Long time no see! I have a few post and youtube video planned but can't find the time to finish everything...

Anyways we just received The Queen is dead's pictures so here is my article about it!

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 Last week end was The Queen is dead. 

Lucie, Camille and I decided to attend only the Sunday Tea party and to visit Manchester on Saturday.

We arrived late on Friday and just spent the evening in the hotel, sadly missing a birthday party we originally planned to assist.

On Saturday, we began our morning with some fluffy pancakes at Fluffy Fluffy. Lucie ordered matcha pancakes while Camille and I went with matcha X tiramisu, and honestly they were way better than the one I had in Japan.

We then headed over to the canals, stopping multiples times along the way to rave about the beautiful brick buildings. Manchester is really different from Lyon ! At the canals, we got chased off by some goose, took some nice pictures in some grungy spots and we even saw a boat go through a lock, which was quite exciting!

We then decided to go the Wharf for lunch. Lucie and Camille originally planed to take the fish and chips but when we saw how massive the plate was, they settled for a fish sandwich. I ordered a breakfast plate with fried egg and tomato beans. We also ordered desserts (pudding and bannofee waffle).The place looked really nice and the food was really good!

For the afternoon, we planned to do some window shopping after a few lolita recommended Affleck (an alternative shopping mall with only small brands). It really was a blast from the past! We were delighted to see some "lolita" pieces that were exactly the one we dreamt about when we were 14, pins and badges of bands we loved as teens and much more. We weren't big fans of all the alternative wellness crystal reïkis shops but that's just not our thing... 

I bought a few rings and a pair of earrings for a friend that looks exactly as her cat! 

We then went to Pixel, a gaming bar that a vendor in Affleck recommended. Each table has a screen connected to a console, and for 10£ an hour,you could play any game you want! The cocktails were all themed around video games too. We played Mario Party and Mario kart and really had so much fun! 

For dinner, we planned to meet with members of the parisian comm who were sellers at TQiD that day and decided to go to an Indian restaurant. Everything was delicious and even though we didn't have much time to reunite, it was so nice seeing the Ultra Mimi gang again! I also bought the last cat ear headdress left from Lumienous and I'm absolutely in love with it!

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After a good night of sleep, it was finally time for the tea party. I'm really happy about my coord for that day : it came out just the way I had envisioned it. Lucie went for a gorgeous gobelin set using her Majoly skirt and Camille tried out Shiro (and pretty much wearing white in Lolita) for the very first time and looked stunning!

The tea party was hosted in a very beautiful hotel, even if the location wasn't as incredulous and aesthetic as the abandoned pool used for Saturday's event. We had some times to take pictures in the lobby and admiring everyone's coords. Someone had a mini couch and working lamp as a headpiece it was really cool!

As we were only three, we had to find ourselves a table that could accept us. Thankfully, the London comm apparently had a few seats left so we could sit with them. My neighbor was Taro, whom I kinda met online before when working on the first edition of the Frilly Freedom Zine. She was so nice and friendly and I had such a lovely time with her.
The food was really nice, and I especially liked the desserts. The portions were quite generous too!

Even if the main event was definitively the creator market of Saturday, we still had a mini raffle but also a best dressed event. Nunu (and maybe Iris?) went through all the guests and picked 4 favorites to give them a very special prize...... Nunu secretly drew a portrait of them!
I thought this was such a lovely and unique gift!

After the main event, we went home to change to something more comfortable before heading out to the after party. We arrived a bit early and were the first one there, but it allowed us to unwind around a nice drink.
Then the party began. I think I was a bit too overwhelmed at first. I'm not used being around so many people anymore, and I was disappointed at myself that I couldn't bring myself to talk to people I admire during the event. And once the party started, it was even worse......
I began spiraling and the loud music and crowd wasn't helping at all...... 

Thankfully Camille managed to break the cycle of doom, and took Lucie and I to the dancefloor. Once we started dancing everything got better, Taro was here and the playlist was immaculate!
Also, I don't know who you were, but if you are the gorgeous blue hair lolita who spent the evening dancing with us : thank you, you were amazing! 
We ended up going back to our hotel at 3am, tired and hungry but all wanting to organize this kind of "clubbing event" back home!

On Monday, it was time to go home. Thank you to all the organizers, it really was an amazing event! 

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Hellooo!

After seeing Pipo-password's entry, I thought I would give the lolita quizz a try!

