepalm all the way. Ok.. I just post out abit what they send.

“Hot Toys Limited Edward Scissorhands 12″ figure sponsored by XXX and a Lolita Cosplay Costume sponsored by XXX to give away!”

Yea… I know… = = its kinda… silly and stupid for me. Actually, I did explain to them what is cosplay and lolita, but they did a same mistake again and again. And I did explain the same thing in my own personal blog, forum and facebook. But they also did a same mistake again and again. *sigh* I don’t mind explain again in this blog and I will try to use very very simple example to explain what is cosplay and lolita.

“Cosplay (コスプレ, kosupure^?), short for “costume play”,^[1] is a fan labor type of performance art in which participants don costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea. Characters are often drawn from popular fiction in Japan. Favorite sources include manga, anime, tokusatsu, comic books, graphic novels, video games, hentaimovies. Role play includes portrayals of J-pop and J-rock stars, Taiwanese puppet characters, science fiction characters, characters from musical stories, classic novels, and entertainment software. Any entity from the real or virtual world that lend itself to dramatic interpretation may be taken up as a subject. Inanimate objects are given an anthropomorphic forms and it is not unusual to see genders switched, with women playing male roles and vice versa and fantasy “

-Copy from Wikipedia-

OK, I give some very very very simple example to explain what is cosplay~

You cosplay superman

You cosplay spiderman

You cosplay pikachu

You cosplay power ranger

You cosplay snow white

You cosplay sleeping beauty

You cosplay Gundam

You cosplay Olympic mascot

ok, this all is cosplay.

now, I give some example what is not cosplay…

Lolita

Visual Kei

Punk

Gothic Punk

Gothic Lolita

Sweet Lolita

and etc….

All, is fashion…..

So, next times, please don’t say again “I COSPLAY AS LOLITA or etc( all about fashion )” in front all the cosplayer, because they will ask you back “YOUR LOLITA or etc CHARACTER IS FROM WHICH MOVIE, WHICH MANGA, WHICH ANIME,WHICH CARTOON OR WHICH VIDEO GAMES” or they will slap or punch you immediately… so don’t do the same mistake again~ please….  You also don’t want  punch or slap or torture or kill by cosplayer just because you do a same mistake again ,right? ^^;;

P/S>I also respect Lolita and etc, but  please difference Lolita or etc and cosplay… Please forgive my broken english and leave your comment about my post, Thank you.

-SAKUYA-

]]> http://vampirekana.wordpress.com/2009/11/08/books-fit-for-lolitas-im-back/ Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:42:33 +0000 vampirekana http://vampirekana.wordpress.com/2009/11/08/books-fit-for-lolitas-im-back/

I’m starting to think I have a off/on relationship with WordPress.

I’m sorry I h’avent been able to update again. Family Issues. But i’m a lot better now, no need to worry! Now with that out of the way, let me start the topic: Books! I’ve been reading alot more books lately , and most of them are horror/gothic. Here are some I think Lolitas of all styles would like:

1. Sugar Sugar Rune

This is a cute manga about two witches who have to collect hearts ( feelings/emotions) in the human world to become the next queen in the Magical world. A must read!      Out of five hearts: ♥♥♥♥

2. GhostGirl

Would you DIE to become popular?  That’s what happened to Charlotte Usher. Out of five hearts: ♥♥♥

3.Vampire Kisses: Blood Relatives

Vampire Kisses is originally a series of novel, so check that out too! It might not have the most interesting story line, but it has wonderful pictures and behind the scenes!   Out of five stars: ♥♥ ( 2.5)

4.Gothic & Lolita Bible

Like the book’s title, this is the ultimate bible for lolita!!! GO BUY ONE NOW!!!! Out of five hearts: ♥♥♥♥♥ ( I wish I could give it out of 100)

Hope you like!!! If you have any suggestions, feel free to tell me!

