I recently purchased an L-email wig from ebay seller sandylou2012, so here is my review for those interested in this wig!
Shipping/ Service/ Packaging
I had no problem in this regard. I don't know exactly how long it took for my parcel to arrive, as I had it sent to my term-time adresse and arrived from home after it. I do know that it was well within the estimated time frame, and I did not wait long.
I didn't rely on their customer service, so I cannot vouch for it, but that fact alone is telling!
Packaging: well, the eveloppe was flimsy and not the bubble wrap kind I am used to; I easily ripped it open, but it was waterproof. The wig itelf was in an upright cardboard ring, with net, silk paper, and ziplock bag, so I would say it was sufficient.
Product/ Price
Product: So here is the wig itself. The colors are true to the photos on the website, and I love them! Vanilla blonde, and bright pink! Thefiber is shiny, but very soft, and seems to hold quite well, better than I had imagined form reading other reviews. I have brushed it a few times, and nothing much came out of it. That is lucky though, because the wig is rather thin. Nothing unexpected, for the price, but you can see the concentric weams of the cap on the top of the head. Using a flesh-colored wig cap solves most of this problem. A bit of talcum powder should deal with the shine. Judging from the photos I have been able to take of the back of the wig, it is thick enough there not to show the cap.
Price: 23.25$, or 14.50£. This is really decent, considering the wig and that shipping was free. My Bodyline wig was about the same price, but I had additional customs and shipping, though it was thicker.
Back and top views
In the sun: not too shiny; what do you think?
Their was a free wig cap with it, the net-type, but I will be using my flesh-colored cap with this wig, as I have said.
Conclusion
So satisfied? Definitely!!
I was looking for a wig that might look like my Princess Cadence wig, without the inconvenience of the dye rubbing out on my clothes. I fell in love with blonde haire, and this wig seemed perfect for it! It will definitely go into my everyday casual wear, as it is easy to wear, casual, and requires almost no styling at all.
One way to solve the thinness will also be to wear the wig clips from the Gothic Lolita split blonde/ pink wig I have oredered recently and that will match. That will be fun as well!
I'm also taking the opportunity to show off my new Swimmer bag! I bought it in Boddywood in Paris before leaving. And now that I moved to the South ofFrance, atht was probable the last time I will be visiting the shop as casually... One of the things I will miss in Paris! But it will be exciting discovering all the lolita suitbale spots in my new town and meeting the local community, I am sure!
Unfortunately I have to keep the load pretty light in this bag, or it won't last very long... But it's so very cute!! I love it <3
And to round off this post, here is the first coordinate uniting both these purchases!
I recently ordered a new fashion wig, this time from Coscraft!
I chose the light brown Cybele model, it really looked lovely for both lolita, hime, and mori.
Stock Photo
Shipping/ Service/ Packaging
Every time I receive a wig via mail, I cringe at the sight of the parcel. It is always so slim that it seems the wig will never be as full as the reference picture makes it look. However, once again I was (thankfully) mistaken, and the wig was merely very well wrapped. Inside its cardboard box, it was neatly folded into a ziplock bag, and kept from tangling by the net.
Since Coscraft is based in England, the shipping rate was attractive (1£50) , and the speed as well. I needed this wig for the end of this week (surprise coming up!). I ordered Friday night, I believe, and it arrived this morning (because obviously the weekend was not working days).
I didn't have any reason to deal with service, so aside from the fact that it was quick and efficient, I can't judge much. That's enough for me to rate them 100% satisfying, though. Not having to deal with customer service means they were good right from the start!
Product/ Price
When I slipped the wig from its bag, I was pleasantly surprised to see it unfold and fall to its full lenggth, approximately 90cm. The fibre is so gorgeous! It flows like water, is soft and smooth, and looks exactly like real hair! I quickly tried it on; the length matches that of my real hair, the waviness as well, and the shine. You wouldn't know I was wearing a wig if you saw me, you just might assume I had bleached my own hair! I tried flashing with my camera the wig, there is no obnoxious shine either.
Without flash
With flash. See the difference? No? Thats 'cuz there's none.
The price is also very competitive - 23£ (24£ on eBay) - as my Bodyline wig was approxiamtely the same price, but had additional shipping fees, and though I love it very much and it is neat, the fibers aren't nearly as fine. Thinking of it, where is that wig? It somehow disappeared... Guess I'll have to look for it behind my wardrobe or something...* Edit: Still can't find it! Aargh ><*
Sorry for the unedited photos, I just wanted to get this review up and avoid procrastinating
I am so satisfied with this wig, and I am definitely going to purchase again from Coscraft. One thing though; I was careless about research, so I got mine from their eBay shop, which is slightly more expensive than their website, so I'll buy from them directly next time. I also noticed that Light in the Box sells wigs using the same reference photo, so I don't know what the deal is there, maybe someone investigated already... In any case, I recommend going for Coscraft rather than LitB.
***
I just mentioned a little surprise coming up; wait for it! I'm really looking forward to it on Friday and Sunday, and I'll make sure to keep you updated about it!
