originally circulated on 2000s japanese lolita webpages and translated by naomi_apricot on her own website, this questionnaire is a staple of any self respecting lolita's blog or webpage! i haven't done it before, so i'm really excited to give it a shot... hopefully you guys enjoy and think it's interesting!
you can find the fully translated list of questions via nefferinthia's wordpress here!
content warning: i do make references to weight loss, body image, and disordered eating behaviors in this blog!
1. Please tell us your name, birthday and where you’re from.
my name is tai, but many of my friends call me taibo or bobo! my birthday is 02/01/2001, and i'm from florida, US (though i no longer live there)
2. What is your height, weight, clothes size and shoe size?
i'm about 174~176cm (i often forget). i'm not sure of what my weight is right now... maybe 65-68kg? (i gained a bit of winter weight, heehee...) my clothes size is usually an M, and my shoe size is about a 9.5-10 US (women's)? i can fit into most LL size brand shoes though, as long as the toeboxes aren't too round
3. Why did you start wearing Lolita Fashion?
while i'm not sure exactly what my original introduction to lolita fashion was (rozen maiden, maybe?) i know my real start was in the mid-2010s via seeing coordinate photos on tumblr. back then, i was really into gothic and classic lolita specifically-- i hated the stuff angelic pretty was putting out back then (lol) but was really interested in brands like moi meme moitie, mary magdelene, and innocent world... ah, how things change!
4. What’s your favourite genre(style) of Lolita?
i'm pretty equal across the 'big 3' of lolita substyles (classic, gothic, sweet), actually! recently, though, i've been leaning quite sweet.
5. Express in your own words, the ideal of your above answer.
for me, my ideal lolita is a little kitschy, comfortable, and all about the details! i love custom lace, appliques, and little detachable bows.
6. Do you have any piercings, and if so how many?
just my earlobes! i used to have a cartilage piercing, but it rejected. i've considered getting a navel piercing in recent years, but i think i'd like to tone up a little first. no point in getting a piercing if i'm not confident enough to show it off, haha
7. What is your favourite brand?
i would say probably baby, the stars shine bright! they make up most of my closet right now, and i'm always happy with their output, whether the pieces are very old or super new! metamorphose (specifically from 2000-2010 and their crown label sub brand), cornet, and pre-2012 angelic pretty are serious contenders for runner ups, though.
8. What is your favourite piece of clothing?
right now? i'd say my dreamy horoscope OP by angelic pretty. i purchased it when i was much smaller and not doing well mentally, expecting that i was going to hate it (i don't like back satin... or space prints... not sure why i bought this, in retrospect. it was cheap, i guess?), but i fell in love with it immediately. even several years on, it still fits me quite comfortably, and i love all the accessories i've amassed to go with it!
9. How many Lolita friends do you have?
i'm a part of the atlanta lolita community, and i consider them all very kind people who i'd love to get to know more! i'm not sure if i've been there long enough for them to consider me friends though, haha. in terms of my online lolita friends: no more than 10. i know more people who are interested than those who actively wear
10. What is the best thing about being a Lolita?
the community is wonderful, and i love the wealth of knowledge and creativity that comes along with it!
11. On the contrary, what is the worst?
often, i find myself comparing myself to other people, especially people who are more petite than i am and have a less difficult time wearing the types of lolita that i want to wear
12. What magazine(s) do you read?
while there isn't a lot that i can actually read (my lack of japanese knowledge is showing), i can read the english volumes of gothic lolita bible. i'm trying to build a full collection, so if you have any of them other than the first two, please let me know (especially if they come with the extra stuff like the patterns)!
other than that, i love KERA and popteen, and i also love gyaru magazines like egg and cawaii.
13. Headdresses vs Bonnets vs Ribbons (Headbands)?
ribbons and hairclips all the way!
14. Do you wear bloomers?
i haven't had any coords i felt it necessary to do so with, so no. i'd love to get a few pairs though, they're so cute!
15. Do you tie your headress in the front or the back?
i think it'd depend on the coord for me, but usually the back
16. Do you have a favourite music genre or band?
my favorite music genre changes constantly-- right now, i'd say maybe mid-2000s 'ringtone rap', late 1990s indie rock (usually with female vocalists), and early 2000s adult contemporary music!
as for bands, i would check out my favorite albums and songs of 2024 and CD collection, if you're interested in that!
17. What is your phone ringtone?
my phone is usually silent or on vibrate, so probably the default one
18. Do you go to lives/concerts in Lolita?
i haven't gone to any concerts in lolita, but i've attention convention idol lives in it!
19. For those that go to lives/concerts, do you headbang?
absolutely not, but i love to do fanchants if i know them!
