A few updates

Hello lovelies!

It's been a while, once again. I have the habit of writing in a paper journal usually (I'm very fond of stationary and old school writing on paper type of things, haha).

Anyhow, I thought it might be time for a little update. A lot of things happened since the last time! Let's start and go in order.

First of all, let's do a follow up on Twin Peaks as mentioned in the previous post. My boyfriend and I finished the whole series; both seasons and the movie.
I must say that I really really liked it. The style is great and I love how atypical the story line is. Although, season 2 gets a bit bleh once the murder of Laura Palmer is solved (for which I thought the culprit choice was a bit odd, I must say, but it's Lynch after all). After the murder's resolution, the story kinda stagnates  for a bit, but picks up on other sub stories linking BOB to the lodges which is a very nice touch (to be noted is the enforced presence of Major Briggs, he is such a cool character).
The end is disappointing in the sense that the series calls for a third season, which was cancelled. Therefore, a lot of story hooks are left unresolved and one can only try to imagine what the continuation would be.

A little note one the movie now. It focuses on the last week of Laura's life, right before her murder. As much as it's nice to see the characters again in a nicer set/decors, I have to say that I didn't enjoy the movie so much. It was a flop in North America and a big  success in Japan. I think it's because of its unusual way of  showing and dealing with a lot of violence. It was a bit too much for me. Let's note though the amazing performance of Ray Wise and the guest appearance of David Bowie (!).

All in all, I loved the series but disliked the movie. I would recommend it to any fans of Lynch or lovers of weird/atypical storylines.

Another big thing that happened recently, still in a storyline kind of mood, is that I started Stoytelling a Vampire The Requiem game. Yes, it's my first time being a GM (I've been a player in a Vampire game before). As much I loved prepping up the story, I have to admit that I admire anyone who is a GM because it's so hard to do! It takes so much planning and as much as I try to be prepared, the fact that it's an open environment and the players are, so to speak, free to do what they want, makes it very hard to control, because there isn't really any control to have. As much as I thought I would be great with the story and suck with the rules, it's really the opposite that is going on. I know the book by heart now. (which I read from cover to cover the one day we had a huge storm and had a power outage).
I am now to prep up my second game for next Sunday and I'm really hoping I will make it in time. I have a nice intrigue for my coterie, but then again, I don't know in advance what they will want to do... Ah, I guess it's a test for my perfectionist and controlling self! I hope it unfolds well and they have fun playing. After all, that's the goal.

Lastly, my boyfriend took me out for a concert last week. It was Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses. It was great and we had a lot of fun! We took a bunch of pictures which I will post in my next blog entry because they are still on my camera for now.

Hope you have a great day and I will see you soon.
Take care,

V.

Twin Peaks

Hello again!

This time, it's not a post about fashion but about a discovery I made recently.

One of the things I like the most here is NetFlix. On demand tv shows and movies. Despite the selection lacking certain classics of cinemas (Fight Club, Kubrick movies etc.), it does have quite a couple of older and foreign movies that are really worth it!

I'm always in a quest to find new things to watch and I'm always looking for something 'different'. In a world where what sells is sequels or adaptations of marvel's superheros or romantic vampire teenage roman (you get what I mean) it's so hard to find something that actually brings something or means something. I've looked a lot and found many directors that give something different. (Kubrick 2001: A space odyssey, Kubrick Mullholland Drive, Richard Kelly Donnie Darko) but they all have so much mystical to them that sometimes it's hard to figure out what it means.

So, browsing netflix this summer, I came across Twin Peaks. I had seen a movie by Lynch before and I wasn't too convinced. I had heard of the series as it was a cult when it came out in 1990. Also, an author I interviewed for class told me his series was inspired by it. Out of curiosity, I decided to check it out. My boyfriend and I watched the pilot episode (which lasts 1h30) and I just fell in love with it. It actually is what I wanted all along. Being a fan of murder and mysteries stories (books, movies etc.), mixed with this weird, scary yet humoristic of Lynch and actually the fact that the 'weird' elements are actually explained and talked about (as opposed to Mullholland Drive) made me love this series.

It's actually the story of the death of Laura Palmer, the homecoming queen that everyone seems to love who has been murdered. An FBI agent (Dale Cooper, on the poster) starts investigating the case with the help of the sheriff and his deputies. Soon, the plot thickens and everyone starts revealing their secrets. Laura isn't who she pretended to be.

Another point that makes me love this story so much is the main character, Agent Dale Cooper. In a weird way, I can really relate to him. We have that same peculiar sense of observation, a passion for justice and a offbeat personality. I'm pretty sure we share the same Myers-Briggs personality type.

