Style Inspiration: Deka Wanko

So it seems like with the appearance of Deka Wanko online, the lolitas are all huddled around their laptops with popcorn as they watch and brand-spot, like playing eye-spy. Deka Wanko, for those unaware, is a Japanese drama (live-action serial) based on a manga of the same name. The basic plot is a cute female detective just transferred to the homocide investigations sector, and she has the unique ability to sniff out clues just like a police dog. The catch that's got everyone so enthralled? She wears lolita clothing 24/7, even on the job. If you haven't seen it, you're probably wondering, 'How do you wear lolita as a police officer?!' Good question - not acceptable in the real, non-fantasy world I'm sure, but she does wear lolita daily, for work and other occasions. Her style is Angelic Pretty punk, also a rather rare creature of its own. Love her or hate her, I'm impressed at her simple yet wearable sweet-punk style!


Tip #1: Angelic Pretty is not just for sweet lolita. Wanko wears primarily Angelic Pretty, but also Putumayo and Metamorphose. Angelic Pretty does make their usually pastel items in black, red, and navy blue - and these are usually the ones Wanko chooses. Above: her 'I-smell-crime' face paired with the black colorway of Angelic Pretty's French Cafe and what I think is a Chantilly bonnet; below, in Angelic Pretty's Fantastic Dolly cardigan.

Tip #2: Go offbeat. Instead of multitudes of head-eating bows, Wanko usually opts for a small bow (possibly worn to the side) or, her favorite, the mini-hat. The mini-hat has a very dorky-cute impression to me, but it is refreshing to see something offbeat and out of the ordinary. Like in Tip #1, just because you're shopping at a major brand doesn't mean you have to pick their most popular items. She also enjoys her leather Metamorphose jacket with leopard trim and half-capes or almost poncho-like sweaters.

Tip #3: Don't stress about your hair. Instead of mountains of curls or wigs, Wanko usually has work-friendly soft curls in low pigtails or ponytails. If your hair is naturally wavy or curly, you can just pep it up with a few heated curls from a curling or straightening iron - my usual method of choice for 'relaxed' curls. If you want those softer curls, spritz your hair with water and then sleep in a few damp buns, rag curls, or braids for morning 'natural' curls.

Tip #4: Black and white is not just for itas and maids. Wanko frequently wears black with white lace! Previously a big no-no in the lolita world, it seems like black and white is making a comeback - not just with Deka Wanko but also among the western community, who seems nostalgic lately for the original black and white coordinate. Make sure you have high quality materials - buying a black-and-white from BABY should keep you covered - and pair it with something elegant, like a simple hairbow, beret, or bonnet. Using all white accessories has a lighter feel - all black accessories looks smooth and uniform.

Tip #4: Tartan is still cute. It seems like tartan has fallen off a lot lately in the lolita world, but seeing Wanko in a bunch of cute punky red tartans makes me remember just how adorable they can be! Pairing them with a neutral cardigan and accessories would be perfect for work or other more 'respectable' functions. I am falling in love with soft pink tartan all over again lately, it seems to be everywhere!

Tip #5: Go for the cutsew. One of my favorite comfortable outfits of hers is a jumperskirt with a soft turtleneck underneath instead of a starched blouse. It looks very practical for office work or more casual days. Collared cutsews can also give the look of a blouse while being more relaxed for longer days.

Tip #6: Cellphone charms really can go on anything. The infamous first scene shows Wanko putting a glittery cake Angelic Pretty charm on the end of her tiny gun. You can use this same idea to dress up purse handles, brooches, wallets, zipper pulls... anything really! Especially good for people who love to collect them and then don't know what do with them (like me, cough!)

And now... some of my favorite Wanko outfits! Clockwise:


1. A cute cardigan plays down this print skirt to wear at the police office. The bow carries on the polka dots with the large pearls. Outfit: Angelic Pretty.

2. Polka-dotted dress combined with a soft turtleneck;

3. The same outfit with the added leather jacket and teal opaque tights, which match the hairbow she's wearing. A really unique addition of color to a monotome oufit!

