Old thread >>8658835
What is otome-kei?
>Japanese for 'maiden'
>Focuses on a feminine and quirky look
>No set rules
>Outfits often use colour popping, interesting print combinations, and contrasting materials
>Generally has a kitsch or twee vibe
>Sometimes overlaps with casual lolita but is still a separate style
Main otome brands:
>Emily Temple Cute/Shirley Temple Cute
>Jane Marple
>Leur Getter
>MILK
Other Suitable Brands*:
>Amavel
>Ank Rogue
>Axes Femme
>Bortsprungt
>Candy Stripper
>Excentrique
>Fint
>Franche Lippee
>Grimoire
>Lois Crayon
>Lolita brands (accessories, legwear, bags, mini skirts, cardigans/boleros)
>Melantrick Hemlighet
>Merlot Camp
>Q-pot
>Wonder Rocket
Suitable Non-Japanese Brands*:
>Alannah Hill
>Cath Kidston
>Dangerfield
>Hello Bones Jones (Indie)
>Miss Patina
>Modcloth
>Mulberry Chronicles (Indie)
>Peppermint Fox (Indie)
Non-japanese Socks/Shoes*:
>Sock Dreams, Teja Jamilla
>Melissa Shoes, Bait Footwear, Dkode Shoes, Neosen, Fleuvog
*NB: these brands are not all specifically otome, but sometimes produce suitable items
Appreciation Blogs:
>http://axesfemme.tumblr.com/
>http://emikyuforever.tumblr.com/
>http://emilytemplecute.tumblr.com/
>http://fuckyeahotomekei.tumblr.com/
>http://otomeclub.tumblr.com/
>http://otomecoords.tumblr.com/
>http://otomestyle.tumblr.com/
Individual Blogs**:
http://altered-imagery.tumblr.com
http://angiiichan.tumblr.com
http://aralunanim.tumblr.com
http://classicaltyrianjubilee.tumblr.com
http://cling123.tumblr.com
http://endless8.tumblr.com
http://fannyrosie.tumblr.com
http://grandma-kei.tumblr.com
http://herajika.tumblr.com
http://infiniteneeya.tumblr.com/
http://kairii.tumblr.com
http://kaya-kueh.tumblr.com
http://lilythdark.tumblr.com
http://mademoiselle-iona.tumblr.com
http://onlyeasy.tumblr.com
http://pinkstrawberrytea.tumblr.com
http://rm-marionette.tumblr.com
http://sakuraimayura.tumblr.com
http://sapphira-doll.tumblr.com
http://sinneddonuts.tumblr.com
http://strawberrymelody.tumblr.com
http://vysanthe.tumblr.com
http://whimsicalmori.tumblr.com
http://xylia-x.tumblr.com
**NB: Many of these blogs dabble in both lolita and otome or exist in the grey area between the two. There's also varying experience levels.
To start it off, Peppermint Fox just announced new items shortly after releasing their Tea Emblem collection. These will be available on Saturday.
Has anybody in the US ordered only brooches from them that would be able to give me a shipping estimate? Those bread brooches would be perfect for a dress I have on the way.
>>8724103
Ah, that's so cute!
>>8723937 halp?
It's a weird dress but it has a cute feel and I think it could work.
>>8724103
>tfw no low carb jewlery
>>8724103
What is the material of this dress? I was going to pass on it, but it looks kind of thick and workable for winter.
>>8724346
>w carb jewlery
corduroy
>>8724325
Something sweet, simple and retro maybe? Straw hat, white ankle socks with subtle trim, braids, picnic basket purse (maybe with white eyelet lace lining), you could also add a dickie underneath to get the collared look without adding bulk. I'd probably go with strawberries as a motif for jewelry and accessories.
>>8724094
Thank you for this list!
Just started my tumblr so my dash is pretty empty right now
>>8724352
Thank you!
I asked this in the previous thread but didn't receive a response. I really like PepFox Tea dress so what are the chances of getting it secondhand?
>>8724574
I think you'd probably be better off saving up and e-mailing them again for whatever series you have interest in.
Speaking of that, can we try this so we can get a second round of the Tea Emblem dress?
>>8724603
I'm emailing them right now actually. Maybe hopefully
I'm currently a lolita but have been interested in otome for a while
Where do you draw the line between normie vintage fashion and otome? Is it the mismatching? Is it the brands? Is the the hair and makeup?
>>8724677
Coming from the Jane Marple side of the fashion, you also get quirkier cuts of clothes. You can tell they were definitely inspired by Vivienne Westwood. Other than that, prints and motifs are a big difference, plus as you were saying, hair and makeup since normie vintage tends to aim for a more mature look even if it's not straight up rockabilly. Of course, it's a bit different with ETC and LG.
I actually think the mismatching might be overstated a bit, probably since people use it as a way of separating it from lolita. If you look at the way people wear regimental stripe for instance, you see a lot of matching suits. The otomeness comes from the cut of the suit or the accessories.
>>8724677
You just gotta look like a Shoujou character. Maybe it's the maiden vs lady feel. Just a matter of age.
>>8724677
I honestly feel like there's a lot of overlap. I've seen plenty of retro normie outfits that I'd consider otome. A lot of the patterns seen in retro fashion, such as stripes, plaids, and polka dots, are also big in otome.
