Back to School

The end of carefree summer days is drawing near soon many of us will be returning to homework and test. Yes, pretty soon the fall semester will start and we have to begin buying supplies and yes new fall clothes.

So what should a loli wear for school????

Going to school in lolita, is a little difficult since the main focus of school is learning (though some of your classmates are otherwise entertained), but that doesn't mean you should have to swear off wearing lolita at school. With a few simple guide lines you should be ready to start the new school year.

Sweet

School Outfit: Sweet 3 by dizzylolibliss on Polyvore.com

Classic

School Outfit: Classic 2 by dizzylolibliss featuring sandals

Gothic

School Outfit: Gothic by dizzylolibliss featuring suede flat shoes

Tips

Try to minimize the distraction:

*School is for learning and loli can be very distracting, so try to use solids or simple prints like polka dots, stripes, plaids. Milky Planet or Bold florals can be a bit to much for school.

* The accessories are just as important as the dress, but for school less is more. Big head eating bows aren't only be distracting, it can also be a visional obstacle to anyone sitting behind you.

Be comfortable:

*Wearing Loli to school means sacrificing pouf. Remember school desk aren't accommodating to big pouf, so consider using a one less petticoat or a slightly deflated one.

* I recommend using very comfortable shoes, walking from class to class or home is much easier when you have comfy shoes. Flats are comfy and might comply better with school dress codes that disallow heels or open toe shoes.

Be safe:

*Remember to always check your school's dress code before going in any fashion, just to avoid having to put on a huge pink shirt over your coord or worst be sent home to change.

* Though most of my coordinates have brand items, I would recommend using less expensive options for school. You never know what stains or tears can occur so you'll feel less of a hit to the wallet if it isn't a brand dress or dream dress.

* Wearing loli to school can be a little daunting confidence wise. Shelby Cloud one of my favorite Lolitas has some wonderful video talking about the topic. Link!

Have fun! Loli is one of the things that brings you pleasure with a few adjustments loli in school can be an option.

** I will be writing something about loli and school uniforms, keep an eye out!

In Her Shoes: Flats

I cannot tell a lie. I do not like Lolita shoes (well most). I haven't liked them since I first came to know of the fashion, and though some styles (the famous Tea Party shoe and the original Vivienne Westwood ballerina rocking horse shoes) have grown on me. Most styles still boggle me.
I often find that most Lolita brand shoes are to bulky, to rough looking, the complete polar opposite of the frilly, airy delicate and graceful garments. I've heard that the bulky footwear is meant to stabilize the fashion, to act as a solid base. Honestly I think that's a load of manure and the combination makes for an odd couple.

So what are some alternatives? Let's travel into the land of mainstream fashion particularly.

The Ballet Flat
How much graceful can you get, inspired by the ballet slipper.

Lavender set 1 by dizzylolibliss featuring ballerina flat shoes

Or it's sisters

The Mary Jane Flat

The T-strap flat

To be continued...

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Spring is here and so are spring showers. How's does a Loli to dress during the rainy season?

Here are some ideas...

Classic Lolita

Classic Rainy Lolita by dizzylolibliss featuring wedge boots

Sweet Lolita

Rainy Polka Dots by dizzylolibliss featuring western chief boots

Gothic Lolita

Gothic Storm by dizzylolibliss featuring a black umbrella

Remember to stay warm and to bring your umbrella.

Calling to All Sailor Lolita

Spring has brought a renewed interest of Sailor Lolita to brand fashion, both Meta and AP will release sailor themed items that are too cute to pass up.

Meta's Sailor Line

AP Sailor Line

I have to say that Meta's Sailor Pinafore Dress with Collar is my favorite. I love the vintage feel, it reminds me a little of Baby's Cherry Ribbon OP, which is one of my dream dresses. My favorite line? Well the jury is still out but I will day that I do love AP's mini cancan hat. Meta's line is all clean lines and can be seen on both sweet and classic lolita (changing accessories and hairstyle). AP's is definitely a sweet lolis interpretation of sailor especially with the pastels colorways. Which is your favorite?

