Lolita Charm: June 2009

Monday, June 29, 2009

Lolita As An Art Form

Since I have been playing with different styles and coordinates lately (like gothic, aristocratic, classic, etc) I have had time to muse on the lolita idea of coordinates. What inspires a coordinate? Is it simply so much as, what goes with this skirt? Or, I feel like wearing polka dots today? Yes, sometimes it does boil down to these simple motives, and these are perfectly fine ways to put together an outfit. A coordinate can sometimes seek to follow a theme or a specific feel, for example, swans, or Pre-Raphaelite. But I believe the best coordinates do not just have a few keywords of description but possibly a whole story behind them. That, at least, is how many of my more imaginative coordinates come about.

Does this seem frivolous? Perhaps. But it is also one of the lolita's greatest gifts that she is able to make fantasy into reality, make dreams real. Life, which has always been a story of its own, is finally recognized as such. One could even say it is a kind of performance art, to act out the fantasies and daydreams on your fashion, hair, and makeup. But because life is also performance art, it reaches the level of metafiction, such as Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream and Hamlet. The lolita is telling a story through her appearance while being part of a story herself. To illustrate this idea, here is a Polyvore coordinate I have put together and a short piece about it.

It was a wet day in mid-November when Pauline finally had the clothes she needed to make the outfit she had been dreaming of. It was the stubborn shoes that just wouldn't come in, though all the other garments had been in her closet for the past two weeks. The postman dropped off the black-tipped Mary Janes that morning, just as she was leaving for class. She was so excited that she hurried back upstairs, and, at the risk of being late for econometrics, changed into the full outfit. She stood admiring herself in the mirror for a few stolen moments, liking the affect of the drop pleats and full skirt that tapered the waist. She'd never worn a long skirt like that before, but it seemed appropriate for what she had in mind.

She arrived on campus and swept through her first two classes, and impatiently awaiting the four-hour wait until her next class. Generally it was long and uneventful, and fluctuated between reading at the student center to wandering through hallways, trying to look as if she belonged somewhere. There was a feeling of homelessness when there wasn't anywhere specific for her to go. Humans were always rushing back and forth from place to place on tight schedules, and there was something otherworldly and uncomfortable about having the world stop turning. It was how she found the Founder's Hall.

It was an unused hall with a broad, colonial fireplace, rows of stiff chairs, and in the corner, a white piano. Pauline had never learned how to play the piano but she had always dreamed of playing, especially classical pieces like Debussy and Chopin. That was how she had thought up her outfit - the perfect thing for a young heroine to wear as she played the piano to herself, sending eerie notes through the still building.

At long last, in her perfect ensemble, playing the part in her own little story, she sat the piano, fingers resting on the ivory keys. The only sound was the rain beating on the glass outside. She didn't even hear the boy peeking in the door, watching with curiosity at the strange fairytale he saw, her eyes seeing something else, as she soundlessly played the song no one could hear.

The story that Pauline builds her coordinate around is her own creation, a sort of real-life dress up if you will. But while she is sucked into her own world, she is also being observed by the mystery boy. And while he is watching her, we, the readers, are watching them. That is what I mean by the literary device of story within a story. Now you may ask, when exactly did we stop talking about fashion and start talking about literary devices?

To put together a coordinate that has a depth to it, I feel that it is best to put together almost a miniature film or play. This might be my inner writer and filmmaker coming out to play, but that's my method: a set, a story, a character, a wardrobe - that becomes my reality. The lolita appreciates beauty in all its forms, and the beautiful things we appreciate as assimilated into us. Every image we find beautiful is tucked away inside of us, an inspiration we will draw on later. I believe that in the lolita, the sense of visual beauty is highly developed. Because of this, these things affect us more strongly than other people, and therefore it manifests more strongly. I consider fashion to be a medium through which I express my ideas and quiet daydreams, and my current color palette is lolita. There is some emotion or energy I can only express through lolita fashion. To say it is only a few pieces of clothes - fabric and stitches - undermines the creative ability inside of them. This might not be true for everyone, but this is my personal interpretation of how coordinates come about. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the creativity behind lolita fashion.

Labels: discussion, fashion, lifestyle, polyvore

Friday, June 26, 2009

Kokusyoku Sumire Style for Long Hair

Recently I've been looking for fresh music and ended up falling in love with Kokusyoku Sumire (and subsequently, got me pretending to be a Gothic lolita in chiffon ruffled corset and black bow!). They've been popular among lolitas for a while, and I've always loved their fashion style and art. But then I actually listened to them - inspired by a link from Carousel of Crowns - and that prompted this new hairstyle!

Before you wince, I didn't actually cut off my long purple locks. That's the best part of this look - a faux retro bob for girls with longer hair. I can't claim to have invented this style, but I have been messing with the execution for a week or so, and I think I've finally got it down.

So, the basic method is:

Clip up the top layer of hair, slightly thicker than the bottom layer.
Coil the bottom layer into a flat bun or a French twist. Use an elastic and a few pins to secure (on a different tangent, I realized I'm only 33% blond, so I've stopped using blond elastic and dye... the end of an era!) The flatter it is the better, because you'll be hiding it under the top layer. Any bumps you'll have to cover with teasing.
Take the top layer out of the clip and use and elastic to put it into a loose ponytail. Then pull it until the sides are loose in a kind of bubble around the back of the head. If your hair is fine or isn't covering your bun/twist, you may need to tease the underside.
Pin the tail of your pony to the bun or twist (this is the main reason to have them! to have something to pin it to) and shape into a bob with your fingers if need be. It works best with layered hair or especially the hime cut. I try to blend the side bangs and the faux bob with my fingers and a teeny comb, like your teasing comb. When you have it the way you want it, spray for hold.

