☆ Award! ☆

Hello dears,

I know, I'm not very active here lately, but now I have a reason to blog again. I'm normally not into this whole award-giving-thing, but since I got the Liebster Award twice, from Punkangel and from Liz Juice, I thought I can hardly refuse.

The award rules:

• Post 11 random facts about yourself
• Answer the 11 22 questions that the nominating blogger asked you
• Ask 11 questions to the bloggers that you nominate
• Nominate 11 new bloggers (they must have less than 200 followers) and link their blogs in your post
• Make sure you tell the bloggers that they've won !!!

My random facts:

1.) I never wear lipstick, because I have no idea which colour would fit me.

2.) I love zombie movies

3.) I prefer tea over coffee

4.) I love baking, but I don't fancy cooking very much

5.) I still have some plushies in my bed (^.^)

6.) I unintendedly collect lace trims. I often buy some because it's pretty, not because I actually use it

7.) I own only one pair of jeans and seldom wear them

8.) I think environment protection is important

9.) Otters are really cute animals, aren't they?

10.) I grew up with a dog, and I'd love to have one by myself one day

11.) I have the ability to get very drunk with an astonishingly little amount of alcohol

The to-be-answered questions:

From Liz Juice:

1. What is your favourite fashion brand?

Hm, that's a hard one. I'd say, for Lolita, it's Mary Magdalene.

MM Valeria Jsk

2. How would your dream land look like?

Like a Tim Butron film set.
3. What is your favourite fruit?

Granny Smith apples.
4. Would you like to dress up in a style you haven't tired out before? If so, wich style and why?

At the moment, I'm quite happy with my current way to dress, but I always like to try new things and get inspired by other styles. Although I couldn't name a specific style right now.
5. What do you love most in your own country?

Switzerland is a beautiful country. I love the mountains, forests, the contrasts between the lowland and the uplands, between the north and south side of the alps... I guess I'd say nature in general, it's so multifaceted,
6. With whom would you like to travel?

I actually prefer travelling alone, or with one or two good friends. Just not a bigger group, that stresses me out.
7. What is your favourite movie genre?

I like costume films, stop-motion pictures, gore/splatter movies

9. How are you spending your free time?

I read, sew, go outside, browse the internet, meet friends, listen to music, watch a movie...
10. Wich is your favourite fabric?

Another hard question. There are so many fabulous fabrics, and it is always the question for which garnment it is used. I dislike cheap-looking fabric though, and very slippery or fraying fabric is hard to sew with.
11. What is your favourite lolita style and why? (no matter if you wear it or not)

Gothic Lolita. It's just the first style I was encountered with, and it unites everything Lolita fashion is for me: elegance, decadence, cuteness, and so on.

Kazumi

From Punkangel:

1. Do you have a favourite TV series?

Haha, I watch waaay too much TV. But if I have to pick one, I say The Simpsons goes always.

2. How would you describe your way to dress?

I wear what I feel like. Lolita, goth, mori girl, punk, retro, casual, any inspired or crossover version of it

3. What's your recipe against stress?

I read and drink tea.

Mark Twains library - so beautiful

4. Circle Lenses - yay or nay?

Yay! (^.^)

5. What's your next travelling destination?

My family and I go to Garmisch-Partenkirchen next week for a ski vacation.

6. What kind of make-up would you never wear?

Manba/Ganguro. Although, never say never, right? (-.^)

7. Digital or analogue watch?

I don't wear a watch, actually, but definitively analogue. I like old things.

8. How was your day?

Very pleasant so far, thank you!

9. Who's your idol?

I draw inspiration from various people, such as musicians, a few celebrities, bloggers, even fictional characters in books or movies, but I don't have one specific idol.

10. Who's you favourite actor?

Jack Nicholson

11. What do you think about the hype of the cross as a fashion trend and that it's losing its meaning as a symbol?

I'm not religious, so I don't wear any relligious symbols. I think people should wear what they like, and clearly the fashion industry only cares about profit, but I think it's a misappropriation. But that's only my opinion.

I'm not very good with following rules (or I'm just lazy), so I leave it at that. Have a nice day!

Paperman

Such a beautiful short movie! Have you seen it yet?

