Crimson Reflections

Sales - May 2015

2015-05-06T13:56:17Z

Terms

Shipped from a non smoking house with 2 cats! =^..^=

Some Items have shipping included for US, please post a comment or PM for international shipping, or for domestic shipping if not included.

All items have been transported and stored folded, and as such may be wrinkled.

Payment is by paypal invoice only ^^ (I do not charge extra paypal fees!)

Feedback Link: http://eglfeedback.livejournal.com/1358739.html

Partial Trade / WTB

I would like to trade my Navy Castle Mirage Dress for a Navy Castle Mirage OP + The Difference in Retail Price (16,200 yen).

Alternatively, I will buy your Navy Castle Mirage OP flat out, just post your price or a link to the sale.

There is a small flaw with my Dress. When making it, AP used one AB fancy button for one waist tie, and one small boring button for the other waist tie. They included an extra of each button. I live with one of the seamstresses for the indie brand Belladonna who is a skilled seamstress and she has offered to switch one of the buttons out with the spare button if you would like; you just have to pick which type you want on the waist ties. The removed button would of course be sent to you as well.

Measurements:
Waist is correct (min measurement with corset lacing done up is 60cm), However the bust is smaller than advertised. The bust is ~94cm, not 100cm. (with corset lacing done as tightly as possible it goes down to about 66cm).

Proof Photos: https://www.facebook.com/RaineDragon/posts/617672501700538

Alternatively, if you like the Dress, but don't want to spend quite that much, I'll do a partial trade of my Dress for your OP + 10,000 yen (discount of 6,200 yen), if you let me keep the detachable overskirt from the Dress. (It attaches to the dress with tiny loops made of the same fabric that are under a strip of lace, so it doesn't look like the dress is missing anything when the overskirt is removed.)

JSK/OP

Lief Sacred Night JSK [Black, L]
$350
Used - Very good

I purchased this from a friend, but I’ve only worn it once because it’s too big for me.
Please note that this does NOT come with a detachable bow or sash.
Also, please note that the skirt print is not perfectly centered.

Angelic Pretty Polkadot Pastel a la Mode JSK [Red]
$350
Used, good condition

I bought this a while back as a gift for a friend, but ended up giving her something else instead. It’s been in my closet for two years now, and I’ve not worn it, so I’m looking to sell it for what I paid for it. Nine years old, and still in very, very good condition.

I didn’t see any flaws on it, really great condition for a screen print, especially one this old.

Innocent World Limited Edition Pierto Angel Corset JSK [Blue]
$300 - Us Shipping Included
New Without Tags

When I did the math on my LP, it appears that IW calculated the value of this item at full retail price, not a discounted price when compared to the %-off they typically put on other items, hence the higher list price. It's beautiful but it doesn't fit me.

Innocent World Antique Doll OP (Ariel) [Black, Size L]
$277
New Without Tags

Long elegant OP in size large. I tried it on, and it’s quite nice and comfortable, and the length is super elegant. It can be bustled up or worn down.

I’ve never worn it; and I probably never will because I’ve realized that as much as I love black on other people, it doesn’t suit me. So, my poor choice is your gain!

I have the hat in black as well, though I haven't listed it yet. I can take photos and list it if you are interested.

Innocent World Sailor Coat OP [Brown]

$227 OBO

New without Tags

New and unworn; I just don't see myself wearing it and I'm trying to cut down on how much I have in my closet.

Innocent World Stripe Jacquard Bustle Jumperskirt [Blue-Violet xNavy]
$200
Used, Like New

This is a really beautiful dress and I’ve hung onto it for years because I love it, but the reality is that the brand measurements were wrong and it just doesn’t fit me, and probably never will fit me well. I’m the first owner, and I just tried it on, snapped a few photos in my house for fun / coord ideas and put it away in the closet and never wore it.

Bust: 85-95cm
Waist: 64-76cm

Recommended for someone with a bust of 92cm or smaller; it’s a thin material so it folds weirdly in the bodice if you are too big in the bust.

The color in the IW photo is not accurate, it’s not that neon. It’s a nice rich, light-weight, blue-purple color striped material with a full chiffon bustle back in a rich navy, which is great because it matches with both navy things and purple-blue things. Floaty and lightweight, so it’s great for summer.

Innocent World Ball at Versailles JSK [Beige x Green x Orange]
$163 OBO - Free US Shipping
New without Tags

Super cute dress, totally new and unworn with great colors that you don’t see often in lolita. I got it in a luckypack, but I already have it, so now I'm trying to sell the extra one.

Innocent World Sailor Long OP [Black, Size Large]
$157.00
New Without Tags

New and unworn This is a gorgeous sailor OP, it’s long and the fabric has a good weight to it. I really love it and I’ve kept it a bit, but I really just need to face the music; I just don’t look good in this much black. So I hope I can pass it on to someone else who can do it justice! Black x Cream, size Large. No shirring, but it does have waist ties which can be used to pull in the waist (and make a fabulously full bow in the back. Seriously, I’m so sad that this doesn’t suit me). Bust: 99cm Waist: 76cm Length: 107cm Shoulder width: 35cm Sleeve length: 62cm Cuff: 21cm

Angelic Pretty Dressy Jabot JSK [Lavender]
~~$200~~ $157 OBO - US Shipping included
[proof photo]
Used
Hold until Sat, May 9th. If you are interested, comment to be second in line

I bought this from AP and only wore it like once or twice. The color just wasn’t right for me.

It has a stiff tulle netting built in petti, consistent with APs normal built in pettis.

Measurements may not be maxed out, I didn’t want to stretch it too far.

