１) Please tell us your Name, Birthday and Where You're From.
Angela, 06/28/00, San Jose, CA.
２) What is your Height, Weight, Clothes Size and Shoe Size?
I'm 157cm (5'2), weight is a secret, clothes size is usually XS-S (US 0-2)and my shoe size is US 8 (24.5cm).
３) Why did you start wearing Lolita Fashion?
I grew up on the harjuku and lolita side of tumblr during the 2010's sweet boom. This was when I was around 11-13 years old, where I was obsessed with all things frilly, sweet, and pastel, and designed my own tumblr blogs to encapsulate that sugary kawaii look with sweet prints and rilakkuma theming since of course I could never afford any jfashion back then. This was my means of expressing myself during a rough childhood, so it means a lot to me to finally immerse myself in the fashion in my mid 20's. I've only recently, within the past 6 months, become completely involved in the fashion the way I always wanted to when I was a kid. This occurred suddenly ever since I obtained my first 2 coords as a gift, and wearing them brought so much happiness to my life.
The world is already filled with enough nihilism and misery. I think that dressing up in Lolita is something special and brings me to a place of playfulness and whimsy, outside of social expectations, the male gaze, and conformity. I feel so much love and respect for lolita history and the amount of attention to detail is put into brand dresses and coords. I've always been into alternative fashion but I've only been recently able to afford Lolita fashion through selling my previous wardrobe, as my goal is to be a lifestyle lolita.
４) What's your favourite style of Lolita?
My favorite style of lolita is sweet, and lately I also gravitate towards classic and old-school. Most of my closet so far is sweet, my sweet dresses have cute prints and florals, and I only have one OTT sweet coord for special events. For classic, I am an Innocent World addict!
５) Do you have your own way of defining the substyle of lolita you wear?
Sweet, but not over the top or busy sweet. Also classic with hints of sweet, nothing too rococo or victorian.
６) Do you have any piercings, and if so how many?
I have 2 lobe piercings in each ear and don't plan on getting anymore piercings. I wanted a nose piercing before but I changed my mind as I don't think it would suit me.
７) What is your favourite brand?
Angelic Pretty! My second favorite is Innocent World.
８) What is your favourite piece of clothing?
My favorite piece in my wardrobe is my Angelic Pretty Dream Fantastic Balloon JSK in pink. The print and colors are so adorable it makes my heart swell and I feel like a sweet valentine's cupid when I wear it, or like some candyland princess ⟡₍⑅ᐢ..ᐢ₎⁀➴ʚɞ It's also special to me since it's my first ever OTT coord.
９) How many Lolita friends do you have?
Maybe like 2 friends I go to EGL events to. Not many
１０) What is the best thing about being a Lolita?
How fun it is to coord things and plan out different outfits. The thought, effort, and process of building a wardrobe is incredibly satisfying and helps me develop a deeper love for the pieces I have. Walking around in a coord feeling like an angel on earth. I also like seeing how my style improves and changes over time.
１１) On the contrary, what is the worst?
People who fundamentally don't have an open mind and who shun nonconformity, who feel the need to judge the fashion.
１２) What lolita magazines or books do you read?
Nowadays I read Gothic Lolita Bibles and look at books filled with Harajuku street snaps. My favorite right now is "Gothic & Lolita" by Masayuki Yoshinaga and Katsuhiko Ishikawa. However, I actually read more scholarly articles related to EGL fashion rather than magazines.
１３) Headdresses v Bonnets v Ribbons (Headbands)?
It's hard to choose between headdress and headbands! I love both but I own more bow headbands and I like the feeling of volume it gives to my hair. My hair is short right now, so I think I'll appreciate headdresses more once I grow out my hair as right now they kind of weigh down my short hair.
１４) Do you wear bloomers?
Yes.
１５) Do you tie your headress in the front or the back?
I only tie it in the front, seeing the ribbon there is so cute!!
１６) Do you have a favourite music genre or band?
My favorite music genres are: shoegaze, dream pop, trip hop, ethereal wave, hypnagogic pop, neofolk, atmospheric/intelligent drum n bass, post-hardcore, twee pop, ambient, and idm. I don't like Kpop and don't really like or listen to Jpop besides Capsule and Kyaru Pamyu Pamyu sometimes, so I feel like the minority in the lolita community when it comes to taste in music. I'm trying to get into Malice Mizer though.
１７) What is your phone ringtone?
"Married Life" from the movie Up :')
１８) Do you go to lives/concerts in Lolita?
I've been to many concerts and shows but haven't worn much lolita to them since it was all before I started wearing Lolita. But I did wear one bittersweet coord when I went to see Boa in San Francisco and I got a lot of compliments!
１９) For those that go to lives/concerts, do you headbang?
Yes. I love moving around a lot and dancing, unless I'm tired/overstimulated/bored.
