Lolita Level!

Hello!
Back with another fun meme like thing that I stole from somebody!! Miss Puffle Dust of Cinnamon Shortbread to be exact!! Feel free to try it out, I was shocked into a stunned silence by the results! I don't quite believe them ^-^


ONWARDS!!!

 
You've been to egl.

You've posted on egl, without an onslaught of 'USE THE MEMORIES' and likewise.

You've bought a lolita mook.

You've picked a favorite brand.

You've ordered your first item.

You've worn a full outfit.
You've worn a full outfit out in public.

You've worn a full outfit and posted photos of it on the Internet.

You know what JSK, OP, and cutsew all mean.

You've bought your first brand piece.

You know your measurements.

You know you shoe size - in American, European, and Japanese.

You know who Mr. Yan is.

You know who Mana is. (+1 points if you know his band. +2 points if you know his brand. +3 points if you know why he's featured in every GLB. +4 if you have a shrine to him in your closet.)

You know who Maki and Asuka are. (+2 if you've met Maki and Asuka).

You've watched Kamikaze Girls. (+1 if you know the real name of this movie. +2 if you know who wrote the book this was based on. +3 if you've also read the manga or novel. +4 if you love the author despite his criminal record).

You own a wig. (+1 if you own more than 2.) (They're for cosplay, BUT THEY STILL COUNT!!)

You own a pair of falls.

You can identify lace on the spot.

You can identify an item's brand on the spot.

You can identify the year a dress was made by a specific brand on the spot.

You can name several different dresses or prints

You answer stock photo requests.

You mod a lolita community.

You decorate your nails. (+1 if you wear fake nails. +2 if you make fake nails.)

You own a pair of a rocking horse shoes. (+1 if you know their abbreviation.)

You've made your own rose corsage.

You've made anything out of your brand dress's waist ties.

You've made anything out of a matching eco tote. (+3 if you were the first one to do it, you think).

You know how to apply false eyelashes. (In theory! Lolz!)

You know how to pronounce Moi-meme-moitie, or Metamorphose tempes de fille.

You know a reliable shopping service.
You bid on Yahoo!Japan or Mbok.

You've been to a meetup.

You've planned a meetup.

You've planned a meetup with catering for more than 20 attendees.

You've met up with lolitas while on vacation to foreign or faraway locales.

You've seen a lolita fashion show.

You've seen a brand fashion show.

You've modeled in a lolita fashion show.

You've modeled in a brand lolita fashion show.

You wear bloomers.

You know how to make bloomers.

You tell other people to wear bloomers.

You draw lolita art, write a lolita blog, or provide the community with some sort of creative services.

You've taken purikura in lolita.

You've decorated your room/house/apartment in lolita style.

You've listened to lolita music.

You've learned kana.

You have learned enough Japanese to read a magazine.

You wear or own circle lenses.

You've been called a princess by a young child.

You've dressed up a friend.

You've converted a friend.

You've been in media (television, newspaper, magazine). (+2 points if it's Japanese media.)

You've learned a handicraft, like jewelry making, embroidery, or sewing.

You've become a lolita mentor.

You've attended lolita events at an anime or multi-genre convention.

You’ve organized or presented lolita events at a convention.

You've visited a brand shop.

Trip to Japan!

You've dressed up and gone out alone.

You're prepared for inclement or colder weather in lolita (coat, parasol, boots, gloves, other climate-specific items.)

You've learned face contouring.

You've made a lolita valentine.

You've got a lolita pen pal or online lolita friends.

You have local lolita friends.

You know how to modify clothes that don't fit you.

You know how to dress for your body type.

You've been in a street snap.

You've been to multiple world locations of the same brand store (BABY Paris, BABY Tokyo, BABY San Francisco, etc.)

You've created a makeup/hair/sewing tutorial.

You've sold hand-created lolita goods.

You have your own lolita fashion line.

You've gotten a lolita haircut, style, or color.

You've mixed other street fashions with lolita.

You've thrown a lolita party/had a lolita wedding.

You've dressed your child/small children in lolita or kodona style.

You've successfully cross-dressed in lolita style at least once (boystyle for girls and girls' clothing for guys).

You've lolified or made sure all the contents of your purse are cute (wallet, lipgloss, keyring, etc.)

You have a lolita pet (small dogs, cats, rabbits, exotic birds, fancy fish) or have dressed/accessorized your pet (bows or pet clothes).

You've dressed your significant other or dated someone who dresses in J-fashion/alternative fashion.

You've read Alice in Wonderland. (+1 if you've seen the animated movie or other variations, +2 if you've seen more than one variation, +3 if you own more than one variation)

 

You've dressed as Alice or another Wonderland character in lolita style, or own Alice themed items.

You've made something from a Japanese pattern.

You've found, bought, or made lolita underwear (bras and panties).

You wear lolita daily, or have gone 7 days straight wearing only lolita.

You have lolita calling cards or business cards.

You play a lolita instrument (i.e, piano, violin, harp, French horn... Well any instrument really.)

You can translate yen to your country's currency in your head. (+1 if you can convert other currencies you shop with as well. +2 if you read the news to know how the yen is doing.)

You've sold lolita clothing online (secondhand, egl_comm_sales).

Your article or entry has been put into the egl memories.

You take photos of your outfits/daily outfit photos.

You’ve posted to daily_lolita.

You own a petticoat. (+1 if you own more than one. +2 if you wear three or more at a time).

You’ve bought a lucky pack.

You keep a style diary or look-book. (It's there, but I don't write in it T.T)

You can put together an outfit made entirely from offbrand.

You’ve bought offbrand or non-Japanese brand.

Adorable Admirer (lvls 1 - 20) You've started studying or liking lolita but haven't taken that leap of faith yet. Good luck!

Resplendant Rufflebutt (lvls 21 - 40) At home within the land of the rufflebutts and spilling frills from every edge.

Victorian Maiden (lvls 41 - 60) A classy lolita of taste and experience, who knows her way around the lolita social set.

Starry Celebrity (lvls 61 - 80) On page six of the lolita world, you've risen to the ring of the upper crust. (Finding that VERY hard to believe O.O)

Pretty Princess (lvls 81 - 100) Lolita royalty, truly versed in the ways of the lacey ones, the lolita princesses have achieved a special level of enlightenment.

Ultimate Lolita (Boss Fight!) (lvls 100+) Wow, you've gotten over 100 levels? You're the ultimate lolita with unlimited hitpoints. That's actually a little scary...

Lolita and Life goals!

Hey ya'll!
Thought I owed ya a blog post seeing as I've been vaguely dormant for a while! Also, I'm just taking a break from the 30 Day Lolita Challenge for a while, in order to vary my posts a little! I promise I'll pick it back up soon though! Hope none of you wind ^-^

Inspired by Cinnamon Shortbread's 'Lolita Goals' list I decided to create my own! In the same way as hers this will be updated when I think of more goals to add to it!! But this won't just focus on lolita, there are some general (and boring? xP) goals for my life that I'd like to include!

~*~ Learn French to the point where I can speak it fluently.

~*~ Decorate my own room in the Steampunk/Victorian/Circus-y style that I want it.

