/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

are there any indie brands that are fairly reasonably priced? I don't want to pay brand price for a non print simple skirt. that shit's downright retarded.

>>6878076
What range do you consider "reasonably priced" and what do you consider "simple"?

>>6878099
I don't think think I'd pay even 50 dollars for the dress in OP's pic, lol.

If it's a good dress, though, I'd be willing to pay $90-$150.

>>6878099
>>6878076

Woops, meant so say -- depending on your expected price range and what you're looking for, I might be able to recommend someone from my list

>>6877992
Who the hell is this, and why is it so ugly? Also mouldy walls and kiddie drawings.

I think the problem is the dress is so big and the mannequin is so small, it makes the dress look super sloppy and awkward

>>6878158
Image name says Oojia, which also answers why it looks like shit.

I actually really really like this dress she did

Oo Jia, you're drunk, go home.

>>6878176
And the construction of this apron looks good, too

>>6878168
Suit yourself. I love Oo Jia.

>>6878158
It's a VM replica by Oo Jia. Dunno why people bother, HMHM and Kidsyoyo and SurfaceSpell all did it to varying degrees, HMHM still offers it.

>>6878194
OH SHIT I NEED!

>>6878143
prise range $70-$150 $175 is pushing it. I'd be willing to go higher if things were custom-made. I'm looking for sugary sweet things, (prints not needed, just a cute design) I'm also just looking in general (style doesn't matter) who KNOWS how to make custom dresses for tall girls. I've orded custom dresses and had the bust seams land right under my collarbone. also love bloomershorts and any salopette like things.

>>6878291
*price
shit how does that even happen

>>6878168
>>6878216
Sorry am on mobile. I really want a misty sky replica, does she still sell fabric? I'd rather make it myself :/

>>6878291
I'm not 100% sure about taller girls. But you could possibly try sweet mildred.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetmildred

Once her summer cons are done, she should be back up and running in her etsy shop. I ended up paying $140 for the JSK and matching headbow at anime boston. She'll also be at Frill this weekend. I'd personally say contact her and ask her what her experience is with sewing for taller girls.

I would totally get this cloud chambers skirt if it weren't for the fact that I'm waiting on 7 dresses

>>6878585
Fucking pic.

New Korean Indie brand I've been keeping an eye on:
http://www.gothlolicloset.com/goods/view.php?seq=912

>>6878619
That's really fucking nice, anon!

>>6877992

I have bought from Jia before and what I bought was fine, but holy jesus batman this is awful.

>>6878335

Just drop her an email, she usually does sell fabric so there is a chance she might.

>>6878619
Please update on quality if and when you get a dress

>>6878619
>>6878788

It's on Hello Lace and it says they do international shipping, but looking at their website, I don't know if paying through paypal is possible

>>6878785
Fab. At least I can do proportions.

Moar! I love to see terrible 'lolita' things from etsy!

>>6878785
This is good to hear. What's /cgl/'s stance on using replica prints for original patterns? Cuz there's a couple prints I love, but can't stand the actual pattern/shape of the dress.

>>6882281
I'm not terribly against it, but prefer to see rehashed versions of actual original print garments.

>>6882301
Wasn't there a girl who altered a Vampire Requiem skirt into shorts for her boyfriend? If I recall correctly It was really cool.

>>6878176
>crooked stitching
GREAT CONSTRUCTION GUIZE

>>6882301
What I mean is like, some prints that weren't released as skirts that are turned into skirts, skirts made high waisted/corset waisted, accent colors changed, or the shape of a bodice changed to be more flattering to certain body types. I love certain prints (Twinkle Journey, that pretty mermaid one, some others) but I'm quite tall, and even when I find something that matches my waist/bust, its far too short in the bodice or hits at a weird place on my waist. I don't want to ruin a limited item like a brand dress that would suit someone else perfectly as is, so I'd rather buy the fabric and make it on my own.

>>6885005
If the fabric comes directly from the company I have no problem, but if you are buying knock off prints I'd much rather see you take apart a used brand dress any day really. I am not hating on replica buyers, I just have a friend who's job it is to make the digital art for some companies' fabric (main stream american brand stuff) and I know it would just break her heart to have her hard work stolen. If I were to run a brand I'd be sure to sell a small portion of my custom print fabrics, sure at a really high fee and note that it could only be used for home sewing, but that is just me.

>>6882308
Nah. One of the ex-Baby staff members took a skirt and made himself pants. It looked awful.

>>6882308
>>6885144

>>6885146

Difficult to imagine, but I managed to find something more awful.

>>6885149
I could see this working .... if it were tailored better and coordinated well. As it stands, those tights and shorts are not helping him at all.

>>6885149
The tights, shorts, and shoes have got to go.

>>6885146

Never has there been a more fitting file name.

>>6885149
I think the vest is cute, too bad he looks like a flaming faggler with no style in every other sense.
>those rhs
No, those will never look good on men.

>>6878619
new? not really
They are around for a few years already. I wonder why nobody ever buys from them though. The quality looks quite nice from the stok pictures.

>>6878176
Looks cute from the thumbnail, but the closeup looks like Romwe fodder.

