So You Want to Plan a Meetup!

Lolita meetups can be so much fun!  Whether you are just planning a get together at a private, or public location.  It gives you a chance to meet new friends or just spend time with old ones.   Events can take place at a tea house, museum, amusement park (that one might not be too practical, but it's been done before), or even your own home.

There are steps that you have to take, and these are the same with ANY event, not just a Lolita Meet.  To make this more comprehensive, I am planning on creating an event soon and I will use my event as an example.

Step 1:  When and Where?

I have recently decided that I want to have a get-together at my house, in the Fall.  Specifically, a Sunday brunch in my backyard.  I choose my house since we have an out door bar, tables, and plenty of seating.  Aside from the back yard, we will also have access to the front yard for games, and the basement, should the weather not be ideal..  Since it is still summer time, I am providing enough time to get money together and plan my party.  If I can send out my invitations early, this will also give my guests to make arrangements to come if they need to request off work.

Step 2:  How many people do you plan on inviting, should you just invite the whole Lolita community or select people?

There is limited space at the event I am planning.  As much as I would love to invite the whole community there just would not be enough room  if every member of the community rsvped (imagine all the petties XD).  By limiting people this can also help give me an idea of what my budget will look like.  We will get into that more later.  For now I am looking to invite between 10-15 people.

If your event is public, like going to a museum or to the movies, inviting the whole community should be fine as long as there is not a limit to how many people can occupy that building or place (and that if every single person in your community goes you do not have to worry about exceeding a limit).  The most Lolita's I have seen at a event where everyone was invited, was around 20-25 people.  Each community varies in the amount of members, and not everyone can attend to the same meetup, be it because of work, money, or transportation.

For those of you wondering about invitations, I am simply just going to create a Facebook event.  If I had everyone's addresses I would send out regular invitations.  That may be something I look into doing in the future.

Step 3:  Food.  What are your options?  What are you serving?

If you have the time and money you can provide all the food, or you can make a potluck (example: photo above) and everyone can bring something.  By doing a potluck you do save a lot of money on food and you don't have to worry about spending all of your time in the kitchen.  For me personally, I plan on trying to provide all the food and drink so that it is more convenient for my guests, but if someone indicates that they want to bring something that is fine by me.

Since I plan on doing a brunch, I need to think of what food I want to serve.  When I make my event, I will ask people for suggestions on food, mostly because some people are vegetarians, and they may not be able to eat everything that I plan on providing.  There are also people who just wont eat certain things, whether they are vegetarians or not.

Freshly made Waffles
Toast
Muffins
Scones
Suggage and Bacon
Eggs
potatoes/hasbrowns
Cut Fruit
Condiments: Jam/Jelly, syrup, whip cream, powered sugar, butter, Ketchup... people like to put it on their hasbrowns.

Drinks: Various Tea, Orange Juice, Milk, Water, and Mimosa's for those 21 and older. If you plan on having alcohol at a Lolita event, and underage members of your community are going to be there, you need to ask to see ID.  If you are worried about hurting feelings or singling people out, you need to remember that if you give an underage person an alcoholic beverage then you can do jail time.  Not to mention if something happens to said person who takes that drink from you, you will be seen at fault and then be put under further penalties.

Now that I have my menu, I have to think about some important things.  How much food should I make?  What can easily be made the night before and still be good the next day?  Anything that requires baking will be made the night before, such as the muffins and scones.  I could cut the fruit the night before as well, or I can get up early enough to cut it before everyone gets to my house.

Step 4: Theme (if any), Decorations, Plates and silverware.

This is the part where I have the most fun!  So I am planning this Brunch in the Fall.  So any decorations I get will be specifically Fall themed (not Halloween, even though I do love Halloween parties!)  This is just the planning stage, so I may or may not get all of the items listed.

Fall flowers
pumpkins and gourds 
Birds and birdcages
Balloons
Ribbons
Fall themed plates, cups, and plastic silverware.
Table cloths

If you plan on having games, you can also make prizes for each winner.  The most expected game would probably be croquette, but you could get a ring toss or bean bag game as well, something that wont take too much room and is easy to set up and break down.  That being said, you can break out the Wii and play Wii bowling!  I'm not sure if I will have prizes or not.  This all depends on if there is time.

