30 Days of Loli: 10 Things I Love and Hate

Aloha, Darlings!

Here we go into the second day of the 30 day Lolita challenge, which I have sworn a solemn oath to uphold.

Though, I am cheating a little, because today I decided to consolidate two days into one. In my defense, they go hand in hand...

Route A => 10 Things I Love in Lolita

Route B => 10 Things I Hate in Lolita

Are we ready to start?


Okay, so to start off on a positive note, here are the 10 things I adore about Lolita.

1. It's uniquely, "Lolita".

Misako Aoki's "Lolita Fashion", a book highlighting the sub-genres and distinct qualities of Lolita.

You recognize Lolita fashion as soon as you see it. It has specific qualities and details from an age long past, or maybe a fantasy world that never existed until that moment.

It's a little bit of visual kei, vintage shoujo anime, historical fashion from the Victorian and Rococo age, and avante-garde high fashion... and through the years, it's developed to fit the tastes, needs and lifestyles of customers internationally.

It is it's own little node of style that has grown to be internationally recognized, but still confined to its original aesthetic. It perpetuates its own trends, from the fad of split-color wigs to the very "on trend" head veil and religious themes.

Because of its independent existence as a culture and genre, not just a fashion, I love it.

2. Lolita is internationally known and practiced.

I love tracking Misako Aoki's travels across the globe (in a totally non-creepy way). It fascinates me to see Lolitas in all different countries from Mexico to China. I envy that she gets to witness how a Lolita's local culture effects their aesthetics and needs, and the way they wear their style.

One reason Misako Aoki didn't come to Hawaii sooner, is she thought there weren't possibly any Lolitas in Hawaii because of the hot, humid weather. She was quite surprised to see there were not only a good sized group of Lolitas, but that we all recognized her as Japan's "ambassador" of Lolita.

I love to see the different Lolita ambassadors nominated to represent their countries and communities, no matter how large or small. It's amazing to me that in so many countries, there is a community drawn together by Lolita fashion.

3. It gives a nod to historical fashion.

An incredibly detailed and period-correct bonnet by Triple Fortune.

My favourite styles are those that take notes from historical and period fashions. That's why two of my favourite designers, Excentrique and Triple Fortune gained a pedestal in my heart.

Of course, I love the new-fangled OTT coords and prints remniscient of the 80s, but it will always lose out to my taste for period-correct corsets, hemlines and head wear.

4. The fashion is liberating.

Heading out to shop in Nagoya.
I had just chemically straightened my hair, and was finally finding confidence in my own skin. 

It says, "I wear what I want." I don't have to wear the prescribed trends and fashions that any girl can buy off a rack.

Lolita also helps liberate me from body shame, and body image issues I have. I've never been comfortable with my curves, but in Lolita, I can cinch in my waist with a corset, bind my chest, and hide my thighs behind petticoats and bell-shaped skirts. I can achieve a silhouette that I like, which would not necessarily be flattered by trendy clothes in the mall.

Most of the time, no one even notices these modifications because of the layers the style requires. Or, if I want to cross-dress, I can chest bind and easily hide the evidence with a full, ruffled blouse and tailored vest or jacket. It allows me to be who I want to be, not what sexism and mass-produced fashion wants me to be.

5. It has helped me make many friends.

With my two friends in Nagoya, English Tutors I met through Lolita!

As I said in my previous post, Lolita has helped me meet many of my close friends I know today.

This counts not only in Hawaii, but during my study abroad in Japan as well. I clicked with two girls teaching English in the area, who I may have never met if it wasn't for Lolita fashion. And if I had never met them, I never would have been fully confident about dressing up, or cosplay, or doing "lolita" things without being ashamed.

It's as if the fashion draws like-minded people to eachother, who may have otherwise never met under certain circumstances.

6. It's something my husband and I can do together. 

With my husband, at Kawaiikon 2014.

Sometimes, I'll make him matching vests and accessories to my favourite dresses so we can attend big tea parties and events together. I also love that he's so supportive of me in the fashion.

7. It has links to Visual Kei.

Maybe you'll remember the off-kilter dress Angelic Pretty made for Meto in Mejibray? Even though it wasn't an every day design, I love seeing that link between music I love and the brands that are in my daily life.

Some other examples are Hakuei's designs and modelling for Black Peace Now, Ruki from the Gazette's designs for Sexpot Revenge, and h.Naoto's designs for Psycho le Cemu.

