Strawberries and Cherries

A little ‘in between’ post, to make a rundown of one of my favourite Lolita outfits I’ve worn up until now: my Milky Berry outfit for the Kawaii Event! Since they asked us about the ‘point’ of our outfit, I decided to call this outfit ‘Strawberries and Cherries’, after my ‘point’.

● Strawberries and Cherries ●
My outfit rundown:
Head bow: Angelic Pretty’s Milky Berry
Cardigan: Baby, the Stars Shine Bright
Jsk: Angelic Pretty’s Milky Berry
Socks: Baby, the Stars Shine Bright
Shoes: Bodyline
Cherry pin: Paris Kid’s
Flower clip: Claire’s
Necklaces: Claire’s and Angelic Pretty
Bracelets: Angelic Pretty and offbrand
Wristcuffs: Angelic Pretty
Rings: Angelic Pretty and Chocomint
I will always remember this outfit, because I wore it on one of the best Lolita-related days ever! ♥ I hope there are many more to come. :3

Kawaii Weekend, Day 4 – Goodbyes

The next morning we woke up, had breakfast and Emilie packed her last things, since she would return home on this day. While Emilie was busy, I checked my Facebook and read that Misako and Rinrin were leaving for Japan that day as well. Emilie’s flight would depart around 3 pm and I knew the next flight to Tokyo would leave around the same time, so I said to Emilie: ‘Wouldn’t it be funny if we ran into them at the airport?’ We laughed and then went downstairs, where we took some pictures with my pug Catootje.
Emilie wanted to cycle one last time, so we cycled to the supermarket where she got us some drinks. We sat down for a while and enjoyed our drinks and the sunlight. The idea that in a few hours Emilie would be home in Switzerland again was so weird… I didn’t want to think about it. ^^’
We returned home, where we talked a little about everything and nothing. I tried to do a special hairstyle from Misako’s book (looped braids with a hat) and then it was time to go. My mom drove us and Emilie’s suitcase to the train station, where Emilie said goodbye to her.

Emilie’s glittery luggage.
We dragged the suitcase up the stairs, waited for a little while and then the train arrived. We sat down and just talked a bit and looked out the window. We were still a bit tired. ^^’ Luckily when we arrived at the airport, we were reenergized again! We went up the escalator and we couldn’t help but wonder if we would see Misako and Rinrin again, but we didn’t really believe it. We looked at the signs to see where to go and went to the luggage hall. When we walked around the corner of the hall, I couldn’t believe my eyes! Just a little further away, I saw two girls dressed in bright colours! Misako and Rinrin! Emilie and I just couldn’t believe it! We walked up to them while they were busy with their suitcases. When I addressed them, they looked up and their eyes widened when they recognized us! They were both really happy to see us and they were so kind! We told them Emilie was going home as well (and we ensured them we weren’t stalking them, haha)! Misako and Rinrin complimented us on our matching outfits and I told Misako I made the hairstyle from her book. It made her happy. :3 Rinrin also asked to take pictures! ♥

I am still so surprised by this massive coincidence!
I was really impressed (and surprised) by the fact they were both travelling in Lolita! I was wondering if it was to keep space in their luggage or just pure dedication? Poor Misako and Rinrin looked a bit tired and Misako made a very jealous face when Emilie told her her flight would only take about one and a half hours opposed to their eleven hour flight. At least they could watch movies. :3 While someone asked Misako and Rinrin for a picture, we talked a little with Salla and then it was time to say goodbye. We thanked the girls again for the amazing event and we hugged them. It was so great. ;_; ♥

Rinrin and Misako, even pretty while travelling!
Emilie checked in her bag and we went to Burger King to have something to eat. We both had a Hot Brownie (the same thing we had at the airport in Geneva) and Emilie tried a nice drink as well.

Our last food together.
We sat down and talked a bit. Suddenly, a random guy dropped his entire drink on the floor and just walked on, without reporting it to a staff member! I was really pissed off, so I went to warn them myself. Some people…
It was time for Emilie to leave and we slowly walked to the customs. We hugged, said goodbye, hugged again and then Emilie went through customs. We waved one last time and then she was gone. I was so sad. ;_; We had had such a great time, both in Paris and during the Kawaii Event, and now it was all over…
I took the train back home, where my mom picked me up. Sometime later I got a message from Emilie that she had arrived home safely. I really hope to see her (in real life) soon again! I really love her so much as a friend, she truly is my Lolita Soulmate and I am glad I got to share these amazing days with her! ♥ Let’s hope there will be an opportunity like this again soon! :3

Kawaii Weekend, Day 3 – Cycling and Sushi

On Sunday we woke up really late. Our Kawaii Event adventures had taken a lot of energy, so we took things easy. We had breakfast, got dressed into matching outfits with our new shirts and spent the rest of the morning watching funny videos, laughing and talking. My mom also brought us cherries (which were really good, I love cherries). It was such a nice way to spend the morning!

Cherries are some of my favourite fruits!
My mom asked us if we had any plans for the day. Since Emilie really wanted to cycle, I decided to do a little tour of my town. After some more time doing nothing, we went downstairs and my mom took some pictures of us in the garden.

