Sucrerie Magazine

We dare you to wear...

2010-06-15T16:34:00.001-07:00

A usamimi hairband with Lolita!

One of the latest style trends from Japan, usamimi hairbands are being seen everywhere this spring/summer! The hairband fabric is held up by thin wires to make the appearance of bunny ears - super cute! These hairbands haven't quite picked up in the West yet, so be the first to get a pair online (or make your own!) and start a new Lolita trend!

(Images from AsiaJam)

International Lolita Day

2010-06-05T21:14:00.004-07:00

Twice every year there are two dates that the Western Lolita community refer to as "International Lolita Day", or "Loliday" for short. The first Saturday of both June and December are when Lolitas worldwide get together and celebrate. But why two dates per year? Answers have included some Lolitas would like to show off their coordinations in both the summer and the winter, plus the fact that Lolitas are worldwide and the weather isn't always accommodating.

The point of having a Lolita Day is to educate the masses about Lolita fashion while having an excuse to meet other Lolitas and have fun! Sometimes events and media outlets are involved, but generally it's just local Lolitas and their friends dressed up in public.

The concept for a Lolita Day in the West was first brought to light in 2005. After a positive response from the EGL community, the first International Lolita Fashion Day became a reality and an Official Loliday group was made in order to store photos, and remind members of the upcoming dates each year.

Almost five years later, Lolitas worldwide still celebrate Loliday and are spreading the world about Lolita fashion. Lolita is slowly gaining more popularity outside of Japan and doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon!

Written by Christine
Image by Charin

May Winners!

2010-05-27T12:59:00.004-07:00

Three winners for our May contest have been chosen using random.org. Thank you to everyone who participated - we will be taking your suggestions seriously and trying to update with new content weekly!

May Contest

2010-05-21T11:25:00.004-07:00

There will be three winners of this contest. Each winner will receive one of the bracelets shown, as well as a Hello Kitty notepad.

To enter, simply leave a comment with your email address and a suggestion of what you would like to see more of on Sucrerie Magazine!

Please get your entries in by May 26th at 11:00pm PST! Three winners will be chosen by random on May 27th and alerted via email.

Our contests are always open internationally, and everyone is welcome to participate! Click to view the official contest rules.

Good luck!

Ask Alice

2010-05-17T23:43:00.000-07:00

Q: So my junior prom is coming soon and i want to wear a longer Lolita dress since i cant wear Lolita to my school. do you know any sites where i can find a Lolita like dress for my prom???

A: Since your junior prom is probably coming up fairly quick, shopping locally or on national websites is your best bet. My first thought would be to search your local thrift stores. Charity shops tend to carry items from all different eras, making it easy to find something unique! Keep an eye out for dresses from around the 50s, or high quality costumes. Don't be afraid to bring a photo example of your ideal dress, and ask the store workers for help.
It's not unusual to find lolita-esque items at every day clothing stores. Most towns have stores like H&M, Forever21 and Winners, which provide consumers with trendy and affordable clothing. If you can't find a dress that looks "lolita enough", you can always add lolita accessories or even have the dress tailored to make it look even more lolita. Sometimes a regular looking dress or skirt can be given an extra lolita edge by just adding a petticoat!
If you have enough time to order something online (don't forget that you might have to wait a week or two for the shipping), FanPlusFriend has a variety of long lolita style dresses for under $200USD. Blasphemina's Closet is currently carrying some gorgeously longer JSK's. The livejournal community EGL Community Sales is another great place to shop. Post a "Wanted To Buy" ad with what type of dress you are looking for, then cross your fingers and hope that someone has it at a reasonable price!

Sugar and Spice

2010-05-12T16:21:00.000-07:00

Written by A Shy Lolita

Lolitas aren't always nice. But then again, does any fashion subculture exist where every single person who wears it, is nice 24/7? Of course not! Every clique, social scene and community has it's nice, and not-so-nice members. As cliche as some members of the fashion circle may be, there are always going to be ones who go against the grain. So how can one avoid those lolitas in the community who may not be the nicest people on earth?

Keep your life (semi) private. If you have a myspace, facebook or livejournal account, you can easily make your photos available to friends only. If you choose to add people you trust, and it will be less likely that your images or written words will show up on other websites. Friends-only posts can be also helpful if you want to try a daring look or ask a question about something that might embarrass you. But you must always remember that no matter what precautions you may take, anything you put on the internet can be found.

Do some research before posting in a public space. Make sure you look through archives and search for answers before making a post - especially if you are posting in a high profile community like EGL. Regular posters get tired of seeing the same questions asked time after time, and often tend to leave snarky remarks to the person asking the question. You can generally find what you are looking for with a simple search on google, EGL or flickr. Bringing up already-been-discussed topics is not the way to win people over.

Be helpful and kind. Even when you don't like someone's outfit, or think they need to do something differently, say it in the nicest possible way. This applies for both online and offline conversations. Lolitas tend to discuss meet-ups and local members after the fact, so if you want to make friends you should treat others as you like to be treated in return. Learn the difference between constructive criticism and just plain rudeness. Don't write off someone just because they're not wearing brand or you think they don't suit lolita. The next day they might be wearing an outfit you love, and you'll be sorry you initially snubbed them!

Now I'm not saying that all lolitas should be the best of friends, hold hands and sing coombya - I just think there are some small changes individuals can take in order to have a happier lolita community.

(Image by Chu)

Playing House

2010-05-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

Photography by Geraldine Vincent

(some images on website contain nudity)

Ask Alice

2010-05-04T20:20:00.000-07:00

Q: I am an African American sweet lolita & find myself in many hair tantrums. Most girls my age are allowed to perm or straighten their hair, but i am, sadly, not. So to keep it in a quiet fix I braid it, but for many lolita styles curling your hair is the cutest, or most popular way to go. Do you have any ideas for cute hair styles I can do with braids?

A: Just because you hair is in braids doesn't mean it can't be cute! Braided hair still has many styling options that work well with lolita. If you regularly have cornrows, you can have your hair stylist braid them into pigtails and leave the ends natural or braid the ends of the cornrows into larger braids. It's easy to pin a bow to each pigtail (or even a singular ponytail) and have it coordinate with lolita. If cornrows aren't your thing and you really want to rock curled hair, you can have your hair braided into microbraids. The thinner the braids, the easier they should be to style. Hot curlers or a curling iron will work as long as you don't have any synthetic hair mixed in with your human hair. Hair twists are another option that can sometimes look similar to ringlets. And let's not rule out the possibility of letting your hair go natural while clipping in cute barrettes or sliding on a headbow. Check online or in magazines for more braided ideas that would work with lolita, then ask your hair stylist if those styles would work with your hair. Although most African American hair has the same texture, there may or may not some styles you will be able to do due to damage or other circumstances.

100 Followers!

2010-04-27T18:19:00.002-07:00

Thank you to everyone who is following Sucrerie Magazine! We hope you will stick around and enjoy our future posts.

Also a congrats is due to the seven winners of our April contest! Andrew, Tina, Michael, Shouri, Amy, Nicki and Colleen will all be receiving adorable prizes from Sweet Suzette! Thank you to everyone who entered, and keep a look out for May's contest.

Les Belles Poupées

2010-04-26T22:09:00.005-07:00

Photography by Geraldine Vincent
Modeled by Candice and Florence

(some images on website contain nudity)

You too can support Sucrerie Magazine!

2010-04-23T10:14:00.002-07:00

Do you have opinions on lolita that you would like to share with the community? What about poems, short stories, art or photography? Sucrerie Magazine will publish just about anything that is applicable to the Western lolita community. Have a recent outfit you love? What about an idea for a cool tutorial? Own an online shop that sells lolita goods? If you want to get your name out there in the community, this is the way to do it! Sucrerie Magazine has almost 100 blog subscribers, and that's not counting the many readers who don't use blogger.com!

If you have anything you would like to share with your fellow Western lolitas, don't be shy! Send us an email at webmaster@sucreriemag.com

(Image by Mirukuma)

Contest for April!

2010-04-16T12:20:00.001-07:00

Up for grabs this month is a necklace, 3 rings, cell charm, pair of earrings, and bracelet. All items were made by Sweet Suzette!

Anyone who mentions Sucrerie Magazine to Sweet Suzette when purchasing an item will receive a bonus ring for free!
Visit Sweet Suzette's online shop here.

To enter this contest, simply comment on this entry with your name and email (one entry per person please!). We will pick a winner at random on April 24th, so please leave a comment by April 23rd! There will be seven winners in total. View the official contest rules here.

Ask Alice

2010-04-12T00:23:00.001-07:00

Q: I am an aspiring gothic brolita, and was wondering if you could spare some tips for achieving a reasonable look for someone with not only a masculine figure (all shoulders no hips, and tall) but also longer thin legs and a slight tummy. I kind of get the feeling that for the lolita look there isn't much out there to suit me, but I think that at least with the gothic lolita style, having black clothes might help with the tummy issue (its not that big, I'm just self conscious of it). And also, any idea of worthwhile shops to check out for the right height etc would be amazing.

A: There is the age-old myth that black is slimming, but too much black (or black in the wrong places) can have the opposite effect. One of the great things about lolita fashion is that it works with just about every body type! You can achieve flattering lolita outfits in any color scheme, as long as you know what looks best on your body type.
First of all, I want to say that not having a lack of hips shouldn't be an issue with lolita fashion. The majority of lolita pieces are catered to Asian women, who tend to not have the curviest of hips. The cupcake shape of lolita skirts disguises hips (this also applies for women with larger hips!), so the average person will have no idea what your hips look like underneath all the poof you're wearing. The cupcake shape should also disguise your stomach if you are wearing it right. Your skirt's waist band should hit about where your belly button is (your natural waist line), but you can cheat a bit and pull it up higher if you want to hide your tummy a bit more. When shopping for one piece dresses or jumper skirts, empire waist dresses that instantly poof out after the waist line should be the most flattering. High waisted skirts can also help bring the attention away from your midriff and up towards your face. Use patterns and colors to your advantage. Patterns with little to no details around the waist, but with scalloping or a border around the bottom of the skirt is another way to help pull the eye away from your tummy. If you are really self conscious about your stomach, you could try using a corset or body shaping underwear. And like with skirts; random or horizontal patterns will make your legs look wider, while solid colors and vertical patterns will make your legs look thinner and longer. Woven socks can also help fill out thin legs a bit. Shoulders can be slightly disguised by wearing puffy sleeved blouses that emphasize the chest or neck area. Lolita style coats, cardigans and boleros are an easy way to cover your shoulders can hopefully bring the attention away from them.
As with any genre of fashion, figure out what suits you and make it work! There is no reason why you can't wear colors and patterns if you want to!
Some shops that sell larger sizes and longer skirts are:
Anna House
Baby, the Stars Shine Bright
Bodyline
Candy Violet
Ergi
Fan Plus Friend
Metamorphose Temps de Fille
Sweet Rococo

(PS don't be afraid to commission a professional seamstress or even learn to sew if you can't find sizes that will fit you!)

Alice and the Pirates

2010-04-09T21:14:00.000-07:00

Written by E. Wilde

Alice grew up rich and happy. She was given the prettiest of dresses, and the cutest of toys two parents could buy for their daughter. But then tragedy struck and Alice became orphaned.
Living at the local children's home was horrible; so Alice, with her trunk of pretty clothes, ran away.
Down by the docks she saw a wonderful ship, of red sails and a black flag. When she was very young, her father would tell her stories of his adventures in the wide-open sea. "O what a lovely ship!" Alice said. "How I'd love to travel aboard its deck and traverse the seven seas!"
That was that. She took her trunk and dragged it to the fancy docked ship. However, it turned out to belong to that of a quite fierce and famous pirate captain - Cap'n Silver Claw - who, at that very moment, had stopped by to rob from the rich to give to himself.
For some reason, the pirates ignored Alice, and her big trunk, to grab bags of gold and caskets of wine.
"A doubloon for each of ye!" boomed Cap'n Silver Claw's voice, "and the rest go in me cabin!"
"Aye! Aye!" chorused his dastardly crew.
Alice looked up at the giant of a captain. Silver Claw looked down at Alice - finally seeing her. He cocked his head. "What do ye want, lassie?"
Alice suddenly had a fantastical thought. "Can I be a pirate with you?"
Silver Claw raised an eyebrow. "Me think you've been sit'n out in the sun too long, lassie. Though why none of us saw ye sooner, is a mystery to me."
"Whatever are you talking about, sir? I just got here," Alice said. "Now, may I be one of your pirate crew members?"
Cap'n Silver Claw seriously thought about the offer. Judging by her clothes she was wealthy: a rich, young lady running away from home. He could surely get loads of gold from her rich parents.
Then he saw the tattoo, stamped like a birthmark on her arm; a few inches below her shoulder. A wandering mermaid, a tattoo placed on orphans in that area - Silver Claw had a merman on his arm, so he knew what it meant. It meant the girl was a child with no family, no name, no money.
The Cap'n marched away, in his heavy boots, and said "NO!" without ever glancing back at Alice.
Alice watched the pirates get ready to leave for whatever next port that took their fancy.
Of course, the girl wouldn't take "no" for an answer. She had already decided that she'd be a pirate no matter what.
"Excuse me," she tapped the shoulder of one pirate loading the rest of the booty. "You forgot one." She pointed at her trunk.
With that out of the way, Alice sneaked aboard the pirate ship: The Ruby Skull.

She located her trunk with the loot and stowed it away safely while she hid in a barrel of apples; just until the ship took to the wind and sailed away. But the waves rocked her to sleep and Alice dreamt of high sea adventures; with her father as captain and she as his first mate. She wore the loveliest of pirate gowns, and a very snazzy hat with a red feather.
That all blew away, however, when Cap'n Silver Claw lifted the lid off her barrel - to grab a snack - and cried in surprise: "Arr! What be this!?"
Alice immediately woke, sat up, and said, surprised as well, "Arr! I be me, Alice!"
"I be not know'n an Alice," the Cap'n said, "just a wee girl who's in a lot of trouble!"
And so poor Alice was thrown into one of the ship's brig cells, down below. But that was okay, because it just so happened that that was where she put her trunk. Shrugging at her predicament, she opened the trunk. It was true she had all her pretty dresses inside, but she had other items that she knew would help her out of the cell - she just had to find that special something, whatever it was.
Her gowns and shoes were gently taken out and laid flat on the bench; next came the accessories (headbands, big hair bows, pearl necklaces, etc.); then her journal; fuzzy pink rabbit; cuddly blue bear; some weird bottles of some strange potions that Alice knew nothing about - Wait. Bottles of potions Alice knew nothing about? Where did those come from? As she was wondering about what each bottle had in them, the Ruby Skull rocked violently and Alice's trunk tipped over, spilling the rest of its contents out - and revealing a secret bottom to the chest. TAP, TAP. The door opened. Alice reached in and took out a worn, brown piece of leather.
"What could this be?" Alice carefully unfolded the paper; there were squiggly lines, a scary skull, frightening names, and an 'X'. "O my! This is a treasure map! And...O, why this is my Father's signature; how odd." She pocketed the map, put her things away, and examined those potion bottles again. "Hm, they all say they were made by a Princess Grape, I wonder who that could be and what kingdom she reigns over?"
One bottle said "Drink Small", another said "Drink Big", and the last said "Drink Up". Alice wasn't sure she wanted to drink any of it, but she did want to know what they were for; so she dabbed a bit of the "Drink Small" on her finger and licked it off.
"O! O dear me! I feel funny!" Alice cried, clutching her stomach. Next thing she knew, she was as tiny as a mouse. "O my! I wonder, though; if "Drink Small" makes me tiny, will "Drink Big" make be large again?" She slipped through the bars of her cell, uncorked "Drink Big" and took a sip.
Woosh~! Alice was her normal height again. "Well! That was helpful." She put the potions in her pocket and crept put of the brig.

Up on deck, Cap'n Silver Claw was ranting at his first mate, Scarred Willie, for only acquiring one piece of a map. He waved the torn brown leather in the others face and said, "I send ye on a very important mission - easy as drink'n rum - and ye come back with only half a treasure map! Do ye have rocks for brains? Where's the other half!?
"I-I don't rightly know, Cap'n. Honest! That's all thar was."
"Arr~" the Cap'n growled.
Alice looked at her map, the one the Cap'n was waving around looked awfully familiar - it looked like the other half of her's! She hopped up on deck - totally unaware of the pirates' surprised expressions - and went right up to the Cap'n. "O Mister, Sir Silver Claw, is it? I have what you need; the other piece of the map."
Silver Claw gawked at the girl, then at the map. What be this? he wondered. How did the girl get out of her cell? And how did she get the piece of the treasure map he needed?
Scarred Willie screwed his face up. "This girl is too sugary cute, it's sickening! Shall I throw her back in the brig, Cap'n?"
Smiling, Silver Claw shook his head. "Nay, I think I'm beginning t' like this sprite of a lassie. What be your name again, girl?"
"O, my name is Alice! It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir Silver Claw." She put her hand out to shake the captain's.
Silver Claw eyed the small, pale pink hand. "Aye, 'tis a pleasure t' meet you, too, Alice me lassie. From now on, ye are t' call me Cap'n! Got that?"
Alice saluted the man. "Aye!! And arr~ me be doing that, Cap'n!"

But Cap'n Silver Claw hadn't quite accepted Alice into his crew. In fact, he planned to drop her off at the next port - after securing that treasure the map led to. 'Gold before the safety of a wee girl' was the Cap'n motto - or not. His motto was anything that took his fancy at a particular moment. One time it was 'Blood and Booty', another is was 'It's a Pirate's Life for Me!' and then there was the rather odd motto of 'Sundae, Bloody Sundae.'
"Secure the lines and head west, towards the Isle of Wraiths!" Silver Claw said to his crew. "We be gett'n ourselves a horde of treasure, mates!"
Alice was given her own room. Since none of the pirates - the captain included - knew how to treat or take care of a girl, Alice was on her own; so she freely explored the Ruby Skull. Halfway through the journey, she knew the ship backwards and forwards, upside down and right side up. She also knew every pirate member by name and habit. Everything about the pirate world fascinated Alice; she knew how to use a compass, steer the ship, tighten the rigging, weigh anchor...
But there was still one place that still mystified her - the ocean. She had heard some pretty scary stories from her father, like sea monsters and sirens that took down whole ships. Always on the lookout for such creatures, finally one day Alice caught sight of one. But it wasn't as scary as she imagined it would be; it was beautiful and had such a lovely voice. Swimming along the Ruby Skull, Alice called down to the creature, "Are you, by chance, a mermaid?"
The sea woman glanced up at Alice and smiled; she then leaped into the air - her tail of fish scales shimmering in the sunlight - and landed on the ship's gunwale. Alice passed all the dazed pirates, who were staring at the mermaid, to introduce herself to her.
Cap'n Silver Claw came down from the poop deck. "This is Princess Grape," he told Alice, "she rules the Kingdom Under the Sea."
"Princess Grape..." Alice fingered one of the potion bottles in her apron pocket.
"It is nice to finally meet you, Alice," Grape said.
"How...how do you know me?" Alice asked.
"I know more than you can imagine," the mermaid princess said mysteriously.
"Princess Grape is a friend t' all pirates," Cap'n Silver Claw said. "Or just t' me," he added, grinning.
Grape didn't deny or agree, she just smiled her lovely smile. Alice was mesmerized. She had a stuffed doll of a mermaid once, but lost it at the beach one afternoon years back. It was like her doll had come back to her with a heart and soul now.
"What brings ye here, Princess Grape?" the Cap'n asked. He took her hand and pecked it, "My Bodou-Hime."
Grape laughed. "You do tease, Silver Claw. I heard from the dolphins that you were in search of the treasure of Captain Stardust; so I have come to guide you safely on your journey."
"How wonderful!" Alice said. This hanging out with pirates was getting better and better.

With Princess Grape's guidance, Alice and the pirates reached the Isle of Wraiths with nary a trouble. Of course, the mermaid couldn't do anything for them on land; one known to be haunted by a thousand vengeful ghosts.
Alice had heard that pirates were very superstitious, but not Cap'n Silver Claw. He marched right on shore and commanded his crew to follow suit. Alice was happy to oblige. The crew was not so much.
"Livy-livered codfishes!" the Cap'n shouted at his men. "A wee lassie be ready t' take on some ghosties, but ye be not!? Ya landlubbers!"
"O, don't be bothered by them, Cap'n," Alice told him. "Let's go find that treasure ourselves!"
"Aye..." Silver Claw grumbled, eying his crew on the Ruby Skull.
The two followed the map, and found the 'X' marking the spot on the beach - like all respectable pirate treasure should be buried.
"I wonder why this island is called the Isle of Wraiths?" Alice remarked, helping the Cap'n dig the treasure chest up. "I haven't seen any ghosts since we landed."
"Do not speak of demons lest they appear, lassie," warned Silver Claw.
But it was too late. The wraiths heard the call and came swarming.
The Cap'n brandished his sword, but steel didn't work on the none-living.
Alice told the ghosts off, that they were being very rude and that they'd be better off resting in peace.
"Arr! They be steal'n me treasure!" cried Silver Claw
Alice looked up to see the wraiths carrying the gold-laden chest away; high in the sky where the Cap'n couldn't reach. "O! That won't do!" She remembered the potions in her pocket and considered the options she had: 'Drink Small' would make her so tiny she'd be buried in the sand. 'Drink Big' could backfire, making her so tall that she might stomp the Cap'n flat. The only one left was 'Drink Up'. But Alice didn't know what that did.
There wasn't much time to think about it, so Alice drank the potion - and up she flew.
Silver Claw goggled at the golden-haired girl tug the chest away from the wraiths, and bring it to the Ruby Skull. He ran down the beach after her; boarded his ship; and ordered the crew to set sail without delay.
There was zero hesitation, naturally, the pirates were ready to hightail it out of there and leave the Isle of Wraiths far behind.
"It's Cap'n Stardust's treasure!!" the crew rejoiced.
"Aye, and it be all thanks t' Alice, here - and none t' ye all!" Silver Claw growled.
The other pirates backed off.
Alice blushed at the captain's words. "Why, thank you, Cap'n Silver Claw."
The Cap'n opened the chest and took out the first treasure: Captain Stardust's medallion.
Alice gasped. "But...but...but that was my Father's! I-I remember seeing him wear it many times."
"Your father was the legendary Cap'n Stardust!?" Silver Claw asked Alice. "Captain of the galleon, Moonstone? He vanished from the face of t' Earth years ago..."
"Rumors say, though, that he threw his nickname away and left the pirate's life for a normal landlubber's," Scarred Willie said. If he were to have said that any sooner, he would've been bombarded with rotten food. But with Alice there as proof, that Captain Stardust did, indeed, leave the sea for land, no one objected. Every pirate stared at Alice in awe.
"So...my Father was a pirate?" Alice said.
Princess Grape appeared on the railing. "I knew him well, dear Alice."
"The potion bottles!" Alice exclaimed. "You gave them to him, and he...put them in my trunk..."
Grape smiled playfully.
"It actually wasn't his choice t' be called Stardust," Silver Claw said. "His crew members, of the Moonstone, nicknamed him Stardust; because it was as if his ship sailed upon the crystal dust of fallen stars.
"He was the man of the seas that all us pirates looked up to. And you're his daughter. Tell me! Where is he? Do ye kno--" Silver Claw saw the mermaid brand mark on Alice's arm and stopped himself. "Ah, sorry there, lassie..."
Alice lowered her head. "That's all right, Cap'n, sir."
The Cap'n straightened his posture and said, "It is all right - because you'll be my daughter, Alice." He grabbed a bejeweled dagger out of the treasure chest and handed it to Alice. "You'll be a pirate's daughter 'til the end. Welcome to the crew of the Ruby Skull!"
"Aye!!" the others chorused.

