Category Archive for Fashion
Travel video: Art Deco Weekend 2013! The Betsy Hotel review, Miami restaurants & Ocean Drive.
Do the Charleston, the Charleston! I’m very happy with my latest travel video, about Miami’s Art Deco Weekend, now published on Huffington Post Travel.
This episode recounts my Miami adventures, from the Bettie Page fashion show to the flapper gala. Be sure to watch until the end, or you’ll miss the “jazz hands”!
I always appreciate your feedback about my work. If you’d like to see more alternative travel coverage, I’d be grateful if you can share my Huff Post article (or Like below):
Shout-out to my collaborators for sharing my passion. I’m wearing a fringe top by Peace Love World, and a striking scarf with a face by Pitsart.
My host, The Betsy Hotel, is consistently rated one of the top in Miami, and I quickly found out why. The staff genuinely cares about your comfort; there’s an atmosphere of home here.
All around the hotel, there were intimate portraits of the Rolling Stones and The Beatles. The rock and roll lounge lit up a reflective film ceiling.
The rooftop garden overlooks South Beach (right across the road). The Betsy’s on Ocean Drive, but a few minutes walk from the main strip, so you’re not surrounded by noisy revelers. It was a perfect stay; I’ll be back.
At night, Ocean Drive’s Art Deco hotels glow with neon.
Do you recognize The Carlyle? It’s where The Birdcage movie was filmed.
Miami’s a winter haven for many East Coast dwellers.
During Art Deco Weekend, there was live music all throughout the district.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the incredible seafood I had in Miami. Lantao Restaurant, located in the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, is inspired by Asian street food. I started with the “28 Days Later” cocktail: several types of rum (arr!) and house-made grenadine. Followed up with well-spiced tom yum soup, grilled paiche (South American tropical fish), and ended with pear cake — marvelous.
I mostly stayed in South Beach, but ventured to Coconut Grove to eat at Jaguar Ceviche. Six types of marinated raw fish on a spoon… mojitos… sangria… blue tortilla chips… grilled mahi mahi… is your mouth watering yet? Jaguar’s service and flavors were spot on, and the space is great for a big group.
Wynwood Village is also a must-visit (although be careful at night, and in certain parts). It’s an artsy district with colorful murals like this anime one.
I think this psychic would predict my imminent return to Miami… hopefully in December, for Art Basel!
Please take a minute to watch my Art Deco Weekend video. Did you laugh at the dancing scenes?
What are your favorite hang-outs and shops in Miami? Would you be interested in seeing me cover Art Basel?
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Tokyo Bunny Cafe! Harajuku shoes & kawaii shopping: Duff McKagan, Susan Holmes-McKagan & family.
Happy Easter! Shall we celebrate by visiting the Tokyo Bunny Cafe?
I took my friends Duff McKagan, Susan Holmes-McKagan and their daughters on a shopping tour of Harajuku. Keep reading for a zillion cute photos.
Perhaps you recall the J Valentine costume photoshoot I did with Josie Stevens. She introduced me to Susan, her E! Network “Married to Rock” co-star, and we immediately bonded over Japanese cute/pop culture. A former top model, Susan is CEO and designer of Holmes Swimwear, and writes for Huffington Post.
Her husband, Duff McKagan, was touring Tokyo with his band Loaded. You may also know Duff as the bassist of Guns n’ Roses and Velvet Revolver.
After the concert, Duff and Susan spent the next few days exploring Tokyo with their girls, Grace and Mae. I took them on a tour of my favorite Harajuku shops.
SBY Happy Room is a favorite of Josie’s as well.
An entire nook is devoted to fake eyelashes, including Dolly Wink, Kyaru Pamyu Pamyu, and gyaru brands.
SBY is a popular store for Harajuku girls.
It’s perfect for picking up cute little gifts as souvenirs.
I took them down Takeshita-doori. We popped into this cute characters boutique, Tama Depa.
We also stopped to try candies, boba, and my favorite yuzu (Japanese citrus) drink.
Harajuku Shoes is a must-visit for Goth Punk Rocker boots.
Susan got a pair of Yosuke boots, similar to the ones I’m wearing below.
Since we were visiting a bunny cafe, I wore an Alice in Wonderland inspired outfit:
Girly lace dress: Liz Lisa x My Melody collection
White rabbit stopwatch purse: Amavel, in Lumine Shinjuku
Studded black boots: Yosuke, from Shibuya 109
White fuzzy bunny-eared jacket: Peace Now, from Closet Child (sad the brand is gone…)
Near the end of Takeshita doori, we went into the Pink Latte store.
There’s a pink jet inside, cockpit and all.
The Meiji-doori department store, Laforet, had a Nico Panda pop-up (fashion line by Lady Gaga’s stylist, Nicola Formichetti).
Remember, the best stores in Laforet are in the basement! Don’t miss Swimmer, for kitsch-kawaii.
Duff McKagan met us outside Laforet. The Jin Sinn (famous rock store) staff recognized him, and gave him a leather jacket with a leopard-print collar.
Onward, to the Harajuku bunny cafe Raagf. Address: 3F, 6-14-15 Jingu-mae, Shibuya.
The rabbit cafe is hard to find, as it’s in a tiny side-street. Look for the nearby Toni & Guy, and Etoile nail art salon.
Bunny cafes are similar to Japanese cat cafes: customers enjoy drinks while playing with cute little bunnies. Isn’t the poop logo ridiculous?
So many different rabbits to hug. For more about bizarre Japanese cafes, check out my Tokyo theme restaurants book.
I loved spending the day with this sweet family. If you too are interested in a tour, contact my La Carmina & the Pirates company.
Want to peek inside more Harajuku fashion boutiques? Visit my Tokyo shopping guide (with maps, photos and more).
Would you visit a Japanese bunny cafe? What are your favorite Harajuku destinations?
LA CARMINA
