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Palm Springs fashion & photography locations! Miffy x Strathberry wallet & purses, Moorten Botanical garden.
2020 started out well, with a jaunt in Palm Springs. How quickly things can change!
Right now, I’m dealing with smoky skies due to the west coast wildfires, in addition to a certain viral pandemic… It feels like we’ve entered the era of Mad Max / Dune / Blade Runner.
But let’s look back through rose-colored glasses, at my January adventure in the California desert. As you might surmise, photographer Joey Wong and I were captivated by the Wild Wild West landscapes. Very glad we made this trip before the end of times.
In other happy news – I wanted to share a new collaboration from one of my favorite handbag designers, Strathberry. They released a luxurious collaboration with beloved kawaii character, Miffy the bunny!
The new Strathberry x Miffy collection includes purses of all sizes and shapes, and accessories – like this ridiculously cute coin purse and wallet. The collab is a match made in minimalist heaven: the accessories’ clean lines and fine leather share the aesthetics of Dick Bruna’s designs.
How adorable is the pink Walker Street Miffy wallet, featuring the X-mouthed bunny with butterflies and flowers? There’s a midi-size version in white as well.
Keep reading for close-ups of my Miffy coin purse, and more info. And see more of Strathberry’s outstanding leather designs below (all made in Spain from fine leather):
Let’s go back in time to the pre-apocalypse, when our minds were focused on finding the best places in Palm Springs to take fashion or Instagram photos!
Read on for our favorite photography spots, including mid-century modern houses, epic doors, a cactus garden, and rows of white turbines (above).
We’ll also take a look at Palm Springs’ LGBT nightlife, including drag queen shows.
Palm Springs’ dramatic mountains are the perfect backdrop for outfit photos. In January, we found this photogenic location next to the Tramway Gas Station, a modernist triangle designed by Albert Frey in 1965.
My Cali desert outfit consists of a hat by Tenth Street Hats, St Bart’s pink sunglasses from Spiltmilk Eyewear, red sandals by Lola Ramona, and a For Love & Lemons cherry print summer dress (get it here).
I was excited to visit Moorten Botanical Garden, as it’s a top Palm Springs photography location. Founded in 1938, this living museum features more than 3000 species of cacti and desert plants.
Wander through Moorten’s outdoor gardens, and be amazed by the wide variety of spiky cactus species.
Some cacti are tiny, while others are three times my height. A few look like the ones drawn in cartoons! And they’re all pokey, so watch your step.
Bring your DSLR camera, or use “portrait mode” on your smartphone — and have fun snapping close-up cactus photos.
Be sure to visit the “cactarium,” which is the only indoor area of the garden. The enclosure houses the world’s rarest cacti, such as odd-looking specimen from South Africa, the Mojave Desert, and South America.
What does this cactus remind you of? I wonder why Joey took its photo…
Moorten Botanical Garden is a spiky delight for plant-lovers and photographers alike.
Many travellers come to Palm Springs for its golf courses, spas, and gay life. The resort city is also a favorite spot for retirees. As for me, I was mostly keen to see the mid-century modern architecture.
Behold, Kaufmann House — designed in 1946 by Richard Neutra, a talented architect who worked with Frank Lloyd Wright and Rudolf Schindler. Rising above stones, this sleek glass and steel vacation home is a Desert Modernist classic.
You can find a large number of mid-century homes in this style, known as Desert Modernism, throughout Palm Springs. Most are privately owned, so you can’t see the interiors unless you join an architecture tour.
I want to come back to Palm Springs for its annual Modernism Week. Some of the most famous MCM houses open their doors during this event, giving you a rare opportunity to look inside.
As the sun began to set, we drove to perhaps the most iconic Palm Springs photography location: San Gorgonio Pass. These tall “windmills” are actually wind turbines. You can’t miss them, as there are more than 3000 spinners at the entrance of the Coachella Valley.
Pastel sunset + wind turbines + desert sand = Instagrammer or style blogger heaven.
Matching the pink skies with Spiltmilk sunglasses, and a pink cherry printed cut-out waist dress by For Love & Lemons. Find it here, and more below):
The San Gorgonio Pass is one of the windiest places in the USA. The wind farm was established here in the 1980s, providing locals with clean and renewable energy.
The wind turbine silhouettes stand out against the candy floss sunset. No Photoshop needed: this is the unfiltered beauty of the California desert.
