Vintage Treasures

A while ago (quite a while ago) was my birthday, and some of my friends; knowing my love of vintage accessories so fit to generously shower me with some!

They are just so pretty and neat that I can't but share them here!

First is this beautiful blossom demi-parure that my Mom and I found at a Vintage shop in Philly.  I liked it so much that it ended up as an early birthday present!  

When I got home  I decided to check the makers mark and found out that it is a Lisner; a popular costume jewelry company from the 50's.  They are most famous for their "oak leaf" necklaces, but most of the pieces are fairly collectible.  The name sounded familiar so I check my other jewelry and found that the leaf pin I found a while ago is also a Lisner.

What really peaked my interest with the set was that with some careful pinning I could wear the necklace as a tiara of sorts!

I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the earrings as I don't wear clips then they are a tad large for my tastes.  Either make them into posts or hair pins.

There is also a brooch to the set, so I'll just have to keep my eye out for it!

This crochet collar came to me through a friend from ebay.  It's just so dainty and pretty.  

Vintage collars are such a versatile accessory.  I've already worn it several times already.

This vintage hat is just ridiculously precious and sweet!  I don't have anything to wear it with yet, so I'll just have to make something!  I received this from Kristina of the impeccable taste!

One of the most delightful presents was a small shopping spree at some local antiques mall.  I just love poking around through there and seeing what is to be found!

Another hat!  I had actually seen this hat and tried it on several times before.  It's so cute and a really classic shape.  Since it's probably from the 80's or 90's judging by the tag inside I'm going to exchange the dark dark blue ribbon for a bit more of a brighter hue of navy; while still feeling guilt free!

I think these might have been the find of the trip!  Beautiful white kid gloves with exquisite cut-work embroidery.  That Fit My Hands!  I've wanted some vintage gloves for a while, but I have rather long fingers.  

And finally a little scrap of tatted lace.  Tatted lace is really hard to find any examples of so I was sure to snatch this up!  I'm guessing it's rather old as it's just rings connected with crochet (and embellished with some whitework "bullseyes" in the center).  

Not exactly sure what I'll do with this, it's just so interesting and pretty!

Look for some of these peices in some future coords of course!

Do any of you dear readers have a favorite vintage peice in your wardrobe?

Preview: Inklings t-shirt collaboration

While the first "official" line from Lily of the Valley was "Excerpts from a Victorian Cookbook",  the REAL first line was "Keys to the Kingdom".  Released years ago, it was simple box pleated skirt adorned with castles screen printed by my good friend Melanie.

Melanie has since handed over the screen printing business to her son John, who is also a close friend of mine.  It is now Inklings, home to Baa the adventurous sheep illustrated by Melanie and some amusingly clever and sometimes quite smart ass shirts thought up by John.

John is engaged to the delightful Autumn (who some Philly lolitas are sure to have met!) and they are planning their nuptials for this coming spring!  

As their Maid of Honor I've taken on the task to help them finance the wedding in addition to making the dress (of course!).  

In short, John's company Inklings and my lolita brand are collaborating on one or two t-shirt designs with lolitas in mind!  

I've come up with a few designs but I also would like your help and suggestions.  Here are a few of mine so far!

A basic bow, this is my favorite idea so far.  Cute but also not too busy.  It would be printed a bit off center.

Fawnasol!  Combine two popular lolita motifs  = win?  

Familiar?

Other ideas I've had would be castles, or an art nouveau style mermaid sitting in a shell.

Please let me know what t-shirt designs you would like to see.

Keep in mind that they will be printed in EITHER white or black ink on a "baby tee" style shirt.  The shirt style comes in lots of colors, which is nice.

In other news I've been working on "Neptune's Domain" orders and handsewing an Italian style Renaissance dress in my "off" hours.   The example pieces for the second release are next on my list to make!

Lily of the Valley Unveiled

image from wikipedia.com

This is a post I have considered making for some time, and have shied away from; the inner workings, so to speak, of my lolita brand: Lily of the Valley.

It simply seemed like it would be too ostentatious, too likely to be seen as showing off, and the idea made me feel rather.... well exposed.

What finally led me to writing it was a lolita secret, posted early August, growling about the prices of my most recent release: the "Neptune's Domain" jumperskirt.

