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 Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 9:47 am
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If you have a question, well, you've come to the right place. Follow the headers of each section in order to find an answer to what you want to ask. If the question hasn't been answered here, post it and someone will try and help you out.
Last Updated: April 7, 2014
Q: Where do lolita skirts fit? Is it okay to let them sit on my hips?
A: Lolita skirts sit at your natural waistline. This is the most narrow portion of your torso and is often right above your belly button. Wearing a "lolita" skirt lower than this point generally does not create the proper shape for the syle. There are naturally exceptions to this rule, but beginners should generally adhere to the suggestion that they keep their skirts at their natural waistlines.
Q: What is a petticoat?
A: A petticoat [also called a crinoline] is a skirt worn under dresses or other skirts in order to provide shape and fullness. Generally, petticoats are made of either tulle, organdy, or layers of similar fabrics. Ideally, a petticoat in lolita provides skirts with a cupcake shape rather than the triangle shape found in squaredancing skirts.
Q: Do I really need to wear a petticoat?
A: This is tricky. Many people will say yes, some will say no. Many times, casual lolita outfits do not involve petticoats at all, or involve less fluffy ones. Also, some empire-waisted lolita dresses look ridiculous with full petticoats and so they are better replaced with one using lighter poof. As a rule, though, formal, full-skirted lolita will need a petticoat to achieve the proper shape and style.
Q: I'm not a girl, but can I dress lolita?
A: Certainly! Many jokingly call boys who wear lolita "brolitas", but there are boys and young men who wear lolita [and many who do not fit the gender binary as well]. Similarly, there are young women who wear boystyle/ouji/aristocrat.
Q: Is lolita cosplay?
A: The short answer to this question is just a plain "no". The long answer has to do with the attitude behind lolita and the fact that it is not a costume, it is a fashion. Those who wear lolita regularly aren't pretending to be someone else, they are simply expressing their tastes through their clothing. Cosplaying a lolita is like cosplaying a schoolgirl. You can do it, but it probably won't look genuine. Unless you're cosplaying a particular character who dresses in lolita [such as Miwako from Paradise Kiss], lolita is not a form of cosplay.
Q: Is there an equivalent to lolita for boys?
A: Yes. It's referred to as ouji or boystyle most often, and for a more mature look, aristocrat. Like lolita, this style is not limited to just one gender, however.
Q: Where can I meet other lolitas in my area?
A: There are a lot of ways you can go about finding other lolitas. LiveJournal and Facebook both have extensive communities and you're bound to encounter others from your area there. Also, you can check the EGL Master List of Communities to find one relating to your area, or search Facebook for corresponding group pages.
Q: I always hear people talking about "bad lace" so what is it?
A: "Bad" lace versus good lace is generally synthetic versus organic. That is, plastic or polyester lace versus cotton lace. Most of the time, raschel [stamped] lace is considered "bad" because it's normally large, shiny and thin. Cotton laces, usually tatted or crocheted [such as Venise lace or Cluny] or forming an eyelet pattern are best for lolita. Having large lace overlays tends to look tacky, cheap and very costume-like. Make sure to keep your lace in style with the rest of the garment and don't let it overpower the outfit. Remember, sometimes, less is more. Look at Japanese brands like BABY for examples of good lace and its use. In recent years, there has been an upswing in the use of polyester and nylon-based net laces, so the number of quality sources for these materials has improved to meet demand.
Q: What is the Bible/G&LB/Gothic & Lolita Bible?
A: The Gothic & Lolita Bible, or G&LB for short, is a seasonal publication [released once every three months] that focuses on trends in lolita and the various goth cultures in Japan. It contains ads, interviews, outfit snaps, and patterns for clothing or accessories. Because it is seasonal and rather large, it's often referred to as a "mook". Tokyopop also released their own, English version of the G&LB in February 2008; this release and Tokyopop's handling of the project has led to quite a bit of controversy within the lolita community and terminated shortly before Tokyopop declared bankruptcy.
Q: What's the proper shape for a petticoat? What's wrong with square dancing petticoats?
A: The proper shape for a petticoat in lolita is a cupcake shape or something like an up-side-down teacup, or an A-line petticoat. For a cupcake shape, the hips poof outward, but the hems do not flare. Square dancing petticoats are wrong just for this very reason. They turn your skirts into a triangle shape, rather than a softly bowed curve. You can change this by modifying the petticoat. If it has only two layers [which is ideal since they're very full] you can pull up and sew the top layer so that it is about half its normal length. This will improve the shape drastically. It is, however, still easier to just buy the proper sort of petticoat to begin with rather than modifying one.
A-line petticoats have a shape similar to a squaredancing petticoat, but considerably fewer layers.
Q: Isn't lolita about sex?
A: Not in the case of the fashion, no. Lolita as a form of pornography has nothing to do with lolita the fashion at all. Lolita pornography refers to girls who appear underage engaging in sexual acts.
Q: Isn't Lolita a book about sex? Gross!
A: The novel Lolita by Nobakov is actually not entirely about sex. It is about the appeal of 'nymphets', or sexually precocious young girls [girls who have sex at an early age; not whores, not sluts]. The main character obsesses so thoroughly about a young girl named Lolita that he marries her mother to be closer to her. It does not relate to the lolita fashion except in the fact that they share a name and some followers of the style feel that it reflects a reversal of the situation: that is, young women pretending to be even younger than they are, rather than older. This view is not one that is widely held in the community, however, and is often frowned upon. For more information on the book, please view its Wikipedia Entry.
Q: Doesn't lolita mean "whore"?
A: No. Lolita is a name which was used for the style. It originally is a diminutive of Lola, which is a diminutive of the Spanish name Dolores meaning "sorrowful". It doesn't mean whore, slut, prostitute, prostitot or nymphet in its original meaning, nor do these meanings relate at all to the fashion in any way.
Q: Aren't lolitas supposed to be sweet and nice? Why are so many so mean?
A: Well, there's no way to answer this easily. Lolita is a fashion first and foremost. Some followers ascribe to a lifestyle that they feel suits the princess-y feel of their clothing, but most do not. Even in Novala's story [Kamikaze Girls/Shimotsuma Monogatori], the main character, a lifestyle lolita, is a selfish and self-centered person. The lifestyle you choose is up to you and cannot be forced on others; just keep in mind that being a lolita doesn't mean you have to be a doormat, nor does it mean you have to be a snob or mean.
It also doesn't mean you have to like tea, speak properly, or like a certain type of food. Some lolitas do, some lolitas don't. The lifestyle you choose is all up to you, though very few would actually suggest changing your whole life due to your clothing tastes.
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Q: What is a "JSK"?