Anyhow, I just wanted to share my discovery with you guys. I'm currently watching the second season, I just watched episode 13. I will give you a follow up once I'm done with the whole thing.

Let me ask now, did any of you watch this series? Or another movie by Lynch? I'm very curious to see your opinions, but please, don't spoil the story!

Until then, take care.

V.

Hello lovelies!

It's been a little bit since I posted a formal picture of me wearing lolita clothing. Don't worry, you don't have to wait anymore!

I thought I'd share with you the outfit I wore at my boyfriend's university graduation. Yes, yes he is finally done with school! I'm so proud of him.

That day was so warm and sticky, I had to wear a jsk without a blouse and decided to settle for a chiffon one since it's less warm. This one is lined with cotton which is even better! It's the rose stripe chiffon by Innocent World in ivory. Also, since we were sitting most of the time and it was the first time his family saw me in formal lolita, I decided not to wear a petticoat. I think it still is pretty nice!

And a picture with the newly graduate!

That's all for now! Should be updating some more very soon. Take care guys and don't be afraid to comment to let me know what you think!

V.

Ivory boho chic summer look!

Hello everyone!

 It's been a while now since I've given any updates. Actually, I am in the U.S. for the summer, visiting my boyfriend. The first weeks were very busy as he was off and we tried to enjoy that time together as much as possible. Now, he's starting to work so I will have a bit more time to update my blog and so on.

So far, the spring is very nice! the weather is unbelievable and I've enjoyed the countryside a good bit. I did also make a lolita purchase not too long ago that I wish to share with you.

After thinking about it a lot, I decided to get a parasol. I did find a used one on egl sales so I snagged it up for a good price. Although, there was a specific model by AATP (alice and the pirates) that I always wanted. Since brands release their stuff in time for spring, it was just put up for sale on their site. Sadly, I thought I missed it and that it was sold out, but it turns out it wasn't! So, I know proudly own the Rococo parasol in off-white

picture of me with it, just after opening the box. (excuse the weird face)

Also, for a good bit, I wanted a lolita purse and I mean a real one. I've had purses that do fit with the style and such but I never thought they were completely lolita so to speak. I've looked up so many auctions and sites to find one to only realize, while browsing for my parasol, that AATP had exactly what I was looking for! AATP Plate bag in brown

This is my picture, with the actual color :

It's very big and roomy, just like I wanted! The color is darker in person too, which was my worry at first. I guess the lighting was just brighter on the website than in real life. It's very victorian, almost like a trunk or a formal man bag. Anyhow, I love it a lot. Not too feminine not too masculine, it fits great with my wardrobe. That way I can finally bring books and notebooks with me and look stylish! That's all for now, I should post more very soon!

Take care,

V.

Winter Photo shoot

A little bit ago, on a very very cold day, I had an outdoor photo shoot. One of my photograph friends, the very talented Esther Gibbons. We went downtown Montreal and shot around metro McGill. I was proudly wearing my Innocent World coat in dusty pink and a vintage hat. I really love the result!

And as a bonus picture, Esther snapped a photo while a woman was talking to me. She commented on my style and asked questions about it. She really insisted that I looked straight out of the 30's which I thought was very flattering. It made me think about lolita quite a lot and question my style. Isn't it true that classic lolita and vintage mix well? I always thought so and it struck me when she said that. Indeed, she was quite impressed when I said it was a japanese fashion. Anyhow, she asked me for a picture and I gladly accepted. She then showed it to me and Esther being the well trained wedding photographer that she is just knows how to snap spontaneity and that is the result!

I really hope you enjoyed it, please don't hesitate to leave comments! Take care

Older outfits

Hello again!

Here a couple of pictures of older outfits that I still think have a place here. I wanted to share them with you as for now I'm quite busy and sick, so I didn't have time to take more pictures.
I will whenever I can though! I have 2 photoshoots on the way ;)


Dress is Victorian Maiden Classical Rose Bouquet in Icy blue. Probably my favorite dress that I own!


My dearly beloved Innocent World coat. Such a great find on auction sites! I can't belive how little I paid for it, I guess it was my luck!
The story behind it is kinda funny. I was looking at brand coats for a while now and decided to get one but was a bit hesitant because of how high the prices are. Let's be honest, they don't come cheap at all! While looking, most of them costed around 25,000 yen up to 45,000 yen for used coats but none of them were a dusty pink color that I absolutely wanted. When I found this one, I was in awe for the design and then I saw the price ; 9,000 yen! It even had been discounted from 12,000 previously. I couldn't believe how lucky I was to win the auction for it and only for the starting price.
It said it had been worn previously, but it doesn't even show. I guess it's one lucky find and I love it dearly.