>>6885149
He was twinning you gais !!

(I loathe the Chocolate Rosette vest the other guy has. Such a pretty print can't look this tacky)

>>6885311
I dunno, it kinda looks like he wasn't forced into wearing it. All he needed was brown loafers and then the outfit would look tons better immediately.

>>6885337
>All he needed was brown loafers
THISSS. Fuckin a

>>6885005
It's your money. Do what you want with it.

>>6878176

It *is* really cute, though I'd prefer a longer skirt on it.
Might actually order this if she does other colours as well, it's lovely.

I like the new Lief stuff that has come out. And I do like those white shoes with that coord.

More Baroque sailor lolita

>>6885482
>baroque sailor lolita
anon, that's a sailor-inspired otome at best.

Dear Margaret

>>6885486
This one has more of the lolita silhouette then?

Haenuli (but not loving this color way because it makes me think of vomit)

The Snow Field

Dam what's the indie brand with the spoon velvet dress?

>>6885500
Vierge vampur. 2 of my friends have it, fucking jelly.

>>6885503
I wish she'd make just a skirt for that. I'm not a fan of the bodice.

>>6885505
It's my favourite style of dress, it's a lot of the appeal for me.

>>6885146
god this guy was/probably still is a douchebag

>>6882109
Anon delivers!

>>6882109
Superman lolita skirt from etsy.

>>6885503
A friend of mine has it, too. It's gorgeous in person.

>>6886026
KILL IT WITH FIRE

etsy lolita skirt

>>6886081
Okay, I am quite positive that that is a leftover tablecloth.

>>6886090
Omg it looks like it is yellowed from living in a trunk in the attic for too long. EW.

>>6886081
The construction doesn't look too bad but damn. That poor fabric choice. That horrible design.

>>6886081
is it bad that i actually kinda like that? just not for loli

>>6886596
It would be much nicer if it was remade with a different and much better fabric. Reminds me of these moths.

Speaking of moths, any indie designers done a good moth print yet?

>>6886608
Would it help if I remembered the picture.

>>6885490
same dress with petticoat
the detailing is what makes it otome
there's nothing lolita about it
knee-length poofy skirt doesn't make automatic lolita, even though there's a little bit of scalloping on it.
i'm pretty annoyed by all the "lolita" dresses/skirts that have no lolita detailing whatsoever.
(not the original otome anon)

>>6877992
man that needs an ironing like something fierce. i want to buy some of oo jia's fabrics to make stuff, but she doesn't have some of the prints i want, or the color quality (her black stained angel replica is more like super super dark green) isn't there.

>>6885103
That is understandable. How do you feel about taking the prints and only printing up replicas in colorways that were not officially released? Like say, Chess Chocolate in burgundy or something.

>>6886026
the ageplay-eyest of ageplay shit.

>>6886671
I think if you take an original print like chess chocolate into photoshop and really play around with the images and make it more your own, it would be totally cool! Like.... maybe making a chocolate trump version? It would be your own original art inspired by AP and be something really unique

>>6886649
>there's nothing lolita about it
Is that what you say about all non-printed dresses?

>>6886649
You sound really really new.

>>6886783
actually, i'm talking about dresses that are all print and no detailing. just gathered skirts and princess bodices.

>>6886081
Finally a skirt that goes perfectly with battenburg parasols lol.

>>6886649
You are either really stupid or really ita.
Possibly both.

Though I do agree that the fabric choice is rather un-loli. It looks like cutsew fabric.

>>6885493
Yeah the mustardyness of it is awful. The purple one looks pretty neat I might get it

So uh.......has anyone made a Grumpy Cat border print yet? Spoonflower is a clusterfuck of mistagged shit, so can't find anything.

>>6887258
oh my god yes please

>>6885103
Not a single company that I'm aware of sells their custom print fabric on the side for home use. If this were an option I would jump on it, not only for moral reasons but for quality as well. Also, as I said, I'm above average in height. Its impossible for me to alter a pre-existing dress to fit my long torso. I already own a non-printed jsk which I am desperately searching a matching fabric for so I can adjust the straps at least, though it will always be too short in the torso (if its at my natural waist, the top is halfway down my boobs. Pull it up to cover boobs, and waist is way up on my ribs)

>>6887427
THISSSS. I *can* sew, quite well, and I would much rather just sew my own stuff instead of having to trawl every forum trying to work out the fit of a particular burando reservation before anyone even has it in their hands.

I have a big (10DD) bust and a sway back that makes my already small waist even smaller, meaning my bust to waist ratio is ridiculous. If I get dresses that fit perfectly on my waist, they're going to give me massive loafboob... I'm actually at the point where I'm considering getting a binder just to flatten them down for lolita.

Related I guess- which brands are good for that? Indie or otherwise?
And don't tell me shit like oh lace it looser around your bust - that shit isn't always going to fix all fit problems without then wrinkling under your arms.

Sage for offtopic.

