My lolita pet peeves

1. No petticoat. Lolita fashion is defined by it's bell shaped skirt, which is achieved by wearing a petticoat. This so called "casual lolita" trend that has come up is an oxymoron and part of people's excuse for not wearing one. With out a petticoat, it's not lolita, it's more like casual kawaii or something.

2.HUGE bonnets. I mean, you can get reception or you may have to whisper for fear of your voice being amplified. Really huge. Like a satellite on your head. They are ridiculous. And I just can't understand them. lol

3. The opinion that burando (Japanese brand items) are the only way to be a good lolita and non-printed or offbrand items are for "beginners". I don't even know how this started... I guess with all the AP prints coming out and that being the hot in thing to wear or some things. Let's see... I have 4 brand dresses. 4. All from Meta. Ok, so 3 of them are prints (maybe 2, does the embroidered Feather Cross dress count???). The rest is handmade. Seriously. Back when I posted on Daily_Lolita on LJ people I'd forget to do the outfit run-down and people would ask me what brand I was wearing. Well, it's all off-brand, I'd say. They would then tell me how it looked so good they thought it was brand. And I face palmed. There is also apparently a rumor on the internet about MN lolitas being stuck up brand-whores, since we always look so good in photos it MUST BE the all mighty burando.

4. People that think sweet is the only style. It's not. Colours other than pastels exist, so don't forget us classic and gothic girls!

5. Newbies that can't take con-crit and/or apologies or ask people to "be nice" coze they are new. One, we are not all screeching harpies who's only wish is to appease the gods Mana-sama and Maki and Asuka. We shall not come after you with torches and pitch forks to rid you of bad lace. We were all beginners once. Me too, and let me tell you some of the new girls that are apologizing look better than I did in my first attempt. Also, if we tell you something in your outfit needs improvement don't be snarky and make excuses and baawww, we are only trying to help you improve your sense of style.

Ok, so that was a pretty fun exercise! I think I will post things like this more often!

Moonlight Night: Appended

I was looking at my blog list on my phone today when I happened across a post from Metamorphose about their new print. They posted photos of the JSK and OP that I talked about in the last post. Let's take a look!The OP came out about how I expected it too. It's pretty and I love it. I love how the print doesn't cover the entire skirt, but only a panel in the front an back. Great way to use your design skills, Meta! It's much better than using the same design over and over again, just with a new print like some other brands do.

I do have to say this one was a surprize though! I feel like I may have unfairly tore this dress apart in my last post, as I think it looks great here! They used a lot of details, yes, but it really pulls together well.

So, what do you all think of the Moonlight Night series? Did you reserve it? Personally I would love to own the OP and skirt!

Moonlight Night

Moonlight Night! This is the latest print from Metamorphose, my favourite brand. I post about them more since they are my favourite so I follow them a little closer.

This print goes up for reserve on September 2nd Japanese time. So today! Unfortunately I don't have the funds to reserve this but I do think it's beautiful.
I only wish they had more prototypes of the dress posted, instead of just the line drawings. This print sure is a wonderful way to kick off fall though!I like the design of this dress. But Meta has shown lovely line designs with poor execution in the past. I think many people will find the choker bit a little costume like, but I like it and I think it could be coordinated nicely. I hope it comes back looking good, and not a hot mess.

The skirt is my favourite of the line. Not only can I see the finished product (not well, turn up the contrast Meta!) but it just seems simple enough for fall. Fall gives way to more classic stylings and warm layers, and I just feel this would fit with the aesthetic I am looking at for fall.The JSK really leaves something to be desired. Corset lacing, buttons, waist ruffles, shoulder ruffles, and what I am assuming is draped chiffon?? Meta seems like they are taking a page from the OTT book of AP with this one, but didn't quite get it right. This dress has too much going on, and they are using it for a print. I see this on either being immensely popular among the Japanese lolitas for reasons I will never understand, or popped into Lucky Packs at the end of the year because they just couldn't sell it. I could be wrong though, this dress may come back stunning, but I wouldn't get my hopes up.
Now speaking of hot messes here is the headdress for the line. It's nice to see the rectangle headdresses come out instead of head eating bows (they look silly on me) or bonnets, but this one was a mistake. They used the printed fabric in a way that just makes the headdress look like it's been soiled, and it doesn't seem well thought out. I am really not a fan of this lace,it looks scratchy like your hair would get caught on it and cause frizziness. I like the over all design, it's just executed poorly. With nicer lace and solid fabric this would be on my wishlist, but as is I want no part of. it.

Over all this line had great potential and I am sad to see how it turned out. The print is gorgeous, but with out good garment design even the most lovely of prints will look terrible

Everybody Etsy!

