Charm Bracelets

I love charm bracelets. They are so cute and adorable. I always wondered what the origins of charm bracelets are so I checked out wikipedia:

The wearing of charms may have begun as a form of amulet to ward off evil spirits or bad luck. In ancient Egypt charms were used for identification and as symbols of faith and luck. Charms also served to identify an individual to the gods in the afterlife. Medieval knights wore charms for protection in battle. Charms also were worn in the Dark Ages to represent family origin, religious and political convictions.

Charm bracelets have been the subject of several waves of trends. Queen Victoria wore charm bracelets that started a fashion among the European noble classes. Soldiers returning home after World War II brought home trinkets made by craftsmen local to the area where they were fighting to give to loved ones, American teenagers in the 1950s and early 1960s collected charms to record the events in their lives. Although interest and production waned through the latter part of the 20th century, there was a resurgence of popularity after 2000 and collectors eagerly sought out vintage charms. Due to the movie Pirates of the Caribbean, the fashion in winter 2006 was bracelets with little charms of swords, crosses and skulls.

Since 2002, a new trend for European charm bracelets has emerged in both Europe and North America. These modular bracelets consist of a chain onto which different beads or 'charms' can be put. The charms are made from gold, silver or Murano glass and are interchangeable to allow the wearer to create their own look.

Unfortunately most of the charm bracelets I have bought or received have been rather cheap and have broken. I love the idea of creating my own individual charm bracelet which in unique to me. One of my goals for 2010 is to find myself 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 followed-up on my Juicy Couture post and visited their one store in Atlanta. They had such a lovely selection of high quality charm bracelets plus gorgeous charms. The cupcake is a remembrance of the November meet-up. The tea cup will be a reminder of the fancy high tea meet up next week. I'm looking for a carousel charm for the carousel meet-up.

I also found this cute site for handmade lolita charms. Might be a nice option of a gift for your favorite Lolita

Love,
Andrea Nicole Baker

Spring Shopping Guide

I subscribe to the "Daily fashion Flash" and the "weekly style.com news". The 20-Jan newsletter was so striking because of the colorful photo. Love the bows!

Check out the new Spring Shopping Guide on style.com. It's such a creative and fun way to see lots of spring styles (and then link to where to find them). The outfit is from Marc Jacobs. I adore the printed skirt.

BTW - I received my "Alice in Wonderland book of Shadows" from Urban Decay yesterday. The book is truly fab. The eyes shadows are gorgeous!

Love,
Andrea Nicole Baker

Mariah Carey - The Angels Advocate Tour Concert

I went to the Fox Theatre last night with a couple of girlfriends to see Mariah Carey on her Angels Advocate Tour. This is for the release of her Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel Album. Check out this video from her New Year's Eve concert kickoff.

Here is a review of one of her concert stops from TrueCleffMusic (for those who want a review).

I have seen Mariah in concert (at Phillips Arena) two previous times (2000 and 2006). The Fox Theatre venue is so much more intimate than the cavernous sports arena. I was impressed at how she has evolved her concert personna. Lots more chatting with the audience, much more support from terrific dancers. Less silliness and much more terrific music. The "It's a wrap" from her new album was a highlight. I loved some of the old favorites she did. "Honey", "Emotions", "Hero" and a few others. Frankly, it hardly matters that some people say she is a shameless self promoter. She puts on a great show. Her audience loves her. Some photos from the concert.

Andrea Nicole Baker

Happy Birthday To ME=)

I'm a little late with this, but wanted poest the pics from my bday a few weeks ago!!

I've been so busy lately, I wish I had more time blog .. thanks to my few new followers ... Talk to you soon!

Ruffles Reign on the Red Carpet

Let's be clear. I have no idea who won the Golden Globe awards. All I really care about is the fashion. So here is what impressed me. There was a sea of ruffles that ran from delicate to dramatic. I adore ruffles. You knew that!

EMILY BLUNT (left)- Wearing a Dolce and Gabbana and carryng a Ferragamo clutch. The dress with the long train looks fantastic on her!


















CHLOE SEVIGNY(right) - Dress by Valentino. She said the dress felt etheral, innocent and sexy on her.





















LEA MICHELE (left)- Black Oscar de la Renta gown with Chopard jewels. She says she felt like a Princess. Where can I buy this gown?



















