Expo And Qutieland... Take 2!

Expo came and went with the added space in the hall being put to good use. Apparently it was the biggest one yet with Matt Smith coming on the Friday (also his Birthday) which saw a dramatic increase in con goers.

I could list all the great costumes to see and things to buy but instead I've made a YouTube video on my second channel for a more visual approach.

The other day though I received a custom charge or £20 - and I had no idea what for. It was only when I paid it online it hit me; MY QUTIELAND ORDER!
It had only taken 5 1/2 months! Geesh. I reiterate my point in a previous post - do NOT buy from them if you are in a hurry. Even items that didn't have to be custom made had taken almost two seasons to be dispatched.

Anyway, previously I had bought a replica lolita dress being the poor and frugal person I am. Although I can't fault the construction, the fact that it was the wrong style dress was a bit of a downer. Anyway, I contacted their office and to their credit they replied ever so quickly saying how sorry they were and gave me a choice - either return the dress and have a new one made, or get refunded some money and get a discount the next time I shopped there.

Considering how long it took to make the thing in the first place I decided to go for option two as I quite liked the dress I had, even if it was not what I expected or originally wanted.

So, I ordered three items: a deluxe black bonnet, a pink heart bag and a black bat bag.
The heart bag is based off of Baby, The Stars Shine Bright's design, and the bat bag is based off good old Mana's Moi Meme Moitie creation with some alterations such as sizer and colour. Both are from replica maker Loris.

The bonnet is MASSIVE! Although it isn't a full head bonnet with a back (so I may have to use more pins than normal to keep it in place) they weren't joking when they said it was extravagant. It adds a good 20cm onto my height and came with three detachable black cloth rose and feather corsages and a detachable gold chain with charms. The material feels luxurious and although the outside lace may be heading towards the cheaper end of the scale, the overall effect of the bonnet is lovely so I don't mind too much. The chin tie is lace and velvet and very comfy too!

The pink heart bag beats my expectations. It's roomier than I though it would be with slim pockets at the front and back. They are quite narrow and barely noticeable so would probably be good for things like other people's business cards or a train ticket. The zipper is a small heart and it seems sturdy. There is space inside for a wallet/purse, phone, make-up bag and a few other bits and pieces with a little pocket for smaller items. I'm really happy with it and it'll go very well with my Ama and Kote Lolita co-ords.

The bat bag is much smaller than Moitie's original and I chose one that was completely black rather than one with a red or blue cross on its centre as I thought it would go with more of my dresses. On the outside it is very nice and can still fit al the essentials despite its smaller size but opened up... it's lined with Loris' pink material XD Which detracts from the Gothic Vampire side of things but still, the bag is based off something and is not an original. For the price I paid (and because I'm fairly easygoing) I'm happy enough - it's not like I'm going to have it hanging open for the world to see its pinkness.

SO... overall I would recommend Qutieland, but leave yourself plenty of time for the items to arrive. I wouldn't be surprised if they took half a year to come. That is the most annoying thing as the products themselves are pretty good and the packaging secure and clean.

That's all for now!



YouTube - Dance Covers, A Few Events, Performances And Vocal Covers
YouTube 2 - Vlogs, Events And Ramblings

October - Autumn Is Here!

On to October events:

JAPAN MATSURI 2012

I was involved in two performances this event.
First was a Lolita Fashion Show which showcased many different styles such as Classic, Sweet, Wa Otome Kei Inspired, Sailor and of course GOTHIC (which is what I was in)!

I wore pretty much the same outfit as I did to The Tea Party Club's party; Moi Meme Moitie dress, bonnet (I LOVE bonnets!) and curly haired black wig. The only difference were the shoes as I didn't want to lug around my long black boots so chose my smaller, black heeled Victorian styled shoes.



After arriving in the nick of time (undue stress much?) we went up the ramp from backstage to the stage and saw the MASSIVE amount of onlookers in the crowd. The whole of Trafalgar Square was packed with random people from sight seeing tour buses looking on. It was nice to see so many Japanese and British people enjoying the event, as well as confused passers by who were going to just visit the National Gallery but decided to see what was going on.



The weather was really lovely too - bright and sunny but not overly hot, so at least we didn't have to walk on a wet catwalk. I had my moment and did a few Gothic inspired poses with my cross jewellery and then with the other two Goth-Loli girls (who were both really lovely). BE PROUD MANA!

