Five Year Anniversary Resolution for 2013

The end of 2012 marks my 5 year anniversary wearing the Lolita fashion style. I still remember the first skirt I ever made with the help of my mom, or the first pair of wristcuffs i ever made. I still have both of them in my closet. Though I seldom wear them. 

First skirt I made out of embroided organza and cotton.

THEN AND NOW:

When I started the fashion, the girls in the community were from a whole different generation than today. Possibly about half or more are no longer lolitas. Those that stay, probably wear it mostly during cons or big events, but outside, they seldom wear it.  I also realized, that I also do not wear the fashion as often as I would like. The lolita idols were also a different generation. I was quite fortunate to meet a ton of them and befriend them as well. 

The very first JSK I ever made and wore to my first event

When I started, "gothic lolita" was what was mainstream. When you thought of lolita, you thought of black and white co-ords, not pink, but red. Baby the Star Shine Bright had just released their sub label Alice and the Pirates and became an instant hit. 

Today, most of the Lolita "guidelines" are now expired. The only one that probably only matters now is keeping the silhouette of the skirt with a petticoat.

An old co-ord from 2009.

Oh, and the accessibility of the clothes is so much easier now than it was years ago. We relied on shopping services so much more then than now. Indie brands and commissioners flourished for those that couldn't afford shopping service and wanted something more local. 

The very first meet I hosted back in 2010

INFLUENCE:

Lolita fashion has helped me grow my confidence. I remember how shy I was to share my art or even my opinion for that matter. Now I have a whatever attitude. I go with the flow and just talk and have fun. When I hosted events, there was no room to be passive. I had to speak to people. When I worked at events, it was the same thing. Because of this I have also met so many wonderful people both in the lolita community and out. 

Still new at makeup in this pic , but trying

Lolita fashion helped me learn how to do my makeup. I did use makeup prior  but it was minimal. Now I love playing with my "face tools" and creating new looks, and a different me. 

Lolita fashion is mostly clothes, but its amazing how much fashion has an influence on people. Fashion itself is a culture, we don't force a lifestyle, it becomes a part of us. Because of lolita, I was able to figure out what I really wanted to do in life. My love for fashion was now fully awake. I always had a passion for fashion, but with regards to more alternative geek styles. With this new realized love, I was able to switch majors, transfer schools, graduate, and get a job based on what I studied. 

One of my favorite old pictures from my noob days :P

DIFFICULTIES:

Defining your personal style in lolita is always the most difficult. I think its because we have this idea on what we want, but we can rarely execute it properly. I always wanted to start out as a country/classic lolita, and ended up wearing a lot of sweet. 

There were also the people of the comm. Some were quite difficult to deal with. I'd have to admit, I was quite a naive noob, and did a lot of novice no-nos in the community. I learned though, and moved on. 

Remember when there were no OTK Socks!

I saw a lot of the things that went on in cons and at events. Its not all sweets and candy. A lot of drama goes on, but it was worth it to give someone a fun event they could enjoy and remember.

Me with Simone designer and creator of Tokidoki!

Also the people, those on the streets harassing you because you are wearing something weird. I learned to just get over it.

One of the first events I volunteered for

REFLECTION
I think my love for lolita is still there. It is not as strong as my first 2-3 years, but I don't think I will ever fall out of love for the fashion. Fashion evolves and merges to become something new. I do not wear lolita as often, but I incorporate a lot of the pieces in my everyday wear. I tend to wear more otome styles, which allows me to use my lolita wardrobe in a more casual manner.

Co-ords from 2011

Will I ever leave lolita, I don't know. There are times where I don't care for it as much but other times, I am in love with it again.

Co-ords from 2011

I think what has happened over time is that the excitement finally settled down, and has become a part of who I am and not what I strive to become.

Co-ords from 2012

Just to add, because of lolita, spending 20 dollars for an acrylic necklace has become "reasonable" whereas before I would think its ridiculous to spend that much on plastic lol.

Co-ords from 2012

RESOLUTION

~I really hope to start creating my own personal prints in my pieces. I am already designing some really cool things for 2013. They will probably not be released till months later, but I am excited. Its a big project and I'm looking forward to it.
~I will be returning to the AA at Anime Expo, so I will be crafting again. My pieces were be items you can wear everyday while still lolitable.
~I really want to start purchasing from brands mostly such as Milk, ETC, and Jane Marple. Though still expect bajillions of purchases from AP
~I would like to attend more meetups, both big and small. I like hosting events, but its too tiresome at times, and would just like to spectate than participate.

~~Oli