A: JSK stands for "jumper skirt" and is a bastardization of English-to-Japanese-to-English. It's the Japanese for "jumper", more or less, and refers to sleeveless dresses worn in lolita. It is acceptable to wear them without a blouse during spring and summer, but even then many lolitas will layer a cutsew or cardigan on top for modesty anyway.
Q: What is an "OP"?
A: An OP is a "one piece" or a dress worn by itself. It has sleeves most of the time and is often more formal than a jumper skirt. They tend to have more complex designs than jumper skirts, as they are meant to be worn by themselves rather than layered with blouses as JSKs are. Naturally, there are exceptions to this rule.
Q: What is an "RHS"/"RHB"?
A: RHS stands for "rocking horse shoe" and RHB stands for "rocking horse boot"; these are platformed shoes which were once common in lolita. They are less popular now, but you can still purchase them easily. Generally, they have a two to three inch platform with a sharp slope at the front toe and a small quare cut-out at the heel. They are also occasionally called "ballet rocking horses" due to the fact that you can rock up "en pointe" with them. The original designs were created by Vivienne Westwood, adopted by Japanese punks, and eventually filtered into other subcultures over time.
Q: What is a "cutsew"/"cutsaw"?
A: Cutsews are essentially blouses that are made from light cotton jersey material [t-shirt material]. They are generally more casual than full blown lolita blouses as they require less careful fitting and construction. They are literally cut and sewn together.
Q: What is kodona/boystyle/ouji/aristocrat/dandy?
A: These words all refer to the style of dress that is sort of a male counterpart to lolita, especially ouji and boystyle. Dandy refers simply to a young man dressing sharply, which can occasionally leak into the other two as well, but is actually considered a western style. Aristocrat would be a Japanese equivalent in many's eyes. Ouji tends to borrow from boys' styles from the Victorian period [much like lolita does from girls' styles] and often incorporates waist coats/vests, knee-length britches, and some sort of cap or hat.
It should be noted that "kodona" is a term coined by Ryuutaro of Plastic Tree, describing his style as being the idea of a child (kodomo) within an adult (otona). Many who wear boystyle have recently begun rejecting this term as a valid name for the style based on this strange mix-up of how the word came into the fashion.
Q: What is an "LP"?
A: LP stands for "lucky pack" and is the English equivalent of "fukubukuro"; they're explained a bit better further down in the Japanese brand section, but it's more or less a grab bag that contains either random pieces of clothing, accessories, or sometimes a full, head-to-toe outfit.
Q: What is an "ita"/"italoli"/"italolita"?
A: This term is a derogatory word or slang that comes from the exclamation "itai" in Japanese ("ouch!" more or less). It's more or less a lolita who is "painful" to look at; that is, someone who has made errors in the style or doesn't suit the clothing. Most often, this term is used as an insult towards a particular person, but is useful to know as it is also used to describe items of low quality rather than just a badly dressed person.
Q: What is "brand"/"burando"?
A: Brand's definition varies from person to person. Some people use it to describe clothing that is manufactured by machine and sold under a particular label. Others only use this term to describe Japanese brands' items.
Q: What is "gosurori"?
A: Gosu rori refers to actually a few things. First of all, it's the Japanese pronunciation of "goth loli", the short version of gothic lolita. It also refers to a magazine/mook that focuses on the hand-made aspects of lolita. These mooks contain photographs of hand-made outfits, patterns for said outfits, and hints and tips on creating your own lolita style.
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Q: Can I buy lolita in normal clothing shops?
A: Not usually. Sometimes you can come up with a lucky find [such as when Charlotte Russe, Target, Kohl's JCPenney or Forever21 are going through one of their many cycles of Victorian-inspired fashion]. H&M often sells clothing appropriate for casual lolita, as well. However, don't bank on being able to build a full wardrobe just from regular clothing. The skirts in particular tend to have the wrong shape most of the time.
Q: Can I find lolita clothing at HotTopic.
A: No. I cannot emphasize this enough: HotTopic does not sell lolita. You can sometimes find great accessories such as jewelry, hair clips, purses, socks or shoes. Clothing, though, [petticoats, blouses, skirts and dresses] is almost always right out. Even those which are advertised as being lolita are not appropriate if you're going to do it right. The materials are generally shoddy and the workmanship not up to par. Also, their petticoats are generally far, far too short for lolita and will have a very unflattering effect on your skirts.
Q: Lolita is so expensive! How can I afford it?
A: Well, the simple answer is this: get a job. The less simple answer [for those too young for jobs or unable to work for other reasons] is to save your money. Lolita is an expensive fashion and you can't cut corners if you're going to do it right. You don't have to buy brand, though, and you can always bargain hunt. Buy from off-brands, TaoBao brands or various indie brands. You can hunt the Yahoo! Japan Auctions or Mbok, scour the EGL community sales for deals or the many Facebook lolita sales groups. Save your pocket change in a jar for a few months, do odd jobs or chores for family, friends or neighbors. There are many things you can do to save for clothes. Just don't get discouraged.
Q: I saw a great dress on eBay! Should I buy it?
A: It really depends on where and what you saw. Fanplusfriend Garden has an eBay store that they run and is a reliable seller. Many other sellers on eBay who deal in "lolita" are very shady. Sellers like Momo's Handicrafts [she has changed her name since then] or the like should generally be avoided; any seller who uses stolen brand photographs and doesn't provide a picture of their actual product really should not be trusted. Avoid Milanoo and its subsidiaries at all costs.
Q: Where are the lolita stores in the United States?
A: As of Dcember 2013, there are a few. BABY, the Stars Shine Bright has a boutique in San Francisco, as does Angelic Pretty. Harajuku Hearts [who shares space with Angelic Pretty USA] carries quite a few brands as well. Fairytale Boutique is another California-based shop and Tokyo Rebel is based out of NYC, though they're currently seeking a new location for their brick and mortar shop.
BABY also has a store in Paris, and a few other boutique owners in the United States, Europe and Canada sell lolita as part of their stock. In Europe, there are a few shops that do exclusively sell lolita clothing. One example of such a shop is MFashion in the Netherlands. They also ship internationally. Additionally, you can order from Dream Shoppe, as well. They are located in the United States. In Australia, many goth shops carry lolita, but there is no longer a lolita-centric physical store front. Electric Alice has many lolita-friendly items in their shop.
Q: Where can I find good off-brand lolita outfits?!
A: In general, you can't find a full outfit outside of a specifically-made-for-lolita shop or tailor. You can, however, get lucky with stores like Forever21, Target, JCPenney, Kohl's, H&M and Charlotte Russe. Stores like HotTopic, Envy, Claire's and the icing are all great for accessories, too. If you're lucky, you'll also sometimes find some great shoes at HotTopic under the T.U.K., Pleaser and Demonia labels.
