LVF Update: Style All Over!

So sadly I've been away from the world of LVF for a bit. Don't worry though, your pink leopard print girl is on the case and back with a push of frill power! Now, let's get ourselves a full serving of the latest and newest styles and releases that I'm freaking out over.

First off, can we talk about how cute all the new things on Meta's website are right now? Granted, maybe they aren't suited to everyone's style, but I am totally digging on these vintage inspired prints and color combos. The best - there is a pretty epic sale going on right now! Most of the newest prints are 20% off, so go check them out and see if there is anything that fits your fancy.
I can't explain how much I am in love with Tarina Tarantino's new collection, Tilt-A-Whirl. Inspired by a Coney Island obsessed circus of Pink Elephants, Blue Horses and Yummy Candy Treats - this collection has spring sweet lolita coordinates written all over it! Though on the expensive side of Tarantino, this is definitely worth saving over. The items have an almost hand sewn quality of decadence and a unique combination of beads and colors. Go and see what circus of an outfit you could do with these pretties!
In my secret non-LVF life, I work at my local Bath and Body Works. I love this store, filled with tons of delicious fragrances that have now, because of my job, become a big part of my life. These are actually good smells that can changed and mixed easily, with tons of fun combination's and tons of items to layer on-top to get the best smell period. These two are my current favorites for the spring and get add to your outfit: Secret Wonderland and the newly revised Cherry Blossom. Take it from an expert, these two are a lolita's best friend this spring.

Not on the style of now, but on the future, I got a fun gift to pull out of my bag for all of you to get excited about. I have joined the likes of all your favorite blogging lolita's to create a new zine called Glacee , giving all of those frillies - the new and old, a voice. Want to submit some art, article or anything interesting to say? You can submit to the zine as well! Click the link and see what you can do to help add to this special project.

As for myself, I'll be doing more expanded and detailed movie reviews of classic and new flicks along with media reports and tons of fun tidbits about the hidden Rori-places in your neighborhood. You excited? You should be! Check out the Glacee blog and spread the word on your blog and all over to let your friends know.

What do you think? Do you agree with all these ideas? Do you have a favorite spring scent? Whats your favorite new up and coming spring style? Comment down below!

So look out for new posts this week and let's celebrate the on-coming spring this March. Let your style begin to bloom!

LVF Update: Tokyo Fashion Festa 2 featuring Putumayo

First off, Thank you for helping me reach 160 subscribers! This is pretty awesome, gotta say. Now onto the even cooler news....

La Vida Frill's will be attending something special this week!

Tokyo Fashion Festa has come back around after it's successful brand filled showcase last year. This time, the group will be showcasing Japanese subculture and Cosplay style. Though I'm not much for cosplay myself, I'm going there for one specific reason: Putumayo will be the showcased brand, and I can't help but say they're slowly becoming one of my favorite brands. Sometimes their clothes can be beautiful and other times dangerous, but it's always fun and full of spice! They have some really cute items for both the ladies and the gentlemen, what more could you love?

The best part is in addition to the show, Putumayo will have it's own booth where they'll be selling some of their latest items. I just got a hold on the newest plaid/cat print series and I'm hoping I can get a hold on a couple of other new items!

At the show, there will also be a tea/treats reception along with live tutorials on make up and more fun stylish things! I'm very interested to see how the event will turn out and even more excited to see new things from Putumayo and maybe get my hands on taking some adorable pictures for a new project in the works!

So, if you've got nothing to do this upcoming Thursday and are in the New York Area, come on down to FIT and let's have a good time! For more information, check out the Tokyo Fashion Fest website here. Hope to see some of you there!

Happy Valentine's Day from LVF

Happy Valentine's Day Readers!
I adore each and everyone of you for continuing to read this little blog and supporting it's ideals!
Have an amazing day of joy, chocolate and fun ~