(Image by Alice666)

Western Lolita Style Watch

2010-04-07T08:26:00.000-07:00

click to view her blog

click to view her blog

click to view her blog

Congratulations to our winners!

2010-04-05T13:09:00.003-07:00

Voting for our coloring contest has officially ended and three winners have been chosen!

First place (an adorable pillow from Pink Macaroon) went to Entry 16

Second place (nail deco stickers and ring made by Charmant Süß) went to Entry 18

Third place (ring made by Charmant Süß) went to Entry 3

Thank you to all the entrants and to everyone who voted! Keep an eye out for our next contest!

(Image by Rainbow-Bright)

Little Alice

2010-04-03T08:43:00.001-07:00

Photography by Geraldine Vincent
Modeled by Fanny (dress by BTSSB)

(some images on website contain nudity)

Ask Alice

2010-04-01T22:42:00.003-07:00

Q: I have just recently become involved with the lolita style & im looking forward to all the new & exciting things to do as a lolita. Now my parents though they approve of me being a lolita, they are not so sure they want me to go to any meet-ups. Considering that im only almost 15 I can see why they are concerned with letting me go places alone with people they know nothing about. I, though, I agree with them, think that getting to know other lolitas will help me feel more confident about myself & such immensely. Please help me! What should i do?

A: If your parents are already open to lolita, they probably realize that the fashion is not a fetish thing (or whatever other strange misconceptions Westerners seem to have about lolita). Getting a more experienced lolita to email or call your parents is an idea, but I personally think they will be more easily convinced to let you join lolita meet-ups if they meet some of the local lolitas for themselves. See if you can get your parents to take you to a lolita meet-up where they can chat with the lolitas for a few minutes before letting you go alone. Sure it will probably be embarrassing, but earning their trust right off the bat is worth it in the long run! If your parents are too nervous about leaving you alone with strangers (perhaps they are afraid of how other people might treat you while wearing lolita), see if they're open to inviting some local lolitas to your house for tea and deserts. Ice skating or a local event like a craft fair might be public places where your parents can hang out and make sure you're alright, without being in your personal bubble. Most lolita meet-ups have lolitas of all ages, so if there is someone who is older than yourself, perhaps ask them beforehand if they would be willing to talk to your parents. Hopefully your parents will see that there is power in numbers and will eventually let you go to meet-ups without worrying!

Coloring Contest Voting!

2010-03-30T00:00:00.001-07:00

It's time for our readers to choose their favorite colored-in line art!

To view a picture full sized, simply click on the thumbnail.

Once you have chosen your favorite image, please use the voting poll to your right.

To see the rules and contest prizes, click here.

Good luck to everyone who entered!

Entry 1

Entry 2

Entry 3

Entry 4

Entry 5

Entry 6

Entry 7

Entry 8

Entry 9

Entry 10

Entry 11

Entry 12

Entry 13

Entry 14

Entry 15

Entry 16

Entry 17

Entry 18

Entry 19

Entry 20

Entry 21

And thank you again to SaEun Moon for drawing the line art for this contest!

Being a Closet Lolita

2010-03-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

Written by Sara

I will soon be turning 25. In Western media, most people in their mid 20s are depicted as being either having an established career, or being married with a family. I want to be seen as a mature adult, but to most "regular" adults, wearing lolita clothing would probably make me seem immature, or unaccomplished. What is a lolita to do? Give up on the clothing and lifestyle she loves? Heck no! I may be too self-conscious to leave the house in a fully decked out lolita outfit, but I'm not going to throw away something that makes me feel good. Wearing lolita should make you feel like a princess, not a prisoner in your own (expensive) clothing!

I've grown up enough to know that I don't need compliments, nor criticism. Because of my job I do want the public to view me as a professional, so from now on I am going to consider myself a "closet lolita". I am more than happy to spend the day around the house in my lolita best. Even if no one sees me I feel beautiful...and at the end of the day isn't that all that matters?

Being home alone in lolita makes me feel more special than going out in lolita ever did. I can make crafts, bake muffins, read a book, and do every day chores - all while feeling like I should be in a Disney movie! Wearing lolita at home not only makes me feel good inside but it also motivates me to get up off my butt and do pretty things. Decorating, drawing, and designing seem to flow out of me naturally when I'm dressed up. Maybe my imagination is having a sugar overdose from all of the pink I wear, but that's not a bad thing!

Being a "closet lolita" doesn't mean you have to shut yourself off from your local lolita community either. Instead of wandering around town with your local group, privately rent a skating rink or invite everyone to your house for a sleep over. You aren't the only one who might prefer to not be gawked at in public. Let your fellow lolitas know your feelings on going out in public while wearing lolita, and they will understand why you might turn down their invitations to public meetups.

Obviously, becoming a "closet lolita" is not for everyone. For those who wear what you like and have no issues wearing it in public, more power to you! Never stop doing what you love! And for those who are not comfortable wearing lolita in public (or even around your family, etc), you are not strange, and you are definitely not alone.

(Image by Chu)

Book Club

2010-03-26T10:06:00.000-07:00

The Secret Garden
Novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett

As with most of the books I read, I watched the movie version (1993) of The Secret Garden first. My Mom bought me the movie when it came out, and it was always one of my favorites. I didn't care much for any of the characters in the story but I loved the idea of having a hidden garden, full of wildlife and whimsy.

Miss Mary Lennox, a sour little girl who is spoiled but not loved, lives in India with her British parents. As an outbreak of cholera takes over her household, Mary is orphaned, forgotten, and abandoned. Once found, she is sent to England to live with her only relative; her strange uncle Achibald Craven.

Since Mary's uncle is rarely home, Mary is left under the care of his head housekeeper, Mrs. Medlock. The old mansion Mary now occupies, is large and quiet. It is no place for a child, and since the house's staff don't want to deal with her, Mary is forced to entertain herself outside in the gardens.

Mary hears about a forgotten garden that belonged to her deceased Aunt, and with some amazing luck not only does she find the key to the garden but also the hidden door! When she first goes in, every thing seems dead and dreary. The chambermaid Martha, often tells Mary stories of her younger brother Dicken. Mary convinces Martha to get Dicken to meet her and see the secret garden. He shows her that the garden is not dead, and the two begin weeding and planting in secrecy.

Every once in a while Mary hears what sounds like a terrible whaling coming from somewhere inside the mansion. The staff always have an excuse but Mary can tell they are lying. One night, after she had met her uncle for the first time, she crept about the house to search for the crying person. After some sneaking around, Mary finds a boy about 9 or 10 years old, the same age as her.

For weeks Mary visits Colin in secret, as the children are afraid that if they are discovered, they will no longer be allowed to see each other. Colin has read many books but has no real understanding of the outside world. Mary tells him about the secret garden and how the plants and animals look inside of it.

Eventually Colin demands the servants to allow him to go outside on a regular basis in order to get healthier. He demands that none of the mansion's staff are allowed in the gardens while the children are in them, for the fear that the staff would find out about the secret garden.

After having a dream about his late wife, and receiving a letter from Martha and Dickon's mother (who also knows about the secret garden), Mr. Craven feels like a new man and decides he wants to go home to see his son. When he arrives, the staff advise him that Colin is not in his room, but is in the garden. Mr.Craven has the shock of his life when he ventures out to the secret garden...

The book goes into much more detail about the characters than the 1993 movie did, and a few of the plot elements are changed. I wish the book included more detail about the garden, but perhaps the idea was for the reader to use their imagination and come up with their own conclusion of how the secret garden looked, smelled and felt like. Overall I found it to be a lovely read, but it did leave something to be desired.

(Image by Skip Chocolate)

Contest Reminder

2010-03-21T13:15:00.003-07:00

There's only 6 days left to get in your contest entries! If you haven't already checked it out, you could win amazing prizes from Western lolita brand Pink Macaroon, jewelry maker Charmant Süß, and more! Entering is easy! Click here for more information.

We should also mention that the contributors page is up. If you're interested in seeing who some of the fabulous contributors of Sucrerie Magazine are, click here!

(Image by Mirukuma)

Ask Alice

2010-03-19T10:43:00.004-07:00

Q: Since I found lolita style I've found it hard to make it look good with my body type. I'm like an apple. I'm not actually overweight but my body is missing the waistline and the middle and upper part of it seems to take all the attention. So the essential lolita silhouette makes me look a lot bigger than I really am. What kind of dresses would suit girls like me and still be called as lolita (or at least get close to it)?

A: Lolita dresses with empire waists are perfect for people with an apple shape body type. An empire waist should begin under your bus and flow down gracefully, drawing the attention away from your middle. Likewise, skirts with high waists that start just below your bust will be more flattering than a skirt that hits your natural waistline or lower. Skirts that hit at the knee or higher will help you look long and lean if you are petite. Plain skirts in dark colors, paired with a bold belt or cincher and an eye catching top will also help to give you the illusion of a defined waist. Ruffles, princess seams and other interesting details on your blouse will keep the attention at your face, as will Necklaces, earrings, tasteful makeup and beautifully styled hair. Another way to bring attention away from your midriff is to wear a sold color blouse with a patterned skirt. If the skirt has most of it's detailing at the bottom edge, even better! Avoid covering up too much skin; showing your arms is flattering for your body type. Luckily for you, most lolita coats are long, and hitting somewhere around the mid-thigh will suit your body type best. Wearing minimal colors (from same color family), is visually appealing and will help your body look more lengthy.

And remember to take your measurements before buying online! Clothing that are too tight, or too loose, are never flattering!

10 Items a Lolita Should Own

2010-03-16T14:11:00.000-07:00

1. A good petticoat. Now this might seem obvious to most of us, but there is a difference between having A petticoat (or 3), and having a good petticoat. Read reviews before making your purchase and you'll save yourself some money and grief!

2. Hair accessories. If there's one thing that can complete a look, is a matching hair accessory. It can match your shoes, your print, your purse, and tie a coordination together. Not only are they cheap to buy but also easy to find in almost any mall!

3. A date planner. Never miss a lolita meet-up again! Planners are perfect for figuring out when your pay day is VS what day BTSSB lucky packs will be available. Planners also make great gifts for the lolita who has everything.

4. Perfume. Wish you smelled as sweet as you look? Opt for a vanilla or fruit inspired perfume/body spray. If you're more into a classic look, there are plenty womanly perfumes to choose from. Visit your nearest drug or department store and try out the free testers!

5. A curling iron. Even girls with the short hair can wrap their tresses around a curling iron and give themselves a doll-like look. Most curling irons are easy to work with and can give you an array of styles!

6. A pair of black mary jane style shoes. Whether your wardrobe is mainly classic, goth, or sweet, you are going to want one pair of shoes that will go with almost any outfit! Black mary janes are fairly easy to find in off-brand stores, so you don't have to worry about spending a lot of money. And as I always say, black goes with everything!

7. White socks or tights. Just like black, white is a basic shade that works with a variety of colors. Most lolita pieces contains white lace, so generally white stockings are easy to coordinate. If you live in a colder climate, white tights with colored socks over top can work as well.

8. A lolita purse. If there's one thing that can defiantly throw off a lolita coordinate, it's a bag that doesn't work. There will always be purses from mainstream fashion that might work with lolita, but if you don't know where to begin looking, there will always be cheap off-brand purses for sale online. Plenty of replica companies make adorable lolita-specific bags - all you have to do is find them!

9. A warm lolita coat. If you live someplace where it never gets cold (lucky you), you probably don't have to worry about own a coat. But for the rest of us, having a stylish coat that goes with most of our wardrobe is a must if we plan on dressing up during those chilly months! This is one item I would sincerely advise you to splurge on.

10. Clear nail polish. Healthy, natural nails are always in style! Add some shine with a layer of clear nail polish. If you want something sweeter, just add glitter polish or a nail deco!

(Image by Chu)

Buttons and Thimbles: The Lolita's Sewing Toolbox

2010-03-14T09:26:00.004-07:00

Written and photographed by Gienah

Thinking about starting to sew your own Lolita clothing? You're going to need more than just a machine and thread. Here's a general list of what you should equip yourself with, if you're at all serious about it, and what everything is used for. Just like any other hobby, sewing is expensive. It isn't going to cost you just pennies, and the initial amount of cash you'll have to put down to just get into it can be really intimidating. Fortunately, it's also one of those hobbies that can pay for itself. I don't have to go to a tailor to hem my own pants, saving me upwards of $25 a pop every time I buy new pants. Not to mention how much I save on bloomers alone - why would I buy bloomers when I can make my own for $4 in supplies? (If you're curious, the pattern I use for bloomers is one that I altered from here: Click to view)

1) The sewing machine. Buy one that isn't going to break on you after two projects. And by that, I mean invest in a good one. Singer, Viking and Brother are good brands. This is your new baby. Treat it right. Perform regular maintenance on it, and I'm not talking about anything big. After every big project, or a few small ones, take off the equivalent of that gray plate near the needle and clean out the lint. Switch out the needle. This will keep everything running smoothly. I've been told to send it in for routine maintenance at a professional store once every year.

2) The serger. This is what finishes edges on fabric and prevents garments from fraying. For an absolute beginner on a limited budget, you might have to skip out on this one for now. A good one will run you about $400, normally. So wait for sales, and don't settle for something cheap from Walmart that will break almost right away. In the mean time, zig-zag stitch all of your edges a few times. It's better than nothing by a long shot.

3) Muslin, the underestimated and overlooked tool. If you listen to nothing else, listen when I say "go out and get a bolt of muslin". Use a coupon and get it for half-off. This is the sewing equivalent of scratch-paper. I use it for everything under the sun, but especially making mock-ups with new patterns, pattern-making and copying. I cannot stress how important it is for a beginner to have this. It will pay for itself in the nice fabric that you do not mess up with.

4) Calculator, pencil, and paper. You will need them. Otherwise, how are you going to calculate exactly how many yards of fabric you need to buy for ruffles?

5) Scissors, two pairs. Splurge for one good pair of scissors to cut fabric and fabric only. Never, ever let that pair cut anything else, especially not paper. Believe it or not, paper will ruin the blade. Keep one pair for cutting everything else. It can be cheap.

6) Rotary Cutters and cutting mat (the big green thing). Faster and more precise than scissors, especially since they can go around corners and curves zoom-zoom fast. Try one out on some scrap fabric (MUSLIN!). I prefer these to scissors.

7) Small brush and screwdriver. These are for opening up your machine to clean it, change your needles, and change your sewing feet. Keep them somewhere where you can find them, like in a plastic bag. At least one should come with your machine.

8) Seam ripper. Eventually, you're going to make a seam you wish you hadn't, and this is how you undo it. You'll get to know it very, very well.

9) Thread. I prefer Gutermann brand thread. It very rarely snaps on me, unlike some generic threads that seems to snap every three minutes.

10) Spare needles. Aside from not using a serger or not using muslin, the biggest mistake newbies will make is not changing out their needles. Would you cut your food with a blunt knife? A shiny, sharp new needle will make neater, prettier stitches than an old, dull one. Keep a pack handy: they're cheap.

11) Measuring tape. Take your measurements at least a few times a year. Your size may change.

12) Pin cushion and pins. Also keep a few hand-sewing needles and safety pins in there. You'll want to hand-sew on small details like bows, and the safety-pins are for putting in elastic.

13) Iron. Ironing your seams flat makes all the difference, and really makes hand-made clothing look 100% better. Get used to ironing your frills, and take note of the correct temperatures to iron specific fabrics. If you don't know, the internet can tell you.

14) Basic presser foot. This comes with your machine.

15) Zipper foot. It makes putting in invisible zippers about a million times easier. Look around on youtube for tutorials on how to use this. (Examples here and here)

16) Ruffle foot. You can start out hand-ruffling. But sooner or later, you're going to get sick of it, and you'll want one of these babies. Most chain stores will not stock them. You'll have to order it or find a specialty store. They come in two varieties, short shank and long shank, referring to the machine they will fit. Know your machine model - an expert will be able to tell you what shank length foot to buy from that information. Experiment with scrap fabric. (Another example is here)

17) Button-hole foot. Mine came with my machine. Look for tutorials on how to use these on youtube.

Additional Tips for Beginners:

Tip #1: Never pay full price for anything. Joann's has sales up the wazoo all the time, and you can sign up to get coupons mailed to you for free. Sign up in-store or online. You can also get free copies of the latest coupons off the internet for free by searching "Joann's coupons". I hear you can do the same with other chains. Wait for big things to go on sale or until you have a 50% off coupon you can use on it.

Tip #2: Stay organized. Keep all of your bobbins in a box or a plastic baggie so you don't lose them. Keep all of your things neat and in their proper place. A sewing table is going to turn into a disaster area no matter what, so keep your things where you will be able to find them. I keep all of my buttons in a big jar, to be sure they don't go crawling around the house/dorm where I'll never find them again. Similarly, all of my patterns have their own envelopes, so that I don’t loose pieces or misplace them.

Tip #3: All commercial patterns assume that you will sew your seams 5/8 of an inch from the edge of the fabric. That's called the seam allowance. Don't scoot your seams to the very outer edge of the fabric or you will end up looking like you're drowning in your clothes.

Coloring Contest

2010-03-11T03:24:00.002-08:00

Hello lovely readers! This month's contest is going to be a little bit different than the ones we've had in the past...because this month we're holding a coloring contest!

You may print out and scan the colored the line art, or color it in using your computer. Feel free to add patterns, a background, and whatever else you see fit! All entries must be received via email (webmaster@sucreriemag.com) by March 28, 2010. Voting on all eligible entries will commence March 30 and end April 5, 2010.

(click to open the full image)

First Prize:

An amazing Unicorn Fantasy pillow from Pink Macaroon

Second Prize:

Three packages of nail deco stickers and a cupcake ring made by Charmant Süß

Third Prize:

Cupcake ring made by Charmant Süß

First, second and third prize will be chosen by popular vote. Readers will have a chance to view all colored line arts and vote for their favorite one. Artists names will be kept secret until after the voting had ended and the three winners have been chosen. Please email all entries (one entry per person) to webmaster@sucreriemag.com

This contest's line art was drawn by SaEun Moon for Sucrerie Magazine - do not claim it as your own! If you would like to post your completed entry on deviantart.com, you must link back to this post. Thank you and good luck!

Interview with sweet lolita designer Sarah Ruth

2010-03-10T10:20:00.000-08:00

Pink Macaroon is the brain child of American designer, Sarah Ruth. Specializing in uniquely adorable prints, keep you eye on Pink Macaroon as it just might be the next big Western brand!

Sucrerie Magazine: How would you describe your brand, Pink Macaroon?

Sarah Ruth: Pink Macaroon has a very playful, vibrant look. Aesthetically it’s Sweet Lolita, but with more emphasis on pop colors then pastels. The prints are definitely cutesy, with lots of sweet themed and sugary imagery. The brands signature look is heavily inspired from growing up in the 80’s and early 90’s (which was such a great time for fantasy, toys, and color!). I would say as a brand, Pink Macaroon does not take itself too seriously; it’s just young and fun.

SM: Why did you choose Macaroon rather than the french Macaron, which is popular with many lolitas?

SR: I wanted to go with something a little different, and a little unexpected. Macaroons are kitschy and sweet, which I think sums up the brand as a whole pretty well. But they are also familiar and easily accessible which is a goal I hope to have the brand eventually reflect as well.

SM: Unicorn Fantasy was chosen as your first line of available skirts, head bows and bags, why unicorns and not a common lolita motif?

SR: To be perfectly honest, the inner dork in me has always loved unicorns and fantasy themed creatures in general. They seemed like the perfect addition to a Lolita wardrobe, and I was actually surprised that no other brand had picked up on them yet! I like to try to use themes and motifs that are new in my work, or uncommon. In the world of loli, so many interpretations have been made on particular images; it’s more challenging to think what hasn’t been used, and how to incorporate an uncommon image into a true Lolita wardrobe. I enjoy that challenge.

