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| Woman's Day - June 6 2011 |
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| Woman's Day - May 9 2011 |
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| Grapeshot Magazine - October 31 2011 |
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Aussie Girl’s Living in a Lolita World
Trimmed with lace, ornamented with ribbons and fitted with a child’s curls. These are the basic elements of a Lolita girl. To be Lolita is to have the ability to freeze time in an era that never was. Where all girls are princesses and dine on tea and cake. Although a popular style on the streets of Harajuku, Japan (also commonly referred to as the styles birthplace) Lolita has slowly been making appearances worldwide. With major Lolita brands such as Metamorphose temps de fille, Baby the Stars Shine Bright and Angelic Pretty recently agreeing to ship their goods internationally it is no wonder that this underground fashion is becoming so popular.
Within Lolita there are many different classifications. The most popular being Gothic, Sweet, Aristocrat and Classic. The Gothic Lolita has a traditional black and white colour scheme. The style incorporates themes from Western Goth and mixes it with the adorable nature of Lolita to produce a very unique outfit. Crosses and bags shaped as bats are just some of the accessories associated with the style.
Sweet Lolita is the cutest and most colourful of the Lolita family. Colours include baby blues, pastel pinks, whites and other light colours. This style also has a lot more fluff and lace than its gothic counterpart. It draws its influence from children’s dresses in the French Rococo period and thus many Sweet Lolita’s carry teddy bears and dolls as accessories. Catering to this child to teenager market are Baby the Stars Shine Bright and Innocent World.
The Aristocrat Lolita is a more mature style and is associated with old-fashioned grace and elegance. The outfits are less cutesy and the accessories more adult. It is said that the Aristocrat Lolita symbolises what a Lolita girl becomes when she grows up. The leading brand for the Aristocrat Lolita is Moi-Mem-Moitie .
The Classic Lolita is another more mature style however it still plays with the frills and lace of its younger version, the Sweet Lolita. The fashion tends to lean towards wearing darker colours. Floral prints are common but not required for the outfit. The top brands for the Classic Lolita are Victorian Maiden and Mary Magdalene. The style draws its influence from the French Rocaille and European Baroque periods.
I Got it Online!
Branding is a strong factor within Lolita fashion. With the closest high quality Lolita store, One Day in Paradise, being situated in Melbourne Sydney Lolita’s opt to shop online for their outfits. Buying directly from a vendor such as Baby the Stars Shine Bright is an option however, “ordering from an overseas dealer can be expensive” Mary, a twenty year old Sweet Lolita, says. As a university student Mary buys a vast majority of her Lolita clothing second hand online. Mainly from the sales section of Elegant Gothic and Lolita. Tokyo Alice, Bodyline and QutieLand are other online second hand websites. Auction sites such as Yahoo! Japanese Auctions and Mbok are also used for second hand clothing. Another method of purchasing Lolita fashion is through group orders. Jessica, a twenty three year old Gothic and Classic Lolita, participates in group orders from Fan + Friend, HMHM and Anna House hosted by Teresa the owner of One Day in Paradise.
A quick search through online Lolita stores illustrates how expensive this fashion can be. Lolita clothing typically comprises of hair accessories ($10), a bolero ($60), a jumper skirt ($120 - $300), a blouse ($150), petticoats/ bloomers ($100), a coat ($150), socks ($40) and shoes ($40 - 80). Because of the price most Lolita’s buy their outfits in parts and then meticulously co-ordinate them.
Being Connected
Whether you have seen a Lolita girl or not, it is clear that this subculture is making its mark Down Under. Congregating in various places around Sydney, meet up’s are usually based on the participants location and the events of the day. Common places are the Japanese Gardens in the city, the Tea Room at the QVB and Pancakes on the Rocks.
Mary believes the style has definitely become more popular since she first stumbled upon it when she was fifteen. “I didn’t know anyone else who was into Lolita fashion. But now I even have friends who tell me they see Lolita girls on the train and around the city.” Mary believes the popularity of Lolita in Sydney is derived from the online communities. These allow Lolita’s to interact with each other no matter where they live or how much they invest in the fashion. Elegant Gothic and Lolita is the international Live journal group for Lolita’s. While OzLolita, as the name suggests, is just for Australian Lolita’s.
