Lolitafying Things in my Everyday Life (52 Lolita Challenge)

One of the terms that immediately comes to mind when I see the word “Lolitafying” is “Lifestyle Lolita”. And I always have to ask myself if I really am a Lifestyler. Certainly, a lot of my interests and aesthetics align quite nicely with Lolita. I sew, I enjoy antiquing, and I adore the extravagant flair of Victorian and Rococo furniture and clothes. I would love nothing more than to deck out my entire dwelling in dark frills and lace (which is something I’m working on, but that’s a topic for another post).

But I always arrive at the answer of “no”, because being a Lolita 24/7, and wearing Lolita every day, would simply be absolutely exhausting. Some days, I just want to wear a pair of leggings or hang around in sweatpants. But I do like to keep that Lolita spirit with me, and so some everyday things have undoubtedly been affected by my adoration for Lolita.

1. My Desktop

Let’s start with something simple: my desktop, both at work and on my personal computer, have an undoubtedly Lolita-esque flair to them. I usually have it set to a picture of Mana-sama, especially if I liked the most recent Moitie photoshoot in a GLB. Other options include decidedly (Gothic) Lolita-friendly bands and performers (Kanon Wakeshima, Kalafina, Babymetal, Malice Mizer, Moi dix Mois, and plenty of others), prints (my Facebook banner has been set to Moitie’s Silent Moon print for ages because of my love of the print), character artwork (such as Kuromi or Nyanpire, or even characters from shows like Rozen Maiden). Brands’ new-release photoshoots and promotional art (especially any of Yoh’s work for Alice and the Pirates) are also some of my favorite sources for desktop artwork.

Considering I used to be the person who didn’t give two figs about what on the background of my computer desktop and just kept it as “default”, this was actually significant for me. One thing’s for sure—nothing gives you a bit of a “bump” towards the Lolita side of things like opening up a computer screen to see Mana-sama gazing back at you.

2. My musical taste

Kanon Wakeshima's cover art for the "Suna no Oshiro" single

Lolita is certainly tied into Visual Kei bands (hell, Mana-sama is arguably the founder of Gothic Lolita and he formed it as a part of his stage presence). And it only takes a quick google search to find several threads of people asking for suggestions for “Lolita” musical artists.

And… well, I’ve come to really have a soft spot for them.

While my musical tastes are still all over the place and I certainly enjoy American bands just as much (my girlfriend will vouch that my love of Fall Out Boy probably requires some kind of counseling), there’s something about sitting down and putting on some Kanon Wakeshima or Malice Mizer that just puts you in a Lolita mindset. My music taste has forever been Lolitafied.

3. My décor

A ruffled duvet cover like this one from Philly Linens (link) is an awesome way to Lolify your decor quickly and easily.

While my sense of what I liked and didn’t like aesthetically has more or less always included antiques and ornate furniture, it really only solidified once I’d become interested in Lolita fashion. My love of ruffles, in particular, was greatly impacted by my interest in Lolita fashion (which I find especially ironic a few months back; my mother mentioned that I “wasn’t a ruffles type a person” to a family member, which made me about die of laughter at its inaccuracy — if she only knew the ruffly monstrosity of a duvet cover I had in the mail at the time!).

My Lolita wardrobe also doubles as a "decor" piece on its own. My purses are all displayed on a shelf; I usually have a dummy wearing a coordinate displayed in one corner; I keep some pieces of jewelry and accessories out; my Gothic Lolita Bibles are proudly displayed on an entire bookshelf of their own.

As I've begun purchasing my own furniture and buying my own home decor, I've gravitated towards decidedly more extravagant styles than I had previously. I've upgraded from a relatively boxy dresser to one with a carved front, and changed the plain dresser mirror into a baroque-styled round one hung on the wall. My bedside table has Queen Anne style legs, and instead of a traditional bedside lamp, I've got an electric candelabra. I've switched out traditional hardware on my furniture for carved silver roses. I've created a ruffly slip cover for an otherwise normal computer chair desk.

My décor has started to compliment my love of ruffles, rather than coexist with it—and that’s something I absolutely adore about the Lolification process.

4. My general sense of fashion (outside of Lolita)

Alice and the Pirates Rose Frill Grosgrain headbow (and similar styled headbows) are easily used in a "normie" wardrobe.

Given that I tend to wear “normie” clothes to the office (lately it’s been a lot of leggings and tunics or black jeans with sweaters), it can be hard to “Lolify” what I wear when I’m out of frills. But I’ve found a few ways to make use of items in my Lolita closet: accessorizing.

I’ll wear “normal” clothes, and use accessories from my Lolita wardrobe. I may use a violin-shaped purse for a conversation piece, or a brand headbow to get some more wear out of it and up the "cute" factor of an otherwise boring outfit. One of my favorite barrettes was originally purchased to wear solely in Lolita coordinates, and has since become a go-to when I feel my bangs will get in the way that day (I’m actually debating buying an extra one specifically to keep at work for the days I forget to wear it!). Basically, if I can find a use for Lolita clothes in my normal, day-to-day clothing needs, I’ll try to incorporate them and get the most bang for my buck. Besides… That means that even when I’m not decked head to toe in frills, I can at least have a bit of a pick-me-up from wearing something I really love.

