My blog has moved...sort of

It has been a long time since I updated the blog and much has happened during that hiatus. I was busy working and reporting during the last NHL season for some sites I run. Plus, I'm relocating in a few weeks and that kicked into high gear the last few months. It's been quite hectic!

I was thinking about changing the blog to reflect all of my interests, not just Lolita fashion. Through brainstorming and help by my friends and the EGL community, I accomplished that goal.

The Frill Zone!

http://thefrillzone.blogspot.com/

Mission StatementLolita fashion and sports are two pinnacle parts of my life, so it's only natural that both would be focus for the blog. My goal for the blog is to be a place that can also be used as an educational tool to provide new information on subject matters that may or may not be familiar to the visitor. I will give my honest view on topics based on my own experience, feelings, and research.

This blog will still remain open and I did cross post one article from this blog to the new one. Apart from that one, the blog will have all new content and original content. 

I hope that my followers from this blog subscribe to The Frill Zone!

I very grateful for all those who visited JoyeuxCherie and to my followers as well - thank you!

Lolita on a Budget - Quick Haul Post

I've been scratching my brain lately to find ways on saving money for Lolita in any way I can. The money I save from these purchases helps my personal finances (student loans, bills, etc) and puts more money in my special savings for larger Lolita purchases like Brand clothing.

Going with my color palette of my style, I choose simple accessories with great versatility. There are items that I just can't resist and the two bows on the right are an example of that. They were so light and delicate that I had to get them in pink and cream. The flower clip is so light and soft - just darling!

On the left, we have 3 items from Claire's: 2 pairs of wrist cuffs and 1 pair of long fingerless lace gloves. Their total was $3 ! - Not bad for the clearance section! I would love to own a pair of Angelic Pretty wristcuffs but since no one is looking at your wrist with a microscope, I think I can get away with these offbrand numbers. The lace isn't bad at all, it's soft, and they fit nicely on my wrists.

 
The whole lot cost me $44. The wrist cuffs and fingerless lace gloves were $1 each at Claire’s (clearance) and the bows and flower barrettes were from Temptation.

Whether it's with hair accessories, clothing, or shoes, offbrand is a great, inexpensive way to full your wardrobe.

Always remember, no matter if your outfit is full Brand, offbrand, or a mixture of both, you are still a beautiful Lolita. Don't let anyone else tell you differently!

Major Brand Summer Lucky Pack / Special Sets Round Up

The first day of summer was yesterday and judging by the last few days, I think it will be a hot season for sure. Here in NY the temperatures have been in the low 90s and when I went on vacation to Pittsburgh it was just as hot.  So what does summer mean for us, Lolitas? There are meetups to plan,  conventions to attend, and lucky packs to purchase!

There lucky pack events all through the year, usually during major seasons like Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring and Japanese holidays. This post will focus on the recent lucky pack releases for Summer.
Here is a round up post with the lucky packs that I could find, if there are more released I'll do an update post. All prices are in Yen and not listed in this post, you can see the prices and get shipping estimates at the Brands' websites. Some of these are Lucky Packs and others are special sets where you know what item you're receiving.

Every little thing she does is classical!

I haven't updated in almost a month because of having additional hours at work as well as being thoroughly distracted by The Avengers fandom.  A little note about me, I'm a huge Marvel fan, have been since I was very little so I've been on Tumblr, looking at fan art, following the movie updates, etc like a hawk! Now it's back to writing and there are a few topics that I want to talk about.  This post will be one of many that will document my change of style from sweet to classic.

Pride & Petticoats: Regency Era & Lolita Fashion

I watched Pride & Prejudice a few nights ago, the version with Keira Knightley as well as the version with the dashing Colin Firth! I have grown to love Regency fashion quite after watching these films and reading Jane Austen's novels.  Much of my great disdain for it was caused by my long time admiration for Late Baroque and Rococo fashions, specifically that of France.  Though, that will always be my favorite, Regency is coming to a close second. In this post, there is Regency fashion, empire waists, Lizzy Bennet's Classic coordinate, and bonnets, lots of bonnets!

First Brand purchase - Dream Dress #1

My dream dress #1 has arrived! It's a BTSSB Ribbon Princess Drop JSK and I believe it may be one of the rereleases. The beauty of it is not only is it my dream dress but it is my first Brand purchase (secondhand)!

I wish I could personally hug the young lady who sold it to me, because this dress is everything I dreamed it would be and more! The detail, quality, and REAL POCKETS - even if they are small, are so lovely.

I own a Bodyline JSK along with this BABY one and honestly, I love both. Yes, there is a difference in quality but they still make me feel amazing and beautiful. I don't entirely relate or understand the nature of Brand elitism but I admire the fashion of every designer, whether it's Brand or Off Brand. At the end of the day it's about the lolita and how she feels wearing it.

So for me, the beauty of Lolita is not centered around what Brand a dress is but how I feel when I wear it :), because even the sweetest Off-Brand coordinate can be just as beautiful as a full Brand coordinate!

*Blouse and Bow: Bodyline

First Bodyline Order - Review

My first lolita purchase arrived yesterday! It was a small but nevertheless grand order from Bodyline. I picked up my package from the post office because I missed the postman yesterday when he delivered it.

Here is the review - it is in depth and I took many photos with my point and shoot camera. The pictures came out fine, but for future reviews, I will be using my DSLR. The review will break down the whole experience from ordering to the "opening" of the items.

Order Notes:

• I chose EMS over Airmail because I needed these items by a specific date.
• I ordered 3 items.
• Purchased through Bodyline's website.
• I'm 5'4, bust 36/38C and 32inch waist, my skin complexion is tan.

Purchase date: April 27 

Items: 

JSK - L329 in Pink - Size 2L - Link

Blouse - L075 in WH (white) - Size 2L - Link

Shoes - Shoes259 in epik (patten pleather pink) - Size 25.5 - Link

Order and Shipping:

Once I completed the shopping cart process and paid for the order (Paypal), I received an confirmation email with my order and the EMS tracking number. The number did not "work" until 2 business days which was exactly as stated by Bodyline in the confirmation email.  The items arrived 4 business days after the order was placed. As I've experienced with many EMS packages, the shipment was fast and tracking was reliable.

Packaging and Handling:

I have seen many Bodyline packages shipped in the solid grey plastic bag - regardless if the shipping was Airmail or EMS.  However, the bag was a standard shipping bag that was secure and strong.  

The blouse and JSK were shipped inside their brand new Bodyline bags. They were both folded very nicely inside the bag.  There was no sent or odor, loose threads, or anything "extra" that came with them.

The shoes were not in a box nor in their own plastic bag. They did have the tissue paper and shoe "sticks" to keep their shape, plus they were wrapped in tissue paper. They arrived in fantastic condition and I am grateful despite them not being in their own bag or box.