Lolita vs Other Fashions: Introduction

I love Lolita fashion, it is easy to tell. I dress up. I gush at new prints and releases. I dream of Lolita. I stalk blogs and site dedicated to Lolita. I write a blog dedicated to Lolita fashion. I love Lolita fashion, I do, I do, I do.

Now don't get the wrong idea, this isn't one of those post about how Lolita Fashion is superior to other fashions, or how much I hate [insert fashion] because it clearly taking Lolita fashion in the wrong direction. No, this article isn't about that at all. Indeed it is quite the opposite.

I am sure that since Lolita fashion first occurred as an epiphany there has been a desire to stretch it in many directions. To combine it and mod it to suit all taste. There are some that would get red faced arguing that Lolita wasn't intended to be that way but for those that believe that, there are many others that are just itching to explore the boundaries of what Lolita fashion can be.

This is an intro to some of the more controversial lolita hybrids. A series titled Lolita vs Other Fashions.

The next number posts will try to detail these new emerging fashions, I hope you enjoy them. I invite you to comment on any Lolita hybrid you want to see. Of course please give me your opinion of the subject of these lolita hybrids.

Many thanks and much love to you.

Sailor, Pirate Lolita

The next set of Lolita sub-styles are the center of many debates of whether they count as an actual sub-style ( ie sweet, classic, or gothic) or if they are cosplay.

I like to begin with a definition of cosplay or costume play:

A type of performance art in which participants don costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea. Characters are often ^[2] drawn from popular fiction in Japan, but recent trends have included American cartoons and Sci-Fi as well as other pop-culture. Favorite sources include manga, anime,tokusatsu, comic books, graphic novels, video games, hentai and fantasy movies. Any entity from the real or virtual world that lends itself to dramatic interpretation may be taken up as a subject. Inanimate objects are given anthropomorphic forms and it is not unusual to see genders switched, with women playing male roles and vice versa.

Cosplayers often interact to create a subculture centered around role play. A broader use of the term cosplay applies it to any costumed role play in venues apart from the stage, regardless of the cultural context.

From Wikipedia

I like this definition, it is very in-depth. Of course it can be taken to mean that Pirate and Sailor are or are not cosplay. Ultimately it is in the eye of the beholder. For our purpose we will describe these styles as a sub-style of Lolita.

Sailor Lolita:

Sailor Lolita was more popular a few years back and like other sub-styles has fallen out of favor. Of course the name clearly implies what it is, it is lolita infused with the sailor theme.

Popular motifs are anchors, nautical strips, sailor collars and ties, cute sailor style hats. The usual colors are white and navy, white and black, or white and pink but red, white and blue combo can definitely work to achieve this look.

Since this sub-style isn't as popular there aren't many brands that release sailor style lolita. If you are interested in wearing this style be open to searching through off-brand sites like Bodyline and Fanplusfriend, or being vigilant for any brand releases.

Pirate Lolita

Pirate Lolita is rarely seen but it hasn't truly gone by the wayside. Baby's Alice and the Pirates is a brand that caters to this particular style.

Within Pirate Lolita there are sub-styles too.

• Sweet : link 1, link 2, link 3, link 4
• Gothic : link 1, link 2, link 3
• Classic : link 1, link 2, link 3

These separations have much to do with color, and motifs used. Sweet pirate lolita uses pinks and pastels, while gothic might use darker colors like black and purple , etc. Classic would probably dive into browns, maroons.

All use the same motifs with slight modification:

Skulls and cross bones, treasure chest, jewels, pearls, swords, cannons, eye patches, buckles

The use of tricorn hats, big lapels, buckle shoes and boots is prevalent.

Again Baby's Alice and the Pirates is a great place to begin your pirate lolita wardrobe but other brands, off brand and non japanese brands do occasionally release pirate theme items.

So keep an eye out if this is your flavor of Loli.

Wa and Qi Lolita

Among the hardest of the substyles to coordinate Wa and Qi Lolita tiers between what is considered lolita and what is cosplay. The seasoned coordinator might have an easier time establishing these styles into a truly Lolita outfit and not have it be knocked down as cosplay or worse and ita outfit.

I personally like Wa and Qi, dreaming of coordinated that still have yet to manifest.

The element of Japanese or Chinese traditional fashions are mixture with the lolita silhouette.

