100 Lolita Questions

I'm still working on updating my answers, but feel free to look around ☺

1 Please tell us your screen name, date of birth, and origin.

My screen name is Valentine~

I'm from the US, my b-day is a secret, and I'm currently 23!

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

I'm 5' 6" and I usually wear a size medium and shoe US 8.5. I don't weigh myself and wouldn't dare share that on the internet 😂

3 What made you start doing Lolita fashion?

My friend from college was a lolita, and took me to a Bay Area EGL event. After I officially moved to the Bay, I joined the comm and the rest is history!

4 What is your favorite Lolita genre?

Old school and gothic!

5 Do you have any particular commitment to that genre, or your own definition of it?

Hmm... yes, I try to keep the old school spirit alive by using my own handmade pieces and accessories. I wouldn't say I'm a purist in the sense that all my things have to be from that era. I think anything works if you coord it well!

6 Do you have your ears pierced? How many piercings?

I have no piercings! I don't want to have to deal with the possibility of an infection or maintenance, so I just wear clip on earrings.

7 What is your favorite brand?

Cornet~

8 What is your favorite outfit?

I think there are many outfits I haven’t worn that could probably top my current coords, but for now, this handmade shiro coord is one of my favorites! This dress was the first I’ve made, and it pairs well with a soft bonnet.

9 How many lolita friends do you have?

I have about 3 irl lolita friends that I talk to outside of meetups~ but I'm slowly converting more into wearing lolita or proto lolita fashion. (hehe)

10 What was the best thing about doing Lolita?

The best thing is making friends through the community and having a creative outlet for my sewing ideas! This hobby has brought me so much joy because of that.

11 On the contrary, what is the most disgusting thing?

The worst thing is…. hmmm. That’s a good question! I think it may be how easy it is to fall victim to consumerism. I think with a hobby like this, it is difficult to not compare your own wardrobe with other people- so it’s easy to make a lot of regrettable purchases quickly. Furthermore, the scarcity of some items makes it possible for scalpers to inflate secondhand prices, which is really unfortunate.

12 What is your favorite magazine?

Gosurori vol. 3! Personally, I think it is the best Gosurori volume, and contains all that you need to make most old school style dresses.

13 Headdress group? Team Bonnet? Team Headbow?

Team rectangle headdress forever. I don’t care if people think they look like pads 👋

14 Do you have bloomers?

I have a handmade pair of bloomers that I made from a tiered underskirt. It looks kind of silly though, because of the tiers LOL.

15 Do you tie your headdress in front? or are you on the team that ties it behind your head?

I like to tie it in the front, but it is a bit of a sensory headache. I usually will tie it in the back if it’s too hot and bothering my chin. It gets super uncomfortable when it's hot out.

16 Do you have a favorite music genre or band?

I guess…I’m one of the few people who don’t really listen to music much. It sounds basic, but I do enjoy Malice Mizer still! It is peak vampire music. Speaking of vampire music... I wish I could find more of it. It has to evoke a specific feeling in me.

17 What is your mobile phone ringtone?

One of the default ones, but I keep it on vibrate.

18 Do you go to live (shows) in Lolita?

Nope! I don’t go to lives. I’m not really a concert person.

19 For those who go to lives, do you headbang?

Nopeee

20 What color do you like? 

My favorite colors are deep red, black, ivory, brown, and white.

21 What are your hobbies?

I enjoy sewing and all sorts of arts and crafts! Although I do not dedicate as much time to it as before, I also collect bjds and make themed foods.

22 Please tell me if you have a favorite perfume.

Dream Bright by Bath & Body Works. It's my go-to perfume, and it's quite long lasting! It also isn't too pricy either, especially when you buy the ones people got gifted during the holidays are are selling on ebay....LOL

Fragrance: sapphire berries, night-blooming orchid and crystalized vanilla.

23 Is there anything you say “I’m careful about this” when it comes to lolita?

Every once in a while, I have a dye transfer accident. I try to wash more treasured lolita pieces carefully in their own cycle, or I will just handwash it. 

24 Where are the places you visit / hang out at frequently?

I hang out a lot in Japantown, simply because I like to window shop at BTSSB. Seeing physical clothes on the rack is very therapeutic and inspiring to me, especially because I like to sew and improve the quality of my own pieces. To be honest, I'm not a big fan of the food in Jtown, but it is a nice place to just pass time. I also like hanging out at cafes or parks to do work!

