2009 in Review

This year, I was lucky enough to get/make for myself:
This year I discovered Gothic and Lolita. As you can see from my blog I bought my first outfits, got involved with the local Lolita community, made wonderful new girlfriends and am starting to express myself through Lolita.

Next year, I hope to have more of:
More meetups and contribute more time and energy to the local Lolita scene. Add some brand pieces (Angelic Pretty, BTSSB and others to my wardrobe). Be open to all different types of Lolita fashion and expression. I plan to attend AWA in September 2010.

My favourite lolita memory of 2oo9 was:
The Intermezzo meet up in November. Had such a great time chatting with and making new girlfriends.

Love
Andrea Nicole Baker

Happy New Year 2010

Happy New Year 2010. I have always loved the song "Auld Lang Syne". I much prefer the Scots pronunciation.

If you remember the song from the movie Sex in the City it was sung this way. I love her voice. Here are the lyrics

Shid ald akwentans bee firgot,

an nivir brocht ti mynd?
Shid ald akwentans bee firgot,
an ald lang syn?

CHORUS:

Fir ald lang syn, ma jo,
fir ald lang syn,
wil tak a cup o kyndnes yet,
fir ald lang syn.
An sheerly yil bee yur pynt-staup!
an sheerly al bee myn!
An will tak a cup o kyndnes yet,
fir ald lang syn.

CHORUS
We twa hay rin aboot the braes,
an pood the gowans fyn;
Bit weev wandert monae a weery fet,
sin ald lang syn.

CHORUS
We twa hay pedilt in the burn,
fray mornin sun til dyn;
But seas between us bred hay roard
sin ald lang syn.

CHORUS
An thers a han, my trustee feer!
an gees a han o thyn!
And we’ll tak a richt gude-willie-waucht,
fir ald lang syn.
CHORUS

Best wishes for a happy, healthy and Lolita New Year

Love

Andrea Nicole Baker

A Lolita Meme

This is the original post that inspired this Lolita Meme.

1. Best Lolita fashion advice you've ever received?
To love the feminine nature of the fashion. To make a unique fashion statement because Gothic and Lolita offers so much room for individualism.

2. Style icons?
I am still learning. But I follow two wonderful Lolita girls who are my role models. They are such creative, intelligent and lovely girls who adore the fashion, the lifestyle and then bring those into their everyday life. Caro-Chan from fyeahlolita and Victoria Suzanne from Lolita Charm . I am also reading anything I can find about Novala Takemoto who has made many contributions to Lolita fashion.

Maki and Asuka from Angelic Pretty are definitely in my beginning group of icons.



3. Describe your personal style.
I am most definitely a sweet lolita. I adore pink and pastels. But I also enjoy gothic and classic Lolita. I love pink and black together. I'm still experimenting with different looks. I love Angelic Pretty but some of the dresses are not sophisticated enough for me to wear to work and be taken seriously. I have a gorgeous Classic Lolita dress from a local designer, Megan Maude, that I adore (right).

4. Favorite designers/brands?
I adore Angelic Pretty. Just ordered my first dress and accessories. Hope to have it in January. I also love BTSSB and h.NAOTO.
Hope to add those to my wardrobe in the next year. I also have some cute "Sweet" outfits from F+F.



5. Most cherished items? I love all my fashions. But I cherish my girlfriends first and foremost. Without them this would not be so much fun! Sharing common interests and discovering EGL together is the best!

6. Most used item?

My black Gothic Lolita JSK and blouse. Even with the cute multi-colored knee socks it looks cute and pretty.

7. I feel best wearing?
Anything Gothic and Lolita. Of course, I love all elegant, pretty and gorgeous fashions. Adore dressing to the nines for any occasion.


8. The first thing I look for in another Lolita's outfit...
All the little things that make an outfit look gorgeous. The fabric, style and design, lots of ruffles, pin tucks, prettybows, color and shaping.

9. Lolita Fashion rule you never break?
Always, always wear a petticoat under my skirt to give it the poofy look. Always wear hair bows and jewelry that compliments my outfit.

10. Never caught wearing?
Pants or casual clothes. I love dressing up no matter where I go out (except to the gym, etc)

11. Dress to impress who?
Myself! But I love compliments from anyone. LOL

12. Your next "must have" purchase?
A Baby (BTSSB) dress or JSK. Have not decided on which style or pattern yet. They are all so lovely!

13. Favorite type of head accessory?
Love my head bows. Small or large. Front or side. They truly complete an outfit! Plus they are so noticeable as "Lolita".

14. Favorite cut of clothing (shirring, high waist, princess seams etc)?
Shirring because it fits so well. I have always loved full (poofy) skirts. Plus petticoats are so beautiful and girly.

15. Current obsession?
Building a complete Gothic and Lolita wardrobe so that I can dress Lolita to work and everywhere else and not have to wear the same thing more than twice a month.

