Adding in Off-Brand

It will go right??

Tips for Picking Out Off-Brand Pieces for a Lolita Wardrobe

 What To Avoid:

 

☛ Polyester/Synthetic fabric. It's cheap, you can tell just by looking at it.

☛ Shiny fabrics. This sort of goes with the cheap thing. It also can look costume-like. 

☛ Cheap lace. Lace is super important to lolitas. If you can't find nice lace one off-brand items, consider adding it yourself to an unadorned piece. 

☛ Sequins. Do I have to say why? It's costume-like. 

☛ Brand Logos. A lot of brands try to staple their name every where, it's ugly. 

☛ Less than modest cuts. Blouses that don't button up all the way, skirts above the knee, open-chest cut-sews. It all contradicts the fashion.

☛ Complex prints. Stripes or polka dots should be fine, but more complex prints, like florals, will be hard to coordinate and can be very un-lolita. 

☛ Animal prints. Excluding fur (fake of course) with the animal's pattern on it like rabbit or deer, its difficult for animal prints to not be tacky. 

☛Tutus. These are not petticoats. 

☛ Anything from a costume shop. Just don't, please. It can't get any cheaper.

What to Look For: 

☛ Natural Fabrics. If you don't know what kind of fabrics to look for, look up what your favorite brand pieces are made from.

☛ Knitted items. They can go with any style and add a soft touch to an outfit, and are also great for colder months.

☛ Accessories. They are probably the easiest to find. They'll generally cost less and have more variety than brand accessories. 90% of my accessories are off-brand.

☛ Modest clothing. Undershirts, bras, underwear, undershorts, and tights. No one is going to see them so it doesn't matter a bit if they are brand or not.

☛ Bags. Another easily found item. I know bags can get expensive as well, but off-brand doesn't need to be a posh one. I have a Forever21 bag that works perfect and it was $27

☛ Cardigans. They are easy to adorn with clips, pins, lace, ect so finding a basic cardigan is great for off-brand hunting.

☛ Berets. They are versatile and are great for balancing an outfit. Also easily adorned with pins and clips so don't worry about getting a basic one even if you dress fancy.

 ☛Shoes. You can worry less if they get scuffed if they cost $100 less than brand. Again these can get expensive still, but you can still get cheaper, nicely made ones. And of course, the variety is much better.

 Where to Shop: 

☛ Thrift shops. You never know what you'll find and chances are you can score some pretty vintage items. The price is the best as well.

☛ Etsy. Searching "vintage clothing" will pull A LOT of results. Mess around with terms and you can come across some pretty amazing find. There are also indie brands.

☛ Forever21/ Young Woman fashion stores. While you probable will want to stay away from 85% of what they offer, the rest of it can be worked into a lolita's wardrobe very easily.

☛ Bodyline. Some people consider this a brand, and that's fine! But the items are generally made cheaper so be careful what you buy. But I guarantee most lolitas has gotten staple items here such as petticoats and shoes.

☛ Taobao. Again, be very careful what you get, but you can find list of recommended shops online.

☛Zappos/DSW. Shoeeeeees. Lots of shoes.Oh and other stuff. 

☛Storeenvy. More indie brands and little shops here.

☛ Conventions. Either fashion or anime conventions, you can usually find at least a few indie brands or small shops set up in the marketplace. You also get the added perk of being able to see, and maybe touch, the items before you buy to confirm their quality and colour.