My hobbies that compliment Loℓιтα!

It is time for another Lolita challenge topic!

What hobbies do I have that compliment Lolita?

Aside from a few hobbies, such as anime and gaming, most of my hobbies compliment my Lolita style extremely well! Particularly since I am a Sweet Lolita. I have always been a girl who enjoys the feminine side of life so it isn't a complete surprise to me that so many of my past and current hobbies fit well within the Lolita sub-culture.

My Lolita style hobbies might just surprise you!

「You can read my original blog post here!」

Arts and Crafts

It would be completely impossible for me to stop creating. I enjoy being able to draw fun designs, particularly ones that are cute and pink! ​My favorite things to illustrate are chibis. Eventually I would love to design prints for my own Lolita and doll clothes, as well as illustrate my own Lolita inspired novels. I also enjoy making elegant jewelry, such as earrings and rings, to accompany my Lolita fashion wardrobe. Additionally, armed with imitation frosting, I can transform any ordinary household object into an adorable one in minutes! Who knows what I will create next!

Dolls

I have always loved dolls. Their slender bodies and tiny clothes are extremely pretty to admire. Now that I am older I am particularly fond of Asian Ball-Jointed and similar dolls. I discovered BJDs through Lolita fashion and can happily say this interest only expands my passion for Lolita. Many of my doll characters wear Lolita fashion and adopt Lolita norms such as have multiple wigs and outfits. My first character Hitomi even designs Lolita fashion and runs her own designer Lolita store! I really enjoy being able to dress my dolls in various Lolita fashion styles and sub styles!

Period Films

My absolute favorite films are period films. I can be swept up into the romanticism and fashion of earlier human eras for hours. Many of the movies and television series I watch are all historically based and often feature frilly and feminine overtones. Some of my favorite period films include; A Royal Affair, Pride and Prejudice, Belle, Mansfield Park and Marie Antoinette. 

​Give me a steaming cup of tea and the Historical tag on Netflix any day!

Reading

I love to read and have enjoyed so since I was a little girl. I am especially fond of classic literature with a special fondness for historical fiction and fairy tales. Some of my favorite authors include; Lewis Carroll, Hans Christian Anderson, the Grimm Brothers, Jane Austin, Charlotte Bronte, J.K. Rowling and CLAMP. 

My favorite type of books completely transport me to another world. I can forget the rules and expectations of my own world and fall completely under the spell of the author's creation. My favorite genres fit nicely along with the romanticism and elegance of Lolita.

Sewing

My mother is a professional seamstress but I never had any desire to learn how to sew until I discovered this fashion. Lolita was a huge motivator for me and pushed me to learn!

While I am still a beginner I really enjoy the ability to create new things! My favorite things to create are Lolita accessories for myself and for my Ball-Jointed-Doll Hitomi. I can easily image myself sewing in another time period completely adorned in frills. It is extremely convenient for me to have this skill set! I find that many of the things I need can be easily assembled with the right materials and time. I can't wait for my skills to get even better!

Teacups

I love tea. I am always on the lookout for a new exotic tea and enjoy the sampling of something new. My favorite time of day to drink tea is in the afternoon and at night along side a good novel. Of course my love of tea requires another great aspect -- the collection of teacups! Slowly but surely I have begun to collect a select few beautiful ceramic teacups. My teacups hang on their own display frame so their saucer and cup can be admired accordingly from their shelf. I cannot think of a hobby more befitting Lolita fashion quite like tea and teacups!

Writing

I have always enjoyed writing. The ability to verbalize the worlds and people I create is a skill I hold most dear. Stories are something I treasure most, and all my hobbies possess a story. From my doll characters to the prints upon my clothes. I love being able to put my fantasies and horror to life through ink and paper. Each character and world I create share an unbreakable bond. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to share these curiosities and creation with others. I feel completely free as I allow myself to become enveloped within the pages of creation. I am most looking forward to the creation of my Lolita inspired fairy tales!

And that completes my hobbies that fit perfectly with Lolita!
What sort of hobbies do you do that compliment Lolita? Leave your answers below!

Stay frilly ~

Bloomers or no bloomers?

Now here is a seemingly innocent question, "Bloomers or no bloomers?"

Are those frilly shorts that no one sees really all that necessary?

Truthfully, no they are not.

Wait, don't get your panties in a bunch quite yet! 

​For one, modesty. Bloomers specifically are not necessary but shorts of some type are. Most Lolita brands are made for a shorter demographic. Angelic Pretty dresses, for example, run shorter than some other name Lolita brands and bloomers or shorts help to cover your assets should you need them to. There is always the occasional unforeseen wind, escalator or dress flip that you never have to worry about with the extra security underneath your frills. I always feel much more carefree knowing I have an extra layer between me and mine.

Two, depending on the style bloomers can actually help to add extra poof to your dresses! There are bloomers that have additional frills at the sides and even the backside to add additional volume. Who doesn't want more poof?

​Thirdly, they are adorable! I love the addition and detail even Lolita "underwear" possesses. On top of everything else bloomers are just another accessory to help you experience the historic and immersive feminine style of this fashion. It is another piece that makes Lolita special.

