There’s an exceedingly simply answer to this question. It’s an individual who wears lolita fashion, but to those of us who hold our frills deep inside our hearts and consider ourselves to be lifestyle lolitas this question may be a lot more complex and hold different answers for each of us. I know it does for me. Ever since I was little I dreamed of being a lost princess and of fairytales. I romanticized everything and in the poetry I wrote people were transformed into royalty, flowers and gemstones. Everything was fantasy and fantastical to me long before I ever discovered what Lolita Fashion was. Sadly, no people from a tiny forgotten country came to inform me that I was in fact a princess. So when I saw Lolita Fashion in it’s most derivative form searching for a prom dress my junior year of high school. Something clicked. I ended down a rabbit hole of blogs and youtube channels with Parfaitdoll and FYeahLolita showing me the way. These resources aren’t nearly as active now as they were then but I still hold both of these blogs close to my heart. I watched Deerstalker Pictures and Pixielocks when she was still a Lolita herself. I still love watching PrincessPeachie even though she has largely traded her frills for the more comfortable fairy kei. This was a world that I immersed myself in and learned so much about and fell in love with.
The clothes themselves were beautiful and sparked joy in my heart but what was even more important to me then what the clothes looked like was what they meant. It was a way to assert my independence in a way that felt comfortable. I felt like myself when I wore them. It said to the world that I am feminine and I am strong and I control the image I have for myself. The frills spoke of the strength of the heroines in my fairytales and that that strength is inside of me as well. It showed me that I have the ability to achieve my goals in a way that makes sense for my life and in a way that isn’t defined by the others who are around me. At 22 years old, I still want to be a Princess as defined by virtue not birthright. I want to be kind, organized, responsible, and beautiful. There are so many beautiful bright princesses in the Lolita community that I adore and look up to. There are girls in my own comm that I admire with all my heart and the sense of community I have been blessed with in this fashion is incredible. I have so many wonderful women that I can turn to in a time of crisis or visit their animal crossing islands. It’s a group of individuals outside of my day to day interactions and that kind of connection has been truly precious to me.
There is also a magical and mundane aspect to me as well. Due to being in this community I have learned so many life skills I wouldn’t have learned without it. I learned more about sewing, cooking and baking. Things that should be basic life skills but don’t seem to come up very often. I learned more about music, poetry, other languages, how to budget, and how to write about my own experiences all because of this wonderful aesthetic that I am so delighted that I get to live in.
I think as time goes on what a Lolita is to me changes but at its core it remains similar. To be a Lolita is to be a modern day princess with all of the strength and courage that that implies. It’s to be able to stand on your own two feet and do what you love. Its being kind to others and taking care of your life while not sacrificing what makes you happy. It’s something that I truly love that in this lifetime I get to be.
I used to really love Parfaitdoll’s posts and I absolutely got the the idea from her style tips, I loved how they were often more than just tips on fashion but a more deep way often to celebrate the season.
~ On a warm sunny day open the windows and let some fresh air blow through your house taking negative energy with it
~ Clean out a space and decorate it to be as cute/lovely as possible, really make it a space you can enjoy
~ Create a wardrobe table and figure out what basics you’re missing and what ones you can stop buying on repeat
~ Bust out all the pastels and florals you can. Extra points for butterflies
~ Make yourself a cute recipe with berries in it
~ Find the jewelry you loved when you were young, try wearing it again
I was browsing through the egl memories section when I saw someone talking about making a shrinky dink bangle to match an Angelic Pretty JSK and I decided to try my hand at making a necklace pendant to match my Bodyline Bunny Cinderella skirt
I spent a good 2 hours trying to replicate this bunny!
The original bunny herself! Upon closer inspection I was surprised her lineart is brown! It did make drawing the Shrinky Dink a lot easier
The result! I’m quite happy with how it turned out! I encourage you all to give it a try!
