Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Something That Was a Gift (52 Lolita Challenge)

Given the events of this last weekend, I felt that this prompt from the 52 Lolita Challenge was especially fitting.

This last weekend, I was at Anime Detour in Minneapolis, Minnesota. While there, I was able to see my darling sheep-prince (affectionately referred to from here on out as "Sheepie")--an adorable Lolita and Ouji, and someone I quite often bother with banter about which prints are cute and my love for pumpkin pants while lamenting the lack of pumpkin pants in my wardrobe, while offering my best idea on how to whiten the lace on pieces that have seen a bit too much love from their former owners.

You can imagine my surprise when I ran into her at Detour, and she handed me a large orange box with an adorable little bat drawn on it. I had done a group order with her for an Alice and the Pirates headbow, so at first, I just assumed she was kidding around with me a bit, and had wrapped my part of the order.

But nope. Sheepie had gotten me a gift. According to her, it was a "Thank you" for helping her start her journey as a Lolita. When I opened the box and moved aside the headbow, I was greeted with this gorgeous piece:


Knowing my love for old school, Sheepie had gone out and found me a headdress on Lacemarket. And what a headdress. Not only did she give me such a thoughtful gift that came completely out of the blue, but it was brand.


Sheepie had bought me a Baby The Stars Shine Bright headdress. As vest we can tell, it's the Veracruz Headdress from 2006. This piece is nearly 10 years old! She had asked me about how to whiten lace in order to restore this little beauty to its former glory. And doesn't it just look wonderful? The lace on this piece is stunning--and, of course, features my namesake roses in it. How perfect! I only own one other black and white headdress besides this one, and I had been meaning to buy another one. It was as if she had read my mind.

This headdress is one of the most thoughtful and genuinely surprising gifts I've ever received. My con room mate was laughing at me when we got back to our room after I received it, because I just sat on the bed cooing at it for a little while. I honestly felt a little teary at Sheepie's generosity--and I was dumbfounded how she thought that I wouldn't like it!

Rest assured, Sheepie--I adore it, and I'm so glad that you would even think to give me something in the first place.

The post above was a response to the Lolita 52 Week Challenge made by the ever so delightful Caro over at FYeahLolita.

Friday, March 27, 2015

Storenvy and Etsy Shops

Storenvy and Etsy are virtual "malls", of a sorts--and they are chock-full of Lolita-specific shops! But sorting them out can sometimes be a headache, if not impossible at times. So here, I've compiled a list of Lolita-specific shops on Storenvy and Etsy for your browsing pleasure. Some of these shops make full Lolita dresses and a wide variety of items; others specialize in polymer clay jewelry, hairpieces, or accessories. Some dabble in Lolita or Loli-able items, but have items in other areas, as well. The sky is the limit--and I highly encourage you to check them all out!

If you have any shops you would like to add to the list, or find that a link is not working/one of the brands has closed down shop, PLEASE inform me and I'll be sure to fix the issue ASAP! This list is by no means comprehensive, and it's quite likely that I have overlooked quite a few shops that deserve to be on this list!

A note here: I have not purchased from all of these shops myself, so I cannot vouch for the quality of all of them. Be sure to browse a shop's reviews before deciding to purchase from them!

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Don't Wear Prints in the Rain! Or, Wearing Lolita in Spring

Ahhh, yes. Spring. Spring has only just begun to encroach upon the ever-oppressive winter in my area of the United States, but it's been present for a few weeks in others. We just had our first day with temperatures over fifty degrees. I felt like walking around in sandals and getting ice cream! It was gorgeous out, as spring days usually are.

But spring also brings its own set of problems to the table, as well. I wanted to talk a little bit about the practicalities of wearing Lolita in spring, rather than spring trends--because, let's face it, not only will the spring fashions likely be covered by someone more thoroughly than myself, but I think we can all guess what it will consist of...


So, trends aside, what are the problems that come with dressing for spring, and how should we equip ourselves against them, while still having something that--while perhaps not strictly Lolita, at least goes well enough with our girly fashion in order to not look terribly out of place?

