Monday, July 27, 2015

Lolitas I Have Met in Real Life (Lolita 52 Challenge)

When it comes to meeting Lolitas in real life, I'm honestly not very successful at it. I'm not one to go to all the meetups (partially due to my introvert nature, but moreso based on the fact that I live a good 7 hours away. So most of the Lolitas I've met in real life have been the few girls that attended the two or three meetups I've made it to, or were involved in the various Lolita 101 panels I've done over the years. But I'm not very close with many of them, in spite of moderating a Lolita community together or working on panels together. That is, of course, with two main exceptions, and two secondary.

First and foremost: my main two "Lolita" friends. There is, of course, my lovely ouji-wearing "Lolita Goddaughter", sheep-prince. Sheepie and I talk about coordinate ideas and new acquisitions quite often, and we love to show off to one another every once in a while. Second, there's my girlfriend, V-dear, who shares me adoration of all things frilly and spooky. There's something indescribably nice about dating someone who likes Lolita fashion. And while V-dear doesn't wear Lolita as often as I do, she still admires the style and loves it when I wear it out on dates.

Then, there are my secondary Lolita friends--or friends who wear Lolita only occasionally, despite enjoying the style. This includes my friends Joye, an occasional Classic Lolita with a love for solid-color pieces with fun cuts, and Jamie, whose taste is so varied I can't even keep up most of the time! Jamie was actually the first person to turn me onto Gothic Lolita fashion a few years ago--and, thus, I feel completely justified in blaming her for all of my misery.

Because I don't know many Lolitas in real life, this was a rather difficult post to try and pull together without sounding too redundant. But I'd love to hear about other peoples' experiences! Do you have friends who wear Lolita with you? Have you met one of your Lolita idols in person before? I'd love to hear all about it in the comment section below! Until next week--may you find your dream dress, and may there be an abundance of cute bags in upcoming summer Lolita brand sales!

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

Monday, July 20, 2015

Something that's Not My Style, but I love Anyways (52 Lolita Challenge)

For this post, it was difficult for me to choose something that I felt I could actually write an entire post about. I love metallic star clips (and I'm certainly not the only Gothic Lolita who does); but could I write an entire post about how I've been debating making black fuzzy stars? I didn't really think so. And there was a handful of other things that I felt I could talk about--my adoration for the Whimsical Vanilla-chan print, despite its sweet nature; tea party shoes being used for Gothic; and so many more. But in the end, none of these things--truthfully--could fill up an entire blog post on their own.

And that's when I came to a bit of a realization: couldn't I talk about a style, rather than just a single article of clothing? Something that I do love the look of, and adore looking at--but could never, and will never, feel comfortable wearing myself? It hit me just what I needed to talk about. I needed to examine a trend I talked about all the way back in April: Nun Lolita.


Ista Mori's "Nameless Poem" OP with cross embroidery

While Nun Lolita has its roots in old school Lolita, with sporadic examples existing into as far back as the 90s, the style as we know it really came into popularity with the release of the Nameless Poem series by the Chinese indie brand, Ista Mori.

Nun Lolita takes its inspiration from a variety of sources. While the inspiration of classic nun habits from the Catholic Church is obvious, the style is rooted in old school and Gothic Lolita, as well as taking cues from Malice Mizer's very own Mana-sama, who is often considered to be the epitome of the Gothic substyle. Mana's character from Malice Mizer's feature-length film "Bara no Konrei ~Mayonaka ni Kawashita Yakusoku~" was a nun. (For those interested, the short film is actually available to watch on YouTube! It's a silent vampire film inspired by Dracula, and uses Malice Mizer's last album for a soundtrack.) Mana has also worn nun-inspired pieces from his line, Moi-Meme-Moitie, on several occasions in Gothic Lolita Bible spreads.

