So one huge question for us lolita lovers is "Where do you buy lolita clothes?" Besides going online there are rarley ever stores that sell lolita clothes. Buying online is expensive (well so is buying in a store) and shipping costs add another few bucks (especially from Japan). Well guys, a few members and I have put together a list of lolita shops/sites to help you with your wardrobe. I think this is growing into a wonderful list! Thanks for all the suggestions.
~Stores in America
One store is calledTokyo Rebel. It's a small but good store (which I have just visited). They don't sell brands like h.Naoto, but they do have a few smaller lines. Check on their online store for a good idea. They have Classic, Gothic, Punk, and Sweet lolita.
Another store in NYC is a small japanese bookstore called Kunokuniya. They are actually trying to sell all their Lolita dresses. They actually don't want to sell them so go go go! They only have sweet lolita dresses though, and only about 10 of them. Not much of a selection, but it's something. There isn't a fitting room, and from what I've heard/seen they don't sell those dresses very often.
If you guys ever visit NYC and you want some new lolita clothes I suggest looking up Tokyo Rebel or peeking your head in Kunokuniya! I visited them today and got a Putumayo skirt and T-shirt! Hope I helped some of you lolita lovers!
Reminder- Clothes over $100 in NYC get taxed- AKA almost all skirts and dresses (are over 100). Also since they are shipped from Japan they are a little more than what the original brand might be selling them for online.
Member Recommendations!
If you need any help with the sites or stores ask the member who recommended it!
Stores~
Baby the stars shine bright
Location: San Francisco
Home Page: Their blog
~Submitted by Kyttyee
Volks (dollfie) Store
Location: LA
Home Page: ?
~Submitted by Otaku Libra
Online Sites~America Based
Harajuku Hearts sells some punky brands like Putumayo, and they also sell some Meta stuff, as well as some other brands (Maxicimam, I think is the most Lolita). From what I can tell, their stock is somewhat limited, but they are in fact US-based: http://www.harajukuhearts.com/
There is a US-based dealer of Angelic Pretty merchandise: http://starrycandybox.com/ BUT it appears they have a pretty steep markup on the prices. And I from what I've heard/read in reviews, there's been a lot of problems with them actually getting your items to you in a timely manner. They said it's because the Japanese AP warehouse ignores them. Whatever the reason, they are often very delayed, apparently. I think they also have a not-so-pristine reputation in terms of being kind of rude/mean in their customer service. And they have some harsh rules regarding filing a Paypal dispute against them if you think they are taking way too long and just want your money back. So I would say they are probably not the best option, since Tokyo Rebel is also now dealing Angelic Pretty and they seem to have a much better customer service track record. That said, if you're just *really* desperate and they are the only ones that have a print left, then I guess you could try. And they may also have improved in recent times due to previous complaints. Just make sure to read the fine print, and don't order things really close to a deadline.
(thank you Kyttyee)
~Online stores in Japan/Asia
Just remember about this site based in Hong Kong. It sells lolita clothes and all prices are in Hong Kong dollars. If you convert it, then it's a lot cheeper than what it may seem. If you want to place an order you need to email them with the information; maybe not the safest idea. Never ordered from here, but I've heard good things.
Fan plus friend
~Submitted by Otaku Libra
So in terms of buying Lolita online, Baby the Stars Shine Bright actually does sell directly to international customers. You use the same webpage and shopping cart as their Japanese customers, which is kind of nice. Their website: http://www.babyssb.co.jp/ I've not bought anything yet, but it looks fairly easy and convenient. There have been some reports of rude/bad customer service for non-Japanese speakers though. Maybe because they don't have anybody that speaks English fluently enough, so things get lost in translation?
Another brand (my personal favorite *o*) that sells directly overseas is Innocent World: http://innocent-w.jp/index_e.html You have the exact same selection as their Japanese customers, and their webpage is nicely translated and easy to navigate. Plus their English-speaking customer service is excellent. ^.^
Angelic Pretty also has an overseas online store: http://angelicpretty.jp-stores.com/ However, they usually only put things up there several weeks after they are initially released in Japan. And usually only big prints. You don't really get any of the non-print stuff, which is a shame, because they have a lot of lovely things. So I think most people still resort to using a shopping service for them.
Metamorphose also sells directly to international customers, and they seem to have pretty good customer service response: http://metamorphose.gr.jp/english/index.html I think the selection for international customers is a little more limited/different from the Japanese stuff, but still a very good selection, and I think you get reserves/releases for major prints at the same time as the Japanese customers.
I think Mary Magdalene also ships overseas now: http://www.marymagdalene.jp/ But their stuff is in rather limited runs and sells out soooo quick you really have to either super-stalk their website, or get really lucky, to be able to buy anything directly.
Some other brands don't ship overseas, so you'd have to use a shopping service for them, like Moi Meme Moitie (I honestly don't even know if they still have a website), or Victorian Maiden (http://victorianmaiden.com/). I think Tokyo Rebel is willing to take special orders for Victorian Maiden stuff that they don't necessarily have in stock in their store. Or of course you could use any other shopping service you prefer.
If you're trying to save some money, you could always buy brand from second-hand shops. Closet Child has a pretty good selection and reputation: http://closetchild.ocnk.net/ And they ship overseas
I believe for second-hand, also Alice Fururun: http://www.fururun.com/ has overseas shipping.
And there are plenty of indies brands that make gorgeous clothing, some of which might ship overseas; others that you might need a shopping service for. However, I'm not really familiar with any of them, so I can't really help out there ^.^;;
(Thank you Kyttyee)
If you know of any lolita stores/online shops (in America) feel free to recommend it so we can add it to the list! Just fill out this information!:
Name of store/site
URL of store/site
Adress (possibly)
Feel free to discuss different stores and online stores that you have bought from with other members! I really hope this mini guide helps you with your lolita look!
