My First Self-Funded Convention!

Hahaha I just realized I hadn't actually written about the convention I went to. Let me tell you the story:

I had spent all summer looking for a con to go to with the money from my first job. Fortunately, I managed to squeeze some time in between the end of my job and the beginning of my school year to attend the newly opened Liberty City Anime Con in White Plains, NY. I only went on Friday and I had my younger sister and her friend with me. Because of the young ones I couldn't go to any mature late-night panels, but we had plenty of fun anyway. 

My favorite part had to have been the performance and photo session with the idol group 2une! They were so cute and I loved talking to them and posing with them. I wanna see them live again soon~ 

The con as a whole was held in a beautiful location and the attendees were really nice~ Oh! and speaking of the attendees there were some really awesome cosplays there! lots of Free!, Attack on Titan, My Little Pony, and others! There was also one girl dressed in lolita. And that was when I missed not having my dress in time :/

I recently got an email from them that says they're moving to the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Times Square for 2016! I hope it isn't too much more expensive so I can go again! ^^ And hopefully for all the days this time.

Here's wishing you sunshine and happiness!
~Forever Sun 

 

My Actual First Lolita Dress Part 2!

Ok! So here's what happened. The dress came the Monday after the convention so I never got to wear it there! Not to mention that Saturday I had left for school. I never even got to try it on until I came back!

And fortunately it fit! It's beautiful on me! The petticoat I got with it was so fluffy! And I managed to put together a quick little coordinate with it for my first meetup which happened just the other day (^-^). It was at a little store aptly named "Planet Cute" in Brooklyn near Grand Army Plaza. The other girls really liked the simple champagne blouse and pink heels and nude tights I had put it with the dress. I spent the whole time talking to other people about lolita fashion and looking at cute items in the store. It was really fun. 

I hope to go back there soon. Look them up on Facebook if you want. They also opened a new online store. I haven't looked at it yet though because I want to go back to the physical store! I should visit for Small Business Saturday! o:

Well that's all I really have to tell for today!

Here's wishing you sunshine and happiness!
~Forever Sun

My Favorite J-pop/Idol Groups, Singers, and Songs

I have been gone way too long. I had been meaning to continue posting but returning to school got in the way of that. Dx Long story short, I was really unhappy there so I couldn't bring myself to post anything "sunny" even though I had plenty I wanted to talk about. :( Luckily my parents are understanding and allowing me to transfer colleges. Now I'm taking some time off and getting ready to set out again!

Ok! So the only topic I mentioned in my first post that I haven't gotten to write about yet is idols!
I don't know if idols fall into the category of j-pop but either way I feel more comfortable separating the two.

I found out about j-pop through YouTube. Mostly I was watching anime there and then saw some links to anime openings and AMV's (anime music videos). It wasn't until joining my first anime club that I actually heard the term "j-pop" though. Then I went home and searched it on YouTube and the rest was history. Honestly I don't stray much from music that is related to anime in some way, but some idols and groups are just really cute/talented and have really captured my attention~

FIRST! Perfume~
Perfume has got to be my favorite musical group from Japan. They probably have the highest ratio of songs I like versus songs I don't. Their choreography and performances are really amazing too! Ahh~ I really want to purchase all of their songs legally, but it's hard when your former bank is being difficult about closing your account in Pennsylvania and you live in Brooklyn, NY. = =; I don't have an iTunes account and I don't hear much about how to purchase music outside of that so I've always been a bit stuck anyways. Though I recently found some of their albums on Xbox music! Since I have an outlook account I could get those if I could only get my funds straightened out.

SECOND! Buono!~
Buono was the first group I knew by name. I found out about them through the Shugo Chara anime. I never stopped loving them and I'm actually listening to "Bravo, Bravo" as I type this xD

THIRD! Vocaloid/Utauloid
I absolutely love the Vocaloid/Utauloid singer-programs and the professional songwriters for them! Some of my favorites would be "World's End Dancehall" "Stickybug" "cLicK cRaCk" "Dreamin Chu Chu," etc~ And then the dances that get choreographed to them are so wonderful *0* They make me so happy~!

