I love that lolite style so muuuuch :O

Wow those wigs are really pretty.

Yay! Pages that I hadn't read!!!! Thank you for this amazing lolita guide!

@C C C:

From birthdays and holidays. As much as I love lolita, my wardrobe isn't that big and only a few pieces are actually brand

Ugh :0
Where do you get the money for Lolita?

I want to do wear it sooo badly~

lol this reminded me of then I was trying to buy a kimono and yukata.
There are tons of stuff sold as 'Japanese kimono' that are not!

It's skirt isn't the right shape, it has It has raschel lace, and is too short!

(I think...)

@lightridergs:

i was called ita too, it was my first dress and it 'looked like a costume', my hair was 'too short' and i needed 'a different headdress'. i hate it when other lolita's are brutally honest because there are so many other kinder ways of saying things that won't hurt someone's feelings. i sold my dress since then :(

@Alchemic Mushroom:

Well thank you!!! Yeah too bad!!! I like things with real pages but everything is digitalizing. I wish it'd stop.

@izuzu15:

lol! okay. Innocent World, Metamorphoses, and Alice and the Pirates sell kodona on occasions but you could find cheaper options at Fanplusfriend or Bodyline.
concerning the catalogs, I haven't seen any yet that are like the fashion catalogs you get in the mail. Some brands have catalogs that display the products of the year but I'm not sure if you can buy from them.

One more comment!!! Love the way you compare disgusting outfits called lolita with real lolita!!! I HATE it when they label something that completely shows the cleavage as lolita. Argh! Talk about frustrating.

The sale strategy thing is so true! I mean you can see every single little piece of garbage labeled as lolita on ebay. It's frustrating!! Oh and thankfully I've never seen a Naruto lolita 'cause that would be an eyesore. You just don't go that far.

I also wnated to say that although not lolita I love maid outfits and cat ears and all that stuff! It's fun and beautiful for conventions!

Sorry I keep posting comments I just love your article so much. It's quite accurate! Do you know where to find the right pants for kodona fashion? Like a website or anywhere that I might find them? Clothes for kodona fashion are very difficult to find! Or at least it's difficult for me! Never found any that looks elegant and good enough. Like you said before gothic lolita is fashion not a cosplay.

I like built-in petticoats, I hate the ones that aren't because it's uncomfortable and doesn't look as good in my personal opinion. I say this because I own one and don't like it at all. I buy my lolita dresses on ebay. Do you know of any good gothic lolita catalogs? I mean like a real catalog, with real pages, a catalog that comes on the mail, not an online catalog.

I so agree on "Just 'cause it has lace doesn't mean it's lolita" it makes me kinda mad when people see something with lace and think it's loli!!! Argh! Great art BTW!

@roseluvneji:

i'm glad this helps

This is really helpful for the manga I"m drawing :)

@amandaxthomas:

places like fanplusfriend will custom make clothes to your size. some brand dresses have shirring which can stretch to fit different sizes. if you need shoes without heels, i recommend tea party style shoes; they have a flat heel and are very popular in lolita fashion!
as long as the clothes fit, everyone should wear what they like!

Thanks for putting it up there, it really helped me when I was designing a Lolita dress for my school work. Without this I wouldn't be aware of what not to do for Lolita fashion :D

i'm not huge but not small and i totally agree! Amen.

Ive learned so much. when me and my friend go to Japan someday we want to get lolita clothes and go to Akihabara.

@:

• You shouldn't worry about your size, Fanplusfriend can tailor make clothes to fit you and Bodyline offers more than one size now like mediums and larges.
• I like lolita because its unique too, but it is a pricey fashion. But if you want loli clothes now for cheap I definitely recommend Bodyline, their stuff comes in a week (coming from Asia that says alot). You could also try the egl comm sales for used brand clothing (most of the used brand is in good shape otherwise noted.)
• can you sew? lolita skirts aren't hard to make even if you only know the basics and blouses can be found at Forever21 (i think any mall has one). Target used to sell lolita-able clothes but I haven't been there in forever.

