Favourite Snaps of the Week

Snaps are back! I'm using a new blogger app so bear with me!

This is a lovely coord from Midori that was shot for the Grimoire online store a few weeks ago. I had saved it to feature here and then became too busy of course! at any rate, I love how cozy it looks! I'm especially into her fur collar and tassel belt.

Hello! Little Update:

Hello everyone!

Work has been very hectic for me, and unfortunately hasn't left me with the time to make a post here. However! Next week I'll be back with favourite snaps and some other posts.

Thank you so much for continuing to follow Strange Girl!

(And as always, you can follow me on both Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter under "dollymacabre", all of which are updated daily).

New from Grimoire: Verum "Classical Lithograph" Tights & New Shop Staff!

Grimoire certainly has been working overtime building up a tights catalogue! It seems like every time I take a peek at the Grimoire and Almadel blogs, Hitomi is announcing another beautiful selection to the Verum line (I am not complaining though!).

And so far as beautiful Verum tights, these are no exception, and exactly what the description would tell you: a lovely (if not simple) sheer tight with a beautiful "lithograph" style print in either black or white. While we're used to the Verum brand being a little more colourful and detailed print-wise, Hitomi says the simplicity of these are tights is "I tried to produce. . . Also easy to match any clothes with the image of a classic tights I should make working as a coordinating accent also easy to match any clothes really." So basically, they will match anything.

The tights come in four new prints: Angel Wing, Walpurgisnacht, Silent night, and Jardin de fleurs.



"Angel Wing" is my personal favourite, but you can click HERE to view the entire Grimoire blog entry.


Also in Grimoire news today, a new shop staffer, Rui, has been hired! And of course, she's adorable! I had seen pictures of her earlier on Instagram, but it gave no clue as to who she was. I'm excited to see how her style develops!

New Offering from Grimoire: Verum Classical Sheer Tights

Beautiful new tights in six new prints from Grimoire's tight brand "Verum". What makes these unique (aside from the new prints) from their previous tights is that these are sheer, much like the japanese tattoo tights that are so popular right now. I really love the cross prints!





These are so lovely!
To view more images of the prints, and the other prints available, click HERE for the Grimoire Blog entry.

Miyoshi's Make-up Tutorial

I think this scan was originally from Zipper Magazine, but here is a tutorial from Miyoshi on how she does her lovely wide-eyed dolly make-up!



I can hardly wait to try this myself!

A Dolly Kei Coord for Feeling Nostalgic

It's been ages since I've posted a personal outfit coordinate (aside from worky outfits on tumblr and instagram), and I was feeling inspired by the cooler weather and the general nostalgia I've been having for older Dolly kei styles (putting together sets upon sets for tumblr will do that I suppose, hehe!) Unfortunately, I couldn't get a good full-length shot. But! I did get a few good detail shots in it's place.



I was really inspired by Miwako's make-up! I'm not always the biggest fan of her coords, but I always love how she does her blush. I also have always loved red lipstick with Dolly, so I decided to give it a try myself. I'm really happy with it!





My blouse and skirt are incredibly old H&M, fake fur stole is vintage, shoes are Jeffrey Campbell, Necklaces are Fashionably Dead and F21, Tassel is second hand, rings are from all over the place, cross earrings are Claire's, tights are H&M, and my hair piece is handmade.



And in case anyone likes my make-up, my powder is MAC Studio Fix in NC15, my lipstick is MAC Red, my blush is MAC but I'm not sure of the colour because the name is worn off, my eyeliners are Urban Decay in Zero and Yeyo, my shadow is Urban Decay's "Black Palette" in Barracuda, and my mascara is Benefit's "They're Real!".

I hope every is having a really lovely evening, and I hope you enjoyed my coord :)

Favorite Dolly Kei Coord Sets on Tumblr

No "Favorite Snaps of the Week" this week. I've been feeling nostalgic for older variations of dolly, as as a result, I've been posting sets of my favorite older coords on Tumblr. So far I've done Heri (my absolute favorite), and Saki. Of course, in the following days I'll be covering others as well.

Favorite Dolly Kei Coords Set 1: Heri
Favorite Dolly Kei Coords Set 2: Saki
Favorite Dolly Kei Coords Set 3: Kaori
Favorite Dolly Kei Coords Set 4: Miyoshi
Favorite Dolly Kei Coords Set 5: Hitomi

What are your favorite coords? Why do they stand out to you?

Favorite Snaps of the Week

Still having layout issues from the Blogger app, here's the snaps though!*

I'll fix them up with a bit of commentary later today!

*All Fixed!

Kaori, photo from the Grimoire Almadel blog/ I love the girly blouse and the poofy short skirt. Perfection.

Yukari,from the Grimoire Almadel blog. I pretty much choose this for the navy blue. I love this colour so much!

Miyoshi, again, I pretty much choose this for the colour. The emerald green is dazzling in my opinion.

Links Are Updated!

The "Links" page has been updated to include all shop staff blogs, and I'm working on compiling a set of links for Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube Videos. One goal down, 1000 to go, hahaha.

