Micropost: BATMOBILE

Batmobiles are very lolita GODDAMNIT!

The EGL LJ Community Survival Guide

Suffer ye Community Old Foagies
For Summer hath but too long a date!

In the United States as well as several other places in the world it’s Holiday season and like any destination it brings the tourists and affords people the time to get into hobbies and other interests. EGL seems like the most popular hub for lookie lous, the genuinely interested and the truly mis-informed during these peak seasons.

APPROACH WITH CAUTION

So before you even think of posting on EGL understand this:
1. You’re excited, you want to be a part of it all but as community rules state there are to be NO INTRODUCTION posts. The community has thousands of members, the addition of YOU is not a significant event that merits heralding.

2. If you want to ask a question – for the love of all that is good – check the MEMORIES AND FAQ AND PROFILE. Using the search function on the Profile Page and then google, then people’s blogs, then the brand stores, then the non brand stores and if you cannot find the answer after a good long hard googling – then ask EGL. Because if you do not do your own attempt at research before hand and expect the members to do your own work for you is rude. But if it is a genuine and well worded question most people will only be too happy to help you.

3. Which brings me to how you ask a question on EGL do not:
Use any romanized / Romaji / Japanese phrases – not everyone can read Japanese and cutesy weeaboo phrases are immature and irritating.

Coloured text – especially if it’s too light to read against the default EGL background colours. You will be asked to reformat so it can be read easily and quickly.

Got a thousand blinking cute gifs? Save them for your profile pages.

Ending with posts with “PLEASE BE NICE TO ME” or “PLEASE DON’T EAT ME” grinds peoples gears, playing the victim or acting so frail that the big bad internet might hurt you doesn’t win you any points. Sometimes it’s like painting a target and inviting the cruel, the trolls and those who just don’t give a damn to assume that you are free game.

4. The Sweeping generalization – making blanket statements never goes down well. Lolita Fashion.org has a fantastic guide to debunking common misconceptions and myths surrounding Lolitas and Lolita fashion. [READ IT HERE BEFORE YOU POST ON EGL ATTEMPTING TO ASK ONE OF THESE QUESTIONS.] This guide exists because these topics have been touched upon in the community over and over again and while it is always healthy to provided fresh commentary on topics it tends to dissolve into less informed discourse and more into anecdotes, irrelevant and incorrect facts and everybody’s favourite – the Flame War.

In short – the overall aim of any EGL/Lolita community, especially one as large and popular as the EGL community on LJ or any forum on the subject exist to share images, discuss fashion, design, discourses, provide peer reviews, resources and relevant topics. They are not there to do your homework for you, make your life choices for you or to dictate how you live your life.

If you think it’s all sweetness and light then you underestimate it’s members. Do not be afraid to participate in any community but just firstly respect the rules (written and unwritten) and you won’t have any trouble (which is common sense).

Micro Post: Camwhorin’

Apparently I can’t wink without looking like a colossal tard.

Por Homme: Part Two – What to Look For

For basic Kodona stlye there are some key basics that you will need to pull this look off starting from the bottom up.

To read the first part of this article click HERE

Shoes
Boots (knee high, ankle, mid calf) of various styles are appropriate (Preferably lace up, in leather, suede or a matte patent) in black is the most common (though brown can be worn too).
Others: Brogues/Oxfords, riding boots, polished leather school shoes, creepers, wingtips and winklepickers.

The same applies for women but they can also get away with wearing platformed and heeled shoes (men can too, it’s a matter of taste and comfort)

Brands: Dr. Martens, Underground UK, Most Japanese Brand stores (Sizes run small even in men’s shoe) – also inquire at at the mens wear section (formal) of any major department store or mens clothing store.

Do - Invest in a high quality pair as they are versatile and good quality leather will last you for years.

Don’t - Wear construction work shoes such as Blundstones, sports shoes/sneakers/hightops/open footwear/cowboy boots/canvas shoes such as Vans and Converses* (*Though some people do get away with wearing all black Cons – a pair of black lace up leather shoes/boots is the safest option)

Accessories: Spats are popular for Aristocrat and men’s Steampunk as well. Spats are usually canvas or leather covers that go over your boots/shoes.

