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꒰ from the "bois de merveilles" live performance from 1997. ꒱

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Once again posting content I made out of Luna Sea's Anubis performance because I just adore it.

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Where to Start as a Plus Size Lolita (Part 6)

Budgeting and Saving for Lolita Fashion

If you’ve scrolled for a little bit, you’ve probably noticed how expensive some pieces can get, especially brand! That’s because many of these pieces are high quality and will last an extremely long time if taken care of right. From the print to the construction, there’s a lot of love and care put into the pieces. That’s why lolita is considered a slow fashion rather than a fast fashion (pieces pumped out by factory of lower quality). This means pieces, even second hand, will be more on the expensive side. This guide will help you understand the average prices of (new + brand) pieces and give you tips on how to save so you can build your wardrobe smartly!

Note: prices will be in Yen (¥) and USD ($) and tend to fluctuate due to the invisible force called the economy! Prices are subject to change but the general idea will be the same!

(This will be a long one.)

୨୧ Buying Smartly ୨୧

Buy pieces you really really love

- Keep a list of your favorite pieces! Don’t just buy something you only kinda like. This will keep you from buying pieces impulsively. If you don’t know if you absolutely love a piece, sleep on it! When you see it again, will you feel the same?

Buy coherent pieces for a coherent wardrobe

- Like the last point, keeping a coherent list somewhere like Pinterest or a notes app or a wardrobe app to keep track of the pieces you want/need. Neutral colors like white and black are your best friends and go with anything!!! You do not need brand tights/socks and can easily get plain colored ones from Walmart, target, Amazon, or any grocery store/clothing store near you at a very cheap price for good quality.

Capsule Wardrobes save money

- Especially if you are just starting out, make a capsule wardrobe! This will include versatile items in matching colors in pieces like JSKs or skirts, neutral colored blouses and socks/tights, a petticoat (you only really need the one), a head piece or two, and shoes. You will be able to mix and match and get the absolute most out of your wardrobe!

Second hand is ok!

- Second hand can sometimes be a cheaper option! Stains, missing buttons, wrinkles, and other small defects can be an opportunity to find an item for cheap and put in a little elbow grease in exchange for saving some money.

Stick with one style

- If you are just starting out, sticking with one sub genre and even color palette will help save money. Whether it’s pastels, muted colors, or plain black, this will help you have an easier time coordinating and deciding which pieces to spend money on.

A note:

Please pay off any debts or outstanding charges before you start buying lolita. Your necessities will always come first. Lolita is a luxury fashion, you do not need it to survive.

୨୧ Saving money ୨୧

If you are a Minor (and/or do not have a job):…

You probably do not have a steady source of income, and that’s ok. Understand that it will take a bit longer to acquire pieces until you get a job or a steady source of income. Please do not resort to buying knock offs, it is disrespectful and it’s art theft, and we do not like art thieves. There are cheaper options other than Brand™️ like indie, Taobao, and second hand! (Yes, even if you’re plus sized!) Buying lolita fashion takes time. People have spent YEARS building their wardrobes and waiting patiently for the right pieces, you are doing just fine.

Save up and set aside any money that comes your way. Whether that be birthday money, coins you save in a jar to take to the bank for cash, or maybe the lucky days you find some on the ground or in your pocket. Your savings will start off small but that’s ok!

Keep what money you have in a safe place to avoid spending on something impulsively.

To keep you from spending what little lolita savings you have, try organizing a cash envelope (this applies to anyone obviously) or binder. They’re very helpful for organizing your savings into different categories and keeps you from spending what you’re trying to save. If you are the type to not use cash when spending money, this will be a perfect way to keep you from dipping into your lolita fund.

Putting in 10-30$ of cash in every couple of weeks or whenever you get gift money adds up and adds up A LOT.

If you are an adult (and/or have a job + steady source of income):…

Then you’ll be able to save quicker and will be able to probably acquire pieces quicker. My previous advice about a cash binder/envelope still 100% applies, but instead take a portion of each paycheck where you know you won’t be in any financial trouble and set that aside. Honestly, even with minimum wage you’ll have enough for a decent coord second hand/indie in a few months!