Love,
LVF

The Princes Of Cinema To The Rescue

Oh Valentines Day. Though a portion of us can celebrate this holiday in the fashion it is marketed to, the other section can only sit in their rooms and feel a bit on the outside of things. Maybe it's because you're busy with school, a job, or there just isn't the right fellow or miss that has crossed your magical path, either way Valentine's day just isn't for you. So, what does one do in such a situation? Though currently I'm not in that place myself, I have spent most of my V-Day's either alone or most definitely single. When the big ol' day comes around, I do something fun and grand: pop on a selection of movies starring my favorite men or princes as we will call them, the ones that make my heart a flutter and have a small day dream for fun!
So who are these dashing gentlemen who I speak of that cure my love blues? Well lets take a dive to find out!
Warning: These are my specific selections, so some of them might not be your fancy.
Edward Norton
Movies to Watch: The Illusionist and The Painted Veil
I've been a fan of Mr.Norton for a very long time. He has this very classic film look to him, yet a complex edge that lets him dive into many specific roles that are never the same as the other. From a Neo-Nazi, A Priest, and The Hulk - Mr.Norton is nothing to give the short hand to. If you're going to get yourself lost in a romantic adventure with Norton, there are many films to chose from. I chose The Illusionist because of it's simple style of film yet very interesting story (it's one of my favorite short stories ever). The Painted Veil on the other hand is very complex and drawn out, with an ending that leaves you to think deeply about the way relationships work, set in the beautiful landscape of China, which he also produced. You should also check out Keeping The Faith, which though not frilly is ridiculously sweet and tugs my New York heart deeply.

Ralph Fiennes
Movies to Watch: The English Patient and The End of the Affair
Oh boy, I definitely have a thing for Ralph Fiennes. He has the edge and craft of being a unique actor, who also is ridiculously good looking. He turns characters that are creepy and demented on just the script and elevates them to a level of complex nature. But Ralph is also known for his numerous romantic leading roles. Yes, before he was Voldemort, Fiennes was the man to go to for romance in period films. Though I only chose two films, there are numerous to chose from. The English Patient gave Ralph his second Oscar nomination, which I think doesn't need anymore explaining on why you should see it (bring the tissues ladies!) and The End of the Affair is ridiculously intense, but so sweeping and dramatic, prepare for an emotional roller coaster. Fiennes has a lot to offer, so be ready!

Richard Chamberlain
Movies to Watch: The Slipper and The Rose and The Thorn Birds
Literally, Richard Chamberlain has played a handsome prince and to many in the 70's and 80's, he was that charming young man on both television and film. He's got the acting part down and has some great chemistry with his fellow actors. If you need your prince fix, see The Slipper and The Rose, a cute Rococo telling of Cinderella. Then check out the epic 80's mini-series, The Thorn Birds. Here Richard plays a priest in Australia, who guides an orphan girl into the right side of life. As she grows up though, Chamberlain's character begins to have feelings about her that change their lives forever. So go forth and get your Chamberlain on!

Gene Kelly
Movies to Watch: An American in Paris and Singing in the Rain
More in the mood for a dance in your heart? Then look no further then Gene Kelly, the American Dance god, in my opinion. This once working hard hero became the bad boy dancer to Fred Astaire's refined style in the 40's and 50's, making him a true icon. But it doesn't hurt that he is one of the most gorgeous men of his day and still stays in the minds of men and women everywhere as an all around classy fellow. Check out the classics mentioned above, but really you should see all his movies, especially all of the MGM musicals. No matter what, you can't go wrong with Kelly.

Fredric March
Movies to Watch: Death Takes a Holiday and I Married A Witch
My favorite actor in the world is this guy, Fredric March. He was a class act in his day. Playing odd roles along with tons of adorable romantic leads, March was way ahead of his time. But rather then recommending all of his serious work, check out all of these cute and fun little movies He made on the side. My first pick is Death Takes A Holiday, where March plays well, Death who falls in love with a beautiful rich girl and turns human (taking the part of a prince, no doubt!) for 3 days to win her heart. You should also check out the hilarious and silly I Married A Witch, where March plays a young politician whose part of a cursed family line that must now encounter the Witch that did the horrific act back in the 1600's. It's silly, fun, and romantic and stars hottie Veronica Lake. There's tons to look into when it comes to March.

So those are just a few of the Princes that I recommend spending some time with on this upcoming Valentines Day! Who are your favorite Cinematic Royalty? Comment down below!
(Like the original top art? You can find more here
by Wisdoms-Pearl07)

Iconic Love Letter: RuPaul

February has just begun and if you are anywhere in the east coast you're probably already feeling the harsh effects of those winter blues. Though I'm a winter baby and snow usually perks me up - it's now becoming more ridiculous as time goes on and hopefully will stop having it's "storm a week" effect on us eventually. But are you really getting the blues from the chill? Well today on LVF, we're gonna celebrate someone absolutely fabulous! Need someone to look at that can turn your frown upside down? Look no further then our subject today, the #1 Drag Superstar in the world, RuPaul!