ZOE SALADNA (right)- The ruffles have rows of Rosettes at panels at the bottom of the dress. Neil Lane jewels.



















SANDRA BULLOCK (Left) - Wearing a sheer purple Bottega Veneta Gown. She said "The minute I put this on it felt like me"



















MARIAH CAREY (Right) - I'll tell you in my next post why I included her.
















Andrea Nicole Baker

Kamikaze Girls

Finally had a chance to watch the film, Kamikaze Girls, with some girlfriends. Kamikaze Girls centers around two students, Momoko Ryugasaki (Kyoko Fukada) and Ichigo "Ichiko" Shirayuri (Anna Tsuchiya), who are from completely different backgrounds: one is a Lolita girl, the other a Yankī. The story showcases their special bond. The movie was filmed in the town of Shimotsuma, in the Ibaraki Prefecture in Eastern Japan. The movie was produced in 2004. Movie Trailer. Official Site and news.

There are lots of reviews online so I'm not going to do a formal review just share some of my reactions.

The movie is delightful and beautiful. Loved the narrative style and the occasional animation. Lots of things borrowed from Japanese sub-culture. Quite an interesting portrayal of teenage girls and their friendships.

Momoko, who was born near Kobe, wishes that she had been born in Rococo-era France. Her depiction of the Rococo era is one of the most humorous parts of the movie. Momoko is a sweet lolita. At some level I found myself identifying with her.
Momoko has to go to Tokyo to shop for clothes. Her challenge is that she is always short of money for the trip and the pretty clothes she wants to buy. We see her in Tokyo at the Baby, The Stars Shine Bright, the shop where she buys her frilly Lolita dresses.

She decides to sell some of her father's fake Versace products, and meets Ichigo, who answers an advertisement she has placed about selling the clothes. Ichigo is a racy, boyish type who belongs to an all-girl motorcycle gang. The major thread of the movie is seeing how their relationship evolves from one of total dysfunction to mutual respect and friendship.
Momoko is an island unto herself. Not needing people or friends. Quite a little philosopher who knows it all by age 16.

"Fashion became my teacher," Momoko says. "It taught me how to live. When I see clothes, they speak to me. They make me want to be worthy of them." In the end, friendship does the same for her, freeing her from her own rules just enough to connect with others.

The movie is rather frivolous and like a girl's comic book. But it is actually touching. You really feel warmth and personality from the two girls. Well worth a couple hours of entertainment.

Andrea Nicole Baker

Baile Couture: Olga Maliuk in Elle Spain

I had to share these gorgeous fashion photos. I usually don't just post a set of photos. But I am making an exception for this.

The captivating elements of Baile Couture: Beautiful Ukrainian model Olga Maliuk, the glorious city of Venice and the gorgeous imagery of festival and dance make for quite an enticing editorial in December 2009 Elle Spain. Photographer Riccardo Tinelli

The Fashion Time
Don't Click Plz
Lady Lux
trinifashionista
Runway Couture
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Love

Andrea Nicole baker

New Baby - Tibbs!

Meet our new baby kitten - Tibbs!

We went and picked him up last night an he is SUCH a doll. He slept ON MY CHEST the entire night, completely nestled in. I love him so much!!!

Beautiful Blogger Award

Miss P was kind enough to honour me with the "Beautiful Blogger" award on January 11.

Rules:
1. Thank the person who gave you the award
2. Paste the award on your blog

3. Link the person who nominated you for the award

4. Tell 7 interesting things about yourself

5. Nominate 7 bloggers or less

6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominated

7 Interesting Things?

hmmm, ok ....

1.I'm the only one in my entire family who is 100% Canadian. My sister, parents, and entire extended family are born and bred British. My parents immigrated to Canada 3 years before I was born.

2.I love being casual and comfy, and live in my uggs on weekends. (In the winter at least)

3.I like doing crafts in my spare time

4.I just turned 25

5.I just adopted a grey, white, and black tabby kitten =)

6.I love buying and reading all kinds of books

7.I love romance and am 100% in love with my fiance!!

I tag all of you who took the time to read this=) Copy and paste the image and blog away!!

Sidenote:

Sorry I haven't updated in so long .. I hate when I get so caught up in other things that blogging gets pushed to the wayside. Ever notice the longer you go without blogging, the easier it is to NEVER update?? The fact I've been insanely busy hasn't helped either. I've got my full time job, my part time job, school, and a new kitten ..... blah blah blah, everyone gets busy, but I'm really feeling it now ...

