Saving

The most important part of building a lolita wardrobe is saving up for one. And for most girls (myself included), saving money cn be difficult. So here are some tips on saving your cash.

1. Transfer a set amount from every paycheck into a savings account. Ten or twenty every couple of weeks adds up quick.

2. If you don't have a job (or even if you do), labelling a jar and dropping spare change into it every day also adds up. Not as quickly, but it really does.

3. Eat at home before you go out shopping so you'll be less tempted to get lunch while you're out. While less fun, this also lets you save.

4. If you have a problem with impulse buying, bring a friend along to dissuade you or bring a picture of your dream dress along to help keep impulse buys down.

5. Last but not least, always keep track of your spending and finances. No matter what you're saving for, it's best to know what comes in and what goes out.

What are your favorite saving tips?

Brand vs Replica

Now, this is a question that weighs heavily on almost every loli's mind. Am I a poser if I buy replicas? Many people will say yes, that replicas are fakes and any lolita who buys them is a poser. Some say that you are not a true lolita and that brands might go out of business. Many lolitas who purchase replicas are afraid of posting on daily_lolita or EGL because they don't want to be flamed or made fun of.

But the truth is, some lolitas really can't afford brand pieces. I am one of those lolitas. Right now, I'm about to enter college, which is my first priority. I want to build my wardrobe, but even spending $100 on replicas is a stretch.

And what about those brand pieces that are no longer available or are only available on the Japanese webshops?

Personally, I think replicas are okay, especially if you realize that you are paying much less and therefore sacrificing the quality of the piece. If you are willing to take that risk and own a lesser piece because of budget or preference or what have you, then go for it! Don't let anyone tell you what to think or what to buy. Angelic Pretty and Baby won't go out of business just because you buy replicas.

I recently bought a replica of AP's Wonder Cookie. I eventually want to own the real thing, but as of now, it is unavailable and difficult to find on the comm sales. I also eventually want to do a comparison of the replica and the real thing. But I will still post on EGL and daily_lolita and refuse to care if someone decides to flame me without knowing my intention or current situation.

What is your view on replicas?

But What Will My Parents Say?

Ah, the parental barrier. For those of us who still live at home or see our parents a lot, the subject of lolita will indefinitely come up. Now, different parents will have different views, but all may not at first understand. For example, my own mother doesn't get lolita and thinks it's for little kindergarten girls. It hurts a bit when she says my favorite style is for little girls, but I just explain to her the ideals behind lolita. Lolita fashion is based on modesty and expression of oneself without baring all of one's assets. I feel as though my parents respect me and the fashion just a little more after hearing what it's all about.

So try doing a small presentation to your parents explaining that lolita is in no way related to the novel and is not some kind of weird fetish, but a form of modest self expression and respect of the female form.

Share with your parents your favorite prints and styles. It can be a fun way to get to know each other better.

Assure your parents that they are not obligated to buy your $300 dresses (unless they offer... then go for it, haha!). They'll feel better about the fashion if they know you're working for it, and will therefore get more value from it. Lolita is a great budgeting teacher! Parents might be more accepting if they know you're learning life skills from your hobby.

Most of all, have fun! DOn't let any negative comments deter you. Let it all slide off your armor of icy indifference and continue on with your frills! Good luck!

What do your parents think?

Do I Have to Dress in Lolita Every Day?

This is a question tht many new lolits, including myself, have struggled with. Do I have to dress in lolita every single day? Will I be shunned if I don't? What if I want to wear jeans and a t-shirt some days?

The truth is, you really don't have to constantly wear lolita! There are those that do, called lifestylers, but they make up a small percentage. And contrary to popular belief, no one will shun you for not wearing lolita daily. In fact, on a normal day, I wear jeans, hoodies, cropped tees, and floral prints. These are hardly lolita, but they don't make me any less of one. Lolita is a fashion, just like gyaru, punk, 80s, and anything else you would see in the mall. You don't have to be fully dedicated to one particular fashion. You can dabble, and have several favorites. Lolita is the same! And even within lolita, one can dabble in different styles.

The bottom line is: you are no less of a lolita just because you choose to wear different fashions. Some people have work where they can't wear lolita; some people have uniforms fr work or school. Some people have limited wardrobes and others simply don't want to go out in lolita by themselves. All in all, a lolita is a lolita no matter what he or she wears. It's all about what you feel on the inside, not how you look on the outside. =)

Pinterest

Hello, all!

I just wanted to recommend a site called Pinterest, which is like an online corkboard. It's a great place to collect a wishlist or document a wardrobe, like mine here.

You can also make one at pinterest.com.

It's great for making a wishlist, especially if you're first starting out. A wishlist will help you keep track of your favorite styles and brands, and help you visualize pricing and budgets. Plus, it's always fun once you get to move a wishlist item to the wardrobe board. ;)

Post your wishlist or dream item below!

Do Something For Yourself

Sorry for my absence!

In this post, I just want to say that before you begin to obsess about dressing in lolita, try some smaller things for yourself.

1. Paint your nails! Right now mine are pink and blue. <3

2. Do your hair! Tie in a ribbon, put in a small bow, try some elegant braids.

3. Take a bubble bath!~

4. Pamper yourself!

Trying these things or having a ritual will get you into the lolita mindset as well as allowing you to relax and be happy!

What is your favorite pampering activity and why? =)

Bodyline Review

As you know, I ordered these shoes from Bodyline a few days ago. I got them yesterday, five days after I ordered them. They arrived in a bag, which was a little odd, but they were unscuffed and safe.

They also fit perfectly. I ordered them by cm, not by the conversion chart, and I'm glad I did. My feet are 24 cm, measured by standing on a sheet of paper, marking the front and back, and measuring the paper. The 24 cm shoes fit wonderfully. The only thing is the ankle ties are a little snug, but bearable.

I will definitely have to buy white shoe polish to go with them, for they will undoubtedly get dirty very quickly.

Overall, I'm very happy and would order from Bodyline again. I love my new shoes! =)