Welcome to Everybody Etsy! the (hopefully) weekly Etsy spotlight. I will be featuring different things I find on Etsy that fit into the lolita aesthetic and that are for fibro awareness or would benefit a fibromite.I feel like this fits into my "Season of Lolita" post. It's simple and elegant, and I would love it to be a staple of my winter wardrobe. I am a winter princess, born in January. The girl that makes these makes them in different colours and sizes to fit your needs!
Buy it here!

Call me a jewelry junkie, but here's another pretty bracelet! This is one that I feel could be worn everyday, dressed up or casual how ever you like!
Buy it here!

Do you have an Etsy Store or know of an Etsy store that you want to see featured? Email me at fibrolita@gmail.com with suggestions!

Everybody Etsy!

Welcome to Everybody Etsy! the (hopefully) weekly Etsy spotlight. I will be featuring different things I find on Etsy that fit into the lolita aesthetic and that are for fibro awareness or would benefit a fibromite.


Fibromites really appriciate a good pillow. We nap a lot and have a hard time getting comfy. My house is full of little pillows. This one also fits in to the lolita aesthetic with it's pretty print. Perfect for fibrolitas everywhere!
Buy it here!


This is a super cute, almost Deco style ring. It's some thing I would wear with my outfits for a POP of colour. Hello Kitty is a huge favourite of mine! And do I see a hint of purple for fibro awareness?
Buy it here!

Do you have an Etsy Store or know of an Etsy store that you want to see featured? Email me at fibrolita@gmail.com with suggestions!

Everybody Etsy!

Welcome to Everybody Etsy! the (hopefully) weekly Etsy spotlight. I will be featuring different things I find on Etsy that fit into the lolita aesthetic and that are for fibro awareness or would benefit a fibromite.
Today we have a pair of super cute cotton bloomers. A staple of lolita fashion and great for the fibromite. They are soft cotton, and elastic for comfort. They are great for lounging around the house it. Bloomers are my favourite kind of comfy clothes on days that I am not feeling great.
Buy them here


Next is a lovely, purple beaded bracelet with a ribbon. Wear it casual or dressy, and help spread awareness.
Buy it here


Do you have an Etsy Store or know of an Etsy store that you want to see featured? Email me at fibrolita@gmail.com with suggestions!

The Season of Lolita

Taking a page from a post I read on Lolita Charm, I've decided to make my own Season of Lolita post.

It's about making your own trend, by using your personal style. How you dream your wardrobe could go for the season. Now, I can't buy like I want to but I sure can sew. :-)

What can I say about fall... pretty colours, apples and a bit of a chill in the air. And it lasts for Oh, about a week. Then we in MinneSNOWta get winter. What can I say about winter..... OMG GET ME OUT OF THIS STATE!

I kid. Winter isn't THAT bad. Ok, it really is but lets talk fashion here.

Fall is a time of tartans, and so help me god I will get more pretty plaids in my wardrobe. I plan to wear my chiffon-like gloves at this time too. Pretty cardigans and no jacket. Thicker socks that go all the way up.. A time of purples and reds to make a stand. Pretty fascination made with autumn flowers. Apple jewelry.

When Halloween comes around I think it could be time for a candycorn theme. This is one of my favourite candies of the season, and would love to make a tote in the shape. I'd love to adorn my hair with little glittering bats, and maybe spiders (if they don't look to real they can't be scary??).

Winter comes soon after Halloween and I feel like this should be a time for velvet. Velvet in deep jewel tones, and white or black lace. Thick, cotton tights, opera gloves and just to make sure my butt stays warm I will have the fleece bloomers out by now. Tall boots trimmed with fur (faux, of course) and cute wool barets with bows. I've secretly wanted a pair of those BTSSB bunny eared ear-muffs for a while.

Any hopes you have for the season? Tell me about them in comments!

Be whimsical, be you. Live Beautifully.

Everybody Etsy!

Welcome to Everybody Etsy! the (hopefully) weekly Etsy spotlight. I will be featuring different things I find on Etsy that fit into the lolita aesthetic and that are for fibro awareness or would benefit a fibromite.

First up we have a Microwavable heating pack. You can pick your choice of natural, aromatic ingredients. I can even be used for cold therapy. I picked this particular pack for it's Victorian-esque pattern. Very fancy.

Buy it here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/52920211/microwavable-therapy-hot-and-cold-wrap?ref=sr_list_1&ga_search_query=fibromyalgia&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

Next we have a BEAUTIFUL jewelry set. It's vintage styling is very elegant and unique,. The purple gems and little ribbon signify fibro awareness. A very classy piece that people will ask you about.Buy it here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/39820388/lupus-epilepsy-cystic-fibrosis?ref=sr_list_1&ga_search_query=fibromyalgia&ga_search_type=&ga_page=&order=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

Just 2 this week! I'll keep searching and come up with more Etsy finds for you.