You could also use a Bumpit for height in the back. This look works well with giant bows, retro styles, and in my opinion, any kind of lolita (gothic, sweet, classic, or even otome or fairyloli). I love this look but I'm glad I didn't really cut my hair - I'd be stuck with it, and my hair would try to flip funny on the ends. But it's so sweet for every once in a while!

I hope you try it, and enjoy!

Links

Faux Bob Tutorial #1 (Japanese)
Faux Bob Tutorial #2

Plus! Two of my favorite Kokusyoku Sumire songs:

Circus No Uma
Black Violet

Labels: cosmetics

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Turbo-Poof

There is nothing so trademark to the lolita as her bell-shaped skirt. That famous silhouette can be what stands between a lolita outfit and a non-lolita outfit. It's like big hair or long eyelashes - girls want it; they'll do anything to get it. They try dozens of different products. They poke and prod and shop around. Sometimes starching is recommended for your poof; sometimes hanging it upside is preferred. Or in worse case scenarios, one is told just not to sit down all day.

If you're like me, you've had your trials and tribulations achieving the perfect poof. I've gone the cheap route, which was popular when I first started - an In the Starlight poof petticoat. And I've gone the expensive route, a $100 of my money sucked up for an Angelic Pretty petticoat. Neither of them really do the job. Sometimes I've even doubled them up if they're particularly on strike.

But now there is hope! I've found the perfect cure to what ails your dying poof. I call it... the Turbo-Poof.

All dramatization aside, this is one of the most useful items I have bought lately. It is a fairly short, pink dot tulle petticoat that I bought... from Hot Topic! Yes, I was surprised too! And not only that, it only cost me $18.99! It's adorable and froofy, and will revive any deflated petticoat into the poof of your dreams.

But warning! This petticoat is not for beginners! But luckily, I have researched the best way to use it for you, my fantastic readers :)

Tips for Using Your Pink Dot Petticoat

This is a short petticoat, which makes it ideal for shorter skirts. I have three slightly shorter skirts - a black gingham from BABY the Stars Shine Bright, my self-made yellow and pink, and my new yellow unicorns (the last not very, but this petticoat fits better).
Use under a regular, longer petticoat for full-length (knee length) lolita skirts. The regular petticoat will avoid the 'drop-off effect' you can get from a shorter petticoat under a longer skirt. You can also use it with skirts that have a built-in layer of tulle.
If you do want to wear this alone under shorter skirts, you may want to avoid very lightweight fabrics. This petticoat has no top layer, only ruffles, so it may look slightly lumpy under lightweight pieces.

This petticoat works like a Bumpit for your other petticoats - it adds the necessary volume to a petticoat where it may have lost it. Specifically, in the area lolitas tend to rest their little bums, and subsequently get crushed tulle or netting. It doesn't use tulle pleats or starching to keep its shape - it's mostly pure volume. If you're into fairy-kei, it can also double up in your wardrobe as a cutesy tutu with shimmery leggings and ballet flats.

Add in the fact that there is something utterly delightful about knowing that your undergarments are ruffles of pretty pink dots, and that makes this petticoat an excellent buy!

Links

Hot Topic item page
the petticoat in action under a skirt (no other poof)

Labels: budget-loli, review

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

For The Love Of Black

For a long time - at least, for most of my induction into lolita - it seemed that Sweet Lolita was on a mounting rise. What began as a modest interest in Baby the Stars Shine Bright quickly bloomed into a love of Angelic Pretty and from there exploded into the decololi era, full of pink wigs and print-frenzy and head-eating bows. I admit that these are the styles I 'grew up on' in lolita. I find that I'm quickly becoming a more nostalgic lolita senior these days as I watch what I never thought - sweet fading from the lolita world.

If the lolita world was a tea table, in which everyone had been eating the sugariest cake for hours, a suddenly belly-aching cry rang, 'Oh God, I need a cup of coffee. Black. No sugar, please - keep it.' Even the few girls who had drunk the most sugary sweet tea headed for finger sandwiches stuffed with wholesome, entirely unsweetened filling.

Perhaps this was a longer metaphor than necessary, but I shall get on to the point - I predict a broad drop-off in sweet lolita style, especially the very over-the-top styles of Angelic Pretty. As for decololi, it has become an increasingly rare animal. It seems like what was yesterday's big hit has suddenly lost all interest - the signs were written on the wall. Sugary Carnival had its rush, but Cherry Berry Bunny was a little less, and now Memorial Cake a little less after that. If it wasn't for Melty Choc, the new pink and chocolate colored line being pushed, I would nearly declare Memorial Cake to be the last of its kind for a while. Maybe it's the economy, maybe it is just an envitable flow of time, but I think that Gothic, aristocratic, and some classic are going to be the new majority in the lolita world.

It's not surprising, really. Trends fluctuate back and forth like a pendulum, from one extreme to the next and everywhere in between. Just like the 60s brought big hair and the 70s brought pin-straight, people move towards diversity. Trends occur in the fashion world because somebody starts aching for something new and and then suddenly everyone wants whatever if new and different. Black veils and spiderweb motifs are suddenly starting to look like a breath of fresh air after all the unicorns and candy. Even I'm starting to daydream about aristocratic, sharp-lapeled jackets and longer pleated skirts. But I think I'm ready for the switchover. Are you?