Step 5: The Budget.

Review steps 1-4 and decided what you can realistically do and what needs to be cut.  It's easy to get caught up in the idea of what you want your event to be, but the outcome can end up being more subtle than you expected.

The following are places that I plan on looking for decorations.  Some places do provide coupons, so if there is something that you want, but you need to save a couple of dollars, check online for coupons and promotions.

For Party Decorations:
Joanns
AC Moore
Michael's
Party City
Oriental Trading Company
Dollar Store

Food and Drink:
Local Grocery Store

Honestly I want to avoid getting something from the Dollar store, but sometimes they surprise you with what they have!  Its also a good place to go to spread your money should you be coming up short.  The majority of my money will probably be going towards food.

Well, that's my plan so far!  If I missed anything, or if you guys have any questions, please post them in the comments below!  Don't forget to subscribe.  Hopefully I will be having this party towards the end of September and I will do a follow up on that.

Dress Chop Preview and Fashion Show!

If you guys have been keeping up with my FaceBook, you know that I made an update about the fashion show my school is having and that I am chopping up more brand!

The next dress I am chopping up is a Metamorphose Red Polka Dot Poodle One Piece...  I did not take this picture, I stole it from Google.  I am currently at work and updating my blog on my lunch... so if this is your picture and you want me to take it down, I will but until I get my own picture up I will borrow this.  This is another Dress to Skirt.  I have already taken the zipper out.  It's going to be another elastic waste, but I might go ahead and put the zipper back in so that it has the elastic waste and they can zip it up on the side.  I also plan on making some bows out of the remaining fabric.  I will eventually make updates...  Don't believe in deadlines.

Fashion show!... ok in this case I have to acknowledge the deadline.  May 5th...  I think it's May 5th, my school will be having a Fashion show at the Baltimore Convention Center.  I do not have times yet.  I do know that at this time, the price for Tickets are as follows

Student: $13
General Public: $20

Please note that these prices are subject to change as I do not believe we have started selling tickets, and at this stage, anything could change.  But I will make regular updates, because I want people to come and see what me and my classmates are doing....  I should make a Lolita Event... hmmm...

This Saturday we are also having a Model Call.  I know it is really short notice, but if you live in the Baltimore Area, or are willing to travel, you should come and audition.  Doesn't matter if you have experience or not and we are looking for all ages, and any body types.

March 2nd Looking for models.
Kids ages 5-18 @ 1:00pm-2:30
Adults 18 and over @ 2:30-4:30
Location: Baltimore city community college
West pavilion 3100 Towanda ave
Baltimore MD 21215

Another Note:  If you cannot make it to one time slot but can make it to the other (ex: You are an adult model but can only make it between 1:00pm-2:30pm, and if you are a Kids model but can only get here when the adults are auditioning) then come when you can so long as its before 4:30pm.

Well, that's it from me.  I hope you see some of you there!!!!... I most likely will not be in Lolita, just so you know.

Meet up, Pictures, Future Contest

This past Sunday, the Charm City Lolita's had a meetup at Bordy Vineyards.  We got to taste wine, meet some new people, and for the first time I was dressed as Hime Lolita.  The crown is from my Senoir prom, but who cares lol

Lets go over the location for a bit.  Bordy Vineyards is located in Historic Maryland.  It actually was not that far away from where we left (Yay car pooling!).  Here is the Website if you are interested in going and you just happen to be in the area!  http://www.boordy.com/

For $5 dollars you get a glass (that is yours to keep!) and to taste some of their wine as you go on the tour (The tour is free!).  The wine we were tasting was the Spiced Wassail, which is a wine that is intended to be drank when warm.  I only ever drink wine cold, however this was very nice and was nice on the chilly day we had (But we made the most of it!).  We got to learn about how often you can harvest grapes (once each year, it will not grow anymore after you pick them), what affects the taste of wine, and lots of other neat information.  You could even make your own wine at home if you wanted (probably cheaper to buy :P ).

Did you know if you have a a grape vine root and plant it, it will take 3-5 years to not just grow, but to bear fruit?  The process to a great wine is a lot of work!