What about you? What are some ways you bring Lolita into your everyday life? Or maybe you prefer to “stealth” your Lolita and pull a complete 180 when you wear your frills! I’d love to hear about your Lolitafication in the comments section below. Until next time—stay frilly, my friends.



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

Project Post: Fairy skirt with half-elastic waistband (self-drafted)

A few weeks ago, my good friend Sheepie and I decided to do a set of box exchange videos. I managed to find a lot of great deals on her items, and found even a bit of brand for our relatively low price point. But I wanted to include some both main pieces and a few handmade items. So, in the end, I decided to make her a skirt! I've had this fabric for ages, and it was eating a hole in my stash; I bought up some of the trim and other stuff at a sale, and decided to go at it. Two afternoons later, I had her skirt finished!

The fabric is a design by Michael Miller (you can get it on Amazon, if you were interested in snatching some up for yourself); I've used the coordinated accent fabric (used for the waistband) to make plenty of dice bags and other little things for friends, but I finally used up a majority of the remainder with this project.

The border print is actually surprisingly detailed; very reminiscent of A Midsummer Night's Dream. There are a lot of different fairies, and they're silhouetted against some gorgeous greenery and a night time sky. The stars in the fabric actually have some sparkle woven into the fabric, too, which is a nice detail I didn't expect when buying the fabric!

Half-elastic waistbands are one of my favorite things in existence, but are simultaneously the most frustrating thing in the world the sew sometimes. This one didn't turn out half bad, though! I do wish that the fabric were light, to match the sky in the print, but as it is, it doesn't look too bad. It should be fairly comfortable, and I'm glad it didn't flip out at me when it came to sewing down the elastic...

What about you? What's a project you've made for a friend? I'd love to see your photos or hear your stories! Until next time!

5 Things You Wish There Were More Prints Of (Lolita Blog Carnival)

Ah, yes--prints. Prints have become the cornerstone of Lolita fashion as it expanded--and it's no wonder. While it's impossible to deny the classic allure of solid dresses with impeccable tailored details such as ruffles, pintucks, and lace, there's simply so much more freedom when you allow a dress to become a canvas for artwork on top of that.

And with such freedom comes a terrible problem: No one has made the print you want; or, if they have, it's been simply lost in the sea of print releases every year.

So, what are my gripes? What are prints I'd love to see--or at least see more of?

1. Shakespeare Prints

Haenulie's "For Juliette" print is based off of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet"

This is one of those themes that I simply don't understand why we don't see more often. Shakespeare's plays are some of the most widely-spread and loved literary works of all time--and yet we rarely see them in prints! And even when they are, they tend to be more abstract than feature the actual characters (or simply use the name, a la Alice and the Pirate's "Midsummer Night's Dream" print).

I'd especially love to see prints featuring Hamlet and MacBeth; They're two of my favorite plays by him, and would lend themselves to absolutely gorgeous Gothic prints Hamlet's "to be or not to be" soliloquy, in particular, would be a great scene to depict--as would Lady MacBeth's infamous "out, damned spot!" scene.

2. Tarot Card Prints

Alice and the Pirates' Tarot Card print, JSK II cut in black (2010)

Another print I'd love to see more of would be Tarot Cards. They're such a great theme! They've got the right amount of mysticism and romanticism surrounding them that they could be the basis for some amazing prints. In particular, I'd love to see larger border prints depicting the Major Arcana around the hem. Tarot cards tend to have very graceful, elegant, and detailed drawings--which lends them very well to being featured on a Lolita print!

While Alice and the Pirates released a Tarot Card print in 2010 (pictured above), and a handful of other dresses featuring the theme are out there, I can't help but hope that the theme is revisited. I think that Innocent World could take a lovely approach on it with a more weathered or antique look, while Alice and the Pirates' detailed line work could make the revisit worthwhile.

3. Pagan Prints

Moi-Meme-Moitie's Stained Glass Print OP (2012)

Religious imagery is EVERYWHERE in Lolita. Crosses, stained glass, reproductions of religious paintings--hell, Juliette et Justine's L'Eclat de Croix series actually features Jesus on the cross. Noticing the beginning of a trend here? Christian iconography was one of the leading inspirations of Western art for quite a long time--from medieval manuscripts of the Bible with beautiful illustrations to Renaissance masterpieces from Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael (to make a long story short, the church had the money, and commissioned a lot of the art; and when it didn't have the money, nobles who did have the money liked to look pious and would commission art on behalf of their church).