♥VampireKana♥

Copyright : E. Robert Espalieu

Après le dictionnaire des noms propres, le dico français-anglais et celui des synonymes, voici le… dictionnaire du look! Il s’agit là de l’accessoire ultime pour apprendre à décrypter les différents looks qui existent. En couple dans la vie, Géraldine de Margerie, journaliste, et Olivier Marty, photographe, ont recensé pour ce dico 39 looks différents, de l’Arty au Teuffeur en passant par la Baby-pouffe, l’Emo, la Fashionista, la Gouine à mèche, le Punk à chien ou encore le Bling-bling.

Comment vous est venue l’idée du livre?
Géraldine de Margerie: «On s’est rendu compte qu’il y avait une quantité de looks nouveaux qui étaient apparus chez les jeunes qu’on ne connaissait pas et on a eu envie de les recenser, à la fois les éternels qui avaient toujours été là, et les nouvelles comètes qui venaient d’apparaître. Donc on a eu cette idée d’un catalogue, qu’on imaginait un peu comme un herbier. Et on s’est dit que le dictionnaire était une bonne idée.»

Comment avez-vous procédé?
GdM: «On a d’abord dressé une liste des looks qu’on connaissait déjà et qui étaient toujours présents. Puis on a commencé à s’intéresser aux nouveaux looks qui étaient apparus. Très vite il a fallu trancher, parce qu’une fois qu’on commence, on ne s’arrête plus, il y en a vraiment énormément. Donc on a sélectionné les plus représentatifs et les plus répandus. A partir de là, on a fait un grand casting sur réseaux sociaux (Facebook, Myspace, Skype Blog), par mails, et puis surtout, on a fait des castings sauvages, dans la rue. On arrêtait des gens en leur expliquant notre projet et en leur proposant de poser.»

Quel est votre look préféré?
GdM: «Je les aime tous. Le Looké-décalé, qui est vraiment la mode humoristique, avec un vrai sens du détail, beaucoup de fantaisie, de créativité. Il s’accompagne d’une attitude un peu drôle un peu cynique. Sinon, les looks mangas: Gothic Lolita, Kawaii… cela c’était assez surprenant.»
Olivier Marty: «Moi, c’est la Gothic Lolita, parce que je trouve cela très joli. Le modèle est très joli. (rires de Géraldine) C’était surprenant, je ne connaissais pas ce look-là au départ. Et les Kawaii aussi.»

Et lequel n’aimez-vous pas alors?
GdM: «On les aime tous! Il n’y en a pas qu’on n’aime pas, tout est intéressant.»
OM: «On n’a pas de jugement sur les looks. Ce n’est pas une appréciation de style.»

Votre look à vous, c’est lequel?
GdM: «Nous, on est Bobo! On l’assume. On ne va pas se mentir. On avait aussi envie de se moquer de nous. C’est un peu le principe du livre: taquiner tous les looks. On avait envie de taquiner le nôtre aussi.»

Vous avez inventé certains noms. Vous les avez trouvez comment?
GdM: «Par exemple, Sunset Beach, cela fait référence à une série américaine que je regardais, avec que des héros bodybuildés, plein de beaux-gosses américains. Je trouvais cela juste d’appeler comme cela certains spécimens que j’ai observé! Après, pour les Jah-Jah, qui ont un vestiaire un peu ethnique, qui sont fans de reggae, c’est parce que jah-jah ce sont des mots qui reviennent souvent dans les chansons reggae.»

Comment faire la différence entre un Gothic et un Emo?
GdM: «En gros, ils n’écoutent pas la même musique, ne s’habillent pas de la même manière, même si cela s’influence quand même et s’apparente à la même famille. Mais dans le Emo, il y a la présence du manga qu’on ne retrouve pas chez les gothiques. Et puis, Emo, c’est très androgyne: des vêtements assez moulants, les garçons qui se maquillent. Ils sont plus ambigus que les gothiques.»
OM: «Le Emo est moins dark. Même s’il s’habille avec des vêtements noirs, il a un petit côté mignon. La notion du mignon est importante chez les Emo. Il n’y a pas du tout cela chez les gothiques. Chez ces derniers, il y a plus une culture des ténèbres, qu’il n’y a pas chez les Emos».

