There are many questions that I have received several times from several people from which the most relevant ones I have tried to include here. If there are any questions that you would like to see added here, feel free to suggest them by sending me a message either here or to rosanitidaaccessory@gmail.com
-I usually buy my clip in hair extensions (real human hair) on eBay by searching with keywords such as "human hair extensions". The same goes with the wigs except for wigs I would prefer Chinese sellers in most cases. Many of them sell qood quality wigs with a reasonable price.
NOTICE: Try to prefer extensions that are the length of 22-24 inches, 26 inch extensions can be in a bad shape, especially if they are bleached. You will also need atleast 240 grams of extensions to make your hairdo look dramatic enough for styles such as lolita/aristocrat.
Another alternative place to buy wigs and extensions is taobao.com - it is cheaper than eBay if you buy several products at once, but the page is in Chinese.
I will always appreciate help and ideas, even the smallest ones, a lot.
- "Where do you buy your hair extensions/wigs?"
- "Where do you buy your hair corsages (roses)?"
- "Where do I recognize good and bad quality clothes?"
- "How do you do your make up and hair?"
- "Where do you buy your lolita clothing (the ones that aren't made by you)?"
- "Where do you buy your lace and other materials?"
- "What kind of a petticoat do you use for the extreme puffyness?"
- "What kinds of things inspire you?"
- "What would you say to the people that are still beginners with lolita?"
- "Do you do clothes only for gothic lolitas?"
- "What do you do, if anything, to maintain your thin physique?"
- "What do you think of ugly lolitas?"
- "Do you think that Western people shouldn't start with lolita style because it's a Japanese thing?"
-I usually buy my clip in hair extensions (real human hair) on eBay by searching with keywords such as "human hair extensions". The same goes with the wigs except for wigs I would prefer Chinese sellers in most cases. Many of them sell qood quality wigs with a reasonable price.
NOTICE: Try to prefer extensions that are the length of 22-24 inches, 26 inch extensions can be in a bad shape, especially if they are bleached. You will also need atleast 240 grams of extensions to make your hairdo look dramatic enough for styles such as lolita/aristocrat.
Another alternative place to buy wigs and extensions is taobao.com - it is cheaper than eBay if you buy several products at once, but the page is in Chinese.
"Where do you buy your hair corsages (roses)?"
-I usually buy my hair corsages from regular stores, such as H&M, Accessorice or Gina Tricot, but quite a many of them are often bought second hand or are made by me (out of silk rose petals). I will make a tutorial of how to make those roses later. Meanwhile you can do shopping for the leaves on eBay
"Where do I recognize good and bad quality clothes?"
I will create a short check list for people to recognize what is good quality and what is bad - especially when shopping online. Notice that this is only my personal view and taste:
Good quality clothing...
-has usually good quality photos that show the detailing of the item (Moitie didn't use to have good quality pics until recently, but the quality has always been good)
-materials are listed in the item description with measurements
-good quality materials: polyester-cotton mix, chiffong, wool, matt cotton/silk velvet (try to avoid clothes with a lot of velvet as it's a very hard material to pull off correctly)
- bad quality materials/cheap looking materials: satin, thin cotton,
- materials that are just a big no-no in most cases: PVC, latex (unless it comes to very small details like small crosses on the hem of the skirt or smaller accessory)
-clothes include lining
-has usually no shirring all over and the size isn't "XXXXXXXL" (unfortunately there are many stores that sell bad quality clothes for plus sized people - it's really unfortunate)
-drapes beautifully and looks stirdy
-has enough material used