The modern trend of wearing nun Lolita has evolved beyond simply wearing a habit-inspired OP. however. Headgear has become somewhat more unique (or at least unorthodox). Veils and Madonna crowns are common, based off of the original image of a Catholic nun. Madonna crowns, in particular, have exploded in popularity outside of Nun Lolita, and have become a common in Gothic and Classic.

So why don't I wear Nun Lolita? Personally, it boils down to three main things for me:


  1. As a member of the Pagan community, I feel uncomfortable wearing something based off the religious garb of another religion. This also loosely extends to crosses in general for my wardrobe. While I can tolerate small crosses as parts of a graveyard or architecture print, I don't wear crosses as accessories.
  2. As a former student at a Catholic University, I don't feel comfortable wearing a garment based off of a habit, which is taken quite seriously in the Catholic Church. Many of my former professors were Sisters, and they all stressed the importance and significance of their position in the Church. They worked hard in order to earn the right to wear the habit. I feel like I would be disrespecting their hard work if I wore something based off of that purely for aesthetic reasons.
  3. Catholicism has not exactly left its best impression on me, and I do not associate with the Church. This is a highly personal reason. I've felt ostracized by the Church on several occasions, largely due to political and social beliefs (as well as being a member of the LBGTQ+ community). As I live in an overwhelmingly Christian area of the country, I have to be very careful in how I present myself in terms of faith, and I would rather not mix signals.
But overall, these are just my personal reasons not to wear Nun Lolita. I actually truly enjoy the aesthetic, and love to see others wear it (perhaps, in a way, I might be living through them?). Even if my reservations keep me from wearing it, I certainly don't think that it keeps me from enjoying it--or delighting in the fact that Nun Lolita has this certain creepy, adorable look to it that reminds me of horror movies about demonic exorcisms, or a possessed doll.

What about you? Are there any styles that you love to look at, but for one reason or another just can't seem to wear yourself? I'd love to hear about your own experiences in the comments section below! Until next week!


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

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Create a New Lolita Holiday (Lolita Blog Carnival)

When I saw this post prompt, I couldn't help it: I knew instantly what I wanted to make this about, and that is Rectangle Headdress Day.

Rectangle Headdress day is a day that Tumblr users mszombi, manda-the-stars-shine-bright and I came up with about two years ago to celebrate one of our favorite under-rated Lolita accessories: the rectangle headdress. Celebrated on the first Saturday of September, this is a Lolita holiday that celebrates three aspects of this accessory: its heritage as a unique accessory to Lolita fashion, its roots in old school Lolita, and its modernization.


Rectangle headdresses are one of my favorite accessories!
As a result, my collection of them is quite extensive.

Rectangle Headdress Day, like International Lolita Day, is simply an excuse to wear Lolita--with the only stipulation being  a challenge to wear a Rectangle Headdress in your coordinate. There are dozens of different kinds, and they're so versatile that it's almost impossible for you not to find something that would perfectly suit your coordinate.

Besides wearing a coordinate using a rectangle headdress, you could take this chance to connect with your inner Old School Lolita, or at least celebrate and recognize Lolita's roots in Old School. Take the day to do something that is especially "Lolita"-esque. Bake a cute shaped cake or macarons. Sew a skirt, or embroider a handkerchief. Watch Kamikaze Girls for the millionth time. Have afternoon tea with some of your comm members. Enjoy yourself and relish being involved with Lolita fashion!

While this holiday might not be the most detailed, and leaves a lot to the imagination of the one celebrating it, I feel like that's half the fun--because it lets us celebrate one of Lolita's most flexible accessories in the most flexible way possible!

What about you? What are some Lolita holidays you'd like to see? While you're at it, check out the links to some of the awesome posts that other members of the Lolita Blog Carnival made for this weeks' prompt below!

Other LBC Entries this week:
ϿѺϾ The Bloody Tea Party ϿѺϾ

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

The Era of the Accursed Day Star; Or, Wearing Lolita in Summer

Ah, yes, summer. Summer is one of those seasons that I both love and despise. In my area of the country, it's full of summer storms and rain showers, which I adore (anything for an excuse to sit at home listening to rain on the roof and the boom of thunder). But it's also a season I hate because of one undeniable, ever-present factor: heat.

