Lolita 52 Challenge: Question #9

5 keywords that describe my personal Lolita style
Oh gosh, this is a hard one. Let’s see…

1. Feminine
2. Romantic
3. Older
4. Luxurious
5. Understated

Feminine – I generally like wearing a lot of florals and soft colours, which feels pretty feminine to me!

Romantic - I also like chiffon, roses, pearls and lace, all of which give any outfit a softer, more romantic feel.

Older – By this, I mean more mature styles of Lolita, like Classic and EGL. Essentially, I like the general styles of Victorian Maiden, Mary Magdalene, Mille Fleurs and Moi Meme Moitie. It’s still Lolita, but there’s an unmistakably older feel to it.

Luxurious – I’ve once said before that roses, lace and pearls are (to me) marks of opulence and luxury. I very frequently feature all three in my outfits, usually completely unintentionally. Also, I’ve always thought that Lolita clothes are rather luxurious, especially pieces by Juliette et Justine that are sometimes made of super high quality polyester that feels like silk.

Understated – Well, as understated as Lolita can get anyway! Although I enjoy looking at other girls who can accessorize with 4 rings, 20 bracelets, 5 necklaces and 8 head accessories and still come out looking perfect, I’m a relatively simple girl. Most of my outfits have a maximum of maybe two rings, one bracelet, a necklace and one hair accessory. Also, I like wearing less poofy petticoats (I’ve finally figured that it actually does freak me out when I can’t see my own feet), and less accessories + less poof = understated Lolita outfit




That’s about all, I feel. It’s really hard finding five words – everything else felt like it was too specific or generic and didn’t really encompass my entire style! I was going to put “Classic” as one, but then I realized classic isn’t the only style I wear haha.

Lolita 52 Challenge: Question #8

Why don’t I wear Lolita more often?
The answer to this is actually really simply: I just don’t have enough hours in a week to wear Lolita more often.

I work in a bank with a relatively strict dress code, and I work about 10-12 hours a day – and that doesn’t include any dinner meetings I may have to attend. Usually, by the time I get home after facing an hour of traffic, there’s only just enough time for me to have a quick dinner, shower, surf the net a bit then head for bed.

On weekends – okay, for that I have no excuse haha. Saturdays are usually days reserved for running errands, and Sundays are family days. I don’t dress up often because Lolita is often not practical for where I have to go.

Besides, I actually like full-on Lolita as a “special events” only type of fashion, like meet-ups, conventions and just generally going out with friends, rather than something I wander around the house in ^^;

However, that said, I do wear my lolita dresses in lolita-inspired outfits very often!

Here are some pieces that I do wear to office pretty often:




Of course, I don't wear them quite as frilled up as they are in these photos :)

And then there are my casual weekend outfits that are also lolita-inspired:




Hmmm I guess I actually do get my dose of lolita on a regular basis!

Mannequin Snap: Story of Queens & Angels Dress

I swear the browns match better in real life! ^^;

Except for one necklace, I haven't decided much on any accessories... Any suggestions? I was going to use my lion's head ring to suit the "nobility" theme going on (the queen on the dress and the hat kind of got me into the idea), but the shade of gold isn't quite right.

Also not really pleased with the socks. I think I'm going to stick to plain lacy tights when I wear this outfit.

Bolero, OP, Bag: Innocent World
Hat, Necklace: Juliette et Justine
Socks: Metamorphose
Shoes: Offbrand

Mannequin Snap: Quite a few!

Oh dear, I've just realised I've fallen behind on keeping this blog posted on my mannequin snaps!

Here's an update of all my previous ones in one shot, as well as the latest one:


Mannequin Snap: Office Classic Lolita?

Received my dresses from Lady Sloth and immediately wanted to wear them to the office! I apologize for the flat-ish skirt, but the dress really doesn’t take well to having multiple petticoats. This is rather fussier than what I'd normally wear to the office - actually, I usually just pop on a plain cardigan over the dress. It's so comfy that I wear it to office once a week now!

JSK: Lady Sloth
Bag: Chanel
Parasol: BtSSB
Everything else: Offbrand


Mannequin Snap: Grazia Crown

I felt inspired during a closet-cleaning session! Though this bolero + JSK coordinate is not my original coordinate, adding this JetJ skirt to lengthen the JSK is an idea that has been floating around my head since I received the skirt. This is the first time I'm actually putting all the pieces together, and I'm very pleased with the overall outcome!

JSK, Bolero: Innocent World
Skirt: Juliette et Justine
Shoes: LK Bennett
Necklace: Offbrand


Mannequin Snap: Rose Basket Angel

I was changing outfits on my mannequin and decided to toss this dress onto Manny and start a hime-esque outfit. Incomplete coordinate, but I really love how the bolero looks with the JSK.

