Low Energy Lolita - Tips for Bad Mental Health Days

Hi all...

Long time no see. It's been a few months again and a bit up and down at that. Without going too deep into things, I have been dealing with some mental health issues for a while but particularly in the last four or five months. This has affected my ability to do everyday things including, of course, wearing lolita fashion. 

I reduced the amount of meets so that I had time enough for self care. As a result, the days when I went to meet ups were very important to me. There were some times when I would be having a bad mental health day but a lolita meet so I would need to wear low maintenance looks for those occasions. I wanted to share with you the items I like to use on those days.

Just a disclaimer, I understand that it is not always possible to wear lolita and go to meets when you are experiencing depression. Depression affects each person differently so you will need to make your own judgement on whether you have enough energy to wear lolita or go to meets. 

With that said, here are the items that I gravitate towards when I'm having a tough day. Most of these items are about getting a decent enough look whilst minimising effort and discomfort. 

Elasticated Onepiece

A one-piece is exactly that: a full outfit with one piece. Less pieces, less time, less effort; all things I consider when I don't have a lot of energy and don't feel good. It's gotta be stretchy too. Whether it's shirred or with an elasticated waist, I love an OP that gives you room to breathe. I find the more restrictive my outfit is, the more anxious I feel so I stay away from corsets or any tight fitting clothing. 

In my wardrobe (from the left)

Abandoned Night Chiffon OP by Baroque

Mystic Chiffon OP by Alice and the Pirates

Girly Note OP by Metamorphose Temps de Fille

 

Other Ideas (from the left)

Angel Wing Cutsew OP by Alice and the Pirates

Charming Dot by Angelic Pretty

Beloved Bloom Lace Puff Sleeve dress by Metamorphose Temps de Fille

The sack dress, fully-shirred bust OP or fully-shirred back OP would all be options for comfort and cuteness. 

Overknee Printed Tights/Socks

Printed tights add interest to your outfit. When I'm in a low mood, I tend to want to show even less skin than usual. Cotton overknee socks are often too hot in the Australian weather and I feel like they make my legs look wide so I prefer tights or socks in a stretchy fabric which cover skin, are cooler and often look better on my legs. 

My Wardrobe (from the left)

Kingdom Tights by Beth

Funeral Procession of Rose socks by Alice and the Pirates

Other Options (from left)

Elizabeth tights by Innocent World

Cream Cookie Parade by Angelic Pretty

Milky Pony Carnival by Angelic Pretty

Look for tights with a pattern down the middle for a leg slimming effect. 

Cardigans/Capes

Just like an elasticated one-piece, wearing a comfy cardigan or cape is a way to hide arms or décolletage without the discomfort of a blouse. While a blouse can feel constricting and starchy, a cardigan or cape is stretchy and soft. There's also nothing better than a knit or fluffy cape to help make me feel cosy and comforted on a bad day. 

My wardrobe (from left)

Bunny Ear Fur Cape by Baby the Stars Shine Bright

Cardigan with Fur by Baby the Stars Shine Bright

Other Options (from left) 

Rose and Little Bird Hood Cape by Innocent World

Heart Cardigan by Innocent World

Arab Knitted Short Cape by Alice and the Pirates

Soft, fuzzy and comfy is the aim with capes and cardigans. 

Make Up 

Generally, putting on makeup to match my lolita look is one of my favourite parts of lolita but when I don't have a lot of energy, I don't want to spend time on doing intricate makeup so I find the following items really useful. 

A medium brown eyeshadow and a glittery white eyeshadow 

Brown is a fairly neutral colour with many shades to suit all skin tones and dress colours. It's a colour that you can brush over your lid for a light shade or build up to create depth. Adding the white shadow near the tear duct in the inner corner of your eye creates depth and opens your eyes. This means you don't need to spend time choosing colours and creating looks. 

