Dress Up Time #14: Marie from the Aristocats

In celebration of my big Disney trip in only a week, I thought it would be fun to make a series of post based upon the characters that I'll be dressing as at the D23 Expo! First we'll take a look at my character Disney animal, Marie from The Aristocats! Marie is a little white fluff ball with tons of spunk and style. Though young, she has a lot of attitude and knows who clearly is the lady of her other family members. She dreams of being like her mother Dutchess and loves to show off more then her brothers. Marie is just adorable all around!

Probably the neatest thing about Marie is Disney's insane line of merchandise featuring - especially that coming from Japan. If you are at all into Marie, you can find pretty much

anything featuring her coming from any of the Disney parks or stores, especially Tokyo Disneyland. I'm lucky to be a owner of a few of these items but my favorite is most definitely my Marie Popcorn box. Now I know this sounds odd but trust me, it's the cutest thing in the world.

As you can see though there's even more things Marie that you can't even imagine to have her on. I'm lucky to be an owner of a few of these rare items and will be sporting some of them at D23 if you're curious to see more!

But now how does one capture the cuteness of this kitten heiress? The great thing about Marie is she's super basic so there are lots of ways to go about doing an outfit inspired by her, below is my current version of an outfit for her but trust me it can be dressed down a lot more or dressed up to the nines! Check out below!

This is one of the many many ways you can do Marie in a lolita format so don't take this as any sort of official have to's. First chose a Pink jumperskirt - I went to Angelic Pretty's Assorted Cookie JSK (an alternative version of Wonder Cookie!) then I went with an off-brand blouse that I originally bought from Mashimaro Girl. Though technically it's supposed to be bear eats rather then cat ones, I love the giant detachable bow which goes so well with Marie's personality and love of girly bows all around!

Next I chose to go with something a bit more fairy kei (and comfortable) with wearing some pink converse and legwarmers. Granted you can go with the more traditional Lolita roots of Tea Party Shoes in Pink, but I think this works for Marie especially with her being a kid - wanting to go on adventures and all! The best part with wearing Chucks is they come in a variety of styles and you can dress them up or down whenever with putting on some bow clips into the shoes, which I also did when I went to Pony Con this last July!

Now we come to accessories! I decided to play into the more french themes of things like Presents and Parfaits but including my Present Box bracelet from Angelic Pretty and an off-brand Parfait brooch (actual not shown). Finally (if you can find them) look for Marie themed jewelry such as the special face ring they made as toys in Japan. You can easily find them on ebay along with Dumbo and Mickey styles!

Finish the look with the perfect hair! Instead of going with the traditional cat ears or a wig, I chose to go with this adorable double bun style (great tutorial by VenusAngelic here) You can add tons of little pink bows or charms all around or go with a big pink head-eating bow at the very top!

As mentioned, there's tons of different ways to go bring about this adorable kitty in your outfit! Whether it be Fairy Kei inspired or a very elegant try - you can't ever go wrong with Marie! Now go show them why "Everybody Wants To Be a Cat!"

Dress Up Time #13: Jem and the Holograms

I know, I know I talk way too much about Jem and the Holograms. But can you really truly blame me? It's a series that basically embodies all my favorite things about being a woman and in turn being a lolita. The main character wears pink to an extent far reached by others that sparkles and shines in a glorification of tacky yet fabulousness style. The characters all have big hair which currently is a big trend in lolita fashion, especially in sweet that also comes in a wide variety of colors and shapes. We even have budding romances with ridiculous pretty boys that probably in real life they couldn't exactly exist or probably wouldn't be the kind of guy that you'd date. Overall Jem exudes a sort of fantasy that brings about all of my female related interests along with those of many others!

So here on LVF, all of June will be a celebration of Jem as you can see already by the music and graphics on the page! So, how exactly does one bring themselves into a outfit that is truly outrageous and fabulous just like Jem and her friends? Here are some tips and ideas into becoming a frilly version of a Jem girl yourself!