8. It gives me confidence!

When I wear Lolita, I feel like I am not the same person! I carry myself differently, talk openly with people, and feel pretty. Lolita taught me how to pose for a camera instead of shying away from it.

When I came back from Japan, I returned with confidence in myself and my abilities, not just from what I had learned in school, but what I had learned about dressing up and being yourself. It led me to apply as a model for fashion shows, which I never thought I could be in. I modelled for Atelier Pierrot, and Mint Neko! And it didn't stop there, it gave me the confidence boost to model in Steampunk...

Modelling Lip Service for Millenium Hawaii.

...And things not even remotely Lolita!

At DJ Nocturna's "What's Up Pussy Cat?" event.
I would have never had the body confidence to wear this before!

9. The sheer variety of the fashion.

I can wear anything from all-black-everything one day, to a navy and gold sailor coordinate, to a completely pastel princess with a simple switch of clothes. I love being able to express myself any way I want, or whatever character is in my head that day.

My friend Alice and I, on opposite ends of the colour spectrum. 

10. My friends!

The style would not be the same without my friends that I've made, literally all over the world. Whether they're here in Hawaii with me now, in their home countries, or in Japan, we all keep in touch and chat about Lolita things on Facebook.

I've always been the shy type who has trouble making friends. But with Lolita, I have treasured friends, and we all seem to understand each other, at least through our love of fashion.

My husband and I, with two lovely Lolitas we met at Tokyo Dark Castle this January.

All that being said, it's really hard to think of reasons to hate Lolita fashion, which changed my life. But to be fair, here is the other side of the frills, if you will.

1. The sizing is restrictive, because at least for now, it's mostly manufactured for a Japanese demographic. Though some brands like Baby, the Stars Shine Bright have started releasing the equivalent of "Plus Sizes", they're uncommon, and still don't fully conform to a western figure.

2. Because of the sizing issues, the clothing isn't flattering on everyone, which leads to bullying and drama in online communities.

3. The high cost. If I happen to be working a lot, then it can be relaxing to select a Lolita item and "treat myself", but as I get older and gain more financial responsibilities, it's hard to justify a purchase that is at least half of a weekly paycheck.

4. Elitism. There are Lolitas with means to wear only the finest brands from head to toe, who seem to turn up their nose at those who wear cheaper options like Bodyline or handmade. Personally, I think this goes against the "Spirit of Harajuku", if you will, which celebrates individuality and marching to the beat of your own drum. Fortunately, a rise in exposure of independent western designers is starting to glamorise handmade items, which not "just any loli on the street" has.

5. The misconceptions. Many people take "Lolita" the wrong way, interpreting it as a fetish rather than a legitimate fashion. Still others take it for a costume. While there are people who practice it as a fetish, or cosplay a Lolita character from a series, I wish people would mentally separate it from people who love the fashion for fashion's sake.
(As a side note, I hold nothing against those who find Lolita attractive in that particular way, as long as they don't invade our personal meet-ups and cause the participants unwanted discomfort.)

6. The sweat... and the cold. I've worn Lolita in humid Hawaii year-round, in the positively dreadful Japanese summer, and frigid winters. There are very few temperature ranges which are forgiving to Lolita fashion, and the layers (or knee-length skirts) it requires.

7. You can't eat at a meetup, not really. You don't want to stain your clothes, or feel uncomfortable in their restrictive silhouettes.

8. How do you even hair? If you are experienced with hair styling or have the means to maintain a unique colour, then you should be able to style your own hair comfortably for Lolita. But for me, I always struggled with my ringlet, frizzy red hair, feeling it wasn't sleek or pretty enough for Lolita. When I finally got it chemically straightened, I started to style it in pigtails or updos for casual days. But when I am busy or my hair isn't cooperative, I feel I'd rather slap on a wig than show up without the full look.

9. People think that because you're dressed up, it's okay to approach and touch you. Once in high school, a woman at a mall saw my outfit and exclaimed, "Are you wearing a crinoline? I used to wear those in high school!" And lifted up my skirt, in the middle of a store. I've also had highschool kids use my Usakuma pouch as a punching bag when they passed by on the streets.

And last, but most scary, I was cornered by a man on the bus in college. I was wearing a shorter h.Naoto petticoat skirt, and full tights, but when I sat, my upper thigh was exposed. The bus was crowded, and he took the seat next to me... but was massaging my upper thigh with his finger the entire time. I kept scooting closer to the window, but he pressed up against me until I was literally squished. I got off at an early stop and forced my way out, and got on another bus because I was so shaken. (So please ladies and gentlemen, if you're ever assaulted in this way, get out any way you can and tell someone immediately.) Your clothing is never an excuse for objectification, whether you're wearing Lolita or not!

