April Daily Coordinate Review // The good, the bad, and the ugly

I did the "thing" and completed a daily coordinate monthly challenge for April. Each day, I put together coordinates and posted them to Instagram. At first, the process was pretty methodical. I selected a main item and built around it. Then it become more exciting and fun as I  put together new combinations and experimenting with strange ones. Later, the challenge became one that were both inspiring and cathartic.

This challenge made me see my wardrobe for what it was and what it could be. I have a capsule Lolita wardrobe, it's small but practical. Given my current Lolita lifestyle, I don't go on many meets and I have to budget my money for other expenses and hobbies.  So my wardrobe reflects this balance. What was most interesting during this challenge is that it made me a more efficient Lolita. At the end of the month, I had coordinates constructed with pieces that I would never imagine pairing that worked so well but I had a few that I no longer liked and wanted to sell.

The challenge gave me a fresh start and the focus towards an esthetic that I could love and build a wardrobe around. I started out as a Sweet Lolita, but, as you will soon see, I leaned more on the classic side. As much as I love Gothic Lolita style, I realized it's not for me. Still I tried working with the few Gothic pieces I had, but I began to get disinterested, bored, and generally uncomfortable with the coordinates. 

Time to step on out and go through 30 days of beautiful outfits and some mulligans.

April 2015 Coordinate challenge, starring my dress form Alice Milky Kawaii Fawn Pastel Angel Smith Martinez the 3rd.

Lolitable Offbrand find: Flower pins, rosettes, and tights!

Who doesn't love inexpensive and wearable off brand accessories? Especially if you're changing your style or looking to add extra flare to your coordinates. These little finds will make your day, especially if you're like me and use off brand items to supplement your wardrobe so you can buy and save for Brand items.

The Darling Hobbits - Inspired Coordinates

To wrap up the series of Lord of the Rings trilogy inspired Lolita coordinates, I end with the darling and courageous Hobbits of the shire. Featured in this post will be Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin. The coordinates will be reflected from the costumes worn in Fellowship of the Ring, as that is when you'll see their most Hobbit-esque outfits.

One thing I did notice from all four hobbits is the palette was very warm and centered around Earth tones. I don't think that these are colors you would find too much in Lolita fashion which makes this post both a challenge and an adventure!

*For the sake of this experiment, no shoes will be added to the coordinate, instead I thought Hobbit slippers would do the trick :D
*I placed the Hobbit costumes post Lothlorien so they all will have the same capes.

*Style Note: Merry and Pippin share items of the same print, in different styles (JSK vs. skirt). I did this to show the friendship and bond between the two over the course of the trilogy.

Fellas of Middle Earth - Inspired Coordinates

To continue with the fantasy inspired coordinates, it's time to start with the great men of Middle Earth! This post will include two men and one elf: Aragorn, Boromir, and Legolas. The coordinates are heavily based on the character's custom (a generalization) however, I did try to bring in characteristics of their race or personality into each outfit. If you're feeling particularly fancy you can get a replica sword or prop to go with any of these coordinates! Check out the great selection at Replica Dungeon.

One attribute that is missing from each outfit would be a headpiece, I leave that up to the discretion of each Lolita as I thought large Alice bows or headdresses wouldn't work for these. There are plenty of sources to get ideas on what to adorn the head with such as Etsy, Forever21, and accessory shops.

The next post will feature Gimli, Gandalf, and Gollum/Smeagol. I'm not sure if I will do a coordinate post for minor characters. The four hobbits: Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin shall be in a separate post (I have to do those four justice...I can't wait to start!)

Aragorn [Wikia Link]