2015 My fourth frilly year

In the year 2015, I was finally comfortable enough with my wardrobe to make my first wardrobe post.

Otherwise, for me it was mostly the year of baby care and terrible lack of sleep. By the end of 2015, it was two years since I could sleep for longer than 3 continuous hours. I didn't want to drag the baby on long drives to meetups, so I have not attended any meetups this year. That did not stop me from dressing up occasionally, though!

I regularly dressed up into lolita for walks with the carriage, although there was no time to take photos. I hoped mirror photos would be my salvation, but the space is too narrow!

And I finally took the dive and got a fringe!

For my wardrobe, I got some essentials I was yearning to get for quite a long time. A really cute Angelic Pretty blouse, with shirring, star embroided lace and removable sleeves.

Two darling AP cutsews, one in sax and one in white

A secret shop star shooting otks in ivory

And finally.. Angelic Pretty woolen coat in brown with removable fake fur. Usually, I would not get brown - I have like nothing brown to match it with, but I liked the cut and it was pretty cheap for their woolen coat! And now I can finally wear the fashion in winter too!

Thats all, for the year 2015!

2015-11 Tumblr explained for lolita

Tumblr is a microblogging site. That means you can have there a bog, but the blogs entries tend to be short. The blog entry can be a text, image, video, or others, but most blog entries are images.

You can find several general types of blogs: 

• Personal blogs, where a person writes about their life, daily coordinates, and such.   
• Theme blogs, where one collects pictures on some theme, e.g. classic lolita, pink pictures,..
• Blogs which allow uploads by other people and so are a group effort.

There are different ways to interact with posts on tumblr. You can:

• upload your own posts (images and videos ect from computer or other sites)
• reblog posts of other users (and so add them to your own blog)   
• like posts of other users (which does not add them to your own blog)

A lot of lolitas have a tumblr blog where they reblog pictures from other tumblrs they follow, and also upload their own pictures, or whatever catches their fancy around internet - yaplog pictures for example. To search or sort through the content, tags are used. They are a bit like computer folder, but one post can have numerous tags. 

Tip: think out your tags strategy beforehand. For example, a drawing of Cosmic JSK ccould have tags: #lolita #angelic pretty #cosmic #white #drawing or whatever you like.

Legal rights 

However, what most ignore is that to upload a picture to tumblr, you basically state that you own copyright rights to the said picture AND you grant that right to tumblr. Which means that you should upload only pictures you own copyright to (or were given permission by the owner) but you can reblog anything on tumblr within tumblr. Thats the legally correct way, but most people upload even other content and just state the source they took it from. Its not legally correct. What is also frowned upon is to save a tumblr picture to your computer, then upload it as a new post - because then it no longer states original source and you steal the credit for it.  

Tip: Write the name of your blog on your own pictures! Even when re-uploaded, the name of your blog stays, and will direct people who see the picture to your blog.
 
More reading...
 
Unwrapping Tumblr is a kind of encyclopaedia I found useful. It explains many nuances, features and workings of Tumblr. Not satisfied with Tumblr webpage's capacities? Theres ways to tweak and enhance the interface. Not having enough own photos? You can use Creative Commons Licence photos! And one another article about Creative Commons, Fair Use, and Copyright I found insightful.

2015-07 Swimsuits!

The summer comming, I decided its time to pick a proper swimsuit. Having no idea what I am getting into - I can't even swim yet! I started skimming google images to see what is available on market.. fast forward a lot of pictures and adjusting of the query later, I found one I liked. 

I clicked it to see the details.. aww. Metamorphose! I guess I should have expected it to be a lolita brand. Normal clothing does not appeal to me anymore! Not even swimsuits, not even when they're in lolibrary. Taobao could be maybe be a source of a decent swimsuit .. http://zhubaobao.taobao.com/ used to make these: 

 

And here is one more hime gyaru style, but good enough.

Metamorphose also made a hideous printed swimsuit set, bikini and one piece options. They don't even have anyhting common with lolita aesthetics. Meta, whyy?

Baby, the Stars Shine Bright surprisingly also made bathing sets in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. I guess they didn't sell all too well? No wonder.

Two other designs I found are available only for children. Why theres sexy but not cute designs like these in adult sizes? -.-

A day will come when I find a loliable swimsuit, and not just on a picture, but it is not this day..

2015-07 How to make a nice bow?

This is the way I do it!

Neck bow

Waist ties

 

2015-07 What is my Lolita Level?

