So Lolita: Product Review

Hey there Killjoys!

Today's review is from the clothing, wig, and accessories store, So Lolita.

Today I'll be reviewing a wig from So Lolita. At first I was really confused because the wig I ordered was a dark red/mixed wig. The item I received in the mail was a pink mixed wig. It didn't come with an order form or anything saying it was from So Lolita. It was just the wig, wig cap, and a "Coser Wig" business card. Also, I was told that I would receive accessories or some type of jewelry to go along with my review, which I did not receive.

I emailed So Lolita and they quickly responded and apologized. Because I am reviewing this as a sponsored blogger, I'm not sending it back. I am just going to give an honest review on the product and was told my red wig would come with my next order.

So without further adieu, I bring you the Dream Girls Curl Sweet Roleplay Lolita Wig! I will say, So Lolita is just as expensive as other high quality wig shops like Gothic Lolita or Arda Wigs. This wig runs about $44, but is very high quality.

It feels and looks like real hair, the color is gorgeous (I'm still not sure what to call it. There's clearly pink, but I can't tell if it's like a silver/purple/brown/ash kind of color mixed in lol), and I've had very little to no fallout when I brush it. It is heat resistant which means I can straighten the wig.

I didn't have to trim the bangs or anything, and I've been able to style it in a ton of ways from side-swept bang to pigtails to buns. The hair on the cap is really thick, making the cap not visible.

Even though SoLolita sent me the wrong wig, I would recommend them. Their quality is amazing based off of just the wig I received. Their customer service was also very nice. I'm sure if someone actually ordered something and it wasn't just a sponsorship, they would probably send a new wig out or at least send a return slip and exchange the wig.

And in case anyone wanted to know what wig I initially ordered, here's a photo:

There's also a video review for SoLolita on my YouTube as well.

Let me know if you guys have any questions, and don't forget to follow my blog!

xo Jeanne

Creature Cult: Product Review

Hey Killjoys! It's time for another bad-ass fashion blog review!

Today I'm reviewing a US-based store called Creature Cult who sells bad-ass, but sexy accessories like garters, necklaces, and even some tops and dresses!

First off, I love the shipping packaging. It's pink and has the Creature Cult logo sticker on the bag. Shipping was relatively fast. She shipped from across the country, so I was very happy with the items arriving in a few days.

When I opened the bag, I was really happy with everything inside. All 3 of my items were in their own separate bags and not damaged whatsoever. She also included a hand-written note (with the store's logo), as well as a stack of Creature Cult business cards and stickers (which I plan on giving to my friends). I have a few friends that are into Japanese fashion and burlesque, who I know will LOVE these items!

First up! Is my personal favorite. It's called the Sacrificial Lamb Garter. I couldn't be any happier with how this looks. It's elastic and has spikes attached to it. There's also a pentagram hanging on it, which I LOVE. It does have some give and fits on my upper legs. I'm small, but muscular, so I think my thighs are pretty average. I would recommend that if you are a thicker individual, to let the store know before purchasing just to make sure she can make them bigger. It has hooks attached so I can attach it to a thigh high if I want, or just let it hang. I like both options! I'm a HUGE fan of wearing the single fashion garter, so I can't wait to incorporate these with future looks!

I know in some of the photos, the garter makes my leg look a bit chunky and squished, but for me, it's not uncomfortable or cutting off circulation. I had no problem with the tightness, and the garter didn't fall while I walked around, which is a major plus.

The next item is another garter. This one is called the Chi Garter. Same for the last garter, it's elastic and fits me well, but might not fit if you're thicker, so definitely make sure you send that as a note when you order it. This one also has spikes and a little heart in the middle.

Once again, the tightness was fine. This one, I found, fit me most comfortably right above the knee and didn't set as high as the Sacrificial Lamb garter. I think this one would be really cute to wear with knee high/right above the knee socks.

Last, but certainly not least is the Choke Me Till We're Back in the 90's Tattoo Choker. First off, let me say I'm a sucker for 90's apparel and I wore these necklaces ALL THE TIME growing up, so I had to get one! I originally thought I would receive this with a pentagram on it to match the garter, and then I realized there were several options available for the charm, so it was my bad for not realizing that. If you plan on getting this particular necklace, make sure you pick the charm you want in the "options" section. I believe the charms available are the pentagram, this tooth, and a UFO. Regardless of my own ordering mistake, I can't wait to rock this choker like it's 1997 all over again! It's extremely stretchy and should have no problem fitting on anyone who orders one.

All in all, Creature Cult is the perfect combination of goth, sexy, and 90's girl all in one. Even better is that every item shown here is $10 or less.

Make sure to check out their store! You can catch another review on Creature Cult on my YouTube channel! Don't forget to subscribe!

xo Jeanne

My Experience with Modeling for Japanese Companies

Hey there Killjoys!

I feel like it's been way too long since I last posted (when in reality it's only been about a week), but I hate slacking!

Today I wanted to share my experience with some of my modeling, specifically with Japanese companies. I feel like I get asked the most about these gigs, so I'm going to explain how I got started in it, what my experiences have been, and what to expect if you're trying to get involved in modeling.

I got my modeling career start as a kid. My mom used to take my to NYC weekly for auditions and gigs. Once I hit middle school, I stopped modeling until after I graduated high school. I started looking into building a portfolio and started building experience as an "alternative" model.

