Nana Osaki Outfit Collage featuring Zaful items

When you were with me at that time 
I chased after your shadow 
Barefoot, you passed from behind me to stop me 
The more I lock you out, the more complex this love becomes 
Kiss me loosely and gently

 - ANNA inspi' NANA(BLACK STONES) / rose

The Dessert Museum Sweet Lolita Fashion Meet

The Dessert Museum is all over social media and our local lolita community was one of the firsts to block a full two hours exclusively for our group. We never had a sweet themed meet before and it was the perfect opportunity to do so. 

Warning: Picture heavy!

Finding harmony in Lolita Fashion and the Konmari method

"How do you do it?"

I've heard it several times from the past two years since I began my Konmari journey. I'm still a work in progress but I can say at this point I finally found the harmony in being a lolita and applying konmari in my life. In this post I will share with you how I did it and how it led me to a happier state by letting go.

Lolita Wardrobe Post 2018

I'm more than 10 years into the fashion and it's my first wardrobe post ever. :)) If you've been following me on social media, it's clear that my clothes are either obtained from thrift shopping or I make my own. I don't really do much online shopping. 95% of the clothes featured here are thrift store finds ranging from as low as 10 pesos and up to 180 pesos ($0.20 - $3.50) and a small percentage of handmade which reminds me I should be making more versatile stuff for myself lol. #designerproblems

I'm also in a process of tidying via the konmari method so everything I will show you are pieces that truly "spark joy". I've been looking into the capsule wardrobe lifestyle too but it's kinda contradicting with lolita fashion for it has a collective aspect in it. What I did is I tweaked it into something that can match my lifestyle so after decluttering and destashing my possessions, I ended up with a combined wardrobe for both lolita fashion and my everyday casual wear. Meaning, I held on to versatile pieces that I can wear in and out of lolita so I don't have to keep two separate wardrobes.

So let's begin!

International Lolita Day 2017 with PGLC at Karen's Kitchen

 

It's the time of the year again to say my usual - "I can't believe -insert current year- is almost over!" However, I can say 2017 was a year well-spent despite being so quick. I will be writing a separate blog on the highlights of my 2017 and I hope to finish it in time before new year. *gasp*

Upcycle with me - bringing life to an old pair of Bodyline shoes

Finally! I have been putting off this project for years. I can't believe I have done it! I had been always aggressive in practicing sustainable and ethical fashion for my personal style and my brand, Dorotee Sweetlips for years and years. My friends can attest to this because I kind of infected them into the lifestyle. hehe 

 Almost 10 years ago, people would frown on the idea of "recycled" or "thrifted". I remember receiving unpleasant remarks from people I don't even know. But maybe that was 10 years ago - I was young and surrounded by the wrong people. But times have changed! How fancy it would be to think that perhaps I was just ahead of my time and I'm kind of giving myself a high five right now for holding on to my values. I'm glad I believed in myself. :) 

 A friend from Fashion Revolution PH approached me weeks ago if I was willing to participate for #MakeSMTHNGweek. It is an online collective activity to make a noise and raise awareness about sustainable fashion. The mechanics are basically to create something whether your plan is to recreate iconic looks from your favorite celebrities out of ukay or diy clothes, accessories, etc.. I'm like "This is my forte! Bring it!" I immediately remembered about my sad shoes that I have been avoiding for a long time so I decided to finally roll my sleeves and breathe a new life to this pair.

 

Lace Up! 2017 in my eyes (An organizer's point of view)

It's been two weeks since we wrapped up our first ever lolita fashion mini-con, Lace Up! and as the head organizer, I'm still processing how something as visionary as this has finally been realized. I found myself putting off my thoughts and feelings from this experience because as cliche as it sounds, it felt surreal! I had my doubts and although hopeful, I kept my expectations grounded because I believe that we can dream but we also have to be realistic on what can be achieved at a time.

Lolita Meet for Lolita Memoires Volume 2 Release

Last August 19 2017, The Philippine Gothic and Lolita Community gathered again for the release of our self-published lolita fashion photomag, Lolita Memoires. We are already on our volume two with a bigger number of pledges this time.

Beau Crescent | Little French Girl

Philippine Gothic and Lolita Community - Winter International Lolita Day 2016 tea party

 

Kawaii acquisitions from Sammydress

Finally, I was able to pick up the sponsored goods from my blog sponsor, Sammydress, at the post office along with our ordered supplies for the shops. Thanks to the husbando for picking up a total of 8 parcels, omg! :)) I'm celebrating because just last month it was implemented that parcels worth 10k below are now tax-free! I hope international shipping rates would come next for shipping from the PH is ridiculously expensive. A significant adjustment on rates would really be helpful with small-time businesses who would like to export their goods.

Going back, here's a sort of un-boxing blog of my loot from Sammydress (it came in a pouch though so unpouching? lol) Will further feature and review these items on my next style / lifestyle posts.

