This day our community, the Portuguese Lolita community had organized a small gathering in my town to celebrate the winter loliday with a huge delay. Better late than never, right?
Anyway the weather was a disgrace, it was raining a lot and barely anyone was in the streets.
It was scheduled at a lovely chocolate/cake store in which we had too many yummy sweets. It was great.
I had a lot of fun just looking at lolita magazines, eating and chatting with everyone and I love how everyone looked so different too.
My friend Su came all the way from Lisbon to attend and stayed at my place which was a plus. <3
Su, I adore you Su.
After getting dressed I went over to the meeting spot where soon all the participants arrived. Sadly it then started raining (a lot!) and we had to go all the way to the shop under heavy rain (my feet were super wet) but once we got there we got pretty confortable.
The counter full of tasty chocolates <3
We chatted and looked through lolita magazines and just spent a lovely afternoon. I really do wish we had these more ofen but the truth is, we just don't..
Group photo. Everyone looked super different, which is really cool.
I am going to leave you with some photos of the goodies. The food was super yummy and just perfect for a dark and wet afternoon like that one. <3
I had my favorite drink (cappuccino) and a slice of chocolate / passion fruit cake, it was amazing!
Also Su brought me an adorable present, this cute cupcake shaped box which is now being used as decoration downstairs <3 My daughter also got treats, a princess crown and scepter which she loved.
You spoil me too much Su!
That was pretty much our day.
The next day Su had to go back home but we booked lunch at our favorite restaurant, Ichiban.
Su loved it which is what's important. The view there is usually amazing because its right next to the sea but the weather was even worse on that sunday so just getting out of the car and into the restaurant was a freaking nightmare.
Anyway I hope you liked hearing about my special weekend. I really want to have another one in my town just like that but nothing is scheduled for the rest of the year hehe.
I love you, thank you for following even if i'm too busy to post often. <3 I really really do appreciate it. <3
Despite being sick for a long time and only being allowed by the doctor to go back to work 3 days before the event date, I decided to still go ahead and travel to Paris for the Tea Party. This could not have happened if it wasn't for the goodness of my friend Aliki and my new friend Melodie since I did not want to book a room without knowing for sure if I would be able to travel and they just let me stay with them at Melodie's. I will never forget what they did for me.
FRIDAY
Anyway I went to work as scheduled on friday and took my trolley so I could go straight to the airport after that. Its not that I like travelling light but Ryanair only lets people take a carry-on trolley and a smaller handbag.
I arrived and got some wine to give to Melodie as a thank you gift (and because Vinho Verde is my favorite and uncommon outside Portugal) and then got in the plane. I used to love flying but now I feel very uneasy to fly on my own. I have a new irrational fear of flying and always think "what if the plane crashes". It really sucks and I know it makes no sense though.
Anyway fortunately it all went well and soon I was in the ryanair bus and then the metro. I am an idiot and I ignored Aliki's address instructions and decided to go with my gmaps documents and therefore ended up getting lost and having to pay a fortune for a cab ride but that was ok, I was super happy and excited to hang out with Aliki (at that point i did not know i'd fall in love with Melodie too).
When I finally got to Melodie's place we chatted for a bit and then went to bed. Boy was it hot in Paris, as soon as I got off the plane I felt as if I was already in Japan for the summer.
Melodie was apparently very worried because I "got lost" at midnight somewhere in Paris which made me feel a bit guilty for making her worry like that, Aliki was right about her, she is such a nice person. Indoors it was super hot too and I felt sweaty and gross haha. We might end up sleeping a bit more and ditching our first plan which was to go to the Rin Rin princess crepe signing session, its too hot and we do not want to arrive at the tea party with running mascara and reeking of sweat.
SATURDAY
Aliki was already complaining about the weather at 9am which is adorable. I understand though, I'm not a fan of heat either but was still super excited to be in Paris.
We got dressed quite fast but still had to get on a cab to get to the popup store to pick up out tea party tickets.