Ahcahcum Muchacha: My Newest (not so new) Obsession

Ahcahcum Muchacha is a quirky brand from Japan, probably most famous for their over-sized cat head tote (which was available free with their summer mook, sadly no longer available).

Like everyone else, I was entralled with the cat head tote. I NEED this cat head tote. I am still on the hunt for the cat head tote. But on looking into the infamous cat head tote, I discovered that pretty much everything they offer is completely gorgeous, in an off-beat and weird sort of way that I can't get enough of.



On top of their amazing tote bag, Ahcachum Muchacha also offer jewelry, socks, tights, purses, dresses and tops.





These pieces are so brilliant in their strangeness, and I can see them easily worked into Dolly Kei, OTT Classic and Gothic lolita coords. Goodness, I would find a way to work them into everything I wear.



These doll head purses. I can't even.

Trend in Dolly Kei: Vintage Slips, Lingerie, Peignoirs, and the Like.

Within the last year or so, the line separating Dolly Kei from Cult Party has become less defined. The darker colours, defined silhouette, and heavy accessories that defined dolly has been giving way to lighter and airier looks, and simpler coordinates that one would have associated only with Cult Party some time ago.



In the last few weeks I've noticed another Cult Party staple showing up in Dolly Kei coords: vintage peignoirs, slips, and other bed or undergarments. These pieces lend an overall "soft" look that Cult Party is known for.





How to wear this trend:

-Peignoirs are essentially like a housecoat (but much prettier!), and can be worn like a little jacket/coat, as a top layer. Because they tend to be sheer, they make a great top layer because your other clothing and all it's details (pattern etc.) can be seen through it.
-Slips/nightgowns as a dress. Layer them over tops, belt them, you could even wear a top over it so that the bottom shows like a skirt. You could layer them over another dress, or wear two together. Slips as dresses were also popular in the 90s during Grunge thanks to Courtney Love. Googling images of her from that time can also lead to some great ways to wear them.
-Layer multiple pieces over each other. Do a few slips together, and layer a peignoir on top.
-To keep the silhouette, belt any bulky or shapeless pieces.
-It's going to be easiest to keep this look looking "dolly" if you stick with a richer colour palette. I personally love Miwako's take on this look with the black peignoir (first picture).





To me, the key to keeping this trend looking 'Dolly' as opposed to Cult Party, is going to be the accessories, pattern, and colour. Also keep in mind the silouette. Dolly Kei is still, for the most part, having a defined waist, while Cult Party is still very voluminous and soft.





So what do you think of this trend? Do you like the direction that Dolly Kei has been taking over the last year?



*Photos from the Grimoire and Grimoire Almadel blogs.

Favorite Snaps of the Week

Firstly, a simple but lovely coord from Yukari. I am all about this beautiful burgundy colour!

Secondly, this lovely coord from Kaori. I love the idea of a pretty party dress over a girly blouse! And of course, her Verum ankle socks!

Lastly, Miyoshi in a very cult party inspired ensemble. I love the softness of this.

Grimoire Verum Brand: New Printed Frill "Short Socks"

As if we didn't have enough on our plates, lusting after the beautiful Verum print tights, trying to snag a pair, (any pair!), as they continue to sell out on the Grimoire webshop! Grimoire has now debuted from their Verum line, beautiful printed ankle socks! The socks have a cute ruffled trim, and as with the tights, they come in an array of designs. The six designs are listed as "Un ange dans le dreamland", "Un papillon blue profond", "La prire de l'ange", "Un desse de la fascination", "Rabbit Gentlemen", and "Le Reine du Chat". The socks will be available instore at both Grimoire and Grimoire Almadel, and shortly after that, online.

My favorite designs are:





The announcement of the new sock line also sees Hitomi back after a long absence from the Grimoire blog (being overseas buying vintage pieces for her shop). It also sees the return of Mai in an Grimoire ad compaign.

To see the rest of the designs, and read the entire Grimoire blog entry, CLICK HERE

New Necklace Styles from Reinette et Mirabelle

Reinette et Mirabelle are best known in the dolly kei world for their bottled butterfly necklaces, resin "jewel" butterfly rings and earrings. More than likely if you've admired a snap of the Grimoire staff, they're sporting one of their offerings.

Branching out a bit, R&M have released three new necklace designs:


Firstly, a rendition of their bottle necklaces, only much smaller and with less "bulk" added to it. The chain is also much more delicate, and metal trim and details have been added to the bottom and around the neck of the bottles. I really love these new versions!

Secondly, a sort of "rosary" style necklace. These are gorgeous. I love how old and worn they look, with a little bit of "darkness".


Probably straying the farthest from their usual items, these leather choker-style necklaces. No resin, no butterflies, just metal findings. Not my style at all, but the dinosaur is kind of quirky and cute though!


*all photos from the Grimoire blog, collaged by myself.


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Autumn, Come Back Soon.

