Lolita survey

1. (1) HNと生年月日、出身を教えて下さい。(Screen-name and DOB, please tell me these~.)
• Amoris, 26 february

(2) 身長・体重・服のサイズ・靴のサイズは? (height, weight, clothing size and shoe size)

• 1,63 m, 60 kg, German clothing size 38 or M, German shoe size 38

(3) ロリィタファッションをするようになったキッカケは? (why did you start to dress lolita?)

• It’s cute and feminine, and it gives me the feeling of old-fashioned elegance

(4) 好きなロリィタのジャンルは? (which style of lolita do you like)

• Classic is my big love, but I like all styles. In summer I sometimes dress country or casual sweet, I really want to try OTT sweet just for fun, and I think gothic is very beautiful.

(5) 上記に対する拘りや､自分なりの定義などあれば、教えて下さい。(express in your own words, the ideal your above answer)

• Elegance with a hint of youthfulness for classic, like the models of Victorian Maiden. Light-hearted and cute for sweet, like Misako Aoki (not for OTT). Elegance and a little melancholic for gothic, like a Victorian widow.

(6) ピアスは開けていますか? また、いくつあいてますか? (Do you have piercings? Where?)

• My ears, since last year.

(7) 好きなブランドは?(Which brands do you like?)

• Victorian Maiden, Alice and the Pirates, Mary Magdalene, Innocent World

(8) アナタの一番お気に入りのお洋服はどんな服ですか?(Which are your favourite clothes you wear?)

• My handmade dresses.

(9) ロリィタ友達は何人くらい居ますか?(how many lolita friends do you have?)

• At the moment there’s Jousia, who introduced me to lolita, and the girls I met in Singapore at Black Alice <3 But I want to make more!

(10) ロリィタをした上での一番良かったことは?(What do you love most about lolita?)

• It is elegant and beautiful. I feel like a girl from a fairytale.

(11) 逆に一番一番嫌なことは?(What do you hate about it? Pet peeves??)

• It’s not very practical on the bicycle, or when it rains, or in strong wind... Which are all very common circumstances for me, sadly.

(12) 愛読雑誌は?(Magazine you read?)

• As for fashion: Kera, Gothic and Lolita Bible, Alice Deco a la Mode, Vogue UK.

(13) ヘッドドレス派? ボンネット派? リボン派?(Headdresses, bonnets or ribbons/katsushya?)

• I like flowers or ribbons in my hair, or pretty diadems.

(14) ドロワーズは穿いていますか?(Yes to Drawers/Bloomers?)

• No. I think they’re ridiculous.

(15) ヘッドドレスは前で結ぶ派? 後ろで結ぶ派?(do you tie headdresses at the front or at the back?)

• I’ve never worn a tied headdress…

(16) 好きな音楽のジャンル・バンドなどはありますか?(Who is your favourite band/type of music?)

• Folk and classical. I also like some rock. For ‘lolita’ music, I like Kokusyoku Sumire.

(17) 携帯の着メロは何ですか?(What is your phone ring tone~?)

• Mario theme.

(18) ライヴにはロリィタで行きますか?(Do you go to concerts in lolita?)

• Classical concerts, yes.

(19) ライヴに行く方はライヴ中にヘドバンしますか?(For people who attend concerts: Do you headbang there?)

• Imagine a headbanging lolita at the opera XD

(20) 何色が好きですか?(What colours do you like?)

• Lavender, cream and brown, black, dusty pink.

(21) 趣味は何ですか?(What are your hobbies?)

• Sewing, drawing, reading, singing and playing guitar & piano. I try to write as well.

(22) 愛用の香水があれば、教えて下さい。(If you have any favourite perfumes, please tell us.)

• Eau de Cartier.

(23) ロリィタする上での「コレだけは気をつけている」ということはありますか?(Is there anything you are careful of in lolita?)

• Not jumping or climbing or raising my legs in any way.

(24) 主によく出没する所は何処ですか?(Do you have any favourite haunts to go to in lolita?)

• College 8D

(25) 週に何回くらいロリィタですか?(how many times a week do you dress lolita?)

• I try to every day (at least casual), but it doesn’t always work. I’d say approximately 4 days a week.

(26) ロリィタ初心者時に仕出かした恥ずかしいエピソードを教えて下さい。(Please tell us an embarrassing story when you were a beginner in lolita.)