１ Please tell us your name, birthday, and where you’re from.
I’m from the mountains, my birthday is February 19th and on the internet I go by Liliana Rowena
２ What is your height, weight, clothes size and shoe size?
My height is 5’4″, I weight 177.1 but am working on getting to a healthy BMI so I can start pointe. I wear anywhere between a 12-16 depending on the brand but all men’s mediums fit me. My shoe size is 7
３ Why did you start wearing Lolita Fashion?
I was looking for a prom dress my junior year of high school and happened upon a simple black a line OP from Mary Magdalene and instantly fell in love. My heart fell at the sizing and the price but over time I found FanPlusFriend and bought the Doctor Who skirt as I loved the show at the time. I saw it and immediately thought that that was something that could be all my own. I come from a split family and my parents were very young so they pushed a lot of their ideals and trauma on me. One family made fun of anything remotely feminine and the other pushed some rather age inappropriate sense of style, but Lolita Fashion was something all of my own. It still is today
４ What’s your favourite genre (style) of Lolita?
That’s so hard! I’m kind of currently in a mini identity crisis so it’s all pretty fluid but I have a weak spot for old school and bittersweet. Classic is quickly growing on me
５ Express in your own words, the ideal of your above answer.
Basically anything that makes my heart jump for joy honestly if I see it and gasp that’s what I look for in a garment
６ Do you have any piercings, and if so how many?
I have only my ears pierced but am honestly considering a belly button piercing in the future.
7 What is your favourite brand?
That’s also really hard! My taste in music is really fluid but if I had to pick a music group I’m really into currently I’d have to say Iris the J-pop group, but if I’m in a different mood I am also a big fan of Panic! at the Disco
８ What is your favourite piece of clothing?
My favorite is still the very first skirt I bought! Fanplusfriend’s Timelord Cyber Gothic Skirt
９ How many Lolita friends do you have?
I have around 10! I’ve been blessed with a lovely small and very accepting comm although we’ve had a boom in new members recently! Just this morning we had a virtual tea party
１０ What is the best thing about being a Lolita?
I get to live out all the princessy dreams I missed as a kid and it always gives me this ideal to strive for
１１ On the contrary, what is the worst?
It’s really expensive! I wish I could just magic myself the perfect wardrobe
１２ What magazine(s) do you read?
Cosmopolitan is one of my guilty pleasures honestly
１３ Headdresses vs Bonnets vs Ribbons (Headbands)?
I just ordered on of the lacy rectangle headdresses in pink and it is one of my new favorite things! But big headbows are also wonderful. I have never really tried a bonnet and I can only imagine the flood of Bo peep comments.
１４ Do you wear bloomers?
Only occasionally, I want to wear them more but the only pair I have no digs in so much it hurts to wear. I need to make some that fit
１５ Do you tie your headress in the front or the back?
I tie it in the back depending on the hairstyle in the front but I largely prefer the back
１６ Do you have a favourite music genre or band?
I love pure pop music! Upbeat and fast although I do really like dark lyrics accompanying it too, so anything I can dance to
１７ What is your phone ringtone?
I have the Tardis sound as my text alert but it’s usually on silent
１８ Do you go to lives/concerts in Lolita?
I don’t really go to concerts so no
１９ For those that go to lives/concerts, do you headbang?
Nope!
２０ What colours do you like?
So many! My favorite is definitely a light pink! I really like purple, light blue, red, black and white but the color family of beiges is growing on me and is the inspiration of redoing my room
２１ What are your hobbies?
I have so many I think I may be trying to collect them all. I draw, sew, dance, sing, photograph, write and have instagram and youtube. I also enjoy cooking and baking
２２ What is your favourite perfume?
I don’t usually buy perfumes but I really want Bath and Bodyworks Strawberry poundcake lotion because it smells amazing!
２３ Being a Lolita, is there anything you are careful of?
No not really. Although I aspire to be the image of a collected maiden I’m really naturally a chaotic person
２４ Where do you usually hang out?
Anywhere my friends are! I don’t get to go very often but I much enjoy solo trips to local cafes as well
２５ How many times do you wear lolita a week?
When my depression isn’t acting up about 2-3 times a week at least sometimes every day!
２６ Please tell us an embarrassing story you are guilty of from your early days of wearing lolita.
I killed 3 petticoats in a row and took forever in order for me to figure out that my dryer was killing them. I am still learning how to properly care for clothing
２７ What is your hairstyle and hair colour now?
I have shoulder length straight brown hair with pink ends
２８ How long is your lolita history?
I was 16 at my very first purchase so including all of it about 6 years! Wow! I never realized that it feels a lot like I’m still learning
２９ Do you have a dedicated place for storing lolita?
Nope, I was living at college and currently still live with my parents for the time being so it’s just part of my regular wardrobe
