A bittersweet update about Rose. Gothic Lolita, Anime & Cosplay wigs at Tokyo craft store, Okadaya.
A surprisingly large number of people ask me about my friend Rose. Why hasn’t she appeared on the blog recently? I’ve been reluctant to say because the news isn’t good. Basically, Rose has been battling an extremely serious medical condition.
However, there’s a light (over at the Frankenstein place)! A test has nailed down Rose’s mysterious condition — and with some help, she can regain her health. Please read on for the personal story, followed by the latest in Tokyo makeup and wigs (since Rose loves J-fashion, and we want this post to end on an upbeat note!)
Long-time readers will remember Rose from our adventures in Seattle and Vancouver — absinthe burlesque clubs, Jrock concerts, dance videos and more. She’s got such positive energy, and a flair for alt-Japanese style.
Some have commented on her thinness. Rose has been struggling with a serious medical issue for years, which left her unable to eat or gain weight. It’s a long story (which her mom outlines in full here). Basically, about 11 years ago, Rose started having digestive troubles that lead to full gastroparesis or stomach paralysis. Despite going to the best doctors and trying all options, nobody has been able to determine a cause or cure. A series of painful operations, including inserting a pacemaker and removing her entire stomach, did nothing to help.
Sadly, in recent months, Rose has been getting worse. Her weight dropped to 73 pounds even though she takes in enough calories by tube-feeding, and she developed other complications.
However, there’s been a breakthrough: Rose tested 100% positive for Lyme disease. She took a test years ago, but the results came back negative since there is a high error margin. With this new and reliable method, the diagnosis is undeniable, and the symptoms fit.
It’s terrible that the undiagnosed Lyme disease caused her to worsen for a decade. On the plus side, Rose now knows the cause, and can undergo a complicated treatment to hopefully beat it. However, this will be a long, expensive road. I know her family, and they put everything into her medical costs, but it is a struggle. We’re having an online fundraiser, and hope you can help Rose with a contribution, no matter how small. So grateful for your support, and will share updates all along the way. Let’s get her healthy again!
♥ You can donate safely here by PayPal or credit card (choose to pay with PayPal and then at the bottom you will see “buy as guest.” Click that and you can then use your credit card.)
♥ Or if you can just help us get the word out — maybe with a Facebook post, Tweet, blog post or email — it will make a difference. Thank you.
On a brighter note, since this post is dedicated to Rose, I wanted to put up something that makes her smile. Rose dreams of visiting Tokyo, and I know she’ll go nuts inside Okadaya — one of the best places to pick up wigs, makeup, and craft supplies. I love coming here to scout out the latest beauty trends, like bunny-eared pastel wigs.
The main floor of Okadaya (address: Shinjuku 3-23-17, near the station’s east exit) has a wall of false eyelashes, especially in the glam gyaru style. Above are some special collaboration lashes, which come in different colors. There are also over-the-top ones in rainbow colors, feathers and glitter.
Don Quixote and 100 yen “dollar” stores sell cheaper false lashes, but you can’t beat the variety and uniqueness of the ones here.
There are always displays of new, chic beauty products. Disney just released a glittery nail polish line, in a variety of colors. Cinderella, Minnie Mouse and Snow White seem to love it.
Hello Kitty’s cute face is omnipresent in Japan. This is the new Sanrio perfume, packaged in “small gift” pouches. Different colors represent different scents.
Circle or novelty contact lenses remain big sellers in Japan. These “Funky Whip” contacts are a relatively new offering, which you wear only once and dispose.
On the second floor, it’s wigs galore! The sample hairdos are always done up in creative styles, like this braided and flower-topped mannequin.
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s influence is obvious in these quirky, experimental pastel hairstyles.
Would you rather have a snake dangling by your face, or a snowman on your scalp?
This green and red Christmas wreath hairstyle gets props for creativity, if nothing else.
What a lovely romantic couple. The one on the left is a man… I think? (Okadaya has a fun selection of Jrock or host boy wigs too).