Waist ties are lined on the back side with lining material, and are detachable. The jabot is not detachable on the JSK (I wanted to mention that because it is detachable on the OP version).

Back shirring with corset lacing and side zipper.

Comes with a spare heart button like the ones used on the waist ties attached to the care tag.

May be ironed at 140-160oC with a cloth.
Hand wash in water temperature of 30°C or less.

Bust: 84-100cm
Waist: 72-84cm

Angelic Pretty Sweet Story JSK [Mint]
~~$150~~ ~~$117~~ $75 OBO - US Shipping included
[proof photo]
used
This dress is fairly petite; The bust measures 90cm and while it has back ties which can make it a little smaller, it does not go any larger than that.

Dress is currently a bit wrinkled. The material is light and airy and wonderful for summer, but the downside to it being so nice and breathable is that is wrinkles if it’s stored folded (which is how our items are currently stored due to a lack of space). It can be steamed or ironed and the wrinkles come right out, it just seemed silly to iron it and then fold it back up, and then ship it folded.

AP Princess Rose Canotier [Black]
$35 - Us Shipping: $5.88
Used

The Princess Rose Canotier features a pink felt rose with pearls and a comb back. It’s used, and has a general feeling of use around the lace.

Blouses

IW Blouse 144107 [Cream, M]
$93 OBO - Us Shipping $5.88, International ask for quote
New without tags

This is the blouse that IW sent out in their winter lucky packs this year. It’s a great blouse made of a wrinkle resistant fabric with a cute detachable neck bow.

This is the size Medium (M) of the blouse.

Please feel free to ask if you want any specific measurements or other pictures. I realize in hind sight that there is not a good stock photo and I took this in a hurry.

Bodyline Punk-Style Shirt [Offwhite, L]
~~$25 $19~~ $15
New without Tags

NWOT Bodyline shirt P232 in white x black, size L. Missing neck tie. Zipper is damaged, so it only zips up to neck.

I got this in a bodyline oddment pack. As such, even though it’s new, there is some minor damage. It doesn’t have the tie it usually comes with. It also is missing a tooth in the metal zipper which means it only zips up to the point shown in the proof photo. Priced at under 50% as of the time of me listing this to reflect the damage.

Offbrand Sheer Red Polkadot Sleeveless Blouse
$20
NWT

Would look cute under an OP that has a lower neck, or paired with a JSK (especially if you want to wear a bolero over your JSK and don’t want to deal with sleeves inside of sleeves.)

It’s quite sheer, so if you want to wear it with a skirt, you would need to tuck it in and wear a tanktop under it.

Skirts

AP Day Dream Carnival Skirt
$245
New With Tags
[Skirt] [Brooch]

I bought this from AP USA, and later was able to get another cut/color from the same series I liked better. Long story short, I never got around to wearing this. Priced at what I paid.

Please note the included rosette is a little flat; I received the item this way from AP.

Innocent World Chandelier Skirt [Brown]
$143.00
Used

Beautiful skirt with a soft tiered tulle bustle in the back in milk tea, and brown flocked chandeliers. Skirt is in great condition, no noticeable flaws. I’ve had it for quite a few years, but I just haven’t worn it and I bought the OP, so it’s time for the skirt to move on. The tulle in the bustle is incredibly soft and full, and it’s a really beautiful flocked design. Partial shirring. Includes waist ties.

Angelic Pretty Pastel a la Mode Skirt [Red]
~~$147~~ $137 OBO
Used, Good Condition
[Proof Photo]

Red and white polka dot skirt with screen printed cakes, sweets and desserts in pink and white.
This skirt is in great condition despite being about nine years old! Blouse is not included!

Angelic Pretty Polkadot Angel Applique Skirt [Red]
$137 OBO
Used, Good Condition
[Proof Photo] [Proof Photo2]

Heavy corduroy and velveteen materials make this skirt nice and warm.

Note: Detachable bow not included.

Blouse not included.

Angelic Pretty 3-Tiered Polka Dot Skirt [Red]
$85
Used

No detachable bow, but includes waist ties. It's shorter than an average AP skirt by a good bit. Some wrinkle/wear to the waistband; it's clearly used. As much as I love this skirt, it's not the best shape/length for me.

MA Maxicimam Tiered Star Skirt [Black x White]
$35
Used
[With Tail]

Cute little punk-style maxicimam skirt. It looks cute under shorter putumayo skirts or alone for a casual look.

Removable cat “tail” buttons on to the tag.

No zipper, so the shirring needs to fit over you bust or hips.

Offbrand Pale Yellow Strawberry Skirt
~~$25~~ $23
Used

Fully shirred waist, no zipper. Cute yellow and red strawberry print and eyelet lace trim. It was listed on mbok as "Pretty", so I thought it might be really ancient AP, but it doesn't appear to be, and has no tags. May be handmade; but I'm not sure.

AP Gingham Triple Tiered Skirt
~~$125~~ ~~$97~~ $53
[proof photo]
Used - Very good

Super full skirt made of a very light fabric, so it’s really nice and cool for summer. Detachable waist ties. Lining, partial back shirring, layer of tulle attached to the bottom of the lining to make the skirt poofy. Waist-ties are lined on the back with lining material. Side zip.

Waist: 60cm-68.5cm

Innocent World Aphrodite Skirt [Pink x Chocolate]
~~$75~~ $47 OBO
[proof photo]

The bow is actually on the back, but I thought it was super cute so I showed it this direction. This would be great for a more otome look, or to wear to the office. Has a zipper, but no shirring.

