Dir en Grey is invading America! And guess what… you have a chance to WIN one of FIVE pairs of tickets to the Los Angeles concert, held on September 8th at Club Nokia. It’s easy to enter the giveaway — just comment on this post / spread the word. (See the full instructions below.) Ready, get set… let’s do it!

If you’re a Visual Kei / Jrock fan, you can’t go to Harajuku without hitting the merchandise shops. Hide and Gackt’s faces are plastered all over the walls.

I think everyone loves X-Japan’s 1980s look the best.

Who is your favorite Malice Mizer member? Typical of VK photography, everyone has white skin and a disappearing nose.

Hide is alive… do you remember my photos of the Hide Lemoned shop and anniversary memorabilia in Marui One Shinjuku?

In other Visual Kei news, X Japan has released its North American tour dates. Tickets are now available. Will you be at any of the shows?
† September 25, Wiltern Theatre (Los Angeles, CA)
† September 28, Fox Theatre (Oakland, CA)
† October 1, Paramount Theatre (Seattle, WA)
† October 3, Queen Elizabeth Theatre (Vancouver, BC Canada)
† October 6, Riviera (Chicago, IL)
† October 7, Massey Hall (Toronto, ON Canada)
† October 10, Roseland Ballroom (New York, NY)

How about the Dir en Grey concert in LA (Sept 8, Club Nokia in LA)? Well… here’s how to win 1 of 5 pairs of tickets to the show!

ENTER DIR EN GREY CONTEST
† What’s the best live music performance you’ve ever attended, and why? Please share your story in the comments. (If you are having trouble commenting, email me.)
† Please promote the contest in a blog or forum post, or link to it via Facebook, Twitter, Stumble or other social network. Include the link or username in your comment for verification. ALTERNATELY, you can subscribe to my mailing list (on the top right sidebar).

*** IMPORTANT *** You must fulfill BOTH requirements to be eligible. Many of you were disqualified from the Kanon Wakeshima contest because you forgot to spread the word…

Contest is open worldwide and ends Tuesday, August 24 at midnight Pacific Time. You may only enter once and must fulfill both requirements to be eligible. Winners MUST be able to attend the Los Angeles concert on Sept 8, 2010, and will be picked at random. Good luck!

PS: 6 mysterious monsters found around Asia, caught on video. Hoaxes, or is the truth out there? Come read my new CNNGo article.
PPS: Thank you for the birthday wishes — huge hugs!

It’s a Jrock / Visual Kei announcement day! First, Kanon Wakeshima’s new album, Lolitawork Libretto, is finally out (pick it up here). To celebrate, I’m holding a giveaway contest with her record label Maru Music. Meaning you can win Kanon Wakeshima postcards autographed by the Gothic Lolita doll herself! Read on for details, and for exciting updates on the X Japan and D’espairsRay tours.

Kanon Wakeshima sings and plays Baroque cello, and is the prodigy-protegee of Visual Kei god Mana (Malice Mizer / Moi dix Mois). Above is the PV of her new single, Lolitawork Libretto, with French storytelling by Solita. Both her classical songwriting and Gothic Lolita princess dress are entrancing.

Here’s your chance to enter her lovely Lolita world — you can win an autographed 4-piece Kanon Wakeshima postcard set! Three of the postcards are photos of the adorable artist; one showcases an original artwork by her. And one of the cards is signed by Kanon Wakeshima herself.

HOW TO ENTER THE CONTEST…
† Amazingly, Kanon began playing cello at age 3. How about you: what was your earliest encounter with a musical instrument? Please leave a comment in this blog post, sharing your story. If you don’t play any instruments, let me know what you’d like to learn and why.
† Please promote the contest in a blog or forum post, or link to it via Facebook, Twitter, Stumble or other social network. Include the link or username in your comment for verification.

Contest is open worldwide and ends Tues, August 3 at midnight Pacific Time. You may only enter once and must fulfill both requirements to be eligible. Winner will be picked at random. Email Carmina if you have questions.

I previously shared the news that Visual Kei legends X Japan will be touring North America in the fall. Here’s another exciting update: the band’s former bassist Taiji Sawada will join X Japan on stage as a special guest! He’ll appear for two concerts, held August 14 and 15 at Nissan Stadium in Tokyo.