１ Please tell us your name, birthday and where you’re from.

Mocha/Charlie/Isabelle, 14th september, France

２ What is your height, weight, clothes size and shoe size?

I'm 171cm, I usually wear a 44 which is like a XL and my shoes are often a 40 (25.5)cm.
I'm not really comfortable sharing my weight at the moment sorry! (even though I already shared everything else...)

３ Why did you start wearing Lolita Fashion?

I read a lot of manga when I was younger and fell in love with those bad depiction of the fashion. As a teen I wore something similar to that, before fully joining in lolita in 2012.

Best decision I made TBH!

４ What’s your favourite genre(style) of Lolita?

Old school! I feel that old school allowed me to be creative with the fashion again, sewing, crocheting etc. It's also what ressembles the most what I loved as teen, and what was worn in my fruits magazine.
Lately, I'm also really nostalgic of the 2010's. I love the super sweet prints but with cotton fabric and lace!

５ Express in your own words, the ideal of your above answer.

The ideal in old school is maybe a daily coord. I love wearing lolita fashion daily during spring and summer, and old school is perfect for that : I love low poof, naked shoulders and low-key looks with miss-matched patterns and colors.

For 2010, it's of course the sweet look, with big hair, big eyelashes and circle lenses. I tend to wear it more casual, but I would love to be part of an OTT clone group one day!

６ Do you have any piercings, and if so how many?

I have some on my ears, and most importantly my Medusa! (its on the philtrum) This piercing makes me feel really confident. I hate how small and thin my lips are, but my medusa distracts from it. Definitely a confidence boost!

7 What is your favourite brand?

Baby! I love old and modern Baby (even though 2015 to 2018 is their worst era imo). I really love the thick textured cotton they use and their mascots are the cutest!
 

８ What is your favourite piece of clothing?

I have no idea... I love all my pieces to death! 

９ How many Lolita friends do you have?

I have two! I left the comm last summer, but I never feel lonely thanks to my friends!

１０ What is the best thing about being a Lolita?

Being creative and the love for clothing. I feel like taking care of my dresses helps me feel more relaxed.

１１ On the contrary, what is the worst?

I often felt like navigating comms can be hard. I have a hard time with groups and group conversations. I loved participating in it and people were lovely, but my life is easier since I left. I really love to hang out in smaller groups and still love meeting new people in smaller settings

１２ What magazine(s) do you read?

I love reading zines! They are my favourite thing!

１３ Headdresses vs Bonnets vs Ribbons (Headbands)?

I love them all, but I often feel like rectangular headresses are easier to wear daily.

１４ Do you wear bloomers?

Yes, always! I started wearing them when a guy tried to take an upskirt picture of me in the escalator, and now I feel naked without them.

１５ Do you tie your headress in the front or the back?

Front! I feel like it adds a cute detail, especially when i'm just wearing a camisole

１６ Do you have a favourite music genre or band?

I have a special playlist for when I wear lolita with tons of different styles, from old french song, to punk passing by Jpop. It never fails to put me in the perfect mood for lolita

１７ What is your phone ringtone?

It's Hachi's ringtone from Nana!

１８ Do you go to lives/concerts in Lolita?

Always! I love wearing lolita to lives shows

１９ For those that go to lives/concerts, do you headbang?

I participate in pogos (moshing?) and do headbang quite a lot (but not too hard or I'll literally break my neck and die on the spot.)

２０ What colours do you like?

I LOVE pink! Pink is the greatest color of all time, I've loved it since I was a kid and it will always be my favorite colour!!

２１ What are your hobbies?

I have a TON! I draw, sew, embroider, crochet, play video games and of course I love lolita fashion!

２２ What is your favourite perfume?

The old version of Lolita Lempicka! My mom wore this when I was a kid, and I feel like it's very versatile. I also love anything strawberry scented!

２３ Being a Lolita, is there anything you are careful of?

I try to be nice to people around me, even the annoying ones because we are so recognisable!

２４ Where do you usually hang out?

My friends and I often hang out in museum, or in a small korean café that offers HUGE bingsu! 

２５ How many times do you wear lolita a week?

During winter or when the weather is too bad, I would say one time/week. During summer I wear it whenever I have to go out.

２６ Please tell us an embarrassing story you are guilty of from your early days of wearing lolita

I bought a replica of Misty Sky. I wanted to know for SURE if I would like the print and the cut. I ended up paying quite a lot but what arrived was an extra small badly cut piece of garbage that sat in shame at the back of my closet for years....