20. What colours do you like?
pink, sax, red, and black are my favorite colorways, but i'm starting to (finally) be less scared of white/ivory
21. What are your hobbies?
drawing, writing, making lists (lol). i'd like to get into sewing, 3d art, and photography this year!
22. What is your favourite perfume?
currently? either I Am Trash by Etat Libre d'Orange or Soleil Blanc by Tom Ford (i really want a bottle of the latter, but it's a little out of my price range right now)
23. Being a Lolita, is there anything you are careful of?
im very careful when eating/drinking! i also try to be very aware of whether my petti is showing and if i'm slouching (with that last one, i have a lot more trouble though)
24. Where do you usually hang out?
in lolita? conventions, tea houses, parks, and outdoor festivals/markets
25. How many times do you wear lolita a week?
a week? haha... ha... currently, i work 5 days a week, so that only really leaves 2 days to wear lolita, and by then i'm much too tired. i'd say in the past couple years i've worn it around 10-20 times a year, with last year being an outlier because i was moving (i only wore it i think 3-4 times)
26. Please tell us an embarrassing story you are guilty of from your early days of wearing lolita
wearing my first lolita main piece (iron gate by infanta) without a blouse, nude no-show socks, gold flats, and a nico yazawa cosplay wig to tampa bay comiccon 2015 (if you saw me, no you didn't)
27. What is your hairstyle and hair colour now?
black hair, in an afro that's about 4inches at its longest!
28. How long is your lolita history?
in terms of actively wearing, i've just reached 10 years!
29. Do you have a dedicated place for storing lolita?
at the moment, no. the closet i'd be using for storing my lolita is currently being used by a temporary roommate, but once she leaves, our guest room's closet will be reserved for my frilly clothes
30. Up to now have you ever thought about quitting lolita?
a few times-- in my latter 2 years of high school, once during university, and once earlier this year (though that was a fleeting thought more than anything). i could never commit, though. it means too much to me
31. What is your motto?
find joy in the little things!
32. What is your future dream?
i'd like to own a house with my boyfriend and get a job that pays well and makes me happy. maybe one i can wear lolita to, even
33. Is there any celebrity you think “This person definitely suits Lolita!”?
do people who already wear lolita count? maybe it's basic, but misako aoki always seems so happy and comfortable in lolita. i just love looking at her photos on instagram!
34. Please tell us about an item that is full of memories
my boyfriend purchased me a metamorphose skirt as a present for my graduation. while i don't fit in it right now, i cherish it deeply and will probably keep it in my closet forever
35. What is the very first item you got?
in terms of lolita in general: the dress from infanta i mentioned before, but my first brand lolita purchase... ahh, i think it was twinkle school by angelic pretty, from lace market? i sold it a while ago, but i'd love to get it in a different cut one day!
(on second thought, it might have been this salopette from innocent world, too... i don't know anymore orz")
36. When having your photo taken, do you have a pose you always do?
i fold my hands in front of me, behind me, or hold my skirt
37. What is your bible? (Book, Magazine, CD etc)
probably choke by chuck palahnuik. says a lot about me, huh
38. What is the height of the tallest shoes you wear?
12 cm, i think?
39. Have you ever worn a tiara?
no!
40. Occassionaly do you want to try Ouji?
i have already! i'm not really interested in it for myself anymore, but i really like seeing other people wear it!
41. What kind of lace do you like?
cotton lace! raschel and chemical laces just look so... itchy...
42. Do you have dolls? If you do please tell us about her!
i no longer own any bjds (i'd like to, but i already have enough expensive hobbies), but i own a handful of playline dolls and figures/statuettes i have listed on my blog!
43. What’s inside your Lolita bag?
keys, wallet, phone, phone charger (if needed), lip balm, perfume. sometimes i have business cards and stuff in there too
44. What’s your favourite flower?
lavenders and forget-me-nots
45. What is your favourite accessory right now?
i have a pair of earrings by jane marple and a crown necklace by milk that i adore!
46. What is your favourite or recommended cosmetics?
i don't wear a lot of makeup when wearing lolita (usually just base makeup, mascara, lip gloss, and blush if i'm not being lazy). essence's lash princess mascara, dior's addict crystal gloss, and fenty's hydrating foundation are my staple items, though
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 used to wear false lashes, but i find that i don't need them with the right mascara application
48. Please tell us your eye make up fixation.
when i do wear eye makeup, i usually just put a darker plum/brown shade on my outer corners and a little shimmer on the lid. i have rather thick eyelids so i could do a lot more, but that's plenty for me
49. Is your lipstick red? Blue? Black? Pink?
usually a pink-tinted nude, but i prefer gloss
50. What colour do you use often for your manicures?
i don't usually paint my nails, but i like to wear false nails on occasion! usually they're just decorated french tips, though
51. Have you ever stealthily changed into your clothes in a train (or public) toilet?
in lolita? no, absolutely not haha
52. Have you ever done a twinning coord? A triplet coord? What are your thoughts?
i haven't, but now that i own a more popular dress, i'm hopeful that i'm able to do so now!
