"Oh Maiden, Advance with a Sword and Rose"

I wanted to post something else for International Lolita Day, but it didn't really go with my Hello Kitty event post. So forgive me for double-posting, but I really thought my readers would want to read this.

 I hope that my darlings have a wonderful Lolita Day today, whether you're relaxing at home, going out shopping or hanging out with your lolita circle. In honour of the day, and all of you brave girls who wear what you want without fear, I'd like to share a passage by Ali Project vocalist Arika Takarano. 

I remember reading a translation a few years ago in the English Gothic and Lolita Bible. Whenever I feel afraid of what others think of my fashion, I always think of this passage. I was able to dig it up again, from the Lolita-Tips Tumblr...

It is called "Oh Maiden, Advance with a Sword and Rose". 

“I wonder what made you become Lolita? Is it because you wanted to wear cute clothes? Because you like lace and frills? Because you wanted to be like someone? Or was it because you wanted to become cute so you’d be popular with the guys? No, no, that’s impossible isn’t it? After all, Lolita isn’t something with which you worry about what guys think!  

I bet your answer is something like this... “Before I knew it, I was a Lolita maiden!” That’s right! You are a chosen maiden, a born aristocratic maiden. I understand you well. You’re a daydreamer and a visionary who is here in body, but not in spirit. You’re shy, willful, and don’t want to be like others. You like reading by yourself rather than partying with friends. You love pretty things and want to live surrounded by only the things you like. 

Isn’t that right? “I am a special maiden.” It’s okay for you to think that, you know. Even if there are strangers who look away and snicker at you because your skirt is too poufy, or because the ribbon adorning your hair is too big, you don’t have to let it bother you. Sure, it’s aggravating that there are still some confused people who see Gothic and Lolita as unemotional, cheap cosplay, but you should just remain confident and stand tall. One cannot learn true kindness unless one becomes strong.  

Nothing will come of indulging in the comfort of lukewarm idleness. It’s triffling and foolish to look at the same things others see and try to discover something interesting from such. After all, there are many more wonderful things, yet-unknown things, beautiful things that will take your breath away in your world. I know you can find these things.  

Cotton candy envelops your heart. Scarlet roses bloom in your eyes, and the taste of honey forever spreads upon your tongue. Your hair is soft and your skin smooth. You are a maiden who was born to be Lolita. You exist in a cocoon. The light of the sun and the glistening of the moon gently fall upon you there. You want to stay in there forever with your eyes closed. While you wish for that, the dreams that fall gently upon you there are woven like a sweet layer of powdered sugar…. But girls with a highly developed sense of beauty are intelligent.  

Have you realized that behind the fluffy cuteness lies hidden a well-honed sword, the blade of which shines brightly? That’s right. After all, you already know, don’t you? That this world does not consist of only beautiful things? That somewhere there lurks malice that intends to do you harm? That roses have thorns so that they may remain sublime? And that sometimes, you must fight to protect that which is dear to you?  

This is what I think: Gothic and Lolita clothes are a maiden’s armor, which even a knight’s armor cannot compare to. A maiden’s lace is her steel. Her ribbons are chains. Her dress hat is her helmet, and her surreptitiously changes the blood that flows from her wounds into true red rose petals. Thus, the maiden fights. After all, to live is to fight, and to become beautiful is to become stronger. You are a noble being that no one may touch, you are cute and yet tragic. Yes, the ideal aristocratic maiden, in my imagination, is very much like you.  

There are often maidens who say, “But I’m not cute, so…” you know, though, that there’s no such thing as a maiden who is not cute. It’s just that there are those maidens who don’t have enough confidence. However, modesty is a virtue, and those maidens won’t become the kind of shameless women who are not mindful of their appearance. That’s why I think not having confidence is a step toward beauty, too. 

So, stop looking in the mirror and sighing! You must find at least a piece of yourself that you like the best. For example, a part of your face would be nice: like your peachy cheeks or even your eyelashes. Your tiny, pink seashell-like nails also would be fine. The fact that you’ve got a talent for art, or that your specialty is making sweets would be fine, too. It’s enough for you to acknowledge, little by little, that there is something that you excel in.
See? When you think of it that way, don’t you recall this and that talent? 

Say, I can see wings on your back- elegant wings, with the luster of velvet. Please keep flying freely, without fear. Even if someone should hurt you, you will end up landing in the right place. I know this well because once upon a time, I was like you, too.”

- Arika Takarano for the Gothic & Lolita Bible

LBC: 5 Themed Meetup Ideas

Meetups are arguably the core of Lolita culture... gathering with your lolita friends, coordinating outfits together, and heading out to do something decidedly "Lolita". It can be visiting a new cafe, or a more physical outing, like exploring a zoo. 

This week in the Lolita Carnival, we'll be sharing ideas for 5 Meetups. 

