Outfits: Fresh (h.NAOTO) Blood

 If you read my last post, you probably saw that I purchased a long h.NAOTO Blood JSK. Well, it arrived! I shipped a few items from my Neokyo storage, because I had some Christmas presents that I wanted to get shipped and wrapped while I wait for the rest of my order to arrive, and I threw this in to the package as well. 

When it arrived, I noticed two things: it looked fairly small, AND... I could finally read the text printed on the side insert under the sheer panel. 

It's erotica. It is quite literally old-timey erotica. 

I'm not upset at it, really just surprised. I also have a reputation for being a little bit of a prude, so I think it's funny that I ended up with the one-of-a-kind atelier pornography dress. My friends and I all got a good laugh out of it, and the semi-sheer fabric over top makes it so that you can't exactly read what it says (so I won't be scandalizing passers-by). Let this be a lesson to you: next time you're purchasing h.NAOTO, make sure to maybe ask the seller for more print photos so you don't get punked by Secret Bodice Ripper Content.

I was also worried it wasn't going to fit, but another surprise: it fits like a glove! I was shocked at how flattering it is, and that the seams weren't pulling. I turned it inside-out to include some construction photos, because the way this garment is put together is really astounding! The seams are all bias taped with a stiff material, so it almost acts like featherweight boning to give the dress structure. Most of the garment is made out of a thick cotton blend, almost like a suiting material, while the printed insert is a layer of very soft cotton, covered by a semi-opaque mesh and inserted like a gore. As you can see, it has an all-in-one facing around the neck and armholes, with a back zipper and two darts (on in the front and one in the back, both at the waist) to give it shape.  

I was so excited to wear this, I actually put together an outfit with it the next day! I almost wanted to "save" it for an occasion, but what good are clothes if you don't wear them? I paired it with an insanely cool vintage blouse I thrifted, my Vivienne Westwood orb necklace (also a recent purchase), vintage Tattoo platform loafers, and my antique opera ring. 

This is one of my favorite outfits I've worn recently, and it sucks that I only got a mirror photo of it! I also think this outfit could have really benefited from a black beret, I'm not quite sure why I didn't wear mine? I'd like to maybe try styling this blouse and dress together again with a different hairstyle or hair accessories, to give it a little more impact. I also have a 1980's black lace blouse with big crazy sleeves that I'm dying to try with this dress! 

I'm hoping to get better about properly photographing my outfits, but it's a hard habit to get into! So, mirror pictures may have to suffice.