２７ What is your hairstyle and hair colour now?

I have what remains of a Jellyfish cut, in brown. I died my tips in red yesterday for the Queen is dead TP taking place this week end

２８ How long is your lolita history?

I've worn it for a little bit more than 10 years now! I guess I followed the trends of when I joined in, by fear of making a mistake until 2020, when I realised that my closet wasn't making me happy anymore. I don't know why, the spark just disappeared. Thankfully, old school was booming and I felt so free! I try now to wear what I love, not what's trending!

２９ Do you have a dedicated place for storing lolita?

I have a cute "walk in" closet. It's just a very small room (I guess 2meter square) but I love it

３０ Up to now have you ever thought about quitting lolita?

When I left my local comm, I feared it would mean I would slowly leave lolita behind too. But then I remembered I had my friends, and also that Momoko never had a comm. This was a really hard time, but Momoko is my ideal, and she helped me go through all these hardships without chipping away my love of the fashion.

３１ What is your motto?

Whether I want it or not, the future will come. I'm someone who tends to worry a lot. When I'm in my bed, unable to close my eyes because of what the future holds, this simple sentence helps me to relax. Sure bad times are coming, but good times are just behind!

３２ What is your future dream?

I really wish I could live from my art! 

３３ Is there any celebrity you think “This person definitely suits Lolita!”?

I don't follow any celebrity.... But I guess Misako Aoki really does suit lolita! Milky fawn was also my ideal lolita, and I often rewatch all of her videos 

３４ Please tell us about an item that is full of memories

Most of my pieces are full of memories, oftentimes because they are gifts from friends and families.

But I will choose my Versailles JSK! It was my friend's dreamdress for so long, but when they finally received it, the dress was in rough shape. They managed to restore it to it's full glory, but realized it wasn't really their style anymore so they gave it to me in hope they'll find the black version. I really wanted to twin with them, sadly that never happened. 
Our friendship is gone now, but this dress will always be with me.

３５ What is the very first item you got?

It was the Sweet Pie JSK by Infanta. I still think it has some potential, and I would love to make my own print inspired by it!

３６ When having your photo taken, do you have a pose you always do?

One leg forward, leaning on my toes, holding my bag in front of my waist. 

３７ What is your bible? (Book, Magazine, CD etc)

The easy answer is Kamikaze girls! The book is honestly not that great, but like I said before, Momoko is my ideal. Whenever I face a hardship in life, I take some time to wonder what she would do.

３８ What is the height of the tallest shoes you wear?

Maybe 10cm for my Rocking horse?

３９ Have you ever worn a tiara?

No ToT

４０ Occassionaly do you want to try Ouji?

I would love to try ouji but I have very wide hips, so I feel like it wouldn't look the best on me.

４１ What kind of lace do you like?

I love broderie anglaise! I love that it comes in a huge variety of motif and colors

４２ Do you have dolls? If you do please tell us about her!

I have some Pullips! I had them since I was a teenager, and I still want to buy a few more.

My first one is Prudence, she is a full custom doll that's supposed to be a witch.

Then we have Iver, also full custom, which is pretty much a schizophrenic depressed teen.

Kiyoka, a Youtsuzu . I'm really attached to this doll because my sister gave it to me.

Louisiane, a Eloïse. She doesn't really have a story, I just find her cute!

And then we have Lilly, a dal FC. She is the only one on a Pure Neemo body (everyone else is on Obitsu) and I find her soooo cute!!

I would love to own the old Hello Kitty Pullip, and the AP / Baby collabs. Maybe one day!

４３ What’s inside your Lolita bag?

A mirror, lipstick, my wallet, keys, headphones and phone! During summer I also carry a small towel and fan so I don't melt and collapse due to heat.

４４ What’s your favourite flower?

I love most flowers, so my favorites change all the time. On prints I love daisies! In real life I'm obsessed with sunflowers and mimosa!

４５ What is your favourite accessory right now?

I love my Btssb Princess chocker!!

４６ What is your favourite or recommended cosmetics?

Up until now, I would have recommanded the Sailor moon eyeliner! Not only is it cute but it's also really easy to apply and last all day. Sadly, they stopped producing it :(

４７ Big and beautiful eyes are the proof of a doll! So, do you wear false eyelashes? Also if you have any tips for application please tell us.

I only wear eyelashes for big events, especially as my style is really toned down. Whenever I do wear them, I use magnetic ones!

４８ Please tell us your eye make up fixation.

I'm a huge fan of my Paco rabanne silver eyeshadow! I wear it with just a touch of eyeliner and mascara and I love how cute and fresh it looks!