So enter one of my guilty pleasures: Pagan iconography. There are a plethora of myths to depict, and plenty of modern-day inspiration to draw from. How beautiful would a Gothic print inspired by Hades and Persephone be? How lush and beautiful would the story of Apollo and Daphne (a la Bernini) be? Could you imagine a painting print based off of the story of Eros and Psyche? Mythological prints are conversation pieces. Or take a nod from common, modern pagan religions. Pentagrams, pentacles, altars, runes, and so much more are out there--and I'd love to see more variety in prints like this.

4. Prints Based on Gothic Literature & art

The indie brand Lady Sloth has used Caspar David Friedrich's

"Klosterfriedhof im Schnee (Cloister Cemetery in the Snow)" for a print.

While it doesn't date from the usually accepted Gothic period,

it depicts many classic Gothic literature tropes.

Ah, yes. Gothic Literature. Is there anyplace else you can go for your fill of romance, adventure, mystery and suspense? There are dozens of beautiful, famous Gothic novels to choose from--from the classic Dracula and Frankenstein novels to Wuthering Heights and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde. These novels have inspired countless artists, and it would certainly be interesting to see takes on it within Lolita fashion. But perhaps that's my English-major Bibliophile coming out a little.

I'd actually adore to see Carmilla adapted into a print--a vampire story that predates Dracula, with heavy lesbian undertones. And if the oldies don't do it for you--couldn't the newer "Gothic" novels be just as appealing? I don't know about you, but I would certainly jump for joy for "Interview with the Vampire" or "The Woman in Black" prints.

5. Prints Based on Dark Fairy Tales

An illustration of "Little Red Riding Hood" by Jessie Wilcox Smith (1863-1935)

We've seen quite a few cute fairy tale prints from Lolita brands before. The "Rated G for Everyone" versions of fairy tales are cute and widely popular--so it's really no surprise that a brand would put out a Sleeping Beauty or Cinderella inspired print. But here's the more interesting bit: most fairy tales aren't originally as sweet and happy as they've become. Some are more pessimistic, sad, and just downright dark. Exploring the more gothic or artistically-minded aspects of fairy tales could be a great way to have a fresh look on an old favorite.

In particular, I'd love to see an interpretation of the original version of The Little Mermaid where, spoiler alert, she does not gain the love of her prince and live happily ever after--but instead dies and turns into sea foam. Little Red Riding Hood would be another great option, as would any other Brother's Grimm fairy tale, to be honest. I'd also love to see a print based off of "The Little Match Girl" released around Christmas, though it isn't strictly a fairy tale and it's grim nature may be unappealing to some!

What about you? What are some prints you'd like to see in Lolita? Leave them down in the comments below, and be sure to check out the other Lolita Blog Carnival posts on this topic! Links are located down below.

Other LBC Entries this week

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Why do I Wear Lolita? (Lolita 52 Challenge)

I feel like most Lolitas have a very simple answer to this question, and it's usually somewhere along the lines of "because I want to". Which, in and of itself, is a fine answer! Who really needs a reason to dress up in clothes they like, other than because they like them?

But when I ask myself why I wear Lolita, I find it to be a difficult question, because I instantly let my mind flock to what drew me to Lolita in the first place. Why was it Lolita, in particular, that caught my fancy? Especially since I spent a majority of my middle and high school years in a perpetual state of tomboyish refusal to wear skirts.

And I always come back to the same answer: I just like it. The style is something I enjoy, and have always found adorable. It's a style I enjoyed from the sidelines for a long time, and finally managed to join when I built up enough money and courage to try it for myself.

This week's post is insanely short, incredibly boring, and honestly quite boring--but I feel like I'd be a little redundant since I've spoken about this topic before. (I also happen to be starting a new job as an editor this week, so it's been insanely busy--but I already enjoy my job very much!)

What about you? Why do you wear Lolita? Is it the style itself? Or the confidence boost you get when wearing it? I'd love to hear your stories in the comments below. 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.

Combining Other Fashions with Lolita (Lolita 52 Challenge)

I talked about this in my Wardrobe Slump post a few months ago, but I find a lot of inspiration from mixing other fashions with Lolita. Finding aspects from another J-fashion that I enjoy, and bringing it into my Lolita coordinates, is a fun way for me to vary up my coordinates, and keep myself from falling into a same-old, same-old pattern.

Not to say that combining fashions with Lolita is easy, exactly. It can be challenging, even impossible at times. Lolita has a very set silhouette and technique behind it that can inhibit it from "meshing" well with other, more flexible fashions. The "rules" (or "guidelines", if you prefer) of Lolita are very black and white when determining what "is" Lolita, and what "isn't", with very little gray area. In short: Lolita fashion doesn't play nice with the other fashions.

This can make combining Lolita with other fashions an intimidating choice for those trying it out for the first time. And that's just too bad, because combining Lolita (or a Lolita-like aesthetic) has created some of the most artistic and stunning outfits I've seen to date! Let's check out my three personal favorite fashions to mash in with my Lolita: Mori Girl, Shironuri, and "Geek Chic".

