I was looking forward to the film Black Swan ever since I saw the poster of Natalie Portman in winged-eyed Gothic makeup. I went to the advance screening last night, and yes, the Oscar buzz is well deserved. Portman is terrifying as a perfectionist ballerina teetering towards insanity. Be prepared for to wince — nail cutting, scratching and peeling — as she falls to pieces. Darren Aronofsky (director of Pi) keeps it tense throughout, especially in the spiraling scenes where she dances to Swan Lake. Black Swan opens today… go see it. You may leave the theater perturbed, but you won’t be disappointed.

Tis the season for Christmas shopping — how have you been faring? If only we could transport ourselves to the Shinsaibashi district of Osaka. There’s a one-shop stop for your favorite Japanese Goth Punk and Lolita clothing.

The last time I visited, Sex Pot Revenge, Regulus and Busoh Sensen were on display. Can’t go wrong with neon electro graphic prints.

Iron Fist shoes are big in Japan. Do you remember the Zombie and blood-dripping shoes that Iron Fist sent me? These stompers are also sold in Tokyo’s Nude and Rude store (here is a full post with photos).

I rarely buy new clothes in Japan, but I love going into stores and examining the displays. I always come out with new ideas on how to coordinate outfits.

Many of you liked my Listen Flavor cat punk sweater. This playful alternative brand is a gem.

Listen Flavor’s cheeky characters and electric colors are a nice change from black-black-black.

This Osaka basement store also carries Hypercore.

Punk and New Wave are not dead. For Osaka shopping maps, photos and reports, please visit my Japan store guide.

What’s everyone doing this weekend? Perhaps some DIX-mas shopping, and watching Black Swan?

PS: I’ve decided! I’m adding a new color to my hair. Hmm, what do you think it will be….

Japanese Word of the Day: Kotonaru = Different
Song of the Day: Janne Da Arc – Hysteric Moon (Old school Visual Kei, suggested by my lovely Lemon)