• A few of my first handmade skirts are not the right shape. Luckily I met Jousia before I had any idea what lolita really was, I’d only heard of it. She thought me the right things before I could post embarrassing pictures online.

(27) アナタの今の髪型と色は?(Your current hairstyle and colour.)

• Dark blonde, just past my shoulders, with a side-swept fringe.

(28) ロリィタ歴はどのくらい?(What is your lolita history?)

• I heard a little about it through manga/anime, I don’t even remember how exactly. When I went to Japan, I met Jousia and casually mentioned that I was curious about this “gothic lolita” thing. Her eyes grew big (now I can imagine her feelings at that moment!) and she showed me her clothes, some magazines, some websites and also gave me a good education about what not to wear. I was like a blank canvas, she painted my first image of ‘lolita’. We went to a Baby, the stars shine bright store together and I bought my first dress~ After that, I started sewing lolita, watching the online communities and brand websites, and bought some things from Bodyline and taobao. During my holiday in Japan this summer, I also bought some more brand pieces. I think I’ve learned a lot since I began.

(29) 専用の衣装収納場所がありますか?(Do you store your clothes in a special place?)

• Just my wardrobe (though half of it is usually on my bed, my desk or my chair -.-”)

(30) 今までロリィタを止めようと思ったことはありますか? また、その理由は?(Did you ever think about stopping Lolita? What was the reason?)

• I was searching for a room and kept being rejected. I started worrying about not being ‘normal’ enough, but that lasted only half an hour or so. My dear boyfriend talked me out of it ^^

(31) あなたのモットーは?(What is your motto?)

• Life’s too short for boring things. This doesn’t only count for clothes.

(31) 将来の夢は?(Your dreams of the Future?)

• This year: make more friends and have fun with the ones I already have, sew as much as I can, pass all my exams with great marks. Next 3 years: visit Japan more times, graduate from university. After that: have a good, enjoyable job, live and interesting life and leave the world a better place.

(33) この人は絶対ロリィタ似合う! と思う有名人の方はいますか?(“This person is so perfect for lolita!” - Do you ever think that about certain celebrities?)

• Audrey Hepburn, does she count?

(34) 一番思い出の詰まったお品とその思い出を教えて下さい。(Any products/items you have with a fond memory?)

• My Baby dress I bought with Jousia in Japan <3 Also, the dresses I made with textile bought in Singapore, and the socks I bought from Black Alice.

(35) 一番最初に手に入れたお品は?(What was your first item?)

• Before-mentioned Baby dress. It’s Roselia Ribbon in lavender.

(36) 写真を撮る時の決めポーズはありますか?(Have you got a pose for photos?)

• Hold my skirt, bend 1 knee and smile. Boring -.-

(37) アナタの心のバイブルを教えて下さい。（本・雑誌・CDなど何でも）(What is your heart’s bible? [book/magazine/CD/etc])

• My sketchbook.

(38) 一番高い踵の靴は何cmありますか?(what is the best cm for heels?)

• 2-7 cm

(39) ティアラはつけたことがありますか?(Do you wear tiaras?)

• If I dress hime, which is almost never.

(40) たまには王子をやってみたいと思いますか? また、どんな王子? 暗黒系? 白馬系?(Do you think you want to try prince style? What kind of prince? Ankoku-kei [Gothic/dark prince]? Or “prince on a white horse” style?)

• I’d love to! I don’t look very manly, but I really like ouji-style. I’d like both gothic and sweeter styles. Dandy or pirate-ouji would be great as well :D

(41) レースはどんな種類が好きですか?(What types of lace do you like?)

• Small venice lace, or detailed crocheted (but not the thick, cluny kind)

(42) お人形さんを所有していますか? 持っている方はその子に対する思いを熱くどうぞ!(Do you own a doll? Does it give you fun, childish feelings?)

• I have some old porcelain dolls and I think they’re pretty, but I don’t do anything with them. They just sit on my cupboard being decoration.

(43) ロリィタ時の鞄の中身は?(What is in your lolita bag?)

• Cellphone, wallet, keys, sketchbook, make-up bag, hairbrush.

(44) 好きな花は何ですか?(What is your favourite flower?)

• Narcissus, snow drop, apple blossom.

(45) 今、一番のお気に入りアクセサリーはどんなもの?(Right now, what is your favourite accessory?)

• Beige rose hairclips.