SM: Do you have a personal favorite motif that you would like to add to the collection one day?

SR: I like so many things and inspiration changes every day. I think more than anything it’s easier to think of a theme, then to focus ideas into one solid design. However, I have always been smitten with the idea of doing a “sewing” print. I’m not sure how relevant it would be to a Lolita wardrobe however. Maybe one day I will take on this challenge.

SM: Do you plan to eventually have a webshop, or do you see yourself keeping all of the lines handmade and sold on a limited basis?

SR: Eventually, a cart based web shop will be a goal with Pink Macaroon in the long term. It’s a hard task though for a person who sews each garment individually. However, I’m having a lot of fun now doing piece work for customers. It’s a little bit more one on one, and I think that can be a more satisfying experience for both the customer and the seamstress. When things are produced in a larger scale, often they will lose that personal touch and specialness. I come from a fashion background having worked with large scale companies like Wal-Mart, Kohl’s, etc, to smaller local companies. I think in many ways this has influenced the way in which I want to produce work, and given me a little more appreciation for the “specialness” of smaller scale production.

SM: When did you first realize that you wanted your career to be within the fashion industry?

SR: I’ve always wanted to do something artistic, but like most people in college, I didn’t what. I learned to sew at daycare in 1st grade on a whim, just because sewing gave me something to do. I would always sew little things for fun and gifts, but did not think much of it. Illustration was always more more of a passion for me, but the field is very competitive. Eventually I became interested in fashion, which was the perfect merging of the two! What is wonderful about Lolita is that illustration is so pinnacle in design. It gives you an opportunity to be both creative and constructive.

SM: You seem to really listen to what your customers are looking for in terms of prints, but have there been any suggestions that you've thought to yourself, "That's crazy!" or "No way!" ?

SR: Lolita in many ways is such a community based fashion; you can learn and grow so much from the thoughts and ideas of others, and I Like to keep an open mind as to what other Lolita’s are saying. So far I haven’t heard too many crazy ideas to be honest! If anything I am sad about the constraints of what I am able to accomplish when it comes to these requests. For example, many girls requested black based prints, but technically that is not something I can offer as I’m technically limited by what colors be screened.

SM: Do you have a favorite part of running your own lolita brand?

SR: Design prints! It’s so much fun to do, and you can design from your own couch which is even better XD. I also like packaging clothing when it’s finished for clients. It’s very satisfying to be able to lie out and wrap a completed outfit, and choose all the little details to put in the box to make it pretty for the receiver.

SM: When is your next line due to be available to the public?

SR: Sewing has been rather sporadic for me lately! My husband and I are expecting our first child in early August, and I’m also working both a full time and freelance design position. However, I am going to make a just a few special unicorn fantasy sets in multiple colors soon. The skirts this time will have partial elastic waistband, to create a more varied and adjustable fit.

SM: What are your future hopes and dreams for Pink Macaroon?

SR: My hope is to dedicate more time to the brand, so I can better serve all my loli clients requests. However, it looks like I will be getting this wish soon. In the fall of this year I will be dedicating myself full time to nothing but Pink Macaroon. It’s truly an exciting prospect, and I’m hoping many more good things will come from this! Hopefully more animal themed bags too, those are too much fun to make.

(Photography by Lydia Chen)

Guro Sweetheart

2010-03-08T10:32:00.000-08:00

Modeled by Mariska

Movie Review: X-Cross

2010-03-06T08:46:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Literary Eagle

Ah, vacations. There’s nothing like a little rest, recreation, and… running for your life? Well, that's exactly what happens in the movie X-Cross, directed by Kenta Fukasaku. The story follows Shiyori (Nao Matsushita), a young woman suffering from heartbreak due to a cheating boyfriend. In order to get away from it all, she and her friend Aiko (Ami Suzuki) decide to take a vacation at a hot springs resort located in a remote village. Sounds great, except it turns out that the villagers enjoy capturing females and chopping off their legs! Realizing that she’s about to become the next victim, Shiyori attempts to flee, but she gets separated from Aiko in the process. The movie depicts each girl's desperate struggle for survival.

There is an additional antagonist in this tale: a bloodthirsty Lolita named Reika (Maju Ozawa) who attacks people with shears. Yes, a Lolita who uses oversized scissors as weapons! Her wardrobe is provided by Baby, the Stars Shine Bright; BLACK PEACE NOW; and h.NAOTO, but it is Reika’s indestructibility that truly makes her a psychopath with style. Some of you might be dismayed that the Lolita character in X-Cross is one of the bad guys, but she is just so wonderfully over-the-top that I don't think anyone should take her too seriously. In fact, I thought that Reika was the most entertaining aspect of the movie, stealing every scene in which she appeared.

Since this film contains blood, severed body parts, and a ruthless Lolita who was obviously never told that people shouldn’t run with scissors, it may sound as if X-Cross is not appropriate for the faint of heart. However, most of the combat is so hilariously absurd that it's actually more of an action-packed dark comedy rather than a genuinely frightening story. Picture the violence in Kill Bill, except with more lace (Frill Bill?), and that will give an approximate idea of whether or not you will be able to handle this movie.

As for the overall story, it jumps around a bit, because events that are told from Shiyori’s point of view are then retold from Aiko’s point of view. But things managed to stay interesting enough that I didn't find this bothersome at all. The only major problem I had with the plot is that one of the characters says she's going to call the cops, but the police never show up at any point in the movie! Where the heck were they? Did they dismiss the situation as a prank call? Were they unable to locate the village? There is no reason given for their absence. To be fair, this film is based on a novel by Nobuyuki Jokou, so perhaps it is explained better in the original tale. But as it was presented in the movie, X-Cross has this plot hole that is huge like Xbox.

Because of this glaring omission, plus the exaggerated violence, some suspension of disbelief is definitely required from the audience. In spite of this, X-Cross is a funny and well-directed thrill ride with good production values, and I enjoyed it immensely. This movie deserves two thumbs up, and two severed legs up as well!

X-Cross is available on Region 1 DVD from Tokyo Shock. It contains crazy, over-the-top fight scenes that are hilarious for adults, but not suitable for young children.

Interview with lolita blogger Victoria Suzanne

2010-03-04T10:12:00.002-08:00

With Sucrerie Magazine recently switching into blog mode, it was only natural that we would want to interview someone who has a successful lolita-themed blog. Enter Victoria Suzanne of Lolita Charm!

Sucrerie Magazine: What prompted you to create a blog that isn't just about your daily life, but also includes articles on becoming a better lolita?

Victoria Suzanne: For one, I don't consider my real life to be very interesting! But I did have a lot of thoughts, brainstorms, and thoughts about lolita - from trying to figure out the culture and why we do what we do to what would be a cute seasonal trend. And I like to write what I'm thinking about, so it turned into a blog.

SM: Did you expect it to become one of the most-read lolita blogs when you first started Lolita Charm?

VS: Not at all! It still doesn't feel like that for me. I'm convinced that maybe four people read my blog ;) But I wanted to touch a lot of peoples' lives and be able to share my ideas with them for the better, so the more people that read it, the happier I am.

SM: Lolita Charm has been around since 2008 - how do you keep your readers interested?

VS: I myself have been a lolita since 2006, and I'm still interested in the fashion - because it evolves and changes. And like the fashion, my style and abilities as a lolita have evolved and changed. And that's what I've been writing about - how the fashion continues to remake itself over and over again. I think my readers are interested in lolita like that, so there's always something new for them to read.

SM: What do you feel sets your blog apart from the other lolita blogs out there?

VS: I would say that the blog and I have a vested interest in each other, and that shows. A lot of girls do it because they're bored or just feel like it, and they fall off quickly. Mostly Lolita Charm's success is due to perseverance. The other is that I'm trying to be more personal with my blog, ask questions that maybe I don't know the answers to. I always feel like if I know the answers, then surely my readers do too - so I ask and ponder the questions I don't know myself. I don't try to be an authority - it's more puzzling out the fashion and the girls who are part of it.

SM: Where do you draw inspiration to write? Do you ever have days where you just don't feel like writing about lolita?

VS: I take inspiration from anywhere - my friends, local events, communities, tumblr, weheartit... And mostly my own life. As said, I'm a thinking-aloud kind of person, so if I'm writing about xyz, then it's because I've been thinking about and researching xyz. Like right now I'm doing a piece on cute pet accessories (dog beds, collars, ice-cream shaped squeaky toys) because I'm in the process of getting a new puppy (teacup poodle if you want to know!) The things I care about and think about are what come out in my articles and writing.

SM: Because of your blog, have you had any opportunities arise that otherwise you would not have had the good fortune to be involved with?

VS: Yes! My blog has given me new friends, pushed me into becoming a New York City lolita (something I, as a country girl, am very proud of!), facilitated my travel to San Francisco Baby, put me on Japanese TV, and gotten me the spot of lolita liason for the full-length feature Loligirls film (working title).

SM: You were involved with the short film LoliGirls, the Baby the Stars Shine Bright fashion show at InnoSera, as well as smaller scale local lolita fashion shows - is there anything else you would like to try in the future?

VS: As said, working on the full-length documentary of the new Loligirls film is something I'm really excited about. I'm not sure how my blog would help this, but I also really want to model for Angelic Pretty at least once someday. And this year I think I'll be running my own lolita fashion show at Connecticon again - I hope!

SM: You have quite the online following - do you ever get recognized in real life?

VS: I was for the first time recently at the Tokyo Fashion Festa! Mostly I get recognized online - oh, you're her!

SM: What is one piece of advice you wish you had known when you first started blogging about lolita?

VS: Don't be a yes-girl. It's very tempting to write nothing but fluff pieces and censor yourself, because there will always be a group of people who are waiting to send you hate mail and tell everyone about what an awful person you are for saying such and such. But at the end of the day, it's your sandbox and your work, and you have to be true to that. Everyone else is just a guest in your world. Make it for you. Not them.

(First image by Miss Lumpy)

Contest Winner!

2010-03-02T11:48:00.007-08:00

Congratulations to akumaxkami, the winner of our February contest!

A winner picked randomly using random.org

She will receive a beautiful handmade purse and headbow set, made by the fabulous seamstress Millenaire!

Thank you so much to everyone who entered, and keep an eye out for our upcoming March contest!

PS Check out our new tumblr account

An Elegant Nightmare

2010-03-01T09:57:00.003-08:00

Photography by Geraldine Vincent
Modeled by Candice and Florence

(some images on website contain nudity)

Ask Alice

2010-02-27T06:33:00.003-08:00

Q: I love lolita and it's lifestyle, but I don’t wear it at school. Recently I saw a girl about two or three grades higher than me in lolita wear, and I've somewhat admired her to be able to wear her lolita clothes in school. She is also the only person I've seen on our island that wears lolita. Should I talk to her, even if I don’t know her? As an upperclassman would it be okay?

A: As long as you're polite (don't try cutting in while she's in the middle of a conversation), and mature, I don't see any reason why she wouldn't want to talk to you! Perhaps she thinks she's the only one on your island who knows about lolita - don't you think she would be happy to find someone else who knows about the fashion as well?
If your age difference would be considered too scandalous for you to approach her during school, try to talk to her outside of your establishment. Send her a message online (most people are on facebook), or if you see her out of school, stop and say hi! One of you friends might know where she works or usually hangs out, but please try not to come off as a stalker! Make your encounter as casual as possible while letting her know you love lolita fashion as well.
If she doesn't want to talk to you because of your age difference, move on! You probably don't want to be friends with someone who looks down on you for something as trivial as age anyway! Perhaps you can get some people you're already friends with, interested in lolita fashion. If not; there's always the internet!

Charming Kittens

2010-02-25T04:46:00.002-08:00

Photos by Klip Art Studio
Modeled by Amanda Tea

February Contest

2010-02-22T21:04:00.005-08:00

Sucrerie Magazine would like to reward our readers for supporting us for just over one year now! This month's prize comes to us from the seamstress (who is available for commission), Millenaire!

Entering is easy! Just link to Sucrerie Magazine on your blog, myspace, twitter, etc - then comment on this entry along with your email address and the place where we can find the link back to us!

The last day we will be accepting entries is be March 1st, and a winner will be chosen March 2nd 2010. View the official contest rules here! Good luck!

A Call for Submissions!

2010-02-20T13:12:00.002-08:00

Hello everyone! I hope you're enjoying Sucrerie Magazine in it's new blog format!

Outfit photos, art, tutorials, articles, reviews, poems and more are still needed to keep Sucrerie alive (more information here). Questions for Ask Alice should go to askalice@sucreriemag.com but everything else can go to our main email. Submissions, comments, or whatever! Email them all to: webmaster@sucreriemag.com

(Image by Mirukuma)

Sometimes it's Nice to Have Curves

2010-02-17T11:13:00.000-08:00

Written by Christine Chow

One of the most common places to find Japanese clothing in the United States is at conventions who are dedicated to avid video game players and anime fans. The 2008 New York Anime Festival convention at the Javits Center in New York City was not another ordinary convention for 22 year old Regina Luntungan. For this Indonesian woman, the convention was different because the popular Japanese Lolita brand Baby, The Stars Shine Bright was attending, and they were selling their merchandise; including bags, dresses, accessories, shirts, and skirts. Regina looked forward to picking up one of their bags that she had seen in the past, but when she arrived at their booth they had already sold out.

Disappointed, Regina then decided to look at the rack of dresses that was set up near the booth. She didn't expect to buy anything, but little did she know that the light-pink gingham jumper skirt with a rose design was going to be the start of her experience as a Sweet Lolita. The bust of the dress was made of full shirring, similar to the wide elastic waistbands used on sundresses. That meant the dress could stretch a good amount, but one problem still remained. Even though the dress could stretch to a certain point, Regina was afraid it may not fit her or if it did, it may not look appealing on her. Because the dress was made in Japan, it was most likely made for a customer who is a thin Japanese girl. For a plus-sized woman like Regina, it only meant a disappointment if it didn't fit.

But after much encouragement from her friends, Regina decided to take the risk and bought the $295 dress. She immediately went to the nearest bathroom in the convention center to try it on. Fear overwhelmed her as she pulled the dress on, and she prayed the dress to fit. If it didn't, she would have to sell it to someone on the EGL sales community, because the salespeople did not offer a return policy. A few minutes later, Regina stepped out of the bathroom, her face filled with joy. The dress fit perfectly!

Even though Regina has a plus-sized figure, she was still able to find a Lolita dress that fit her, and in a Japanese brand too! Sometimes seamstresses do not offer custom sizes, and brand-name dresses can be expensive. The prices had almost caused her to quit the Lolita fashion, but her passion for the Lolita fashion fueled her desire to continue. Finding ways around these problems, she depended on seamstresses whom she knows offer custom sizes, and on the brand Baby, The Star Shines Bright. So far Baby is one of few Japanese brands to offer dresses with a full shirring of 52 inches and more. In August, while visiting the grand opening of the San Francisco Baby, The Stars Shines Bright store, she found out from a representative that the brand is planning to offer dresses in larger sizes in the future. "They're doing this most likely because they're adapting to the regular sizes in America. They're trying to get bigger sizes for people here," Regina said.

Regina has been a member of the Lolita style for about four years. Her wardrobe is made up of two Baby, The Stars Shine Bright jumper skirts, and a few non-brand skirts and tops. "Weight shouldn't be an issue to stop people. If you love the fashion, then you should go for it. I think it will look good, regardless of what you weigh, as long as it’s tasteful," Regina said.

With society’s obsession for thin bodies, it can be hard for plus-sized women to break out of their comfort zones so they can wear something they really like and not worry about what others think. Everyone is surrounded by this obsession for thinness, but places still exist where plus-sized women, like Regina, can find encouragement and comfort. About two or three LiveJournal communities are dedicated to plus-sized Lolitas. In these communities, members share photos of themselves in their latest outfits, and other members are allowed to comment on them. Members often leave encouraging comments, compliments, and advice about how the original poster can make their outfit look even better next time. "If you need help or advice with anything, you can talk to the people in EGL Plus community," she said.

However, it wasn't so easy for Regina to get to where she is now, especially with the constant criticism her mother gave her about dressing up in the Lolita fashion. Her mother has told her that the dresses should only be worn by slender girls; even though Regina is the first person she has ever seen wearing a Lolita dress. "My mother is the only person who told me I looked fat in it. At first, I didn't want to wear Lolita dresses, but after seeing how my Lolita friends were having fun meet-ups, I really wanted to join them. But I needed to dress up as a Lolita if I wanted to attend the meet-ups," Regina said. And with that, Regina would leave her house wearing normal clothes, but in her bag, she hid her Lolita outfit. Her mother still is against the idea of Regina wearing her Lolita dress in public.

It wasn't just her mother who Regina had to deal with criticizing her. She also worried about what strangers and members of the Lolita meet-ups were going to think when they saw her. During some of these meet-ups, Regina felt so paranoid, she questioned people at the meet-ups, thinking they were just acting nice in front of her, but in their minds, they were criticizing how she looked. So far, Regina has yet to be confronted by anyone who thought she shouldn't be wearing her outfit. At times she would hear people whisper, and they might have talked about her, instead of straining in to listen, Regina blocked them out. She didn't want their criticisms to ruin her mood. Once she got past this insecurity, Regina would enjoy the meet-up as she made more Lolita friends and learned new things from them, such as how full shirring works. "Don’t be afraid to go to meet-ups even though you can sense some people are saying something mean to you; try at least one meet-up to see if you like it," she said.

During the moments where Regina still feels discouraged while wearing Lolita clothes, she finds that if you surround yourself with friends who are positive and supportive, then they can help get rid of your insecurities. For example, Regina's mother may not be supportive of her Lolita fashion; however, her Lolita and non-Lolita friends and her cousins all support and encourage her to continue doing what makes her happy. None of them care about how much she weighs because her sweet and caring personality is what makes them enjoy her company. Sometimes her plus-sized Lolita friends can be seen as her sources of encouragement because they like to be who they are and not care about what others think about them. Lolita fashion shouldn’t be limited to thin people, because sometimes it’s nice to have curves, Regina said and grinned at a plus-size friend, who had recently embarked on the Lolita fashion.

Anyone, regardless of weight, race, age, can join this fashion style. "Anyone can wear whatever they like as long as they don’t go to the point where their outfit isn't part of the general guidelines. I'm not really picky about it, but others may be," Regina said. Some of the guidelines include wearing a petticoat – an underskirt that gives the skirt a bell shape—an appropriate head-dress, blouse or top that has "enough" bows or lace, she said. She recommends that all beginners should refer to the guideline first and then mix and match afterward.

Furthermore, women who plan to dress in the Lolita style do not necessarily have to have a brand-name dress to dress up as a Lolita. Most people would think they need to because in the EGL community, many Lolitas showcase their brand outfits and some members believe that other members should have brand-name dresses in order to be Lolita; but sometimes one can't get her hands on a brand-name dress in her size, so what she does is improvise like Regina when she bought several non-brand skirts and tops before she got her two Baby, The Star Shines Bright dresses.

Regina recommends other plus-size women go to stores that are dedicated to them, because stores such as Forever21 and H&M have yet to offer clothing for plus-sized figures. Or plus-sized women looking for Lolita outfits can search online for seamstresses who offer custom sizes, such as the popular online Lolita store, In The Star Light, or they could check out Baby, The Star Shines Bright. "For my size, it’s really difficult to find a dress because I’m not the average plus-size. I’m technically over the average size for plus-sized women, so that means I could only fit in full shirring in Baby. And Baby is very giving, they have most sizes and are bigger," Regina said.

Regina believes she won't be quitting the Lolita fashion any time soon because of her weight. Instead, she remembers joking with one of her Lolita friends that when they become old ladies, they will still be wearing their Lolita dresses. She laughed and shook her head, "There is a certain age when I’ll stop wearing Lolita, maybe when I start to look hideous or old." But right now, she’s still young and will continue to do what she enjoys the most. Weight won't be the reason to stop this Lolita from having her cute, pink or red dresses. And it shouldn't be the reason why other plus-sized women should refrain from trying out the Lolita style.

Time After Time

2010-02-15T00:26:00.000-08:00

Artists Inspired by Lolita Fashion

2010-02-14T11:32:00.000-08:00

By Shoujo Neko

By SaEun Moon

By Jaeann

By Rosalys

By Akemi18

Western Lolita Style Watch

2010-02-14T11:25:00.000-08:00

Western Lolita Style Watch

2010-02-14T11:20:00.000-08:00

Eyeko Beauty Review

2010-02-14T10:51:00.001-08:00

Eyeko Makeup is a one-of-a-kind beauty product company, created in London. Not only do they cater to individuals who enjoy makeup, they also go the extra mile to include fans of Japanese "kawaii" culture. Their products come in adorable packaging and have cute (and I admit, sometimes cheesy) names like "Magic Mascara", "Liparazzi", and "Punk Polish".

One of the nice things about this company is that they care about their website. You can easily choose your currency and shop, or if you would rather learn more about Eyeko first, they have customer reviews in a variety of languages. you can tell that they care about pleasing their customers, as there are customer submitted beauty tips and even a free online manga!

The website claims to add one page per week to the manga, but I've been back a few times and have not seen any new pages in a while. The story starts with a girl named Eyeko meeting a flying puppy who encourages her to make her own makeup line. Hopefully they will continue publishing the manga, as I think it is a very cute idea and makes the brand just that much more relatable.

In addition to having a manga, makeup tips, etc, you can also find special deals and contests quite often. Eyeko has a "street team" where participators can win great beauty product prizes.

After spending some time on the Eyeko website, I decided to become an "Eyeko Ambassador", more or less to see what the company was all about. Ambassadors have the fun job of referring new customers to Eyeko products. Because Eyeko ships worldwide (did I mention that shipping is always free!?), Ambassadors can live anywhere in the world. Ambassadors earn 15% on all referrals and get a discount on most of Eyeko's products. Each month the person with the highest amount of referrals receives an additional $75 gift voucher and a promotional spot on the Eyeko website.