~*~ Own brand. Hopefully Angelic Pretty.

~*~ Visit Japan

~*~ Learn Japanese to the point where I can speak it fluently.

~*~ Visit Seattle, Washington State (SEMPAI, MY DARLING!!!!!! <3333) and San Francisco (BRAND HOUSE!!!!)!

~*~ Visit The Baby, The Stars Shine Bright store in Paris.

~*~ Attend a Vocaloid concert!

~*~ Own some delicate lolita shoes, and not just hulking great platform boots of awesome.

~*~ Make a Jumperskirt.

~*~ Become even better at playing piano.

~*~ Read Equal Rights by Terry Pratchett!

~*~ Own a sailor lolita piece.

~*~ Pull together at least one decora outfit.

`*~ See both Kuroshitsuji musicals live on stage in Japan!

~*~ Own a bonnet.

~*~ Get the hang of Livejournal (appalling website!)

~*~ Decorate more of my things with cute stickers.

~*~ Get hold of a china tea set.

~*~ Make and sell at least three lolita items.

~*~ Attend my very first meet up.

~*~ Finish the Lord of The Rings trilogy and The Silmarilion

~*~ Go to a picnic in lolita.

~*~ Do a lolita photoshoot.

~*~ Slow dance with a person I like (don't know how I'll achieve this, seeing as home edders don't get proms, and are to interested in booze and drugs to attend a formal dance that doesn't have any T.T).

~*~ Raise the standard of my cosplays.

~*~ Make more CMVs (cosplay music videos).

~*~ Write in my book of shadows more. 

~*~ Go on a really romantic date.

~*~ Have my first kiss...


Yush! So this my current list for lolita and life! I don't know when I'll achieve these things, if ever but I'll try my best!

It's quite fun to create one! I suggest giving it a go!

30 Day Lolita Challenge!

Yo my magical pixie friends which sprinkle rainbow sparkle dust everywhere!

And now, I'm not on acid! I just like greeting you in fun ways! Looool!!

Anyway, as you may have guessed from the title, I have decided to jump on the pink bandwagon and partake in the 30 day lolita challenge! That originated from this here lovely blog!

Bellow you will find the full list of questions or little challenges, and I'm going to do the first one today! Though, be warned, I may not post them every day (because my memory is rather shit!) so I'll just post them whenever I remember (which WILL be quite frequently!). I may also skip ones I can't think of answers for, or don't like the sound of!

Day 1 – 10 things about your lolita bubble.

Day 2 – 10 things you love in lolita.

Day 3 – 10 things you hate in lolita.

Day 4 – 10 different kinds of food you like.

Day 5 – 10 items from your wishlist.

Day 6 – 10 things you can’t live without in lolita.

Day 7 – 10 people who inspire your lolita style.

Day 8 – 10 songs that inspire you for lolita.

Day 9 – 10 things you will never do in lolita.

Day 10 – What’s in your bag?

Day 11 – One day in your lolita life in pictures.

Day 12 – A picture of yourself before lolita came in to your life.

Day 13 – A picture of your favorite sweets.

Day 14 – A picture of your dream item.

Day 15 – A picture of your last lolita purchase.

Day 16 – Your outfit for the day.

Day 17 – What do you want more then anything right now?

Day 18 – A picture of your favorite lolita style.

Day 19 – What’s in your make-up bag?

Day 20 – A picture of a lolita friend.

Day 21 – Your favorite fictional lolita.

Day 22 – A picture of your room.

Day 23 – A picture of your handwriting.

Day 24 – A picture of you from a meet.

Day 25 – Your favorite lolita themed artwork.

Day 26 – Your Facebook profile picture.

Day 27 – One song that fits your favorite lolita style.

Day 28 – A picture of the perfect lolita location.

Day 29 – A picture of a lolita you would love to meet for real.

Day 30 – A photo of yourself taken today and 3 good things that’s happened over the last 30 days.

So onto the first one!!

Day 1 ~ 10 things about your lolita bubble!

1~ I'm somewhat erratic, I don't wear lolita very often, and even then it's only casual loli >~<

2~ I find it hard to call myself a lolita, even though I love the fashion and plainly enjoy lolita lifestyle worthy activities and things such as baking, sewing, playing piano, tea and sweets! Lol! I don't feel like an official loli yet! ^-^

3~ The kind of loli that happily wiles away her days being a total nerd, either for anime and manga, games or things like Lord of The Rings.

4~ It frustrates me when people (mostly lolita's themselves) stereotype other lolitas and say that they must hate most anime, and anything like physical activity is a big no-no! All I have to say to them is... FUCK YOU!

5~ My wardrobe is busting full of clothing, though hardly any of it is lolita!

6~ Proud to be able to make my own lolita clothing! Recently I've made a headbow (though it was for a cosplay it could be used for loli!), and a skirt!

7~ Misconceptions piss me the fuck off!

8~ Not the most ladylike person on earth, but that doesn't stop me enjoying frills and lace <3333

9~ I share a room so I have to keep my love for stuff like loli rather contained, I do have a couple of G&LB posters though, and my cute hairbows and hats are all on display around my wardrobe and my pink candy themed mirror!

10~ I believe that no lolitas should put themselves into a sub category. We're already cut off from society enough, so why segregate ourselves anymore? 

I am personally quite happy to mix gothic and classic, classic and sweet and decora! Don't feel like you have to pick and choose, just go with what feels cool and looks awesome by your standards!

So there you have it! 10 things about my lolita bubble! Tomorrow comes "10 things that you love in lolita". I look forward to it!

x x x x

Chiru

x x x x

Cookie Dough

Cookie Dough by Chiruda Ishikawa 

Yes, yet another coord inspired by ice cream! But doesn't it just look sooooo awesome!! I love it so much! XD
You may have noticed but I'm finding polyvore somewhat addictive! Lol! It's good for taking my mind off of exams! ^-^
I think my favorite bits of this coordinate are the shoes (OMG SOOOO GORGEOUS!!!) and the jewelery! I love everything else as well, but they just jump out at me! Oh how I would love to own the things pictures here *drool*

Rosey Loli

Rosey Loli by Chiruda Ishikawa

A coordinate inspired by roses! Or to be more specific, a rose hair corsage that I found a tutorial for on ABC Lolita (totally in love with her tutorials! So awesome!)
Well, this coord is a little more achieve able than my dream mint-choc-chip fruits parlor one. I plan to try making the JSK, and perhaps the bag as well! And once my hair is longer it could be very easy to style like that. Also socks and a cardigan won't be that hard to find. I think it's only the shoes that I might have trouble with, because I've got such big feet >-<

x x x x
Chiru
x x x x

Mint-Choc-Chip

Mint-Choc-Chip by Chiruda Ishikawa

My dream coordinate! Seriously guys, this will forever remain a dream >-<
Tea parties aren't made in my size, Gothic and Lolita wigs stopped making that wig, and Fruits Parlor is notoriously hard to find. *Le sigh*
Ah well, I'll live! Maybe one day I'll still be able to create it? Well, I can hope, ne? XD
I did this to take a brake from revision, it's taken a lot longer than I thought it would though, so I should probably hit the books again in a minute.