It was a lot of fun, if a little unorganised at the end where everyone just seemed to rush on and not know where to move to XD Loli Carnage! Total gridlock! It was hilarious :D



A lot a photographs followed as well as a free T-Shirt (YES FOR FREEBIES!)
I wasn't feeling too well (I was sick the previous day and all that night) so decided to stay in the vicinity and enjoy all of the stalls, booths and shows; the next being a cute performance of music and dance from little kids. There were a lot of mixed race (Asian and Caucasian or Black) children which made me smile as they get the best of both cultures from their parents.

Whilst getting caught on camera by the snap happy guests I had a little sit down by the fountain which was nice and relaxing. I listened with glee to the violin and Sound Of Music Meets Japan section of performances and even joined in a little with the stretches and exercises (by the end of the day, EVERYONE was joining in).

I got changed into my next outfit - a Sailor Fuku in green which I got from Bodyline and which has come in use many times now. A met the other members of the "Cosplay Girl Dancers" group who were backing up the wonderful Naomi Suzuki; a singer who is the voice behind Anime Opening Themes and music endeavors help orphans from the March 2011 Tsunami.



From Left To Right: Ung, Ruth, Lisa, Naomi, Myself And Tania.

We had loads of pictures taken with various members of the public and Naomi. I made sure to wear my Lolita Bloomers to avoid panty flashes as after all, that stage was raised high. My main concern was my top half riding up as my ample bosom was filing it in ways it didn't imagine to be filled. (I already heard stage hand talking about it and looking, even though I was assured it wasn't that bad. Males! (-*_*-) )

On a sidenote, the performers got a red band with access backstage. It was really mega cool! The toilets looked like something out of an aircraft and were very clean and modern. There was even a womens and mens "Changing Room" (in brackets as you could look through the clear plastic dividing them and see into the other one) with snacks and drinks, a heater (temperature dropping by this point) and a sofa which promptly got covered in our stuff.

We had a few mini practises using my iPhones music and then we were on stage.
The group of girls hung at the back and we did mini un-choreographed actions to the music whilst Naomi and her band and guest singers did their thing.



I have heard that Japanese acts who perform in venues in Britain are often saddened by lack of wow factor accessories but this atmosphere was fantastic; lasers, spotlights, smoke machine etc were going all out and even the crowd swayed with the music and held up their lit mobile phones like lighters. (Naomi actually had a really flame thanks to a safety lighter stealthily placed onstage.)



Two dancers helped for the penultimate song THEN WE WERE ON! I got an amazing position right at the front on the promenade part of the stage and enjoyed waving my pom poms (tinsel stuck to chopsticks XD).



I saw my friends in the crowd and everyone was cheering and taking pictures and performing the moves with us - amazing atmosphere. Once again the audience was PACKED with even more people!



The only slightly strange thing was someone jumping the safety barrier and getting onstage with us, taking videos with his mobile phone and dancing with Suzuki San. Eventually he left and security was tightened, but it made for a great conversation topic after we had taken our bow at the end and had rushed offstage. (Received second FREE T SHIRT!)



The next day we did some dancing at the Entertainment Media Show dressed as Maids. I was asked to clean the toilets. Always a blast cosplaying.

I got a few nice items and will probably do a vlog on them :)

Thanks for reading and hopefully I'll do another post about Expo!

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Viva La Lolita!

I haven't updated my Blog in ageeeeeeesssss! Sorry about that!
I'm thinking of starting a second blog; J-Fashion For Dummies, explaining all the different sub-fashions targeted at people who previously haven't heard about them before. Think of it as more cultural learnings.

On other news, my YouTube Channel is doing well! Please visit it if you like. My username is finnythewise.

It's September, and look who's Miss September in the cosplay calendar XD MCM Expo is coming up soon and I haven't even started on my Cosplays... mainly due to lack of sewing machine.

And..... I'm in September's Marie Claire Magazine! They did a feature on Lolita Fashion At Hyper Japan and my picture is in it :D

I vaguely remember this picture being taken before we saw Natsuko Aso perform. I have a horrific derpface, but anything spreading the joys of Lolita is good right?


Anyway, speaking of Lolita Fashion...... back to my post!

In the past two weeks, two amazing Lolita related events have taken place.

First was the Victoria And ALbert Museum's 'Loli-Pop' event coinciding with their exhibit about Lolita fashion and the impact Britain has had on it named "Kitty And The Bulldog". The event was part of their 'Friday Lates' and went from 6pm onwards until quite late. I was dog-sitting my neighbours adorable pugs that day, but managed to go for a few hours whilst they napped.




There were loads of Lolitas! Those who were trying it out for the first time and those who had been dressing in the fashion for years! Everyone was given a beautifully drawn program when they came in!