>>6887258
No. Get out

>>6887427
>>6885103

You can actually get legit brand fabric if you know where to find it... It's usually a couple of seasons old but it exists, mostly in Hong Kong/Singapore/Thailand... Dunno why it ends up there, but seriously ask around and you will find it. I know people who have legit AatP and AP fabric (sometimes it ends up on the comm, sometimes it doesn't.) The brands just order more than the need and end up selling it off to fabric stores and other distributors. It exists and it's out there, it's just hard to find.

>>6887604
Ohh man I need to know details. If I could get my hands on legit AatP fabric I could die happy.

>>6887612
Arthrael had some for sale last year, she said it pops up infrequently, but it's not like, a rarity if that makes sense? I think it was around 35/yard. She had AP's Candy Treat and that AatP print with the stripes and the crest logo on it. I believe Candy Treat was at a fabric store, and the AatP one was at some kind of outdoor market. Get in with the Thai girls and they'll help you out. Beats me how it ends up in Thailand, though.

>>6885488
I love their stuff but dammit, they need to hurry up and start receiving international orders. From what I understand from their Tumblr, international orders has been pushed back. I hate this waiting game.

>>6878592
I neeeeed that.

>>6887627
That dress in black needs to get on my body.

>>6888249
I have it. I love it, but the print tends to fade with washing (I only hand wash it now) so it is more of a muted brown grey than black after a wear or two. It still looks amazing, but just thought you might want to know :)

>>6888477
That is disappointing to hear. Can you post pictures? I love the contrast in the print so if it fades that fast, I would have to reconsider. The woes of liking black clothes.

>>6888745
sure :) here I am in bright arse daylight, it should give you some idea of the fade. I'm not entirely sure it was ever true black if I'm honest, I think the pic you posted was shooped a little to boost the contrast. I got it second hand so it is hard to know.

>>6887626
Possibly backdoor goods or excess that was printed and the brand didn't need or pay for? Someone knows someone who works at the factory that makes the fabric. I'd seriously love to get in with someone who can get it for me though.

>>6890357
It looks pretty good in your picture. Thank you for sharing.

>>6890639
No problem! It really is one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe right now. I just wouldn't pair it with a black blouse for example b/c it just isn't true black and thought you might want a heads up incase that was your plan.

>>6890357
>>6890714
I think you'd look better with longer wavy hair, no bangs. The dark hair is nice, blonde would also look good if you ever wanted, especially an ash blonde.

>>6890744
where did they ask for advice on their hair

>>6890744
wha- what???

>>6885496
Wow. TSF looks nice in the stock photos! It really sucks that her construction is so poor.

>>6890756
You're new here, aren't you.
/cgl/ always gives out unsolicited beauty advice.

>>6890916
Was there a review or something I missed?

>>6890357
That dress is gorgeous and cute coord!

>>6891154
I heard they had good construction. What are you referencing?

>>6890916
Is it?

Pop Princess made really cute skirts! Too bad that the Etsy listing price is more than a new brand jsk price...

>>6892137
The skirts are nice if that's you're style, but her blouses are hnnnngh. Damn expensive though.

Miscy

>>6892137
If it wasn't so expensive I would buy it. But I'd rather have brand for that price.
It's really off putting when indie brands price so high. Sometimes you gotta start low and build up your prices as you get more popular.

>>6892155
Is the waistband wonky or is it just me?

The only indie brand I'd be willing to buy for more than brand prices is 4 o' clock. Her construction and quality is hnnnggg, plus it's custom, so as far as I'm concerned, well worth the prices. Even if her prices are higher than they used to be, it's still a decent rate for the quality and if you factor in customer demand.

>>6892137

From Pop Princess' Etsy shop. You can see glue everywhere; I think it looks like shit.

>>6892240
The crown thing is from a necklace on ebay

>>6892188
On the other hand, getting decent fabric printed in small quantities is stupidly expensive (Am I just cheap or does ~$25/yd for cotton seem expensive?) not to mention the commission price. I'd agree that I wouldn't buy it anywhere near $230, but there is some high base cost involved.

On the other hand, $90 for a non custom fabric indie skirt... Not buying it.

>>6885503
Words can't describe my burning desire for this dress.

Also Haenuli is probs my fave indie brand. The new print, The Little Prince, is a bit OTT for me, though. And the green/yellow/ick colorway is just... gross looking. I don't know what they were thinking?

Hypnotic Designs 'Creepy Candy'... not sure what's going on with their designs. The pink striped candies look like shrimp.

>>6892255
All the striped ones look like shrimps/nautilus shells.

Where do you guys buy your custom fabrics? Just spoon flower?

I'm really hesitant to buy from them because it's kind of crazy expensive, and I heard some reviews of the prints running? Or white lines on the fabric...?

>>6892255
They look like rolly polly bugs.

I can't wait until this skirt arrives.

I think most indie brands make the mistake of going straight to customized prints without the financial resources or skill to make it work. Lady sloth is able to set herself apart by offering lower prices partly from getting ready-made fabric.

>>6892255
The presentation, pieces, and general photograph just looks so cheap. Did the "designer" of this print ever look at even one photo of a Japanese lolita brand? Terrible.

>>6892272
>Not weaving the fabric yourself and painting patterns on by hand

>>6887258
why.

okay maybe if you just took one of the cat prints and replaced the faces with grumpy's... but still.