Q: Are Chinese brands or tailors reliable?
A: There is no real straight answer to this. Most eBay sellers are completely and entirely unreliable because they're out to make a profit and don't care about the fashion at all. Many of the sellers on TaoBao, by contrast, are small-time business that are working to make it in the lolita world. Because of this, they're often more reliable in terms of quality, construction, and design. Avoid eBay for replicas if at all possible, and always ask for photos of the product you will be receiving. If the shop uses stolen photos from brand websites, do not buy from them. The risk is not worth it. Another thing to keep in mind is that you get what you pay for: if the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Most replica dresses will still cost upwards of 100-150USD after shipping if they are of good quality and construction.
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Q: What size do Japanese brands sell?
A: Generally, each brand only sells within a certain range. Some, however [Metamorphose and Innocent World being the most easily available] will occasionally release multiple sizes for one item. You have to just check your measurements against those that they have listed. Most brands are a Japanese size M/9 which is similar to a size 8 tailored dress size, or vanity size 4.
Q: Japanese girls are so tiny! How do I know I'll fit into brand name clothing?
A: Most Japanese websites have measurements for each garment listed in its description. If you can't read Japanese, using a translator [such as the Google Languages Tool] is incredibly helpful. Also, many Japanese brands are deceptive in their sizes. Metamorphose in particular uses a lot of shirring in their garments, which allows for a variety of sizing possibilities.
Q: I'm too big/small/tall/short for a certain brand name piece that I love! What should I do?
A: You have a few options available to you. The first is to get a replica made by a reputable seamstress or tailor. This is actually the best option for dresses that are in solid colors, since you can have the garment tailored to fit you perfectly, which will be much more flattering and comfortable in the long run. The second is to buy the piece and have it altered to fit you. So long as you're not a huge distance away from the measurements of the piece, you can have it modified to fit you just fine [going smaller is always easier than going larger; if you're more than 5 inches larger than the maximum size of the piece, I wouldn't recommend altering it as it's likely to ruin the shape of the skirt in the end].
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Q: What are the different styles?
A: Lolita has many different variations, including but not limited to Gothic, Sweet, Classical, Hime, Wa, Qi, Country, Guro and Sailor. For a full list of styles and examples of each, try looking in the Lolita Handbook Style Guide. It has a comprehensive list of most lolita styles and subsets.
Q: Black goes with everything, so I can just wear black shoes all the time, right?
A: Wrong. Lolita is very, very color-oriented within a coordination. Wearing black with black or dark colors is fine, but wearing black with an otherwise all white, all pastel, or all bright blue outfit is just going to look weird. Some people will accept having dark hair as being an exception to this rule, but generally that is not the case. If you're having trouble deciding if two colors go together, ask yourself if they're within a few steps of one another--that is, patels and white are usually alright so long as they are in balanced amounts. Jewel tones and blacks are similar. If you're not sure, ask; just try and keep in mind that you should have probably no more than two main colors and an accent or one main color and two accents, otherwise things just get crazy looking. For example: with prints, pick one of the accent colors out of the fabric and use that for accessories, while you use a stronger colour from the print for your blouse and shoes.
Q: How long does my skirt need to be?
A: Most lolita skirts are knee length or there about. Usually they are no longer and no shorter than two inches away from the knee. This mostly depends on personal preference, but your own modesty and the shape of the garment are what count most. Some girls will wear long bloomers with shorter skirts so that the hems peek out from underneath, or disguise the length by wearing tights or longer socks to cover their legs.
Also of note, 'long-length' lolita dresses have gained popularity recently. These styles usually reach mid-calf, but can go as long as even the ankles.
Q: I'm new to lolita! What style should I wear?
A: This is all a matter of personal preference, really. Look at the style guides listed above and think things over for yourself. If you need advice, ask for it. It's all a matter of personal choice, however; choose the style that suits your tastes the best.
Q: I've seen legwarmers worn with lolita, is this okay?
A: As a rule, most experienced lolitas will tell you no, simply because it's the safe route to go. Fitted legwarmers which actually keep you warm can be worn in winter and look fine since they're not quite as bulky and often look more like socks than "legwarmers". The baggy, loose socks you seen worn by school girls, or the legwarmers sold by Bodyline or Putumayo are generally inappropriate, as they are geared towards punk rather than lolita fashion.
Q: Can a skirt with a "low-rise" waist be worn with lolita?
A: In general, no. It's going to make your hips look really strange and give the wrong silhouette. There are styles of skirts and jumpers that have dropped waists, which sit a bit lower than the natural waistline but still above the hips, but are not so low as the below-the-hip-bones style that are more popular in mainstream fashion.
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Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 9:50 am
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Got a question about Japanese brands? Go ahead and look for the answer here!
Last Updated: September 12, 2012
Q: Help! I don't know how to read Japanese. How do I find what I want?
A: Quite a few brands now have English websites, or websites that heavily incorporate English into their navigation. For the sites that do not have these features, you'll need a translator. I highly recommend the Google Translate and the Google Translate Extension [for Chrome/Mozilla Firefox] because it will continue to translate a page even if you click a link in the "Translate a Website" option.
Q: How much are the prices in USD/AUD/CND/GBP/etc.?
A: In order to change yen to your own, home currency, you'll need to use a conversion resource like Xe.com. Most sites that accept overseas payments will only accept them in their home currencies, though. You'll need to use a PayPal account to pay for your purchases most of the time. PayPal has a built-in currency converter that you can use when you go to pay for your items.
Q: What is a lucky pack/fukubukuro?
A: A lucky pack or fukubukuro [福袋] is a sort of "grab bag" that brands release at different times. Usually, they are released at the New Year as it is considered bad luck in Japan to start a new year with old goods. They are also often released as part of an anniversary sale, store opening or change in seasons [such as the spring-to-summer or summer-to-fall packs occasionally released]. Sometimes lucky packs are released online [Meta releases theirs internationally as well], but often the contents are determined by each particular store. For more information on lucky packs, please check out the LPs Explained Post on EGL.
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Website: http://www.angelicpretty.com/
English Website: http://www.angelicpretty.com/en/
Also Called: AP
Q: Can I buy directly from Angelic Pretty outside of Japan?
A: As of March 2008, yes you can! AP has opened an English branch to their store and an overseas shopping cart. You can currently only buy the items that are on the English site, but they have promised to add more items as they better develop their system. AP is currently in the process of revamping their website so that international customers can buy from the same webshop as their domestic customers.
Q: What forms of payment does AP accept?