Er sorry for the very rumpled appearance! I found the JSK lying crumpled in a heap underneath a pile of dresses XD;

JSK, Bolero: Innocent World
Necklace: Offbrand


Mannequin Snap: Lady Sloth's Mist of Venice

I spent some time removing the lace from this skirt and thought I'd put it on my mannequin for a bit! This outfit feels like something I'd wear to the office, just with some additional poof to the skirt.

(Actually, I did wear this skirt to the office with no petticoat and a plain dusty pink cardigan and it was an instant hit!)

Skirt: Lady Sloth
Camisole: Innocent World
Blouse, Shoes, Accessories: Offbrand


Mannequin Snap: Mint x Cream

Just received these shoes from Bodyline and wanted to pair them with this JSK! The cutsew-blouse looks kinda weird with a JSK... Guess it'll just have to be paired with skirts only.

JSK: Innocent World
Headband, Shoes: Bodyline
Hairbow, Necklace, Cutsew-blouse: offbrand


And now for the latest one!


Mannequin Snap: Muguet in Country Lolita

I was having some trouble coordinating this OP, because the "white" parts actually have a greyish tinge that's pretty hard to match. But then I put this bonnet on the mannequin while I was rearranging the wig it was on, and I just couldn't get the idea of a country lolita outfit with this OP and bonnet!

OP, Necklace: Juliette et Justine
Bonnet: Infanta
Hair Ribbons: Metamorphose
Bag, Gloves: R-Series
Book: Antique
Rose, Shoes: Offbrand

Lolita 52 Challenge: Question #7

Why do I wear Lolita?
I just wear it because it looks pretty to me ^^;;

The women in my family are all pretty feminine - we like sewing, baking, craftwork, dressing up, lace, fresh flowers, flirty skirts, elegant teapots... (okay, maybe that last one is just me hahaha). But anyway, the women in my extended family (on my mother's side) are all the type to appreciate frills like lolita. I've worn somewhat toned-down Classic lolita around them before and while the men laughed themselves silly, the aunties and cousins all loved it.

I've had my mum and a couple of cousins admit to me that if they'd discovered the fashion when they were younger, they'd probably have worn it too!

That said, being brought up around this sort of thing, Lolita fashion just seems to be a natural extension to things I already like. As it is, my work clothes and daily clothes are already frilly and feminine, so just adding a petticoat doesn't seem to be too big a step!

I'm also a pretty straightforward girl - if I like it, I'll get it or eat it or wear it or whatever "it" is meant to be used for ^^;

It seems like a rather boring reason to wear lolita but hey, when did we ever need a reason to wear pretty clothes we like, right? ^_^

Lolita 52 Challenge: Question #6

My Favourite Lolita Brand


As is probably obvious from all my posts, my favourite brand is Innocent World. The designs are really cute, and are easily worn in daily outfits without needing added frills to make it look more complete. A big plus for me is that the dresses fit me pretty well!

Here are some of my favourite pieces by Innocent World! But please note: I tend to follow the rule of "no more than 3 main items per brand" for my outfits, so most of these coordinations are a mixture of brands :D


Innocent World's Grazia Crown JSK
Innocent World's Millefeuille Bolero


Innocent World's Rose Stained Glass Skirt


Innocent World's Royal Library JSK

Of course, these are only some of my most recent favourites from this brand - there are other older pieces like Rococo Rose Border that are my favourites and are worn pretty regularly too!

Other favourite brands that I love, somewhat in order of preference (this tends to change every few months, but these few brands are always at the top of my list!):

1. Juliette et Justine
2. Alice and the Pirates
3. Metamorphose
4. Mille Fleurs
5. Victorian Maiden
6. Moi Meme Moitie
7. Angelic Pretty
8. Mary Magdalene (this is only at the bottom because I can't fit most of their stuff!)

Lolita 52 Challenge: Question #5

My wardrobe turnover
Generally speaking, in the past 3 years since I first started actively buying and wearing lolita clothes, my wardrobe has pretty much been in a mostly "incoming pretties" mode. I've put up a few closet cleaning posts and answered a few WTB posts, but mostly I just seem to be receiving new stuff ^^;


My few closet cleaning posts are actually more of letting go of pieces I know I will never wear. This happened mostly when I finally accepted that while I love looking at sweet lolita, it isn't a style that suits me very well. My true calling is Classic and Gothic! (Because I can't seem to coordinate anything else)


I do have an addiction to Lucky Packs, especially Innocent World's Oddments LPs, so from the ones I've bought, I have a pretty sizeable collection of lolita clothes that are perfect for everyday wear. I haven't completely worn out any dresses to the point where I'd be embarrassed to be caught in them (though I think my favourite dress is very close ;_;) but it's only a matter of time before that happens...