Et qu’est-ce qui différencie la Baby-Pouffe de la Bimbo?
GdM: «La Baby-Pouffe est la petite sœur de la Bimbo. C’est une histoire d’âge.»
OM: «La Baby-Pouffe est une Bimbo en devenir.»

Tous les individus peuvent rentrer dans une catégorie?
GdM: «Non. Là, on a tracé des grandes lignes. Après évidement, il y a des gens qui peuvent entrer dans différentes catégories. Le test à la fin du livre en témoigne. Plutôt de dire vous êtes cela ou cela, on a fait une famille.»
OM: «On a quand même une catégorie No look. Ce n’est pas exhaustif. Il y a des tribus dont on n’a pas parlé, parce qu’elles sont moins répandues.»

ET VOUS, QUEL EST VOTRE LOOK ?

Et vous, êtes-vous plutôt Bcbg, Caillera, Geek, Marie-Chantal, Nerd, néodandy, Oversized, Tecktonik ou Kikoolol? Un petit test en fin d’ouvrage vous permet de le déterminer… Attention, il n’est pas toujours très flatteur! Reste ensuite à découvrir pour chaque look sa panoplie. Après une description du style -photos bien sûr à l’appui-, on y découvre les coiffures et marques associées,  les endroits où (ne pas) le croiser, ses mots préférés, ses musiques et films favoris, ses ennemis et ses figures célèbres ou encore s’il a de l’humour ou pas…

Christelle

«Dictionnaire du look», de Géraldine de Margerie et Olivier Marty, éditions Robert Laffont, 283 pages, 22 €

Cote: 4/5

here’s a gallery of a GOTHIC LOLITA HARUHI COSPLAYER

and just in case, this is a picture of Haruhi wearing it…

BTW the name of the cosplayer is MIZUNO SHIRO

A photoshoot, with my new flatmate Marta

Mana (MDM) by FallenAngel1973

Mana-sama, formerly of Malice Mizer, and currently leader and guitarist of “solo” project Moi Dix Mois, mentor to Lolita-rock rising star Kanon Wakeshima, founder of Elegant Gothic Lolita fashion label Moi Meme Moitie, and prince of gothic Visual Kei, is hailed as one of the most difficult cosplays to get right. You really have to have the natural physiology for it– a certain facial structure that makeup can’t alter. This Elegant Gothic Aristocrat version, done with roots in the MDM era, is pretty much spot-on. Check out FallenAngel1973’s page to see more Mana cosplays, as incredible as this one.

~Sources and Tutorials that may or may not help you achieve the perfect Mana Cosplay~

xxfullmoonxx’s makeup tutorial for a Gothic Lolita Bible-inspired Mana

Mana Wannabe’s Versailles-era inspired Mana makeup tutorial

and a few videos that may help you get the signature lips and hair down pat….

And remember…personality….is everything:

Now On Limited Sale to Non Group Members!

Hello everyone! Now announcing that I have placed on sale currently the above dress that was released to the Porcelain Fantasies group on sale for a limited time. This dress comes complete with shoes, flexi cuffs, collar, flexi skirt, stockings, lace sock wraps, base pants and top. Priced at L$250 this beautiful halloween lolita dress will only be sold until November 1st as it is a limited halloween dress. Once November 1st hits it will no longer be on sale! Check it out on XStreet or visit the main store location (adult verified only) and get yours today!

Belgians love their anime so a week after FACTS we have Asianim.
The fourth edition of the Asianim festival is taking place on the 24th & 25th of October in Luik/Liege at the Palais des Congrès. The activities of the festival will be focused around 3 themes:

1 - Traditional Japan

• martial arts demonstrations -Karaté – Aikido – Jujutsu – Kobudo- by JAPAn asbl
• Sumi-e –traditional painting- by Suely Shiba
• Shogi, Japanese cooking  by Passerelle Japon
• Go by Club Go Liège
• Tessen demonstration –fan fighting- and painting on silk by “l’Orient en Occident”
• Viêt Võ Dao demonstration –Vietnamese martial arts-  by Vovinam
• Tea ceremony
• Bonsai  exhibition by Bonsai Club Liège
• Origami by BelOrigamo
• Calligraphy by Mrs. Manda
• Go