F.i.n.t. Skirt [Milk Tea x Wine]
$45
[proof photo]
NWT

Fully shirred F.I.N.T. skirt with a sheer overlay with a wine velveteen trim.

Shorts and Pants

Innocent World Maurice Salopette [Black]
~~$90~~ $57 OBO
NWOT

Size M, black. Halter straps.

Socks

Meta Heart & Musical Note Knee Socks [Mint]
~~$22~~ $18
[proof photo]
NWOT

New, never worn knee socks with cute dark green bows and flowers.

Head Items

Heart E
~~$25~~ $21
Used

Super cute tartan headbow in a thick material with a nice light grey braid over the headband arch. It has a really nice shape, and I really like it, I just don’t have anything that really goes with it.

Bags and Wallets

Baby the Stars Shine Bright Dynamic Lolita Boston Bag [Black x White]
$75
Used

Used bag with a flocked crown made of a heavy fabric and pleather. Very sturdy zipper.

This bag is about 10 years old, and as such it has some wear. It’s made of PU and a heavy black fabric (Canvas maybe?) and because it’s a soft bag, it’s little bent when it’s empty. The flocking crown is slightly off white. I’m not sure if it started this way, or if it yellowed with age.

I bought it second hand three years ago to match a JSK with a crown print, but I realized I have other bags I wear with that JSK instead, so it’s time for it to move on.

It has a heavy duty metal zipper and a few pink gems on the design. Inside it’s lined in a deep red material. More detail photos can be taken on request.

Fairy Playing Cards Tote Bag [Pink]
~~$18~~ ~~$16~~ $14
NWT
New with tag tote bag featuring a royal squirrel, cat and bear in crowns with stripes, dots, and hearts.

Angelic Pretty Whip Magic Mini Tote [Dark Pink]
~~$18~~ $16
[lining run] [pen marks] [more pen marks] [marks] [strap mark]
Used, minor damage

Has some pen marks on the inside lining and a run in the lining material. Small pen or pencil mark on strap.

Honestly, I got it in a mixed lot and was never really interested in it because the colors don’t match anything I own, so I put it away and never really tried to launder it. I don’t know the care instructions for this series, so I can’t really make any recommendations.

Other Accessories

Handmade Pinwheel Rosettes
$25/each
Closeups and photos of the backs of each one can be found on my storenvy:
http://rainedragon.storenvy.com/collections/1079923-rosettes

Each rosette is handmade with a continuous length of ribbon and is handsewn (not glued) into a delicate pinwheel. They are backed with felt (sewn on) and then a 2-way clip (pin or aligator clip) is sewn on and then glued as well to ensure stability. Anchor buttons are metal tone plastic, all other centers are metal. Ribbon is a high quality double sidded grossgrain. Ribbon ends are sealed with fraycheck to keep them from unraveling.

Shipping in the US is a flat $5.25 each. Combined orders may be elligible for a shipping discount, please feel free to ask. Additional colors will be added later, please feel free to enquire if you are looking for a particular color.

Kera Issue 101
$7
December 2006 (issue 12 for 2006). In good read condition, some minor shelf wear.

Bears in Lolita

2013-08-30T19:33:36Z

Lately I've been noticing a disturbing influx of bears in lolita. As we all know, bears have quite the reputation for being terrible hosts to young women with long, curly fair hair, and quite a few lolita wear long, curly fair hair, so I feel that it's truly an alarming situation.

For many years, that devious bear usakumya has been sneaking into lolita fashion in the guise of a mild mannered rabbit.

(Look at those eyes! Are those the eyes of a friendly bunny? I think not!)

Endearing himself to Baby the Stars Shine bright to the point where they made a print which they named Friend Usakumya.

But how friendly are these bears really? Looking closely, we see that these bears are wearing dresses. Lolita dresses even. Who wears lolita dresses? Why lolita do! Do bears? No, bears wear fur. So, naturally, one must wonder... what did these bears to do the lolita who's dresses they are wearing? And why does baby have to tell us that the bear is a friend. Is it perhaps... because the bear isn't a friend

And you know who those bears certainly aren't a friend to? Bees. Look at these bears. Stealing honey from Bees and wasting it by spilling it all about. How are those bees supposed to feed their families? How will they survive? And you know who needs bees? Flowers. Who puts flowers on their dresses and in their hair? Lolita.

Quite recently, Misako had a teaparty, in which a bear snuck up on her while she was sipping her tea, like a good host, she invites the bear to join her.

Next thing you know, Misako is traveling to Canada. You know what they have in Canada? That's right. Bears.

And just last night Angelic Pretty released their Muse Du Chocolat. What's on the print? A bear. What are the accessories? Bears. When they started publicizing this print, they had a bunch of models wearing the pieces. Last night on their blog, their only model was a bear. Look at that sly face. Where is the human model, Mr. Bear? Where did she go?

And those bear accessories, looking all innocent. What are they doing? Wearing sashes. Who just, for the first time ever started releasing sashes? AP. Coincidence? I think not. These bears have invaded our fashion and are influencing our top designers.

Where will it end? When will it stop? What is their agenda? What will the bears invade next? How can we protect ourselves from falling victim to this sweeping phenomenon?

...and for those of you they have already gotten, so you needn't feel left out: what's your favorite bear themed item?