Like Back In 1913

Hi my Ladies,

last Saturday, we had another little Lolita meet-up!
In Kandersteg, a beautiful little village located in the Swiss mountains and close to where I grew up, there is every year a Belle Epoque week. The theme is, you name it, the time roughly  between 1880 and 1914. The whole village would dress up, decorating the shop windows and organizing various events like ice skating, dances and promenades. The visitors as well as the locals would also dress up in historic costumes!
So on saturday, there was a Afternoon Tea with a fashion show. I thought, what a perfect event to wear Lolita! So I asked my fellow Lolitas if they were interested to join me, and in the end we were a group of 13 adorable Lolitas and Kodonas (*.*). We all met already in the train and went to Kandersteg together. The weather was unexpectedly beautiful, sunshine, almost no clouds and snowy mountains.

I tried something Belle Epoque inspired with my outfit, hence the hat and the corset and overskirt from the steampunk outfit I once made. I wore a wig from GLW, because my hair didn't agree with the hairstyle I had planned (>.<)

moi

the hat kept sliding off my head, which is understandable since I put it on skew  (>.<)

omg my bloomers peak out!

with Magali

with Pyl

After we'd taken some pictures, we went to the Waldhotel Doldenhorn, a four-star hotel, where the event was held. I was first a bit worried we would be late, but it turned out we were quite early. I had reserved a table for all of us, and we were seated right at the entrance, so we could admire all the visitors, and mostly, their costumes! We were all especially fond of the hats. I'd love to get a hat with giant feathers and hat net! So inspiring!

Soon, the food and tea was served. There were sandwiches and pastries, everything very apealing and delicious. Such luxury!

Then the fashion show started. It was presented by entre nous, a Swiss couture atelier. The theme was Paris and its ladies, and the corsetière, Beata Sievi, introduced us to four different pictures.
The first one was called Parisian Evening Wear, very elegant and sophisticated.

source

The second was called Paris Nights, and you can think yourself what is meant with that (^.-). The French have this wonderful expression filles de joie.

source

The third picture was about the Parisian girls, the schoolgirls and maids, who, although they may not be rich, still have a lot of style, so that it's almost impossible to guess their cultural status.

source

The last one was all about lingerie. S-curve corsets, bustles, chemises and underskirts.

source

The corsets were all amazing, made so perfectly with the best materials, silk jaquard and lace from St. Gallen.

all the girls

Afterwards, we stayed a little, drank more tea and took some more pictures in the beautiful hotel. The location was so perfect for this event, and everyone said  they really enjoyed it, yay! I'm looking forward to repeat this meet-up next year (^.^)

Outfit rundown:
Hat: handmade
Blouse: Dear Celine
Corset & overskirt: handmade
Underskirt: handmade
Socks: Baby, the stars shine bright
Shoes: Vögele Shoes
Jewellery: restyle, Manor, else

Shopping Haul (Yes I'm Back ^^)

Hi my dear readers!

The last few weeks I was so busy with my exams and stuff, so I had hardly time to take care of my blog. Nevertheless, now I have a long semester break, yay!
Between school and studying, I had a little time and money to spend, so I ordered a few things online and thought I'd show them off here (^.^)

 From Bodyline, I got two pairs of shoes: red RHs and a pair of simple white pumps.

Then I placed another order at GothicLolitaWigs and got the Dollight Wig in mint.

This lovely bat sweater is from Sourpuss, but I bought it on ebay, because this colourway was sold out everywhere else (it's also available with red bats).

After reading so many positive reviews, I paid restyle.pl a visit. Although I loved almost everything, I just got some Gruftkitsch jewellery. They're all very beautiful and well made, so I can recommend the shop definitively !

Well, I hope I didn't bore you with this post... if not, stay tuned, there's going to be a little surprise for you guys soon! (^.-)

Lolita New Year's Eve 2012/13

Hello my dear readers,

like last year, the swiss Lolitas celebrated New Year's Eve together! We rented a small location, ate, played karaoke, took pictures, crafted, watched movies and, of course, clinged the glasses at midnight. I think everyone had a good time, the ladies and gentlemen all looked lovely and it was great to see all of them again.
Aya and I made plans to twin, wich meant we both bought the same fabric and made individual outfits of it (I already introduced my outfit here). I love Aya's coord, unfortunately the rose fabric is not exactly the same, mine has a bigger pattern (the store was out of the other fabric). We also both wore long brown curly wigs, so our hairstyles would match.

I know, my dress is waaay too short. I hate it, I will see if I can alter it. Stupid dress.

And the whole group:

I feel that I'm really lucky with my community (^.^)

Lolita Blog Carnival: 1 Piece, 4 Seasons

Hi cuties,

I didn't participate on LBC for the last few weeks, I'm sorry for that. This had nothing to do with the topics, which are really interesting every week, I just never managed to take the time out of my day. But this week, the theme is so great and a perfect excuse for a little break between studying (^.^). The task is to take one piece of your Lolita wardrobe and coordinate it for every season!

