FASHION BLOG OUTFIT POST: BESTY GIRLS CLUB BOW RINGS. ASYMMETRICAL HEM SKIRT, PINK RAINBOW HAIR, KAWAII EYES.

I love my pink-orange creamsicle hair! Thanks to my super talented stylist, Isolde. (More hairstyle pics here.)
Here’s a rainbow-glitter-Goth outfit post to get you in the summer mood. (Featuring Japanese nail art and Besty Bow Rings… keep reading for the ice-cream scoop.)

White leather jacket: Danier (got this about 10 years ago. GUESS makes a similar jacket.)
Baby Rinne cute character scarf: gifted by Bros Products (remember when I visited their Hong Kong design office?)
White hat: vintage
Glitter Venetian mask: from a costume store (here’s a purple mask)

Makeup: I put the focus on my lips, which I coated in loose pink glitter. I did a small cat-eye with liquid black eyeliner, neutral eyeshadows, and long false eyelashes.

Long asymmetrical skirt: gifted by Lip Service (chiffon tail skirt from the Widow collection)
Goth platform boots: Kera Shop, from Closet Child Tokyo

My Japanese nail art is possibly my favorite yet! As always, I went to the prize-winning crew at Glam Nail Studio for Bio Sculpture Gel. Rococo silver swirls, glitter, gems, cobwebs and skulls with ribbons.

How sweet are these ribbon rings? Indie jewelry company Besty Bow Ring sent these to me in size 6 and 7. I stacked them for extra cuteness.

The rings are sterling silver and will never fade — like true friendships. They’re stylish update on the “friendship bracelet” exchanges of childhood.

The cute bow design goes perfectly with Harajuku / Lolita outfits. It’s a meaningful present to exchange with a close friend, to strengthen bonds or celebrate a special moment.

Basil Farrow and I are members of the Besty Girls Club — won’t you join us? Put on a bow ring and “B my Besty!”

PS: Amazing, there are 40 entries for my T-shirt design contest! I’m bowled over by your talent and imagination: evil queen Yukiro, and Basil in a bow-tie. Vote for your favorite before May 21st USA time.
What do you think of my warm-weather outfit? Have you tried sparkly lips, false eyelashes, or dying your hair?
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KYARY PAMYU PAMYU & LA CARMINA IN ANAN MAGAZINE JAPAN: KAWAII FASHION & MUSIC ISSUE. PICK A CUTE DESIGN WINNER!

The current (May 2012) issue of AnAn Magazine features Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, “Gothic Lolita ambassador” Misako Aoki… and La Carmina! The Japanese magazine interviewed me about kawaii fashion and culture worldwide.
Read on for style scans, and to vote for your favorite entry in my Go With Oh design contest.

Here’s my feature! I answer six questions about cute culture/style outside Japan. I’m honored to be in this J-fashion magazine, which is about the equivalent of Cosmo.

This issue focuses on kawaii (Japanese cuteness), which never goes out of style. The current torchbearer is musician and model Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, known for her surreal rainbow-explosion style.

This “Kawaii Museum” spread is doll-like, with dark Lolita and Aristocrat elements.

Love the long braids, star creeper shoes, and Wednesday Addams dress.

AnAn also spotlights Momoiro Clover Z, a Japanese female idol group that reminds me of the Power Rangers.

The magazine has a round-up of the latest, cutest items. Someone give me those Little Twin Stars shoes!

Floral and dessert motifs are popular. Kawaii style must include nail art, color layering, and retro-kitsch.
Speaking of spooky-cute… I need your help! Which t-shirt design should win my Go With Oh contest?
Please Like and Comment on your favorite, to help me choose. See the entries on Facebook and Pinterest.
There’s still time for you to submit a design! To be safe, get your entry to me by May 20th, USA time. I look forward to seeing your work. (Read the full info here.)
What do you think of the kawaii fashion in AnAn Magazine? Are you a fan of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, and Misako Aoki?
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TORTURE GARDEN JAPAN, TOKYO FETISH CLUB NIGHT. GOTH ALTERNATIVE JAPANESE NIGHTLIFE, CLUBS LISTINGS & PARTIES.

I’ve been to Torture Garden in Japan twice now. In Halloween 2010, I wore a sexy nun costume. This time, my inspiration was Goth Sailor Moon.
Steampunk skirt: gifted from Lip Service
Black lingerie top: an old thing
Gold octopus pin: gifted from Ghostlove
Horror necklace: gifted from Sourpuss Clothing

I met two spooky friends at the Shibuya Hachiko statue.

We went to a K-pop cafe, which felt like we were in Seoul.

We met more Rainbow Brite friends in front of Eleven, the club in Nishi Azabu.

Final touches to outfits before going in.

Kana (right) looks like she came straight from her burlesque boudoir. On the left: yet another example of Gothic Lolita that doesn’t play by the rules: ghoulish makeup and cute bear ears. That’s how it is in Japan clubs.

Scattered around the event: punishment demos, dancing queens, painful performances.

From Geisha to Gothic, every type of fashion is found here.

Yukiro and I have now nightcrawled together in Tokyo, Osaka, LA, NYC… and soon Berlin and Leipzig (Wave Gotik Treffen).