10. I guess I hate fads? It seems like a print will spike in popularity, then it is impossible to touch it for the original retail price. Sometimes it's double or triple what you pay in the store. Or even more annoying, often I'll see a flood of a certain print in second-hand sales, but the high price never budges! Anyone who has studied economics would think that with a high supply and low demand, sellers would lower their prices. But because it is a popular print, the price will remain high, even if there are three more for sale and no one buys them right away.

But all in all, those are not pervasive enough to keep me from my beloved Lolita. I've been in the style for 7 or 8 years, and see myself in it and creating it for many more years to come.

Onward to the Lolita future!

xoxo, Cherie.

Lolita 30 Day Challenge: 10 Things About Your Lolita Bubble.

Hey Darlings!

Due to the complications of life, from the never-ending war that is job hunting in Hawaii, to the joys of getting married, and practically everything in between... I have not been posting much, haha.

But here's a the quick version!
- I had my first fashion show for my original line, "Darkly Darling" in August at the Hawaii Horror Ball.
- I applied to RAW: Natural Born Artists and was selected as a showcase artist for their "Scope" event in September. I had my first "big audience" fashion show there, for Darkly Darling.
- I completed my first Lolita sewing commission for Darkly Darling last month, and am currently arranging my first "convention" fashion show at Kawaiikon next year.
- Non-fashion related, I got married! Yay!
- The Hawaii Harajuku Fashion walks are still going.
- Visual Kei Dark Castle is still on hiatus.
- I discovered a new favourite karaoke spot.

Well, now that you're all caught up, let me introduce the reason I am posting today.

My Lolita friends were discussing the "30 day Lolita Challenge" on Facebook, which we all tried to do about 3 or 4 years ago, and none of us finished it. We decided to try it again, as a way to get back to our blogs and finally get through the full 30 days. We also agreed to get on each other about posting, so no one gives up again.

I feel like I wrote some entries in the challenge before. They may be buried somewhere in this blog, or maybe I deleted them when I did some house cleaning. But even if they were still around, the local Lolita community has changed in Hawaii and so have I, so the answers would hardly be relevant.

So, the first theme for Day One is: "10 Things About Your Lolita Bubble."

And the more I thought about it, the more personal it got... because I hadn't really thought of it before, but almost everything I do and all of my friends are connected to the Lolita Community on Oahu in some way. Some girls I met at my first meet-up here in 2009 ended up being bridesmaids at my wedding. So many girls have ended up becoming my closest friends, even through my year in Japan.

That being said, my connection to my "Lolita Bubble" has developed so much in the past few years. So this is a pretty important entry, to me.

1. The Hawaii... Lolitas... are awesome.

Here in Hawaii, we have lolis who are here for a year then move away, lolis who have been here all their lives, lolis who also cosplay and do photography and are ringleaders for other fashion groups. Just the diversity of our group amazes me, from cultural backgrounds to brolitas to girls who dress like boys (shout out to me...) no two lolitas in our group are alike. And it shows in their style. They're just a kaleidoscope of experiences and style mash-ups that I adore.

2. We're connected.

They say everyone knows everyone in Hawaii, because "small island". But the same rule extends into our Lolita "bubble". The Lolitas not only meet up for Lolita things, but for cosplay things, Vampire beauty pageants, and even hanging out when we're not dolled up. We all have similar interests, and get along well. Often, when we have out of state visitors, they comment on how friendly and open we are, and I think that has something to do with it. It's a mix of Aloha, and the spirit of welcoming anyone who shares our interests. 

3. It's pretty chill, but not without drama.

I'll admit it now- it sounds like sunshine and rainbows (Hawaii reference not intended) and like everything's drama-free. For the most part, that's true. I do know there is 'another' Lolita mini group on the island who doesn't like to associate with our main group, and they don't share their meetups on Facebook like we do. I've never met the people in the other group- which is crazy, because our island is so small. But I figure hey, we all set up our own events and meetups, and as long as you're into Lolita and wearing J-fashion (there for the right reasons), we love hanging out. But just acknowledging, that strange bit of drama is there. 

4. We've met Misako Aoki...

5. ... And Midori and Reika!