4. In Angelic Pretty's Marionette Girl version 2, with a bordeaux red turtleneck. I was a never a fan of this dress, but now I think it's so cute and wearable! No extra fiddly bits or details to get in the way - just velvet and appliques.

5. In an Angelic Pretty badge beret and wide-collared fluffy white parka; a white and black-spotted turtleneck peeking out. Her short curls are just right with the beret! And she's wearing this outfit with a frills-only, navy blue skirt. I love the monotone meets jewel color theme!

6. In roomwear with usamimi headband! I know these have fallen out of the limelight in the gyaru world, but I still think they are so cute and casual, and perfect for roomwear.


By the way... keep in mind that Deka Wanko is a comedy and therefore you shouldn't try to copy all of her moves! I am totally absolved of any crimes if any of my reader start sporting lolita dog collars! (Hint: don't do it!)

Labels: fashion, guide, idol study

posted by Victoria Suzanne @ 8:26 AM 0 Comments

Inspiration: Lady Lovelylocks!

Lately I just have the itch to dream up new coordinates, particularly themed ones. Since I have a few ideas in the works for the Tangled Disney meetup in November (New York City) that I have to keep secret 'til then, I thought this would tide me over ;)

The most prominent feature of her outfit is the collection of multi-colored ribbons running across the bodice of her gown. I'd love to see a lolita version of her dress recreated from scratch (can you imagine this design in a gorgeous Angelic Pretty dress?!)

Labels: fashion, guide, idol study

posted by Victoria Suzanne @ 1:17 AM 16 Comments

Misako Aoki Style Inspiration!

Due to her recent flutterings around the East Coast, I've fallen back in love with my original idol, Misako Aoki. I've been looking for any photograph I can get my hands on, from candids to brand shoots. Her style is very unique in today's modern lolita world of crazier and crazier sweet. Despite the push for bigger hair, shorter skirts, and racier lashes, she has remained fresh and adorably old-school. Want to get her look? Here are some trends of hers to take inspiration from:

photo from the Russian lolita community

Wear bonnets! This previously shyed-from accessory should definitely be the new main trend for spring. Whether short and frilly full-coverage cap-style bonnets to tall half bonnets, they make look decidedly less gal-inspired (where bows can wander) and definitively like a Victorian doll. It's cutest to have lightly curled hair casually flowing from the bonnet. Make sure you don't tuck all of your hair inside or behind the ribbon ties (short hair looks very nice with bonnets too, in my opinion!). Either aim for a simple one that will go with anything or collect them to match your prins. I'm also a big fan of adding roses to the inside of the brim.

Other hats are cute too! I'd love to see more full-size hats come back for this spring and summer. Straw hats ornamented with simple bows seem to be more Misako's taste (as seen at InnoSera '09) than ones laden with flowers and gems. Her look does tend to lean to the otome style in accessories, though it is still decidedly sweet lolita. In the photo above she's wearing a very cute pink felt.




Simple nails are cuter. Leave your super-sparkly rhinestone-pierced nails at home and wear only simple pastel polish, or at the most, short falsies. This has the added bonus of being able to actual do things with your hands - like work your iPod and camera. Misako also likes to do the nails different colors for a little pop, as shown in the photo above. If you want to add more interest to your hands, a few small rings will do the trick.

Cardigans and sweaters! It sounds like it would be a common, practical thing to have in lolita, but cardigans aren't too often seen. I only recently started buying lolita cardigans myself. They're good for a spring chill or summer evening, and can add a different color to a dress. Making sure the collar of your blouse sits on top of the cardigan can make it look very schoolgirlish and sweet.

I love Misako's example of sweet lolita, hovering in between casual, mori, and old-school sweet. She's not afraid to mix brands, dress comfortably, or loosely style only her natural hair. I think it's just the right look to wear for this upcoming spring ;)

Labels: fashion, guide, idol study

posted by Victoria Suzanne @ 1:10 AM 13 Comments