Why hello there!

How do I begin something like this? Should I say 'welcome'?

No, I should introduce myself first, I think.

How do you do, I'm Jenny Pearl. You can just call me Jenny if you like though. Or Pearl; either one's fine and both are my name! I'm a 17-year-old art student living in my hometown of Leeds, which is in the big county Yorkshire, in the little country England. It's the one that sees a lot of rain and still has a Queen.

But you probably know that.

This is me. I enjoy pulling weird faces.

What you probably don't know is that I've been in love with Lolita for almost three years now... but I've only just taken the plunge into this beautiful world of lace and frills and petticoats. Of course, since I discovered it I've been using Lolita as inspiration in some way or another in my everyday outfits, and I've done a lot of research on it, so I'd consider myself very well versed in the fashion. I knew from the beginning I'd primarily be part of the gothic subgenre, because that's just my taste. But up until a few months ago I'd never laid eyes on a real life JSK. When it arrived, along with my first non-vintage Loli blouse, I dressed myself up right away. I did my hair and make-up, pulled on my blouse, my then-pink petticoat, my lace-trimmed socks and then, finally, my dress. I donned all my favourite Loliable accessories - some silver rings, a cameo brooch at my collar and some fancy cross pendant earrings - and even my pretty suede wedges with bows. I had nowhere to go and nothing planned for the day; I just wandered around the house doing what I usually do when I spend a lazy day at home: a bit of drawing, reading, surfing the internet for new music or more fashion inspiration. I ate dinner and drank a cup of coffee or two. Texted friends and chatted with my mother. Nothing was unusual about the day. Except that I was really happy. Incredibly happy. I was overjoyed at wearing such stunning, elegant clothing. More than that, I was happy that I felt good in it. I felt comfortable and like this was me. I'd finally found myself.

A coord inspired by both Lolita and Visual Kei. VK was my first love, therefore I'll never have normal hair. Or eyebrows.

To non-Lolitas or people who just don't feel as passionately about any fashion or lifestyle, I probably sound mad. But I know many other Lolitas can empathise. By starting this blog near the beginning of my journey, I hope that both new and more experienced Lolitas will be able to relate to me and the subjects I post about. (I also hope that having to remember to update a blog will keep me interesting. But that's a whole other story!) I should mention that I'm an aspiring lifestyle Loli. If I could I would wear Lolita everyday already, but as it stands I can't yet, simply because at the moment my budget won't allow it.

I hope you'll continue to follow me as I grow into a better Lolita.