Mori Girl

A Mori Girl street snap; unknown model

Mori Girl (or Mori Kei) is a fashion that I've talked about in junction with Lolita before (check out my post on how I get out of a wardrobe slump if you're interested!). The name translates to "Forest" girl, and--as the name implies--the basic idea is to look like a girl who would be wandering around in the forest. Because of the vague description of the style, there are tons of different interpretations, and a huge emphasis on creativity, which makes Mori Girl a fun style to experiment with. Mori Girl tends to make use of a lot of layers, knits, and distressed clothing. It even has a more Gothic cousin, Dark Mori Girl (which is arguably related to Strega fashion [which makes use of a more 'witchy' look], depending on who you ask).

The best way to mix Mori Girl in with your Lolita is to adopt a few pieces from a Mori closet into your Lolita closet. Mix and match items, and see what works. It's probably a style best left to Classic Lolita (which would mesh well with Mori's use of layers and neutral tones), or Gothic (which meshes quite handsomely with Dark Mori's more witchy vibe). But Sweet Lolita could probably mesh the knits used frequently with Mori for a wintery look.

What would a Lolita wear for a night wandering around the forest? Finding that perfect blend of Lolita extravagance and Mori Girl elegance is, to me, something straight out of a fairy tale--and definitely a fun way to mix up your outfits.

Shironuri

Shironuri artist and model, Minori, posed with hydrangeas

Shironuri (which translates to "painted in white") is almost more of an artform than a fashion. The style was created by a Japanese fashionista named Minori, who wanted to find a fashion that meshed together the clothes she wanted to wear with Japanese history. Shironuri's distinctive white face paint originates, according to Minori, from the Heian period, when the white face paint was used by aristocrat families. (If you're interested in reading more about the origin of Minori's Shironuri style, check out this interview with her!)

Mixing Shironuri, an extravagant and distinctively artistic style, with Lolita is probably overkill for most events. Wearing it everyday may be a little too over-the-top; but for special events, photo shoots, or a wearing-it-around-the-house-just-because? It might be one of the funnest mash-ups! Of course, everything should be taken with a grain of salt; Shironuri is meant to be an ethereal and artistic style. The quality of your makeup is really reflective of how well you're doing in the style--and you may want to practice doing Shironuri makeup a few times before you attempt to mesh it with Lolita!

The biggest word of advice/warning I can give to those wanting to mix these styles: MAKE SURE TO TEST YOUR MAKEUP. You want to make sure that the makeup--whether cream, liquid, or powder--sets properly, and won't run onto your clothes. No one wants a mess of white makeup staining their expensive Lolita clothing! So please be sure to check that you set all of your makeup properly, and use quality makeup that won't smear.

If you're really interested in mixing Shironuri with Lolita, but have no idea where to start, this post over on F Yeah Lolita is one of the most detailed, beautiful things I've seen on the subject, and definitely worth the read!

Geek Chic

I can hear the complaints already: "Geek Chic? You're telling people to put their nerdy stuff in Lolita? You're inviting people to be Itas! There is no way any self-respecting Lolita would wear the "Geek Lolita" stuff that people put out!"

To these people, I ask: Who pissed in your corn flakes this morning?

Fashion is, first and foremost, about expressing yourself. Having fun. What's so bad about combining two things you love? Do you necessarily have to like the look, or wear it yourself? Of course not! But saying that everyone who wears a Dr. Who-inspired coordinate is an ita is the same as saying anyone who owns Sugary Carnival is an expert at coordinating Lolita outfits. Sure, there are a lot of not-so-great "Lolita" outfits at conventions based around the idea of Geek-dom. But there are a lot of not-so-great coordinates made out of nothing but brand, too. And at cons, there's also a good amount of outfits inspired by these same geeky hobbies that look great. Sometimes, you wouldn't even know they were fandom/geek-chic inspired unless you were told by the girl wearing it that "Oh, I got this coordinate idea from Dr. Who".

And Geeks are nothing if not committed to what they love. Take a look at some of these amazing Geeky Lolita items I've found:

Fanplusfriend's Time Lord Series is based off of the classic "Geeky" favorite, Dr. Who.

This JSK from Be My Full Moon features a border print of d20 dice--perfect for a Lolita off to a Dungeons and Dragons session!

And the plethora of character-inspired coordinates done by individuals archived on Lolita-Tips here!

While these items may not be everyone's style, you can't deny that these items do fit the Lolita "rules". They just express a theme that you aren't used to seeing in Lolita. I, personally, enjoy seeing "geek" Lolita done well and done right. If you don't like it, that's fine too! No one says you have to enjoy every trend or theme that someone else likes. But celebrating diversity is part of what makes Lolita so much fun!

What about you? What are your favorite fashions to mix and match with Lolita? What was a coordinate you saw that inspired you to mix and match? I'd love to hear about your experiences down in the comments below. Until next week, then!