Just a close up of my face as I lost the full length picture of this outfit somehow. I still think it's cute!

That's all for now. More updates to come soon!

V.

Porcelain Diaries

Well, everyone, it's official! Porcelain Diaries, my very own forum (in collaboration with my friend Kanonique) has been launched today!

It is a lifestyle oriented lolita forum that welcome both guys and girls who wear the fashion and agree with the philosophy. I really hope it will work out and that a lot of members will join :)
We already got a couple of ones and it's slowly starting! I actually was impressed to get that many people on the first day, but it really makes me happy!

Maybe I'll see you there.
Take care,

V.

Classic Lolita - photoshoot

Hello Guys!

It's been a while but I have something new for you! Remember the last post about a photoshoot with Erik Naumann? Well, I do have a picture to show you :)
Remember that this is supposed to be a more lifestyle shoot. I kinda like the result a lot, so there you go!


Let me know what you think ^^

"Fashion is the armor with which to survive the reality of everyday life" - Bill Cunningham

Lately, I did a photoshoot with amazing photographer Erik Naumann. His concept was Fashion as an Armor. I participated as a classic lolita, which the style I mostly define myself to be. Here were my words on the matter as why lolita/fashion is my armor and how :

There are people who dress to gain attention, people who blend in a crowd, others follow trends all the time. But trying to find my own definition of fashion as armor is quite difficult as it doesn’t seem to quite fit in the above categories.

I do not wish to blend in. I love to be different, original and express myself. I guess it is a key element as I always put my own personal touch in every outfit. Although, I am a very quiet and introverted person and it is my way of expressing who I am.

It also has a lot to do with an opposition with mainstream values and ideas that are growing in today’s society. I am against hyper sexualisation and the whole party, clubs and popculture that references to that. Plus I do not fit in the beauty criteria people have nowadays. Deeply, I am more of a conservative person and will not try to expose myself to get attention. My lifestyle is more guided towards being a lady and being respectful and tasteful about myself and my clothes. I was always inspired by the Rococo and Victorian eras and I think this is why I am now more of a classic lolita as fashion is now a way for me to live this lifestyle and it is an embodiment of my femininity. It is an armor against reality, modern lifestyle which I am against. Fashion for me makes a distinct cut from normality and conformity and is a pacifist way to protest against the mold and what everyone my age seems to become to a point.

Fashion is a part of my lifestyle. I choose to wear these clothes, decorate my bedroom that way and even have more classical passions. I find way more pleasure in drinking tea, literature, movies, history than any mainstream activities. I love to be a lady and it is what makes me stand apart from the rest of people as I can express myself in a way more distinctive way. I guess to wear these clothes is just a way to stand out and avoid the people who wouldn’t understand or respect my lifestyle. I know it is a peculiar way to see it, but not only does it reflect who I am with my values, tastes and interests but it’s my way of putting an armor up against what I don’t like.

Video about Cunningham : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYqiLJBXbss
Erik Naumann : http://eriknaumann.com

Clarins Sale : Anna Sui!

Hello all!

Last weekend was the big Clarins warehouse sale. It takes place 2 times in the year and lasts for 2 days. Like a lot of other warehouse sales, it's a good time to snatch up some deal on a lot of beauty products, makeup, perfumes and much more!

I do go to this one because Clarins is the official distributor of Anna Sui in Quebec, and since I love this brand and this designer, it's the best time to grab a couple of things.

About the sale :
I went in the middle of the afternoon on Friday so there wasn't really that much wait at all. Temperature was not so bad but the wind was very cold. We had to wait about ten minutes to enter but we got lucky cause right after we got in line, people started coming and coming. When we left, the line was three times as long as when we got in. So I can advise to try and go during office hours if you can! it's the best time of the day to avoid long wait.

First off, I got myself a couple of eye-shadows.


Anna Sui color accent 800 (light yellow)
Anna Sui color accent S Duo 02 (beige and green)
Anna Sui color accent 102 (dark blue/green)

Then I got myself 2 blush :



Anna Sui face color accent 001 (white)
Anna Sui face color accent 301 (pink)

Since I have a lot of lipsticks and gloss, I only took one of each!


Anna Sui lip rouge S 380 (light sparkly pink)
Anna Sui lip gloss R 850 (gold)

I got some nail polish as well! So cute and sparkly and the bottle is shaped like a rose. (to match with the smell of all products!)


