Hello Lovlies,
As a fashion entrepreneur I find myself inspired by many different things. I read my magazines, flipping through the glossy pages with great anticipation while looking for items that speak to me. However, it isn't just America or Britain that I am influenced by. Probably the strongest influence that I have comes from Japan and its amazing innovative street stylers who seem to live according to the whims of their fantastic dress code which is a strand of unique dna from one person to another.
There are hundreds of Japanese subcultures of fashion, ranging from the extremely bright Decora, to more subdued Miori Girls and the ever growing lolita culture which spreads every day. Ever since getting into anime and Japanese music I have loved their free spirit when it comes to dressing and have been attracted to several extreme styles which include gothic lolita and Visuel Kei. Both of these looks are staples in the Japanese fashion underground. The clothes become less of a costume and more an outward expression of what we feel inside and what we want people to see.
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| Decora style on the Harajuku strip |
I draw a lot of inspiration from so many styles that I sometimes wonder if I will ever be able to consider myself one particular look. I know that in my inner most heart I am a grunge loving, punk inspired, lolita who loves bows and studs. Those are what I gravitate towards the most. I would love to get to walk in Harajuku Japan and shop the adorable little boutiques where I can feel accepted for who and what I am.
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| Visual Kei band |
But, with coveted style comes the calamity of overpriced merchandise. As a gothic person at heart I have experienced the difficulty of having to find the things I love for a price that did not make the purchase unjustifiable. I adore the look and lifestyle, but without having to pay their astronomical prices. Ut seems that being true to you is costing more and more with each passing day. So, my lovlies, what I would like to talk about today is looking beyond brand blinding and finding and affording being who you want.
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| Outfit of the day; lolita style! |
Today I will focus on the subcultures of gothic and lolita fashion that I adore. Looking dark and cute really has been one of my fashion aspirations for many years, and even as a twenty five year old adult, I am still drawn towards bows and spikes as my go to look. So I will be breaking down key elements and how to afford them.
(Shoes; Our Best Foot First)
A major staple of both gothic and lolita fashion are platforms. These shoes are especially popular among many striving fashionistas in Japan and almost everyone on the Harajuku strip wear them. However, one of the most in demand brands is the European retailer, Demonia. Their assortment of Creepers, Mary Janes and sky high boots range in price from fifty to several hundred dollars; a price many of us can't afford to pay. But, with patience on our side we will prevail. Above and below are both pairs of Demonia that cost me less than thirty for both. Instead of giving in and purchasing the two hundred dollar jobs I bided my time and snagged them at my local goodwill.
This pair is still on their site for a hundred and eighty pounds and I purchased them for a grand total of five dollars. It may take time to look your best, but it's worth the wait.
A cult fave in gothic fashion is the coveted Dr. Marten boot. These boots come in every type of styles, from the classic slicked vinyl to purple glitter and flowers. These were purchased at an outlet shoe store for thirty dollars, knocking a hundred and twenty off the list price.
(Tops; Search and be Found)
I have noticed that with certain styles, especially those that divert from the mainstream society, people become locked into the idea that in order for them to achieve their desired look they must only shop at certain retailers. For example, emo people tend to lean rather heavily on Hot Topic and Spencer's for their skinny jeans, band tees, bright belts and beanies, paying large amounts because of where the item was purchased. I am not against liking one particular store, but when it comes to saving money, you need to have an open mind and willingness to explore other places. They might have what your looking for, but cheaper.
I found this frilly blouse at my local goodwill. I was attracted to it's ruffled collar and the fact that it looked like something right out of a Victorian catalog. The upside was that it only cost me seven dollars. Also, the brand was J. Crew, a brand that many assume is mainly preppy. But, wear this with a vest and long black sjirt and no one could tell the difference.
This shirt is a Macy's brand, International Concepts that I picked up at an outlet store for less than ten. It's lace sleeves and wonderful fit make it perfect for any gothic or lolita ensemble.
This blouse screams gothic and lolita elegance, with its Edwardian like collar, puffed shoulders and adorable details. This is from the brand Bebe2 that I snagged at a major sale for five dollars.
(Skirts; A Flounce in Time)
Part of what helps set the Japanese lolita style aside from others is their love of volume. Circle skirts with petticoats and pinafores look darling with thigh highs and those Mary Jane platforms you scored on ebay. However, part of you wants what every other lolita wants and that is to own every item in the Baby The Stars Shine Bright store. This is impossible for most normal income people since a single skirt like the one above would run you at least three hundred dollars. Though finding your desired brand is fun, finding just as good alternatives can be just as amazing. Above and below are two skirts from Hot Topic that I picked up for around twenty five for both. They look just as good and have the exact same feel.
The skirt below is my ultimate favorite lolita find because it looks EXACTLY like something that Baby The Stars Shine Bright would create, but it cost me eight dollars instead of three hundred.
The skirt below is a great example of finding clothes that work for your style in unlikely places. I found this adorable bow circle skirt at Peebles and it is from the off shoot Tommy Hilfiger line, Tommy girls. I found an appropriately gothic and lolita item from a preppy band in a store I randomly walked into.
(Accessories; A Little Black Frosting)
Both gothic and lolita people are often judged by the bags they carry. Many of these include the famed Bat wing or angel wing backpacks, and other bags created by high end designers. The trick here is realizing that there are options everywhere. One of my favorite lolita bags is the one above and is from the brand Love Moschino that I purchased at a consignment shop for thirty dollars, two hundred dollars less than its original price. It works wonderfully because of the cue mansion and all the details, like hears and chandeliers in the window, making it an an interesting piece altogether.
Above are two bags, both appropriate fro gothic and lolita ensembles. The one on the left was a steal from H&M for twelve dollars and the left, Betseyville by Betsey Johnson for twenty dollars from my local Plato's Closet.
This is a Betsey Johnson purse that I wanted because of the absolutely adorable bow details, but wasn't willing to shell out the hundred and thirty for it. Several months later I found it at Ross for only thirty and rejoiced in adding it to my gothic collection.
Another important thing that I must stress is looking for things in interesting places. Although the beanie looks like a Hot Topic special, I actually got this from a passing Halloween store and got it for seven dollars!
Head wear is important to both of these styles and comes with the problem that hats are often very expensive. But, if you keep your eyes peeled you can land great finds from Goodwill(Right) and H&M(Left). Although the H&M hat was a little pricey ($20.00) I purchased it because it was so diverse.
To a goth and lolita, perhaps one of the most important elements of our style is stockings. Leg wear is by no means cheap, especially if you want Baby The Stars Shine Bright or Angelic Pretty or Sexpot Revenge embroidered on the sides.($50.00) These thigh highs were a rejoice filled find at Walmart fro five dollars. My first pair cost thirty. Never again.
And finally, jewelry, perhaps one of the funnest ways to express yourself. Though some of the items shown are more expensive(Jack choker, $30.00) there are pieces that do just as well for an astounding price. Both the bat necklace and ring cost only three dollars apiece and were from the same Halloween shop I got my Jack beanie at. Although you could buy more expensive version from Kiki Kannibal, those would run you seventy, and I think three dollars is pretty sweet. Also, both rosaries are from Walmart(Mind Blown) and cost one five dollars each.
Remember that being true to you should be a fun adventure filled with exciting finds and wonderful savings. Be who you want to be, but don't be in debt for it, because that's never fun.
I hope you enjoyed this and if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.
Be True To You!
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