IW Oddments Lucky Pack

2011-09-24T06:51:39Z

Product Name Oddment Items Lucky Pack A
Product Number 113005
Price ￥52,500
Expected deliver date Early October 2011

Because I'm exhausted, from left to right:
1. Sleeve Ribbon Knit Pullover - Cream with a couple minor little snags (name unknown)
2. Strawberry Bolero (name unknown)
3. Black x White x Grey OTK Socks (name unknown)
4. Fraicheur Necklace
5. White umbrella with a border of black polka dots and tons of tiny pink satin ribbon bows in the center (name unknown)
6. Tulle Lace Sock Toppers - Black- Elastic in one is broken
7. Sailor Collar Pullover - beige
8. Stripe Jacquard Bustle Jumperskirt - Navy (The colors are much more muted; it doesn't look vivid purple like this)
9. Classical Arm Covers - Brown
10. Dita Headbow
11. damage to Dita headbow.
12. Lily Emblem Lace Blouse - BLACK, Size large
13. Rose Lace Ribbon Blouse - Beige×Chocolat, M
14. Athena Blouse - White, Size Small
15. Versailles Rose Head Dress - Chocolat×Cafe au Lait
16. Tochon Lace Socks - White
17. Annette Knee Socks Red x White
18. Flower Ribbon Cutsew - Pink
19. Beatrice JSK - Beige
20. Museum Bear JSK - Sax
21. Little Lady headbow
22. Luna Stripe Jumperskirt - Pink×Bordeaux
23. Roman Trump Jumperskirt - Green×Chocolat (short)
24. Roman Trump Onepiece - Chocolat×Pink
25. Viennese Waltz Scallop Jumperskirt - Cafe au Lait ≪Long≫

Sorry about just smooshing the two tops in the photos I took. I set up my little box for photos because it was late at night and there wasn't enough room and the lamp kept falling over so I was arranging them one handed. Also, the sheet is clean; I was using it for photography the other day and just threw it in my box when I was done so it got all wrinkled. XD oops.

IW Lucky Pack - Summer 2011

2011-07-06T02:11:16Z

I bought the Summer 2011 Innocent World Lucky Pack A: (￥52,500 version) and here is what I got...

Black x offwhite boloro with pin-on bow

Black headbow with beads

Cream Blouse with Jabbot

Selene Blouse - Pink (fits and I love it)

Hello Lace Details

Flora JSK - it's either the milk tea or the dark beige; I can't tell which is which. Size L

Hello Lace Details

pompador Bustle 101cm (long)- White Tea
JSK

Hello Lace Details

(if anyone got the short version in this color and wants to trade, I'd so be for it!)

Aphrodite Skirt - Pink x Chocolat, Size M

Hello Lace Details

Pearl Beads JSK - Sugar Blue (long?)

Hello Lace Details

Maurice Salopette - M (Black, I think)

Lolibrary Details

Over the Knee socks - powder blue and tan. They have the ballet-shoe laceup foot and then a line of ribbons and roses up the side of the leg.

--------------~*~--------------

I love OTK socks, and I'm really happy with the hairbow. The pink blouse is cute, and fits well. Granted, I already have a rose colored blouse, but details... details... *waves hand dismissively* The cream one makes me sad though because it doesn't fit, and I could use a cream blouse (and a brown one for that matter >.<) Nor does the Aphrodite skirt or the Salopette, so those things will be sold when I get around to measuring and listing them...

IW Earthquake/Tsunami Charity Lucky Pack A & B

2011-04-30T17:03:45Z

My IW Earthquake/Tsunami Charity Lucky Pack A & B came in!

I bought both the A and B pack in White/Large. (I really wanted a white blouse that fit and I figured that I had a better chance if I got two XD )

Unfortunately, I opened them together, so I don't remember which blouse went with which (I'm sorry >.<;;;)

Two Blice (one from each)
(which obviously is the plural of blouse.)
I love them both, and they both fit well (though the tops of the detachable sleeve part of the detachable sleeves one is kind of tight. @_@

Tulle Lace Removable Sleeve Blouse - White
http://lolibrary.org/node/935

and this lovely long-sleeved one with tulle lace and pin tucks that I do not know the name of.
White (unknown) blouse

JSK Pack:
Classical Chair JSK with Cape (long)
http://hellolace.net/wardrobe/innocent-world/type/jsk/item/70/

I'm not sure if I'm measuring this wrong or not, but flat measurements are:
bust: 43 (86)
waist: 36 (72)

that would make this the medium, which is supposed to have a 90cm bust... but again, maybe I measured wrong? @_@ Either way, it doesn't fit me, so I'll probably sell/trade it.

OVER THE KNEE SOCKS! omg, I saw these and I started skipping and singing 'over the knee, over the knee" not even joking, I totally did. XD I like over the knee socks better than knee socks... and these are pretty neutral so they should be fairly versatile...

Skirt Pack:
Little Lady Skirt - Long (Blue)
http://lolibrary.org/node/756

I was late to the game (I forgot about the packs and bought them the next morning D=) so white and pink were the only options. I was really, really hoping I might luck out and get something darker (and I did need a white blouse) but I didn't... and I really didn't want another pastel skirt. So I'll probably sell/trade this as well.

and the matching socks..

Ordering from Angelic Pretty Japanese Webshop with Japonica

2011-01-30T23:59:18Z

This was my first time ordering anything from Japonica, but because it was requested, here is a quick 'how I ordered' guide (it's actually pretty simple :3 )

I'm putting it in a journal entry and not a comment so it will get snapped up by google for anyone else that is ever wondering.

Step one: Go to the Angelic Pretty Japanese Webshop: http://www.angelicpretty.com/shopping/
Step two: find items you like, and add them to your cart. If you don't read japanese, try out the google chrome browser, it will do on-page translations. Sometimes it fritzes out though and doesn't translate a page when it says it. right-click and choose 'translate to english' if that happens. also, don't set it to auto-translate, it gets confused much more often doing that.

