Forgotten Lolita Accessories Pt. 2

Time for Part Two of Forgotten Lolita Accessories! It's been a little while and I figure now is as good a time as any to get the ball rolling again. So what are some more cute accessories that I think are often a little neglected and could definitely be used to spruce any outfit up?

 Sunglasses

I'm not the kind of lady who typically spends more than $12 on a pair of sunglasses. Honestly, if they're not getting lost in the abyss of what was once my bedroom (moving two people into a tiny room is hard!) then they're getting broken by my well-meaning but ever so not gentle fiance. Ah well, such is life. That just means I have more opportunity for variety! 

I admit, I have a particular fondness for extremely round, large, Harry Potter-esque sunglasses, and much to my delight, with a little searching, they are available in a slew of colors! Which spurred me further into the next logical step of matching my sunglasses with my coords! Sadly, my favorite pair right now are a pair of super pink, glittery frames and I own nothing even remotely sweet in terms of Lolita, but the idea still stands. I'd love to see more super creative eyewear in the Lolita realm!

 Buttons

So, I have a basic chiffon white Forever 21 blouse, and a few weeks ago one of the buttons popped off the sleeve. I've been meaning to fix it for ages but always put it off for one reason another. Well, this past weekend I finally found myself wandering down the aisles of the local fabric store, and I stopped dead in my tracks when I came across the button aisle. Flowers! Bunnies! Rainbow colors, pearls, sparklies and pastels! There were buttons galore! Did I mention the bunnies!?

So I might just be super late to the party and everyone has already jumped onto the adorable button train, but maybe there's still some Lolitas out there who, like me, never realized just how much variety in buttons there really are-and just how easy they are to add to a basic blouse for an instant pop of Lolita charm!

Brooches

Artilady brooch

Okay, so perhaps these darlings aren't quite as ignored as some of the other accessories I've listed, but I still feel they're vastly under appreciated in a fashion that suits them so perfectly! Perhaps it's because they have such a strong "granny" stigma attached to them, but I really think brooches can be so much more than the common cameo we'll  occasionally see at the throat of a Gothic or Classic Lolita. A little digging through ebay, etsy, and the local flea markets and antique shops and there truly is a treasure trove to be found. They can also make an adorable addition to hats, shawls and scarves, and can be dressed up with ribbons and pearls for a little extra pop!

So there we have, Part Two of Forgotten Lolita Accessories! This was really quite fun, and I think it challenged me to think outside the box and dig a bit deeper into all those smaller details that I feel truly make Lolita a special fashion. It's always fun to find new ways to express yourself, and I love that these little additions are the perfect way to do it on a budget!

Forgotten Lolita Accessories Pt.1

Forgotten Lolita Accessories Pt. 1

One aspect of Lolita that I love is that it's all about the details. Even the simplest, most casual coord tends to look better with a hair bow or a necklace sprucing it up. And in Lolita, there certainly is a plethora to choose from! Anything from necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, crowns (hime or flower) and head bows of various shapes and sizes are all game.  But many Lolitas take it one step further with caplets and shawls, purses, wallets and maybe the occasional gloves thrown on a classic Lolita here or there.

Still, I sometimes feel like there are still so many other interesting accessories that are going amiss! I know personally I am extremely guilty of ignoring almost a lot of the smaller elements (and it's something I hope to really focus on in this upcoming year), so I thought I'd take a moment to step back, and really reflect on everything the amazing world of fashion really has to offer. In this day and age practically anything goes, and Lolita seems to be transforming and growing at such an alarming rate that perhaps there's more room for some of these things than we've given them credit for.

So let's begin!

Scarves

Gabardine Creations Couture on Etsy

Yogi Peace Scarf

I won't even pretend to hide it-I absolutely adore scarves. If there's the tiniest nip in the air, I always feel ready to bust one out. And why not? They come in a huge range of colors, fabrics, prints and styles and there's absolutely guaranteed to be one that could suit pretty much any coord. While I realize not every Lolita lives in a climate cool enough to warrant a scarf, I know I'd certainly love to see more of them utilized when possible.