Blouse ~~~ Innocent World
Jumperskirt ~~~ Angelic Pretty
Tea parties (shoes) ~~~ Secret Shop
Stockings ~~~ Unknown
Jewelery ~~~ Unknown
Headbow ~~~ Angelic Pretty
Wig ~~~ Gothic and Lolita wigs

If you guys know where I can find a Fruits Parlor item (don't care what), either a bodyline replica or no on the EGL comm sales, LINK ME IT!!!! Because I'd love to see if they are actually for sale ANYWHERE. AP stopped selling them on their site T.T

Anywayz, I love mint-choc-chip ice cream, it's one of my two favorite flavors so that's where the inspiration for this coordinate came from!!
I hope you like it as much as I do (= complete adoration)!!!

x x x x
Chiru

x x x x

LolitaShow Review

Hello again guys!
I've finally gotten my refund back from LolitaShow, so I just wanted to write a review of their terrible service and shit a little bit more on their already soiled reputation!

Like the many before me I fell for LolitaShow's cheap prices and pretty dresses. They are in fact one and the same with Milanoo, which has a disgusting reputation of selling poorly made clothing (from wedding dresses to halloween costumes), and taking months to deliver it.
I didn't know this when I placed my order, and was a fool for not researching them before buying.

January:
I placed my order with them on the 18th of January, at the start of this year, and was told that my dress would be made and shipped within 39 days, therefore it would arrive sometime in the last week of February.

Website layout and ease of ordering: 4/5

March:
When it didn't arrive before the end of February my dad emailed them saying that it hadn't arrived.
They called him the next morning and explained that they had never gotten a confirmation of my order. He sent them the receipt, and the confirmation email we had received, and he also proved that the money had been removed from his bank account. They apologised and said that they'd make my dress and have it to me within 17 days. Meaning it would arrive around the 17th-20th of March. It didn't.
After giving them a few days more my dad emailed them again.

First impression of their contact keeping skills: 5/5
Delivery: 0/5

April:
They didn't respond to my father's email in March until half way through the second week of April, when he emailed them threatening to report this to paypal. They then responded with an email saying that my dress was made they just hadn't had the chance to ship it yet, because they were 'really busy at the moment'. Not a professional response at all!

Second  impression of contact: 0/5

My dad asked for a refund and they told us that the dress was already made so it wouldn't be possible.
Before this I had read on my friend Belle's blog that they are renowned for using bad material in their products, this worried me, as I didn't want to risk wasting £41 pounds on a dress that was made of bad material. My dad emailed them again and told them that I had grown (even though we weren't sure I had) and that it wouldn't fit me any longer because they'd taken so long to fulfill the order. He asked for a refund again and they granted it. But it took them a week to do so.

I now have my money safely back in possession, and I've learned to research companies before ordering from them.  I'd say this has been an educational experience, but one I'd much rather hadn't happened!

Over all impression of this company: 0/5

They have terrible service, and probably poor material as well. Whatever you do, do NOT order from Milanoo or LolitaShow. And research companies thoroughly before even considering ordering from them!


x x x x
Chiru
x x x x

Lolita in Summer

Hello again you all!
So, I have been inspired by the recent incredibly hot weather in London to write an article about lolita wear in summer.

What do you do if you are desperate to don the frills and step out side your front door, yet, it's sweltering out, and you just can't bring yourself to wear your favorite new long sleeved OP, and platform boots in this hot, sticky weather?
Well, this is why I am here to help.
This is a problem many loli's encounter on a daily basis as the months get warmer and warmer, they want to wear their loli stuff but it's just to hot out. And apart from being terribly uncomfortable it can be dangerous, sun stroke or heat stroke can kill you if you get it bad enough. So here are my tips for staying cool in loli this summer.


General safety in hot weather!

One:
To look good on the outside, you have to be all in working order on this inside. So remember to drink plenty of water guys! If you don't keep yourself hydrated things can get pretty extreme (i.e passing out!) you may not even notice that you're thirsty at first, but trust me, unless you've already drunk about a liter of water, your body is asking for it!

Two:
Make sure to wear sun cream on any areas that are going to be uncovered if you're planning on being in the sun for a long time! The sun can cause freckling, blotchy skin, and even skin cancer!

Okay! Now onto the actual outfit suggestions!

One:
Now, I personally don't wear bloomers, but I know a lot of loli's do, they tend to give extra poof to a skirt, and also protect your from accidental panty flashing. But in summer do you really need the extra layer? No, you don't! I know it can seem a little risky, and weird - like going out without a bra on - but if you're careful no one is going to see up your skirt! Just think, how did you survive all those years wearing skirts before you got into lolita if you didn't have bloomers? And those skirts were much shorter!

Two:
Stick to light weight fabrics! This means ditching the velvet and the heavy cotton, and breaking out the light, floaty materials. Think thin (but not see through!)

Three:
Wearing socks instead of tights will help a lot as well. Nylon tights can become sticky, and get really uncomfortable around the crotch area when worn on hot days. But a nice pair of cotton socks will be really comfortable, and will let your skin breath as well.

Four:
Now I know it can seem like some sort of lolita law that you absolutely must wear a blouse underneath a JSK, but nowadays it's a totally acceptable thing to do if you just skip out on the blouse completely. If you feel like you have to wear one though, find a short sleeved one, in the thinnest fabric you can. It doesn't matter if it's slightly see through either, as it will be under your JSK!

Five:
If you're planning on wearing a blouse and skirt combo then perhaps trade in the blouse for a cutsew? Cutsews tend to be made out of more breathable soft material, and are usually thinner, and less cumbersome than shirts and blouses, but they still look just as cute!!
(As a suggestion I'd suggest not wearing an OP at all, they're just to stuffy for summer!

Six:
This one may be harder for some loli's than others, but, try to keep to lighter colours, black and darker colours soak up the sun, and can get very hot, as lighter colours (especially white and cream) reflect it, and will keep you cooler.

 This is a simple sweet coordinate that I put together on Polyvore. Note how I've stuck to lighter colours in the outfit!
The Baby dress makes a nice, light center piece for the coordinate, and the gold and black on the picture frames at the bottom tie in with the gold top on the fan, and the dark blue/black on the socks!
I would suggest wearing teaparties, or your most sandal like shoes in the summer, this will keep your feet cooler, which will also cool the rest of your body down. If you're going to be wearing open toe sandals though, just go barefoot! You could always paint your toe nails a pretty colour to draw add some more interest to your feet!
And don't forget that a parasol and a fan make a huge difference, I don't think I'd have survived without mine last year, and I wasn't even wearing lolita!

 

This next coordinate is my attempt at a summery gothic coordinate. I don't dress in this style, so it's a little hard for me to judge. I hope I did okay! The grey-blue on the socks ties in with the batenburg lace of a similar colour on the parasol. And the gold on the bracelet matches the little gold buckle on the shoes and the studs on the bag. Note how yet again I used a JSK, and skipped out on the blouse!

 

I tried to give this coordinate more of a classic feel, and it's by far my favorite (mostly because of the shoes!). It looks more casual because it's a cutsew paired with a skirt, and there are no socks or tights included. But it's not a lazy casual, as the you're still going to take the time to wear a headbow and some nice jewelry!