A nice picture, with our matching shirts! ♥
Then we prepared for our cycling adventure. I gave my bike to Emilie, while I took my mom’s. After some pictures taken by my mom we went on our way.

Yay, bicycles~!
At first I was a bit nervous for Emilie. She hadn’t cycled in years! But luckily she hadn’t forgotten anything, because after a couple of meters she cycled like a pro. :3 We cycled for quite a while and went quite far! We even got to streets I have never been before. Emilie loved cycling so much and I loved that she loved it! Cycling is so normal for me, it’s hard to imagine other people rarely do it.
We arrived at the center of town, where the shops are (even though most of them were closed). We had some lovely ice cream at Hema. :3

Hema ice cream is really cheap, but also really nice! :3
After that, we went home. Emilie asked me about some of the street names, so I told her we just passed the ‘Squirrelstreet’. Emilie wondered if there was a ‘Hamsterstreet’ as well and right at that moment we passed it! Emilie was so happy!

The Hamsterstreet!
We arrived home and spent the rest of the afternoon talking and doing nothing.
In the evening we went to one of my favourite restaurants. My mom dropped us off in town and we went to Kimono, an all-you-can-eat restaurant that serves a lot of delicious things. We sat down at our table and I explained the system for choosing your dishes to Emilie. The restaurant has a lot of different kind of sushi, but even though Emilie is not really a sushi-fan, there was still a lot to choose from. There were also a lot of fried things, little salads, meat and other nice things. Everything was so good!

Some of the delicious food we had!
While eating we talked a lot about the event and we made jokes about everything and nothing, like the sad sushi that ended up alone on the plate (now we turned it into an expression, ‘sad sushi’. XD). Emilie even ended up trying sushi after all! She went with special ‘fruit sushi’, but she didn’t really like it. XD
After our delicious dinner, we decided to have dessert somewhere else. I paid and we left the restaurant. After some walking, we arrived at an ice cream shop I really like. Sometimes they have really interesting flavours, like pancake ice cream! Emilie chose pear ice cream with a topping of dark chocolate and I chose white chocolate ice cream with milk chocolate topping. ^^ It was sooo good!

The chocolate topping immediately hardened, which made it
challenging to eat. It was really nice though!
I called home for someone to pick us up and walked down to the lake and took some pictures in front of the fountain. Emilie thought the fountain was a bad copy of the Geneva jet d’Eau, haha!
My parents picked us up again and when we got home, Emilie packed her things because she would leave again the next day. Even though we didn’t do that much that day, we still had a lot of fun! It was nice to just spend the day together doing small things. We looked at some pictures on Facebook of the Kawaii Event at the castle location and then went to sleep.

Kawaii Weekend, Day 2 – Kawaii Event Evening

Emilie, Eveline, Agata and I left Karel V and walked around town for a bit. We took some pictures of the beautiful buildings and we soon arrived at a street I recognized. We passed a lot of people that looked in surprise at us, but we didn’t even really notice it anymore. ^^
Eveline knew the way to a little Bubble Tea place. We soon arrived there and we took a look at the menu, but since they couldn’t accept payment by card I needed to get money first. Only a few steps away was a HEMA with a pin machine, where we went inside. Two older ladies complimented us on our outfits. They were so kind. ^^ I put my card in the machine, but out of nowhere it said it couldn’t accept my card! I was quite surprised, but I thought maybe the machine was just having a malfunction. We went to another machine, but it also didn’t accept my card! For a moment, I panicked, until I took a good look at my card. It turned out to be my old one, which was apparently finally blocked by the bank. My new card worked fine. ^^
We went back to the Bubble Tea place and we ordered some delicious flavours. :3

My Bubble Tea~! You can see Eveline’s reflection in the mirror.
We drank our Teas while walking to the Domtoren. I had suggested to take a look at the courtyard garden there, but when we arrived there they were just closing! The guy working there said he was sorry, but he couldn’t let us in even though we looked so beautiful. I forgave him because of that comment. XD
We sat down on a bench and just drank our Bubble Teas and chatted. Some people passing by asked for pictures, some didn’t. One guy was especially very rude, because he just continued to snap pictures without asking, so I told him: ‘We will look cuter when you ask!’ So then he asked. Well, sort of. Weirdo. -_-
After we finished our drinks, Emilie and I practiced the Misako dance and recorded it for Emilie’s future video of the event (you can see it at the end of this post. :3). It was interesting to dance in the middle of the square without any music! I just hummed a little, haha! We also took some pictures in front of the closed doors to the Domtoren garden.

