We Are Lovely

This morning I made a grocery run. It's a boring thing, something so every day that you never consider it may give you something to think about much less blog about. I filled up my cart with the essentials and a pack of donuts (I've been on a bit of a kick the past few days) and was rolling my purchases out to my car when I passed by the cutest little toddler. She had curls that looked something between River Song and Shirley Temple only more of a soft banana yellow and she was obviously a bit upset at her mother. As I was passing the pair the tiny little girl stamped her little foot and said - rather crossly - a bit of wisdom that made me pause.

We don't need to weigh ourselves! We are lovely!

There are so many that think little of their appearance. So many that let it damage their confidence. So many that judge themselves on their weight. Their hair. Their nose. Their skin. Their height.  So many that feel as if imperfections in appearance makes them less somehow.  'I could be a better lolita if-' 'I would be so much prettier if-' 'I would be happier if-'

That is simply not true. Each and every person is special and perfect in their own way. 

We are lovely.

You are lovely.

Books Websites for Lolitas Readers: Free Book Friday

While I'm thrilled with all the amazing and thoughtful entries for my give away, I'm also just a tiny bit saddened. Each and every one has been so well written and deeply thoughtful that I'm wishing I could just send a book and gift kit to each and every one of you! Sadly, that's not a possibility as it would be a bit over my budget. One thing I can do, however, is direct you to a place that can.

Two amazing words in the same phrase.

Free Book Friday is a website that gives away books on Fridays. Yes, pretty much every Friday. They have several different sections - Fiction, Teen, Romance, and Indie - that they select a book for each week. During the week you enter for any of those books you think you may like, and then they randomly draw a winner for however many copies they have. Simple as that. But beyond the simple joy of free books, it's a great place to hear about new titles and each week they post an interview with the authors, which makes for interesting reading in itself more often than not. It's definitely worth a look.

The contest here is still open for another couple of weeks, as well. So if you have yet to enter you still have a bit of time to consider your answer.

Pretty of the Week: TearS Coat

A lovely cozy and charming coat is something that has long been on my wish list. However, cost and lack of need have kept it nearer to the bottom. Which is why this has me sighing wistfully.

This coat from TearS is beyound lovely.

Coats with little capelets are precious. Coats with full capes are romantic and dreamy and elegant and perfect. The coat has many little details beyond the simple fact of having a cape. The fur trim and buttons and lace and bow shaped pockets all add to its charm.

Pretty of the Week: THESE SHOES!

Oh my gosh! It's like baby loli tribbles on her feet!

The most difficult thing I've found about building my wardrobe? I have this huge fear of ordering shoes unless I can try them on first. But that aversion just went right out the window. To be honest, I'd been looking at these on Coconuts for a while now, but hadn't gotten over the 'don't want to spend that much when it may not fit' thing. At least not until something else I wanted turned out to be out of stock after I paid and these ended up on sale. Now I'm eagerly awaiting there arrival so I can right a hopefully gushing review.

I mean, really? Not only are these the most adorable things for feet since oxford heels, but they are perfect for those who, like me, long to dress head to toe in fluffy warm fabrics and (faux) fur accessories and don't have the cooperation of the weather. They look so classic and elegant. And, yes, like baby tribbles with bows on. I completely wouldn't mind opening the closet to find they'd multiplied.

But with shoes.

I've been really overwhelmed at the responses to the giveaway, everyone! All the entries are wonderful and well written and I'm already imagining all sorts of books I could send out and getting some new ideas for books to review as well. There are several weeks left to go, however, so if you haven't entered yet please do so! If I get enough entries I may just have to send out two winning packs.

Fifty Followers Story Time Give Away

I want to say thank you to everyone who has followed my blog. It means a lot that you are interested in what I have to say, and I'm thrilled and touched that this is so. I really wanted to say thank you in a special and unique way, one that will hopefully mean as much to you as it does to me. It occurred to me that the best way to do this would be by hosting a giveaway for all of you. But it had to be something special, something that represented this blog in a way.

I've shared so much about what stories I love, but now I want to know what stories YOU love. What I'd love for you to do is to leave me a comment telling me just that. Let me know what sort of stories appeal to you and why. Is it a certain type of character? An element of plot? Is it a genre? I want to know! Name drop titles if you wish - though this is certainly not a requirement.

In return I will select one comment in a month's time. I'll read what they have to say and will select a story for them based on what I know from their post. After I've found a story for them I'll create a lucky pack themed around it. This may include jewelry, hair accessories, candy and small trinkets, but will all include elements of the story you like.

I'm really looking forward to reading what you have to say and selecting and crafting a prize package for the winner! Please keep in mind that this is a thank you to followers, so you must be a follower of this blog in order to win the gift, though new followers are more than appreciated.

Loli-able Ideas For Colder Weather

Now that it's turning cooler it's time to pull out coats and scarves and fluffy boots. But those aren't the only things that can bring cozy warmth to your winter coordinates.

Bunny necklaces from Nozomi Crafts

Needle felted jewelry!
While it won't keep you warm, softer jewelry will certainly help you achieve a warmer look. Mixing soft natural elements with metal jewelry can look positively enchanting. Like with the fur accessories, you can find these to match many different styles because there are so many different artists that make everything from teddy bears to bunnies to acorns. Browsing etsy will give you a great many ideas.

Sweater tights!
One of the easiest ways to stay toasty in a fashion where knee length skirts are the norm even in winter. You can get several different colors and designs to match any style, and there's no need to wait for shipping as you can find these anywhere. Even stores like Target and Walmart will have a pair or two this time of year.

Sweater/scarf pins!
An easy trick to add a special flare to simple scarves and winter hats is to buy or make matching brooches and pin them on. It gives the plain items a fancier feel and makes everything feel like a set. The brooches can be anything from simple bows, flower clusters, fluffy stars or even jewelry.

Bambi collar from Puree

Fur accessories!
I'm loving all the soft fluff popping up everywhere from brand websites to Claire's. It seems so elegant and sweet that it's perfect for lolita! And with so many different options, it's easy to find accessories to match your personal style. I'm a huge fan of faux bambi fur, but it isn't the only beautiful option out there. And fur can make anything seem extra cozy - shoes, collars, wrist cuffs, hats and headdresses. You can save money and make your own or buy simpler ones from local shops or antiques and dress them up with pins or ribbons if the brand accessories are too pricy for your budget.