My first suggestion is actually counter-intuitive to most lolitas, dare I say, blasphemous.

But what the heck.

1.) HAVE AN ANIMAL DAY. 

YES. Break out the brand cat ears you've been dying to wear, or that ridiculous bonnet with long floppy bunny ears. Dig out the furry bear eared headdress you've been shoving into the shadows of your drawer, because you know what? It's cute as hell. You know you want to wear it, but fear the taunts of "cosplay". 

But I say, for one day, loosen up. ^^ Or should I say... GO WILD! 

Go on a nature trail, or public garden if you have any in your area. If you're worried about the terrain, how about a Nature Reserve? There was a lovely one I visited in Washington state called the Bloedel Reserve, with a sprawling lawn, elegant lake and a Victorian manor. 

Also, you don't have to wear something costume-y to participate. An "animal" theme is as open ended as you make it. And if you look around, there's plenty of pretty, inexpensive things you can buy or make to transform an outfit.

Take this cat-eared veil I found on Etsy, for instance...

Etsy

It seems easy to recreate, with some tulle and wire. ^^

Or who says you have to be a mammal? If you're more into elegant butterflies or birds, that would be lovely too. 

Etsy

2.) Cooking Mama

I love to bake... mostly because I can't cook anything except dessert, haha! So I think it would be really fun to have everyone show off their own cooking or baking skills, and have a cooking meet-up. (To save your clothes during preparation, this may be best completed pot-luck style.)

Or, if you can't bake or cook, buy something and bring it. :) Then dress the part of the chef and try to convince everyone you made it. 

Have everyone come in their baker's best... or by that I mean, take a regular lolita coord and add an apron. Because really, when else do we get to wear those things? It's also a great opportunity to break out your maid-themed coords, if you have any! 

If you're one of the fortunate few, maybe you live near a place where you can go and cook your own entree. While I was in Japan, I saw a restaurant where you pay a professional to teach you how to cook. They provide the gourmet ingredients and guide you and your guest through the entire process. Not only is it delicious, but you get the self-fulfilment of making your own delicious meal!

Or, there was a bakery I went to in Washington called Bella Bella Cupcakes. They offered a party where the guests made their own signature cupcake batter, combining whatever flavours they wanted. Supplies were provided by the bakery. Then when you were done, the bakers baked your cupcakes, and brought them out for you to decorate. ... who cares if it was a kid's party package, doesn't it sound like fun?!

Do some research and see if there is anything like that in your area! 

3.) Karaoke

Because. Whenever I go out in lolita. I'm usually going to karaoke.

A Hello Kitty karaoke room I rented with my friend in Tokyo.

No, but really! Karaoke is a great ice breaker, and an ice maker... since we never get to wear cute Lolita coats in Hawaii, we once had a "Winter Karaoke" meet up, where we wore our winter lolita gear to the private karaoke room, then cranked up the air conditioning on full blast. And of course, you can sing Christmas carols while you do this. ;D

Many people are scared to go, because they think it's "horrible and embarrassing"... and you know, I used to think so too. Until I went with about three thousand Japanese people. xD 

One of my good friends was in a band, and would just go wild at karaoke, yelling into the mic, kicking chairs, jumping, dancing, head banging... and even though he was great, his voice cracks too. And he'd sing duets with the worst of us, myself included. 

It's just about having fun. No one is an expert, and that's not what we're expecting. If everyone is worried about outdoing each other, you're going with the wrong people, haha.

My point is, have a karaoke lolita meet-up, you won't regret it!

4.) ... You know, I think I spent all my energy on the first idea, haha!

OKAY FOUR.  

UNITED NATIONS!

On Metamorphose's website there is a world map, tagged with customers from all over the globe.

From Metamorphose's Go! Go! Lolita Chan!

Ever since I started lolita back in 2007, I remember this map on the site. So that is where I got the inspiration... Everybody comes dressed as a different country!

Deep reds and greens for Italy, Red White and Blue with star accessories for America, Marie Antoinette for France, that kimono Jsk from Meta you never get to wear for Japan!

This meet can hit the street at an event where you're sure to be street snapped, or maybe take it to a show, like the theatre, ballet or a circus. 

5.) A Masquerade

Etsy

Going out at night is just as fun, if not more fun than going out in the day! And with a theme like "Masquerade", your options are endless. 

Guests should be encouraged to create or modify their own masquerade mask to match their outfit. Maybe you could have a contest, for most original, best over all, and so on! 

Possible events for this theme could be Art After Dark, First Friday, concerts, art openings, holidays such as New Years and Halloween... 

No matter what the meet up or the theme, I've always believed it's the people, not what you do, that make the experience. So no matter how fun or simple your meet-up idea is, enjoy the time with your friends and getting to know new people over all.