I'd generally agree with >>8724882 in that otome leans towards cute/whimsical and normie vintage is a little more mature, but there's people like vysanthe on Tumblr who have some looks that are pretty mature but still fall under otome so I'm not even sure about that anymore.
>>8724974
I think otome's just one of those tags that acts as a catch-all for a lot of ideas from other fashions, but that puts its own whimsical spin on things to create a consistent theme.
>>8724677
I'd say "quirky" is what separates it from vintage, generally speaking. You can see this in Milk, JM, and ETC. A good example is you wouldn't do candy colored striped tights in vintage fashion.
>>8724471
Thanks, that will be cute!
>>8725077
Definitely this.
You get some quirky prints with 50s novelty skirts, but it's like otome makes the quirkiness more wearable in a modern way. I mean, you can always tell at first sight if someone's wearing vintage due to the tailoring.
>>8724677
I think it's the silhouette of the dresses, and the accessories. You can incorporate more cutesy and modern elements into otome, whereas vintage fashion is, well...vintage. There is some overlap, but I think vintage fashion is generally more mature/sexy, whereas otome is youthful and has a different appeal.
>>8725135
>whereas vintage fashion is, well...vintage
This is true. Not everyone does this of course, but it seems like you find more people into vintage fashion who aim for period accuracy?
>>8725137
Not always.. I see more 'quirky' in actual vintage and vintage-style things than I see accuracy.
I'd say otome-kei is more about dressing like a teenager from days of yore(30's-70's), if that makes any sense. Alot is styled after 1970's fashions, so it feels more like vintage shoujo comics.
>>8725160
Huh, that's interesting. I think I just hang around way too many history nerds who see vintage as an extension of their interest in a given period. Guess it depends on how you approach it.
>>8725160
I'd say on top of a bit of vintage influence, it's important to remember it's just influence. Lolita fashion takes inspiration from periods as well, but isn't literally something you'd find in those periods.
I'd say vintage as clothing either tries hard to copy an eras look or is actually just clothing from that time period.
I remember someone in a past thread posted a picture from a Bunka fashion magazine with lots of otome inspiration, I had meant to look it up but I can't for the life of me remember the name. It was something like Soesei? sousei? I'd really appreciate if someone knew the name.
What is the deal behind this secret? Is this true? I really like this print and I was hoping to buy the dress secondhand at some point but not if it's unwearable.
>>8725454
What do they mean by "unwearable?"
Like incredibly uncomfortable or horribly cut?
>>8725445
So-en?
>>8725474
Yes! Wow I was pretty off-base there. Thanks, I super appreciate that.
>>8724103
If you go to their site and add in however many brooches you plan on getting into your cart, they have a shipping estimater.
Just use it to get up a similar weight, and don't check out.
>>8725456
Maybe they're talking about how it looks shiny in pics?
>>8725454
I have it. It feels like the fabric is very delicate - it catches even on my polished wood hangers. Maybe that's what the secret is referring to?
>>8725454
Jus saying this secret was posted in a series of samefag secrets against the brand
>>8725511
Hey, thanks anon!
>>8725454
Considering the fact that there were 5 or 6 secrets about xylia-x and her brand, obviously made by the same person, I call vendetta-chan on this one.
>>8725454
The angry vendetta who posted these was so pathetic. The brand is fine.
>>8726092
It makes you wonder why someone would have a vendetta against a small otome brand. Of all the things to get salty about.
People who've bought accessories from Peppermint Fox before, is the small envelope ($5 untracked) shipping reliable? How risky do you think it would be, would it be worth shelling out $20 extra for the tracked shipping? I want to buy the Bread Shop brooch when it's released as well, if I email them to combine my order will they refund me the extra shipping or will I be paying $50 shipping?
Speaking of Mulberry Chronicles, what do you all think of the upcoming release?
I think a puppies + ribbon print is a cute idea but I'm not a huge fan of this. I think I would've preferred it in brighter colors but I'm not sure even that would've saved it for me.
>>8726476
Can you wear their dresses as lolita?
>>8726488
I'd say no, it's too "kitsch"
Also chiffon rose carries their stuff (and grimoire), I am jealous of you Aussies
>>8726485
>And please don't say that one lolita documentary.
Girls have started vendettas for less. It could also be someone getting jelly of someone else living the dream and starting a brand.
Does anyone know anything about the Fairyland brand? I ordered a few peices from there on Yesstyle, pic related. It's supposedly a mori brand, but it's cute and girly enough to be used as otome if you ditch the layers.
>>8726534
All I could find was some tumblrs with low info when I googled it, much of it was only mentioned in passing.
>>8726488
They have a lolita coord of it on instagram
>>8726534
I found stuff similar on Aliexpress, not sure if they are just replicas or Yesstyle sell these items at higher prices..
>>8726911
That's hardly lolita.
>>8726488
Maybe with a ruffled underskirt and super detailed blouse?
How important would you gulls say a subdued petticoat is to an otome wardrobe, especially when you have a preference for dresses that are cut to fit them?
I've found a classical puppets 'otome' petticoat but don't know if it's needed or not since the otome silhouette varies a lot (plus I don't want to look like I'm just in lolita with a flat petti).