Anna Sui nail color N 013 (pale iridescent white/pink)
Anna Sui nail color N 320 (sparkly glittery pink)
Anna Sui nail color N 505 (sparkly gold, same as previous gloss)

And the best for last!
I always wanted to have an Anna Sui Perfume but in stores I never could find one that I liked. I took my time to pick one out this time. I do have a problem though, as perfume really don't smell the same on me at all. It's normal that perfumes differs because of skin pigments, but in my case, sometimes some turn out so weird.
After taking serious time to try them, I finally found one that I liked! Since on my skin, I have to take something light scented, I ended up going with "Flight of Fancy". I am really happy with my choice as the scent is nice on me and doesn't overpower me, which usually is the problem.
Plus, the bottle is very nice! I even kept the box.

Anna Sui Flight Of Fancy 75 ml perfume

And this is a picture of all purchases. All in all a good deal as I got this for probably around half of the retail price! Girls always get excited over designer make up on sale ;)


And there it is! I won't review all of the products in this post as it would be a bit too long, but I can recommend Anna Sui products to everyone as the quality is very good. I had the chance to try eye shadows, blush, nail polish, gloss, lipstick and powder from this brand and I was very pleased with all products. Plus, they all smell like roses, which I love!

My question now, did any of you try Anna Sui before and if yes, what was your favorite products? I am curious to know! if you have any questions, feel free to ask.

That's all for now, folks!

Take care.

Classic Lolita

I've been into Japanese fashion for about four years now. I went from more gothic to decora, to fairy-kei, to sweet lolita and now it's classic lolita that caught my eye. I still do dress more casually as a mix between boho, gyaru and mori but I deeply love classic lolita and casual classic lolita with hints of sweet.

I have always loved Rococo and I am obsessed with flower prints and it does combine my two main interests.

Here are some of my own collection :

Adelaide One Piece by Victorian Maiden


Clanbert OP by Innocent World



And I will soon recieve this gorgeous piece, Classical Bouquet Op by Victorian Maiden

My color palette is a lot more in beige and blue as you can see. I will post some pictures worn very soon. For now I'm still working on selling some pieces to re-organize my wardrobe.

Take care

First Review : Foundation

Ahh, foundations! Such a hard thing to find a good one and stick to it. I had so much trouble finding a one that would match my skin type (mixed, oily and dry yet sensitive) and my color (light with yellow undertone). After trying on several brands, I found my perfect match!

It’s the Clinique Acne Solutions in fresh ivory.


Surprising, isn’t it? It’s not a super expensive Dior, Channel etc. It’s actually around 30$ but it works! Like many people, I do have an acne prone skin, mostly because of stress. All foundations I tried had oil or were really heavy and causing more breakouts.

This one actually has salicylic acid which treats the affected areas while you wear it. Not only does it cover well, but it actually contributes to heal the blemishes, now that is what I needed!One point to note is that it has only 0.5% of acid so it doesn’t dry your skin.
And for the coverage, it does cover well. The color blends it perfectly with my skin tone and the texture is very light, so it does not clog the pores and feel caky after a couple of hours. Also, it doesn’t smell like acne treating products, it just doesn’t have a smell.

*I did buy it and there was a promo with some added extras! I will review them later*


Pros :
-very light, does not clog pores.
-treats acne while wearing it.
-Does not dry the skin.
-Color blends in good (at least in my case).

Cons :
-Might sound stupid, but the name isn’t the most inviting.
-For people who have severe acne, I don’t think only the foundation will help, you need a full skin care routine (Clinique does have pretty good ones though!)


I hope this was helpful!

Floral Birthday

It's been a little while, but I liked this one outfit I wore for my birthday while visiting the U.S. to see my boyfriend.
It's simple, but I thought it fitted well together. I decided to wear this nice dress I found at H&M and really liked. I thought it was a good match with the shoes, purse and hair. (I know it's a bit simple, but you have to excuse the fact that I didn't have access to my full wardrobe and was living only off my suitcase.)

Welcome here

Hi everyone!

This is going to be more of a text based post as it's just to welcome you here.

I decided to make a change and move my blog on blogspot to make it easier and more accessible.

This is going to be a place to put my looks, inspiration and my discoveries. It's much more fashion oriented, but I do believe that arts and culture inspires me a lot and I wish to share that.

Presentation is pretty much done, wasn't so long, huh? If you have any questions or whatsoever, just comment and I will be more than happy to answer.

Take care, folks.

See ya,