Category Archive for Tokyo + Japan
LA CARMINA BLOG ANNIVERSARY COMING UP! DAY 1 OF MEMORIES, BEST OF GOTHIC LOLITA COOL JAPAN BLOG POSTS.
We’re getting old, darklings. On September 12, the La Carmina blog reaches the age of two. It’s unbelievable how I went from being a morose, direction-less, Basil-less law student to… a life of Harajuku madness! I’m currently in the midst of two exciting book launches, and a lot of crazy opportunities have arisen… things I couldn’t IMAGINE to be possible a year or two ago. Life is neat.
Like last year, let’s reflect on the fond times, beginning with September-December 2008. I spent most of this time in Tokyo, working on Theme Restaurants book. Of course, I indulged in plenty of Gothic Lolita Rococo Punk shopping and nightlife on the side. The Marui Fashion Expo was an eye-opening showcase of all the fashion brands you see in Kera. (If you missed it, you can read my review.)
And how could we forget Halloween? I celebrated it not once, not twice, but three times in Tokyo! Tokyo Decadance raged in the cathedral-themed Christon Cafe; The Fashion Ramone sucked us into a Horror Vacui; and Yukiro performed as a bloody nurse at the Tokyo Dark Castle Halloween special.
The tail end of 2008 was equally hectic… I dashed out my Theme Restaurants book (now out) and was flown to LA to cover some Gothic events: Ruin Hollywood, Perversion, M/R/X (my favorite), and Royal/T maid cafe. I’ll be back in Los Angeles soon for a book signing… can’t wait.
What were your favorite posts from last year? I’m already planning my Halloween costume for this year — how about you?
Song of the Day #197: Deathgaze – Dearest. The Visual Kei band’s new album, Continuation, was just released by HearJapan.
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MARUI ONE SHINJUKU SUMMER SALE: HELLO KITTY QUOLOMO T-SHIRTS, HEART HEEL SHOES IN SHIBUYA 109, JAPANESE VAMPIRE DRAMA TV SHOW.
Marui Young Shinjuku had a “sparkling summer sale,” which is where I got my Marble short jacket with dangling vampire sleeves. Despite the stifling heat, many girls dressed in full Lolita for the event. And despite the sales racks, most of the clothes were still pricey!
Quolomo’s designer T-shirts filled the window. I like the Piet Mondrian x Hello Kitty design. Do you recognize the other anime characters? (For more Marui photos, check out the links in my Lolita Shopping Guide.)
Across the road is an Algonquins boutique. Marui also sells the brand, but I suppose one can never have enough Goth/Lolita/Punk.
For the summer sale, the busy Shinjuku street was blocked off. An old man brought his little dog in a leather carrying case and took its photo in the middle of the road!
In Shibuya 109 (the teen gal shopping complex), I spotted the cutest sparkle sandals with heart heels (for under $40). Too bad they look like they would destroy my feet.
Also spotted in Shibuya: Michael Jackson drawings made by a cobbler, and a subway poster for a vampire TV drama. Yes, there is a Japanese Twilight. Check out the Photoshopped fangs on the pretty-boy.
What would you buy at the Marui sparkle sale? Any tips for finding comfortable yet stylish shoes?
Song of the Day #191: Red Rider – Lunatic Fringe (A fun track suggested by Michael. You can see every single item he possesses — from his underwear to my scary latex gloves and toothpicks — on his website.)
LA CARMINA