A (Tongue-in- Cheek) Survival Guide for Sweet Lolitas

Stock up on anything that looks like it will suffer from the lack of sweet lolitas - like sweets jewelry, candy-shaped purses, etc.
Be ready with a constant arsenal of bows to sweeten anything - pink bows on bats? Yes!
If even you are falling prey to some of the elegant gothic designs, pair them with sweet basics. I think a beautiful gothic corset would look fabulous with a frilly, sweet-style black or white blouse.
If you're still really into sweets themes, try using black coffee, dark chocolate, licorice, or espresso beans in your motifs!
Try wearing black dresses from sweet brands, like Baby the Stars Shine Bright or Angelic Pretty. Then you can still wear them with the gothic accessories - I'm always hypnotized by Suppurate System.
When there are fewer sweet lolitas, there's less competition for the It Print of the Month! Take advantage of it!

I'd also do a Survival Guide for Sweet Lolitas in a Classic Age but they're so close I'm not worried about assimilation ;)

No matter who takes up the style torch of the lolita world, one must remember that all forms of lolita are beautiful. To war one style with another is as ridiculous as twin sisters fighting. A friend once asked me how to such different styles could be considered the same thing. I responded it that it was a simple as two sides of the same coin. You can't really have one without the other - the depth of the fashion would be lost. The most powerful motif in lolita fashion is our love of juxtaposition - dark innocence; one side will make you bigger, one side will make you smaller; cute and creepy. Each fresh wave of trends keeps lolita evolving - and forever young.

Labels: culture, discussion, fashion

Monday, June 22, 2009

LoliGirls Trailer!

The first few clips from the previous filming are up! Personally, I am quite in love with it - Kate, our director, has done a beautiful job. Enjoy!

Labels: documentary

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Memories in Glitter

One of my oft-picked up and oft-dropped again projects (I'm partially Gemini; can't help it!) is a lolita scrapbook. I spent most of my time slathering the cover with jewels and ribbons, and used the best of my Angelic Pretty stickers on it. I've made it about three pages in since Christmas, unfortunately. In my meager defense, each page is huge and needs to be prepared before any few photos are added. I'm just not a traditional, magazine-style scrapbooker. I don't keep any brads, grommets, or extra die cuts lying around.

I'm more interested in old-school scrapbooking. The Victorian era, 1920s style, where girls added trimmed out newspaper clippings, the odd photo, and a few pressed pansies in the pages. I already enjoy art journaling, which is full of pretty papers, emotion, and sketched unicorns. But I wanted this to be something special. Not just about lolita, but of the memories I have had with lolita and my darling lolita friends, The Court.

So now, with mounted annoyance and maybe a touch of guilt over the unfinished state of the large, popular-style scrapbook, I have found a small deliverance. It's a violetish rose color, and has a shifting layer of delicate raschel lace on the cover. The paper inside looks a little like flower seeds.

Are you interested in lolita scrapbooking? There really is a lot you can do with it - well, anything you want, really. Maybe you like to do the new style, with tons of gadgets and glue and gizmos and layouts. Or maybe you like to paste in ticket stubs from your lolita outings (I am a terrible keeper of ticket stubs - I'll save movie stubs for years, and I've already had Parisian metro stubs for two!), or perhaps you like to doodle. Whatever strikes your fancy! A few ideas:

Catalog your daily outfits and inspirations. If you're not posting them on the Internet, you don't need to worry about what's lolita and what isn't, or the fact your hair had a weird kink that day. It's just for you, so feel free to do it as often as you like. If you don't want to do photos, you can also do sketches - sort of like Fifi Lapin.
Or go in the opposite direction and print out your inspirations of other people's clothes and artwork. It's just for your personal use, so I don't think there would be any copyright issues. Either of these ideas could be great supplemented with some of your favorite quotes.
You could put in photos from your lolita outings and lolita friends. Silly photos, photoshoots, and small souvenirs are an excellent start.
Or, if you have mostly online lolita friends or lolita penpals, add thread transcripts you love or the letters they send you. I think printing out an instant messenger conversation with a beloved online lolita friend would be so sweet glued in the pages, with a few doodles around the sides. And pretty Japanese or Victorian stationery can tell a story between you and your penpal. Some Victorian ladies would keep two copies of the letters they wrote - one to send away, and another to keep so that she would know the context of the others.
Practice calligraphy or old-fashioned script in your scrapbook.
Make your journal a living wish list by adding anything that catches your fancy while window-shopping online - dream dresses, impossible bags, and hugely expensive boots.
If you enjoy writing, add some short stories or poems to your scrapbook. A few photos interspersed with a couplet or so by your own self is a very sentimental touch.
Use sheet music on the pages for a pretty touch. You can use it just decoratively, or use the sheet music to your favorite song or maybe classical piano piece. Add your own words in the lyrics, or simply add photos.
Speaking of pretty touches: ribbons, bows, lace. You know your mission. Go!
If you're really into the stickers that come with your Japanese magazines, make a glorified sticker book. I keep mine in my LC planning diary :)
Save your brand paraphernalia like tags, postcards, and extra fabrics and buttons. Sometimes they also send along printed ribbons, which can look lovely as ribbon bookmarks in the spine or looped around a spiral notebook's hinge.
Pressed flowers are one of my favorite things as well. They're especially fun if you pick flowers from an outing, like a picnic with your friends - or if you pick unusual flowers and then add their botanical names and maybe magical properties?!
Save any valentines you get or secrets that really speak to you. There is something quiet and beautiful about a well-loved secret or valentine sent anonymously; they warm the heart.
Use old-style photo corners for an antique-y look. Black is traditionally retro, but I like gold for a sense of Victoriana.

