Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts

Monday, May 2, 2016

Loℓιтα Fashion Book Review!

Misako Aoki released her Lolita Fashion Book in March of 2014. Unlike her previous book 'Sometimes cute revolution', this book promised to be more comprehensive. In this book Misako highlights Lolita styles, hair and make-up tutorials and coordinates in full color brilliance! Many Japanese brands are featured in this book such as Baby, the Stars Shine Bright, Angelic Pretty, Innocent World and metamorphose temps de fille.


​After months in search I finally was able to obtain my own copy!
(You can view my original post here!)

I made my purchase from one of my favorite online stores Tokyo Otaku Mode! This store always has goods from Japan to peek my interest. I ordered this book along with a few other goodies. My order arrived extremely quickly -- within five days in fact! Inside a carefully wrapped package I found my Lolita book.


The book cover is absolutely gorgeous. The cover is incredibly soft with a matte finish and is an excellent representation of what is inside. Misako is featured in the center adorned in her signature Sweet Lolita style. At her sides four name brand Lolita dresses can be seen. Additional Lolita accessories such as shoes are artfully distributed around her. Cascades of ribbon, frosted sweets, butterflies, birds and flowers frame the center image and further the feminine ideals of Lolita fashion. It truly is a great synopsis of what is to come! 



Inside I found 144 beautiful pages of full color Lolita splendor! Throughout the book Misako articulates the basics of Lolita fashion and goes through the main styles. I love how Misako illustrates the aspects of each particular style with plenty of examples. As you can see Misako is sure to pick a main dress piece and then explain how to coordinate the outfit with various accessories and additional clothing pieces. Each style has just as much attention to detail as the next. Whether you are a Classic Lolita or a Sweet Lolita you have a great base of examples to choose from!



Inside Misako gives step-by-step make up and hair tutorials. Numerous looks and styles are achieved and dictated in this book. I absolutely love the attention to detail in her tutorials! I also love how Misako is able to give examples and tips for each Lolita style. This just reiterates Misako's goal to have this collection be a comprehensive reference for Lolitas. With these how-to's you do not have to be concerned with your make-up or hair again!


Below you can view some additional examples of Misako's make up and hair tutorials. On the left you are able to see Misako's tutorial of how to make adorable pigtails. The fact she is holding her Pullip makes it even more charming! On the right you can see the beginning of ​a make-up tutorial for a Classic and Sweet look.




The coordinate guides even go as far to show suggestions for various weather conditions or times of the year. This particular page offers a coordinate examples for summer time, focused around an airy light coordinate and a example for the rainy season with the focus of a one-piece and kawaii sneakers.
​I love being able to sift through all the suggestions!


Each section of the book allows for the explanation of a specific style or sub-style of Lolita. I was extremely interested in my discovery of "soft lolita". I believe that this style is very similar to the "otome kei" street fashion. The goal is to make a feminine everyday style and incorporate elements of the Lolita aesthetic. As a Lolita who works full-time in a office setting, the exploration of a more casual style completely captivated my interest. ​I cannot wait to implement some of her suggestions!



I cannot be happier with my purchase. This book is beyond charming, informative, vibrant and affordable. This book would be an excellent addition to any Lolita or aspiring Lolita. I highly recommend this book!

Rating ~ 10 / 10

Stay Frilly ~

Maxicimam "Lovely Size" Review!


It is finally here -- my MAXICIMAM review!


MAXICIMAM is a fashion brand from Tokyo, Japan that offers punk and Lolita style clothes. I discovered this brand a few years ago in a Gothic & Lolita Bible and decided to investigate. I found that MAXICIMAM offered larger sizes they called "lovely size" which was a particular interest to me as a plus-sized Lolita. I awaited in anticipation for the opportunity to order a few in-stock items that would accommodate my measurements.

​Halloween presented the perfect chance to put "lovely size" to the test!