I wish I took more pictures of the machines they used, but I mainly stayed focus on the Lolita group and the wine.  After the tour we went inside and we were able to taste any wine we wanted.  I tried the Tango Peach, and bought a bottle of the Spiced Wassail for my Grandfather.... I may have bought a few more bottle of wine for myself.  Anyway, after our tour and wine tasting, we went to Don Pablo's for Dinner.

Over all the meet was a lot of fun and we have another one this Sunday to see Christmas lights!  So excited :)  Saunter's package has been mailed, and now I am waiting until she receives it... I feel like I am waiting for a friend to receive a Christmas Gift... well I guess it's not too different... maybe... I dunno lol  I am hoping everything fits, and that it's everything that she hoped for.

As you might have noticed in the top, I have indicated that the next Contest will be coming up!!!  And I think I have a good idea of what I want the Contest to be.  I will also be able to manage my time better since I an currently done with school.  YAY!  So, keep an eye out for the second Contest.

Can those who entered the previous contest enter again?!

Yes!  I welcome all of those who entered the last one to please submit an entry for the next contest.

So, I'm going to end this Blog entry, here.  Pictures can be found here an on our Facebook page.  Please like us... we are also on Twitter (by we, I mean me!).  Hope you enjoys these pictures and please feel free to email me with any questions you would like to see answered here, or send me a message about what you would like to see on this blog, my opinions, reviews on product, online shops, etc.

Sorry the pictures are mixed up, I do not have time to fight with Blogger XD

Hugs and Kisses!

email: lolita_doll11@yahoo.com
           lolitadoll1121@gmail.com
Twitter: @LolitaDoll11

Inquiry of the Doll

I hope everyone had a lovely Holiday!  Did you all eat a lot of Turkey and get a lot of shopping done afterwards?

In my last post, I asked you all to email me with some questions.  Every month I will have a special blog post, titled "Inquiry of the Doll".  I am really debating on making this into a Youtube channel and answering your questions "in person" so to speak, but if I do this it will have to wait until I build a new computer... and by that I mean paying my brother-in-law to build me one.

So on with the Questions!  The following questions come from Nicky.

Is there a male equivalent to Lolita?
This is a good question.  I assume you mean a style meant for guys to wear.  There is the Kodona style. A nother way to describe this style is "Prince" like.  From my Train post, I attempted my own version of this style by taking pants that were too short for me and cutting them at the knee, adding embroidery, a vest and frilly shirt.  This look can be worn by both girls and guys, and can has also been called "Boystyle".  Another look that a guy can sport is the Aristocrat which is a more mature Victorian look.  Don't forget, if you're a guy and you really love the Lolita dresses you can still wear whatever style you want.  I don't judge and neither should anyone else.

Where do you purchase lolita accessories? Can you make your own?
Most places that see the clothing, you can also buy the accessories.  www.Bodyline.co.jp does have hair bows and jewelry that you can select from.  Etsy is also a really great place that you can buy some unique pieces from artists.  Myself personally, I am currently making my own because it's cheaper and I have all these materials.  Please keep a look out for updates on crafting videos I have found on Youtube.  I found some really good ones for those of you who wish to make Christmas Gifts this Year.

Are there forms of Lolita that show a lot of skin? That would be gross...

I guess that depends on what you consider a lot of skin.  There are some Lolita styles that have a shorter skirt or the shoulders are exposed.  Most of the time when a garment is considered Lolita it does meet certain guidelines for the standard expectations.  For me one of the things I love about Lolita is looking cute but staying modest.  Ero Lolita comes to mind in regards to this question.  It is a much more mature style and has been seen as a controversial style.  I myself have not seen many Lolitas attempt this in person, but if you are interested in learning a little more please refer to LolitaFashion.org or hellolace.net

What is the Lolita community like? Friendly? Competitive? Are there cliques?
My particular group that I am a part of I feel is fairly nice.  Everyone is always interested in just getting together and having a good time no matter what it is that we decide to do.  There might be some competitive girls in other groups but I have not seen them.  There are cliques, but you are going to find those everywhere.  It's nothing like the movie "Mean Girls"... what?  Yes I watched it, my roommate had it on and she was paying all the bills at the time.

How expensive can dresses be?

