It seems as if I've been getting a few lolita interested readers, so I thought I might as well make another post for lolita. I'd also like to give a little intro on it, since many newbies tend to get mixed up between all the amazing fashion styles which Japan has to offer. ;D
First of all, I'm not an expert on lolita or anything, I'm just a girl who likes dressing up in this style. All of this is just based on my own knowledge. :) If I said anything incorrect, please note it to me so that I can change it!
Basically though, lolita is a style of Japanese fashion that is based on the Victorian era (you know, those fancy, poofy dresses and stuff). A typical lolita outfit might include a
onepiece (OP) - an all around dress,
jumperskirt (JSK) - basically an OP without sleeves, a skirt, a
blouse or cutsew (casual top),
headbow/headdress/hat,
socks,
shoes, and sometimes a
parasol.
That doesn't mean lolita is a very limited fashion, because there are an infinite amount of prints, styles, or coordinates you could dress up in. After you understand the basic concept and have a fair amount of lolita / like lolita clothes, it becomes fun!
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If you'd like to know more about the fashion, here are some useful links:
Best Loli Comm EVER - Basically THE community for lolita, where you can meet fellow lolitas, join an event, learn the fashion, diy + sewing, and anything else you want! (btw, I urge you to check out the memories section on the left side, it's amazing!)
Lolita Handbook (great if you want to delve more into the fashion)
Lolita Fashion (another great site)
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Okay now, let's get to the fun part!
There are lots of different sub-styles in lolita (and more to come), but the most common/popular ones are sweet, classical, gothic, punk, deco, and wa lolita.
Sweet LolitaLots of pastels, frills, prints, and super cute! Totally my style!
Baby the Stars Shine Bright (my favorite brand ever!)
Angelic PrettyMaxicimamMetamorphoseMILK (great for casual loli)
mimo. (cutest bags ever!)
Classical LolitaThis is probably the closest to the traditional victorian clothing, this sub style has a very elegant feel. With lots of antique colors, more frills, and fanciness, this is one of my favorites!
Mary MagdadeneInnocent WorldJuliette et JustineVictorian MaidenAngel Fish (cute + affordable indie brand I just found!)
Gothic LolitaIn my opinion, I think this style is the easiest to pull off for a first timer. If you're on a tight budget even some of the most common stores (target, f21, etc) can work for your outfit. Very dark and gothic, but still makes you look cute and pretty!
Moi Meme MoiteAtelier PierrotH.NaotoSuppurate SystemAlice and the PiratesPunk LolitaLots of tartans, reds, blacks, pinks, this is such a fun style!
PutumayoAlgonquins (not really lolita, but
can work)
Alice and the PiratesDeco LolitaAnother super fun sub style, you basically dress up in pastels, eye catching colors, and mix + match accessories. Feel free to go all out! Also one of my faves~
ChocomintQ-Pot (also has a cute store in Hawaii, Ala Moana)
Strapya (lots of deco tools)
6% DokiDokiNile Perch (amazing handmade stuff)
Wa LolitaA beautiful sub style if you're interested in more traditional aspects. :)
It's not as popular as the previous styles though, so you may have some trouble buying.
DespairQutie Frash (lots of cool asian elements!)
There aren't many brands made specially for wa-loli, but brands like meta and angelic pretty have a few pieces occasionally.
If you don't mind a bit cheaper quality, Bodyline offers a few great dresses!
AristocratA more mature elegant sub style with lots of blacks, whites, long skirts, frills and corsets!
Atelier BozMiho MatsudaVisibleMille Fleurs/NoirsMarbleHime LolitaHime is basically princess in Japanese. Although very similar to sweet lolita, hime loli has a more cute and elegant feel, with lots of tiaras, bows, pearls, jewels, and mega ruffles! :D
ChantillyJesus Diamante (actually a hime gyaru brand, but close enough)
Annie Antique (gorgeous antique style jewelry!)
Most popular brands like Babyssb and Angelic Pretty typically have a few hime pieces, so you won't have much trouble finding coordinates. ;)
Where to shop for Japanese brands:MaruioneTokyo Rebel (I'm so lucky that they have an NYC Store!)
LaforetKera ShopCD JapanFor the Budget Lolitas:Closet ChildAlice+Fururun (crazy cheap sales)
Anna House Fashion (Hong Kong Based)
Bodyline (great site for beginners, but just be aware that not everything is great quality. I always shop here though! xD)
Paris KidsCandy Violet (sale going on right now!)
SwimmerThe great thing about lolita fashion though, is that even the most common stores can make room for your outfit. You just need to pick and choose what works or not, and still look great!
Overseas BrandsForever 21Betsey Johnson (not so cheap, but they have some nice sales!)
Claire's Gap (if you're small enough, the kids section is great!)
TaoBao GuideSome etsy shopsAnother option would be to also sew/start
sewing. Believe me though, it's a really fun hobby and you can save a lot of $$ too!
Egl Loli DiyFabric TalesSuperbuzzySpoonflower (create your own print!)
Lace HeavenFor your inspiration needs:Lolita Stock PhotosFlickr Lolita Fashion GroupFree Gothic Lolita Bible, Kera, Alice Deco, etc. scansAlso, a couple more things before I finish up the post.
Lolita is NOT Cosplay, nor is it in any way related to Vladimir Nabokov's LolitaHope you enjoyed the post! :)
Grace~
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