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?

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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,

Loℓιтα Fashion in Mainstream Films?

I am a avid admirer of the horror genre. I can be swept up in a psychological thriller any day! I am particularly fond of horror films that are foreign films or have a foreign film style. Some of my favorite titles include; Ringu, El Orfanato, Don't be afraid of the Dark and The Babadook.

​I never expected to come across our subculture in mainstream films, and even less so expected to see the presence of Lolitas in horror films! The very nature of these dark and twisted fantasies seem to repel the feminine nature of the fashion and yet it seems the style has penetrated these films, even if for a only few brief exciting moments.

「You can view my original blog post here!」

Most recently my girlfriend and purchased The Forest, a American supernatural horror film centered in Japan. The main plot circulates around Aokigahara Forest and the disappearance of the main character's twin sister in the mysterious sea of tress. While the majority of the film takes place at the base of Mt. Fuji in Honshu, the film introduces the main character to Japan with classic culture shock.

​What would be better than some time in Tokyo?

As the main character takes a drive through the famous city she is curious about the strangeness of the city. When her taxi stops at a red light, she casually looks out the window and catches a glimpse of some Japanese street fashion. She stares intriguingly at the fashion before her eyes. I of course could not contain my excitement and clasped back a gasp. In the shot stood four young women in complete Lolita coordinates!

Copyright © The Forest Universal Studios Home Entertainment 2016, screenshot by magicalgirlme

What is extremely exciting to me is the time spent on this small interaction. You can easily see the presence of two Sweet  Lolita styles and two Gothic Lolita styles. The Sweet Lolita with the pink parasol (left) is obviously a Sweet Lolita with an appetite for Angelic Pretty. The bubble gum pink dress with a bold print, the frilled parasol, the pink rabbit and the golden crown support her sugary sweet Angelic Pretty fueled style. The Sweet Lolita (right) has more of a classic flare to her sweetness. A fashion brand such as Baby, the Stars Shine Bright would be a very good possibility for her style. The bold floral print coupled with her floral bonnet is a beautiful snapshot of a Classical Sweet Lolita look.

Copyright © The Forest Universal Studios Home Entertainment 2016, screenshot by magicalgirlme

The Gothic Lolita (left) appears to be a fan of a complete black look or Kuro Lolita. It is possible the Japanese brand she is clad in could be Moi-meme-Moitie, Mana's famous Gothic Lolita brand. When compared to the other Gothic Lolita (right) appears to be a fan of a more 'old school' Gothic Lolita style. She is clearly a fan of the old school combination of a black x white coordinate, with the primary color being black. A possible brand for her could be Alice and the Pirates or Baby, the Stars Shine Bright.

Possibly the most exciting piece of this interaction is the time in which the movies allows for this interaction between Lolitas to occur! Rather than a captured moment we really get in a few seconds of tape. Additionally the fact that the fashion is represented at all and that Gothic and Sweet Lolita styles are depicted feels complete. Another exciting piece of this is that the fashion is 'in'. Not only did they represent Lolita, but they did it with accurate representation. All of the styles are appropriate for the trends in 2016 for sure! That particular additional attention to detail positively thrills me as a Lolita participant.

The first horror film I purchased that had a glimpse of Lolita fashion was Shutter. This 2008 horror film centers around a American couple who are in Japan while the husband works as a photographer. While the female lead takes in the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the bustling city of Tokyo, she passes by two Lolitas.

Copyright © 20th Century Fox 2008, screenshot by magicalgirlme

While the shot is only a few moments the female lead is overtaken with wonder, enough to snap a photo of the girls once they have pasted. Clearly one of the Lolitas is in a Gothic style, while the other is dressed in Sweet absolutely giddy from their shopping. Both of the Lolitas appear to be a fan of Baby, the Stars Shine Bright with their Alice style head bows and classic style jumperskirts. The details of lace and ribbon upon their wardrobe as they pass by is a well deserved tribute to the classic Lolita brand. As with The Forest, this style of Lolita was fashionable in 2008. When I first saw these young women stroll by on the screen I just stared in unbelievable awe until I wrestled the remote to rewind the scene. 

Lolitas! I could scarcely believe it.

Who would have guessed that both of these films would choose our particular Japanese street fashion to be chosen to be represented? Additionally, the interaction is a positive one of awe and interest from both characters, rather than a reaction of repulsion.

It appears as if Lolita fashion is now another celebrated aspect of the thriving pulse of Tokyo!

​Stay Frilly ~

My impressions of Angelic Pretty's Baked Sweets Parade!

The designers at Angelic Pretty have certainly been hard at work this year. I felt compelled to create a blog post to discuss one of their more recent product design Baked Sweets Parade ! 

