Lolita Fashion on Taobao (Part 1)

Hey everyone! One of my friends recently got into lolita fashion and wanted a guide to affordable lolita items. I still have my MBOK guide up, I wrote up my first experience with Taobao, and I wrote a post for a Lolita Blog Carnival prompt about Favorite Taobao Shops & Pieces, but I never created a guide to great places to get lolita items on Taobao.

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So, what is Taobao?

Taobao is like a Chinese eBay or Amazon. There are tons of different stores and sellers!

Since the pricing is all in Chinese Renminbi (also known as Chinese Yuan), you’ll need to check conversion rates to see how much it’ll cost in your own currency. Definitely keep in mind shipping fees and shopping service fees, if you choose to use a shopping service. I heard there’s a way you can purchase from Taobao directly now and have them forward packages to you, but I’m still most comfortable with a shopping service since they can help answer my questions about products and give me peace of mind.

In my own experience, I’ve purchased clothes (lolita as well as non-lolita), shoes, wigs, false lashes, cosplays, and accessories from Taobao. I’ve also purchased a bag from Taobao too (my beloved Japanese-style school bag that was my go-to convention bag for over a year)!

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Wig from Taobao (fashion wig I used for my Sara Crispino [Yuri on Ice] cosplay)

Taobao is a lot of fun to browse, but can get overwhelming. I’ve definitely spent way too much time browsing Taobao… For example, being on Taobao and looking at all the things I want to add to my wishlist, and then I glance at the clock and wonder how the heck it is already past 2am?!

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Wig from Taobao (photo by theamazingknight)

Another thing that took a lot of time to figure out is… navigating! I speak Teochew/Chao Zhou, but not Mandarin (and I never learned how to read or write Chinese; I only know how to read numbers and a few characters). It was really difficult at first and I literally put things through Google Translate. Of course, Google Translate only works so far (like how it translates “product” as “baby” since the character for “precious item” is also “baby,” and products are listed as such). And Google Translate does not work on text within images. Most of the time, sizing is displayed in an image, so here are some sizing-related translations to help (Chinese (simplified) is on the left, and English is on the right):

  • 尺码 — sizing
  • 高 — height
  • 胸 — bust/chest
  • 腰 — waist
  • 臀 — hips
  • 长 — length
  • 宽 — width
  • 围 — circumference
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Skirt from SurfaceSpell

Something else that confused me when I first browsed Taobao was the number of “deposit” or “reservation” items there were. I didn’t realize this meant they weren’t currently in stock. 定金 (deposit) and 预约 and 预定 (reservation) mean you have to pay a deposit to be able to eventually get the item. From my understanding, you need to purchase the item from the reservation page before you’ll be able to purchase the item on the 尾款 (post-reservation, I guess? the actual item) page. I’ve never purchased something from Taobao that was a reservation since I was always paranoid about not paying the shopping service in time for the post-reservation item page. If anyone has experience with reservation items on Taobao, let me know! I’m curious to hear what the actual process is like. I remember once I tried to buy an item from the 尾款 page and my shopping service said I can’t since I didn’t participate in the reservation.

Here are some useful terms you can use while searching for clothing and accessory items relevant to lolita fashion on Taobao:

  • Dress (OP): 连衣裙
  • JSK: 無袖洋裝
  • Salopette: 背心裙 or 背带裙
  • Skirt:  裙 or 裙子 or 半身裙
  • Blouse: 衬衫 or 女衬衫
  • Petticoat: 襯裙
  • Bloomers:安全裤 or 南瓜裤 or 燈籠褲 or 灯笼裤
  • Cardigan: 小外套
  • Bolero: 短外套
  • Capelet/short cloak: 短斗篷
  • Lolita shoes:  洋装鞋
  • Round headdress: 丸 型发饰
  • Bonnet: 系带帽子
  • Gothic headdress (usually with veils!): 哥特头饰
  • Flower crown: 花环 头饰
  • Beret: 贝雷帽
  • Straw hat:  草帽
  • Lace socks: 复古蕾丝短袜
  • Lace gloves: 蕾丝手套
  • Wrist cuffs: 蕾丝手镯
  • Parasol: 洋傘

When I search, I also add in “lolita” sometimes to see what shows up.