As you find items you like, you want to keep one tab with your cart open (leave them in the cart, even though you won't BUY them on the webshop site) and one tab with the item listing open.

Step three: Once you have everything you want together, open your e-mail in another tab, or your e-mail program. Start a new e-mail to the japonica e-mail. At the time of posting, it is: order@japonicamarket.com but check here: http://www.japonicamarket.com/order-form.htm

They have an auction order form there, but I used a modified version of it for the webshop.

I wrote an intro paragraph explaining where I wanted to buy from, and then:
[ Shopping Order Form ]

Seller ID : Angelic Pretty Japanese Webshop - http://www.angelicpretty.com
Item Name : (Copy and paste the japanese name here. you can translate the page, find where it is, then revert it back to japanese and copy-paste)
Item Name English: (Copy this from a translated version of the shopping cart page so it has the color!)
Item Number: (copy this from the shopping cart page, because it has the color)
Item URL : (the URL of the page that has the item)
Price : (I listed the one that showed in the shopping cart)
Color: (I copied the color from the japanese version AND the english version.)

I posted a block of the information, seller and all, for each item I wanted.

Example:
Seller ID : Angelic Pretty Japanese Webshop - http://www.angelicpretty.com
Item Name : おめかしジャボジャンパースカート
Item Name English: [SALE] Jabojanpasukato dressed (Lavender × White)
Item Number: 102J7-2538-lv
Item URL : http://www.angelicpretty.com/shopping/item/sale/item/jsk/102j7-2538/sale_102j7-2538.htm
Price : 11,400 yen
Color: ☆ラベンダー×シロ (☆ × white lavender)

After all your items add this form:
Payment : ( Credit Card/Bank through PayPal ) / ( Funds in PayPal Balance )
Shipping Options : EMS / Registered Airmail
PayPal Account :
PayPal Confirmed Shipping Name and Address :

Send the e-mail, and you will get a reply

Note: if you have money in your paypal account, and pay with it, it's MUCH cheaper than paying by creditcard through paypal, but it takes days to add from your bank account to paypal, so it pretty much has to be there already, because japonica won't buy until you pay them.

fees are here: http://www.japonicamarket.com/commission.htm
and here: http://www.japonicamarket.com/estimate-angelic-pretty.htm

meta WIP

2010-12-31T05:22:46Z

I love my busy little postmen <3

I got the 15000yen 'dark' colored JSK pack.

I arrived in a big pink mailing bag, and inside was a pink meta shopping bag sealed with a big rectangular meta logo sticker. (I was too excited to take pictures!)

I got the pink bling bag:

a beautiful floaty black blouse with a neck tie that I promptly got makeup on .__.' (item # 1-1004024-0000)
a black, high-waisted JSK with full shiring, and a little bit of white lace around the hem, neckline and the edges of the straps. (Item # - - )

oddly enough, it's the dress on the left. just in black. which makes me kind of sad
because I really like the right-hand-side one! >...<

I got a black hair barrette (again, same as the one on the right-side model)
And a necklace (Item # - -). The necklace is a silver chain with little black beads every 2 links (it's done with those eye-pins, not chain links.) and.. it just broke o_____O ok.. a little patience and some jewelry tools and we are back together.
It's a big back heart (plastic) with two meta swans painted on in silver. Then it connects up to the chain; this connection is... not so great. maybe add a dab of clear nail polish or glue at the part where the metal connector is closed? above that is a heart-shaped bead in a dark smokey purple, a little of the pretty bead-and-chain then a large faceted purple bead, a black hear, and another purple faceted one. I's quite pretty, I think.

.

Happy tidings!

2010-11-07T06:35:34Z

I just got a reminder from a friend that I have a journal, so here is my whirl-wind entry. I believe I got a junior web developer position! I'm so excited to start. I'll be working in annapolis, which is such a pretty city. I'm so excited! I've been browsing apartment listings lately, and looking for new clothes! ^_^ So much to do @_@

rainedragon @ 2010-10-19T17:08:00

2010-10-19T20:08:31Z

I slept nearly all day yesterday and all night last night o___o; and after 18 hours (gah @_@) of sleep, I'm finally functioning again. Granted, I had the oddest dream about hiding dresses, but that is beside the point. >.>

Off to work for the evening I guess! I got a parcel in the mail today and I started to get excited before I realized it was tiny. Just a paperback book I ordered last week. XD;; and I guess I should curb my enthusiasm about the mail, as I have 2 or 3 more similar packages, as they split my book order. Not that I'm unhappy about my books, mind you, I'm quite joyful. However, they aren't my innocent world Halloween lucky pack, which has it's own level of joy bundled up with it...and a vague date of 'the end of october'. XD;

Lots to do tonight!

2010-10-14T01:16:52Z

Whew! Had a really long day at work today, which was even longer because the computer system cut out and I had to do all the functions for the scheduling system by hand to figure out the number of people to put on the schedule at each time next week, but I think it's close enough... Plus there are enough people that it evens out... and as an added bonus the computer system was back online in time to enter the schedule before I went home.