>>6892155
why didn't she finish the overlay with a rolled hem? it would look so much cleaner...

>>6892272
spoonflower is crazy expensive. their black isn't a "true" black, more of a charcoal, and supposedly the colors fade when washed. the white lines i think you're referring to has to do with their dye process; they use some sort of eco-friendly dye process, but it means the dyes can't properly penetrate the white fabrics, so when something is sewn and one of the fibers gets pulled or turned, it can reveal the white underside of the fabric.

>>6892254
That's the worst color way. I'm much more of a fan of the other two darker colors

>>6892272
I absolutely hate spoon flower and its as exactly what the other anon said, black doesn't show up well due to the printing process they use.

>>6892348
That skirt is really lovely.

Stupid question, but how exactly does one go about ordering from Lady Sloth and/or other Facebook shops.
I know I'm supposed to send her a PM, but is there a specific format I should do it in? I suppose I have to include my measurements and my email for paypal...
I know it's silly, but I'm just so paranoid about messing something up in my order and looking like an ass that I've always avoided brands where I have to message the seller directly.

>>6892734
Just PM her to ask for your item & approximate shipping to your country and she'll PM you a form that you fill out with details & payment info.

Also, loving the Haenuli Fashion Film
http://youtu.be/oThAS86oHHM

>>6891879
I think this person is confusing her with Baroque and that review about the bad construction. I think it was the collaboration with Lief, with flowers on it?

>>6892847
must be, I've never really heard anything negative about snowfield.

>>6892255
ugh that girl on the far left's overall skirt thing is awful.
the fucking squiggly ribbon shit looks so bad.

>>6887258
no

>>6892868
ric-rac. It's called ric-rac

>>6892255
You mean they look like maggots

>>6892155
I thought this piece was far more impressive.

>>6892917
more like ric-rachet

>>6892254
God I hate the galaxy print trend. It's so damn busy. The print on it looks absolutely adorable, but the galaxy part completely overwhelms it. I do find myself wanting the tights though.

>>6892255
Oh god. The material, the sewing, the fit, the cuts, that print. My god how can you think that looks good?

>>6892829
That film is gorgeous! I always love how they present their brand and clothing.

>>6887627
So this one is Dear Margaret also? Is this still available or was it reservation only? I'm a really big fan of the black, as well.

>>6892636
Exactly this.
Maybe she doesn't have a rolled-hem capable overlocker? They can be expensive if you're just starting out.

>>6892255
I-is it just me, or is the third girl that really popular black Sailor Venus cosplayer with the button nose?

>>6892971
unf. Is it actually silk like the caption suggests?

>>6892971
Wow, that is really pretty.

>>6893510
The tumblr post suggests yes:

"Silk Bolero with Ruffle Trim

Self is khaki silk dupioni, lining is champagne silk taffeta. Hand applied trim and hand slipped armscyes makes this piece one of my more couture lolita items I’ve made lately. The grain of the fabric matches at the shoulder and side seams, only shifting at the center back princess seams. Comes with matching removable rose pin. Pricing upon inquiry. This piece was a commission but can be remade for another client."

My Dearest Victoria from Frll Fashion show.

I would think it would be easy to start up an indie brand if you knew how to sew well and invested in good floral fabric to offset the costs?

Oh yeah, and if you have access to the lolita sewing books like Otome no Sewing book.

>>6893893
I think a lot of people think that. But if you want to have a real brand you need to have the ability to produce several pieces out of the same fabric, otherwise it just is one off pieces and nothing to create a brand identity.

Not quite sure if this is thread relevant, but I just saw this gem come across my dash as someone's latest etsy shop addition. I have no clue who this would look good on.

>>6894047
"ravers"

>>6892249
$25/yd for cotton is super cheap, to be fair. The only UK based non-industry printing service want £38/m for cotton (their cheapest fabric), and tbh it's not that much better than the spoonflower cotton.

The silk sating is pretty nice, though, but £46/m... you may as well use an industry service and get higher quality fabric for that price.

>>6885471
This is so cute! I'd never wear those shoes with my boat- feet, but wow.

>>6893901

Not the other anon, but I thought she meant you could buy an entire bolt of floral fabric and make a whole lot of dresses, as opposed to trying to find a printer and doing the next big print. Which most indie brands seem to fail at anyway.


>>6894047

I am simultaneously horrified yet impressed that someone actually took the time to weave so many beads together into that eyesore

>>6887626
Hmm. In the UK, my local fabric shop gets factory offcuts from Asian designer labels (mostly Indian and Korean, from what I can tell). Do you think it'd be possible for lolita fabric to end up there?

>>6886952
Non-printed also refers to dresses with a small all over print like polka dots. But I'm pretty sure that even dresses with no print have tons more detailing than otome. Usually the dress piece in otome is a little bit less onate. I'm pretty sure this plain lolita brand sailor OP has more detailing than that one even.

>>6894290
It's possible. Our local fabric shop (Ditto) gets ends of runs from Prada and places like that. It really depends on their clientele. If the fabric wouldn't be bought by their usual customers, then they probably wouldn't stock it.