Belts

 

Some might argue that belts aren't 'true Lolita', but I beg to differ. It's all about the details of the belt and placement. Belts that nip in at the waist are extremely popular in mainstream fashion nowadays, and as Lolita skirts and a large number of dresses rest at the natural waist, it really seems that belts are just the next logical step! Granted, these might be a little trickier to coordinate with some outfits, but when used correctly I definitely think they add just a little extra something!

Watches

I admit, watches aren't really my favorite thing-to wear. But I never tire of looking up beautiful pictures of them! And the beauty of watches is they need not be terribly expensive and can be just as beautiful as a bracelet and definitely much more useful! I know in our modern age of cell phones that watches are certainly being phased out and those who do wear them typically stick to a tried and true favorite, but I think perhaps they might be an area we should open ourselves up to. They are after all a classic staple, and classics are deemed as thus for a reason.

 Baskets

Baskets are pretty popular for country Lolitas. And...that's about it. I realize these are definitely a little bit trickier to coordinate with, but I can definitely see them being used for sweet Lolita and something a little more classic rather than classic-turned-country. I admit this may be a stretch, but Lolitas are definitely known for their creative handbags, so why not explore the beauty of the basket a little bit more?

What do you think are some accessories you would love to see more of in Lolita? I'd love to hear them, and keep an eye out for Part Two!

Forgotten Lolita Accessories Pt. 2

52 Challenge: Bloomers or no bloomers?

Ah, it's time for another 52 Lolita Challenge blog post! Today we're tackling the age old question:

Bloomers v. No Bloomers

Image from weheartit

 I'll be honest, after my 7+ years dabbling in the fashion, the answer to this question is a bit of a no-brainer.

Bloomers. Always wear bloomers. 

I readily admit, I didn't always used to think this way. In my early days in the fashion, I thought I could get by wearing running shorts beneath my skirts, and in the winter, fleece pajama shorts. Hey, why not? It's not like anyone could see them, and admittedly they still worked the way they were supposed to. But gosh was I uncomfortable!

Even with the length of my skirt, I was constantly paranoid the not-so dainty hem of my shorts could be seen, ruining the pretty, put-together image I had so carefully crafted. And when I did without any shorts at all? Oh boy, do those skirts move! I learned to walk with the grace of a penguin, my arms constantly against my side to ensure no surprise gusts of wind would rise up and display my unmentionables to the world.

I admit, bloomers are not expensive. But they're also not very exciting either. Why would I waste $25 on fancy underwear when I could save just $20 more and purchase a pretty new blouse instead? At least, that was my line of reasoning (and before anyone points out the obvious, I'm a mess with a needle and thread. I've learned through a lot of painful trial and error that sewing is not, nor will ever be, a past time for me). Oh how wrong I was.

My advice to all Lolitas out there. Spring for the bloomers. They need not be super fancy $100 bloomers spun from unicorn hair and angel feathers, but take a look around on Etsy, peruse Bodyline, or sew your own if you're so inclined, but please, at some point (preferably early on) take the time to purchase at least 1 pair of proper Lolita undies. Your tushie will thank you for it later.

How to Leave an Online Review

I do a lot of online shopping, both inside and out of Lolita. And it is the bane of my existence to be searching for information...any information on a garment strictly available online, only to find one or two sad little one line "reviewers" that leave me even more confused than before. I have wasted a lot of time and money purchasing and altering clothes and shoes that can not be returned.  Many times however, these types of mistakes could have been avoided if those who chose to review had the foresight to do so properly. So, partly as an instruction manual and partly out of my need to rant, here it is:

How to Leave an Online Review

image from weheartit.com

1. List your measurements: And yes. I do mean ALL your measurements. Nothing is more infuriating than reading:

"This fit great! I ordered a size Large and though it was a little oversized it wasn't too baggy and hit me write at my knees."