I spent lastnight working on some art for Celainia. I'm so rusty; I've not done any clothing design art work in months. But, it came out alright. Not as good as some of the amazing artists I'm working with right now, but it's not too hideous to use... at least I don't think. XD

I need to do some fresh-eye touch ups, and then it's on to coding. Hope to get a good chunk of stuff knocked out tonight! ^_^

Review: Taobao Spree compared to Qutieland, Infanta, Dear Celine, Dream of Lolita, and Boguta

2010-10-03T08:58:03Z

Whew! Now that's a long title, and there is a VERY detailed review under this cut!
Well, truth be told, I started browsing TaoBao for shoes (but ended up getting bodyline shoes on half-off instead. XD) and in the process I fell in love with some things. Well, to be more accurate, re-fell in love with some things once I realized that they were available and cheaper through a shopping service than from Qutieland. I decided on Taobao Spree, and had a good experience shopping with them. They do orders via e-mail using a spreadsheet, or a list. I filled out the spreadsheet and sent it in. and here is my shopping list: Boguta: http://boguta.taobao.com/

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=4522968439 (I chose the dress/bow only; but there is a set with the dress and blouse) ~ (About $43)

Infanta: http://shop33035817.taobao.com/

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=3742189001 (on this page, it mentioned that the brooch with the crown chain doesn't come with it, but can be added for a fee. I requested to have the brooch too) ~ (About $64)

Dear Celine: http://shop10274962.taobao.com/

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=5058300425 (Dark Red x1 & Cream x1) ~ (About $31 Each)
http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=5057799709 (Dark Red x1) ~ (About $24)

Dream of Lolita: http://shop34501739.taobao.com/

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=187416537 ~ (About $5)

