Wardrobe Post 2013

Hello Darlings! One of the popular topics for the beginning of the year is sharing your Lolita wardrobe with others. It's a chance for bloggers to show off some of their rare items, their favourite pieces, or even things that they made themselves.

This year has been crazy for me so far, so I haven't really had the chance to build up my wardrobe nor do this meme. But I will say that my style has changed a lot from last year, when I last did this! I shifted from prints that were all over the place to mostly black and jewel tones. In the past year I also discovered my love for uniform and military styles. 

Rather than just buying lolita constantly to keep up with trends, I've really slowed down, and only buy things that I absolutely love, and if I can wear them several ways. I'm proud of my collection; I really think it's me! And isn't that how your wardrobe should be?

Without further ado, I'd like to share the main pieces of my lolita wardrobe.


 "Little Witch" set, Alice and the Pirates. I just got this in a trade, and I really love it! I am a fan of all black pieces because they can be worn so many ways. I recently wore this out with a sheer black blouse, harlequin tights and my black velvet Bordello boots. Plus, this set included a matching headbow which I can wear with other outfits! The bodice bow is detachable, so you can move it wherever you want, or add it to a purse or a beret.


 "Unlock Pandora's Memories" set, Alice and the Pirates. I love the ruby/magenta colour of this one! The cut of the bodice is actually flattering on my shape, so I feel pretty wearing it too. (*´▽`*)There is a cute detachable chain at the bust, and a little silver key charm on the matching mini hat.

I think one of my favourite memories is twinning with my friend in this set. She has the same set in the same colour, so we looked like dolls wearing it out together!


 "St. Helena" Jsk, Alice and the Pirates. I love the military style and simplicity of this one. One day, I want the matching cape!


"Nautical" Jsk, Putumayo. My relationship with this dress started on a rainy day in the Nagoya Putumayo store...

Truth be told I had a bit of a girl crush on the shop girl who was helping me... she was new, with short mint green hair and blue contacts. We had been browsing the store and talking about our shared love for the model Akira-sama, when she pulled this jumperskirt off the rack and said I should try it on. When I came out of the curtained dressing room, she squealed and said, "Neechan, that is so cute on you!"

After that, I just had to buy it. The shopgirl made me feel so special, as if the dress was made for me to wear it. And you know what, I think she was right! This is one of my facourite dresses to date. 


"My Little Red Riding Hood" Jsk, Baby the Stars Shine Bright.

This one was on my wishlist for a long time, ever since I saw it in Japan! The watercolour illustration of the border print reminded me of books my mom used to read to me. Alas, the dress sold out in red first, and it was impossible to find second-hand.  Finally, one day many months after its release, my friend messaged me to say it was on Closet Child! She helped me reserve it until I could pay for it, and soon after, it became mine.

 It is the sweetest thing I own, but I don't even mind. With the jewel tones, keys in the print, and one of my favourite fairy tales all over it, it's perfect for me. One day I hope to find the cape and matching jewelry as well!


"Missing Letter, Key and Rabbit" Jsk, Baroque. This was the first time I had ever reserved a dress set months in advance, because I fell in love with the print and colours. It arrived just in time for Christmas, so I could wear it to tea with my mom before I went back to school.

I think the cut and frill are adorable, and the golds, caramels and jewel tones compliment eachother so well. 


 "Eden" Jsk, Atelier Pierrot. I was lucky enough to find this when Atelier Pierrot came to HEXXP-con. I had been searching high and low for this dress, but it was sold out in green on the website, through overseas retailers and on auction sites. I couldn't believe the designer had one for sale when she came to Hawaii! I bought it as soon as the booth opened, and wore it around the convention all day. I am also proud to say I bought it directly from the designer, and I can't say that for any of my other pieces!!

It is shown here with a corsage/canotier designed by my friend Alice Demize. 

The print is so intricate and beautiful... 


And well, there you have the main show pieces in my collection. The rest of my wardrobe is berets, jewelry, boots and bags and such, but I don't think those are as interesting, and they don't all have stories like these. That is one of the best things about lolita, is the stories and experiences attached to your outfits!