Hair and heads in hot weather!

One:

If you have long thick hair, it might be an idea to keep it up and off your neck. Then you can get a nice cool breeze on your neck and shoulders that will help keep you cool.

Two:

Try to avoid huge head dresses, as they're just going to make your head hot, which will make the rest of your body hot as well! This includes wigs and hair pieces!

Three:

Don't over dose on the hair spray, it will make your hair really stiff, and it will be almost like wearing a hair shaped hat. But let it hang in light waves, or loose curls, or braid it in two braids down your back. You could also keep it off your neck by (if it's long enough) putting it up in two high bunches - or pig tails - and then curling them.

Four:

If you have shorter hair, you're at an advantage at this time of year as it's not going to get in the way and become annoying. If your hair is in a short bob or pixie cut you may be able to get away with wearing larger head dresses.

Five:

Just because big headbows, and hats will make you hot, doesn't mean you can't wear small clip in hairbows, and other cute hairclips or even thin headbands!

I hope this guide comes in useful as the days get hotter! I know I'll be doing all of these things if I can get enough of a wardrobe together this summer!

I hope you all enjoy what's left of the day!!!

x x x x

Chiru

x x x x

100 Question Lolita Baton (last part!)

61: "Man, what a rip-off!!" Have you ever thought that about a store?
Hell yes, LolitaShow, for one is a rip off. I ordered an OP from them about 3 months ago and it still hasn't arrived, they said it would arrive in 39 days -.-*
 
62: Do you shop online? If so, put the good & bad points here to advise others.
I've had ONLY bad experience with shopping online for lolita. And only bad experience when shopping for it in real life (admittedly it was Camden, but...). My advice for those who need to shop online (like me). Don't use Milanoo or LolitaShow, their prices may look brilliant but from all the reviews I've read, their clothes are total shite. They also take a lot of work to get your order out of, as I said up above, I've been waiting 3 months >_<****
Also RESEARCH!!! It's key, seriously, research the company thoroughly before you buy from them!

63: You can say if you want, but is there a Secret person/shop that you have ordered a dress solely for you from? [I guess commissioned/replicated]
Nope, I'm still confused as to what Secret Shop is o.o''''

64: I can never have that/see that happening!! But I will always want it!!" Is there a brand you think this of?
Not really, I think anythings possible if you just wait long enough, and want it bad enough!

65: What do you do with the clothes you don't want anymore?
I haven't grown out of any yet, but I'll probably sell them, or give them to one of my friends, seeing as pretty much all of them are smaller than me ^-^

66: What is your most recent purchase? [Even non-lolita]?
A strawberry blonde wig for my Renge Houshakuji cosplay!

67: Is there an item which you love that you can't buy/seem to find?
Bodyline's Fruits Parlor replica, but I can't actually find it anywhere, even on Bodyline, and I can'tbuy it from their site anyway, because last time they charged us £30 import tax, and now my dad hates now >-<

68: What do you think of people who only wear lolita to concerts?
They can do what they want, I don't care. That's like saying, 'what do you think of cosplayers who only wear cosplays to conventions?', or something.  It's weird O.o

69: What do you think of lolitas without makeup?
Well, I can't really say anything, because I only just started wearing make up, but I think if you're going to make the effort to wear lolita, putting a little bit of concealer, and mascara on isn't to much of a problem. Not saying you should go the whole nine yards and wear contacts and false lashes or anything, just a little bit on your eyes can look natural and nice! ^-^

70: Another lolita is wearing the same coordinate/clothes as you!! What do you do?
Well, if she didn't copy me, it's okay! And anyway, copying is the highest form of a compliment!

71: What age should you stop Lolita?
I often wonder this, I guess it's just personal preference, I know I'll stop wearing it probably when I have kids...

72: When do you think you should graduate from Lolita? And why?
See above. And why? Well, because I just think I will have grown out of it by the age, and I can't very well breast feed a baby whilst wear AP's newest onepiece can I?

73: "You should stop that!!!>_<;" What must you not do when dressing lolita?
Just be yourself, but everyone should have good manners anyway, whether they're a loli or nay!

74: A lolita should be 'this'! What do you think that should be?
They should just be them, through and through!

75: Excluding #73, is there anything you should definitely not do in lolita?
Um... strip? I dunno.... O.o

76: What do you think of men in Lolita?
Unless they're young enough to pull of that shota loli or more femanine look (think Honey from Ouran High School Host Club, or Kagamine Len), then they totally shouldn't do it, you don't wanna see bulging biceps protruding from delicate lace >-<

77: Did you change yourself for dressing lolita?
Not really, I'd feel weird if I stopped being a sarcastic, fangirly, mildly perverted, bitch whenever I wore lolita! Lol!

78: What does your family and surrounding people think of you dressing lolita? And do you accept it?
My dad thinks it's hilarious, and likes to take the piss out of me >->'''' but I think he secretly likes it, because he knows I'll never look like a slut if I wear loli. My mam is all for it! And I THINK she supports me going as original as possible. They both think I'm wasting my money though >->

79: How do you dress Lolita in the boiling mid-summer?
Hmm, I've been pondering this question, as it's already starting to get hot here (which is REALLY weird for England o.o). I guess maybe skip the blouse under a JSK, and switch blouses and OP's for cutsews and skirts. And if your shoes are comfy enough make sure you've shaved, then go barefoot. Also, stick to light materials, like thin-ish cotton, and pale colours. As black velvet will soak up the sun, and be absolutely horrific!

80: have you gone to School or Work in lolita?
I'm home educated, and don't have a job as of yet, so nope! I don't!

81: How do you dress normally?
Like a freaking failed goth tomboy. Because I have the most useless and messed up wardrobe going T.T

82: Do you think twice about buying second-hand clothes?
Nope! Second hand is awesome, and it's good for teh planet!

83: Do you have a boyfriend? [or husband?] Does he understand Lolita?
I have a few friends that are guys, and they kinda ignore me (when it comes to a possible girlfriend) anyway, so I've no idea... I think they'd be cool with it though... o.o I'm really not sure. They'd probably lovingly tease me about it, seeing as I've known a lot of my male friends since I was around 4 they're kind of all like brothers to me!

84: Please tell us your ideal man.
Gosh, well, he'd have to be good looking, and he'd have to respect me, and my likes and dislikes. He'd have to be funny, and really nice, and get along with at least a few of my friends. Oh, and be okay with me cosplaying and wearing the clothes I do. So basically, right, he doesn't exist T.T
 
85: What Lolita has left a big, shiny impression on you so far?
Miss Caro-chan of F Yeah Lolita, my Anechan, and Victoria-Suzanne of Lolita Charm!

86: Have you made your own clothes? What are they like?
I've made cosplays before, it'd be really nice to make some loli stuff. A project for summer me thinks! ^-^

87: Have you made your own accessories? What did you make?
I made a giantt head eating Alice bow, that was sort of for a cosplay, but it's something I can use everyday as well, and I was going to make some little things out of FIMO to glue to hair clips, but I never got around to baking them, and then my mam cleared the table and them my sisters messed with them... and now they're gone o.o''''' I'd like to make some stuff in the future though!