@lovejenmoon:

the answers to the pop quizzes are in the description under the comic. they are hidden behind the spoiler bar, you have to highlight it to view the answers.

to the pop quizes. i got to know if i got the answers right but i think i did. i learn fast.

@lovejenmoon:

alright. what are you questions?

i need the answers so iknow i got this all right. cuz i'm doing a comic and i want the character who is wearing this style t be perfect! so please help me.

@elementalprincess:

lol, what?

I was at a halloween store, "SPIRIT Halloween" and I saw a lolita costume. I yelled "for shame!" at the evil baby dolls and refused to look at any more merchandise. Now I regret not having a costume D:

@Alchemic Mushroom:

Oh wow, thank you so much! I adore the Kodona/ouji style, and have been wearing a more casual version of it for a wile now. But when looking on the internet,I have always had a hard time discerning what was quality, and what was ita. I have always had a love for guro, but have had a hard time finding clothes. This has helped me a lot, and I admire how much knowledge you possess. ^ ^ Thank you again for the links. These stores are great! ^ ^

-Arisawa Suki

@CleaversForKids:

I am not sure of any brand that sells straight on guro dresses but you could buy a white dress at fanplusfriend or bodyline and splatter it with fake blood. Since it is almost Halloween I'm sure you could find some fake blood somewhere Also, I'm not sure about the idea of buying a $300 brand dress and stain it with blood, but thats up to you!

As far as kodona/ouji goes, fanplusfriend makes alot of custom stuff, but thats not a brand. Innocent World (is a brand) sells kodona/ouji, but definately check out Alice and the Pirates, they have some pretty cool stuff

@scoodi:

no, not really. it falls under the category of cosplay because while an ita lolita attempts actual lolita, cosplay lolita is an attempt at cosplay with "loli-fication". not to mention lolita shouldn't be a costume which is exactly what cosplay lolita is, a costume. i hope that makes sense!

@Alchemic Mushroom:

Oooh, I see.
I was just curious. :3

So, it's like, because cosplay lolita isn't actual lolita, it therefore falls under the category of ita?

Um, I am interested in buying a Guro lolita dress, Or some Kodona/Ouji clothing. Are there any brands you recommend? I really am enjoying this guide, the illustrations are beautiful. I get excited when ever I see it updated! Thank you so much.

-Arisawa Suki

@scoodi:

you know, i thought the same thing before i posted it!
but i kinda thought it would be a little less confusing to say lolita rather than ita. besides, i had already stated that the cosplayer usually doesn't know much about lolita, so even though it may be lolita to them, it is ita to more experienced lolitas. i hope that kinda makes sense?
i may change it to ita though, now that you mention it

I love reading this. xDD

I do have a question though- wouldn't that last example be an ita-fied version of Naruto rather than a loli-fied version?

definately! we should do this again sometime lol

@thejayster:

lol, i wouldn't dislike you over a debate, they're fun!

@Alchemic Mushroom:

I can see your point, I guess it's a mere difference of opinion. I hope you don't dislike me for disagreeing, there's nothing like a good old-fashioned debate in my opinion. it broadens the mind :)

@thejayster:

I disagree, if rules are meant to be broken, then why have rules at all? If one chose to break all the rules of lolita, than the lolita style is lost! One could wear a maid dress with any style, but lolita is a style all its own.

@Alchemic Mushroom:

hmmm, i just think that a style can be-ever changing and that while guidelines and rules are obviously needed to identify the style, every rule is made to be broken or is at least a little flexible.
i also think that maid can be lolita, seeing as a lot of girls in those days were maids. so long as it's not ridiculously altered (i.e strappy top, mini skirts). but that's more of a historical difference rather than a stylistic difference

@thejayster:

what points do you find disputable? maybe i can fix them

this us definately interesting, though i do find some points a little disputable, but i'm one of those people that thinks style depends on the model, not the clothes.
i'm running a competition in which you can design a lolita-style outfit (Lolita for Life!) i'd be honoured if you'd join!