RuPaul is just one of those people that comes around once in a while and turns the established culture upside down and around in a 180 degree style and it's never the same again. She (or He, whichever you desire to call) is revolutionary and has brought the greatest things about gay and drag culture to the faces of America, with as much glitz and glamor then we could have ever imagined. Ru Paul is in one word, confidence. This why she needs to be celebrated. 

Don't even get me started on Drag Race, which has slowly become my favorite TV currently on the air as we speak. This show keeps getting better with each season and never lets itself become a cliche. I think the best part of this show is how it treasures the ideals of self expression and individual empowerment. All of these Drag Queens are heroes to me, even if not all of them are my personal favorites. But why? Because they don't care what the outside world thinks of them and they themselves think that they are truly fabulous in their own way. This is something I think all of us, Lolitas and humans alone, can and should rinse and repeat in our own minds. 

But what should you do to take the iconic inspiration of RuPaul from this post to your closet? Well actually, rather then the usual stick of some outfit ideas and places to shop, why not try a new frame of mind: Be Comfortable As Yourself. As Rori girls new and old, we are told time and time again that if you don't have confidence or believe in your own brand of fabulous, you might as well not be part of Lolita at all. I can say that without a doubt RuPaul is one of the most inspirational people to me in general for that reason. Haters will be hating on people like Ru forever and ever, which goes the same for us in the frills. But, does that change Ru or the girls of Drag Race? No and neither should it change you!

So with that in mind, go forth and sparkle on down the street with your own strut of love and devotion. I wish I could have RuPaul as president (wish I could say I made this picture.), so that America could be even better and more accepting then it is and maybe the world could be a little bit more too. But the only way to start that is by loving and accepting someone you probably know the best, yourself. As Ru says at the end of every Drag Race, "If you can't love yourself, how the hell are you gonna love somebody else?" Now, I say Amen to that and hopefully you do too. 

Finding Your Style: Your Own Unique Take On Lolita

I've been into Lolita for almost 5 years now. Trust me, it has been a love affair as it's probably been for most of you. But, I can honestly say that it's definitely a journey into finding what your actual style is within the realm of the fashion itself. Sure, you could pick a "style" like sweet, gothic or classic, but can you find your style within it. It's taken me a very long time to truly find my style when it comes to this fashion culture and now I'd like to share my style with you.

Let's start off with the beginning. Oddly, you wouldn't be able to tell at all, but I started my frilly days off as a Gothic girl. Though I still love the details of gothic style, since my usual non lolita style is a more all black look (not gothic but...dark colors?) I try to dress a bit differently when in the frills compared to my western street fashion counter part. I think many can consider the first step of most lolitas "the old school step", but at least for me it was more on the ita side (yes, yes, I was an ita! Don't deny you were one also, come on!)  

Sadly, we've all taken the plunge into Lolita fashion sometimes without the complete understanding of it. Take me for example, I got into the fashion because of Mana from Malice Mizer. I don't think I really need to explain much of why I admired him or why I even dared to dress similar to him, but maybe it was my love affair with my own collection of dolls at the time and wanting to look similar to them - and I'm really not going to continue on this since I'm pretty sure 95% of you have the same response. 

But after having the incredible realization that this fashion took real dedication and work (No, really!?), I took a bit of a back step on

 it and let myself collect items until I could actually make a decent outfit. Trial and error outfits took place one right after the other, but finally I saw the light. No no, not the heavenly like, The Rori Light! (I honestly think I saw Momoko holding a hand out to me with this one!) The realization that I found the style that called out to me the most: Sweet Lolita. 

But what exactly draws one to this style (which has been the most popular for the last 3 or so years.) that had me believing in Lolita once more as something that was made for me to wear. I've even seen pictures of me as a baby in clothes are definitely pieces of what would become lolita, especially those bonnets my mother forced upon me at such a young age. Sweet Lolita completed that gap in my fashion heart for me that craved pastels in a bell shaped dress form, that I felt fit me the best in the world of fashion for me. I had never felt so beautiful, so adorable or so healthy looking then I did the first time I put on my first brand dress: A little polka dot number from Angelic Pretty in a stark red and white color palette! 

