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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IFB CONFERENCE, NY FASHION WEEK BLOGGERS PANEL: BRANDS, ADS & SPONSORED POSTS. SLEEVEY WONDERS SLIP-ON SLEEVES.
It was an honor to speak at IFB Conference during NY Fashion Week. I uploaded a video of my moments on the mike.
Keep reading for the goods, and to learn about a marvelous garment for Lolita dresses!
I spoke on the “What are Bloggers Worth?” panel, to an audience of hundreds. What advice did I give? How was my performance?
Watch the video above and on YouTube to decide. (You can also subscribe to my lacarmina channel.)
I’m in love with my lace sleeves, a gift from Sleevey Wonders. Since I dislike wearing heavy blouses under sleeveless dresses and Lolita JSKs, these garments are an elegant solution. Made with 4-way stretch fabric, they transform the same dress into a completely different look (a clever way to expand your wardrobe). And the design is slimming: no Photoshop!
Sleevey Wonders generously offered 15% off all orders, with the code LACARMINA15 — so support indie and women-run businesses, and shop away. You can also add their Facebook for more ideas to beautify your wardrobe.
Another lovely Lolita accessory: handmade hair flowers clips. A present from Angelica Brigade.
Always fun to see Bryanboy. He spoke on the IFB social media panel.
Jennine Jacob of The Coveted founded IFB and organized this event — she rocked it. (Photos above by BFA.)
Tiger striped dress: gifted by Sourpuss. (Click to buy the same dress, in cupcake pink and black print.)
Bone necklace: got at the Monomania shop in Laforet Harajuku. Similar to this.
Yukiro wears a Nyanpire cat cosplay jumpsuit from Tokyo.
The other ladies on my panel: Susan Schwartz – Glamour; Jessie Thorpe – Denimology; Jenni Radosevich – I Spy DIY; Kat Griffin – Corporette; Lauren Tesar – Lifebooker.
Always a pleasure to see our friends at Lyst.
Jinna Boo of Grease & Glamour moderated the panel.
To those of who you came: it was wonderful to meet you.
And to those who couldn’t make it… hope to see you next time!
Check out more photos from the Evolving Influence event.
Did you enjoy my fashion blogging talk? Intrigued by the Sleevey Wonders garments? I wear a different pair of sleeves in my Industrial dance video for Japan.
Click-click-click below…
LA CARMINA
