/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

Sticky anon here!
I've edited the brand list and written a short description for the style. It's not great so feedback would be good.

What is otome-kei?
>Japanese for 'maiden'
>Focuses on a feminine and quirky look
>No set rules
>Outfits often use colour popping, interesting print combinations, and contrasting materials
>Generally has a kitsch or twee vibe
>Sometimes overlaps with casual lolita but is still a separate style

Main otome brands:
>Emily Temple Cute/Shirley Temple Cute
>Jane Marple
>Leur Getter
>MILK

Other Suitable Brands*:

>Amavel
>Ank Rogue
>Axes Femme
>Bortsprungt
>Candy Stripper
>Excentrique
>Fint
>Franche Lippee
>Grimoire
>Lois Crayon
>Lolita brands (accessories, legwear, bags, mini skirts, cardigans/boleros)
>Melantrick Hemlighet
>Merlot Camp
>Q-pot
>Wonder Rocket


Suitable Non-Japanese Brands*:
>Alannah Hill
>Cath Kidston
>Dangerfield
>Hello Bones Jones (Indie)
>Miss Patina
>Modcloth
>Mulberry Chronicles (Indie)
>Peppermint Fox (Indie)


Non-japanese Socks/Shoes*:
>Sock Dreams, Teja Jamilla
>Melissa Shoes, Bait Footwear, Dkode Shoes, Neosen, Fleuvog

*NB: these brands are not all specifically otome, but sometimes produce suitable items

Otome is gaining popularity in the West and will get bigger. I think it's a reaction to how OTT lolita has become, and I feel like people are yearning for more simplified looks.
The issue is that some of the lolitas dabbling with otome are putting out really watered down coords. I know I'm guilty of it myself, but I feel like the lack of rules otome-kei has is hard for lolitas to grasp. It's also not as matchy-matchy or as safe as lolita which may prove to be a big obstacle.