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Cutsew from Dear Celine

Here are some style terms that were fun to use for Taobao searches too:

  • Gothic: 哥特
  • Victorian: 維多利亞
  • Rococo: 洛可可
  • Country: 田园
  • Punk: 朋克
  • Steampunk: 蒸汽朋克
  • Retro/Vintage: 复古
  • Sailor:  水手服
  • Floral: 碎花
  • Oil painting style (those classical painting prints!): 油画风
  • Lace: 蕾丝
  • Tartan/Plaid: 苏格兰格子
  • Cross/Crucifix: 十字架 粉

If anyone wants stuff added to this list, just let me know! I’m happy to update this. Over the years, everything I learned about Taobao were from a trial and error through Google Translate and Chinese dictionaries, lurking on LiveJournal, reading blogs, and browsing Taobao-related things on Tumblr. I did pop over to CGL on 4Chan for a bit to see if I could learn about Taobao but 4Chan really scares me and the posting format confuses me so I spent barely any time on there.

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One of my fave purchases from Taobao: a JSK from Chess Story!

I will definitely write another guide after this one, so stay tuned! My next one will be simple: a list of my favorite Taobao shops that are relevant to lolita. I’ll note if I’ve purchased from them before, or not yet. Stay tuned!

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❥❧ Youtube: Alice in Lolitaland

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Emptyland: Jul/Aug 2017

And yet again… a late Emptyland post. I have an excuse though! I moved during Labor Day weekend, and it’s hard to find time to write these up with a full-time job as well as keeping myself busy on weekends (and then getting sick in October too) so things have been crazy. In the future, I’ll probably cut back these posts to just star ratings to save time.

Here’s the rundown for what the stars represent: [ ☆ = Most negative/Not good at all, ☆☆ = Not that good, but okay ☆☆☆ = Neutral/No opinion/No answer, ☆☆☆☆ = Great, ☆☆☆☆☆ = Most positive/Fantastic! ] I’ll also include my experience with each product, but the detail I go into for each product may vary.

Skincare


The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Rich Cleansing Oil – 150 mL

This was a cleansing oil that did its job, but I felt like I had to use a lot of the product each time. I am not sure it was worth the cost.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Probably not


Nature Republic Rose Real Nature Ampoule

This was a delightful ampoule to use! I loved the rose scent, and it moisturized my skin. It was my first ampoule experience, and I’m curious as to what other ampoules are like.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe!

Ostia Cucumber Soothing Mist – 100 g

As you can see in the photo, the pump broke off (and rolled away into oblivion). This spray bottle was very cheaply made, and even when the pump wasn’t broken, it sprayed out weakly so the liquid just dripped down rather than spraying into my face. Not sure if I just got a faulty product, but it was a hassle to use since I had to spray it into my hands and then apply to my face. If someone else has used this, let me know if you had the same issue with the packaging. Maybe it’s just me…?

Overall Rating: ☆ // Repurchase? No


The Saem See&Saw AC Control Red Solution

I used up this bottle pretty quickly. I applied it to my acne, and I didn’t notice any difference. It didn’t dry out my skin like other acne products have, and it didn’t cause any additional problems. Since it didn’t work for me, I won’t be repurchasing.

Overall Rating: ☆☆ // Repurchase? No

Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch

And this lovely product makes its return again! You can read my initial response to this product in my first Emptyland post.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Yes!

Nature Republic California Aloe Vera Cleansing Tissue – 80 sheets

This lasted me so long! This huge pack of cleansing sheets was so nice to use. The sheets were soft and moist, and although it didn’t remove much makeup, it soothed my skin.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe

Sheet Masks


The Saem Natural Skin-fit Mask Sheet Green Grape

I did not like the smell of this sheet mask… It didn’t irritate my skin, but I didn’t like the smell and wouldn’t repurchase it.

Overall Rating: ☆☆ // Repurchase? No

The Saem Natural Rice Mask Sheet

This mask was just fine! Mild scent, although the masks from The Saem do not fit my face shape that well.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe

The Saem Natural Rose Mask Sheet

I love anything rose-scented! This does not disappoint (other than how the mask sheet fits my face).