(46) お気に入り・お勧めの化粧品を教えて下さい。(Please recommend us some cosmetics.)

• Dream matte mousse from Maybelline. For the rest I only use cheap non-brand make-up ^^”

(47) パッチリお目目はお人形さんの証! ということでつけまつ毛は使っていますか?(With Eye-tape your eyes look like a Doll’s! What eyelashes will you wear?)

• I have only one pair, but they’re super long and have glitters!

(48) アイメイクの拘りをどうぞ。(Your eyemakeup for these eyelashes?)

• Mascara to let the false lashes blend in with my own, black eyeliner on the upper part, brown and black eyepencil on the bottom part, brown (or a color matching my clothes) eyeshadow. But that’s only for OTT! My normal make-up is mascara on my upper lashes and a little brown eyepencil on my lower eyelid.

(49) 口紅は赤? 青? 黒? ピンク?(Red Lipstick? Blue? Black? Pink?)

• Gold! Or natural-looking pink.

(50) マニキュアは何色を使うことが多いですか? (Which nail polish do you choose normally?)

• Pink or brown.

(51) 駅のトイレでコッソリ着替えたことありますか?(Have you ever changed in a train station bathroom?)

• No.

(52) 双子ロリ、三つ子ロリしたことありますか? 感想は?(What do you think of ‘twinning’ and ‘triplet’ lolitas?)

• Twins are super cute <3 But when there’s a whole bunch of girls all dressed exactly the same, it gets a little intimidating.

(53) 体型をキープ（もしくはダイエット）するためにどんなことをしていますか? お勧めは?(How do you keep in shape for lolita? Recommend us something.)

• Eat healthy, sleep well and cycle to school~ (but I really should do more sports…)

(54) 独りでロリィタは平気ですか?(Do you keep calm when by yourself in Lolita?)

• My style isn’t very elaborate, mostly because my colors are quite muted, so I don’t really get a lot of attention. When I do wear something flashy, I try to act as if it’s the most normal thing on earth. This doesn’t always work, but actually I’ve only gotten a lot of compliments (especially from elder ladies! So sweet <3) and almost no rude comments. The worst you’ll get is a weird look, and those are mostly curiosity, not disdain.

(55) 月々にかかるお洋服・小物代はどれくらいですか?(How much do you spend per month on clothes/accessories?)

• Not very much, but it changes per month.

(56) ロリィタファッションを知ってから、実際にするまでのタイムラグ・抵抗はありましたか?(Was there a time lag between you knowing about Lolita and dressing?)

• Yes. When I was studying Chemical engineering for half a year (and failing miserably) lolita was what kept me inspired. But I couldn’t wear it because 1- I didn’t have a sufficient wardrobe yet and 2- I didn’t have the confidence yet.

(57) 今まで買った中で一番高い物は?（ロリィタ関係で）(What is your most expensive Lolita item?)

• Baby, the stars shine bright’s Roselia Ribbon dress ^^

(58) ロリィタって本当にお金かかりますよね。ロリィタ費用をどうやって捻出していますか?(It takes a lot of money to do Lolita. How do you save?)

• Off-brand and secondhand are your friend J I bought most of my brand secondhand or in sales, the rest is Bodyline, TaoBao, handmade and found in ‘normal’ stores like H&M.

(59) ココだけでコッソリ。今までかけた総費用は大体いくら?(Just a little secret here…How much have you spent so far on Lolita, roughly?)

• Maybe 900 euro, but that’s without all the ‘normal’ clothes I combine lolita with.

(60) 近くに出来て欲しいお店はありますか?(Is there a Brand you want near where you live?)

• AatP, VM, MM and IW~ I wouldn’t mind a Baby, either.

(61) ココだけの話、あそこはボッタクリやろ! と思う店はありますか?(“Man, what a rip-off!!” Have you ever thought that about a store?)

• For the price, Bodyline can’t be called a rip-off. I do think brand prices are too high, especially Moi-Même-Motié. But I was disappointed at the quality of some AatP items, as well. For that price, you’d expect something absolutely amazing.

(62) ネットショップは利用したことがありますか? ある方はその良い点・悪い点など、これからの方への助言をお願いします。(Do you shop online? If so, put the good & bad points here to advise others.)

• You can’t fit the clothes, so it’s always a guess. You also can’t check the quality, details and true colors of the things you buy. It’s cheaper, but I much prefer buying things in real stores.