Got any other ideas on how to use a lolita scrapbook? Let us know! Every book is a work of your own thoughts and beauty, so they will all be different and unique - rather like lolitas themselves.

Labels: crafty loli

Friday, June 19, 2009

Up & Up

Lately the magazines (Kera, Gothic and Lolita Bible) have been all about huge hair. Borrowing a leaf from the 1960s, which, besides gorgeously full lashes and doe-eyes, also worshipped the beehive hairstyle - the lolita world has decided big, almost rounded hair tops are wonderful. They take their inspiration from Brigitte Bardot, Marie Antoinette, and maybe even Marge Simpson.

The general method is: backcomb until the Four Horsemen appear, and then pin back with enough spray to kill the ozone. But there has been a slight buzz lately about a new hair gadget on the market - Bumpits from Big Happie Hair. They're said to be the secret behind real hair, big poufs. A lot of girls have been thinking about trying them, or have - and I've finally jumped on the bandwagon.

It all started with two a.m. television. That's how I saw the Bumpits infomercial. Their claim is: lift hair, tease slightly, add Bumpit, be fabulous! I was slightly skeptical, especially about anything you order off of the television. When will infomercial people realize we'd buy the same stuff much quicker if they just used the trusty Internet? The days of the shopping channel are numbered. But still, I wanted them and wasn't about to buy them off the television (or even be bothered to order off the Internet).

I was in luck today when, at my local Claire's, I spotted a package of blonde-color Bumpits! Down low near the Hairagami, this was a lucky find! I ran home and tried them out.

In the look above, I selected a few inches of hair on my crown, tease the underside slightly, and then cover, spray, and pin with a bow clip. I also pinned back my hime cut sidebangs around the base of the style. Also shown here: a pink double-satin ribbon headband from Claire's; a casual lolita Alice in Wonderland tee shirt.

Tips To Wearing Your Bumpits

For lolita/himeloli style, use your biggest Bumpit. They also make a sold seperately Hollywood Bumpit that is even bigger, if you want. But the medium size I find to be a bit understated.
If your hair is fine, the teasing will make it easier to cover the teeth and plastic shape. I could use a little more teasing on the right side of my pouf actually.
If you set it too far back on your head, it won't stay in as well. Try to set it even with your ears, like a real headband.
Bonus for my hair with this look - the purple streaks are very evident! Earrings will also look nice - normally my hime sidebangs hide earrings, but this is perfect for showing them off.
Bumpits are very comfortable to wear. Sometimes even simple ponytails or pigtails can make my head ache by the end of the day, but I can't even feel the Bumpit (and you know I mean it, because I'm already in my Hello Kitty pajamas as I write this, and my hair is still up!)
There are plenty of other ways to wear your Bumpit besides with a headband. For lolita versions try mini tiaras, a half-moon shaped rose comb, ropes of pearls pinned into a loop, or just your favorite head-eating bow.
Check out any of the myriad of Youtube tutorials on different ways to wear Bumpits!

Links

Youtube tutorial to this look
Bumpits official spot
Bumpits website

Labels: cosmetics, shopping

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

The Fairy Court

A few of the first photos from Sunday have been released! This was one of my favorites - I spotted a dragonfly in the pondweed.

Sunday was the first photoshoot for the Lolita Girls (working title) Documentary by Kate Slomkowski. Kate has an interest in lolita fashion peaked by her cousin, Miss Julia - and is also a professional documentary maker. She recently approached us, the Court, about filming us. Currently the rough draft for the documentary seems to follow a series of interviews, watching the Court in its natural habitat, and culminating at our project of the Connecticon lolita fashion show (the biggest lolita fashion production in New England). This documentary, we believe, is the first of its kind outside of Japan.

This documentary is going to be an average of ten minutes long; however, there is the possibility of submitting it to a few film festivals and looking for the backing required to fund a half-hour documentary. That would really be quite something!

We had already met with Kate informally for short, unfilmed interviews; but today we planned for a Midsummer Night Dream themed photoshoot, reality television style filming, and some one-on-one interviews about our lolita philosophies and ideals.

I got there quite early (and had to get up before six to curl my hair and apply my makeup!) and then did last-minute touch ups with Miss Lumpy and Miss Julia before the shoot (and play with Miss Molly, their beautiful long-haired calico!). Then we had individual microphones pinned under our petticoats and taped to the insides of our dresses, so that the camera crews would not miss a word between us! During the day we were being filmed by two cameras, and we also had a wonderful professional photographer. He was excellent at direction and even asked for our input or ideas for the locations! We used several different settings, including a pond, a 'magic orchard', a picnic, and a brook. To get around the 24 acres of the location we had a few wild rides on the golf cart!

It was one of the best shoots I have ever been on. Direction was excellent, the prepared backdrops were wonderful, and it wasn't at all cold (somehow, every shoot I have been on was bone-numbingly cold for the models).

I'll continue to post about the documentary as it progresses, from my point of view as one of the main subjects. But you can also read the director's blog and view her Flickr (with a few more shots from Sunday)! There is also the tiny video I shot on location.

Labels: documentary, photopost

Monday, June 15, 2009

Coming Soon To A City Near You

For a long time, when new girls questioned about lolita stores, the weary reply came: There are no lolita stores in America. Some brands don't even sell absolutely anywhere outside of Japan; Baby the Stars Shine Bright Paris is one of the few locations. But it seems like lately, that's all about the change.