25 How many times a week do you wear Lolita?

I wear it about 1-2 times during the weekends.

26 Please tell us the most embarrassing episode you had when you were a beginner in Lolita fashion.

I tend to forget my embarrassing episodes, but maybe I haven't really had any? Of course, I sort of went through a ita transition phase like every one else. However, I don't think it was too bad. 😂😂

27 What is your hairstyle and color now?

I have mocha brown (?) hair and bangs. My hair is cut into two distinct layers, kind of like a grown out jellyfish cut.

28 How long have you been in Lolita?

I've been a lolita since July 2023! So it has been a year (as of writing this).

29 Do you have a dedicated lolita storage space?

Yes, I keep my lolita on a clothing rack from IKEA, and my accessories in a giant shoe box. I just keep my blouses in my normal closet.

30 Have you ever thought about leaving Lolita? If so, why?

I think I will leave lolita when I eventually move away from my local community. I mostly wear EGL for the social and creative aspect, but I think I will transition to wearing EGA and casual jfashion in the future!

31 What is your motto?

Be authentic to yourself.

32 What are your dreams for the future?

Hmmm...well I hope to have an easy job and retire early 😝 Also, I have grand plans to win the lottery.

https://dearlyvalentine.blogspot.com/p/wishlist.html?m=0

33 “This person would definitely look good on Lolita!” Are there any celebrities you think that about?

Not in particular, to be honest~

34 Please tell us the item with the most memories and those memories.

The first jsk I sewed was a shiro old school piece. I totally messed up the length the first time, but I wore it to many meets! It was a piece that I wore to Ursa Major (a jfashion convention), and I twinned with my friend who made the same jsk in black. We even competed in a fashion show! 

Afterwards, I finally altered the jsk and added more lace, ruffles, and shortened the length. She's been through a lot, and I will always treasure her.

35 What was the first item you got?

The first item I got was a black Edwardian collar OP by Lolitimes many years ago. The quality was actually really good! I still only style it in a EGA way currently, which is similar to how I wore it before.

36 Do you have a signature pose for taking a picture?

I usually just do some variation of holding out my skirt with one hand. Nothing too exciting. 😅

37 What is the “Bible” of your heart? (Like what Books, magazines, CDs, etc. represent your inner self)

I love the old Gothic Lolita Bibles, haha. The old school look with simple colors and design choices are so lovely! They always inspire my work, and I wish I can own some more pieces from independent designers from that era. 

38 How many centimeters tall is the highest heel you have?

Honestly, I'm not too sure, I haven't measured. Maybe 5-6 inches or 12-15 cm?

39 Have you ever worn a tiara?

I haven't, but I would love to make a coord with one someday.

40 Do you want to be a prince once in a while? What kind of prince? Dark system? Hakubakei?

I'm not too interested in ouji or masculine jfashion to be honest! I do like the androgyny of EGA though, so maybe that if anything.

41 What kind of lace do you like?

I really love torchon and eyelet laces, especially ones used by BTSSB or Cornet.

42 Do you own a (ball jointed) doll? Those who have them are usually so enthusiastic about them!

Yes, I own two. One girl and one boy, although I always cross-dress him because I just prefer frilly dresses haha. I own a VOLKS SD13 Anna and a Dollgru #09 / Spiritdoll Body hybrid. I used to make lolita clothes for them, which is one of the reasons I got into sewing lolita pieces for myself. 

Though I love the look of bjds, I think I'm done collecting them. I am happy with the two that I own! It is a big investment to get another doll, which I would rather spend on lolita at the moment.

43 What’s inside your lolita bag right now?

I usully keep my wallet, small makeup bag (sunscreen, lipstick, eyeliner), charger, reusable shopping bag, and tissues in it. Sometimes I will bring a mini handheld fan if it is hot. Nothing too exciting!

44 What is your favorite flower?

I absolutely love tulips! I think they look refreshing...and somehow tasty? But I also love the classic elegance of roses.

45 What is your favorite accessory right now?

Right now, it would be my angel wing bag that I DIY-ed. I have a blog post on it!