6. ... and even Yuko from Atelier Pierrot, the only brand to hold an official fashion show in Hawaii (twice!). I wish I had more pictures from when she was here!

7. Since Hawaii is sort of like a second Japan, we get a lot of Japanese imports that make the Lolita fashion a little bit easier to adapt to.

There's bookstores in town that sell Kera, Gothic Lolita Bibles, Gosu Rori sewing books and Japanese fashion magazines in general. It's not uncommon to find used GLBs in our local comic book stores. The local fabric marts stock Japanese prints from time to time, and we can grab Japanese brand makeup, eyelashes and even Palty at Don Quijote (our local kine Walmart). 

8. Hawaii is historically connected to Japan, from immigrants who came over here to work on farms to the booming tourism industry today. Walk around Waikiki, and it's hard to find a store or restaurant without katakana outside.

Maybe because of that, we don't get such rude reactions or comments while we're out. I think especially since we do most of our events downtown, where there's a lot of tourists, many people see it and understand it. Of course there are always people asking "Are you in a play?" or something like that, but it's not nearly as invasive as the reactions I'd get on the mainland. 

9. When we're not in Lolita, we're usually hanging out at our Harajuku Fashion Walk. I love them, because it sort of feels like my day off from Lolita, haha. Of course, many girls still wear Lolita. But personally, I have a lot of other interests such as Visual Kei and Shironuri, so usually that will be my wild card day to bust that out. Others wear punk, decora, fairy kei, dolly kei, and cult party kei.

We're also connected with a local chapter of Kimono Jack, a kimono flash mob group in Japan that's quite popular. 

I know I said this in point #1, but our mutual interest in Japanese street fashions makes us very inter-connected, even if we only see each other once or twice a month. 

10. What can I say? 

If I had never been a Lolita and never joined this local community, my life would be completely different. I met my husband while I was dressing up and hanging out in Chinatown with one of my best friends from the community. They support me and model for me when I try to promote my fashions, and I try to make them happy and make fun memories with the fashion shows and shoots. Whether we're otaku, metal heads, French pop enthusiasts, photographers... we all support each other. 

Allow me to say, my Lolita bubble is the best Lolita bubble. 

Hawaii Lolita: Annual Spring Meet-up at Cream Pot

It has become a tradition for the Hawaii Lolitas to meet up once a year, in the Spring at the popular breakfast/brunch and cafe Cream Pot in Waikiki. It has become a popular spot for our Lolita scene, as well as out-of-state Lolita celebrities such as Midori and Misako. 

Midori and Reika outside Cream Pot; photo courtesy of Midori's blog, here. 

Last year, I mixed things up in a Shironuri style rather than Lolita. This time I decided to stick with the Lolita theme, but since I had nothing Springy to wear besides an overused Baby dress, I decided to make myself an outfit.

Using some gingham fabric I had lying around, I fashioned myself a skirt and babushka. Though I originally planned to make a bonnet, I thought, "wouldn't a babushka be so much cuter?" And it really was! I'm very happy with it. With my pink blouse and Atelier Pierrot apron, it was just right.

I sported very soft, natural makeup with it, for a light, airy look. I used Too Faced's "No Makeup Makeup" palette, which is my new favourite toy in my makeup box!

The Lolitas all had a pleasant lunch. We also had a visiting Lolita from California, so that was fun to meet her and chat with her! 

And after… we all went to Purikura at Funpix! We barely all managed to squeeze in a booth with our poof!

And some more, with my Lolita buddies. :3

It was such a fun day. I love it when all of us can get together! It does not happen very often, as we all lead crazy busy lives. Simple things like wearing out my creations, visiting friends over brunch and taking pictures together are just some of my favourite things to do.

As Misako would say, Happy Loli Day!

Where in the World has Cherie been?

Hello Darlings, after a long absence.

A lot has happened in the past few months, my life rapidly changing, twisting and turning upside down. It's been terrifying, exciting, amazing.

I met a lot of my heroes, and it wasn't always what I expected.

In San Antonio, I met DJ SiSen and ALSDEAD. DJ SiSen was kind, and easy to talk to. Alsdead all have a great sense of humour. 

When I returned to Hawaii, Midori and Reika made a surprise appearance at my "Welcome Home" tea party. 

All of my Lolita friends were there to welcome me back; the surprise guests were kept hush-hush. Midori, best known for her modelling in the Gothic Lolita Bible, was so sweet and lovely! She was kind and approachable, and didn't have the air of being a "top model" at all. I was able to translate for her so she could chit chat with the other Lolitas, but her English was pretty good as it was. 