Since then it's been completely a romance of absolute adorable and cuteness that has made me a sweet lolita girl for life. The use of animals, ridiculously high calorie looking sweets and beautiful shades of pink have made me dedicated enough to want to be buried in it, just like in the picture next to the text. I can't contain myself when I see the newest Angelic Pretty print, in all it's sparkle like wonder, it's almost like the feeling you get on Christmas day looking at the new presents under the tree. Such prints as Pastel Ala Mode and Dreamy Dollhouse have given me such fantasies of fun with friends and adventures into new places. 

I get the same feeling from Baby as well. Baby has this great sort of vintage take on what Angelic Pretty tends to make more modern and or slightly tacky (in the best way possible though, seriously.) Even the newest prints like my favorite Twinkle Princess Dream are just well, a dream in themselves (I'm dying for the navy or pink version!) 

Then fast forward to a little under 3 months ago. I step into a new world of style, that is what has ultimately lead me to writing this in the first place. It's best to understand during my teen years I was obsessed with Punk fashion. Joey Ramone and Debbie Harry were my idols and I dreamed of being just as cool as them by dressing in every bit I could get from Trash and Vaudeville at the time. Quickly I learned that the ones called "punks" were never ones to identify themselves as such and therefore I banished the thoughts from my mind. Fast forward to the point previously mentioned and I re-discovered my love for a very under appreciated brand: Putumayo. 

Putumayo can't and shouldn't even be just connected to punk lolita. It, to me, is the only true brand that can call itself a sweet punk style brand. It mixes the two perfectly. It'll have pieces that focus on fairy tale themes turned upside down. One of my favorites was a theme of cutsews featuring Little Red Riding Hood holding a bloody knife but looking absolutely cute doing so (odd? of course!) Maybe it's because I'm obsessed with plaid, but this brand speaks to me like no other and I'm now on a mission: With every coordinate to capture my love of both sweet and punk to perfection.

The only person I've found do this perfectly is one of the old school girls, Nana Kitade. I actually haven't heard much from Ms. Kitade in recent years, but back about 4 years ago she was one of my idols. She always knew the right way to blend Baby The Stars Shine Bright with spiked bracelets and skulls in this way that almost looked elegant. I remember that moment when I first saw Nana in person, carrying her Baby Bunny Bag and sitting with it, arms all around. It's probably one of the most inspirational images ever for me, and I want to carry that tradition on in my style!

So then, what is exactly my style? It's a mixture of sparkles, Barbies, The 80's with your rock n roll mischief and a lot of confidence. It involves hats, clips and a lot of patterned bows. Give me different kinds of solids, maybe even a print or too that makes you think of the bitter taste of dark chocolate. If Debbie Harry or Cyndi Lauper was lolita, would they approve? If they do then I'd wear it for sure. Take any combination of red plaid or pink and black and you've got a winning result of something fun yet interesting: me. Now give me some pink leopard print and let's go!

So, what do you consider your personal lolita style? Is it a mixture of things or do you like to just try one style per outfit? Post pictures and have fun! 

Iconic Love Letter: 80's/90's Magical Girl Series

Growing up as a child of the 90's, I was fully submerged into the new obsession of the young female gender: The Magical Girl Show! Granted, some of these shows can be considered cheesy, silly and sometimes just plain odd - but do we care? No! As long as there is a character with a cute sense of style, fun powers we dreamed about and some cute guy to crush on, we were set for fun! But wait, Style!? Inspiration!? From a kids television show!? But of course! My absolute favorite part of these shows was the look of each character, and I wanted to dress and be like them all so badly. So, in tribute to these fantastic series that we've all grown up with, I decided to make them my Iconic Love Letter for this week! So hop on your magic wand and let's get started!