46 Please tell us your favorite / recommended cosmetics.

My favorite eyeliner is ISEHAN Kiss Me in brown, since it makes really fine lines and looks natural. For lip color, I love Flower Knows Little Angel lip cream "Covenant Angel," which has been discontinued. I believe they re-released it as a lipstick, but I am not sure which color is the most similar. My friend bought me one, and I am excited to try it and compare.

47 Bright eyes are the hallmark of being a doll! So do you use false eyelashes? If you have any tips on how to use them, please let me know.

Most of the time I do not, even though I barely have any natural lashes LOL. I just find them annoying and uncomfortable, but sometimes I will put them on for a special event.

48 What is your particular eye makeup style?

I usually do a natural neutral look or subtle smoky eye, with a thin eyeliner wing. I wish I knew how to do more dramatic makeup looks, especially because my makeup doesn't show up very well on camera. However, I think I just like to keep the time commitment to makeup to a minimum, so I haven't quite learned more advanced styles.

49 Is your lipstick red? Blue? black? pink?

My lipstick is a dusty red color!

50 What color do you often use for nail polish?

I don't wear nail polish, but I think I would opt for a natural peachy pink color.

51 Have you ever changed your clothes in the toilet at the train station?

I have put on a petticoat in the bathroom, but other than that, not really!

52 Have you ever had twin loli or triplet loli? impression?

Yes, I have twinned shiro and kuro looks with my friend. It was super fun and cute! I would love to do it again.

53 What are you doing to keep in shape? Recommendations?

I am honestly not in the best shape, but I like to speed walk around the city to get a little exercise. I also usually try to eat vegetables with my meals, and not too much meat and carbs. Unfortunately, I do go through periods of eating pure junk food because I get lazy... 😓

54 Are you calm when alone in lolita? 

Yes, I am usually alone in lolita. I don't usually get harrassed in my city because there is always a lot of foot traffic and people generally are accepting, although sometimes people will try to get my number. 😵

55 How much do you spend on lolita each month?

Well...that's a secret!

56 Did you have any time lag between learning about Lolita fashion and actually doing it or resistance to starting?

Yes, I've known about it for many years, and I used to watch Youtube videos about it. I was never too interested in actually wearing Lolita fashion until I met my Lolita friends. I joined the community more for the social aspect! I still do love jfashion, but I think my personal style would be different if I did not have an active community to participate in.

57 What is the most expensive thing you have ever bought? (In relation to Lolita)

I bought a Metamorphose Antique Dolly OP in red, and I spent a lot on my BIN offer because I didn’t want to go up against some crazy rich bidders. 😭 it was a dream dress of mine, but I’ll probably never do that again LOL.

58 Lolita really costs money, doesn’t it? How do you pay for Lolita?

I budget every month and try to reduce my spendings elsewhere. I am a full time student, but I have some savings from high school and college, as well as a side hustle that still makes me some money. Other than that, I have to save any penny I get and resell items I don't use anymore!

59 Just here. How much is the total cost you have spent so far?

I know the number, but it isn't pretty 😂

60 Is there a store you would like to see nearby?

Since I live near Angelic Pretty and BTSSB, I am already pretty spoiled. I don't specifically desire any other lolita brand, but maybe something gothic would be nice. I think I would honestly rather have a cute cafe with parfaits and specialty desserts, like some of them in Japan!

61 Just between us, is there a store that makes you say: ‘that’s a rip-off!’?

Nu Moitie is a bit of a rip-off to me. The only MmM piece I own costs $65 including shipping, and that is because I got it secondhand. Although it's really good deal, I wouldn't pay more than $100 for the level of quality MmM produces at the moment. I really love the look of their older pieces though!

62 Have you ever used an online shop? If you have, please give us some advice on the good points and bad points. If you haven’t, tell us why not.

Yes, of course. I mostly shop secondhand online. I think there are mostly good experiences, although I have had items that came smelly or were a different shade than I expected. The best thing is that it is easily accessible and sometimes you will find great deals.

63 Just between us, even if you want to keep it your own secret, what’s an indie brand that makes you go “this is exactly my style”.

Hmmm.... I am not sure if anything current is exactly my style. But some indie brands I think are neat include Morpho and Rusanjin Room.