Four different Lolitas, four different poses.
Agata told us she had to go to her hotel to get changed for the evening event, so we offered to come with her. We had no idea where the hotel was located, but Agata said she knew the way from the station. So to the station we went. We got our stuff and just when we were about to go, some loud guys in Indian-like scooters drove up the square. They got out and told us they were having a bachelor party (they pointed at the groom-to-be, dressed up as Big Smurf) and if we wanted to participate in their trading game. Unfortunately, I didn’t have anything trade-able with me, so we just took a picture with them. XD
We went on our way again and walked through the street leading up to the conservatory (I know this place very well), when suddenly a photographer approached us. We had a lovely conversation with him and he asked us if he could take some pictures for the Facebook page called ‘Humans of Utrecht’ of us. We were of course fine with it, so he took (a lot of) pictures of us. He also wrote down our names, but he got them all wrong on the site except for mine. Oh well, haha!
We continued our way, passing a lovely couple asking us about our ‘lovely outfits’ and reached the station (we drew quite some attention). We walked all around it, entered it, walked out again, passed some other bachelor parties, walked through many, many streets of Utrecht and finally reached the hotel. There, it turned out Agata’s hotel was actually really close to the Dom, where we had started our walking. Of course! XD
Agata’s hotel was really lovely and her room was quite spacious with a lovely view! It was so nice to rest a little, sit on her bed and get freshened up! We really needed to recharge before the evening event! We chatted about everything and nothing while Agata changed into a super cute Sugar Hearts outfit. ^^
Finally, it was time for us to head to Tivoli, the venue where the evening event was held at. Luckily Eveline knew where to go, that helped. We walked into a long street along the Oudegracht (‘Old Canal’) and we saw some colourfully dressed girls in the distance that had to be Lolitas. We reached Tivoli and started talking to some of the girls already there.

Some of the girls waiting to enter Tivoli.
Slowly, more girls joined us, including three girls that were also colourfully dressed, but not Lolita at all! It’s still a mystery who they were and why they were there…
We were also joined by Hoa (aka Harlyharlekin)! It was lovely to see her after the Paris Tea Parties. She looked so amazing in her beautiful dress. Emilie and I talked a little with her and took some pictures.

Together with Hoa! ♥
Slowly, more and more girls joined us. Some had changed into different outfits, others were still wearing the same as during the Tea Party. There were also some people that hadn’t attended the Tea Party, but were there just for the evening event. When we were with a large group, some spontaneously started singing songs from the Spice Girls (including me, haha)!
Finally, we were allowed inside! The guards checked our stamps and then we walked through a long hallway, up the stairs, up some more stairs and then we arrived in the Spiegelbar (‘The mirror bar’). There was a bar, a knee-high stage, lots of lamps and some tables with goodies! There were tables with clothes and accessories from MFashion, but also tables with other items that looked like goodies from Misako and Rinrin. Emilie and I were some of the first, so we were able to take some pictures in front of the stage.

I really like this picture. I look so happy! ^^
After that, we quickly went to check out the tables. I wasn’t planning on buying anything brand-related, so I walked past the MFashion tables. The other tables did have Misako and Rinrin items! There was a CD from Rinrin and post cards and there were posters and pins from Misako. You could also buy Misako’s book! I wanted it for ages and now it was just in front of me! And the prices were so nice! I couldn’t help myself and almost jumped on the table! XD I ended up buying Misako’s book, a Lolitina pin and a Misako poster. I was so happy! *^^* Unfortunately, Leyla didn’t have any elastic bands to keep the posters rolled up, so I ended up using one of my bracelets. I thought that was pretty smart. XD
I put my goodies in my bag and put my bag away, when suddenly one of the cameramen walked up to me and aimed the camera at me. He asked me what I had bought, so I told him. Then he asked me where I would hang the poster. I told him I would hang it above my bed (even though then I would have to move my Hobbit poster away, but I couldn’t think of a better answer at that moment, hihi)! ^^
Most of the girls had entered the room now and Emilie and I chatted with some lovely girls, including May, who wore a beautiful red outfit (I didn’t even recognize her from the Tea Party, bad me! -_-).

Some of the girls waiting for the event to start!
After a while, we were all asked to come up to the stage, where Leyla and Salla welcomed us to the evening event. Then, Misako and Rinrin entered the stage. ^^ They had both changed into different outfits. Misako wore a lovely outfit with her Juicy Baby Love Love Berries dress (I love that dress so much ;_;) combined with a hat filled with red fruits. She looked so pretty! Rinrin wore a custom-made red dress (I heard it was made by Angelic Pretty) with a bunny tail, a crown, bunny ears and even a candy cane-coloured scepter with a bunny on it! She looked sooo cute! *_* Misako and Rinrin welcomed us and were happy to be there with us. ^^

Misako and Rinrin in their new outfits! Misako looks very serious, hihi!
Leyla told us the program for the evening: Misako and Rinrin would perform their songs for us, everyone participating in the outfit contest would show their outfit in a fashion show, the Dutch Lolita Indie Brand 4 O’clock would have a fashion show, Scarlet Penta would perform some songs and then the winners of the outfit contest would be announced. It sounded like a fun evening! ^^

The audience listening to Misako and Rinrin talking.
Emilie and I were completely in the front, hihi! ^^
Then it was time for Misako to prepare for her performance. Emilie and I were so excited! We had practiced so hard and now we could finally give it our best! Before she started, Misako went over some of the movements with the audience, so everyone could dance along a bit. Then, finally the music started! I could barely contain my excitement and Emilie and I couldn’t stop smiling! As soon as Misako started singing, we danced along as well! It went so great~!