So, 6 items; A dress, a coat, two skirts, a blouse and bloomers (plus a bow and a brooch, which actually was two brooches as we will see below.) plus their fees, and shipping from the seller to the agent for $199.16... When my package arrived, it was a thick plastic bag... literally covered on all sides with tape. The bag had multiple, fused layers to ensure nothing could get through. battery in second photo is to show the size of this bundle. XD Inside were lots of variously wrapped packages! this is from Borguta! My dress didn't quite fit the bag so they improvised with bubble wrap. No damage or anything and I was able to peel it all off the cute bag! :D ) and photographing it on my bed wasn't happening. So, it's corduroy, and it's got some weight to it. The bodice has some light boning, the back has a shirring panel, the front does not, but both have lacing. the top of the front has elastic. it's lined with black cloth sewn into the top of the bodice that stops around the bottom of the first tier. I used google translate which said things about a bow in the page, but I'm not sure if it was right, because when I translate with chrome, now that I have it working; I can't find it. I had told Miss Zeng I would like a bow like on the model's head if could. So, I got a bow, and it's actually a pin on one, and really lopsided... It came pinned dead center of the top of the bust looking all 'hey I'm a childish bow in the middle of a rather mature dress' and I couldn't help but giggle and unpin it. I'm hoping I can find a way to make it look like the one on the model; any ideas? I feel like the model might be wearing a wig, and might have pinned it to the wig >.>; Either way, I'm not sure if I should be dismayed with how lopsided it is, or love it for being such a special little bow. XD; Lets just say I'm amused. As far as the fit goes, it fits with room to spare; in fact, I was a little worried at how big it is. It seems to shrink up well enough with the lacing though. Veeeery forgiving dress. I need to change how I laced it so it's tighter in the back though and looser in the front! XD; this is sewn to my lower hem; any ideas as to what/why? Please pardon my terribly, old bathroom mirror and the mirror shots, these were taken at like 2am, and there isn't anywhere else with enough light. I hadn't gotten the lacing front and back adjusted right yet, but, here is a quick worn shot. the skirt is full enough to lift like that on both sides. It's a little long too, but that's on me; they asked, and I gave bad numbers for the length because I was clueless on how long to ask for on a strapless dress. it's got a little rolled hem, so I think I can hem it properly without it getting too bulky. The ribbons in the lacing are cheap satin ribbon, and there is a TON of it. (I guess I'm supposed to trim it? XD ) The fabric is a little odd though, and I don't know if it is because it's unwashed, and corduroy is just like that (I haven't owned anything corduroy in YEARS, but I don't remember is being like this) it's... well if I ball it up in my hand, the wrinkles kinda stay until I smooth it out, or if I take part of the skirt and bend it and make it stick straight up... it defies gravity and stays... XD;;; it's slightly stretchy. Lastly, it's a little funny; they used the black thread in a few places where it should have been the red thread and vice-versa. Mostly it looks like they had red on the spool and black on the bobbin (or vice-versa) in those places, and the black part is all on the inside. It doesn't make a difference, as you can't see it anywhere, but it's a little odd. XD; the boning is stiff, yet flexible. not sure what it is made of though. I'm guessing either a thin metal, or very stiff plastic. All in all, I'm happy with it. Quality: 4/5 (the bow is odd, the fabric is a little strange, but the construction is better than anything I have from Bodyline) Packing: 4.5/5 (it was kinda funky, but hey, it worked XD; ) Fit: 4/5 well, I sent body-size measurements... but I seem to have lost weight between then and now >.>; like 4cm in the bust and the waist. which might account for the discrepancies in fit. Either way, flat it's larger than what I sent as my measurements, and has ample room with the shirring. That said, it's far easier to deal with a larger item than a smaller item, so I'm not too upset about it, especially as it laces up. The Infanta Coat! Firstly, I love it. Second, my buttons are different. they are silver, plastic roses instead og plain black shirt buttons and gold coins. I can't decide how I feel about that. Ordinarily, I'd say roses are awesome, but... it's kinda a piratey coat; I'd almost kinda like piratey buttons better.... The ones on the back and the collar are nice and piratey looking; a coat of arms. The coat is lined and WARM. I was worried this wouldn't fit, but it does with a little wiggle room *whew* it's apparently 40% wool, and has lovely pipping details. The material is soft, the lining is typical coat lining. The lace is very soft...so soft it's kinda floppy. With the brooch, there are no stones in the crown. The lace is also veeery floppy. plus, the big (plastic) button in the middle flops all around :/ I'm gonna have to find a way to sew the bottom of it down. It came with two spare rose buttons and a spare pin. sorry, crummy bathroom mirror shot was the best I could do, and it's after a long day of work, so my pirate hat is hiding my icky hair. Coat Quality: 5/5 (I don't own any brand coats, only some AP skirts, so I can't compare. But I'm over the moon about this coat) Packing: 4.5/5 (paper and a bag, nothing fancy, but hey it worked ) Fit: 5/5 pretty spot on to the measurements given; possibly a little larger Inside the news print were my two Dear Celine skirts in plastic bags. oh-so-wrinkly! Now, the buttons are a nice milky color plastic with a raised flower&cross shape which is painted in metalic silver. Very elegant. The fabric is the same thickness as my AP strawberry picking skirt, though it's a bit more crisp.( I imagine if it is washed or worn a bit, it will become less crisp.) There were lots of thread scraps, but most weren't attached. XD A few were, and there were a couple odd spots. Also, I would like to note that some of the button holes are more snug or less snug than others; but not hugely so. It stays buttoned when worn! :D Now, on the red version, they used elastic thread... and they have some very scary thread tangles going on where they attached the ruffle, which I'm assuming is the custom part, as they asked me for my height. There is also a odd spot in the waistband of the red one. Most of the issues are where the bottom ruffles are attached, which makes me think that this is where the custom length comes in, which would also mean that this was perhaps done by a different seamstress than the rest, and perhaps on a different machine, and both were possibly done at the same time. Which would then explain why both skirts have similar issues on the skirt ruffle attachment, if the machine the seamstress was using was simply being persnickety. Important notes! These skirts have invisible zips with a big.. fastener... (well, it's not a traditional hook and eye, but it's the big flat kind common on lolita skirts and conventional ladies dress pants?) on the side. The skirt is not split all the way up; the waistband is solid in the front, and the slit with the buttons comes right up to the base of the waistband, but stops short of being across the whole skirt. there is also some elastic in the back that is 10cm unstretched and 20cm streached. which makes the waistband 80cm-90cm The cream is slightly see though, the red is not. If you wear the cream over black or dark dark colors, you can see a hint through it; if you don't like that, pay the extra bit to get it lined. :3 I'm using it as an underskirt with pastel pettis underneath, so it doesn't bother me. Quality: 4/5 (My only real issue are the thread tangles; it's on par with my bodyline things) Packing: I'm assuming that the shopping service repacked these in the paper, since the blouse bag was separate Fit: 5/5 based on my measurements before, it should be a perfect fit. XD; it's slightly too big now... So, this is the blouse. It came with a hang tag, like the skirts, an a pair of spare buttons. It's the standard XL size. Same material as the red skirt. It is not lined, but being dark red, and a sturdy material, it's not see through. there is a strip of 1/8" black elastic sewn directly to the top of the sleeve, which causes the gathering of the sleeve. The cuff of the sleeve is done the same way. there is no casing around this elastic. neck straps attach right at the edge of the sleeve in the neckline with clear buttons. The buttons up the front are the same as the skirt. There is corset lacing in the back which came threaded with at least 100" of double-sided satin ribbon. I know there is a lot of hate for satin ribbon, but nice satin ribbon like this is really pretty, IMHO. I will be cutting a good bit off though! XD The fit was generous compared to the measurements, however the elastic at the sleeve tops makes it sit a little odd if you don't situate it right. The front gaps on me at the top center when I use the neck straps. Also, it's rather low-cut in the front. Coat Quality: 4.5/5 (the uncased elastic is meh, but overall it's well made) Packing: again, I'm pretty sure the shopping service repacked this Fit: 3/5 (the neckline just is a little odd, IMHO) and on me! So, these looked like they were a jersey material in the stock photo, and had some oddness on the side, but I figured at the low price, it would be worth a try. Plus, I actually didn't have any bloomers! XD I've been going about in these awful pink bike shorts and praying no one ever sees them! Color wise, they are white. My lighting is very bad in my room, and the details on these were after I broke my lamp by knocking it over off the bed. >.>; The tag on these reads 'Sweet Angel' and they are a nice cotton, actually. :D These are flawed. there is no way around it. There is a snag/pull in the one side bow, as well as some messy stitching on the bottom of the same bow loop. The seams are all finished nicely enough, but there are a good deal that are not quite straight. The elastic around the legs is not cased. There is ample, fluffy material and the ruffles are nice and full, so no complaints there. And they were $5. For $5 I don't care if they are hemmed straight or have little nicks in the bows. Seriously, who is looking at my bloomers to begin with! XD; Coat Quality: 2.5/5 (for the craftsmanship) Packing: again, clearly repacked Fit: 5/5 (though I don't see how one could go wrong) Communication Process (for those who worry, like me.): September 9th

E-mailed 'Susan' to place my order. I sent in the masspay version of the order form and I borrowed the 'how to measure yourself' image from Boguta's shopfront and typed my measurements onto it, as well as including them written in the order form, just to be safe.
Susan e-mailed me back the same day and let me know Miss Zeng would be my agent.
Miss Zeng also e-mailed me that day and let me know that one of my dresses was no longer available from the shop.
Replied to Miss Zeng. (I changed the order to have a second skirt instead.)

September 10th

Miss Zeng sent my total & an updated order sheet
I confirmed that is was correct and asked if I should send payment now
Miss Zeng e-mailed me back saying yes and sent an invoice via paypal
I made my payment with paypal masspay (less fees! :3 )
Miss Zeng asks for the length of my skirts, coat and dress on behalf of the sellers, and my Infanta also asks for my weight.