A: Currently, they only accept PayPal for overseas orders. There are other options in the checkout list, but none of them are available outside of Japan, unfortunately.
Q: There's an item on the Japanese site that I want, but it isn't on the English site. What do I do?
A: I'm afraid that there is really nothing at all to be done. Angelic Pretty's items sell out very quickly, and if it isn't on the English site it likely isn't in stock. Requesting an item that isn't on the English site will not get it uploaded to the international page either, unfortunately. You can get a shopping service to order for you, however!
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Website: http://www.babyssb.co.jp/
English Website: http://www.babyssb.co.jp/en/en_shopping/
Also Called: BABY, BtSSB, BSSB
Q: Can I buy directly from BABY outside of Japan?
A: Yes you can. There are several methods by which you can do this, including mail order, the English site, or the Japanese shopping cart. Unfortunately, the English site is no where near up to date, so it's best to use one of the other two methods. Baby prefers that you use the shopping cart method. Baby recently revamped their website to make it easier to shop from overseas. See details on their website.
Q: What form of payment does BABY accept?
A: They accept PayPal only, now. They used to accept International Postal Money Orders [IPMOs] and direct bank transfers, but are no longer offering these options due to the inconvenience associated with them.
Q: Exactly how do I order from BABY? I'm so confused!
A: There are several ways to order from BABY's site. If you're in an area/country that has very high customs fees for imported goods, I'd recommend using a shopping service, as they will be willing to mark the goods at a lower price. Even after fees, this tends to be cheaper for some people. Another method would be to use the shopping cart on the Japanese website. You can use Cidsa’s Guide from EGL or BABY’s Guide from their website for the shopping cart. Additionally, you can order items via email using this form which Cidsa also explains.
Q: What if I change my mind after I order something?
A: You unfortunately cannot do this. BABY has a blacklist and if you order an item, then back out of the transaction, they will refuse to sell to you again. Changing your email and PayPal will not matter, either, as they will have your full name and address by that point. If you have a question about which items are in stock, do not ask unless you intend to buy right then.
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Website: http://www.bodyline.co.jp/, http://www.rakuten.co.jp/bodyline/
English Website: http://www.bodyline.co.jp/bodyline/
Also Called: n/a
Q: Can I buy directly from Bodyline outside of Japan?
A: Yes you can. Their English site has some bandwidth issues, but you can order using its shopping cart.
Q: What form of payment does Bodyline accept?
A: They accept PayPal only.
Q: There's an item on the Japanese site that I want, but it isn't on the English site. What do I do?
A: You can email Bodyline directly using the contact information on the site and state which item it is you want from the Japanese site (provide the product code). They're very good about adding requested items to the English site, so once you put in the query, it often will be available on the international page within a few days.
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Website: http://www.metamorphose.gr.jp/
English Website: http://www.metamorphose.gr.jp/english/
Also Called: Metamorphose, Meta
Q: Can I buy directly from Meta outside of Japan?
A: Yes you can. They have a very well developed site that ships internationally.
Q: What form of payment does Meta accept?
A: Meta accepts major credit cards such as Mastercard, VISA and American Express. They also accept PayPal.
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Website: http://www.milky-ange.com/
English Website: http://www.milky-ange.com/intl.html
Also Called: n/a
Q: Can I buy directly from Milky Ange outside of Japan?
A: Yes you can. Their website has an FAQ and explanation on how to order internationally.
Q: What form of payment does Milky Ange accept?
A: They accept PayPal, and a few other methods. Anything other than PayPal must be cleared through email with them first and Money Orders are unfortunately not accepted.
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Website: http://www.millefleurs-noirs.com/
English Website: n/a
Also Called: n/a
Q: Can I buy directly from Mille Fleurs/Mille Noirs outside of Japan?
A: Yes you can. Their website has an FAQ and explanation on how to order internationally, though it's very brief. You must contact them through email. They can understand some English, but speaking Japanese is a huge plus when ordering. Keep your messages simple.
Q: What form of payment does Mille Fleurs/Minne Noirs accept?
A: They accept PayPal for international orders at this time.
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Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 9:52 am
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Got a question about Hong Kong brands? Go ahead and look for the answer here!
Last Updated: September 12, 2012
Website: http://www.annahousefashion.com
English Website: n/a
Also Called: AH, Anna House
Q: Can I order directly from Anna House outside of Hong Kong?
A: Yes, you can! They have an overseas mail order explanation on their website that is in English. It is linked directly from the front page.
Q: What form of Payment does Anna House accept?
A: Anna House accepts only PayPal for international orders. You also must pay in Hong Kong dollars and add an additional banking fee to your total. This is all explained in better detail on their website.
Q: Why is Anna House so expensive?!
A: Anna House's prices are in Hong Kong dollars, not USD/AUD/etc. To get a better idea of the prices in your home currency, use Xe.com to convert it. PayPal will convert for you automatically when you pay Anna House.
Q: Can I order something in a different color than they show on the site?
A: Yes. You will have to order the item as "bespoke" instead of the normal, default choice, which means that it will take a bit longer for you to receive your item. You also probably should email ahead of time to ask if the color you desire is available.
Q: What does "bespoke" mean?
A: It means that the garment is made to your specifications; customized. This can mean a change in color, sizing, or even lace.
Q: Which e-mail they use as their paypal?
A: Anna House sends you the email that they want you to use to pay them after they confirm your order. This is to prevent people from paying them before the stock has been confirmed as available. If you haven't received an email from them, just be patient and wait. Once you receive a response, they will tell you where to send the money.
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Website: http://www.fanplusfriend.com/
eBay Store: http://stores.ebay.com/Fanplusfriend
Also Called: F+F, FpF, Fanplusfriend
Q: Can I order directly from F+F ouside of Hong Kong?
A: Yes, you can. They sell almost exclusively as an international vender of cosplay and lolita outfits.
Q: I want to order from them but don't know what size I need. What should I do?
A: There's two ways to handle this, since they make custom orders. You can either look at their sizing chart [which is linked on every page of their site] or you can choose "custom measurements" and provide your own. I actually suggest that you do that instead, since they have a tendency to make skirts and sleeves too long without exact measurements being provided.
Q: Wow! They make such pretty clothes! Who designs them?
A: Actually, a combination of people. Most of F+F's items are knock-offs or look-alikes based on Japanese brand clothing. Another portion of their clothing is self-designed. A third portion of their garments are designed by the owner of Retroscope Fashions and resold by F+F for less. A final portion comes from contests that they hold within their forum community. This contest allows customers to design a full outfit which they win as their prize. The outfit is also then sold on the site.
Q: I want to get a different color from the photos that they show, can I do this?
A: Yes, you have to let them know that you want a color change when you place your order, though, or you'll receive the default color in whatever size you chose.
