Wardrobe Supporting Acts

Recently I have been going through some of the old blog posts on some lolita blogs, as I do from time to time, and there was something I noticed. There are lots of posts about what lolitas feel are important clothing items that every lolita should have, but nothing about the items behind the scenes. I am on about the items that help support your wardrobe and help you maintain a happy wardrobe environment. Chances are, you probably already have some, or almost all of the items on this list. But I feel it is still important to document these wardrobe saviours, as they are the things that you maybe don't think about or perhaps are an after-thought. So here are my favourite wardrobe supporters!

A Nude/skin tone strapless bra- Colours like white can seem fine for underwear, until somebody takes a photo of you using flash, and your bra is suddenly visible for all to see. The best way to avoid this embarrassment (which it pains me to admit, I have experienced firsthand) is to get a bra which matches your skin tone. I found a really nice light nude bra which I am pleased to say has never shown up in a single photograph! It is also a good idea to consider a strapless option, as sheer and chiffon bodice details have become more popular in lolita recently.

A camisole, with a lovely design- On a similar note, if you are a lover of chiffon blouses and decide to team that blouse with a skirt instead of underneath a JSK, then it is a good idea to get a camisole with a nice design, seeing as it will be on display.

Sweat pads- These are pads that you stick to the inside of the armpits of a dress or blouse to stop sweat and deodorant from transferring on to your clothing. These are hardly a vital item, but if you are prone to sweating or are the sort of person who is always finding marks on their clothing, then they may be worth a go. I have also heard of people cutting up panty liners as a cheaper alternative (the thin pads, not the thicker ones) and that they do a similar job. I have to admit that I am yet to be convinced by sweat pads, but at least they are there as an option. It is also worth mentioning that these are not a substitute for washing!

Moisture traps- I remember when I first moved out of my mum's house and I experienced damp for the first time. I lost some stuff after a cold, but relatively average UK Winter because of the high level of moisture in our place. That Winter taught me a very valuable lesson about ventilation and moisture. We cleaned up, painted our place with anti-mould paint and made the vents in our place bigger. Another change we made was the addition of moisture traps. They typically have a chamber that the water collects in at the bottom and you put these crystals in the top, which typically get changed every 6-8 weeks (depending on the time of year). I don't keep a moisture trap in my actual wardrobe, but there is one in the room close by, just to keep the moisture levels under control. Thankfully, none of my lolita wardrobe has ever been damaged.

Lint roller- Perfect for dusting down your clothing when you need a quick fix, rather than washing something. That's pretty much it!

Drawer dividers- This is another item that maybe isn't vital, but it is amazing how much drawer dividers can make a difference. By having your accessories organised neatly, it is easier to find what you are needing with just a quick glance (good if you are having a last-minute outfit change and time is short). Also, drawer dividers mean you are more likely to remember those accessories which tend to get lost at the back of a drawer and forgotten about. An organised drawer is also very pleasing on the eye!

A steamer- Or at the very least, a good rack that you can put your clothes on after you have a steamy shower. Steaming is a good way of getting out light creases, without needing to iron. You can get mini steamers, or full sized ones. Steaming is also a good option for certain fabrics.

Bloomers- This is an item that does get included on a lot of these lolita blogging lists, but I still feel they are an important addition to this list. Whilst I personally avoid bloomers when it gets especially hot or when my digestive condition is playing up, the rest of the time I will wear them. In an ideal world, people should not be looking up your skirt anyway, but sometimes these things do happen. When I modeled at Frock On, all the models were told to wear bloomers. After going to the rehearsals and seeing the height of the stage, it did make sense to wear them. But a sudden gust of wind is an everyday example of why bloomers are important in lolita. Also, bloomers are just a part of the general aesthetic of lolita. Even if people are not going to see them, a lot of lolitas still count bloomers as an essential part of a lolita outfit.

So that is my list of wardrobe supporters. Can you think of any others? Please share in the comments!