Rain Gear -- Boots & Raincoats



Capelli New York lace print rain boots

The biggest problem with spring is the moisture and the rain. In my college town, it rains for almost a month or so, making enormous puddles that are a chore to navigate, and which last for a week or so. In my hometown, we manage to get rid of our rainfall relatively quickly--but when it rains, it pours. Lightening and thunder, the whole shebang. And when navigating puddles, you definitely need a pair of boots of some sort--preferably rain boots.

Rain boots are usually known to be black rubber monstrosities that are purely utilitarian, rather than "cute" by any stretch of the word. Unless, of course, we're talking little-kid-wearing-too-big-boots cute, in which case, yes. They can, indeed, be cute. But cute rain boots have become a bit easier to find as of late. I found a few lace-printed rain boots on Amazon, such as the ones from Capelli New York above, and most of them for rather reasonable prices, to boot. (Get it? Boot? I slay myself.)

You don't have to wear your rain boots the entire day. If you'll be staying in one building for a majority of your day (such as in a school or work building), you could always take your coordinate's true shoes with you and put them on when you won't be going outside. If you have a locker at school, you can always stash your frilly-friendly boots at the bottom until the day lets out.

Shield Yourself -- Umbrellas & Waterproof Parasols



Black Pagoda Umbrella from Bella Umbrella

Of course, you're going to want to keep the rain off of you entirely, ideally. This is where a pretty umbrella comes in. Lots of these high-quality umbrellas, such as the one pictured above and quite a few ones from Japanese Lolita brands, also double as parasols, so you can get more bang for your buck! (Note: You should check the labels and descriptions of your umbrella in order to see if it is UV-protective before using it as a parasol.)

Take care of your umbrellas to keep them looking nicer for longer. This goes doubly for expensive brand parasols and umbrellas from nicer companies (like the aforementioned Bella Umbrella). Before storing them, always make sure that they are fully dry to prevent mildew and mold from growing on the fabric, and the metal from rusting (which can later stain the fabric, as well!). If your umbrella becomes dirty, you can clean it with warm water and gentle soap. Make sure that you avoid harsh chemicals, because they can affect the waterproof treatment on the fabric.

When it's Still Slightly Chilly -- Light Jackets, Boleros, & Cardigans





Cardigan (left) from Bodyline; jacket (middle) from Fanplusfriend; bolero (right) from Bodyline.

Spring is one of those unpredictable times of the year where it can be frigid in the mornings, but sunny and beautiful in the afternoons. So the best way to combat this particular issue is to opt for wearing easily-removable layers. You can wear a light jacket for chillier days, and a long-sleeved bolero or cardigan over your coordinate on milder days when you need just a little bit more protection.

When choosing your first Lolita jacket, opt for a color that matches the "main" color in your wardrobe. Black might be a great choice for a Gothic Lolita, but not as good a choice for someone who wears primarily pastel pink Sweet Lolita. Use your best judgment. You can find spring-weight jackets from just about every one of the main Japanese brands this time of year, as well as from offbrand sources like Taobao or Fanplusfriend.

Because they tend to be a little less expensive, boleros and cardigans are easier to match color-for-color to your coordinate. I would opt for something with long sleeves to start out with. If you get hot, you can always remove your shrug and stash it in your bag or another safe place. As with your jacket, for the first item you buy, choosing one in your primary color is likely for the best.

A Special Consideration -- Spring Weather Hates Your Brand



Photo from maroonsparrow on Livejournal's amazing post on print bleeding, mentioned below

One of the biggest things to take into consideration is this: Lolita prints are notorious for bleeding. While this can often be controlled in a situation where you are laundering your clothes (through the use of special detergents, color-catchers, or dry-cleaning), when you are rained on, you really don't have much of a say in the matter.

Make sure you check your local weather forcasts. If heavy rain is predicted for the day, plan accordingly. It might be best to rethink wearing that brand-new print skirt you got from Alice and the Pirates to a day where there isn't the chance that it might get ruined! If you must wear Lolita, consider wearing a solid-color piece, or one that you are certain won't bleed, instead. (If you get caught in the rain accidentally, or take all precautions and still end up with a print-bleeding disaster, this post from EGL could be your Godsend!)

Any other tips for surviving the spring months in Lolita? Share them down below in the comments!

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

How I Discovered Lolita (Lolita 52 Challenge)

Because this is a con preparation week (and I have a bunch of other things going on this week, as well, both in school and in family), I thought that I would cover this short but sweet little story as a result! I've talked about this a few times on my Tumblr, but I thought it might be fun to share a more in-depth answer here.