The light desert sand creates a space-like feeling. No wonder these “windmills” are among the top photography (or Instagrammable) spots in Palm Springs.
Is there life on Mars? (I’m ready to explore other planets, once the technology is there…)
Grateful I was able to experience Palm Springs for the first time, before Covid-19 made travel impossible.
Hang in there! We’ll make it to the other side soon, and be off on new adventures with a greater appreciation.
After all, we Goths know that there is beauty in darkness…
That night, we were keen to check out Palm Springs’ infamous LGBT nightlife. The main gay clubs and shops are clustered on Arenas Road, with storefronts lit up in neon.
Palm Springs has a friendly and casual gay scene. Anyone can bar-hop between the venues, which cater to different ages and preferences.
We caught a drag queen performance at Hunters Palm Springs, on Arenas Road. This queen’s lip-syncing was as dramatic as her floor-sweeping gown!
(Hot tip: Tune in to the local K-Gay radio station. We blasted it every time we drove… I miss it so much!)
A howdy to the Parker Palm Springs hotel for hosting us, and making our stay so memorable. You can see our full story about this hip hotel here.
The Parker Hotel is home to the most photographed / Instagrammed door in Palm Springs. We took an obligatory photo in front of the tall orange and white entrance.
Jonathan Adler designed the Parker’s interiors with his signature whimsy. I was tickled pink by this enormous macrame owl, by artist Andy Harman.
Stop by the Parker Palm Springs’ spa, which looks like a waterfront yacht club. Snap some photos with the nautical decor, and snack on some fresh fruits and herb-infused water.
Check out The Shining carpets, and an enormous mid-century macrame owl… The Parker seems like it was designed for me!
Enjoy my first post about the Parker Palm Springs here.
If you’re enjoying these ‘fit photos, you can see more on my social media @lacarmina. Find La Carmina on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Perhaps you might be interested in owning something from my wardrobe… I’m still selling clothes and accessories on Depop (username @lacarmina)!
Check out my Depop shop, and email me if you’d like anything from my personal collection. Happy to do discounts.
Things are quite different these days… Instead of planning my next international trip, I’m writing about how to style COVID face masks with your outfits!
Check out my latest article for At Home in Canada magazine here.
We should all be wearing masks, but many people are reluctant to put one on. For this article, I turned to my stylish friends around the world for tips on how to look fashionable in face masks.
Here are some additional photos that I hope will inspire you. Aurelio Voltaire rocks a macabre mask and gloves…
Josie Stevens models masks from her fashion line. She created a collection of cheeky and edgy masks in a variety of prints.
The stylist, designer, and “Married to Rock” reality TV star has an enormous selection of fashionable face masks for sale here.
Taeden Hall of Gloomth & the Cult of Melancholy, the Toronto-based Gothic indie fashion house, released a medical-art mask that is creepy cute perfection. Her model Azura Rose shows off the matching leggings, which come in inclusive sizes. (Photo of her by Stephie Scarlet)
Anime/J-pop musician Stephane Yanez is kawaii to the max, in her pink masks and Hello Kitty face shield!
Last but certainly not least, Asia’s Goths show how mask-wearing is done. Mim Midori Lai rocks this devilish look, while Yukiro as drag diva Die Schwarze Frau “werrrkks” it.
I hope these fashionistas worldwide inspired you to wear a mask with confidence.
Accessories are everything… and the Strathberry x Miffy release is a head-turner! I’m delighted to update my wallet and coin purse with these cute meets luxurious designs, crafted from supple leather and gold hardware.
I’ve been a Miffy fanatic since childhood. These days, I focus on timeless, high quality leather bags and accessories — but preferably with a touch of cute. And so, the Strathberry x Miffy Walker Street Wallet is a dream come true.
I love the compact size, which holds together with an easy snap button. It opens up to reveal a handy bill compartment, credit card slots and a zipped coin pocket.
And I’m seeing stars, with this Strathberry x Miffy cobalt leather coin purse! Love Dick Bruna’s illustration of the white rabbit with a moon and stars, surrounded by sleek orange edging.
The limited collection includes clutches, totes, crossbody bags, scarves… check out the adorable range here before it’s gone.
And browse more Strathberry bags below:
Speaking of sweet bunnies… I’m staying at home almost all the time now, and lounging in these soft bunny-ears slippers from SlipperSin! These open-toed bedroom slides are so comfortable, and keep my feet protected.