Unfortunately when we got there the lovely shop girl told us we should go to the hotel directly and did not need to make that stop which was a bit waste of money and time (we wish we knew in advance but that's not what we read). We then got back in the cab and the driver after taking a photo of us haha finally left us at the hotel gate. I actually knew that hotel already, i had been in front of it once when i was visiting the eiffel tower with Vania a couple years before. I had no idea what it looked like inside though.
We got the vip treatment from the start with fancy dressed people opening the door for us and greating us at the gate, that's always fun since its not normal for me to be in such places.
There were already some girls inside and we decided to go to the bathroom to check our makeup. In there we saw a lot of girls getting ready. Apparently a lot of lolitas (maybe because of the heat? Not sure why) get dressed in the hotels for these events. I was a bit surprised but it was nice, like being in a huge dress up party. Rosalynn was there and I was super happy to see her.
Aliki, the perfect tea party partner. <3
This sheet was later used to cast the votes for best coordinate.
Delicious french pastries.
We eventually saw all the girls we knew that were there, I was thrilled to see everyone again and to meet the girls I had in my facebook friends lists but never had met before. <3
During the event we saw Ap new releases in a fashion show (See all the outfits here), took photos with Maki, Asuka and Rin Rin, chatted with a bunch of amazing attendees, got photographed by the talented Marie, ate and drank amazing stuff, voted for best dressed who got amazing gifts, got lucky in the raffle for the first time! and even got super cute freebies from Angelic Pretty. It was a bit short though, I wish it had lasted longer!
Fashion show outfits, aren't they all lovely?
Marie's lovely photo of me in the photo corner.
Taking photos and seeing friends. ^_^;
Ada and Rosalynn, I love them and I love this photo <3 <3
Photos with Angelic Pretty designers, Maki and Asuka. How perfect are they?
The table with all the prizes, so amazing! I was dreaming of owning that brown choco bag.
Out of the raffle prizes there was this one chocolate bag that someone really wanted...
And DAMN I ACTUALLY WON IT!
Rin Rin was adorable, super nice. I remember her back from when she posted outfits like the rest of us and told her that, she was quite happy to hear that it seemed. <3
The three special guests saying goodbye.
Group Photo for the Angelic Pretty tea party 2015
We said goodbye briefly and went to the pop up store so we could finally see what was available. Got there and we did not want anything so we left and returned to the house.
Still bummed about losing my sunglasses somewhere in Paris.
We told Melodie about the Tea Party, took a shower and ordered chinese food. We also opened one of the wine bottles which was super cool and therefore tasted heavenly. We chatted a lot and eventually went to bed. It was a fantastic day, and I think it was the most fun I have ever had in a lolita tea party of this size.
SUNDAY
When I woke up it was late, for some reason I did not remember to set my alarm the night before and Aliki did not want to wake me up so we ended up getting ready a bit on the late side. We finally got ready and we realized we might not make it when the bus did not come to the stop on time and we had to wait 20min for the next one to arrive. Aliki freaked out and she wanted to get on a cab and the cab driver just left us at some reason place we could get to ourselves by metro (and maybe faster too). So we went to the gardens and to the only fountain I could find and we were 10min after the fashion walk start time so of course we did not see anyone. We walked there for a bit and then just gave up.
I was a bit sad but it was ok, I had such luck the day before I knew I shouldn't push it, it had been enough luck to last for a while. I never get that lucky so I should just take it!
So we took a couple photos around the area, had a cup of coffee at starbucks, took photos with a million tourists (all of which were super nice) and made plans for lunch. I had limited time because of my flight and because i still needed to pack.
I am in love with this bag and feel like wearing choco themed everything now.
Melodie told us the restaurants around the pop up store were good and not too pricey so we went back to the Ap pop up store which was close. When we got there Maki, Asuka, other lolitas (I got to say goodbye to Ada <3) were there. All items had a 20% discount too but i still did not buy anything. i behaved very well this time! We got to hang out and chat a bit but then left because of the time.