I have reached that inevitable point in the summer where I'm done with this season! I feel least myself in the summer, and I think I look least myself in the summer. I need my autumn wardrobe back! I need the crisply comfortable fall days. And it can't happen soon enough.

Autumn, Come Back Soon. by dollymacabre featuring suede boots

Blouse, 130 CAD / By Malene Birger long sleeve shirt, 395 CAD / Floral skirt, 250 CAD / Miss Selfridge nylon stocking, 13 CAD / Suede boots, 125 CAD / Tote handbag, 30 CAD / AllSaints leather jewelry, 40 CAD / Locket necklace, 15 CAD / Vintage hat, 40 CAD / Bow belt, 13 CAD

Favorite Snaps of the Week

Back from Cape Breton! I found some neat places there and will have some pictures up tomorrow (if you follow my Instagram, you've already seen some!).

Anyhow...


Yukari in a solid black outfit. Her sandals make it very dainty, and as always, I am SO jealous of her beautiful hair! From the Grimoire Almadel blog.


This isn't dolly kei in the strictest sense, however, close enough that I'm going to use it. You could argue cult party as well. But. I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS. I am thrilled with her use of a corset, and in love with the hair/floral wreath combination. I want to put together something like this for work. ALL OF MY YES.


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Updates, Updates, Updates

Updating! I'm still working on the new layout and colour-scheme, so if you're experiencing any glitches or weirdness, I apologize. (I have no idea what I'm doing, hehe.).

I'm also in the process of updating the information and links pages. I don't think I've updated them since I started Strange Girl, and some things within the fashion have certainly changed in the last few years. I would like to have a comprehensive list of "personal" dolly kei blogs and/or tumblrs, give me your links!

I"m also thinking about starting a flickr account so that anyone can see my collection of dolly kei pics and snaps I've been saving, would this be helpful to anyone?

Back to updating/lurky-looing cgl. There's a nice thread up at the moment dumping pics of dolly and cult party! Go take a look before it gets lost in the abyss.

Hope everyone is having a lovely afternoon! It's gloomy and rainy here, which is the perfect weather for me to get things done. I'm on vacation for the next two weeks, and after my brother's wedding I have no plans, so hopefully I can get up some more accessory tutorials and things :)

Emerald Queen

Emerald Queen by molotovcupcake featuring sheer tights

New Offerings from Grimoire

The first new item from Grimoire is sort of an interesting (or strange) one depending on how you look at it:


Temporary, or "sticker" tattoos featuring imagery from many of the common themes in Dolly Kei. This is sort of a strange idea to me, but I will admit the images are very pretty and I would like to have a pack, if only to add to my dolly kei collection. Grimoire is offering ten package designs, which you can see on their blog, along with photos of the shop staff wearing the tattoos in various ways.

Secondly:


Grimoire also stocks these lovely paper fans from Old Print Factory! So pretty!

So what are your thoughts on the tattoos? Weird or a great idea?

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The Live Journal EGL Community Announces the Ban of Replicas & Replica Sales

Long story short: A representative of a Lolita brand contacted the community mods and this is the result.

This post details the information and debate so far, as well as what this actually mean on the comm:
Click HERE for the official EGL Entry

And HERE for the Lolita Tumblr Community entry

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Hello Everyone!

Sincerest apologies for the lack of posting in the last couple of weeks! I've been very busy, but I'll be back this week with favorite snaps, inspiration posts, and all my usual things.

I'm working on a new layout and design for Strange Girl. I've had this theme and layout since I began this blog, and I think it's time for something new! I'm still not 100% sure how it's going to look, but I'm thinking of going a little darker this time around!

As always, you can still find me on Tumblr, Twitter, Poupee Girl, and "DollyMacabre" on
Instagram.


Hope you're all having a lovely day!


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A Little Music in the Early Hours

It's 3am here, and I'm wandering around my house aimlessly, listening to music and singing to my cat. I realized I haven't made a music post here in quite a while, so this is what I've been listening to this morning:

Ray Bradbury, 1920-1912

“Some people turn sad awfully young. No special reason, it seems, but they seem almost to be born that way. They bruise easier, tire faster, cry quicker, remember longer and, as I say, get sadder younger than anyone else in the world. I know, for I’m one of them.”


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Happy (LATE!) International Lolita Day!

Obviously, I'm very late to the game on this one, seeing as how it was June 2nd. I posted my coord to Tumblr but had forgotten to post it here. Not a very exciting coord, I was working.











Dress: Innocent World
Blouse: Offbrand
Tights: Anna Sui
Boots: Bodyline
Necklace: Fashionably Dead
Rings: Vintage and Forever 21

Hope everyone had a great Loliday this year!

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Favorite Snaps of the Week

Three this week!


Firstly, Kaori, from the Grimoire Almadel blog. I'm not sure why I like this coord so much, but I do!


Also Kaori and also from the Grimoire Almadel blog. Because I love dolly kei in black!


Lastly, Miyoshi, from the Grimoire blog. Probably one of my favorites in the past few months. The blouse is such a great piece, and the bunny skirt is adorable!

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