Meetups are arguably the core of Lolita culture... gathering with your lolita friends, coordinating outfits together, and heading out to do something decidedly "Lolita". It can be visiting a new cafe, or a more physical outing, like exploring a zoo. This week in the Lolita Carnival, we'll be sharing ideas for 5 Meetups. My first suggestion is actually counter-intuitive to most lolitas, dare I say, blasphemous. But what the heck. 1.) HAVE AN ANIMAL DAY. YES. Break out the brand cat ears you've been dying to wear, or that ridiculous bonnet with long floppy bunny ears. Dig out the furry bear eared headdress you've been shoving into the shadows of your drawer, because you know what? It's cute as hell. You know you want to wear it, but fear the taunts of "cosplay". But I say, for one day, loosen up. ^^ Or should I say... GO WILD! Go on a nature trail, or public garden if you have any in your area. If you're worried about the terrain, how about a Nature Reserve? There was a lovely one I visited in Washington state called the Bloedel Reserve, with a sprawling lawn, elegant lake and a Victorian manor. Also, you don't have to wear something costume-y to participate. An "animal" theme is as open ended as you make it. And if you look around, there's plenty of pretty, inexpensive things you can buy or make to transform an outfit. Take this cat-eared veil I found on Etsy, for instance... Etsy It seems easy to recreate, with some tulle and wire. ^^ Or who says you have to be a mammal? If you're more into elegant butterflies or birds, that would be lovely too. Etsy 2.) Cooking Mama I love to bake... mostly because I can't cook anything except dessert, haha! So I think it would be really fun to have everyone show off their own cooking or baking skills, and have a cooking meet-up. (To save your clothes during preparation, this may be best completed pot-luck style.) Or, if you can't bake or cook, buy something and bring it. :) Then dress the part of the chef and try to convince everyone you made it. Have everyone come in their baker's best... or by that I mean, take a regular lolita coord and add an apron. Because really, when else do we get to wear those things? It's also a great opportunity to break out your maid-themed coords, if you have any! If you're one of the fortunate few, maybe you live near a place where you can go and cook your own entree. While I was in Japan, I saw a restaurant where you pay a professional to teach you how to cook. They provide the gourmet ingredients and guide you and your guest through the entire process. Not only is it delicious, but you get the self-fulfilment of making your own delicious meal! Or, there was a bakery I went to in Washington called Bella Bella Cupcakes. They offered a party where the guests made their own signature cupcake batter, combining whatever flavours they wanted. Supplies were provided by the bakery. Then when you were done, the bakers baked your cupcakes, and brought them out for you to decorate. ... who cares if it was a kid's party package, doesn't it sound like fun?! Do some research and see if there is anything like that in your area! 3.) Karaoke Because. Whenever I go out in lolita. I'm usually going to karaoke. A Hello Kitty karaoke room I rented with my friend in Tokyo. No, but really! Karaoke is a great ice breaker, and an ice maker... since we never get to wear cute Lolita coats in Hawaii, we once had a "Winter Karaoke" meet up, where we wore our winter lolita gear to the private karaoke room, then cranked up the air conditioning on full blast. And of course, you can sing Christmas carols while you do this. ;D Many people are scared to go, because they think it's "horrible and embarrassing"... and you know, I used to think so too. Until I went with about three thousand Japanese people. xD One of my good friends was in a band, and would just go wild at karaoke, yelling into the mic, kicking chairs, jumping, dancing, head banging... and even though he was great, his voice cracks too. And he'd sing duets with the worst of us, myself included. It's just about having fun. No one is an expert, and that's not what we're expecting. If everyone is worried about outdoing each other, you're going with the wrong people, haha. My point is, have a karaoke lolita meet-up, you won't regret it! 4.) ... You know, I think I spent all my energy on the first idea, haha! OKAY FOUR. UNITED NATIONS! On Metamorphose's website there is a world map, tagged with customers from all over the globe. From Metamorphose's Go! Go! Lolita Chan! Ever since I started lolita back in 2007, I remember this map on the site. So that is where I got the inspiration... Everybody comes dressed as a different country! Deep reds and greens for Italy, Red White and Blue with star accessories for America, Marie Antoinette for France, that kimono Jsk from Meta you never get to wear for Japan! This meet can hit the street at an event where you're sure to be street snapped, or maybe take it to a show, like the theatre, ballet or a circus. 5.) A Masquerade Etsy Going out at night is just as fun, if not more fun than going out in the day! And with a theme like "Masquerade", your options are endless. Guests should be encouraged to create or modify their own masquerade mask to match their outfit. Maybe you could have a contest, for most original, best over all, and so on! Possible events for this theme could be Art After Dark, First Friday, concerts, art openings, holidays such as New Years and Halloween... No matter what the meet up or the theme, I've always believed it's the people, not what you do, that make the experience. So no matter how fun or simple your meet-up idea is, enjoy the time with your friends and getting to know new people over all. I hope someday I get to go to a meet-up with all of my darlings! I'll make you all wear animal ears and dress like countries and sing karaoke, muwahaha. xoxo, Slightly Sadistic Cherie This week's participants: ☆ Let’s Go ☆ Hello Batty ☆ Beyond Kawaii ☆ Palace of Frills ☆ Sweet Lolita Doll ☆ A Life in Disguise ☆ Päivänvarjon alla ☆ Lolita Cor-de-Rosa ☆ Geisha Baby ☆ Angel Shinigami ☆