２０) What colours do you like?
I like wearing reds, pinks, black, and sax. Red pieces outnumber everything else in my wardrobe.
２１) What are your hobbies?
I like going to museums, perfume sampling and collecting, going to underground raves and/or punk shows, concerts, thrifting, antiquing, watching films, reading books, working on this blog, and hanging out with friends.
２２) What is your favourite perfume?
That's a difficult question. It's a tie between Kerosene Unknown Pleasures and Le Labo The Noir 29. My signature fragrance is Diptyque Eau Rose EDP but it's actually not my favorite, because I wear it so much that I got used to it. The Noir 29 is a masterpiece for me but it's hard to contend with because it's an androgynous, darker, and sexier scent that kind of contradicts my sweet personality... It would go well with a goth look though!
２３) Being a Lolita, is there anything you are careful of?
I try to be careful to not bump into things on accident with my fluffy petticoat, and I try to walk carefully while wearing mary jane platforms. When I wear lolita out alone, I become hypervigilant of my surrounds because I catch so much more attention, and sadly that could also make me a target for harassment. Thankfully I have not had to deal with that yet, but I've read many stories of fellow lolitas receiving harasssment or bullying for wearing the style and being misunderstood or judged.
２４) Where do you usually hang out?
San Francisco or my local libraries.
２５) How many times do you wear lolita a week?
It depends how often I'm going out and where. I wear Lolita usually everytime I go out now unless it's an underground rave or some place where I will sweat a lot and get dirty (don't wanna ruin my dresses).
２６) Please tell us an embarrassing story you are guilty of from your early days of wearing lolita
I dressed like an ita and didn't even coord right the first time I wore a "lolita" coord... and it was basically aliexpress.
２７) What is your hairstyle and hair colour now?
I have short brown hair with bangs. My hair used to be really long but I got sick of how many split ends I had and the uncomfortable physical sensations of having a heavy head of hair. I kinda regret getting it cut so short though :(
２８) How long is your lolita history?
In terms of actually wearing and owning lolita pieces: about 7 months, since late July 2024 to now February 2025.
２９) Do you have a dedicated place for storing lolita?
My normal wardrobe closet has become my exclusive lolita wardrobe!
３０) Up to now have you ever thought about quitting lolita?
No. I can't see myself quitting lolita, but I can see my style changing and evolving over time to different styles.
３１) What is your motto?
I think having a "motto" is kinda corny and I don't have one, but all power to those who do! I just strive to live authentically.
３２) What is your future dream?
To attain my dream wardrobe, be a nurse practitioner, have and maintain fulfilling friendships, and travel to all the places I dreamt of.
３３) Is there any celebrity you think "This person definitely suits Lolita!"?
I feel like I have seen one but I can't recall right now.
３４) Please tell us about an item that is full of memories
[...]
３５) What is the very first item you got?
My Emily Temple Cute Polka Dot Frill and Rose Print JSK
３６) When having your photo taken, do you have a pose you always do?
I usually place one foot in front of the other, or cross them, and hold my skirt with my right hand.
３７) What is your bible? (Book, Magazine, CD etc)
Macoto Takahashi's artbooks. His illustrations are so beautiful and resonate with my ideal fantastical reality in my minds eye.
３８) What is the height of the tallest shoes you wear?
My Yosuke Platform Chunky Heel Pumps have a 4.5" heel height and the platform itself is 2.5".
３９) Have you ever worn a tiara?
I have before but not in the context of lolita. I wore it for a birthday outfit but don't see myself wearing tiaras in lolita fashion, mainly because I'm not a fan of Hime lolita AT ALL.
４０) Occassionaly do you want to try Ouji?
I do, but way in the distant future when I have more money to spend like that. I wouldn't want Ouji as my main style, but maybe a coord or two would be nice! I'm not a fan of Ouji shorts though, I'd wanna wear trousers and have an aristocratic gothic look.
４１) What kind of lace do you like?
I like tulle embroidered lace.
４２) Do you have dolls? If you do please tell us about her!
Yes, I have a doll named ___. My friend A bought it for me from Savers and I feel spiritually connected to this doll. I brought her to see Geneva Jacuzzi in SF all by myself and got her signed by GJ :3
４３) What's inside your Lolita bag?
Lip balm and lip gloss, keys, dry shampoo, mirror compact with face powder, hair comb, water bottle, extra eyeliner, lash glue and tweezers.
４)４ What's your favourite flower?
Red and pink roses
４５) What is your favourite accessory right now?
My original Baby the Stars Shine Bright Merry Pagoda Parasol!
４６) What is your favourite or reccommended cosmetics?
ABH Freeze Brow Gel changed my life. Also for waterline eyeliner, I swear by Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eyeliner.
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.