(63) ちょっと秘密にしときたいけれど、私だけにコッソリな個人 製作サイトさんを教えて下さい。(You can say if you want, but is there a Secret person/shop that you have ordered a dress solely for you from? [I guess commissioned/replicated])

• Myself ^^

(64) 絶対に手が届かない〜! でも、滅茶苦茶欲しい! あのブランドのあの商品ありますか?(“I can never have that/see that happening!! But I will always want it!!” Is there a brand you think this of?)

• Midsummernight’s Dream, I will love you forever T_T And, to fit into everything from MM and VM…

(65) 飽きちゃったお洋服はどうしますか?(What do you do with the clothes you don’t want anymore?)

• Let them quietly rest in peace in the back of my closet…

(66) 一番最近に買ったアイテムは?（ロリィタ以外でも）(What is your most recent purchase? [Even non-lolita])

• A pair of beautiful shoes <3

(67) もう二度と手に入らないだろうけれど､忘れられないものはありますか?(Is there an item which you love that you can’t buy/seem to find?)

• AatP’s Midsummernight’s Dream… My dream print!

(68) ライヴなどの時だけロリィタの格好をすることをどう思いますか?(What do you think of people who only wear lolita to concerts?)

• If that’s what makes them happy…

(69) すっぴんロリィタさんをどう思いますか?(what do you think of lolita’s without makeup?)

• It might look a bit unfinished, but I don’t think it’s a big problem. The only thing is, your face might look very plain and dull compared to your clothes…  

(70) アナタとまるっきり同じ格好のロリィタさんが! どうします?(Another lolita is wearing the same coordinate/clothes as you!! What do you do?)

• Quietly say to myself that I’m still the most original one XD

(71) ロリィタは何歳から何歳まで許されますか?(What age should you stop Lolita?)

• When you feel it doesn’t suit you anymore.

(72) どういう状態になったら、ロリィタは卒業すべきと考えますか?（ずっと続けて良いも､アリです）(When do you think you should graduate from Lolita? And why?)

• I don’t think it’s very practical once you have children, but even then it should be doable. But I would move on to easier styles, with less lace and poof.

(73) コレだけは止めてくれ! というロリィタファッション上の注意はありますか?(“You should stop that!!!>_<;” What must you not do when dressing lolita?

• Anything you shouldn’t do either while dressed normally (I mean flashing your underwear, and bloomers count as underwear!)

(74) ロリィタとはこうあるべき! というような考えはありますか?(A lolita should be ‘this’! What do you think that should be?) 

• Refined, polite, optimistic, cultured, modest.

(75) 73以外で、ロリィタさんにコレはして欲しくない! ということがあったら、どうぞ。(Excluding #73, is there anything you should definitely not do in lolita?)

• Join the military, I suppose. And flash your bloomers.

(76) 男の方のロリィタファッションについてどう思いますか?(What do you think of men in Lolita?)

• A little unusual, but if done well, quite impressive! I think it’s hard for them to convince everyone they genuinely like the clothes, and aren’t perverts. It must be difficult for men to be lolita’s, so they deserve support.
  For the male styles like aristo, dandy and ouji, I think they are great!

(77) ロリィタをして、それ以前から何か変わりました?(Did you change yourself for dressing lolita?)

• No, but wearing lolita daily was a consequence of a change.

(78) 周囲の人はアナタがロリィタをすることについて何と言っていますか? 受け入れてくれてますか?(What does your family and surrounding people think of you dressing lolita? And do you accept it?)

• My mother thinks it’s super cute, though she raises an eyebrow at OTT sweet, my father loves the elegant look (he says I look so lady-like. He just likes hats, really.) My brother thinks it’s great that I have the confidence to express my style, and so does my boyfriend. And my friends don’t know me as anything else, really XD

(79) 真夏の暑い祭にアナタはどんなロリィタファッションをしますか?(How do you dress Lolita in the boiling mid-summer?)

• With sandals, lightest petticoat possible and no blouse. Or else, not at all. Comfort before style!

(80) 学校・職場などにロリィタで行っていますか?(have you gone to School or Work in lolita?)

• Almost every day.

(81) 普段の服装の系統は?(How do you dress normally?)

• Normal? This is my normal style! XD But the ‘normal’ part of my wardrobe consists of jeans, T-shirts and cardigans.