Let's start off with my favorite series of the 80's, Jem! If you don't know about Jem, let me tell you that you are missing something, as the iconic heroine would say, Truly Outrageous! Jem is the story of Jerrica, who has just been given the complete ownership of her Father's record company after his passing. She also has to be in charge of an orphanage for little girls. She's so stressed and on top of that, she's dating the cutest guy Rico! What is she going to do!? One day, Jerrica is given the power to transform into Jem, her rock-n-roll goddess alter ego! New, Jerrica must decide between which life to lead: Her own or the one of Jem. The series has some of the coolest and catchiest songs I've ever heard, along with the most epic and tackiest outfits ever. But what makes Jem so cool is that it knows how silly it is, which makes you want to be in the world of the series even more! I mean, I'd love to transform myself into a pink haired rock star, wouldn't you?
Next up, we have Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders (also known as Princess Starla in other countries). The plot revolves around an alternative version of Avalon (think Rainbow Bright mixed with Samurai Troopers in terms of style), where people who are given the magic of Merlin can protect the world with The Crown Jewels and chosen animal companions. Our star is Princess Gwenevere, who is now destined to defeat the evil Lady Kale. She also has two allies, known as the Jewel Riders, named Tamara and Fallon! My favorite character of the series was Tamara, considered to be the oldest and prettiest of the Jewel Riders. She carries the heart stone and is known for taking care of the animals of Avalon. Maybe it was the British accent or the fact that she's the reason I'm obsessed with Mint and Pink together, but Tamara is a class act all on her own. Also, who doesn't want to ride on a pet Unicorn named Sunstar? (my favorite of the horses!) I highly recommend this if you haven't seen it!
Now, you can't go without mentioning the popular Magical Girl anime series that were huge at this time as well. Though there are a lot to chose from, I wanted to give special shout outs to my favorites - Cardcaptor Sakura and Sailor Moon (S and SuperS being my favorite seasons!). I'm pretty sure that anyone and everyone reading this blog knows of at least one of both of these series, and I'd manage to say you even are a big fan of them too. It was hard to ignore the success of these shows, but especially Sailor Moon here in the states. Though, we were never truly treated to seeing the entirety of these shows (but at least we were given Cardcaptor Sakura uncut many years later), they still are incredible and hard to not adore.
Cardcaptor Sakura is one of those unique series that really, in my mind, has no flaws. It's also important to note that this is probably the closest we've come to having a Lolita super hero of any sort! You can't deny the fact how excited you were to see Sakura's new fighting outfit each episode, created specially by her friend Tomoyo! I'm also a sucker for anything with angel wings, and this just made that aspect even cuter for myself. I have so many favorite outfits and moments from this show, allowing myself to never grow away from it completely.
... and don't even get me started on Sailor Moon. It's hard to clearly define the impact this series has had on me and the millions that have watched it, but it's probably in the time-line of things why I'm even writing this blog today. Sailor Moon was the first anime series I ever saw, watched every episode, and know every plot line by heart. It also brought my down the track line to learning about Japanese pop culture and now, you know the rest of the story. Sailor Moon is also in this unique category of complete pure and fabulous timeless story telling. Sure, there are your occasional filler episodes (there are in EVERY series, honestly.), but they are charming when you get to know all the characters - which I almost consider friends after seeing them for the past 16 years of my life. If you're going to rewatch any part of the series, I recommend the Pegasus story arch along with the R series movie! They're romantic, funny and touching!
Side note: Sailor Chibi-Moon isn't my favorite, Sailor Saturn is actually!
So now you want to incorporate these into your style, but how?
Here is my own personal outfit based on these magical ladies!
First off, pick an empire waist cut JSK or OP. Make sure that it creates a sort of round cuteness effect, and looks a bit casual so you can run around in it. I'd also suggest going with a cutsew or parka that has a sailor/peter pan collar. This is to go along with the sailor uniform inspired style from the anime shows, which are all based around this school uniform style. Next, I'd chose a pair of more comfortable but cute shoes, like these AP Engineer Boots in Pink! I'd also go with a bag that resembles a school styled one, especially since most of these characters are in high school or young adults! Make sure to pick out a cool brooch that looks magical girl inspired, like this one I found on etsy that's based on a Sailor Moon design. Remember to get a big and adorable bow to finish the look, see if you can find one with stars or sequin in it. Even though this coordinate is almost entirely AP and Mint/Pink, you can do it whatever way you like - if Sailor Moon would wear it, then go for it!

So whatever Magical Girl you like the most, feel free to incorporate them into your style! What is your favorite Magical Girl series? Was it not mentioned here? Have you ever made an outfit inspired by them? Mention in the comments below!