I’m wearing these adorable faux fur slippers with bunny ears, which come in women’s US size 5-6 or 7-8. The “kawaii” pastel rabbit design is head-turning, without being heavy or cumbersome.
In addition to these cuties, there are hundreds of slipper designs available on SlipperSin — including rainbow poofs, animal print booties, and other fab footwear for home.
I’ve also been riveted by the new book ANATOMICA, by Joanna Ebenstein of Morbid Anatomy fame. (We met at the museum in NYC, and went on a Day of the Dead Mexico trip together!)
In “Anatomica: The Exquisite and Unsettling Art of Human Anatomy,” Joanna compiles bizarre and beautiful medical art from the 16-20th century. I was flabbergasted by some of the drawings, such as Japanese illustrations of “energy points” in the body, and a Chinese guide to tongue diseases!
Anatomica vividly shows how our understanding of anatomy and medicine changed over the years. We’ve always been fascinated by the human body and death. As you’ll see from the remarkable paintings of blood vessels and dissected cadavers, there’s a lot of beauty to be found within the “morbid.”
You’ll encounter skulls galore as you flip the pages… It’s the perfect book for anyone who loves history, medicine, art, and all things Gothic.
Anatomica is a labor of love by Joanna Ebenstein, and it’s out today. This hard-cover, full-colored book is only $35 — well worth picking up a copy, as you’ll gain so much fascinating knowledge from it.
In this age of COVID and wildfires, we’re remembering how much of an impact medicine has in our lives. Stay inside and keep healthy, everyone!
PS: You can see all my Palm Springs + California posts here. Dreaming of being back.
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Whitby Goth Weekend: Travel Tips & Accommodations! Steampunk Gothic fashion, Andi Sex Gang.
Thousands of Goths came out to play… at Whitby Goth Weekend 2015! (Above — ran into steampunk designer/model Kato Steamgirl, and Derek Brown of the band Abney Park.)
WGW began as a small gathering in 1994, and is now one of the world’s biggest celebrations of Gothic music, fashion and culture. Twice a year, the festival brings alternative types together, in the charming seaside town of Whitby, England.
It’s quite the sight… Locals mixing with Victorian gentlemen, steampunk ladies, and even furries! But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s start with the travel basics, followed by style snaps and a performance by Andi Sex Gang.
First, how do you get to Whitby Goth Weekend? Most people first travel to a nearby city, such as Liverpool or even London. I was already in Manchester with my crew, so we easily rode the train and changed tracks at Darlington or Middlesbrough. Our ride was about 5 hours long, and gave us a gorgeous view of the English countryside. However if you have a car, driving is usually the most direct way to get to Whitby. The festival also runs a “late bus” to nearby Scarborough, which is where some people stay.
Now, how can you find accommodations during Whitby Goth Weekend? Let me warn you: on these festival dates, Whitby hotels and rentals get booked up months in advance! Plan ahead, and don’t expect to “wing it” or you’ll be in trouble.
I stayed in a Sykes Cottages rental with my friends, and it was the perfect solution. We got a cute cottage to ourselves, within walking distance of the city center. The location (Captain Cook haven) was picture-perfect, as you can see above. We even saw bunnies in our yard!
We rented this Sykes Sunnybrae cottage, which mixed countryside charm with modern appliances. I did my best to haunt the kitchen. (Perhaps that explains the mystery of the disappearing cookies?)
Sykes makes it easy for you to search and book cottages all over the UK, via their site. Our cottage had 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a spacious living room and kitchen — what a deal, especially when shared between a few friends. Sykes even provided us with snacks and everything we needed for English afternoon tea! (I’ll show you more in the next post.)
We were a stone’s throw away from the Larpool Viaduct, which was built in the late 19th century and spans the River Esk.
My friends and I walked on the viaduct, and it led us straight to Whitby town center. I’m wearing a Victorian dress and Da Vinci print corset from Dracula Clothing.
(Shop corsets and steam punk clothing below)
How gorgeous is Yorkshire, Northern England? This was my first time in this county, and it’s so different from London: lush landscapes, friendly folk.
Tip: wear good walking shoes (I wore “trainers” and carried my heels in a bag). While this is a pleasant walk, it’s a long one and there are some steep areas. Bring a coat too, since the weather can get chilly especially near the ocean.
At the end of the path, we descended a steep set of stairs and arrived at this adorable row of boats. While Whitby is a small resort town, there are a good number of shops and restaurants, so you’ll have plenty to see and do.