-has a very careful amount of lace and ruffle - try to think about pant suits for example: by adding few elegant items to a pant suit (gloves, rings, brooches and a beautiful make up and hairdo, you will almost automatically look very elegant which is the main point in aristocratic fashion - unless you want to achieve something as dramatic as visual kei artists, which is very risky) (there are couple of exceptions, though, like Juliette&Justine)
-isn't a replica and if it is, it's not made by Milanoo, FanPlusFriend (has few exceptions) or the sellers on eBay because I would claim that it's just way too risky as most of the sellers use the stock pics from different brands and the item description isn't giving a good enough image of the item (there are few exceptions when it comes to this too)
-if the item has a print, it is clear and elegant
Few examples:
Good:
http://i689.photobucket.com/albums/vv251/Ab-Wo/pari2.png
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/FpCAZ0TQjvo/Tl1E3IdiOOI/AAAAAAAABSE/sBhVIG1TSyU/s1600/Long+Bustle+Dress+Cross+%2528BKW%2529.jpg
http://i51.tinypic.com/2vbu9s3.jpg
http://kurobara.ku.funpic.de/lj/pics/2008-2009/shopping/mmm002.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/10/12/article-1076903-02F2F9EF00000578-64_224x288.jpg
http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/b/0/0/c5/b/AAAAC7mSBUYAAAAAAMW5yw.jpg?v=1272408885000
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8N6AUhhKHrXr3S_ESzOshKOgV4qmmVb6i2iMFKy-5dPiWUqPKqRM4HKfUGPlbMsGvQl2c_UQqcLM7IonOyNh-JjU6mI83viYRVz9V1hQaL1MS9TWXhZhAly-6LAOEhkrEQiUvc1UynJx/s1600/Gothic_Punk_Aristocrat_Irremovable_Vest_Jacket_CT00083_01.jpg
http://store.prostores.com/fanplusfriend/images/loli/jacket/b00011_02.jpg (otherwise good, but weird buttons)
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=25445118
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXUBc7pwCFBhJtrsvu6h4uoplUq2NoAdTjvcHsSrJnm27ZvCgnCPn4HNtCQPEvf_pD7HSG3xy5TRpvpbDScaDvWyRi3tzz021faw7P5IqjVc7eGCCMQlpDEYcGj0MPmTtvchvFlFzqRCY/s1600/75303_172468589432849_100000091263183_594965_4311993_n.jpg
http://c.wrzuta.pl/wi8536/04bc344e001815254a105bc5/mana-sama (wool, drapes beautifully)
http://freenewfashiondesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Ladies-hat-for-women-Looks-Aristocrat-with-Ladies-Hat.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0iUdijBDvmoAGCvGloGK96b_WWaFACf4my7h_gNskLclwbUQhKwbxbaNRptJVvjeVXQku6LUiDcYnLNtN0C80cKseWSz902VjuyVsOqbY7Z4Z7WYd9AEVVJEde0nrFHGofzGgzoWS2g/s1600/Edwardian+Hat.jpg
http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq144/iiraliina/DSC02682.jpg One of my favourite outfits (notice how simple the skirts are)
http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lrgkszJ8j31r38ojho1_400.jpg (beautifully draping materials such as chiffon and wool)
Bad:
http://www.mlo.me/upen/l/201009/Black-And-White-Lace-Bow-Cotton-Gothic-Lolita-Dress-34040-1.jpg
http://fanchaos.com/fanplusfriend/c1/Elegant_Gothic_Lolita_Fishtail_Tiered_Back_Dress_DR00095_01.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjcLR9V-iVaUutk-ih0P3Kt5rLgG5g68y9vBsHdA7REWMcnTTrKGZVJIvaMtlZr0lnfNqUj5xHgqooXIWqDIrlkArR2tIz0Ye6WWRE5o_j-bggx2pSuq1WI2gYSdFg698RGt89gqKTLLf/s400/CT00009_05.jpg
http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/b/0/0/1/4/AAAACwuJJHsAAAAAAAFFUA.jpg?v=1225771602000
http://ellie-goth.ru/catalog/images/Leather_Coat_CT00081_01.jpg
http://www.fanplusfriend.com/c2/CT00027_02.jpg (shiny material)
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q54/blackkiss12/NEW%20AGE%20STYLE/newagepics2026.jpg
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs260.snc1/10717_1246416517607_1145229143_30767018_22273_n.jpg (this one has potential and the idea is good, but it lacks skills in choosing the right materials and sewing)
http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs41/f/2009/050/b/a/Sweet_Lolita_Little_Top_Hat_by_luxferia.jpg
http://img.coplusk.net/originals/0006/2815/pic143_1242199196.jpg
http://www.fynehats.com/images/victorian-hat69.jpg
http://us.cdn4.123rf.com/168nwm/nicklander/nicklander0612/nicklander061200046/646306-background-made-of-wrinkled-burgundy-shiny-velvet.jpg
http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/1647919_IiKpKiiR_c.jpg (I can't personally stand bellshaped sleeves - they usually fit only big chested women)
The links will be fixed soon!
