WHEELS AND DOLLBABY, PIRATE JACKET & RUFFLE RETRO SKIRT: PIN-UP GIRL FASHION, BURLESQUE CLOTHING FROM AUSTRALIA.
I’m in love. With an Australian fashion label — the irresistible Wheels & Dollbaby!
Worn by stars like Dita von Teese, the designs are a mix of retro pin-up, pirate, boudoir. Feminine, yet rock-n-roll.
The label sent me this Pirate Ponti jacket and ruffle miniskirt. I wore it to a TV meeting today, and it made a big impact.
Everyone loved the gold military buttons, wide swashbuckler collar and tails in the back. You can tell the fabrics and construction are impeccable. How cute is the little bow on the skirt’s ruffled hem?
I accessorized with a hat from Seattle’s Red Light Vintage, a Nina Ricci purse that belonged to my mother, and strappy heels gifted by London Underground Shoes. Yes, my hair is faded. I’ll fix it soon.
It’s rare for me to find a fashion brand that reflects my alternative style so well. I’m going to be wearing more Wheels and Dollbaby, that’s for certain!
She recently released a collection of decadent false eyelashes, and sent me a box. Basil Farrow thought the cat-parcel was for him.
PS: the giant cat canvas is a drawing by Sebastiano! Can you find my earless Scottish Fold among the felines?
PPS: Thanks to Бонно-Бокко Хо for the fan art. Send me your drawings and I’ll post them on my blog.
Are you as enthralled by Wheels and Dollbaby as I am? If you could only wear one clothing brand, what would it be?
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BEST SEATTLE GOTH & THRIFT STORES: RED LIGHT VINTAGE, METRO CLOTHING CO. FASHIOLISTA: SHARE & SAVE FASHION FINDS.
A reader asked: “What’s the best neighborhood for alternative shopping in Seattle, Washington?” My answer: Capitol Hill. Go to Broadway East, north of East Olive Way, for a cluster of Goth and secondhand shops.
Creatures of the night congregate at Metro Clothing Company (231 Broadway Ave E, open til 9pm). There’s a large selection of Gothic, Industrial, rockabilly, fetish, and military fashion for men and women.
Right at the entrance… Iron Fist zombie shoes! (They’re available online here and here)
Metro carries brands such as New Rock, Lip Service, Demonia, Shrine, Metropolis and more.
Wouldn’t it be great to keep your favorite fashion finds in one place? I’ve started using Fashiolista, a site that lets you search for and save style inspiration.
Come add my Fashiolista profile to see my wishlists and outfits. The site’s expanding fast, and just added a Japanese site translation — so look for more Tokyo style on there soon.
I met up with nomadic Naomi, my Pirate first mate (we run a Tokyo TV hosting, production arranging and consulting company, remember?). Her epic Lolita coat is by Algonquins, from Closet Child Tokyo.
The drizzle gave me an excuse to wear my Mark Jacobs rainboots, which I got years ago. They’re similar to these MJ boots with a cute bird print. Surprisingly affordable.
We stopped by Red Light Vintage. As Seattle Weekly put it, “It’s like raiding your parents’ closet, if your parents were Twiggy and MC Hammer.”
The thrift clothing paradise has two locations, including 312 Broadway.
The selection ranges from the dubious to the divine. With two floors, the shop’s ripe for plundering.
Don’t miss out on the basement. It’s Halloween heaven!
Friendship wall rug, anyone?
Or a rainbow dolphins fairy dress?
Any store with a Pirate section deserves an “Arr.”
With racks for Steampunk, Goth Rocker and 80s prom, Red Light Vintage is a Seattle must-visit.
PS: The Fashion Brewery blog proclaims it’s “La Carmina Week!” Thanks so much to Telena for interviewing me.
PPS: You can now bid on my Luisaviaroma Worth Couture pug dog, in a charity auction to benefit UNICEF. More photos of me and the toy here.
Do you like to vintage shop? What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever found in a secondhand store? Don’t forget to follow me on Fashiolista for more inspiration.
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