Pen tip Eyeliner and mascara 

Pen-tip eyeliner with mascara adds drama without the mess of false eyelashes. For me, false eyelashes are annoying to apply on the best of days, so on a day where I lack motivation and energy, having an eyeliner that draws smoothly is essential. This gives the illusion of dramatic eyes and with mascara it's often enough for my coordinate. Your face may not look "beat to the gods" but it's dramatic enough to carry the lolita look. 

Blush and Highlighter

Use a blush pallet with high lights and blush in one compact. Usually I combine two or three different colours from a couple of different pallets on my cheek, I will do some contouring around my face, put blush on my cheek and add a tiny bit of highlight. On a rough day I can use one pallet and a few strokes to minimise fuss and get colour and dimension on my face. 

Medium coverage lipgloss 

Rather than a creamy lipstick or a clear lipgloss, I would chose a lip gloss (in pink, of course) with medium coverage (and glitter, lots of glitter) for a quick but finished look. The reason why I don't chose a lipstick is it makes me look more mature and I prefer the glassy, less defined look of a lipgloss. 

Lip Stain

I also use lip stains because it leaves a soft impression and stays on your lips so you don't need to reapply often. 

Here are some looks I put together on some of the days I wasn't feeling well. They required minimal effort and were comfortable enough to wear for the duration of the meet. 

A comfortable outfit for an afternoon Murder Mystery Meet

Cats Window Velveteen OP with Putumayo 

Cotton Frill JSK by Victorian Maiden

Offbrand knit with chiffon sleeves

Offbrand tights and shoes

Detachable Shoe bows by Baby the Stars Shine Bright

Necklace by Innocent World

Christmas in July!

Mystic Chiffon OP Funeral Procession of Rose tights by Alice and the Pirates  

Cardigan with Fur, Logo Beret, head bow by Baby the Stars Shine Bright

Off brand shoes 

Relaxed and cosy for a Sailor Moon marathon. 

Girly Note OP by Metamorphose Temps de Fille 

Bunny Ears Fur Cape and Mini Usuakumya pochette by Baby the Stars Shine Bright

There are my tips for when you're not feeling well or don't have a lot of energy. What are your tips when you're having a tough time? I'd love to know. 

Hoping you are able to take the time you need to take care of yourself. Wishing all of you health and happiness. 

Until next time...

Fashion Show @ Madman Anime Festival

The Madman Anime Festival Lolita Fashion Show

It's been a dream of mine for a while now to participate in a Lolita fashion show and the Madman Anime Festival presented a perfect opportunity to get involved in one. 

Working full-time I haven't had a lot of time to do much Lolita so when the organiser asked for a coordinate picture, my submission was a previous outfit I had worn. I was very excited when it came to the day and spent quite a lot of time on preparations which included going all out by putting on bottom lashes!

I only found the wig at the last minute as it was tucked away in a totally non-Lolita bag (most embarrassing behaviour). I was really happy with the way the outfit turned out. 

  

We all met up in the foyer and were led to a green room out the back of the theatre stage. It was a proper, proper dressing room with lights around the mirrors. I took a couple of dressing room pictures with all the frills inside the one room. 

 

The good lighting created perfect selfie conditions and this created a photographic frenzy from the shutter happy amongst us (including myself). 

Here are some of the outfits from the fashion show. I apologise if I didn't get around to taking a picture for those that didn't get one. 

Prince and Princess. The only pair coordinate in the fashion show and superbly done. The princess's head dress is actually made by the model with string of pearls that hang between the spires. Making sure the headdress was secure looked like a task but it surely paid off for the walk. 

   

I love the blend of old-school Lolita here with the head dress and rocking horses mixed with the relatively recent trend of adding boz jackets to frilly dresses. Usually reserved for the comparatively unfrilly gothic and lolita or aristocrat sub genres. 

 

The walk that these two frill-seekers did during the show was nothing short of adorable. I've always loved the Bodyline Cinderella Bunny print!