>>6894047
well, it's certainly... creative.

I kind of want this, but it would be so much better if the top stitching on the bodice did not suck and she did a blind hem on the skirt.

>>6894657
The back
menthechocolatclothing.tumblr.com

>>6894657
H-how can you see close enough on the bodice to see that the top stitching sucks? All I can see are the pins holding it to the mannequin.

Also yeah that hem would be lovely as a blind hem, or if you were to get a decorative/accent thread and do an overlocked rolled hem that could be nice too. That could be easily fixed by adding a small layer of high quality lace to the edge too though - the seam she has now would easily support that.

>>6894815
Wait, disregard my last, just saw the shitty skirt-to-bodice seam. That's bad. :(

>>6894660
So pretty, even though that tulle needs to be finished...

Did the anon who's obsessed with Lilly of the Valley's unicorn print ever get her dream dress? I met the designer for the brand at Frill last weekend and she mentioned her to me...

>>6886042
I love this picture, because you're not too sure if she ate her other leg because she was hungry or not.

>>6894815
Shoulda posted the close up they put on there Facebook.

>>6894657
Wowowow. This is pretty but that top stitching.

>>6894886
>>6894874
>>6894657

So I don't actually see any top stitching... this is just the seam being pulled down over the interfacing in the bodice, it doesn't really look like actual top stitching, just poorly sewn together bodices pieces.

>>6894891
It's a pity too because I would buy this just because that print is pretty.
>there's the skirt
There's hope

>>6894915
I don't know about hope, it is from the same maker of this gem.

>>6894974
Holy fuck now I want to make a super cute landscape print with a fabric kite on it!

>>6894974
cute idea, poorly educated

>>6895211
*executed

>>6894820
Uh... you don't usually hem tulle, it doesn't really fray. If a raw edge was good enough for Christian Dior himself I'm ok with it too... there are many other problems with that dress though. Pic related

>>6892254
I'm not in love with the dress but I absolutely need those tights in one of the other colorways

http://egl.livejournal.com/19256586.html lol what do you guys think of this?

>>6894660
>menthechocolatclothing
Oh, isn't that the girl who replicaed Twinkle Journey and edited out Meta's name and replaced it with her own?

Seen this yet?
http://egl.livejournal.com/19256586.html

"Perhaps its just me but I thought the idea of indie brands was to offer a cheaper alternative?"

and general "bawwwwwww I can't afford burando on my ~full time job~ with a ~decent wage~"

>>6897221
>>6897231
This post made me madder than it should have. What a moron.

>>6897231
I wonder what her idea of a decent wage is, because I just looked at WAMH's shop and the most expensive thing listed there is like $330, and that's £208 (if AUD) or £216 (if USD). I can understanding thinking "that's not worth the price" because I personally think WAMH is horribly overpriced, but saying you can't outright afford it? It seems like she's living on a tight paycheck, if a £40 (AP new from store costs around £165-180) difference means she can't afford it.

>>6897243
Forgot to add that wasn't including shipping costs, but to be honest, shipping from Japan and Australia is both expensive as fuck.

>>6897231
Yeah, I wanted to reply, but I felt like it'd be wasting my time. Anyway, it seems like people have already corrected her. I do think that brands like WAMH are expensive, but because their construction and print quality is nowhere near brand quality, and they sell it for over brand prices. Like, I don't care how special snowflake the damn print is if it's going to be blurry and the dress is going to have loose threads.

>>6897231

I'm more bothered that she's listing WAMH and clockwork rose as the brands she's watching. Girl has crap tastes.

>>6897243
Actually Day Dream Carnival and Twinkle Carnival were around £192 new from store. So that's even less of a difference.

>>6897231
it got deleted.

>>6897251
Aannnnddd bahleeted. I was in the middle of typing a reply too =_=

>>6885471

linky?

>>6897280
>>6897281
I didn't get any of the other comments, I'm sorry guys.

I actually like this print

Construction is shit, though.

capcha: abortive ntsrosh

>>6897621
I fucking hate lunagoonie. She's a moron and she always starts such useless threads on gtfo and she has the worst most unimportant comments ever.

>>6897629
I think he's a boy?

>>6897928
It's a shared account, so they could be both.

>>6897629
Are you butthurt that she made a post about you or something? All the posts I've seen have been completely sensible, and I think the miss that the point of GTFO is to bitch, no matter how petty the issue.

>>6894657
God I really want the skirt of this print but as everyone else has expressed, I'm also unsure on the construction of it.

Would I be better off waiting for someone to sell it on the sales comm later for cheaper?

>>6897629
You just sound butthurt, s/he (???) generally says what people are thinking without being an asshole about it. I sort of agree about the useless GTFOs but I think the comm is so dead that they sort of take what they can get.

>>6898128
Indie prints almost never come up on the comm sales. If you really really want it I'd just get it and if it's that awful you can always sell it.

>>6894843
I'm curious about this too. Last time we saw her she was heartbroken because Anon told her about issues there were with the dress. I'd like to know if she ever got to see it in person.

>>6885471
Do you have a link? I have spent the last hour looking for that.