(82) 中古品に対する抵抗はありますか?(Do you think twice about buying second-hand clothes?)

• No, I love buying second-hand!

(83) 彼（or 夫）はいますか? また、理解はありますか? (Do you have a boyfriend? [or husband?] Does he understand Lolita?)

• Yes, my boyfriend really encourages me to express myself. I appreciate that so much. He also asks me for advice on his clothing! He’s not interested in all the details about lolita (nor am I about soccer… each to his own!) but he supports me always.

(84) 理想の男性像を教えて下さい。(Please tell us your ideal man.)

• My boyfriend is actually one of the most ‘normal’ people I know XD My ideal man is intelligent, relaxed but not lazy, optimistic, curious and stylish. I generally fall for tall men, but I probably only imagine that because I’m not very tall myself… For the rest: athletic but not too many muscles, and preferably clean XD

(85) 今まであった中で一番印象に残ってるロリィタさんはどんな人?(What Lolita has left a big, shiny impression on you so far?)

• Caramea (newvoguechildren.blogspot.com) She’s the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen, and seems very nice and creative too.

(86) 自分で服を作ったことがありますか? それはどんな服?(Have you made your own clothes? What are they like?)

• Yes, and I love them! All kinds of styles: I have a black velvet gothic onepiece, many classic dresses and some casual sweet ones.

(87) 自分で小物を作ったことがありますか? 何を作りましたか?(Have you made your own accessories? What did you make?)

• No, I usually buy my accessories.

(88) 今まででの自作アイテムでコレは大成功! というものはありますか?(The best item you have made! What is it?)

• My Antique French Roses dress is the queen of my wardrobe.

(89) 理想のロリィタ服やコーディネートがあれば、語って下さい。(Please say your most perfect Lolita coordination you wear.)

• Classic dress with tights and pretty heels, with either a simple blouse or a bolero.

(90) 憧れの方はいますか? どんな人ですか?(Do you admire someone? What are they like?)

• The girls from Une Cortile des Roses. They are creative and, to me, embody the essence of lolita.

(91) 1日大好きなあの人とデートが出来ることになりました。相手も自分の好きな格好をして来てくれます。(One day I will go on a date with that person. What would you like to wear for him?)

• Ehm… Something chic and attractive. Sexy without revealing.

(92) アナタが将来お店を開くとしたら、どんなお店を持ちたいですか?(If you want one, what type of store would you open in the future?)

• Aah! A store full of self-designed dresses! And free fashion advice with every purchase!

(93) ついついコレに目が行っちゃうのよね〜。というモチーフはありますか?(Your eyes get attracted inadvertantly to something. What is this motif?)

• Flowers. Or something brown-x-cream.

(94) 自分の子供もロリィタにしたいと思いますか?(Would you dress your child in Lolita?)

• No. I would dress them cutely when they were babies, but once they’re old enough to say what they want to wear, I’d dress them in that (no matter how weird that may be). That’s how my parents raised me. On pictures of myself at age 4, I’m wearing the strangest combinations. But I thought they were pretty so my mother let me wear them. She taught me: if you feel pretty, you are pretty. And that is what I would like to teach my children as well.

(95) 一着のロリ服にいくらまでかけられますか?(How much do you spend on one outfit?)

• If the dress is handmade: not much but a lot of time; if the dress is bought: much, and also a lot of time! (shipping takes too long -.-)

(96) これぞロリィタ! という仕種があれば､教えて下さい。(“This is Lolita!!” Please say what you would say this about.)

• Anything cute and elegant with a poofy skirt.

(97) 一度でいいから着てみたい! ロリィタ以外でそんな格好ありますか?(“I have always wanted to try that once!” What, in the Lolita world, have you wanted to try wearing?)

• I’d like to try OTT deco sweet, or gothic aristocrat. Ouji is on my list as well.

(98) 自分のロリィタを見て、一言で表すとしたらどんな言葉だと思いますか?(Look at you in Lolita. In one word/phrase, how would you express your style/image?)

• Cute, classical and romantic.

(99) アナタの理想のロリィタ像とは?(What is your ideal of Lolita?)

• Victorian Maiden’s models.

(100) 大変お疲れ様でした! 100答えてみての感想をどうぞ! (Thank you for taking this Baton!! Please state your thoughts on it!)

Looong…

Days 6, 7, 8 and 9 from the 30 Day Challenge

Day 6 – 10 things you can’t live without in lolita.