Seagulls chirped and circled though the air. Whitby is known as a prime fishing port, and their fish and chips are considered the best in Britain.
Why is Whitby the location of a Goth festival? Because Bram Stoker wrote Dracula while staying in this fishing town. Whitby Abbey (to my left) provided dark inspiration for his vampire novel.
The ruins of the Abbey called to me… We went there later, to shoot a magazine cover. Stay tuned, and I’ll take you up there. (All photos by Joey Wong)
Everywhere we walked, there was a Goth! We saw people of all ages in alternative fashion, ranging from Steampunk to Fairy to Cyber to Horror. (I’ll show you more snaps of festival-goers in the next post.)
The walk worked up our appetite. We stopped for lunch at the Magpie Cafe, one of the top-rated restaurants in Whitby. They’re famed for their fish & chips, and have a extensive menu featuring fresh seafood. (Tip: go during off-hours. We went on a Friday afternoon, and were lucky to get a table. On Saturday and Sunday evenings, the lineup will snake around the block).
I posed at the Magpie Cafe entrance with my friends Nyx and Truls, who is the designer of Dracula Clothing. We’re all wearing his dark designs.
The “Bizarre Bazaar” and concerts are all held at “The Spa” Pavilion. Where is this venue exactly? On the cliff, not far from the whale bones sculpture. (Address: West Cliff, Whitby, North Yorkshire)
Below the Spa is a long stretch of beach. Some cheeky Goths drew a giant pentagram in the sand.
It was wonderful to see so many “creatures of the night” gathered in one place. I loved how people dressed and expressed themselves in their own ways, like this steampunk lad playing a ukelele. My friends found a Dracula store that matched their aesthetic!
Dracula Clothing also designed the brass goggles that I’m wearing as a necklace. My purple-blue hair is the work of Stephanie Hoy at Stratosphere Salon in Vancouver.
We passed by a row of decorated Goth cars. This license plate says it all.
Now that’s “Dead-ication” to the spooky lifestyle.
There were a lot of photographers asking to take images. Some have complained that “looky-loos” are turning the weekend into too much a “circus attraction,” but aside for a few moments on the busiest streets, I didn’t feel hounded or on display.
21 years after the first Whitby Gothic Weekend, the scene retains an inclusive, genuine atmosphere. Many of the attendees have been part of the lifestyle for decades, and still going strong.
During the day, anyone is welcome to browse the shopping “bazaars” (there are three locations) and attend free events, like a pool and golf tournament. However, when night falls, only wristband-wearers are allowed into the Spa pavilion, where the bands perform.
This year, WGW performers included Cruxshadows, The Birthday Massacre and Abney Park. I only attended Friday and Saturday night, so I didn’t see all the shows. However, I was front and center for Andi Sex Gang (above).
My friend Justin Minister was playing bass in Andi Sex Gang. (Remember I saw him play with Amy’s Arms in Toronto?)
Oh, Andi. The founder and singer of Sex Gang Children (seminal 1980s Goth band) is powerful as ever, in his solo incarnation. He crouched and splayed his hands, moving like a Japanese butoh artist. Paint divided his face in two halves, which shone in different colors as the lights changed.
The group played tracks from the past, and from their new album Achilles In The Eurozone. The latest songs are as evocative at ever, pulsing with a modern sound — Andi is always stepping up his game.
(We had press passes, so Joey got to shoot these dramatic photos from the foot of the stage.)
He’s a study in stage presence: scuttling across the stage like a spider, and hitting every note with intensity. Between songs, Andi wished Whitby Goth Weekend a happy birthday, in his best horror-film voice.
The band grounded the tracks with dark, pulsing rhythms. The background showed eccentric film clips, like a Hindu god spreading a multitude of arms.
If Uncle Fester could sing… Bravo to Andi Sex Gang for a magnificent headlining performance. They’re currently on tour in Europe; check out their Facebook for upcoming show dates.
I filmed some clips of Whitby bands performing — I hope these give you a sense of the energy on stage. Watch the compilation video above and on VideofyMe.
Attending Whitby Goth Weekend was a dream come true! I have a lot more to share with you — please take a moment to bookmark this site and add me on Facebook, to make sure you won’t miss it.
The next Whitby Goth Weekend takes place October 30 to November 1 (Halloween 2015!) More info about tickets, performers etc can be found on their website.
Have you heard of WGW? What’s your impression of this Gothic festival so far?
(Shop my favorite Steampunk fashion, shoes and accessories below)