Misako in the middle of her performance! It was such a great moment. ♥
Emilie and I were some of the few that knew the whole dance and Misako was visibly happy we did! =D We couldn’t stop laughing, we had so much fun! I cannot tell you how happy I was that we had learned the dance after all! Oh I wish I could go back to that moment…

Everyone either danced or took pictures!
Finally the song was over and everyone cheered. Then it was Rinrin’s turn! Misako’s song had already been aired on Youtube, so we already knew it, but Rinrin’s song was a mystery. It soon became clear she would actually perform multiple songs!

Rinrin was clearly very nervous, but there really was no need to be! ♥
Even though we didn’t know any of the dance routines, everyone danced and jumped along! She performed three songs: ‘Kira Kira Dreamy’, a cover song called ‘Ramu no Love’ and ‘Oyasumi Kiss Me’. My favourite was the first song: it was so cheerful and cute! In the last song formed the word LOVE with her hand when that word was sung and we all picked it up quickly. Despite her being very nervous, Rinrin’s performance was amazing and full of energy! It was so much fun!

Everyone enjoyed Rinrin’s performance to the fullest!
After Rinrin was done, we all had some time to walk around, chat, shop and all that before the outfit contest started. Everyone had gotten quite hot, so Emilie and I went to the bathroom to get some water and check our hair and makeup. We looked surprisingly nice after such a long day already! We walked around for a bit and talked a lot with many people.

Rinrin and Misako with some fans and taking a self picture. ^^
Finally, it was time for the outfit contest! Leyla asked Misako and Rinrin what the participants of the outfit contest had to keep in mind while showing their outfit. Misako told us (translated by Rinrin) that we had to show the ‘point’ of our outfit. It sounded quite funny (‘What is the point of your outfit?’ XD), but she meant that we had to show the most important aspect of our outfits. We also had to make sure that we made some poses at the end of the runway long enough in front of the camera. Rinrin told us to smile and have fun on the runway. Then they both walked the runway to give us an example. It was quite cool to see them ‘modeling’ for us, especially because they both had their own unique style! ^^

Misako and Rinrin showing off their modelling skills!
After that, we grouped up in a line. Salla was busy putting everyone in the right order while Misako and Rinrin, the judges, sat down on chairs close to the stage. Some girls who were participating were missing, but soon we were all standing in line and ready to go. I was right after Emilie, that was nice. ^^ Emilie had given her camera to Eveline to take some pictures (and she took a lot, hihi). While we were waiting for the show to start, I practiced some poses and suddenly, a cameraman came up to me. He asked me what the point of my outfit was (*^^*)! I told him my point was strawberries and cherries and I pointed at the print on my dress and at the cherries on my head bow. Yay, interviewed again!
The music started and Salla ushered us on the stage one by one. It was really cool to see everyone showing off their outfits in different ways! Everyone looked so incredibly amazing and the photographer’s pictures turned out so wonderfully, I decided to not make one, but two collages showing the incredible models (in no particular order)!

Clockwise from the top left: Jennifer, Marina, Irvina, Jannike,
Kathleen, Stacey, Nancy and Giulia.
Finally it was Emilie’s turn and then mine. We bowed to each other (huhu :3) and then I walked up the runway. Despite my nerves I had fun and smiled, just like Rinrin had said. I made sure I posed long enough and then I did a pose from the Lolitina song. Misako and Rinrin smiled, yay! ^^

Clockwise from the top left: Renske, Ina, Kari, Josine, May, Marloes, Katie and me.
Finally, everyone had had their turn and Misako and Rinrin went into a separate room to choose the winners. We had some time again to chat and walk around while the dj was playing music. Misako and Rinrin quickly returned and I got the chance to have Misako sign my poster! ^^ I was so happy!

Misako signing my beautiful poster! The bartender was so kind to hold the poster as well!
I also asked Misakowhich of the pins she preferred (there were two versions and I had been doubting a bit about which one to take). She liked the one I had chosen best, yay!
Emilie and I walked around a lot and whenever we got too hot, we walked to the staircase, where it was much cooler. There, we talked to some of the lovely German Lolitas and I also took some pictures with my Milky Berry twin Giulia! ♥

I really like this picture so much~! ♥
The DJ was playing nice music and somehow, I don’t really know how, we started dancing. And when I say dancing I don’t mean a bit of moving around, no, dancing! At first it started out small. We were standing in a big circle, jumping around and showing off our moves one by one in the middle and then more en more people joined us! It was sooo much fun! The dancing was even greater with our big and poofy petticoats!

What started out small soon became a mass of rustling petticoats!
I was having so much fun, when suddenly someone grabbed my shoulders and everyone formed a line behind me. I was the front of the polonaise! My dream came true! XD It was so much fun to lead everyone around and we were joined by more and more girls. The cameramen didn’t know where to film first! XD

A long line of lovely Lolitas! ♥
Finally the line split up and when Gangnam Style started playing we went totally wild! Who says Lolitas can’t dance!? Well I can tell you we do, woohoo! We formed another circle and one of the camera men quickly lay down on the ground and filmed us all while spinning around on the floor. It was so cool~! I can’t tell you how much fun we had, haha!
Finally, Emilie and I had gotten too hot and we stopped. Not long after the music got softer and it was time for the 4 O’clock fashion show. I just sat down on one of the chairs to cool down again. I had a nice view on the show while sitting, so it was fine. The dresses that were being shown in the fashion show were absolutely stunning (please check out the 4 O’clock site if you have some time, Linda Friesen makes the most amazing things), but I felt a bit sorry for the models who had to walk on the most difficult, Lady Gaga-like shoes. They were so high and heelless! One of the girls almost tripped. ^^’ But at least they kept a really nice posture.

