Those who cannot remember the past, are condemned to repeat it. – George Santayana

Recently, I was watching a YouTube video someone had posted of an old L’Arc~en~Ciel performance and spotted a Gothic Lolita or two in the audience. The performance wasn’t dated but judging by L’Arc’s indie-era outfits and the Merry Christmas message, this was likely filmed in December 1993 (check me out, I’m like a music video archaeologist!) Observe the simple black dress accented by a large amount of wide white lace along the collar and sleeve. This is  the look of Lolita in 1993. Burn it into your retinas!

Gothic Lolitas in the crowd of a L'Arc~en~Ciel concert circa 1993 (source: YouTube)

I’ll make some concessions here.

• Girls at the front row of most concerts are uber-fans, waiting in line hours on end, sometimes overnight just to get prime spots. So, these girls could have chosen their clothing for comfort rather than style.
• One girl at a concert is not the face of Lolita everywhere in 2003
• Front row Lolita and her friend to the left are super young looking, let’s venture a guess at 14 at the oldest possible age she could possibly be. At that age girlfriend is not going to have access to decent brands.

Before I get started with the list of things I’m currently in love with in the land of fashion, I feel I must mention that my style has undergone a bit of a change. It’s not so drastic as a reinvention, but I do find myself leaning towards simpler designs and the mix and match of different aesthetics styles. For example Gyaru and mainstream fashion designers are making a bigger impact on me than ever before.

With that bit of information as a preface, let’s get on to the exciting eye candy.

Simpler Shoes

I know this is a weird category to start off with, but to be quite honest, overly elaborate shoes with multiple bows and straps seem all too fussy for me lately. I’ve been loving Melissa shoes lately for this exact reason.

Patchuli by Melissa - perfect little ankle strap wedges in plastic (source: unknown)

But while some Gothic and Lolita brands do tend to “over-design” the shoes, many have simpler styles that I’m loving – take these shoes by BABY, The Stars Shine Bright that can be done up cutely with a simple bow or go really minimalist without it. Can’t decide which shade is my favorite, but leaning towards white or red.

BABY, The Stars Shine Bright enamel shoes (source: BABY Kanazawa Blog)

Simple shoes does not mean boring by any means, as evidenced by some recent photos posted by Harajuku regular and blogger, Une in Damare Kozou. Paired with simpler shoes, other parts of an outfit get the spotlight.

Oil painting print tights paired with white open toe shoes (source: Damare Kozou)

On the left, Une models rock-styles sandals in contrast to a pink lolita print; on he right, black rocking horse shoes contrast with a white lace dress (source: Damare Kozou)

Mary Poppins Chic

I’ve expressed my love for Mary Poppins-esque fashion elements, but I find myself drawn more and more to crumpled up hats with loads of flowers and bold fabric patterns that look like they belong on a magical carpet bag.

Triple Fortune Black Straw Hat with Flowers is Mary Poppin's-esque as is the high collar on the blouse and corseted skirt (source: Atelier Pierrot Blog)

The bold colors and print of Juliette et Justine jumper skirt as pictured in the Atelier Pierrot Osaka blog post  is bolder than anything you’d see Mary Poppins in but it still carries her spirit.

Juliette et Justine's Rafe de Saint Valentin (source: Atelier Pierrot Osaka blog)

A more classical take on a goblin print featuring roses (source: Flasco blog)

Goblin print goes even more traditional with the Goblin Teddy Print Jacket from Metamorphose. And yes there are teddy bears on the print, but they’re pretty covert as they blend into the neutral rose pattern.

Goblin Teddy Print Jacket (source: Metamorphose)

Mary Poppins’ crumbled hat adorned with flowers was an item I was obsessed with as a child, pictured below, Bell de Poupee recreates the feel of Mary Poppins’ classic hat.

Straw Dress Hat (source: Bell de Poupee)

Hit the jump for the rest of the post.