YES! I LOVE FALSE EYELASHES and I don't wear lolita without them!! I love looking like a doll. I've mastered how to apply them: I usually cut off a few cm since most lashes are way too wide for my eyes. I apply Duo lash glue and let it sit there and dry or get tacky for 2 minutes or until I see the color change, and then I apply it with a precise pair of tweezers. The process is super easy now but it took a lot of practice.
４８) Please tell us your eye make up fixation.
I swear by thick black eyeliner and eyeliner on my waterline. I usually extend my eyeliner enough for it to make a straight line but not too curved like a cateye. I have hooded eyelids.
４９) Is your lipstick red? Blue? Black? Pink?
A fusion between red and pink. Usually more pink.
５０) What colour do you use often for your manicures?
Red!
５１) Have you ever stealthily changed into your clothes in a train (or public) toilet?
No, but I have done so many times in my car.
５２) Have you ever done a twinning coord? A triplet coord? What are your thoughts?
No, but I'd love to! I don't really have close friends who are as deeply into lolita as I am or who would have a matching dress. I want to meet more people.
５３) What do you do to keep your figure? Any reccommendations?
Fasting, keeping busy, and drinking caffeine. Besides that, what a weird, backwards, and invasive question that isn't even related to lolita. Especially the way it is worded in regards to "keeping your figure" instead of health. It's clear that this question is not only outdated, but definitely from a Japanese perspective, where body size standards are strict.
５４) Wearing lolita alone. Are you okay with it?
Of course, I wear it both alone and around others!
５５) How much do you spend a month on clothes and accessories?
Umm... I don't wanna know. Probably $500.
５６) Was there a considerable time difference between when you found out about Lolita and when you started wearing it?
Yes. Discovered it when I was 11, only officially started wearing it at age 24.
５７) What is the most expensive thing you've bought up to now?
My Maria Annunciation Cross OP from the Juliette et Justine x Gothic & Lolita Bible collaboration
５８) Lolita is really expensive. How to get money for it?
I'm unemployed, so right now I make money through my Depop sales, selling all my non-lolita clothes or basically my old wardrobe. I recently got a job offer as a nurse, so pretty soon that will be my means of affording the fashion.
５９) Just between the two of us, generally how much have you spent on Lolita altogether up until now?
Maybe like $1500-$2000.
６０) What shop do you want close to you?
Innocent World. I am lucky enough to already by local to the Angelic Pretty and BTSSB SF locations!
６１) Just between the two of use, are there are any shops you think are a total ripoff?
Moi Meme Moitie. I have a couple dream Moitie dresses but I admit for the quality, it's kind of a rip off for their newer pieces unless they are made from cotton (usually they are not). I feel like they still sell really well because their designs are so iconic and obviously because of Mana San!
６２) Do you use online shops? If you have what are the good and bad points about it?
Yes, I almost exclusively shop online second hand from: Buyee, Mercari, Mercari JP, Depop, Wunderwelt, and of course Lace Market. I haven't had any bad experiences so far. Shopping secondhand has made many pieces more accessible to me on a budget.
６３) Describe your personal website and how it relates to Lolita.
I decided to start my own website as a personal project to express myself and explore my hobbies and interests, and lolita happens to be one of them. I have pages on my site dedicated to showcasing my wardrobe and wishlisted pieces!
６４) Do you have a certain something from a certain brand that you want?
Yes, I dream of one day owning the Moi Meme Moitie Candelabra JSK Set. I tried buying it on Lace Market but I lost the bidding war :(
６５) What do you do wih pieces you get bored of?
Resell! But I have not gotten bored of a piece so far. I've only resold things that no longer suit my tastes or don't fit the way I wanted it to.
６６) What is the last thing you bought (even outside of Lolita)?
The last thing I bought was still related to lolita: Innocent World Cardinal Rose Skirt in Pink. Outside of lolita, the last thing I bought were tickets to see The Rocky Horror Picture stage show in Berkeley on Valentine's Day :3
６７) Is there something you'll probably never have it again, but you can't forget about?
Nope!
６８) What do you think of people that wear lolita only to lives/concerts?
Amazing and I wish I saw it more often at the shows I go to.
６９) What do you think of people that don't wear makeup with lolita fashion?
I love it and I think it further cements how lolita doesn't cater to the male gaze and doesn't need to rely on cosmetics to complete the look. I myself though can't leave the house without makeup, sadly!
７０) There's a Lolita wearing the same coord as you! What do you think?
Instant friends and twins!
７１) From what age until what age do you think is forgivable to wear Lolita?
No age limit.
７２) In what situation do you think you would have to stop wearing Lolita?
If I stopped loving the fashion or didn't find it fulfilling anymore.
７３) Do you have any "Stop doing this!" warnings?