After a few large events like Yumemiru Musical Paradise, where American lolitas came in droves to attend an Angelic Pretty event; or the NYC fashion show put on by Baby the Stars Shine Bright, with broad turnout - the lolita brands can no longer afford to ignore their overseas buyers. This summer, Baby the Stars Shine Bright will be opening its first American location in San Francisco - which I am happy to say I will be present for! I'll be making a cross-country sojourn to see the opening and report it all right back here on Lolita Charm and the Charm Channel. I can't even begin to imagine how amazing this will be - a large turnout of lolitas from the west coast as they all watch history being made. Lolita has admitted to going overseas at long last.

Of course, I'm an east coast girl at heart, and I was even more excited to find out that the NYC shop called Tokyo Rebel is becoming a licensed Angelic Pretty seller. Angel pony socks, princess blouses, and bunny-shaped purses are just a two-hour drive away from my country house in Connecticut. The opening date is not yet announced, but I can just imagine a wintery evening, maybe even New Year's Eve, where girls can shelter and shop in a lolita store that carries everything from the latest candy prints by Angelic Pretty to the beautiful styles of H. Naoto.

So the real question is, will we start to see an upswing in foreign lolita fashion? I would not say a deep trend - every girl and her sister won't be wearing your favorite cutsew, never fear. It takes a special kind of person to become a lolita and stick with it, in my opinion. It requires a level of bravery, tenacity, and strong belief in beauty and old-world feminism to become attracted to lolita fashion and to continue following it. Working up a wardrobe, sometimes on a minimal budget; wearing it outside on main street, or taking the trolley; and even falling in love with that first, lace-trimmed skirt - these things do not happen to very many people. I doubt that lolitas will become as dime a dozen as Abercrombie and Fitch lovers, or even as commonly known as Goths. But for every girl who walks past, maybe even for every one hundred girls who walks past, there is one who will stop and stare in wonder. Perhaps the girls who would not otherwise have found lolita - never seen the few websites, or gotten a hold of a Japanese fashion magazine - are waiting out there somewhere, and unaware that their lives are about to change.

Links

Tokyo Rebel Website
Tokyo Rebel Blog
Press release on San Francisco's new J-Center
Give your opinion on new Angelic Pretty stock here!

Labels: discussion, event, fashion

Sunday, June 14, 2009

On The Straight and Curly

This Sunday was the Midsummer Night's Dream themed photoshoot for the documentary. Now, normally any discussion preceding my hair is, 'I tried to curl it, but...' But this time, I was determined! I just so wanted curls for a fairy and meadow feel, the kind that I could stick butterflies in. So after a mishap with foam curlers (don't ask...) I tried to use a straightening iron.

After viewing this tutorial from a fellow lolita, I gave it the old college try. So far it's not perfect and requires a lot of patience and hairspray, but it's getting there. Some tips I have found out along the way:

the thinner the section of hair to curl, the easier it is;
I cranked my heat up to 25 to get the best results! Cooler levels don't seem to cut it with me;
for a carefree look like mine, it's ok if not every curl is perfect. Mostly it is the curls at the top of my head that look the best, and the others are... not so great!
It is convenient to be able to straighten your bangs and curl your hair at the same time!

If you, like me, have had an ongoing battle with the lolita curls, try giving your straightener a go! The results can be surprising!

You can see my Midsummer Night's Dream look in action here, with a small sneak peek of the location for today's shoot.

Labels: charm channel, cosmetics

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Pink Macaroon!

Adorable chihuahuas. Bright pink hair. Unicorn prints. What do all of these things have in common?

They're all hallmarks of Sarah Ruth, the creative mind behind an up-and-coming American lolita brand.

When I saw the first print of this new brand, I knew that I had to have some pretty unicorns for myself! And I knew that you, my wonderful readers, would love to hear more about the girl behind the fabric! So without further ado, I set out to find what really makes Pink Macaroon tick.

Lolita Charm: Tell us something about yourself - locale, interest in fashion, etc.
Pink Macaroon: I live in California with my husband and work full time in the fashion industry. I also as a freelance children's shoe designer for "Livie & Luca".
I adore all kinds of fashion, particularly children's clothing and vintage and historical clothing. My hobbies include crafting, traveling, hiking, karaoke, going out to dinner with my friends, and walking my chihuahua Mae.

LC: How did you get into lolita?

PM: My love affair with Lolita fashion began in the summer of 2001. It was during my first trip to Japan, and having read the "Fruits" fashion book I was very eager to visit Harajuku and see all the colorful street fashion. I was overjoyed by the creativity of Japanese fashion, it was very inspirational. At the time, I did not have a concept of what lolita was, but when I saw loli's on the streets in Sunday in their finest, it was like love at first sight! Later in the trip I visited a bookstore and saw a peculiar magazine on the shelf. It was volume 5 of the "Gothic and Lolita Bible". I bought it right away and had my boyfriend translate every article. I have been hooked ever since!

Starting the fashion has been amazing experience. It helped me meet so many wonderful people in my area and abroad who have become valued friends. It's also given me the opportunity to work for great "for lolita" organizations "Cosplay Oneesan", and model in two Angelic Pretty US fashion shows.

LC: What style of Lolita are you interested in and why?