I do not do well in the heat. At all. I get quite cranky and irritable, and turn into something of a bear. And wearing Lolita in summer? The first year I wore it, it was unthinkable! With the amount of layers needed for the average Lolita coordinate, I'd be roasting, especially when the temperature rose above 100 Fahrenheit in late July. But the next year, I swore to figure out how to wear Lolita in summer--because gosh darnit, I've spent hundreds of dollars on these clothes, and I'm going to wear them! Thus, my research into how to survive while wearing Lolita (especially Gothic) in the era of that accursed day star, the sun.

Parasols are a Loli's Best Friend




Rose Birdcage Parasol by Metamorphose

I've ranted about parasols in the past, so I'm sure anyone who has read those entries knows where I'm going with this one: portable shade! A parasol is literally shade you can bring with you! Why are they not common during summer anymore?! It can be a difference of as much as a few degrees cooler in the shade when it gets really hot out, and in any case, it helps to take the summer glare out of your eyes a bit and helps with UV protection. Even if you aren't using a parasol, it can always help to stay in the shade in general, so I would recommend trying to ensure that you'll spend picnics and other outdoor events in an area with substantial shaded areas to prevent heatstroke and other sun-based unpleasantness.

...And a Lolita Would be Nowhere Without her Fans.



Black lace fan found on Amazon

Besides a parasol, another historical item that is criminally underrated is the fan. Not only was this humble item used as a tool of communication during the Victorian era, but it served a very practical purpose, as well: to keep its user cool. Being able to bring a breeze with you helps offer another cool-down option for those blisteringly hot days. Not only that, but they make for a great accessory when out--and folding fans are very easily stored in a purse.

Fans come in a variety of finishings, fabrics, patterns, and colors--all of which can be made to perfectly match your coordinate! You can even customize your fans by embroidering, painting, or otherwise embellishing them.

Leg and Footwear -- Ankle Socks, Mesh/Lace Tights, and Lolita Sandals

Cover your legs! No one should see your knees! Everyone thinks that the Lolita Police will be out to get them if they dare to disobey this Lolita Commandment: Over the Knee Socks at minimum! I'm going to tell you upfront that this "requirement" is not only false, it's absolutely ridiculous. While traditionally, yes, Lolita does usually require covered legs, Lolitas also are a practical bunch of people--even if we wear impractical clothing. Keeping the skin from your knee to your ankle covered isn't worth hours of sweating and possible heatstroke.

Enter my three saviors of Summer Lolita: ankle socks, mesh/lace tights, and Lolita-oriented sandals. That's right! Not only can you wear short socks, but there's even the option to go completely sockless! The scandal!


Petit Ribbon Ankle Socks (2013) by Alice and the Pirates

Ankle socks are just what they sound like--socks that stop at the ankle. Lolita ankle socks are usually topped off with a decorative ruffle to add a little detail. You can pick them up from both Lolita brands, and for incredibly cheap on sites like Amazon or eBay (I purchased an adorable pair for only $2 including shipping). They're a great option for when you have a Lolita shoe that requires socks to be worn, but it's just too hot to have something covering your legs.


Mesh tights by Torrid

Mesh and lace tights (particularly the ones made from natural fibers) are also a great option to stay cool. Because they aren't as heavy as regular tights, they don't trap heat against your skin. Some mesh tights are fine enough to wear I almost feel like I'm not even wearing them, which is nice when the thermometer is getting a little angry. They're a great option for that dress that's a little too short, so you feel like you should be wearing something on your legs. Mesh tights go great with Gothic and darker Classic looks, while lace tights look amazing with just about any style (so long as the colors go together), but mixing and matching can make for some truly stunning combinations, so feel free to experiment with your legwear!