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

Why Don't I Wear Lolita More Often? (Lolita 52 Challenge)

Wearing Lolita is one of those things that, in theory, is easy. In practice, however, it can be difficult. There are tons of reasons why wearing Lolita every day might not be for you. Maybe your job has a uniform, or you work in an environment with a strict dress code. Maybe you don't want to risk damaging your expensive items at work. Maybe the weather isn't cooperating with your plans to wear Lolita.

That being said, I don't think that it's how often you wear Lolita that really counts. You may only get a chance to wear Lolita once every couple days, maybe once or twice a month, or a couple times a year. You're still a Lolita, and you can still participate in the subculture. There's nothing wrong with enjoying something you love, even if you can't participate in it as often as you like!

Personally, I only wear Lolita a couple times a month at this point (and usually for date nights out). I don't have the time to wear it otherwise. My current position (working as a desk assistant at a hotel) requires a uniform. And though the job I'll be starting next week (at the editorial department of a local newspaper) may be a little more lenient with dress code (and I'm crossing my fingers for a Lolita-friendly position), dressing "professionally" is going to have to take precedent over dressing how I want.

But that's no reason to despair! I still manage to wear some of my Lolita items in non-Lolita ways; I'll wear a skirt without a petticoat (the chiffon ones, in particular, actually look quite pretty without them, but it goes on a case-by-case basis). I might choose to wear a Lolita blouse with a long skirt. Or maybe I'll wear one of my hair clips that I bought for Lolita as a statement/conversation piece (I always receive a lot of compliments on my skeleton hand barrettes, for example!).

So, if I had to narrow it down, my reasons for not wearing Lolita are as follows:

• Work dress code. As stupid as it is, jobs have dress codes. Sometimes, such as in kitchens or construction work, it's for safety. Other times, like in office settings, it's about the social construct of "professionalism" and our belief that "alternative" people can't be productive. Thankfully this is dying down, but it's still a reality, and something you occasionally just have to accept.
• Lack of time. There are only so many hours in the date, and so many days in the week. If I'm busy, I might just not have the time!
• Lack of a reason to dress up. While I'm all for "dressing up just because" (and I often wear Lolita just to sit around and sew for an afternoon), I usually prefer to have some kind of reason to dress cute. Even if that reason is as simple as a friend coming over to bake with me or something! If I need a pick-me-up, I might dress up for no reason; but otherwise, it seems like a lot of effort for me.
• Pure laziness. Lolita takes a LOT of work! Sometimes I'd rather just curl up in PJs and play video games instead of spend forty-five minutes doing my hair and makeup, and another half-hour getting dressed and making sure my butt bow is perfect!

What about you? Do you dress up in Lolita often enough for your tastes? What keeps you from wearing your frills? I'd love to hear your stories in the comments below. 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.

Most Versatile Lolita Item I Own (52 Lolita Challenge)

When I saw the prompt for this one, I knew exactly which piece I was going to talk about. It's one of my favorite main pieces I've gathered, and--surprisingly--was also one of the cheapest! I purchased this jumperskirt from Bodyline, before their major site rehaul. Using the Yen Trick and a sale that was going on, I ended up only paying about $40 (including shipping) for the dress. Given the quality and detail in it, I'm quite happy with it!

Bodyline L348 in Black (Picture by Bodyline)

Lots of people have a love/hate relationship with Bodyline. Some people adore it for its cheap pricing and easy availability. Others dislike Bodyline's business practices (like its frequent Model Contests and its less-than-savory CEO, the infamous Mr. Yan), or make the argument that their rising prices don't match the quality of the actual product. Whatever your opinion on Bodyline is, I feel you have a valid reason to shop (or not) with them. And this jumperskirt is one of the reasons I hold out the hope that Bodyline will continue to be an option in the future.

I love this dress enough that I own it in two colorways--the all-black version, as pictured above, and the black and white version, for when I'm feeling like I'm in more of an old school mood. The quality was worth buying it twice, in my opinion. The fabric is soft and thick, the lace a surprisingly good quality, and the ruffled skirt is adorable. When I wore the dress to a meetup, more than one of the girls in my Comm couldn't even believe that it was Bodyline. One even thought it was possibly an old solid Baby design.

Which brings me to why this piece is my most "versatile" piece. The thing I love about this dress is that I can mix and match it a dozen different ways. It's super hot out? Just wear the dress, toss on a lace shrug, and I'm good. Need an opulent outfit? Toss on a princess-sleeve blouse and lace tights. Casual outfit for playing board games with friends? Wear a cute cutsew underneath and some knee socks.

This piece has enough detail in the ruffles and lace to be interesting on its own, providing all the texture and interest that a monochrome black outfit often needs; and all that detail can be dressed up with a more detailed blouse to end up with an outfit that looks a lot more expensive than it actually is. Thus why, in my opinion, this humble Bodyline Jumperskirt is probably the most Versatile item in my Lolita closet.

