Friday, November 26, 2010

Photo of the Day: All Tied Up

This corset is still in the process of being broken in, so I don't tighten it very far.

Just a snapshot today. This photo was taken on a whim while I was trying on a coordinate I've been planning for a while now. I have a (fairly blatant) interest in the wear of functional corsets, and have for quite a long time. However, it was only last year that I started to purchase and wear them.

The use of corsets in lolita is sort of a hit or miss subject. Some lolitas proclaim that it is a perfectly fine piece of clothing, others define it as acceptable only if it's under your other clothing, and yet others have decided that wearing a corset at all is outright ita.

As you may have guessed, I belong to the first category, provided that the corset is the same level of quality as the rest of your ensemble.

Many lolitas who don corsets only wear them for ero coordinates, but that certainly isn't the only time that they're appropriate. Gothic, pirate and even classic coordinates can mesh perfectly well with a corset and give it a bit of an extra umph! It adds a bit of an edge to the outfit, and provides a purely feminine appeal. It also allows you another element of layering, which can make for interesting effects.

While lolita in itself isn't meant to be a "sexy" fashion by any means, a corset definitely has connotations in that direction. It takes the wearer out of the mold of a child's doll, and turns her into something with a bit more spine.

A steel-boned corset creates a womanly silhouette, which is further emphasized by the full skirts beneath it. The effect can be quite alluring, and really different. For the right shape, a dropped waist skirt or A-line skirt works best. However, the corset ought to be high enough on the hip not to impede the shape of the petticoat.

The main problem that lolitas face in choosing corsets are that they choose a "longline" corset. These are modeled after post-Edwardian fashions, and extend down over the hips for a smoother line under clothing. When worn over a lolita skirt, this squashes and ruins the silhouette. As such, it's ideal to use a shorter corset (this also makes it easier to sit down and move around).


For websites that sell corsets, I recommend the following:

  1. Timeless Trends - A good starting point for beginners. They are inexpensive, and have many options in terms of fabric.
  2. Corsets UK - Another good starting point for beginners. Their corsets are very sturdy and comfortable without being too costly. Just make sure you stick to their steel-boned corsets and avoid the fashion, plastic-boned corsets if you plan on tight-lacing.
  3. Meschantes Corsetry - This shop provides primarily custom-made corsets. They are very high quality, and the price reflects that. They also sell liners, garters and chemises for those who wish to wear their corsets under their clothing.
  4. Scoundrelle's Keep - I have not had personal experience with this shop yet, but their designs are beautiful. They have also collaborated with lolita designers in the past to create steampunk lolita coordinates and lolita-friendly dresses.
For information on how to wear and break-in a steel boned corset, please read through Romantasy's Guide

14 comments:

MarkoManager

I follow your blog...

Someone

this pic is awesome! sup marko. u are everywhere i am.

HSP

Ah, I fucking love corsets. Looking at them that is. I haven't quite been ready to drop the cash on them yet. I've been admiring some of the ones from Excentrique for a while. I believe they can look very elegant!

Looking forward to seeing a full outfit post!

Thanks for those links :)

Ada

Corsets look amazing but I'm afraid of lacing them wrong because I'd have to put them on myself :/

Omi

Very sexy. :3

Miss Lumpy

Beautiful pic~ I love corsets. I have one custom-made by a friend, but they're so addicting- I need more!!

Anonymous

you put a nice post today!

focusing the lens

@ HSP: Ohgod, I know. I loooooove Excentrique's corsets. I've been dying to get one of their bustle back pieces for ages, but I'm worried about the sizing, so it'll probably be a while before I get up the guts to go for one.

@ Ada: It's actually not hard! Many corsets come pre-laced, and bilateral lacing for tight-lacing doesn't come out because of how it's done up. The only issue I have in lacing myself up is that the modesty panel sometimes shifts around.

@ Everyone in general: Thanks for the comments and compliments. :)

123

http://www.timeless-trends.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=-9119191789599817471

This chick is falling out of her corset, lol
They look good on some people :D

Rachel The Bad Kitty

You know I love corsets. Timeless Trends are the best. When my weight goes down more I want to get a new one.

Anonymous

I bought a Charlotte Cincher from SK and I love it! Mine is cream and the closure is lace-up, so it takes a while to get on and off, but I like it a lot :D Haven't really got anything to wear with it yet though... not much off-white or ivory in my closet :o Such hard colors to coordinate

Anonymous

cool post ! i like it, wach my blog to.

Priscilla

Thanks for the post!! Those tips are really useful! :)

A friend of mine got me into corsets and I only have one at the moment, but I'm looking forward to getting more ^^ Actually, I'm quite curious about Corsets UK, not for proper corset-wearing, but more for fashion *eyeballs a few of their steel-boned corsets* Hmmmmm... XD

focusing the lens

@ Priscilla: Actually, I'm wearing one of their steel-boned corsets in the above photo. :D

Just avoid the plastic fashion section and you should be fine. They have some corsets with quite nice fabrics in their tight-lacing section.

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...