>>6899422
http://www.lief.co.kr/

>>6878291
I just commissioned a jsk from a seamstress called SweetiePie. It was a custom design with two colors of fabric. She was very attentive to my needs and answered all my questions promptly. She also sent lots of progress photos and made a mockup of the dress before making it. She's pretty good and has awesome communication. Very professional.

>>6899794
Isn't that the girl that self promoted her mediocre work on EGL earlier?

>>6899798
It's not actually bad, her stage work pictures on her fb were what I looked through to get a feel for her quality and it wasn't amazing, but I wouldn't say mediocre.

>>6899829
Post a picture?

>>6899798
I know her in real life and have seen her stuff. It's better than it looks in pictures, and I wish someone would tell her to get professional photos because the ones that she posted really do make her stuff look mediocre when it's not. I'd tell her but I don't feel like it's my place because I'm not close enough to her to really be her friend, but I'm not distanced enough from her for it to seem like unbiased advice.

bump

>>6885146
I actually really like this though

>>6892647
Is there an alternative to Spoonflower? I'm planning to do some custom prints and was going to go through them.

>>6897625
What's wrong with the construction?

I'm kind of new to lolita, and I haven't really looked at a bunch of indie brand stuff. Give me some tips as to what to look for when searching for quality?

>>6894047
That has to be heavy as fuck.

>>6894290
Show them pictures of the types of prints you are looking for and just ask if they've ever come across any. Perhaps next time they go to order they'll remember you.

>>6894974
Is the kite tail actually pulled taut over the gathers? Why would you do that?

>>6905037
The bodice is very tubular and flat, the skirt doesn't have enough fabric in it to hold more than a minimally poofy petticoat, the ruffle looks too heavy and oddly stitched, and the bodice is also very very plain.

Also a personal pet peeve, the front and side panels of the bodice. They should have either matched up the print or had the side panels cut with the print on an angle to the front. It just looks sloppy this way.

>>6905057
Thanks a ton!

Lady Sloth, NO. You don't just sew the lace on the outside of the skirt ever...

>>6906261
It's kind of weird, but does it seem like her quality's gotten worse over the past year?

>>6906276
well her mother does all the sewing. As for design, she's never been a favorite in my book because she either picks weird material (a knit jsk, really?) or she always does something strange like corset lacing on the front, which always looks terrible to me even on brand. Yes this looks even worse than normal because of the lace on the bottom.

>>6906261
looks ita, some of her prints have potential, but I never understood how Lady Sloth could become so popular in the first place, most of her stuff is still pretty basic and ita looking.

>>6906339
Because she is dirt cheap, and her clothes are serviceable

When you've got indie seamstresses charging $75 for a circle skirt, a really nice gothic skirt with a print on it for $45 is heaven

>>6906339
because it's cheap, custom size available, simple as that.

>>6906339
same way Talia Speaks did. She (or her mother, or whoever) does skirts that will at least fit around someone's waist for $40-$50. Even if they're not well made.

>>6906339
She churns stuff out, quick and simple. Like the only other indie brands that pushes out releases frequently enough is Haenuli & Baroque. If you're able to coord her stuff right, it will look really good. Unfortunately, if you don't, it will look really really bad.

Lady Sloth just makes me miss In the Starlight that much more. They were good if you wanted some cheap but sturdy wardrobe fillers. Imagine if they were still around (but making stuff that was a little more current and not just the same stuff)?

>>6906782

They had an etsy for a while, but it's gone.

Sometimes I imagine having a closet filled with my own designs. Just beautifully tailored clothes I made and having people love my Lolita talents so much that they beg me to become an Indie designer.

>>6906782
how I miss them...

I want more photos of Mists of Venice coords...

>>6906782
ITS was amazing. I remember staring at their website for ages when I was a noob.

>>6906933
Have that skirt, love the shit out of it.

>>6907068
lucky lucky! I used to have this "red riding hood" set but I sold this year when I lost my job... it was seriously gorgeous, they stepped up their game in the last year of business.

>>6907093
Aww thanks! I drooled over that site back in the day and when ITS had that etsy for like 2 seconds I got that skirt and their black bustle back and black wristcuffs. Also picked up a blouse of theirs on the comm_sales. I really like their items, and they sized well for plus size.

dear margaret is going to release two sailor dresses and i can't choose which one to get. anyone else going to order? i hope that communication and construction won't be a problem.

>>6908369
That dress is so cute!

>>6908369
this is the other one.

help me choose!

>>6908376
OMG. This one is really cute! It would be my choice, I love the pleats. I don't think you could go wrong with either, anon.

>>6908376
I would suggest the second one because I think you'd get more bang for your buck. The first one looks simple but the second one is more elaborate. If the cost is the same, I'd personally go for the more elaborate piece. Both are cute pieces. Too bad that I'm not into Sailor Lolita and I'm hoping that Dear Margaret will release items closer to what's seen in this post >>6885488

>>6908390
i love pleats too! but i like how the first dress looks very casual and something i can wear if i want to throw on something cute. maybe if i have enough money, i will buy two. but then there is the dream sky re-release that i am also on the fence about. why doesn't money grow on trees?