I chose my Innocent World Octavia Jsk. I'm a lot into Classic Lolita at the moment, and this dress is basically the base of my Classic wardrobe.

I only posted one outfit with it here so far, but the coordination possibilities are endlessly, since it's rather simlpe and very versatile.

Autumn

Blouse: handmade by me
Sweater: H&M
Socks: New Yorker
Shoes: Deichmann
Bag: Loris

Argyle is probably my favourite pattern when it comes to check designs. Autumn is also the season to cuddle up in comfy sweaters, and this particular one is really soft and warm. I chose a white blouse and bag, so the pattern wouldn't be disturbed too much.

Winter

Fake fur collar: H&M
Blouse: Innocent World
Cardigan: handmade by me
Socks: Bodyline
Legwarmers: handmade by me

My favourite season! Lolita is made for winter, you can wear layers and layers of cute clothes (*.*). I went with lots of cream/off-white for a wintery feeling. I put the blouse over the jsk, so the nice ruffly hem would peak out under the cardigan. Of course, I'd wear long tights under the socks, they just looked funny in the picture so I removed them.

Spring

Blouse: Innocent World
Pearls: Ebay
Shoes: Ebay
Ankle socks, lace tights: H&M
Umbrella: Lisbet Dahl

Imagine, when the snow has melted away, and it's getting warmer again, already a little hint of summer in the air. You take a stroll through fields and along woods, accompanied by the first butterflies, enjoying the little green sprouts that are slowly working their way through the cold ground towards the sunlight.

Summer

Bolero: handmade by me
Bag: handmade by me
Lacey ankle socks: H&M
Shoes: Bodyline

I really, really, really don't like wearing Lolita in summer. It's just too hot to wear a blouse or long socks. So please forgive me for this outfit being rather inspired than truly Lolita.
To give it a fresh look, I coordinated the jsk with lots of pink. The bolero and the socks are actually of the same colour, a really light pink. The bag is flashier, but I adore the chocolate print. (^.-)

I didn't include lots of accessoires or any headwear, because I often add these after I got dressed and depending on my mood. I also noticed I don't really have a lot of headdresses that go with these outfits, so I'd probably make a nice braided hairstyle or something.

I hope you enjoyed this post! These lovely blogging Lolitas are also paticipating:

Lemon Tree
Sparkling Girl
Minimalist Lolita
Mademoiselle Shiz
F Yeah Lolita
Suns In Our Hand
Papillon de Nuit
Tangled Lace
Make Lolvely

Mischief Managed

Hi dolls!

It got suspiciously calm around here the last few days, I'm sorry for that!
Fact is, I was quite busy for the last days, first we had a Lolita New Years Eve party and then I had to study a lot, my exams started today! So the being-calm-on-my-blog-thing will probably last a little longer.
But on the bright side, I have something to keep you occupied in the meantime (^.^). I wanted to share these two things with you for a while, as a Harry Potter fan I think they're great, I hope you'll enjoy them too (and maybe not only the Harry Potter fans out there... (*.*) )

Tutorial: Wands (source)

Butterbeer Cupcakes (source)

(makes around 18)

For the cupcakes:
2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon butterscotch schnapps
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup cream soda
For the filling:
5 1/2 ounces butterscotch chips (half an 11 ounce package or a little less than a cup)
1/2 cup heavy cream
For the frosting:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup butterscotch filling
1 tablespoon butterscotch schnapps
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 to 4 cups powdered sugar
Splash of cream soda (as needed)

Directions:
1. to make the cupcakes, preheat oven to 350º and line cupcake pans with liners.
2. in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt and set aside.
3. in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter on medium speed until light and fluffy. add both sugars and continue beating until well combined. on low speed, add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. combine the schnapps and buttermilk. add the dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with the cream soda and buttermilk.
5. mix until just combined, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. fill each cupcake liner about 3/4 full, then bake for 15-17 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. cool completely on a wire rack.
6. while the cupcakes are cooling, make the filling by combining the butterscotch chips and heavy cream in a glass bowl set over a pot of simmering water. stir occasionally until combined.
7. remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. transfer to a squeeze bottle and fill each cupcake just until the filling comes to the top.
8. to make the frosting, cream the butter on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the butterscotch filling, schnapps and salt and beat until well combined.
9. on low speed, beat in the powdered sugar one cup at a time until desired consistency is reached. Add cream soda as needed to thin the frosting.
10. frost cupcakes and drizzle with remaining syrup.