What does that even mean, right? Alternative? It can be described as a more "goth" style of modeling, or models with tats/piercings/dyed hair. My personal definition of modeling was based off of my personal style and well, the fact that I was no where near "agency standard" of 5'9. I'm barely 5'1.

After getting a somewhat solid portfolio under my belt and some print and runway experience under my belt, I started getting more involved in cosplaying and conventions. I went to my first convention fashion show at AnimeNEXT 2010 and saw the Hangry+Angry runway show as an audience member.

When I was a young kawaii Killjoy xD

I loved everything about the show. The clothing, the energy, the models, literally everything was amazing. I immediately started looking into other companies in the area. Of course to my dismay, all of those companies were based in Japan, and rarely came here. I found a few Japanese-inspired designers and made it a priority to work for them, which I did.

Candy Rock Couture 

Bishoujo Bomb Designs

Fast forward a few months to NYCC. I found out Hangry+Angry was going to be doing another show and had opened up applications for their show. I had never filled out an application for a modeling gig. I always was either contacted by the designer or would send out my portfolio and info when I heard of casting calls. But I filled out the application. And waited. And waited some more. I didn't hear back so I assumed I didn't get the job. Then just a few days before the convention, I received a call from the woman running the show and was told I was picked and was soon sent an email with the info.

I was so excited and couldn't wait to go to NYC for the show. I went to NYC for the fitting that Thursday and the show was Saturday. When I was there I met the other models, most of which were so nice. As I've done more of these shows, I notice there's always the same type of groups. There are the girls that have been doing these shows on a regular basis (I feel like I now fit in that category lol), the girls who have never done a fashion show or modeling gig in their life, and the girls who were agency models who happened to apply and get the gig and felt like they were better than everyone and did the whole "holier than thou" thing (which, there are those girls at ANY runway show).

It was a lot of fun. Very hectic. I admit I felt really out of place since many of the girls either spoke a little or a lot of Japanese and could talk to the designers. I needed the translator that was with the designer to understand what was going on. The show was very different than most I had worked in the past. It was super high energy and crowd interacting. I was so used to the serious face/typical model runway thing, but was glad to get out of my bubble.

Sixh.

After the show, I remained in contact with many of the models and networked with a few others on the team. After the convention I worked with some of the models in other workshops and learned a lot about other Japanese designers and fashion, which really started my love of Japanese high fashion.

It didn't take long for my closet to begin to grow and for me to take a Japanese class to better understand some conversational Japanese. I also built up my portfolio a bit more. Over the past 4 years, I've worked various shows at both conventions and non-convention venues for Japanese designers. Many of which were similar, if not identical with my first experience with Hangy+Angry. Very last minute, hectic, but overall a fun and AMAZING experience.

Gramm.

Each time I apply for a job, I never know if I'm getting it because there's such a small amount of girls picked for the show, and I know more girls are applying since Japanese fashion is becoming more and more popular. Some of the companies that I've had the pleasure and honor of working for include Hangry+Angry, Sixh., H. Naoto, Acryl Agirtt, and Alice and the Pirates to name a few.

Alice and the Pirates

So overall, my advice would be to build a portfolio, know your stuff, study your craft, and have fun. I'm not saying you have to already be a professional model to work for Japanese companies. On the contrary, as I said earlier, some of the girls had zero experience and sent in head shots that friends took on their phones.

Sixh & Mint.

The key is to just have fun, network, make connections, and if it's something you want to do, take it all in and learn from it all.I feel like I learn something new at each show and no two shows are the same. The style is slightly different, the energy, the speed/style of how they want you to walk...it's all different! The only things that are the same is the chaos that ensues at every fashion show, but I've come to expect that over the years.

Acryl Agitt

An awesome part about the experiences is that I've made so many connections, that I've actually talked to designers and photographers in Japan that want to work with me when/if I ever am out there (which I hope is soon!).

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you plan on applying for/doing these kind of runway shows:

• Don't get discouraged if you feel like someone else got a "cooler" outfit. There's a reason the designer thinks you can rock that outfit.
• If something goes wrong, don't panic. Sometimes the clothes the designer has picked for you won't fit or doesn't look like they thought it would. Just calm down. They're going to do what's best for the show, and most designers will try to accommodate you as well.
• You don't have to know Japanese. It definitely helps, but they almost always have a translator.
• Things are going to be last minute and you're going to be pulled in a million directions. Just go with it.
• Be helpful. Everyone involved is doing a bunch of different jobs. Just offering to say "hey if I can get you anything or help just let me know". I did that at the last show and ended up helping the other girls with hair once mine was done.
• Speaking of hair and make-up, ALWAYS bring your own supplies. I can't tell you how many times the artists ran out of time or bailed and models had to do their own hair/make-up.
• On the same note of things to bring, always bring a snack, nude bra/panties, and a spare pair of shoes. You'll thank me later. Oh and maybe a book or something because sometimes there will be A LOT of time to kill between models getting hair and make-up done.
• Be respectful. They know we have different ways of showing respect in America, so at least shake their hand and say thank you. It goes a long way.
• Have fun. It will show in your face if you're having a miserable time.

As for non-runway Japanese modeling, I treat it like I would any other modeling job. Some are actual paid modeling gigs, and some are ones I do for fun when I feel I need to update my portfolio.

You can also find a few of the fashion shows I did available on my YouTube as well as a full look at my portfolio and designers I've worked with HERE

I hope this helped anyone that wondered about modeling for Japanese companies. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them in the comments below.

xo Jeanne