Chess Print JSK and craft exchange

I recently purchased the Emily Temple Cute 'Chess Pieces' print jumperskirt in blue, this is the first brand new dress I have bought from ETC. I totally fell in love with the print and style of the jumperskirt. The material is a lovely light cotton that shows up the detail of the print fantastically. The dress is fully lined and features a ruffled chiffon hem on the lining. I really love the dark brown velveteen straps which give me licence to co-ordinate it with autumnal dark browns.

Jumperskirt: Emily Temple Cute
Blouse: Oasis
Jacket: Monsoon
Bag: Loris (Taobao shop)
Boots: Jane Norman

 I looked everywhere for the perfect tweed jacket (thats not too old fashioned and more brown than grey) I even considered buying the same Topman jacket that I bought my brother but thankfully it didn't fit. I know that would have been a serious mistake since the silhouette of men's jackets is completely different to women's and it would not have worked with any of my lolita dresses. Luckily I managed to find a nice tweed jacket in Monsoon, although I wasn't to keen on the elbow patches but I think they are growing on me ^_^. It was quite a pricey jacket and a couple of days later I found an equally nice (possibly more so) tweed jacket in Bershka >_> so it really pays to look around before you buy!

Close up of print and blouse detail

I really love how well the blouse works with the ribbon detail of the print, it was completely by accident and I almost returned the blouse because I didn't have anything to go with it so this was quite lucky.I wanted to wear this outfit to the Alice in Wonderland exhibit meet-up but unfortunately I was working that day so couldn't go, hopefully I will get to see the exhibit soon!

Also in August I participated in a lolita craft-exchange with fellow UK loli's, I got paired up with the wonderful and imensley talented Wai-yi. I asked if she could paint me picture of a lolita wearing Alice and the Pirates 'Midsummer Nights Dream' in Navy which is possibly my favourite print. Lets just say my jaw dropped when I saw the finished painting, it was beyond words!

I was absolutely astounded by the detail of the painting,  it's absolutely gorgeous. I couldn't have been more happier with my craft-exchange ^_^ In return I made Wai-yi a headress to match her Baby, the Stars Shine Bright 'Mother Goose' jumperskirt, as well as few deco sweet accessories. I really hoped she liked them, you can see more pictures of my craft exchange items at Wai-yi's blog. All-in-all I thoroughly enjoyed my craft exchange experience and I hope to take part in another one if I have time ;-)

A different take..

Recently I said I have purchased the Alice and the Pirates Operetta Bouquet jsk, I did so through mbok auction site and luckily got it for a much lower price (well not really that much lower after you factor shopping service charge and shipping). This is the first lolita item that I am really happy with, possibly since I've been oogling it up since it was released. I even wore it to work and to the farm (not a good idea!) but I've seen that BABY have re-released the print, at first I was a bit disheartened but I'm deffinately not fond of this new style jsk.

As much as i love the green fabric and the print, the dress looks a lot more cluttered than the original design. The bodice looks more corseted and 'pointy' at the bottom whereas the first release was quite loose at the bodice (I can say the bodice is quite big! it's really loose on me) So the fitted look of this jsk probably suits it better and will give a nice definition. The part absolutely hate is the underskirt lining, it could be white or beige you can't really say from the photos but I really dislike it. It cheapens the overall look and makes it look a bit messy, although I do like how they omitted the satin ribbon along the skirt. That would be the one part of the original design I was no too keen on as well as the white lace since the collar is a beige fabric. I'm curious to know whether the lace on the shoulder straps is white or beige. All in all I don't think this was much of an improvement but I'm glad Baby are experimenting with different colours and fabrics.

I most definitely cannot afford anything new now but if the opportunity arises I would definitely like to get hold of the matching green hairbows although I know they would never stay in my hair. I'm not entirely sure how these should be worn.

 Finally, I gotta say I've been extremely bored at home, hence making this blog but whatever keeps me occupied and literate I suppose.