Reika is now one of the top cosplayers in the world, admired for her transformation into incredible characters. For the tea party, she wore a kodona outfit by Alice and the Pirates. She seemed shy at first, so I stood to the side with her, making small talk. We took pictures together, and by the end, she added me on Cosplayer's Archive!

Everybody took pictures together, and shared chocolate fondue with strawberries, marshmallows, and the cafe's signature ice cream hearts. We also sipped on a variety of teas and enjoyed each other's company for several hours, before finally our guests had to leave. 

This whole event was set up by just one of my dear friends. I am awestruck that she would do such a thing for me and the local lolita community. 

I ran into Hirooka Naoto in La Foret in December. When I was younger, he was my fashion design idol. I adored his work for the small handmade details which made his clothing signature. Once I was in the same room with him, my mind went completely blank! I couldn't think of anything to say at all!

I hate to admit it, but I was a little disappointed. It could have been because of the holidays and the stress of preparing for New Year's sales, but he seemed disinterested if not totally annoyed by me trying to say hello to him. He rolled his eyes when I asked for a picture. Trying to turn the 'conversation' (or lack of) around, I remembered the first h.Naoto line I had fallen for: Red Rum, which Naoto himself designed. Thinking it would cheer him up, I asked if there was any for sale in the store. This lifted his spirits into a light smile, and he said that La Foret probably didn't have any, but the Harajuku store might.

While in La Foret, I ran into Yuko, one of the designers for Atelier Pierrot, who I met when I modelled for her at HEXXP. She recognised me and said hello! I got to catch up with her, introduce her to my then boyfriend, and talked about our trip to Tokyo so far. After, I snagged an awesome lucky bag with lots of goodies!

I also ran into Yoh at Comiket. I didn't even know I was standing in front of him! The "artist alley" of  Comiket is vast, with hundreds if not thousands of tables and vendors crammed together, the walkways choked with people. I recognised his artwork on his table, and asked "Are you… by any chance… Yoh-sama?"

He confirmed that indeed he was, and seemed shocked that a foreigner would recognise his work! I told him that I had first seen it in the Gothic Lolita Bibles, and he was very popular among Western Lolitas. This also surprised him. And when I asked for him to sign a post card I bought, he was even more shocked. 

So. Remember my "then-boyfriend"? I mentioned? Want to know why he's no longer my boyfriend?

He's my fiancé now. 

He proposed to me at the top of Tokyo Tower. 

And that. Has been the most thrilling, wonderful adventure of all. 

But more about my trip to Tokyo later! Including Tokyo Disney Land (where I didn't get to go during my study abroad), the Studio Ghiblu Museum in Mitaka (omg forbidden pictures!) Comiket, Christon Cafe and an Alice in Wonderland themed Cafe, Tokyo Dark Castle with Dangerous Nude, Triple Fortune, Takuya Angel and Candy Spooky Theatre, Visual Kei Mama San in Harajuku, and more crazy tales from Tokyo! 

But in the mean time, I also had the pleasure of meeting Misako Aoki, at Kawaiikon 10 last weekend. 

If ever a Lolita idol there was, Misako Aoki was certainly one of mine. I pictures her as the crown princess of Lolita I looked up to. I thought she was interesting, well-travelled, well-versed in Lolita and had a perfect face. Of course she was all of these things, as well as mild-mannered, sweet and hospitable to her guests.

Her special tea party at Kawaiikon ringed in one of the largest Lolita gatherings I'd seen on the island. We brunched, took pictures as she travelled the tables and made small talk, and some guests gave her hand made presents. There was also a raffle, so each guest went home with a special present.

Some guests came from far away to meet Misako in Hawaii- the furthest was New Zealand!

I wore "Victorian Card Print" from AATP, along with a dark green silk shantung bonnet I sewed myself.

Bonnet Gang!

At the tea party, Misako was mainly promoting her new Japanese text book on Lolita fashion. It's actually very good, even though brief, but well written and easy to understand, whether you're new to Lolita or a veteran. She said there are plans to release and English version in the next 12-18 months, via a British publisher. 

I bought a copy at the Harajuku Hearts booth, so she could sign it for me. 