PM: I particularly enjoy sweet lolita style. It is the style I dress in most often. It's difficult to express what exactly draws me too it. The color palette perhaps? Lovely light pastels, mints, colors that remind you of candies and toys. Or maybe just that sweet lolita refuses to take itself too seriously? I admire that there is nothing it will not do, no boundary it will not push. From the tasteful into the ridiculous, sweet lolita touches on them all at one point or another. It's hard not to feel happy or care free in such outlandish clothing.

As I've gotten older I have gravitated more to classic & country lolita styles. With country lolita I love the berry motifs, the straw bonnets, and the look like you are walking into a picnic. It's a very, very charming and natural look, great for going outdoors. With classic I enjoy the historical silhouettes and feminine styling which I have found often transition easier into a daily wardrobe.

Really though I enjoy all the styles of lolita. I think it's fun to dress in each different one depending on your mood or event. I have friends who dress in all styles, and I always look forward to seeing what outfits they come up with.

LC: What made you decide to start your label, Pink Macaroon?

PM: I graduated in 2007 with a BFA in fashion design, and currently work in the apparel industry. This has experience has given me a passion for clothing and an intimate knowledge of its construction. While I love my full time job, I wanted a side project where I could utilize my skills to execute designs for a personal label. Lolita has been such an influence on my life, that I want to pay homage to it by reinterpreting it in my own way. Pink Macaroon is the fruition of that dream.

LC: Why did you choose the name Pink Macaroon for your label?

PM: In the spirit of sweets and alternative flavors, came the name Pink Macaroon. Not to be confused with the French macaron, Pink Macaroon is in reference to the delicious coconut and almond pastries found in bakeries and even grocery stores. I'm a huge fan of sweets in general and like coconut and almond flavors which are the typical flavors of the Macaroon.

While the Macaroon is not often one of the most decorated of sweets, its flavor and the retro kitchy-ness associated with them make it an interesting sweet. It's original and quirky, and I rarely hear of a person disliking their taste! The "pink" part of the name came because pink has become such an indispensable part of my identity (as my friends can attest) it had to be added somewhere. ^-^

LC: You say your label is a lifestyle brand. Could you expand on this?

PM: I would like to think of this new label as a "Sweet Lolita lifestyle brand", to have it embody the values and aesthetic of lolita culture and style. A "By a lolita, for lolita" label so to speak. Many of us are drawn to the fashion for very similar reasons. We all have a unique take on life that has shaped not only our fashion but our community as a whole. Lolita is such an interesting and multifaceted fashion movement, and I want this line to be a celebration of Sweet Lolita commonality and interests. For example, the feedback so far on unicorn fantasy has been interesting. Many people have easily guessed the inspiration for the print and were pleased with its sources. I am beyond happy to hear this feedback, and wish to keep producing prints that touch on themes that lolis love and have in common.

LC: What do you want your customers to get out of your brand?

PM: My ultimate goal is to provide a beautiful, unique, and high quality products that my customers can love and enjoy as they would any other lolita brand. I want them to enjoy what they wear and feel special every time they put on a garment or accessory. I am very happy to have the opportunity to finally be realizing this dream.

LC: What was your inspiration for your new line, Unicorn Fantasy?

PM: I wanted to create a print that would relate easily to what lolitas love but would fill a needed void. Bunnies, Cakes, and Carousel horses, are all motifs I adore, but other brands have addressed them beautifully. I thought that unicorns were a fun fantasy creature that seemed so very, very sweet loli, but no brand had ever used directly for inspiration. The actual print design was a mix of many things that I liked growing up, and many lolis still love today! My Little Pony figures, the Last Unicorn movie (which I have seen at least a thousand times!), and Lisa Frank trapper keepers (the 1980's trapper keepers in bright colors with unicorns, horses, leopards etc). The color in the print keeps to the candy themes of sweet loli so it can be mixed and matched in a variety of coordinates. I also wanted to create a print that could have a matching plushie bag. I'm addicted to stuffed animal bags. ^_^

LC: What sort of motifs would you like to work with in future?

PM: Many are already in the works. Some motifs that may arrive in the future are, a "Lolita meets Marie Antoinette" print, a bunka doll print, a Siamese twin print, and a circus poodle print. I would also like to work with more pink and black motifs, as well as sweet patterns with spring colors and white backgrounds. More then anything, I would like my motifs to reflect the interest of the lolis wearing them so I will keep an eye out for what motifs are really desired and missing and create around this.

LC: What sort of items are you interested in producing in future?

PM: Certainly more printed goods! I would also love to get into cutsews as they are such functional items, and a valuable part of a wardrobe. One item I am very excited about that will be produced in the near future are acrylic plastic necklaces cut in various adorable Loli-specific motifs. Recommendations for new items are always more then welcome!

Links

pink_macaroon's Livejournal
More photos of her new line, Unicorn Fantasy!

I hope you end up checking out her work! You'll be able to see it here as well - I caved and ordered the Unicorn Fantasy skirt in a buttery yellow. Expect plenty of photos and perhaps a vlog when it arrives!

Above photo by Lydia Chen.

Labels: interview, shopping

Sunday, June 7, 2009

International Lolita Day!

International Lolita Day always manages to sneak up on me. A confusing point that I only realized today (yes... three years later...) is that it's not yearly, it's bi-yearly. December 6th and June 6th are both International Lolita Day.

Lolita Day, to me, seems to be about lolitas finding each other and realizing that they don't have to be alone anymore. It's sort of like meeting your first lolita friend. Just because we live in many different places, and come from many walks of life, doesn't mean we don't have something important in common. It's not just clothes - it's a certain view of life, as something beautiful to be cherished. That may sound overtly lifestyle, but I feel that any girl who likes the clothes has some special personality trait. We all have a specific binding makeup that brings us into lolita. I'm not sure what exactly that is, be we all have it. Every single lolita.