Q: Why are some parts of their garments see-through?
A: For a lot of items, F+F uses a broadcloth. The main portions of the garment [skirts, vests, bodices] are lined, but other parts [sleeves, coattails] may not be. This means that the fabric can be somewhat see-through.
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Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 9:53 am
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Got a question about TaoBao tailors or brands? Go ahead and look for the answer here!
Last Updated: September 12, 2012
Q: Help! I don't know how to read Chinese. How do I find what I want?
A: Only a few TaoBao brand sites actually have an English version at this point, as you've probably already noticed. For the sites that do not have much or any, you'll need a translator. I highly recommend the Google Language Tools because it will continue to translate a page even if you click a link in the "Translate a Website" option. You can search in English and Chinese, though I recommend simply using the link list compiled at the bottom of this guide.
Q: How much are the prices in USD/AUD/CND/GBP/etc.?
A: In order to change yuan to your own, home currency, you'll need to use a conversion resource like Xe.com. Based on which shopping service you use to buy from TaoBao, you may have to convert your home currency to something other than yuan, however. Most TaoBao shopping services accept payments in USD.
Q: Can I buy directly from TaoBao?
A: Yes and no. Some shops will allow you to buy directly using PayPal. For those that do not, you need to speak Chinese very well, have a Chinese national ID number and a bank account in China, otherwise you will need to get a shopping service.
Q: I've seen these items elsewhere, who sells TaoBao goods?
A: Several retailers and shopping services offer these brands. QCute, One Day in Paradise and Clobba Online all offer TaoBao shop goods through their shopping services.
Website: http://shop10274962.taobao.com/
English Website: n/a
Also Called: n/a
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Website: http://shop34148658.taobao.com/
English Website: n/a
Also Called: n/a
Q: What does custom making by photo mean?
A: HMHM is a small group effort. Because they are small, they can produce one-off items and replicas upon request in addition to their own items. If you provide them with detailed drawings or a photo of an item you would like to have made, they can produce a custom piece for you.
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Website: http://shop33035817.taobao.com/
English Website: n/a
Also Called: n/a
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Website: http://shop33695866.taobao.com/
English Website: n/a
Also Called: n/a
Q: These items look familiar. Are they an Angelic Pretty or BABY retailer?
A: No. This brand is actually a very high quality replica maker, which is part of why their prices are pretty steep. Their goods are amazingly detailed and very close to the appearance of the originals, but they are still only a replica maker and not a dealer.
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Website: http://shop33146711.taobao.com/
English Website: n/a
Also Called: n/a
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Website: http://shop33039330.taobao.com/
English Website: n/a
Also Called: n/a
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Website: http://shop33633435.taobao.com/
English Website: n/a
Also Called: n/a
Q: I've seen these items elsewhere, who sells this brand?
A: There are actually a lot of sellers who offer Secret Shop shoes, mostly on LiveJournal. Of them, QCute, Clobba Online, One Day in Paradise and Minky Shop are included.
Q: I've heard that Secret Shop makes shoes for Angelic Pretty/an-ten-na/Metamorphose/Innocent World/Mary Magdalene. Is this true?
A: There's some argument on this point, actually. It has more or less been confirmed that the factory for Secret Shop also produces shoes for Angelic Pretty. Whether they produce shoes for other brands is still up for debate, however.
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Website: http://shop41178.taobao.com/
English Website: n/a
Also Called: n/a
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Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 9:55 am
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Got a question about American brands or seamstresses? Go ahead and look for the answer here!
Last Updated: September 12, 2012
Website: http://www.blaspheminascloset.com/
Also Called: n/a
Website: http://www.candyviolet.com/
Also Called: CV
Q: I want to order a petticoat from CV, is it worth it?
A: Yes and no. In general, CV's petticoats add a huge amount of poof to skirts because they are, in fact, square dancing petticoats made by Malco Modes. These petticoats are ideal for heavy, full skirts, but will require some modification for anything made from light cottons.
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Website: http://hearts-princess.livejournal.com/
Also Called: n/a
Website: http://www.inthestarlight.com/
Also Called: ITS
Q: What is the difference between poplin and broadcloth?
A: Broadcloth is a smooth-finish fabric. ITS uses varying types of broadcloth that are cotton-polyester blends for the most part. Poplin is similar to broadcloth in terms of its fiber content, but it has a slight texture to it due to the weaving process used. In many cases, it's more opaque and of a slightly heavier weight than the same color of broadcloth. ITS explains their fabric choices on the Which Fabric to Choose page on their website. This question no longer has any relevance as ITS has changed its ordering method. All items sold on the site are shown as is, and the customer no longer has the option of choosing which fabric they would like.
Q: Which petticoat is better, the Poof or Princess petticoat?
A: It really depends on the skirt you're wearing, to be honest. The poof petticoat gives a very strong cupcake shape, which is perfect for sweet lolita and heavy skirts for any other style. The princess petticoat is better for "classical" cuts and skirts with fitted, rather than gathered, waists.
Q: So which is better, broadcloth or poplin?
A: It's a personal choice, really, but most of the time poplin really is the better material. It's more opaque, crisper, and just all around better looking, and doesn't have the shiny quality that broadcloth does under bright lights. Also note that their "black broadcloth" is now actually a black poplin material. This question no longer has any relevance as ITS has changed its ordering method. All items sold on the site are shown as is, and the customer no longer has the option of choosing which fabric they would like.
Q: When would it be acceptable to use broadcloth, then?
A: Broadcloth is best used for items that need to be light weight, such as petticoat linings or accessories. Most of the items they have as examples on their website are actually poplin material rather than broadcloth, since it tends to look better in photos and wear better in person. Broadcloth is also good for ITS' black items, mostly, or for brighter colors because it's a synthetic blend with cotton. It has a smoother finish and so tends to come out a bit glossy looking under bright lights. Their "black broadcloth", however, is actually a poplin fabric. They stopped carrying true broadcloth in black for anything but petticoats due to the fact that it's rather too thin for dresses. This question no longer has any relevance as ITS has changed its ordering method. All items sold on the site are shown as is, and the customer no longer has the option of choosing which fabric they would like.
Q: Why did ITS change their ordering method?
A: The women behind ITS were incredibly overworked and no longer having as much fun with their business as they used to, so they decided to change the style of ordering so that they could create pieces that they liked, and experiment more with designs. The new ordering method is a more efficient way for them to produce a steady volume of clothing without becoming overworked.
In the Starlight has closed down its sales for good.
Website: http://www.meganmaude.com/
Also Called: n/a
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Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 9:56 am
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Got a question about auctions or second-hand shops? Go ahead and look for the answer here!