I must confess that when I first laid eyes upon this print I was not enchanted. While the theme of the print is one of my favorites, I found the size of the print to be far too large for my preference. After I viewed owner photos and additional stock images however I found myself complete taken! I had fallen in love with every cookie, chocolate bar, french cruller, sweet and doughnut showcased on the print.

How could I resist a line this sweet?

(You can read the original post here!)

​

I absolutely love every piece created for this line, though I am especially taken with the Baked Sweets Parade One Piece in pink. Each detail on the one piece is adorable and I cannot find fault in any part of the construction. The print for every piece completely captivating with all it's delectable delights. The chiffon material base only sweetens the charm of the print! With the addition of ribbons, lace and doughnut buttons, the dresses couldn't possibly be cuter! Even the accessories in this line are ones I would be ecstatic to own! 

I have an especial weakness for the pieces in the pink colorway. I could easily see myself in possession of a One Piece, Jumperskirt and Skirt in my wardrobe and in at least the pink colorway, if not in blue colorway as well.

Here is a comparison of the One Piece and the Jumperskirt in the pink colorway. Again, I love both designs but I am especially taken with the One Piece. The collar detail on the One Piece in addition to the long sleeves and cuffs just add to the overall charm of the dress. In concerns to the Jumperskirt I am fond of the simplicity of the neckline and would very much enjoy the opportunity to pair it with a blouse.

​Here are some additional stock images of the One Piece in the pink colorway.just  I cannot get over how precious the doughnut buttons are! In these shots we are able to see more details of the Baked Sweets Parade print. I am completely in love with all the details of the sweets. Every sprinkle, heart and whip of frosting sends me into fits of awe! I am especially fond of the pink gummi bunnies! The cuffs on the One Piece remind me of the icing on the cake and is therefore just another small detail of charm to the overall dress.

All of the accessories for this line are super cute. I love that the partly bitten doughnut is the feature for the accessories and the eat me text they bear is darling! I would love to have these pieces to go along side the Baked Sweets Parade line and other additional Angelic Pretty works such as Melty Cream Doughnut.

In regards to the Skirt I would very much enjoy this piece as an addition to my wardrobe as well. The print theme and colors allow for great versatility! The side bow would be beyond adorable detail of the skirt when worn over a blouse.

Overall I would be ecstatic to own every piece of this product line! In addition to Melty Cream Doughnut this is the only line I would wish to own.

What do you think of Angelic Pretty's Baked Sweets Parade? 

I would love to hear your thoughts!

Stay Frilly,

Loℓιтα Fashion Book Review!

Misako Aoki released her Lolita Fashion Book in March of 2014. Unlike her previous book 'Sometimes cute revolution', this book promised to be more comprehensive. In this book Misako highlights Lolita styles, hair and make-up tutorials and coordinates in full color brilliance! Many Japanese brands are featured in this book such as Baby, the Stars Shine Bright, Angelic Pretty, Innocent World and metamorphose temps de fille.

​After months in search I finally was able to obtain my own copy!
(You can view my original post here!)

I made my purchase from one of my favorite online stores Tokyo Otaku Mode! This store always has goods from Japan to peek my interest. I ordered this book along with a few other goodies. My order arrived extremely quickly -- within five days in fact! Inside a carefully wrapped package I found my Lolita book.

The book cover is absolutely gorgeous. The cover is incredibly soft with a matte finish and is an excellent representation of what is inside. Misako is featured in the center adorned in her signature Sweet Lolita style. At her sides four name brand Lolita dresses can be seen. Additional Lolita accessories such as shoes are artfully distributed around her. Cascades of ribbon, frosted sweets, butterflies, birds and flowers frame the center image and further the feminine ideals of Lolita fashion. It truly is a great synopsis of what is to come! 

Inside I found 144 beautiful pages of full color Lolita splendor! Throughout the book Misako articulates the basics of Lolita fashion and goes through the main styles. I love how Misako illustrates the aspects of each particular style with plenty of examples. As you can see Misako is sure to pick a main dress piece and then explain how to coordinate the outfit with various accessories and additional clothing pieces. Each style has just as much attention to detail as the next. Whether you are a Classic Lolita or a Sweet Lolita you have a great base of examples to choose from!

Inside Misako gives step-by-step make up and hair tutorials. Numerous looks and styles are achieved and dictated in this book. I absolutely love the attention to detail in her tutorials! I also love how Misako is able to give examples and tips for each Lolita style. This just reiterates Misako's goal to have this collection be a comprehensive reference for Lolitas. With these how-to's you do not have to be concerned with your make-up or hair again!

Below you can view some additional examples of Misako's make up and hair tutorials. On the left you are able to see Misako's tutorial of how to make adorable pigtails. The fact she is holding her Pullip makes it even more charming! On the right you can see the beginning of ​a make-up tutorial for a Classic and Sweet look.