What about you? Do you have an item you can wear a thousand different ways? Or do your items seem to be more limited? I'd love to hear about some of your favorites down in the comments section below. 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.

Fondest Meetup Memory (52 Lolita Challenge)

When it comes to Meetup Memories, I honestly don't know if I'm truly qualified to choose whether or not I have a "favorite" one. Simply put? I don't have many to choose from. As of this moment, I've only ever been to three meetups (technically two, though one was broken up into two separate meets on the same day). So I don't think I have enough experience to pick a "favorite".

But I'll try to, anyways, because that's the prompt, and I have to have something that makes me nostalgic for when I lived less than seven hours from any meetup... Right?

Right.

And the first thing that came to mind was my first meet-up, which--while very few people actually showed up despite RSVP-ing and voting on the location--was probably one of my favorite meets. For one, it let me ease into the idea of a local Lolita community. I was quite used to being a Lone Lolita with a couple online friends (and even quite content being so). But meeting up with people in real life with the same interests? It was a little daunting.

But I did know one of the attendees, and it's actually not so much the meetup itself as seeing her that was a lovely memory that I chose for this. The first meet required my poor friend sheep-prince ("Sheepie") to drive hours, and they were going to simply crash at my place that night. And... well, honestly, that was probably the funnest part for me.

The ever-lovely Sheepie (picture from her tumblr)

I really only get to see Sheepie during cons; so seeing them for a meetup was nice, even if the visit was short! I'd love to be able to see them more often, so hopefully meetups that fit both of our schedules (or more cons) are in our future!

Personally, I tend to prefer meets that are very small... And I tend to prefer just going somewhere with friends who just happen to wear Lolita, rather than traditional meets. Both are fun, of course, but I think I enjoy sharing things I love with people I care about more than expanding my social circle. the curse of being an introvert, I suppose!

I think my ultimate dream meet up would be going to a concert or play with a few Lolita friends; Sheepie included! What about you? What's been your favorite meetup memory? And do you think it's prompted a dream meet-up at all? I'd love to hear about it in the comment section down below!

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

How Lolita has Changed Me (52 Lolita Challenge)

This is one of those posts that I actually found kind of difficult--not because I don't agree that something like fashion can change a person, because it completely can. Instead, I think the most difficult part was separating the changes caused by Lolita, and the changes caused by the usual process of growing up and becoming an adult.

But I think the biggest change Lolita has had on me was in one simple, but very important, thing: it taught me how to dress myself, and dress myself well. Though I'd always liked the structured, Victorian-esque Gothic look, I never quite figured out how to properly achieve the look. (At times, I'm still not sure I'm quite satisfied with where I am--I want to greatly improve my makeup skills, for example.)

Lolita encouraged me to get outside of my jeans-with-a-T-shirt-and-no-makeup comfort zone. I had a lot to learn, given that I never really learned much about makeup and clothes as a teenager. I needed to learn how to do my makeup properly (and even picked up how to put on false eyelashes properly--something I never would have attempted for fear of it being "too hard" before). I had to experiment until I learned how to balance colors in an outfit properly. I had to figure out how to combine items into a working outfit, to mix and match things, and how to identify clothing that I'd be able to wear a variety of ways.

I had a lot of things to learn when I started Lolita, and lots of these skills on "how to put together a Lolita coordinate" have helped me to pull together office- and work-related outfits more cohesively, as well. Lolita was a way to motivate me to learn how to dress myself in "regular" fashion, as well, because it provided me with a fun goal (a Lolita coordinate) to encourage me to gain mundane, if somewhat tedious, skills.

Other things about me has changed since I started wearing Lolita, of course, and plenty of them have been instrumental in me wearing Lolita. My sewing has improved by milestones; I've started a project (my blog) and consistently provided it with content, rather than letting it die after a week or two like most of my previous blogs; I've gained amazing followers and met new friends; I've gained confidence and the ability to stand up for myself, despite what others might think of me. But I don't think I want to contribute these solely to wearing Lolita. I feel like these sorts of things probably would have happened anyways--but were just helped out by having Lolita as a hobby!

I apologize for how short this week's post is; it was honestly quite difficult for me to think of much else that felt relevant! What about you? Have you noticed Lolita making any changes for you? Or do you feel like it hasn't changed much at all? I'd love to hear your stories in the comments below! 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.

A Timeline of Alice and the Pirates' Vampire Series

Ah, yes--Vampires. That theme that Goths can't seem to escape from. Something that seems to be almost universally adored by anyone with darker-leaning tastes (although the debate on who would win in a fight, a vampire or a werewolf, may remain a debate for eternity). It was only a matter of time before Baby the Stars Shine Bright used vampires as a theme in their darker sub-brand, Alice and the Pirates. And this was a decision that sparked some of their most famous items--and a Vampire Series that would carry on over 6 years.