Socks/Stockings
Bare legs (save for knees) are not often seen in Kodona/Prince/Aristo. Socks or stockings in solid black and white are most versatile, also popular are black and white stripe or coloured stripes in horizontal or vertical stripe. Stockings, both knee high, thigh high and full are good options for girls and also me (just make sure to buy the thick kind because leg hair poking out of socks is not a good look on any one)

Brands: Sock Dreams, Metamorphose, Moi Meme Moitie, Alice and the Pirates, Baby the Stars Shine Bright

Do – Invest in several pairs

Don’t – Buy ribbed / textured / work/heavy duty socks. They must be smooth on the leg.

Accessories: Garters and spats

Pants
Traditionally for Kodona they can be around knee length, knickers, jodhpurs, plus fours, and breeches and sometimes shorts. For Aristocrat and Prince you can also wear long slacks. Colours can be basic black though other colours like brown, navy and creams are acceptable and there’s no reason why Kodona cannot be as bright as Lolita, Pastel colours were once a standard in all mens wear in the royal courts of Europe prior to the 1780s. Fabrics include tartans, cottons, polyester, corduroy, tweed and velvets. They can be adorned with buttons and buckles at the knees or have embroidered details.

Brands: Atelier Boz, h.Haoto, Peace Now for Men, Union Jack, Moi Meme Moitie, Alice and the Pirates and Metamorphose.

Do - Make sure they fit well (Japanese mens sizes run very small and some/all brands have pants fitted for women)

Don’t - Wear blue jeans, denims (though sometimes Black jeans can be a comfortable substitute) jeans shorts, cargos, chinos or board shorts.

Accessories: Chains, belts, pocket watches, punk style over skirts, sashes, sword belts.

Shirts
A basic button can often work just as long as it has a peterpan, pointed, batwing, ruffled or feature collar. Some with high collars can be worn unadorned or with a cravat, jabot or stock. Traditionally either a black or white long sleeved shirt, with ruffled or lace trimmed and often they are cotton and either a little over sized or tailored. For girls you can wear any basic lolita blouse with a long sleeve or detachable sleeve as long as it’s not too “Sweet” or have any ribbon or decoration besides lace/pin tucking/ruffles/frills or embroidery ect

Brands: Atelier Boz, H.Naoto, Black Peace Now (and BPN Mens), Moi Meme Moitie, Metamorphose, Alice and the Pirates and Innocent World

Accessories: Waistcoats and vests

Waistcoats/Vests/Jackets/Coats ect
What really finishes off an outfit is a statement making coat or waistcoat. They can be anything from long overcoats in a heavy cotton or medium length frock coats in a rich brocade to a short, military inspired jacket with brass buttons.

Brands: Atelier Boz, h.Haoto, Peace Now for Men, Union Jack, Moi Meme Moitie, Alice and the Pirates and Metamorphose.

Don’t: Wear hoodies, modern military coats, bomber jackets, woolen or fleece jumper/sweaters.

Accessories: Brooches, pins, pocket watches, capes, scarves.

Other Accessories:
Hats: Tricons, top hats, bowlers, boaters
Jewelry: Rings, chains, cufflinks, tie pins, bracelets, piercings
Hair: Can be worn at any length, long hair can be tied back neatly into a bow or let loose on the shoulders, messy pigtails and buns can look cute for girls in kodona too.
Make up: Can optional but if you do like wearing it opt for  light colours like bottle/moss green, greys, silvers, browns, black, dark purple and nudes.

Next article will be about expanding on all the brands mentioned in the past articles, which ship internationally, sizing and options of men as well as western based options, plus size concerns and cheaper alternatives.

Tweetphaex

I just tweeted myself! D:

• 15:59 Etsy purchase status – SHIPPED. Paypal taking forever to load money. Obsessed now with buying animal bones. #

Automatically shipped by LoudTwitter

Etsy is a 4 Letter Word

Well it is… and an amazing place to buy jewelery and other goods especially for the Lolita looking for a one of a kind item.

http://www.etsy.com

Will write more about Etsy in the future, currently am too busy just surfing and buying!