For Wa Lolita it is common to see yukata or kimono, obis, getta. Kanzashi and other traditional hair adornments are also worn. Meta also makes a kimono fabric jsk which are perfect for the beginner experimenting with Wa Loli.

In Qi Lolita it is usual to see a quipao usually modified to allow the cupcake skirt quintessential to Lolita underneath. Traditional Chinese hair adornments are also used to replace alice bows or the rectangular headdress.

Examples of a well done Wa and Qi lolita coordinate can be found here:

Wa loli 1

Wa loli 2

Qi loli 1

Qi loli 2

Brands that cater to Wa or Qi Lolita:

• Metamorphose temps de fille

Unfortunately Wa and Qi are not as commomn as before and searching in the major lolita brands will be a challenge, but if you look outside to the off brand arena you can find some elegant items.

• Fanplusfriend
• Bodyline

Another note:

Since Wa and Qi Lolita are a mixture of culture and Lolita fashion I would also like to share with you:

Han lolita a style that mixes Korean traditional Hanbok with Lolita, some examples:

• Han loli 1
• Han loli 2

Wryd Loli a style once coordinated by a member of the Livejournal Community, EGL, it s just lovely and fits with the articles theme.

If you want more info on Wa and Qi here are some links that may help:

• Waloli/Qiloli Style
• Wa loli Lolita Fashion

Shiro and Kuro Lolitas

Shiro Lolita and Kuro Lolita were also among the main substyles a few years back and have seemed to go by the wayside as of late, but with the resurgence of old school Lolita, these are two substyles worth mentioning. So what are Shiro and Kuro lolitas exactly? Lets begin in with Shiro-loli, while following all the basic guides of Lolita she prefers to dress in head to toe white, like her the Kuro Lolita prefers to stick to one color black.

Brands that cater to the Shiro and Kuro Lolis:

Items for the Shiro and Kuro substyle can be found in all Lolita brands all the rules of the basic Lolita silhouette apply with the added rule of using a one color color scheme.

Punk Lolita

The Punk Lolita like the Hime Lolita, has fallen out of popularity, but when I started it was one of the main substyles. The Punk Lolita is an ode to interpreting Lolita in any way you like. Mixing lolita with the punk elements: studded bets, plaid, torn up tights, and doc marten or engineer boots; The Punk Lolita is the tough cookie of all the Lolitas. At the forefront of the Punk Lolita is the singer and master punk/lolita mixer, Nana Kitade (pictured above).

Brands that cater to the punk lolita:

• Baby the Stars Shine Bright
• Putumayo
• Atelier Boz
• Black Peace Now
• Sex Pot Revenge

Hime Lolita

Looking over a copy of Kera magazine I eyed a Hime Lolita, I looked at her intently since its been a while since I've seen a Hime lolita. I would say that Hime Lolita is the link between Hime Gyaru and Lolita, evidence is in the big hair and the crown motifs present in both styles. Of course I would never suggest that one could interchange items between the two but I wouldn't be surprised if some did managed to pull off  either style with elements of the other.

What to expect of the Hime Lolita:

This Lolita is the princess of the land, she can be seen wearing tiaras or mini crowns. Like the Classic Lolita, which takes its inspiration from the Victorian Era, it is easy to see the Rococo influence in Hime Lolita. I imagine this Loli takes great inspiration from Queen Marie Antoinette.

Brands that Cater to the Hime Lolita:

• Baby the Stars Shine Bright
• Mary Magdalene
• Mille Fleurs
• Juliette et Justine