I actually didn't see the secret until over a week after it was posted, I had been vacationing in the wilds of French Canada at my family's' log cabin with no internet to speak of.

At first I groaned and nervously scrolled down, but was pleasantly surprised to see a lot of positive and very reasonable comments in response.

I try to stay away from "drama" as much as I can; figuring that this is a good preventative measure.  And so far it has worked, what little exposure I've had (that I have seen) has ended up positive, or at least a mixed bag.

But because of the reasonableness of the "secret" and the thoughtfulness of the comments, I thought I should respond in kind.

So to start: here is a brief rundown in what goes into making a line, it's not always this linear though:

• Original Idea: The concept so to speak.  A theme or subject matter will bubble it's way to the surface of my mind.  I'll play around with it, getting a feeling for the colors, fabrics, shapes, ect. that might work. I'll continue to mull it over, editing, sketching, and revising until I get to the next step.   This can take a month or so to a few years; I usually have from 5 to 10 ideas floating about at any time.
• Research: Gathering up reference images for the fabric print or embroidery design.  I'll also do research into material suppliers and costs.  This is when I start working on designing the coordinating jewelry line.  
• Art:  Now I'll start working on the art for the fabric print, or embroidery.  If it's going to be printed this means a sketch, lightly transferring the "lines" of the sketch to bristol paper, and then coloring it with markers or hopefully soon: watercolors.  The print is worked in sections, to be later assembled digitally.  If it's for an embroidery design I just need the sketch.  This is one of the "scariest" parts of the process because it's a test to see if I can artistically pull off what I have in my head; I don't consider myself a great artist and I don't get the practice I probably should.
• Digital Assembly: The art is scanned.  If it's for a fabric print I'll clean up and assemble the various pieces.  I have a very old copy of Jasc "Paint Shop Pro", but I mostly use the freewear program "Paint.net" and MSPaint.  If it's an embroidery I import it into the freewear program "Threds" and digitize it; shape by shape.
• Ordering Materials: Pretty strait forward of course, I order the fabrics, trims, findings, ect. that  I need for the example pieces.  I try my best to cut costs.  I purchase the majority of my trims in bulk or from a outlet store; but I can't do this with everything and lolita garments are complicated and intricate.  I purchase my specialty printed fabric from Spoonflower, who I have found to have the best customer service; but it isn't cheap.  
• Construction: Working out the patterns for and putting together the example garments for the first release of the line (Jumperskirt/skirt/bodice, headpeice, jewelry, additional accessories).   I'll also sketch and ink the "official" flats, and make the coordinate "splash page" art at this point.
• Photography:  Setting up the backdrops and taking photos of the release's pieces, the fabric, color, and trim choices.  I use a slightly aged point and shoot for this; a new camera is next of the list for equipment purchases.
• Website Editing: Download and edit the photos, flats, and "splash" art.  Update the website.  Then I'll promote the line through the EGL community and this blog
• The Next Step: Wait for orders, take orders, and fill orders.  Ship things out  Also I'll start preparing for the second release/next line.

Sometimes to amuse myself I'll list the titles of the jobs I do: designer, artist, pattener, seamstress, photographer, webmistress, secretary, accountant, ect.    

I realize that this situation is proably how most of the indie brands and small companies work.  Mostly I'm somewhat in awe of how the internet makes it possible for one person to do all this and be reasonably successful at it.  

It is complicated and quite a bit of work, but I do love doing it.  For years I made my own lolita clothing and got a great response and wanted to "share" so to speak.  After I while I took commissions; but I never found them to be very satisfying; I was either reproducing a Japanese brand design, or working from a customer's design.  So this is what I do now!

Nothing is quite the same as knowing that someone out there likes the design as much (or more) then you do.  The thrill of coming across a photograph (or seeing them in person) of someone wearing one of my pieces; well I don't think I'll ever get over that!

This became quite long, I hope it was at least somewhat interesting.  Please feel free to ask any questions about the process, brand, or whatnot, I'll make a follow up post with them if there is interest.

I of course want to thank my customers who make this all possible and also the thoughtful commenters on lolita secrets.

To lighten things up a bit I'll end with a photo of the previously mentioned Family cabin for any of you country lolitas or mori-girls out there!

Otakon Lolita Fashion show 2011 Looks

As promised, here are the three looks I showed at the 2011 Otakon Fashion show.  I know the photos aren't the best, I took them the night before I shipped the looks to Carla.  Not the best lighting!