>>8728934
The usual jsk-like otome dresses tends to look odd on those with slightly broader shoulders (they tend to accentuate how broad your shoulders are), and the skirts can sometimes hang weird on someone with a bigger butt (sort of like a draped egg, if that makes sense). Having a petticoat helps to balance the skirt so the shoulders don't look as broad, and it fills out the skirt around the thigh area so it doesn't look as strange.
Try on your otome and see if you have either of these problems, if you do, get the petticoat. If you're fairly narrow in the shoulders and rectangle-shaped, you probably don't need a petticoat.
As for it looking like lolita with a flat petti, all of that is in the styling. There's only a small area where otome and lolita can overlap, the rest of the time otome looks pretty distinct because of brighter colours and more casual approach.
>>8728934
If you're worried about looking too lolita, just balance it out by going all out with the otome styling, using all the stereotypes like cardigans and complementary colors.
>>8724093
>>8724094
I'm sorry but looking at that model all I can think of is pic related
I don't even know what's up with the daily otome comm on Fb. Most of it is either casual lolita or notome.
>>8729046
I thought "notome" wasn't a thing and it was just people trying to force otome into being more like lolita?
>>8729046
Notome isn't a thing. Stop trying to make notome a thing. This is definitely not good but otome just isn't as strict as lolita is.
>>8728979
>>8728980
>>8728998
Thanks for the help guys! Although I'm fairly skinny and rectangular, I think I'll go with a small petti to balance out my height and broad-ish shoulders. The idea for going for lots of otome essential/stereotype pieces was helpful too! Definitely gets across the look better.
>>8729249
Even then there is a certain look. I don't like the term notome but what else would you call something that's not otome?
>>8729046
Yeah, the Facebook group really sucks. I typically browse Instagram for coordinates.
On another topic, I still have some lolita dresses in my wardrobe and still like them, but I really prefer the silhouette of otome so much more. I really that the dresses are longer and without too much poof. Lolita looks more and more like a lampshade to me. It's making me sad because I really like some of the prints and they could be coordinated in an otome way.
Pic related. I know it's not otome (and cannot be coordinated so), but the longer dress looks so much better to me.
>>8729405
Bypassing having a term for it and just going straight to well thought out concrit and leading by example might be a better way of doing things.
I tend to think having a specific label for fails, like "ita", just scares people off who could otherwise be learning through mistakes. Look how many girls you get on cgl who are like "I love lolita but I'm terrified of being an ita, so I watch from the sidelines." I get that lolita is such a big community that people go to extremes to maintain quality, but it's kind of sad. It makes people react defensively instead of learning and getting better. Most people out there need time and guidance to build a good sense of taste.
>>8728934
I'm an inverted triangle shape, and I always wear a small petti because I have no hips and broad shoulders and it would look stupid otherwise. It depends on your body type and preference, I think no petti can look a bit frumpy if you're not careful.
>>8729431
Agree with this. I think you should have some leeway to experiment as well, some outfits might be bad, but that's just how it works sometimes.
>>8729393
Just that, not otome. "Notome" is being pushed as the otome equivalent to "ita", which implies that an outfit hurts to look at, but most outfits I've seen labeled notome are perfectly alright, just not otome. The girl that was posted earlier, for instance, may have missed the mark, but looks otherwise pretty cute for normal/officewear.
I really like Fairy Tale Book, uhg.
>>8734040
I do too. Hanging out for a second hand one to pop up !
Let's get back to positives and posting coordinates!
I really love this girl on Instagram (weishenme). She also wears a lot of other otome brands which aren't very well know (iami, bortsprungt, peu pres)
What are some good additions to otome outfits besides crazy printed dresses? Should my cardigan and tights also have prints?
>>8735023
I feel if you have a crazy printed dress, it's good to go the opposite with cardigans. I feel quirky socks are a must with otome outfits, and also quirky shoes can really pull off an outfit. I feel hair is a big thing to get right in otome, not to much and not to little. Here's some examples anon
>>8735001
There's a wine square JSK on Y!J going for retail price.
First time I've seen it second hand though and I wonder what the second hand prices will be for this dress.
I'm about to start sewing this dress and i'm wondering if i add a little more fullness to the skirt, would it be suitable for otome? I've noticed that a lot of otome dresses have box pleats, which just don't fly on my body type.
>>8735327
I think it's very suitable for otome as-is. Wear a shirt underneath for a professional feeling.
>>8735356
Otome dresses in general are just normalfag summer dresses without all the prints. If OP looked for a suitable otome print, then bottom right would be just fine.
>>8735356
That's why I figured I'd add extra volume to the skirt so it could accommodate a small petticoat.
>>8735364
I'm planning on using pic related and it's summer where I live so I thought it would be nice for a summery coord.
>>8735364
No. They're more passable than lolita but no.
>>8735370
JM has several dresses with a near-identical cut as view A in their web shop right now. The skirt needs more volume, but the bodice cut is perfectly fine.
>>8735370
>more passable than lolita
The other anon is right, pattern A in particular is fine for otome, especially with the added flare and fabric they stated they would use. Try to think outside of the turgid lolita box.
>>8735327
I think it should be alright. You sometimes get brand otome pieces that are a little fuller. I think a lot of it depends on how the fabric drapes.