16. Best Lolita fashion advice you can give to anyone:
Know what flatters and looks good on you and the accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!

Love

Andrea Nicole Baker

"What Did You Get?!?"

Back in elementary school, I remember friends phoning me at 9 am Christmas morning asking, "What did you get?!?"
We'd compare our Christmas hauls, and then hang up, eager to break in our new toys.

Without breaking tradition; this is what jolly old St. Nick braught me this year:

A Coach purse from Ryan =) I wanted a nice classic leather purse that would go with lots of different outfits. My current Coach bag that I take to work every day is getting a little worn out. I Love this new one, it's just what I wanted =)New Perfume =) I decided on what new perfume I wanted back in October, I think. I love love love the scent of this Chloe perfume. It's really sweet and just amazing =) I was a little dissapointed when I opened this present that I thought was going to be Chloe, and found that Ryan had gotten be D&G The One, instead :(. I figured with the amount he had spent on it, it may as well be the one I REALLY wanted, so we took it back to The Bay and exchanged it for this set =)

My sister gave me and Ryan these funny bride and groom survival guides. I haven't started reading them yet but I'm sure they'll be great.This is one my fave gifs this year =) It's a book all about cats that I haven't been able to put down. Everything you could ever want to know, from old folklore to modern day care is covered. The pictures are so adorable.

Me and Ryan at his parents house on Christmas day.

Hope you had a great Christmas and an even better New Year!!

Kim Harrison 2009

A pair of shoes that make her steps feel princess-like

Just the other day I came across another wonderful post from Victoria Suzanne at Lolita Charm. It is called 30 things every Lolita should have. Such a sweet list! I smiled at each one that I have. Making a note of the ones I still need to work on. Of course that reminded myself that one of my Loli resolutions for 2010 is to set aside one day a month as my "Princess Day". Jan 31 will be the first one. More on that later.

Number 15 is "a pair of shoes that make her steps feel princess-like". I had just purchased the lovely pair of shoes you see on the left to go with the strawberry F+F skirt. (I'm still looking for the perfect pink or red blouse to complete the outfit. (any suggestions?) Plus strawberry earrings, bracelet, necklace. strawberry lip gloss and anything else (that might be strawberry) to completely accessorize the outfit. Hope I'm not allergic to strawberries. LOL

Last weekend I wore the heels out for the first time to complement my pink suede skirt suit. I felt like I was floating as clouds on air do. How do I explain that every step felt princess like? I have felt that way before in a gorgeous evening gown and lovely heels to match. But that is directly channeling Cinderella. Nothing wrong with that! But this is different. I must have received at least a dozen compliments on those shoes. Ladies telling me how pretty and sweet they look. Can't wait to see the reaction when I finally put the complete outfit and look together.

Love
Andrea Nicole Baker

Dal Maretti Angelic Pretty Lolita Doll - Thanks for the lovely present

I received such a cute and wonderful present this Holiday! The photo is one I took this morning. Isn't she adorable? This is what is known as a Pullip doll. They actually have the original printed fabric.

Angelic Pretty is a name of Japanese fashion company specializing in Lolita fashion, created in 1979. In their own words, they are a brand for girls who never forget to dream, and who want to stay being lovely. Angelic Pretty sells an assortment of girly clothes, accessories and shoes. Including sweet lolita coats, dresses, JSKs, blouses, cutsews, skirts, headdresses, petticoats and bloomers, shoes, socks, bags and more. As well as the brand's popularity in Japan, Angelic pretty is increasingly becoming one of the most well known Lolita brands world wide. The company opened an official English site to cater for their fast growing foreign customers.

Love
Andrea Nicole Baker

Merry Christmas Eve!

WOW it's been awhile since I've posted, so SORRY for that.

I've had this whole week off and have been running around Christmas shopping, and getting all of my gifts ready for people =)

I can't believe tomorrow is Christmas Day! Are you excited?! I get to open one of my gifts from Ryan today, because we'll be at our parents' different houses tonight. Tomorrow we'll meet back up again.
We ended up not getting a tree this year. We were going to, but only really had time to get it the week before Christmas; so we wondered what the point would be. We won't be here on Christmas eve or day anyways.... These are some of our presents to eachother.

We tried getting BB into the Christmas spirit with a santa hat, but mostly she just walked around like this ..Speaking of CATS, we are getting another KITTEN!! I decided to get that for Ryan as a Christmas gift. We won't get to take him home until the New Year as he's only about 8 weeks old, but we drove out to see them last night and decided on one!! I'm so excited to finally have a friend for BB =)

I've also been busy the last couple days painting this bird house as a gift for Ryan's parents. Here it is almost done, I just need to paint the perch and prime it so they can keep it outside. What do you think?