I went as a Gothic Lolita, and loved the exhibit which featured clothes on display from brands such as Moi-Meme-Moitie, Innocent World and Baby, The Stars Shine Bright. What made my day were the amount of people who had no clue abut the fashion before and had just wondered into the venue but complimented everyone on how lovely they looked! One couple in particular loved that everyone put so much effort into their appearance without looking 'sexy' but still looked 'gorgeous'! It's great that awareness is being built around the ever growing Lolita community as with awareness comes understanding and tolerance.













It was a shame the event wasn't longer! I saw so many people and had hardly any time to chat! It was a shame it got dark so quickly too as the outfits were harder to see. The staff were dressed in outfits provided by Angellic Pretty and BTSSB (LUCKY!) and there were loads of drop in events and talks with DJ sets being played outside in the picturesque courtyard, complete with mini lake, fountains and amazing revolving chairs. Photo areas were used creatively as they each represented a different Lolita style; a skull for Punk, a mountain and traditional parasols for Wa, etc. The one one I missed was the Gothic one with bats - typical as my Vampire Requiem print (replica -__-) dress would have matched perfectly.



Nyan Nyan Nyan!





Performances of poetry and ballet livened up the atmosphere and I had a fantastic evening. Only spoiled by a woman in her 30s (who should know better)  making a rude comment ("That's got to be a joke, right?") about my friends' appearance on our way to the platform at Waterloo. Looks like there may be a way to go still before Lolita is a known fashion in Britain.





The next event was The Tea Party Club's 5th Anniversary event at Charing Cross Hotel. The guests of honour featured classic Lolita brand, Juliette Et Justine's Head Designer, Mari Nakamura, editor of The Gothic And Lolita Bible (and ex-editor of Kera Maniax magazine) Mariko Suzuki, renowned doll maker Koitsukihime and make up artist and hair stylist Tony Tanaka. Such a phenomenal line up!

I dressed up (as it was a brand party and all) in my new Moi-Meme-Moitie dress of Stained Glass Print in black and green. I also wore contacts, a black wig with sausage curls, my LIZ LISA pearl cross and BODYLINE boots which I got for my birthday. Complete with parasol for the hot and sunny day I was ready to go. The travel there was pretty scary as I attracted a lot of stares but many seemed intrigued and complimented my appearance; one guy even taking a photo.

Another photographer pointed me in the right direction of the venue (a group of Lolitas is quite hard to miss) and I must say, it was spectacular! The old architecture made a lovely setting and the furnishing added to the whole aesthetic. I quickly made friends with fellow South East England Loli Sarah, and we listened to a Q&A session with the guests. It was refreshing to hear that the designer for a Japanese Lolita brand had 40% of her business come from overseas and thought that there was nothing wrong with a British person wearing Lolita: in Nakamura's words, "Lolita is where Asian girls dress up and pretend to be Caucasian". Refreshing to hear that.



Tony Tanaka also enlightened us that he liked working with both natural hair and wigs, but wigs gave extra volume and many looked very natural these days. He also said that makeup can make or break a look, but the dress and whole picture is very important.



Koitsukihime said that her favourite style of Lolita was Gothic (hooray!) as many of her dolls were based of that particular look. (Later on, she approached me and we had a chat in my *cough* Japanese with the help of her assistant and even took a picture as my co-ordination was very similar to some of my work and she said I looked like a beautiful doll <3 ) Koisukihime also said that some of her dolls look happy, others sad as they are not playthings - they represent the soul.



Mariko Suzuki responded to the question "What's your favourite part of The Gothic & Lolita Bible?" with, "Everything. I love it when it all comes together." She also couldn't decide on her favourite brand and thought that wearing Lolita at any age was ok: "There's nothing wrong in pursuing cuteness." Well said!



Next was lunch/ a scavenger hunt. My last one at Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland Lolita meet went very well (VICTORY!) so with my new Loli friends we started running around trying to find tiles to make up the key word. There were just two we could not find T_T Eventually after bustling about the whole place we got "Razael" as the word but couldn't find the organiser to hand in our entry. 'Team Clueless' then gave up and had tea, scones and pastries in the brasserie area.



The fashion show came next and I stood next to the speakers. In hindsight maybe not the best idea, but I did get a good view of all the wonderful Juliette Et Justine designs on display. I picked out several favourites and marvelled at the shoes - they were so high! :0






There were also performances from classical singers throughout the show!








Free tea and cake caused a stampede towards the temporary bar area before I went back into the main room for a free postcard signed by Suzuki and Nakamura! I told them I was a fan in Japanese and they said I looked cute and it was great I was learning their language. :)

The last event featured a massive raffle (which unsurprisingly I didn't win anything XD) and then a thank you to all the guests and volunteers involved. Then, the biggest shock of the day... A PROPOSAL! One of the organisers (Kyra) is now happily engaged and not a dry eye was left in the house. Foundation touch ups were needed before the big group photograph at the end of a truly unforgettable day.

