The Gothic Lolita Tea Party 2008! TICKET PRICE UPDATE PLEASE READ!

[FizzTheCarbonated]

Hi, everyone!  This is Aimee, and together with my boyfriend Chris I will be your host for the Gothic Lolita Tea Party this year at Kumoricon!  I'm still waiting on some information from the higher-ups, but I can post what I have!

Time:  The tea party is currently scheduled for Saturday afternoon, 2:00-4:00.  Tickets will be sold starting at 1:30, at the door to the tea party.

Tickets:  Yes, tickets.  Yes, sold.  This year, the tea party will require a small ticket fee in order to offset the costs of the hotel catering.  The Host Club Tea Party has to charge this year as well--it's pretty fair, really.  We can't expect the con to cover the cost of providing food for hungry otaku/lolitas.  It's looking like the cost for the tea party will be around $7 a person--I'll update with final information when I have it.  TICKETS ARE NOW $9!  I apologize for this change, I only now got the finalized menu and ticket prices.  Please keep this in mind when you bring money for your tickets at the door!

Food:  I don't have any specifics on this yet, but we're shooting for a cheese platter, fruit of some sort, pastries of some sort, cookies, and cake.  Chris actually works at a tea shop here in Seattle, so we'll be handling the tea (brewed from loose, with love and care because we're tea geeks).  We also plan to bring some English biscuits as well.

Dress Code:  I know this was something of an issue last year, so I'm spelling it out early and often.  This is a lolita tea party.  If you're not sure if your outfit qualifies as lolita, here's a simple checklist:  The skirt should be at least knee-length and poofy like a bell; the fabric should be a smooth cotton, not cheap and shiny; the shirt should be high-necked and modest; socks should be knee-high, or opaque tights; any lace should be smooth and soft, not plastic and scratchy.  Think elegant!  Lolita is a fashion, not a costume.  Cosplay costumes will not be allowed unless they fit the guidelines of lolita fashion.  Visual kei is a related style to lolita, and may be allowed in based on how much space there is.  Space is limited, so that's why the tea party has a dress code enforced--otherwise it wouldn't really be a Gothic Lolita Tea Party, would it?  ^_~

If you are new to the lolita fashion and want more information, please do check out LolitaFashion.  It's a great place to learn more about the different styles.  If you don't have an outfit yet, Anna House Fashion is a Hong Kong based lolita brand that is good quality, cute, and affordable.  (The prices are in Hong Kong dollars!  Don't have a heart attack!)  In The Starlight is a US lolita brand that is also pretty affordable, and their new store launches on the 31st of July.

If you have any questions about whether your outfit will be allowed, please feel free to ask me!  I won't bite.  ^_^

RSVPs:  If you know for sure you'll be able to attend, please let me know your screenname, your real first name, and who you will be attending with (if anyone) so I can seat you together.  (Dates need to be dressed appropriately as well, so please keep that in mind!)  I'm keeping 20 online RSVP spots available, and 10 at the door.  More slots may be available depending on room size--I'll keep everyone updated.  If you can't get in, we do hope to be able to provide at least a small cup of tea and a biscuit as consolation.

I'm sure I've forgotten something.  If you have any questions, fire away!

RSVPs so far:  (ONE RSVP SPOT LEFT!)

Me (Aimee)
Chris (My boyfriend)
Ashlee  (Helper)

x0g33k0x
Lee Zarate

PookieNoodle--tenative

Chuguru
Renee
+
nennivie
Rikki

forum/lj: pinqfuu/pinq_couture--tenative
real: Nikki

KonekoRiko i.e. Ariane
Edna/Eddie

vampirek_yaoi--Tea Party Yojimbo

Holly (LJ user Kinouko} + 2 guests.

Ashley + 2 guests.