88: The best item you have made! What is it?
Mah head bow!!!

8: Please say your most perfect Lolita coordination you wear.
I don't own it, though I'd love to in the future, Choco-mint split wig from Cosplay Wigs USA, Angelic Pretty's Fruit's Parlour print on a skirt, a white long sleeved blouse, white socks, and some brown teaparties (that they don't even make in my size anywhere T.T), that would be awesome!!!

90: Do you admire someone? What are they like?
I admire my Anechan, for just being the awesome, beautiful and brave girlie that she is, and I also admire my friend Katherine for putting up with everything she does. They're both amazing, brave and gorgeous human beings, and they deserve WAY better than they get!

91: One day you will go on a date with that person. What would you like to wear for him?
What person? o.o I haven't liked a real person for 4 years o.o''''' it's hard to answer this question... >-<''''

92: If you want one, what type of store would you open in the future?
A cafe!! I really enjoy baking, and tea is like, the best drink in the world! XD And lots of loli's would work there, and it would have a little place where you can borrow books to read, and I'd have a small rack of handmade accessories for sale as well!

93: Your eyes get attracted inadvertently to something. What is this motif?
Gates, crowns, keys and pink backgrounds with cakes and sweets on them!

94: Would you dress your child in Lolita?
Only if they wanted to wear it. I'm all about free choice. And bringing a child up to make their own decisions, and giving them enough leeway to make the right decisions through learning by trail and error if necessary!

95: How much do you spend on one outfit?
As little as possible! ^-~

96: "This is Lolita!!" Please say what you would say this about.
Depends what they're claiming is lolita...

97: What, in the Lolita world, have you wanted to try wearing?Just wearing brand would be nice! ^-^'''

98: Look at yourself in Lolita. In one word/phrase, how would you express your style/image?
Classic with a twist of creative steampunky sweetness! XDD

99: What is your ideal Lolita?
Not really sure, I guess... nope... I actually don't know!

100: Thank you for taking this Baton!! Please state your thoughts on it!
Mary mother of God this was fucking long! XD But very fun!


Glad it's over? Now, am I evil enough to tag people.... nope! xP Don't worry yourselves! Do this if you feel like it girlies!!!

Lolita Checklist

This is just a bit of fun, don't come and eat me if you don't agree with anything written here, it's just a bit of fun!

The Lolita Checklist

Can't help but admire (either secretly or not) at least one Disney princess.

When she see's a cute necklace just has to oggle it for at least 30 seconds.

Spends countless hours window shopping online.

Spends countless hours reading blog posts online.

Really does believe in the saying from 'A Little Princess'. ""Every girl's a princess".

Has watched or read 'Kamikaze Girls' at least once!

Has respect for herself and her body.

Probably has higher standards than most other girls.

Enjoys that brilliant moments when you sit down and your petticoat puffs out around you (like you just sat on a giant cupcake!)

Has at least one favorite print that she would love to own one day.

Still does, or has at one point in her life enjoyed a good anime or manga (or both!)

Get's frustrated when people say; 'lolita... like the child prostitute, right?'

Strawberries are a fail safe, and will never fall out of the book of awesome!

The only fashion where wearing a cake on your head is/was cool <3

The only fashion where you get to wear a bright pink frilly extraviganza, then not get called original.

Has a past understanding love for 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'.

One of the few girls in her group that will call a teacup 'adorable' or 'cute'.

Will actively seek out other lolis just to have a heated discussion about a certain print with them.

You can never have to many petticoats!

Knows that parasols really do make a huge difference.

"I have a parasol and a fan, I'll be fine"........... "Oh. My. God! Can you get somewhere shady? Please.... *dies from heat exhaustion*"

Has a dear love for either fairy tails or gothic novels (Frankenstein etc).

Tries her hand at heart felt poetry every now and then (failed or succeeded, it doesn't matter).

Attempted to sew something once, whether she succeeded or not, it doesn't matter!

Knows what OP, JSK, and cutsew mean.

Can spot pin tucks a mile away.

Has definitely heard of The Gothic and Lolita Bible, and KERA!

When someones mentions anything sugary they instantly feel like baking.

Is reminded of lolita whenever they hear the word 'lolly-pop'.

Knows when lolita came about!

Whether she has the courage to wear it out in public, or is a 'secret lolita', takes pride in her personal style!

Well, XD quite a few stereo types in there, but it was fun to write! It's meant to be jokey, so please don't take this seriously! Even I don't do all of those things, I only oggle the necklace for about 25 seconds xP I kid, I kid! If you want, feel free to write your own one of these guys!!!~<3

100 Question Lolita Baton (Part 2)

31: What is your motto?
I don't really have one, but I guess it would be something about not letting others get you down, because you have to listen to yourself before you listen to others!
 
32: Your dreams of the Future?
Pass my GCSEs, and continue cosplaying! Next year I'd also like to go and visit my best friend who just recently moved to Seattle! And hopefully get into a good collage! In July I'd like to get a job in a café as well, that would be awesome!
 
33: "This person is so perfect for lolita!" - Do you ever think that about certain celebraties?
Nope!
 
34: Any products/items you have with a fond memory?
I don't really associate any of my loli clothes with anything much yet, because I haven't really warn them enough, but I am very fond of them because they are the first lolita items that I bought!

35: What was your first item?
Two bodyline skirts and a Bodyline petti. Yeah, I'm an offbrand lolita! Lol! Not that I think brand makes the loli, they make themself!
 
36: Have you got to pose for photos?
Not whilst wearing lolita, but I go to conventions, and have gone up to central London wearing a wig. So when I'm cosplaying yes! ^-^

37: What is your heart's bible? [book/magazine/CD/etc]
I'm confused by this question... if it means 'where do I get my inspiration from?' then I get that from the manga Kuroshitsuji by Yana Toboso, so much detail and work is put into each caption, and all the extravagant Victorian cloths are just drool worthy!
 
38: What is the best cm for heels?
The last time I wore heals they were 4 inch ones, and I walked around a con in them for the entire day... in the end I was tempted to just cut my legs off to avoid the pain. So I'm a plat/platforms girl, I am! If I had to choose heals though, I'd say 1-2 inches!
 
39: Do you wear tiaras?
XD No, I'm no Hime lolita!
 
40: Do you think you want to try prince style? What kind of prince? Ankoku-kei [Gothic/dark prince]? Or "prince on a white horse" style?
Heck yes! And it would probably be a dark and gothic Prince!
 
41: What types of lace do you like?
Good lace. Period.
 
42: Do you own a doll? Does it give you fun, childish feelings?
Like, a BJD? I'd love to own Tao Hau Dao from Angel of Dream, but I won't be able to afford him till after Christmas sometime. Hopefully in the next week or so I should be getting Bohso the mini Pullip nurse or kawaii awesomeness! But I currently own none T.T
 
43: What is in your lolita bag?
*Hearts in eyes* A loli bag would be lovely... but in my normal bag, it's ipod, earphones/Hello Kitty headphones, tissue, glasses and their case, money and very occassionaly my phone!
 
44: What is your favourite flower?
Lily of The Vally, Blue Belle, and Snow Drop!
 