53. What do you do to keep your figure? Any reccommendations?
while i can't exactly give any current recommendations considering i've had a hard time keeping it myself, i do recommend cooking your own meals as much as you can, substituting as much drinks as you can with water (or tea, if that's your thing), and trying to build good habits in relation to staying active (i like to pace around my house when scrolling on my phone or during calls, for example)
54. Wearing lolita alone. Are you okay with it?
i was a lonelita for several years, so i don't mind it, but i vastly prefer having a community
55. How much do you spend a month on clothes and accessories?
i usually only spend about 200-300 USD a year on lolita maximum (not counting any money i make back from selling it). i'm a bargain hunter, what can i say
56. Was there a considerable time difference between when you found out about Lolita and when you started wearing it?
yes, of about 6 years
57. What is the most expensive thing you’ve bought up to now?
the most money i've spent is probably my newest purchase from BTSSB, since it was brand new... i spent about 450 USD (yikes!) but it was a christmas gift for myself, so i'm trying not to mourn the hit to my bank account too much. in terms of what i think is worth the most in my closet though, i think maybe my mode girl skirt? i'm not sure how much the skirt cut specifically goes on the secondhand market, but i know that the OP/JSK can fetch around 500 USD.
58. Lolita is really expensive. How to get money for it?
i work full time, and i always try to get deals wherever i can. checking unconventional places can always lead to surprisingly low prices!
59. Just between the two of us, generally how much have you spent on Lolita altogether up until now?
definitely in the ballpark of 1000~1500 USD. if i were to count the amount of money i've made selling my pieces, though, it may half that, so maybe it's not so bad...
60. What shop do you want close to you?
baby, the stars shine bright, maxicimam, or physical drop
61. Just between the two of us, are there are any shops you think are a total ripoff?
moi meme moitie after the wunderwelt revival, definitely. though i'm sure that's not a new opinion. i also think that modern angelic pretty is rather expensive for the quality, though it depends heavily on the release
i used to feel this way about a specific indie brand, but i think it's defunct now and it would feel like punching down by bringing it up, so i'll keep that to myself. ^^
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.
most of my lolita purchases prior to this year have been online. i love being able to window shop online and compare prices between sellers and sites, but i hate not being able to feel material and (worst of all) judge sizing! sometimes, listed measurements aren't correct, and it's really annoying
63. Is there a secret person/shop that you have ordered a dress solely for you from?
no, but i'd love to purchase something from wirehead or another old school lolita indie creator someday!
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?
definitely milky planet or miracle candy in sax by angelic pretty. they're both out of my usual price range, and i know the latter won't fit me right now (i owned it in a different color way up until this year) i can dream, though...
runner up: anything by jane marple, especially prior to 2010. the sizing and cuts are not a good fit for my body time, but i can't help it
65. What do you do with pieces you get bored of?
i usually try to keep them around for about a year (you could consider it a probation period), then i'll try and sell it within my comm, then i'll put it on lace market.
66. What is the last thing you bought (even outside of Lolita)?
the last thing i bought was that baby dress i talked about earlier! it's only been a couple weeks, so i haven't bought anything clothing related since.
67. Is there something you’ll probably never have it again, but you can’t forget about?
i used to have a dress by Millefleurs that i sold a couple years ago. it was beautiful, but not fit for my closet. i would love to own something else by the brand, though
68. What do you think of people that wear lolita only to lives/concerts?
i think it's fine! sometimes, people are in situations that make it hard to fit lolita into their schedule, but as long as they love and wear the fashion when they can, i think that's awesome :)
69. What do you think of people that don’t wear makeup with lolita fashion?
i often wear as little as possible, so anyone who can wear none at all and still look good is a god to me lol
70. There’s a Lolita wearing the same coord as you! What do you think?
we should take a photo!
71. From what age until what age do you think is forgivable to wear Lolita?
i don't think it matters, as long as you're enjoying yourself
72. In what situation do you think you would have to stop wearing Lolita?
i think if it had a significant effect on my mental and physical health to a point where i was unable to function. that sounds very serious and very unlikely, but i know myself, it's much more of a potential circumstance than i'd like to admit LOL
73. Do you have any “Stop doing this!” warnings?
stop purchasing dresses when you don't have the disposable income! and stop price gouging lolita secondhand when you sell it! (i think that one's the most important to me)
74. Do you have any thoughts about what a Lolita should be like?
i think as long as lolitas are kind to each other and to the world around them and take pride in their image and what they wear, there's not much else i can ask for!
