8.10.26
as i branch into other jfashion styles i thought a list compiling some "western jfashion-adjacent brands" may be helpful. please note that this is primarily focused on brands that may be more accessible to people who don't live in japan and also focused on styles that are more easily thriftable, to give newbies an idea of what they can shop around for without focusing on only on buying from j-brand. for more help on how to shop for lolita fashion, please refer to /egl/howtololita as lolita isn't exactly a thriftable style for newbies unless you really know what you're doing.
as a reminder i reside in the continental USA so this is catered to people located here.
pieces you can find for cheap/at tj maxx/marshall's/ross/the thrift store or on depop/ebay/poshmark etc:
- ed hardy
- betsey johnson
- cabo
- baby phat
- true religion
- bebe
- chico's
- roxy
- juicy couture
- essentials (lingerie like slips etc)
- victoria's secret
- rocawear
- southpole (i feel like they're getting jnco-level-scalped on depop these days... but you can still find them cheap at the thrift)
- kate spade
- lucky brand
online small brands
- truth or dare - gals come hither
- dollface - freaking love the mortuary stuff. finally helped me fulfill my vision of a giant red cross necklace in my cult party looks
- angeltype - sizing is super inconsistent so be warned about that. i have the batwing shirt in M and it's huge on me and i had a tank top in XL that did not fit me (too small) and a baby tee in XL that fits like a S. also i won't lie they used to be way more affordable than this and i get inflation is kicking everyone's ass but i'm kind of shocked at the price increases in the past two years
- happy99 - they just make me happy :) 99. hopefully i can own something from them one day, i really like their scarves and beanies
- steady hands - i've had an eye on them for a while but lately they've been popping off. the YGO duelist denim has got to be the coolest pair of pants in the world
- sixth dimension - just super cute whimsical stuff. i keep almost buying the room 602 sweater and then not? i should get it someday.
- as always, check out independent sellers on instagram or depop or whereever--buying from your community is the best way to keep the fashion alive and make sure you support people who gaf about this stuff. i see a lot of really cool hime/agejo gyaru accessories on depop and there's tons of indie lolita accessory makers too