Last Updated: April 1, 2009
Website: http://www.closet-child.com
Also Called: n/a
Q: Does Closet Child ship overseas?
A: Yes, they do. You can find information on how to order here: International Order Guide.
Q: What form of payment will they accept?
A: Closet Child accepts PayPal, Visa or Mastercard for international orders at this time.
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Website: http://www.eBay.com
Also Called: n/a
Q: Can I find lolita items on eBay?
A: Yes. You have to be very careful, however, as there are a lot of sellers who aren't honest with their goods. Many of the photos you will see are actually stolen brand photos. You will receive, most often, a replica. Always ask for photos that prove what you will be receiving exactly before you bid. eBay is best for finding shoes, or for finding resold brand name goods. Replicas are generally not of good quality unless they are from Fanplusfriend's shop.
Q: How do I know a seller is reliable or trustworthy?
A: First of all, check their feedback. This method is not 100% accurate, but look at their feedback to see how frequently they sell, how frequently they receive positive versus negative feedback, and what people say about the finished transactions or goods. Secondly, look at the photos they use. If they use stolen photos, it is best to avoid buying from them. If they show photos of their own items, check the materials and shape of the garments. Look at the quality of construction and the types of materials used. Avoid satins or materials that look shiny in photos. Avoid lace that looks stiff or overly thin. In general, this takes a bit of practice. Another thing to remember is that if the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. A decent replica of a dress will likely cost you at least 100USD if purchased on eBay.
Q: Is ______ seller any good? Can I buy from them?
A: The best way to find this out is to ask experienced lolitas. Momo's is in general a horrible shop to buy from, though they are slowly improving their quality. Some people get lucky with great pieces, but most people are disappointed. They cut a lot of corners on construction, and often the garments are poorly fitted. Honest Dragon China is even worse, and often times the dress itself won't look anything like their photos and will consist of horrendous materials. For information on other sellers, check the LoliGoth Database. They may have reviews for the company you are looking at.
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Website: http://community.livejournal.com/egl_comm_sales
Also Called: EGL comm sales, EGL
Q: Do I have to have an account?
A: Yes. Sellers generally do not trust anonymous buyers as it's impossible to track them with just an email. Having an LJ account assures them that they will be able to find you again if need be. Also, many members of the community will marks their sales as "friends only" so that only other community members can see the post.
Q: Buying online like this makes me nervous. Are the sellers trustworthy?
A: Most are, yes. It's a good idea to check up on the LoliGoth Database if you're unsure about a seller, however. Most members of the community leave feedback on the database for others to look over. Also, just by watching the community, you can learn over time which sellers or buyers can be problematic.
Q: How can I pay for things I buy there?
A: Well, this mostly depends on the seller as an individual. The community has an international base, so most sellers accept primarily PayPal. Some will accept bank transfers, International Postal Money Orders [IPMOs], or occasionally concealed cash or personal checks within the same country.
Q: What sort of things are sold here?
A: Just about everything, really. Clothing, shoes, accessories and trinkets from all styles and genres, as well as a few non-lolita street styles. You can find Japanese brands, Hong Kong brands, American brands, off brands, home mades and more. Also, if you can't find what you want in the sales posts, you can make a "want to buy" or "want to commission" post.
Q: What do all the acronyms mean? Like DS, FS, WTB, WTS, and so on?
A: These are abbreviations used to identify posts' purposes. These are their meanings: DS is "direct sale", FS is "for sale", DA is "direct auction", WTB is "want to buy", WTS is "want to sell", WTC is "want to commission", WTT is "want to trade", and so on. Generally, if you can't figure out what the abbreviation means, you can just read the post and all will become clear. Recently, the rules for the community have changed, so only DS, DA, DT, EA, WTB and GO are allowed to be used.
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Website: http://www.fairy-angel.com/
Also Called: n/a
Q: Does Fairy Angel ship overseas?
A: Yes, but you will have to be able to read Japanese at least a little bit. They no longer accept mail order for international orders, you will have to use the Japanese shopping cart and communicate with them in Japanese. This is the result of many customers abusing their staff and resulting miscommunications.
Q: What payments will Fairy Angel take for overseas orders?
A: They accept only PayPal for overseas/international orders at this time.
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Website: http://www.mbok.jp/
Also Called: n/a
Q: What exactly is mbok?
A: mbok is a Japanese auction site that is run on cell phones, more or less. You need to have a Japanese mobile phone to bid. It works very similarly to other auction sites in that most of the items have bid amounts and buy it now amounts.
Q: Do mbok sellers ship internationally?
A: No. You need to have a shopping service because you cannot bid without a cell phone. This does lower prices to a degree, however. You can find very good deals most of the time, particularly on relatively rare pieces.
Website: http://www.tokyoalice-shop.jp/
Also Called: n/a
Q: Does Tokyo Alice ship overseas?
A: Yes, they do. You can order through their site using emails with the company. They explain this further on their English FAQ.
Q: What forms of payment does Tokyo Alice accept for international orders?
A: Tokyo Alice presently only accepts PayPal for international orders
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Website: http://auctions.yahoo.co.jp/
Also Called: Y!JA, YJA, Y!J
Q: Do I need an account to buy things here?
A: No. You will, however, need a shopping service for the time being. Yahoo! and eBay are teaming up to bring Y!JA to international buyers in the future, but we're not there yet.
Q: I can't read Japanese and the translator won't help me to search for what I want. What do I do?
A: Even if you use a translator, most of the time you won't be able to just search for terms in English and get results. Brand names are generally left in English if that's what they were originally in. Otherwise, you'll need to use Japanese Specific terms. There is a list of Useful Search Terms on EGL. Using these in combination with a translator should help you find just what you're looking for.
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Q: How do I contact a shopping service?
A: This varies from service to service, so you'll have to check their individual pages. Celga and Crescent Shop require you to set-up accounts with them to use their services. Mai Ozawa requires only that you email her. Others vary depending on the scale of their operation.
Q: Do I need to pay a deposit?
A: It depends on the item in question, but generally, yes. You will need to pay a deposit if the item is pricey or you are a first time buyer, especially. This is a precaution that the sellers take in order to protect themselves if a buyer skips out on an item. In general, the deposit is half of the total cost of the maximum bid you are placing on an auction, or the full cost of the item that you are ordering from a webshop.
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Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 10:00 am
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Ever have trouble finding a lolita website you were looking for ages ago? Well, fear not. Here are the links to numerous websites, reviews on their service and information as to their quality. All links under each section are provided alphabetically with a description for each one.
Eventually, there may be a section added for "where not to buy from." For now, if you find a site that isn't on here and have a question, go ahead and ask about it. Most of the no-go sites are well-known to our older members and we can warn you as to whether the dress you're wanting to buy is going to be the dress you actually get.