I was about 14 or so when I first discovered Lolita. At the time, I collected porcelain dolls, and somehow stumbled across In The Starlight and Baby The Stars Shine Bright when looking at doll clothes. This was in 2007, when Old School Lolita still held the throne, but was beginning to transition into the "modern" Lolita (what with printed fabric becoming more popular and the cuts beginning to solidify into types more concretely).

Hawase Doll OP by Baby the Stars Shine Bright (2007), one of the first pieces I ever coveted

I fell in love with these dresses, but the price was way too high for me to afford--and I was horrified at the idea of asking my mother to buy me a $300 dress! I couldn't even fathom that dresses could even be that expensive at the time. It sort of just faded into the background after a while, and as I began to explore other avenues of alternative fashion (Goth and, briefly, Punk), I forgot about it.

I rediscovered it when I was 17 or so when a friend of mine began dressing in Sweet. She turned me onto Gothic, because it fit with the style that I built for myself, and the aesthetic I had always wanted to wear as a teenager. I began researching in earnest, and I can remember the very first Gothic Lolita coordinate I ever saw--this beautiful coordinate using Angelic Pretty of all things below.


A year after she rekindled my love for these frilly, cute dresses, I began to wear Lolita myself! It only took four years since my initial finding, but finally--finally, I had frilly, cute, doll-like dresses to call my own! Though, of course, I was decidedly more creepy than my original expectations would have thought...

So what was your story? I'd love it if you shared it with me in the comment section below!

The post above was a response to the Lolita 52 Week Challenge made by the ever so delightful Caro over at FYeahLolita.

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Project Post: Goth-ified Cat Scarf from GLB 27 (English Volume 4)

It's no secret that I adore cats--especially those of the black variety. And, in winter, I also enjoy knitting. There's something that I just find relaxing about knitting a nice, warm, cuddly scarf while sitting down and watching bad horror films (Psycho Gothic Lolita, anyone?) or The Addams Family. Or, in the case of this lovely little beast, while playing Dungeons and Dragons with my equally nerdy friends who don't mind me making fluffy things while playing a half-elf Druid in cahoots with our Dwarven thief to steal ALL the things, who is currently scarred for life due to the werebear Barbarian exploding her mother figure. (Sorry, did I just show my nerdy tendencies and how weird my friends are? Sorry not sorry.)


I started out with the base pattern from the fourth volume of the English Gothic Lolita Bibles. The knitting pattern provided was from Angelic Pretty; and, I have to admit, the pictured kitty is anything but "Gothic". But I saw potential. If I just tweaked a few things, and made this prissy pampered kitty into a back-streets alleycat, how cool would that be?

I began by minimalizing the design from the original. I took out the rhinestones (why does a cat need to be sparkly?), removed the ribbon bows (they'd only get in her way, anyways), and removed the fluffy faux fur around her neck for a sleeker look. And, for good measure, I removed one of her eyes--because what good alleycat doesn't get into a couple scuffles? (I might have taken a bit of inspiration from my friend's one-eyed cat Archer, as well, because he's such a cute little Pirate Baby.) All the was left was to gather my materials!



I used Lion Brand's Homespun yarn (in black and in white), a white button from my sewing stash, size 9 (US) knitting needles, and some fiberfill stuffing from an old, broken pillow to stuff her (recycling is a good thing!). It did take quite a while to make her--approximately 20 hours, but for a hand-knit scarf this cute, I totally think it was worth it, and it's a great way to have something to do with your hands during down time. It was also one of the most complex patterns I've done before.... I've mostly stuck to simple pieces with one stitch type, rather than mixed stitches with lots of shaping. So you have no idea how relieved I was for this to actually turn out well!


And this is how she turned out! I decided last minute that she still needed a little something cute on her, so I made up a quick bow for her ear, a la Hello Kitty style. I really, really love this pattern; I've made about three cat scarves so far--two for friends and to get down the pattern, and then this one for myself.