Photo credits to Anarchy Photography. I am in the right half, kneeling down with the black hair and clothes.

My loot consisted of a funky 'Now, Voyager' hair piece, a copy of the latest Gothic & Lolita Bible, a strawberry ring from 'Bunny De Coeur', a black gothic bow from 'Wise Wolf Clothing' and the most amazing black bonnet from 'Peacockalorum' which I wore immediately.

My picture with Suzuki and Nakamura. They seemed quite eager to escape the big crowd so I sneakily got a picture 'with' them. ;)


I de-lolified myself in the bathroom and headed out with my loli-companions for a Chinese dinner in Chinatown. The most fantastic thing was the crowds reaction to us both before and after the meal (before we ate we even passed another group of Lolitas XD). People were taking pictures at us, with us both asking and taking secretly. There were cries of admiration and even cheering. We certainly stopped traffic. Ladies were picking their favourite dress and style and young kids were glancing at us excitedly. I didn't even notice any strange looks as I was having so much fun! Travelling alone in Loli is scary, as a big group it was the best thing ever! My bonnet must be what did it. I never felt more confident dressed up in Lolita before.

We even saw a dude dressed as Captain America 'help' people cross the street and did a little bop at the Thames Festival. It was amusing to walk past a group of 20-somethings caked in makeup and fake tan and in tiny, revealing short dresses and heels and noticing the difference - Western and Japanese. Modern and older fashioned. It was very interesting. The walk back to Waterloo station was beautiful at night, but the thing that really made my day was a lady saying, "Oh look, it's Lolita!"



The trend is spreading, and I couldn't be happier about it.

Best Themed Cafes/Restaurants In Japan

It certainly has been a while since I last posted! I have been really busy working and earning money in order to live, so haven't had much playtime unfortunately. However, my birthday is coming up and my boss gave me FOUR WHOLE DAYS off to enjoy it. As well as this, I am getting a Moi-Meme-Moitie dress! A One Piece of Stained Glass Print in Black and Green. It looks gorgeous and I'm waiting for it to arrive. I also have a package from Bodyline arriving soon with shoes, socks, Lolita necessities etc, but I'll do a post on that when it comes.

For now, I feel like doing something fun! Here is a list of the most entertaining, jaw dropping and downright wonderful eateries you may stumble across whilst in the Land Of The Rising Sun.

Disclaimer: Having never visited Japan myself (yet) I do not own any of the following pictures. All photos belong to their respective owners.

1) Cat Cafes

This cafe is exactly what the name sounds like: patrons pay a fee (usually hourly) to come in and pet cats whilst they enjoy light refreshment. Tokyo alone has at least 40 establishments and they are massively popular, especially for people who live in small apartments and aren't allowed to keep pets.
The cats themselves aren't usually pedigree but moggies (the type you'd see sauntering across the street everyday). Some cafes have specific categories such as those focusing on black cats or ex-stray cats. Awwww.




Cat cafes must obtain a license and have to comply with strict Animal Protection laws. All the establishments therefore have strongly enforced rules for cleanliness and the cats best interests, for example making sure the kitties aren't disturbed when sleeping or by young children. Lots of Cat Cafes also help raise awareness of cat welfare issues like abandoned cats and spaying.

Other animal stroking cafes such as those with rabbits are also found.



2) Maid Cafes

Probably one of the more well known themed cafes in Japan, and are where the waitresses are dressed as maids, treating the customers as Masters (or Mistresses) serving food, playing games and even providing extra services such as.... massages and ear cleaning. Cure Maid Cafe was the first ever of its kind, and opened in Akihabara, Tokyo in 2001 and since then they have become increasingly popular. Originally catering solely to the male 'Otaku' (a Japanese term used to refer to people with obsessive interests, particularly manga, anime or video games and in this case, maids) it is more about the service and experience than the food here. The menus generally consist of cutely decorated desserts and drinks, as well as savoury items like Omu-Rice where your serving maid can write a message on top in ketchup or sauce.



Maids may also do a special chant, individually or with a fellow maid and may even ask you to join in. Intended to make the food 'more delicious' they will use hand gestures and cute expressions. Their uniforms are generally based on French Maids, although there may be themed days where school uniforms, other cosplay or animal ears are worn to add appeal.



There are several rules enforced to keep the maids safe and defer stalking. The main ones being no photos inside the establishment (unless you pay a fee and have the maid decorate it herself), no touching the waitresses, no following them after their shift and no asking for contact details. 