Sandals by An*Tai*Na

Next we have the Lolita sandal. Given that this is a fashion that usually stresses the importance of legwear, this might sound surprising--but they do actually exist! And they're absolutely darling. I've never been much of a fan of how socks and sandals look together. Some Lolitas will pair them off, and occasionally it can look really cute--particularly with short ankle socks. But the easier--and cooler--path is to forgo socks entirely, and make use of that summer pedicure!

Headgear -- Sunhats and Going Natural



Black touring hat from the Ladies' Emporium

Sunhats are something that I never really thought about being a fashion accessory. But maybe that's because of my mother's habit of buying the biggest, floppiest, ugliest sunhats for the two of us while growing up. She absolutely loves them. To this day, she picks out the most ridiculous sunhats she can find when she needs to buy one. And so I was shocked beyond belief when I found that there were not only tolerable sunhats, but really cute ones. Or the revolutionary idea that you could take these cute hats, use them as a base, and add decorations to them.

Sunhats are a great (and underrepresented) accessory for summertime Lolita. Not only do they check off the need for headgear from your coordinate, they're versatile and pull double-duty as portable shade, much like parasols. You can clip your matching head bows or star clips onto the band of your hat, or sew on extra decorations to match your outfits--flowers, skulls, fuzzy stars, you name it! You can take inspiration from Victorian and Edwardian hats in order to decorate with a more historical feel, or just go all-out with a decoden fervor. When altering your own hat, it's all up to you! If  you use large stitches, it's even possible to alter and remove decorations with ease, allowing you to change up your hat in order to best serve your current coordinate needs.


An example of a Lolita updo
(Original from a GLB, translated by LittleGally on Tumblr)

The second thing I wanted to bring up on how to keep your head cool in summer is the topic of wigs. Wigs are a big part of the fashion--to the point where some new to the fashion erroneously claim that it isn't a real Lolita coordinate unless you're wearing one. But they most certainly aren't required. Most of the heat lost from a person's body is going to be lost through their head. When you cover that up with a wig, it only traps heat. While this might be a great thing in winter, it probably isn't the greatest thing in the middle of summer. So my advice is to ditch the wig and go natural with your own hair, whenever possible.

Going wigless was actually the norm in old school! GLBs have a plethora of hair tutorials, including plenty of up-dos that will help you remain cool in summer. Pigtails, ponytails, buns, and dozens of other styles will help you keep the hair up off of your neck, and keep you nice and cool!

Skimping on Layers

It's no surprise to anyone who wears Lolita that there are just tons of layers involved. Some elaborate coordinates can have upwards of five layers--with underthings, a corset, blouse, dress, and even an overdress or jacket to tie together a look. It's no wonder that it can be intimidating to wear it in the summer heat.


A short-sleeved lace shrug from Wal-Mart helps cut down both heat and cost.

So what's the best way to combat the heat? Skimp on the layers. Take out what layers you can with comfort. Skip on wearing your corset if you know you'll be in the sun for a while. Opt for an OP instead of a JSK, or switch it for a skirt and cutsew made from natural fibers, like cotton. Anywhere you can skip a layer, do it. If you have a JSK that you really, truly want to wear, perhaps you could consider investing in a small shrug to cover your shoulders and stick to "guidelines". Or just forget it and rock the sleeveless look.

Underthings

When it comes to underthings, try to stick to the basics. Skip extras (like corsets or binders) when possible in order to cut down on the number of layers. Opt for cooler alternatives for things you can't switch out. For example--instead of the traditional lace-trimmed bloomers, try wearing a pair of biking or pajama shorts.

For items like bras and underwear, try to find cotton or other natural fibers when possible. The natural fibers will wick sweat away from your skin, and will breathe more easily than a synthetic material. For an extra burst of coolness in extreme heat, they make thermal gel pads that you can place inside the cups of your bra. It sounds weird (and they're technically for nursing mothers)--but it's a real life-saver when you're stuck in extreme heat.