The coordinate guides even go as far to show suggestions for various weather conditions or times of the year. This particular page offers a coordinate examples for summer time, focused around an airy light coordinate and a example for the rainy season with the focus of a one-piece and kawaii sneakers.

​I love being able to sift through all the suggestions!

Each section of the book allows for the explanation of a specific style or sub-style of Lolita. I was extremely interested in my discovery of "soft lolita". I believe that this style is very similar to the "otome kei" street fashion. The goal is to make a feminine everyday style and incorporate elements of the Lolita aesthetic. As a Lolita who works full-time in a office setting, the exploration of a more casual style completely captivated my interest. ​I cannot wait to implement some of her suggestions!

I cannot be happier with my purchase. This book is beyond charming, informative, vibrant and affordable. This book would be an excellent addition to any Lolita or aspiring Lolita. I highly recommend this book!

Rating ~ 10 / 10

Stay Frilly ~

Lolita trends I disliked but now I ❤!

I was first introduced to Lolita fashion in the early 2000s, specifically 2007. Since then the fashion has evolved drastically! Styles that were very "in" when I first discovered the fashion are now labeled as "old school" or have been dismissed from the fashion entirely.

Lolita in the early days often involved a go to head piece of a headdress and white as an accent color to every outfit was a common occurrence. As the fashion developed there were new trends that I could never envision adopting, but now I could not live without.

Bold Boarder Prints

​The evolution of boarder prints in Lolita fashion alone is astonishing. While we had the option of being able to wear a dress with an overall print the creation of a boarder print alone added to the transformation of Lolita.

The fashion evolved from high quality appliques to full colored boarder prints!

Polkadot Angel Pony Applique by Angelic Pretty             Chocolate Chess by Angelic Pretty

   2008                                                                                   2011  

Back in the day Lolita dresses were fairly modest with print patterns. These usually involved small floral patterns, polka dots and the like so when Lolita brands began to craft these loud, bold and full themed prints I was taken aback for sure! There was a period of unrest within the fashion as Lolitas tried to establish the difference between the fashion and costumes and this presented a glorious challenge of how to incorporate it without breaching that gap once again. Thankfully this obstacle was overcome with ease and now most of my wardrobe encompass a boarder print. I do not know how I would live without them!

Bonnets

 Bonnets have been used in Lolita fashion for some time, but the widespread use of them has become more mainstream. I had never before been interested in the purchase of a bonnet. I had always thought that my face was too round for such a look and I concerned that the addition of a bonnet would cause me to look far too childish. 

Oh how I was so pleasantly mistaken!

I have yet to discover a face type that this darling bonnet does not flatter. A bonnet is a charming addition to a wide variety of Lolita coordinates. I adore the homage of the Victorian style the bonnet aids to any look as well. I have a particular weakness now for full bonnets, though a half bonnet works just as well. I am so very happy to have warmed up to such a charming and essential accessory.

Wrist cuffs

Wrist cuffs are a common accessory in the Lolita fashion style. Surprisingly it took me quite some time to fully appreciate the beauty of these lace cuffs. When I received my first pair though an online Lolita trade I could not bring myself to wear them for an extended amount of time. It felt incredibly strange to have such extravagant wrists with short sleeves. It was only until I attended a Lolita meet-up that I discovered wrist cuffs could be worn a variety of ways. I found myself particularly fond of these wrist cuffs being placed over long sleeves, I style that I had adopted. Now I find that wrist cuffs are some of my most used accessories!

I hope you enjoyed this blog post! There will be another randomly selected topic the same time next week.

What are some Lolita fashion trends that you disliked at one time but now you adore? Feel free to post your answers below -- I would love to read your opinions!

Stay Filly ~

My Most Outlandish Dream Dress

Welcome to the second post of the 52 Lolita Challenge!

(You can view my original post here!)

The random number generator has selected #5, which means this week's topic is:

My Most Outlandish Dream Dress

My most outlandish dream dress would not be accurate without a selection from the imaginative designers of the Japanese Lolita Fashion brand Angelic Pretty.

I interpreted this topic as the most literal definition of outlandish. Which one of my current dream dresses is "eccentric," "curious" or "unconventional"?

​

With my current list of dream dresses the most outlandish dress would simply be -- Wonder Cookie by Angelic Pretty.

I am completely taken with this dress! The Alice homage of tea and sweets has me captivated. Despite my current wardrobe trend of a smaller print and mild tones I cannot get enough of the vibrant Sax blue and bold print. I want to adorn this print and eat sugar cookies while I read one of my most treasured adventure stories. The print is too sweet beyond words not to love.

I would absolutely purchase this dress, and the matching accessories, in a heart beat!

What is your most outlandish dream dress? Post your answers below, I would love to hear your answers!

​See you next week with the next blog topic and Stay Frilly!