Good quality accessory:
-Doesn't include plastic/nailon lace (in many cases this comes to the gloves as well)
-isn't cheaply produced
I recommand that you would avoid the combination of white and black (white lace on black clothing is often a big no-no although when it's pulled off well it will look absolutely amazing) and remember that brand doesn't always equal to good quality. Vintage might be a great option too! :)
"Where do I recognize good and bad quality clothes?"
I will create a short check list for people to recognize what is good quality and what is bad - especially when shopping online. Notice that this is only my personal view and taste:
Good quality clothing...
-has usually good quality photos that show the detailing of the item (Moitie didn't use to have good quality pics until recently, but the quality has always been good)
-materials are listed in the item description with measurements
-good quality materials: polyester-cotton mix, chiffong, wool, matt cotton/silk velvet (try to avoid clothes with a lot of velvet as it's a very hard material to pull off correctly)
- bad quality materials/cheap looking materials: satin, thin cotton,
- materials that are just a big no-no in most cases: PVC, latex (unless it comes to very small details like small crosses on the hem of the skirt or smaller accessory)
-clothes include lining
-has usually no shirring all over and the size isn't "XXXXXXXL" (unfortunately there are many stores that sell bad quality clothes for plus sized people - it's really unfortunate)
-drapes beautifully and looks stirdy
-has enough material used
-has a very careful amount of lace and ruffle - try to think about pant suits for example: by adding few elegant items to a pant suit (gloves, rings, brooches and a beautiful make up and hairdo, you will almost automatically look very elegant which is the main point in aristocratic fashion - unless you want to achieve something as dramatic as visual kei artists, which is very risky) (there are couple of exceptions, though, like Juliette&Justine)
-isn't a replica and if it is, it's not made by Milanoo, FanPlusFriend (has few exceptions) or the sellers on eBay because I would claim that it's just way too risky as most of the sellers use the stock pics from different brands and the item description isn't giving a good enough image of the item (there are few exceptions when it comes to this too)
-if the item has a print, it is clear and elegant
Few examples:
Good:
http://i689.photobucket.com/albums/vv251/Ab-Wo/pari2.png
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/FpCAZ0TQjvo/Tl1E3IdiOOI/AAAAAAAABSE/sBhVIG1TSyU/s1600/Long+Bustle+Dress+Cross+%2528BKW%2529.jpg
http://i51.tinypic.com/2vbu9s3.jpg
http://kurobara.ku.funpic.de/lj/pics/2008-2009/shopping/mmm002.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/10/12/article-1076903-02F2F9EF00000578-64_224x288.jpg
http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/b/0/0/c5/b/AAAAC7mSBUYAAAAAAMW5yw.jpg?v=1272408885000
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8N6AUhhKHrXr3S_ESzOshKOgV4qmmVb6i2iMFKy-5dPiWUqPKqRM4HKfUGPlbMsGvQl2c_UQqcLM7IonOyNh-JjU6mI83viYRVz9V1hQaL1MS9TWXhZhAly-6LAOEhkrEQiUvc1UynJx/s1600/Gothic_Punk_Aristocrat_Irremovable_Vest_Jacket_CT00083_01.jpg
http://store.prostores.com/fanplusfriend/images/loli/jacket/b00011_02.jpg (otherwise good, but weird buttons)