 

I actually love this coordinate. Particularly the dress which is from Taobao. The fabric was lovely too. 

 

Well, you can tell what I thought from this filter. #godess

I loved the all white coordinate balanced out with darker shoes and accessories. 

I really love this print and the umbrella made the whole coordinate look so elegant. 

This coordinate was a deliberate mix of genres. Spooky and cute. The horns were a great touch, I thought. I would like to implement some in a coordinate one day, myself. 

I really enjoyed dressing up, seeing everyone and their amazing coordinates and planning the fashion show. Unfortunately there were some hiccups with the organisation of the show that did put a dampener on things. We were forgotten in the dressing room and ended up starting an hour late. However, the show came off smoothly and we went into the festival afterwards to enjoy the show. 

There was a room filled with many stalls with DVDs, manga, merchandise and other things; a stage for interviews; movie room and a maid cafe. I was only interested in going to the maid cafe and checking out the Sailor Moon goods because it's usually quite expensive at these kinds of events. The line to the maid cafe was really long so I went straight to the stalls. There were cardboard cutouts of LoveLive characters and some posters of popular anime. I enjoyed posing in front of a Sailor Moon poster and taking selfies. I also got my picture taken in front of a cherry blossom background and got a print out for free! 

In the end, I didn't end up buying any merchandise or going to the cafe. The Sailor Moon DVDs didn't even tempt me. I was hoping for a box set with pretty cover art. Unfortunate but on the positive side, I didn't spend any money. 

I really enjoyed dressing up in lolita after a long while and enjoyed participating in the fashion show. I hope I can do it again next year. 

Beret, Necklace, Blouse, Kumya-Kumya, Socks: BTSSB

JSK: Krad Lanrete - Phantom of the Opera

Head bow: Innocent World

Ring: Q-pot

Shoes: off-brand 

Lolita Fashion Book - Prologue translation

I bought this book when I was over in Japan in 2014/15 and I still open it often. It covers all the basics of the fashion and offers some great tutorials on how to do make-up and hair. Although the pictures are sufficient to glean information from, those who do not understand Japanese do not get to read things like the history of the fashion; the letter from Novara Takemoto, writer of Shimotsuma monogatari; or feel the atmosphere of the Lolita fashion-inspired writings which were written by, as I understand it, Misako Aoki herself. 

This week I will share with you one of those writings: the prologue. I translated it myself and I hope it will help you to enjoy the book even more.

The Lolita Fashion Book

Published in 2014 and edited by Misako Aoki. 

Prologue

Page 3

Morning.

I open my eyes, light that twinkles faint rainbow colours from the curtain.

I have long dreamed here

of a strange world so filled with the things I love.

This world is the magical spell that Lolita fashion has put on me. 

When a pink skirt ruffles lightly, the curtain rises on my story.

Here, I can be a princess.

Let us go.

To a kawaii-filled, frill and ribbon Wonderland.

Page 5

I've got to hurry. The tea party is going to start.

My closet where my favourites are all in a row.

I can't decide the one I like best  

However, time spent wondering what to wear is a wonderful gift given only to women.

When I have decided what to wear, I iron my blouse 

I don't hold back on the number of fills and ribbons I wear.

I apply girly pink to my cheeks and lips.

I'm ready. It's time to go out.

A Lolita clothed in the fashion she loves is invincible,

So I already can only think of enjoyable things, I won't think of anything but.

My spirit is lifted with each pannier I put on,

I feel so free that I could fly.

Today, the heroine is me.

Page 7

Now, the beginning of the tea party.

Macarons on cakes, doughnuts on cookies...

Many sweet, pastel-coloured jewels laid out on the table,

I feel like my idol, Marie Antoinete.

I eat as many as I like of my favourite sweets

And put on some sweet smelling tea.

When I have one bite of a sweet cake, suddenly a story blooms.

Shall we go? To the beginning of the story of a dream that lolitas speak of

Tell me more, as well, of your cute secrets.

...