Ok, ok, but what about the products?!

Eyeko sent me a free sample for being an Ambassador, so that is what I am basing my opinion on. The products came in a pink envelope with a cute passport looking thing, as I am an official Ambassador and all. The products themselves were nicely packaged with the Eyeko beauty anime logo. I found the products to be of high quality and I was quite pleased that I had gotten them for free! I've made it a point to buy beauty products from Eyeko this holiday season for all of my closest female friends! I know they will enjoy the cute items and website as much as I have.

Western Lolita Style Watch

2010-02-14T01:06:00.000-08:00

Western Lolita Style Watch

2010-02-14T01:02:00.000-08:00

Western Lolita Style Watch

2010-02-14T00:54:00.001-08:00

Baby, the Bay Shines Bright!

2010-02-14T00:22:00.000-08:00

Written by Christina Banta
Photos by Vivien Lee

For Western fans of Lolita fashion, there was only one place to be the morning of August 15: San Francisco's Japantown and the grand opening of the New People shopping center.

Hundreds attended the event, celebrating the new three-story building, a $15 million dollar collection of shops catering to Japanese pop culture and fashion.

Beyond a much-needed boost to the area economy, New People represents the first American outpost of pioneer Lolita brand Baby the Stars Shine Bright.

Some Lolitas lined up hours before the opening, the growing as the morning wore on. Fan Vivien Lee was tired and hungry, but giddy at the same time. "I was amazed at the number of Lolitas in the area, and the number of people who flew in just for the opening."

Martha Taylor was one of them. She came from the East Coast and described the atmosphere as electric, but not chaotic.

"I was half-expecting some kind of nightmarish mob scene with people crushing each other to get inside, but we organized ourselves nicely; I think we were all determined not to spoil the experience."

The opening ceremony featured speeches, the traditional breaking of a sake barrel, and even San Francisco's mayor, Gavin Newson, got in on things by sending out a proclamation declaring August 15th "J-Pop Center Day".

Then it was off to the races as the doors opened and Lolitas thronged into the Baby store, many rushing to be one of the first paying customers and thereby secure a seat at the private tea party Baby would be hosting the next day.

Why so much excitement about the Baby brand itself? For Lee, who runs her own Etsy shop, it comes down to the details. "Sewing is one of my hobbies so I really appreciate good craftsmanship."

Taylor enjoys the brand's versatility, "I like Baby because it accommodates many different Lolita styles - Sweet, Classical, Gothic, Pirate, Punk, even Aristocrat."

There were several of these styles on display at the tea party the following day, where guests talked brand and beauty in an intimate panel discussion with model Misako Aoki, founders Akinori and Fumiyo Isobe, and designer Kumiko Uehara.

The audience heard fun tidbits like the fact Aoki got her start in modeling after and editor saw her street snap in a magazine, while Uehara said that she had her own brand, "Prettiest", before joining up with Baby.

One audience member's question about a possible New York location revealed how much work went into the New People one: Isobe said that it had taken several years of planning to make San Fancisco a reality, and that there were no plans in the immediate future for a New York spot.

According to Victoria Suzanne, writer of the popular Lolita blog, Lolita Charm, Uehara and Aoki seemed surprised at how many of the audience members read Japanese Lolita publications. "I think they were surprised that there were so many American Lolitas, and that we were really dedicated to the style."

The tea party also featured a prize drawing featuring several Baby items. Taylor won a jumperskirt and counts it as one of her favorite memories of the trip. Her other? "I'm so glad I got to meet some West Coast Lolitas I've only spoken with online, and some I've idolized from a distance," she laughs. "They're as sweet and friendly as I hoped they'd be!"

The West Coast Lolitas certainly aren't alone in their love of the fashion. With an estimated 5,000,000 Japanese pop culture fans in the United States, Japanese brands will no doubt be watching to see how Baby's San Francisco location fares.

Was the opening a success? Suzanne thinks so. "I feel that they inspired a lot more interest in true Lolita...And [Uehara] reminded us that we wanted to feel like princesses. I think that caught on, and it has inspired much more positivity and sisterhood in the community."

Alice and the Payments

2010-02-13T23:47:00.000-08:00

Written by Christina Banta

10 ways to get out and stay out of debt.

Debt sucks. No one enjoys the feeling of owing other people money, and enough debt can create problems with your finances, your confidence and your relationships.

Unfortunately, with its often high prices, nearly-cashless online sales, and innate pressure to conform to a group ideal, Lolita fashion can at times encourage bad spending habits that lead to debt.

Whether you're in debt or out, here are ten tips to help you enjoy your frills while staying happy and financially healthy:

1. Resist pressure. It's human nature to want to be part of a group, no matter how small, and Lolita is no different. However, if you find yourself spending money just to "keep up", step back for a moment and think about it. How do you know the other girls aren't putting themselves into debt for their outfits?

Is the acceptance of more judgmental Lolitas worth putting yourself through the stress of debt?

2. Do you love it? Some of the best shopping advice I heard years ago was, "Don't buy it unless you absolutely love it."

If you follow this advice long enough, you'll become able to resist the temptation to buy everything you sort of like, and save your money for the things you truly love.

3. Needs come before wants. When your paycheck (or allowance) comes in, immediately set aside everything you need to pay for first, no questions asked.

For you Lolitas on your own, that's of course the basics like rent, food, bills, etc. For those of you living at home or without any "needs" expenses, now is a good time to get into the good habit of saving a little each week or month for a rainy day or big Lolita purchase.

4. Count it out in cash. Nothing brings reality home like counting out what you're spending in cash. With so many Lolita items outside of Japan only for sale online, buyers usually end up typing in a credit card number of PayPal amount.

This makes your purchase feel more like "play money" and less like the real money you're spending when you click the "buy" button.

If you don't have that kind of cash on-hand for a count-out, take a second to mentally compare how much your purchase would be in terms of an electric bill or other "need" (for example, 1 OP set = 2 student loan payments).

For younger Lolitas at home, think of your favorite hobby and compare it to that (1 skirt = 5 nights out at the movies)

5. Pay off your credit debt ASAP. In recent years credit card companies have started targeting teens and young adults, who make up the majority of Lolitas out there.

They sometimes say that debt is a good thing to have, which is a half-truth. "Good" debt, like a house mortgage or student loans, are good for your credit history and show you're a responsible person. Credit card debt is "bad" debt and does nothing to help you when it comes time to take out a loan or get a job (some companies now run credit checks as part of their hiring processes).

Being smart with your money does not mean "Never go shopping".

Despite what credit card companies say, debt is not "normal". It's how they stay in business.

Only put on a credit card what you can pay for in cash within two months (some financial advisers would say within one month), and stick to paying it off. If you can't pay it off in two months, don't buy it. It may seem strict, but staying out of debt and only buying what you can afford will leave you a lot happier than a pile of beautiful clothes and the knowledge you have $5000 in debt out there with your name on it.

If you're already carrying a lot of debt you can't immediately pay off, don't give up!

Set aside as much as you can each month, in your "needs" pile, for working on that debt.

It might take a while, but you'll feel a lot better when you're finally able to see "Balance: $0.00" on the account and know you had the willpower to pay it all off.

6. Keep track of what you spend. Just like dieters who encouraged to write down everything they eat for one week before they start dieting to better understand their eating habits, jotting down the item and cost every time you spend on Lolita can help you understand better how much you're really spending in black-and-white. The list can be as simple as a Post-It note you keep stuck on your desk for one month and add to as you shop.

7. Set aside "fun money". Being smart about your money doesn't mean never shopping again. After your needs are taken care of, set aside a certain amount of money each month for meet-up money or cute Lolita accessories.

It can be as little as $10 or $20, or as much as your budget allows, but the idea is to go out and spend some money on yourself so you don't feel deprived.

Again, as in dieting, if you go cold turkey on spending and say you'll never shop again, you run the risk of getting discouraged and giving up all together. So set aside some money and have fun with it!

8. Learn to sew. In the opinion of many Lolitas, well-made homemade outfits are just as Lolita as head-to-toe brand.

Sewing a quality outfit takes a lot of practice and time, but if you can learn even the very basics you can save money by doing simple things: adding lace and details to shirts, making basic skirts and petticoats, and so on.

Ask around and see if a family member or friend has a sewing machine you can use, and if they can help you get started.

9. Be patient. Do you have to have the newest print the day it comes out? If "yes", that's ok! Just plan ahead accordingly with your savings and budget.

If not, you can always wait and see if it goes on sale later or if a secondhand one appears online.

Some brands also do deep discounts at the end of a season, so if you have the patience to buy a year ahead, you can, for example, get a great winter coat in March for cheap and save it until next winter.

10. Save up for big purchases. Outside of the fun money mentioned earlier, try to set aside a certain amount each month as a Lolita savings fund after putting aside your "needs" money. Small amounts can add up: if you put just $50 a month aside, you'd have $600 free and clear after a year.

Faithfully put your money in each month, and that way you're not forced to go into debt or live off ramen noodles for a month when something you really fall in love with goes up for sale.

That's all! Hopefully you've found some inspiration in these tips and ideas for better balancing your own money.

Most of these tips can be applied to other areas of your life, and smart Lolita shopping can be a great starting point for good spending habits in general. It's never too early in life, or too late, to learn how to be smart with your money.

(Image by HotChoco)

Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall

2010-02-12T19:04:00.000-08:00

Written by Keiko

The amount of secrets regarding anorexia and bulimia on the "Lolita Secrets" community on LiveJournal (link) is shocking. I honestly do not know if these "secrets" are truthful or people seeking attention, but the topic of eating disorders is not something to be taken lightly.

Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervoa are the two most common types of eating disorders found in Western females. Both anorexia and bulimia are serious psychological disorders; they are much more than going on a diet, or working out to loose weight. Approximately 6% of people diagnosed with anorexia die before they get better - and about half of those deaths are suicide.

Think being anorexic of bulimic are easy ways to get thin? Dizziness, irregular or absent period, feeling weak, increased amount of facial hair, bloating, thinning hair, damaged teeth and severe dental problems, constipation, anemia, scarring of the esophagus depression, "chipmunk cheeks" from swollen glands, dry skin, contestant stomach pain, inability to concentrate, drop in blood pressure, pulse and breathing rate, brittle bones, kidney, stomach and heart damage, sore throat, mouth infections, and irritability are just some of the side effects of long-term anorexia and/or bulimia.

As someone who has lived with a person suffering from bulimia nervosa, it makes me upset to know that girls think of eating disorders as an acceptable way to loose weight. In the beginning, a potential sufferer may think what they're doing is just temporarily until they reach their goal weight, but it rarely works out that way. Even if they only "try it" for a short while, the permanent effects it can have on a person's body are atrocious.

How can you tell if you or someone you know has an eating disorder?

Anorexia Nervosa
- Extreme fear of gaining weight
- Perfectionist with body image goals beyond reach
- Thoughts of suicide and sometimes self-harm
- Becomes thin and emaciated
- Obsesses over types of food and calorie intake
- Withdraws from social settings (especially ones that may involve food)

Bulimia Nervosa
- Goes though phases of extreme overeating, followed by feelings of guilt, which leads to the abuse of laxatives, over exercising and/or vomiting
- Often buys laxatives, diuretics, or enemas
- Goes to the bathroom immediately after eating (often leaving a tap on, or constantly flushing the toilet to drown out the sound of vomiting)
- Bulimic sufferers are not always underweight and there fore can be harder to identify

How can you help someone you think might have an eating disorder?
Try to learn as much as you can about eating disorders, and remember that people with anorexia or bulimia are suffering from a disease - it is not their fault. Support your friend and let them know that you love them, and are there for them. Be there to listen without judging their choices or appearance. If they deny that they have a problem, talk with them about specific behaviors or situations. Suggest they talk to a doctor or counselor about their issues with food, and let them know that you will be there with them, every step of the way. If the person is reluctant, look up successful recovery stories and read them with the person you are trying to help. If the individual is not accepting your attempts to help, and you think their condition could be serious, it is ok to tell their parents or someone you can trust to try and help.

What to do if you think you have an eating disorder
Be honest with yourself about how much you do or do not eat. Keep a food diary if needed. The first step to recovery is asking for help. If you can't find the words, try writing a letter and send it to someone you know and can trust. Let them know what's been going on with you and that you would like to get help. Hopefully, they will support you and help you find a doctor or counselor. You must remember that having an eating disorder is not your fault, nor does it say anything about your character - it is a disease that anyone, any age, gender or race can get. Research successful recovery stories and accept that one day, you too can live a happy, fulfilled life.

(Image by sorairosakana)

Ask Alice

2010-02-12T18:55:00.000-08:00

Q: Hello Alice! Do you think there are any lolitas in Russia? I would sure like to know.

A: Yes, there are lolitas in Russia! Here are two LiveJournal communites and one website dedicated to Russian lolitas...

Ru_Loli
Ru_Gl
Gothic and Lolita

For those who are from other countries, who would like to search for lolitas, try typing your country's name into the following search engine...

Click to go to the search engine!

You will find LiveJournal entries from the EGL community, containing the keyword (your country), you searched for.

The EGL community also has a list of communities made for lolitas worldwide. To find your reigon, go to this link...

Click here!

Persephone Confession

2010-02-12T18:36:00.001-08:00

Written by Morganrose Carter

You are night and I am day
Is that why we keep our desires at bay?
You held out your hand and asked "if I may"
The ground opened up and took me away.

Forever and more, I became your bride.
The seeds of a fruit made the tie.
You laughed and I cried,
All the while, the planet withered and died.

Your wold was dark and gave me a fright.
Deals were made I returned to my wold that's so bright,
I smiled and you griped,
But in those rainy spring days and hot summer nights.

My head filled with thoughts of you, only you.
Those thoughts of love of you grew.
How can I think of you like that for what you put me through?
Did you think of me, too?

Do not answer, so shut your trap!
I shouldn't have said that,
But my heart is so fat.
I love you with all my being, as a matter of fact.

SO what, if the world turns white and gray.
So what, if you are night and I am day.
I can no longer keep my desires for you at bay.
I love you and I will stay.

(Image by Colorful Lovers)

Violet Ichigo

2010-02-12T18:11:00.000-08:00

Chapter 2 (continued) - Home Is Where The Suitcase Is

The long plane ride had taken a toll on Victoria. By the time she had reached American soil, the stares and whispers from strangers was almost enough to push her over the edge. She felt alone and naked, her soul exposed for everyone to see. "Why can't they just leave me alone?", Victoria thought bitterly while walking quickly through the airport. One last flight and she would be back where it had all started.

Victoria took her seat gingerly, ready to pretend to be asleep to avoid any awkward conversation. She glanced at the person beside her - it was a woman not much older than herself. The woman wore long, drapey clothing in earthy colors, long brown dreads pulled back into a pony tail, and her arms covered in tattoos. Victoria thought nothing of it and began to nod her head off to the side, as though she were about to fall asleep, but before she could shut her eyes, the woman spoke to her.

"So where you off to?", the woman asked. Victoria was a bit startled by the woman's English accent. She looked down at her hands and mumbled "Ohio."

"Yeah? I guess we're in it together for the long haul then! What's your name?", the stranger seemed to have no idea who Victoria was, and didn't seem to care that she was wearing a full outfit of cotton candy pink lace and bows.

Feeling slightly more confident, Victoria told the woman her name, to which the woman replied with hers. "I'm Charlene but everyone calls me Charile. I've been living in Bristol the past 4 years as a nanny. Come back for a funeral. You vising family too, yeah?"

Victoria shrugged, "I guess you could say I'm moving back." and with that, the now familiar feeling of heartbreak came back. Victoria turned away from the friendly stranger to mope in her own self-pity, but Charlie seemed to have other plans.

"You like lolita, yeah? I tried it out years ago but I was terrible at it", Charlie laughed "I was the biggest nerd. But really, I was just trying to find myself". Victoria was somewhat interested but still feeling the pain of having to move back in with her parents. She shrugged without speaking, so Charlie went on. "I ended up trying lots of different styles while I was away from home. Every time I came back to the states, no one recognized me!" Charlie sat chuckling to herself for a few moments. Victoria snuck a peek at the woman from the corner of her eye. She recalled seeing a similar fashion about Japan but she wasn't sure what it was called.

Before Victoria could hie within the hard exterior she had been building for the past few days, her old, curious self came out. "Are you into Japanese fashion?" Victoria asked.

Charlie nodded, "I've been a mori-girl for about a year now. Before that, I guess you could have called me a boho gyaru." Victoria was intrigued. Maybe living in the USA again wouldn't be so bad. What were the chances of sitting next to someone on a plane to Ohio, who was also interested in Japanese subculture?

"Do you still have friends in the US?", Victoria asked timidly. She was afraid the answer would be "no", but she was too curious not to ask.

"Of course!", was Charlie's response. The two girls spent the rest of their flight talking about friends, fashion and traveling. Victoria was careful not to let Charlie know that she was a Japanese pop-star "has bee". Bit by bit, Victoria felt that things in the states just might be ok. If she could avoid the stares and comments, she could do anything - and maybe, just maybe, one day sing again.

(Image by Doll)

Add A Little Loli To The Festive Season

2010-02-12T18:02:00.000-08:00

Written by Roxy

As the cold weather sets in, and we’ve gone all out to get the new prints or essential winter Lolita-wear, you suddenly realize winter is right upon us and subsequently – Christmas! On a tight budget and you need to figure out gifts? Well this has just happened to me too, so here are my 5 tips on adding a little bit of Lolita to your Christmas to make it just a bit more special:

1 – Homemade Cards
I know this seems like the thing you did when you were younger, but think about it! As Loli’s we are naturally creative and have an eye for style (obviously!), so why not? You can get a lot of cheap supplies from craft stores – card, glitter, stickers, you name it! Here’s the twist though – try make each card unique to the person you’re making it for! Are they into sports? Try something inspired by that. Do they like flowers? You’ve got the idea. Mix this in with sprinkles of the holiday season, and a big cup of Lolita cuteness. Also, don’t give up the chance to make someone smile – add a little message inside reminding the person why you love them! (Psst, check out Operation Beautiful)

2 – A Small “Gift Bag”
Make up a present pack of a small accessory, a few candies and maybe even a small framed photo of you and your friends! (You could add some deco to the frame!) People sometimes get wrapped up in the Christmas season and spend so much money on gifts, whatever happened to it was the thought that counts? I’m sure a friend will much more enjoy the small hand-picked bag of an accessory that matches their style, and their favorite candies than the generic “I’ll buy some boxes of these chocolates and give them to all my friends.”

3 – Team Up!
This really helps when you don’t have the money to buy everything you’d like for all your friends. Basically you and another friend (Or more if you like!) pool some money and get joint presents for someone – 2 heads are always better than one!
You can always make a day of the shopping – go out and get the goods before retreating to a cute cafe for hot chocolate and Christmas cookies! You get the perfect gift for someone, and get to spend some quality time with someone you are close to before the “Christmas Relative Rush” where reluctant teenagers are forced into their Grandma’s home-knitted jumpers and have to spend the holidays with their long lost Uncle twice removed and all the cousin’s they never knew they had!

4 – All I Want For Christmas Is Youuuu!
Still not sure of what to do for someone? Why not try burning a CD of hand-picked songs for that ‘special someone’ depending on the type of music they like? You can do this for family too – is it just me or does sometimes those Christmas songs get old! Give a mix disc as a present and then coax the family into dancing to it with you! Shake those ruffle behinds!

5 – If All Else Fails...
Tie ribbons to everything – and I mean everything. Do you really think that Christmas tree is finished without being adorned with bows and ribbons of all sorts!? And really, how is your little pet going to get into the festive spirit with a glittery collar? Absurd!

I hope you all enjoy the festive season! Shake the snow from your boots, and layer tights and OTK socks to keep warm! Try making this Christmas special – you never know, maybe your Prince Charming will kiss you under a ribbon-tied piece of mistletoe...

(Image by Saniizu)

Building a Boy-Style Wardrobe on a Budget

2010-02-12T17:53:00.000-08:00

Written and Photographed by Halley M.

I was recently asked by girl who is new to lolita how to build up a good Kodona or Boy-style wardrobe. She wanted to know especially how to go about doing this on a budget and what my recommendations for key pieces were. So I set about putting together this little article to help out those girls and boys out there who were curious as to what makes a good Boy-style basic wardrobe!

Now, where do I buy things? I buy some things from the egl sales community, some stuff from local stores (H&M can have a lot of loli-able items), and stuff from BodyLine and other cheap brands. I also trawl the local thrift stores and good will because sometimes you can find a great deal there too. When you are starting out and still building a wardrobe I feel that it makes much more sense to buy three articles of clothing for my 100 vs just one brand piece. When you are a bit more established it of course makes sense to splurge for that one thing you have just been dying to own to top off your outfit, but again this is more about how to get started.

If you want to dress in any Boy-style I highly recommend getting several decent dress shirts (feel free to shop in the men's department of your local stores for this too!) that fit rather well. I would stick to white shirts at first, maybe some with graphic prints on them. I LOVE having a cheap tux shirt. You can get these at thrift stores here in the USA, as well as some hobby or craft stores. If all else fails go to the formal store and ask for the really low end ones, you don't need a nice one to start out with.

The next key piece is a nice vest or two. These I suggest you get from the women's (if you are a girl) department since they will fit your body better than a real men's vest. They are pretty common in cheap trendy stores right now, so i don't think it should be too hard for you to find a few. Stay away from the type that lay right under the bust as these do not give a very boy like silhouette.