Things to Keep in Your Bag

While I mentioned fans earlier as an item you could keep in your bag to help stave off the heat, there are a few other items that you could toss in your bag to help ward off the heat:

  • A misting bottle. Evaporating water takes heat with it, so misting yourself can help you cool down before you get too sweaty! (This works particularly well with a hand fan, which is why you often see combination fans and mist bottles sold in amusement parks and the like during the summer.)
  • A bottle of drinking water. Dehydration is incredibly common during the warm summer months. It's a good idea to keep a bottle of water with you just in case! (If you store it in the freezer, it'll stay cool longer, and can even be used as a makeshift ice pack for a while. This is especially potent at your pulse points on your wrists, neck, elbows, and the backs of your knees.)
  • A handkerchief. Sometimes feeling cool is as far away as getting rid of that sticky, sweaty feeling. Keep a handkerchief to help soak up some of that sweat; or, you could even soak it in a drinking fountain or other cold water source to use as a compress. (A note: To avoid smearing your makeup, don't wipe sweat off with your handkerchief; instead, gently pat-dry your face and neck.)

Proper Sun Care is Paramount

Even if you tan, you should still worry about sun safety! Being tan does not prevent you from getting skin cancer due to excessive UV radiation! Now I'm not saying you need to cover up constantly and live in fear of the sun, but prolonged exposure should be cause for you to take precautions.


Sheer spray-on sunscreen like this one from Neutrogena helps
cut down on gunk that might ruin your makeup.

First and foremost, sunscreen. Make sure that you always wear sunscreen in summer! Some with fairer complexions (like myself) find that they actually have to wear sunscreen nearly year-round, even when it's cloudy. (I wish I was kidding.) It's recommended that you use at least an SPF of 15 (some makeup products will even have this built in!). Whether you use a spray or lotion is completely up to you! Whichever option you choose, make sure that you reapply regularly according to the instructions on the bottle. Personally, I like sprays because they tend to feel lighter and not gunk up/smear my makeup. They also re-apply more quickly than a lotion.


These decoden-inspired sunglasses were prepared by MyLittleKitsch on Etsy.

Second--and perhaps more fashion-oriented--sunglasses. There are literally thousands of different designs for sunglasses, and it's only limited by your Google-fu. Gothic-oriented sunglasses? Try a wrought iron-look frame with purple, blue, or red lenses. Sweet? They sell tons of heart-, star-, and flower-shaped sunglasses! Classic? Maybe try repurposing that vintage pair of glasses into a new pair of sunglasses by having the lenses replaced at a glasses shop. You could even use a basic pair of sunglasses in the color of your favorite coordinates, and add decoden embellishments to snazz up the plain pair into something one-of-a-kind and special.

If you wear corrective lenses, you can opt to skip this entirely by using transition lenses, which turn your everyday glasses into sunglasses when exposed to UV light. I personally opt for this, since I wear my glasses daily; and my insurance even covers them! For the "Megane" Lolita, it's worth at least looking into.

Be Realistic


Sometimes you just can't wear Lolita that day. And that's okay! Wearing Lolita is fun, but having heatstroke certainly isn't. Check your local weather forecast to make sure that the day isn't going to be too hot for you to feasibly and comfortably wear Lolita. If wearing Lolita is going to be a hazard to your health, skip it. Clothes are not worth getting sick over. People can actually die from heat stroke, so I cannot stress the importance of taking care of yourself enough. Even if it means skipping out on wearing your favorite dress for a day, your health is more important.

Beyond that--remain indoors when possible, and sit as close to the air conditioner as possible, my frilly friends... Autumn is coming, and with that, our time to shine shall rise again! Stay frilly, my friends.

Monday, July 13, 2015

What my own Lolita Lifestyle is like (Lolita 52 Challenge)

When it comes to being a Lifestyle Lolita, I'm honestly not sure where I personally stand. On one hand, I do think that a lot of the Lolita aesthetic and stereotypical hobbies do line up quite nicely with what I enjoy. I love antique styled furniture, especially things with a Rococo or Baroque inspiration or twist. I love a variety of different crafts, from sewing to embroidery. and I absolutely adore books, with an especially noticeable weakness for Gothic novels.