If people are interested, I think I would be fully willing to post instructions on how to make this adorable little thing, along with some comments on where I had difficulty with the pattern. If you'd rather skip out on the knitting and would prefer to buy one, let me know! I'll probably be making a few extras and tossing them up on Lacemarket or Storenvy, to share the cute with everyone.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Some Things that I Made (52 Lolita Challenge)

I've always been a strong believer in the do-it-yourself Lolita. In the Old School days, buying brand Lolita was far more difficult than it is now. Overseas shipping was next to unheard of, and shopping services were few and far between (and finding reviews for them could be quite difficult, as well). So handmade Lolita clothing was far more common then than it is now. Which, if you ask me, is a downright shame--because handmaking your own Lolita clothes is simply so much fun.

Not that the territory doesn't come with some frustrations, as well. If I had a dollar for every time I'd made a mistake on a Lolita item while making it, I would probably have a closet full of brand dresses. But making Lolita clothing is a very rewarding experience, as well. At the end of all of it, you have a little bit of a bragging right going on--the ability to look back at your hard work and say, I made this. And though your first few projects will probably not be the greatest--unless you have extensive sewing experience already--they'll have a special meaning to you, as well. When you put that much time and effort into creating something, it's a little hard not to become attached.


I started out most of my sewing adventures with accessories and the like, such as this velvet headdress I made a year or two back from some scrap fabric from other projects. My first couple headdresses were... well, questionable, to say the least, haha. And I definitely made some horrible mini-hats and the like until I figured out balance and how to properly secure things for Lolita wear. But once I was comfortable with accessories, I decided I should move onto bigger things....



Or, at least, more complicated accessories. I started making other items that would help complete coordinates, as well as provide some utilitarian use. I made a Victorian-style muff with a detachable cable (left), and a matching detachable fur collar to go over my Lolita coat for winter (right). Both were made from a super-soft faux fur, and I absolutely adore them!


From here, I moved onto skirts and other "main" pieces. The second Lolita-specific skirt I've made (and the first one I made for myself) was this simple, three-tiered chiffon skirt that actually had a surprising amount of work put into it! There's a lot of gathering and lace in this skirt, and I'm really proud on how it turned out; I just wish that all black pieces photographed more cleanly.


The last thing I wanted to share with you guys was the first Lolita-specific item I ever made--a jumperskirt using this fabric from Spoonflower. For a first piece of Lolita, this was very ambitious--and, looking back on it, there are a ton of things I could have done to improve it. The straps are my biggest issue with the piece; but, overall, the design isn't that bad, and it turned out rather cute. It's been rehomed into my girlfriend's growing Lolita closet, because she adored the print and the dress and I knew she'd give it a better home--but for a first project... I have to say I'm pretty proud of myself.

If you'd like to see my other sewing shenanigans, check out my Handmade Lolita tag on the blog here! I'm going to try and upload every sewing project I do once I finish it here, along with progress pictures when I can.

So what items have you made for your Lolita closet? Do you have any plans for items to make in the future, or any projects you're currently working on? I'd love to hear about them down in the comments section! Until next week!

The post above was a response to the Lolita 52 Week Challenge made by the ever so delightful Caro over at FYeahLolita.

Friday, March 13, 2015

Project Post: Heart Apron pattern from Gothic Lolita Bible 3 (Altered)

Every once in a while, I decide that I will actually finish one of the many Lolita projects I've started sewing. And sometimes, it actually turns out pretty damn good! Last Fall, I snatched up the third volume of the Japanese Gothic Lolita Bible, because I fell in love with one of the patterns in it--a heart shaped apron from Baby the Stars Shine Bright.


The problem is, GLB patterns are most definitely not made for someone my size. No problem, I thought to myself. It's just a matter of extending the waistband a little, and altering how the straps work. I got this.


In the end, it didn't turn out half bad! But I definitely think I'll have some things to change if/when I make a second one... Mainly in the size of the heart bib, which I'll make noticeably larger. Other than that, I really love how it turned out! Check out some detail pictures down below.


So what sewing projects has everyone else done lately? Have you ever altered a pattern from a GLB or other Japanese sewing mook? Have a favorite pattern to share? I'd love to hear your guys' input down in the comments section. Until next time!

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Favorite Thing to put on my Head (Lolita 52 Challenge)

When it comes to Lolita headwear, there's certainly no shortage of it. Headdresses, headbows, bonnets, clips, headbands, combs, hats--you name it, a Lolita would probably put it on her head. Even things like tablewear and pieces of cake aren't unheard of. So that leaves headwear to be a pretty open concept in the Lolita universe.


