I didn’t have to steal Lemon’s crucifix ring after all — I got my own silver/black knuckle jewelry. You’ll never guess the brand. Guess! I’m serious… it’s by Guess.

Shopping Lesson 1: Never pooh-pooh brands simply because they have an “undesirable” name or image. You never know what might find in the most unlikely of stores. (Recall these slick black gloves from Le Chateau?)

Shopping Lesson 2: Look around and ask for a discount. I found this ring in Canadian department store The Bay; it was in a gift box and listed at $25. Then I looked on the display counter and found the exact same item, without a fancy box, for $20. Finally, I asked the lady if there were any discounts. Lo and behold, she told me that if I picked up a flyer from a different counter, I’d get 15% off any purchase — so I wound up paying $17! If I hadn’t looked and asked around, I would have paid $8 more for the ring.

Black lace top: Two sheer, lacy tops worn over each other, for a layered effect.
High-waisted skirt with corset lacing: Alice and the Pirates, from Laforet Harajuku.
Kawaii rings: Nile Perch (fairy kei store in Laforet Harajuku) and Outlet in Ikebukuro.
Cute black rabbit plush charm: from a Harajuku store. I wear it on my purse or in my hair.

Yellow buckle boots: John Fluevog
Goth top with flowing sleeves: Metamorphose temps de fille, from Closet Child Shinjuku
Silver crown choker: Black Peace Now, from Closet Child Harajuku

I’m so very happy: my Asia Rock Festivals Guide for 2010 made CNN’s Travel main page… with a featured photo of Visual Kei masters Versailles! (Yukiro will have a front-row report of Jasmine You’s memorial for you in early January.)

Have you noticed my spanking new blog header? Basil Farrow and I were digitally illustrated by the talented Miss Angela Che. She’s an LA-based illustrator who works in a variety of media (fabrics patterns, packaging, 3D). Check out Angela’s site — you’ll be blown away by the kawaii.

Coming up: a glut of Basil Farrow photos and big announcements about 2010!