Last Updated: September 12, 2012
Avant Gauche - A website filled to the brim with scans and information from the Gothic and Lolita Bibles. Also includes a giant link list and sewing information. The owner posts mostly through her LiveJournal now.
EGL LJ Community - A community on livejournal with a slew of useful information--look through the memories for hints, tips and useful information.a
Hello Lace - A site which tracks brand releases and uploads measurements, photos and details of each garment. Also provides general information such as a TaoBao guide, sub-style guides and more.
News for the Lolita World - This LJ community is incredibly handy for keeping on top of things. It's updated fairly regularly with information about what brands are doing over in Japan and around the world. There are also updates by Avant Gauche as to the Japanese Gothic and Lolita bibles.
The Lolibrary - A site which tracks brand releases and uploads measurements, photos and details of each garment.
The Lolita Handbook - If you haven't read through this, or at least skimmed it yet, you really need to. It's a comprehensive guide on the basics of lolita. Don't take it as bible truth, there are some generalizations, but do at least give it a peek to get an idea of what you're getting into.
Lolita Fashion.org - A forum and informational site dedicated to lolita and providing newcomers to the style with information. They are well-organized and very helpful.
Sewing Terms Translated - This page on EGL translates sewing terms from Japanese into English to make using patterns from the Gosu Rori and Gothic & Lolita Bible mooks easier for those who do not read Japanese.
Craftster - This site isn't really lolita-centric at all, but it does have huge amounts of useful resources for the beginner, intermediate and advanced seamstress or crafts(wo)man.
Sewing Memories of EGL - EGL's memories are filled to the brim with tutorials on how to make skirts, petticoats, bloomers, accessories and more.
Sew Loli Community - This community is dedicated to lolitas who sew their own goodies. There are hints and tips, as well as piles of posts of people's working and finished projects.
Babelfish by Altavista - This is generally a good resource for translating small chunks of text or single words rather than whole websites. Unfortunately, it tends to have time out issues.
Google Language Tools - Very useful in that it gives consistent translations. Also, fewer time outs than Babelfish when using the "translate a website" option. Very useful for Yahoo! Japan Auctions as you can continue browsing the page at almost normal speed while Google translates the pages.
Manuel’s Web Converter - A simple program online that allows you to convert inches to centimeters and vice versa.
Xe.com - A currency converter that is kept up to date on daily rate changes. This comes in handy for checking prices in your home currency before paying, especially if you're on a budget.
Celga, Inc. - This shopping service can get you anything from anime to lolita. They require you to make an account and place a deposit on all orders. They are not as reliable as they used to be.
Crescent Shop - Even more generalize than Celga, Cresent can find pretty much any good in Japan for you. Unfotunately, they are rather large and often inattentive without meaning to be. They require you to make an account and place a deposit on all orders.
From Japan - A "free" shopping service. They charge only currency conversion fees and PayPal transfer fees for a total of 5% compared to the 10-20% most others charge.
Japonica Market - A shopping service much like any others. Their fees are based on how much you spend. Generally, these fees stay under 10% but can go as low as 6% on larger orders.
Mai Ozawa’s Shopping Service - A smaller, more personalized shopping service, she's probably the best to use for Yahoo! Japan auctions. SHE IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING NEW CUSTOMERS. This link is only here for reference, she has closed her service to anyone who has not used it in the past.
MFashion - This site is similar to MaruiOne in that they are an importer that acts as a go-between that isn't quite shopping service, but also isn't quite department store. They specialize in lolita fashion and are located in the Netherlands. Buying from them is more practical for European lolitas due to the fact that they mark prices up to accommodate for customs fees.
Dream Shoppe - Currently, this store stocks Anglic Pretty, Victorian Maiden & Beth, HeartE, Sex Pot Revent and Aya brand clothing. They also stock Gothic and Lolita Bibles and occasionally Kera. They are located in California, making this site most convenient for use by lolitas in the United States, Canada or Mexico.
Tokyo Rebel - a New York based shop that keeps small amounts of stock for brands that don't ship overseas [for the most part]. They've also got a store front in the city.
Harajuku Hearts - Another California based shop that stocks brand name pieces. They also organize group orders on occasion to help customers save on shipping.
Angelic Pretty - Webshop is now available outside of Japan, and the page itself has information about the brand. AP is primarily a sweet brand. Japanese site here can be found at http://www.angelicpretty.com.
BABY, the stars shine bright - The English shopping system is always behind the Japanese site, but they have instructions on how to order an item in English. Primarily a sweet brand. Information on how to order via shopping cart can be found on BABY’s site here or on EGL in a guide by Cidsa. You can also shop through email which is explained here by Cidsa and here by BABY.
Bodyline - Bodyline is sort of the Wal*Mart of lolita. Their pieces are a decent quality with the occasional reject but they have incredibly low prices. As of 2008, their quality is improving drastically and their cost-to-quality ratio is beginning to make buying their goods actually practical. They also now have an international site with shipping outside of Japan; the shopping cart is especially handy, as it calculates your total and shipping for you as you pick items.
Chocochip Cookie - Sweet with a touch of country; not easily found outside of Japan. They do not have online shopping; their site is mostly just a series of blogs. No English site or international shopping system.
Emily Temple Cute - A combination of sweet lolita and pink house style, ETC or Emikyuu is hard to get a hold of outside of Japan due to the fact that they do not have online ordering sites, but rather informational blogs and webpages for each of their branches. You can order their clothing through Y!J Auctions, a shopping service, or occasionally Marui One. Kyoto Branch. Osaka Branch. Nagoya Branch. Fukuoka Branch.
heartE - A cute brand that has a little bit of everything. They're sweet and edgy at the same time, with a touch of the gothic sensibilities now and again. They do not have an international shopping system or English site. They will ship abroad, but you have to pay through bank transfer and communicate with them in Japanese to do business.
h.naoto - A punk brand that releases some lolita items under their subbrands. They're generally considered to be of a similar quality as Putumayo and owned by the same company who releases Gouk. Some h.naoto items and some Gouk items are now available on S-Inc’s English Site. On the main page, choose "English" in the bottom right, then click the link to take you to the shopping cart.
Innocent World - A classical brand of lolita with some sweeter touches here and there. Known for having multiple sizes, but does not have an English site. However, you can now order from abroad using their International Shopping Guide.
Jane Marple - Inspired by the little old lady detective of the same name, this brand is sort of retro classical. Their site is in a mishmash of English and Japanese, but there is no online or international shopping provided. To view their collections, use the menu on the left with the "nbox" links.