Well, I hope you all have a WONDERFUL Christmas. Thanks to my couple new followers, I'll be sure to check out your blogs as soon as I can!!

Happy Holidays 2009

Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
- John Lennon




Happy Holidays!
Love
Andrea Nicole Baker

Backstage Dior

I noticed a short article in the NY Times styles section today about a new photography book, Backstage Dior, from Veteran New York photographer Roxanne Lowit. She has chronicled John Galliano’s fashion shows for over a decade. As per the review:

"With a rough-hewn, up-close approach she delves into the fascinating details behind the scenes. Her collection of snapshotstyle photographs convey the buzz of fashion’s consistently most inspiring spectacle. A bold mixture of color and black-and-white, these images are by turns whimsical and awe-inspiring. As much a star as the celebrities she profiles, Lowit brings an insider perspective to this world of high glamour."

Lowit's new book "Backstage Dior," released today, is an effervescent and whimsical look at John Galliano's ready-to-wear and couture shows for Christian Dior. Taken over the last ten years, the mixture of black and white and color photographs vibrantly reflect the rather magical and always high-energy life backstage at a Dior show.


coolechicstylefashion review

New York Times Style Magazine interview with the photographer.

Go See Review

So if any of my friends is still trying to find the right present for me then this would be a lovely gift.

Love
Andrea Nicole Baker

Memoirs of a Geisha

First I borrowed the book from my sister ...

Then I saw the movie one cold November night ...

Then I fell in love ...

You've probably noticed by the pictures on my side bar that I have a thing for geishas. The secrets and mystery that surrounded them, or at least said elements portrayed in the Memoirs book and movie, intrigue me. Don't ask me what it is, because I couldn't tell you, but they've always fascinated me....

Ryan Axani 2009

...Imagine my delight then at receiving this beautiful painting my fiance did. I love it, and it hangs on a wall in my condo for all to see.

You Know What I Like .... BLOGGAWARDS!!

The lovely Emily at Emily Loves was kind enough to tag me with another sweet sweet award =)" I frequently read your blog"

Thanks Doll, because I do the exact same.=)

I tag ALL of my followers, because I frequently keep up with all of their posts =) See the lovely ladies' (and couple men's) links to the side to see what I mean. And if you want this award yourself then follow your girl and display it on your sidebar=)

Lolita Lifestyle and me

There is so much more to "Lolita" than the fashion. I feel strongly that the lovely fashions are all about expressing one's individuality (and sharing interests in the style with girlfriends!). But there is so much more to being a Lolita .

As my friend Skye says "It's about finding a way to discover your own inner strengths and develop the confidence and grace of a Princess, while gaining an appreciation of the virtues of a more beautiful way of life."

Victoria Suzanna, from Lolita Charm has a wonderful post all about being a lifestyle Lolita. I adore her attitude. "The great thing about lifestyle lolita is that you get to cherry-pick what you want from it. If it makes you happy, do it! No matter what you decide is an important facet in your lifestyle definition, I think i can safely say they're all about adding something beautiful to your life".

She has another insightful post where she tries to clear up some misconceptions about Lolita Lifestyle. "The true lolita does not just play at being her idea of a lolita. She doesn't have to be. She simply is one, and that means going to work, wearing her clothes when she has time, and eating a decent tuna sandwich for lunch. It means going for a jog on Sunday mornings, in track pants, and when you get back, enjoying your favorite blend of tea. It is called a lifestyle because it is life."

So I did some reading and decided to take these 6 ideas to start with and incorporate them into my life in 2010.



1. Get a Lolita pen pal, learn how to write a proper formal letter and send it on pretty scented paper, send gifts and things for each others birthdays. You might want to purchase a quill or dip pen, its fun to write with when you get used to it and has an old fashioned feel.

2. Visit the library and look for some suitable reads while you await the next Gothic and Lolita Bible. Fiction: Look for victorian romances, classic children’s stories, compilations of fairytales, gothic novels etc. Non-fiction: books on Victorian fashion and life, crafts, cooking, pattern books etc.

3. Set aside one day a month to be your “Princess day”, put on your favourite outfit and spoil yourself like a little princess for just one day, eat yummy desserts and pamper your royal self.


4. You may like to write poetry, a popular form in Japan is Haiku. Learn the forms of haiku and traditional poetry and use them to express your feelings and appreciation of nature. Poems also make nice gifts.


5. Do some research into the history of the Lolita fashion. Familiarise yourself with the bands, artists and designers who inspired it. It’s always good to have an understanding of where you fashion started and how it’s progressed over the years.


6. Find yourself a pretty charm bracelet. It can be a lot of fun to find lolita charms to add to it, keys, hearts, crowns, bows, butterflies. It’s traditional to buy charms for special events too, to help you remember them.

I'll be blogging about my progress on these goals in the next year.
Love
Andrea Nicole

Christmas Parties and Treats.

