ℓα¢є && ρєттι¢σαтѕ { lolita club }

[thekraken]

@ Aeternum, accepted, welcome to the club! <3 Classic is my favourite style, also c:

@ Bane, Oh goodness, my first coord was horrific x'D But, I can tell you about my more successful coordinates.
For example, this one.
I have another also, but it is bordering on being non loli ^^; I don't tend to often take pictures of coords.
However, what I try to do is balance out the colours, mainly. If you have a busy print, unless you're going for an OTT sweet style, you'll really want to keep everything else more basic; solid coloured socks, only a couple accessories, etc.
A helpful video to watch about coordinating would be this one, which explains the basic ideas I use better than I can ; u;

[Lily.Sweet]

☆Okay, keep things balanced. If I ever try OTT, it will be a while away, when I have some experience.
Also, I changed my username and mixed up my signature O w O It's still me!

[thekraken]

Also, I'd try and keep it somewhat more simple for your first coordinates until you gain more confidence c: Prints are harder to coordinate than solid coloured pieces. My first print coordinate was a trainwreck, so I can say that from experience x'D

[Lily.Sweet]

☆Yep! It's certainly exciting...Does it get hot where you are? How would you deal with heat? All those layers ;A;

[thekraken]

It does indeed get hot; England's weather is very unpredictable. It's hard to wear Lolita here often because it's usually either too hot or raining e ^e
When it gets hot, what I would say is go for either an OP, or do the forbidden; wear a JSK without a blouse. Cute ankle socks are also an option; they're usually frowned upon but do work with most styles of sweet. Also, a parasol or a hand fan will be your best friends. The parasol will keep you in the shade and the correct fan could not only keep you cooler, but add to the coordinate.
Chiffon or lace blouses are best to wear if a blouse must be worn, because they aren't as hot as cotton ones are to wear. Another option is of course going for a thin cutsew. Petticoats are the devil's invention when it gets hot, so it's usually best to wear a skirt that doesn't require one (many multi-tier skirts/jsk's can actually look somewhat poofy without a petti) or just wear a thinner one if it's needed, such as one of Bodyline's less expensive ones. They deflate so quickly, but that can often be handy.

[Lily.Sweet]

☆I suppose you can get around heat, but what about rain? It would ruin most prints, right? What if you're caught in the rain?

I'm terribly sorry if I'm asking too many questions, I just haven't had a chance until now ^^;

[thekraken]

oh, don't worry about it, it's perfectly fine! c: I'm willing to answer any questions.
Yes, there is the issue that a lot of prints tend to run. There is a list on EGL of what can and cannot be washed which can also be used to try and understand what may run from rain.
Generally, it is good practice to check the weather report if you plan on going outside in Lolita, because obviously, if it says to expect rain precautions will need to be taken (i.e. bringing a coat that will cover the dress/skirt, bringing an umbrella, wearing something without a pattern on it to reduce chance of damage to the print).
To test if a print will run, you could always apply some water to part of the clothing piece that is not noticeable when worn, so that the item will still be perfectly wearable. Then at least you know for cetain if it is safe to wear when expecting rain. Also, certain fabrics (silk and velvet, for instance) are a complete no go when it comes to rain, so avoid those.
And wellingtons, with the right pattern or colour, can look just fine if they are required in case of emergency.

[Lily.Sweet]

☆Rain certainly sounds a little more troublesome! Have you ever been caught in the rain, or had a dress ruined another way?

[thekraken]

I was caught in the rain a while ago whilst wearing gothic; it was a sudden heavy downpour that had been unpredictable and there had been no warning. However, luckily, I was wearing a solid black dress so it didn't get ruined. it did get very wet though, which wasn't comfortable e ^e
I'm very careful with my Lolita so I haven't ruined a piece completely yet, but I have got two pieces that ended up with small stains. One of them was a Bodyline skirt, so it's not a huge deal, and it was only a small stain recieved on a trip to the circus. The other one however was my Alice and the Pirates JSK. The stain's very small and I think it might be from a small drop of water that got on the dress, but now I know it's there it irritates me to no end.

[Lily.Sweet]

☆Heh, that second one sounds an awful lot like me and any uniform I've ever worn, like my Taekwondo one. White shows every little mark, and no-one notices but me.

Which JSK was it?