Cheryl, a twenty five year old Classic and Gothic Lolita, says that for her the online communities function as a focal point where information is swapped. “Virtually all good Lolita shops are overseas. So going to forums and communities is important to find out where to buy, who’s a reliable seller and what there is to buy. It was only through these communities and forums that I found all my information about Lolita when I wanted to get into the fashion but had no idea how.”
However, there are those who do not participate in Lolita communities of any kind. Jessica considers her online identity to be completely separate from her real identity. “I don’t associate with other Lolita girls in real life, nor do I have a desire to in the future. I’m not active in online communities except to participate in various discussions, offhand advice and the very prolific drama and arguments.”
From Sydney, with Lolita love
Lolita culture is a look to a time of tea parties and female grace. Australian culture is all about being yourself and relaxing. So naturally some rules were bent when the fashion was adopted down under. “Because we are not that big of a community we are pretty laid back. We have to be to keep the community alive and get more members” Mary says. The strict fashion rules which control Lolita genres in Japan do not apply in Australia. Accessories such as curly coloured wigs, laced parasols and children’s toys are not essential for the Australian Loltia.
For Jessica an interest in the fashion and culture surrounding it is more important than a perfect co-ordinated outfit and brand names. “Whether they dress badly (ie an “ita”) doesn’t matter to me. Just as long as their look is influenced by current trends in the fashion”. Cheryl believes that time should be invested into the fashion before someone can truly be called Lolita. “To me, someone is a Lolita if they own a complete Lolita outfit that definitely falls within the Lolita fashion (not jus a cosplay Lolita dress) and wear it out in public at least some of the time”. All three interviewees agreed that a general knowledge of appropriate Lolita brands is essential to being a Lolita. Along with a basic understanding of the genres and what clothing is considered Lolita.
Why Lolita?
Just like all underground fashion trends Lolita fashion is about expression. An embrace of times past, a celebration of youth and innocence and a commemoration of individuality. “Well, to me I guess I love looking different and sticking out in a good looking way” says Cheryl. “Lolita is a fashion that demands perfect coordination. So when I go out in a perfectly matched outfit with my hair done up in curls I don't care who stares at me because I know I look good, even if they think I'm weird”. Mary has a similar standpoint as to why she dresses Lolita. “I like the clothes and I like the community. It makes me feel different. I like being unique and standing out and the clothes are just really beautiful.” Lolita is also seen as a rebellion to current social depictions of fashion. “I love being different, standing out from the crowd.
I’m really not into the whole beach girl look that everyone wears. Go to any shopping centre and you will find group after group of girls in short shorts and T-shirts, oh how creative!” says Jessica.
I’m really not into the whole beach girl look that everyone wears. Go to any shopping centre and you will find group after group of girls in short shorts and T-shirts, oh how creative!” says Jessica.
It is hard not to fall in love with a culture fashioned on celebrating innocence and elegance. With the ever changing landscape of Australia’s clothing choices it will be interesting to see where Lolita stands in the future. Will it be the next fleeting trend like the Emo culture? Or continue to stay underground and only rear its head when celebrities like Gwen Stefani adopt the style? Whatever it’s fate it is clear that Lolita is a fashion/culture that is here to stay.
Check out the sites mentioned in the article:
Social Networking:
Elegant Gothic Lolita: http://community.livejournal.com/egl
Buying Lolita Clothing:
Anna House: http://www.annahousefashion.com/
Baby The Stars Shine Bright: http://www.babyssb.co.jp/
Bodyline: bodyline.co.jp/
Fan + Friend: http://www.fanplusfriend.com/
Innocent World: http://www.innocent-w.jp/
Mary Magdalene: http://www.inthestarlight.com/
Moi-meme-Moitie: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp
One Day In Paradise: http://www.onedayinparadise.com.au/
QutieLand: http://qcute.livejournal.com/
Victorian Maiden: http://www.victorianmaiden.com/
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The Teenage Mother Experience
Television teen dramas such as The Secret Life of an American Teenage and the Degrassi franchise glorify teenage pregnancy as something which does not interfere with a teenager’s average life. These shows depict the mothers as still being in high school activities such as band and cheerleading, having jobs and simply going back to a size ten once the pregnancy was over. The media shows another side to this story with its constant depiction of teenagers who are too young and naïve to have babies and often hint that they are in it for the government payments. But how does this compare to the experiences of real teenagers who discover they are pregnant before, or just after they leave high school. The following three accounts are from real mothers and how they handled being a teenage mother in today’s society.