Tweetphaex

I just tweeted myself! D:

• 20:59 New dress – old boobs. I dont recomend anyone have boobs bigger than a D cup. Especially if you have a narrow back. #
• 21:02 ETSY ETSY ETSY ETSY – It’s addictive. #

Automatically shipped by LoudTwitter

Por Homme: Boys Style and Mens Wear

People often ask various questions about men in lolita.

Can Men wear lolita?
Yes – some brands like Moi Meme Moitie have had men’s sized lines of their dresses.

Can Men FIT into lolita?
This depends. The average Japanese male measured against the average Western male there are differences in height and broadness of shoulders. Most items made as Lolita men’s wear are generally very small so it helps to be relatively thin – the same goes with most Japanese men’s wear.

Is there a masculine equivalent to Lolita?
Yes – what good is it frocking up like a princess when your prince is still in his Batman hoodie and jeans? There are different masculine styles for me, “Kodona” which is boyish, “Prince style” which is more formal and “Aristocrat” which is formal as well.

Can girls wear masculine styles?
Yes – a lot of people prefer Kodona/Prince styles to lolita as another facet of Lolita and or because they just don’t feel all that comfortable in Lolita.

Can girls fit into masculine styles?
You’ll find that most brand shops Prince/Kodona style items are available in women’s sizes.

What brands Sell Prince/Kodona/Aristocrat?
Alice and the Pirates which is the sub-brand for Baby the Stars Shine Bright is the pinnacle of boys/Price/Aristo style with a bold pirate/military inspired edge. Innocent World often releases as softer Boys style lines which is a bit more refined in style – think a casual stroll in the English Countryside. Metamorphose occasionally do Prince style items and in traditional Meta style are a bit more edgy, punkish in influence and playful. Atelier Boz, H.Naoto specialize in men’s wear and have established men’s lines. Boz is more about drape of fabric where Naoto is more punk/goth/deconstructed.

For the Plus Sized/Cheap
There are a lot of options for Kodona/Prince/Aristo for both men and women in commercial stores and especially some chain menswear stores, occasionally Goth boutiques as well as major designers and suit tailors.

So what IS Kodona/Prince/Ojii/Aritocrat and what should I look for when shopping via the Japanese brands and Locally? On this topic and what to look for I will expand on in he second part of this article since Mens/Masculine style dress requires it’s own primer on the dos and dont’s as large and as complex as any outline for basic Lolita fashion so look out for that in the coming days!

[READ PART TWO OF THIS ARTICLE - HERE]

Tweetphaex

I just tweeted myself! D:

• 13:04 Waiting for Etsy order to come… and BL dress too…. *taps foot* #

Automatically shipped by LoudTwitter

Candy Violet: Atelier Collection and New Items

Candy Violet is one of the first American lolita brands that has successfully been able to mass produce their clothing for the ready to wear market. Having seen some of CV’s items up close I can speak for their high quality and versatility, hopefully I will have some cash soon to purchase from Candy Violet myself!

Recently they have released several new dresses/skirts/shirts and accessories that are worth a look at but more interestingly I find is her one off Atelier Collection. Visions of Versailles is a series of three, one off dressed inspired by romantic portraits of the women that made the court of Versailles an institution such as Madame Pompadour, Princess Adelaide and of course Marie Antoinette.

Personally I think these dresses are bold and beautifully crafted and since they are one-off pieces no expense was spared. Texture is something not often seen in popular lolita, focusing more on prints on a ubiquitous JSK / OP series which is something of a shame since the dresses that inspired the style did not have prints and instead focused on delicate embroidery, textures, ruffles, drape and ultra rich fabrics. Angelic Pretty occasionally dabble in heavy textural dresses though the results get some mixed reviews – many vaccinating between – “What a hot mess” and “It’s a hot mess – I love it!”. Innocent World use some beautiful embroidery on their boarder trims and occasionally on the bodice which is interesting and refreshing. Candy Violet’s approach however is measured and insures the unique pieces can also work in a more versatile casual co-ordinate as well as elaborate statement outfits.

As far as stacking up against an established Japanese Brand Candy Violet is on par as far as quality and originality of ideas and expanding on concepts. For more information from the designer pick up the second edition of the English Gothic and Lolita bible which has an awesome interview.

Visit their website here: www.candyviolet.com