We looked for a restaurant for a bit and decided to eat at a sort of supermarket/fast food/bento place and the food was glorious. I got to miss japanese food a bit less which is great, all of that for 10 euros. Parisians are so lucky, i cannot believe how easy it is for people to eat/ stock on japanese stuff there. I have to ask people to mail things to eat certain things.
We got to the house pretty fast and I got ready very fast too. I think I lost my sunglasses in Paris though which sucks but i suppose I can just buy a new pair.
Aliki and Melodie and I parted ways and it was quite sad.
The ride back to Port Maillot was so easy that it made me feel really stupid about missing the way when I had arrived. haha
At the airport I got some small gifts for my daughter and husband as I always do. <3
And had something to eat. Love smoked salmon.
The flight was ok, portuguese people, the way we behave on planes is really awkward and funny so that makes any trip lighter. I was more relaxed. I also wanted to hug my familly really bad, boy had I missed them. I had fun but i couldn't wait to see my daughter and kiss my husband.
When I saw them it was really nice although I knew Mari was sick. We had to take her to the emergency later that night, that was terrible.
If you'd like to see what it felt like to be in the TP, this video is a great example. It is all french but just watch for the nice outfits and lovely venue. Also can you spot me from time to time? :P
This is now my final week at work but I tried my best to post this as soon as possible. We have some small meetings coming up in the Portuguese community too which is exciting. If this keeps up I might regain my 100% level of love for lolita which I had slightly lost recently due to my community being so inactive and me being so busy and stressed.
Ah and I almost forgot, this is my haul from this trip:
1.Melty Ribbon Chocolate boston bag (brown) - raffle prize
2. 3 clear file folders from Angelic Pretty - attendee gift
3. Big Angelic Pretty Paris 2015 badge - attendee gift
4. flyers, cards, number pin, thank you card, etc - Paris TP/shop freebies
In Japan the "let's hang out" day is Sunday. In my own country we usually use Saturdays for that and Sundays to chill out at home or to spend with our family or have family reunions and special lunches etc.
Oh gosh I am salivating... I miss those sausages... how silly, to declare that one misses sausages but I do.
I had sheduled to finally meet someone I have known for quite a bit and grew fond of, Emma. We had tried to schedule to meet the previous year but I couldn't make it then and I was determined to rectify that this year.
We decided to meet in my favorite shopping area in Japan, yes, again Shinsaibashi because i cannot get enough of it.
Emma had asked if I was going to wear my new Emily Temple Cute dress and I said yes because I did not have another more of less complete outfit so she told me she actually owned the skirt in pink and that she'd wear it too. I thought that was awesome and it made me a bit more excited too.
My casual outfit for the day, in Sango station.
The meeting would be in front of Innocent World or accross Atelier Pierrot. Because we were a bit early I went in A/P and just did my crazy purchase of the day. I always want everything in that store and again the staff was super friendly.
Atelier Pierrot store window
After a bit I could finally spot her and we said hello. I was super excited and I was very happy because I liked her almost instantly which is always a plus, she really is super sweet!
I was told by the staff at Atelier Boz that there was some sort of colab event going on in a nearby café and Emma apparently goes there from time to time so we decided we should go check it out. The name of the café is Anamune. It was again in the upper floor of a building which was really in bad conditions, very crude but artistic.
The entrance was decorated with anatomy related stencils I believe and set up the mood for what would be inside.
Me and the lovely Emma in matching ETC
Random medical related stuff,The place really was random.
There was a photo exhibition going on of a lolita in macabre background and clothing and the pieces were for sale as well, just like an art gallery. Here and there one would find medical or just strange pieces decorating the café, it was very interesting to look at since every bit would have something worth checking. Even the bathroom had interesting things inside it.
Overall view of the room
I chose a glass of wine and two mini sandwiches, they were one of the lunch menu picks.
They also had this bjd doll on display. Apparently they keep moving it from place to place and at some point when Emma went there, they'd even let customers pick her up and "play with her". I do not know what sculpt she is and did not ask.
Another area of the café, really odd and random right? I loved it too.