That's fantastic...except I have absolutely no idea how tall you are. And I'm not being facetious here, you would be surprised just how many people expect others to be psychic in knowing their size. For all I know the reviewer could be 5' of 5'9", and that really does make a HUGE difference if I'm trying to decide if a size large will work for me or not. What could hit someone at the knees in a Large size might hit someone else mid-calf and someone else high on her thigh. With a review like this however, she'll have a difficult time figuring that out.  Here's another example:

"I'm 5'4" and 130 lbs, I ordered a Medium and it was too big. Definitely order a size down!"

In this case the reviewer left her height, which is fantastic....but her weight tells us very little. She could be a muscular, athletic 130 lbs, or she could be a svelte, super slender 130 lbs, or a softer, untoned 130 lbs. Maybe she's an apple shape and carries a lot of weight in her tummy, or pear shaped and bottom heavy or maybe she's very large chested with slender hips. We don't know because all she told us was her basic height and weight. We can line up ten individuals of the same height and weight and every single one can be built drastically different, and while some might need to order a size Small like the reviewer, others might need that Medium or even a large based purely on how her body is built.

So, if nothing else, PLEASE list your measurements. At the very least, please include your height, bust (both cup size as well as an actual measurement in inches are extremely useful) and waist measurements. Keep in mind, because every store (and country) is different, telling us you're about a "medium" or a "size ten" mean absolutely nothing. If you're feeling generous it's never a bad idea to include other sizes such as shoulder width if you're reviewing a blouse, or calf circumference if you're discussing the fit of tall boots. Remember, the word average means absolutely nothing. Numbers are what count.

2. List the garments' size : I know this seems like common sense, but you don't know how many times I've run into a review like this:

"I'm 5' and have a 28 inch waist. This hit me just about an inch above my knee and was about an inch too big on me, but it's easily fixed with a belt. Super cute!"

......Okay. But what SIZE did you order? When the options available range from XS-XXL, am I just supposed to make an educated guess? Depending on where the garment is from, a 28 inch waist literally could be sold as a size XS all the way up to an XXL. Yes, hopefully the website selling the item would have a size chart to go by, but I'm sure I'm not the only way to experience the intense disappointment of ordering something that should have fit according to a size chart, only to realize it's about four inches too short and one size too slim to ever fit.

Additionally, it's also quite helpful to list a few basic measurements of the garment itself, such as its length and width. It's not necessary to delve into every excruciating detail, but if something seems particularly strange (the crotch of a pair of pants feel oddly low), it's best to make a note and explain it as accurately as possible.

3. Fact v. Opinion: So it's pretty much a given that any review is going to have some opinion of the reviewer included and that's fine, but don't forget facts as well! It's fine to say you think the shoes delivered are ugly and cheap looking, but don't forget to explain WHY. It's useful, especially with negative reviews, to give clear reasoning (were they scuffed up and dingy? Not the color as advertised? Falling apart at the heel?) as to why you feel the way you do, or else one can simply chalk it up to personal taste when there could genuinely be something defective or misleading about the product that other people should probably know.

4. Photos: Lastly, photos are always nice. These can be of the garment itself, and detail shots are especially useful. Photos of the item actually being worn is also quite handy for those who might appreciate a visual. Of course at times taking a photo of the garment may not be possible, but of the four this particular point I find the least important as long as it is thoroughly described, including specific detail in any flaws or unexpected details (such as hidden pockets, no lining on a skirt, etc.).

I know no one is perfect. We're all human and make mistakes, and I too have made my own share of mistakes when leaving reviews. But I think we can all agree that a few snapshots of a dress or skirt and the exclamation of "It's so cute! I recommend everyone buy one!" hardly counts as a review and shouldn't be labeled as such. Especially in the world of Lolita, where so much is bought  sight unseen, there's no denying that the more information there is out there, the better it is for all of us to make informed choices.