Learn from my mistakes, don't rush into battle with no strategy. There are six items that every loli needs in her aresenal, so, for the fledgling lolita, here is my shopping list for the foundation on which to build your wardrobe on.
Blouse: A good blouse is something that no lolita should ever be without! A lolita style blouse typically has a rounded collar and puffed sleeves. It is wise to base the sleeve length off of your local climate. I personally adore the way long sleeved blouses look, but since I live in sweltering Florida I get much more use out of my short sleeved ones.
It is possible to find a suitable blouse in a main stream fashion store, but they are few and far between and usually don't function completely as lolita items. It is best to buy your first blouse from a lolita specific brand.
Petticoat: Petticoats are what give your outfit poof! Quality pettis can be bought online, but make sure that you don't accidentally purchase a square dancing petticoat!
I have three petticoats, but the one that provides the most poof and has withstood the most abuse was bought years ago in a Halloween shop. A good time to browse the costume shop is right after Halloween as many stores have 50% off sales going on!
Headdress: A sundae is not a sundae without a cherry on top, and in the same way a lolita outfit seems incomplete without a cute hair accessory. Traditional lolita accessories include headdresses, head eating bows, and bonnets (not for the faint of heart!), but of course there are plenty more options than simply those. Head over to the nearest mall to pick up some cute hair clips, corsages, headbands or loli-able hats!
Socks: Although socks are not mandatory they certainly add to the overall loli-ness of a coordinate. Knee length socks are the most popular and readily available and often come in cute patterns, but frilly ankle socks or tights are delightful alternatives.
Shoes: Lolita shoes are very pretty and come in a wide variety of styles, but I've always had trouble buying shoes online. Often when they arrive they don't fit properly and nine times out of ten you can't return them.It is possible to find lolita appropriate shoes in department stores where you can try them on. Get yourself a good pair of plain mary-janes before putting all of your eggs in one basket by buying online.
Bloomers: When wearing a petticoat you are at maximum panty exposure risk! Simply climbing stairs can give the person behind you an embarrassing view, and the slightest gust of wind can send your skirt flying. Bloomers to the rescue!
The fun thing about bloomers is that no one will really see them (well, at least not for a few seconds if you're lucky) so they don't have to match your outfits. Translation: you can buy any pair you want, cute or crazy, without worrying about if it will go with the rest of your things!
It is a good idea to buy all of the items (except the bloomers) in the same neutral color so that your outfits will look well put together. The colors that will go with most things are white, cream or black, so it is best to choose from one of those.
I hope this list helped unmuddle the maze of lolita fashion. Good luck in your shopping, let me know if you find any bargains!
Blouse: Anna House
Petticoat: Candy Violet
Headdress: Baby the Stars Shine Bright
Socks: Innocent World
Shoes: Secret Shop
Bloomers: Dear Celine
