Sunday, June 19, 2016

Loℓιтα Parasols: Vital or frivolous?

Parasols are an extremely common accessory in Lolita fashion. From the crowded streets of Harajuku, Japan to the tranquil shaded green of Scarborough, ME these frilly protectors are a favorite staple of Lolitas around the world. These items are so popular that the large Japanese fashion brands create numerous styles of these extravagant umbrella's in many different colorways multiple times a year!

The question that many Lolitas ask is;

Are Parasols vital,
or just a frivolous accessory?
While this question appears to be a complex the answer, in my opinion, is extremely clear.

Parasols are Vital.

I do not know what I would do without a parasol in my Lolita arsenal. I adore my brand parasol! While in truth they are one of my favorite accessories due solely on the added charm to a coordinate, the item itself is exceptionally practical in purpose and price. They are a great way to have a treasured and practical everyday piece by your favorite brand!


Why I love my Parasol


A Classic Staple


All across the world women have used parasols to shield themselves from the elements. It is always interesting to see the various styles and cultural significance these umbrellas have especially in this day in age! When I lived in Puerto Rico and Hawaii many women used umbrellas and parasols daily with more common fashion styles. While the purpose it to protect yourself from the elements, it is fun to see what style parasol someone has. A parasol with a Rococo or Victorian inspired feel is just another way that I am able to add a beautiful and practical piece to my outfit, while being able to give tribute to the eras that I love. 

Protection from the Elements

I have extremely sensitive skin, particularly when it comes to the sun and UV. A parasol allows me to hold an umbrella that protects me from the sun that does not oddly stand out from my fashion style. I have yet to find refined sunglasses to adorn. In addition to the protection from direct sunlight, the parasol allows a way to generate shade. This aspect is especially important in the summer. The generation of shade helps to diminish the chance of overheating; an exceptionally important side effect to avoid while adorned in so many layers. On snowy days a parasol is a great way to shield yourself the dampness of snowflakes!


A Beautiful Statement

Even when the parasol is not in use it is a beautiful accessory. The manufacturers take care to design the parasol to be a beautiful statement closed. I am particularly fond of the aesthetic of an Angelic Pretty or a Baby, the Stars Shine Bright parasol looks when closed. All the attention to detail, even when a parasol is closed is lovely! The way the parasol is wrapped and secured with a bow, and the way the lace inspired detailing surrounds the bottom are just two details that help to create a gorgeous look.





Of course, the largest statement a parasol can make is when opened. This is when the true lace detailing can be fully appreciated. I am astounded at the level of detail the creators are able to generate, particularly when it comes to the plastic frills! I love being able to use an umbrella/parasol with my everyday clothes to add a bit of feminine frill to my daily wardrobe. When this parasol is paired with a Lolita coordinate, however, the entire addition of a parasol becomes a bold, frilly and beautiful statement!

Where do you stand on the parasol debate? I would love to hear your stance below!

Stay Frilly,

Saturday, June 11, 2016

Loℓιтα styles I would love to try!


When I first discovered Lolita I completely was overtaken by this adorable, elegant and frilly fashion style. I poured over countless snapshots of Japanese street fashion and online shops for hours. The more time I spent browsing the web, the more I found myself charmed by anything in a bell or a-line silhouette. I could not get enough of any Lolita style I came across! Over time I found myself completely captivated by the allure of pastels, softness, and overall style of Sweet Lolita. Due to this and other factors, it was only natural that I pursue Sweet Lolita as my initial style.

Now that I am more experienced in the fashion there are quite a few additional Lolita styles I would love to try!

You can view my original blog post by clicking here!

Classic Lolita

the Regency and Victorian style

When I first began my Lolita fashion journey I could not see the appeal of the Classic Lolita style. While I liked this style on others, it was not a style I believed I would ever wish to try. Classic Lolita features a more mature Lolita style. It draws upon the inspirations of historical Victorian and Regency styles and often has a country feel. Over time I have come to appreciate the naturally subdued color palate and the more simplistic appearance. I am very eager to try this style with a piece from Innocent World; particularly now that I am able to incorporate Lolita into my everyday wardrobe!

Gothic Lolita

the Elegant and Dark style

I have always had a weakness for Gothic Lolita. This dark, elegant, Gothic and Victorian style stirs the inner macabre within the cavern of my secret heart! The designs from Moi-même-Moitié are particularly gorgeous. I would love to be able to incorporate this mature and dark style into my current wardrobe for the days I wish to be particularly dynamic and dramatic. Black would be my overwhelming color choice for this style. I am extremely excited to attempt this style as soon as realistically possible!

Hime Lolita

the Extravagant and Royal style

Hime Lolita, also known as 'Princess Lolita', is my favorite style of Lolita by far. Hime Lolita takes the typical extravagance represented by other Lolita styles and brings it to another level. This Lolita style is strongly influenced by the Rococo period and is the ultimate idealized version of a princess. This style is exactly my cup of tea! I cannot get enough of the tiaras, layers of lace, pearls and a poise befitting a true royal. Many of my wishlist items, particularly from Baby, the Stars Shine Bright, would be a perfect accommodation for this particular style!


Kodona/Ouji

the Aristocrat and Masculine style

I have been a fan of Kodona and Ouji style from the very beginning, however, until recently, I could not envision myself in it. The more I see creative outfit coordinations for this style, the more I wish to try it myself! I cannot get over how utterly charming and versatile this Lolita fashion style is! This boy style gives a wide range of styles from a playful aristocrat to a charming prince. I adore everything from the boyish short pants to all of the fantastic hats, vests, and boots that often aid this fashion style. I have a particular weakness for pieces released by Alice and the Pirates and hope to be an Ouji to a Hime Lolita someday!

Sailor Lolita


the Classic and Nautical-themed style

Sailor Lolita is a style that I have grown especially fond of over the years. The classic style is a delightful blend of the sailor school uniform, vintage fashion styles, and the distinguishable sailor collar. When I first joined the Lolita fashion I was unsure of how to differentiate between sailor uniforms and Sailor Lolita. Now I am interested in the pursuit of my first nautical themed style dress. I am always drawn to sea themed prints so this would be able to take my admiration farther! I plan to get my first Sailor Lolita dress from the talented designers of Metamorphose in a common navy blue. I cannot wait to wear this style on a Maine summer day!

There are so many wonderful styles and sub-styles that have branched out from original Lolita fashion. What styles are you interested in trying? Which Lolita styles have you tried? 

I would love to hear about your experiences!


Stay Frilly,

Saturday, June 4, 2016

Happy International Loℓιтα Day!

I hope everyone is having a fantastic Saturday! Here in Maine, we are spoiled today with excellent summer weather. With the sun and soft breeze, the weather could not be better to celebrate International Lolita Day!
What is International Lolita Day

International Lolita Day, also referred to as IDL, is an event held twice a year! These Lolita holidays allow us to celebrate our frilly fashion. This event is observed on the first Saturday in June, and the first Saturday of December. This way Lolitas all over the world are able to have a summer and winter celebrate no matter where they may live! It is a great opportunity to wear something special, spread some fashion awareness, meet up with Lolita friends and do something more elaborate than a traditional Lolita dress up day.

My plans for International Lolita Day, June 2016
✓ Wear my favorite Lolita coordinate
✓ Purchase some Lolita items
✓ Eat sweets
✓ Meet up with friends
and
✓ Watch KamiKaze Girls

​I hope you all have a fantastic International Lolita Day!

 Stay frilly,