Birthday pics and my new kitten pics coming soon!!

Alice and OPI

Just saw this ad in my latest issue of Allure. Fun opportunity for me to blog about two topics.

Alice in Wonderland Movie.
Alice in Wonderland is an upcoming fantasy-adventure film directed by Tim Burton. It is an extension to the Lewis Carroll novels Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. The film will use a technique combining live action and motion capture. Mia Wasikowska plays the role of Alice, alongside Johnny Depp as The Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham Carter as The Red Queen, Anne Hathaway as The White Queen, and Crispin Glover as The Knave of Hearts. The film is scheduled for release on March 5, 2010 and the film will be released through Walt Disney Pictures in Disney Digital 3-D and IMAX 3-D, as well as in regular theaters.

Here is the official trailer. The animation looks amazing and Johnny Depp, as the Mad Hatter, is ingenious. Just a reminder of the wonderful films that Tim Burton has made: Beetlejuice; Batman, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Sleepy Hollow, Charley and the Chocolate Factory and many others. I cant wait. I'm planning on seeing that on IMAX.


Now to the other topic, I love OPI nail lacquer. While it is a little more expensive that other nail polishes is it well worth it. My manicures stay fresh and unchipped for so much longer. There is a huge array of shaded from pastel to very deep. It is the choice of nail salons for professional manicures. When I go to my nail salon I usually bring my own selection of color. I probably have about a dozen OPI bottles. This way I am never disappointed with the exact color and look I desire. I also love their marketing. The new Alice collection comes in some of the following colors (see the ad above): Thanks, so Muchness; Absolutely Alice; Mad as a Hatter, Off with her Red. Who is the creative person that comes up with these names?


OMG! I just saw this! Urban Decay will be launching the Alice in Wonderland Book of Shadows. Apparently this will be launched on January 15 on UrbanDecay.com.

Inside a hidden drawer lies 16 best-selling eyeshadows, with names like White Rabbit (white - 2nd Row, 2nd Column), Midnight Tea Party (golden beige - 3rd Row, 3rd Column), Mad Hatter (reddish brown - bottom row, 3rd Column), Queen (shimmery mauve - top Row, last Column), Mushroom (muted grey - 3rd Row, 2nd Column), Jabberwocky (black - bottom row, last column), Oraculum (shimmery golden orange - top Row, 3rd Column) and (of course!) Alice (bright blue - top row). A travel-size Primer Potion and two 24/7 Eye Pencils are also included. Absolutely Dreamy!

Love
Andrea Nicole Baker

Juicy Couture

I had this photo taken next to a Juicy Couture display in front of Macys last Sunday at the Lolita Meet-up. Aren't those manikans adorable? How about the pink hair? I was asked if I was a Juicy Couture Model. Nice compliment. Now that sounds like a fun opportunity. In any case I really know nothing about "Juicy". So here is a quick post about what I have learned. Juicy us a brand of clothing, fashion, jewelry and fragrances. I also learned that there is a local Juicy store at Phipps in Atlanta. I promise to go check it out sometime this month!


Juicy Couture is a contemporary line of both casual and dressy apparel based in Arleta, California, founded by Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor. Now owned by the Liz Claiborne fashion company, Juicy is known for their signature velour tracksuits as well as other clothing and accessories. The line is sold in upscale department stores (Bloomingdale's, Lord & Taylor, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue), as well as Juicy Couture flagship stores and boutiques. Juicy Couture is marketed as a high-end clothing line at an affordable price, and is aimed at women ages 14–26.

First page I came across was a wonderful selection of charms from Juicy. One of my 6 Lolita goals for the year is about Charm bracelets. (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.) The first charm I am going to buy will be something related to the the High Tea Meet-up in 3 weeks.

Polyvore has an extensive page of Juicy Couture accessories and clothing. This is the official blog of Polyvore Juicy Couture.

Serena Van Der Woodsen at her mom's wedding in Gossip Girl's final episode of the first season. Love the frills, the flowers and all the accessories.

