.the princess portal.

This has got to be one of the most visually stunning movies ever made, even though it is a musical I find it more a feast for the eyes than for the ears (though the score is no less lovely for it.) Last night I watched the Joel Schumacher version of the film, I haven’t seen it before, though I’ve seen other adaptions, and it was breathtaking

The Phantom has always caught me as a sort of twisted version of Beauty and the Beast, one where the story did not quite go to plan. It is romantic, tragic and a little frightening all at once which forms a powerful combination. I love Christine’s character, she is so innocent and seems trapped by the scenario but in the end you see that she really is the one with the power, the choice of love or hate.

I could watch this film for the sets and costumes alone, they are so elegant and detailed and decadent. The magnificent Opera house with its gilt nymphs and angels, the stage as it transforms from garden bower to rococo chamber to firey tower. The Phantom’s lair is intriguing with its mirrors and candelabras and that gorgeous swan bed, but most of all I love the dressing room used by Christine and Carlotta. The scene where Christine opens the door and the room is full of pink roses, on every available surface makes me sigh with joy. I adore the little opera chapel too. This movie makes me want to fill my room with candles!

One of my favourite british princesses is Princess Louise, she was born in 1848 as the sixth child of Queen Victoria. Considered the prettiest of Victoria’s daughters she was also very accomplished, being tutored in art by a well known sculpturess, she was also accounted by all as very bright and good tempered. Being rather liberal minded she was forward thinking on the issues of poverty and women’s rights.

What is unusual about Princess Louise was her marriage. Although the Queen had intended her for a Prussian prince, she had no desire to be shipped off to a foreign court and instead married the Marquis of Lorne, who was not of royal blood. The Marquis was a bright intelligent man, a member of parliament and the perfect match for her artistic temperament. Although in those times it was frowned apon for a Princess to marry below her rank, Louise made her choice and was respected for it by both her family and the public.

As a married woman, who later became Duchess of Argyll when her husband succeeded the Duke, she did not settle down to a life of motherhood and managing house. Rather she surrounded herself with artists and philanthropists and became involved in many organisations, including those that benefitted poor women. In 1872 she became the president of the National Union for the Higher Education of Women, eagerly promoting this cause. Her artistic achievements were highly regarded, she could paint, write and sculpt with great skill and some of her works survive today. She died at the age of 91, having survived World War I and the loss of her husband.

reference

Cherry print chiffon dress from S-2
Pearl headband from Diva
Handmade pearl bracelet
Antique gold heart locket

This is me not wearing lolita, it does happen! I bought this new summer dress recently from a little korean boutique in the city. Its made of soft floaty chiffon and has pearl buttons Close Up. I am loving chiffon this summer, it flutters so prettily when you walk.

The print is adorable too, fruit prints are perfect at this time of year and cherries have just come in season. Every christmas we buy a big bowl full of them and nibble away until our lips are stained red. Yum!

This morning Mirai and I went to the craft store to pick up a few things. This year at our local convention I wanted to make a few small lolita accessories to sell, and as there are only two weeks to go I thought I better get started! My project for today was bon bon hair barettes, so I bought some pink polka dot and blue gingham fabric, ribbon, lace and clips.

From the craft store we went to Clara’s house, where she and Tahlia were busy working on their costumes. I think sewing is always more fun with friends to chat with and the time passed quickly as I made my little clips. I’m happy with the result, though I may change my methods a little next time so they don’t take so long to make. I hope some people at the con will purchase them!

I made prawn salad for dinner and setted down to watch Camelot with Mirai, it is a very old musical and quite amusing. Our favourite quote was Lancelot: “Knights, picking flowers!?” Arthur: “Well, someone has to do it!” we thought the knights in their full armor happily plucking daisies was charmingly amusing.

Angelic Pretty novelty ribbon kachusha
Angelic Pretty white long sleeve cutsew
BABY Swan Lake print Jsk pink
Angelic Pretty pinkxwhite striped logo socks
BABY novelty bunny slippers

This is my favourite jumperskirt so I wear it often. I’m looking forward to having my hair cut again soon, there is just so much of it!

Mirai took this photo before we went out this morning so I’m still wearing my slippers! Close Up I exchanged them later for my heart buckle shoes.