Gamers rejoice! We can find our lolita level based on this quiz! This is mine for July 2015 .. its very long To-Do list o.O  Total points: 55, well-rounded lolita! Most missed points concern meeting others, since I've no comm nearby.
 

• You have a favorite brand
• You own a petticoat
• You own multiple petticoats in different cuts and/or lengths
• You own a parasol
• You own an item from a brand
• You own a novelty item from a brand (plates, mugs, stuffed animals, home decor, and other "non-wearables")
• You own an item from Bodyline
• You own an item from a Taobao brand
• You own an item from a Western indie brand
• You own an item you bought of eBay, Amazon, or a shady website and it came out okay
• You've bought brand directly from their official store
• You've bought a lucky pack
• You bought an item in reserve
• You own a complete Lolita outfit
• You've worn a complete Lolita outfit in public
• You've worn a complete Lolita outfit in public and it wasn't even on Halloween or at a convention
12/16

• You've bought and sold on an online Lolita community
• You've paid retail price for a rare secondhand brand
• You've paid double the retail price for a rare secondhand brand
• You've paid less than 20% the retail price for secondhand brand (ex: you paid $40 for a piece that originally cost $200)
• You've bought from a Japanese auction
• You've ordered from a shopping service
• You wear clothes you've made for yourself
• You wear a print you've designed yourself
• You wear clothes you've had custom made for you
• Have had brand pieces altered to fit your size or style
• You've been wearing Lolita for over a year
• You've been wearing Lolita for over 5 years
• You've been wearing Lolita for over a decade
• You have enough Lolita outfits to wear a new one every day for a week
• You have enough Lolita outfits to wear a new one every day for a month
• You've converted an interested friend to Lolita
5/16

• You wear brand with your "normal" wardrobe
• You don't have a "normal" wardrobe because you only wear Lolita
• You know how to handwash your Lolita clothes
• You know how to wash a wig
• You've worn a wig, circle lenses, or false eyelashes
• You've worn a wig, circle lenses, and false eyelashes all at once
• You own a pair of rocking horse shoes
• You own a pair of tea party shoes
• You own a purse shaped like something ridiculous
• You own an old school rectangle headdress
• You own a bonnet
• You own Lolita roomwear or pajamas
• You own a Lolita item that was released this past year
• You own a Lolita item that was released over 6 years ago
• You own a Lolita item that was released over 10 years ago
• You own every item released in a favorite print/series
9/16

• You've worn something on your head that was never intended to be worn on a head
• You've worn a trendy accessory (deer horns, halos, peignoirs, eyeballs, etc)
• You've worn Sweet Lolita
• You've worn Classic Lolita
• You've worn Gothic Lolita
• You've worn Old School Lolita
• You've worn Boystyle
• You've worn one of the lesser worn Lolita substyles such as Punk, Ero, Wa, or Guro
• You know the difference between a JSK and an OP
• You can name at least 5 prints
• You can tell which items are from which brand just by looking at them
• You can tell which items are from which brand just by looking at them, even if they're not a print
• You can tell which year a brand piece came from just by looking at it
• You've taken Lolita outfit snaps
• You've traveled to visit a fancy looking place just to take outfit snaps
• You've started a trend that others have followed
10/16

• You own a Gothic & Lolita Bible
• You own every single Gothic & Lolita Bible
• Your picture is in a Gothic & Lolita Bible
• Your picture is in a Gothic & Lolita Bible because you're a model for a brand
• You own a Lolita sewing pattern book
• You've made something from a Lolita sewing pattern book
• You've seen Kamikaze Girls
• You've read Kamikaze Girls
• You've met Novala Takemoto
• You've met Misako Aoki
• Misako Aoki has made you an official Lolita ambassador
• You've met one of your favorite Lolita designers
• You've learned how to sew/craft just so you can make your own Lolita clothes/accessories
• You've decorated your house/bedroom to match your Lolita wardrobe
• Your Lolita wardrobe is part of your decor (ex: you display your hats on a shelf, keep a mannequin dressed up on display, etc)
• You've been interviewed for a newspaper/magazine article for wearing Lolita
2/16

• You've made friends through Lolita
• You've made friends in foreign countries through Lolita
• You've celebrated International Lolita Day
• You have a separate facebook profile just for Lolita
• You're known by a different name when you wear Lolita
• You've twinned with someone
• You've tripleted with people
• You've been part of a group of clones
• You've taken purikura in Lolita before
• You have a purikura app on your phone
• You've had to explain what you were wearing to a stranger
• You've been called a princess by small children
• Old ladies have complimented you and remarked how nice it is to see young people dressed so nicely
• You've been called Bo-Peep
• You've been asked if you were in a play
• You've been asked what you were cosplaying as, or compared to an anime character
7/16

