Fanplusfriend Review: Drop Pleat Skirt and Military Jacket

Lately I've had a flutter in my heart for Gothic and aristo styles of lolita. Like a tiny black butterfly (and yes, you can kill me for that cliched simile, if you like!) I've had a such an upswing of interest in our darker sisters. I finally bit the bullet and ordered two pieces for my winter wardrobe, both from Fanplusfriend: a long drop-pleat grey skirt and a grey military jacket. I received my items today! There are no photos yet, which I will explain below (hence the stock photos). However, here is the rundown for anyone interested in placing an order with them, or interested in their aristo items.

The items are beautiful. They make me feel like some dark era Snow White or gypsy witch in a fantasy version of England, or Romania.

The skirt is ankle-length and made of a heather grey cotton, toned blue. It is lined with a grey silk that is attached to the cotton at certain points with very good stitches. It is quite huge - it has a great deal of fabric and it is heavy! It is meant to be worn over hoops, believe it or not, but I did not order hoops (I admit it: I'm intimidated!) and it can be worn without for a more casual, straighter silhouette.

However, this skirt is quite long on me. I ordered the length specially at 35 inches instead of 41 (can you imagine have a 41 inch long skirt on a 25 inch waist? You'd be quite tall and thin both! I could only dream of being so wonderfully tall!) and even paid an extra $5, however I received the standard 41 inches. I even pinned it up myself with straight pins as a test and yes, just a shortening will work. I'll be bringing it to my local tailor tomorrow to get her opinion (hence the lack of photos, but there will be some - and hopefully a video - by the end of the week!) I may also ask for small hooks along the sides so as to 'hoist' the dress temporarily for greater movement and shorter length. If this works out, it will be included in the photos.

The jacket is also beautiful and extremely versatile - I'll be wearing it with much more than lolita, and if you were interested, it would even look pretty fierce with - gasp! - jeans! The look is sharp-edged and boxy, but with flounce layers of box-pleats to keep the look feminine. The style could be described as: 'My fiance joined the steampunk wars and left me only his uniform jacket'; or a princess whose country has gone to war and turned to vigilantism. As a nod to this, I think it must be worn with a tiny tiara and absolutely huge, teased side ponytails.

The fit could be smaller in the waist, but I ordered the items slightly larger for insurance. To remedy that, there is a working sash that ties in a bow to the side, with belt loops that add a very military touch; but there is also the possibility of the wide, black elastic belts that are popular right now for an instant modern update. Emphasizing a small (natural height, slightly above the belly button) waist is in right now for mainstream fashion and is even leaking into lolita, prompting belts worn at the smallest part of the torso (can be bow-shaped for extra points!). I think this is especially attractive when added to a large or bell-shaped skirt, as it draws attention to the silhouette. I often use things in a larger scale to me to make myself look smaller and more doll-like or delicate, and this is the case here. The large skirt and boxy jacket look like I am smaller when paired with delicate black heels and the illusion of a tiny waist. By using proportions, I play up the fact that I am considered petite by American standards. I won't go into dressing for your shape here, but it's something to consider.

The communication between Fanplusfriend and I went quite well - I didn't have very long wait between communications. They shipped the items as soon as they were made and arrived even before other things I had ordered earlier. And the tracking number followed them right to my door. So as long as I get the length cleared up on the skirt, I'd say it has been a very good experience! And I'll be updating on that, so keep your eyes peeled!

Labels: aristocratic, fashion, review

posted by Victoria Suzanne @ 10:27 PM