Favourite Snaps of the Week

Happy New Year everyone! This is the first post on Strange Girl for 2013, and hopefully I can get to posting on a regular basis now that I have the time again.

(I am STILL having problems with Blogger, bear with me as I attempt to sort out the pictures properly).

My first choice for this week is a shot taken of Rui for the Grimoire online shop. I love the burst of green!

My next snap is also from Grimoire, and features Kaori. She looks positively doll-like, I love her new hair!

Lastly, from JapaneseStreets.com a nod to old-school dolly with it's use of jewel-tones and fur stole. I also love her Ahcahcum Muchacha cat bag!

I hope everyone had a great holiday and I'm looking forward to posting more this year!

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.

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.

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.

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.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

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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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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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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Grimoire Releases iPhone Cases!

For those of us who want to "dolly up" all aspects of our lives, Grimoire has released a series of iPhone cases! The designs for the cases are quite reminiscent of the Verum tights, running from dark to light and whimsical. There are give designs in total, and are available in-store and on the Grimoire online shop. The cost is 3,150yen.

CLICK HEREfor the entry and more images from the Grimoire blog.


The two above are hands down my favorites. I love that we'll be able to add a little bit of Grimoire to our phones.



*all images from the Grimoire blog.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Favorite Snaps of the Week

I have quite a few this week, to make up for my lack of posting lately :)


I love the colour in this coord so much! Completely unexpected and unusual. It almost has a sort of circus feel. I also really like the ruffle collar layered under the shirt collar. Kaori, from the Grimoire Almadel blog.


Miwako, also from the Grimoire Almadel blog. I love her hair piece, and this dress with the Verum butterfly tights. The vibrant green peeking out is a great touch!


Yukari, going back to a more oldschool dolly kei kind of coord. Lovely! From the Grimoire Almadel blog.


Miyoshi, from the Grimoire blog. It's just so light and airy!


Another white coord, this time from Kaori, and from the Grimoire Almadel blog. Just so cute!

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Favorite Snaps of the Week

I am in love with Grimoire Almadel's newest shop girl, Yukari. I love her hair, I love her make-up, I love this coord. And I'm promptly going to MAC this payday and getting a new red lipstick.



I'm still in love with suspenders and bowler hats. I also love the wedge shoes. Kaori, from the Grimoire Almadel blog.

Lace-up wedges! I love this!


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New Grimoire Almadel Shop Staff: Yukari

Firstly, let me just say: her hair is gorgeous, I am jealous.

According to her "interview" on the Grimoire Almadel blog, her style runs a "little gothic", and she likes to incorporate butterflies.





There are three posts featuring Yukari on the Grimoire Almadel blog, and she also has a Twitter.

I think her style is very promising!


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