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe

The Saem Natural Green Tea Mask Sheet

This one was another decent mask from The Saem! Going to go through these masks quickly since many of them are repeats or pretty similar to others in the brand.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe

Tonymoly I’m Real Seaweeds Mask Sheet

I love these sheet masks from Tonymoly! They have lots of essence and the masks fit my face well. Out of all the ones I’ve tried, to be honest, I can’t tell much of a difference among them other than packaging and scent. They all work really well though! For the following Tonymoly ones, I won’t be making commentary since I think they’re all great and I’ll repurchase but I don’t have a differing opinion among them.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Yes

Tonymoly I’m Real Lemon Mask Sheet

This is a great sheet mask too! It has a mild and pleasant scent and is easy to use. I like how the sheet feels on my face too. Similar to the other Tonymoly I’m Real ones.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Yes

Tonymoly I’m Real Avocado Mask Sheet

Again, I have trouble differentiating among these so far but they’re all good! At least, the ones I’ve tried.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Yes

The Face Shop Real Nature Mask Red Ginseng

I love anything ginseng… Although my love for ginseng started from the ginseng tea. This sheet mask was even colored like red ginseng! It smelled like real ginseng too, which is a huge plus for me.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Yes

The Face Shop Real Nature Peony

I love peony flowers, so I just had to try this mask when I saw it in the store! This mask was a decent one, and easily absorbed into my skin after application.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Yes

Rivecowe Bubble Mask Pack

Check out my review for this mask here!

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe

The Yeon Cucumber Mask

Another return of a mask! I got a set of a whole bunch of these cucumber masks from The Yeon. The mask doesn’t fit my face at all, so I don’t enjoy using these that much.

Overall Rating: ☆☆ // Repurchase? No

Welcos Jeju Natural Green Tea Mask

This is also from a set I got a while back. I had purchased this set from T. J. Maxx or Marshall’s (can’t remember which).

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe

Leaders Pore-Scaling Black Aqua

I didn’t notice any difference with my pores from using this, but maybe it requires multiple masks over a short period of time to create the positive effect? It didn’t produce any side effects at least! The texture of the mask was a bit strange to me.

Overall Rating: ☆☆ // Repurchase? No

Suncare


Clarins Sun Care Milk-Lotion Spray – 150mL

I looove this sunscreen! It absorbs so quickly and doesn’t leave a white cast. It also moisturizes my skin very well. I’ve never gotten burned by the sun while using this product. I’m really happy I got it when I was at Marshall’s or T.J. Maxx and spotted it on clearance (can’t remember which store). It’s my favorite sunblock I’ve tried, but I’m not sure if I’d pay full price for it. I’ll definitely get it if I see it on clearance again!

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55 – 88 mL

Of course, one of my faves that makes its return! This is a great sunblock and it does its job. I can’t use it on my face though; when I sweat, it stings when it gets into my eyes. It’s priced great too (especially from Costco when you can get it in a big set)! My mom uses this same exact sunblock.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Yes

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55 – 29 mL

This is the same as the above product, but a travel/sample size one. I didn’t put it in the sample/travel size section since I feel like it fits better here with suncare. It came in the same set as the one above from Costco too.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe (I wouldn’t buy the travel size one by itself; I’ll definitely get it if it comes as a set!)

Makeup


Lancôme Photôgenic Sheer Pressed Powder in Translucent – 10g

This product is really old and I’m not sure if they make it anymore. My grandma gave this to me years ago and I just recently decided I should toss it since it started smelling off. I need to hold myself accountable to tossing products when they get old; no need to hoard. It’s a decent product, but it didn’t help prolong the wear of my BB cream, nor did it help smooth out imperfections. It worked well for mattifying though!

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆ // Repurchase? No


The Face Shop CC Ultra Moist Cushion Moisture Coverage + Glow Finish – 15g

I finished this cushion! And I still have the actual case since I have a refill cushion I replaced it with. It’s a decent cushion, but doesn’t last all day. It matches my skin tone pretty well, and also feels moisturizing. My skin doesn’t feel irritated when I use this CC cushion. I like how the finish is glowing but not shiny; it’s more of a semi-matte finish with a subtle glow.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe

Lancôme Juicy Tubes Chérie in Frozen Punch

This took me forever to use because I hated how the color looked on me… It was sheer, but still looked odd. And I didn’t like how it felt sticky on my lips. I did not finish using up this tube; decided to toss it. I bought it off another student at my college a few years back and regret not asking to try the color first.

Overall Rating: ☆ // Repurchase? No

Revlon Kiss Balm in Fresh Strawberry

This was a decent tinted lip balm. Very moisturizing, easy-to-apply color, and even though it didn’t last long, I didn’t mind. It smelled like strawberries too! I’m interested in trying other shades in this series, but I wish the product was sturdier. The reason I’m tossing this is because the outer case actually broke… so it’s cheaply made.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe

Body Care


The Body Shop Coconut Body Butter – 200 mL

I loooove the scent of this body butter, but then again, I love anything coconut. It is deeply moisturizing, absorbs quickly, and I really want another one. A little goes a long way with this product!