The best place to start is your main dress piece. I'd go with something on the more casual side, like this AP Pop Rock Onepiece in pink! Angelic Pretty makes a couple of these sorts of pieces every year, but this one is my favorite and perfect for Jem! Next you need to bring on the neon pink with a pair of tights to continue with the 80's appeal. Though I always think tights add to an outfit, they especially add a touch to this look.

Jem is all about the dramatic make up, so don't forget to add on some high colored matte eyeshadow. My favorite comes from Make Up Forever who happens to have a great selection of Jem appropriate colors. Sometimes back in the day Hot Topic used to have some good shades that worked well too sadly though I don't remember the brand names.

Now onto the accessories and the shoes! The best part of the Jem is her magical earrings that give her the epic hologram powers that we love her for. Many people make replicas of them on etsy, so you should find them easily and for a decent price! You definitely need a big bow to match Jem's big personality. My bows come from this etsy store Miss Alphabet! She makes the accessories used in shoots of Locketship Jewelry which definitely go together with Jem flawlessly. The shoes are something essential since Jem always wears a good pair of heels. These come from Angelic Pretty as well and the bows are just to die for, also some shoes from ModCloth will do the trick. The final touch on this inspired coordinate is some kind of pink in your hair. You could either have a small extension piece or go with a full wig. Either way it's sure to complete your "showtime" look!

So think you can take on being part of the Holograms and going against the Misfits? Even if you're not a musician you can still rock this 80's glam style to the most and bring out the most outrageous side of your frilly style with the help of Jem. Try it out and see what adventures you come across!

Dress Up Time #11: Some Kind of Wonderful

Recently today I decided to pop in one of my favorite movies ever that I haven't watched in a couple of months: Some Kind of Wonderful starring Eric Stolz and Mary Stuart Masterson. Though not exactly anyway or shape frilly related, it some how puts me in a great mood and thought it would be fun to make a Dress Up Time post on it (I've missed making these!)

The plot of Some Kind of Wonderful is your basic high school behavior: The outsider loves the popular girl but can't seem to get her. Keith (Eric Stolz) is a less then cool student at his high school - He's poor, a painter and works at his Dad's Car Repair shop (But he's so my kind of guy, le sigh!) On the other hand we have Amanda Jones (Lea Thompson), the most popular and prettiest girl in school. She has everything - the hot popular boyfriend, tons of beautiful friends and a sweet bitchin' wardrobe to match.

Yet there is one character who is in the middle of these two, Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson). Watts is by far my favorite female character in film history, truly my hero and basically who I was in high school with a slightly more girly edge but only slightly. Watts is an independent and free speaking girl, who never questions her actions or her opinions. She's Keith's best friend and Amanda's worst enemy - yet there's one thing she can't seem to be honest about: She's in love with Keith. I can't spoil the entire movie, but this slightly conventional story is actually super unconventional and I love it for that.

Now, how do you exactly embody the whole style of this little movie into your own frilly side? Let's take a few cues from Watts and see what happens!

First I chose a JSK that was with a darker tone with a tiny print. I also had to Musical style especially since Watts loves playing the drums. Watts also has a thing for Men's clothing, including jackets and hats. The Jacket and hat are from Forever 21 and happen to go very well with the dress in my opinion. The leggings bring in a super punky and 80's feel, and I can't explain how much I love these Sex Pot Revenge ones. The boots are Steve Madden, which are a Watts trademark along with the fingerless gloves. The finale touch is a pair of Rhinestone studs, which are a symbol of the movie and something Watts dreams of getting as her own. There's a lot of ways of taking this sort of outfit in different directions, but anyway it can be tons of fun!

So definitely look into Some Kind of Wonderful, the most underrated John Hughes movie and you'll see just why it's so incredible - you'll share in the inspiration if you try and outfit out like this!