October 3rdOctober 7th

MAXICIMAM does not ship overseas. They do however recommend a few Japanese market sites that sell their products. I purchased a total of two MAXICIMAM items from cdjapan.
My order was sent with FedEx International Priority shipping. The items took 2 business days to arrive for a total of 6 days if you include placement date and I could no be happier with the turn around time! The package was extremely well secured. All of my items were individually wrapped and then packaged together in a bubble mailer. 
On top lay two order freebies!

MAXICIMAM Halloween postcard and sticker freebies.
Gab. Music Network magazine volume 77 freebie.




















cdjapan sent along the most recent copy of Gab Music Network. Inside there were articles about various popular bands in and around Japan. It was really cool to learn about new bands! Along with the magazine were some MAXICIMAM specific goodies. I was especially touched that the staff of cdjapan had sent items from the brand I had purchased from and even made sure it was October themed. The postcard and stickers were simply too cute! I cannot wait to use them.

And now for my order!

The first item I discovered was the Excellent Lovely Drawers.

Stock image of the MAXICIMAM Excellent Lovely Drawers
As expected the stock photo of this piece vastly understated the details. The bloomers are constructed of a soft but sturdy cotton material. The waistband is made with a thin elastic but it is extremely stretchy. I can see now how this brand is able to accommodate a wide range of sizes! 

MAXICIMAM Lovely Excellent Drawers in White (Front)
The elastic band around the legs is very secure, but not enough to cause discomfort. Ribbons are secured at the sides with excellent stitching along sides which truly adds a charmed touch. 

MAXICIMAM Lovely Excellent Drawers in White (Back)

MAXICIMAM Lovely Excellent Drawers in White (Tag)
The MAXICIMAM brand tag can be found secured to the back of the bloomers.
Their logo is so pretty with the prominent crown encased by a intricate frame. Additionally I love the silver color they chose!


MAXICIMAM Lovely Excellent Drawers in White bottom details
The lace along the bottom of the bloomers is of an excellent quality and is soft and tightly constructed. The bloomers are short enough so I do not have to worry about the bottom lace being exposed from under a skirt or a dress when worn. ​

Final Thoughts
​The entire piece when worn is beyond charming! It truly is a delight to be able to purchase a pair of bloomers that I know are made of high quality materials and that fit.

​Rating ~ 9 / 10

And now for​ the Toujours Ensemble Rose Blouse!

MAXICIMAM Toujours Ensemble Rose Blouse within the plastic (Front)

My Toujours Ensemble Rose blouse arrived with it's own hanger and protective plastic cover. Even though the coated plastic the detail displayed on this blouse was unbelievable! I was especially taken with the numerous rose details expressed on the lace and rose shaped buttons.

MAXICIMAM Toujours Ensemble Rose Blouse within the plastic (Back)
The entire piece contained high quality lace of multiple types and often features the rose motif. I have never seen a piece utilize multiple types of lace to create such a beautiful result before! The detail lace along the front of the blouse is particularly soft and all of the various pieces of lace are incredibly detailed. The cotton the blouse is constructed of is soft enough to be comfortable, but sturdy enough to maintain it's shape. The stitches are straight and aid the flattering shape of the blouse. The open ruffled part adds an enchanted feel and looks especially nice when paired with a skirt.


MAXICIMAM Toujours Ensemble Rose Blouse Collar


MAXICIMAM Toujours Ensemble Rose Blouse Collar

MAXICIMAM Toujours Ensemble Rose Blouse Sleeve Details

MAXICIMAM Toujours Ensemble Rose Blouse Buttons

Out of the protective plastic is when I could really appreciate the splendor of this blouse. In these detail shorts you can truly see the impressive lengths MAXICIMAM made to make this piece spectacular. These shots display the removable collar, the detail of the sleeve and the front of the Toujours Ensemble Rose Blouse​. The rose details on the lace, the gentle accent of ribbons and additional lace and the sweet ivory rose buttons make this blouse too perfect for words!​

MAX Toujours Ensemble Rose Blouse with the collar
MAX Toujours Ensemble Rose Blouse without the collar
I can honestly say that I love the blouse with and without the collar equally. The first style is very sweet and traditional, while the second is more of a princess style. As I was to be Rapunzel it was the second style I used to aid my Halloween outfit. The collar is secured to the blouse with a simple clear button which is simple to attach. Both sleeves are adjustable which means the blouse can be long sleeved or short sleeved depending on preference and each style is lovely. With these options I can get four looks from one blouse.
​I just love how versatile this piece is!