I hope you enjoyed looking in my closet, and who knows how it will grow and change by next year!

xoxo, Cherie

Angelic Pretty and Black Peace Now coming to Kawaiikon!

Hey Darlings, Fashion Reporter Cherie here with some riveting news! 

In my previous entry, I announced that h.Naoto designer MINT would be bringing his line NeKO to Kawaiikon, complete with a fashion show. He's not the only famous Japanese designer to grace the convention center this year!


American J-fashion vendor Harajuku Hearts just announced that they're bringing Angelic Pretty and Black Peace Now over to Hawaii this year! They will be in the vendor hall selling products from both brands. 

Aside from Atelier Pierrot at last year's HEXXP-con, this is the first time we've had Japanese designers sell at a Hawaiian convention!

If you don't have your pass yet, buy it now on the Kawaiikon website, because you're not going to want to miss this!

xoxo, Cherie


Upcoming Dark Castle: "Court of Hearts"

Hello Darlings! Are you sitting down on your computer thrones? Because I have some incredible news for you!

It's been a couple months since two friends and I decided to start a Visual Kei event in Hawaii, called "Visual Kei Dark Castle". Honestly, we weren't expecting much turn out or attention, we just did it for fun without a plan. We didn't even have a budget, just used decorations and equipment we had and played it by ear.

But since our first event was such a success, the event is growing bigger and faster than we ever expected!

First we got Nephilim Halls Productions behind us to produce the event. They are well known in Honolulu for feeding the darker and alternative music scenes. They also put on fantastic events, like the upcoming "KINK" at SoHo, or concerts such as the recent Assemblage 23 show. When they offered to take us on I was floored! I am also really excited, because I think their typical audience and the Vkei one will mix and mingle well. I can hardly wait to see the scene grow and evolve as fans cross over.

Shortly after, Kawaiikon (Hawaii's largest anime convention) came and asked us if we'd like a slot in their program! Now, we have the Main Event Hall to ourselves on Friday Night (March 15th) from 11PM-12AM. It will be a great opportunity to introduce Vkei to new fans and get the word out about our event.

Most importantly, our next Visual Kei Dark Castle has been booked and confirmed! Check out our new flyer, courtesy of Obsidian, one of the creative minds at Nephilim Halls:

Fun fact: The model is one of VKDC's co-founders, my friend Alice Demize.

As you can see, we have a lot more to offer than our first event! Here is our official Press Release from Nephilim Halls:


"Visual Kei Dark Castle is a dance party focused around Japanese visual rock, where the music is just as intense as the fashions. This dance party transcends music and takes it to the big screen, with heart-thumping music videos featuring some of the biggest names in the genre known as Visual Kei. Whether you're a hardcore fan, know J-rock through anime songs or are Vkei curious, come and feast your eyes and ears with us at Visual Kei Dark Castle: Court of Hearts, at Loft Gallery and Lounge on Saturday, March 9 from 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

This time, we invite you to join us in the "Court of Hearts", an event inspired by “Alice in Wonderland” and the court of the Red Queen, the Queen of Hearts. Add a Wonderland twist to your outfit and come dressed to impress! The most dapper lad and elegant lass will win some prizes and be crowned the new Red King and Red Queen.

In addition to the Visual Kei music (projected on the big screen), this Dark Castle will feature a Lolita and Kodona fashion show fit for a queen, and a performance from Hawaii's own Yu x Me Maid Cafe that will be to die for. Plus, custom drinks fit for a Mad Tea Party will be served at the bar!

Cover for this event is $15 for 18+ and $10 for 21+.


For more information, visit www.NephilimHalls.com or “like” Visual Kei Dark Castle on Facebook."


To those in Hawaii, I really hope to see you out here for some of these events in the future! Or, if you happen to be planning a trip to paradise anyway, why not plan it around the same time as a Dark Castle event? We'd love to show you our awesome fashions and subcultures here in Hawaii, and personally I'd love to see the Visual Kei scene grow even more.