Amber
saya-chan14

Inomi
Sarah

lin_hikaru_7

[Serika]

I won't be going this year, but I went to the Lolita Tea Party last year and I have some suggestions. :>


I want to suggest that you make this ANNOYINGLY PUBLIC that the dresscode is VERY enforced, and there is limited seating.  My friends and I didn't know this, and 2/3 of us were just in "casual lolita" (aka we had no idea what we were doing and put on frilly things), and only I was originally approved to go in.  I had to kinda ask/beg a little. 
Another thing is more interaction between tables.  Of course this wasn't intentional, but a few of us were thrown at the "reject table" in the corner, where we BARELY had gotten into the room.  A couple of us had dirty utensils.  But the hosts were spending their time at the other tables and not going over to us, which kinda gave us a negative vibe.  Even if you're being picky about who gets in, treat all your guests equally once they do get in. :3
And laaastly, when you need to reject people, make sure to do it nicely.  I think a host last year was getting a little tired of saying no, and was just being pretty blunt when we showed up.  So just make sure to be nice to people. 8D;;;

I'm sorry if I'm being rude. ><;;;

[x0g33k0x]

RSVP~ing.

x0g33k0x
Lee Zarate

Not sure if I'm going to be bringing anyone. I have lolita friends that I'm going with to the con, but I'm pretty sure that they'll be cosplaying for the entirety of the con. ^^

[FizzTheCarbonated]

I won't be going this year, but I went to the Lolita Tea Party last year and I have some suggestions. :>


I want to suggest that you make this ANNOYINGLY PUBLIC that the dresscode is VERY enforced, and there is limited seating.  My friends and I didn't know this, and 2/3 of us were just in "casual lolita" (aka we had no idea what we were doing and put on frilly things), and only I was originally approved to go in.  I had to kinda ask/beg a little. 

I fully intend on doing this as much as possible.  It's going to be described in the con booklet, here on the forums, in as many places as I can.  I didn't get in last year, either.

Another thing is more interaction between tables.  Of course this wasn't intentional, but a few of us were thrown at the "reject table" in the corner, where we BARELY had gotten into the room.  A couple of us had dirty utensils.  But the hosts were spending their time at the other tables and not going over to us, which kinda gave us a negative vibe.  Even if you're being picky about who gets in, treat all your guests equally once they do get in. :3

I will certainly try to make everyone feel welcome!  I don't think the dirty utensils were the part of the hosts, though, because I think the hotel was catering the tea party...

And laaastly, when you need to reject people, make sure to do it nicely.  I think a host last year was getting a little tired of saying no, and was just being pretty blunt when we showed up.  So just make sure to be nice to people. 8D;;;

This is why I plan on having tea and biscuits to soften the blow, and putting the dress code everywhere I can think of putting it.  ^_^

I'm sorry if I'm being rude. ><;;;

Not rude at all!  It's good to get feedback, since this is my first year running it!

[PookieNoodle]

I would like to tentatively RSVP. I would love to come, but it is hard for me to know until the day of if I will be able to break away from my booth at that time.

[FizzTheCarbonated]

I would like to tentatively RSVP. I would love to come, but it is hard for me to know until the day of if I will be able to break away from my booth at that time.

Okay, I'll put you down tentatively, but your spot will be opened to someone else at 2:00 if you can't show up.  Sound fair?  ^_^

[PookieNoodle]

Sure! Though, if it isn't too much trouble, could I have you call my cell around 1:30 day of (then I could let you know immediately if I was heading up or unable to come)? If that is possible, my number is 503 704 1169, other wise no worries. 

[x0g33k0x]

BTW: Where is the tea party going to be held? I've actually never been down to this con or Oregon for that matter. lol. I've driven through it on my way to California, but that's about it. XD

[FizzTheCarbonated]

Sure! Though, if it isn't too much trouble, could I have you call my cell around 1:30 day of (then I could let you know immediately if I was heading up or unable to come)? If that is possible, my number is 503 704 1169, other wise no worries. 

I think I can do that.  ^_^

BTW: Where is the tea party going to be held? I've actually never been down to this con or Oregon for that matter. lol. I've driven through it on my way to California, but that's about it. XD

Er, in the hotel?  The Kumoricon main page has all that information.  ^_^

[tofutakeout]

damn I'm not dressing Lolita this year. how ever I will next year if your going to have the tea party again.

I'm designing my own Lolita outfit. I'm not sure it's completely Lolita though. when I'm done with the sketch could I show it too you and you can tell me if it's right or not? it's better to have personal feedback then to try to just learn it from reading it from a site.

[FizzTheCarbonated]

damn I'm not dressing Lolita this year. how ever I will next year if your going to have the tea party again.