I was delighted to find in my mail today (well, by now that was Monday), a package from Japan! It is my order of deco parts from Fullmoon. I was attracted by the competitive prices and most of all by the low shipping rates the owner, Yukie Campbell, applies. This is due to the fact that she sends the items through regular mail (though I think you can opt for a tracked delivery). So it is a bet as to whether you will receive everything in good shape but I read good reviews and decided to give it a try. My camera recently died on me and it was hard to leave the package unopened until I could take pictures, but I wanted to do this properly. On to the parcel!
My order: Rose Rhinestones 3mm 400pieces[RH30] US$1.00 x 1 US$1.00 White Pearl 3mm 80pieces[PE335] US$1.00 x 1 US$1.00 Cream White Pearl 4mm 40p[PE334] US$1.00 x 1 US$1.00 Light Pink Pearl 3mm 80pieces[PE335] US$1.00 x 1 US$1.00 Light Pink Love Heart 14mm 10pieces [Rh71] US$1.00 x 1 US$1.00 Light Pink Open Heart Pearl 11mm 20pieces[PE360] US$1.00 x 1 US$1.00 Silver Ear Wires earrings ear hooks 1 pair[PT034] US$0.50 x 1 US$0.50 Nail Drill for fake nails[OT008] US$5.00 x 1 US$5.00 Light Pink Rhinestones 3mm 400pieces[RH30] US$1.00 x 1 US$1.00 Chiffon Ribbon Pearl 45x50mm (Color: Pink)[MT106] US$0.50 x 1 US$0.50 Clear Rhinestones 4mm 300pieces[RH40] US$1.00 x 1 US$1.00 Rose Rhinestones 4mm 300pieces[RH40] US$1.00 x 1 US$1.00 iPhone Jack plug 5 pieces Clear[PT032] US$1.00 x 1 US$1.00 ♡♡♡Free Gift♡♡♡[1/Sep ~ 30/Sep] US$0.00 x 1 US$0.00 Choco Roll 8x26mm (Color: Brown)[PL946] US$0.50 x 1 US$0.50 Cute Ribbon 21x28mm[PL972] US$0.60 x 1 US$0.60 Giraffe 14x19mm (Color: Light Blue)[PL115] US$0.40 x 1 US$0.40 Cookies 18x25mm (Color: Pink)[PL965] US$0.60 x 1 US$0.60 Merchandise Total US$18.10 Shipping Cost Total US$5.00 Total US$23.10
I spy a blue giraffe, a pink cookie, a nail drill, pearl hearts, a hime bow, and oh so much glitter!
Packaging: 5/5
Yukie Campbell obviously knows her stuff because everything came wrapped in its own sealed plastic pack, within a larger bag, inside bubble wrap! It's a wonder anyone claimed that their parcels came empty from the packets opening in the enveloppe, because I can tell you nothing could slip out of this! I had been worried about those declarations, and about the parcel being lost or damaged, but I am glad to say none of that happened.
It came in this taped enveloppe through the mailbox (I'm glad it fit; getting mail myself is such a bother). You can see how safely it is all wrapped.
Shipping: 5/5
I was anxious at first about shipping through regular mail but I am now relieved. Besides getting my parcel in perfect condition, I didn't have to be in to sign a receipt or anything of the sort. Yukie also takes pictures of what she sends as proof in case of problems, so she's very professional about that. The cost of shipping was $5, which is a breeze compared to other shops that would have me pay $15! (Which, by the way, was more than the amount for the goods.) I ordered on the 16th, Yukie shipped on the following day and it arrived on the 1st, so it took about 15 days to reach me. I don't know how long mail should take to come from Japan, but this seems reasonable. (A postcard to Russia once took two months...)
Quality: 5/5
The stones are gorgeous and oh so shiny, I'm in love! The ribbon bow is strong (I tried pulling at it a little) though not exactly symmetrical, but the ribbon is sealed so that it won't fray. I have yet to try the nail drill but it looks sturdy -plus it's deco-able! That was definitely a good purchase. The cabochons are all good quality. The back of the cabochon bow has a tiny defect which I am noting only for the sake of accuracy but which doesn't affect the condition at all. I didn't even want to mention this at all, considering how satisfied I am with everything else!
I would have loved the lavender giraffe as well but it was out of stock. If it is ever restocked, I'll give my blue one a friend! The half-pearls are perfect; the earing hooks are for making my friend's present (but it's a secret...), and came with small wire loops which I didn't expect and will be very useful. the best part is to come: after scrolling through the whole list of items on the website, I found a present item which you can add for free to your basket! (apparently this a regular monthly feature.) It was a surprise what would be in it and it is a generous gift indeed! It came in the form of 5 little packets with red, yellow and pink half-pearls, 5 heart-shaped half-pearls, and green, jade-like half pearls. These last are beautiful and I will have to use them for a classic/antique look! In conclusion, I got a lot more than I bargained for, and I disregard the teeny defects to put a 5 for quality.
The amazing gift from Yukie! So sweet!