Why, Hello =)

Here's what I've been up to the last few days ...

On Friday after work I went to Pet Smart and baught a little Santa Hat for my kitty. It was only five bucks so I couldn't really argue. When I got home and put it on her, it fell off immediately. :( It was too big for her little head. I think it was made just for a dog. Oh well, it was worth a try...

Saturday was Ryan's (my fiancee) work Christmas party in Banff

Had to take a pic while driving up there =)Such a pretty town.At the party

On Sunday we headed back to Calgary and celebrated my sister's birthday at my parent's house. The big 3-0.

Monday was a very good day for me, present-wise=)

Ryan gave me these beautiful flowers at work. I also got some really nice Christmas cards from co-workers, some Purdy's chocolates, and some really nice body shop soaps from my boss.

So far today (Tuesday) I've gotten another box of chocolates from Bernard Callibout. I love the weeks leading up to Christmas =)

Now it's time for me to catch up on my blog reading list, and see the new COOL people who decided to follow me =)

A Princess, A Frog, and Weekend Wishes

Is anyone as excited as I am to see Disney's The Princess and the Frog? I am so thrilled at their reversion back to pencil drawings in bringing this beloved fairy tale to life. The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Aladdin - these were happy-childhood staples that I see huge similarities to in the previews for Princess. Classic sketches, almond-shaped-eyed heroines, and catchy soundtracks are what I loved the most about vintage Disney, and they're all here again! Cinderella is still my favorite; I baught the special edition dvd, and even have the sequels! Hopefully sometime over my Christmas break I will get to catch these new pages of the old book. Let me know how it is if you've already seen it!

In Other News ...

I saw Brothers last night, starring Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhal, and Natalie Portman. What can I say? It was different than I had expected, but I still felt rewarded by the time the credits rolled. I'm a sucker for intense performances, and I wasn't dissapointed in that respect. I feel the storyline and plot could have been streamlined to create a more coherent theme, but the acting was second to none. I will take solid performances with weakness in plot over shoddy acting and a tight line anyday. I'm enchanted with thespians who don't act, but become. This is the reason I adore such movies as Revolutionary Road and Memoirs of a Geisha; while the plots are shaky, the acting and camera shots are elements I could view repeatedly. The intense fight between Winslet and Dicapprio in Road was nothing short of remarkable, and I could contentedly set that scene on repeat. I love feeling a sense of passion while watching actors on screen; seeing them completely and believabley lash out before me is strangely therapeutic. Maguire's performance braught just such remedy, and was revolutionary for the cookie cutter super- hero. He shone without the promise of special effect to overshadow potential performance weakness.

The overall theme of this movie is the perril of War; the way it rips families apart for generations. The kinship of the two brothers was merely touched upon. I would recomend it if you can appreciate strong acting, and enjoyabley depart from a blatent theme. Think Rachel Getting Married, Love Happens, and Revolutionary Road.

With That Said ..

Have a great weekend!!!

Gothic Lolita - JSK and Blouse

This is my new Gothic Lolita dress. It is a JSK - Back Tiered Pintuck Frills Dress worn with a black frilly blouse. There are tiered pleated pintucks & frills and small bow-ties with a line of buttons in the front and shirring back. Plus a small petticoat underneath to give it the "pouf" look. You might have noticed me in this dress in an earlier posting. You should be able to be able to see the lovely details of this gorgeous outfit.

I also found some very pretty knees socks that add some color to the black outfit. How about that pretty black head bow? I'm standing outside of the Girli Girl Boutique in downtown Buford, Ga. It's a cute boutique filled with racks of gorgeous gowns and dresses!


The back view shows the cute bow tied around my waist. You can see the cute knee socks and colors from that angle too. The head bow is much more visible from this angle.

Although the name 'Gothic' Lolita alludes to goth fashion as a whole, the style is primarily influenced by victorian inspired goth style and not cyber goth or industrial style.

A Gothic Lolita outfit like all Lolita styles, is very modest in today's standards. As with other Lolita styles a Gothic Lolita outfit can usually be recognised by the bell-shaped skirt, and puff-sleeves. A Gothic Lolita outfit is usually comprised of black or rich dark colors such as burgundy, purple and navy. It is common for this style to involve details in complementary or contrasting colors, such as the infamous black and white coordination choice.



Makeup for this style can range from a light natural look to a dramatic smokey eye with a dark red lip depending on the outfit and occasion. A common mistake by beginners that is worth mentioning is the use of black lipstick and whiteface. Both whiteface and black lipstick take away from the elegance of the lolita style and should only be used as stage makeup as a general rule.

The term 'Gothic Lolita' is often confused with the term 'Elegant Gothic Lolita,' which was coined by the Japanese musician Mana to describe the clothes of his brand Moi-Meme-Moitie.

Love
Andrea Nicole baker