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=25445118
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXUBc7pwCFBhJtrsvu6h4uoplUq2NoAdTjvcHsSrJnm27ZvCgnCPn4HNtCQPEvf_pD7HSG3xy5TRpvpbDScaDvWyRi3tzz021faw7P5IqjVc7eGCCMQlpDEYcGj0MPmTtvchvFlFzqRCY/s1600/75303_172468589432849_100000091263183_594965_4311993_n.jpg
http://c.wrzuta.pl/wi8536/04bc344e001815254a105bc5/mana-sama (wool, drapes beautifully)
http://freenewfashiondesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Ladies-hat-for-women-Looks-Aristocrat-with-Ladies-Hat.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0iUdijBDvmoAGCvGloGK96b_WWaFACf4my7h_gNskLclwbUQhKwbxbaNRptJVvjeVXQku6LUiDcYnLNtN0C80cKseWSz902VjuyVsOqbY7Z4Z7WYd9AEVVJEde0nrFHGofzGgzoWS2g/s1600/Edwardian+Hat.jpg
http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq144/iiraliina/DSC02682.jpg One of my favourite outfits (notice how simple the skirts are)
http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lrgkszJ8j31r38ojho1_400.jpg (beautifully draping materials such as chiffon and wool)
Bad:
http://www.mlo.me/upen/l/201009/Black-And-White-Lace-Bow-Cotton-Gothic-Lolita-Dress-34040-1.jpg
http://fanchaos.com/fanplusfriend/c1/Elegant_Gothic_Lolita_Fishtail_Tiered_Back_Dress_DR00095_01.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjcLR9V-iVaUutk-ih0P3Kt5rLgG5g68y9vBsHdA7REWMcnTTrKGZVJIvaMtlZr0lnfNqUj5xHgqooXIWqDIrlkArR2tIz0Ye6WWRE5o_j-bggx2pSuq1WI2gYSdFg698RGt89gqKTLLf/s400/CT00009_05.jpg
http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/b/0/0/1/4/AAAACwuJJHsAAAAAAAFFUA.jpg?v=1225771602000
http://ellie-goth.ru/catalog/images/Leather_Coat_CT00081_01.jpg
http://www.fanplusfriend.com/c2/CT00027_02.jpg (shiny material)
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q54/blackkiss12/NEW%20AGE%20STYLE/newagepics2026.jpg
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs260.snc1/10717_1246416517607_1145229143_30767018_22273_n.jpg (this one has potential and the idea is good, but it lacks skills in choosing the right materials and sewing)
http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs41/f/2009/050/b/a/Sweet_Lolita_Little_Top_Hat_by_luxferia.jpg
http://img.coplusk.net/originals/0006/2815/pic143_1242199196.jpg
http://www.fynehats.com/images/victorian-hat69.jpg
http://us.cdn4.123rf.com/168nwm/nicklander/nicklander0612/nicklander061200046/646306-background-made-of-wrinkled-burgundy-shiny-velvet.jpg
http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/1647919_IiKpKiiR_c.jpg (I can't personally stand bellshaped sleeves - they usually fit only big chested women)
The links will be fixed soon!
Good quality accessory:
-Doesn't include plastic/nailon lace (in many cases this comes to the gloves as well)
-isn't cheaply produced
I recommand that you would avoid the combination of white and black (white lace on black clothing is often a big no-no although when it's pulled off well it will look absolutely amazing) and remember that brand doesn't always equal to good quality. Vintage might be a great option too! :)
"How do you do your make up and hair?"
-I have made few tutorials (and more is coming) on my Youtube channel. During the videos I have tried to explain as well as I could how to do the make up step by step. I hope you enjoy! :)
"Where do you buy your lolita clothing (the ones that aren't made by you)?"