75. Excluding Q.73, is there anything you don’t want a Lolita to do?
being hateful, cruel, and unnecessarily critical of others and yourself
76. What do you think of boys wearing Lolita?
as a boy who wears lolita, i should hope that i don't mind it! i think as long as you're respectful, it shouldn't matter what gender you are
77. Since wearing Lolita has anything about changed from before?
i've made new friends, expanded my non-lolita wardrobe to include more cute/girly things (i was scared to before), gotten new interests, and learned a lot about myself! also, i've grown up about 15 years, haha
78. What do the people around you say about you wearing Lolita?
everyone in my life is quite supportive! i don't really have that good of a relationship with my mom, but even she likes when i tell her about it
79. In the midsummer heat what kind of Lolita do you wear?
blouseless old school coords, cap sleeve OPs, and as much cotton that i can machine wash as possible
80. Do you wear Lolita to school/your workplace?
i wore lolita to university a handful of times before i graduated. at work, though... i don't think i'd ever do that lol
81. What are your regular style of clothes?
currently, i dress pretty casually outside of lolita. oversized t-shirts and hoodies, mostly. this isn't really by choice-- i used to dress much more eccentrically, especially in my first couple years of university --but because i became much less confident in my appearance, especially in the past couple of years. my goal for this upcoming year is to change that, though!
82. Are you opposed to second hand clothing?
secondhand is the preferred way to get my lolita. i told myself when i started that i'd never buy anything new, and while that isn't exactly 100% the case anymore, that's the exception rather than the rule
83. Do you have a partner? And do they understand Lolita?
i do! while his knowledge isn't much more than cursory (he's still confused on why light blue is called 'sax'), he knows enough about my taste and what i like and don't like to (usually) be able to get me gifts with accuracy. i'm not sure he'd be able to build a coord that i would like, though. maybe i'll ask him to try one day
84. Please tell us the image of your ideal guy
my boyfriend! kind and compassionate, encouraging and thoughtful, very attractive and a good cuddler who always opens things for me
85. Is there a Lolita that has left a big impression on you?
cynical neo princessism and the lolita youtuber victorianne (though she's no longer active)
86. Have you ever made your own clothes? If so what kind?
absolutely not. i've modified clothes before, though not much more than cutting things up/some rudimentary embroidery
87. Have you ever made your own accessories? If so what?
no, but i'd love to make jewelry from keychains and other trinkets. i was watching a tamakid video where she talked about doing it and i was like "wow, why didn't i think of that?!"
88. Is there an item you’ve made that you think “It’s a great success!”?
N/A
89. If you have an ideal coord, please talk about it.
a coordinate where every single piece matches the motif, but none of the pieces are from the same brand/set! i can think of hundreds like this, but i just love seeing how creative people are
90. Is there someone you admire? What kind of person are they?
the lolitas in my community, especially the ones who make their own jewelry or clothes!
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?
my boyfriend, my BTSSB tartan OP (with my pink usakumya). we'd go to the botanical garden or a fancy antique shop, then get some sushi. afterwards, when i'm not dressed up, we will curl up in bed and watch transformers or something
92. If you could open a shop in the future, what kind would it be?
an antique store or some kind of consignment store (that only sells designer clothes that i think are cool)
93. Unconsciously, this catches your eye! Which motif is it?
i love dog motifs, but poodles especially. i'm also a sucker for anything with an applique
94. Would you also want your child(ren) to wear Lolita?
maybe, if they were interested in it?
95. How much do you spend on each piece of clothing?
on average, maybe about 60~110 USD, with one or two outliers
96. This is a Lolita! If you think there’s a gesture like that please tell us.
the ability to make the perfect bow with your waist ties without looking, even if you're not wearing lolita
97. Even if it’s only one time I wanna wear it! Is there something you want to wear other than Lolita?
i'd love to do a shiro coord. ooh, and maybe wear something from moitie!
98. Looking at your Lolita, if you could use one word to represent it, what would it be?
fun :)
99. What is your image of an ideal Lolita?
someone who people are drawn to speak to about their clothing. a kind, warm person who leaves people going "wow, if everyone who wears lolita is like that, i want to wear it too!"
100. 大変お疲れ様でした！ Please share your thoughts on taking this questionnaire.
this took sooo long but i had so much fun! wow, no wonder people love this questionnaire! i hope you all enjoyed, and thank you for reading!