Masquerading

Flasco is one of my favorite store blogs to follow. As a select shop with access to clothing from more Gothic and Lolita fashion blogs than you can shake a stick at, it consistently creates some of the most interesting coordinates by mixing and matching different brands as you would in your own closet. Recently Flasco started pushing masquerade masks big time.

Masquerade mask (source: Flasco blog)

I’ve always loved he look of these, but without a Mardis Gras party or masquerade ball to attend, owning one seemed highly ridiculous… until now. Lo and behold, Flasco provides a few different ways to wear masquerade masks as hair accessories or accents to headdresses and hats. Thanks Flasco!

On the left, masquerade mask worn to accent a frilly hat. On he right, same mask worn as one of many hair accessories (source: Flasco blog)

Polka Dots

I’ve had a love for polka dots for a while, and for good reason – it’s a little bit retro and a little bit girly. Polka dots have also resurfaced as a go-to print for spring fashion, so I’ve found myself adoring plenty of polka dotted prints this season. The following dresses are from a site called DreamVS. (Lace Collar/Sailor Collar)

On the left, a short sleeved dress with puffy sleeves and a lace collar, on the right, a sailor collar dress with 3/4 sleeves (source: DreamVS)

And while Angelic has been releasing a few polka dot prints as of late, my favorite is the Dot Pretty Girl series for the larger polka print.

Dot Pretty Girl print series (source: Angelic Pretty)

Uniforms

Let’s face it, uniforms are hot. No further explanation needed.

First off, I’ll admit I didn’t quite get Excentrique’s design aesthetic when I was a Lolita Fashion newbie. To me it all looked like corsets and lacing and a bit on the ero loli side, but as I’ve become more familiar with Excentrique, I’ve discovered they make AMAZING jackets. Take the Long Trompe L’oeil jacket in this Flasco blog post, for example.

Excentrique's Long trompe l'oeil jacket over an Atelier Boz skirt (source: Flasco Blog)

I’ve been in love with the following outfit since Winter when I saw it featured on Flasco’s blog. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again… get in my closet now!

Excentrique Theodore Cardigan Jacket over Innocent World's Royal Tartan Jumperskirt (source: Flasco blog)

This next one is a bit of a departure as it’s not inspired by a military uniform as much as it is a school uniform, but it’s neat looking nonetheless. Can’t seem to find the BABY, The Stars Shine Bright Holy School Jumper in the web store but it does pop up in a few BABY shop blogs.

School Holy Jumper (source: BABY/Alice Rose Mary Blog)

Lace

In know what you’re thinking. Lace is so common, what’s it doing on this list? Well the lace that winds up in most Gothic & Lolita clothing is in the form of accent trim, but I’m really loving lace fabric and lace-like prints, like the two examples below from Emily Temple Cute Nagoya blog.

Lace shorts paired with a border cut-sew accented with bows (source: Emily Temple Cute Nagoya blog)

Lace sleeveless dress with rose embroidery paired with cardigan (source: Emily Temple Cute Nagoya blog)

Feathers

Feathers are one of those timeless materials that always look classy.

Below, BABY’s Pas de Deux Feather Headband is seemingly inspired by the Swan Lake ballet.

Pas de Deux Feather Headband (source: BABY, The Stars Shine Bright)

The next feather example I’m loving is again from Unu’s blog, Damare Kozou – two hair clips made of feathers in the shape of angel wings. I’m dying to make this my next craft project.

Feather Wing Hair Clips (source: Damare Kozou)

Black & White Stripes

Stripes are another classic print and something about the black and white combo looks so dramatic and edgy. In this example below, the black and white combo goes girly when paired with a tulle skirt in this cute dress from Jewel shop on Rakuten.

Tulle and Cotton Cutsew Dress (source: Rakuten)

The cutsew dress below from Emily Temple Cute’s Nagoya store blog looks effortless and so comfy to wear.