This is the entrance of the building, it looked quite nice until we got in the elevator i suppose. Very typical of this area.
After that we left and decided to take some purikura. I was really excited! I have always wanted to take purikura in Japan especially with another lolita! It was not much like what I was expecting though, the machines were very... glam and made me look like an alien haha and then its pretty stressful too I think. I did have fun though and I'm going to cherish my first purikura for sure!
Purikura boot
This is the end result. I realized we both picked this as the center shot. I love the randomly placed tooth best but the horns are nice too. :P
I asked Emma if we could step by Angelic Pretty too. Loyal Rosette had come out the previous day and since there was a huge hype around it I really wanted to check it out.
We went in and again I had to look at Cameo Window which I love but in the only color they did not have in the store. I like the other colors too though but not as much.
The new series was at the store window in salopette and op. When I went in and checked it in person I fell in love too, especially with the most disliked colorway, brown. I loved the brown and the gold together, it was so... stylish. Fortunately for me they did not have the jsk (my fav piece) in any other color anymore so I knew I really loved the brown and didn't have to decide between them.
The problem came when it was time for accessories. I feel in love with the detachable bow in the hat but the hat itself on my head felt like a pasty chef's hat, i felt so silly with it on! I really wanted to get it but I couldn't bring myself to spend all that money on something that made me feel so silly so after thinking for a VERY long time, I decided to buy the bow instead. I also did not like the matching socks so those were the pieces I got.
Emma tried the skirt on in green i think and decided not to get it even though she liked it a lot.
In front of Angelic Pretty Osaka, aka the very pink store.
Shinsaibashi was as lively as ever and it was ridiculously hot that day too.
Shisaibashi.
Emma suggested we could check out the new Alice in Wonderland store which apparently is very famous. I said that would be nice even though i had no idea there was one.
When we arrived it was really cool looking from outside but the fact that they had a line to get in kinda puzzled me.
Most of the items are either food goods to buy as presents or small decoration items and jewelry.
Inside the decoration was pretty amazing and in the candy area there was even a table set for the mad tea party but upside down. I thought that was cool. If you would like to see it better inside please click the Alice link above.
We also checked the second hand stores in the area and I was very pleased because I found them to be up to par with Closet Child so I am happy for the girls in Osaka. <3
I found a shirt I really wanted for a great price thanks to Emma and also managed to complete my newly bought Ap set that day as well. I shopped like mad but I had a blast.
Unfortunately it was time to say goodbye to her but I'm sure I will see her again. I wished I could live nearby so we could do that more often, it was a lovely afternoon.
See you soon dear Emma!
After this we went to Daimaru in Shinsaibashi. Daimaru is a department store. The reason why we went was because she suggested that we go to a thing called Zombie Defense University which is basically an horror zombie house. It seemed like a great idea so there we went.
When we got there however I really couldn't bring myself to go. Girls were coming out crying, 16 year old guys were telling friends and familly there's no way they'd go in there etc etc so I chickened out completely and did not do it. I got my husband a ticket and he went and he said it was not scary and came out laughing. -_-; meh. haha
It was now time to go home but not without eating something so we wandered for a bit deciding what to have. We went for Omurice which is basically just a omelette with rice inside. It was really tasty actually, it was a good pick for sure.
After that we got in the station which is close and rode a couple of trains until we got home. The last train, the local train to Oji was deserted at some point so I ended up having some shots in it, which i really like. I love that my husband still wants to take photos of me after such a long and tiring day, he is so sweet!
And that was it for my lovely lolita day, there had to be one, right?
Thank you Emma for everything!
That day's shopping haul included:
- newest Kera
- a paris kids mini hat (for my dolls)
- a bit of sewing/crafts materials for a project
- tweezers to put eye lashes on my bjd
- MillefleursGeorgette Shirring shirt (black)
- Angelic Pretty Loyal Rosette jsk (brown)
- Angelic Pretty Loyal Rosette headbow (brown)
- Btssb brown wrist cuffs
- Angelic Pretty Melty Chocolate socks (brown x gold)