What do you think? Did you enjoy Misako Aoki's interpretation of the Lolita world? Would you like to see more Lolita-influenced writing in general?

I hope to translate a few more passages in this book in the future in particular, the letter and history that I spoke of earlier. 

Until next time...

Tips to Stop Buying Lolita

Hi all...

I am currently planning a trip over to Japan in April, buying flights, planning transport and itinerary. I've been saving money for a number of months and now that it's getting closer I'm trying not to spend any money on Lolita fashion until April. 

There are many reasons why you might need to temporarily stop buying Lolita. Perhaps you're saving up for a holiday, like me. Or maybe you already spent all your Christmas money and maxed the credit card on Lace Market?  Stepping back from the auctions and second hand sales can be difficult if it has become a habit. So this week I'll share with you some tips I find useful to stop buying Lolita.

1. Set a goal 

If you really enjoy the fashion and you find it difficult to stop purchasing, setting yourself a goal is one of the best ways to stay motivated.  Being unsure of "buying boundaries" will make it harder to keep resisting as time goes on. In other words, saying "I'm just not going to buy anymore Lolita" is setting yourself up for temptation and disappointment. I have the trip in April to save up for and the added bonus of going somewhere that I can buy Lolita fashion. A date, a monetary amount, an event - anything can become your goal as long as you have a one. 

2. Make a plan of what your next purchase will be

Deciding what you want or need to buy next will help you with impulse purchasing. I'm thinking that I should buy a short-sleeve, white blouse next as that will have the greatest effect on my Lolita wardrobe in summer months. Knowing you want to buy a blouse or that you need to buy a new petticoat will stop you from getting that quick bargain that pops up on your social media feed.

3. Control what you look at on social media

When trying to save up, one of the worst things you can do is go and look at an auction site or eglcommsales on Live Journal with a casual attitude. You're deliberately putting yourself in a situation where it's easy to buy and encouraged. Even if you look at a sale, try to think about what would be good to buy after you achieve your goal or what might work in your current wardrobe rather than "can I afford it now" or "should I buy it now". This kind of change in browsing habits and attitude will be vital in keeping your sanity when you're not buying Lolita fashion. 

4. Replace your habit

I really enjoy the purchasing side of Lolita. Buying something new from somewhere far-away, waiting for something to arrive in the post; it definitely is one of the joys of this fashion, in my opinion. If I want to buy something when I'm on a budget however, I will try to do something else that I enjoy or is rewarding. I will wear my favourite outfit, spend more time on my make up, look at other people's outfits online. If I'm still reaching for the credit card, then I'll do something productive or even go buy something that's less expensive like some make up or take myself out for a coffee. This way I can stay positive and not feel like I'm punishing myself for trying to save money.

5. Decide Your Priorities

Deciding what is important to you will help you stay on track. If you actually write down what you want to do in order then it will be easier to follow through. Also keep in mind that buying lolita will only set you back from achieving your goals at this time.

However you approach budgeting don't forget that there are many ways to enjoy lolita outside of increasing the pieces in your wardrobe. What about trying a new make up technique or creating coordinates with your current wardrobe. Plan what gaps you have in your wardrobe or even have a look at other fashion styles to see how they coordinate their outfits. You may learn something you can incorporate yourself. 

As with many things, the trick is about remaining realistic and doing things in moderation. Good luck with your budgeting! 

Until next time...

New Year - New Haircut and Lots of Coordinating

Hi all...

I went to the hairdressers this week and I decided to get a new haircut with the coming of the New Year. 

Some length was cut off and the bob is all one length rather than concave. A wispy fringe with a slight angle has been cut in so its cute but not going to be too hot in summer.

I'm really happy with how it looks. 

I spent a bit of time on the weekend making some coordinates with Mystic Chiffon OP from Alice and the Pirates and Kuma Kumya's Sweet Chocolate - high-waist JSK from Baby the Stars Shine Bright. 