４９ Is your lipstick red? Blue? Black? Pink?

Mostly pink or red! I love a darker shade of red

５０ What colour do you use often for your manicures?

I change it quite often, but I guess pink?

５１ Have you ever stealthily changed into your clothes in a train (or public) toilet?

I did for my birthday : I was wearing a coordinate I didn't really like and was gifted one of my dreamdresses! I hurried in the bar bathroom to change dresses

５２ Have you ever done a twinning coord? A triplet coord? What are your thoughts?

I don't think so sadly! But when I go out with my friends we often end up with very similar coords without even talking about it prior! 

５３ What do you do to keep your figure? Any recommendations?

I dont really do it to maintain my figure, much more to stay healthy but I do exercise a little bit. I did swimming last year, and have to decide what I'll do next year. 

５４ Wearing lolita alone. Are you okay with it?

Yes! It's funnier when you are with friends but I love wearing it on my own.

５５ How much do you spend a month on clothes and accessories?

I try not too spend too much, but I think if you had to make an average maybe 50€/month?

５６ Was there a considerable time difference between when you found out about Lolita and when you started wearing it?

I discovered "anime lolita" when I was 15, and wore it at the time. When I realized it was a proper style I started wearing it the right way!

５７ What is the most expensive thing you’ve bought up to now?

Probably my Melty chocolate? I love bargains so I don't think I've ever spend more than 250€ on a piece.

５８ Lolita is really expensive. How to get money for it?

I scour the web for good deals!

５９ Just between the two of us, generally how much have you spent on Lolita altogether up until now?

Maybe 4 to 5 thousands? My wardrobe currently worth 3500€!

６０ What shop do you want close to you?

BABY! Please come back to Paris I miss you so so much!

６１ Just between the two of us, are there are any shops you think are a total ripoff?

Modern AP...... I'm sorry the quality is just bad lately.... 

６２ Do you use online shops? If you have what are the good and bad points about it? If you haven’t, please tell us why.

I use online shops a lot! Lately I've been using Vinted a lot to find good deals. The shipping is very inexpensive but I always end up with dirty dresses....... Please wash your clothes before sending it!

６３ Is there a secret person/shop that you have ordered a dress solely for you from?

Myself lol
More seriously I've ordered a few things from Majoly and I'm really happy with it!

６４ I definitely won’t get it! But I really really want it! Do you have a certain something from a certain brand that you want?

I reeeeeeaaaaaally want the dog Bag from La petite Corneille. I have nothing to match it, but it's so adorable!!

６５ What do you do with pieces you get bored of?

I stop wearing them until I get the spark back! If needed, I will even take it off my closet, and store it somewhere out of sight. When it comes out, if I want to wear it again it regains the wardrobe. Otherwise, I'll sell it!

６６ What is the last thing you bought (even outside of Lolita)?

It's the Marchen Ribbon Backfrill JSK by AP! I can't wait to wear it!

６７ Is there something you’ll probably never have it again, but you can’t forget about?

Not really.....

６８ What do you think of people that wear lolita only to lives/concerts?

I don't really mind. Maybe I dont consider them to BE lolita, but rather to HAVE lolita?

６９ What do you think of people that don’t wear makeup with lolita fashion?

They can do whatever they want. I find it a bit uncanny if they're wearing OTT but that's it.

７０ There’s a Lolita wearing the same coord as you! What do you think?

That's really unexpected!! This is definitely a good way to open conversation!

７１ From what age until what age do you think is forgivable to wear Lolita?

I don't really think about it.... I guess that as long as you love wearing it, lolita is suitable for your age!

７２ In what situation do you think you would have to stop wearing Lolita?

I'm planning on having a kid soon, and I don't think I'll be able to wear lolita while pregnant.... We'll see!

７３ Do you have any “Stop doing this!” warnings?

Stop buying cheap things to get a bigger wardrobe quicker! I wish I wouldn't have spend so much money on cheap polyester stuff only to have to resell everything to get nice cotton pieces.

７４ Do you have any thoughts about what a Lolita should be like?

Creative! For me, creativity really is at the heart of lolita!! Making your own clothing, accessories or jewelry really helps to connect to the fashion!

７５ Excluding Q.73, is there anything you don’t want a Lolita to do?

React too strongly to rude strangers. Conflict is really stressful for me, and I hate when things start to heat up... I understand that the attention can be really annoying, and that it slowly wears you down but I don't think being as rude as these strangers is the solution.