Sleeveless border dress (source: Emily Temple Cute Nagoya blog)

Another ETC example, this dress, like many of the examples above, comes in multiple colors but I did want to show how dramatic the black and white combo is when compared to a softer color combo like white and pink.

Vertical stripe dress (source: Emily Temple Cute)

And, to show that ETC does not have the market cornered on black and white, stripes, here is a more traditional Gothic Lolita style from Atelier Pierrot.

Atelier Pierrot Stripe Jumper Skirt shown with a black corset (source: Atelier Pierrot Osaka blog)

Other

The following didn’t really fit into one category or another, but I still love them!

Below, Angelic Pretty’s Chess Chocolate eco tote features the most adorable motif. The concept itself is ridiculous, which actually endears the print to me even more as a result.

The Knight pieces from a chess set go head to head in a battle for chocolate-y dessert supremacy (source: Angelic Pretty)

And here is Midori modeling an outfit from Innocent World for Kera. I can’t even figure out what is that makes me like this outfit so much but I’m guessing the jumper shorts, white and brown combo, and buckled shoes are the main draws.

Innocent World outfit for Kera Shop (source: Kera)

Again, no theme here but my draw to this Victorian Maiden coat dress could perhaps be attributed to my preference for simpler silhouettes? Still quite enough decoration to be innately feminine but not over the top.

Adelaide Frill Dress (source: Victorian Maiden)

Bust of Mozart from APF Munn (source: One King's Lane)

This week, we look at a few decorative objects that could  class up your “den” or “library” even if both happen in tiny corners of your living room or bedroom. Busts of historical figures and classical statues are something I’d consider a luxury item, but in addition to a few pricier options, take a look at the photos below for one that’s not only affordable, but functional too!

Set of 2 Gentleman Statues at $119 these are within the realm of possibility for actually making their way into your house or apartment (source: One King's Lane)

Aphrodite USB Hub is available for $46 looks classy and solves the problem of having too few USB slots on your computer/laptop (source: Fred Flare)

Historical and mythical figures not your thing? This Andalusian Bust may be your cup of tea. Sold for $598. (Source: Anthropologie)

"To be or not to be? That is the question...." tho' at $2,549 perhaps this antique bronze statue of William Shakespeare is not meant to be mine (source: One King's Lane)

• Anthropologie – Andalusian Bust
• Fred Flare – Aphrodite USB Hub
• One King’s Lane

The baroque-esqe "Queen of Love" chair in multiple colors (source: Design of Love)

I was browsing member-only shopping site, RueLaLa today (click the link to become a member), and happened upon some lovely furniture in baroque style made with a modern day material  - recyclable linear polyethylene – called ”Design of Love.” It didn’t take long to get me intrigued and soon I was learning about a pair of Italian designers Graziano and Renato Moro Pigatto that branched out into furniture from the world of fashion. The Italian site is www.designoflove.com but for those in the US you can read up about them and their furniture at linvin.com.

Little Prince of Love ottoman in blue (source: Linvin)

Aside from the modern material, I also adore the bold palate of colors the Design of Love furniture is available in. For those of you interested in the orange versions of the Queen of Love chair, Little Prince of Love ottoman, or Duke of Love cocktail table – they are currently on sale at RueLaLa for $700, $300 and $400 respectively. If you’re interested in other colors or products and need to  find out where to purchase Linvin/Design of Love products in the US, check out the Where to Buy page on Linvin’s site.

Design of Love baroque-style dining chair (source: Design of Love)

The Frame of Love is a large piece at 60 inches x 60 inches (source: Linvin)

Joker of Love end table are stackable (source: Linvin)

Duke of Love cocktail table (source: Linvin)

An assortment of colors of the Queen of Love chairs (source: Design of Love)

Lots of my picks come from Old Hickory Tannery which was profiled last week, but these are all new items and I’m equally wild about them.