Also, the bank you use may have a savings account program in place. For example… my bank will take a selected portion of my paycheck and put it in a separate savings account. Then I use that to pay for my pieces.

Now, obviously everyone’s job is different and pay is different too. Please make sure you are setting enough money aside for necessities and emergencies + paying off debts before you indulge in this luxury hobby.

One last thing…

Please please PLEASE set aside money for shipping. If you are buying overseas, shipping is EXTREMELY expensive regardless of the country you’re buying from. Setting aside an extra 40-80$ will save you pain in the long run. Also if you are buying overseas, try to buy in bulk on ONE website to save on shipping all around. (Ex. Taobao/JP auction proxies).

Don’t be like me and spend 45$ shipping on a 30$ worth of Taobao accessories…

୨୧ Average Prices ୨୧

If you want to buy brand, lucky for you, pieces tend to stay around the same price! With some slight increase in recent years due to inflation and yen prices dropping, pieces tend to stay around the same price (when buying new!).

Angelic Pretty and Baby the Stars Shine Bright have similar prices. I’ll be separating and averaging out how much each piece in your coordinate will cost if you buy it brand new. (AS OF 2023)

Note/Advice:

1. Don’t buy petticoats from brand, it’s just not worth it. I will not be including them in the price run down. But please do save ~20-60$ for a petticoat.

2. You do not have to buy only brand. In fact, I encourage you to buy from other places as well. However, the prices vary so much it’ll be hard to give an accurate average, so please go through my previous guides and do research on brands featured.

Angelic Pretty ୨୧ Baby the Stars Shine Bright average Prices

Blouses -> ¥20,000 - $140

Main Pieces

- JSK -> ¥38,800 - $270

- SK -> ¥28,600 - $200

- OP -> ¥47,000 - $330

Legwear

- Socks -> ¥3,300 - $25

- Tights -> ¥3,800 - $27

- Shoes -> ¥17,500 - $125

Outer Wear

- Cardigans -> ¥18,400 - $130

- Coats -> ¥50,000 - $350

Accessories

- Headwear -> ¥5,500 - $40

- Rings -> ¥3,800 - $26

- Necklaces -> ¥6,000 - $40

- Parasol -> ¥ 6,500 - $45

Hopefully this helps you understand how much you will be needing save up and how much time it will take for you to build up your wardrobe. Second hand of course, is always an option but this gives you an idea of the value these dresses hold when brand new.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

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an illustration by Ikeda Riyoko on the cover of the gothic and lolita bible

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UV vol.28 (March 1998)

✦°．

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Mana, Malice Mizer, FOOL’s MATE, January 1999

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Atsushi We Miss You

As we all mourn the tragic passing of the INCREDIBLE Atsushi Sakurai, I would like to honor him. Sadly I had made this magazine before his passing, and presented it almost in tears today in class, but it features Atsushi on the cover and a three spread article featuring Buck-Tick

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Rockin’ On Japan: November 1991 Featuring Sakurai Atsushi and Yoshiki

[mana-sama-cult]

I am heartbroken to learn that Atsushi Sakurai, vocalist of BUCK-TICK, has passed away. Thank you for using the time you had on this earth to share your wonderful music with us. May you live on through your songs. You'll be missed terribly. Rest in peace🕊️

[mana-sama-cult]

Atsushi We Miss You

As we all mourn the tragic passing of the INCREDIBLE Atsushi Sakurai, I would like to honor him. Sadly I had made this magazine before his passing, and presented it almost in tears today in class, but it features Atsushi on the cover and a three spread article featuring Buck-Tick

[mana-sama-cult]

UV vol.28 (March 1998)

✦°．

[mana-sama-cult]

BUCK-TICK, Arena,february (1990)

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Közi from Malice Mizer

This year I’m creating illustrations for songs I love. This is my version of Inktober, I started late but its fine :)