45: Right now, what is your favourite accessory?
A necklace I bought from my friend at a festival, it's a little china teacup, and a little china teapot, on separate gold chains that join at the top. And both the teacup and teapot are cream with little gold bows on!
 
46: Please reccommend us some cosmetics.
Oh wow! Lol! I've only just started wearing make up, so I'm really not the best person to ask! But my favorite things that I own (because have acne T.T) make up wise are, Rimmel London's stay matte pressed powder, and their Hide the Blemish Concealer, both in ivory!

47: With Eye-tape your eyes look like a Doll's! What eyelashes will you wear?
Lol! Yet again, not something I've ever worn, nor have I ever considered wearing them. Seeing as I don't wear that much make up (usually only eye liner and mascara) they would look really weird on me! ^-^''''
 
48: Your eyemakeup for these eyelashes?
........ >_>
 
49: Red Lipstick? Blue? Black? Pink?
O'natural lips for me I'm afraid! I only wear lipstick on Halloween, and when I'm doing a cosplay that requires it. I swear I have some psychological problem, but I'm not confident enough to wear it >-<
 
50: Or which nail polish do you choose normally?
I mainly use Barry M nail varnish, because I'm constantly doing stuff that gets my nails chipped and I find it stay on pretty well! My favorites are black, clear and this gorgeous deep purple colour. I've seen some of this rather beautiful mysterious dark blue/midnight blue Barry M stuff around that I might have to get hold of! It's such an amazing colour!
 
51: Have you ever changed in a train station bathroom?
Oh my God, lol! No XD
 
52: What do you think of 'twinning' and 'triplet' lolitas?
Awesomeness!
 
53: How do you keep in shape for lolita? Reccommend us something.
I'm naturally thin, and I have a really fast metabolism, so I can eat a lot of whatever I want, then feel rather plump for a couple of hours, but after a while I'm back to normal again. I used to be why may physical, I did dancing, trapeze and tae kwon do, along with walking more places, but now I just do tae kwon do. Which I think is a pretty good way of keeping fit, because you're not only keeping healthy, but learning how to defend yourself as well. Which is a good skill to have when you wear lolita in public, as it can attract more attention that mainstream clothes. It's not a very elegant sport, but there you have it! ^-^
 
54: Do you keep calm when by yourself in Lolita?
I get nervous going out on my own anyway,  due to having a creep follow me a couple of months ago, then some freak try and chat me up in a charity shop the other week (and I'm not talking about people of my own age, but adult males T.T). But yes, I do get nervous when I go out wearing frills. I'm a lot more relaxed if I'm with one of my friends, even if they aren't wearing particularly eye catching clothes. I think it's mostly because I have someone to talk to, so it's easier to ignore the rest of the world. They act as a very loving distraction!

55: How much do you spend per month on clothes/accessories?
The last time I spent money on lolita stuff was back in February, and it was a shitty blouse from a shitty shop in Camden. It doesn't even fit me anymore *cries*. But usually I don't buy lolita stuff, so not really any money a month!
 
56: Was there a time lag between you knowing about Lolita and dressing in it?
Lol! Yes, about 3 and a half years >-< and I'm still sort of in that lag right now!
 
57: What is your most expensive Lolita item?

My parasol that cost my dad 30 euros ^-^
 
58: It takes a lot of money to do Lolita. How do you save?
I buy pieces when I have money lying around. Because cosplay comes first I spend a lot more money on that than I do lolita. So usually I consider asking for loli stuff for my birthday or Christmas, then end up changing my mind to something cosplay related that I won't get otherwise. Then I have to save up my allowance (£30 a month, but I have to pay for travel and clothing with that) for ages >_<
 
59: Just a little secret here...How much have you spent so far on Lolita, roughly?)
Hmm, well, a lot of my things have been bought for me (birthdays and such), but somewhere around £150 I think?
 
60: Is there a brand house near where you live?
Sadly no, nearest one is Baby, The Stars Shine Bright in Paris o.o

100 Question Lolita Baton

Hey guys! Yes, I know, another loli post! I'm sorry, it's just I haven't progressed any further with cosplays in a while, so I have nothing to post about in that arena. And neither have I found any ground breaking anime series' so there's nothing going on there either.
The weather on the other hand! ZOMG!!! Sooooo hot! I'm sitting here in a tank top and brown cotton capris! My window is open, and I'm sitting at the shady end of my bed! It was stifling in London today, and I think the hottest day of the year so far, at around 21 degrees! XDD

Anywayz, onto the questions. I'm going to split this up into a few parts because it's sooooo super long!!
Anyone who wants to, feel free to do this! I didn't write it, I'm just passing along the baton as it were!

1: Screen name and DOB?
ChirucupcakeChan, or Chiru-chan, and I was born on the 18th of June, 1996!

2: Height,? Weight? Clothing size and shoe size?
I'm 168cm tall, or about 5,8 ^-^'''' I weigh 9 stone, I'm an English 8-10 in clothes, and my shoes size is an English 8-9!

3: Why did you start to dress lolita?
I saw the film 'Kamikaze girls' when I was 11, and then I saw lots of lolita clothes in Camden Market, and gradually fell in love. I had been a failing and wannabe goth before hand, and I have always loved dressing up so it wasn't really that much of a leap for me. It was the shoes that really got me loving the fashion though! XD

4: Which style of lolita do you like?
Classic mostly, but I really do love myself a bit of sweet and kodona! When it comes to accessories though, I'm totally in love with decora! XDD

5: Express in your own words, the ideal your above answer?
I don't want to feel to childish or frumpy when I  wear lolita, so I go for more toned down blouses and OPs. Which is probably why I'm such a big fan of classic lolita. I like elegant, dark  (which I guess is where my old love of gothic clothes gets drawn into things) OPs, JKSs and skirts, but blouses have to be white or cream. Black ones are cool sometimes to, though they just have to be with the right skirt or JKS.
If I was ever going to buy a sweet piece, it would probably be a skirt, nothing to over powering, probably a print!

6: Do you have piercings? Where?
I have my ears pierced, and I was considering getting my lip pierced when I'm older. But I cosplay pretty much all the time, and I think a lot of characters might look a bit odd with their lip pierced ^-^ lol!


7: Which brands do you like?
Metamorphose and Moité, but also Innocent World, and I totally love Angelic Pretty's Fruits Parlor print! XD

8: Which are your favourite clothes you wear?
I only own two skirts, and only one loliable cutsew that fits, so right now, my bodyline skirt, with the blue roses on it, and my grey flowery cutsew from H&M. I also have a parasol that my dad bought me in France, but it's not something I can carry around on a daily basis ^-^'''

9: How many lolita friends do you have?
Sadly I only have two friends that are into loli, and none of us can really afford to buy the clothes. But hopefully that's only temporary!!!!!

10: What do you love most about lolita?
The great quality of good lolita clothes, it's such a satisfying fashion to wear because you get to geet to feel good quality lace, and thick, nice cotton on your skin on a regular basis. I also love the flouncy cupcake feeling you get when you sit down and your petti billows! XD

11: What do you hate about it? Pet peeves?
The price >_< loving loli and being an anime nerd and cosplayer is hard maintain T.T
Other than that, I hate being fucked around by brands such as Lolita Show, who I'm having MAJOR trouble with at the moment.  And my pet peeve would be bad quality lace, it just makes me feel really sad when I find it on an otherwise lovely item.