FOURTH! AKB48
This group I've heard about a lot since entering the world of Japanese pop/idol music. It's kind of hard not to lol. But I honestly only had a passing interest in them until the anime AKB0048 came out. I liked the story and the music from that. So those are the songs I have by them. ^-^; I'm actually pretty ashamed I don't like them more v.v;

FIFTH! Nogizaka46
I found this group through the song they did for the anime Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic called "Yubi Bouenkyo". It's the only song I know by them. I'm really sorry about that too. Y-Y

That's actually it pretty much. If it isn't the artists or songs I've mentioned before, I don't really know much about it. I usually learn about these things through recommendations or, as I've said before, through anime. Feel free to suggest things!

Here's wishing you sunshine and happiness!
~Forever Sun

Disappointing Places to Buy Pocky

Over the summer I went on a date with my boyfriend. We were just walking around and wandered into a mall nearby where there was a Target. From here the story is obvious - I found and bought Pocky from the Target.

It was good; the chocolate was laid on thicker than usual. However, it didn't have the same zing to it. I think I like the special feeling of only being able to get Pocky from conventions and Asian markets. It makes chocolate covered breadsticks feel less mundane and more international. This is probably a sorely mistaken impression but it also feels less commercial. . . I felt so guilty doing that. I probably never will again if I can avoid it. I don't know if it's serious enough that I would give Pocky up though.

It bothered me enough that my boyfriend laughed at me for how pouty I got. We had a good time otherwise. Did a little stationary shopping and I got a cute journal for planning out the other blogs I actually have a few more of various lengths already in the works! > w <

Here's wishing you sunshine and happiness!
~Forever Sun

My Actual First Lolita Dress!

I actually ordered a lolita dress! I decided I really wanted to wear one to the first con I fund on my own and actually it's pretty exciting to act on that. Now that I'm thinking about it, buying my first coord to go with it just seems to be the icing on the cake!

I ordered the Veronica Print jsk from Magic Tea Party (a taobao brand) through clobbaonline. It's a really cheap dress. Somehow even cheaper than the one I was thinking of getting before. I took a little too long to decide to order so I got the rush delivery and it should be here sometime next week! I hope someone's  home to accept the package. o:

I'd like to mention here that though the dress was inexpensive I do not expect the quality to be sub-par. I recently read through some reviews of Magic Tea Party and they seem to be doing fairly well and are a recommended brand for starter lolitas. Especially those low on funds like myself. 

With the dress I ordered the matching head-bow and possibly the wrong shape petticoat (>.<;) I love A-line silhouettes so I got an A-line petticoat. Unfortunately, after doing a bit of research I discovered that a bell-shape would've suited the dress better. :/ Well now I'm at least definitely going to search for my desired silhouette for my next purchase. 

With shipping and Paypal fees my order came to a total of $138.26 USD. Without shipping and fees it was $101.26 USD. Man shipping really kills ya, huh? (>.<) 

I have a pearlescent, peasant blouse that (I hope) goes really well with the dress and I recently bought some cheap over-the-knees from Forever 21, so the only thing I'm worried about it having shoes comfortable enough for the convention.Wish me luck!~

Here's wishing you sunshine and happiness!
~Forever Sun

Reading Manga

Manga was put on hold temporarily for me because my life recently got way more busy. Now that I have a laptop of my own though, Its recently come to my attention that I can start up again.

Some of the titles I've been catching up on include:
Magi: the Labyrinth of Magic
Attack on Titan/Shingeki no Kyojin
Watashi ni XX Shinasai!
Mysterious Girlfriend X.

There are definitely more but a lot of my reading time had been absorbed by reading fanfiction (a more recent interest for me) rather than manga. Now I have to work on finding a balance between the two because I'm definitely falling farther behind on manga knowledge than I'd like. . .