Communication:5/5
Although I didn't have any problems and did not have to contact her, Yukie sent me an email straight after I paid through Paypal to confirm my paiement and tell me she had shipped everything off. Her mails were very clear and pleasant; she writes to you personally and very sweetly. She also sent me coupons for my next purchase.
Conclusion: 5/5 (and I'm not exaggerating)
I will definitely purchase from Fullmoon again! Every aspect of it was satisfying and I felt I was dealing with someone serious and friendly. I don't even think I will try another service; I'm lucky to have found exactly what I was looking for on the first try.
I can't wait to get down to deco'ing now! Expect some photos soon!
I occasionally come across (or rather deliberately go out of my way to get into my hands) a very lolita-worthy piece of work, whether a book, manga, movie, anime or drama. Since I'm always in search of new ones myself, I'll review what I find in the hope that other lolitas may take their favorite fashion to a new level. I also hope in time to create a vest "loli-library" (lolibrary was already taken...)comiling titles of interest to lolitas.
Starting off with the anime Gosick! First off, there will be some mild spoilers in my review, but I will also warn you of any major spoilers ahead, so pay attention!
Very briefly, Gosick (japanese pronunciation of "gothic") takes place in 1924 in the imaginary counrty of Saubure and is the story of Victorique De Blois, held captive in a tower/libary by her father the Marquis, and of Kujo Kazuya, an exchange student from Japan at the Sainte Marguerite Academy. Together, with Kujo's talent for stepping into trouble and Victorique's intellect, they solve mysteries gravitating around folk tales and the elusive Gray Wolves, of which our gothic heroine is a descendant. But they slowly uncover a much darker plot to reshuffle the axis of power in Europe...
What Gosick is first and foremost, is a hop on the recent trend of europeo-christian gothic fanservice which followed the success of Kuroshitsuji. Nothing wrong with that, and I watched the anime for that reason (thankfully though, it had nothing to do with masters and butlers). So the series starts out on a Sherlock Holmes-y feel - Victorique even has a pipe; you've got to love the un-lolita hoby! It is pleasant, but unfortunately the problems were sometimes too easy to solve. It results in our heroine stating the obvious to a mildly impaired Kujo, and lacks suspense. Little by little the overarching plot is put in place, but always in little bits which were never enough to truly whet my appetite, until the series reaches its conclusion and everything spills forward, making the plot inequally distributed.
However, while this plot is revealed, some very interesting and unusual themes are broached, mostly due to the historical context: war, the occult versus science, slavery, abandon... *Spoiler* and the heroine being born of a rape is extremely unusual coming from the world of general public animation. *End spoiler* I would say those deeper themes are due to the series' light novel origins. Certain arcs were also good finds like Victorique's mother and the Roscoes, the Queen's murder (her name is Coco Rose! Find the pun?). But most of this is developped in the last two episodes. These are the two most interesting for treating the overarching plot, and would have benefitted from more consideration.
My thoughts after watching Gosick were that the plot would have been a lot more exciting if they had scrapped the 'mysteries' and started with episode #23 (before last) and developped the story from there into the #24 episode, if you follow my thought. There were so many more great ideas and finds in those two episodes that a whole plot could have been spun from them. I'll admit it's not much use making a review of what the anime is not, but that is how I felt.
Now to be a little more positive! What I did like was doll-like Victorique being absolutely beyond stubborn and acting like a spoilt princesse, which is an interesting contrast with her past once it is revealed to the audience; it makes her character seem to be a shell she built around herself rather than innate. What really did it for me though was her seiyuu, Aoi Yuuki. I love her voice, as well as other characters she has voiced, and I think she is an amazing actress. She gives Victorique an undeniable uniqueness and portrays her emotions beautifully. Of course I also liked Victorique's wardrobe, usually doll-like gothic with occasional classic. I wish the dresses in the ending video had been featured in the animation! Perhaps the best thing about her is her house. The perfect pink dreamhouse in the middle of a labyrinth, filled with delicate white furniture and a canopied bed - a dollhouse! Victorique is actually often compared to a doll in the animation.
Sadly I didn't much like Kujo, always a little too naive, whether about their relationship he continually claims is friendship or the mysteries they solve, and his character is only ultimately redeemed in my eyes after he goes to war. (It didn't help that I didn't like his seiyuu either).
A glimpse at Victorique's extensive wardrobe
Her dream house
Probably the biggest problem with this animation is that that it tries to have a finger in every pie: it is both light and inconsequential with the problem solving cases, but also goes for a world-wide conspiracy over the war that takes place and broaches darker subjects requiring a bit of thought. Yet this proves too much and the result isn't consistent.
The animation itself can't be faulted; Studio Bones up to its reputation for quality. I loved all the art nouveau inspiration and how it was kept as a constant guiding principle throughout.Opening and ending titles can't be omitted, they were appropriately chosen and rank among my favorite tracks at the moment.
All in all, though I may have seemed negative at times, I quite enjoyed this show, especially its atmosphere and the country of Saubure, but it generated quite a but of frustration and disppointement over what it suggests it could have been and it remains geared towards fan-service.