12: Magazine you read?
I don't really read magazines, partly because I can't afford them, and also because good magazines are hard to get hold of in my area without paying bucket loads. I read masses of lolita blogs though, and also watch a lot of vlogs on youtube about lolita. I own volume 34 of the Gothic and Lolita Bible, but it's in Japanese so I can't read it...

13: Headdresses, bonnets or ribbons/katsushya?
Bonnets are adorable, but I'm totally not confident enough to wear one. Massive head eating bows are my favorite though! I love how extravagant they are! ^-^

14: Yes to Drawers/Bloomers?
I'd like to own some, just to see what they're like. But right now I don't have any so nuuu, I don't wear dem! T.T

15: Do you tie headdresses at the front or at the back?
I haven't got any tie on ones, but if I did own one it would be at the back hidden under my hair ^-^

16: Who is your favourite band/type of music?)
Hard one that! XD I listen to a really wide range of music, as for English speaking bands I love Panic! At The Disco, Avril Lavigne, Owl City, Glee stuff, Ke$ha and many more, but when it comes to Japanese music it's mostly just opening and ending songs for the particular anime that I watch. Supercell, Ikimono Gakari and Kanon Wakeshima are epic though!!!

17: What is your phone ring tone~?
My phone ring tone for text messages is 'Hare Hare Yukai' which is the first 'The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya' ending, and for my calling ring tone, it's 'Life', the first Bleach ending!

18: Do you go to concerts in lolita?
I've only been to two, Owl City and The Unthanks, and I didn't wear loli to either of those. It'd be cool to one day though!

19: (For people who attend concerts) do you headbang there?
Lol! I can't imagine myself ever doing that! ^-^

20:What colours do you like?
On lolita clothes I like greens, blues, pinks, reds, black, cream and red. But as just colours on their own I like, cerulean, silver, white, green, ice blue, royal blue, pink, red, lilac and black!

21: What are your hobbies?
COSPLAY!!!! <3 XDDD Yush, and watching anime, reading books and manga. Creative writing, sewing, blogging/vlogging, cosplay photography, drawing, playing piano and I don't really enjoy it anymore, but tae kwon do.

22: If you have any favourite perfumes, please tell us?
I don't really wear perfume, the one and only bottle I own is from the body shop, and I got it for Christmas about 3 years ago. It's called Aqua Lily ^-^

23: Is there anything you are careful of in lolita?
I live in a slightly rough area, so I'm always careful not to draw to much attention to myself, more benign things include not dropping food on myself when I'm eating, and not brushing against anything dirty!

24: Do you have any favourite haunts to go to in lolita?
Central London in general, and Camden, I stand out less in those places. Museums and book/anime shops!

25: how many times a week do you dress lolita?
T.T Sadly not very often, I wear it less than twice a month, and that's only casual lolita *ashamed*...

26: Please tell us an embarrassing story when you were a beginner in lolita.
I AM a beginner lolita, and so far, there are no embarrassing stories to tell. I've known about loli for 4 years, and I'm being VERY careful not to stray into ita territory, so hopefully I'll never have one of those awkward ita fazes! XD

27: Your current hairstyle and colour?
My hair is naturally strawberry blonde, some of my friends *coughHughcough* say it's borderline ginger! XD  I have a straight fringe and layers. Slightly shorter bits at the front, and then it just goes straight to my full length hair, which comes down to the top of mah boobs!

28: What is your lolita history?
I found out about lolita when I was 11, so in 2007, and I got my first two skirts and petti from bodyline in very early July 2010

29: Do you store your clothes in a special place?
In my wardrobe... o.o where else?

30: Did you ever think about stopping Lolita? What was the reason?
I think about it almost everyday, I wonder if I'll be able to afford enough pieces to start a wardrobe, and I wonder if I'll ever have the courage to wear the, out in public...

Part 2 coming soon!!!

Your Own Loli Shrine

It's important to have your own space. Everyone needs their own little patch, whether you're a hobo with a box, or a princess with a palace. What matters is that it's yours, and that you can do anything you want with it. This article was inspired by Ritoru-anechan's article that was posted last night on our loli blog (I also posted this article there as well). In that post she spoke briefly at the beginning about starting your own cute little shrine which you "dedicate to the gods of cute!" I really think this is a good idea. And as I have to share a room with a slobby tom-boy 9 year old sister, and have my 5 year old sister play in here quite regularly, having some privacy, and my own space to chill out is a rare occurrence (sadly enough T.T).

To start us off, I'd like to talk a little about my little chunks of chill out zone. There are about 3 that I am reasonably proud of; my dressing table shelf, my bed, and my wardrobe (however messy the last one may get).

In my bed room, there is a huge white shelf unit from ikea, it's very angular, and by no means classic victorian. More failed modern. But I do what I can with it. I turned two of the shelves into a sort of dressing table.

The shelf above this one (not pictured) covers the more practical side of things. It's where I store my deodorant, contact lens solution, cosplay things (wig caps etc), make up, make up remover, and so on and so forth, along with a couple of big jewelry boxes.

The shelf underneath on the other hand, I have arranged in a half functional, half aesthetically pleasing way. It's pretty simple, the two "posters" on either side are actually bags from one of my favorite stores for cute things, ARTBOX (ignore the picture on the homepage, England has a royal wedding on Friday -.-*). I just stuck the bags up with blue tack. In the first picture you can see stickers, and bottle caps that I just found some way or another of securing to my wall. I also clipped a few of my favorite hair clips to the bag on the right side (the pastel, and white one). ^-^
Everything else is pretty self explanatory really, it's just a case of collecting a few nice things, and arranging them in a way you find pleasing to the eye.

My next little haven is right next door to this one. My wardrobe is hardly something a loli could be proud of, right now, I own two offbrand skirts, a parasol, a simple cutsew, and a couple of blouses (neither of which fit very well >_<). But it's not the inside I wish to tackle. I go to quite a few anime and game conventions, and I regularly pick up posters. Last October, I went to a small convention in London's Brick Lane, called hyper Japan, where there was a Baby, The Stars Shine Bright stall vending their wares. Unfortunately I didn't have £31 pounds with me to spend on two hair clips, but I did manage to get hold of two posters that they had up on the back of their stall. It was the last day, so they had no qualms about letting me buy them. They're both covers off of the Gothic and Lolita Bible.

This one just adds a small bright flash of pink to an area that would otherwise be bland and boring ^-^
I keep it above my large mirror, which is why you can see a little patch of silver-ish-ness in the bottom corner.

My next little area is really quite out of place sitting where it is. As I mentioned before, I pick up quite a lot of posters, and it's really no secret that I'm a total anime nerd. So the area to either side, and above my bed is mostly full of posters for shonen (boys) anime. But, just to the right I have a small space reserved for the other G&LB poster that I bought at Hyper Japan!

It's slightly mixed with a small steampunk theme (the cogs/gears in the bottom left corner) but I guess that's just me! This area is quite creative, as I get bored and draw little things like pocky, bows and cogs, and cut them out and stick them to my wall with blue tack!