MAX Toujours Ensemble Rose Blouse without collar, tag
MAX Toujours Ensemble Rose Blouse without the collar, tag
​With the collar removed the tag is now easily spotted. I love the Alice silhouette -- it is just too adorable! I loved the style so much that I made sure to keep the tag. On the back of the tag houses the MAXICIMAM contact information, the product information and the original price. Secured to the back of the blouse is where I found the MAXICIMAM Lovely tag. I love how large the tags are as they are extremely easy to locate!


​From the back you can see the expert shirred displayed. The amount of material gathered within the shirring is quite impressive. A ribbon with a seamed edge allows the back to be laced for necessary fit adjustments and allows for a various range of sizes. The blouse offers waist ties as well, secured by the same gorgeous ivory rose buttons as in the front. I love that the waist ties are removable based on preference.

Final Thoughts
I am completely blown away by the details of this blouse! The entire piece is flawless. I am absolutely overwhelmed by the high quality materials and the enchanting overall design. The versatility of this piece beyond impressive. I will be sure to order another blouse from this brand soon!

​Rating ~ 10 / 10

Shipping
5 / 5
The shipping for this order was overseas however my order arrived in lightning fast time. cdjapan really put any other shipping experience, domestic or international, to shame! As always my items arrived quickly, safely and well packaged. Additionally I love the time and attention the staff took to include freebies that complimented my order and brand.

Product Quality
5 / 5
All of the products purchased were extremely well constructed and were of an exceptional quality! The extraordinary design of such essential Lolita basics, coupled with the ability to purchase these pieces in a larger size, is well worth the expense! I cannot stress how wonderful it is to have such a high quality brand produce Lolita pieces in a wide variety of sizes. I am truly blown away!

Communication
5 / 5
cdjapan has excellent customer service. The transaction was extremely easy to do and I even earned points towards another purchase. Hooray!

Do I plan to order additional items from the MAXICIMAM brand? You better believe it! I hope to order an additional blouse, bloomers and a winter coat from this brand soon!

~ Stay Frilly

Saturday, April 23, 2016

My order from Baby has arrived !


(You can view my original post here!)

Recently I made my first online purchase from a name brand Lolita store!

I have been in love with Baby, the Stars Shine Bright 's designs for years but had never had the opportunity to purchase anything from them directly. I was fortunate enough to have received a $50 gift card to the New York store from my best friend to celebrate my graduation.

After the New York store's most recent product update I could not resist!

Stock Image for Classical rosy head bow ( Pink )
Stock Image for Dreaming Rose Comb ( Pink )
I was particularly taken with the Dreaming Rose Comb and Classical Rosy Head Bow in pink. Once I added my items to my cart I processed my payment through PayPal. The online shopping process through Baby was incredibly easy! I was able to put in the gift card electronically as well as process the remaining balance in the same transaction.



November 1stNovember 7th


I was astonished that my order arrived so quickly!


I received a plain brown square box with priority rate shipping. At first glance inside the box I found pale pink tissue paper and my, rather unremarkable, invoice. I was overjoyed however to see that, amongst the tissue paper, lay an unmistakable Baby, the Stars Shine Bright shopping bag!


I cannot express how happy I am to have my first bag from Baby! I have to immortalize this momentous occasion. A few months ago Vanilla Bear made a tutorial for hanging up brand bags. I will be utilizing this amazing tutorial to transform this bag into a framed art piece once the weather warms up. The fact that this will be my first brand bag will make the bag that much better!
​
Inside the branded bag I found my two ordered items. Each product had been carefully wrapped in their individual plastic bags before they had been placed in the larger pink bag.