Visit to Angelic Pretty San Francisco

Its old news really but I thought I'd share any way. Last year I headed up to San Francisco for school things and of course being there already I could not pass up the opportunity to take a peek at the store, even if I was a little strapped for cash to buy anything at the moment, gift giving holidays just around the corner and all. Unfortunately I didn't have the chance until a little passed 7:00 pm. I walked around in circles looking for the place even if I couldn't go in maybe I could drool in front of the boutique front, no? Of course no such luck and let me warn if ever you are in San Francisco looking for Harajuku Hearts after 7:00 which is currently the time they close don't follow my lead and look for the store, because they close up with an iron curtain. I was a little disappointed but the next day I made sure I was there before the boutique was closed, I was able to go inside. It is small, much to my surprise. The boutique is divided in two with Angelic Pretty taking up half the floor. There are the cute signature AP hot pink shelves and other trinkets one will see in the Japanese and French boutiques. There were just a few pieces on display and I feel that the pricing isn't different from on the site. I was a little worried that maybe the location, Union Square, would be reflected on the prices but I didn't really see an increase. For those Lolitas that aren't fans of AP the other half of the store had some beautiful pieces from Chantilly and Atelier Pierrot among other brands. I definitely recommend that any Loli heading to The City by the Bay make a quick stop at both Harajuku Hearts and New People, even just to be a window shopper, it made my day to say the least.

I apologize for the lack of pictures, I wish I had gone after Christmas because like I say in my New Years Resolution Post I did get a camera as a present. I leave you with Holy Night in my favorite color way red, of course picture taken from Angelic Pretty website

December favorites!

Victorian Maiden

Baby

Mary Magdalene

Prints of Autumn

Salut to all, November has come at last, and where I live it has finally showed signs that it is autumn! In the Lolita world fall has shown its colors through many brand prints and themes.

For fun I just wanted to share some of my favorites.

Baby the Stars Shine Bright:

Alice and the Pirates Tarot Card print

As a tarot reader myself, I love the whole concept. I also love the red colorway a rich hue for the fall season.

Queen's Coach

I love the Rocco/Marie Antoinette feel to this print, I can't choose which colorway is my favorite they are all so lovely!

Angelic Pretty:

Little Bear's Cafe

I love this print in the cream and brown colorways for fall. Teddy bears and sweets just sound comfy to me for the chilly weather.

Age is But a Number

Who said that after a certain age, or in this case before a certain age you are cut off from the wonders of the Lolita world?

I say wear what you want when you want....except in certain situation of course. Not everyone needs to be happy with who you are, and chances are someone or other will have a problem with what you do, no matter how hard you try to please them.

But on to a lighter note.

It is obvious that some Lolita was inspired by children. I will not mention any names...

This is partially the reason that we get stopped on the street by doe eyed little girls, who fawn over us and tell us we're beautiful.

So isn't absolutely adorable when a child is dresses to the nines in Lolita?

Frilly Capricious is a blog about a japanese little girl who dresses up in Lolita, especially Angelic Pretty. Her mother is also a Loli. Both come up with wonderful coords

So to those of you who just love to ahhh that so adorable at the ultra kawaii head on over to her blog, it is just so darling.

Frilly Capricious

Budget Lolita: The GO

You probably already heard of a GO, especially if you are member of EGL LJ comm.

If you haven't or have but have no idea what one is, today's article will try to shed some light on this aspect of Lolita shopping.

A GO, group order, is when a group of say 2 or more people get together and order from a site under one person, the GO host/ess.

Usually a GO is meant to lower the cost of shipping* by getting rid of the expense all together since many online shops offer free shipping for orders above a certain amount (say $350 or more).

Now as a participant it is your responsability to tell the hostess what you would like to purchase, and pay her(or him) ahead of time.

You will also give her your address in order to get your items, and this is why a GO is only meant to lower the price of shipping not eliminate it completely (unless its a GO hosted by your local lolita group). The company will send merchandise to only one address. The hostess is responsible to send it out orders received to all participants of the GO.

It can be a simple and pleasant transaction, but something can go wrong. Here are some helpful tips often overlooked in of the excitement.

• Make sure you trust your hostess, if you can meet her in person, great! but if not check her feedback (check feedback even if you know them in person).
• Make sure that you sent her the money and have physical evidence that you did. Remember to keep track of receipts and email confirmations.
• Make sure she has your info correct: from what it is you want to order, to your address sometimes one letter/number difference is all it takes to not getting what you wanted or lose something in the mail.

If you'd like to participate in a GO try the egl_grouporder_comm : you must be a member to participate. Many of the hosted group orders have their own guidelines so make sure you read before you join. Some hostess charge a fee (usually Paypal fees) in addition to the shipping for doing the work.

I'll be posting another article on hosting a GO so keep your eyes out for that for that.