So in the video, you may see a theme: a lolita alone, who is greeted by another. Generally Miss Lumpy starts the shot and then extends her hand to me, or I run over to her. It reflects the idea that Lolita Day is about making connections. I think it is also sort of special that Miss Lumpy was my absolutely first lolita friend.

Today was nothing too over the top, we simply went to a pretty bakery and visited a Victorian garden. But we did have a lot of fun - just being lolitas - just being ourselves - together.

Labels: charm channel, holiday, international lolita day

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Dressing Down for Daily Wear

When you think of a lolita, do you picture her absolutely dressed to the nines? Huge bonnet, perfect curls, big dark eyes, covered in roses and pearls? Is she wearing the latest dress from your favorite brand, possibly seated in an elegant chair - extravagant shoes on her feet?

Or are you more realistic - do you picture a girl not unlike yourself, maybe with the best she can muster on those curls, in her hard-won skirt and blouse. Is she doing her grocery shopping, picking up her dry cleaning? Maybe not the kind of daydream you had been putting together, is it? But for many lolitas, it is definitely the reality.

Let's be practical. For lovers of the lolita style who wish to dress more frequently than a special occasion, ballgowns and enormous headdresses just aren't going to happen. Aside from the meetup, convention, photoshoot, or fashion show (which all have their place, but aren't as frequent) a lolita needs something she can wear in a regular sense. As fun as those gorgeous dream dresses are, you wouldn't want to ruin your $300 darling by wearing it to make chocolates or getting gum on it (courtesy from underneath your school desk).

Stock Your Closet

There are a couple pieces that make a great basis for a daily-wear wardrobe. They are fairly mix-and-match, comfortable to wear, and easy to put on on your way out the door.

Cutsews: Cutsews are the lolita answer to tee shirts. Generally they can be decorated to nearly the same hilt as blouses, or can be made to look like blouses. They can range from fully extravagant with bibs and bows, or as simple as lace, puff sleeves, and a screenprint. These are soft and much easier to wear that blouses, though I advocate having a few of those as well. Cutsews are sometimes overlooked in favor of blouses, but I think they're one of my favorite articles of clothing. They can be worn under jumperskirts, with . On an even easier scale is the ordinary tee-shirt. This is wandering into casual lolita territory. A tee shirt with a nice fit, like a babydoll cut, and a cute design can look nice with a skirt. If you would like you can even alter it into a cutsew with a few ruffles and ribbons.

Cardigans and Hoodies: These are important for when you are cold, naturally! There are generally a lot of brand cardigans released, from simple single-color ones to ones with a specific knit or theme. I would recommend at least one. You wouldn't want to suddenly have a chill while out and be miserable! You can also buy plain sweaters and then alter them. Usually they are too long for the high-waisted lolita skirts, so begin by trimming some of the length off (and then hemming). You can then add your own appliques or embroidering, or bows or ribbons.

I also like hoodies, believe it or not. Again this is wandering into casual lolita territory. You can buy them from brands but I personally want my hoodie to be rough-and-ready, so I generally just get a pink one (or whatever you main color is) and then decorate it with appliques or bows or lace or cute pull-chain charms. Look at brand examples for ideas.

Skirts and Simple Jumperskirts: Skirts are fabulous for mix-and-match and easy to wear. There is a huge range of things to choose from in this department, so I'm only going to cover them briefly: handmade, offbrand, brand. There. Jumperskirts should generally not be overly fussy. A small pattern like plaid or dots is fine, but I also advocate solids. A lot of non-print dresses get less attention when it comes to shopping, which is a shame. But can you wear that same piece over and over again? A plain piece comes ready to be accessorized and played with! Add a few crazy necklaces, or a decorative apron.

You Spent How Long with That Curling Iron?!

Lolita hairstyles can really drive a girl up a wall. Curling, teasing, spraying, what? If you look at street snaps you'll see that plenty of girls just out shopping just wear their hair in straightened pigtails, a pair of buns, or a pair of braids. Add some small bow combs and you are set! If you don't want to sacrifice super-hair for time, try falls or wigs. A curly wig or some curled pigtails can really move life along as you try to get out the door. There are also tons of other hair gadgets on the market for other hair styles, like Bumpits (which I am dying to try!)

Shoes Can Change Your Life - Ask Cinderella

The only thing I am not always hot on in lolita is the shoes. I love those cute, Easter-egg colors, don't get me wrong, but: they're not great quality. I've had problems with both my Secret Shop shoes, and even my Montreals are scuffed (after three years, however!) Not only that - if I'm wearing a pair of tea parties and a girl comes in with kitten heels - oh, I just burn with jealousy. I love a good, flirty set of heels.

You don't need to break out rocking horses to dash to class, really. A simple pair of cute flats, department store low heels (I have a pair with bows on them!) can do wonders. They slip on easy, are fairly comfortable, and you're not worried about losing your detachable bows or ballerina ties.