Dress Up Time #11: The Last Unicorn

Recently I was given a request by a friend to do a Dress Up Time article, specifically on a story with whom I hold very dearly to my heart, The Last Unicorn. Now overall, this entire franchise is pretty spectacular.The story is extremely engaging and have stood the test of time at this point. It tells the story of a unicorn who believes she is the only unicorn in the world left, and to see if she can find anymore of her kind she goes out on a quest. It turns from a "lone wolf" adventure, to a buddy trip and then a dramatic romance. Did I mention the original material was written in the 60's? It's just fantastic.

So what is the subject of this post then? We will be covering the complex two in one character deal of The Unicorn/Amalthea. This will be based more on the movie, since out of the two, that is what I am most familiar with (even if the book is my favorite book of all time.) All of the characters of story bring about a realism that most fantasy characters don't posses to me. Maybe it was due to the time that it was written, but The Last Unicorn is unique in its ability to connect with these creatures that exist elsewhere and only in our imaginations.

But what about our main character, The Unicorn/Amalthea? She's seems one dimensional at first, but becomes a complex layered innocent female creature. She is then later transformed into a human girl and learns the emotions of regret and love. When transformed into Amalthea, she is dressed in the most beautiful of lavender shades and falls for the prince of the castle (Played by my old man crush, Jeff Bridges). Overall, it's easy to be jealous of her style and her adventure minus the regret part - but we love this Unicorn no matter what! Now, how do I dress like this amazing characters? Here is a unique La Vida Frills take on how to bring some whimsy and Unicorn flare to your outfit!

The key thing to remember when bringing Amalthea into your outfit is that she is a creature born into nature, so your outfit should include a flower or woods like theme. I chose to base this outfit on her lavender color palette that shows up more as the movie progresses! I first chose as a dress piece Angelic Pretty's Sugar Pansy Baby-Doll JSK in Lavender. This is probably my favorite piece from the brand so far this year, and matches the world of the Unicorn so well. You can also go with a cream or super white colored JSK as well, though I find lavender to be more fun and magical!

Then you want to go out and find a lavender and white combo cardigan of some sort. This specific cardigan I've seen in several variations over the years, but was found on a UK website called ColorfulFashion.com. Make sure it makes as closely to your dress color as possible.

Next comes the accessories. I found a bunch of Unicorn headbands and headdresses all over the net, but this specific one I found on etsy (link here) is beyond the prettiest. If you can't get a unicorn horn, I recommend making a crown of flowers instead that'd match your dress color. You can pair that with Unicorn shaped or decorated hair clips to continue with the theme. Also on Etsy I found a beautiful Unicorn cameo, which perfectly matched the dress (link here). The ring is from Locketship, who has an entire Unicorn collection (link here).

Don't forget to get an adorable purse to match! I chose one of the infamous silver heart purses from Forever 21 (inspired by Betsey Johnson's original design.) I recommend also going for a unicorn themed bag, one that looks vintage in maybe a cream tone if you aren't one for sparkle.

To finish the outfit off, pick up a pair of flower decorated shoes. These specific shoes come from my favorite guilty pleasure, Irregular Choice. Then chose an adorable yet simple pair of lavender colored tights. If you can't find the right shade, go for either a white color or a simple tiny flower pattern.

Now that you have your outfit, I recommend getting yourself a copy of the original novel by Peter S. Beagle (his fan site here) and go take yourself on a magical adventure through the woods as you read this enchanting story. When you're done on your quest, go make something yummy to eat and watch the movie as well! Either way, I'm sure you'll feel just as magnificent as a Unicorn. It's perfect for spring that is just in bloom!

Dress Up Time #10: Red Riding Hood (2011)

Red Riding Hood, a new retelling of the classic fairy tale was released to theaters this past weekend. In honor of the new film, LVF gives you an new entry in our Dress Up Time Series! With the new version, the entire story and characters get a fresh look! Amanda Seyfried in my mind is the perfect actress for the role. With own set of "big eyes" and beautiful innocent complexion, she is the character with a yet more grown up look. But how to achieve the Grandmothers Cottage Visit appeal? Let's go deeper into the story of this blondie!