The first item I was fortunate enough to unravel was the Classical Rosy Head Bow!

Classical rosy head bow ( Pink ) by BSSB

Classical rosy head bow ( Pink ) by BSSB
Even inside the package this head bow was a stunning sight! The image from the website pales in compassion to the real thing.

The main construction of the bow was accomplished with a heavy grosgrain. I was able to re-position the bow with ease from it's flattened shipping state and it maintained whatever angle I manipulated it into. The lace on this bow was nothing short of astonishing. All of the materials are incredibly soft, well defined and have a good weight to them. The majority of the lace features a rose motif which can be seen in the detailed shots below.

Classical rosy head bow ( Pink ) by BSSB
I love the details in this shot. You can clearly see the grosgrain ribbon as well as the floral details of the lace. The Baby, the Stars Shine Bright brand tag can be seen along the base of the headband.

The pale pink of this bow matches my pieces perfectly and is honestly a great addition to my wardrobe. What truly makes this accessory special is the design. I love that this piece is a side bow rather than the typical Alice style head bow.

Classical rosy head bow ( Pink ) by BSSB

Classical rosy head bow ( Pink ) by BSSB
It is easier to see in this photo how I adjusted the bow from it's flattened state to it's intended shape. There is no wire or supported needed for the bow since the structural materials are quite sufficient.

Classical rosy head bow ( Pink ) by BSSB

Classical rosy head bow ( Pink ) by BSSB
​I cannot get over the level of detail on this piece. Everything is been assembled with expert care and with quality materials. The head bow is extremely well constructed and beyond charming! 
​
My only complaint for this piece is that the designers used a black headband as the base and is slightly visible. It is not a problem when it is worn, but the fact I can see it through the pale pink is a slight cause for annoyance. Overall I am extremely satisfied in this piece! I am very happy that I was able to purchase it.

​Rating ~ 9 / 10
And now for the Dreaming Rose Combs!

Dreaming Rose Combs by Baby, The Stars Shine Bright.
I really wanted a piece that was branded with the Baby, the Stars Shine Bright emblem. I also wanted to add some diversity to my Lolita hair accessories. With hair combs I can arrange them the way I want and even built upon other hair pieces.

Even inside the bag the combs were stunning!


Dreaming Rose Combs by Baby, The Stars Shine Bright.
​Both combs are constructed with a secure silver base in which all of the details are built on top of. I was worried that the articles would not be secured properly but that concern was completely obliterated once I could study the combs in person.

The ribbon is an extremely soft light pink with a golden trim. The gold Baby, the Stars Shine Bright emblem adds a truly elegant touch to these accessories while it additionally pays tribute to it's creators.

In the case of the flowers they are constructed of a very delicate but sturdy craft paper.

All of the items used to decorate the combs are of an extremely high quality and absolutely zero flaws.

Dreaming Rose Combs by Baby, The Stars Shine Bright.
The review for this item is a no contest decision!

​Rating ~ 10 / 10


I am over the moon impressed with my small order from Baby, the Stars Shine Bright NYC. With the high quality construction, design and attention to detail I can scarcely believe how beautiful these hair pieces are. I can't even imagine how extraordinary the Baby clothing and larger accessories must be! 
​
Shipping
5 / 5
The shipping for this order was domestic and incredibly quick! I received my items in one week, a truly remarkable record for any of my Lolita purchases! The items had been properly prepared for shipment and everything arrived safely and accurately.

Product Quality
5 / 5
All of the products purchased were extremely well constructed and were of an exceptional quality! Each piece is charming, elegant and completely out shadows the stock photography. 

Communication
5 / 5
I had contacted this particular Baby, the Stars Shine Bright store with questions about my gift card via email and they answered in an extremely timely manner.

Will there be further purchase from Baby? You better believe it!

~ Stay Frilly