Someone will have the tea party again if I don't, but if it goes well I'll definitely host it again.  ^_^

I'm designing my own Lolita outfit. I'm not sure it's completely Lolita though. when I'm done with the sketch could I show it too you and you can tell me if it's right or not? it's better to have personal feedback then to try to just learn it from reading it from a site.

That would be fine!  You also might want to lurk on EGL and read the Lolita Handbook.  You'll get good information in both places.  EGL can look a little intimidating, but if you lurk for a bit and read the FAQ and Memories before you post you'll do fine.  ^_^

[tofutakeout]

damn I'm not dressing Lolita this year. how ever I will next year if your going to have the tea party again.

Someone will have the tea party again if I don't, but if it goes well I'll definitely host it again.  ^_^

I'm designing my own Lolita outfit. I'm not sure it's completely Lolita though. when I'm done with the sketch could I show it too you and you can tell me if it's right or not? it's better to have personal feedback then to try to just learn it from reading it from a site.

That would be fine!  You also might want to lurk on EGL and read the Lolita Handbook.  You'll get good information in both places.  EGL can look a little intimidating, but if you lurk for a bit and read the FAQ and Memories before you post you'll do fine.  ^_^

thank you so much. I'll definitely check it out for sure.

[chuguru]

I'm RSVPing!

Screen name: Chuguru
Real name: Renee
Friends: I will be coming with friends, but they have yet to RSVP. I have also yet to discuss it it depth with them, either.

[FizzTheCarbonated]

I'm RSVPing!

Screen name: Chuguru
Real name: Renee
Friends: I will be coming with friends, but they have yet to RSVP. I have also yet to discuss it it depth with them, either.

Okay, you're down on the list.  ^_^

[oslapedo]

This sounds really cool, but I don't think I'm doing lolita this year. If you do this again next year however...

[FizzTheCarbonated]

This sounds really cool, but I don't think I'm doing lolita this year. If you do this again next year however...

Hopefully it'll go well and I will!  ^_^

[oslapedo]

Yay! I hope it does ^_^

[PinqFuu]

Hi guys!

Long time no see, been busy here in the North! I will be attending Kcon again this year, but at an artist table. So I'm going to have to say tentatively for now my RSVP. I don't want to miss another meet up, and this is a good opportunity! But I have my table to watch as well... Besides that! Pertinent info:

forum/lj: pinqfuu/pinq_couture
real: Nikki
friends/SO: none

[FizzTheCarbonated]

Hi guys!

Long time no see, been busy here in the North! I will be attending Kcon again this year, but at an artist table. So I'm going to have to say tentatively for now my RSVP. I don't want to miss another meet up, and this is a good opportunity! But I have my table to watch as well... Besides that! Pertinent info:

forum/lj: pinqfuu/pinq_couture
real: Nikki
friends/SO: none

Sweet!  I'll put you down tentatively.  ^_^

[KonekoRiko]

I'll be coming!

KonekoRiko i.e. Ariane

Also my little sister who is going to come as my Dandy escort because she is super tall. She's not on the forums, but she goes by Edna/Eddie, so you can put her down, too.

[FizzTheCarbonated]

I'll be coming!

KonekoRiko i.e. Ariane

Also my little sister who is going to come as my Dandy escort because she is super tall. She's not on the forums, but she goes by Edna/Eddie, so you can put her down, too.

Okay, you're down on the list.  ^_^

[vampirek_yaoi]

Hmmm....I'll most likely be there as well. I'll be on shift for Yojimbo so I think the Gothic Lolita Tea Party is for one of my shifts. Hope I can be of lot's of help with the crowds. ^___^

[FizzTheCarbonated]

Hmmm....I'll most likely be there as well. I'll be on shift for Yojimbo so I think the Gothic Lolita Tea Party is for one of my shifts. Hope I can be of lot's of help with the crowds. ^___^

Ooh, if you're going to be our official tea party Yojimbo that would be awesome.  ^_^

[vampirek_yaoi]

Hmmm....I'll most likely be there as well. I'll be on shift for Yojimbo so I think the Gothic Lolita Tea Party is for one of my shifts. Hope I can be of lot's of help with the crowds. ^___^

Ooh, if you're going to be our official tea party Yojimbo that would be awesome.  ^_^

Yea most likely I will. I'll be doing my best. 