• You're a member of online Lolita communities
• You're active in online Lolita communities
• You mod an online Lolita community
• You mod an online community of over 1,000 members
• You've attended a meetup
• You've attended a tea party meetup
• You've attended a brand sponsored tea party
• You've traveled multiple hours to attend a meetup
• You've hosted a meetup
• You've hosted over 6 meetups
• You've hosted a meetup with over 20 attendees
• You've been to a Lolita swap meet
• You've attended a large scale Lolita event or convention
• You've been on staff at a large scale Lolita event or convention
• You've been to a Lolita panel at a convention
• You've hosted your own panel at a convention
7/16

• You've seen a Lolita fashion show
• You've modeled in a Lolita fashion show
• You've seen a brand fashion show
• You've modeled in a brand fashion show
• You own your own Lolita clothes/accessory line
• You've hosted your own brand's fashion show
• You have visited a Lolita shop
• You've traveled to another country just to buy from Lolita shops
• You own and run your own Lolita shop
• You're friends with a brand shop girl
• You are a brand shop girl
• You run a Lolita blog (traditional, tumblr, vlog, etc)
• You run a Lolita blog with over 1,000 followers
• You have been called "e-famous"
• You have been called "e-infamous"
• You've been featured on TV for wearing Lolita 3/16
3/16

1-15 points means you're familiar with the fashion and have taken an interest in all things frilly and Lolita. You've probably attended a few open events, maybe own a few pieces of Lolita, lurk the online communities, and you definitely are on your way to knowing your stuff! Your next step is probably buying the final piece for your first full outfit and finally headed to your first meetup!

16-40 points means you're just starting out in the world of Lolita. You may have been interested in the fashion for a few years but are just now getting involved in wearing the fashion on a regular basis and joining local communities. You probably have a couple full outfits but are still working on building a larger wardrobe. Alternatively, you have a larger wardrobe and definitely know your stuff, but you aren't very active in local or online Lolita communities and are perhaps more of a lone Lolita. Your next step is probably either finishing up adding a few more pieces to your wardrobe or to starting getting to know some other Lolitas.

41-60 points means you're probably a very well-rounded Lolita. You have a fair sized wardrobe that allows a variety of outfits and some style experimentation, you have a few Lolita friends, and you've attended your fair share of meetups and even fashion shows. You probably have a few volumes of the Gothic & Lolita Bible hanging around your bookshelf and you've definitely taken an interest in Lolita hobbies. Your next step is probably to step out of your comfort bubble, try a new style you've always wanted to try, host your own meetups, or perhaps finally apply to be a model for a local Lolita fashion show.

61-80 points is the realm of an experienced Lolita! You've probably been active in the fashion for a number of years, have a fairly large and diverse wardrobe, and have attended (and hosted!) your fair share of Lolita events. You're most likely well-known within your local, and online, communities. You're probably practically an expert on the fashion and have probably introduced, or at least guided, a few friends along the right path in the fashion. Your next step is most likely to do a closet cleaning or some wardrobe organization because you probably have a few years of accumulated clothes.

81-100 points is at the top of the Lolita game. You've definitely been active in the fashion for a number of years, or possibly you've had a very intense first few years. You've gone out there and had the chance to do some pretty cool things that you always dreamed of doing back when you first got started as a Lolita. There's a good chance you're a leader in both your local Lolita communities and the online Lolita-sphere. Your next step is probably to kick a few more things off your Lolita bucket list!

  101 points is within the ream of Lolita royalty. You probably have enough clothes to dress your own personal rufflebutt army, which you could very well easily raise with a wave of your very expensive burando scepter! You're well known by Lolitas both near and far, who are most likely green with envy at what you have in your closet, who you've met, and what you've had the chance to do. There are probably still a few items left on your Lolita bucket list that have been haunting you for a while now because you thought they've always been out of your reach for one reason or another (perhaps it's that long-distance shopping vacation, to complete your dream dress list, or to finally host the tea party of your dreams), but look how far you've come yet! Whatever it is you want to do, you can probably achieve it easily, or at the very least, you definitely have the patience within the fashion to stick with it for a while and work on getting it done.