@CirceNoir:

thanks

This should be printed. Its so useful!

The aleajandro killed me.

@Oasaka45656:

thats why they are merely guidelines to follow, guidelines don't always need to be followed. one can wear fishnets, ankle socks, ect, but if enough of the guidelines are not followed than you loose the lolita look. i can really only recommend fishnets to ero lolita, however if one can coordinate very well then wearing fishnets with other styles wouldn't be a problem. like i said, one can safely wear fishnets (if well coordinated or in the ero style) and still be perfectly lolita.

i have been a follower of lolita fashion for three years, i pride myself in my understanding.

Reading "Do's and Don'ts: accessories", and Fishnet stokings CAN be used, but for only one type of lolita: Ero Lolita.

Although, I don't nessacerily think Ero Lolita is very influential to the main fashion, and I guess there's only a small amount of the Lolita population who are actually able to pull off this look, so it's not a good area for beginners.

Right?

I must admit, I am a beginner in Lolita; I only recently got my first outfit! Oo But, I've done quite a bit of research on the subject, and I read almost every word on the Lolita Fashion,org site, so I wouldn't say I'm coming into this completely blind.

Please help me with it, Alchemic Mushroom-san! ><

@C C C:

lol, you won't steal my loli thunder! i love to see other lolita art!

@Alchemic Mushroom:

The general idea of them...
I don't want it to seem like I wanted yo steal your loli-thunder...
I look up to yooou....

@C C C:

yeah, why wouldn't it be? its not like someone owns the wa and qi styles
or do you mean is it okay for them to wear the dresses given as examples of wa and qi?

Uhhh... in my comic "STAINED" there are shrine maiden twins, is it okay if they wore wa & qi lolita?

@wingedshadowwolf:

i'd love to see them!

Nice I like it! Very informative!
I like the way that you used the same girl to model the different styles, it makes me think of a paper doll!

I am working on a pic that has some girls wearing 'lolita inspired' dresses. Based on this I guess I didn't do too bad, you can be the judge when you see it.

Haha, thanks for creating this. I have a better perspective and understanding of lolita fashion ^^ If I ever create a Lolita character in the future, I'll refer to this xD I like respecting other fashions and not using stereotypes o: and I also do not like displeasing people who are the true knowledge-holders of these types of subjects (well, any type of subject). ^^

WOW! this is really informative especially the lolita subcategory pages!!!!
i like it so much man!

You're doing a GREAT job with this! It's so interesting! I've never been able to find any good picture of Qi Lolita (everytime I search it on google I just get other things like Sweet Lolita or Wa Lolita or Hime Lolita or even Gyaru...O.o;). I like how you drew each style~! ^ ^

And, yes, those other styles need to be more popular. I personally like Wa Lolita, Sailor Lolita, and Hime Lolita the most! ^ ^

I need to draw more lolita stuffs...>3>

@Alchemic Mushroom:

I was just reading your comment and you mentioned being called Alice. When I wear my lolita dresses every person who talks to me, whether they know me or not, says I look just like Alice. It gets annoying after a while...

@Vampireslastbite:

some people laugh at me but not alot. i have been called mary poppins before, and a french maid. i've been asked many times if i was in a dance, and someone asked me if i was in a wedding too. there are people who think its awesome, one girl loved my clothes because she thought i was alice.
if people laugh at me i walk up to them and say something like "hello, my name is so-and-so, how are you today?" because they obviously don't know me. its a good way to shut people up and make them feel uncomfortable.