The first look to go out.  If your familiar with my "work" previously to this blog, no your eyes do not deceive you, this isn't a new piece for the show.  It's a dress I made last summer that was just too pretty to not end up on a runway.

I did edit it a bit, shortening the skirt lining and moving the ruffle up.

It's worn with a "peasant" style blouse I've been wanting to make for a while, a rose corsage, glass pearl choker, and a vintage hat that belonged to my great grandmother.

I just love how it all came together on the runway!  I call it my "Peaseblossom" dress after the fairy from "A Midsummer's Night's Dream"

Of course you have all see the "Neptune's Domain" jumperskirt.  Here it is rather simply coordinated.

Since it's being released in late summer I decided to try for more of a fall coordinate with a long sleeved blouse.

The crown emblem pin/hairclip is pinned to a headband and is then pinned onto the skirt of the jsk  since my dummy has no head.  I originally wanted to pin the emblem to a blue beret for the fashion show, but no blue beret was to be found in the middle of summer!

I can't wait to get this dress back and wear it!

The final look was the "Garden of Eden" dress.  Cream lace paired with black velvet and cotton!  Accented with some black gloves (which are kinda funny the way I pinned them here!), cream rose corsage, and another vintage hat from my Great Grandmother.

I have to say this cream lace is one of the most amazing fabrics I have ever bought!  It's hard to show in photos the epicness of it!  Flora and fauna arranged in a very William Morris way.  Unicorns and stags, birds and squirrels, Adam and Eve themselves, and more!

Sadly I purchased it years ago, and not that much of it.  I have enough after this one to make myself a dress.

This dress will be for sale in the couture section of my website as soon as I get it back

For those interested, you can view some photos of the fashion show here:
http://purpleskymagazine.com/2011/08/photo-ultimate-lolita-fashion-show-otakon-2011/

All in all I think it turned out very well!  I couldn't have done it without my wonderful models and Carla's help!  Thank you so much!

Neptune's Domain Jumperskirt Release

Welcome all to "Neptune's Domain".  I hope you all like what you see!

As you can see, plans changed a bit.  The skirts and vest sets will be the second release and I dropped the mermaid/compass emblem.  It wasn't balanced right.

The jumperskirts and accessories are available in several colors.

And of couse there is a matching jewlery line:

More Information and photos can be found on the website.

Please look forward to photos of the looks from the Otakon Fashion show soon!  

If anyone has any photos of the pieces from the show they are willing to let me use, I would be very grateful!

Otakon Lolita Fashion show: preveiws

If you have been wondering about the sudden quiet in this corner of the nets; wonder no more.  

For the last few weeks I have been working diligently (and sometimes more then diligently) on 3 looks for the Otakon fashion show run by my lovely friend Carla.  

Here are some little teasing snippets of the pieces:

Peasblossom Jumperskirt

Neptune's Domain Jumperskirt

Garden of Eden Dress

As you can see, one of the pieces is from my newest line "Neptune's Domain" and will be the first release from it, hopefully sometime early next week. 

Sadly I myself will not be able to be at the fashion show personally.  I hope all of you who go enjoy it to it's fullest!

Recipe: Raspberry Cream Cake

Wineberries

One of my favorite parts of summer: berry picking.  Right now it's wineberry season in my neck of the woods; a semi-wild variety of raspberries that originated in Asia.

The little jewel like berries pop up along the roadsides a creek beds, just waiting to be enjoyed.

 Here is one of my favorite summer berry recipes: Raspberry Cream Cake!

The recipe started out as a traditional Swedish cake, made with cloudberries and cloudberry jam, which are not easy to find around here, so I substituted raspberries and raspberry jam.  You can use any berries and jam that are available and seem tasty!

Daily Outfits: Early Summer

Coord post!  Get ready for quite a few photos, I've been trying to get used to using my tripod for taking shots of outfits.

Another outfit with my "curtain" jumperskirt.  It's alsmost astonishing how versatile this dress is!  I think I need to make a few more fairly simple flower pattern and solid color pieces.  

It's just so hard to keep things simple and not add too many details!

This may be one of my favorite coordinates (so far)!  the layering just seemed to really come out well!  Something about the length and fullness of the skirt really reminds me of Tenniel's Alice illustrations.

