Is there such thing as a Gothic swimsuit? Seems so!

Enjoy the bathing suit shots by Seby, plus a peek inside a Bangkok Lolita boutique called Chuchu.

Online retailer Little Wicked’s Emporium made my day when they sent me this Banned Apparel skeleton swimsuit. The design is cheeky yet chic, with lining and straps that tie around the neck. Such a treat to have swimwear that suits my aesthetic!

My white cat-eye sunglasses are Dolce & Gabbana, and my floppy hat is similar to this one.

Seby and I enjoyed every aspect of Sofitel So, the luxury hotel that hosted us in Bangkok. One of our favorite moments: splashing around the rooftop infinity pool.

The edge of the water appears to stretch on forever. At night, it turns into “The Water Club Bar”, with special cocktails and lounge DJs.

It’s hard to beat a swimming pool that overlooks the Thai skyline.

The Sofitel pool is shallow, which is good for people like me (I hardly made it to the “Maroon” level in the old Canadian Red Cross program).

Guests could play with a selection of inflatable donuts and sharks. Let’s just say, we had a bit too much fun with these toys.

Between playing around, we took in the view of Lumphini Park, an inner-city green space with an artificial lake and boats for rent.

What type of swimsuit do you wear? Would you rock a skeleton one?

While it was tempting to stay in our hotel oasis, we braved the Bangkok traffic to visit Platinum Fashion Mall.

I came here for the new Sweet & Gothic Lolita boutique, Chuchu. (83, Zone1, Soi Ginza 6, Platinum Fashion Mall.) It’s run by two Japanese sisters, Tsubasa and Mamu, who are now based in Thailand.

All items are designed and made locally. The frills and gathers are reminiscent of what you’ll find in Tokyo shops — but for much lower prices. This is Bangkok, after all.

There’s a cute selection of skirts and dresses, in many different pastel colors and styles. The sisters generously gave me a purple floral Lolita dress from their collection. You can see me wearing it during my Seattle trip.

Chuchu also makes cosplay clothing. The store has a loyal customer base, and takes part in local events like anime fairs.

You can see Japanese influence in the fashion styling and flyer design. Many of Chuchu’s garments are reminiscent of classical Lolita cuts.

The stuffed bear and flowers prove their dedication to all things kawaii.

I’m glad to see Lolita fashion in the hands of young, international creatives. In Tokyo, EGL styles feel a bit stagnant to me, and quite a few labels have closed down (like Peace Now and Banana Fish).

Even if Lolita is not growing much in Japan, it’s great that there are strong communities worldwide. Indie designers like Bangkok’s Chuchu are reaching new audiences, and putting their own, local twist on the style.

Platinum Mall contains other small shops that sell original fashion or bulk clothing, like these colorful aprons. This is a good place to pick up inexpensive basics (like Seby’s swim trunks).

However, for forward-thinking street style, the best shopping destination remains Siam Discovery.

We were in Thailand around Halloween, hence the cute ghost, pumpkin and skull chocolates.

Bangkok is famous for its street food. Outside, there was a vegetarian festival. Maybe that’s veggie duck?

Time to get back. We hailed a taxi — they’re very cheap in Bangkok, just be sure to get on with a running meter. Open air tuk tuks are another option, but with our hair and outfits, we prefer to be in an enclosed and air conditioned space.

Give yourself a lot of transit time, since the traffic is notoriously slow here.

At least the funny Bangkok taxi signs help to pass the time. Clients are urged not to gamble, sing karaoke or eat durian. My favorite is the “no water buffalo.” Apparently, a buffalo is a Thai slang word for an idiot.

What do you think of my “all bones” Gothic swimsuit? Are you surprised to see a Lolita boutique in Thailand?

Here are more photos from inside the Sofitel So hotel — I’ve never felt so pampered!