Yellow Fever by Grace Oon featuring Luella

The packing of the Juicy fragrances are adorable. This is Juicy's "It Girl" fragrance.
It is described as "Introducing Juicy Couture's 'it girl' fragrance. Where she goes, the party follows. Her rule? Do the don'ts: show off, be loud, spoil yourself, talk to strangers-and love life! This scent opens with a top of succulent pink grape accord frolicking in a field of natural orange flower and mandarin. A heart of blushed plum and honeysuckle flirts with bold star jasmine. At back, creamy sandalwood lazes with moist amber in a haze of rich vanilla. Mix it with love and make the world smell good." Have to check that out!

For no real reason at all I just had to include this gorgeous ad for the Juicy "It Girl" fragrance. I adore her black dress, the handbag and the beautiful design. Notice the glitter (fairy dust?) that is being blown from her hand onto the guy? Makes you think about a possible anime story or fairy tale. Please share your thoughts.

Love
Andrea Nicole Baker

Gothic and Lolita Bible #35 (Dec 2009)

I received the Gothic and Lolita Bible vol 35 (Japanese version) in the mail a few weeks ago. I love the English version (which I can read) but the Japanese version is also full of interesting pictures and content.

As the cover alludes to, this season's issue is all about the winter colors of black and white, or as it's put in the mook, "angel" and "devil" styles. Angel and Deamon fashion special, a look into the rooms of japanese lolitas, The Lady of Habsburg fashion story and a peek at the new prints from Innocent World and Angelic Pretty's "Dessert collection". On the first cover is a page of Angel vs Devil stickers. Nice touch!

One major difference between the English and japanese versions is that there are mny more ads for the major brands. Full page spreads for Angelic Pretty, Baby the Stars Shine Bright, Innocent World, Mary Magdalane, H. Naoto and so much more. There is a lot more of gothic, kuro and shiro Lolita styles in this issue than in many of the recent ones, which have focused more heavily on sweet Lolita for spring, summer and fall.

There is also a special insert section about make-up. How to be an Angel or Devil. Sweet Angel, Classic Angel, Gothic Devil and Cute Devil. Unfortunately the instructions are in Japanese. But you get a good idea of the look from the photos.

On the inside back cover is a gorgeous photo of Angelic Pretty's "Dessert collection". This photo does not really do it justice. It is gorgeous! There are many Angelic Pretty New Items Gifts surrounding the dress. The dress is gorgeous! 100% sweet, of course. So many different shades of my favorite color - Pink.





The Lady of Habsburg fashion story has the most gorgeous photos. Wish I could read the text, This is one of them. Quite stunning. What could be much sweeter?

One other thing that I truly love is a look into the rooms of japanese lolitas. Four wonderful color pages. All the way from Gothic to Sweet. The issue is worth buying just for that.


Love
Andrea Nicole Baker

Say Yes to the Dress

I'm not the type of girl who watches much television, Seems to me to be a great wasteland (with a few exceptions). But I have always had an interest in the show "Say Yes to the Dress". I finally got the chance to watch it last night.

"Say Yes to the Dress reveals the inner workings of the world's premier bridal salon, Kleinfeld Bridal. Part fashion show, part bridal story, part family therapy, the series uncovers the hurdles every staff member faces to make each bride completely satisfied on what may be the single most important day of her life.
Watch as a team of specialists guides brides through the process of selecting, fitting, altering and delivering each flawless dress in time for the perfect day. It's not a stress-free endeavor, but somehow by the final fitting Kleinfeld pulls all of the details together."

Thankfully the show is not into humiliating anyone. It's an adorable combination of lovely bridal fashion and the bride and her mother and friends (and especially the Bridal specialists) trying to make her completely happy with her selection. It's fun to watch and gives you a warm feeling inside. Check out some wonderful examples

Dress Code - How consultants help the Bride
Sweet 16 - being fitted for a Sweet 16 party
The blow out Sale - talking about pressure!
Simple Elegance - A bride has her first fitting.

Don't you just adore the reaction when the Bride sees herself in the gown she truly loves for the first time? Priceless!
The show is available from Itunes at $1.99 per episode. Wish it was available on DVD.

Love
Andrea Nicole Baker

Carousel Meet-up

We had a fun meet-up on Sunday January 3rd at the Mall of Georgia. A few of us rode the carousel. Most of the girls were at their first meet-up. Hope they can make the Fancy Tea party on 31-Jan.

Then we walked around the mall doing some browsing and shopping. It's always fun to walk around in a group and be the centers of attention. People ask if we are part of a club or models or lots of other questions about the way we are dressed. When we were posing in from of the Juicy Couture display at Macy's we were asked if we were Juicy models! Sometime I just say that we're into "Gothic and Lolita". Not sure that helps. But it is always fun posing for people who want to take our pictures.