Some of the amazing dresses! I especially love the white swan-like
dress Linda Friesen is wearing in the last picture.
The show was over and I talked to some more people, including Hoa. We talked about school and work, which was really interesting. She told me she would be going to the event on the next day as well and I was a bit sad Emilie and I couldn’t attend (although later I didn’t regret it at all, we were so tired!). Then, it was time for Scarlet Penta to perform. She sang some beautiful songs and when she sang a song from the Japanese movie Nana, one of the Kawaii International crew members went totally wild, haha! He loved the song very much. XD

Scarlet Penta performing in her beautiful dress.
Meanwhile, Emilie and I finally got the chance to have Rinrin sign our self-made cards! Rinrin was very happy to hear we liked the picture we chose of her so much (her wearing Candy Treat from Angelic Pretty) and she wrote some really sweet messages. ^^ I also got Misako to sign my book, yay! ♥
Scarlet Penta’s performance was finished and it was time for the outfit contest results! Misako and Rinrin climbed the stage and told us they had had a very hard time choosing the winners, because everyone looked so beautiful! In the end, they chose three girls and the prizes were provided by Baby, the Stars Shine Bright!

Misako and Rinrin ready to announce the winners!
The third place went to Miriam, one of the German girls, in her all-pink Lady Rose outfit! Misako and Rinrin told us they liked how the point of her outfit was clearly pink. ^^ Miriam received a beautiful brown Baby umbrella. The second place went to Josine, a Dutch Lolita, in her Snow White-like Alice and the Pirates outfit! Misako and Rinrin said they could really see her character in her outfit. Josine received a beautiful bonnet and wristcuffs set. Then the first place… *drumrolls* … went to Renske, also a Dutch Lolita, in her mermaid-like, mainly Taobao outft! I have never seen Renske so happy! *^^* Misako and Rinrin thought she looked like a Barbie, hihi! Renske received a beautiful, limited edition Baby, the Stars Shine Bright heart bag.

The three winners: Miriam, Josine and Renske! Renske just couldn’t believe it yet!
There was also a special prize, that went to the German Marina! Misako and Rinrin really liked her unique, colourful outfit. Marina received a jar with candies from Rinrin’s favourite shop. ^^

All the winners posing with Rinrin and Misako!
The cameramen set up their gear to film the winners and Misako and Rinrin walked to the side of the stage, where they waved happily at us. They were so cute! ♥

I love them both so much! ♥ They are truly my Lolita Idols!
While the winners were being filmed, the others prepared for a big group picture. Finally the girls joined us and we took the picture! We also waved at the camera and said ‘Kawaii International’ simultaneously. ^^

The evening group! ^^
Finally, the event came to an end. Emilie and I thanked Leyla for all her hard work. Hopefully there will be an event next year again..?
There was still time to get things signed by Misako and Rinrin, but since my parents would pick Emilie and me up, I was glad we had already done that. We collected our things and quickly went to say bye to Misako and Rinrin. Misako thanked us and Rinrin asked us whether we would be at the event again the next day. She was so sad to hear we wouldn’t join them, but I promised her to send her my blog links as soon as I was done with the posts. She was happy and hugged us. She was just so sweet! ;_; ♥
Emilie and I said goodbye to whoever we could and left. It had gotten dark outside and I was hoping I would find the car soon. Emilie and I were talking about how great it was and how much fun we had had, when suddenly two guys on bikes stopped and asked for a picture. They looked pretty tough, but turned out to be quite sweet. ^^
We soon found the car and my dad helped us to get our stuff in the back. We sat down in our seats and suddenly felt how tired we were. I didn’t feel so sad about not going to the event the next day anymore. We talked with my parents about the event and other things and finally we arrived home, where we changed into our pajamas and went to bed. It had been the most magical day ever~! ♫

To finally end this post, here is the wonderful video Emilie made. Please go and have a look~!


Pictures are either taken by Emilie, by me or by M. E. Fotografie.
You can find him on Facebook or his website.

Kawaii Weekend, Day 2 – Kawaii Event Tea Party

Get ready for the blog post of my life! *_* I worked really hard on it! I hope you will enjoy it!

On Saturday morning we woke up very much on time. We were very excited, because it was the day of the Kawaii Event! We were going to meet Misako and Rinrin! We went downstairs to have breakfast, but we had to wait for a while since things weren’t ready yet. Finally we could eat and then we went upstairs again to get ready!
We did our hair (Emilie curled the ends of my twin tails ♥), make up and put our outfits on. We were perfectly on time, so we could take some pictures in my garden! First we took some outfits of each other. I took some pictures of Emilie in her wonderful Dream Sky outfit, that she had coordinated with white, blue and pearls.

Emilie’s beautiful Kawaii Event outfit!
Then Emilie took pictures of me in my red and mint Milky Berry outfit, that I had coordinated with red, white and pink.