-To keep it very simple, as I prefer usually only certain brands like Moi-meme-Moitie, Atelier Boz or Juliette&Justine: I buy my items form CDJapan, http://closetchild.ocnk.net/ or EGL Community Sales, and when I have enough money, I buy items through my friends living in Japan.
"Where do you buy your lace and other materials?"
-From eBay, Cheaptrims and local fabric shops here in Amsterdam or at my home city, Helsinki.
"What kind of a petticoat do you use for the extreme puffyness?"
-My petticoat consists usually from three or four different layers as I am quite tall and need twice as more puffyness to my skirts to make it look like it's lolita enough: the first layer is a cotton petticoat with a metallic wire inside the hem, the next layer is a thin cotton/tulle petticoat, the third layer is the puffiest petticoat with a huge amount of tulle&chiffong and the fourth layer is a thin cotton skirt that evens out the hard edges of the petticoats underneath and makes the skirt more stirdy. For aristocrat I usually prefer several layers of regular long aristocrat skirts, and for very dramatic look a crinoline with tulle layering.
"What kinds of things inspire you?"
-I get most of my inspiration from my friends that are all so incredibly supporting and lovely people in so many ways.
However, to share some a bit more reachable inspirational subjects, I would like to mention about the combination of different colours and lights when you walk early in the morning and the sun is about to rise in the horizon. For some reason the colouring of the scenery exactly that time of the day is undescribably beautiful.
I also get easily inspired by listening to music, watching movies/music videos or just watching people passing by behind the window while I'm having a cup of coffee in my favourite cafeteria either here in Holland or in Finland (in Finland that is Kahvila Kappeli). Other people and the way they move, talk and carry their own appearance is something very beautiful - maybe that's why I'm also extremely interested in general medical science and human anatomy.
I also get easily inspired by listening to music, watching movies/music videos or just watching people passing by behind the window while I'm having a cup of coffee in my favourite cafeteria either here in Holland or in Finland (in Finland that is Kahvila Kappeli). Other people and the way they move, talk and carry their own appearance is something very beautiful - maybe that's why I'm also extremely interested in general medical science and human anatomy.
I have also had a passion for flowers and pearls for a very long time, which I use for my own designs as well. Thank sto my the most respectable person in this world: my grandmother. Her attitude and kindness are what inspire me THE MOST in this world.
Click here to listen to one good example of a music that inspires me through its calmness.
"What would you say to the people that are still beginners with lolita?"
Although I keep getting this question quite often, it makes me wonder what other people consider as a "beginner" because in my eyes I'm still a beginner and most likely will always remain as one. I have been into lolita for several years already, but I feel like there's always something to improve. So, what would I say to the other beginners? Well, the most important thing that I can say is to stay true to yourself, share your good thoughts about others and keep doing what makes you happy. The most important thing is that You feel comfortable and beautiful in your own personal style. And I know that it might sound tacky, but when we talk about inner beauty, it really does matter. Be who you are, respect other people and remain kind. :) Friendship can be such a beautiful thing.
As my granny always says: "Do as you would like to be done to yourself."
"Do you do clothes only for gothic lolitas?"
-No, I do clothes and accessory for styles from sweet to gothic and classic etc. I also do clothes and accessory for aristocrats and goths in general. I make wedding and prom dresses too. :) So, basically, almost everything, but only if I have time which I hopefully have more in the future.
"What do you do, if anything, to maintain your thin physique?"
-Ah well, to be honest, I don’t really do anything specific. I do walk a lot daily to work and back home (6,5km in total + shopping etc.) and my eating habits are pretty normal although I do go to All You Can eat restaurants very often, haha. I have tried to gain weight ever since I was in elementary school (as I was bullied for being so skinny), but it tends to be very hard. I guess I would need to do more exercise and eat more protein to gain more muscle… Unfortunately I’m too busy with my studies, work and other hobbies to really do that, not to mention that I have been quite sick for a long time and that’s why lost some weight that I’m now luckily gaining back by taking better care of myself and not working so much.
"What do you think of ugly lolitas?"