There are so many new manga that I'd like to start but can't just yet. I haven't even been looking too hard for new titles actually. Fortunately for me though, I'm getting some people I've met recently more interested so we can look things up together. I've already begun broadening my scope again!

One way to read it when I'm not near my laptop is on my phone which I hadn't really considered before, as my phone couldn't handle the sites I usually visit. I've found other sites that work better now on mobile so I will be using those!

Manga is one interest I certainly do not wish to abandon. It's very important to who I am. I'm glad I can come into contact with people who can enjoy it with me! Wish me luck! And:

Here's wishing you sunshine and happiness!
~Forever Sun

I Saw Lolitas!

I really wanted to make this post as soon as it happened but luckily the emotions are still fresh from when this happened about a week ago. 

I was on a date with my boyfriend, about to go home, when our train arrived. We were a bit late heading home already so we both had to go. When the train pulled in, I looked into the subway car right in front of me and saw none other than a lolita outing underway! There were at least five ladies all done up and they each looked beautiful. I wasn't in lolita (of course since I don't own any lolita clothing) so I felt a bit embarrassed going up to them and complimenting them. I did any way but I know I was so excited to see such a lovely, unexpected sight that I hardly made any sense!

I still remember the words I spouted "Hey! You're all really cute! I love you! Bye!" 

I felt like such a dork. "I love you"? Really?! ~sigh~ But what's done is done. I hope they had a good time. I don't even know if many of them heard me seeing as I had only caught one girl's attention and it was fairly loud. I wish I could've gotten some contact information but I had to get on the very same train they had exited. Talk about a wasted opportunity! Ah well~ They had really brightened up my day! Maybe when I get my first dress I can look up their meetup community. . .

That's all I have to say for today!

Here's wishing you sunshine and happiness!

~Forever Sun

First Lolita Dress??

This post has taken way too long!

Long story short- I'm thinking about making my very first Lolita purchase! Which is super exciting!

Long story long- I'm going to the second convention I've paid for myself and the first one I've ever attended from my own money that I earned myself! I have the tickets already which is super fun and exciting in and of itself.

I do want to wear a Lolita (or at least Lolita-ish) outfit to the con. Something frilly and floaty and regal and such but I'm afraid I wont get the order in time. Seeing that I haven't ordered it yet. Although I do know for a fact that there's another con I'd be going to in PA shortly after so shipping may not be that big a deal actually now that I think about it. . .

But yeah! Lolita dresses are so expensive! There is one in my price range that I kind of fell in love with and is only $60.95 (without shipping I think? That's another issue I don't know how that works and I'm afraid to jump in blindly). It's a simple flower garden JSK by Dream of Lolita on Clobba online and I want it so bad! I'm trying to budget so I get lots of cute Japanese stuff from both cons but I am definitely totally scared.

Thing is I think I can swing it because I may be getting a promotion at work so I'm hoping everything goes well.

Another thing - the day I'm attending the con is the 28th of August. Do I have time to order it? I will check Clobba and get back to you guys!

Here's wishing you sunshine and happiness!
~Forever Sun

What I've Learned About Lolita

As someone new to the Lolita life, I quickly learned that I needed to do a bit of research before I officially join the community. Even though I've known about Lolita since early high school years, I never actually looked into buying things or making things because I never thought I could pull it off.

I've gained some confidence (and independence) since then so I'm finally ready to make the leap even if I only stick with it for a few years. Because I love looking all princess-y and regal and I want to do it even if I only have one piece. I always fall hard and fast for Innocent World pieces. And Fanplusfriend I recently discovered. I really can't wait!
\(> w<)/

The lessons!

FIRST! Lolita is expensive!

Oh my goodness so much money and time goes into making full co'ords! Even off brand ones. And goodness knows I have low funds for anything outside of necessities.

SECOND! Lolita has no age restriction!