Modcloth has these strappy booties in right now. Could be a good alternative to the elusive Jane Marple strap shoes. (I'd wait for any Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals, though.)
>>8735378
Except they are not almost identical. Especially the bodice needs some alterations.
I think this could work out, especially B and A, though the stylings on the samples make it difficult to picture it. You can try putting together a collage of your intended coord to see if it works out or not (you can use the hue and saturation dialogue box in photoshop to change the colours of the dresses).
Otome isn't just based on a dress with a crazy print, it relies a lot on unusual combinations such as colours that are bright but still go together, quirky (almost tacky) accessories such as unusual bags, shoes or headwear, a layered styling instead of a simple one, a younger (sort of schoolgirly) look instead of a mature, less fussy one, that kind of thing. It doesn't really have a set silhoutte though, so theoretically even a narrower skirt could work if you style it right (and if it looks good on you). It's more likely the coording or the cute details will be where it gets you. Try to think about getting a cute handbag or cute accessories, or decorating your cardigan or beret. And don't break all of the fashion rules all at once just because it's not lolita, lest you end up looking like >>8729046
One thing to note, if you're intending to wear view A with a blouse underneath, you may need to modify the armholes so that you don't squish the blouse sleeves into your armpits. And if you intend to wear a blouse with a collar underneath it you may need to modify the neckline to be deeper, too. That's the two major changes >>8735466 outlined, as for the rest, you just need to make sure the dress fits you and the skirt is flattering.
>>8735466
You're right, I didn't look too closely at the shape of the arm holes. My bad! Definitely needs some alterations then.
Excited for this but not $200 excited sigh.
>>8735532
>>8735466
I'll definitely keep these things in mind, thanks for the tips gulls! I like to think that I'm quite capable when it comes to putting together outfits and I've got lots of cute accessories that are still more mature. I've always preferred to dress in a more vintage style so I think I can change it up a little to suit otome.
send help I need cute brooches
>>8734040
I do too even though I was indifferent to it during the release. Then people started posting coords and I'm like "fuck, now I want it."
Can I get some concrit on the coord I wore today?
>>8737431
Aw how cute you even matched your face cover. Are you wearing any jewelry?
>>8737431
I think I would prefer it without the cardigan or with a different one, as I think the style doesn't go well and the yellow tights would work better as a singular pop of color. Brown leather shoes might be cuter, as well, but your shoes now are fine too, IMO.
>>8737491
Let me guess you're also a lolita because I have the same exact problem haha.
Anyone have any advice for color matching people like us?
>>8737495
Yaaas. Well I think it's more that the people who are drawn to lolita tend to like being matchy-matchy. And it's not like cohesion is bad in otome but its not everyone's cup of tea. I'm personally one of those people who hates it when the socks are lolrandom and don't match anything about the coord.
>>8737491
I think it might actually work better with more of a goldenrod yellow. Maybe in a knit with a bit of texture using a thicker yarn. That or burgundy.
>>8737491
It's not a random pop of color, though. Think of the socks as drawing on the metal tones in the print. As is, your yellows are clashing, so the whole "I want matching" argument doesn't really hold, either. A more muted color might work, though, if you want them to be more matchy.
The tights work better with the colors of the print, and the cardigan seems to sweet and springy for the otherwise pretty knit, mature look you're going for, I think.
Does anyone happen to have worn photos of this or know anything about it? I've tried googling various combinations of "tea," "cake," "gingerbread," etc. with ETC in both Japanese and English to little avail.
Also, please no one outbid me on this monstrosity. I need it for Christmas and for my collection of weird ETC.
I wish Taobao indie brands would pick up on otome and run with it. R-series last biscuit print was cute, but the cuts seemed rather awkward.
>>8737564
oh my god this is so cute, also there's this gingerbread house bag on modcloth that would be adorable.
Sorry I'm no help anon, you got good taste tho
>>8737676
There's this bread dress that keeps getting posted in the Taobao threads that might work?http://world.taobao.com/item/45137679034.htm?fromSite=main&spm=a310v.4.88.1
Do you guys think their could be a male version of otome? kitsch and quirky boystyle?
>>8737997
I guess? Something inspired by Dandy and male 60's fashion trends maybe. It wouldn't be otome though, since even the word itself means "maiden".
Picture for ants, I'm sorry.
I know they're not really a popular brand in the West, but man am I on a MILK kick lately.
>>8738046
Do you have any outfit pictures?
>>8737537
What color cardigan would you suggest if I rehash this coord? I don't have a more mustard cardigan so it would have to be either navy, red, or green.
leur getter new releases
>>8738078
this is being released tomorrow
>>8738078
Fffff I love that crown-print jsk so much.
Anyone have any experience ordering from Leur Getter?
>>8738079
I love LG so fucking much, there hasn't been a single print that I didn't like.
>>8738073
If you keep the socks, I think this would look nice with a cardigan or fitted blazer in bordeaux. Swap out the shoes for a more neutral leather to kind of ground you/keep yourself from being walking blocks of color, and maybe pop on a few accessories.
Also, assuming you're bunny**** from livejournal and your wardrobe post is still fairly accurate, I think going with some red legwear might work better. The blouse would work fine on its own, too, so that's another way to switch up the look. The napoleon jacket would be cute for colder days, too.