７６ What do you think of boys wearing Lolita?

I really don't mind them as long as they are young. I understand questioning your gender presentation and everything.
I'm wearier of older men, especially when there are mostly younger girls in their comm, because I had a few bad experiences. But as long as they understand the limits that comes with being an older man surrounded by younger girls, I'm fine with them.

７７ Since wearing Lolita has anything about you changed from before?

I have changed SO MUCH since then, it's hard to tell... I guess it made me more creative? I've also become lazier when dressing casually

７８ What do the people around you say about you wearing Lolita?

Everyone is okay with it, and most importantly to me wearing it when hanging up together. My family (except my mom and sister) is more apprehensive, but it's been so long now that they don't say anything anymore.

７９ In the midsummer heat what kind of Lolita do you wear?

Old school casual lolita! I talked about it a bit already, but old school is perfect for heat waves.

８０ Do you wear Lolita to school/your workplace?

Yes! Even tho, I work with kids, noone bats an eye. I often wear it more casually because I need to be able to run after them and not worry too much about dirt.

８１ What are your regular style of clothes?

I'm really inspired by Serial Experiment Lain and Buffy the vampire slayer for my daily clothes. I guess you could say it's inspired by grunge with a twist of Y2k?

８２ Are you opposed to second hand clothing?

I mostly buy from second hand! 

８３ Do you have a partner? And do they understand Lolita?

My husband doesn't like the style, but he understands it and why it is so important in my life. He can't help me pick clothes, but he ties my waist ties better than most lolita lol

８４ Please tell us the image of your ideal guy

To be honest, my husband is pretty much my ideal guy! But I can tell you about my ideal girl.
She would be a nice, compassionate girl, that would still be able to tell me when I make a mistake or act badly. Of course, she would wear lolita fashion, and preferably a style close to mine.

８５ Is there a Lolita that has left a big impression on you?

Milky Fawn, Cynical neo princessism and Trouble in the message center!

８６ Have you ever made your own clothes? If so what kind?

I did! Mostly old school inspired, I love making main pieces and camisoles!

８７ Have you ever made your own accessories? If so what?

Yes once again! I did a ton of head accessories, but also some wristcuffs and jewelry.

８８ Is there an item you’ve made that you think “It’s a great success!”?

I'm really proud of my velvet one piece. I don't wear it often because it's really heavy (2.5 kg!) but I really like it! Lately I'm also very proud of this dress I made with old curtains!

８９ If you have an ideal coord, please talk about it.

I would love to make a shiro coord inspired by Usakumya.... I think it could look really cute and iconic.

９０ Is there someone you admire? What kind of person are they?

My friends! I admire their kindness and their reliance. Lucie always tries to see the good side of a person, and I find that really impressive. She talks in such a nice way, and the rare times she criticize someone, she does it from a place of love. I feel like she allows me to become a better person and I'm really lucky to have her in my life.

Camille always has good ideas, and I love her creative and curious mind! She is very talented and she creates so many lovely things!
She know a ton of fun facts about a lot of different topics, and she makes me feel energized.
I also admire her lolita style, I think she really has her own personnal twist to it. 

９１ For one day you can go on a date with that special person. They will also be wearing their favourite clothes. So who is it, what are you wearing and where is the date?

So if I understand the question properly, the special persons are the ones I talked above ? So Lucie and Camille?
I should have read all the questions before answering. 😅
Anyways, I guess the perfect "date" would be a week end in another city where we could visit parks and museums, eating in cute restaurant and café!
That's actually pretty much what we'll do next week end for The Queen is dead event in Manchester! 

９２ If you could open a shop in the future, what kind would it be?

I would love to own a small café where I could sell my art and stuff.

９３ Unconsciously, this catches your eye! Which motif is it?

Berries! I love the contrast of the bright red against white/pink !

９４ Would you also want your child(ren) to wear Lolita?

I would love to share my love for lolita with my kids!

９５ How much do you spend on each piece of clothing?

Maybe between 30€ to 250€ for a piece I really love.

９６ This is a Lolita! If you think there’s a gesture like that please tell us.

The double peace sign?

９７ Even if it’s only one time I wanna wear it! Is there something you want to wear other than Lolita?

Maybe Decora or Shironuri?

９８ Looking at your Lolita, if you could use one word to represent it, what would it be?

Eclectic!

９９ What is your image of an ideal Lolita?

She would be sweet and fun! The kind of person that's beaming with joy.

１００ 大変お疲れ様でした！ Please share your thoughts on taking this questionnaire.

Well that was a lot of questions.......... If you made it to the end : Bravo!!

Current mood : Relaxed
Current song : Becane by Yame