I still can't decide what to do with those dresses! Maybe I can repurpose the fabric into something else, like lining for a baby blanket? The fabric sure is soft enough....

Lolita 52 Challenge: Question #4

Favorite thing to put on my head


Hands down, my favourite thing to put on my head is flower corsages. Clips, combs, hair ties, pins, ribbons, fabric, crystals, large, tiny - I just love putting flowers on my head!

The above photo is just a very small part of my flower accessory collection - the darker colours like navy, black and deep purple aren't even represented in this photo!

Lolita 52 Challenge: Question #3

"What my own Lolita lifestyle is like"
Between my job and my personal life, I actually don't really set aside any time specifically for Lolita. I usually spend about half an hour everyday browsing through some of my favourite Tumblrs and blogs and occasionally check out some shops when I get notification of updates. Then there are times when I remember to take photos and update my blog and Tumblr... I think I do spend alot of my online Lolita time webshopping though hahaha.


I do wear my lolita clothes out at least twice a month in casual non-lolita outfits, and on weekends and some weekdays when I get home early from work, I take the time to go through my wardrobe and put together outfits that I might wear for the next meet up six months down the line, or something for my mannequins.


In terms of sneaking lolita into my everyday life, there are a few things in my handbag that brighten up and lolify my stuff: my planner is from Baby The Stars Shine Bright, my phone cover is Cath Kidston, the pen that's always with me is pink and has Swarovski crystals in them, my office hair accessories are usually flower corsages or loli-able ribbons, all my office notepaper are flowery or cute.... Small stuff ^^;

Aaaand... apart from the occasional meet-up and regular chats with some friends on Lolita related stuff, that's about it, really ^^; Lolita isn't a major part of my life except for the clothes that I wear - and for me, that's perfect :)

Mannequin Snap: Cream & Navy

Finally got my dream mannequin with movable arms! So I just had to throw on a quick coordinate for it :D


The coordinate isn't quite complete just yet - I haven't received my navy bonnet and mary jane heels, and those ought to finish the outfit! I love how the outfit is turning out though - the bag and the bolero match so well!

(Eh JL, if you're reading this - this is the bolero that I said I can't wear because it makes my bust look a little to incredible ^^;)

I also have to give the accessories more thought - I'm abit out of touch with coordinating rings and bracelets for these outfits, as I tend to keep my accessories very simple.


The necklace and ring were chosen on a really random theme - the JSK is Philharmonie Angel, which always remind me of orchestras and opera houses, which in turn reminds me of Phantom of the Opera. The chandelier is a salute to the falling-chandelier moment in the book, musical and movie. The ring was chosen because the lion's face reminds me of gargoyles, which also remind me of old churches and opera houses.

I wish I could do more justice to this dress! Need to take the time to come up with a better coordinate....

I also need to toss a few more petticoats onto this mannequin... One petticoat just isn't enough poof tbh ^^;

Er, don't mind the packet of papers under the stand! It kind of tilts a little XD;

Bolero, JSK, Hair Bows: Innocent World
Bag: Metamorphose
Shoes: LK Bennett
Necklace, Ring: Offbrand

Mannequin Snap: All Blue Lolita

Coming up with a cute outfit for this JSK is so difficult because of the shiny material! In the end, I decided to make the shiny material part of a "theme" for the outfit (glitter & sheen). The pearls in the headbow and the necklace are supposed to reflect the theme (no pun intended XD;).

Wish I'd thought of tossing on the blouse with pearls sewn onto the collar, and adding a pearl bag!

JSK, Headbow, Socks: Innocent World
Blouse, Shoes: Bodyline
Parasol, Necklace: Offbrand

Mannequin Snap: Black & White Lolita

This started out as an old-school inspired outfit, but somewhere along the way got confused haha. Wish I changed the bag to a more style-neutral one.

Blouse, Neck Ribbon, Boots: Innocent World
JSK, Bag, Round Headdress: Bodyline
Socks: Metamorphose
Rose Corsages: Offbrand

Mannequin Snap: Bittersweet Lolita

Some sort of odd combination of sweet and gothic lolita. I would wear this with lacy black tights and maybe a pair of black lace gloves.

When people refer to "Bittersweet Lolita", this is actually the type of outfit that comes to mind, rather than sweet prints with a black background.

Oddly enough, this dress is the perfect fit for my mannequin!