2 – Contemporary Japan

• an Avatar village
• Dance Dance Revolution booth
• AMVs
• anime projections
• movie projections – 20th Century Boys on Sunday
• Video Games – console, arcade, pc
• Inflatable Sumo
• various fanzines
• cosplay competition on Sunday at 14:00
• Jpop/Jrock/Visual Kei Concerts on Saturday

13:00 – Guren

14:00 – Pinky Doodle Poodle

16:00 -Bernard Minet

3 – Commercial

• 23 different vendors

Aside from this there will be Speed Painting and contests, karaoke, quizzes by Bulle Japon.

Practical Info

1 – Food & Drinks

Asianim announced it will provide reasonably price sushi. Menu should look something like this :

• Sushi €1,5
• Pack of 6 sushi – €7,5
• 2 Maki – €1,5
• Curry Rice – 4,5
• Sandwich – €3
• 0,33 soda can – €1

2 – Tickets

Pre-sale at Fnac and Slumberland:  €7/day , €12/weekend

At the entrance: €8/day, 15€/weekend

3 – Hours

From 10:00 to 18:00

All in all

So they seem to have all that I’d expect from a anime event in Belgium : cosplay, concerts, merchandise, games and touch of traditional stuff. Why tamper with a proven recipe, one might say. Other might say that we’ve seen it all before. However, I believe that, like myself, the ones attending Asianim are looking forward to learning another origami figure from the guys of BelOrigami or practicing their Shogi / Go or one of the other activities they’ve enjoyed at other events.

After FACTS,  I’m hoping to find the “manga for €1 booth”, which showed up at Animansion and Made in Asia and maybe some other reasonably  priced goodies. Assuming that the 3 years of experience will show, Asianim should be the best Belgian anime event so far.

See ya on Saturday if you’re heading there.

Ha..ha..get it?

Crimson leaves are starting to fall, and rockers far and wide are digging up corsets, frock-coats, and implements of bondage to identify with the gloomy change in weather.

The other day I was talking about how Halloween is coming up, and how I will be spending it at a con. I hope the rest of you have interesting plans for the gloomy un-holiday. I at least hope that you have a party to attend, where much Malice Mizer will be blaring. Martha Stewart suggests complicated green curries cooked in gutted pumpkins, and acrylic-nail application parties for Les Halloween ‘09. But we’re a long way from Connecticut, Visualists…

Visual style has wormed its way into the apple of rocker fashion. Most Visualists are rooted strongly in their individuality and creativity, hacking their own look into the world of Visual style. However, because of the nature of Visual style and the rising popularity of Visual Kei as a mainstream genre, it has also transcended personal style and gone into the, shall we say, band-boy-band-girl and/or cosplay modes of expression. A lot of people who appreciate Visual Kei style and music feel that cosplay and band-fan-dom is a way of forging a closer bond to their favorite artists and bands.

Although I personally believe in Visualism and Jrock as a life-source, not to mention life-style, I also believe in cosplay  as legitimate means of expression and appreciation of bands and idols. Even if you decide to do a simple cosplay, and can’t find all the Moitie accessories to glam up your Mana-sama, cosplay well, (and this goes for everyone across the board—) and cosplay with integrity. There’s nothing less appreciative of a band or specific band member than half-assing your depiction of them. If you’re short on time, cash, garb, gear, or all of the above, consider simplifying your effigy by focusing on several very characteristic traits (hairstyle and makeup, for example…whatever the personality is really defined by.) and toning down the other elements. For example, Kanon Wakeshima? Broke? Full-time job (yup, they do go together)? Con in a week? Simple solution! Focus on the hair and makeup and any accessories you can manage, and then try and emulate the experience and sentiment of her outfit without actually recreating it in full! This is much more appropriate than buying a $14 cheesy prom dress from Salvation Army and hauling a cello around.