So popular are these places, that ones catering to females, called Butler Cafes, have also starting springing up.



3) Vampire Cafe

In the Ginza area of Tokyo, this one has to be one of my favourites. Again, pretty obvious with the name.

 

This one is a Gothic Lolita's dream to dine in. When you arrive and take in the mainly deep red interior (with a bit of black for good measure) you get ushered down a long hallway and see the floor is decorated with pictures of red blood cells. Red 'blood' cocktails can be drank from martini glasses while you enjoy Vamprific themed food. There's heavy use of velvet, candles, roses, crosses and coffins. Very atmospheric!

Servers wear French Maid costumes or Tuxedos.


4) Christon Cafe

Another Gothic establishment, this one is one to avoid if you are a strictly religious Roman Catholic. Slightly garish displays of gargoyles, statues of Saints and the Virgin Mary, chandeliers, oil paintings, stained glass windows, candle lined altars and crucifix shaped menus form the decor.



On the food side of things, it's said to be delicious and quite reasonable. The concept was so popular there are four of these themed restaurants in Japan.

5) Ninja Akasaka

Another one of my favourites! Shogun era comes alive in this classy, and very popular establishment (reservations should be made in advance!)



A ninja gives you a secret password then leads you to your table through an Edo period style village complete with winding passages and a disintegrating bridge. Wowzers. The food is amazingly presented (a sword is pulled from a coconut releasing dry ice smoke in one showy meal) but also expensive. I hear the dessert menu is very dramatic. I also hear that many of the staff (waiters especially) speak very good English.


Magicians will pull some mind boggling ninja skills at your table for entertainment.



Fun fact: they have a plaque commemorating Steven Spielberg's visit.

6) Alcatraz E.R - Medical Prison

Because everyone loves hospital food....



One of the creepiest by far!
Basically you are a patient in a medical prison and the nurse dressed waiters and waitresses will handcuff you, inject a giant needle into your butt and then lock you in a cell. Many choose to act along, dragging their heels and screaming - it's all part of the fun after all! Making tormented noises and moaning are also obligatory.



The food has a theme of 'death' and is often shaped like human body parts (even the unmentionable ones). Doll heads, syringes and test tubes are the cocktail glasses and severed body parts, weapons,  bloody handprints and leaky walls form the aesthetic nicely.



If you think the Mental Ward may be a bit too much, there's always "Lock Up" - a restaurant with a prison theme. Like Alcatraz you are handcuffed and taken to a cell but by prison wardens this time. Again, you can apply your acting skills as throughout the night there are (planned, may I add) blackouts, crazy prisoners looking like something out of SAW in hockey masks, secret passages and rooms and also... JAILBREAKS! If someone random comes into your 'cell' hide them quick before they are caught! ;)

7) Namahage

Another way to scare the living crap out of your friends (and young children, mwahahaha) is the Namahage restaurant. In Akita (up North) dressing as demons and making kids cry brings.... good luck? I'm all for it.



The food is loosely based on traditional Akita cooking and whilst you are peacefully enjoying your meal... BAM! The lights go out and the show begins. Performers are dressed as massive Namahage (evil spirits) and go to different tables asking "Any bad or lazy guys?" (as they are said to go from house to house in Akita. Great place. I want to visit now!)



You will probably not need to, but it is best to feign fear or at least surprise so the demons will give you a blessing rather than drag you off to the mountain range for always and eternity. The funniest thing is - it's especially popular with families.

8) Cannabalistic Sushi

Nyotaimori, or 'female body plate' is where food (usually sushi or sashimi) is eaten off a naked woman's body. Here, you EAT the body! The skin is dough, the blood is sauce and all the organs are edible!
The dish/body is wheeled in on a hospital gurney and you use a scalpel/knife to cut it open and enjoy (hopefully between a few people as a 'body' is pretty big. It's like the edible version of "Operation".

9) Princess Heart

One where Lolitas should travel, the aim of this restaurant is to make you feel like a Princess! Maids and butlers greet you and give you your own tiara. There is a mirror at the entrance covered in jewels where you can look at yourself and preen. There is a magical tree which glows at night, forrest creatures and the seats have hearts on. You get the picture.



Very popular, advance booking is required. Funnily enough, single men are not allowed.



The food all have names relating to magic or fairy tales and are displayed beautifully. There's even smoked salmon shaped like a rose! Cocktails can be created in Cinderella's slipper!

I could go on with more: Buddism themed bars, Alice In Wonderland themed restaurants... one thing is for certain - there's a lot of fun in dining in Japan!