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What is lolita?

Lolita is highly structured and stylized fashion that can be defined largely by it's silhouette. The bell shape skirt or dress needs to be worn over a petticoat, to give it's full cupcake type shape. It is most typically worn with knee high socks, over the knee socks, or tights. Lolita fashion has taken it's cues from Rococo, Victorian, and Edwardian styles, as well as from mid century trends for inspiration. The style is hard to perfect, but with patience and and keen eye for detail any girl who wants to can wear it lolita. And while taking inspiration is perfectly fine, this is meant to really define what is and what isn't lolita. If you go too far outside the guide lines, it may look cute, but it will not be lolita anymore.

Articles on Lolita

♥Wild Rose's Novala Translations
Who is Novala?

♥Fatalfille's Lolita Essay

♥Seeinglife's Lolita Essay

♥Avant Gauche's Essay List

♥Soniabunny's Essay List

Styles

The lolita hand book has really excellent examples of this, please take a look at her page. Click on the little pink hearts to view the images in each category.

♥http://lolita-handbook.livejournal.com/3035.html

Building a Wardrobe

If you are having a hard time you need to come to terms with he fact that lolita is an expensive hobby. Buying cheap clothing by trying to save money will often result in you LOOKING cheap and defeating the whole purpose. There are a few things you can do.

♥Save up for the items you love. Get a job, save your allowance, or whatever. But the brands are not going to just magically come to you. You're going to have to work for it.
♥Learn to sew.
♥Hunt down bargains second hand on yahoo japan, EGL, or Closet Child. Keep an eye out for lucky packs too, they are always a good bargain.
♥Convince someone with money to buy things for you.

Basic staples every lolita should have include this. (pretty much in order of most needed)

♥ Petticoat. You will need one to define the shape of your skirts and really give you the lolita look. Not to be confused with square dancing petticoats.
♥ Skirts, Jumper skirts, and Dresses. The easily the most identifiable lolita clothing item. They need to be the right shape. Belled out, and hitting just at or above your knee.
♥ Shoes. Solid white or solid black mary janes will go with any lolita outfit.
♥ Blouse. A basic blouse will go far for building your wardrobe.
♥ Socks. Knee high, over the knee or tights. Please no fishnet...
♥ Hair pieces. To complete the look.

Do's and Dont's

Please see the lolita handbook's list of do's and dont's

♥http://lolita-handbook.livejournal.com/1696.html





So this is What I have so far. I will be adding to this and would be happy to take suggestions and anythign else you may have to say. I hope it helps.

.. this somehow makes me not want to be lolita anymore.

It makes it seem elitist and such, like lolita is only a fashion and you must do this and musnt do that

Yes, indeed. But somehow this guide just makes me feel.. not good

yeah i dont take it seriously, maybe thats the problem.

I think fashion should be about fun, and being yourself.

I just dont think its right to tell people that "your skirt has to be this and this length" your shirt muste be like thise, and if you do anything else you are a terrible loser.

Dont get me wrong, its a good guide, but then when someone goes a little off of this you start pointing a finger and laughing. Thats what i dont approve of. Fashion is about making it your own, living it, not about strickt rules that cast you out if you do anything your own way.

I've gotta agree with you, Fashion is about fun and being yourself, not who someone else tells you to be.

However, I would say guidelines are nice for those that wish to look a certain way. For example, if you fall in love with how the fashion looks and that particular look and whatnot, then guidelines can help you achieve that look and be yourself if that look is your look.

Quasi-related-- there are a lot of links and tips in terms of selecting garments, but would you mind posting [either here or the sewing forum] a few of your tips for making garments of your own? Whether from scratch or modified patterns, it would be most helpful.

Sure, I'll see what I can come up with.

No, a lolita needs a petticoat. For casual you can opt for a smaller one, but it still needs to be there. Having on a pair of bloomers will prevent the scratchinesses.