Tuesday, March 12, 2013

HLC Valentine's Tea Party Meet

*Just a small warning this post will be pretty long*

My previous post was on my love for Lolita fashion how I finally took the leap to try it out. But this one will actually be on my experience wearing Lolita for the first time; and of course my outfit details.

The Sunday after Valentine's Day a couple of girls from our local community (HLC) hosted a Valentine's tea party meet. I was a bit nervous attending an event by myself; but thought that it would be the best opportunity for me to get out of my comfort zone and try to meet new people, so I left the hubby at home. One of the girls from the community had offered to car pool with people in her area and I was lucky enough that I stayed in her vicinity so I didn't have to make the almost hour drive alone.

When she came to pick me up I walked down the sidewalk of my neighborhood a good 200ft - 300ft and already felt the awkwardness of being so poofy and bright, but luckily once I saw my "driver" those emotions went away and instead I was flooded with other ones. I had never actually seen a Lolita up close and personal. There was only once when I saw one but of course I was too shy to go up and compliment her so I kept my distance and passed her by (and regretted it for a long time after)... But here I was staring at a very lovely almost princess-like girl and I almost cried and asked her if it was ok if I hugged her. She probably thought I was crazy but still she agreed and after I piled myself into an already almost filled beetle.

The drive over was great. The four of us talked about ourselves and of course the fashion; which I think helped ease me even more once we arrived to the meet.

The meet was held at one of HLC member's gorgeous home. We were escorted upstairs and outside to the balcony that was overlooking a nice pool and even better a beautiful view of the surrounding wooded area. It was very pretty <3

After I stared at the view for a while, I  came to the realization that I was surrounded by lots of lovely, beautiful Lolitas. A dream come true but at the same time very trying because I was being tested to not get scared and run into a corner.

We arrived a little late so not long after getting there they announced that we could all help ourselves to the food being served. I waited a bit, enjoyed the view a little more and finally headed over to the goodies. It was awesome! Mini sandwiches, cookies, cupcakes, fresh lemonade and so much more. I fixed a plate and found myself somewhere to sit. Everything was delicious. And I even got the courage to talk to some of the other ladies. Everyone was very nice and the times I spaced out and stared at everything going on I couldn't help but feel that I really was dreaming.

After everyone finished eating we all went downstairs to the pool area to take a group picture. I haven't felt so a part of something since high school with my sports but there was such a sense of comradery in the air that day and it made me want to be around everyone even more.
Took this from the balcony. Socializing Lolitas <3
And this is our group picture from the event
Picture by Fox and Lion Photography
 After our group pictures two of the lovely ladies offered to take individual pictures of everyone. I thought that was so awesome. Mini photo shoots and lots of beautiful clothes <3

When my turn came up I tried my best to not be awkward but I doubt that I came out ok in my shots but I will try more for the future. Usually I'm the person that takes pictures and really enjoy it so I got the courage to ask a few of the girls for pictures. After individual pictures little by little each of the lolis went their own way.
Me (left) and Tia (right) Our coords almost matched. Sax x Red & Mint x Red <3
Our carpool group (left to right) Me, Becky, Amanda and Noelle (visualheroine)
Our carpool group was one of the last people to leave and that made me happy because it gave me more time to meet and socialize with these great people. And the drive home gave us just a little more time.

I was the first one dropped off and when I walked back to my place I was smiling from ear to ear and even gave a big smile to a young boy who stared and pointed at me curiously. That day really was a day that I hope I can remember for a long time. It was the start of something so exciting and scary at the same time but after it was all said and done the only feeling that was left was the elation I had from finally being able to realize something that I had wanted for so long.

I hope I can continue to dress in this fashion and meet lots of awesome people in the process.

What was your first experience with Lolita? Have you ever wanted to try the fashion?

More outfit pictures/details under the cut

Since It was a Valentine's meet I of course had to go with a themed outfit. I was also going to wear more bigger bows in my hair but I didn't based off my husband's opinion (kinda wished I did though).
Had alot of fun putting this together. Most of my accessories are handmade so I was able to match it alot better. I also didn't have a blouse yet so I used a sweater with some hair clips to give the illusion of ruffles and I topped it off with a handmade bow tie

I spent most of the night before at my sister's house working on last minute details. She helped me put together all of my hair clips/pins, made my earrings and hair poms and even touched up the pink in my hair. I love her so much and am glad that she didn't mind helping <3

Then I got home around 3am, finished a few other things, painted my nails and went to sleep (maybe 5 or 6am) like a mummy so I wouldn't mess them up. Surprisingly I woke up with them in still great condition (which never really happens)
 
Overall my outfit came out well; although I had socks on order which were supposed to come in before the meet but of course with my luck they didn't come in time. But thankfully I found some white ruffle socks when I was out shopping so my stockings weren't too bad.


dress/headbow (handmade - bought off Etsy a year ago) sweater (American Eagle) stockings/socks (Too long ago to remember/Spencer's) shoes (Bought off EGL) all hair accessories/earrings (minus the headbow) are handmade by me and my beautiful older sister, I also added the sash to tie it in more.

 
Have to take my own pics so hope these don't look to bad, also please excuse my vain-y hands 
Left: bracelets (handmade/Sasha) rings (Claire's/Sasha) Right: watch (McDs) rings (legos - craft event, ducky - handmade by me, convo. heart - Claire's)

These are the socks (Ebay) I really wanted to wear with my outfit. Oh well, guess I have another reason to re-wear this coord just maybe not so OTT *(^-^)*

2 comments:

  1. Cute outfit! It looks like you had a great day :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you :3
      And yes. It was such an amazing day. I hope I can spend more time with these great people =D

      Delete