Four Looks: Chic moonlight senshi + himekaji feat. Labyrinth Garden and Zaful selections

Finally, a style post after so long! I've been meaning to work on this post since last month but ~life happens~ huhuhu. Still trying to recover from all the damages from my cat's passing. Can't believe that half November has already passed. Double time is my current motto.

Today, I made four looks out of selected items from Labyrinth Garden's on hand items. Yes, these are available for purchase at the shop page! Be reminded that the shop only carries one stock of each so go grab your pick while it's still available. Along with the looks are also items from one of my sponsors, Zaful. Proper links are provided after each photo.

First two looks are inspired by our ever favorite moonlight senshi, Sailormoon!

Dorotee Sweetlips Lolita fashion open shoot for Team Gantz fundraising

November is a tough month for me. I lost my furfriend so quickly.. so suddenly. My cat, Gantz, has been diagnosed of UTI and has obstruction of the urethra and I lost him in just a matter of 3 days. The vet bills were insane so I head started a fundraising campaign called "Team Gantz" for his medical support but since he had to go so quickly, I decided to still push through with the projects for a lot of people have already marked their scheds for Gantz. One of the said fundraising activities is the Dorotee Sweetlips Lolita fashion open shoot which took place last Sunday. Wardrobe, styling, and photography by yours truly (woooo one man team you say! lol) I'm not really a pro photographer but I hope you like my shots. 

Philippine Gothic and Lolita Community's 7th anniversary gathering

Sharing with you the photos I took last October 30 2016 a lolita philippines, pglc,  t our comm's anniversary meet, a subevent of Midnight Run - Halloween Party! I was kinda a headless chicken that day - running a booth, doing admin duties for the meet-up a.k.a exhausting all the socializing skills that I barely have (I've been doing this for years but it's always hardwork being the introverted person that I am lol), and guest judge duties for the Fashion Monster Jfashion contest. I was able to take decent outfit photos of some girls but sadly I missed the others (huhuhu sorry I wasn't able to catch everyone). Will do my best to host another grand meet for December's International Lolita Day but I think I need a core team to work with this time around.

Mini lolita community meet and photoshoot Loving Rainbow Garden: Cosplay Festival

Sharing the photos from the mini meet I hosted at the Loving Rainbow Garden Cosplay Festival last weekend.

PLUG! Philippine Gothic and Lolita Community will be having a grand meet for our 7th anniversary next month c/o Loving Rainbow Garden. I'm calling all lolitas, closet lolitas, aspiring lolitas etc to come and join the frilly party! Join our fb group if you haven't yet.

Enjoy the photos!

"Woodland Witches" A Dorotee Sweetlips upcycled series collection

First off, I would like to thank Kim of Loving Rainbow Garden: Cosplay Festival for inviting me to show my works! So happy to be able to check this out of my dream collection-to-make list.

Lolita Meet - Through the Looking Glass viewing and tea party

"I didn't choose the lolita life, lolita life chose me"

How funny because it's sooo true! At least for me I think it does. lol! Being the founder and admin of the local community, I find it part of my obligation to somehow keep the community active by arranging social activities like this. 6 years since the birth of the forum, folks came and go and moved on with the fashion.. some were still dedicated with the lifestyle.. new generation of lolitas are also coming along. I'm pretty curious how long can I keep going with the subculture. /imagines myself as lolita obaa-chan/

After almost half a month since the last meet, me and a few of the comm girls went out to go to the movies to watch Tim Burton's Alice: Through the Looking Glass. The story was okay... but oh dear we ahh and ohh-ed with the production design. Lolitas live for the whimsy things, you know! After the show we went straight to The French Baker Salon de The to complete the day because a lolita must live the lolita ways! Tea party time wooo~

It's all about the interior! How to trap a lolita 101.

"Cerulean Calm"

Realization: I kind of know now why my blogging has gone downhill. I can't keep up with the requirement of perfectly curating every posts. It was easier way back.. the advantages of being young, carefree and emphasis on ~living with the parents~. Life was easier so it was easier to make time for less important stuff. And by important, my life lately is mostly consumed on playing offense with financials and building assets for our family + mommy duties and doing so would need rolled sleeves and swept back hair. I'm embracing what I need to be right now though so I'm not complaining.

Last week, me and the family spent a staycation in a condo accommodation from a listing I found in AirBnb. Chic interior, yass! Perfect for a quick photoshoot because I've been meaning to shoot these dresses for a long time already. I was thinking of a forest-y location but the thought of Manila's sweltering heat kept me setting this project aside. Finally I found a pretty nice place to do this: privacy + aircon = yass pleasee! hahaha. 

Hope you enjoy the photos!

Lolita Memoires photomag release and post valentines tea party

Last Saturday was the release of the local lolita community's self-published photomag and we gathered to celebrate the milestone of our community with a tea party hosted by Dorotee Sweetlips.

"Kawaii Afternoon" - Justine Chantelle x Beau Crescent's kawaii life