64 Absolutely out of reach! But I want it! Do you have any brands or products like that for you?

I think so, but I do have a limit as to how much I would pay for them. I would love to own a bouquet print OP from the early 2000s, or some more old school velveteen pieces. However, they are quite rare or expensive nowadays. 

Personally, I don't think there are any dream pieces of mine that are absolutely irreplaceable. I think I would be satisfied with a cheaper/more common look-a-like if it has similar vibes. I'm not too particular about the era or brand, as long as it looks good. Or I will just try to sew my own piece!

65 What do you do with your tired old clothes?

Sell them! Or cut them up and sew something new.

66 What was the most recent lolita and non lolita item of clothing you bought?

My most recent lolita purchase was Metamorphose Bouquet Print Short Sleeve OP with the bonnet. The print is not as pretty as the older bouquet print releases, but it is still cute! For non-lolita items, I think I bought a red blouse from Axes Femme. (6/8/25 this is of course, outdated.... my current most recent purchase is a Victorian Maiden velveteen skirt)

67 What is something you missed out on that you’ll never see again, but you can’t forget?

I missed out on the Metamorphose Velveteen Ribbon OP in red, which I didn't buy at the time because it was expensive and I had owned a red velveteen piece already. I also lost a checkout race for a Meta red velveteen cross lace jsk, which was an amazing deal. 😂

Still, I'm quite happy with my closet at the moment, so it's not too painful!

68 What do you think of dressing as a Lolita only during live performances?

I think it's fine to wear Lolita only for special occasions. It is a lot of work to put on a coord after all, and people might feel more comfortable wearing it to events.

69 What do you think of No-Makeup-Lolita?

I like it! I see it a lot in old school street snaps, and I love that it gives a more carefree vibe. I still like to put on a little bit of makeup though, just so I don't look so washed out in photos. I'm trying to get used to my natural look though.

70 You suddenly meet another person totally wearing Lolita! What do you do?

I might wave or compliment their coord. Some of the people I see wearing Lolita in my city are people I have seen before at meets, although I might not recognize them at first haha.

71 How old is a Lolita allowed to be?

To whatever age they are still wearing Lolita, or forever if they want!

72 Under what conditions do you think Lolita should graduate? (You can answer ‘continue forever’)

I think Lolitas might quit for a variety of reasons. If they no longer enjoy it, feel like it negatively impacts their mental health or finances, etc.

Of course they can graduate if they feel that is the best decision for them, or even come back at a different time in life.

73 Stop this! Are there any things no one should do in Lolita fashion?

Hmmm, I think there are a few things? No one should talk badly about other people who aren't harming anyone. I think this is something I think used to be worse a few years ago, but in general, most people are very accepting in the lolita community nowadays (well, maybe aside from Reddit 😂). Also, this is probably a general consensus, but you shouldn't buy lolita main pieces on Amazon or Shein. I would never villianize anyone for doing so, especially newcomers. Still, it generally isn't a good idea if you want to wear Lolita.

74 Do you have a specific sense of what a perfect Lolita should be?

A perfect lolita... I guess I would say something like a person who feels confident in their own skin, is nice and supportive of other lolitas, and lives their life authentically! Maybe that's too generic?

75 Other than what you said 73, what is something you wish people wouldn’t do?

I wish people would not buy rare pieces just to scalp them for high prices. There's nothing that can stop people from doing so, but it is an unfortunate aspect of this fashion.

76 What do you think about Lolita fashion for men?

I know a couple of male Lolitas. They are the same as anyone else 😆

77 Have you changed in any way since you started Lolita?

I definitely have more old school pieces compared to the beginning. I started out with more modern gothic items, but now I also own old school sweet, gothic, and classic. I might eventually phase out the sweeter and more classic items and return to my gothic roots LOL. I just love the wearability of old school lolita compared to more modern styles, which usually require more accessorizing.

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

The people are generally quite positive towards Lolita! I think in my city, you can see lolitas occasionally because we have BTSSB and AP here. I think more people realize it is a fashion style and not a cosplay, compared to other areas. My family doesn't pay too much attention to what I wear, especially because I no longer live at home. 😂

79 What kind of lolita fashion do you do in the hot summer months?

I don't really enjoy wearing lolita in the summer, but since I live in a temperate climate now, it isn't too much of an issue LOL. I think if I lived in an area that was hotter, I would sell more of my lolita pieces and have a smaller wardrobe.