Also, I want to clarify that I don't think this is bad at all, just worthy of some concrit
>>8738088
I feel like they are too similar to emikyu, I hope they will make more creative stuff in the future.
Does anyone have pics of otome in the 80s, or know where to find them?
>>8738095
It's because the original designer of ETC left to start LG. Their stuff is just as original and good as older ETC except even a little more polished, imo.
>>8736499
What kind of stuff do you want to see in cute brooches, anon?
J-just wondering.
>>8738092
I was planning on trying it with a red and green coord closer to the holidays. If I do I'll post it here again for more concrit.
>>8738098
I know that, I just think it's boring she decided to do the same thing with a new brand
>>8737997
I think it would basically be wearing vintage Milkboy. Maybe suits like The Gabriel Chelsea if it's more of a British theme you're after.
Milk in the 80s had a pretty distinctive pop boystyle.
>>8737997
Also, you should check out what Jun used to wear with Choconyan when when she wore JM in streetsnaps.
>>8738102
Not that anon, but I'd love florals. Maybe a trompe l'oeil brooch that looks like a corsage or something inspired by Victorian postcard art.
Also, British seaside brooches for next summer! As for the winter, clusters of snowflake brooches in different sizes or a pair of skates? Ballet would be a nice Christmas theme...
>>8738025
This is so nice - I love anything with stripes
>>8738283
Is their stuff that long or are you very short?
I'm like 5'1"-5'2" and have never really had an issue with JM or Emikyu, but I don't own any LG.
>>8738079
This is so cute.
New ETC dress.
Did they hire an actual designer? It's kinda cute.
Too bad I don't like the cuts of their dresses.
>>8739235
It's like a better version of the AP bear print, but the bears' faces are ugly as fuck. I'm torn.
>>8738153
I actually think emikyu has been getting more interesting because they had been doing the same thing for such a long time
>>8735001
There's a lot of pieces from that release going for retail price on Y!J right now.
>>8737997
Austin Powers kei
>>8738294
>>8738331
I'm 5'0" and most of their stuff is from this length on me >>8737431
to a little longer than the first white and red dress here >>8735237. The length coupled with how short I am compared to other people just kind of looks bad to me. I'm not sure how to convey it. I guess it's like when you see someone in lolita and they're dwarfed by their dress/the print?
>>8739235
I was so excited about this because it was the first real print they'd made since the old designer left.. then I saw the bears' eyes were rhinestones. Makes them look super weird
>>8740054
I've been trying to figure out what was going on with the faces to make them look so off and now that you mention it, they do look a lot like rhinestones.
How hard do you all think it would be to replace the rhinestones with little black buttons or something?
>>8740054
When did the old designer leave and what was her name?
>>8738079
Are they releasing this online? Sorry, I'm new at these sort of releases
>>8735454
I just got these in the mail, they're soooo uncomfortable. Save your money
>>8737997
No, otome means maiden so it wouldn't make sense to have a male version. I asked a similar question a few threads ago, in regards to wearing pants or shorts with otome instead of skirts or dresses. General consensus seemed to be, if you want to do a male Jfashion style that is complimentary to otome, your best bet is ojigirl/ojikawa (pic related)
>>8743167
If you're going to waste a post with a bump, at least post an image (read: contribute) yourself.
Does anyone know how Jane Marple sizing works? Lolibrary never lists waist sizing and it seems like the dresses might fit me, but idk for sure.
Why come I can't find any old pictures of otome kei, didn't this style start in the 70s?
>>8743951
http://jmagazinescans.livejournal.com/75664.html#cutid1
>>8743951
I'll post some '70s Milk.
>>8743961
Blast from the past!
>>8744124
1971
>>8744126
1971
>>8744127
1971 with a tiny bit of a Pink House look to it (I'm just posting everything)
>>8744129
1972
>>8744136
1972
>>8744138
1973
>>8744139
1973
>>8744140
1974. Again, posting these for the sake of completeness though they're basically what we'd call natural kei.
>>8744143
1974
>>8744145
1974
>>8744147
Idols are a good place to find Milk from the '70s and 80s. Here's a Candies photoshoot from 1975, Milk included.
>>8744149
More Candies.
>>8744151
Candies modelling some trompe de l'oeil Milkboy t-shirts from 1977, you still see a lot of that from brands.
>>8744157
Last Candies.
>>8744159
Continuing on the theme of idols wearing Milk, here's Saori Minami.
>>8744161
More Saori Minami. Loving the cute plaid skirts.
>>8744162
Now for Mari Amachi and Milk.
>>8744164
Another Mari Amachi.
>>8744165
Last one of Mari Amachi in what has to be the most '70s photo I've ever seen.
>>8744167
Mako Ishino, you can really see that Milk's retro influences go all the way back to the beginning with this rockabilly-esque combo of crop top and high skirt.
>>8744169
Triangle's Love Locomotion LP cover, which would put this at 1979.
>>8744171
Last one, this is Kumiko Aimoto's cover for Heroine from 1978. Shows a bit of the cute tomboy look that would characterize the 1980s. And this is probably more than enough Milk.
>>8743943
Depending on the way you're shaped, if you're 72cm or lower, JSKs and dresses with full skirts should be alright.
