Since I’ve started making short form videos about lolita fashion and some of the rules and resources for it, I’ve been asked lots of questions by newbies to the fashion. Sometimes I forget how many things I take for granted since I’ve been wearing the fashion for more than 8 years! Inspired by a recent comment I got on a video, here are some very important, free resources that our community has maintained for everyone to use.
Lolibrary
Perhaps the single most useful website in lolita fashion, Lolibrary is a database of prior releases. It is maintained by volunteers who constantly update the database to include new and old releases. Their entries typically include information about the date and price of the original release, fit and measurement details, pictures from advertisements, and more. When buying and shopping secondhand, this resource is invaluable. I’ve even seen Japanese vendors like Closetchild and Wunderwelt reference their entries!
A common point of confusion: Lolibrary does not sell anything. They merely catalog other brands releases.
Since Lolibrary is a non-profit and volunteer run, you can support them by joining their Patreon, or contributing to their database by completing entries. Currently, they are working on translating their website to other languages (not the entry information, but the functional portions of their website) and a lolita fashion wiki, including history and lore about the fashion and community.
Lacemarket
Often referred to as “lolita eBay”, Lacemarket is a sales platform for lolita fashion. While Lacemarket doesn’t have a cart system like other platforms, it facilitates private sales through PayPal. It allows sellers to upload pictures, information about their particular item, as well as preset categories to allow for easy searching. Sellers have the option to chose an auction or “buy it now” style sale.
Perhaps most importantly, Lacemarket allows for detailed filters and searches, which include sorting by brand, type of item, color, style, and more. Users can also save their searches and have search results emailed on a regular basis.
All of this is available for free. I always make sure that I have ad block turned off on Lacemarket so that they can get that sweet sweet ad revenue!
Lolita History
If you miss the bygone era of print magazines and wish you could page through old issues of Gothic and Lolita Bible or KeRA, you’re in luck! Lolita History is an extensive back catalog of old magazines. The collection includes immensely popular publications like GLB, as well as more unusual releases, like brand catalogs or special print goodies. This website serves as a fascinating look at the history of the fashion through out the years with contemporaneous sources. If you’re interested in old school or the golden age of a particular style, this is the website for you.
Have you used one of these resources before?