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Yes

The Yeon Body Wash Gardenia

This had a mild and pleasant gardenia scent. It didn’t smell fake at all, like some floral items. I didn’t notice any moisturizing effects to this body wash, but it did its job. Wish it was in a bigger bottle!

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? No

Sample / Travel Size


Lancôme La Vie est Belle

I have yet to find a perfume that I’d actually buy… This is a nice fragrance, but I am pretty sure I have plenty of these free samples and won’t need to buy one ever.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Purchase? No

Elizabeth and James Nirvana White

This is a decent fragrance, but nothing memorable (and it doesn’t last that long).

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆ // Purchase? No

Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream

I love this floral fragrance! It’s light and fun.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Purchase? No

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Connect

❥❧ Facebook: Cosplay and Fashion

❥❧ Instagram: PearlPeony and AliceinLolitaland

❥❧ Tumblr: Personal and Fashion

❥❧ Twitter: TreizeMacarons

❥❧ Youtube: Alice in Lolitaland

❥❧ WorldCosplay: Xiao

❀ For sponsor inquiries, please contact me at: missxiaorawr@gmail.com ❀

 

[PinkyParadise] Random Lenses Program

Random lenses… What does that mean?!

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Well, it means you get two different lenses. Randomly. I don’t mind at all because I think it’s a unique look! If you’re interested in purchasing new circle lenses this month, use the exclusive coupon code “lolita” for 50% off your order!

Now, onto the review:

When I received the package from PinkyParadise, it was marked as having a plastic lens case inside, so it was easy to assume there were contact lenses.

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Everything was safely inside with no damages. I received a set of mismatching circle lenses, a cute lens case, and a velcro hair tool (not sure if that’s the proper name of this product; it’s a Japanese hair thingy you use to hold back your bangs).

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PinkyParadise offers a wide variety of prescription contact lenses, so I was glad they had my prescription available! My left eye is worse than my right eye, and they’re both near-sighted. Just like the colors of these lenses, my prescription is mis-matching too!

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The violet lens I got is from the brand Vassen, whereas the turquoise lens I got is from Aurora color contacts.

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For both lenses, when I first put them in my eyes, there was some initial discomfort. After blinking and applying eye drops, my eyes adjusted and there was no longer discomfort in my eyes.

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The colors for both of these lenses are vibrant in good lighting! I noticed when I was taking selfies on my phone, not with the studio lighting, it was not as vibrant. But with a ring light and/or flash photography, the colors were crisp and bright!

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In terms of comfort, they’re not as comfortable as some other circle lenses I’ve worn. I don’t think I’d want to keep these in my eyes for more than 4 or 5 hours.

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Overall: ☆☆☆☆

Packaging: ☆☆☆☆☆ The packaging was great; I have no complaints.

Style: ☆☆☆☆ I love the designs for both of these lenses individually: there is a black limbal ring that surrounds both irises. The limbal ring is bigger on the violet one than on the turquoise one. As a set, it’s decent but the violet lens enlarges the eye more than the turquoise one, which makes it look awkward. It would be better if the set was mismatching in color but closer in size.

Color: ☆☆☆☆☆ No complaints for color! The colors for both lenses cover up my dark brown eyes well.

Comfort: ☆☆☆ There was initial discomfort when applying these lenses, even after soaking them in my solution for 24 hours. I can wear these lenses for a few hours, but I don’t think they will be comfortable all day. I would recommend using eye drops with these lenses to add more comfort!

(☆ = Most negative/Not good at all, ☆☆ = Not that good, but okay ☆☆☆ = Neutral/No opinion/No answer, ☆☆☆☆ = Great, ☆☆☆☆☆ = Most positive/Fantastic!)

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Thanks for reading my review! Feel free to ask me any questions. Check out where these lenses came from here~!

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Above, you’ll see the lenses used for this Lolita fashion look. I hope to share photos from this photoshoot (and other photoshoots) soon! Let me know if you use the coupon code “lolita” for 50% off; I’d love to see the new lenses you got!

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Connect

❥❧ Facebook: Cosplay and Fashion

❥❧ Instagram: PearlPeony and AliceinLolitaland

❥❧ Tumblr: Personal and Fashion

❥❧ Twitter: TreizeMacarons

❥❧ Youtube: Alice in Lolitaland

❥❧ WorldCosplay: Xiao

❀ For inquiries, contact me at: missxiaorawr@gmail.com ❀