1- Petticoats, obviously.

2- Sewing machine.

3- Lace.

4- daily_lolita.livejournal.com

5- inspiration from other lolita's

6- jewelry

7- pretty shoes

8- offbrand and vintage items

9- weblogs

10- hellolace.net

Day 7 – 10 people who inspire your lolita style.

1- lizchen-r

2- halktia

3- springbells

4- the pink fairies

5- caramean

6- audrey hepburn

7- marie antoinette

8- Sapphira

9- the brothers Grimm

10- Zeruda

Day 8 – 10 songs that inspire you for lolita.
I don't really have special 'lolita' music, so I'll just list my favourites:

1- the Carmina Burana- Carl Orff

2- german folk band Faun

3- Die Dreigroschen Oper

4- the musical Elisabeth- Takarazuka

5- 50's and 60's music (Dion & the Belmonts, Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones)

6- West Side Story

7- Moi, le voisin

8- German Romantic (Brahms, Schubert etc)

9- Irish & Scottisch traditionals

10- Purcell (English baroque)

Day 9 – 10 things you will never do in lolita.

1- camping

2- going for a long walk

3- playing sports

4- painting

5- anything with animals

6- swimming

7- moving houses

8- going to a dangerous place

9- going to a school reunion

10- cutting down a tree

Back from Finland!

Hello everyone! Heipahei~

 

I just returned from my holiday. Finland is such a beautiful country! The cities are filled with pretty buildings, the streets are wide and everything is relaxed. There is so much green, and the car drivers are all friendly! (I was very surprised at this XD they stop for pedestrians at crossings!) Finnish people are also very friendly and helpful. Their English is almost perfect, and everyone we met was really nice. 

There was only 1 hostel where the service wasn't great, the Eurohostel in Helsinki. If you ever go there, I don't recommend it. The building is old, the showers have these little saloon-like swinging doors that were completely see-through (NOT comfortable!), and I was scared the elevator could break down any moment. The staff was also very unprofessional and unfriendly. We had booked more than a week in advance and had gotten a confirmation, but when we got there, they told us they were full! If it had been up to them, we would have been sent away empty-handed, but we complained and luckily I could show the e-mail in which they confirmed our reservation, so they had to arrange something else for us. We got a room in another hotel for the same price as a room in the hostel. I suppose that was a good way to solve it, but it caused a lot of stress. All the other hostels and hotels we went to were prefectly fine though, so my overall opinion of Finnish hotels is okay. 

One of the most interesting things was the light. Twilight only began around 22:30, and the street lanterns were switched on at 23:45! Then it would be dark for only 3 hours or so, and the sun went up again. So cool. The Finnish language is also very interesting. Tolkien based the Elf language on it, and I can see why! The language doesn't look like any other one, I believe only Estonian and Hungarian are related. Their grammar is super complicated, and at first sight the words look like someone just threw some letters together. But after a few days I began to pick up some words (asema= station, nainen= woman, tervetuola= welcome, kirkko= church, linna = castle, kiitos= thanks etc.). Of course those are the words you see most often as a tourist XD But when they use these words in a sentence, they stick all kinds of conjugations behind it. Turku is a city, but when they were talking about 'in the city' or 'of the city' it would be Turun. At least, I think so, but of course I'm not sure! I think the language is really fascinating, and I would love to learn more of it.

Nature in Finland is something great as well. Fins don't swim in swimming pools but in lakes, and they're right to do so. The weather was very hot (and I thought Finland would be cold...) so we were searching for a swimming pool, but couldn't find any anywhere! The next day we asked the hostel staff, and they directed us to the lake (that was in Tampere). It's so lovely to walk through a forest, then suddenly reach a small beach and see the lake! The water was a little cold but you got used to it very quickly. 

