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.