[Hole the killer]

Hey, this is Holly (LJ user Kinouko}. I would like to reserve 3 tickets for me, and 2 guests!

[FizzTheCarbonated]

Hey, this is Holly (LJ user Kinouko}. I would like to reserve 3 tickets for me, and 2 guests!

Okay, can you give me the names of your guests, please?  ^_^

[Janice]

Hi, I would like to RSVP!

My real first name is Ashley, and I am also RSVPing for my sister, Jennifer, and her boyfriend, Ray, so we can sit together

I am so excited that you're running the tea party this year!

[FizzTheCarbonated]

Hi, I would like to RSVP!

My real first name is Ashley, and I am also RSVPing for my sister, Jennifer, and her boyfriend, Ray, so we can sit together

I am so excited that you're running the tea party this year!

Okay, you're down!  Please make sure Jennifer and Ray know about the dress code.  ^_^

[vampirek_yaoi]

So dress code is like a 'must' or you can't enter?
I was just wondering about that.

[FizzTheCarbonated]

So dress code is like a 'must' or you can't enter?
I was just wondering about that.

Yes.  As I said in the first post:

This is a lolita tea party.  <snip>  Think elegant!  Lolita is a fashion, not a costume.  Cosplay costumes will not be allowed unless they fit the guidelines of lolita fashion.  Visual kei is a related style to lolita, and may be allowed in based on how much space there is.  Space is limited, so that's why the tea party has a dress code enforced--otherwise it wouldn't really be a Gothic Lolita Tea Party, would it?  ^_~

I mean, if I was having a Naruto Costume Party, it wouldn't make sense to let people in who weren't in Naruto costumes, right?

[vampirek_yaoi]

Hmm...well I guess it makes sense.

[FizzTheCarbonated]

Hmm...well I guess it makes sense.

I think sometimes people confuse lolita tea parties with maid cafes, and they're not the same thing.  Lolita tea parties are about people who like and wear lolita getting together and celebrating what they like.  Maid cafes are about going to a cafe and being waited on by cute girls in maid costumes.

Lolita != Maid.

[vampirek_yaoi]

Hmm...well I guess it makes sense.

I think sometimes people confuse lolita tea parties with maid cafes, and they're not the same thing.  Lolita tea parties are about people who like and wear lolita getting together and celebrating what they like.  Maid cafes are about going to a cafe and being waited on by cute girls in maid costumes.

Lolita != Maid.

Well yes I see what you mean. I have seen it happen before. So are you accepting anyone that has a Lolita outfit right? Since they are many types from Innocent Lolita, to Gothic Lolita. So in general is all the goes around Lolita. So what about you? What type of dress are you wearing? You don't have to answer if you don't want to, or want it to be a surprise. >.<;; I was just wondering that's all.

[FizzTheCarbonated]

Well yes I see what you mean. I have seen it happen before. So are you accepting anyone that has a Lolita outfit right? Since they are many types from Innocent Lolita, to Gothic Lolita. So in general is all the goes around Lolita. So what about you? What type of dress are you wearing? You don't have to answer if you don't want to, or want it to be a surprise. >.<;; I was just wondering that's all.

Yes, any style of lolita is fine as long as it's actually lolita.  For example, this dress and this dress would both be acceptable, even though they're wildly different.  This outfit, though, would not be acceptable, because it's not lolita.

I haven't decided what I'm wearing yet, actually.  I may try to sew something new if I have enough time, but that would have to wait until after I finish my Last Exile cosplay.

[vampirek_yaoi]

Oh, yea preatty lolita dresses.
I'm working on my J-Rock, Visual Kei, Gothic Lolita website for Kumoricon.
You should check it out if you like?
It's not even close to be done, but I'm giving it my best since I just started it last night.

http://jrock-visualkei-gotchilolita-kumoricon.synthasite.com/

[FizzTheCarbonated]

Hey, folks!  Can I get people to tell me what style they're planning on wearing to the tea party?  I'd like to try to decorate the tables to match the predominant styles being worn.  If you're not sure what style your outfit counts as, check here.  Thanks!

[lin_hikaru_7]

This post is a bit random, as I don't even know if I should RSVP, but if I do, I want to know what would qualify as suitably 'lolita'.