I hope someday I get to go to a meet-up with all of my darlings! I'll make you all wear animal ears and dress like countries and sing karaoke, muwahaha.

xoxo, Slightly Sadistic Cherie 

This week's participants:

☆ Let’s Go ☆ Hello Batty ☆ Beyond Kawaii ☆ Palace of Frills ☆ Sweet Lolita Doll ☆ A Life in Disguise ☆ Päivänvarjon alla ☆ Lolita Cor-de-Rosa ☆ Geisha Baby ☆ Angel Shinigami ☆

Steal the style: Reita, The GazettE

We all have fashion icons; some of them less conventional than others.

As a Jrock fan, I love the styles worn by members of my favourite bands, especially the GazettE. But as a girl with a curvier figure (as in, curvier than Japanese men, haha), I found it hard to pull off the slim cuts, layers and low necklines sported by the members. But after a bit of searching and experimenting, I've found some options.

My first subject and fashion muse, is Reita, bassist of the GazettE.

His look has more edge than the other members, which reflects his personality, hobbies and aggressive bass line. 

(Reita comes in at about 1:40.)

When thinking about Reita's rough-and-tumble style, I thought of a store at my local mall called Buckle. 

It's not a typically alternative or rock-and-roll store... they carry clothing with a vintage feel, but a modern edge. It's summer right now, so a lot of their women's apparel is more brightly coloured, but I found a lot of dark, neutral and metallic items to fit Reita's image.

Read more under the jump-cut!

10 style icons

Lolita Challenge!

... 10 people who inspire your lolita style.

1. Intetsu. In and out of 'lolita', I love his style. His accessories and outfit 'balance' are always spot on. Not to mention, he has amazing hair?

If you don't all ready, I recommend checking out his blog from time to time, or following his Twitter. He's a skilled photographer, and has a knack for finding the most beautiful things in every day life. He inspires me to be more optimistic.

2. MOON Kana. She's always done her own thing regardless of criticism or rejection. Not only is she a fashion icon because of her taste in clothing, but also for her original designs, which were often printed in Gothic and Lolita Bible. For quirky, unique style that works, I choose Kana.

3. Edgar Allan Poe. Just look at this suave cat. With his popping-at-the-seams waist coat and disheveled neck tie. Haha, okay, so he isn't literally my fashion icon. Rather, he is just an inspiration. 

While talking to other lolitas and reading other blogs, I noticed many people say they try to 'tell a story' with their clothing. I've always felt the same way with my own outfits, before I even discovered lolita. If I could find a voice for the stories in my closet, I'd like for them to be Poe: Haunted Romantic.

4. Niki Nohmoto, designer of Alice and the Pirates. Her designs strike the perfect balance between Gothic, Sweet, and Punk- but not really! She brings something different to the lolita table, that can only be defined as Alice and the Pirates.

Not only is her brand my favorite, but she dresses perfectly herself. This outfit, pairing striped tights with Vampire Forest, is one of my favorites!

5. Mitsu, vocalist of Dolly. Dramatic, contrasting layers, smoldering eye makeup, and spot-on accessories make him my casual style muse.

6 and 7. Dai-chan and Mikoron. (blog) Their outfits are as cute and 'pop' as Dai-chan's art! With short hemlines, thigh-highs and garters, this couple balances sex-appeal with cute.

7. Hachi, from Nana. Love her or hate her, Hachi was always my favorite. Her looks are retro, classic, and modern all at once- a mix of timeless and trendy. 

Her Sabrina dress will always be iconic to me. In the manga, she bought a vintage white dress from a store called Sabrina. The black-on-white design was remniscient of a gown Audrey Hepburn wore in the 1954 film, Sabrina. Coincidence, or inspiration?

8. Takuma. THAT SUIT! Look at that suit! That bling Vivienne Westwood buckle! Those (legit) rocking horse shoes! This is a prime example of my favorite Takuma looks. He brings a rocker's edge to anything he wears, but keeps a sophisticated flavor- a little Punk, a little Prince.

9.  Mai. (blog) She dabbles in a little bit of everything, from classic Baby pieces to the rare and controversial D. Walkalure series by Metamorphose. What really impressed me was this Angel coordinate with she wore on Halloween.

 10. Alumi-plant. (blog) Should be a poster child for S-inc. The mixed patterns, textures, and lengths are symbolic of h.Naoto, and her outfits do the brand proud. I love how her coordinates are mostly black or white, with just a suggestion of color to tie it together.

The important thing about these 'muses', whether they are bloggers, musicians, or otherwise, is that they answer to their tastes before others. People who see clothing for what it could be, not just how it is posed in a magazine. People who can imagine a world a little like our home in reality, but with something extra and ethereal. Or people who look to the past and make old things new again.

It's that creative energy that makes this fashion so exciting, and I hope there will always be fresh minds like these waiting to push the envelope.