Every possible type of synthetic wig is sold here, in all colors and lengths. These shaggy bobs are more natural-looking.
If that’s not your bag, then there’s a shelf of Sweet Lolita, pastel goth and cosplay wigs! Most are by the brand Prisila. Perfect for anime convention costumes, Halloween, or a club night out.
For more photos of fabrics and craft supplies at Okadaya (including feather boas), see this blog post…
… and peruse my LaCarmina Instagram. I’m on YouTube and Facebook too.
I leave you with a few kitty snaps. Here’s a fat-faced illustration in a Shinjuku store window. Looks like a British Shorthair to me.
Can you see the resemblance to my Scottish Fold kitten?
Basil sends a hug to everyone who helps out our friend Rose, if it’s by giving to the fund, or simply sharing this post. You can see all of our adventures together right here — she’s a very special person, and I hope to have better news for you soon!
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Tel Aviv’s coolest fashion boutiques! Israel vintage & vegan clothes, Super Mario Nintendo nail art.
Let’s continue my indie shopping tour of Tel Aviv! In part 1 of my TLV Style Tour, my guide Galit Reismann introduced me to a mad hatter and jewelry designer. Now, we’ll discover the sweetest twee and vintage fashion in Israel.
(Details of my Very Metal dress and Goth cross tights are in this outfit post.)
We began with a walk through the fashion-centric Noga district. Small clothing shops and cafes huddle next to pastel street art featuring eyeballs.
Galit took me to Roni Kantor’s studio, which doubles as a boutique. I was charmed by Roni’s retro-chic designs, especially her reconstituted vintage dresses. This one perfectly matched my hair color.
I was right behind her mission of upcycling and respecting living creatures. Roni is particularly loved for her vintage-inspired shoes, made from vegan leather in a family factory.
Galit, Roni and I twirled parasols for the travel video, which my team is working on now. In the foreground, you can see Roni’s darling footwear collection.
(Photography by Eric Bergemann and Melissa Rundle, who were hosted along with me on this press trip.)
Then, we took a short walk to Pioo Pioo, a gem of a boutique near the nightlife-centric Rothschild Boulevard. Try saying the name out loud. It mimics the sound of a laser gun!
I instantly felt that designer Mor Bauer and I are kindred spirits. Absolutely loved her colorful rocketship dress with fringe at the bottom, creating the movement of a blast-off. Her rainbow jewelry would feel at home in Harajuku or Shibuya.
Mor’s tailoring is beautiful, and she uses fine materials like silk. The jacket’s striped interior reminded me of Beetlejuice.
Her clothes can be dressed up or down, suiting a variety of personal styles.
The boutique is decorated with retro rainbow toys, an extension of Mor’s whimsical taste.
I particularly liked her grapes-and-leaves headbands, and fun embellishments like a baby’s head on a zipper.
Flower crowns, polka dots and crop tops.
Mor wore this creation when she walked down the aisle. Two unicorns are better than one.
She’ll custom-make clothing for you, and specializes in sewing romantic, lacy wedding dresses.
I felt so much at home, at Pioo Pioo. Thanks to Galit for the custom fashion tour (find out more on her TLVStyle Facebook), and hugs for all the talented Israeli designers I met!
Here’s a bonus photo of my Nintendo nail art, by Glam Nail Studio. I asked for green and blue designs from the Super Mario universe, to match my hair. See if you can spot Boo, Luigi, a Koopa turtle shell, mushrooms and a POW block in there.
Do you ever wear vegan or vintage fashion? What do you think of the unicorn dress and Nintendo nails?
PS: I wrote a guide to alternative Japan for the Sunday Times Travel Magazine, one of the world’s leading travel publications. My plush cat Basil Farrow is blocking my byline…
You can pick up the April issue about “Hip Cities,” in stores now. Looking forward to writing more for this UK-based magazine.
PPS: have you seen the photos of this fuzz-face on my @lacarmina Instagram, including a video of him jumping and wahh-ing?
Have a cute week!
LA CARMINA