Certain Lace Market sellers need to stop scalping and overpricing items for profit. It's really infuriating to see them clog up the pages.
７４) Do you have any thoughts about what a Lolita should be like?
They should just be themselves unless they are harming others or intentionally trying to make others uncomfortable of course.
７５) Excluding Q.73, is there anything you don't want a Lolita to do?
They shouldn't be sexist, fascist, homophobic, racist, fatphobic, classist, mean-spirited or cruel towards others. I feel like this shouldn't even need to be said, but people have surprised me... I'm also trying to be a better person too, as I realize I've accidentally been cruel in the past out of fear or insecurity
７６) What do you think of boys wearing Lolita?
I think it's perfectly fine as long as it's out of love for the fashion and not for fetishistic or sexual reasons. The majority of boys who wear lolita are fine in this regard, it's just the few and far between perverts that ruin it for everyone.
７７) Since wearing Lolita has anything about changed from before?
Yes, I care much more about detail, material, origins, and quality of clothing much more than I did before. My experience of clothing itself is different as I feel like I can "feel" clothing quality more on my skin now. I also just like looking like a doll all the time even more than before.
７８) What do the people around you say about you wearing Lolita?
I always receive so many compliments and positive reactions to it, except from my parents who don't understand it. My parents are ok about it and aren't mean, but I can tell they would prefer I dressed "normal".
７９) In the midsummer heat what kind of Lolita do you wear?
Lighter dresses with thinner straps. Blouseless! And of course more bright and light-colored prints. I would use my parasol way more often too protect from the sun.
８０) Do you wear Lolita to school/your workplace?
I obviously can't in my workplace since it requires wearing scrubs. But even if I didn't work as a nurse and was in some other profession, I still wouldn't wear lolita unless I worked as an elementary school or art teacher. Unfortunately the corporate sector shuns and deems creativity / alternative self expression as "unprofessional". And I understand that alternative fashion could distract people or cause unneccesary attention since people aren't used to seeing it:(
８１) What are your regular style of clothes?
Girly with mini skirts or dresses, lots of thrifted pieces.
８２) Are you opposed to second hand clothing?
I almost exclusively wear second hand clothing.
８３) Do you have a partner? And do they understand Lolita?
[...]
８４) Please tell us the image of your ideal guy
I'm honestly not sure, as before my relationship, I gave up on hope for the male species.
８５) Is there a Lolita that has left a big impression on you?
Yes, Misako Aoki, because SHE HERSELF WORKS AS A NURSE!! On top of being a huge lolita icon. She's such an inspiration to me. There's not many lolita nurses but I'd love to meet them.
８６) Have you ever made your own clothes? If so what kind?
I haven't, but I'd like to make accessories someday.
８７) Have you ever made your own accessories? If so what?
Not yet!
８８) Is there an item you've made that you think "It's a great success!"?
Not yet!
８９) If you have an ideal coord, please talk about it.
Red Elizabeth OP Set with the iconic BTSSB heart shaped purse, rocking horse shoes, and a white parasol. oh. my. god.
９０) Is there someone you admire? What kind of person are they?
[...]
９１) For one day you can go on a date with that special persion. They will also be wearing their favourite clothes. So who is it, what are you wearing and where is the date?
I think my Angelic Pretty Symphonia of Birds JSK in Sax would be super cute for a springtime date at an art museum with rococo or victorian style art, and then a pretty cafe or tea place.
９２) If you could open a shop in the future, what kind would it be?
I would sell OTKs, headdresses, and parasols, all designed by me!
９３) Unconsciously, this catches your eye! Which motif is it?
Gingham, Strawberries, or Animals (specifically bunnies and deer).
９４) Would you also want your child(ren) to wear Lolita?
I don't want children in the first place. And if I did have children, I wouldn't want to control or dictate the way they style or express themselves. Lolita or not, it's up to them what they'd wanna wear and I'd be supportive of it (unless like, they're wearing some nazi shit).
９５) How much do you spend on each piece of clothing?
$40~ for a secondhand skirt, $30-$200 for a JSK or OP, it varies widely on lacemarket sometimes, I bought an IW OP for under $40, and I have a bodyline OP I got for $15!
９６) This is a Lolita! If you think there's a gesture like that please tell us.
Walking with a parasol!
９７) Even if it's only one time I wanna wear it! Is there something you want to wear other than Lolita?
A Vivenne Westwood Blazer, or a real fur coat.
９８) Looking at your Lolita, if you could use one word to represent it, what would it be?
Cutesy.
９９) What is your image of an ideal Lolita?
I don't have an ideal image of a Lolita. As long as they respect the fashion and others in the community!
１００) 大変お疲れ様でした！ Please share your thoughts on taking this questionnaire.
A few of these questions were dumb af like the ones mentioning weight/figure but it was still fun answering them.