Welcome to Gaia! ::

So I'm sort of interested in everyone's opinions on this topic lately, since I've been doing a lot of work for Mashimaro Girl, promoting sales and answering questions and preparing graphics. I thought I'd ask lolitas who are both new to the fashioned and experienced in shopping online for their preferences when looking for new duds!

Personally, I really like it when the garment's quality has a higher value than the amount assigned to it. I bargain hunt on auctions and buy second hand without a qualm for that reason. I will buy directly from brands, however, if I think that it is a piece that I will wear often and enjoy enough to make the higher tag worth it.

Also, I'm not very big on prints at all, so for me to buy a print, it has to be something special, and the garment's design has to still be interesting by itself and not rely solely on the printed material. For example, the Metamorphose Swan Lake print series appeals to me because the fabric is used in a very appealing way, without overpowering the flattering cuts of the garments. Likewise for Alice & the Pirates' jewelry print series, or more recent circus print releases. Most of why I don't like the majority of Angelic Pretty's more recent designs is that the dresses mostly look the same to me, just with slightly different fabrics and trims. I like variety in the tailoring, which is why I like Baby and Meta so much more than AP of late.

Another thing I look for is the theme of the garment. I've always been terribly fond of sailor and pirate-themed lolita, but I also love fairy tales and apples. Any of those themes will get an almost instant response from me in a positive manner.

Finally, one of the reasons I like commissioning seamstresses [such as Cryrin/Ginny] or buying from TaoBao is that custom-fitting is a hugely appealing aspect of the process. Having a garment made, tailored to your measurements, is so often much more flattering than trying to fit into a one-size-fits-all.

So what do you look for?

Do you like custom printed fabric? Are there certain themes you prefer?
Are low prices a large part of why you buy certain items?
Is custom-tailoring important to you? Why?
Do you prefer unique designs and detailed tailoring over custom printed fabric? Is it the reverse? Why?

What grabs you when you're shopping?

I think the first thing that catches my eye when I'm shopping is the silhouette (well, for skirts, JSKs, and OPs, anyways). I seem to have a pretty strong preference for a shape that's somewhere between a full OTT sweet cupcake floof and a straight A-line that sometimes appears in classical styles. It's kind of hard to explain, I guess razz

I definitely have a thing for high-waisted skirts, whether it's an actual high-waisted skirt or an OP/JSK that is made to look like a high-waisted skirt attached to some fabric of a different color.

I'm not a huge fan of most prints. I enjoy looking at them as art, because they really are lovely, and I love seeing other girls wear them, but I don't think they look right on me, so it's usually not a big attention-getter when I'm shopping ^.^ I tend to look more for design details when it comes to JSKs and OPs rather than a specific print, although I do have a weakness for cream/white backgrounds with blue or pink roses on them <3<3 But even still, if the skirt's not the right silhouette, it's a no-go. Skirts I'm a little more relaxed about super-special design details just because there's less to work with, and therefore harder to come up with things that aren't just *trying too hard to be different* kinds of designs.

I'm a fairly small person, so custom sizing on garments isn't a big factor for me since I'm just about the standard size for most brands. As long as there's some amount of adjustment with shirring or lacing, I'm fine with it.

Now, custom sizing in shoes would make me happy, because I'm 21.5 cm, and I'm too scared to risk buying a size S shoe and finding out it's way too big (more than can be fixed with a couple of insoles and heel strips), because I strongly suspect it will be. 1cm of length is a pretty big difference for shoes >.< I'm actually really agonizing over some SS Innocent World replicas, because I love them, but I think they'll be too big T crying T I just wish they made non-flat shoes in smaller sizes. I found some very adorable kids shoes, but the problem is, they have a whole like 1cm of heel height, which isn't quite the look I want.

Hm, I suppose versatility always appeals to me {yet again most people do look for this x3} and the quality of the fabric. I'm more simplistic; I think a great cut with trims placed effectively on a garment is worth just as much as the decked out dresses. Prints are good as well, just as long as they're not overwhelming. Custom pints are good for special occasions, i.e a themed party, Easter!, etc. But detailed tailoring wins hands down.
A low price is a major factor for me in making a purchase. However, if it's high quality I wouldn't mind spending a bit more. {But please, no $160 skirts D:}

I agree with Amanikitty about how hard it is to find shoes and blouses. I find most loli specific shoes are too limited and it makes me think I'd have to plan my next outfit on those shoes. I'm looking for some shiney oxfords or brogues at the moment. Classy and Cute!

Good luck with Mashimaro Girl! I'm looking forward to gawking at your products.