>>6908391
since two anons are suggesting the second, i think i will go with the second one.

thank you for your help!

I don't recommend you "brand" called "Marke Eigenbau", you can fin her on facebook. She sews slapdash. I got bonnet from her. the bone was crooked, these were loose threads. It looked like she used not enough of frabric.

Also, I love Lady Sloth clothes, but these new series are just terrible. The print looks like shit. Lace sewn on outside of skirt? I think she can't make anything worse than that.

>>6892255
Good heavens that all looks terrible.

>>6908376
Link for the brand please.
I would love to buy this dress.

>>6908455
Lol, just googled that Marke Eigenbau and they're trying to sell this for 40 euros.

>>6908815
Hahah ohgod and 80 euros for this, are you kidding me?

>>6906261
It's less about the lace placement and more about how unevenly gathered it is.

>>6908828
>forgot to take the basting out

oh for fucks sake

>>6908842
Going by the photo the "basting" seems to actually be all that's holding it on.

>>6908859

I have major secondhand embarrassment from reading that.

>>6908859
You're right, basting was keeping parts of my "bonnet" together, but when I pulled out one theard it just broke up 8 D. She said something like
>my stuff is so expensive because the lace is expensive,
>and I sew percisely
>her stuff has better quality than "burando" item does

Is it just me that thinks Lady Sloth's stuff looks bloody awful?

>>6908369
>>6908376
dear margaret has immaculate construction. The owner sews every dress herself and they ahve been in business for years, so she knows her shit. Personally the second dress will probably look off on anyone with a longer torso as the design elongates a normal/short torso, so depending on your shape, I would pick based off that.

>>6909758
yep you're the only one in the whole world

>>6909772
How do you order from Dear Margaret, anyways?

>>6909899
Seconding. Are they doing international orders yet, or is that still "in the pipeline"? It'd be great to have some of her stuff in Australia...

>>6909899
>>6909995
Speak of the devil
http://dear---margaret.tumblr.com/post/52960485882/dear-margaret-needs-your-advice-due-to-the-large

>>6910315
>Due to the large amount of domestic orders, the designer is not sure what to do about international orders for the sailor series, therefore your input will be most helpful.

Why couldn't they open orders for both domestic and international at the same time? Is this some Korean sales model I don't understand or do Koreans hate foreigners too? It seems like Haenuli is the only brand that has no issues whatsoever.

>>6910331
Dear Marget doesn't speak English, she prefer Korean Market where she fully understand her customers. She make all dresses by herself, she knows that she can't make more than 10 pieces per a month.

>>6910315
>Classical Doll will be around 275-300 USD

That is more than fucking brand.

>>6910477
Haenuli understands the international market well. If Dear Margaret doesn't, she shouldn't open her brand to international orders and stick to Korean customers or people buying through a shopping service. If Dear Margaret does sell overseas, I hope that the owner doesn't pull a Baby and blacklist everyone too.

This worries me a bit. Dear Margaret doesn't seem organized and I am worried that their communication will be crappy like Baroque's. From what I understand from Tumblr, DM is using a translator but what if the situation becomes something like Lief and klanaide where the translator tries to help everyone but the brand drops off the face of the planet?

>>6910528
Yeah, this.
Also, that sailor OP isn't all that nice for $300

>>6910528
dear margaret has been around for years...

>>6910528
Don't remind me of Lief. I rage every time I think about how shitty their communication was and how I was the one who had to pester them to finally get my dress. What is with Korean brands and shitty communication? I was going to buy from Baroque until I read this review http://egl.livejournal.com/18904229.html

>>6910565
Years and years and years. (Anyone have that Vivcore macro?)
What does having been around for years have anything to do with this. Baby has been shipping internationally for a long time and they still suck.

>>6910528
if that's the case, i feel bad for the translator already. i can see it all happening again like the way it ended up with lief.

>>6910581
no, i mean in reference to dropping off the face of the earth, they are established and successful, they aren't going anywhere. no clue on international shit

>>6910562
Gotta agree, $300 is a bit much. Haenuli's prints run what, $200-$250, which is more than fair.

Then again if what I read is right and Dear Margret makes everything herself I can see why the cost would be higher.

>>6910581
>Babe, I got you babe~

>>6910746
I LOVE YOU

>>6910688
yes they say the owner makes every single dress herself and they look really amazing. HOwever, I'd kind of like to drop some money on Cloud Chamber, but I'm afraid that beautiful pin tuck jsk they have would look stupid on my boobs

>>6910849
I feel you about the boobs ;(

>>6910849
what is this cloud chamber..

How about this? It just got posted to the comm sales

>>6910986
>>6910849
sorry didn't realize I dropped my picture. This is the black, but I think I like the ivory more. Search 'cloud chamber' on facebook

>>6910986
>>6910849
hat to match

>>6911016
>>6910986
>>6911018
and the white, the texture on the fabric is just fantastic on the white

>>6911016
their site http://www.cloudchamber.co.kr/

no clue on price since these appear to be made to order

>>6911024
thanks for the info, anon, that stuff is seriously beautiful.