First, it's best to know as much about the original and central character, as well as this new version. The original story was that of a young girl who is asked to go on a trip to her grandmother's house. What was just a run of the mill walk in the woods turns into a deadly run for Red Riding-Hood's life as she's continuously chased and hunted by a "Big Bad" Wolf. In this new version, the story is made with a more hardcore thriller motif of using the element of real Werewolves. Did I mention it also has a dangerously cool priest played by Gary Oldman?! (yeah, I have an odd crush on him.)

But whats truly interesting about this story is how it has been taken into the world of fashion and especially lolita. From Baby's embroidered print from 2007 to Putumayo's gothic iconic image, Red Riding Hood has been used countless times and she never looks the same. Personally my favorite is the Baby print, mostly for the cute chibi-like designs of the characters all over the print and all of the items that came along with the series, my personal favorite being the cardigan.

But what exactly makes her so interesting? Well, I think we can all connect with having being sent out by our parents to go on a small journey or trip to do something that's much more grown up then we have ever done in our past. Sometimes the adventure goes well, while in this case for our heroine it doesn't exactly go as planned. We can account the "Big Bad Wolf" to many moments and people in our lives, from the bully at school that seems to ruin everything, to even a test that seems to get in the way of you passing a class. There is always something in the way of you getting to your goal, whether it be Grandmother's Cottage or otherwise.

But how exactly do you capture a modern Rori take on Red Riding Hood and incorporate it into your coordinate? Here's an idea!

First off, bit a very simple colored JSK. I chose a cream color, but even a very soft blue (which she wears in the movie) works very well. You want the Red Hood to stand out the most, so don't wear anything too complicated in terms of the dress. The hoodie to wear with the outfit of course is the most important. I chose Alice and the Pirates Red Knitted Style Hoodie, which is ridiculously comfortable and beautiful. Then, pick a basket in which you'll take to Grandmothers house. You can decorate it with tons of Wolf and Red Riding Hood themed brooches and pins. I found this Etsy shop to have a lot of cute ones. Then, chose a tame but beautiful rose or cream colored pair of tights. I chose a real rose patterned pair, but even soft bold colors would work. Chose a pair of comfortable almost slipper like boots, which are worn in the film. Top it off with a pretty Wolf themed necklace, which I found here. Then you're off to find that nasty ol' wolf!

So there you go, the lowdown on how to achieve the Red Riding Hood look! I also bet you're curious if the movie is any good? Sadly, it isn't great - but I found it ridiculously silly and had some attempts at some interesting plot twists. It's more a rental, but it does have some absolutely beautiful cinematography. Don't waste your popcorn movie money on it though, just save it for later. Though, it is worth mentioning Gary Oldman rides a pretty epic white horse!

Dress Up Time #3: Thumbelina (1994 Don Bluth Version)

Thumbelina is one of the more popular non-Disney girls. Created by Don Bluth, she's probably the most iconic image of the fairy tale heroine on film. Sadly, though I adore this film, it's not a very well spoken of movie as apposed to it's successors (oh Disney you!). But all kidding aside, Thumbelina is nothing short of adorable. I love her design which includes her outfit too! Which is why I chose her as this weeks "Dress Up Time" subject.

First off, Thumbelina is everything her name says: She is no bigger then your thumb. A tiny princess with a lack of fairy wings, Thumbelina brings a happy look on life about the world around her, even if she can't really see all of it. With a great gun-ho attitude and interest in finding out more about her surroundings, she's very fun to follow in terms of a plot. Though, because of her innocent, she tends to make some silly decisions. We still love her tho

ugh.But what about dressing the part of Thumbelina? Hoping to catch a fairy prince with a special coordinate? Here is my idea of what to wear.

First off, any sort of blue with white, or white with blue jumperskirt or one piece will do fine. Just remember that it either should just be a piece with short princess sleeves (nothing longer). I went with a classic bold and simple Baby piece that has a nice empire waist style. Even though Thumbelina seems to wear a corset that is mint, I find that it isn't really required. If you like that look though, I found this one from a store called Matalan. If you chose a jumperskirt, go with a nice white short sleeved princess style cutsew or blouse. This one from Baby is precious, but also Anna House makes a blouse that would go great with this.