Rapunzel Headdress from Antique Beast

But my heart is forever linked to the one and only original Lolita Staple: the rectangle headdress. Particularly, of the all-black or black-and-white variety. This, to me, is my absolute favorite thing to put on my head.

When I first discovered Lolita, the rectangle headdress was all the rage. Frilly rectangles were donned by just about everyone who wore the fashion. And I fell in love with its shape. I loved how it framed the face, how it had no real function other than its beauty. It wasn't like a headband, which has structure in order to hold hair back and in place. No, instead, all the rectangle headdress of the time did was lay on top of your hair, and provide yet another place for lace and bows to reside. And nothing could have been better.

I plan on doing a "history of rectangle headdresses" type post eventually (along with some tips on how to work them into non-old school outfits), so I won't go into much detail here about the actual history of the lovely thing just yet. Suffice to say--rectangle headdresses are bomb, and even as a fourteen year old I could recognize that fact.


Spin Doll Headdress by Baby the Stars Shine Bright

Rectangle headdresses have gotten something of a rep of being "old school only" accessories, which is honestly a pity. So far as I can tell, Rectangle headdresses are the only Lolita-specific accessory (that is, the only accessory in Lolita that does not have a historical counterpart, or was taken from mainstream fashion). And they're the perfect medium to exude "beauty before practicality" approach that so often becomes a requirement when entering the Lolita world. Lolita clothes are anything but practical; and the frilly, beautiful piece of Lolita-dom that is the Rectangle Headdress wears the crown as the accessory that best exemplifies that, in my book.

The post above was a response to the Lolita 52 Week Challenge made by the ever so delightful Caro over at FYeahLolita.

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Favorite Hair Style (52 Lolita Challenge)

I feel like this question was meant to sabotage me--because there are just so many things you can do with your hair, both in and out of Lolita. Being a short-haired Lolita myself, I am unable to do most of these things, unfortunately. But that doesn't keep me from gazing at Lolitas with thick, long hair with a longing look on my face and a sigh in my heart. The thing is, I don't have a hair type that suits me when worn long. I simply look better with short hair. Now, when I wear wigs, that's another story--and that's the one way I'm able to explore some of these awesome hairstyles that I adore. Below, I picked out a couple of my absolute favorites.

Braided Pigtails




Braided pigtails are one of my favorite styles for long hair. They're quick and easy to do, and perfectly suited for just about any substyle of Lolita. When worn with Gothic, though, I get this beautiful feeling that the wearer is channeling their inner Wednesday Addams, and that's enough to have me clapping with glee. You can wear them a little looser by pulling on the strands as you braid them for a "puffy" look that is, in my opinion, a lot more flattering than their tighter-wound cousins. You can decorate them with cute ribbon combs like the ones on the right from Baby. Or, top it off with a full-sized hat, which is always criminally under-rated in Lolita, if you ask me. A cute black straw boater hat with twin braids gives the perfect balance of innocence and sophistication.

Mana's Short Cut



Mana's short hair cut is absolute perfection. The feathered layers give a great texture, and the fluffy shape from teasing? Nothing says "Gothic" more like perfectly teased, enormous hair. I've yet to find a hairdresser who can properly cut hair like that; but then, the style of hair-cutting that is used in Japanese salons versus the average Western salon is very different. But, I digress. This kind of hair style would look gorgeous with a statement piece in it, such as the rose comb to the left by Moitie, but otherwise kept rather plain. Let the hair speak for itself!!!

Mana's Teased Pigtails



This is, hands down, my absolute favorite hairstyle, and the one reason I will forever mourn the fact that long hair just does not agree with me. And it also happens to be one that wigs just don't really seem to like being styled into (at least, I haven't found one yet). You thought braided pigtails were cute? these are even better. Combining the cuteness of pigtails with the fluffiness of a teased mane, this hairstyle is one of the cornerstones of Gothic Lolita Bibles--and for good reason. Just look how cute it is!

So what kind of hair styles/cuts do you like? Are you a fan of hime cuts? Or perhaps you find pixie cuts to be the most charming? Leave your favorites down in the comments below!


The post above was a response to the Lolita 52 Week Challenge made by the ever so delightful Caro over at FYeahLolita.