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.