G&LB Vol. 4 Review

The new edition of the Gothic and Lolita Bible English edition (Volume 4) was available starting Monday (in America at least, not sure about other countries). I thought it was a particularly good volume. The things I want from the Bible are mostly teaching entities: hair and makeup tutorials, places to buy offbrand items, and of course the beloved patterns and projects to work on. Other things I like are reader snaps, short stories, and artistic photo shoots.

Things of Interest in Volume 4:

• A large collection of hair how-tos, featuring about three or four different looks per model/style. There is a sweet model, hime model, gothic model, classical model, etc. They also reviewed a few hair styling products. I personally would encourage them to include 'how to curl your hair' tutorials, not just 'what to do after you curl your hair'. (Because I'm personally a klutz with anything other than straightener).
  
• A lot of the models had natural nails! As a girl always teetering between falsies and the ones God gave me, it was nice to see an example of how to wear real nails. Answer? Shiny polish on medium length, rounded nails, in a matching color of your choice. Personally I'd still add rhinestones however! ;)
• The American photoshoot had some very original and interesting coordinates and location. It was definitely not your usual Lolita photoshoot, but I loved it. It's very retro meets brand.
  
• The patterns were particularly good in this edition. A lot of them are for knitting or crochet, and then they include knitting and crochet instructions in the back. Fun to do in winter (northern hemisphere) and a switch from the usual sewing instructions (fabulous for people like me, who lose fingers within five feet of a sewing machine). Even a few projects outside of the usual patterns were included - instructions for a batting tote and strawberry-chocolate earrings.
  
• No recipes, unfortunately. I was hoping for some Christmas recipes, like mint fudge or cute cupcakes... but nope. There was a piece on various great places to buy cupcakes, but seeing as I don't live in any major areas (welcome to the boondocks, people) this didn't help me to much. If you're ever in, say, New York or San Francisco, however, you've got it made.
• There is an Innocent World giveaway! Explain in 25 words or less what you love about Innocent World and you could win things ranging from jumperskirts to headbands.
• And a secret look at how 3D nails are really made in salons - very cool, though more than I'd want to spend, I think!

You might also note that LC finally has a webpage hits counter! Those apples at the bottom keep track of the number of visits to this page. Unfortunately it's a little late, this will be Article #51 (wow! yay!) but oh well, better late than never! :)

Labels: review

posted by Victoria Suzanne @ 3:23 PM