３０ Up to now have you ever thought about quitting lolita?
Never
３１ What is your motto?
I aspire to be a princess in my heart
３２ What is your future dream?
I want a cute apartment with my fiance and to be able to afford all we need
３３ Is there any celebrity you think “This person definitely suits Lolita!”?
Kyaru Pamyu Pamyu
３４ Please tell us about an item that is full of memories.
I have a dress from FanPlusFriend my fiance bought for me all on his own he had to ask what my size was but it’s very precious to me
３５ What is the very first item you got?
Time Lord Cyber Gothic Skirt from Fanplusfriend
３６ When having your photo taken, do you have a pose you always do?
I’m a peace sign with a tendu to the back or side kind of gal
３７ What is your bible? (Book, Magazine, CD etc)
Hm, I’m not sure I understand this question
３８ What is the height of the tallest shoes you wear?
4 inch heels, I had 6 inch stilettos for senior prom and they were cute as hell but too painful at the time. I’d be willing to try them again.
３９ Have you ever worn a tiara?
Yes!!!! I love them and want to have one again
４０ Occasionally do you want to try Ouji?
Yes! I kind of want to explore that more tomboy side again it’s been awhile since I’ve indulged that side of myself
４１ What kind of lace do you like?
Any lace with a cute motif in it make so happy!
４２ Do you have dolls? If you do please tell us about her!
Yes! I have two porcelain dolls I don’t remember where they came from but I love them
４３ What’s inside your Lolita bag?
My wallet and keys
４４ What’s your favourite flower?
It’s cliche but roses
４５ What is your favourite accessory right now?
Ribbons!
４６ What is your favourite or recommended cosmetics?
I love anything Too Faced
４７ Big and beautiful eyes are the proof of a doll! So, do you wear false eyelashes? Also if you have any tips for application please tell us.
I love them but I want to wear them more often. I’m terrible at applying them
４８ Please tell us your eye make up fixation.
Eye enlarging makeup of any kind and vintage cut creases
４９ Is your lipstick red? Blue? Black? Pink?
Berry nudes are the most flattering on me
５０ What colour do you use often for your manicures?
Glitter nails!
５１ Have you ever stealthily changed into your clothes in a train (or public) toilet?
Yes! I work a part time job when things are normal and I love going to meetups so I’ve gone to a few right after work
５２ Have you ever done a twinning coord? A triplet coord? What are your thoughts?
No but I desperately want to! I don’t really have a robust wardrobe and a kind of unique taste in dresses I think so finding someone to twin with is kind of hard.
５３ What do you do to keep your figure? Any recommendations?
Working on that! I’d say I’m currently doing a lot of ballet and calorie counting but don’t go nuts and don’t hurt your mental health.
５４ Wearing lolita alone. Are you okay with it?
Absolutely! When I’m not at college I’m the only lolita in town
５５ How much do you spend a month on clothes and accessories?
I think I average about 50$ a month when I’m being reasonable. I fear I emotional spend on lolita a lot so it can get a bit out of hand
５６ Was there a considerable time difference between when you found out about Lolita and when you started wearing it?
No, as soon as I saw it I started researching brands I could wear
５７ What is the most expensive thing you’ve bought up to now?
One of my dream dresses! Secret Hospital for the Dolls in purple it was 200$
５８ Lolita is really expensive. How to get money for it?
I honestly need to start doing this but I think the idea of a sinking fund is really helpful. Now I also do online surveys to add to it but it’s not much.
５９ Just between the two of us, generally how much have you spent on Lolita altogether up until now?
I don’t want to think about it
６０ What shop do you want close to you?
A brick and mortar Fanplusfriend store!
６１ Just between the two of us, are there are any shops you think are a total ripoff?
Not really
６２ Do you use online shops? If you have what are the good and bad points about it? If you haven’t, please tell us why.
Mainly lacemarket, but I have had great experiences using Fanplusfriend
６３ Is there a secret person/shop that you have ordered a dress solely for you from?
Nope
６４ I definitely won’t get it! But I really really want it! Do you have a certain something from a certain brand that you want?
I really love Cat’s Tea Party but it’s a crazy expensive even secondhand
６５ What do you do with pieces you get bored of?
Try new styling combinations!
６６ What is the last thing you bought (even outside of Lolita)?
Some deodorant! XD
６７ Is there something you’ll probably never have it again, but you can’t forget about?
No
６８ What do you think of people that wear lolita only to lives/concerts?
It’s their clothes!
６９ What do you think of people that don’t wear makeup with lolita fashion?
I think makeup can really complete a look but casually no makeup can work
７０ There’s a Lolita wearing the same coord as you! What do you think?
New friend!