In short, I just happen to fit the idea of what a "Lifestyle Lolita" might be like (albeit with more bats and black crepe than Rilakkuma plushes and pink chiffon). But I don't necessarily think of myself as a "Lifestyle Lolita".

For one, I wear other fashions besides Lolita, despite my love for it. I find wearing Dark Mori Kei-influenced clothes to be a lot easier at work and in day-to-day life than wearing a cupcake shaped petticoat that might inhibit movement. Free flowing skirts and layers are a bit more business appropriate.

So I think I consider myself something of a "Part Timer". My aesthetics and personality mesh well with Lolita, but real world practicality has to rear its ugly head and take away all of my fun! At least, for the moment being. I like to think that I'll someday have a job position that will allow me to wear Lolita to work a few days a week. And maybe, someday, that will actually happen.

But, for the moment, my Lifestyler choices are limited to my private life--in how I choose to dress in my free time (part Lolita, part Western Goth, park Dark Mori Kei, and part"screw it I'm just wearing Jack Skellington PJ pants") and how I decorate (equal parts "this-was-cheap-at-IKEA" and "I'm trying to repurpose this stuff I've had for ages by gothing it up a little", with the dream of one day being a Rococo Princess surrounded by wrought iron and carved wood). My hobbies are stereotypically Lolita, sure; but the thing is, I picked up these hobbies before I had any clue what Lolita even was, and liked them before; so I don't really consider them to be signs of me being a Lifestyler.

So, in short: While I don't consider myself a Lolita Lifestyler, I have a lot of things in common with them--and certainly would love to be friends with one! Maybe someday I'll feel like I can life up to the Lifestyler moniker, but until then--I'm more than happy with my "Goth" Lifestyle tag.

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

Monday, July 6, 2015

My Best Deal (52 Lolita Challenge)

When it comes to Lolita, I really try not to spend too much. As a result, I tend to be a "bargain hunter". I've bought most of my brand second-hand, and I try to get deals whenever I can while buying things. I'll wait for sales to buy things from Bodyline and FanPlusFriend, which are already considered "budget" Lolita brands in the first place.
 
Saving money is something I've always liked to do. My mom refers to me as "cheap", as if it's a compliment. (I'm not sure she realizes how expensive the hobbies I have are, exactly; Lolita, games, and anime? Very expensive hobbies, if you ask me!) Every little bit adds up, if you ask me--and I've done an entire blog post about the subject on my Tumblr, which I'm planning to sometime update and post about here.
 
The point is, I don't believe that you have to spend an arm and a leg in order to do anything--and wearing Lolita is definitely one of those things! I wear a lot of offbrand items, and I would consider most of these things to be a "deal". But for the title of my best "deal", I'm going to have to go with one item in particular...

 
Shirring Princess JSK by Baby the Stars Shine Bright
 
The title for my "best deal" would have to go to my black Shirring Princess JSK by Baby. For a few reasons, but these are the main ones:
  1. It is easily one of the cheapest main brand items in my closet. This beautiful piece of ~burando~ cost only $70 before shopping services and shipping. This is the usual start for an offbrand/indie brand dress, so I was stoked to get it so cheaply--and in such good condition!
  2. I get a lot of wear out of it. My mom has this rule of thumb she taught me ages ago: the more you use something, the better the investment. So spend a lot on something you'll use frequently. And while she told me that to convince me to buy quality walking shoes for work, I've applied it to most other things, as well.
  3. I had a special deal. While this doesn't usually happen--at all--I actually didn't even have to pay for SS fees on this dress! So that meant all I had to worry about was the dress and shipping. Score!

What about you? What's the best deal you've gotten on an item? How has the cost of Lolita affected how often you purchase items for it, or what items you buy? I'd love to hear about your experiences down in the comments!

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