Do you have an Etsy Store or know of an Etsy store that you want to see featured? Email me at fibrolita@gmail.com with suggestions!

My Adventures with Savella: Weeks 2 and 3, Almost a month!

I've been putting off this post for a while now. I noticed that I only have 3 days left of my titration pack of Savella and thought I better get to it!

What can I say though, being at 50mg 2 times a day for almost 3 weeks now has been pretty swell. I haven't noticed any adverse side-effects, other than the appetite suppression. Which is good for getting off the almost 50 pounds I gained while on Lyrica. There is no increased fog like I noticed with the Lyrica. I also think I am having some improvement with pain. Today I sewed for 4 hours or so with no distractions and no pain, almost finishing an entire dress. Inevitably my back screamed "STOOOOOOPPPP!", so I did. I am very happy with what was accomplished and haven't done this well since getting sick. I'd say that is an improvement right there.

So it's not anywhere near perfect, but I have noticed a difference. I think it can only get better from here.

In other news I should be hearing about my SSI/SSDI with in the month, which will really make me feel better about my reduced work hours. Life with fibro is expensive, and very stressful when you can't work as much as you need to. I've also opened up an Etsy store selling clothing I have made. The link is www.etsy.com/seraphimfeathers If anyone here has an Etsy shop, I would love to have a look!

One last thing before I am off: The dress I was working on today is going to be featured, along with 3 other garments by me in Full Fashion Panic at SGMS. I've got until August to finish all the garments, and I feel that with this new found productivity I will be able to do that no problem. :-)

If you have any questions for me about Savella or anything covered in this blog that haven't been answered here please feel free to email me at fibrolita@gmail.com

Clothing Comfort

When you live with chronic pain comfort is key no matter what fashion you are into. Today I am going to share some of my tips for dressing comfortably that can help you no matter what your style is.

Fabrics
Choose your fabrics carefully. Different textures feel better on the skin than others. I wear a lot of cottons and other soft fabrics. Allodynia is a big problem with Fibomites, and I am no exception. Allodynia is pain that comes from touching the skin. I used to wake up some days and throw all the blankets off coz they just hurt my skin too much. It can happen from clothing too. Soft light fabrics are the key to comfort when you suffer from chronic pain. On days that I am not all dressed up and just sitting around on the couch I wear flannel bloomers and a t-shirt. The bloomers have an elastic waist and elastic around the legs. The elastic moves with me, and is not constrictive which helps my pain levels.

Elastic and shirring
Lolita is a fashion where the clothing is very tailored and well fitted. Some clothes like this can be uncomfortable to people with chronic pain. It becomes difficult to move in fitted, non stretchy garments. I have remedied this in my personal life by wearing clothing with elastic waists or a panel of shirring in the back. This way I don't feel constricted by my clothing and have an easier time getting comfortable. Make sure the elastic is loose enough so that it doesn't cut into you when you move.

Corsets
This section goes against my previous statement. Many people hear corset and think of something so tightly laced that you can't breathe, and would therefor be uncomfortable. I can say though that a properly fitted, custom made corset is one of the most comfortable things I own. While things that move with you can help with comfort, at the same time I find that something restrictive like a corset helps with back pain. It puts a little pressure on aching muscles and helps to support my back much like a knee or ankle brace would do.

Hold on to Hope

I have been thinking about starting a blog like this for a while. I was a bit concerned about how interesting it would be though. The majority of girls that I see in LiveJournal's community EGL seem to be able bodied and mostly pain free, save for a couple. I'd find myself a little envious, seeing photos from meet ups of exploration and the "jump photos". I can't jump. Not any more, But I still stayed hopeful, and thought about this blog a lot. Today I decided to plug my netbook into the modem, as my router is broken, and look at this weeks Lolita Valentines and Lolita Secrets. The Valentines were cute as usual and lifted my spirits. The secrets tend to be snarky or filled with drama, but one really hit home and I want to share it here.

I couldn't have said these words better myself. I know exactly how the poster feels. Everyday is a challenge, and most days I don't even leave the house. On those days I end to sit around in my PJs and try to cope. I do little things like draw or some sewing, but even that on some days is too much for me. Some days I just throw on a t-shirt and jeans if I have to go out, coz I don't have the energy for putting on the frills. I spend the rest of those days depressed and feeling awkward.

So, here I am to share the tips of how I make it through each day, living beautifully. I hope you can take something away from my posts whether you are completely healthy, have the flu, or a chronic pain disorder like I do.

I hope you are feeling well today, and I will see you next time.