I was pleased to find out there are lolitas with families and living well into their forties and up! Which means I can take my time coming up with something that's totally me. (^ w ^)

THIRD! There is a massive Lolita community (outside of Japan)

This might be the most surprising of all. I expected Lolita to be one of those "weird Japanese things" but I'm learning it wouldn't be difficult to find people just as into it as I am. or difficult to find people just as new (> w <)

FOURTH! Lolita has some very strict rules!

Some stick more to them than others. I expect to be more flexible with them, especially since I have such little funds.

FIFTH! There are so many archives!

There are so many resources to look at. I've been combing through lolibrary and hellolace to start with. I believe those might be the most comprehensive. I can't wait to start looking into forums and talking to others though (^ - ^)


Here's wishing you sunshine and happiness!
~Forever Sun

Handmade Lolita :D

In Lolita I don't think there's anything I appreciate more than a personalized piece. Unfortunately, I don't have much experience with such kinds of personalization. But I hope to gain more.

I think it'd be a great idea to document what I try here! Especially since I don't have a Lolita wardrobe yet. I've always wanted to make my own clothes. I do some designing actually. But they never get off the page. :/

Maybe I'll post some of the ideas I've had for cords someday! (^-^)

Here's wishing you sunshine and happiness!
~Forever Sun

My Favorite Anime!

Ok, now that I have my manga favorites out of the way, I'll take the time to do the same for my anime favorites.

I just watched and revisited a whole bunch of shows so I have a better idea of these. Here we go!

 FIRST! Shugo Chara

This anime probably had the most impact on my younger years. It gave me so much hope for my future and was just a pleasant and happy experience even when I found out it was an anime for little children. (>.<;)

SECOND! K-on

Oh gee, this one definitely was the most influential on me after Shugo Chara. K-on was pretty popular within the anime watching community I was a part of and I enjoyed it so much I'm pretty sure I was devastated when it ended. It tricked me though! I was sure Houkago Tea Time (the band formed in show) was a band in real life! OTL

THIRD! Magi: The Labyrinth/Kingdom of Magic

I watched this because of the manga and I'm glad I did. It was nice to hear my baby Morgiana's voice and see her move and all that. (^-^)

FOURTH! Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions (Chunibyo Demo Koi ga Shitai)

This is one of the more recent ones that made it onto my favorites list. It made me laugh then made me cry. It's characters touched me deeply but I will admit the story was a bit lacking. It felt kind of. . . not forced but rushed? I guess?? Maybe??? BUT anyway I need to watch the second season of that. So I'll get on it. ~eventually~

FIFTH! Mayo Chiki

Talk about exciting! This one starts off with a bang and stays playful throughout. I'm a huge fan of male characters with glasses with that kind of smart aleck attitude I did feel for the dude with all he had to go through but it was hilarious. One for the ages (^-^)

SIXTH! AKB0048

This anime captured my heart and had me in tears by the end. It rekindled my interest in idol anime (though its a fairly new concept I think) and had me downloading all kinds of anime music . . .

SEVENTH! Gatchaman Crowds

This anime was probably the third most influential on my life after Shugo Chara and K-on. This one restored my faith in humanity and provided such a great take on the way we can see people around us. It gave me back the positivity I had lost sight of. And I guess was indirectly the reason I started this blog? I reconnected with my optimism and inner peace by relating to the main character and I wanted to firmly keep hold of it by staying connected to the anime and manga that allowed me to develop that part of me in the first place.

It became the sunlight that allowed the dormant seed of happiness to sprout within me. I couldn't help but want to share that sunlight. (^-^*)

I'll stop there, because I ended my manga list at seven and because I doubt any other anime I've watched have lived up to these, so I probably won't add any more until something else touches me.

Here's wishing you sunshine and happiness!

~Forever Sun

Poofy, Frilly, Loli Me

I'm almost sure my title is a reference to something but I don't know what it is...

