CHRISTMAS SHOPPING GUIDE : EVERYDAY FANGIRL CHIC (PART 2)

Last week I shared with you my very first Christmas shopping guide that dealt with shopping for anime/manga fangirl and now this second list focuses more on Western fandoms, particularly animation, video games and comics, though I did include a couple live action films . Much like my first gift guide, some of the items listed are direct references to certain fandoms, with the rest being pieces that are much more subtle.  I’ve also included some commentary as how they can be used or styled for everyday use.  In an effort to remain budget friendly I made sure to list items that are  $60 and under, minus shipping though many retailers seem to now be offering free shipping due to holiday rush so that cost shouldn’t be as bad as it usually is. Happy shopping!

Jewelry and Accessories

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Etsy by Froshjewels – Zelda Heart Container Necklace (available in red and blue)

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Black Friday 2016 Wishlist

One welcome part of the holiday season truly are the sales. From scoring items from last season at a steal to stocking up looks for upcoming office parties and family gatherings,  this truly is the time of year for those of us on a tight budget. So whether you’re looking to add to your closet or even find some nice presents for your BFF,  I figured it would be great to share some of the many Black Friday sales you should really look out for this weekend. In this list I’m also sharing some of my current favorites that I think are worth your consideration as you shop.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which help me earn a small commission when you buy an item, which in turn helps me continue to bring new posts.  Thank you for supporting the blog!

Society Plus – 40%  Off Everything

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Q&A with Body Positive, Comic Book Convertible Dress Designer, Danielle Ward of Little Petal

New York Comic Con 2014. I was determined to be one of the first people to get this limited edition Sailor Moon t-shirt that had been announced by Viz Media on Twitter a few days before. During my more than two hour wait in line for the con to officially open,  I decided to put on some lip stick and I was approached by this beautiful young woman who asked to use my compact to touch up her make up. We talked about make up, the con and of course her cosplay. She was wearing this interesting dress which she changed three times while we were on line.  Later that same day as I walked the show-floor I bumped into this young woman again at a booth covered with pictures of women in dresses like the one she was wearing and she introduced me to the designer, Danielle Ward. Owner of Little Petal, she designs and creates custom convertible dresses that are comfy and sophisticated.  These dresses are unique recreations of characters from comics, manga, anime, film and even video games.  As someone who, at the time, hadn’t cosplayed but wanted to, I was stunned by the concept. One dress, multiple styles. I put down my deposit immediately. Danielle is so amazingly creative and talented that I just had to find out more about her.

Check out my talk with Danielle below!

Disclaimer: Responses have been edited for clarity and length.

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Leanna (Little Petal’s Webmaster) and Danielle at Megacon.

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Sweater Weather Picks 2016

This year fall in NYC has been a bit of a tease, going from crisp, cool temps to summer sometimes even within the course of the same day. While I have yet  to fully swap my spring/summer wardrobe to my fall/winter collection, I am looking forward to refreshing my closet with some new pieces. I did some online shopping recon and noticed that this fall we have a great selection of comfy knits from various retailer. So I’ve complied a list of these chic sweaters and sweater dresses to prep for the cooler temperatures ahead. For this list, I made sure to have some budget-friendly options as well as some splurges that are well worth the price given their quality. Check out my picks below and let me know in the comments if you have any favorites.

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Fall Weekend Getaway (feat. Gwynnie Bee)

Last weekend I got to head over to Lancaster, Pennsylvania with two friends and my mother. A retreat of sorts, it was a trip I wasn’t expecting to go on until my mentor casually mentioned that she had purchased my ticket because I deserved to take some time to unwind. (I truly really am blessed with some great friends.) I had to travel light so I looked to Gwynnie Bee to help me make a decision as to what to pack. Gwynnie Bee is a subscription box service that allows you to try different styles and brands for an affordable rental fee.  For my first box I got these two beautiful printed dresses that were just perfect for the occasion especially since they both go well with my favorite crossbody satchel.

Day 1-  Pennsylvania Dutch Country Sightseeing and Shopping

One we entered Pennsylvania our first stop was Kitchen Kettle Village. A very picturesque countryside attraction with small shops and restaurants,  I got to sample authentic Amish jams, and window shop scented candles, soap, hand-carved signs, handmade quilts, and leather goods. I totally missed my chance to take a buggy ride tour of the nearby Amish farms, but I guess there’s always next time.

20160930_130044This Hemant & Nandita print A-line dress is meant to be worn in the summer yet when paired with a turtleneck or denim jacket, can easily be worn during these early fall days when the temps are just beginning to drop into the mid-60s.  The pattern and colors are stunning in person so I highlighted this with black tights and boots. (Style notes: I would suggest either sizing down or wearing this dress with a belt because it runs a bit large. As it is not lined I wore a slip underneath, this helped with the static, but it did cause the dress to twist on occasion.) Continue reading