Whimsical picnics and magical shoes!

Ahh I'm very aware of how badly I've neglected this journal lately! I shall make no excuses because true or not they're never very helpful and talk about stuff that has happened of late! As well as having a birthday (I'm getting old. My bus pass will surely be on it's way in the mail any day now...) and starting roller derby and going on vacation, I have been up to a few interesting things...

This past weekend I went to a picnic meet up in Sheffield. It was a super fun time and the weather stayed mostly fine for us. A number of photographs were taken and I haven't seen them all yet but here are a few humourous shots post-picnic.

Curse the sky!

I also had a lovely day with my mother yesterday. I bought a book that has been in my que forever and she surprised me by buying me the most amazing shoes. Ever! When I saw these shoes I was instantly enamoured with them. I have dubbed them my magician shoes because to me they look pretty and spooky and enchanted. My mum spoils me...

I have also been busy with other bits and pieces. As well as crafting I finally got around to cleaning and slightly rearranging my projects/placetohordefabric/dressing room! It is now dust free! I am preparing to deck the room out with more wonderful spookiness for Halloween too - my black tinsel is never far away.

I believe that's about all for now. I must return to making copious amounts of coffee and umming and ahhing over possible future hair colours...

Lolita review: Bodyline s256 shoes in Off White

Hello there! I'm back, today with a review of Bodyline's 256 shoes in off white (owh). In BL's shoe sizes I am a 27cm, so as soon as I saw the 256's had been restocked, this time with this additional size I quickly snapped up a pair, knowing they wouldn't last long! I was right - currently all the colours in this size except the off white are now sold out. Today I want to share my thoughts on the quality and look of these tea party shoes, and of course, the size accuracy!

 Tea party style shoes are very popular in lolita, looking cute and elaborate with details without having a super high heel that can become uncomfortable.

 The 256's have a cute bow on the side of the shoe and a ruffle detail.

The material these shoes are made from seems strong and does not look cheap or badly made - when worn the shoes feel quite sturdy, though understandably they don't have the same level of support and comfort a more expensive shoe would, but for the price they certainly pass the test.

 Bow on the back (Not detachable)

 Cute scalloping detail around the heel - the heel itself is black as shown.

The only real disappointment I have with these shoes is the scuff on the toe on one of them. I have tried to capture this but it is more noticeable in real than on the photo. I would usually complain about this but since the shoes are from Japan, paying to return them would simply not be worth it. I'm hoping I'll be able to buff this out but I know that's not too likely! Not what I expect from a new pair of shoes...

 Here are a few photos to show the off white colour - as you can see the shoes blend more with my off white cardigan (pictured right) more so than the bright white one. The shoes have a slight tinge of cream in their colour, which I think is more noticeable on the ruffle detail.

 

The shoes go well with my ivory meta dress (sorry for the blur!) but I personally think one could get away with wearing a white dress with these tea parties.

 So, there you have it! Overall, I would say these shoes are fantastic for the price, and I would recommend them for people who's feet are between 26/27 cm because the adjustable ankle strap helps secure the shoes for a more accurate fit. I have bought 27cm shoes from bodyline before, and they have been way too big for my 26.5 cm feet, so I would say these shoes are a more accurate measurement. 

Aesthetically they look very sturdy and well made, and I will be comfortable wearing these out for an extended period of time. The lack of a heel makes them more wearable and versatile for most styles of lolita - in short, for £26 this is a good deal. The only complaint I have is the scuff which certainly should not be there, but I'll have to forgive that this time...