For pants usually you want to wear some form of capri or crop pants, and sometimes shorts for Kodona. For Dandy long pants and capri length are acceptable. It is ideal if you can find pants that sit at the waist rather than the hip. These are a bit harder to find for us female Kodona/Dandy-s, unfortunately, the only store that seem to have them is Anthroplogie and they are rather expensive unless you can catch a sale. If you can only find the ones that sit at the hip you can wear your men's dress shirts un-tucked, it looks kinda cute and more punk... i would even say that you can alter the bottoms of the shirts to have tails, this is a common style for more punk inspired Kodona. I recommend sticking with black, plaid, or stripes.

For shoes, boots look great in this colder weather. Get lace up ankle high or knee high boots, preferably with low heals. You can tuck your longer pants into the top of the knee high boots and they look very cool! For summer i usually wear knee socks or tights under my crop pants with 'creepers' which are commonly available at HotTopic or other such trendy goth stores. If you have the money for a splurge I love the way the golf style rocking horse shoes look.

There are of course any number of great accessories you could consider: Ties, cravats, jabots, hats, canes, sleeve garters... the list goes on... just remember to coordinate with your outfit. Generally speaking you can find cheap ties and hats pretty much anywhere. BodyLine has quite a few cheap ties for example.

All in all it is more about mixing and matching what you have in your closet. The guide above is just some pointers on how to get your Boy-style wardrobe started, but of course feel free to branch out and try different things! Gothic lolita fashion is all about being unique, so always feel like you can try something new. Good shopping!

Movie Review: Peep "TV" Show

2010-02-12T17:34:00.002-08:00

Reviewed by Literary Eagle

By now, many of us have seen the Lolita movie Shimotsuma Monogatari (or “Kamikaze Girls”, as Viz mysteriously decided to rename it). We laughed, we cried, we bought a ton of stuff from Baby, the Stars Shine Bright… then we looked at our bank statements and cried again. Okay, hopefully that last part didn’t happen. At any rate, although Shimotsuma is probably the most famous movie in which Lolita fashion plays a significant role, it isn’t the only one. Today, I will be reviewing PEEP “TV” SHOW, a fictional documentary directed by Yutaka Tsuchiya.

The plot follows Hasegawa (Takayuki Hasegawa), a man who is obsessed with secretly filming people. He posts all of his collected video footage on a website called PEEP “TV” SHOW, which begins to gain popularity amongst people disillusioned by the state of the world after 9/11. One of the website’s fans is Moe (Shiori Gechov), a Lolita who has lost direction in life. She contacts Hasegawa and becomes his partner in voyeuristic crime. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a number of other characters and the problems that plague them.

Since Lolitas often worry about how this fashion is portrayed in the media, I’ll start with that. At first, things may not seem too promising: the back of the DVD case describes Lolita style as “ultra-modern”, which is unintentionally hilarious, and the included booklet calls the garments “trashy”, which is just plain irritating. Fortunately, the movie itself does not use this kind of wording. In fact, Karin Amamiya, who co-wrote the script, is a Lolita.

Unlike Shimotsuma’s Momoko who is mostly alone until Ichigo shows up, Moe has some Gothic and Lolita friends. Together, they pose for pictures and discuss what brands they’re wearing. The brand names mentioned in this movie are Victorian Maiden, alice auaa, Baby, and Pretty. That’s right, this story is several years old, back when Angelic Pretty was simply known as “Pretty”, and the outfits didn’t look like someone with a Bedazzler had used them for target practice! Not that there’s anything wrong with DecoLoli – heck, I wear it too – but it’s interesting to see the differences. A few of Moe’s clothes seem a little outdated by today’s standards, but there are still some cute dresses that would fit in with a modern Lolita’s wardrobe just fine.

There’s a part of the movie when Nagomi, one of Moe’s Lolita friends, explains that she likes the fashion because it helped her to gain self-confidence. She also points out that Lolita is not a costume. Ding ding ding we have a winner! Other than that, though, Moe and Nagomi are not very likable people. When Hasegawa tortures a cat and asks his website audience if he should kill it, Moe encourages him to do so. Later, she helps him to surreptitiously film women using the toilet in a public restroom. As for Nagomi, she has an affair with Moe’s boyfriend and then boasts about it on her blog. Oh, and if you’re wondering, yes she wears Lolita clothes while having sex with him. I hope he at least offers to pay for her dry cleaning afterward!

Moe and Nagomi aren’t nice, but there are non-Lolita characters in the story who aren’t nice either, so it’s not as if the film is picking on Lolitas. As for the sex scene, some of you might be upset about that, since we always have to explain to people that our attire is not a fetish thing. I understand the concern, however I’m not too worried about it in this case. This is an old and relatively obscure movie, so I doubt it’s going to tarnish the fashion’s reputation at this point. But if you want to use a film for introducing people to Lolita, I agree that this movie might not make a great impression, so you would be better off using Shimotsuma instead. Sure, at first Momoko isn’t all that likable, but she becomes a better person by the end.

Ah, and what about the movie as a whole? Well, don’t expect slick visuals or much of a soundtrack. PEEP “TV” SHOW is clearly on a shoestring budget. Actually, “shoestring” isn’t thin enough to describe it. I would say it’s more like a DNA strand. (Then again, maybe the entire budget was spent on brand clothing!) Of course, an expensive production isn’t needed to have a good movie, as long as the story is engaging. Unfortunately, it falls short in that regard as well. I wanted to like this movie, I really did. The concept seemed intriguing, and the idea of mixing Lolita with darker subject matter sounded pretty cool. It could have been a powerful message about our obsession with the media, or a fascinating insight into people who have withdrawn from society, or a heartbreaking look at how everyone’s lives were changed by the tragedy of 9/11. But it doesn’t succeed at any of these, and is mostly just a pointless jumble of scenes that end up being quite dull. Not to be crude, but you know the movie is a failure when a Lolita having sex like a horny monkey somehow manages to be boring.

Some Lolitas might want to check it out if they’re really curious to see what the fashion looked like back then, and to watch the scene where Nagomi talks about why she wears Lolita. But I would suggest renting this film instead of buying it. That way, you can use the money you saved to buy a cute pair of socks. I hate to say it, but staring at a pair of socks for two hours is more interesting than most of this movie.

PEEP “TV” SHOW is available on All-Zone NTSC DVD from Facets Video. It contains scenes depicting sex, domestic violence, animal abuse, and wrist cutting, so please put the little ones to bed before watching this film.

Proud VS Thrilled

2010-02-12T17:25:00.000-08:00

You are proud when your parents buy you the JSK really really wanted for Christmas...
You are thrilled when your Dad suggests a cute blouse that would coordinate perfectly with it!

You are proud when you find your dream dress in your size...
You are thrilled when you learn that not only is it in your size but it's also on sale!

You are proud when a random stranger compliments your outfit...
You are thrilled when they ask about lolita culture and how they can get into it too!

You are proud when your other half finally agrees to wear a lolita outfit to please you...
You are thrilled when they ask if you will show them photos of different lolita styles to choose from!

You are proud when at a con someone asks to take your picture...
You are thrilled when the image appears in a magazine!

(Image by Sugar Pink)

Rocking Horse Shoes

2010-02-12T17:13:00.001-08:00

Written by Haven

I remember the first time I saw a photo of a Lolita wearing ballerina Rocking Horse shoes. I thought they were the ugliest, most unflattering shoes I had ever laid eyes upon. For years I continued to think so, until they actually started growing on me and I started finding pictures where they looked quite cute. Once I began to actually like the look of RH shoes, I just couldn't help but wonder how anyone could possibly walk with their heel missing! And on platforms none-the-less! I always pictured myself (if I ever bought a pair) putting them on my feet, lacing the straps, standing up, taking my first step, then loosing my balance and falling flat on my face.

When my dad gave me some extra money to spend online, I finally decided to take the plunge and buy a pair. I ordered a black pair from Little Chili Lolita Shop with foam soles. I had done a little research on the shoes since I was curious about them, and everyone seemed to agree that the foam soles were much easier to walk in than the actual heavy wood sole.

And I'd Just like to add, I also learned that the original Vivienne Westwood Rocking Horse shoes cost $850! They're lovely, but for $850 they should be lined with gold! The ones I bought cost about $65, which I thought was expensive at the time, but now I see that is really cheap for Rocking Horse shoes.

I waited for what seemed like forever for the shoes to arrive. When they finally did, I was so excited! I opened the box, pulled them out, put them on (and I was very surprised and relieved that they fit so well), laced the straps, stood up, took a step... and surprisingly didn't fall over! I took a few more steps in my room, then walked down the hall to show them off to my mom. They're actually extremely easy to walk in! I thought I'd be falling over and losing my balance in every direction, but I felt like I could take go running in them (I didn't dare to actually try, though). I really am amazed at how comfortable and easy to walk in the shoes are. I actually find them easier to walk in than my Creepers! Although, I still have trouble keeping the laces up my leg. They always want to fall down, so I finally started wrapping them around my ankle. I don really like that look as well, but it is much more functional (meaning that I don't have to stop and pull the laces back up every few steps). I must say, these are now one of my favorite pairs of shoes
and I'd love to buy other colors of them as well! Although I'm not sure II be able to afford another pair anytime soon.

The Most Beautiful Wallflower

2010-02-12T17:09:00.002-08:00

Written by Averie Krahling

They're looking at me,
Their heads are all turned.
I shouldn't have played with fire,
I knew I would get burned.
My cheeks are warm but my hands are cold.
Nobody ever suspected I could be this bold.
My clothes are covered with ribbons and laces,
While the people around me have smirks on their faces.
On my skirt are small children dancing around,
Everyone here things I look like a clown.
I'm normally happy in my ribbons and bows,
Now I'm clenching my fists and squeezing my toes.
Wearing Loita makes me feel happy and free,
And we all deserve that, don't you agree?
It saddens me to know that people are so closed minded,
A girl in a frilly dress seems to have them all blinded.
But why should I care what they might think or say?
I'm a Lolita, and I'm happy this way.

(Image by Emirin)

How to Take an Outfit Photo (when you have no one to help you)

2010-02-12T17:01:00.000-08:00

1. Be camera ready! Unless you are doing a tutorial, there are not many reasons why you should not be fully dressed with hair and makeup done before you start snapping photos. At the time you may not care if you're only half dressed, but keep in mind that once posting the photos online you will be open for any and all criticism.

2. Make sure your camera has batteries. No one likes a blurry, out of focus photo that is overall pointless because no one can see your outfit. Cellphone and webcam photos are acceptable, if you know what you're doing. "Sorry my camera died" isn't an excuse for a photo where the viewer can't tell if they are looking at a lolita or a tree.

3. Determine our shooting location. Natural light is your best friend when taking self portraits,so shooting outside or near a large window is probably your best option. Be sure to take a look around you before you set up to start taking photos. Are you standing beside a laundry basket of dirty clothes Can you move those child toys off the lawn A clutter free background is what you should be aiming for.

4. Set it up. Got your outfit on and a great spot to get your photo taken That's great but don't use "myspace angles" just yet! If you don have a tripod, a chair, table or any other mid-waist, level flat surface will do. Set your camera down, make sure it's sturdy. most cameras have a self timer allowing 2 to IO seconds for you to get in place before the photo is taken. Try a test shot or two to be sure your camera is at the right height and distance from you, to capture your entire body. If there isn't enough light, turn up your ISO, turn on the flash or be prepared to use photoshop after you've finished taking photos.

5. Shoot! mentally plan which poses you are going to do before the timer goes off. Thinking back to past photos of yourself, which ones were the most flattering? Remember that we want to see your outfit as well as your uniqueness!

A Lolita's Love for Historical Fashion

2010-02-12T16:48:00.000-08:00

Lolitas are well-known for visiting museums at meet-ups. In many countries it's quite common to go into a museum and enjoy the culture.

In Austria, the girls love to do so; especially when the Wien Museum hosts a special exhibition about historical fashion. The exhibition name is "Großer Auftritt" (grande entrance), and it is about the fashion of the 19th century in Vienna. Authentic Victorian dresses, children's fashion and corsets are shown. You can see paintings of Elisabeth of Bavaria, Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary (24 December 1837 - 10 September 1898), and other aristocratic women in breathtaking outfits. This definitely captures the heart of a lolita. One can see the roots of lolita style and can get inspiration for new coordinations.

There is so much to learn! Delicate fans and shoes, which look so precious that you wouldn't dare to touch them, are exhibited as well.

The fashion in Vienna was inspired by the fashion in Paris of course. Paris was the center of everything during the Victorian era. The most important thing for the women, was the knowledge of which outfit they had to wear on which occasion. This could guarantee the social success in the society circles.

The biggest department stores could be found in the Mariahilfer Strasse. Today you can find a lot of shops in this street - it's definitely the place where Austrian people and tourists want to go shopping.

Beside the fact that lolitas love to visit exhibitions such as this one, they are also very welcome by the staff. Lolitas seem to be incorporating the core of the historical fashion exhibition. Sometimes lolitas be asked if they work for the museum. People will also stare at the lolitas and are fascinated by the modern touch and interpretation of the historical fashion style. This is a good thing: Lolitas can gain a positive reputation, have the opportunity to learn a lot about the Victorian era, and of course it is very impressive to see authentic Victorian dresses.

Dance With Me

2010-02-12T16:29:00.001-08:00

Written by Roxy

I watch he moon gliding on he dark clouds above me and
Playing beneath my toes as I dance past silver pools.
The enticing tune leads me further from home , I feel the
Haunting tune right in my bones and I shiver at its beauty.

I dip gracefully under the rope secluding the dark wonderland
That keeps drawing and drawing me closer. The blazing candles
Cast multiples of my shadows that happily dance with me.
The light tune of a cello is brushed along the breeze.

The carousel turns slowly and I am drawn towards it in a trance.
The horses with gilded manes and tails of burnished bronze
Are calling to me, they want to dance with me in the moonlight.
I glide gently in my May Janes and mount a ghostly steed.

The eerie tune still plays in my ears as the wind plays in my hair
And I can feel your spirit watching me from afar in the shadows.
I dismount and wander towards the ferris wheel, where the
Ghost-like melody still lingers around me as I enter a gondola.

Whispers on the wind call to me, and I hear metallic moans of protest
As I am slowly lifted up towards the top of the wheel and the moon.
Small bobs of light below look like sprites and faeries, 'tis a beautiful sight,
And I know they wish to dance with me throughout the night...

(Image by Susuda)

Book Club

2010-02-12T16:18:00.003-08:00

Bambi, A Life in the Woods
Novel by Felix Salten
With the recent obsession with baby deer in the lolita community, I thought it would be appropriate to read the classic tale of "Bambi". Originally titled "Eine Lebensgeschichte aus dem Walde", the story about the charming male deer was written in Austria during 1923. It became an international hit, being translated and published in over 20 languages. In 1942 the story was adapted into the Disney film that most of us know and love today.

When I ran across a vintage version of the book Bambi in a thrift store, I immediately recalled the Disney movie. "I bet the book is very beautiful and a lot of lolitas would appreciate it", I thought to myself. I'll cut to the chase and warn you now; if the gory murder of cute little woodland creatures is not your forte, this may be a book you will want to skip!

The "Bambi" novel starts much like the Disney movie version. A male fawn is born in the forest and lives with his mother. She nurtures and teaches him the ways of the world. The young fawn befriends a rabbit but unlike the Disney movie, his friend the squirrel has a larger role in the story (although I wouldn't call the squirrel a main character). Bambi's life is somewhat sheltered for the first pa of the story. He spends most of his time with his mother, sometimes venturing to the nearby meadow where he plays with his cousins Faline and Gobo.

As Bambi grows older, his mother leaves him alone for longer periods of time. One day while wandering through the forest and crying for his mother, a magnificent stag stops Bambi and scolds him for being so dependent on her. Bambi is terrified yet intrigued by this mysterious older deer, who is simply referred to as 'The Old Prince'. The warm summer days slowly get colder and eventually turn into winter. Bambi discovers that life is not always green meadows and butterflies, food is scarce and the hunters are plenty. (Now comes the part that made us cry during the Disney movie) Bambi's mother is shot and killed while the deer flee into the forest. Gobo, Bambi's cousin, is too weak to run and is presumed to have been murdered as well. Frightened prince Bambi is adopted by a female deer, Nettla.

Young Bambi is growing quickly now and quite a few things happen in the book that we did not see in the Disney version. More little animals die, Bambi gets shot (and lives), and the old Prince has a special, educational relationship with Bambi. As the book nears it's end, I found it to be very depressing. Now a cunning recluse,Bambi grows old and his companion, the old Prince, leaves him to die. Bambi has learned all that the old Prince knew and takes his place.

(Image by Cherish)

Gifts Inspired by Alice in Wonderland

2010-02-12T15:46:00.000-08:00

Little Pullip and Dal Dolls from Pullip Style
Alice: A Look into Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (2009) from Amazon
Disappearing Cheshire Cat Mug from The White Rabbit
Alice's Playing Card Dress from Kagitsune
Alice and the White Rabbit Large Music Box from The White Rabbit
Wonderland Circle Wall Clock from CafePress

Lolita and Self Defense

2010-02-12T15:33:00.000-08:00

Written by Olivia Haynes

It takes a lot to be a lolita. There’s the walk, the poise, the dress and the look but the most needed accessory of all: confidence. It takes a lot of nerve to dress differently from the conforms of society but you should feel great doing it! Whether to feel like a princess, prince or wearing what you admire, every lolita should be cheerful in the skin she’s (or he’s) in. Don that parasol and those coat tails with pride!

As fun as it is to be a lolita, remember that it takes all different sorts of people to make the world go ‘round and some of them can be quite the pestilence. Hecklers, petti-grabbers and delinquents are some of the people that a lolita will have to contend with sooner or later. Disturbances can come in the form of uncomfortable leers or as severe as actual physical attack. It’s a constant topic of discussion in many lolita groups identifying who they are and how to deal with them.

Hecklers are those who whisper – or yell out – mean and malicious things like “little bo peep”, “alice”, or worse. It isn’t always what is said although, but how it is said. Hecklers speak with rude tones, deep sarcasm or in the form of back-handed complements, often loudly enough that they are certain you heard them. These people are incredibly annoying no matter who you are, lolita, vis-kei or normal person. How to deal with them can go a two-way street. There’s the nice way and the not-so-nice way, depending on the level of confidence and wittiness you have. The nice way is the classic ignore them. Just walk by as if their vicious comments are water on a duck’s back or should they say something snarky in conversation, smile and be as pleasant as a spring day. That works for some but you usually need skin like steel for it. This is not to say you don’t need thick skin for the second method (where do you think the great wit will come from?) but to handle harsh criticism without any active verbal or physical response? It is something.

Now for the not-so-nice way is to be vocal – but not in a way that is unbecoming or giving the hecklers what they want, which is a steamed or humiliated
lolita. This is where the wit comes in because you’ll be shooting whatever they said to you back to them. The only trick is to keep cool, calm and collected while maintaining a quick response. Cursing and stomping is what they expect so give them something different. They say, “Look like someone fell down the rabbit hole today,” you could respond (calmly!), “Looks like someone fell up the steps getting dressed today - or is that the new fashion, lazy and crusty?” That usually takes the wind out of them because a good number of the time people pick on those who they believe won’t fight back or are simply weaker than them. Plus putting them in the hot seat of ridicule tends to shut them up faster, especially when they’re around friends and most definitely when those friends are laughing at him (or her). Most people look and act tough but few actually are; so don’t be afraid to defend yourself should you go this route, just still be a lady (or gentleman) all the while.

Although those who glare and jeer may be frustrating to deal with and are a mental and emotional tax, you’re still physically safe. Ready to pull out your hair but safe. There are those unlucky lolitas who have dealt with worse in the forms of physical assault and even rape. The fashion style sadly carries negative connotations in the Western world that reference pedophilia, strong ideas of pornographic sexuality and nefarious ways because of its infamous name, Lolita. People who carry these ideas in their head or are that disturbed by seeing alternative clothes may think its ok to attack you because you were “asking for it,” as if anyone asks to be attacked or raped. It is a sorrowful thing when people have to raise concerns about their safety because of something as pithy as clothes but these acts of violence do exist.

Before I mistakenly scare someone into thinking they’re going to get jumped the next time they wear their best Meta, be reminded that attacks aren’t
extremely common but they do happen enough that it would be best to exercise caution.

I would suggest that a lolita would learn self-defense. In my area of Baltimore City, Maryland, the city’s various branches of libraries give free
self-defense lessons during the summer. Check your local library, YMCA, YWCA, recreation center or even police station for any possible free classes. I
personally do not believe that a person should pay a lot of money to maintain their safety but some places have pay-only classes. I’ll get to alternatives for that later.

As a martial artist and a female, I’m slightly biased against self-defense classes because while there are a few gems in the rough, there are classes that are just a waste of money and time because they rely on scare tactics to keep you there. They may show plenty of “Stranger Danger” videos or tell plenty of frightening stories, teach difficult or redundant tactics such as backward or forward rolling (which takes a long time to execute correctly and would you really like to roll around on the dirty or glass-littered ground in your new jumperskirt when you don’t have to?) and all you have to show for the whole class is a little rape whistle that you most likely will never use.

A good self-defense course is informative, easy to understand, teaches simple but effective moves and does not aim to scare, even if some of what they talk about is a little scary. Usually these classes, whether they’re for only one day or an extended course, start with some talking. The instructor will explain the how, the what and the why of attackers and what they do such as robbery and rape. In addition, they will talk about how to avoid conflict and potential problems. At this point, you may want to talk to the instructor about your lolita fashion if you didn’t before the class began or feel you won’t be able to afterward. It would be best to discuss your issue in its entirety after the class but don’t be afraid to pipe up something about it during the class to put it in the instructor’s head. Also, never forget to ask questions or bring up situations that have happened in your past. Hopefully you’ll be donning comfy clothes because you’ll be doing a lot of movement after the briefing. Since you won’t be in your frilly best, try to keep in mind how well the moves that you’re being taught would be implemented in your lolita. You won’t be as fluid in movement with a petti on and rocking horse shoes may make footing difficult.