…and remember…next year, start making the costume right after the convention, not right before. (To be fair, I tried this and failed miserably. Wish me luck that I don’t return a hypocrite….Not that you’d know  either way ).

Whether you’re seeking to improve your own Visual style, or considering cosplaying your favorite band-member, here is something that may help along the way– and remember, do your best, and have fun! ganbatte ne!:

If you’re totally green to Visual style, but want to go the whole nine yards, a DVD was released in September called Visual Makeup Lesson. The DVD has a variety of lessons to show Visualists how to do typical Visual Kei style makeup. Japanese language with English subtitles. Learn it from the best– and by that I mean, of course, learn it from the Japanese…

Visual Makeup Lesson (English Subtitles)

Metamorphose Frilly Dolly Coat in red (Source: Metamorphose)

Somehow, mid-October has come around. If you’re still searching  for a winter coat and haven’t found a design you love yet, perhaps one of these will tickle your fancy. The remaining coats in the Winter 2009/2010 lineup are offered in Sweet, Military and Gothic styles.

Sweet

Pictured above, Metamorphose has an adorable coat in a high-waisted cut. The Frilly Dolly Coat, pictured in red velveteen, has multiple tiers or ruffles along the back.  The hem of the coat features a subtle swan motif.

BtSSB Rosetta Coat in black and Ribbon Minuet Coat in pink (Source: BABY, The Stars Shine Bright)

 Is it just me or does BABY, The Stars Shine Bright have just as many winter coat designs as it has dress designs this winter? On the left is the Rosetta Coat in black with a textured linen look and a plushy-looking fur collar. The Ribbon Minuet Coat on the right is a good option for Lolitas that don’t like the look or feel of fur but still want a cute, warm coat.

BtSSB Etoile Coat in pink and Angelic Pretty Rich Ribbon coat in pink (Source: BABY, The Stars Shine Bright and Angelic Pretty)

 On the left, BABY, The Stars Shine Bright Etoile Coat has an adorable puffed-sleeve design, detachable fur collar and two tiers of ruffles along the waist. The waist ruffles are adorable, but likely best suited to Lolitas with smaller waist measurements. On the right, the Pretty Rich Ribbon Coat is one of Angelic Pretty’s more muted winter coat options, although it is still over-the-top by cotton candy Sweet by most standards.

Gothic

BPN Retro Coat and BPN for Men Long Coat with Rings (Source: Black Peace Now)

 Because ruffles and bows may not be everyone’s cup of tea, Black Peace Now has drawn up inspiration from the past for the design of the Retro Coat. The 60s/70s-era style collar is the biggest design feature but it also features coattails and and a buttoned sleeve-cuff. On the right, Black Peace Now for Men Long Coat has a one-button enclosure and is accented by a row of rings along the waist.

From left to right: The mini, long and men's version of Atelier Boz Trench Coat with Fur Collar (Source: Atelier Boz)

 Three belted trench coats with fur collars all in a row. The one thing you have to love about Atelier Boz is that they completely believe in equal opportunity fashion design – although if that were completely true there would be a men’s version of the this coat in the mini length.

Military

BtSSB Vargossa Coat and BPN Button Trench Coat (Source: BABY, The Stars Shine Bright and Black Peace Now)

 Pirate-style has become a whole category in and of itself in the Gothic and Lolita fashion movement. The coat on the left is from BABY, The Stars Shine Bright’s Alice and the Pirates line. Called the Vargossa Coat, it brings to mind the image of a capatain of a pirate ship. And the captain of a pirate ship would have no qualms wearing this coat if said captain liked a bell-shaped silhouette. On the right, Black Peace Now’s Button Trench Coat evokes the look of a military officer with its crisp-looking collar, belt and buttons-galore.

BPN Sailor Coat and AatP Royal Star Long Coat (Source: Black Peace Now and BABY, The Stars Shine Bright)

 While Sailor Style is popular in Lolita fashion, the two coats pictures above demand to be taken a little more seriously than the style is normally portrayed. On the left the Black Peace Now Sailor Coat is all business, while the Alice and the Pirates Royal Star Long Coat on the right takes a more dramatic approach to Sailor Style.