Does anybody remember a store called 'Daisy Kingdom'? They were a specialty store which sold adorable printed fabrics, and girls dresses, all which had a very frilly, little girl vibe. As a child, both I and my Mother loved that brand.

Anyway, I recently came across a dress such as that which fit me (strange, considering their target audience were pre-pubescent girls, and someone who had sewn the dress using fabric wouldn't have put a tag in). Although I think that such a dress follows Lolita aesthetics in the way that it was designed for a cute, little girl, such a view might not apply since Lolita fashion is not only about looking like a little girl, but looking like a cute young girl from a certain set of aesthetics.

I'm just curious to see whether or not someone who was experienced in the fashion would consider it suitably 'Lolita' enough, from both a 'would it be let into the tea party' and a 'would it be in good taste' point of view.

[FizzTheCarbonated]

Post a picture and I can tell you!  For what it's worth, a lot of slim lolitas can find cute clothes that are appropriate at Gymboree, so the fact that it's kid's clothing isn't an issue per se.  Clothing for kids just tends to be on the sweet end of the spectrum, so they're not something that ever really works for a classicgothpunk like me.  ^_^

[lin_hikaru_7]

It's not clean or pressed at the moment (thrift store!), so no photo, but I can do a little scribbley approximation of it.

It's a has a print of small pink violet flowers, empire waist with princess seams, cute peter pant collar, puffy sleeves. Also, the picture doesn't really show this, but skirt is probably slightly longer than your typical Lolita.



Thanks for taking time to evaluate! I really appreciate it.

[FizzTheCarbonated]

I'd have to see a photo to be sure, but that looks pretty good to me.  The only thing is that the skirt doesn't look terribly poofy, and the vast majority of lolita skirts have crazypoof.  With some white Mary Jane's and some matching socks and hairbows, that would look pretty adorable!

[saya-chan14]

do you still have spots open cues me and a friend really want to go. we just bought are Lolita outfits

Name: Amber
User name: saya-chan14

[FizzTheCarbonated]

do you still have spots open cues me and a friend really want to go. we just bought are Lolita outfits

Name: Amber
User name: saya-chan14

Yes, there are still spots available.  ^_^

Where did you get you outfits from? 

[Inomi]

Okay! I am RSVP-ing.

Screenname: Inomi
Real Name: Sarah

I might have one guest, if I can get her into something suitable. 

[lin_hikaru_7]

Thank you! Well, now that I know I have good chance of passing the clothing bar, I would very much like to RSVP!

Could I be put down for one and 1/6 guests? The one sixth is for my Dollfie, Chou. If she was allowable, I'm sure she would love to come along. Although, her outfit is kind of borderline...

[FizzTheCarbonated]

Thank you! Well, now that I know I have good chance of passing the clothing bar, I would very much like to RSVP!

Could I be put down for one and 1/6 guests? The one sixth is for my Dollfie, Chou. If she was allowable, I'm sure she would love to come along. Although, her outfit is kind of borderline...

Haha, dolls are perfectly allowed!  I'm going to bring my two.  ^_^

[Janice]

I'll either be in sweet lolita or kodona.  I really haven't decided yet, and they're vastly different so I doubt it's helping you XD

[julietta]

This sounds like *SO* much fun!
I really want to go, but I won't be wearing any Lolita clothes ( I have none ;_; )
Baah, I'm sad that there is a dress code for this.
I hope you guys have fun! ^__^ sounds like a blast!

[nennivie]

I'm RSVPing! Real name Rikki, and I see that Renee is already signed up, so I'd like to be at her table

[FizzTheCarbonated]

This sounds like *SO* much fun!
I really want to go, but I won't be wearing any Lolita clothes ( I have none ;_; )
Baah, I'm sad that there is a dress code for this.
I hope you guys have fun! ^__^ sounds like a blast!

You still have time to get a dress from Anna House or a skirt from In The Starlight.  They're very affordable.  Maybe you'll be able to come next year?

nennivie, you're down for a spot.  ^_^

[FizzTheCarbonated]

I realized that me and my assistants were going to take up RSVP spots as well.  With that in mind, there is ONE RSVP SPOT LEFT.  There will be ten more at-the-door spots, who will be allowed in based on a first-come-first-serve basis, if they fit the dress code.