At $2,499.90 the Encore Bookcase is unattainable but I love the museum-esque shadow box effect (source: RueLaLa)

This "relaxed" Encore Chest of Drawers is adorably quaint, but the $1,399.90 is not so cute (source: RueLaLa)

At $129.90, I wouldn't exactly call the 26-inch Guildmaster Martha Washington Table Lamp a bargain, but finally something at an attainable price (source: RueLaLa)

A loveseat from Old Hickory Tannery. So Granny Chic! $1,999.90 (source: RueLaLa)

And more, but you get the gist…

I recently gave two false eyelash cases the deco treatment (photo by Umi)

Lydia and I were browsing a $1.50 store recently (Ichiban Kan for those of you in the San Francisco Bay Area) and found a black and pink lash cases. Lydia bought one for travel purposes to easily take along a selection of lashes. I bought two to help organize my lashes which inevitably end up all over the place.

The original lash cases in the package (photo by Umi)

As you can guess, the cases made a perfect candidate for a deco project. Each case has slots for 4 pairs of lashes and a spare area to keep lash glue and tweezers.

The pink case in more detail (photo by Umi)

The black case in more detail (photo by Umi)

A look at the inside of the case complete with lashes in place (photo by Umi)

Pretty printed sofa in style 1618-03 (source: Old Hickory Tannery)

Old Hickory Tannery is an upholstered furniture brand I came across a few months ago. Half the furniture it creates is made out of leather and the other in tapestry-like fabric for furniture looks that look like they were swiped from a British gentleman’s club circa  the 1800s or taken out of Mary Poppin’s magical carpet bag.

Chick black leather paired with an elegant pattern or the whimsical patchwork look of three separate prints - can't decide which one is my favorite (source: Old Hickory Tannery)

Queen-sized headboard in style B-380-Q (source: Old Hickory Tannery)

Duncan Supreme Sofa (source: Old Hickory Tannery)

Ottoman in style 3004 - I love the way these two prints play off each other (source: Old Hickory Tannery)

Sofa in style 1320-03 (source: Old Hickory Tannery)

Seemingly a simple yet lovely blue color, this chair in style AI-14144-01, is actually upholstered in three different fabrics, not counting the one on the accent pillow (source: Old Hickory Tannery)

Who needs a typical boring desk chair, when you can plant yourself on one of these? (source: Old Hickory Tannery)

A powder purple chair in style 5530-01 (source: Old Hickory Tannery)

This chair in style 246-01 begs to be curled up in with a good book in front of a cozy fireplace (source: Old Hickory Tannery)

Link in this post:

• Old Hickory Tannery - http://ohtfurniture.com/

If I ever have a grand staircase you better believe I'd wallpaper images of fancy ladies on it. Flowers are optional, they'd collect so much dust after a while! (source: fayfaerie)

A few weeks back I started a Tumblr called Frilly Monster and like many Tumblr users, I’ve fallen into the trap of spending WAY too much time on Tumblr. With an emphasis on sharing images, you better believe I’ve run into a lot of inspiring home decor photos.

Cozy over-sized chair in a shabby chic home (source: sweethomestyle)

Love the swagger of this room (source: d3signerofherownbeautifulmess)

The Ballroom of Queluz Palace in Lisbon looks like the real-life version of the ballroom in Disney's Beauty and the Beast (source: Rococo Revisited)

Vanity set showing a reflection of a sitting area (source: bibinator)

This looks to be a bed in a palace museum somewhere (source: A Girl Named Devan)

Links for this post:

• Frilly Monster
• FayFaerie
• Sweethomestyle
• Designer of Her Own Beautiful Mess
• Rococo Revisited
• Bibinator
• A Girl Named Devan

My handmade Christmas stocking (photo by Umi)

This year I decided to make my own Christmas stocking out of  spare fabric I had laying around and made this black and pink stocking with detachable bow. Originally, I had planned for the bow to feature a chain of decorative beads accented with a pegasus charm I found at a local craft store. However, it seems all my jewelry making tools have gone missing, so the embellishments will have to wait until next year.