Any who, This will be my first Lolita post! The one where I announce I have no Lolita wardrobe! I'm eager to start though. Truth be told I don't have a job yet so I don't have the money for sewing supplies let alone an actual brand piece. Though I already know what style I'd go for: Classic!

Ah I cant wait until I can make something. Recently I've been on a real hunt for loli-able pieces in my price bracket but little has come up so far.

But I found this one site with the cutest pieces! It's called Accessorize.com and it has some brilliantly perfect loli-able accessories. But accessories are nothing without clothes...

Wish me luck lollies!

Here's wishing you sunshine and happiness!
~Forever Sun

My Favorite Manga!

I'll start things off with some of my favorite manga to date!

I'm not going to go in any particular order just because I feel it's easier to list them that way.

FIRST! Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic

This manga just makes me happy overall. I'd been feeling lately that the manga I was reading were really light and didn't deal with very many rough subjects. At least not any rough subjects out of the norm. For me one of the appeals of manga is that it does just that. It's rough and doesn't sugarcoat life. Which is why I was really happy to find one that dealt with subjects like slavery and wars and human rights but still manages to maintain an overall happy feel. The antics between the characters make them feel really human and interesting. I can't wait to learn more about them! Unfortunately I'm not up to date on this one . . .

SECOND! Haikyuu!!

I like this manga because it's been developing in a really natural way, and isn't over the top with the characters' standout abilities. This is another one that has character's whose interactions make me smile!

(On a side note, I'll see if I can find a way to insert smiley faces in these. I feel these are empty without expressions :/)

THIRD! Katekyo Hitman Reborn!

Now for one I've actually finished. Oh man this manga was full of laughs and was really sweet! and the character development was wonderful! Even though you have to get through 150+ chapters of gag manga before a plot develops I even enjoyed that. It's been a while so I don't really remember the ending but I get a vague sense it may have been slightly unsatisfactory? or maybe it was a great ending. :O Who Knows?

FOURTH! +Anima

Speaking of cute! This was one of the cutest, sweetest stories I've ever had the pleasure of laying my eyes on. I was so happy when the last chapter was finally made available!

FIFTH! Medaka Box

This manga was a roller coaster ride from beginning to end. I liked how it kept me guessing the whole way through and provided a really interesting view of the world. The art style was really awesome too!

SIXTH! Nanamix

If I remember correctly, this one was really short but a cute love story nonetheless. The art style was what left the biggest impression on me honestly.

SEVENTH! Kiss x Sis

I haven't been keeping up with this lately but goodness I like a good ecchi manga, and this one puts me on edge with all the shenanigans that happen xD

For now I'll leave it at that but there are probably more, especially on the ecchi side, shut away from my memory from my young innocent years. These manga all never failed to make me smile, even when they were sad.

Here's wishing you sunshine and happiness!
~Forever Sun

Hello! I'd Like to be Known as Forever Sun

I don't really have a reason to remain anonymous in this blog but for now I will. I'm kind of starting this on a whim so we'll see how it goes!

There are a few things I'd like to do with this blog. Mainly, I need a proper outlet for my interests and a place where I'm not embarrassed to like things as I like them. For me those interests include anime and manga, Lolita fashion, and j-pop/idols and such. So aspects of Japanese culture. I have other interests outside of these things but that's not important because I have proper outlets for those.

As for the name I've chosen, that's just because I like the idea of spreading warmth to the world. I think it's a nice  concept especially in the realm of idols since that's how they help me feel. "I'd like to fill the world with happiness - like you're being bathed by sunlight!" Something like that.

Right now, I'm at a time in my life where I don't have much confidence. I did once but it was recently shaken. SO I've decided to re-root my confidence by exploring my likes and dislikes and doing something about my bad habits. Such as negativity that feeds into other people.

So you could say this blog is partially therapeutic.

I guess I'll make a tag like for now. Something cute. . .

Here's wishing you sunshine and happiness!
~Forever Sun