Next, jewelry and accessories are key in this outfit. Thumbelina wears her beautiful long hair in a tight high styled pony tail. To glam it up, put a nice sax colored headband on. I chose one of Baby's two side bow pieces, adorned with crystals (but not nessecary.) For a nice finishing touch, remember to put in small white flowers into your hair as well. I chose some nice flower clips from a search I did on google, but Forever 21 and Claires has tons of similar pieces. You can even find nice fake flowers at a local craft store to add some originality! Most importantly, don't forget your necklace of flower petals! The Fairy Prince gives these to Thumbelina, so it's important to have this as an accent piece. Forever 21 is where I found this simple piece, but again many of these style necklaces are easy to find in any stylish mall store.

To add the final touch, remember to wear a nice pair of either sax or mint ballet flat shoes! I found these on a ballerina store site, but if you do a search on ebay you can find them eventually. If you'd want bonus points, when it gets cold Thumbelina wears a giant red scarf. It'll keep you comfy as you go on your journey to find the fairies!

I hope you enjoyed this weeks Dress Up Time, look out for more posts this week!

Dress Up Time #1: Princess Irene from Princess and the Goblin (1992)

So for the past months, I've been doing the sort of posts that would require you to sit on your ruffle-butt all day and do nothing but watch some movies. But wait!? What about expressing your love and interest of your favorite frilly (or non- frilly) characters through your own wardrobe? Then came about the idea of a new post series called, appropriately so, Dress Up Time! This was always a favorite activity of mine when I was little, to go about watching a movie and coming up with outfits my favorite character would wear within it.

So how does it work? Each week, a new character from a film with some frilly touches will be chosen and a coordinate relating to that character will be posted. Each post will include details on how you can achieve a similar look yourself (even without the specific items).

But who will be the first to be featured of this series? Well, if you have seen the new header, you might notice a little pink girl in the left hand side. That girl is non-other than Princess Irene from The Princess and the Goblin (1992).

Princess Irene isn't a very well known character among those of the modern fairy tale lovers. Though everyone knows of Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella, Irene is a royal lady of grace, who only happens to be of a mere tween age. What I appreciate of her character is that of her good nature soul, but the obvious features of someone that is in many ways still learning of everything in life. But she definitely knows how to take charge in times of trouble, even if she is frightened. Fighting Goblin royalty can be tough, and looking pretty while doing it is a hard task too for any princess.

So what should you wear to capture the elegance of this princess? Here is a little coordinate idea I came up! Most of the items are from Baby The Stars Shine Bright or off-brand.

The first thing to remember with Irene is that she mostly wears different shades of pink, sometimes royal blue or cream with gold trim. Though pink is not such a hard task for any sweet lolita fan out there, the trick with Irene is to keep it elegant and toned down. Hence why I chose a slightly more tame piece such as Pocket Embroidery by Baby, with a slightly high-necked princess sleeve blouse from the brand as well.

Another thing to keep in mind is the jewel headdress that Irene wears is very essential. Small pendents of any kind are very important to her highness, so always have a bit of shine to your outfit. You could have a pearl headband, a jewel encrusted headbow or even make a jewel headdress like Irene yourself! I though happen to love the bow from Baby, which is decorated in pearls and lace all over in the most delicious of ways!

Comfortable understated ballet flats or kitten heels are best for Irene to stomp on the feet of the Goblins! I chose a pair from Baby that seemed like the most fancy of shoes Irene would wear, but even the most simple shoes from Urban Outfitters would do as well.

The key words to keep in mind are regal and active! That way you can save the kingdom from the royal monsters and still look your magnificent best.

Overall, Irene is a great fashion idol to look too when needing something to make you adventurous. If you are interested in checking out The Princess and the Goblin, here is a trailer which should have some online video viewing options with it. It is also available on DVD on Amazon and other online shops!

Hope you like the new series. Let me know if there are any characters your interested in seeing in future posts.