If You're Going to Do it... Do it Right.

Hello Darlings!

So today I want to talk about something that seems to be a big issue for me.  Now there are many different kinds of Lolita, and if you have been into the fashion for a while, you probably know that there are rules on how to wear Lolita or even how one should behave.  I would like to think of these more as guidelines.  The more extreme Lolitas (and there is nothing wrong with being passionate about your interests) would argue that in order to be considered Lolita you have to dress a certain way and act a certain way.  Those that do not comply with these rules get labeled with the name "Ita".

"Ita" is a term used for those who try to dress in the Lolita fashion but due to whatever reason it is deemed that their attempts are not up to standards.  Examples:  They could just be starting out, so they grab what they can in their closet or at good will and alter it.  They buy a dress online that looks Lolita, but once they get it it turns out that no, it's not what they expected and does not fit into the standards, however they still want to wear it.  The particular style that they like is frowned upon, (Wa Lolita being one of them).
Here is my thoughts on Lolita, whether you are starting out or you just want to do your own thing.  Just do it.  When it comes down to it, Lolita should ultimately be a feeling you get when you want to dress in the style.  You just admire the fashion but don't own any garments.  If that is the case, in my opinion you are a Lolita in spirit and that is what matters. 

When I say "Dress in the style"  it does not have to be brand, it can be clothes you bought at Walmart but thought it conveyed the Lolita style in some way.  I basically had to start out the same way and go through my closet or get lucky at the sale rack at JC Penny.  So girls who have to basically make due until they get the money for their own outfits or learn how to sew will get stuck with the label as "Ita".  I find this term offensive, not only for me but for all girls or guys who enjoy the fashion.
Now before people start filling up my comment box, I just want to address something.  I know that not everyone has these thoughts, and that those who do have these thoughts will have them for different reasons.  You are entitled to your opinion.  All I ask is that before you judge someone, please remember that not everyone has $300 dollars to drop down on one outfit from Baby The Starts Shine Bright, especially clothes they are not 100% sure are for them.  Not everyone is 100% clear of what makes something Lolita, and what they may think is their best treasure (be it bought or sewn), someone could be making a joke out of it.  So like all practical people, these girls or guys will take the resources they have in their own closest.  Even though it is not up to Lolita standards, shouldn't people who try get some credit?

Now the clothes aside, lets go over attitudes or mannerisms.  For those of you who know me, I am a pretty quite girl.  I don't have any brand other than bodyline.  I sew my own clothes (which apparently is also frowned upon?).  I work hard and am respectful of others.  So when I get dressed in whatever outfit I happen to want to wear (Tiny hat tilted to the side and all!) to hang out with my friends, I want the experience to be a good one.  And you know what?  It is a good experience, because not everyone in the group that I meet up with follows the rules 100%, and everyone feels relaxed to be their self without fear of being judged.  Shouldn't it just always be that way?  You don't have to like or love someones outfit, but you also don't have to treat them any less of a human being than you would want yourself to be treated.

Frill and let Frill!

... Ok, my catch phrases still need work.  I hope that those of you who read this understand what I was getting at.  I am not ashamed of the "Ita" outfits I had when I was first starting out, or the ones that I still have.  I'm not ashamed because even though I might not have done it right, I was still Lolita, and I still am today, because despite what I wear it's how I feel.  I hope that others who are also starting out, or who had the same beginnings also feel the same.

Stay pretty, both inside and out.

-PLV

The Winner Is...

iSaunter

Congradulation iSaunter, and thank you for your wonderful submission!


Thank you all to also submitted your entries, it was so hard to choose only one winner!  I look forward to seeing your future submissions!

Until next time, Lovelys

~PLV

Officially Closing the Contest...

Tomorrow I will announce the winner of the contest.  Thank you so much everyone for your submissions and patience!  There were really good entries and it was hard to decide the winner.  The Winner will receive an email from me, and I will make a blog post.

Now don't think this is the end Ruffle-butts!  I will have another contest in the future :) 

Love and kisses,

PLV

Introduction to Lolita Fashion

As a fan of the fashion, I know that there are many different styles of the Lolita fashion. It is constantly growing and changing, both from brand label designs such as Baby the Stars Shine Bright, Angelic Pretty, and Innocent World; to independent designers like I Do Declare, Candy Threads, and Elegy Clothing. However, there are still a lot of people who don't know what Lolita is or how it started.


