Life as Lolita
♥†♥†♥†Lolita†♥†♥†♥
Its not just a cosplay costume for the weekend. Despite what may be advertised on the internet, its not so much dressing up as lolita, but BEING lolita. Lolita is a style reminiscent to Victorian or Edwardian times, when innocence and conservaty was valued. As such, the lolita style is very Victorian, lace, ruffles, empire waists and at the same time, very conservative, few styles show skirts higher than two inches above the knee. The one exception, is of course, ero-loli, but even then, it is not the short miniskirts we may see in western society. No, even with the more extremist modern styles as punk and ero, it is still more conservative than their western counterpart. This is not to say that to be a lolita, one must be 'prudish' but simply aware that it is not to attract attention to lace and frills. And above all, Lolita is not to be provocative.
♥†♥†♥†Style†♥†♥†♥
There are many styles of Lolita - Ranging from Gothic, Shiro, Kuro, Sailor, Pirate, Cosplay (kitty ears, wings etc), Classic, Sweet, Ero, Hime, Wa/Qi, Ouji...the list goes on.
I myself probably wont explain very well, so please follow this link for examples, pictures and explanations - thanks to lolita-handbook.
Lolita is a very versatile style, it can be incorporated into anything, example in casual lolita (mostly what i wear, as full outfits are expensive to dryclean ^^) where simply lace, headdresses or different aspects, skirts etc. are incorporated into everyday wear. Such as school uniform and weekend wear. There are also styles for the goth or punk generation (me ^^, i love kuro) and classic or sweet for a more cute style. Lolita can be for more mature people, Aristocrat and Elegant (face it, after 25 or so, it becomes a little strange to dress in little girl bubblegum pink frills), as well as a part of cosplay, made popular in shojo manga like Paradise Kiss etc (i'm sorry, i dont read much shojo, i read shonen!! XD i start referring to myself as 'boku' and 'ore' by accident sometimes). I'm sure sites like wikipedia ♥ (link to lolita page) will offer lots of information on sources.
♥†♥†♥†Clothing†♥†♥†♥
Lolita need not be completely brand label, should anyone be lucky enough to actually purchase a complete brand labeled lolita wardrobe, they could simply covet the clothes, not the values. I am also not an expert on clothing, though i am fairly competent with materials and styles, i'd really rather not blunder here and give anyone any misconceptions so here are a few links instead, please browse and offer the writers your support ^^
♥†♥†♥†Etiquette†♥†♥†♥
Recently, i have been researching the etiquette rules that a lot of lolita follow, and i just wanted to share. Here for example are a few websites: (the hearts are links)
(please give all credit to the people who wrote them ^^, there was also a person on DeviantArt ♥ but they copied lolita-handbook, if you have a deviantart account, please help lolita-handbook by commenting ((but please do not be rude)), thank you).
Some would say that to have perfect Lolita etiquette requires to follow the somewhat outdated Victorian codes of conduct, but i believe that this isnt mandatory, perhaps just start with being polite to those around you, say please and thank you and learn polite table manners.
To be perfectly honest, i find it hard myself to sometimes follow these rules, if you hadnt noticed, i'm rather...straight to the point, and excitable (its a failing.), they are very good guides, but it is rather difficult sometimes to follow. I'd just like to admit that, its sometimes not the easiest lifestyle or choice to follow, politeness and repectfulness to everyone but its well worth the rewards (see warm fuzzy feeling ^^).
It gets easier with time (hooray i dont swear anymore - although i never said any of the really terrible ones -including the one starting with 'f' and also, i dont cross my legs anymore ^^) and it really adds to the lolita life, its not just a fashion trend after all.
♥†♥†♥†Afternote†♥†♥†♥
Although lolita is often misrepresented and somewhat under-appreciated (depending where you live), and you will surely get some interesting people come up to you in the streets (one bowed to me - i bowed back, to a very bemused audience, and one started screaming at me, i poked him with my umbrella ((not a good temperament that day ^^")), there are still very many lolita-fans around. If you by chance live in New Zealand, feel free to contact me, and i will do my best to keep you informed of events. Although i am far from an expert, if you have any queries, please let me be your lolita-fied agony aunt, and i will try to help. ^^
Comments
Thank you very much ^^ どうもありがとうございました。
I tried very hard to compose this after many of my friends were uncertain and asked me if i was a cosplayer ^^"
No, currently i have not heard of any lolita etiquette books, however you may like to check out those magazines i have listed, they often have etiquette tips as well as make up and hair, i would love to purchase some, but my japanese is quite tragic, so i cant read them very well ^^
hiii nice to meet u ^^ i so happy that find other lolita lover here ..since people around me dislike so much ...u seem to know alot lolita idea do u mind add me add as freind?
sanchow2@htomail.com
Nice to meet you too, feel free to add me to your friends list ^^
I also know how you feel, some people in my class are like that too, but you should keep in mind that these people are probably narrow-minded and unimaginative.
Thanks for that, i try ^^"
~Sakuya
(by the way, i think you shouldnt post your email on any website, its just not very safe, thats all...^^")