From left to right: the men's, women's and mini version of Atelier Boz Double Breast Trenchcoat with Stand Collar (Source: Atelier Boz)

Another belted trench coat style from Atelier Boz in men’s, women’s and women’s mini styles. Stand collar decorated with buttons evokes the pin decorations military officers wear on their collars to denote their rank. How many buttons would make you a 4-star general of style?

Have you found a coat your craving for yet?

Title says all   Here we go:

SWEET LOLITA MAKEUP:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tCoccuz96s

Comes with subtitles! A simple tutorial, the look straight out of Kera magazine!

VISUAL KEI WINDY HAIR + MAKEUP:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64tlmaluzPc

Simple, nice music, and a nice introduction too! ♥

GOTHIC LOLITA/ARISTOCRAT LACE MAKEUP

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq7qZgaTzaM

Pretty…..

ANIME EYES

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nJXK5EJEQA

A very nice tutorial. Really good for cosplay or for anything else

I know there isnt much, but these few tutorials are easy and helpful! Give it a try!! 

Dal Giappone all’Italia l’ultima tentazione delle teen ager:
vestirsi come bamboline

Lolita nostrane

La Stampa – Oggi è uscito sul quotidiano un articolo che occupa un’intera pagina nella sezione dedicata al costume.

Sfortunatamente l’intero articolo non è disponibile presso il sito ufficiale del giornale. Mancano infatti alcune brevi descrizioni su cos’è Kawai-i, sullo stile Gothic Lolita, sul Cosplay ed una quanto discutibile definizione di Otaku.

Misako Aoki

L’articolo presenta anche Misako Aoki (23), la ragazza che il ministero degli esteri giapponese ha nominato “Ambasciatrice del Kawai-i”.

E’ evidente, grazie anche a manifestazioni come Lucca Comics&Games e la Romics, come questo genere di tendenze giovanili inizi a dilagare ed a diffondersi non solo in Europa ma anche nel nostro paese.

L’articolo proposto da Roberto Giovannini sulle pagine di La Stampa, accende un riflettore su un fenomeno che in Italia, come all’estero, esiste da anni ma che, fino a ieri, era rimasto in sordina e praticato solo da piccoli e sporadici gruppi di fan a manifestazioni fumettistiche e a qualche concerto di musica giapponese.

“Allarmi, siam lolite” è un articolo sicuramente da leggere per capire un pò la j-pop culture.

I decided to just go ahead and extend yesterday’s theme by adding more Wonderland resin to the ZLY shop. I’m especially happy with the Cheshire Cat Necklace that glows in the dark (I just got GID white so I’m excited, lol) I also added a Gothic Cross Charm :3

I’ll be back with SPT later today! Until then enjoy your Thursday!

So, yes it’s fall, which means cooler weather..and cooler weather means cropped sweaters!!!! I love cropped sweaters, and I was in luck because this new release called Analu,has one! Yes, that’s right, another beautiful dress complete with three skirt types, gloves, stockings, collar and a cropped sweater! The dress is stunning! The sculpty work is to die for and the skirt options are adorable. The skirts come in, one long version and two different short versions and complete with little bows and ruffles! The Cropped sweater is optional and comes with sculpty parts, hand drawn buttons and darts (stitches). And lets not forget the collar! The collar is gorgeous, with it’s tiny circle embellishments and ruffles. Love it. As always the fat pack is 50% off to group members (wear your group tag) and the group only colour is Black! Both can be found in the Group only section of the mainstore.