Me in my Kawaii Event outfit!
While Emilie took pictures of me, my dog Twinkle walked into the garden to photobomb me, haha! Then my mom offered to take some pictures of us together. ^^

Can you handle the Kawaii? *^^* Just joking! ;)
My garden looked amazing as a background for pictures. We took quite a lot!
Then it was time for us to go. We checked our things one last time and then we got into the car. My mom drove us to the station and wished us a lot of fun. We bought a ticket for Emilie and went up the stairs, where we waited for the train that would arrive at 11:59 am. While we were putting down our things, a woman asked us why we were dressed like that, so I explained to her about Lolita fashion. She and another woman thought we looked very pretty. ^^ We took some ‘Momoko-inspired’ pictures (like in Kamikaze Girls) of us waiting for the train as well.

Waiting for the train! I had brought my pink star bag along for the day. ^^
And another bag you can’t see, haha!
Then the train arrived and we sat down.
We talked, took pictures and filmed a little. We also practiced the Misako dance again a little (while sitting down). We were both very excited and couldn’t wait to arrive!

Two of my favourite pictures of this day: Emilie and I in the train.
Finally we arrived at Utrecht Central Station and left the train. Emilie told me she felt weird for not knowing the way at all, while I felt pretty cool for leading the way! XD After we went up the escalator and walked into the station, I quickly saw the big sign where the group would meet. Some Lolitas were already waiting. Despite being a Dutch Lolita, I don’t know the Dutch community that well, so I met a lot of new people on this day! But I loved introducing Emilie to the girls I did know and we all immediately switched to speaking English. We were soon joined by many girls and I introduced Emilie where I could. I was quite proud of my community: everyone looked amazing and everyone was so welcoming! ^^ We were also joined by quite some German Lolitas, including the girls I had met the week before at the Angelic Pretty shop! ^^
We waited for quite a long time until we could leave. A strange guy with a vuvuzela started bothering us as a group, but he wasn’t aggressive and after a while he left us alone (thank God). Lots of people walking through the station asked us about our style and many people loved it. One guy asked me if we were ‘dressed as anime’, so I could explain to him this was not the case. XD
Finally it was time to go and we followed our leader (well, the person who knew where to go)! After a little misunderstanding about a girl we accidentally left behind, we left the station in a long, colourful row. Suddenly, an adorable girl in a blue outfit came up to walk next to me and asked if I had a blog. She knew about Lolita Wonderland! I blushed, I was so happy! *^^* We talked for a while and she told me her name was Agata and that she is Russian, but lives in Switzerland. Emilie was all happy!
We went down an escalator and entered the city.

Lolitas on the move!
Utrecht looked at its finest: the sun shone and the streets were decorated with flags. It was as if the city celebrated the Kawaii Event with us! After some more walking, we arrived at the Tea Party venue: Grand Hotel Karel V, a hotel with a fancy restaurant (with a Michelin star) and beautiful ball rooms! We walked through the hall and waited around the corner of a big, light room filled with round tables until we were allowed inside.

Girls waiting to enter the room.
One by one we were invited inside to the table where Leyla from MFashion, the organisor of the event, was standing. There you had to show your ticket, fill in a form for Kawaii International, choose a heart to write your name on (red, pink or green), get a stamp for the evening event and, if you participated in the outfit contest, have your picture taken with an instant camera.

Anne and Renske writing down their names!
I chose a red heart (to match my outfit a little. The red was not exactly the colour of my dress, but well) and had the stamp placed on my arm instead of on my hand. I was very glad I did that, since the stamps took a long time to dry. Then I had my picture taken by Danchelle with her instant camera. I waited for Emilie, who was right after me, and together we chose a table a little in the middle of the room. Agata joined us and I introduced Emilie to Katie from Fly Away Fashion. I also met Dido and Eveline for the first time! ^^
Emilie and I walked up to the big fire place to take some pictures and Cat, Deborah and Agata joined us. I loved taking pictures with Agata! Even though we had met each other less than an hour ago, it felt like we were good friends already! ♥

Together with sweet Agata in her beautiful blue outfit!
From the fire place I could look all around the room, which gave me a great opportunity to examine everyone’s outfits. It was clear every girl in the room had done her very best to look stunning! Every outfit looked so fantastic!

Marina and Miriam taking pictures! They both looked amazing!
The photographer of M.E. Fotografie circled around the room and snapped pictures, as well as the camera crew of Kawaii International! One of the camera men asked Emilie why she was taking pictures and she answered that everyone looked so beautiful! We sat down at our table and were joined by Tamara as well, who wore her new, handmade bonnet that fit her red dress amazingly well! Slowly the room filled with people.

Our table! You can also see a bit of the rest of the room.
Finally, everyone was inside and we were welcomed by Leyla. She told us that the people with special food needs (vegetarians and people with allergies), were invited into the Tea Party room first, then the other people. Emilie was all surprised the room we were in wasn’t the Tea Party room already, haha! After waiting for maybe a minute, the rest of the people were also invited inside. We entered a beautiful room with chandeliers, white tables, a buffet and a big slide screen. On the tables were some post cards of Misako and Rinrin.

