TIME OUT NEW YORK MAGAZINE: GOTHIC LOLITA NYC STORES & EGL SHOPPING GUIDE.
Having spent six years in/around Manhattan, I’m often asked where to buy Gothic Lolita fashion in NYC. I wasn’t surprised to receive yet another email query… but this time, it was from Time Out New York Magazine. A cross-dresser needed help finding a Sweet Lolita dress, so I sent the writer a list of stores. The Q&A has just been published; you can view it online, or pick up a copy of Time Out NY in stores.
Many of my Lolita shopping suggestions were included in the piece, but some were left out. Here’s my full NYC and Brooklyn guide:
† KINOKUNIYA BOOKSTORE: You can spend hours flipping through back issues of Kera, Gothic & Lolita Bible, Fruits, and other wild Japanese fashion magazines. Kinokuniya specializes in quirky Japanese books – including rare titles on street fashion and cosplay – and has a cute cafe on the top floor. There are often Lolita-related events, such as last February’s collaboration with MaruiOne that brought Japanese Goth Loli Punk brands into America.
† LOWER EAST SIDE: I love roaming into vintage, consignment, and jewelry stores. Favorites include Tokyo7, Exhibitionist, Demask, and Gregg Wolf.
† PEARL RIVER MART: After hitting Patricia Fields, walk over to the heart of SoHo and pick up cheap Asian knick-knacks – such as fans and toys – to spruce up your Lolita outfits.
† ST MARK’S PLACE: The article mentioned Trash and Vaudeville, but don’t forget to explore other Goth/punk clothing and accessory stores on East 9th and 2nd Avenue.
† BEACON’S CLOSET: It’s a hackneyed pick, but the Williamsburg branch is hard to beat for vintage treasures. I’ve picked up velvet capes and lacy button-down Victorian blouses for under $20.
† SAMPLE SALES & CLOTHING TRADESHOWS: Last spring, I picked up a fantastic leather military-style jacket at the Billion Dollar Babes sample sale preview. I missed the LENY alternative clothing tradeshow but enjoyed the Manhattan Vintage one.
† ANIME & COSPLAY CONVENTIONS: You can expect indie Lolita designers to set up booths at these annual gatherings.
What are your favorite Lolita shopping spots in NYC?
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LA CARMINA
27 Comments
Hey thats a good collection of dresses and other things you have got. Its good to shop online as we can get a wide range of selections and also can get from other countries.
Hey thats a good collection of dresses and other things you have got. Its good to shop online as we can get a wide range of selections and also can get from other countries.
wow
wow
Neat-o!
I haven't been to NYC yet (though I have been to Buffalo!), but I may check out these places when I go.
Thanks! *bookmarks*
nice little collection!!!!!
I know this rally ausome gothic lolita tore but its like one-two hours drive >.<
But theres a place clse to me that is just as good ^_^
Neat-o!
I haven’t been to NYC yet (though I have been to Buffalo!), but I may check out these places when I go.
Thanks! *bookmarks*
nice little collection!!!!!
I know this rally ausome gothic lolita tore but its like one-two hours drive >.<
But theres a place clse to me that is just as good ^_^
i love your site, i love the outfit!
i love your site, i love the outfit!
These are some pretty cool tips, thanks! I just worry about this one:
“ANIME & COSPLAY CONVENTIONS: You can expect indie Lolita designers to set up booths at these annual gatherings. “
In my experience, a lot (not all) of the indie designers that sell at conventions tend to sell low-quality, very costumey outfits that aren't suitable for regular lolita wear. :/
These are some pretty cool tips, thanks! I just worry about this one:
“ANIME & COSPLAY CONVENTIONS: You can expect indie Lolita designers to set up booths at these annual gatherings. ”
In my experience, a lot (not all) of the indie designers that sell at conventions tend to sell low-quality, very costumey outfits that aren’t suitable for regular lolita wear. :/
Hi saw your collection, good stuff. We're in that Time out magazine article together.
Hi saw your collection, good stuff. We’re in that Time out magazine article together.
wow… tis an awesome look
wow… tis an awesome look
Wow, thank you for the article, it's very nice.
I've heard a Baby the Stars Shine Bright store is opening up in New York (and another in California..). Heard anything about that? ^^
It's opening in San Fran. Check out this post for info! http://lacarmina.com/2009/05/j-pop-cen…
Wow, thank you for the article, it’s very nice.
I’ve heard a Baby the Stars Shine Bright store is opening up in New York (and another in California..). Heard anything about that? ^^
It’s opening in San Fran. Check out this post for info! http://lacarmina.com/2009/05/j-pop-center-opening-august-2009-in-san-francisco-japanese-fashion-boutiques-viz-cinema/
Hey..Magazine Cafe in New York City carries Japanese Fashion Magazines. I love to shop on their online website http://www.MagazineCafeStore.com. I hope this is useful for all you fans out there!
Hey..Magazine Cafe in New York City carries Japanese Fashion Magazines. I love to shop on their online website http://www.MagazineCafeStore.com. I hope this is useful for all you fans out there!
Could you possibly do one on like LA?… I live a hour away and im dieing to go to a store based on or has lolita clothing in the mix. T
Could you possibly do one on like LA?… I live a hour away and im dieing to go to a store based on or has lolita clothing in the mix. T
Lolita Bible, Fruits, and other wild Japanese fashion magazines. Kinokuniya specializes in quirky Japanese books – including rare titles on street fashion and cosplay – and has a cute cafe on the top floor. There are often Lolita-related events, such as last February’s collaboration with MaruiOne that brought Japanese Goth Loli Punk brands into America.
Lolita Bible, Fruits, and other wild Japanese fashion magazines. Kinokuniya specializes in quirky Japanese books – including rare titles on street fashion and cosplay – and has a cute cafe on the top floor. There are often Lolita-related events, such as last February’s collaboration with MaruiOne that brought Japanese Goth Loli Punk brands into America.
Lolita Bible, Fruits, and other wild Japanese fashion magazines. Kinokuniya specializes in quirky Japanese books – including rare titles on street fashion and cosplay – and has a cute cafe on the top floor. There are often Lolita-related events, such as last February’s collaboration with MaruiOne that brought Japanese Goth Loli Punk brands into America.