Part Five: the Ita Aversion Plan
♔ Most beginner lolitas worry a lot about being seen as itas. Well, most lolitas go through an ita stage, whether online or in real life. Mine consisted of thinking everything remotely frilly and cute could be lolita as long as it was modest. I nearly fell for Milanoo. Lots of lolitas end up documenting this stage, and we all love to laugh at out past selves. Don't worry, though! Most of the time, you don't know you're an ita until you improve. Here are some tips to avoid itadom.
1. Follow the rules...at least until you have a great grasp on the fashion! Rule( )eaking in favor of "creativity" is an ita hallmark. They love to say things like "But lolita iz a fashun! fashun dusent hav rools!!!1" It's true, lolita has more rules than, say, goth, but an all pink ensemble isn't goth. So why should a coord that consists of a 20 dollar costume, poorly made cat ears, mismatched socks, and converse sneakers be considered lolita?
2. Be polite! Sometimes a lolita is more ita personalitywise than clothingwise...although the two go hand in hand rather frequently. This tip is rather simple, but will carry you a long way and seperate you from the weeaboos. Pay attention to how your behavior is affecting others, and to suit your environment. Don't put on a fake personality, either! Just be the best version of yourself.
3. Learn how to do decent hair and makeup...or get a wig! Most lolitas won't care if you show up with just a bit of mascara and some lip gloss, but sometimes the makeup can make a big difference. Hair and makeup can make or ( )eak a coord, and most of the time a coord won't look complete without them!
4. GOOGLE. EVERYTHING. Some lolitas love complaining about how noobs could just do a quick Google search and BAM, there's the info they're looking for. My advice is to Google your question first, and if you can't find what you're looking for, THEN ask. :)
5. Take concrit into consideration! Like it or not, you will get constructive critiscism on your coordinates. But don't worry! The critics are trying to help, not insult your outfit (most of the time). You don't have to follow what they say 100% of the time, but it's worth it to take their advice to heart; it might help you grow as a lolita.
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Part Six: Tips for Budgetlitas
♔ Sometimes, you have a tight budget. But what if you want to buy pretty dresses that normally cost 200-500 USD? Well, you find a way! Here are a few tips for those of us short on cash.
1. My number one tip, ever, is to shop secondhand! Sites like Wunderwelt, Lacemarket, Lolitadesu, Maiden Clothing, Alice Fururun, Yahoo Japan Auctions, and Closet Child always have great deals on used ( )and name clothing. Some, like Wunderwelt and Lolitadesu, even have reward point systems! I bought a JSK recently from Wunderwelt for 70 USD before, instead of the original 246 or so (and it was a dream print! Score!).
2. Ask for clothing or lolita gift cards for any event where gifts are given! You have to guide people to the right sites, and it's not a guarenteed way to get lolita, but it's always worth a shot.
3. Find ways to earn money! This one's for the younger lolitas like myself. It's hard to earn money when you can't get a job, but there are plenty of things you can do besides babysitting! (Or you can babysit!) Yardwork, online surveys, bake sales, lemonade stands, yard sales, making and selling things, and housework are all just a few of your options. They may not pay as well as a job, but all that cash stacks up.
4. Search thrift stores for quality blouses! Chances are, you're not going to find a lolita dress at your local Salvation Army. But always check the blouse section for items that can be worn with your coords. Look for puffy sleeves, non-garish colors, ruffles, pintucks, no v-necks, and rounded collars. It shouldn't look like an office blouse. One of my daily blouses is from the thrift store, and I couldn't be any happier with it.