Hopefully you will never have to come down to fisticuffs but if you must become unladylike, be brutal about it. While there is such thing as an unfair fight, there’s no such thing as a dirty fight. Bite, kick, scratch, stomp - especially if you have wooden rocking horses on -, throw dirt, blind the person, anything you can think of to make them leave you alone. Use your parasol, your bag, your nails, your palms to get rid of the attacker. Remember to hit hard with soft and soft with hard. In other words, use your palms and open hands for hard places such as the chest and the head, use the fist for soft places such as the throat (palm works for throat too). Make as much noise as possible too. If you’re being attacked, chances are it’s not from someone who is smaller and weaker than you. Bring as many people to your aid as possible but don’t rely on a cavalry coming, try to fight back as hard as you can and get away from the person - or people - as fast as you can to a safe place or the proper authorities.

In regards to using a weapon, please take note to your local and country laws first and foremost. Most offenders do not need to be splattered against the wall like canned tomato, regardless how irritating they are. With using a weapon, I would personally suggest not having one at all because any weapon can be used against you, as it only protects the person holding it. Should you lose it, drop it or cannot get a hold of it in time, it will be very detrimental to you if you’re reliant on it. This goes for every defense weapon from pepper spray and mace to knives and guns. I wouldn’t recommend packing an Uzi in your Angelic Pretty bag but should you choose to want to keep a weapon on you for protection, please choose wisely and have room for plenty of practice. Once you find out what is legal to carry at your local library or at your state’s website, a knife or pepper spray, for example, go to a tree in a lone area and practice on it. Try to spray the very same spot over and over or practice slashes. Keep in mind if you use a spray, the wind may play against you and you run a good risk getting pepper spray on your lolita clothes (not to mention blinding yourself and being in a lot of pain). Have your weapon close and handy. Keep it wherever you feel comfortable as long as it is easy to get to. If you don’t want to use a spray or a knife, you may have a parasol handy. Use that little umbrella for jabs and strikes with its pointy end and hook! It can open and close too so it makes for a good block and cover. The parasol is a very useful and protective lolita accessory if you don’t want to tote about an actual weapon. Another lolita accessory to wear are heavy rings that can double for knuckle dusters.

If you want to learn more than just what a self-defense course can teach, maybe you would like to take part in the martial arts! It is more than just
fighting: it’s about calming the mind and body. Martial arts were first used as forms of meditation and exercise. It is mostly a Western belief that the martial arts is about beating people up. As a matter of fact, the more skilled you become, the less you’ll want to brawl someone for asking you where you lost your sheep for the very last time.

There is no perfect martial art style. They are as diverse as the people who take them, so be sure to do some looking around and find which one is right for you. Big girl? There’s a style for you in Samba or Judo. Can’t throw a punch to save your life, or too scared to? Try Hapkido. Too punchy for your own good? Wing chun. Prefer to remain pretty? Non-performance Wushu may be right for you. There are hundreds of martial art styles to choose from.

Like self-defense courses, there are your genuine gems and rusty rhinestones. A lot of the martial arts in the Western world are male-dominated so it may be difficult breaking in with a group that you like. However, you should not feel mistreated in any way because you are a girl. Try out every school (dojo or
dojang) or first class before you agree to any contract or fork over any money because these places can be pricey! You should feel happy and be able to bond with the classmates and the instructors, regardless of style and school. If something doesn’t sit right with you, turn your tea party shoes and go elsewhere.

It is very important to defend yourself as a lolita but more importantly as a person. No one should be haplessly attacked in any way, no matter the reason and especially not for the way they dress. People are people, no matter what they wear. Sadly, some are ruefully ignorant of this and would much prefer to be a bother. Every lolita will come across someone annoying at least once or twice in their life but holding the confidence that you’re being who you want to be while they mill about in their self-contained box of conformity can be enough to deal with the tidal wave of stupidity.

(Image by Pokyaron)

Artists Inspired by Lolita Fashion

2010-02-12T15:18:00.000-08:00

"Time Mends" by Damsel Elegance

"Vive le Punk" by Saeun Moon

"April Skullpop" by Alexander Optivion

"Once Upon a Thread" by Yesenia Rosales

Interview with videographer Kate Slomkowski

2010-02-12T14:53:00.000-08:00

Sucrerie Magazine: What's your background and how did you get interested in lolita fashion?

Kate Slomkowski: I'm a freelance videographer specializing in short documentaries for non-profit organization, web videos and weddings. Although shooting weddings for clients is fun, what I really want to do is make films about topics that interest me. I decided to make a short documentary on lolita after discovering that my little cousing was into the fashion and actually recently launched her own lolita-inspired clothing line!

SM: Tell us a little about the research you preformed in order to produce this movie.

KS: I knew next to nothing about lolita when I started working on the poject. So the first thing I did was ring my cousin and met her and her friends for tea. They all dressed in lolita and looked so adorable! We chatted for over 2 hours about fashion, and how lolita has changed their lives. I also did a little online research and had a touch time coming up with answers. I did find a little magazine (wink wink) called "The Gothic Lolita Bible", that helped me out greatly!

SM: Tell us a little about the documentary concept. How many lolitas were involved? Where did you shoot?

KS: Since I decided to make a short documentary (7 to 15 minutes target length), I knew the structure had to be pretty tight. I wouldn't have the liberty of interviewing all the lolitas I met, even though I really wanted to! So I decided to feature three local lolita (my cousin and her two friends), and followed them with cameras for a few days. We held a photoshoot, had tea at a local shop, went shopping at a vintage clothing store, and even held a mini fashion show. Another important part of the documentary is the process the girls went through in planning a large-scale fashion show at Connection, an anime conference in Hartford, CT.

SM: Did you wear lolita at any point in the documentary-making process?

KS: Yes! And more than once! During our little mini fashion show, the girls dressed me up in this super cute, super frilly, super pink dress. Also, I was one of the models in the big fashion show at Connection; I modeled sailor lolita and nightwear.

SM: How has your perspective on lolita fashion changed since you started making the movie?

KS: Totally. When I started I had all these pictures in my head from the Gothic Lolita Bible. But once I started filming, I saw that lolita is so much more than clothes. It's a lifestyle, a philosophy, and a way to feel good about yourself.

SM: When is the movie set to release?

KS: The very first screening (which will be for everyone who worked on the film), will be held mid-September 2009. I'll then be submitting the short to various film festivals in the area.

SM: What was your favorite part of making this documentary?

KS: That's a tough question...I suppose my favorite part was the big fashion show. I had so much fun modeling lolita!

SM: What are your hopes for LoliGirls after it's been released?

KS: I hope everyone is satisfied with my portrayal of the fashion. I hope that we can educate people unfamiliar with the fashion, and I hope the film is really popular!

SM: Do you have plans for other lolita-related films?

KS: I'm currently speaking with some industry folks about making a feature-length documentary on lolita fashion. I feel like I haven't yet done the fashion justice, and in order to make a complete journey, I must go to the place where it all began: Japan.

SM: What advice would you give to someone looking to make a documentary on lolita or some other frilly topic?

KS: Go for it! Get out that camera and make a film. Don't ever get discouraged if you that someone has already made a film on your topic. Look at how many films have been made on Word War 2! Every filmmaker brings a unique perspective to the project. And most importantly, have fun!

Go to the LoliGirls film website!

Halloween Treats

2010-02-12T14:46:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin Rump Bloomers from Gloomth
Lint Skirt from Moi-Meme-Moitie
Castle Land Umbrella from MaxiciMam
Alice and the Pirates Knee Socks from BTSSB
Royal Red Contacts from BodyLine
Dream Magic Witch Hat from AngelicPretty

(Image by SakuraPop)

How to Prepare for Fall (lolita style)

2010-02-12T14:42:00.000-08:00

As the cold weather gets closer, it's time to start thinking about what to wear to keep warm! Every year lolitas from around the world worry about what to buy that will coordinate with their outfits. Here are some simple tips on finding warmer items that won't break the bank!

Scarves - These can be bought anywhere, in a variety of colors, lengths and textures. They're very basic but surprisingly will warm you up quite a bit in chilly weather. Keep an eye out for similar patterns, fabrics or colors that will coordinate well with the lolita clothing you already own.

Stockings - Generally wearing leotards with lolita is considered a no-no, but during the colder days, most lolitas get away with it. Choose plain colors like black, pink or white and wear your favorite coordinating socks over them for added warmth. If you decide to wear the leotards solo, try to buy a pair with thicker fabric. Leotards and pantyhose can be found pretty much anywhere that sells women's clothing.

Mufflers - You might have a harder time finding these in stores so looking online might be a better bet. A muffler is designed to keep your hands warm without the inconvenience of having to remove gloves or mittens every time you need to do something (like zip up a zipper). Usually available in fake fur type fabrics, they come in many colors but black, brown and white seem to be the most popular.

Gloves/Mittens - Very necessary if you live in a colder climate, gloves and mittens come in a vast variety of fabrics and colors, and can be found almost anywhere. You will have no trouble finding a cheap pair (or two) that you can easily coordinate with your outfits.

Earmuffs - Another item that is sometimes looked over but is quite practical. Not only will warm ears prevent headaches but earmuffs are also pretty darn adorable! Available wherever scarves and gloves are, it shouldn't be tough to find the perfect pair - and don't forget to check the children's section. Earmuffs are wonderfully adjustable!

Hats - Heat escapes from your head, so the more under wraps you keep your head, the better. The styles of hats meant for cold weather are almost endless! Choose the one that best suits your lolita style. For example, if I were to wear a classic outfit I'd opt for a beret or cloche hat, but if I were going out in a sweet outfit a pink chullo might be more appropriate. If you can not find the style you're looking for in a local store, try shopping online!

Shoes - Although there probably isn't any snow yet where you are, it's never to early to be thinking about shoes or boots with a good tread. Knee and calf-high boots are not uncommon this time of year in shops that specifically sell shoes. They will most likely have black or brown but nothing too crazy. If this doesn't suit you, online might be the only other option. If possible, ask the seller to take a photo of the bottom of the shoe or boot, if there is not already a picture. Determine if this shoe's tread is going to suit your lifestyle (if you don't go outside much during the cold weather, a good tread probably isn't at the top of your priority list). Just from looking at the photo you should be able to tell if it's a grip-able, sturdy tread or not. And if not, move on until you find one that is. Having pretty, shoes will mean nothing if you fall in a mud puddle while wearing your lolita best!

Umbrellas - If your weather is anything like mine is, you're going to need an umbrella during the fall. Simple, plain umbrellas are ok in a pinch, but peep at the kids sections or online for something a little bit cuter. An umbrella is an umbrella, but one with a bit of personality can really brighten your day!

Coats - I saved the most important for last. Cardigans and long sleeved shirts are lovely, but if you have to be outside for more than a few minutes, they're not going to keep you warm. This is the one item I suggest not skimping on, in terms of price and quality. Find a coat that is warm, practical and cute. Since this will most likely be the most expensive cold weather item you buy, be sure it fits in great with your wardrobe and you love the way it fits and looks. Not all coats fit nicely on all body types. Research your body type and figure out what will work best for you. Local stores may not having what you're looking for, and online shops may not having the right sizes. Consider making your own coat or having one commissioned. You won't regret it!

(Image by Cherish)

Violet Ichigo

2010-02-12T14:37:00.000-08:00

Chapter 2 - Home Is Where The Suitcase Is

Sitting with a rectangular piece of paper in her hand, a girl with golden hair and a pale pink outfit stood out from the crowd of dark brown hair and drab looking clothes. "A one way ticket to Boringville, USA.", the girl muttered to herself while staring at the paper in her hand. She was completely oblivious to the stares and whispers of the people sitting near her and passing by. Her mind was too busy racing. It had been so long since she had been to the States - would anyone recognize her? Would the neighborhood where she grew up look the same? Would everyone know that she had lost her career?

"Victoria?", a girl who looked to be about 12 or 13 years old broke into her thoughts. The young girl stood in front of Victoria, holding a peach colored bear that she instantly recognized as one of a limited collection for fan club members only. Looking up, Victoria smiled at the girl.

"Can you autograph him?", the fan asked, holding the bear and a pen towards Victoria.

"Of course, who should I make it to? Your English is very good!", Victoria replied in Japanese. The young girl looked revealed and told her in Japanese that her name was Sumi and she was a big fan of Victoria since a very young age. Victoria was used to being spotted in public but this time she felt strange. Did Sumi know that she had been fired and was leaving the country - for good? What if the girl found out later that day and was angry with Victoria for not telling her? Victoria tried to shake the bad thoughts from her mind but they just wouldn't leave.

"Thank you so much and I hope you enjoy your trip!", Sumi sang happily to Victoria as the girl's mother pulled her away so they would not be late for their flight. Victoria smiled and waved as they left, feeling a dark pit beginning to form in her stomach. Although she knew it was not a possibility, she wanted nothing more than to go home to Tokyo and be with Agnes. It had only been four days since Victoria had gotten the awful news and she had decided to leave Japan as quickly as possible before the news of her departure from the record label was leaked. Back to her parent's home in the United States was where she resolved she would hide-out until she could come up with a plan. A part of her was angry that she had been fired and another, more determined part of her was convinced she could go away and come back as a fresh, new Victoria - and the record label would have no choice but to fall in love and take her back.

"Now boarding flight 265", a loud speaker boomed from above. Reluctantly Victoria picked up her large pink gingham suitcase and began to follow the crowd toward the gates. It was a feat she had done many times before, but one that had never been so depressing. She looked back at the airport crowds, hoping to see Mr.Matsuda or Agnes run through, calling her name and telling her this had all been one big misunderstanding.

When being directed to be seated, Victoria started toward the first class section that she was used to. "Miss! Your ticket is for the economy class seats!" a stewardess called to her. Embarrassed, Victoria turned around and apologized as the woman pointed her to an empty seat. Her puffy dress took up the entire aisle as she walked, although she was trying to hold it down. Fellow passengers were glaring, some laughing. She took her spot next to two older women. Victoria tried desperately to smooth down her dress, as to not take up too much room. The women smiled but said nothing. Victoria felt close to tears. She decided that the best way to stop embarrassing her self would be if she went to sleep - and that is exactly what she did.

...TO BE CONTINUED

(Image by Doll)

Inspiring Quotes for Inspired Lolitas

2010-02-12T14:32:00.001-08:00

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
- Mark Twain

No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted.
- Aesop

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.
- Judy Garland

All that we see or seem, is but a dream within a dream.
- Edgar Allen Poe

Happiness resides not in possessions and not in gold; the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul.
- Democritus

Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart.
- Anne Frank

It is love that makes the impossible possible.
- Indian Proverb

Life is the flower for which love is the honey.
- Victor Hugo

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.
- Confucius

Hope is like a bird that senses the dawn and carefully starts to sing while it is still dark.
- Anonymous

The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life and elevating them to an art.
- William Morris

Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.
- Lanston Hughes

There is always music amongst the trees in the garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it.
- Minnie Aumonier

(Image by Candied)

Japan Expo in Paris

2010-02-12T14:27:00.000-08:00

Photographed by Immortal Angel

Lolita at Work

2010-02-12T14:16:00.000-08:00

Written by A.M. Rose

If you're like me, you're in your twenties, out of college and on your own with one (or two!) full or part time jobs. Some of us are lucky enough to work in a field where we can wear what we want, when we want - but even in the rare office with lax dress codes, a problem remains: How can I be true to myself as a lolita and garner esteem from my peers?

Not matter what angle argued from, lolita is not a "career professional look", unless you work in the fashion or entertainment industries. Lolitas who didn't have access to their aesthetic of choice while teens and college students, are now able to plan their budgets to accommodate their wardrobes, but are wondering when and where they'll be able to wear such extravagant clothes. Some keep it to the weekend or for special events, where others, like me, are disgruntled by the stifling atmosphere of office life and just want more!

The solution? Compromise.

You boss, unless you've been very lucky, won't want you wearing an elegant, short-hemmed, Victorian-inspired dress with matching shoes and stocking in the boarding. Likewise, clients and your work peers are not likely to take you seriously and you be passed over when it comes time for advancement. Take your lolita look and downsize. Instead of a poofy dress, try a modern one or two piece that maintains your color palette, and keep the shoes and stockings from the original outfit. Put charms on your work bag that trumpet your lolita individuality, or carry a bag that carries your look in an understated way.

Clothes and accessories aside, remember: Attitude is everything. Even if your ensemble isn't all-out loli, keep you appearance well manicured, your nails dainty and polished, your posture straight, manner impeccable, and mood positive, even while doing low totem tasks like making copies. These lifestyle habits are perfect for the office and will complement your professionalism and highlight your dependability.

When someone at the office sees a photo of you online or runs into you at a meet-up and says, "I never would have thought you'd be into something so immature," you can say to them: "Lolita isn't about immaturity, it's about independence and strength of character."

Those are characteristics that will take you far no matter what!

(Image by Sky)

Five of the Creepiest Destinations on Earth

2010-02-12T14:13:00.000-08:00

Catacombs, Paris, France
When one thinks of Paris, they generally think of romance and beauty, not ghosts! During the 18th century Paris was rapidly expanding and housing was becoming an issue. Planners decided that moving millions of bodies out of the grave yards and into tunnels running underneath the city, would free up more land for residents. Human bones and skulls line either side of the underground corridors. For some 187 miles, the tunnels snake around underneath Paris. The catacombs have inspired poems and stories, as well
as being featured in movies and books.

Waverly Hills Sanitarium, Kentucky, USA
The Waverly Hospital as we know it today, opened in 1926. Antibiotics were not yet available, so many patients were prescribed to get plenty of rest, sunshine and fresh air. The doctors tried some experimental procedures (that did not work), on willing patients but thousands of people died during their stay at Waverly. In 1943 a streptomycin was discovered for tuberculosis. A large hospital dedicated to tuberculosis was no longer needed, and Waverly Hills shut down in 1961. One year later it re-opened as Woodhaven Geriatrics Sanitarium, where there were many speculations of patient abuse and experimentation. The sate closed the mental hospital in 1982.

Unit 731 Experimentation Camp, Manchuria, China
Also referred to as the "Asian Auschwitz", this was the site of many inhumane experiments. Over 250,000 prisoners were subjected to drawn out warfare experiments, while over 3,000 were killed upon arrival. Some subjects were used for target practice, while others were injected with deadly diseases or operated on without anesthetic. The Chinese government decided to keep Unit 731 as a historic site so that people could learn about the horrors practiced there, and it would discourage something like this from ever happening again.

Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh, Scotland
Originally narrow streets with houses on either side, in 1753 the Burgh Council decided to build a new building on top of this site. Part of the houses below were left to be used as foundation for the new building, making what is now called Mary King's Close after property owner Mary Queen of Scots. During 1645, the plague was brought to the underground community of Mary King's Close. Many believe that the local government decided to contain the plague victims by trapping them in Mary King's Close without food for several years until they all died. In 2003, the forgotten underground close was opened to the public as a tourist destination.

Winchester House, California, USA
Sarah Winchester was the widow of a wealthy gun company owner. Tales tell us that she believed she was being haunted by the ghosts of those who were killed by the guns made by her late husband's gun company, and only constant construction on her house would appease them. The non-stop building of the 160 room Victorian mansion began in 1884 and continued until her death at age 38, in 1922. What made the house so unique wasn't just the sheer size of it, but it's many oddities. During that time it was uncommon to have indoor plumbing and modern toilets, push button lights, forced air heating, a sewer system and even 3 elevators! It is said that Sarah believed the ghosts told her what to build. The number 13 and spiderwebs are seen frequently through-out the house. A staircase that goes into the ceiling, doors that open into walls and a window built into the floor are just a few of the strange things Sarah had designed.

(Image by Sakura Pop)

Book Club

2010-02-12T14:09:00.005-08:00

The Tale of Beatrix Potter
Novel by Margaret Lane
Most of us probably remember Beatrix Potter stories being told to us before bed, when we were young. The fantastic world where animals wore clothing and acted much like humans, was one that captivated me completely. The notion that the author begun writing and illustrating these stories when simply writing to a young boy named Noel, makes them all the more whimsical.

Beatrix Potter's biography starts with her as a little girl, growing up middle-class in England, during the Victorian era. The biographer goes into beautiful detail, describing what life was like for the young Ms Potter. Spending summers out of the city became Beatrix's favorite getaway. Back at home she was
quite shy, spending most of her time in her nursery. From an early age she was drawing realistic animals and birds, but as time went on her drawings started to evolve. Bonnets and scarves began to appear on her naturalistic creatures. Her brother, Bertram became an artist and encouraged Beatrix to paint using water colors.

At age 17 Beatrix had a governess teaching her German. The lessons did not last long though, as the governess left to get married. When the governess' son Noel fell ill, Beatrix wrote him a letter. But this wasn't any ordinary letter. This letter was contained the story "Peter Rabbit", and the rest is history!

This biography gives a detailed look into Beatrix's life, including quotes from her personal letters, postcards and diary, plus photographs of her at different ages and examples of her adorable illustrations.

Masquerade

2010-02-12T14:05:00.000-08:00

Written by Maddie Maschger

As Halloween approaches at an unforgiving pace, the idea of masquerading comes into great popularity. By Merriam-Webster's definition, to masquerade is "to disguise oneself," or "to assume the appearance of something one is not..." Ultimately, short & sweet, to imitate a character whom we admire & wish to
become.

We all have dreams of who we'd like to become - maybe you hung up pictures of Marilyn Monroe on your wall as a little girl, or you find yourself writing poems about glamorous French spies in your journal at night... When we find young women who hold the very aesthetics of who we dream to be, we begin imitating pieces of their everyday behavior. They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattering, & this is exactly why. Obsessed with Edie Sedgwick, or Yoko Ono? You may find yourself dancing around your living room in sparkling chandelier earrings & jet-black leggings, or painting peace signs all over your bedroom & lounging in white, cotton dresses... We become smitten with these characters, or rather, with the idea of living a more adventurous and glamorous life than our own.