Skirts are a different matter... My old fixed waistband skirts typically hover around 64cm, modern high waist tends to be 68cm, the ones that are supposed to fit lower (wider waistband) are around 72cm.
>>8744172
Where do you find this stuff? I wish there was more info on the history and trends of otome kei like there is for lolita. I can find 70s and 80s pictures that would work for otome kei but I can't find magazines that actually mention the style and cater to it
>>8744236
I don't think they did. It's just that Otome is evolved, modernized 70s clothing. That was my understanding.
>>8744236
Just some creative searching on google.jp. I think I found all those pictures on a fansite that talked about the history of Milk and how it was worn during the idol boom? It might still be up, but it's been a while.
Speaking of blasts from the past, does anyone remember this article?
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2002/05/24/language/japanese-women-staying-in-touch-with-their-inner-virgin/#.Vl3h-narTIV
Looking at the old-school scans, I get the impression that otome has evolved to be more OTT than it used to be. While there's nothing wrong with OTT, I'd be much more inclined to wear the more subdued stuff in my day to day life. Does anybody have examples of modern otome with a somewhat more low key sensibility?
I'm honestly wondering, is otome kei even a thing in Japan? I'm never able to find anything using those terms, it's just "girly style" or the brand name. Thoughts?
>>8744486
I think in Japan it would all be considered under the umbrella of lolita, but since the west has a stricter interpretation of lolita, it evolved to have two names.
>>8744494
Lol
Do you think we just made up the word? It's a thing in Japan too.
>>8744486
If you call up the otome brands and ask them to give a comment on lolita, the staff will straight up tell you they're an otome brand, not a lolita one.
Otome does mean maiden/girl and kei means system/style, in other words, you can loosely translate it to girly style, which may be why you can find it with those words. A lot of google search results will be diluted because a lot of things targeted at young girls pick up the word otome somewhere, for eg -- otome games, otome road, etc.
Remember, too, a lot of lolita blogs don't actually use the word lolita. You'd mostly find the name if the blog decides to talk about the fashion in general (eg- "is lolita dying", "larme is similar to lolita in girlyness") or if the wearer wears multiple fashions. Whereas a lolita blog might just be page of page of <brandname> outfits rather than being described as "lolita" outfits. So similarly someone might post many pages of <brandname> outfits instead of saying that they're wearing "otome" outfit.
>>8744508
Not "made up the word", but I agree with OP, I rarely ever see Japanese girls actually use otome or otome-kei or whatever. For example, on Instagram, any otome pictures I find from Japanese girls are seldom tagged with otome or some variation of it. They only tag the brands they're wearing, if that.
>>8744531
This. Japanese girls have a lot more access to cute brands. You're much more likely to be able to find a group of friends who share love for JM off the internet. Our community, on the other hand, has had to develop ways of tagging things to help us find each other. It's like how there isn't actually a Japanese lolita community so much as groups of friends and the occasional brand teaparty.
Otome exists as a consumption-based archetype and JM/LG/ETC follow the otome code of taste, but as for a specific codified fashion with otome kei as a title and a magazine? It's more abstract. You could just say you're an ETC fan, but I think otome kei is more helpful in describing the aesthetic.
>>8744530
I know what Otome kei translates into, but if I ever see a similar aesthetic described in JP sources, they never use the term itself, which is why I'm wondering where it comes from.
And I also have to disagree to an extent, not every lolita blog uses the word, but outfits on instagram or wear do get tagged with lolita fashion or amarori etc, but I haven't seen the same thing with otome.
>>8744565
>>8744531
That's what I was thinking! There is obviously a common aesthetic, but it doesn't seem to be a "kei" like fairy kei or whatever in Japan. I just find it really interesting.
>>8744464
You could try the Beverly and Baby Pink Moon blogs or any of the other Milk select shops. I tend to find Milk does the most toned down clothes out of the lot.
You might like Mina Perhonen? Low key, modern and ladylike with a '60s design sensibility, they have coord shots of their collections on the homepage. Also, Lois Crayon's styling.
I wish MILK was more popular with the western market, it's my favourite brand. It is quite expensive new, but I find myself wearing it more than Emily temple cute
>>8744850
Most of it is too flashy/garish for my tastes. For example, MILK's donut stuff is a lot of bright colours/crammed prints whereas ETC's donut stuff is nicer pastels spaced out. I like some of their simpler prints and non-print pieces, though.
Pic very related, my dream MILK dress.
>>8744870
Another anon here. I actually find that the flashiness makes MILK easier to wear. I tend to think ETC prints and coords are "neat" in a way that looks unusual to western sensibilities whereas my MILK dresses tend to blend in more with the western take on quirkiness.
>>8744901
I'm just saying that I don't like it personally. I'm not a big fan of western print designs, save for a few from brands like Cath Kidston and Miss Patina. Almost all of my clothing is from brands like JM, Fint, ETC, LG, Amavel, etc.
>>8744863
This is probably a dumb question considering these images are quoting a MILK post, but is that skirt in the middle also MILK?
I'm dying to get this from MILK, preorders are up at the moment and its so well priced.
Lost an auction for a really well proses fairy tale book dress because I was at work. So butthurt.
Milk time!
>>8748129
I love this. Thanks for the Milk pics, anon. I'm glad some really appreciate the brand here. It's usually ETC.