Credits:

Shoes : Dilly Dolls
Skin: Nomine
Hair: Stringer Mausoleum
Poses: Oracul

+++BlueBlood+++ Mainstore

+++BlueBlood+++ Group Section

REPOSTED – ORIGINAL POST AT BLUE BLOOD BLOG BY ANDEL RHIADRA

Les headdress goth-loli ont été mes premiers travaux en couture il y a 5 ans. En fait, j’ai trouvé une méthode et un gabarit nickels, donc je fonctionne sur la même base depuis tout ce temps. Voici ceux que j’ai fait cette année (sans compter ceux que j’ai vendu en ayant oublié de les prendre en photo):

Et pour info, oui ils sont à vendre, oui je peux en refaire à la demande rapidement (c’est bien la seule chose d’ailleurs… ^^; ). Je ne réponds à ce sujet que par mail à sogothish@gmail.com

BABY, The Stars Shine Bright Charlottie Cape (Source: BABY, The Stars Shine Bright)

Whether you want to hint at  a Red Riding Hood look, or simply want to add an unexpected flair to your winter look, capes are the way to go and there is no shortage of selection this season.

Hit the jump for more on capes this season.

Cute & Feminine

If you’re looking for a standalone cape that isn’t too unwieldy, look no further than BABY’s Charlottie Cape, pictured above. It’s biggest style point is the knitted strawberry decoration on the sides accented by pom poms.

Angelic Pretty Snowbird Coat in pink and Angelic Pretty Frill Princess Coat in pink (Source: Angelic Pretty)

To make a bolder, and girlier, statement, Angelic Pretty is offering the Snowbird Coat which features a polka dot print fabric and plenty of faux fur trim to keep you warm all winter. Key design points on this coat are heart-shaped fur pockets, heart-accented frog closures and the ribbons accenting the sleeve cuffs and cape closure. Meanwhile, if and endless amount of frills and bows is what you desire, Angelic Pretty’s Frill Princess Coat will not disappoint.

BABY's Angelina Coat, Victorian Maiden's Cape Coat and BABY's Milky Coat (Source: BABY, The Stars Shine Bright and Victorian Maiden)

Simplier silhouette’s can be found from BABY, The Stars Shine Bright and Victorian Maiden alike. For a simple cape accented coat without any complex bells and whistles, BABY’s Angelina Coat is a perfect mix of simple lines and understated trim. Victorian Maiden’s Cape Coat adds a little bit of fur trim  and some bows to the mix and features a hooded cape design. Lastly, BABY’s Milky Coat is a classic fur-trimmed Lolita winter coat.

Classic Coats

The long and short versions of Innocent World's Classical Bouquet Coat (Source: Innocent World)

Like items bought from a certain Swedish furniture company, Innocent World’s Classical Bouquet Coat is a picture of clean and simple design accented only by a waist tie and a large fur collar. The short and long version of the coat are shown here is rose and black colors.

Innocent World Cape Coat and Cape (Source: Innocent World)

Wrapping up this section with another set of classic options. This season, Innocent World is also offering a their take on the standard fur-trimmed Lolita winter coat. And, if you’re looking for the drama that comes with a longer cape, Innocent World’s longer cape design will fit the bill.

No-nonsense Gothic

Black Peace Now for Men Cape with Stand Up Collar and Black Peace Now Long Trench Coat (Source: Black Peace Now)

 Ladies won’t be having all the fun this winter. Black Peace Now for Men is offering  a stylishly asymmetrical cape with a faux double breast look, zipper closure and stand-up collar. Meanwhile, Black Peace Now is offering a long trench coat with a side cape for some added flair.

Atelier Boz's Double Breast Cape Coat in men, ladies' short and ladies' long styles (Source: Atelier Boz)

If you’re dying to do a his-and-hers winter cape/coat style, Atelier Boz is fulfilling your every wish with three version of the Double Breast Cape Coat, one for him in a long length and two for her in short and long lengths.

Hard to Miss

Alice and the Pirates Jack Marie Mantle (Source: BABY, The Stars Shine Bright)

Lastly, the award for the flashiest cape this year goes to BABY, The Stars Shine Bright for the Jack Marie Mantle from its Alice and the Pirates line of clothing. Blue velveteen, stand-up collar, gold tassel trim, gold embossed rose-and-thorn design – it speaks for itself. This cape easily conjures up images of Malice Mizer-era Gackt and cross dressing manga heroine Lady Oscar of Rose of  Versailles so the danger of looking like your in a costume is great, but in the right hands, it’d be the perfect finishing touch to an amazing winter outfit.