-Ugly lolitas? This is a weird question because the way I look at people isn’t shallow. I have never seen an ugly person in my life as I’m not the prettiest myself. However, if we talk about people with nasty attitudes, well, I feel sad for them. They must be losing something in their life that makes them treat other people so poorly.
"Do you think that Western people shouldn't start with lolita style because it's a Japanese thing?"
-Oh well, you know, this is quite an interesting question. Who has ever said that lolita is ONLY a Japanese thing? Is being a goth in general only a Western thing? The answer is: No.
Lolita fashion might have been created in Japan, but I personally think that it’s not only a Japanese thing. Why would it?
Okay, now someone might say that “Well, because Western girls are big and not as cute.” Ehm, excuse me, Western girls are just as pretty and cute as Japanese.
Then someone might say that “Well, Western girls are too tall.” Ah, in some cases that’s true when we think about the length of the clothes, but that can be fixed with some creativity too (longer petticoats or making your own clothes etc.).
I’m Western, I wear lolita and I’m 185cm (6ft1) tall. No one has yet said to me that the style doesn’t suit me (except my Mom, but that doesn’t count, haha). The style does look different on Japanese and Western, but does that matter? No, not to me atleast. :)
So shortly: No, I think that no matter what the style is, everyone should have the right to like and do it.
It’s actually quite funny. On the street people often ask me that “Why are you wearing clothes like that? Is today a special occassion?” or “Do you have a bachelor party going on?” and I answer “No, I look like this every day.” :)
"Do you do clothes only for gothic lolitas?"
-No, I do clothes and accessory for styles from sweet to gothic and classic etc. I also do clothes and accessory for aristocrats and goths in general. I make wedding and prom dresses too. :) So, basically, almost everything, but only if I have time which I hopefully have more in the future.
"What do you do, if anything, to maintain your thin physique?"
-Ah well, to be honest, I don’t really do anything specific. I do walk a lot daily to work and back home (6,5km in total + shopping etc.) and my eating habits are pretty normal although I do go to All You Can eat restaurants very often, haha. I have tried to gain weight ever since I was in elementary school (as I was bullied for being so skinny), but it tends to be very hard. I guess I would need to do more exercise and eat more protein to gain more muscle… Unfortunately I’m too busy with my studies, work and other hobbies to really do that, not to mention that I have been quite sick for a long time and that’s why lost some weight that I’m now luckily gaining back by taking better care of myself and not working so much.
"What do you think of ugly lolitas?"
-Ugly lolitas? This is a weird question because the way I look at people isn’t shallow. I have never seen an ugly person in my life as I’m not the prettiest myself. However, if we talk about people with nasty attitudes, well, I feel sad for them. They must be losing something in their life that makes them treat other people so poorly.
"Do you think that Western people shouldn't start with lolita style because it's a Japanese thing?"
-Oh well, you know, this is quite an interesting question. Who has ever said that lolita is ONLY a Japanese thing? Is being a goth in general only a Western thing? The answer is: No.
Lolita fashion might have been created in Japan, but I personally think that it’s not only a Japanese thing. Why would it?
Okay, now someone might say that “Well, because Western girls are big and not as cute.” Ehm, excuse me, Western girls are just as pretty and cute as Japanese.
Then someone might say that “Well, Western girls are too tall.” Ah, in some cases that’s true when we think about the length of the clothes, but that can be fixed with some creativity too (longer petticoats or making your own clothes etc.).
I’m Western, I wear lolita and I’m 185cm (6ft1) tall. No one has yet said to me that the style doesn’t suit me (except my Mom, but that doesn’t count, haha). The style does look different on Japanese and Western, but does that matter? No, not to me atleast. :)
So shortly: No, I think that no matter what the style is, everyone should have the right to like and do it.
It’s actually quite funny. On the street people often ask me that “Why are you wearing clothes like that? Is today a special occassion?” or “Do you have a bachelor party going on?” and I answer “No, I look like this every day.” :)