I used the bow off my navy beret and wore some open-toe shoes from a formal wear brand called Coast. 

Then, I added a feather bolero in the same colour from the same brand. I really like the pairing of navy and this soft-grey colour. 

I also enjoyed trying a couple of coordinates with Kuma Kumya's Sweet Chocolate.

 

I'm really loving combinations of berets and other accessories such as barrettes and headbands at the moment. I paired my Baby the Stars Shine Bright beret with the waist bow from the JSK. I have also realised that cardigans go well with high-waist items. I'm wearing a very versatile cardigan from Metamorphose in the above outfit. 

I decided to do something a little different and pair Kumya Kuma's Sweet Chocolate with a Navy high collar chiffon blouse from Angelic Pretty and some blue tights from Alice and the Pirates. I loved being able to change the style of this piece using accessories and supporting pieces. I still think this coordinate needs work but I enjoyed doing some experimenting with this outfit. 

If you've been following me on Instagram you would have seen that I have been doing quite a lot of coordinating practice. 

 

I have realised how difficult it is to create a summer coordinate with my current wardrobe and hope to work on improving that after April. 

In the meantime, it's practice, practice, practice. 

Until next time...

Happy 2016!

Happy New Year Every Body

May your purse be filled with yen and your closet full of frills all year round!

Hi all...

This is my second New Year's post and I'm posting in January. So I already consider that a one-up on last New Year's post, which was posted in February. 

Last year, I only wrote about one goal: to create a more cohesive wardrobe. I really feel like I achieved that goal (even in my non-lolita wardrobe) and I will continue to do the same this year. In a previous post, I highlighted what I'd done well and what I needed to improve on so building on those things I will continue to post about my thought process and how I bring together my wardrobe in 2016.

I would like to look back on what I did in 2015 and write out some goals for the coming year. I hope to reflect on these goals at the beginning of 2017.

What did I achieve in 2015?

• Bought pieces in a colour-scheme to create a more cohesive wardrobe.
• Bought direct from the BABY and Innocent World website
• Completed a year and a half in Japan on a working visa
• Got a secure job when I came back

2015 was a big year for me. I completed an item on my bucket list, which was to work and live in Japan. It was a great experience which helped me to become more independent and grow stronger. I made many friends and memories that will be with me for life. I live in my little hometown now and although it is a completely different pace to the city and somewhat isolated from the Lolita fashion community, I am happier and more at peace with myself and my situation than I have felt for the last three years. Personally, I want to continue to feel this inner-peace and become more secure in myself throughout the year to come.

What are my goals for 2016?

• Focus on buying more supporting items like blouses, cardigans and tights
• Practice coordinating and get more photos of my outfits and outings
• Take more photos and write more articles on the blog 

I want to develop a stronger sense of my personal opinion and work on my fear of criticism. I have many ideas to share but my fear of being disliked and not being able to fulfill people's expectations stops me from putting myself forward. This is in Lolita as well as in my personal life. I think my motto for 2016 will be "get yourself out there" and will include more selfies, more blogging and doing more things for myself.

What am I looking forward to?

I am most looking forward to going to Japan in April for a while. I'm going to do a bit of travelling to some less metropolitan places this time and, of course, I also hope to do some shopping and go on Lolita dates while I'm there.

I have also begun work on a special Lolita-related blog post for Australia Day this year, which is still two weeks away on January 26th (I'll probably post on Sunday the 24th though). I'm already very excited and I can't wait to share it with you. I hope you will enjoy it too.

Tell me about what you achieved in 2015 and what your goals are in 2016. Perhaps you just have a few things you're looking forward to over the year? Speaking of New Year's posts, I always enjoy reading Spiffy Cake's blog "Tea Cake Time Machine" including her January 1st post reflecting on 2015 and I always pop by Luna Rain's blog in January to see her Lolita trend predictions for the year. 

Let me know about your year or let me know about your New Year resolution blog.

Until next time...