Bag Ladies

When it comes down to purses, the lolita world can get a little nutty, and I'm no exception. If I could, I think I would fling all of my money at purses. Purses shaped like violin cases, like stuffed pink bunnies, like giant crowns, like coffins... You get the idea. Or there are purses that are released to match exactly one print. Neither of these are very practical. You should have at least one good-ol'-standby to tote your daily stuff around in. You know - wallet, keys, cellphone, lipstick, tissues, gum. It should be fairly plain so as to go with everything - white, if that's your base color, or black. If you've got the cash or are willing to look offbrand, you can amass quite a collection of useful purses. In my collection I have currently: two small pochettes, one from SWIMMER and one from My Melody; two Mother Garden straw basket purses; a black Angelic Pretty tote; a white and black piano purse; a few pink totes or Boston bags of various origin. I really recommend totes. They're generally around 3000 yen for a brand one, and can be screenprinted with a variety of designs. At that price you can afford to have a couple different colors, and they're pretty self-explanatory: sling in items, use. They also work well for campus, I find. A notebook, calculator, and a textbook? Perfect. If you want to do daytrips or shopping or touring, such as on vacation however, I prefer a pochette. I had a very teeny purse I carried all around Paris that worked best. It had my keys, cellphone, a few euro, and my compact. Just what I needed!

Headgear

The best thing about dressed-down hair accessories is that a little goes a long way. You don't need a head-eating bow - a few tiny combs or clips work just as well. Even better, you can throw in some things you wouldn't normally use - like cozy knitted berets, silky bow headbands from Forever21, or just a pearl headband.

I hope this will help you start dressing in lolita fashion more often! Leave any suggestions in a comment, I bet some of my lovely readers have great tips on this subject!

Other News!

I have a Flickr for all of my shoots and general photography now, in case you want to view the photos all at once. Check it out here.

So, I haven't discussed this in detail yet, though I will after next week (secret secret!) but the news is: Miss Lumpy, Miss Julia and I are going to be in a documentary called Lolita Girls! You can check out the Lolita Girls blog here, and I'll be adding it to the sidebar under Blogging Beauties.

Labels: fashion, guide, lifestyle

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Pocket-size!

Aliceincandyland did a beautiful chibi of me! Thank you so much for it, it's beautiful!

I was so excited when I saw this image that I did the silent scream and hand-flap of aspiring beauty contestants! This just completely made my day, so I decided to give you, my lovely readers, a taste of it!

I'm wearing my Bloom and hugging my mint ice cream pendant (which I made, and yes, there will be a tutorial on!) Her style is so soft, colorful, and adorable - sort like a rainbow-colored kitten!

She's going to be open for commissions soon if you're interested in getting artwork done by her. Click here for her DeviantArt, and here for her Livejournal.

So, you may have noticed a few shorter posts on LC lately (like the post about Crumbs cupcakes! So delicious!). These are posts more about just ordinary lolita living, with the same philosophy as my vlogs. Not only do we talk and ponder about lolita, we are also living it. As lolitas, we are shaping the lolita lifestyle, image and culture just by our daily lives. So you can consider watching me live my lolita life as almost artistic voyeurism. I write my blog because I want to share beauty and bravery with others, and perhaps a little candid look into my dollhouse will help. Don't worry, there will still be plenty of the discussion cultural pieces and style tips - in fact, you can expect more Lolita Charm updates than before!

Labels: lolita living

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Cupcakery

Today Miss Lumpy and I met up on campus (!! yes, we'll be going to the same college this fall!) and she had a special treat for me: cupcakes from a new bakery! The two cupcakes above are Green Grasshopper (mint chocolate chip with a mocha ganache filling) and Chocolate Covered Strawberry (chocolate ganache icing with strawberry preserve filling) . These are quite huge! Like the size of softballs!

If you're in New York City or Fairfield County, Connecticut, you can go to the cupcakery for yourself. Crumbs also sells whole cakes, brownies, coffee, and cookies, if you're not in the mood for cupcakes. And if you're in the continental 48 states of America, they also deliver!

Labels: cooking, lolita living

Monday, June 1, 2009

June Style Tips

Accost the ice cream truck for chocolate lollies and creamsicles! If you can't have dairy, go for some pretty-colored popsicles or Italian ices instead. The above photo by Lall is a traditional strawberry shortcake ice cream bar!
Rescue a few childhood favorites from your bookshelves and give them another go. I am reading Anne of Green Gables again and loving it!
Wear pearls to honor the month of June - they're the birthstone of all June birthdays. They're also said to reflect light onto your face, with a pearly glow similar to candlelight.
Learn a poem to recite, which will be very useful as you visit picnics and parties this season! Something short and full of beautiful imagery is best.
Swap out heavy lipstick for a lightly tinted or flavored gloss. You'll look fresh and sunny instead of hot and overdone. I like Soft Lips Raspberry.
Buy fashion magazines or save images to your computer and make a big collage from things that inspire you. Stick it all on a big piece of cardboard or canvas and then torture it with heaps of glitter. I'm especially in love with Kera magazine lately.
Strawberries are just in season locally around now, so take full advantage! My recent favorite was fresh strawberries in cool rice pudding. Makes an excellent breakfast!
Dig through your Barbie box if you still have it and turn the vintage fabric on Barbie's old dresses into hair accessories! I'll be posting a few fairyloli accessory ideas soon.
Carry a pretty pen with you to sign checks with or write out your information. I have a Cinnamoroll pen, but something fluffy and sparkly on the end - or something very elegant, perhaps engraved - could also be beautiful.
Clean through your purse and get rid of the things that don't work or don't make you happy anymore. Are you a carrier of old gum wrappers? Do you tend to leave messy graphite in the lining? Get it out! A little spring cleaning can go a long way to feeling bright and energetic.
See if your area has any Shakespeare in the Park productions (outdoor performances of Shakespearian plays) and go! Make a delicious picnic out of it and dress for catching fireflies!

Labels: style tips

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