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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