This picture was taken by the photographer before everyone entered the room.
Here’s to give you an impression of the entourage. ^^
When we entered, the hotel staff offered us a drink in a fancy glass. Emilie and I chose the table in the far right corner, closest to the slide screen. We were soon joined by Katie, Anne, Dido and Eveline. We had a very nice table. ^^

Our lovely table, filled with cups, coffee, tea and post cards!
As soon as everybody was seated, Leyla welcomed us officially and introduced us to the Japanese staff: the camera men, the translator and Salla, a blonde woman who organized everything as well. Leyla also told us the schedule for the afternoon: there would be food, a Lolita bingo and of course meeting Misako and Rinrin! ^^ She explained to us how the Lolita bingo worked: instead of numbers, you had to write people’s names on the forms. Everyone could walk around and write people’s names on their form until it was filled up. In this way you could also meet new people! ^^ Then we were invited to have food and enjoy ourselves! While everyone went to get food in turns, Emilie and I walked around to collect names. There weren’t enough pens for our whole table though, so soon I returned to our table to get names later. Then it was our table’s turn to get food and Emilie and I walked up to the buffet.
I can tell you: the food was amazing! There were little chocolates, scones with clotted cream and tiny jars of jam, sandwiches, madeleines and more! And everything tasted so great! *_*

Some pictures of the food and drinks we got!
We went back to our table with a full plate and as soon as all the girls were seated again, we toasted. ^^ I loved how every girl in the room jumped at the chance to take pictures of her food, haha!

The food was too amazing not to be photographed!
In the meantime, the camera people of Kawaii International walked around to film and interview people. It was really interesting to take a look behind the camera while they were filming. ^^
We tried some of our delicious food when suddenly, Misako and Rinrin were announced! That was quite unexpected, haha!
The doors opened and the two girls entered. It was amazing seeing two people I had seen so often on pictures suddenly walking into the same room that I was in! Misako looked absolutely stunning in her pink Baby, the Stars Shine Bright dress, bunny ears and amazing flower crown! People often say she is photo shopped a lot in her pictures, but Misako is truly as beautiful in real life as she is on her pictures! Rinrin looked gorgeous in Angelic Pretty’s Eternal Rose Bouquet in pink with matching bonnet and head bow and lace gloves! She looked even prettier in real life than on her pictures! Everyone was silent (and overwhelmed) while both girls got seated.

Misako and Rinrin! They both looked amazing and matched as well.
Leyla handed them a microphone and Misako and Rinrin told us they were happy to be there with us. It was amazing to hear their voices in real life (sorry I go on and on like this, I was just very happy at that moment)! Rinrin is actually from America, so she spoke English, which was very convenient for us (she also said something in Dutch, although it sounded quite German, hihi! ♥)! Leyla then invited them to show us some pictures of their rooms and pictures of their favourite places in Tokyo. Pictures were shown on the slide screen and we enjoyed both the girls’ stories while we ate a little.

Rinrin was happy to tell us about her favourite places!
She and Misako also wore a name tag heart. :3
Rinrin’s room is small, very cute and she shares it with a friend. One of her favourite places is Yoyogi park, near Harajuku. She also showed us pictures of a wonderful candy shop that makes traditional Japanese candy! I’d love to go there one day!

Rinrin clearly had everyone’s full attention!
Then it was Misako’s turn. Her room is in one word: adorable. There are many posters and boxes and everything looks cute! She showed us pictures of one of her favourite cafes. ^^

Misako talked and then the guy behind her translated. ^^
After the slide show, Misako and Rinrin sat down again and Leyla told us the girls had a little surprise for us! They had brought Japanese delicacies for everyone! Every table received a box with some animal-shaped (and a mushroom) candies. We easily divided our candies: Emilie got the penguin, I got the bee (well, I think it was a bee. It could also have been a yellow ladybug. Or the head of a giraffe? XD). There was also a crab, a turtle and two whales. Everyone jumped on them to take pictures of course, including Misako and Rinrin!

Kathleen, me, Miriam and Dido with our candies. ^^
The candies were soft and squishy, but I really loved the taste! I was happy I got the chance to try it. ^^ We went to get some more sandwiches of the buffet and Misako and Rinrin got the chance to eat some food of the buffet themselves too.
After a while, it was time for Misako and Rinrin to visit all of the tables separately. Misako started at the other side of the room, while Rinrin started with us! Someone put in an extra chair for her and she sat in between Emilie and me. Rinrin was incredibly kind and very happy to be here with us, that much was clear! We talked, she gave us many compliments and we asked her questions. In the meantime I couldn’t help but examine her outfit: she looked so gorgeous! Her lace gloves were amazing and her makeup was flawless! She wore a beautiful chandelier necklace as well.

Rinrin and Emilie! ♥
Emilie gave Rinrin her present: Swiss chocolates in a heart-shaped box. Rinrin was so happy with them and was happy to pose! ^^

Rinrin with her chocolates! Look at her beautiful gloves! *_*
Unfortunately time went faster than planned, because Salla came up to us to tell us Rinrin needed to go to the next table. We did take a lovely group picture with her though!