This outfit on lookbook

I am wearing the teal cardigan and gold tone sweater guard I posted about a few days ago.

Hmm, a somewhat awkward expression, but I just am so delighted with twirling photos recently!

I made some brown tatted flower shoe clips a week or so ago.  I really like the addition to these rather plain brown shoes I bought when I was a Bridesmaid at my friend Thera's wedding.  

I used the brooch pattern I posted a while ago.  I just made the top two layers rather then the whole thing.

And finally, I just had to make this little amusing gif when I looked through all the photos I took.

Please enjoy watching my head move around as my parent's chickens walk by!

Spring 2011 thrift store finds

For those who know me; know that I love thrift stores!  At least one third of my wardrobe must be second hand, and several of my favorite dresses were made out of reclaimed sheets.

I live in a University town, and the best time to rummage through the racks is when all the college students leave!  Of course you often find somewhat shocking stringy tops, no doubt worn to a local bar; but there are other surprising treasures if you make an effort.

I always enjoy seeing what other people find, I hope you enjoy my "haul".

First off are some somewhat plain but rather versatile tops.  What I like about them is the little details that make them stand out.  

The plain white one has cute little scallops at the neck and sleeves: perfect for layering with a jumperskirt for a casual lolita look.   I haven't figured out what to do with the dark red one, but those puffed sleeves were too good to pass on.

The white one with the blue flowers is my favorite!.  I had been hoping to pair it with my Sweet Matyroshka jumperskirt, but it ends up too busy!  I really like it for adding a bit of color to mori looks.

Ah sweaters,  I wear sweaters year round; layered over a turtleneck in the winter or worn with a light dress in the summer.  

I'm planning on wearing the cream long one with a long skirt, and brown belt.  I wasn't sure about the teal one, but it's quickly become my new favorite piece of clothing.  Brown is a staple of my wardrobe so the 3rd one should work out one way or the other.

I also picked up a plain white braided leather belt, a simple piece.

I couldn't pass up this tapestry purse, even though the colors (other then brown) matched nothing in my wardrobe.  Then I realized that the striped heavy cotton I had picked up to make a fall/winter dress was the exact same colors. 

And finally the brooch I worn in my hair with my "fairy formal" dress.  I actually have acquired quite a vintage pin collection.  I was all hep on the idea of collecting vintage hats (I have a few), but recently realized that I already have a vintage collection!  I might have to see if I can get them all together at some point and post it here!

Did I say finally?  Well I actually found this at an antiques store, not a thrift store.  It's a sweater guard, and I bought it on impulse because I had just recently found out about them.  

And I wear it all the time!  It's so great!  It's usually either being worn, or kept in my purse.   It's so classy and elegant, and makes all of those cardigans that like to slip off of my shoulders when I work stay put!

So look forward to some coords with these pieces soon!

Have any of you found anything great at your local thrift store lately?

Daily Outfit: Fairy Formal Dress

About two weeks ago I mentioned working on a pink chiffon dress to wear to the school's "formal".   Well don't worry, I didn't forget about the photos!

Like I said in the previous post; I am a bit disappointed in how the chiffon hung.   I was hoping for a bit more of a undulating flowy-ness.  The very drape-y effect is quite pretty though, and I'm satisfied in the dress itself.   I'm just being a bit persnickety I think!

It is very enjoyable to dance in!  I just have to be careful spinning because of the circle skirts.  It can get very exciting very quickly!

This outfit on lookbook.

I coordinated it with gold jewelry and my favorite caramel colored heels.  I'm very happy with my experiment of wearing a brooch in my hair.

As a long time lolita an outfit just doesn't feel right without something on my head!  Bows are a little too juvenile for this look, and I wanted something other then flowers.  I find that most hair clips/pins are either boring or too glitzy for my taste, so this worked out nicely.  I just have to figure out how to hid the bobby pins better.

By the by, let me introduce you to my histrionically misplaced twin!

This is a photo of a 1950's debutante; and no she's not related to me at all (that I know of).  It was taken at The Wharton Sinkler Estate, where my Parents were married!  That's all I know about her, but it is quite extraordinary!

Seeing as I was wearing a floofy formal dress I had to try to reenact the photo of course!

Hmm I got the direction her head is turned wrong.  I'll just have to try again sometime!