７１ From what age until what age do you think is forgivable to wear Lolita?
Until I die
７２ In what situation do you think you would have to stop wearing Lolita?
If all my clothes burned in a fire but I’d still replace them
７３ Do you have any “Stop doing this!” warnings?
Stop throwing your clothes around! Take proper care of them, I’ve definitely paid for some carelessness.
７４ Do you have any thoughts about what a Lolita should be like?
Whoever they want to be! I think everyone should be good people no matter what but I think a lolita isn’t a specific stereotype
７５ Excluding Q.73, is there anything you don’t want a Lolita to do?
I think shaming other people anonymously isn’t cute
７６ What do you think of boys wearing Lolita?
More power to them! The more the merrier
７７ Since wearing Lolita has anything about changed from before?
I’ve gotten a lot more organized and conscientious in all aspects of my life
７８ What do the people around you say about you wearing Lolita?
They don’t understand but they like that it makes me happy
７９ In the midsummer heat what kind of Lolita do you wear?
Honestly the same as I usually do but I bought a crinoline cage recently and think I’ll do that
８０ Do you wear Lolita to school/your workplace?
Not to my food service job but definitely to school
８１ What are your regular style of clothes?
I am an anime character
８２ Are you opposed to second hand clothing?
I love thrifting!
８３ Do you have a partner? And do they understand Lolita?
I do! My fiance actually wants to try ouji!
８４ Please tell us the image of your ideal guy
The one I have! Absolutely adorable, passionate, a good listener, and my best friend
８５ Is there a Lolita that has left a big impression on you?
Victoria Suzanne! She was my major inspiration to begin with
８６ Have you ever made your own clothes? If so what kind?
Yes! I’ve made a skirt and a dress
８７ Have you ever made your own accessories? If so what?
I’ve made one matching headbow
８８ Is there an item you’ve made that you think “It’s a great success!”?
Not a lolita item
８９ If you have an ideal coord, please talk about it.
I really want an ethereal goddess like coord with my Haenuli OP or a Swan Lake themed one with one of my dream dresses
９０ Is there someone you admire? What kind of person are they?
Yes! A girl in my comm is the most organized together person I know, her wardrobe has a coherent color palette and she has her finances all in order
９１ For one day you can go on a date with that special person. They will also be wearing their favourite clothes. So who is it, what are you wearing and where is the date?
It’s with my fiance, he’s in something with pusheen on it, I’m in my Haenuli Phantom of the Opera OP and we’re at American Flatbread
９２ If you could open a shop in the future, what kind would it be?
I eventually want to sell art prints or have a size inclusive lolita shop, I think the art prints are in closer reach
９３ Unconsciously, this catches your eye! Which motif is it?
Butterflies!
９４ Would you also want your child(ren) to wear Lolita?
YES! That would be so cute!
９５ How much do you spend on each piece of clothing?
Anywhere between 10$ to hundreds
９６ This is a Lolita! If you think there’s a gesture like that please tell us.
Heart hands and peace signs!
９７ Even if it’s only one time I wanna wear it! Is there something you want to wear other than Lolita?
Cyber goth! Just to give it a try
９８ Looking at your Lolita, if you could use one word to represent it, what would it be?
Eclectic
９９ What is your image of an ideal Lolita?
A kind, competent princess in charge of her own life and destiny
１００ 大変お疲れ様でした！ Please share your thoughts on taking this questionnaire.
This was incredibly fun and I got to know myself a lot better while taking this!
Thank you guys so much for this idea I had such a blast doing it!
Silver is a very elegant accessory and if you like lolita fashion there is a high chance that you like other fine things that exist in life. I personally has received a lot of silver as gifts in my life long before I was a lolita. Looking back it’s not at all a surprise that I am doing my best to be a lifestyle lolita now. I’m currently updating my childhood room as I am stuck at my house instead of college due to current events and since I’ll be here for at least another six months before I move out. I’m working on lolifying my room. But first my room needs to be clean and organized. I took some time to polish 3 silver gifts I received in the past. Here’s the before photos of the gift box I received from my late Nana
This is about mid way through the process
So I used a recipe for diy silver polish from good housekeeping that’s 1/2 baking powder and 1/2 water to create a paste then I used a toothbrush I sacrificed to cleaning to take care of the silver. As a warning this takes a lot of patience if you don’t regularly polish your silver.
Here’s the finished result!
I’m really proud of my silver and it brightens my day when I see it!
Luna By The Lake With Cake 