Pain and pleasure.

I wasn’t impressed with the clown who staple-gunned his arm and inhaled a glass of milk. But I love the rubber lady, who makes her own costumes.


Torture Garden sounds like an intimidating place, but it’s all about freedom and fun.

How do you feel about extreme performances at fetish/underground events like this one? Which outfits did you like best?
For more Tokyo nightlife, check out my Japan Goth club guide.
PS: I’ve moved my Song of the Day feature to my La Carmina Tumblr. (I’l add you back!)
TRASH AND VAUDEVILLE: NYC GOTH PUNK CLOTHING SHOP, ONLINE STORE. ST MARKS PLACE, EAST VILLAGE. NY SEXY SHOES & BOOTS.

A regular person’s trash is a spooky kid’s treasure. That’s the spirit of New York clothing store Trash and Vaudeville.
Located on St Mark’s Place (the Goth/punk East Village district , the two levels hold such gems as KISS spiky boots, zebra-striped ripped tops, and red faux fur coats. Whenever I’m in NYC, you’ll be sure to find me here.

Trash and Vaudeville opened in 1975, born from the rock and punk scene. From the start, manager Jimmy Webb has been dressing up customers as Rockers, Mods, Punks, Goths, Rockabillies, and everything in between.

If you’ve got a thing for shoes, the lower level might bring on an aneurysm. Dr. Martens of every variety, including rose-print Docs, and classic black stompers.

The alternative shoe brands include Tripp, Tripp Darkstreet, creepers by Underground, stripper heels by Pleaser.

Yukiro walked away with gold boots.

Don’t you wish your shoe rack looked like this?

Trash & Vaudeville has been in its original location since the start. I’m sure Sid and Nancy stopped by.

The decor’s dark humor. Siouxsie, is that you?

On both levels, you can browse men and women’s alt clothing labels like: Tripp, T.U.K., Rock Tees and Royal Bones.

How about a Hello Kitty purse, or rainbow unicorn?

Past the feather boas and bowler hats, there’s a stellar sale rack.

We got these coats for $9!

So much to see and try on. This remains one of the best NYC shops for alternative wear.

Come and say hi to Jimmy for us. Trash and Vaudeville is located at 4 St Mark’s Place (East 8th between 2nd and 3rd Ave, NYC). Take the subway to the 8th St or Astor Place shop, and walk.
Not in the Big Apple? The store also sells rock clothes online.

PS: These photos were taken with my new camera; what do you think? I switched from the Canon Powershot S90 to the S100, available on Amazon.

Also check out punk store Search and Destroy (on the same block). Click for more of my adventures at NY Fashion Week.

Have you heard of Trash and Vaudeville, or wandered inside? Which fashion items stood out in this post? If you could keep anything from the store, what would it be?
PS: Currently planning my Wave Gotik Treffen, Berlin & Prague press trip… Don’t forget to enter the design contest to “join me”! Learn the details.
Click-click-click below…
BODYPAINTING COMPETITION: VANCOUVER ART WORLD EXPO. AIRBRUSH MAKEUP COMPETITION, BIF NAKED, ARTIST SHOW.

Remember my spectacular Corpse Bride makeup, by Jennifer Little of Glitter Machine? Last Friday, she presented a body art competition in the Vancouver Art World Expo produced by Monika Blichar of MAB Ventures Inc.

I wore a Yellow House cat-ears hoodie, from the iconic store in Harajuku. Using my Misikko curling iron, I created tight waves to frame my face.
My amazing point-and-shoot is a Canon PowerShot S100, the best handheld digital camera you can get.

Since my hair is now pink-ish, I did shaded eye makeup to match. With little pink gems under the eyes.
Goth Lolita dress: Innocent World, from Closet Child Tokyo
Crucifix ruffle shoes: h.NAOTO, from Closet Child Tokyo

Although the event had many well-dressed guests, nobody could outshine the bodypainted models.

Glitter Machine’s work literally glitters. To create subtle patterns, Jenn airbrushed color over lace.

I caught up with my friend Victoria Ronco, exhibiting her travel photography for the first time. She even made the purse! You can see more via Divina Images.

Mini cupcakes. Can’t resist free food.

There was a fashion show, and 80 artists showing and selling their work.

The girl’s wearing nothing but a thong and heels. The rest is bodypaint!

On the left, I’m being silly. On the right… that’s Bif Naked.

The Canadian rocker’s voice is as gripping as ever, and she spoke endearingly about her inspiration and beloved dog. I loved her acoustic set, with songs like “Spaceman” and “Lucky” off the I Bificus CD.

The highlight of my evening was the body art competition. One by one, the models paraded on stage, twisting and swaying to music. (The entry on the far left won.)

Such intricate 3D detailing.

Kudos to the organizers for a colorful, well-run event with an alternative art pulse.

Also, how hot is Jenn’s Bebe blue lace dress?

PS: I was interviewed for a Huffington Post article about Mexico Gothic Lolitas. Nice to see a community there. Thanks also to ShopTheMag for interviewing me in their B.A.D (Backing Asian Designers) campaign.
Are you familiar with body-painting? What do you think of the technique and visuals? Do you support or take part in local art events?
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