Lorraine
Thirty years old, eighteen when she first fell pregnant
“The first person I told was my father and I was in tears throughout. I was so scared and couldn’t believe I was pregnant. He was upset, well not upset but you know it was the natural response of a father. My mum had the same reaction but we all decided together with my boyfriend, Rodrigo, we would pull through. Unfortunately I had a miscarriage at about ten weeks which was devastating to me and my family.
About a month before I turned twenty I fell pregnant again and this time my parents weren’t entirely too surprised but they were not entirely happy either. Rodrigo and I on the other hand were happy and really excited by my second pregnancy and soon I gave birth to my first daughter Angela. Rodrigo and I had talked about having a baby and since we had been dating for about three years we decided that, as a couple, it was a good next step. Rock really helped me out during and after the pregnancy but I had a lot of family support as well. I don’t think I could have gone back and studied without everyone’s support. After my second baby I went to university and obtained my Bachelor of Primary School Teaching which I think worked out really well for me. Because I knew I had two babies waiting for me at home I was really focused on my uni work and because of the extra time I had to think about it I was really certain about what I wanted to do. I don’t plan on having anymore children I feel like my family is complete.
To other teen mothers I would have to say that having a child doesn’t actually mean that other things can’t be achieved like studying. Of course and with support and guidance you can still achieve you goals and still have a family but make sure it’s one hundred percent what you want and that what your doing is for the right reasons. I wouldn’t recommend it especially for younger mothers it is hard but if it happens really consider all your options.”
Lorraine married Rodrigo five years ago and has since had two other children and they live in their home together as a family. Lorraine works as a casual teacher while caring for her youngest children.
Elizabeth
Twenty years old, eighteen when she first fell pregnant
“I was in my first year of university when I fell pregnant with Hayden. I cried and cried when I worked out I was pregnant but after I yelled at Luke, Hayden’s father, I felt a little better (laughs). Hayden is ten months old now and Luke plays a big part in Hayden’s life and I’m really grateful for that. I know many other teen mothers whose babies fathers don’t stick around but Luke and I got married soon after we told our families of the pregnancy. I expected my parents to freak out but they were really supportive throughout the whole pregnancy, shocked but supportive. I would have to say my mum was the person who helped me out the most during the pregnancy. But since Hayden has been born Luke has been so helpful which I really appreciate since we don’t live at home anymore. To anyone else in my situation I say just get as much support as possible, even if you have to join a teenage mother support group because it make it a whole lot easier.
After we got married we moved into our own place and we live together as a family. I’m currently pregnant again and after this baby is born I intend of returning to university. But in the mean time I’m studying primary school teaching through TAFE online via OTEN. I have to study something; it gives my brain something to do. But once baby number two is born I think with day-care, evening courses and Luke being at home at night I should be able to get back into university. After this baby I don’t plan on having anymore, I mean for me two is enough.”
Stephanie
Nineteen years old, seventeen when she first fell pregnant
“I was almost eighteen when I feel pregnant with Cruz and the first person I told was my mother. I was shocked like anyone else would be but at the same time I felt happy and anxious and this feeling remained throughout the whole pregnancy. My family didn’t feel the same way about my news that I was pregnant and were in denial up until my son was born. They were scared for me but once Cruz was born my family were very supportive as they saw how much I loved him and that I took great care of him. Throughout the pregnancy though, I would have to say my cousin was really supportive and she still is.
Cruz’s father is out of the picture but I do fine living alone with Cruz because my family is always just a phone call away and I hope to have more children in the future. My son is eighteen months now but once he is in school I intend on going back into the workforce and finding a full time job.
Definitely the most challenging thing in my life is being a single, teenage mother but it is so rewarding! I see life so differently now and I never thought that a person could change me in so many ways like my son has.
The single mother, the married teen and the teenage mother who achieved her career goals. All these woman are different but the one thing which ties them together is the love they share for their children. In 2007 there were eleven thousand two hundred and four known teenage mothers in Australia and of this number seventy nine percent of these cases paternity was acknowledge and twenty one percent the paternity was not acknowledged. It is easy for those who have never had to care for another life when your life is supposedly just beginning to not understand the mixture of excitement and stress that is involved in being a teenage mother. It is also easy for those who become teenage mothers to believe that their options in life are limited by the unexpected news of their child. But like the cliché goes life is full of surprises and even the worst case scenarios can be an experience which can be looked back on with pride and admiration.