One of the best things about my holiday was meeting Jousia again :) I first met her when I was on exchange in Japan, and she introduced me to lolita. It was so great to see her again. She showed us the 'real Finnish life', so now I know that consists of sauna, swimming in lakes and grilling delicious sausages. We had dinner together with Yoshh and her boyfriend, which was a lot of fun. There were 3 lolita's and 3 'normal' boyfriends, so while we were talking about dresses and shops and blogs, they considered starting a 'lolita boyfriend support' Facebook group. Oh, they have to suffer so much... XD

After Finland, we went to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, for a few days. The city has a beautiful medieval town centre, it's like one big museum. Everything was a lot cheaper there, so we could afford a more luxurious hotel, and we had great meals for super low prices. Estonian people, especially the younger ones, are very nice as well. They're ambitious and they work really hard. I've never met people who were more happy to be part of the European Union! People in Holland often complain that the EU only costs money, but the Estonian people know what the benefits are. For the Dutch people, every bit of wealth or freedom or advantage the EU brings isn't special, because they're used to freedom and wealth already. But Estonia has only been independent for 20 years, and when the were still part of the USSR they really suffered. So they can really appreciate the EU. Though of course, they also complain about how everything got more expensive with the introduction of the euro... But it will bring a lot more tourists there, and make trade a lot easier as well, so in the long term they'll be happy about it.

 

Now I'm back in Holland. The only thing to do is driving lessons... I hope to get my license on the 2th of August. Hopefully I can sew a little bit as well. Just before the holidays I finished a new dress, I will show it soon!

Day 3,4 & 5 of the 30 day challenge

Day 3 – 10 things you hate in lolita.

 

1- The stupid idea that handmade is less good than brand. A handmade dress is unique, fits perfectly and is made exactly to suit your own taste. A brand dress, however beautiful and limited-editioned, is still a mass product with standard sizes. A garment in which someone has put all their effort and love cannot be outshone by a machine-made dress that everyone knows already.

2- But, on that note... Badly made handmade items. Sewing takes a lot of practice, and you shouldn't wear or post your very first creations. They're probably not good. See it as a painter: you sell and show your masterpieces, but you need to make a lot of sketches before that. The first few dresses that you make should be seen as sketches; once you have a certain level of skill, you can start your 'masterpiece'.

3- Girls who think that owning a lot of expensive dresses automatically makes you a good lolita.

4- Bloomers. 

5- The impossibility to obtain items you want. Either it's too expensive, or it's out of stock, or the shop doesn't ship internationally... Etc.

6- Split-color wigs, or maybe wigs in general. Natural ones can look good, but these pastel-colored, pigtailed, enormous masses of curls really make lolita look like a costume. And why are wigs never on the outfit rundown? Is it to pretend that it's your own hair? No one's gonna believe that.

7- Shipping costs. 

8- People who think it's a fetish.

9- Gathering fabric is soooo much work! (But the full skirts and pretty ruffles make up for it ^^)

10- Some of the lolita shoes are just... well, not my cup of tea.

Day 4 – 10 different kinds of food you like.

(what does this have to do with lolita?)

1- ice cream

2- chocolate

3- summer fruit (watermelon, mango, strawberries, etc)

4- spaghetti bolognese

5- gyoza, a.k.a. jiaozi or dumplings

6- Chinese noodle dishes

7- typical Dutch meals, like 'hutspot': potatoes (or parsnip), carrot and onions all mashed together, and eaten with a big smoked sausage. It's great in autumn and winter ^^

8- caramel fudge

9- strawberry cheesecake~ <3

10- different kinds of pies and cakes

Day 5 – 10 items from your wishlist.

 (or; the AatP 2010 collection)

1- Alice and the Pirates- Midsummer Night's Dream, ivory 

2- Alice and the Pirates- Sleeping Beauty, ivory

3- Alice and the Pirates- St. Mephisto Cathédrale, ivory or black

4- Alice and the Pirates- Masquerade Theatre, red or ivory

5- Alice and the Pirates- Queen's Coach, any color

6- Alice and the Pirates- Stained Angel, ivory or black

7- Alice and the Pirates- Operetta Bouquet, ivory or green

Now that we've had AatP, let's move on to other brands...

8- Baby, the stars shine bright- Cinderella Jewelry

9- Baby, the stars shine bright- Marie Antoinette

10- Mary Magdalene- Antoinette, any color

 

Now, I won't be writing for a while, because I'm going to Finland! I'll meet Jousia there :) I can't wait!

Because everyone is doing it... another meme!

Firstly, I have a lot of good news and also some bad. First the bad: my camera broke, so I have to use my dad's one until I have a new one. Sadly, my dad's camera is not very good... But now the good news! My package from Taobao finally arrived (After more than 2 months! Ugh! -.-) and everything I ordered is just lovely. I'll be writing a review later.
Also, my brother and my best friend both passed their exams. I also passed all my tests, and I can continue towards the 2nd year smoothly. And lastly, I'm taking driving lessons again :)

So... it seems like very lolita blogger is doing this challenge, and because I think it's a fun and interesting one, I'll be doing it too! Not every day, but gradually. Maybe two or three at a time, if I feel like it!

