Lolita Fashion

WARNING: This is a very long, rambling entry because I have the day off, AND I am very interested in this subject. It is pretty amazing, really. SO, if you have no time or get bored easily, perhaps you should move on.

Honestly? It's amazing the new things you learn every day. Yesterday, for example, I learned about a fashion trend that's been around for a while. And before it is thought--YES I knew about Harajuku girls. No one could have missed Gwen Stefani's shove of the culture into our faces. And (you guessed it) Gwen Stefani's Harajuku girl's are not an accurate representation of what this is. Lolita girls, from what I understand, are different. I will show you a picture so you can see.

Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Girls:

As you can see, these girls where just what you remember them wearing. Pretty much nothing, with short skirts and cleavage. Pretty. Okay, whatever. Not something I'm into, really. I mean, short skirts are fun, but there's only so much power sexuality has. These girls are kind of throwing away their own femininity. Which isn't sexy at all, unfortunately. Gwen is too pretty to show her ass to everyone, no matter how tempting it is, sometimes. No offense to her girls or anything but that's not really what its about, so I've learned...




Lifestyle Lolitas:

Gosh. I love it. LOOK at her. This is one of many styles (I'd probably guess she is a Sweet Lolita), but here's what I think:
1) They wear frills, lace, poofs, petticoats, and bloomers. PERFECT!
2) When someone is a Lifestyle Lolita, she remains composed, sweet, kind, proper, and with a high amount of ettiquette that she does NOT because anyone asks her to, but because that's the kind of woman she wants to be.
3) She is modest and still insanely cute and beautiful! Skirts always go to the knees, shoulders are always covered by at least a blouse.
4) In an effort to maintain a lady-like structure, they don't cuss either (it would be difficult, but I bet I could do it).
5) They carry things like stuffed bears and parasols, as well as have insanely big bows and headresses.
6) They love curls!
7) There are lots of different options so you can always find one you love! Gothic, Sweet, Classic, and Punk are the four main styles, but there are many other themes named stuff like Wa, Qi, Oji, Princess, Gore, Sailor, Shiro, Black, Classic, Casual. Those are just same main ones as well! I've seen Fairy and Country ones too :) So many choices, all very beautiful. I like Classic and Sweet the best, but sailor is way cute.

Now, I hear that the Lolita look comes from Victorian times--playing off of aristocrat's clothing as well as children clothing of the time--and the Rococo period. I LOVE Victorian clothes. I love lace, and frill, and bows. If I had discovered this in high school? I would have done it the whole time and just asked my mom to sew me beautiful dresses :)

What I Don't Like:
1) I hate that a lot of Lolitas (apparently) judge others for not having name brand clothes.
2) I hate that name brand clothes are so expensive! This is a whole wardrobe (and lifestyle) change! It costs a LOT to get into. There are a few alternative shops I could try out, however.

Would I Do This:
Allright, so if I had money? You'd better believe I'd try it...it's only (I think) a little difficult for a few reasons (last list I SWEAR! lol)
1) It IS expensive and Teran would probably kill me for spending lots of money on a dress lol
2) You seem to really need a friend for this. Honestly, so many of the activities Lolitas do are things that just wouldn't be as fun alone (Tea Parties, picnics, museum, walks, sleep overs, etc.) But it all sounds like sooo much fun I wish I had a bff out here in CA to dress like this with me every day and just have fun with it. Not to mention it would be easier to face the outside world lol
3) It would be a little harder for me...especially hair-wise. There are very few African-American (or any sort of ethnic besides Asian) Lolitas...most are white or Asians. And none of them post a dang thing on YouTube or anywhere online. It would be hard to be a first, I think, cuz I would be obligated to somehow document it lol. And it would be hard to come up with hairstyles and makeup looks too. I could do it, just some work.

TOP SECRET INFO: I am probably going to get married in a Lolita outfit. I can act sexy any day of the year, but being a princess? Might as well try it out :) Besides, it will make GREAT pictures, I think. I'll post something about that at a later time--this is a long entry!

"Anyone can get dressed up and glamorous but it is how people dress in their days off that are the most intriguing." ~Alexander Wang

elizabeth

Sweet Lolita

Gothic Lolita

I can't remember the name but its the one that dresses in all black lol

Often the ones in all white and all black are bffs who do this for contrast :)

She's maybe Country Lolita or Sweet Lolita. Either way I love it :)

Same type as above is my best guess...

So these are a few pics, but there are some really cool videos on YouTube. You can't help but get excited with those girls over their beautiful dresses :)