If you idolised The Rock before he was a tooth fairy, remember the dial up internet tone or once thought a phone with a colour screen was the next big thing then you’re probably Gen Y. This also means that you either already are, or are preparing to be, a university graduate. You did the time, read the books and crammed for exams. But now what? Go out into the world waving around your degree and take jobs as they come? Or will you bide your time until the right job comes around? Generation Y currently makes up a small percentage of the work force. This means that currently we aren't calling the shots and won't be for a while.
So as mentioned above you have one of two choices. Firstly you could apply to every job in your field and hope you get it. You are a university graduate after all and that alone should start opening doors. Why waste time doing jobs that won't help you in the future? Work experience in your chosen field is the most valuable asset you can have as a graduate. It shows initiative, a willingness to learn and that you really do love what you’re doing. Just like work experience most internships are unpaid. But don't let that deter you. Internships are a gateway into an industry. It gets your face out there and into the minds of those in charge. It also allows you an insight of how the machine that is an industry/a business functions. Internships are also a great way to develop a powerful portfolio. With the guidance of your superiors you can begin polishing your style and technique. Being informed and experienced is the key.
Your second option is taking any job under the sun, even if it doesn't contribute to your long term goal. Teaching swimming lessons or being a retail monkey may not be intellectually stimulating but at least it's something. Last thing you want is to be living off mum and dad. Even though as Generation Y we are statistically staying at home longer that doesn’t mean you shouldn't be working towards something. The tricky thing is you need experience to get experience. And all experience is golden. Became a supervisor while working at Woolworths? Put it on your resume, it shows management and leadership skills. Achieved the top percentage of sales in your department? It shows you’re hard working. Did your boss give you a key to open and close the store? It shows you’re loyal. Do not forget the little things. Just because these aren't university graduate achievements don't deem them useless or unworthy of your time. We all have to start somewhere. Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com once worked at McDonalds. Enough said.
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Things to do on off days
We all have those days when we just don’t feel our best. When you feel the world can go to hell and you would rather just stay in bed or permanently glue your eyes to the tv. The best way to get through these kinds of days is to keep yourself busy:
- Clean: a room full of clutter can be stifling. You desk is covered in papers, your vanity has more make up on it than you will ever need and you do a weird hop, skip and jump just to make it around the piles of clothes and bags. Cleaning is a great way to pass the time and get rid of unnecessary clutter. Like those pair of jeans that have a hole in them or something from an ex.
- Read: a mind is a great thing if it is kept in shape and exercised regularly. Reading a good book can be relaxing and hours can fly past while your eyes whirl down the page. If you find that your forcing yourself to turn the page and that your re-reading sentences then books may not be your thing. Try maybe a non-fiction book on an interest like history, fashion, or the biography of someone famous. When all else fails magazines are always there to keep you company.
- Get a new hobby: On off days I use to sit in front of the tv and knit. It gave watching television a new aspect because once I was done watching I had done a good amount of knitting. But you don’t have to knit. You can cross stitch, scrapbook, draw or write just to name a few things. Keeping your hands busy while your watching tv will stop you from slipping into that couch potato mind numbing state.
- Exercise: a part from the good dose of vitamin D you’ll get from going outside exercise is great for a mood change. Whether its going for a long walk, skipping, hitting the gym, dancing, swimming, tai chi or whatever once that adrenalin starts pumping you’ll feel like a million bucks for just being active.
- Pamper yourself: self grooming is an important aspect of our society. But when you feel like blah a simple task like washing your face can seem like a hurdle. Mix up your skin care routine and have a relaxing bath. Do whatever makes you feel comfortable. Light candles, throw in some bath bombs or bubble mix, and play your favourite music. Shave, exfoliate and everything else that makes you feel nice and refreshed.
- Game: games, much like books, have the ability to transport you to distant lands to experience things you never would in the real world. Starting a new game or replaying an old one is a great way to lose yourself for a couple of hours. What you play will depend on how you feel. For example if you feel like playing a game with a lot of interaction your choice should be the Nintendo Wii. And you’ll be increasing your hand eye co-ordination to boot.
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1 comments:
hey i got linked to your blog from the vogue forum boards. this last article of things to do on a off day is awesome. im going to do it on days i feel crap
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