Juliette et Justine - A predominantly classical brand with the occasional sweet and gothic touches. They are known for having western models show off their clothing, and do currently have international shopping but only selective English on their site. They do not accept PayPal at this time, but will take credit cards. You can use Pui Puni’s shopping guide to purchase from them directly.
Mary Magdalene - Classical brand for the most part; they now have an international webpage for overseas orders.
MAXICIMAM - A brand that has several sub-brands relating to different types of lolita. Sometimes frowned upon for having designs that look cosplay-like, but generally of good quality. These sub-brands include MAM and Nekomimi. MAXICIMAM does not have an international shopping system or English site, but do have information on finding their stores here: English Welcome Page. You can also buy their goods internationally from CD Japan.
Metamorphose temps de fille - Well developed English site and shopping cart system. A mixture of styles, mostly sweet and retro-blends. Japanese site here: http://www.metamorphose.gr.jp/.
Milky Ange - This is a slightly smaller brand than most other Japanese brands, but they have good quality and unique pieces. Most of their dresses have multiple sizes to accommodate a range of wearers. Please be aware! This site also carries maid and cosplay costumes. They do not have an English site, but they do accept international orders in English or Chinese.
Millefleurs / Millenoirs - This is a primarily classical and gothic brand that focuses on very fitted, elaborate clothing. They do not have an English site or shopping system, but will ship abroad and can communicate in English, though it's not very good. Keep your communications with them simple.
Moi Meme Moitie - Mana's brand of gothic lolita, the brand which originate the term "Elegant Gothic Lolita" as the overarching name for his lolita line. He did not, however, create the style; do not mix up these facts. The site currently does not have an international shopping system or English section, but you can order their goods through CD Japan.
Putumayo - Primarily a punk brand of clothing, known for mixing cute with edgy for some of their punk-lolita pieces. Sometimes, materials are not up to par with other brands and pieces are intentionally deconstructed; does not have an international shopping system or English site, but you can order their products through Cosmates.
Victorian Maiden - Classical brand for the most part, but has a sweeter sub-brand called "Beth"; does not have an international shopping system or English site.
Anna House - A predominantly sweet indie brand from Hong Kong, their prices are incredibly low. Be sure to use a currency converter to get an idea of the real prices, as those that they list are in Hong Kong dollars.
Fanplusfriend Garden - They offer replicas of brand items for lower prices. Their quality is average [be very accurate when it comes to giving skirt and sleeve lengths] but shipping is murder, so keep that in mind when buying.
Presently restructuring TaoBao shops section. Please be patient.
Blasphemina’s Closet - This shop is a bit more edgy in terms of its designs and fabric use. It leans towards gothic and classical lolita, avoids excessive amounts of lace or sweet motifs, but sometimes is a bit questionable in terms of its "lolita-ness" to be honest. Just be careful about what you buy or what you plan to buy.
Candy Violet - The first commercially-based, large brand in the United States. No custom fitting is available, but their garments are very high quality.
Megan Maude - This brand is relatively new and headed up by the founder/current administrator of EGL on livejournal. She took commissions in the past and makes much of her own clothing, so she has plenty of experience and a strong background in the fashion. The pieces have a classical twist on sweet shapes and themes. It's fairly costly because of its limited nature, but the construction is on par with most other brands of similar price.
Neko Shop - A relatively new shop in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. They ship overseas and have basic, staple pieces good for lolitas starting out. This webshop is currently down. The physical store still exists so far as we know.
Retroscope Fashions - Retroscope is the designer behind a lot of Fanplusfriend's pieces. The owner of this site has her designs manufactured through F+F on a sort of "commissions" basis. Because of this, her prices are a bit higher than ordering directly from F+F, and she can't offer custom fits. You are, however, supporting the original designer when you buy from her, which is always a plus.
Sweet Rococo - An American brand of lolita, they specialize in customization of clothing over all else. You can choose a ready-made garment from the list or have one made in exactly the colors and prints, styles, and accents you want using their design wizard.
Clobba Online - Sells primarily Secret Shop shoes, but also carries an*tai*na and Custom House. Known for running group orders for larger shoe sizes and custom designs from Secret Shop.
Double Decker - Rocking horse shoes and boots, they do ship overseas.
Funky Little Shop - Similar to the Little Chili Lolita Shop, but with slightly different stock and slightly higher prices. Do not buy the clothing, just the shoes.
Little Chili Lolita Shop - Good for SHOES ONLY. Do not buy the clothing, it's horrible. Her service has also drastically improved in the past year or so after a boycott held by EGL members in 2008.
Minky Shop - Minky Shop used to sell Montreal and TVA exclusively. They have recently added Secret Shop shoes to their sales list, however.
Qutieland - QCute runs a taobao shopping service and is also a deputy/middleman for Secret Shop and Miranda/Custom House shoes, as well as clothing and accessories from TaoBao. Be warned, products are very highly overpriced.
Rose Chocolat - There has been some controversy in the past over ordering from this shop due to lost orders, mixed-up orders, and a lack of refunds. Buy at your own risk. Also, the shop seems to be presently closed for remodeling and website repairs.
Alice + Fururun - A second hand shop that deals in Japanese clothing; very similar to Closet Child, but they deal almost entirely lolita and do ship overseas. It helps if you speak Japanese, however.
Closet Child - A second hand shop in Japan; they do ship overseas, but keep an eye on prices. Sometimes, rare pieces are VERY expensive.
EGL Community Sales - Private sales on LJ. Feedback on sellers and buyers can be found on the EGL Feedback Database. All members are required to have a feedback page before they can submit a sale or WTB post.
Facebook Lolita Sales in English - Similar to the EGL comm sales, this is a group on Facebook geared toward selling items to other lolitas in the English-speaking community.
Fairy Angel - A second hand shop very similar to Closet Child and Alice + Fururun. They ship abroad and have very fast, very reliable service and reasonable prices. Most goods are displayed with several photos to show their condition, and all are of good quality and well-cared for.
Mbok - Similar to Y!J Auctions, you'll need a shopping service to buy for you.
Tokyo Alice - A second hand shop very similar to all of the others. They ship very quickly, very cheaply, and their prices run a bit lower than the others. They ship abroad, but their English isn't perfect, so be patient.
Useful Search Terms - Japanese and English terms that come in handy on Y!J and Mbok.
Yahoo! Japan Auctions - You'll need a shopping service for the time being, they haven't opened to international buyers just yet [though it's in the works]. You can use Celga, Crescent Shop, or Japonica Market to buy for you.
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Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 10:02 am
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Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 10:02 am
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Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 10:04 am
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Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 10:05 am
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Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 10:09 am
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Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 10:10 am
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Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 10:12 am
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