Our group with Rinrin~! ♥ ^^
After the picture, I could quickly give Rinrin my present as well. She was so happy! She hugged me! ♥
While Misako and Rinrin visited the other tables, Emilie and I walked around to gather some more names for our bingo card. I met a lot of nice people and I took a lot of pictures as well. In the meantime the camera crew was filming everything that happened and girls got interviewed as well. It was really cool to see it all ‘behind the scenes’! Misako and Rinrin went from table to table. I loved standing and watching them interact with people from a distance.

Rinrin and Misako talking and taking pictures with everyone. ^^
Everyone who wasn’t in the middle of some private Misako- or Rinrin time was walking around, taking pictures and talking to others. Emilie and I took some cool hands and feet pictures with Cat, Katie, Dido, Eveline and Anne. ^^

I really like how these pictures came out! ^^
Misako and Rinrin were both very happy to pose with everyone and of course every girl wanted a picture! ^^

Rinrin posing with Marina, Jannike, Eline, Jantine and Cunera!
Finally it was time for Misako to visit our table, so Emilie and I went to sit on our chairs. Misako took place in between us and the translator stood behind her. It was great to have him: it made talking to Misako much easier!
We talked a little and asked Misako to take a group picture with us (we didn’t want to run out of time again). The picture came out so wonderfully! ♥

I really, really like this picture! It’s so lovely!
We sat down again and talked to Misako. Emilie and I both gave our presents as well. Emilie gave her chocolates, this time wrapped in a red heart, first and then I gave my candies. Misako was so happy! *^^* I had seen someone else had given her stroopwafels, as I expected, so I was glad I had choses the cute candies!

Misako with my candy! The pink ones matched her dress! ♥ ^^
We talked some more and asked Misako to sign our post cards. I think she was surprised (in a positive way) Emilie and I had brought our own. ^^

Misako singing our post cards (she has such a cute autograph)!
While we were talking with Misako, I couldn’t help but just look at her. Ever since I started Lolita, Misako has been there. I have seen hundreds of pictures of her and many videos and now she was just sitting next to me! It was amazing to hear her speak, watch her movements and look at her beautiful outfit (that was even prettier up close). It was a very special moment for me!
We also took some separate pictures with Misako. We made sure we used our time with her well! ;) It was so cute: Misako offered her little pinky finger to hold to every girl that took a picture with her. ^^ ♥

Emilie and I with Misako! ♥
After Misako left our table, it was time for the Lolita bingo! Everyone returned to their seats and got out their bingo cards.

The bingo prizes~!
Misako and Rinrin would take a piece of paper out of a bag in turns and then Leyla would read out the name that was written on it. You had to cross off the name if you had written it down and if you had three in a row (vertically, horizontally or diagonally) you had a bingo!

Rinrin in the middle of drawing a name card.
The bingo started and it went pretty well for me at first, but despite the fact I came to a point that I could have a bingo any way, I didn’t win anything! Neither did Emilie, but then again, we didn’t deserve it anyway after Paris, in my opinion. XD It was great to see other people win though! Misako and Rinrin were so enthusiastic as well. They were clapping for every girl. ^^

Some of the lucky winners!
After the first prizes, girls started to have bingos at the same time, which resulted into them having to compete in a rock, paper, scissors game to determine who won which prize. At the end, there were two prizes left and three girls with bingo. The third girl got an (emergency) jar of cute candies from the store Rinrin had told us about though. ^^
After the bingo there was another picture opportunity, this time with both Rinrin and Misako! Emilie and I also took instant pictures with them. ^^

With Misako and Rinrin~! ♥
After we had taken our pictures, Emilie and I walked to the back of the room and talked a little with Dido and Josine. They both looked absolutely amazing: Dido looked like a forest princess and Josine like Snow White!
When everyone had their pictures taken (Emilie and I are in a lot of pictures in the back, oops!), we sat down again and we were all thanked for coming. The evening event was announced a second time (there was a bit of confusion about the starting time) and then the Tea Party was over! We all got up for a big group picture close to the exit. It’s amazing we all fit in it!

Our wonderful, versatile group!
Everyone slowly proceeded to the exit, where Misako and Rinrin were waiting to say goodbye to everyone. Emilie and I were some of the last people to leave. While we were waiting in line, Emilie got interviewed briefly again about whether she liked the Tea Party. The answer was yes of course! =D
We reached Misako and Rinrin and they thanked us for coming. Rinrin took my hands and asked us whether we’d be at the evening event as well and she was very happy to hear we’d come! She was just so sweet! ♥ Misako thanked us as well and then we entered the hall. Around the corner, a lot of girls were getting their things together and forming groups to get some food. Emilie and I quickly decided not to have dinner (we were pretty full from the buffet), but get some Bubble Tea! Agata and Eveline joined us as well, so nice. ^^
Suddenly, Emilie got interviewed a third time: she got asked why she likes Lolita and what her parents think about it. ^^ Then, the camera turned to me! The female translator asked me if I had made any friend at the event, so I told her I was there with my foreign friend and that I had met Agata and Eveline that day! I was so happy to be interviewed! =D
Emilie, Eveline, Agata and I left the building and went on our way to spend some time together until the evening event, but I will keep that for the next post! Stay tuned~! ♥

Pictures are either taken by Emilie, by me or by M. E. Fotografie.
You can find him on Facebook or his website.