Blouse, JSK, Bag: Innocent World
Shoes: Clarks
Bonnet: Bodyline
Necklace: Juliette et Justine
Rose Corsage: Offbrand

Mannequin Snap: Le Cadre du Chat with Jacket

A friend once described this sort of look as “corporate gothic lolita”. I kind of like the idea :D This is something I’d wear to the office on casual Fridays if our dresscode weren’t so strict.

Up-close image lightened to show more detail. Sorry for the grainy photo!

Blouse, Neck-ribbon, Socks, Bag: Innocent World
JSK: Juliette et Justine
Shoes: Clarks
Hair accessory, rose corsage, jacket: Offbrand

Mannequin Snap: Atelier Boz Cape!

I was digging through my coats and remembered I bought this cape from Atelier Boz last year!

I tossed it onto my JetJ cat dress outfit that's still on my mannequin:






I would've much preferred a bonnet with this outfit, but it's currently in use. Also maybe a black jacket on top, for more black in the outfit... Hmmm, I may have to snap another shot of this outfit!

Headdress, Blouse, Neck Ribbon, Socks, Boots: Innocent World
JSK: Juliette et Justine
Cape: Atelier Boz

Double Mannequin Snap: Evening Inspired

I wanted to snap photos of my JetJ cat dress before I put it up for trade, and was struck with inspiration.

I'm not sure what to call this style. I was thinking it was classic lolita bordering on gothic... maybe.




Left Outfit:


I wanted to tie in the colour of the bolero with the dark pink tie on the right-side kitty's neck, but I'm not sure they actually match so well! Still, I actually really like this bolero with this dress ^_^ I wish Innocent World would release one in turquoise... I would be all over it!

Headdress, Blouse, Neck Ribbon, Bolero, Socks: Innocent World
JSK: Juliette et Justine
Bag: Chanel
Shoes: LK Bennett


Right Outfit:


I recently bought this silk blouse at a warehouse sale, and couldn't resist using it for gothic lolita outfits! The colour in real life actually isn't as bright as the photos show, but it's still a gorgeous contrast against the black. The bonnet was to add to the gothic feel, and I added red roses to tie in the colours more. I wanted to add in a rosary to the outfit, but it kind of got blocked completely by the bonnet's ties, so I removed it.

I didn't include socks because I don't have any appropriate ones, but I figured I'd probably wear lacy tights and tie a red ribbon around an ankle, or add some corsage clips to my shoes.

It's pretty hard to see, but on the side of the outfit, I've hung a small beaded bag to make the outfit more gothic-looking. The dress also has a bustle back to add a bit more opulence :D

Bonnet: Bodyline
Red Corsages: Ophanim
Blouse: Marc by Marc Jacobs
JSK: Innocent World
Bag: Zara
Shoes: Clarks

Double Mannequin Snap! Bordeaux & Blue

I was changing the outfits on both my mannequins today and accidentally ended up with a pair that reminds me of older-sister-younger-sister themed outfits!


I actually just wanted to come up with coordinates for some stuff I'm thinking of selling, and the end effect was rather cute together. I wish the blue outfit was in pink, so it'd look even more big-sister-little-sister-pair, but as it is, the two outfits together kind of remind me of Margaret and Alice.

For the individual outfits:

"Older Sister" Outfit:




Headbow, Blouse, Vest, Skirt, Neck Ribbon: Innocent World
Parasol: BtSSB
Shoes: LK Bennett
Bag: Chanel
Tights: Offbrand

"Younger Sister" Outfit




Headbow, Cutsew, Skirt, Socks, Shoes: Bodyline
Parasol, Bag: Offbrand

Lucky Pack Opening: Innocent World April 2013 Oddments Lucky Back B

I received my Innocent World Oddments Lucky Pack B on Monday and just had to share photos!


























These were the main highlights of the LP. The rest of the photos are available here.

The final tally of items are as follows:
1 Winter Coat
1 Jacket
1 OnePiece
7 JSKs
1 Skirt
4 Blouses
2 Cutsews
1 Camisole
1 Bolero
1 Bag
1 Pair Boot-toppers
1 Dickey
5 Pairs Socks
5 Head Accessories
1 Pair Bloomers
1 Scarf
1 set folders
1 drawstring pouch

One blouse and the camisole are not featured in the photos, as I'd already given them away by the time I took photos.

I'm so happy! I didn't receive anything that's a duplicate of my previous LPs except for one cutsew Bertille Rose, but even then I received a different style! Best part is that some of the items I received were things I've been eyeing at IW for a long time but never did get a chance to buy.

I absolutely love that the items this round were mostly things I can wear for dailywear. Even better that they gave more accessories and less blouses!

Ah, now I'm inspired to come up with more coordinates!