September 11th

I send back the numbers requested, and my height (but I sent a different height than before by a cm or two.. oops >.> )
Miss Zeng contacted me back checking if all the items were for me, and which was my height?
confirmed the 1st height was right
got an auto reply 'out of office for the weekend...' and then a confirmation message from Miss Zeng. XD

September 26th

Message from Miss Zeng, all my clothes came in, my shipping balance, weight & an updated order spreadsheet
sent payment for shipping (3.89kgs.Shipping fee is USD58.75)
Got a confirmation and was told I'd get a tracking number

September 28th

Got my EMS tracking number!

October 1st

Package reached the USA in NY in the morning and was at my door with the daily mail (USPS) before noon o___o!

so, as you can see, she was really helpful, and sweet and she paid close attention to the details, like my height mix-up. Taobao Spree Communication: 5/5 Order Process: 4/5 (I'd prefer a shopping cart system; it makes me less nervous) Packing: 4.5/5 (I'd prefer a box, but man, that thing was taped up like fort Knox. It would have taken a whole pack of angry cats to get in there.) Time: 5/5 perfectly fine, the only thing that worried me was waiting for them to get my stuff, but it was well within the time frame they stated; I'm just a very anxious little lolita! Price: 5/5 (fabulous compared to some others I've seen) I would order again through TaoBao Spree, I would order again from Infanta. I would probably order again from Dear Celine and Boguta, though I'd probably stick with standard size things from Dear Celine, personally, and stay away from odder fabric with Boguta. As for Dream of Lolita.. well, I'm not sold on their bloomers, but I am sold on their purses. And so, I'll gonna tack on one last review. This is a purse from Dream of Lolita that I bought in May through Quitie Land: http://www.qutieland.com/product.php?id=547 Order Placed: 4/26/2010 Shipped out on 5/10/2010 Recieved: 5/13/2010 (my tracking number still works, so I nabbed the delivery date. XD; ) I also bought these shoes: http://www.qutieland.com/product.php?id=62 and the review is here: http://community.livejournal.com/egl/16039888.html

Items Total	:	555 $HKD
Voucher discount	:	- 0 $HKD
Shipping	:	363 $HKD
Order Total	:	$918 HKD

Communication was great, they checked if I was ok with the color of the shoes and such by providing an example of a blue shoe in another style that was the same color. The e-mails were better written than the ones from taobao spree, and the shopping cart system made ordering much more simple. I most certainly don't blame them for the quality of the shoes either! XD I did want to review the Dream of Lolita bag, since I'm giving a somewhat unfavorable review to the Dream Of Lolita bloomers though! I also wanted to mention that while the bag isn't currently in stock at Dream Of Lolita, comparing other bags between Dream of Lolita and Quitieland's prices there is a good bit of a mark up. Same with the things I bought above that are also listed on Quitieland. anyways, that aside, onto the bag. (I got lazy and didn't crop the photo, so you can totally see my new bodyline shoes and my pillow in the back.. sorry! XD ) It's a vinyl sort of material, I think? if you press a bit of the strap to it it makes that slight sticking sound that is common with that sort of material. the star it's self is stiff with some sort of board in it, and then a layer of stuffing (not so thick that it's all bulgy, but not so thin that its too hard.) I took this to Otakon and managed to get a bottle of soda, my wallet, glasses case, phone a small brush and a few other things in it. don't be fooled into thinking it's small! XD it's about 6.5 cm across the pouch on the bottom. Nicer lining than my bodyline strawberry bag, and the little pocket on the inside zips up nicely. the zipper teeth and fabric on the purse match the blue nicely, but the pull is a little metal one with a heart pull. (NOT the pink heart you see poking out from under the star key-chain; that's actually a phone strap made by a dear friend that I attached to the zipper pull as my phone doesn't have a spot for a strap) The stitching is straight and very well done, no flaws in it. and the little star is on a ball-chain keychain thing, so it can be taken off. The purse strap is a total of 138cm and buckles so it's adjustable. It's lightly padded and attached with little metal rectangles with round edges and seems very sturdy. From point-to-point at the widest part the purse is 33cm. The only thing is.. there is a right and wrong way to wear it. The strap is on one side. if you wear it with that side facing out, it stabs you in the side. flip it around so the side with the strap is against your body and it's very rarely stabby-stabby. So the final verdict on Taobao Spree v.s. Quitieland is, IMHO, that if you are very nervous about buying online, buying from Taobao, and about communication, OR if someone non-loli is buying you things as a gift, you might want to go with Quitieland. The process is a little smoother, and more familiar. It will cost more, though. Personally, I'm of the sort that is quite willing to go with taobao spree and the lower prices.

Such a long week...

2010-08-28T04:37:28Z

Things have been so crazy this week. I got a call from a job recruiter who was looking for a cold fusion developer (which I'm not) and basically realized I'm so sans portfolio it's laughable. I've been so dizzy too, and the medicine I take is being taken off the market. I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do. Been looking into salt tablets again, but they really are hard to find! I wonder if they are still being special ordered for soldiers overseas? since they are meant for major dehydration.. hmmm...

I want to work on the portfolio, but also.. I really just want to sleep; it's getting hard to keep up with work and everything else. plus it's after midnight; switching back and forth between late nights and early mornings is really wearing me out; but I guess that's retail for you. x__x

such a fickle day...

2010-08-05T06:00:13Z

Here is a photo for the day...
I feel so fickle today >.......<

Work has been super-stressful, life is being super-stressful. I just want a vacation from everything T_T