Here is a cute photo of yours truly at the Carousel.

This is a link to my Journal where you can see more meet-up photos. I also got lots of compliments on my new dress. The first chance I have had to wear it out in public.

Love
LoliAndrea

Lolita Fancy Tea party - Jan 31st

I am so excited that Miscy and I are organizing a formal High Tea at the Four Seasons in Midtown Atlanta. The date is Sunday, Jan 31st from 2-4 PM.

The tea service starts promptly at 2 PM so plan on arriving early. The Park 75 lounge and Terrace is gorgeous and elegant. A wonderful opportunity to have a formal event like those New York Lolitas do! XQZT Lolita dress desired! The cost is $28.00 per person. The food selection is yummy! But I must give them a final count about 3 days in advance. We'll pay individually the day of the event.

I am also planning on having my photographer attend the event. He will take group and individual photos. I'll have a CD of all the photos to send out about a week after the event. All us girls need to do is socialize, drink tea, eat yummy treats and look pretty!

I did some research and found the following proper etiquette for fancy tea parties.
How to Properly Drink your Tea

First and foremost never hold your cup with your pinkie finger extended. This is improper and in most social settings is considered rude. Place your index finger into the handle of the cup up to the knuckle while placing your thumb on the top of the handle to secure the cup. The bottom of the handle should then rest on your third finger. The fourth and fifth fingers should curve back towards your wrist.

At one time it was traditional to pour the milk into the cup before the tea. This was done to prevent the glaze on delicate tea cups from cracking. We do not have that problem today, so add the milk after the tea so that you can judge how much to use based on the color change.

When stirring your tea, be careful not to clink your spoon against the cup. Gently swish the spoon back and forth without touching the sides of the cup. When through stirring, remove the spoon and place it on the saucer behind the tea cup and to the right of the handle. Of course, never take a drink of your tea without removing the spoon first, and please never, ever sip from the spoon.

If seated at a table, do not lift the saucer (this is only proper if standing; then lift the saucer with the cup.) When you taking a sip of tea do not look around at the other guests, but lower your eyes so you can see what your doing and not spill your tea down the front of your blouse or dress.

When your cup is low try to avoid the temptation of swirling the tea in the cup. How embarrassing if some should happen to slosh onto the tablecloth and we all know how easily tea can stain.

Enjoying the Traditional Fare

Scones are a traditional part of a proper tea. Split the scone with a knife. Since the knife is now used, lay it gently on the side of your plate. Jam or curds is usually placed on the scone and then top off with a dollop of clotted cream. Simply spoon a small amount of jam or curds onto your plate, as well as some of the clotted cream. Spread the jam, curds, and clotted cream onto your scone. Never use the serving spoon for this task.

Be sure to take small bites, since attending a tea is a social occasion and you will want to participate in the conversation without always having a full mouth. Chew and swallow completely before taking a drink of tea, since it is hot and is not meant to wash the food down.

Don't Forget Your Napkin

Each place setting should have a napkin. Sometimes it is placed on the tea plate and other times beside the plate. There are several layouts for the napkin. Buffet style teas often have the napkins stacked beside the silverware. Pick up the napkin unfold it and place it on your lap. If you must leave the table for any reason, simply lay the napkin in your chair and not on the table.

Never blot or wipe your lipstick with a linen or cloth napkin. Lipstick stains rarely come out in the wash.

Never, ever use your napkin as a handkerchief. Please excuse yourself from the table and go to the ladies room.

The hostess will signal the end of the tea by picking up her napkin. Everyone else will then pick up their napkin by the center and loosely lay to the left of their plate.

These are the basic rules and are not all that hard to remember and follow. If you want to practice your manners before hosting or attending a tea, simply have a cup of tea and a sandwich with a close friend. If you have children once in a while have a manners lunch in which everyone practices being proper. This can be a learning experience and lots of fun at the same time. Most important is to just be as polite and considerate as possible.

English Afternoon Tea Etiquette

Tea Party Guide for the Hostess

Love to Know - Tea Party Etiquette

Lolita Tea Party Assistance

Tea Etiquette Quiz - Please take this fun quiz!

Mad Hatter Tea Party in Tokyo

Love

LoliAndrea