Solo - Loli

Every so often, I like to go out dressed to the nines, for fun, out of boredom, or whatever else.

You might find yourself with the urge to dress up for the day - or maybe you're a lifestyle lolita, and you dress up EVERY day. It might not even be lolita, maybe you just want to go crazy and step outside in a jaw-dropping outfit you've been wanting to experiment with.
All you know is you want to get out in style, you're confident, you look fabulous - but nobody's around to accompany you. If you're like me, sometimes you might feel nervous about going out alone, and unsure of what exactly to do with yourself.

SO, where DO you go?

Here are some ideas:

* Out to a park. If the weather permits, going for a stroll in a park can be very relaxing. Bring a book or magazine to read on a bench, a camera to take pictures, or a picnic blanket and a snack to just enjoy the sun! And if you have a dog, why not bring the pooch along for some exercise?

* Visit your favorite cafe. Cafe's are nice places to with friends - and alone. Seating is generally available for a variety of numbers, so it should be easy to find a small table for one, a bar seat, or a comfy chair to settle in. Bring a book or a laptop and just enjoy yourself!

* Go to the mall. You don't have to buy anything, even just looking around can be fun! I tend to take a LONG time when I go out on a shopping trip, and when I have friends with me I feel compelled to hurry up so they're not stuck waiting for me for a half hour, so I enjoy visiting the mall by myself sometimes and taking my sweet time without the pressure to get a move on. Friends may also mock your choices of clothing, especially if you're lingering. In fact, I think I prefer serious shopping outings solo for these reasons. If you are planning on buying some things, however, you might want to make sure it won't take you a half hour to take off your outfit, try one item of clothing on, and put your outfit back on in the dressing room!

* See a movie. Or a theater production. Or another kind of performance. Sometimes seeing a movie by yourself - especially one you've REALLY been wanting to see - is nicer than going with a pack of friends who may distract you from what's going on and missing out and having to ask "Wait - what just happened?!" And if it's opening night for a major movie, it will be easier for you to get a seat than shuffling around a dark movie theater trying to find four seats in a row for you and your friends.

* Explore your city (or one near you). Again, like shopping, having friends along can rush you along. There might be a museum or gallery nobody else is interested in, or a few shops you've always wanted to stop in and check out but never really had the time with others around. If you're in a city alone, however, especially at night, remember to be aware of your surroundings and stay safe. If you're not familiar with the city that well, pick up a tourist map - interesting locations are usually marked for vacationers, and you might be vacationing yourself! Explore and experience the culture for yourself, at your own pace - turning heads in your fabulous outfit, you'll look confident and stunning!

♥ Jesi Carroll