Lolita Charm: How to Look Like a Retro Shoujo Heroine

Monday, March 28, 2011

How to Look Like a Retro Shoujo Heroine

One of the ancestors of lolita back in the day was the artwork created by fanciful shoujo manga artists - artists drawing for the audience of young girls and women. Often their work was peppered with intricate lace and beautifully cascading ruffles, as well as the dewy eyes and luscious locks we associate with shoujo manga today. I ran into a few illustrations that reminded me strongly of lolita style's original concepts, and I just had to share!

Artwork by Yumiko Igarashi for series Georgie! (1982)

Artwork by Miyako Maki

Artwork by Chieko Hara

artist unknown

Bianca by Hagio Moto (purchase and read in English here)

Artwork by Macoto Takahashi

How to Look Like a Retro Shoujo Heroine

Here's a little list of fashion tips inspired by retro shoujo art! I think even a few of these tokens would be cute for lolita style or even just daily cute wear.

1. Wear full, vintage petticoats made of chiffon for a soft, natural fullness to skirts. Try shopping vintage online for unique colors, lengths and edges of lace.

2. Layers adorable sweet style or country lolita skirts with longer lace or ruffled underskirts.

3. Curl your hair into soft, natural curls, perhaps with rag curls the night before!

4. Add simple silk, satin or gingham ribbons to your curls.

5. Wear lengthening mascara for huge, dewy eyes.

6. Random flowers, especially roses, look good with anything - as a boutonniere, woven into braids, or in the brim of a strawhat.

7. Maiden-length skirts and dresses look especially romantic, and are perfect for spring time!

Want more? Check out the adorable tumblrs for retro shoujo artwork, classicshoujo and its partner site classicshoujo.com, and fehyesvintagemanga.

Do you have a favorite shoujo manga or vintage shoujo artist to share? Is there any artwork that inspires your lolita style? One of my favorites is Dolls by Yumiko Kawahara, it always reminds me of a perfect, wonderfully detailed lolita style, with a very romantic Victorian feeling.

Meanwhile...

Lolita Charm is undergoing a lot of construction and face-lifting behind the scenes, and I'd love the input of my readers to know what to cut and what to keep. Lolita Charm wouldn't be anything without you amazing young maidens offering your special charm to its pages. Please fill out this short survey and let us know what you want to see on Lolita Charm in the future!