Do you think bloomers or shorts are necessary? What are your reasons for wearing or not wearing bloomers? Post your answers below, I would love to read your replies!

Stay Frilly,

BJD Aesthetic Review!

There are a great many considerations when ordering a doll. One of these considerations is of course the doll's features. I adored the form of the doll I chose, but faced some difficulty in features. I was unable to order a company face up since the Obitsu brand does not release completed features. I needed to find an artist to commission. 

Luckily I came across Lauren Buitte aka TheKawaiiPhoenix on Etsy! 

(You can view my original blog post here!)

Lauren was available to do the commission and even had experience with Obitsu type dolls. I was sold. Lauren was extremely easy to converse with. This truly would be my first time working with an artist but she asked the right questions and very receptive to my vision. I expressed that I wished my doll to have a "sweet" and "natural" feel. The added comfort in the knowledge that Lauren would provide in-progress photos was a huge relief. Ultimately, I settled on a similar look to one of my favorite Lolita models -- Midori.

Midori Fujiwara. Hitomi's face-up make up style inspiration.

Obitsu Misha head unpainted.

Obitsu Misha head painted commission #1.

Once Hitomi's face up was approved Lauren sent her back to me very quickly and safely. I absolutely loved the note and charm freebies that Hitomi and I received, and I couldn't believe she was finally home! Unfortunately during assembly I damaged the face up and Hitomi had a very unattractive scar. Thankfully Lauren came to the rescue! Once my eyelashes from Nomyen arrived I repackaged Hitomi, purchased another commission slot and sent her back.

I am so happy that Lauren offered to attach the eyelashes for me!

With this second face up I wanted a slightly larger smile along with white eye shadow rather than brown this time. My aim was to brighten Hitomi's eyes a bit since she has brown eyes. I really like how the overall look came out, and looks stunning with her Mako eyes. The eyebrow and lash color is spot on and matches her hair perfectly! I am beyond thrilled with how Hitomi turned out.

 I am so fortunate to have found such a stellar artist!

Just look at her wonderful faceup work and her adorable art of Hitomi ( so cute ) ❤ !!! 

Communication

5 / 5

Lauren had excellent communication before, during and after my faceup request.

Quality

5 / 5

Both of these faceups were completed with quality materials that complimented the vinyl construction of my Obitsu, and were applied with care. I received a faceup in the exactly style I wanted.

Shipping

5 / 5

All of my items were shipped with care and quickly!

As my doll family grows I will be certain to send them to TheKawaiiPhoenix for their aesthetics!

Why do I wear Loℓιтα fashion?

​It is time for another Lolita challenge topic!

This week I will answer one of the most frequent questions I personally experience in the fashion, and one that always originates from ordinary people.

Why do I wear Lolita fashion?

After all this fashion is expensive, often impractical and completely out of the ordinary. Why is it that myself and so many others find themselves dressed in such frilly splendor? While I am not able to speak for my fellow Lolitas, I can attempt to answer this query based on my own experience.

(You can read my original blog post here!)

Clothes are a human necessity. In today’s society however clothes are often a complete disappointment. When I am able to find something suitable I find that the quality of the materials are poor and the cuts are less than desirable. By the time I find a piece I like it is often stretched or worn much sooner than expected. This results in another purchase and thus the cycle continues once more. 

Lolita fashion is completely different. The clothes are constructed of quality materials, the silhouette is flattering and the prints are bold! I can never get over how lovely each article of clothing is. Additionally, all of the lace, chiffon and yards of quality cotton fabric help create beautiful pieces of art. I am completely taken with the care and attention to detail that is represented with each piece of a Lolita wardrobe. All of the various designers that had a talent of transforming a sketch into a true manifestation is pure magic. The fact that I can adorn something so striking on my body for everyone to appreciate is a dream come true!

To be able to wear such gorgeous clothing makes me feel incredibly beautiful. To witness the compete metamorphose of my state from just an ordinary young woman to a lady is one that I treasure greatly. Lolita is an extravagant fashion and that extravagance allows me to get a small glimpse of what life might be like for a lady of nobility. I have a great fondness for fairy tales and period pieces, especially ones that involve the medieval or Rococo period. The lap of luxury to pursue fine dresses, art, music and language is a state that I love to daydream about. Lolita fashion is my fairy godmother. I am able to be whisked away to a beautiful world of wonder and beauty. Best of all I am able to share this power with others! I cannot find anything better than the merriment I experience while in the presence of other Lolitas while ordinary people crown us with endearments as, "princess", "my lady" and "madame". 

The ability to wear such carefully crafted lovely clothes truly makes me feel like a princess!

I am not like everyone else, so I feel more comfortable not dressing like them. Lolita is a far from ordinary fashion. Lolita fashion allows me to represent and express myself in the manner in which I feel suite me best. Since my clothes are so unique they have allowed me to meet all sorts of interesting people and I am never without a conversation icebreaker. With this fashion I can always expect something new and unexpected to come from this fashion style without having to sacrifice a complete overhaul of my wardrobe. Each Lolita clothing brand adds a new and exciting interpretation of the fashion, using the basic rules as a spring board to new and exciting possibilities! With a fashion like this how could I ever become bored?