>>8748185
>>8748198
Not a problem anon! Hate to say I'm a tiny bit bored of the ETC focus.
>>8748251
>>8748198
I don't see why people complain about this kind of stuff. If you want to see more of a certain brand, just start posting it yourself.
I feel like while there is quite a bit of Emikyu, there's also a good bit of Jane Marple and other brands posted as well.
>>8748265
>If you want to see more of a certain brand, just start posting it yourself
....that logic. If we had the pictures we wouldn't be asking for them. Posting what you have is not the same thing as someone else posting pics you DONT have, I have no interest in seeing my own pictures/pics I already have. I want NEW ones, that I don't have.
>>8748373
Then post and request instead of just whining? Also, I doubt you have all of the photos on tumblr/the internet, so do a bit of searching yourself.
>>8748415
Stop your fucking salt anon. It's an image board, and its not at all unusual to ask for certain images, stop emplying its wrong to ask for pics and you should look for them yourself. you're being a ridiculous twat.
>>8729405
I feel that too, I've been thinking of trying to coord some of the longer IW dresses as otome but I don't know if it'd work out, they have so much floral stuff but I've never really seen floral otome.
>>8748265
'You people'. Calm anon, i do post other brands, hell I feel like I'm the only one here that stretches to the dark depth of the Otome brand world with never any luck or interest. From the large list above of Otome brands, there's never really pictures posted besides etc, jm and some English brands.
When I say I'm bored, I really am bored. I don't know how to explain it any further, it feels like we've just hit a stump with 'Otome'.
>>8748884
I know what you mean, but for me it's a need to see less lolita looking outfits and more... Well just retro girly styles especially quirky or kitschy.
I asked two threads back for suggestions for this onepiece. Which, thanks to those who suggested yellow and silver I never would have considered it. Sorry for the picture quality, I didn't have a lot of time to take a picture.
>>8749960
I remember that post. You picked a great yellow! It makes the blue look super vibrant.
>>8729393
People who dont want notome to happen just want otome kei to be seen as nicer and more inclusive compared to those bitchy elitist lolita's
>>8731560
Is it me or do the sleeves look too short? I'm worried about buying jm now
My japanese is not very good but I can't find any magazines or brands that mention the term otome kei recently. Just 10-20years ago and on the lolita wiki it says it was started in the 70s, so surely there must be brands or magazines that talked about it in the 70s? I'm really curious about how it has evolved in jpn
>>8750253
Please read upthread, where this was already discussed.
Discussion starts around >>8744486
>>8750249
The sleeves are shorter on some JM, but I think this looks fine.
>>8749960
I really like the cardigan! I'm not a big fan of the socks because UTKs are pretty much universally unflattering and the fox (?) near the toe seems to be shoe-horning the theme a bit, but otherwise cute!
>>8748471
JM has done a few floral collections. It's just a difference of cut, I think. Also, I've always thought the JM florals had a midcentury look (probably helped by cut) while IW was more Victorian.
>>8750304
I was just adding my 2 cents. So far it seems the conclusion of the discussion is that otome kei is not a concrete style in japan currently and the west is trying to make it into something its not?
>>8750350
Japanese fashion in general is much more brand based/brand loyal, I'd say. Even my Japanese lolita friends would say they were into Angelic Pretty or Baby before they'd say "sweet lolita."
I don't think it really matters that the language differs, because we essentially use otome to differentiate from other girly, somewhat quirky but neat styles like twee, whereas in Japan it just works to say a more mature, girly style or rattle off a couple of your favorite brands.
It's obvious that certain brands developed in relation/response to one another and their collective environment, but even with lolita, it's not Mana and Maki sat down over tea one day and said "this is lolita, and this is what makes a lolita look."
I think the "lolita silhouette," GLB, "lolita" authors, and the kind of lolita figureheads/idols really contributed to a more cohesive look/community/vocabulary.
>>8750350
We'd probably have to ask one of the first western girls who wore otome kei to know for sure.
>>8750355
I can see that. I wonder why we don't do the same here, no offense but instead of having a weeby japanese name for my style I prefer to say I have a quirky feminine style and my fave brand is jm.
With lolita, as said before, japanese girls who like baby or ap do tag their coords with lolita and there are places online where they discuss lolita. It just makes me wonder if otome kei is dead there since they did used to mention it in magazines apparently
>>8750363
Or look up the first post about it on egl
>>8750371
I think the need to name and categorize street fashion in the west started back when people had much less access to japanese brands and magazines/ootd websites. To find more about a look categories allowed enthusiasts to find each other even when they didn't have much branded clothing. But now that insta, tumblr, cordisnap, ameblo are popular it really isnt needed and subtle differences in the 'fashion categories' are much more evident. I think the west tend to stick to hard and fast style names out of habit now days.
>>8750371
>>8750381
also the feeling of an outfit seems to have taken the forefront of many 'girly' style fashions. There are many blended subcatagories now that can be accomplished by any brand, from date style mote-kei to retro girly. Each brand can create a feeling and multiple looks while encouraging brand loyalty.