Vampire Requiem (2009)

Vampire Requiem Limited OP, Long JSK, Corset Skirt, Short JSK

Colors: Black, Lavender, Cream, Red, Navy (2011 re-release only)

Vampire Requiem, the print that started it all. I don't think that Baby really knew how popular this series would end up being! Vampire Requiem has become one of Baby's most recognizable prints from their Alice and the Pirates line, and was the first entry in their Vampire-themed series.

The print itself takes a few cues from previous popular prints; the most striking detail is, of course, the border print of an iron gate, decorated with various vampire-themed illustrations such as coffins, bats, and even what we may surmise to be Dracula himself.

The series proved to be so popular that it was re-released in 2011 with a new colorway (navy) and a Limited version OP cut. Baby has released a host of other items featuring the print, as well, including tights, phone cases, and tote bags.

Vampire Forest (2010)

Vampire Forest Elizabeth OP, Prima Donna JSK, Bustle Skirt, and Carmilla JSK

Colors: Black, Navy, Purple, Red

Perhaps one of the more easily forgotten entries in their Vampire Series is Vampire Forest. Baby departed from the border print featured in Vampire Requiem in favor of an all-over print type when they released Vampire Forest the next year. The print features more of the motifs found in Vampire Requiem--bats, lanterns, roses, graveyards, and Dracula's castle all make an appearance.

If you are trying to get ahold of one of Alice and the Pirates' Vampire items on a budget, Vampire Forest may be a good choice for you; it tends to be one of the more cheaply priced items when purchased second hand, especially from Japanese sources.

Vampire Embroidery (2011)

Vampire Rose Embroidered Jacket, Vampire Embroidered Pants, Vampire Embroidered JSK

Colors: Black x Black (JSK only), Black x Gold (Jacket, Pants)

In 2011, Baby took a break from their Vampire prints, instead releasing a few items in a small Vampire Embroidery collection--a jacket, a pair of pants, and a JSK. The series was more simplistic in its design, but nevertheless made use of beautiful, high-quality embroidery to get across a vampire theme in a more subtle manner.

Vampire Prelude (2012)

Vampire Prelude JSK, Nosferatu OP, Corset Skirt, and OP

Colors: Black, Ivory, Purple, Red

Baby returned to the border print formula that had made Vampire Requiem so coveted when they released Vampire Prelude in 2012. Indeed, the styling of the print is quite reminiscent of Vampire Requiem, including an iron gate strewn with black and red roses, interspersed with small, detailed depictions of our vampire friends doing what they do best: living as Byronic lords, seducing women and generally being mysterious, romantic figures.

Even the cuts from the Vampire Prelude series seem to call back to earlier entries in the Vampire series; there is the obvious return of the corset skirt from Vampire Requiem, of course, but the cut of the OP is similar to a simplified version of the Elizabeth OP from Vampire Forest, minus the bustle. Vampire Prelude was beginning to solidify what made the series popular, and how to best market this much-adored Gothic theme.

Bonus: Vampire Rose items (2010-2015)

Vampire Rose Necklace, Vampire Rose OTKs, Vampire Rose Lace Blouse, Vampire Rose Comb, and Vampire Rose Round Headdress.

Colors: Varies by Item

Throughout the years, Alice and the Pirates has released several items listed under the title of "Vampire Rose"--Vampire-inspired items featuring, of course, roses as their main focus. While they aren't necessarily a part of any one set, I thought that, given their Vampiric inspiration, they also deserved a mention on this list.

With the first couple items being released in 2010 with Vampire Forest, the Vampire Rose items have been restocked and remade several times over the years, and include a variety of items--from headdresses to OTKs, and even a blouse. All of these items are subtly romantic and seductive, not unlike the Vampires that they take their name from--and are often created specifically to compliment any of the items released in Baby's Vampire Series.

Vampire Nocturne (2015)

 

Vampire Nocturne JSK I, JSK II, OP, and Skirt

Colors: Brown, Green, Red, Black

Despite the popularity of their previous Vampire Series entries, it would be three years before Alice and the Pirates would release another Vampire-themed print dress. Enter the latest entry: Vampire Nocturne, set to be released in September of 2015. Vampire Nocturne may hail from the illustrious background of Alice and the Pirates' Vampire Series, but it borrows more heavily from the newer trends than its roots. Despite keeping with its vampiric roots, Vampire Nocturne depicts its scene not unlike many of the painting prints that have become popular in Classic Lolita as of late. It also uses a more muted color palette than its predecessors.

The cuts, as well, are borrowing from the more mature trend that has been growing in Lolita as of late, with lower hem lines (good news for taller Lolitas!) and more mature lines. If your goal is to have a more subtle Vampire/Gothic coordinate, this series is right up your alley! You can find more information about the series (and pre-ordering!) on Baby's blog here.

Do you have a favorite item from Alice and the Pirates' Vampire series? Is Vampire Requiem your dream dress? I'd love to hear all your gushing about these prints down in the comments below. Until next week!