Life is far too short to be ordinary so why should the clothes we wear be any different?

And those are my major reasons for why I wear Lolita! 

If you are a Lolita, what are your reasons?

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,

The 5 Best Places To Wear Loℓιтα!

I hope everyone had a wonderful week! This week's topic involves the best places to go while in Lolita. There a many places that I go while in Lolita fashion. The movies, the coffee shop, conventions etc. For this list however I limited my selection to a more reasonable number and sorted it by priority. (You can view my original blog post here!)

Here are my five favorite places to go when I wear Lolita fashion!

​Amusement Parks

Amusement parks and fairs are great places to wear Lolita! The lights, the energy, the atmosphere! There are tons of adorable props and backdrops to fuel your kawaii fashion photography. Just remember to wear accessories that are ride friendly!

Gardens

I love to attend gardens and public parks while in Lolita. The sun under a parasol and the wind beneath my skirt always brings a smile to my face. There really is nothing like taking a stroll amongst such glorious nature in such feminine frills! Fresh flowers are a perfect backdrop to any coordinate.

Sweet Shops

Candy, bakery and ice cream shops are always great places to meet up with friends, particularly if it is with group of Lolitas! All of those delectable and adorable sweets make for incredibly cute delicious and tasty props! The fact that you are able to showcase your favorite treats in your coordinate is an added bonus!

Art Museums

My first Lolita meet occurred at an art museum and I just absolutely adored it! Any time we have a Lolita fashion meet at an art museum the other patrons spend more time admiring us rather than the artwork. Talk about a confidence boost! There is nothing quite like admiring wonderful works of art while being an art addition yourself!

Malls and Shopping Centers

Shopping is one of my favorite activities to do in Lolita fashion. I am especially fond of shopping at a mall and shopping centers so that I am able to browse multiple shops at once. Not to mention you have all your basic comfort needs under one roof! I can always be sure to discover a great new find I can use for a current or future coordinate. I never leave without a kawaii new addition!

And that does it for my top five! Where are your favorite places to go while in Lolita?

How long will take for me to build a complete Loℓιтα wardrobe?

​This week's topic for the 52 Lolita Challenge is quite a handful, but one that many participants in this fashion ponder.

How long do I believe it will take me to build a complete Lolita wardrobe?

This prompt begs the question of what do I believe a complete Lolita wardrobe contains? In the start of my Lolita journey I would have considered a wardrobe with a few staple pieces so I would have some diversity when attending Lolita meets and conventions. Now that I am a bit more seasoned, I would consider a complete Lolita wardrobe to possess enough pieces so I would be able to wear Lolita on a daily basis. The ability to have enough pieces to accommodate a full month without outfit repeats would be an absolute dream! A health mix of blouses, bloomers, skirts, dresses and accessories is an expensive and tedious venue, but one I am absolutely determined to complete.

In order to decipher a realistic answer I will be using mathematics with my past rate and my anticipated rate to find a plausible, all be it possibly mortifying, answer!

(You can view my original blog post here!)

My track record for Lolita purchases is not exactly something I am proud of. Since I began wearing Lolita I obtain one large purchase piece a year, such as a dress or a skirt. I started to wear Lolita when I was in college, so money was a rarity. Now that I have a full-time job however I do not believe this will pose as much of a problem. I am able to do large purchases a few times a year which is a real treat!

Realistically, my wardrobe completion would most likely consist of:

20 Dresses

10 Pairs of Shoes

15 Blouses

5 Skirts

5 Bloomers

3 Petticoats

3 Sweaters

2 Boleros

2 Coats

+ 50 accessories ( socks, headpieces, wrist cuffs etc )

What a list! Now, let's associate values based on the estimated expense of the items.

+4

Coats

Dresses

+3

Blouses

Petticoats

Skirts

+2

Shoes

Boleros

Sweaters

+1

Bloomers

Accessories

I have estimated what I would spend on Lolita items with my allotted "allowance". I also factored in approximately how much of my allowance is used to the advancement of my other hobbies. With the weighed scale, this would amount to +20 points. Additionally I subtracted the items I currently possess from my total.

Coats = 8

Dresses = 68

​

Blouses = 39

Petticoats = 6

Skirts = 15

Shoes = 10

Boleros = 4

Sweaters = 6

Bloomers = 5

Accessories = 40

______________________________

201

201 points divided by the 20 points per year gives me the plausible timeline of 10.5.

This approximation of 10 years, while somewhat daunting, is helpful in my planning. Obviously there are variables that cannot be measured. Variables such as gifts, tax returns or the amount I spend on other hobbies were not factored and will help to lessen this time frame. Additionally there are opportunities to get less expensive items through second hand marketplaces. Still, this estimation is extremely helpful!

How long did it take, or will it take for you to build a complete Lolita wardrobe? Post your answer below!

​Stay frilly ~