Month Archive for February 2013
Links to Gothic Lolita Punk fashion websites, Harajuku clothes online. Yummy You by Twinkie Chan giveaway!
I’m in Tokyo for a TV job, as you may have seen on my social networks. I’ll confess — I’ve been itching to re-visit my favorite Goth, Lolita and Punk stores.
This blog has come a long way. My content has expanded to alternative culture, fashion and travel worldwide. Nonetheless, Harajuku street style remains my passion, and was the seed that sprouted this colorful life.
Many of you tell me you enjoy my old-school coverage, and miss my sidebar links to Japanese Gothloli brands. So I’m going back in time, and dedicating this post to you… as well as this giveaway!
How’d you like to win a sushi scarf and socks, from Yummy You by Twinkie Chan?
Simply Like this cute company on Facebook and comment in this post, telling me what’s your favorite YY product. Keep scrolling for the full details.
And here are links to major Japanese alternative clothing brand websites. The groupings are general, as many of these designs span various style tribes. Model images courtesy of Kera Shop Japan (where these pictured items are sold).
♥ Department Stores: Laforet Harajuku, Marui One Shinjuku, Shibuya 109
♥ Sweet Lolita: Angelic Pretty, Baby the Stars Shine Bright, Emily Temple Cute, Innocent World, Justine et Juliette, Metamorphose temps de fille, Milky Ange, Mille Fleurs
♥ Classical Lolita: Atelier Pierrot, Chantilly, Jane Marple, Victorian Maiden, Mary Magdalene, Heart E, Antique Beast
♥ Gothic Lolita: Alice and the Pirates, Elements, Excentrique, h.NAOTO, Maxicimam MA/MAM, Moi-meme-moitie, Visible, Miho Matsuda
♥ Punk Rock Lolita: Kera Shop Arena & Angel, ScoLar, Listen Flavor, Super Lovers, Deorart, HellCatPunks, Sex Pot Revenge, Toxic Star, Dangerous Nude, Ghost of Harlem, Putumayo, Algonquins, Nile Perch
♥ Elegant Goth Aristocrat & Kodona: Atelier Boz, Black Peace Now
♥ Goth Fetish: Rituals by Kenzo-A, Alice Auaa, Suppurate System
♥ Cyber & Wa: Takuya Angel, Qutie Frash, Lacrima, Ozz On & Ozz Croce
Where are these stores located? See maps, addresses, and photos of the boutiques in my Tokyo shopping guide. I also have an Osaka Gothic Lolita Punk store guide.
What are the best Tokyo and Osaka Goth alternative clubs? Read my overview of the Japan nightlife scene. Once again, there are maps, addresses, photos, and descriptions of the club nights.
I hope you found these links and tips helpful. You can support by linking to this post, sharing it on your social networks, and adding my Facebook page (below). Thank you.
Here are some coordinates to get you inspired. Clockwise from left: Sex Pot Revenge, Toxic Star, Metamorphose temps de fille, Dangerous Nude.
Elegance meets pop punk. Clockwise from left: Miho Matsuda, Angelic Pretty, Deorart, HellCatPunks
A whiff of kitty-cat, a hint of devil. Clockwise from left: ScoLar, Listen Flavor, Super Lovers, Midas Laputa
When I say “spooky-cute,” this is what I mean. Clockwise from left: Ghost of Harlem, Putumayo, Algonquins (both bottom photos).
Goth crosses and teddy bears. Peace Now, Nile Perch
Which Tokyo street style brands are your favorites? Did you find the website list useful? (If so, I’d appreciate if you spread the word.)
Inspired to wear kawaii style? Then I hope you’ll enter my Yummy You giveaway! Pink-haired, LA-based Twinkie Chan designs crochet and knit accessories, with food influences — like sushi scarfs, eggs and bacon pins, and cupcake socks. (Tons of inspiration on her Twitter.)
She’s giving away a bento box to one lucky reader, containing a pair of sushi socks and scarf. Contest open internationally, and ends March 5, 2013. To enter…
1) Like Yummy You on Facebook
2) Check out the YY site and tell me your favorite product, either by commenting in this post or on my Facebook. Good luck.
Thanks for reading and supporting me through the years. Lots of Japan adventures coming up… peep at my Instagram for previews.
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Sedona, Arizona road trip: Vortex energy, New Age Center, Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Heavy metal adventure team… activate!
I’m in Sedona, Arizona with Leon and Geist of the band Colosseum Thesis. Can you mix Jrock and Aliens? Read on to have your eyes opened.
Sedona is a 2-3 hour scenic drive from Phoenix. The red rock’s known as a haven of spirituality… and alien encounters.
Skull hair clips: gifted by Kreepsville 666
Art Nouveau sunglasses: gifted by Lumete
We blasted metal and Visual Kei on the drive north, which took us through cacti landscapes and rock corridors. Bassist Geist and I strike an alien pose.
It was right before Christmas, so the aliens were wearing Santa hats.
Our first pit stop: the fascinating Center for the New Age.
The store offers vortex tours, aura photography, psychics, palm readers, healing stones and crystals, and more.
A rich selection of books and Buddhas.
No matter what your spiritual leanings are, Sedona is special place. There’s a feeling of re-charging here.
Sedona has a number of “vortexes”, or sites charged healing and awareness.
Not everyone “feels the power.” Nonetheless, Sedona’s an unbeatable place to hike, relax, and take in nature.
We had outstanding French food at Rene in Tlaquepaque, across from the New Age Center.
I could have stayed in the Southwestern courtyard all day. My white dress is Japanese brand Liz Lisa, bought in Hong Kong. Here are photos of the Liz Lisa boutique.
Closeup on the boys’ rings and gloves.
The spinach tofu salad and fresh crepes were out of this world.
Ravioli for my Arizona guide, Leon Lindon (singer, composer, musician, producer, and leader of Colosseum Thesis).
With stomachs satiated, we went on to another spiritual place.
The landscape makes an epic backdrop for photos.
My Liz Lisa ankle boots aren’t really made for climbing.
We ascended the spiral walkway…
… to the Chapel Of The Holy Cross, an architectural marvel completed in 1956.
The Catholic chapel’s windows reflect red rock, and the shape of a cross.
A powerful place for prayer.
Inside, we listened to soft chanting and basked in the light.
I’ve been to ornamented churches around the world, including Prague and Mexico — but none had the energy of this simple Chapel.
As Leon puts it, “Sedona is a place that encourages people to look upward.”
Photos can’t convey the feeling of this place; I hope you’ll come and experience it for yourself.
Thanks to Leon and Geist for the epic road trip. Their band, Colosseum Thesis, is a surprising new visual music act that uses a progressive blend of genres such as rock, neoclassical, and jazz, complete with grandiose theatrical performances. Can’t wait for their debut performances and demo later this year.
Were you surprised by Sedona’s spirituality? Where do you go to regain calm and re-charge?
LA CARMINA