This is one of the drawbacks if this fashion!  Dresses can be crazy expensive, whether you are buying brand new from the company, or you are buying it second hand from the EGL Comm Sales or on the FB equivalent Lolita Sales in English.  If you are just starting out, I stress buying from http://www.bodyline.co.jp or browsing Etsy.com.  Dresses can be anywhere from $40-$150 on Bodyline last time I checked. 

Now don't get me wrong, I am not saying not to buy brand or not to use EGL, because you can still find some good pieces at good prices.  What I am suggesting is that if you are just starting out, start with something that is not going to hurt your wallet as much.  If you are then a 100% sure, then start looking around and find that dream dress or outfit.  I did buy a replica dress, and it's nice but it's not brand and if I do find my dress, I'm going to push the money out for it.  So it's all really about how much you want to spend in the end.

How cheap can dresses be?

EGL will have sales for handmade pieces or second pieces from bodyline.  Keep a look out for Lolita's cleaning out their closet, or Leaving Lolita sales.

Don't forget, if you can sew you can always make your own and that helps with the cost a great deal!  Plus it is an awesome way to get creative with this fashion.  Also, if anyone reading this feels that I am missing some very important information or anything, please feel free to post comments below because even though I have been interested in the style for years, I have only been wearing the style and officially in the community for about a 1 year and a half... maybe two years.  Either way there is still a lot that I and everyone else can learn, so please bless us with your awesome Lolita knowledge!

Is it better to keep to yourself at Lolita events, or is it more fun to volunteer and participate?

Volunteer, participate, smile and shake your groove thing.

When I went to my first couple of meet ups I was basically a wall flower.  Just sat down and smiled in my handmade Lolita skirt and ate macaroons.  I did talk to some people and we held a swap meet.  I did have a good time and I was mostly quiet because I was nervous.  It was all very new to me and all I could think was "Oh, what if these girls don't like me?  Am I too old to be doing this?"  What I discovered was that most of the girls were around my age, and we even had older women there as well. 

After that I tired to go to as many meet ups as I could and tried to help out in events as much as possibly.  If no help was needed, I tried to make sure that I was evolved some how.  My job at the time didn't really allow for that to happen too often.  So if you find yourself in that situation I would recommend posting on the FB group you might be a part of, or posting onto whatever message board you are a member of.  Just because you cannot be there in person does not mean you cannot be a part of the community.

Is there any etiquette we should know about? Spoken and unspoken! =^-^=

I suppose this depends on the group of Lolitas you find yourself with.  My group is pretty laid back, but I think for others there might be more strict rules.  I would just try to get a feel for it and judge from there.  The main thing I can think of strongly advising is "Treat those how you wish to be treated" and if someone does display ill manner, do not stoop to their level, they are not worth it and if you find that the others in the group are treating you just as badly for whatever reason then politely leave.  This shouldn't be a community where we need to worry about being bullied by each other.  We should be coming together and showing the world how our fashion choices (however strange it might be to them) are just as valid as anyone else's... Oh my, I might have drifted from the Question... Ah well, I am going to keep going. 

While on this subject of embracing our love for this unique fashion and being able to express our individuality without fear, I cannot help but to think about a great quote from a great woman.

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent" - Eleanor Roosevelt


Nicky, Thank you for your questions.  I hope that they not only helped you but helped anyone who is reading with similar questions.  If you have any questions that you would like answered or you would like to read about something specific, please email me at lolita_doll11@yahoo.com  Any and all feedback is welcomed.  You can also post questions in the comments belows.  I would also really love to know if you would be interested in seeing videos in the future.

Until next time Pretties!

-PLV

Trains!

So this has to be a super quick post as I am not sure how much time I have on my break. This is basically going to be a photo dump. It's been a while since I posted pictures on here. On here you will see my Attempt at a Kadona. I altered pants and threw stuff together (OMG what is she thinking?!?!).

Anyway, My friend Jeff and I decided to go to the Meetup in PA. It was very small, but nice as I got to hang out with two very awesome Lolitas!  The pictures that you see, almost all of them were taken by Laidech... I suck at taking pictures!  But these are really neat and I will probably use the inside of the Train for the Pretty Little Victorian Holiday Wall Picture!  Please note that the pictures are in random order, because I am tired or trying to fix it.