But in contrary to this idea, I think it’s time for us to start looking to ourselves for this sparkle. As Halloween approaches, maybe it’s time to take off the mask & start to realize how unique and inspiring each & every single one of us truly is. Accept yourself for your own crazy quirks, both physically &
personality-wise, & begin taking steps toward becoming the real you. If glamor is your calling, make your OWN LIFE more magical! But never forget who you are & how fantastic that little girl inside your heart has become to the world. As a pretty girl & best friend once told me, "Out of the millions of people that could have been, you are alive. Live life to the fullest, because you, my friend, are a miracle." So embrace your own inner beauty, & no longer allow yourself to hide behind someone else's chic, peculiar persona. Take a deep breath & proclaim yourself a miracle, and a dazzling addition to the Universe.

(Image by Sky)

Ask Alice

2010-02-12T14:00:00.000-08:00

Q: I love the lolita life style and everything about it. I want to meet other lolitas and be able to dress like it all the time (aside from school, I have a uniform *blech*), the only problem is I'm very young to be a lolita, only 13. And on top of that I live in a small, almost not, city in the Florida. Ive never seen another person dress like it and I haven't seen any lolita shops either. I have very limited resources. Any ideas?

A: There are many lolitas located in small cities around the world who are feeling the same way you do! Using the internet to find these kindred souls is a great way to feel less lonely. Many websites (like LiveJournal, FaceBook and MySpace) have groups dedicated to lolita fashion. This is a good place to start when looking for others with similar interests. If you have posting ability, don't be afraid to seek out others near you - you never know if there is another lolita living just around the corner!

As for buying lolita clothing in the USA, the fashion itself isn't exactly "common", so finding shops that carry lolita are generally hard to find. Online shopping is your best bet when looking to buy lolita, but if your parents are not willing to let you buy things online, you still have options. If you can sew straight lines, than there is a pretty good chance that you would be able to sew your own lolita clothing. Patterns that can be used as lolita are easily found at fabric stores or large department stores that carry fabric. Look for simple patterns (especially if you are a beginner at sewing) and fabrics on sale that fit the lolita guidelines. If you're not having much luck at the fabric shops, try thrifting! Your parents can't complain about the prices ($5 for a lightly used skirt VS $250 for a skirt from Angelic Pretty) and your lolita wardrobe will be one of a kind! Keep an eye out for basic lolita items, like cupcake shaped skirts, mary jane shoes, cardigans and frilly blouses. Sometimes larger department stores will carry these items as well, so try to be alert at all times! Good luck!

A Tale of an Insomniac

2010-02-12T13:57:00.001-08:00

Written by Morgan Carter

I just want Sleep. But Sleep dose not want me. Sleep and I have always had a rocky relationship over the years. I loath it when he doesn't embrace me. He doesn't take me into his arms because he is jealous. For when I lay down with my darling Sleep, Sweet- Dreams takes me away from his arms. Sweet-Dreams folds me in a warmer and a more comfortable embrace than Sleep could ever give me alone. Sleep believes if he can't have me for himself then no one in the subconscious realm can have me. So I am banished to the land of the conscious, always to be binded to rules and the grip of reality.

(Image by inkshots)

Where is the Love?

2010-02-12T13:52:00.000-08:00

Written by Averie Krahling

Lolita is a beautiful fashion. The most beautiful there is in my opinion. I’m always happy to see a beautiful Lolita in a great outfit. But why is it that so many Lolitas are ugly on the inside?

I am one of the moderators for the website Lolita Snap and a few members were having a conversation about Brand Lolita versus Handmade Lolita when one
member told us a story about an experience she had with a not so nice Lolita. This member said that she had created a replica of the red BABY, The Stars Shine Bright dress that Momoko wears in the movie Kamikaze Girls. It was a perfect replica. So perfect in fact that at an anime convention she went to a girl came up to her wearing the real thing and asked if her dress was real. When she said “no, I made it myself”, the other girl threw a fit about how she is unfit to be a Lolita and then proceeded to rip the back of the girl’s handmade dress.

What exactly is Lolita? Most of us will either say it is just a fashion, or it is a lifestyle - but what about a drug? Lolitas all over are becoming obsessed. Buying brand, wearing brand, living and breathing brand. Where is the creativity? Lolita started as a style that was handmade by the wearer. When did brands become so important?

Lolita fashion is consuming us. Just because you wear all the rare, beautiful, brand pieces, doesn’t give you the right to tell someone that they can’t be a Lolita. Lately it seems that Lolita is nothing but a popularity contest, like running for prom queen.

So you have a closet full of Angelic Pretty, Innocent World, and BABY, The Stars Shine Bright, while she only has a few handmade pieces. You are no different. You both have an undying love for the Lolita fashion and neither of you have anymore right to wear it than the other.

I know that if anyone reads this there will be people saying “I can do whatever I want to. I don’t care if it’s right or wrong.” And that’s perfectly fine by me. I understand you have the right to say what you want, even if the things you say are hurtful to other people. It just hurts me to know that there are such rude people in this world. It’s not about the stereotype that all Lolitas should be nice all the time, but it’s about people having respect for other people. This is a very important topic to me that is close to my heart, and I would really love for people to take this seriously.

I genuinely believe that everyone should be treated equally. Whether it’s about your race, weight, appearance, or even whether you wear Lolita brands or not. We all have one thing in common, we love Lolita fashion, and that should be enough, right?

(Image by Charin)

Ask Alice

2010-02-12T13:48:00.000-08:00

Q: I love lolita fashion, I buy magazines such as gothic & lolita bible, but sometimes it seems confusing; I mean the whole concept of lolita. I heard the skirt was basic (cupcake shaped skirt) but then this aristocrat look honestly it just looks goth to me. I've been checking out many sites and they all say lolita is Victorian/rococo childish inspiration clothing, or like porcelain dolls. Some say its all about the childish look which i disagree, I love babydoll dresses but I don't think they're all "lolita". And other things like socks that were very trendy in the 90's, or tutus. Can you help me?

A: Sadly there are many sources that depict other alternative fashions as "lolita", when they are anything but. This must be very confusing to those who are new to the fashion, as one site will say cat ears and tutus are very lolita, while others faint at the mere thought! Many people who are not familiar with Japanese street fashions will lump all of the crazes together as "Harajuku style". If they learn the word "lolita", they will then list every type of "Harajuku style" as "lolita". Browsers who come across these wrongly tagged web documents will then go on thinking lolita is something that it is not, and end up tagging their own items with the same keywords...resulting in a never-ending chain of people who are confused about what is "lolita" or not! There are many sub-genres of lolita fashion, but the biggest differences you will see between them (in my humble opinion) will be "lolita", kodona and aristocrat. Although all three are classified as "lolita", they look quite different. What I would classify as "lolita", despite the sub-genre, would have cupcake or bell shaped skirt and is inspired by Victorian children's wear. Aristocrat (also known as EGA), style is a more mature look. And kodona is the masculine counterpart to the frilly lolita princess look. Confused? Here are a few helpful links (from people who know what they're talking about when it comes to lolita fashion!) to try out. Study hard and pay close attention to details and soon you'll be giving advice to newbie lolitas!

LolitaFashion
Lolita Handbook
Elegant Gothic Lolita (a great place to do research or ask questions!)

Music to Match Your Style; Joey Chaos

2010-02-12T13:37:00.000-08:00

If you enjoy the darker side of lolita's ruffles, you might want to listen to the musical styling of Mr. Chaos. Hailing from Vancouver Island, BC Canada, Joey is no newcomer to the electronic music scene. He's been producing catchy, yet dark, tracks since 2002.

Joey's beats could be described as danceable with a touch of heartache. His influences include Nine Inch Nails and 80's superstars, Depeche Mode. While these influences can be heard through overtones of his music, the powerful lyrics accompanied by thick rhythmic guitar and a pounding cadence combine to create an all together original sound.

Before winter, Joey plans on releasing a new album (tentatively titled Downfall), and will be doing several shows on Vancouver Island and in the lower mainland area.

You can stay posted on upcoming shows and the realease of the new album at his homepage: joeychaos.com
Or his myspace page, myspace.com/joeychaosmusic

Summer Styles

2010-02-12T13:31:00.000-08:00

Tote Bags by Strawberry Chocolate
Headdress by Petite Perle
Skirt by HeartE
Cutsew by Jelly Bean
Onepiece by Nedimama Maria

Deco Nail Decorating Tutorial

2010-02-12T13:17:00.001-08:00

Written and photographed by Cassandra Lovell

You will need:

1.) Blue Tac
I use blue tac to stick my nails to something while painting / decorating them. This makes them so much easier to work with.

2.) Nail polish
Choose a color you wish to use on your nails; you may use more than one if you wish but for this tutorial I'm just using a single rose pink color.

3.) Nail file
You will need something to file down and shape your nails nicely.

4.) Fake nails
What you'll be decorating of course! Make sure to pick a set of nails that will fit over your own nails. This may be a little harder than one might think because nails come in various shapes and sizes. If you do buy a set that's a little big that's perfect because you can file them down to fit you. (Much better than getting a size too small)

5.) Tweezers
Tweezers are a big help when applying your rhinestones.

6.) Rhinestones
I'm using a variety of rhinestones and small pearls but you can really using anything you wish.

7.) Epoxy glue
I'm using Selley's Araldite Super Strength but I'm sure there are many brands of epoxy glue in your area. I got mine in a local hardware store. This glue is perfect because the bond is amazing, I've never had a rhinestone fall off of anything yet. This glue comes in two parts which you mix together to form the glue. I got a syringe pack that pours them together at the same time. One thing to keep in mind is to pick glue that won't dry in five minutes because you won't have time to fix your mistakes if the glue dries too fast.

8.) Nail clippers
You will most likely need to trim down your fake nails so you'll want a quality pair of clippers.

9.) Cotton tip
I use this to apply my glue to my nails but anything is fine, really.

Preparing your fake nails:
The fake nails I have, have little imperfections at the bottom that I will need to file away and right now they're way too long for me. Take your time clipping your nails down to a desired length and filing them until they're smooth. One thing I also did with my nails is; using my file, I filed down the square edges on the bottom of the nails, because I have round nails myself and I want them to fit. You may not need to do this but to see if a nail will fit while shaping them put them over your own nail to see what will have to be done to make a perfect fit.

Painting your nails:
Time to paint your nails! Using your blue tac, stick your nails to something solid - I've used my rhinestone container. You want your nails to be sitting up from the surface they're sitting on and far enough away from each other to make them easier to work with. Make sure there isn't any blue tac sitting over the nail surface you'll be painting on. Apply nail polish as desired and wait for it to dry. (I used 3 coats, you may only need two.)

Blinging your nails:
After the nail polish is dry and you have an idea about where you want to put your
rhinestones you can prepare your glue. I usually put mine on a small square of cardboard I can throw away later. This glue I'm using needs to sit a little before use so you can always prepare your glue while waiting for your nails to dry. To apply my glue I decide exactly where my rhinestone is going to be and using my cotton tip I put on a small glob of glue. Don't worry if the glue exceeds this area since it will dry clear anyway. I actually made sure my glue went a little outside my rhinestone because I'm using very small pearls to put around my rhinestones to fancy them up a bit. Now you can apply your rhinestones or other decorations to the nail carefully using your tweezers. Be very careful about not letting the glue get on your hands. If it does wash them right away. I keep a small cloth handy to wipe glue off my tweezers as well. If you make mistakes at all during this stage don't stress because the glue will be workable for quite a long time and you can push your
rhinestones around to where you want them. It's a real trial and error process. After you are happy with your nail, move onto the next one and them leave them to dry. I recommend not moving the nails for 24 hours for maximum bond of the glue. You don't want all of your work to go to waste by being hasty.

Done!
After 24 hours your nails will be ready to use. Carefully remove them from the blue tac. You can use glue dots or nail glue to apply them as you please!

The Dark Princess

2010-02-12T13:14:00.001-08:00

Photographed by CandyLust
Modeled by Chloe

The Art of Lolita

2010-02-12T12:34:00.000-08:00

Written by Christina Banta
Art by Courtney Brown

The key to wearing frills with grace and style isn't having a ton of brand of the looks of GLB model. It's about making your clothes work for you rather than against you.

Girls of all shapes, colors and sizes can look great in lolita.

Surprised? The key is not in your weight, height or ethnicity. The key is in the relationships between those facts and your clothing. Just like any other fashion, lolita is a visual art, a mix of colors, proportions and lines. Learn how they work together and you can create the best lolita looks for you. Ignore them and the "ideal" lolita can look bad.

Balance
For a moment, ignore all the details for your body and image it a black and white outline. If you lay lines horizontally across it at different points, you'll notice that your body can look taller or shorter depending on where the "lines" cute the vertical flow of your body. This optical illusion works in lolita as well. For example, shorter girls can their legs look longer through skipping sock and going for tights or bare legs, because the horizontal line of the top of the socks cuts your legs neatly into shorter-looking upper and lower halves.

Taller girls can do the reverse to draw attention away from how long their legs are, while those of average height can do either depending on the other elements of their outfits. Another example is waistlines; the lower your waistline, the shorter your legs look and the taller your torso looks due to the horizontal line cutting across your body at that point. If you're like me and have a longer torso, a high waistline can help create the illusion of a shorter waistline and longer legs.

Vertical lines came into play as well: if your outfit has vertical lines running down it in the form of pintucks, lace edging, or patterns, it also lengthens the overall look and can, as an example be used to make a short torso longer or draw attention away from the body's width to focus on length.

Fit
No matter how expensive your brand may be, if it's too small or too big it can ruin the overall effect of the outfit. A $30 blouse that fits, flatters you more than a $100 one that is either so big you're swimming in it, or so small that all the buttons are pulled apart. Sizing is one of the big advantages of homemade or commissioned outfits, as they can be made to fit you perfectly.

If you buy brand and it's not a perfect fit, you can still tweak it one way or another beyond altering the garments themselves, if it pains you to imaging doing that. If you're a little too small, wear a spaghetti-strap tank top or a padded bra under your regular garments. However, if you're a little too big, try wearing a sports bra or "minimizer" bra and Spanx. I've ever worn one of my steel-bones corsets under one of my small-running Naoto dresses to get the right fit.

Fit also encompasses length: a shorter girl with a hem to her calves can look like she's lost in her dress. If you don't want to have the dress brought up to the right length, try lengthening your legs with higher heels than you might normally wear to help offset it.

If you're tall enough the dress is hitting far above your knee, you can add a plain-colored skirt underneath it and treat the dress or JSK as an "over-skirt" style, or distract from the length with socks as discussed earlier.

Proportion
Proportion in lolita is a different animal from the other fashions, as you have the bell shape dictating the overall look. The poofier the ball, the smaller your waist looks in comparison.

If you're a plus-sized girl, be sure to get enough poof in your skirt of you can end up with a rectangle shape as you visually sight down from the chest to the hips.

Thin or small-chested girls have the opposite issue, as the poof at the hips can emphasize the smallness of the chest.

While lolita isn't about creating a sexy figure, balance still looks good, so if you want more artistic balance between the hips and chest, look for dresses with a lot of detail or mass in the bus, in the form of bows or ribbons. Corsages, large charm necklaces, and capelets can also add more visual weight to your top to balacne out the poof of the skirt.

Accessories
The theory of proportion comes into play again here; bigger girls look bigger if they favor tiny little clutches, while small girls look like children if they have huge, oversized shoulder bags.

Wide or eye-catching waistbands or belts on a dress can make a taller girl seem shorter, while bold hair pieces can add height to a girl - not in the height of the accessory, but in the way it draws the eye upward. Bracelets shorten an arm, while long gloves or sleeves extend it.

Color and Print
Lolita is largely free of color and print trends that come and go in mainstream fashion, but the theories underlying certain colors still apply. A short, thin girl in a big, bold print can look lost in her clothes as the size and impact of the print overwhelms her.

A tall, plus-size girl in a tiny repeating pattern will look bigger. Black and darker colors will recede and make the wearer look smaller, while bright or light colors work in the opposite direction. Does that mean plu-sized girls can never wear light pink or white, or small girls can never wear big patterns? Of course not! Just remember everything in moderation. If you're a plus-size girl and want to wear light pink, choose an outfit that has a minimum of frills and bows around the waist and chest, which add bulk to those areas.

Thin, short girls can balance out a dark-colored outfit by adding bright or bold accessories to draw attention up to the top of the head.

There is also no set color girls of different skin colors should wear. The underlying tone to your skin is what you want to match colors to.

If you're a "cool" olive, you'll look different in a certain shade or color than a "warm" olive girl would, and so on. This is because all colors have an underlying cool or warm factor of their own that play off the one you have. A good way to get a feel for which one you are, is to go to any clothing or fabric store and hold different fabrics to your skin. You'll start to see a pattern in which ones look better against your skin and which make you look sick or pale.

Details
When it comes to lace and ribbons, proportion again comes into play. A big girl in thin lace edging and ribbons will look larger, and a small girl will be overwhelmed by giant eyelet lace and man-eating bow details. You can test which looks best on you by folding a piece of paper to the width of the lace or general size of the bow, of the outfit you're thinking about buying or sewing, and holding it against your chest, leg, or where ever it's placed on the outfit, and seeing how it looks in comparison to you in the mirror.

After awhile, you'll develop a sense for which widths and sizes of detail elements look best on you.

Put it All Together
Any girl can look good in lolita! It's not about how much the clothing costs, or your physical measurements.

Remember, the well-dressed lolita is an artist using the theories of color, balance and proportion to her advantage.

Last but not least; believe in yourself, how you look, and have fun! Confidence, good posture, and a smile make an outfit just as much as the clothes.

Artists Inspired by Lolita Fashion

2010-02-12T12:26:00.000-08:00

"Am I Rori?" by KiwiTEE

"Rainday Renovations" by Leigh Purcell

"The Bird in the Cage" by Yuukichi Ikeda

"Marionette" by Kat Obray

"Graphic Arts Project - Symmetry" by Jessie Kate

By the Sea

2010-02-12T12:17:00.000-08:00

Dina and I decided to take advantage of the wonderful weather and shoot in Whitstable on a summery Sunday in April. We wanted to go for a fun and playful lolita inspired shoot, keeping to the basics of bloomers and a blouse. Hope you like these!

Photos by Nitemare Photography
Modeled by Dina

Book Club

2010-02-12T12:11:00.003-08:00

Anne of Green Gables
Novel by L M Montgomery
For the first installment of "Book Club" I decided to choose a classic story which I had never gotten the chance to read before. Anne of Green Gables is well-loved by readers around the globe...so was I ever surprised when I began reading it!

The first two chapters were so boring that I put down the book with no intention of ever picking it up again. But being the type of person I am, I can not leave a book unfinished! After a few weeks of staring at the book sitting beside my bed, I reluctantly opened it up and began reading where I had left off.

The story slowly starts to get better, once Anne is in the picture. Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert are brother and sister living together and taking care of their farm, Green Gables. They agree that they could use some extra help around the farm and apply to adopt a boy around the age of 12 from a nearby orphanage. When Matthew goes to pick up the boy from the train station, all he finds is a skinny red-headed orphan girl. Realizing there has been a mix up, he takes the girl home to figure out what to do with her. On the drive home the girl, Anne Shirley, talks non-stop and Matthew takes a liking to her.

After letting the girl stay the night at Green Gables, Marilla and Matthew decide to keep Anne around. Marilla thinks Anne is much too chatty and is constantly scolding her. Despite her best efforts, Anne is constantly unintentionally getting her self into trouble. Living in a small conservative town doesn't help. Although Anne is most likely being criticized by the townspeople, she doesn't seem to notice. She's often too caught up in her day dreams.

The first three quarters of the book seemed very dragged out to me. I found Anne Shirley to be an unrealistic yet romantic character. She feels more like an exaggerated version of a little girl who might have existed. Sometimes a page or more is just commentary of Anne's non-stop talking. How no one told her to stop and take a breath, I do not know. The talking goes on and on (this happens with other characters in the book as well) while things are apparently happening. I found this confusing and rather needless. I'd much prefer if the author had stopped the character for half a second to explain what was going on. The author describes outdoor scenery quite vividly – so thoroughly in fact, that I ended up skimming over most of it.

All of a sudden it seems as though Anne goes from being a feisty young girl to an older, less interesting (and more realistic) version of her former self. The majority of the book seemed dedicated to Anne's first few years at Green Gables, so it seems strange that ages 14 -16 are crammed into only about a quarter of the book. Anne had always been rather popular but as she gets older she becomes a compassionate young lady with top grades, good morals, and a wonderful imagination. Anne has also grown into her looks, her hair now a lovely auburn and her freckles barely visible. Again, it does not feel like a character who you would find in real life, but I digress.

Needless to say, I won't be picking up any of the continuing Avonlea stories anytime soon.

(Image by sozaioukoku)

Violet Ichigo

2010-02-12T12:05:00.000-08:00

Chapter 1 - When Everything Falls Apart
"Violet! Great show last night!" Agnes loudly announced her arrival into the already seated conference room. Violet, the only Westerner in the room, blushed and bowed her head politely. "Sorry I'm late everyone, please continue!"

Seated at the head of the long rectangular table was Mr. Matsuda. Violet wondered if she had seen him in anything other than a suit and tie. He waited for Agnes to be seated before he slowly rose to his feet. Keeping his eyes lowered onto his papers and shuffling them around nervously, he said, “Thank you all very much for coming. Today I have a matter to discuss of great importance.” He had been studying English since he met Violet over five years ago but he still had some trouble with it. Mr. Matsuda stopped and glanced at Violet. She smiled back at him and he quickly looked away.