80 Do you go to school or work in Lolita?

Not at all! I can't 😅 I will always have a dress code.

81 What is your usual outfit style?

Aside from lolita, I just wear casual jfashion like Axes Femme. Usually items that have a gothic color scheme, or embroidery motifs and lace details.

82 Do you have any objections to second-hand goods?

I buy a lot of second-hand goods, so no objections here.

83 Do you have a boyfriend (or husband)? Does he understand?

Nope! I do not.

84 Please tell us your ideal male image.

Im having a sliver of hope that one day I will find the right person; they'd have to be pretty relaxed and open-minded! I suppose I am a pretty individual person and I want some personal space many times. But my ideal person is someone I can have thoughtful conversations with and bring out each others best qualities. I am somewhere on the AroAce spectrum so... it's a bit hard to try dating 😂

85 What kind of person is the Lolita who left the biggest impression on you?

The Lolita who left the biggest impression on me... is someone who works hard and makes her own clothes! I wanted to be like that~ 

Even though it would be impossible for me to pursue fashion outside of a hobby, I'm trying to make the best of it and learn things in my free time.

86 Have you ever made your own clothes? What kind of clothes is it?

I make a lot of old school lolita pieces! Maybe I will list them all one day in my wardrobe page.

87 Have you ever made an accessory yourself? What did you make?

Yes, tons of them LOL. I make a lot of rectangle headdresses and other headwear. Sometimes I will make jewelry but not often!

88 This thing I made was a great success! Is there anything you feel that way about?

Hmmm, I think my first JSK actually is my favorite. It has a lot of sentimental value. However, I think I do also feel that my newer sewing projects are successful too, I like seeing my improvement!

89 Tell us if you have an ideal Lolita outfit or coordination.

The perfect Lolita coordinate~ it's probably something full of elegance and charm. I feel that way about shiro coords a lot of the time. Maybe those are my favorite? I should do more of them! Here's one that I am proud of.

Recreated a coord from GLB 4

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

Hmmm at the moment, I think someone I admire is an artist who is very lowkey but passionate about a lot of things. They find a lot of charm in daily life and that's really beautiful to me! I wish I was as consistently creative as them. Or perhaps, I am creative but not in the drawing sense 😅

91 You can date any person for just one day. The other person will also dress however you want. Who is it and what kind of date?

This is such a funny question xD The other person will take me to eat a lot of yummy food, and maybe they will buy anything I point at. LOLOL. They can dress how they want, or maybe we can match.

Or, it would be really fun to just go sightseeing and explore. I'm a big fan of just wandering around with no plan in sight. You find some of the most tucked away gems this way. Of course, they will be the one driving (or leading the way).

92 What kind of store would you like to have if you were to open one in the future?

I would love to open a elegant gothic lolita / aristocrat store! Maybe something with luxurious bags and jewelry as well. It would be eeriely lit. Maybe there would be a secret room as well for our esteemed returning guests?

93 When looking at lolita, your eyes will go straight to this motif. What is it?

I love cross and rose motifs! Even better if it has both :P it adds the perfect gothic touch

94 Do you want your child to be a Lolita too?

I don't think it matters, but maybe if they grow up and want to be one. I would give them my old dresses!

95 How much can I spend on one lolita outfit?

Ough... this... if we are talking main pieces... maybe maximum $500...😰 (even that is too much)

96 This is quintessentially Lolita! Is there a certain gesture that makes you think this.

One leg in crossed in front, one arm holding out the side of the skirt. This is the first pose in the lolita default pose pack hehe.

97 I want to wear that once in my life! Do you ever think that about any style other than lolita?

Yes, I think I would like to wear jirai kei / ryousangata one time xD even if it is not my thing, I think the activities they do look fun. 

98 Looking at your Lolita collection or style, what one word would you use to sum it up?

One word: 2000s!!! Bring me back to that carefree era.

99 What is your ideal Lolita image?

Happy and free! Being yourself and channeling your creativity. 

100 Thank you very much! Please give us your impression of answering 100!

I had fun! It took me way too long to finally finish, but it made me think and definitely will be a fun read to come back to in the future. Let's see how much I've changed~