Of the thrifty aristocrat and Fifty+ Followers(!)

Over fifty followers? Wow! Thank you all so much! I want to do something a bit more special in honor of this... Unfortunately I can't do a giveaway just yet, but maybe a video log? (I've gotten inspired watching Makelovely's vlogs.) I'm working on sort of a thank you art piece, but it's not quite done yet. Anyway thank you all for reading!

The other day I mentioned that I was going to a thrift store, and the time has come to reveal what my main purpose in going was. From the beginning, I've wanted to build a boystyle aristocrat wardrobe as well as a lolita one. I was able to find almost a full coordinate while thrifting, including shoes (not pictured unfortunately). The latter is especially amazing because I'm usually a US size 9 1/2 or 10. I say usually because I found a pair of 8 1/2 shoes that fit pretty well, although I'll have to soften up the tops of the toes somehow.

The full ensemble (almost)~

This one is clearer...

 ...but I like my expression better in this one.

I feel so dashing. 

I was afraid the shirt would need altering, but it fits pretty well, and with shoulderpads I think it will be almost perfect. (I have small shoulders and long arms, making ready made clothes a challenge sometimes.) I will be changing the buttons, though.

You can't really see it, but the pants (or trousers as some of you may call them) have red pinstripes that pretty much exactly match the shirt. I was stoked to realize this.

Thanks to those who left encouraging comments about my fabric issues. I'm glad to know I'm not alone! Things are looking up, though. I visited a big JoAnn's yesterday and while browsing, I realized that there's a lot more black fabric there than I'd thought. It just helps to know what you're looking for (which can be hard to figure out, sometimes). You're mainly in luck if you like fancy fabrics, which I do--I found some pretty good quality taffeta, brocade, satin, organza, and so forth. So, it's time to experiment!

I didn't get any more materials for my JSK/OP (I'm trying not to buy too many things at once), but I was able to bring home some lightweight flannel for another pair of bloomers. Elasticized, this time...