Baby the Stars Shine Bright

If you haven't yet visited BTSSB site then you in for a big surprise.

Baby has finally changed their site's layout and though some still have some getting use to it, I think it is refreshing especially for the start of the September.

So go on and decide for yourself.

Tutorial Tuesday

Oh my gosh its time again for another tutorial tuesday and this one will focus on skirts, yes a basic for any Lolita's wardrobe.

Today Evange posted to EGL LJ comm her tutorial for box pleats

I made a pleated skirt a while back and wished this tutorial had been available then. I came out great but it would have been much easier had I been guide.

Next up the simple skirt from LOTR, they have names their version the hobbit skirt, but no worries ladies this pattern is loliable: my suggestion adding a ruffle at the hem, perhaps a some cute lace

Another option for a basic lolita skirt: the flared skirt comes in two options: Pour_me_coffee's LJ tutorial and Desany's tutorial on her youtube channel LolitaCupcakeXD.

Don't know how to add a ruffle well there is a good tutorials that can give you some guidance.

RhodyGunn's tutorial, which comes in 2 parts: part 1 and part 2

What about a ruffle skirt? Murphy offers a layered ruffle tutorial that with a little tweaking can

Back ruffle skirts are also big in Lolita... One of the basics especially for those who love bustles.

Kidcaella answers to many wishing to figure out this skirt.

What's a back ruffle skirt without a cute overskirt? Chiaki_Ayumi's tutorial is sure to please!

Enjoy and happy crafting!

Cont. Tutorial Tuesday

I just wanted to add some inspiration for all your dessert crafting

Blogs:

• Milky Ribbon
• Apricot Cafe
• Dolce Deco

Videos:

• Adrine80
• Jisfruit
• Small Passions

Have fun and happy crafting!

Tutorial Tuesday

Bonjour mes amis!

Welcome to another Tutorial Tuesday today I would love to show you some sweet tutorials for your dessert accessories.

It is truly surprising how many prints are centered on dessert. AP's Fruits Parlor , Melty Chocolate and Milky★Planet are just a few. But let me mention some of the other brands too!

• BTSSB's Creamy Soda Pop, Cherry Ribbon
• Innocent World's Chelsea Print , Dessert Dress
• Meta's

To accessorize many turn to... dessert accessories. Cake Hats, truffle rings fashioned from polymer clay or felt. Though some examples look like they just came out of the oven, and appear to just as complicated as rocket science. But low and behold the internet and some very wonderful people have open this world up to us making tutorials so that we too could concoct our own yummy fake desserts.

Ready Set ...GO!

Shiri's youtube channel Gentleman Bunny offers polymer clay tutorials for making fruit canes and cakes and tarts! My favorite and one I will try out soon s her Swedish Princess Cake .

A team effort comes from Eva and Jia through there youtube channel Evalrie, these amazing girls offer many tutorial in felt and even other Lolita accessories.

Other helpful youtuber Angela from Garden of Imagination, makes tutorials that though intended for miniature houses can definitely fit our purpose.

For all my crocheters out there dessert patterns come via Norma Lynn on her website Cake Sachets.

So get to your crafts stations and whip up some delicious treats!

Have fun and Happy Crafting!

Tutorial Tuesday

Bonjour mes amis!

This tuesday I would like to focus on hair accessories and obviously I would like to show a few tutorials on bows.

elizabethzap1 has posted a very helpful video on youtube on how to make cute ribbon bows.

JynDesign's offers a tutorial on making flower corsage hair clips

I've been eyeing Victorian Maiden's and Mary Magdalene's rose corsage hair combs for the longest time but have yet to purchase them for the hefty price tag they tote, so as a true spend thrift I wanted to make them myself and luckily Tian Shi had posted an easy to follow tutorial on the main Lj comm.

Another fun accessory and one I really want to try for this autumn and fall seasons in the mini top hat and the one I found with a few changes (in material)... and a few add ons (rose or ribbons the possibilities are endless) has the perfect shape, comes from Tom Banwell.

finally another great bow tutorial comes from Layer Cake Lie (posted to EGL Lj comm)

This is the first of the hair accessory tutorials I will make another when I find more.

I hope you enjoy and happy crafting!