On day two I wore shironuri for a Kimono Jack x J-fashion Hawaii flash mob, and got to meet Misako at her booth. She seemed baffled by the shironuri style I wore. I tried to tell her about how I first saw Minori and other shironuri artists, and fell in love with the style… but she seemed shocked to hear about shironuri, and had never heard of Minori. I was a little surprised! That's okay; I hope she at least thought it was kind of cute! ^^; 

Maybe more on the Kimono Jack x J-fashion Hawaii flash mob in another post?

… But we were pretty cute, so here's one more shot for now!

And so, those are just a handful of highlights of my life since… Halloween. xD Gosh, I have so much to fill everyone in on! 

As for the status in Hawaii, life is always getting tighter. More and more people are being pumped into this island without enough space and resources to go around. Driving out on the west side, I can look off the highway into a flat, dehydrated wasteland that stretches out to the sea; barren space cleared for more housing developments, more people, more traffic to clog the arteries of the island. Every time I go to town, to Honolulu or Waikiki, I get more and more stifled, more and more annoyed and want to leave. It's frustrating to live in "paradise". 

As for the spread of J-culture, the event I was promoting with my friend, "Visual Kei Dark Castle" has ended. For one thing, we realised we couldn't keep referencing Dark Castle, especially after I attended and saw it for myself, the owner right before my eyes. It was now a tangible thing, not a concept or a name. Not to mention, when I was away from Hawaii it was left in the hands of those who didn't really "get" visual kei or J-fashion, and it was all down hill from there. But that's okay. 

J-fashion Hawaii, a separate group focusing on "Hawaii Fashion Walks" is on the rise. They've been holding more and more meet-ups inspired by the walks in Harajuku, and attendance rises every time. They also reached out to the local chapter of Kimono Jack, a group that organises kimono fashion flash mobs, and teamed up with them for a meet at Kawaiikon this year. 

Simultaneously, I've been reevaluating how to approach our events. I aim to make them more symbiotic with J-fashion Hawaii, not just focusing on gothic or heavy metal visual kei, but covering other genres of Japanese music too. Yes, we will still do night events at venues, and our appearances such as info booths and fashion shows will most likely be held in typically "nightlife" settings. But our main goal is to be more all-encompassing. One thing I've noticed with the time I've spent in Japan is that there aren't as strict "camps" with Lolita, Visual Kei, and many other sub-culture genres… there is some overlap in all of them. You see Lolitas who love visual kei and go all out in their outfits, to small live houses, head banging. One thing that was bothering me about how Lolita was approached in the West, was this compartmentalisation. I want to bring everyone together and foster the same sort of environment. 

I don't know when we'll finally re-launch it, or what our new name will be- we're still deliberating, but have a few final picks. Most likely, our next promotional event will be a shironuri meet up, held at Honolulu Museum Spalding House next month. Still, even more to come on that later!

As always, life is exciting, ever-changing and hard to keep track of. For now, this will do. 

Xoxo,

Cherie

Hawaii Lolita Meetup at Cream Pot

On Sunday, I attended one of the biggest Lolita Meetups I have ever been to in Hawaii. With almost 20 lolitas in attendance, we packed our favourite restaurant, The Cream Pot in Waikiki!

The whole gang! Photo courtesy of my friend Cat.

The theme was just "Spring", and lolita attire was not required, but everyone dressed up anyway. However some girls tied in mori girl elements to match the cottage style of the restaurant, or I decided to do a Minori-inspired shironuri look. 

The meet-up was very casual. Everyone chatted and ordered what they liked as we enjoyed the Ghibli-esque scenery of the restaurant. 

I ordered Strawberry Souffle pancakes, and a banana smoothie. The soufflé pancakes are super fluffy, almost like air or whipped cream. They were served with custard, fresh cream, and fresh strawberries in a light syrup.

Many pictures were taken as we talked amongst ourselves, hopping tables like a Mad Tea Party.

Photo courtesy of my friend Samantha

My friends got some great shots of my makeup, so I was very happy!

Photo courtesy of my friend Ashley

Afterwards, we all went to Funpix in McCully shopping centre for Purikura madness. We did almost four sessions! Since we are all busy, it's been forever since we were together for Purikura.

It was such a great day! Cream Pot is one of my favourite places to go in Hawaii. The atmosphere is perfect for a Lolita meet-up, and the owners are always so kind and accommodating to us. Plus, it has been a while since I was able to just hang out with my Lolita friends, without there being an event or a show to worry about! It was so nice.

Photo by Emi Smile photos

It is definitely beginning to feel like Spring now, even in tropical Hawaii. 

xoxo, Cherie