Day 1 – 10 things about your lolita bubble.

Day 2 – 10 things you love in lolita.

Day 3 – 10 things you hate in lolita.

Day 4 – 10 different kinds of food you like.

Day 5 – 10 items from your wishlist.

Day 6 – 10 things you can’t live without in lolita.

Day 7 – 10 people who inspire your lolita style.

Day 8 – 10 songs that inspire you for lolita.

Day 9 – 10 things you will never do in lolita.

Day 10 – What’s in your bag?

Day 11 – One day in your lolita life in pictures.

Day 12 – A picture of yourself before lolita came in to your life.

Day 13 – A picture of your favorite sweets.

Day 14 – A picture of your dream item.

Day 15 – A picture of your last lolita purchase.

Day 16 – Your outfit for the day.

Day 17 – What do you want more then anything right now?

Day 18 – A picture of your favorite lolita style.

Day 19 – What’s in your make-up bag?

Day 20 – A picture of a lolita friend.

Day 21 – Your favorite fictional lolita.

Day 22 – A picture of your room.

Day 23 – A picture of your handwriting.

Day 24 – A picture of you from a meet.

Day 25 – Your favorite lolita themed artwork.

Day 26 – Your Facebook profile picture.

Day 27 – One song that fits your favorite lolita style.

Day 28 – A picture of the perfect lolita location.

Day 29 – A picture of a lolita you would love to meet for real.

Day 30 – A photo of yourself taken today and 3 good things that’s happened over the last 30

days.

My lolita bubble:
1- When I am sewing or drawing, wearing a pretty dress, drinking tea and listening to classical music, that's when I feel top-to-toe lolita.
2- I made my room a little more romantic, with a pink door, pretty pictures on the walls, fancy tea cups in the cupboard, and a bed that reminds me of a French balcony. Now it really feels like my home.
3- I make sketches of dresses eveywhere, even in my school books.
4- My friends ask me what's the matter when I'm not wearing fancy clothes.
5- My lolita bubble is a daydream of another world, an ideal, beautiful world.
6- My bubble doesn't include only lolita. I also love vintage clothes and mori-girl, because they give that same, other-worldly feeling.
7- I'm not really a full lifestyle lolita, but I think I'm a halfway there. I sing classical music, I sew, I like baking although I don't do it as often as I'd like, I like to go to concerts, opera or ballet performances, and most of the time I try to dress with care. But there are so many other aspects of my life that are not lolita at all! So I can't really call myself a lifestyler.
8- I love reading lolita weblogs and always search for new ones. Sometimes I'm afraid it's an addiction. I especially love the Finnish ones, and would love to know more German ones.
9- Ever since I've discovered lolita, I try to make everything in my life more beautiful. Why have boring, plain things if you could have pretty, interesting things?
10- I think this quote from Marilyn Monroe is very suitable for lolita: "It's better to be absolutely ridiculous than to be absolutely boring."

What I love in lolita:
1- Old ladies in the supermarket who exclaim: "Oh, you look so cute!"
2- I love beautiful tea cups, plates, and even cutlery. Anything fancy or romantic, with flowers or curls or golden edges will catch my eye. I'd love to wear a tea cup on my head and a spoon on a necklace. I believe Emily Temple Cute does that sort of thing.
3- I love all lolita styles, but my favourite is Classic. Victorian Maiden and Mary Magdalene are to me the epitome of that typical lolita look: cuteness and elegance combined.
4- What I love about (classic) lolita is the feeling of the aristocratic life that seems to have disappeared nowadays: To be an elegant young lady, living in a beautiful manor, going for walks in the countryside and balls in the evening... that's my ideal life. (I do realize that life really wasn't so ideal back then, and I truly appreciate the advantages of modern life. I wouldn't actually want to live in another era, but I love to daydream about it.)
5- When, after two weeks, someone comes up to you and says: "I really liked that dress you wore then-and-then."
6- The beautiful lace.
8- Pintucks, buttons, ribbons, box-pleats, ruffles, scallops, everything!
9- The fact that my boyfriend, parents, brother and friends all like it, and think it suits me.
10- Making my own clothes, exactly how I want them.