What is Lolita? The Lolita fashion took off in the 1980s in Japan. The name of the fashion results in a few raised eyebrows as the first thing that comes to mind is Vladimir Nabokov's novel, Lolita (1955) which was controversial in depicting an older man's relationship with a minor. But the use of the name 'Lolita' in this fashion was to refer to the very child and doll-like style found in the clothing making it both beautiful and sweet, rather than sexy or vulgur. The style is actually quite modest and those from any age group can wear this style (YES, ANY AGE GROUP). I myself did not offically start wearing the fashion until the spring of 2011, but before then I had always been a long time admirer.


As mentioned earlier there are many different styles under the Lolita banner. The more known styles to choose from are Gothic, Sweet, and Classic Lolita. There are many more, such as Country, Sailor, Ero; the list goes on! You can also sew your own, for those who create their own clothing can even start their own style of Lolita. Those that do not sew, the style can be expensive if you just want to buy specifially Lolita Branded clothing. I am a firm believer that if it looks Lolita, you can wear it and no one has to know it is a top bought from Goodwill or at the mall. Especially if it is your first time wearing Lolita and you are trying to find your own style and see if it is for you. For both the list of the more specific styles and to gather more information on the fashion itself, there are links to websites that I found to be most helpful, when I was first starting out, at the end of this blog post. It also includes a forum so that you can meet others who have been into the fashion for a while or those just starting out as well.

I'm going to cover some of the more popular styles in more detail, starting with Gothic Lolita. The primary colors in this style are black and white with religous symbols on them or coffins, bats, or roses. With this style the make-up can be a bit dramatic, mainly focusing on black and other dark colors for the eyes while the lips are most commonly painted red or black. Though like all styles you can wear it however you like! So if you like the dresses but not a fan of the makeup, you never go wrong with a natural look. The important thing is to be comfortable in your own style, as it is an expression of your own individuality, as well as being part of a community.


Sweet Lolita, this would be the 'Baby Doll' look with the very cute and cheery patterns of candy, flowers, and cute little animals. This style is said to be influenced by the Rococo era. In this style the colors are mostly light, with the skirt's fullness to give it a 'cupcake' like shape. The right petitie coat will give this effect, and most if not all lolita dresses and skirts require a petitie, but different ones will cause different shapes. This style focuses more on the childlike innocents.


Classic Lolita, my personal favorite. In a way this could be seen as the more 'Historical' style. The style is influenced by the Victorian era, Rococo, and Regency styles. Its a more mature style with small delicate patterns. Most dresses and skirts are a-lines, more clean cut than the poofed out skirt found in the Sweet style. I feel that this style is very romantic and is a perfect reflection on my personality and taste.


Lolita is not just a fashion, it can also be a lifestyle. I have worn Lolita regularly before, but my work schedule does not permit me to wear it every day and as often as I would like. Aside from wearing the fashion, if you really wanted to you could style your room to give it a Lolita feel and look. There are different places online that you could check for references, or the Gothic Lolita Bible (sadly discontinued in english). I found a few video blogs and even documentaries on youtube.


For more references, insperation, or shopping needs please follow these links! I hope that this blog was helpful in any way and that the links below are as well. Check back with me for more posts as I delve deeper into the heart of Lolita Fashion, with more detailed information on specific products, styles and retailers! Follow my blog, and let your friends know about me. Thanks!


Lolita Styles and Forum.  http://www.lolitafashion.org/
Clothing and Blog for Candy Threads http://www.candy-threads.com/
Blog for I Do Declare  http://idodeclareshop.blogspot.com/
Etsy for I Do Declare  http://www.etsy.com/shop/IxDoxDeclare?ref=seller_info
Blog for Elegy Clothing http://www.elegyclothing.com
Etsy for Elegy Clothing http://www.etsy.com/shop/ElegyClothing#
Baby The Stars Shine Bright http://www.babyssb.co.jp/
Angelic Pretty http://www.angelicpretty.com/en/
Innocent World http://innocent-w.jp/