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Friday 30 September 2011

Chilly morning and lolita tips

Looking out this morning, I just know it's going to be a cold day... And because of that, I'm going to give you more of my Lolita-tips! :D How to stay warm in a skirt!
We all know the problem. When the temperature drops, there comes a time when bare knees is cold and when you really need something a bit more warming than a cardigan or a cape. But how to persist through a snowy winter without freezing to death?
It is possible, my lovelies. <3

Tights

First step is to protect the legs from the wind. If you sift through the tights at different clothing stores, you will find that they come in many lolita-friendly designs and various thickness. You can either get yourself a pair and wear it instead of knee-highs, or you can get a skin-coloured pair and wear knee-highs outside. :)
The second option is actually not so bad, and it's definitely warm. For this I recommend footless tights.


Warm drawers

One of the first items a true Lolita ever gets (beside a skirt) is a pair of drawers. Whether homesewn or bought, they follow us all year around. In winter though, they have a second, very important purpose. :) In winter, wear drawers that are as long as you dare (it's all right if they peek a little bit, if it's not too much) - since winter skirts are recommended to be an inch or two longer (it makes a big difference!) that's easy. :)
Secondly, think about the material. Flimsy cotton won't keep you warm at all! I may have mentioned it before, but knitted drawers or drawers made in warm, soft fabrics (like fleece or plush). If you feel very insecure about how other Lolitas may think if they see certain fabrics (even though they seem ideal for warm drawers) then sew them in double fabrics - one on the outside that looks all right, and the warm, soft fabric on the inside.


Skirts/dresses

For all of you who live in a climate where it gets colder in the winter, and who's been wearing Lolita at an everyday basis, knows that not all dresses or skirts are suitable for any weather. For example, some dresses really hate rain, and some get too hot in summer - or too cold in the winter.
Chosing the right dress is almost as important as chosing the right coat or the right shoes (don't wear thin, leather shoes in winter, you'll regret it!). Avoid all fabrics with polyester in them in winter, and always wear long sleeves.
In winter, in combination with a nice coat, a little bit longer skirts and dresses are allowed, I even recommend them. An inch or two is quite all right, just to keep your knees a bit warmer. Also, I don't recommend synthetic petticoats in winter, because they gather too much cold beneath the skirt. Wear a multilayered one instead!


Shoes/boots/socks

Of course, the ideal shoe or boot in winter would be a bulky, ugly thing that would not do for us at all! So what to do? Either we take pains on going through every shoe store we can find - both on and off the net - for the perfect boots...or we take an 'all right' boot/shoe and make it work! :)
How? Read on. <3
One idea, that might work best for EGL or more classy styles, are gaiters. :) You can easily make them yourself in any suitable material (washable is recommended though), put elastics under the sole of the boot/shoe and button it up every time you wear them. :) It would make any shoe or boot look classy, and even out the ugliness.
A new thing that has popped up lately I've noticed (may or may not be new - but I recently noticed!) is a fake 'fold-me-down'. That is, you pull them on before your boots, and then fold them over the top. The models I've seen are faux fur ones, and they look very cute. <3
I'd say that in combination with regular boots would enhance them and pretty them up. Another tip is also to change the shoelaces into satin ribbons. :) It looks very charming.
For socks, I recommend knitted knee-highs, and/or tights and shorter socks in angora, that can be folded down prettily. 
And if your feet are still cold? Then go to a shoe store and buy thermo soles to put inside your shoes/boots (they come in big sizes so you cut them in the right one). They'll make a huge difference. <3


Did I forget anything? o.o Oh, yes! I did! Scarves and hats!


Scarves, hats and earmuffs

There are a lot of charming hats and scarves out there, but it might be hard to find suitable ones. For me, I go with earmuffs or a knitted bonnet, because they both look cute and feel warm. :) Bonnets are really easy to make (even if it takes a bit of time), and are easy to make cute.
Scarves, well, I recommend knitted ones, or faux fur ones (like the cat or bunny scarves I sell). Because I greatly dislike synthetic materials, especially in winter, because it both doesn't look nice and it's not very warm. The only thing I could find acceptable, is if you make something out of coral fleece. (Coral fleece is not like regular fleece, it's much softer and with 'hair' much like faux fur.) Like...a cape with a hood, with bunny ears maybe. :)
Be creative! <3 It is possible to be warm and still be cute! <3

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