Clones vs. Copies

I've read a lot of stuff that talks about the armies of AP clones that seem to be popping up everywhere and are becoming more and more picked up upon.

I'd like to take a step back from this a second and look at one aspect from a wider perspective. While yes, some girls will inevitably take ideas from each other, get the same series sets (which must be difficult to avoid sometimes) and enjoy twinning, this doesn't mean that it's unoriginal or at all bad. In the wider world, they are all still a rare gem to come by, compared with the pack mentality of normal young girls today that hate the idea of standing out, making an effort to really dress up or want to even think of something a bit outlandish. They follow each other in the attempt to blend in, becoming copies of copies. I am surrounded by these people everyday and I've directly questioned them about all of these things- bottom line is they're afraid. It still takes confidence to go out in those sugary sweet dresses and having a crowd of you do it together must make it an altogether more fun and less scary experience!

The other aspect of some of these clones that I definitely don't agree with is their bashing of new Lolitas and those that don't dress exclusively in brand. Needless to say, if we all had the funds and the choice we probably would! But it's just not an option for some. As for the commenting on 'breaking the rules', it's  another thing that just doesn't need to be said. Constructive criticism goes a long way rather than "you're doing it wrong, get out".

Saying that, I personally like the rules set out. It's what makes Lolita, Lolita. But like I say; personal opinion. No one wants someone elses views shoved down their throat- yuck!

Peace & Love X

Silly Sketches

I thought I'd start doing a few little drawings to spur me on. It's so very different to my usual style, but as they say, practice makes perfect!

Little Things I've Picked Up

I only began researching into Lolita fully since last August. Before that I had one lonely Kera issue from 2007, that I'd flick through looking longingly at BTSSB and Angelic Pretty. I also kept the memory of seeing all the kids in Harajuku. One in particular, which I'm pretty sure was a Brolita. He had a wine red velvet dress on in the classical style, with his hair curled (which I'm pretty sure was his natural hair). He was running through the park and straight past me. It was like some sort of fairytale scene.

Anyway, enough of the reminiscing. I feel very grateful to have been introduced to Lolita in that way, because it never occurred to me that Offbrands existed (sometimes good, sometimes awful) or that sometimes outfits could go hideously wrong. In my mind for a very long time, you either scrimped and saved for the real deal or you made your own JSKs and skirts while waiting to have enough money to but that perfect OP. So here are some of the things I found out while delving deeper into this frilly culture:

COSPLAY AND LOLITA DO NOT MIX

Personally, I never put two and two together, but it seems that many a newbie think Cosplay costumes, double up as Lolita. I'm really not a fan of Cosplay, so a definite yes for keeping these two things very, very separate.

Really?

CHEAP LACE IS NASTY LACE

This is something that really concerned me before. How could you tell good from bad? After a little more reading and a trip to my local haberdashery, it's more simple than I first thought.
Cheap lace has that netted base and a very coarse, synthetic feel. Nice lace generally has a soft cotton feel and intricate, well made details. Simple!

Yuck!

Yum!

MODESTY IS TOP!

Skirts just above or below the knee, high necklines and nothing that's going to make you at all like Nobokov's Lolita in the slightest.

BIGGER IS BETTER

This is just a personal rule for myself, but I think sweet lolitas look much more effective with bigger hair. I've really got into planning outfits with wigs and I now definitely see the advantage of them. Big, colourful hair seems to compliment an outfit perfectly and also gives a lovely base for all those hair accessories. Bobs can also look good, more on classical styles but I always think they look a little flat if not done professionally. But who am I to say? I might be proved wrong yet!

Look at all that hair!

ACCESSORIES ARE VITAL

When I see outfits beautifully coordinated, but with not much else going on, my heart sinks a little. Bracelets, cuffs, rings, necklaces, hair bows & grips and bags all make masses of difference. One thing that seems to be a solid lolita rule is that attention to detail will get you everywhere.

BUT ABOVE ALL, LOLITAS HAVE BUNDLES OF CONFIDENCE

Something I admire in every active lolita. To go out and where those clothes must take a lot of guts, as well as a strong personality. I one day would like to step out of the house in my frills, but find that because I know no other lolitas find it impossible and stick to coordinating in a scrapbook. So for all those alone lolitas I have the upmost respect and admiration.

These are only a few things I've thought of off the top of my head. When I get stuck into posting more structured articles, I'll probably do some more comprehensive lists.
Peace & Love X

Introducing...

Who Am I?

Hello, lovely to meet you. I'm Celeste and while I'm very good at keeping a written journal, I'm a terrible blogger. But I'd really like that to change, especially since this (not so) new obsession of mine has taken hold.

What Are You Going To Find Here?

Things for Lolita enthusiasts, not necessarily full-time/wearers of Lolita- at least not exclusively. I've been into Lolita since I was about 14 and went to Japan. I'm now 18, but still have never got around to wearing it properly. But I want to learn more, network with seasoned Lolitas and finally get this obsession off the ground. Call this a beginners diary. I will probably make a lot of slip ups, but it's all part of the learning curve.

Peace and Love X