With fast fashion coming in hard in japan brands seem to have responded more with atmosphere, less 'this is an otome brand' more 'wear these clothes to be a Milk style girl'
>>8750381
This. I don't think people realize how little interest in JM there used to be. If you bought something from them, you had to plan to keep it because it'd take you forever to find a buyer unless you had, say, one of the violin skirts. ETC was a little more popular, but the wider community was only interested in full skirted ETC pieces or cardigans.
Otome threads always have the most interesting discussions on this board.
Otome newfag here, is there such a thing as a "goth" otome? Like all black or darker colors but the same aesthetic? If yes examples are appreciated.!
>>8750585
>>8750636
>>8750585
You're in luck! We actually had a discussion about this maybe two threads ago? I think there was also some discussion on the general lolita coordinate thread. You can probably track it down easily on one of the archives.
General consensus was otome with dark colors would just be otome. If you're looking for examples, brand winter collections usually use a darker palette. I think JM's Fairy Tale Opal would be a good collection for gothic lolitas wanting to give otome a try.
>>8750637
>>8750642
Love this. It actually looks a bit Regency.
>>8750642
>>8750646
>>8750647
the girl has many nice darker coords
she goes by m3rryg0r0und on insta
>>8750641
Holy fuck that is gorgeous, I need it.
Unrelated, have otome brands released any dresses with vegetable prints? Or are vegetables just not as kawaii as fruits and candy?
>>8750687
Merlotcamp had a few vegetable series
Not sure if full on otome but they're otomeable depending on the cut and your styling
>>8750687
Emily temple cute "vegetable and fruits" print
>>8750687
The Alice in Wonderland Opal series was also pretty cute, and actually had some better cuts. It's nice when a brand does something nice, like intricate velveteen flocking, and just runs with it in a lot of different directions.
>>8750641
I think you could certainly do a dark twist on otome without falling into the full-on goth traps of heavy make-up, spikes and other 'edgy' accessories etc.
I've been thinking about this recently actually, I like the idea of trying out say, gothic tinged make up looks and pairing it with darker otome clothing. I appreciate that otome, lolita and larme are not the same styles for instance, but I can see elements being combined successfully, hell I"d even go as far as to say that we may start to see this style emerging as another trend of sorts - lolita and otome with a larme type aesthetic and/or romantic, feminine goth. I could be way of mark but hey, you heard it here right(!).
Some of the stuff by PAMEO POSE (which has been featured in larme) kinda makes me think of 'gothic otome' if there was such a thing.
I could imagine hair and make-up like pic related paired with >>8738092 >>8738078
>>8738025
>>8737381
>>8734040
>>8731560
>>8724103
>>8750850
>>8750868
Aspects of brand Neb Aaran Do makes me think of 'gothic tinged otome' as well.
>>8750876
>>8750879
from larme but has otome elements in my opinion
>>8750887
>>8750891
>>8750899
>>8750902
>>8750906
aspects of siriusc's style make me think of gothic tinged otome as well, I absolutely adore her sense of style in general.
Ok, that's enough from me, I promise to stop tying to make gothic otome happen now.
>>8750937
Black ≠ Gothic.
>>8750949
thanks for the tip anon, I had no idea!
For a less snarky shithead reply, yes this is absolutely true but there will always be a few grey areas too with pretty much any style, which is why I used phrases like 'gothic tinged'. I also mentioned the possibility of pairing subtle gothic type make-up with otome outfits and posted some examples I think it could work with, it wasn't intended to be a declaration of 'check out these totes gothic otome coords guys' - I would agree that they're not gothic in style, but rather could potentially accommodate additional subtle gothic styling elements (if one chose to add them).
I personally think siriusc adds a gothic vibe to a lot of her outfits, even if they aren't always strictly gothic. I don't think gothic influence has to be in the 'shits bats' type category, or necessarily needs to incorporate cross motifs and other more typical gothic symbols etc.
Not otome related per se, but I remember when Risa Nakamura stated that she likes to add a touch of gothic and 'poison' to her outfits, but to look at them they don't really immediately register as 'gothic'. I believe there is such thing as a gothic sense or feeling when it comes to certain looks and styles, but when it's less apparent I appreciate that not everyone will agree on its presence.
>>8750995
For me there is a difference between Gothic (defined as 'portentously gloomy or horrifying:
19th-century Gothic horror); possessing a dark, mysterious, sombre or even morbid feel to it, and actual 'small g' goth as in the pop culture that utilizes Gothic elements. Like a house or a book can have a Gothic feel to it, and so can an otome outfit, without, as you say, having overt goth motifs like bats, crosses, blood etc. It's more of a feel or sentiment. I do get that vibe from Risa herself even if I don't necessarily get that from many of her outfits.
>>8726521
Chiffon rose IS mulberry chronicles
>>8750371
Yeah. I like these threads for inspiration but otome kei is not a real substyle to me.
>>8750937
Thanks for the inspo dump anon!!
Is otome dying? Sometimes I wonder. I haven't been around a long time, but it doesn't seem like the tags are that active on Instagram. Or is it just so niche? Larme kei on the other hand really seems to be taking off.
>>8757308
Larme's the hot mainstream trend atm. It's got all sorts of magazine ads. Otome is def more niche.
>>8757308
It's just niche, plus the otomekei/otomefashion tags are mostly used by westerners anyway.
>>8757899
If you check the brand tags, I wouldn't call them particularly very active either.