“As most of you know, Violet's tour is coming to an end. Ticket and CD sales have been dropping dramatically these last few months. I have discussed it thoroughly with Mr. Kato and our financial adviser, Mr. Sakamoto. We have decided to cancel the rest of Violet's tour and -”

“WHAT!?” Agnes shrieked, cutting him off and standing up menacingly. The quiet Japanese business people around the table looked up at her, astonished at the outburst. Violet didn't flinch. She was too shocked at what Mr. Matsuda had begun to say.

“Ms. Sasaki!” Mr. Matsuda said sharply.

“This is ridiculous!” Agnes muttered, still standing.

Mr. Matsuda's face was red with embarrassment but he said calmly, “Ms. Sasaki, please be seated.” Reluctantly Agnes Sasaki sat down, giving a forgiving glance at Violet. Violet's face was blank and her eyes seemed to be staring at nothing, yet fixed on Mr. Matsuda.

“I am sorry for the interruption,” Mr. Matsuda bowed forgivingly to the eight or so business people seated around the table then continued, “As of current, our top selling artist is Angel. Since she is a new artist, we need to do some cutbacks in order to take her career further."

"What this means is that many of you will be reassigned. Other may have to be let go.” He paused yet again and sheepishly looked over at Violet. She sat
emotionless, staring back at him, yet seeing right through him. Agnes turned and looked down the table at Violet. Mr. Matsuda had continued speaking but Agnes was paying no attention. Violet was worrying her. She had never seen the bright, happy girl look so pale and deathly.

Agnes looked down at the table before her. She could feel anger rising inside. How could the company do this to Violet? She was one of their best selling artists for five years! Violet had only been 15 when Agnes first met her and became her manager. Agnes had not been pleased with the company's decision back then but Violet wasn't like most girls her age. She had a mature air about her and had become almost like a daughter to 56 year old Agnes.

A wretched sound coming from Violet broke Agnes' train of thought. Violet was leaning off to her left and the business people around the room had various looks of disgust, fear and anger. Before Agnes realized what had happened, the smell hit her. Violet had thrown up and was now beginning to sob. As Violet began to seat herself upright, Agnes rushed to her side and without a word whisked the Violet's limp body away from the conference room.

If she had stuck around a few seconds longer she would have heard Mr. Matsuda saying in Japanese “Many apologies! Please forgive me! Details from this meeting will be faxed to everyone. Thank for you coming, I am so sorry!”

Sitting alone, locked in a women's washroom stall, Violet stared silently at the gray metal door in front of her. Her blurred reflection stared back. In the back of her mind she knew she shouldn't be sitting in a public washroom wearing her favorite petticoat but at this moment she was too numb to care.

“Violet?” Agnes called softly, “Are you....ok?” She already knew the answer but for once in her life, Agnes was speechless.

Beyond the bathroom door she heard movement. Then a click. The door slowly opened to reveal a small girl of no more than 20. Dressed from head to toe in Baby, the Stars Shine Bright with long blond hair, milky skin and crystal blue eyes. On an ordinary day, it was no wonder Violet had so many Japanese fans. But today was no ordinary day. Her eyes looked empty. Her skin sickly pale. The young girl looked as though she'd collapse if there were even the slightest breeze.

“Let's go home.” Sighed Agnes.

(Image by Doll)

Ask Alice

2010-02-12T11:48:00.000-08:00

Q: My friend told me it's ok to use a square dancing petticoat for lolita clothes, but now I saw people online say it's not good to use. Who should I be listening to? I don't have a petticoat yet and want to buy one before I go to my first lolita meet-up!

A: Although most square dancing petticoats are not the right shape to fit under lolita skirts and dresses, some do work. Sound confusing? Unless you are well versed in lolita and know the style like the back of your hand, I would suggest forgetting about square dance petticoats altogether. They may be cheaper to buy but you will regret it if you buy one that is the wrong shape. The easiest way to be sure you are going to get the right shape is to buy from an actual lolita brand. (Not to be confused with stores that sell lolita clothing, because a lot of the time they are selling cosplay items which are not made to last and could possibly be the wrong shape for lolita fashion.) It doesn't have to be from an expensive brand like Moi-même-Moitié. Try local brands (to save on shipping), or brands known to sell their clothing at cheaper prices. Using google or a lolita community/forum; research your petticoat of choice. Are there any reviews of it? If not, trust your gut. Just because something has a low price doesn't always mean it's low quality. If you think it looks good, the price is decent and the shape looks right, go for it! And if you still end up with a dud, you can always re-sell the petticoat with a small warning to other lolitas that this petticoat is best suited for...something else.

How to Buy Offbrand

2010-02-12T11:36:00.000-08:00

Written by Lee Anderton

Lolita fashion is expensive. Okay, maybe that is an understatement. Lolita fashion can carry a price tag that would make any normal person cry. I'm assuming that you're not a multi-millionaire, dating a rich older man, or in a similar situation that would allow you to buy unbelievably expensive frilly clothing. I'm assuming you can't afford a $40 pair of socks, or a rare $600+ dress. But hey, I'm not here to rant about prices; I'm here to help you get stuff for less.

Rule 1: If it doesn't match anything you own, don't buy it. Simple as that. That sweater may be cute, and cheap, cheap, cheap, but let's say it's mint green and you don't own anything that is mint green. If you don't own anything that is mint green, odds are you won't wear that sweater.

Rule 2: If it's from Hot Topic, there's a 99.9999% chance it isn't Lolita. You've probably heard this before, but I'll say it again: Nothing at Hot Topic is Lolita. Their petticoats are for rather... slutty Halloween costumes, the clothing is generally painfully scene, and the shoes are cheaply made.

Rule 3: Just because it looks cutesy doesn't mean it's Lolita. Sure, some people like infantile prints with giant stars and teddy bears, but just because an item has a print like that doesn't mean it's Lolita.

Rule 4: As always, look for the proper silhouette. It's pretty hard to find off-brand skirts and dresses that have a nice bell shape, but not impossible. Don't settle for something that's “close,” as it probably won't look right. Bottom line: If it can't comfortably fit a petticoat, you can't wear it with Lolita.

Rule 5: When buying off-brand shoes, look for low heels and cute detailing, like punch-out hearts. A good deal of off-brand shoes you find will be black, but you can usually find red and white too. T-Strap shoes and Mary Janes are pretty easy to find. Also, buying shoes off-brand is a good choice if you have relatively large feet (size 9+), as most brand shoes just won't fit.

Hints
-Gothic Lolita is (arguably) easier to buy off-brand than say, Classic or Sweet. Sweet calls for heavy decoration at times and Classic uses lines generally not seen in non-Lolita shops. Also, black and white clothing is usually easier to find with a good silhouette and detailing.
-Bow and crown shaped jewelry can be found many places and it goes with Lolita very well.
-Having a nice brand piece, like a head bow or a pair of socks, can really pump up a mostly off-brand outfit.
-Cute socks can be found everywhere! And even if you're just wearing ultra-basic knee-high or over-the-knee socks, you can make really cute sock toppers on the cheap.
-Kid's stores can have cute stuff, if you're on the smaller end of the size spectrum. And if not, they still have cute accessories.
-Tiaras may not be everyone's taste, but you can get off-brand tiaras cheap. I got mine for $12!

Shops
Tulle 4 Us - Hard to find and buy, and kind of pricey, but worth it. Wonderful items, I've even bought a jumper from them.
Forever 21 - It's a bit of an off-brand staple, with cheap, loli-able blouses, cardigans and jewelry. Oh, and socks. Lots of socks. My $12 tiara was from here.
Anthropologie - Also a bit on the pricey side, but again, 100% worth it. They have some of the best off-brand sweaters ever.
Sofft Shoe - T-Straps and Mary Janes, for around $100. Really well made, pretty shoes.
Sock Dreams - To quote the website, it's “The best sock store in the known universe!” If it goes on your feet and it isn't a pair shoes, you can probably find it here.
Payless Shoe Source - Cheap shoes, easy to find, and did I mention cheap? Yeah, that's the main point here.

The list could go on and on, really, but those are the essential sites in my opinion.

The Perfect Pen Pal

2010-02-12T11:25:00.000-08:00

Writing to a pen pal is a bit like writing to a diary that writes back. If you are successful in finding a suitable letter mate, you could have a dear friend for life. But be warned, it may take a bit of trying before finding a true match. Don't be discouraged! Here is a guide to help you find the pen pal you've dreamed of!

You can make an ad in pen pal specific communities online. If you are already a member of LiveJournal, there are many communities dedicated to finding pen pals. When you write an ad, be sure to state the things that are most important to you. If you absolutely do not want to write to someone of the opposite gender, or really, really would like an international pen pal, don't be afraid to say so.

You may have to post a few ads in different communities before getting responses. At first you might be so excited you'll want to write to them all! But before exchanging mailing addresses, get out your wood pipe and do a bit of detective work first. Does the person have their own pen pal ad? If so, are you compatible with what they wrote? Click on their profile. Are they a part of other communities that you may not agree with (racism, wank, etc)? Look through other people's ads in the pen pal communities they belong to. Do they reply to every single ad? Email them and ask them for more information about themselves if they have nothing available to view online. Find out all you can about them before deciding to send them any mail. It may seem harsh but some potential pen pals are just looking for freebies from unsuspecting newbies and have no intention of writing you back.

Ok *whew* you've now found someone you think you will be a compatible pen pal with. They fit your criteria, and you, theirs. You've exchanged mailing addresses and one of you has to write first. But what do you say to someone you've never met before?! A good pen pal will be interested in your life. Tell them about your family, where you live (this is especially interesting if your pen pal is overseas!), your hobbies and anything else you'd like them to know about you. Remember, you don't have to tell them every gritty detail from when you were conceived until this very moment. Think about the things you would like to know about your pen pal.

Topics to stay away from are politics, religion, racism, etc unless you already know where your pen pal stands and you have similar points of view. Ask them fun questions like where is the last place they traveled, what is their hometown known for, or what is a movie they recommend.

You should always be friendly and polite, even if you sometimes don't agree. Don't leave their letters sitting for weeks, reply in a timely matter and let your letters show you care! Even if you don't like your handwriting, it is much more personal. Use cute stationary, draw, include stickers or little gifts for your pen pal and they will most likely do the same.

If after writing to each other a few times, you feel like the two of you do not connect, write them a simple letter telling them so. It could be heartbreaking if your pen pal thought you had a great connection and then you suddenly stopped writing with no explanation. Don't be ashamed to write another pen pal ad or reply to others who interest you.

If you and your pen pal do connect though, you should get the feeling that you really know them. Maybe it's not someone you would be friends with in real life but it's still fun to hear from someone else's perspective. And who knows? You might end up finding the perfect pen pal!

(Image by Chokomai)

The History of Parlor Cats

2010-02-12T11:19:00.000-08:00

We've all heard the story of how the Egyptians worshiped cats so many years ago. But did you know that, after being brought to the Western world as mouse hunters (particularly useful for farmers), cats were shunned during the Middle Ages? Because of their independent nature, cats were considered evil and thought to be working for the devil. Thousands of cats were killed during this period, simply because humans didn't understand them.

It wasn't until the 1800s when cats became a popular item. Queen Victoria owned a cat named "White Heather" and treated it as though it were a part of the family. During the Victorian times, anything the royal family did quickly became the latest fashion for the rest of the upper and middle class population. In the 1890s, an article appeared in "Godey's Lady's Book", once and for all proclaiming cats as a fashionable accessory.

Cats were now pampered pets, no longer having to live in barns or worry about being burned alive. Long-haired cats were favored and could often be found lounging in the parlor with a bow tied around their neck. During the Victorian era, science and oddities were big interests. Cats were seen as very clean and helped keep people's homes rodent-free. The cats that were born "different" were often put on display or bred to make new breeds.

In 1871, the first-ever cat show was held in England. Cat fanciers not only bred cats but began an entire cat-craze. Advertisements, postcards, pottery - in almost all aspects of Victorian life, images of cats could be found. Although they have been kept as proper pets for quite some years, cats still retain their original aloof and mysterious qualities.

(Image by Beverly & Pack)

Must See's in Savannah (Georgia, USA)

2010-02-12T11:11:00.000-08:00

Savannah is one of the oldest American cities and dates back to the early 1700s. There are many different ways to experience the city, from carriages and trolleys, to walking and ghost tours! The town has been a part of Revolutionary and Civil War Battles. It even has the biggest National Historic Landmark District in the United States!

This busy city hosts over 150 festivals a year and is known for it's "Southern hospitality". Millions of tourists come through Savannah and many are known to fall in love with the town and end up staying. There's always something to do in this romantic city!

You can stay right downtown in the Historic Landmark District of Savannah to experience the "real thing". Walk around the city and soak up their famous buildings, monuments, museums, churches,squares, parks and more. If your feet allow it, you can experience more than 1200 restored historic buildings! The Owens-Thomas house is a notable stop of interest. It was built in 1816 and is gorgeously decorated with formal gardens surrounding it.

Forsyth Park is located in Savannah's Historic Landmark District, well within walking range of most restaurants. This 30-acre park is home to the Forsyth Fountain, a cast-iron fountain made in 1858. It's one of the cities most recognized icons.

Tours in Savannah are quite popular. Maybe the most exciting being the "haunted" tours. There are a few tours available that start downtown then venture on foot after dark, to the Bonaventure Cemetery. The cemetery is the final resting place for many of Savannah's most notable citizens. It's a serene place with many benches and well looked after, lavish tomb stones.

Tybee Island is another site of interest, especially if you feel the need to get away for awhile! Only 20 minutes from Savannah's downtown but it feels worlds away. The beach front has beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean! You're likely to catch a view of a pelican or two and maybe some bottle-nose dolphins playing in the surf. So relax and enjoy the sun before it's back to civilization!

The Telfair Museum of Art is a wonderful place to learn about culture and history through art. The museum boasts over 4500 permanent works of art hailing from the United States, Europe, and Asia. Historic buildings, fine arts and decorative arts are the Telfair's three main categories for their exhibitions. The Owens-Thomas House, along with two other buildings (Telfair Academy and Telfair's Jepson Center for the Arts) are all owned and run by the Telfair Museum of Art. The Telfair museum began in 1886 when the Telfair family opened their home to the public as an art museum and school.

(Image by respres)

Pierced and Tattooed Lolis

2010-02-12T11:09:00.000-08:00

Written by Julie Waverman

If there is one thing that most lolitas can agree on, it's that lolita fashion is all about aesthetics.

Although we tend to have a love for beauty, a “perfect” lolita does not exist. We each have our own personal thoughts on what a lolita should look, act and dress like. The same could be said for any genre of fashion. Not every person is going to fit into a cookie cutter mold, nor is everyone going to agree on the ultimate look.

Much like accessories, when tattoos and piercings are done tastefully and suit the wearer they can help complete a look. These days the stigma around people who opt to have piercings or tattoos is a lot less harsh than it used to be. Now it's almost uncommon to not have at least one tattoo or piercing! They are so mainstream that most people don't notice when someone has them. So why should it matter what style of clothing you wear?

Whether you decide to get inked, scarred, poked, or other, it's your prerogative and should not concern any one else. Fans of lolita fashion should be paying
attention to the overall appearance of the wearer, not get hung up on details that can not (and in most cases WILL NOT) be changed.

(Image by Popu)

Picnic Planning

2010-02-12T11:06:00.000-08:00

For those who live in the northern hemisphere, it's the perfect time of year to have an outdoor picnic! You need not travel far, there may be a yet-to-be-explored (by you) park nearby! Use the internet to search for local parks or cute little hideaways you may not have even known were there! Often cities have forums where people can discuss anything local. If you haven't found what you're looking for through searching, take a deep breath and ask on the forums if anyone knows of a great spot. Once you've chosen a destination, the fun really begins!

How many people are coming? How are they getting there? What is everyone bringing? Will there be a dress code? Decide these sorts of things beforehand so you don't end up with 10 different people arriving from the same area all in separate cars, each one carrying a strawberry cheese cake. There are plenty of websites full of yummy recipes that would be perfect for picnics! Plan your food and drink options ahead of time so that everyone attending knows what to bring and what will be available for them to eat.

If you are the picnic planner/host, make sure to bring extra items like blankets and cutlery just in case someone forgets theirs. A weaved picnic basket and checkered blanket are favorable but not necessary. Small details may add to the overall ambiance but that doesn't mean you won't have a great time without them! If you insist on being as authentic as possible, try your local thrift or dollar stores for adorable (and cheap!), picnic finds.

Happy picnic planning!

(Image by Eminia)

Purikura

2010-02-12T01:03:00.000-08:00

Welcome Home!

2010-02-12T00:52:00.000-08:00

Many lolitas talk about wanting to live in castles - but not me. My personal goal is to buy a small cottage. I don't know why cottages aren't praised more often within the lolita community (or at least they haven't been from what I've seen)

Much like lolita styles there are plenty of types of cottage styles to choose from: country, beach, Victorian, shabby chic, gothic or your own random mix of influences. Who needs a castle when you can create your own perfect little world in the woods, on a farm, or near the ocean?

The way cottages are built can vary greatly. I personally adore the ones that are half under ground, like the hobbit's houses from The Lord of the Rings. They can also be built above ground, out of stone, cut wood, logs or even sticks and mud.

You can look for more great ideas with your preferred search engine. Let your imagination run wild!

(Image by Sherry's Rose Cottage)

My First Circle Lens Contacts

2010-02-12T00:47:00.000-08:00

Doll eyes, anime eyes, alien eyes - call them what you will but I love the look of circle contact lenses! As someone who has never worn contacts before, this was the breaking point for me. I had to have these contacts! Now don't get me wrong, I love my hazel colored eyes. But the idea of having big, adorable, dark eyes was irresistible! After months of contemplating I finally took the plunge and bought my first pair of circle lens contacts.

I was ecstatic when they arrived in the mail (you can only buy them from overseas dealers) and rushed to try them on. Unknown to me was how tricky putting on contacts for the first time would be. I must have tried at least a good 20 times before finally getting the left contact in. The trick that worked for me was to *not* to look away from the contact lens. When I tried looking away, I could see my finger with the contact coming at me, causing my eye to want to look at it. But since I was trying hard to not look at it, I ended up fluttering my eyelids and straining my eyeball. It doesn't sound too pretty does it?

By trying not to blink and looking at the contact as I placed it on my eye, I finally got both contacts in. It felt very strange when they moved into place! I looked in the mirror and was very pleased with the results. The majority of photo examples online use model's with dark brown eyes. Having lighter eyes I was worried how the contacts would look on me. In my opinion, they look just fine with lighter colored eyes! I love them so much that I plan to buy green, violet and blue circle lenses in the future.

*Warning*
Before wearing or buying any contact lenses you should first be sure you know your proper eyeglass prescription, as told to you by an optometrist. You must have contact solution to put your lenses in to keep them clean. Read the label for instructions. Remember, they're your eyes and you should take the best possible care of them! They're the only eyes you'll ever have!

Artists Inspired by Lolita Fashion

2010-02-12T00:40:00.000-08:00

By Stephanie

By Ellen

By kiwiTee

By C.Napier

Loli Dolls

2010-02-12T00:33:00.000-08:00

"The Lolita style is very influenced by the dresses worn by little girls and their dolls in the late 19th Century. I love the Victorian era, and I love seeing young women and their dolls dressed alike."
-Angela P. Wade

Some lolitas hate them, some love them. But either way, you can not deny that many owners of Asian dolls dress their girls in lolita or lolita-inspired fashions.

It makes sense that people would dress their Asian-ball-joint dolls (many of which come from Japan) in Asian cultured clothing, even if the owner is from the West. But how do they feel about "lolita". Is it just a dress for them, or is it something more?

When asked how the doll owners found out about lolita style, their answers were similar to answers I've seen girls who wear lolita regularly say. Kimberly, owner of 2 wa-loli dolls replied "I learned about it through a website, not sure on what it was but I looked up gothic outfits and there was a pretty frilly dress that I loved."

Of the doll owners who replied to my questions, most had at least 4 dolls dressed in lolita. "It suits them, it's cute and easy to sew. A lot of dolls come with lolita inspired outfits." says Kylie, with around 10 dolls dressed in lolita attire. When asked why she dresses her dolls in lolita, Duplica simply replied "Because lolita makes them even more beautiful".

So who are these people dressing their dolls in our beloved fashion? Crazy fans? Middle aged men? You just may be surprised! The doll owners who replied to
my questions already dress, or would like to dress, in lolita. Unlike popular misconception, these women knew about the fashion and how to wear it. "I don't wear them very often, but I go on lolitas meetups and I love every thing related to it." Mariana told us. Another doll collector, Angela said "I'm 40 years old, and think I'm a little too old for all the ruffles, grin! I'm getting into the less lacy, more sexy Victorian Steampunk look for myself, and I suspect
my dolls might take up Steampunk Lolita..."

London Calling

2010-02-12T00:26:00.000-08:00

One can not go to London without visiting the world famous Buckingham Palace! The Palace is is the London home of The Queen and Prince Philip. It is here that the Queen holds garden parties and bestows knighthoods. During the summer you can buy tickets to enter the Palace but don't expect to see her private chambers or meet The Queen herself!

Literally the "coolest" bar in London, Absolut IceBar London is re-designed every 6 months. The entire bar (walls, chairs, tables, etc) is made of ice from the Torne river in Sweden. Be sure to reserve ahead of time, as seating is limited and in high demand.

The London Eye is the world's largest observation wheel. Climb on board and prepare to see 55 of London's most famous landmarks in only 30 minutes! This is
probably the most extraordinary way to view London.

If you have time, you should make a stop at the British Museum. It's one of the world's best museums, with famous treasures from all over the world. Expand your mind with all the wonderful things this museum has to offer!

Anyone who's anyone is a wax figure at Madame Tussauds! From historical figures, to celebrities and sports stars, you will find them all here. Get your camera ready and pose with your heroes!

(Photography by Gaspa)