5 Movies for Lolitas (Lolita 52 Challenge)

I wanted to share films that feature Lolitas specifically, rather than just films that fit the aesthetic! This was actually a lot harder than I thought it would be; not because there aren't films featuring Lolitas out there--but because they often don't get much recognition in the West, which can make them difficult to track down. So, here we have it: a post containing my top five films featuring Lolitas!

Kamikaze Girls

Ah, yes--Kamikaze Girls (or, if you rather, Shimotsuma Monogatari). No "Lolita Movie" list is truly complete without this Novala Takemoto classic. And here's the thing: I'm actually not the greatest fan of Takemoto. I personally felt that the Kamikaze Girls novel was somewhat lacking, and never cared much for the writing style (or at least the translation). Despite this, the Kamikaze Girls film is one of my favorite Lolita-related films.

Why, you might ask? Because, unlike the novel (which seemed to try to take itself seriously despite the complete ludicrous nature of its protagonist), the film throws any sense of trying to seem like a realistic portrayal of lifeto the wind, and instead revels in what it is: a completely off-the-wall comedy about a Lolita and a Yankee becoming best friends. Momoko is a thousand times more likable in the film than she is in the novel, in my opinion. So even if you didn't enjoy Takemoto's novel--it's definitely worth giving the film a shot, given the fact that it presented itself in a vastly different light.

Bara no Konrei ~Mayonaka ni Kawashita Yakusoku~

This movie is the only "serious" film on the list. Trust me. Lolita aesthetics, for some reason, doesn't seem to lend to anything other than comedies, for some reason. Enter Bara no Konrei--a film recorded pre-hiatus by Malice Mizer, and featuring their last recorded album for a soundtrack. Bara no Konrei is a tribute to both vampire and silent films, and is honestly a rather impressive project for a Visual Kei band, if  you ask me.

Instead of a short film, which I would find more plausible, Mana-sama and Company decided that simply wasn't good enough, and instead chose to do a feature-length silent film. The plot, while nothing new, exactly (given it's more or less your standard retelling of Dracula with a few other tidbits tossed in), Bara no Konrei makes up for what it lacks in originality with style. The costuming, as expected, is gorgeous to look at, and the eye candy of the Malice Mizer members is enough to keep any fan satisfied. (I'm particularly fond of Klaha in this film, but that's just me.) If your tastes tend towards the Gothic side and you haven't checked this out yet, this is a travesty that must be corrected--go and check this out! (To make your life easier, it's even available on YouTube.)

Mister Rococo

Mister Rococo is a short film about a high school girl and her first love. And that's where any semblance to your typical cutesy-cute shoujo manga end. Mister Rococo is what I would consider, by and large, a comedy, built off of over-the-top weirdness that seems to be dominating most of this list. Your boyfriend breaks up with you because he likes strong women? What is a Lolita to do?

Apparently, become a lacey, frill-covered pro wrestler. With a soundtrack in part performed by Anna Tsuchiya (who also played our Yankee friend Ichigo in Kamikaze Girls), Mister Rococo is a quick, fun romp into Lolita-related films.

Nuigulumar Z

Like the next entry on the list, this is one of those movies that either is or isn't for you. It's something of a strange niche film--the kind of film that reinforces the stereotype of Japanese films being off-the-wall. How does a Sweet Lolita powering up with her teddy bear to fight zombies in a cat suit sound to you?

For a while, Baby was even carrying the movie's soundtrack in their stores! Definitely a walk outside of the typical, Nuigulumar Z might not be for everyone, but it could definitely be a movie to watch with some friends when you just want to laugh at something crazy.

Gothic & Lolita Psycho

And now, we have Gothic & Lolita Psycho -- Or, as its US refers to it, Psycho Gothic Lolita. If you asked me to describe just what this film is, I would have quite a bit of trouble doing it concisely--because the plot gets rather convoluted relatively quickly. Our main protagonist, a Gothic Lolita named Yuki, is essentially chasing down five assassins in order to get revenge for the death of her mother. Simple enough, right? Well... Kind of. At first.

It's quite a bit of fun to watch Yuki kick major ass while wearing Putumayo-esque clothes, and using her modified parasol as a weapon. She gains several different parasols over the course of the film--a parasol with a blade in the tip, and one with a machine gun, to name a couple. And it definitely has a very odd plot twist that I won't spoil here. If you like cheesy horror/action films, this might be right up your alley! Particularly when you have an awesome fight between a deco-den obsessed "genki girl", Lady Elle, and our Gothic Lolita "heroine", Yuki.

As a fair warning, the film can get a little gorey in places--though its very much the "ketchup and pasta" type gore where you can tell it's fake. But if that sort of thing bothers you, this movie probably isn't for you. I wouldn't recommend this film if you're looking for anything that's genuinely a great film, because it really isn't even a "good" film. But if you're like me and have a love for watching bad movies, this one will probably be great for a night in.

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