10 July, 2010

Keep Your Religion Out of My Lolita (Just Read it.)


“IDC if it’s your religion, it’s ugly.”
Generally that’s what I’ve been seeing on Lolita Secrets. It. Sickens. Me. I understand stateing a point and giving criticism. Isn’t that what so many Lolitas look for online, criticism? But saying that an outfit is ugly, especially dissing a religion? I say that is over stepping a line. I’ll be the first to admitt that a head wrap looks different and, if not in the right colour, can look not-so-great, but it’s not my place to say that it’s ugly. I honestly think many girls in the pictures I’ve seen can pull it off rather well (see above for example.)
I’ve also seen the argument “Lolita is fashion, not religion.” the Get-your-religion-out-of-my-Lolita arguement. That too bugs me. Yes, Lolita is fashion. The head wrap (I only use this example because I’ve seen the most drama about it) isn’t fashion. These beautiful women are not adding it as an accessory, they’d wear it at any other time as well. It is part of who they are. What is Lolita if not a way to express yourself? What is any fashion if you cannot express yourself as who you are? Would we attack a Jewish person for wearing a star of david with Lolita? No? Lets get a bit more controversial. What about a pagan?
I am a Pagan. I will announce that loudly and proudly if ever asked. The only reason I’ve not posted it on here before is that I respect the barrier of fashion and religion. Just because I know and respect the boundries does not mean I’m not going to wear a triquatra or, heavens forbid in my bible belt home, an pentacle with my Lolita. Lolita is part of me. Paganism is part of who I am. The writer, the Cherokee. These are all equal parts of me. If I want to wear a pettit coat with a pentacle and feathers, then I should have the right to without being told I look ugly. Fashion, Lolita specifically (in my opinion), is supposed to be something to bring people together. If the lovely lady above didn’t wear her head dress, nor I my pentacle, nor a Jewish girl her star, nor a Christian girl her cross, could we not all admire a new print or lace quality? Why should a piece of cloth, a necklace, a pendant, a belief, why should it stop us from incouraging eachother and being together as Lolitas?
Just My opinion. Have an arguement? Comment. Nothing rude please. If you disagree feel free to say so politely.
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*Though/Question of the day* Why does it seem the Lolita community is so catty?


08 July, 2010

Behind the Fashion: Raegan

And finally, from the loverly Raegan of Her Curious Elegance Thanks so much!




What inspired you to wear Lolita?

It’s kind of hard to say, but for as long as I’ve known of the fashion I’ve been interested in wearing it myself. It’s nice to feel pretty and dress in a way to make yourself feel special, putting on a jumperskirt is almost therapeutic to me.

What do you like to wear when not in Lolita?

I wear loli almost daily, but if I’m taking a day off then I am usually dressed in something appropriate for the tropical climate that I live in. I mostly wear shorts, tank tops and flip flops as they help me to keep cool in the heat. Either that or you’ll find me in pajamas.

Are you in school? If so what is your major/grade?

I’m currently a junior studying at a university in Florida. My major is musical theatre and I just can’t get enough of it. Although I love my classes I’m excited to graduate so that I can start auditioning for productions!

What would you say are your “non-lolita” hobbies?

Outside of loli I have an awful lot of hobbies! I have been reading tarot cards for years and absolutely love it. I frequently do readings for my friends and am constantly looking for new spreads. Besides that I am a total bibliophile so my nose is always stuck in a book. I spend an awful lot of time writing songs, singing and making up alternate lyrics to popular hits. And I just adore playing violent, zombie themed video games!

What kind of music do you enjoy?

I have a very eclectic taste in music, the only genres I dislike are rap and hip hop. I love to sing opera and show tunes but I’d rather listen to swing, pop or synth pop when I’m in a happy mood (Lady Gaga and La Roux are my current favorites). If I’m just sitting around reading then I love to put on relaxing music like Feist or Michael Buble. When I feel romantic I listen to Gorillaz, when I’m cooking I like to put on Elvis, and when I’m getting ready for a fun night out my artist of choice is Michael Jackson!

Books?

It is very difficult for me to answer this question without writing a book myself! I love almost all kinds of fiction ranging from historical romances to sci-fi, but I have a particular soft spot for stories about women from different cultures written in first person. One of my favorite authors is Lisa See, both Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, and Peony in Love are heart wrenching and wonderful. I also love Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden (I was so shocked when I realized that the book was written by a man), The Time Travelers Wife by Audery Niffenegger, The Princess Bride by William Goldman and The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. I have never been able to get into many fantasy novels though, something about them really puts me to sleep!

What do you think is the least Lolita about you?

The fact that I do not prize modesty the way that most girls in our culture seem to do. I think that the human body is a beautiful thing and I don’t see the need to cover it up with long sleeves and long skirts unless the weather is painfully cold. To me a nude body does not automatically imply sex or sexuality, so I rarely feel any urgency to wear long socks or blouses under my jumperskirts.

Any final words?

Live for yourself and the people you love, never limit your happiness!

04 July, 2010

There's No Place Like Home, Except Scoul..


(The church in Scoul, Switzerland is actually the only thing on top of this hill, with the beautiful background of the Alps. I want to go back!)

I’m home! Back in the lovely heat of Arkansas, and sick as a dog. I have Tonsilitus and some European strand of Strep, yay for me! *note sarcasm* As of last night, I’m on bed rest, soft food diet, and limited talking, just gives me time to blog and catch up!
As far as the trip went, it was amazing! The travel blog, fell through. I didn’t have daily access to a computer, nor did I have time to keep a journal to retype at home. It was a very rushed trip at the begining, but totally worth it! Hampton Court Palace, Tower of London, Normandy, Eiffel Tower, Sanders Field, Amsterdam, Herbourn, and the Swiss Alps, to name a few, were amazing! Scoul, Switerland was by far my favorite town we visited (for living in), though Paris was my favorite vaca spot! I didn’t see the BTSSB shop, nor did Hunter, must be hard to find, oh well, life goes on I was so happy to get this chance, but I think I’m happier to be home. I’ll get pictures up later, right now I think I’ll take a nap. “Rest and hydration,” the doctor said, he forgot to say that my men would be waiting on me hand and food. I love them so.
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