@Alchemic Mushroom:

Woah I could never do that! I just like modern styles. But I've got an interest in lolita so I'll try to work on some drawings.
P.S. Do you get made fun of. Cuz at my high skool if I ever walked around like that I wouldn't survive

@Infinity4ever:

I bought a new bed frame that was Victorian-inspired and a matching dresser and nightstand. My mom used to collect antiques so she gave me a bunch, like old lamps, an old trunk, a clock, old jewelry box, etc. I go to the Good Will a lot and usually find some beautiful trinkets for my room, like little ceramic boxes.

@Infinity4ever:

its easier than it sounds! i just redecorated my room, drink tea more often, don't swear, and read more old literature. its actually fun when you develop a liking for those kinds of things i used to think that stuff was boring before i found lolita.

@harvestmoonluvr:

Do you mean a bonnet? I love those things! They are quite easy to make, if you decide to try your hand at it. When constructing the brim, make sure to use alot of heavy duty interfacing. It keeps the brim from flopping in your face! I once made the mistake of using thin interfacing and the bonnet's brim falls in my face all the time! Avoid using heavy fabric, it'll flop too. Use soft but sturdy ribbon for the chin ties, or else the ribbon will rub your chin raw.

@Infinity4ever:

I have been trying to be a lifestyle lolita now for over a year now!

C: I really love this tutorial~
I've always struggled with Lolita/Victorian fashion. This has really helped me out! <3
One thing I've always been curious about are those giant, magnificent hats they wear in all the Victorian movies I've seen. (Huge feathers, flowery bouquets, beads, the works xD) Do you have any tips for me about that? :D

Again, awesome comic~ Thank you!
*hugs and favs*

Love it! *hugs*

@xlolfishx:

i'm sorry, but to figure that out i would need to go to the post office which i really don't want to do for just a feeler. if you are a serious bidder, then when i go to ship the item in question i would find out.

@Vampireslastbite:

hi there, i know what book that is, i've read it before. i am very sorry to say that the lolita displayed in the book is not correct. for more information on lolita fashion, please visit lolitafashion.org.

Hmmm... most Lolita I ever seen was gothic so this dosen't seem quite right to me... look for the book 'The Monster book of manga' you'll see a gothic Lolita girl on the cover and two in it.but no 'basic'

@Alchemic Mushroom:

The dress.

XD Nice Lady Gaga references

@xlolfishx:

which item are you talking about?

@Alchemic Mushroom:

Hmmm. How much would postage to Australia be?

(I seem to comment whenever you upload a new page...)

A lot of time I wish Vladimir never wrote Lolita because whenever I tell people I love lolita and think it's beautiful etc. they automatically think of the novel. My mother wouldn't let me buy a lolita dress for a while because she thought it would be a slutty dress. I took much explaining to show her what lolita fashion is.

@minimewlove:

i'm selling alot of my older stuff from when i was a begginer lolita on ebay. so far i'm selling a gothic lolita skirt, a gothic lolita dress and a classic lolita skirt. the gothic lolita items are used but don't have any rips or stains. the classic lolita item was hardly worn at all and is in perfect condition.

@xlolfishx:

yeah, it was different than drawing knee length dresses like usual lolita.

@Spectrum Diamond:

thank you!

@Blubber Farts:

It's just the fact that Alchemic Mushroom doesn't normally draw such short dresses. It's just different.

@xlolfishx:

whats so weird about legs?

o_O It's so weird seeing legs...

wow this is really helping clear up some things that i thought i knew, but were actually wrong! you really know your stuff!
i'm looking forward to more!
also the short comic in here was pretty funny! XD

I love this comic! It's going great so far, wonderful job! ^^ I love the little comic strip with Loli and Goth. I think this could be very helpful to people unfamiliar or new to the Lolita subculture. I can't wait to see more of it!

@C C C:

cyber goth is like a futuristic kind of goth, they're really cool looking

Oh, lovely! An easy-to-follow guide! Just what I need to begin lolita....
I get, I get i- What's "cyber goth"?

As apposed to the un-fantastic way.