 There is still a lot of work ahead of us, but a lot of merry making too! I have so many ideas for future events, and it may even be the first steps to realizing my ream... opening a Lolita Cafe. 

It's corny as hell, but Dream on Darlings!

xoxo, Cherie

Little Red

It's been a while since I've gotten to dress up in Lolita... the last time I did so was probably a month ago at least, when my mom took me the Victorian Rose Tea Room in Washington.  I heard it's owned by a famous romance novelist who hails from the area. It was fun spending quality time with my mom, especially since I'm never home these days, but at the same time it's a little weird dressing up in Lolita alone. 

But yesterday, I got to dress up to carry on a Valentine's Day tradition. Each year my friends Aileen, Gina and I get together with Angel for a themed Valentine shoot. This year I got to wear my new Little Red Riding hood Jsk, from Baby the Stars Shine Bright.




The shoot involved so many sweets! Angel got us macarons, my weakness, from La Tour Cafe. I wasn't exactly complaining when I "had" to eat two for the shoot! As the wind from the ocean warmed the chocolates and cupcakes, the air swelled with the scent of sugar and strawberries. 


Don't be fooled by the tempting sweets though... the shoot has a surprising dark twist!


Hopefully photos will be up by Valentine's Day, as usual. Do you have any Lolita traditions you do with your friends? Or are you planning anything fun for Valentine's Day? 

xoxo, Cherie

Event Recap: Vkei Dark Castle "Enter the Darkness"

Hey darlings, long time no post!

In the past month I started my last semester in college, visited the island of Kauai for the first time, and modelled in the "What's Up Pussycat" fashion show at Bar 35. But by far, one of the most exciting things was fulfilling a dream and launching Hawaii's first visual kei event, "Vkei Dark Castle".


First, you should know that Vkei Dark Castle was a great success! Roughly 70-100 guests turned out for this debut event. We saw many new faces and some of our favourite local lolitas in their gothic best.

Some of my good friends and favourite local lolitas,
as well as VKDC's co-founder, Alice Demize (far right).

Using a high definition projector and the back wall as our screen, we set up a theatre of visual rock. Thanks to our DJ friends we had access to amazing sound equipment which took the music to another level. We took requests on everything from Dir en grey's "Obscure" (played twice) to Kaya's "Chocolat".

There were prizes for raffles and the best dressed guests, who faced off in our fashion walk-off. Prizes were donated by Babel Entertainment, Millennium Hawaii and personal friends.

Here are some photos from our fashion walk... everyone looked fantastic! Photos are courtesy of my friend Angel.






My own style was inspired by newer-school visual kei, shironuri makeup, and the fashion icon Minori. For the base, I used white kabuki makeup, then defined my eyes with purple eyeshadow, black Eyeko liquid eyeliner, and glossed by lips with deep burgundy lipstick by Urban Decay. Though I liked the initial effect, the white face paint rubbed off on everything, so I won't be doing it again!


The next Visual Kei Dark Castle is set for March 9th 2013, at Loft again, 9 PM to 2 AM. This time we are planning a special performance by one of Hawaii's top maid cafe and host clubs, Cafe Yu x Me (formerly run under Animaid). We're also trying to organise a Lolita fashion show and contests. 

The theme for the next Dark Castle will be "Court of Hearts", or in other words will have an Alice in Wonderland twist. Like last time, guests will be urged to come dressed to impress, incorporating things that remind them of Alice in Wonderland. The best dressed male and female will be crowned the Red Queen and King, respectively, and be awarded prizes.

More official details to come!

I never thought that I would be able to start my own events for things I love; and I definitely never thought it would be successful~! I am so happy and proud, as well as extremely grateful to those that helped. We couldn't have done it without DJ Nocturna and Lana, Nephillim Halls, KTUH Radio, Angel and all of our friends who donated time, effort and prizes. 

Hopefully there will be even more good news to come about the visual kei scene in Hawaii. Who knows what we might have started!

xoxo, Cherie