A Lolita's Day Off

Hello Everyone! Those of you who are in school are probably about to (or have already) started your summer vacation. While some of you are planning exciting trips to wonderful destinations, many of you will probably spend time off relaxing at home. This brings me to my next lesson.
So what do you wear when you're at home? Even if you're not planning to see anyone, wearing something pretty will make the time pass just a little bit more pleasantly and bring further vitality to your everyday life. In order to help you spend your days in an aura of happiness, here are some ideas for a cute Lolita style that you can enjoy at home!

Different Styles for Different Situations

Your room wear is something that you wear for no one other than yourself. So when deciding what to wear, it is vital to choose garments that are "what you truly love". A romantic princess-like item or a cute outfit that reminds one of sweet candy... What is it that you truly love? Don't think about what others think, and instead try out what you are instinctively drawn to.
For your "room dress", chose a simple one that you can wear on its own. Light cotton or soft blended fabrics are recommended. Pretty designs with hems that flare out or round puffy sleeves are ideal for the Lolita style. A decorative under-dress when worn at home can also become a beautiful room dress. Coordinate it with a gentle cardigan or shawl for a lady-like home style.
If you are going to do some house cleaning or cooking, wearing an apron is a sensible idea. A cute apron may lift your mood and speed up your housework. An apron can also be a fun addition to your outfit at a tea party with some friends. Skirts with aprons, or aprons on their own, make an appearance on the Lolita scene from time to time, however those who are worried about looking too "cosplay" should choose items that are of high quality. From bib aprons and waist aprons to dress-like pinafores, there are many styles to choose from. You can collect a few, and wear one to suit your mood for the day.
If you wish to spend your day simply kicking back at home, a lighter style is recommended. Drawers that you usually wear underneath your skirt can become an adorable room wear item in the home (I will talk about drawers in more detail in a later lesson, however I would like to note that drawers are items that are deeply spiritually connected to Lolita fashion). Matching drawers with a camisole of the same color and fabric will look classically sweet. Wearing bloomers which are generally shorter in length will achieve an active style. Coordinate them with some over knee socks or leg warmers for an extra cute look. White is the standard color for drawers and bloomers, however when worn as room wear, a unique patterned design can be lovely too.

A Lolita Sleeping Beauty

Nightwear is an important part of home-style fashion. You may think, "I'm only going to sleep in it", but if you think about it, you wear your nightclothes for a long period of time every day. So why not put some effort into your nightwear to make that special moment ? just after getting in bed but before you fall asleep ? a little bit more special? And a lovely nightdress will always come in handy at a sleepover or on vacations too.
The nightwear that Lolitas dream of has to be the romantic traditional "negligee". A beautiful negligee that resembles a princess' dress is sure to give you sweet dreams! For Lolitas who find long lengths uncomfortable, a short and cute babydoll is recommended. To achieve the Lolita style, avoid ones that may appear too sexy, such as those made with transparent material, and go for designs that are sweet and cute instead. The hem may ride up, so wearing a pair of drawers or bloomers is advisable.
For pre-bedtime activities, such as reading or giving yourself a pedicure, pajamas that allow movement are ideal. They have a mysterious charm that can make you look cute even when you're positioned in a not-so-lady-like posture. I think it's lovely for Lolitas who usually wear elegant outfits to also wear some particularly cute pajamas at home. There are many designs, such as long sleeved or short sleeved varieties, however no matter the shape; even a simple one can be adorable with some Lolita style prints such as cherry or candy designs. And why not make your very own "pajama bag" with your initials embroidered on to keep your wonderful nightwear in? In addition to your negligee or pajamas, you can complete the look with a night cap, hair band or a scrunchie adorned with a ribbon. Once you've perfected your nightwear style, why not invite some of your Lolita friends over for a pajama party? You can bring your favorite sweets and candies and spend a fun night with all the girls! (On a different note, in Japan accessories and cell phone straps with macaron sweet designs ? not to be confused with macaroons ? have become increasingly popular, and many girls make their very own sweet inspired jewelry).

Choosing room wear is a delight reserved for maidens. Paying attention to garments that no one else may ever see reflects the care and respect that you give yourself. There isn't a massive variety of room wear and inner wear items available for the Lolita style, but wouldn't it be wonderful to fill your private life with some Lolita sweetness too? By doing so, you can increase the instances of delight you feel from seeing and wearing pretty things, beautifying your exterior and fulfilling your soul. I hope you will enjoy adding beautiful frills and lace to outfits other than those you wear outside.
Farewell until next time.