>>6911024
Looks like the dress is 180,000won
but it says "order off" so does that mean they're not making it anymore?

>>6911156
I think orders are filled. It's not sold out so you may be able to order later.

>>6911156

wow, that's less than 200 USD, holy shit

Is cloud chamber made to measure, made to order, or one size?

>>6911186
Not sure, I believe made to order. You can try asking on their FB page?

>>6911188
I'll wait for the items I'm interested in are back on and do so. Thanks!

>>6878076
This. I will never understand indie designers who think they can charge brand prices when they're not even brand quality.

>>6911195
Rereading the notice, it says not all items are custom. So I guess it means most are. Fab.

>>6878076
>>6911202
Well those cloud chamber OPs are like... 160usd, I consider that extremely reasonable for the look of them (well constructed, nice material, etc from just looking at pictures)

>>6911186
They are made to order but not custom size. Order off means do not take orders for the model anymore.

>>6911219
That's reasonable, but some indie brands charge $300+ for dresses far less than brand quality

>>6911227
No i understand that. WAMH is a perfect example. Unfortunately, it appears they are somehow still in business. But I guess you get about two years before shit has to be making money before you call it quits.

>>6911227
Some people think "Okay I spent a million hours on this, so I should charge $300 accordingly". You should consider your labor time when pricing, but the end result still has to *look* like a $300 dress. If the dress is ugly and crappy looking, no one cares if you grew the cotton and wove the fabric yourself, or paid $20 a yard for a custom print.
For example that Cloud Chamber dress looks like something you'd pay $300 for from a Japanese brand. The materials are nice, it has beautiful sewn details like pintucks, etc. Because the product is gorgeous and well-made I wouldn't expect them to automatically be cheaper just because they're a smaller brand. But a talia-tier seamstress making plain JSKs out of kona cotton from Jo-anns is never going to be able to get brand prices for their stuff.

Is it me or do Asian indie brands do lolita better than western indie brands? I can't think of a single western indie brand that I like.

>>6911520
does snowfield count? She's kinda asian, and kinda american. I also liked excalibur girls.

>>6911524
Excalibur Girls? More deets please.

>>6911610
now defunct. I dug up a lot of stuff on them last time we had one of these threads. Here is one image I have saved. They never really took off. It was a mom and daughter thing... I don't think they made it past their first collection. Too bad, they had gorgeous construction.

Everyone loves selling their Lady Sloth stuff. I can't go on sales_comm without seeing something of hers. Is it because they fit like crap or what?

>>6911617
That looks beautiful. I wonder why they never took off. Were their prices too high?

>>6911630
No I think they just never really had a business plan or start up money? They never really did anything beyond announce they were in business as I recall.

>>6911626
It is made okay to well, can fit nicely to weird, and was usually pretty cheap so people don't have any stake in keeping it.
I think that with LS the big thing is that she uses very unusual fabrics that don't easily coordinate into normal loli looks. People get her stuff, can't coordinate it, and then sell it to the next girl who does the same thing.
I have 2 skirts from her and I love them both.

>>6910990
What brand is this? Looks like a decent casual dress.

>>6911202
In addition to setting your own hourly wage, I think when you yourself are making the product, you have a more biased view of the product itself: either you have a greater view of it and think it is worth more, or you have a more humble or critical view of it and so you take a shot in the dark pricewise.

>>6911701
Ick by Industrialkitty? She just posted a sales post on the comm.

>>6911647
They had a pretty successful website, but it sounds like they shut down for personal reasons, not capital.

>>6911524
She makes all her stuff in korea! Asian.

>>6911524
no she doesn't. She has a studio in Atlanta.

>>6912249
I don't buy it, how's she making everything so cheap? Not by American labor laws and standards.

>>6912277
It's not that cheap. Also shes pretty much selling direct to market so there is no middleman and retail markup. It's totally possible.

>>6912308
not for those petticoats. I need proof, I don't buy it.
And those bags she was selling were most definitely taobao bags

>>6910746
Explain joke to me please? I remember Vivcore but wasn't on /cgl/ yet.

>>6912407
Yeah I think those items are produced in Asia, I was mostly referring to the JSKs and skirts etc.

>>6912530
Vivcore made a lolita inspired chemise a la rein, which is a historical style dress. After that, a couple other indie designers also made chemise a la rein style dresses, Miscy and I Do Declare. Vivcore got upset about it, and stated in lolita_secrets (I think?) that it wasn't fair for them to steal her design because years of research had gone into that dress.

/cgl/ got wind and balked. She had taken the design of the original dress and cut the skirt shorter, which anons felt didn't constitute years of research. Soon people started uploading pictures of dresses with the skirts cut shorter, like the one above, and going "Hay guise, this took me YEARS OF RESEARCH." Those pictures also got posted to lolita_secrets, and it became a sort of meme. Whenever Vivcore got mentioned here, it was usually followed with posts that would just say YEARS.

It was hilarious at the time, but died down, because /cgl/ has a short attention span. This is the first time I've seen it mentioned in a long time.

>The Moar You Know!

>>6892137
the skirt is cute, but I don't what sort of crack the designer is smoking. it's not worth more than 120 bucks.