Get your own little haven!!!
Step one:
It doesn't have to be anything fancy, not at all! In fact, I'd be surprised if it was, just a small vanity area, or a shelf, or as Ritoru-anechan said, the inside of a locker at school/work if you have one. It could be anywhere, just so long as it won't be disturbed too much by other people.

Step two:
Find some cute pictures (you could use postcards, or print some pictures of coordinates you like off of the web) or if you can, do a few small drawings and pin them up on any near by walls. If you're not allowed to stick things to your walls, find some cheap frames (the kind with the little leg on the back so then can stand on a desk), and paint them or decorate them in some kind of cute fashion, then simply slip your picture inside.
If you are allowed to stick things to your walls, try finding some cute stickers, or making a collage. Be imaginative, and don't be afraid to stick bottle caps, or ribbon to your walls or picture frames!

Step three:
Either break out your one from your childhood, or try and get hold of an old fashioned jewelry box - perhaps from a secondhand store, or online? - and keep it in a corner of your desk or shelf (I wouldn't advise keeping this in a locker, as it could get damaged, or stolen xO). If you're lucky enough to own a fancy stand type display - like my torso and dress one - hang a couple of your favorites bracelets or necklaces off of it. You could even put a couple of head bows, or a mini top hat on it like I did. Again, I wouldn't reccommend that one for a locker. For that, I'd stick to the things mentioned in the second step!
Returning to your childhood once again, maybe you have a love for plushies, feel free to chuck a few of hem in there. Sanrio creations such as Hello Kitty, or Cinnamon Role are always winners!

Step four:
If you're lucky enough to own a dress makers dummy (and by that I mean one of the ones covered in cloth that you use for making clothes), and have enough of a wardrobe to actually make a nice coordinate, try dressing up the dummy in a very special coordinate or dress. Something you're not going to wear so often. This can be a really nice way to exhibit your wardrobe. But be warned, cats, dogs and apparently rampant hamsters make light work of clothes left withing the reach of their grubby paws!

Step five:
For those unfortunate enough to not posses a dress makers dummy, you could try getting hold of some nice padded hangers, and some brass, or metallic coloured coat hooks (the kind that screw into the wall) and hanging a fancy OP or JSK off of it? With a cardigan or bolero over the shoulders, just to make it a little more complex, if that's what you're going for of course!

Step six:
If you have enough space, forage up some nice books (or perhaps DVD's or CD's?) to inspire you! Next to my dressing table-shelf thing I have a copy of  the Gothic and Lolita Bible, a small book of flower fairy poems with illustrations, and a nice thick book of Harajuku street snaps. Your inspiration could be anything, shoujo manga, classic Disney movies. Or books like 'An Interview With a Vampire', 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' classic fairy tales - like the ones by the Brothers Grimm, or 'Wuthering Heights'. Perhaps you're a fan of Malice Mizer, or Kanon Wakeshima? Or maybe you just can't resist 'Sleepy Hollow', 'Vanhelsing' and 'The Adams Family'. If it's something that fuels your creativity, slap it on in there! I know that I could just turn to a lot of my manga and get some good idea for outfits, or maybe I just feel like pigging out on ice cream and watching a movie over a tub of Ben and Jerry's. XD

Step seven:
Have fun with it! It's your space, and if you don't feel like following any of my advice, you don't have to. This is merely here as a rough guide, and I know it caters far more to the sweet and classic side of things than the gothic. But it's all about interpretation, maybe you'll find a nice big wine red jewelry box in your antique store one day? Or maybe you'll find one shaped like a giant cupcake? Who knows, eh?

x x x x
Chiru
x x x x

Good lace, bad lace, good lace, bad lace...

Hello there sweeties!!!
How's your week been so far? This evening I've been reading an awful lot of lolita blog posts, and you can tell because my grammar has improved greatly, and my mannerisms have gotten very posh! ^.~
I kid, I kid! I won't carry on like that! Don't you worry xP

Anywayz, I was just reading an article on good and bad lace, by Miss Caro-chan of F Yeah Lolita and it has inspired me to write my own version of this article.
Please keep in mind that I am not a professional seamstress, nor do I make lace. This is just what I have picked up from being a lurking loli on the interwebz for the past 4 years, and previous to that being exposed to lots of hand me down bundles of lace given to me by my nan. Not all of that lace was good lace mind.

The first thing you need to know about lace (especially on loli clothes!) is this; if it's bellow £1.50 a yard, it's probably bad (unless you were buying it from the sale bin of course). If your otherwise gorgeous OP is cheap, they're probably skimping on the lace. Period.

This lace pictured above is of very poor quality (and is very similar to the lace on a blouse I impulse bought in Camden in February *facepalm*)
It's thin, and the design is stereo typical of all poor quality lace, seriously, the design on almost all of it is a very odd, random floral pattern. The "background" of the lace, which is the very plain honey comb patterned area, most easily seen on the bottom, may look delicate, but it will feel scratchy and course when you feel it on your skin. It catches the light in strange ways, and is often made of a nylon, or nylon like material.

Good lace on the other hand, as it is picture here, will be thick, sumptuous and a real joy to feel on your skin. And unlike the bad lace will be made - most commonly - out of cotton. As you can see here the designs look a lot less intricate  - especially on the largest one - but are probably a lot more sturdy because of that. If you look closely at the way it's woven you will see the separate threads. Not thin plasticy looking strands of what could be barbie hair.
Good lace can cost a fair amount, but unless you're ridiculously stingy you won't mind that much. It should feel smooth, and thin, almost like a small piece of material. It should not feel manufactured smooth, but more like the kind of smooth you feel when you run your fingers over the skin on the inside of your wrist. The area where you feel your pulse.


Of course, this does not just apply to white lace, but also to black, cream, mint, yellow, pink, blue and maybe even orange lace.


Branching off a little from just lace, I'd like to offer a simple word of advice to anyone who is looking into buying their first lolita dress, and really wants something decadent with lots of fancy lace and and all the bells and whistles attached. I'm guessing - and I'll be very surprised if you do - that you don't have £300 pounds to spend on a Baby, The Stars Shine Bright extravaganza? No, well, I didn't expect you to.

A lot of cheaper companies are renowned for their poor quality lace, Bodyline got an incredibly bad reputation for selling crappily made pieces with that disgusting lace plastered all over. They have since improved, and as far as I know, they no longer sell pieces with that bodge job lace attached (They do on the other hand not warn you about export/import taxes of £30 >_<*). It's not a given that the company is going to sell you a skirt of completely different quality to the one you saw in the advertisement, but it is a possibility. Therefore, why risk it. For your first piece, substitute lace for ruffles! You'll obtain the same extravagant effect, but you won't have to fret about your lace being made of a material akin to that of tinsel. It's a legendary lolita "rule".

XD But, by all means, if the ita look is the way you wanna go, buy all the cheap lace you want! Just be prepared to suffer a lot of abuse if you go around calling it good lace, or perhaps even lolita.

I really hope this article helped you distinguish bad lace from good lace. What are your experiences with lace? Be it good or bad?

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Chiru
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