It’s been 18.5 years since Taiji and X Japan last played together. Don’t you love the band’s hair-raising look in the 1980s? It seems like the increasing interest in Visual Kei outside of Japan is encouraging bands to reunite. And if the Kozi-Mana-Yuki love at the July concert was any indication, Malice Mizer is next… fingers crossed!

Finally, Askew Magazine has teamed up with D’espairsRay to create a special tour booklet. I’ve seen a preview, and it’s ultra-professional and made with love. The booklet contains entirely original photography and an in-depth look behind the creation of Monsters and the “Death Point” music video. This special edition item is only available via the merchandise table at D’espairsRay concerts in North America and possibly Europe — so head out to a show! And good news for fans who bought tickets to the cancelled shows (Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta) — Askew will send you a booklet for FREE (if you have proof of purchase and cover the shipping/handling). Head over to Askew Magazine’s site for more Visual Kei goodies.

Anyone pumped to see D’espairsRay live? Come enter the Kanon Wakeshima contest by commenting about your first musical experience and spreading the word on the giveaway. (I’ll get the ball rolling.)

Japanese Word of the Day: Zetsubou = Despair
Song of the Day: TAIJI with HEAVEN’S (from “The Birthday Eve” show in Tokyo on March 26, 2010).

Excellent news for you Visual Kei headbangers! Digital music label HearJapan has teamed up with Visual Kei / Japanese Goth music labels, Darkest Labyrinth and Starwave Records. Which means you can now get your hands on releases from bands such as Luzmelt, Suicide Ali, Calmando Qual, GPKISM, Seileen (SiSEN and Selia), Takuya Angel… has your head exploded yet? Come check out the compilation CDs and digital downloads on HearJapan!

HearJapan generously gave us passes to see the darkest and glammest of these bands perform at Meguro Rockmaykan in Tokyo. We were allowed to shoot videos of the performances — and boy, were they ever bloody. Check back tomorrow for a video of GPKISM, SaTaN, Lix, Calmando Qual, Omega Tripp and more.

Before the concert, Yukiro caused scandal and drama in the convenience store. He’s wearing the ridiculously short dress he got at the ridiculous Ridiculous store in Osaka.

The floppy hat is DIY-decorated with flowers and ribbons. Yukiro’s claws are always ready to scratch young boys.

Lolita dress: Moi-meme-Moitie… in my dreams! It’s Metamorphose temps de fille; got it for great price at Closet Child Harajuku. You may recall that this was on my Classical Lolita wishlist.
Jacket with trailing sleeves: Marble, from Marui One Shinjuku
Gyaru “bunny ears” headband: from Odakaya in Shinjuku. You see these “ears” all over Tokyo.
Tights: Vivienne Westwood, from Marui Shinjuku
Epic boots are epic: Alice and the Pirates, from Closet Child Harajuku

Makeup is simple because we had to rush out the door… blue eyeliner, false eyelashes on top, nude lipstick, a gem at the corner of the eye.

But there’s always time to pose for photos! In the next post, we’ll bring you inside the Satanic concert with quality videos and a review.

14-year-old Amy sent me the gorgeous fanart on the right. It’s inspired by the Gothic Lolita outfit I wore on the CNN International shoot. I love the hime hair and kawaii eyes — you’re all so talented! If you’d like to see your Carmina/Basil artwork up here, send me an email.

Reiko Arashi also sent me a personalized trading card for Oshare Curry, her Visual Kei / Jpop social networking community. You can redeem it if you set up a profile on the site.

Have you ever been… Xperienced? (Sorry, couldn’t resist.) JrockRevolution presents a new webpage dedicated to X JAPAN’s performance at Lollapalooza. Come read the latest news, share stories on the forums, and plan meet-ups at the concert. You can also purchase an exclusive fan package with a T-shirt, thundersticks, DVD and more.

Finally, some sad news… Daisuke, vocalist of Visual Kei band The Studs and Kagerou, was laid to rest today. The cause of death has not been released. You may leave condolences on the band’s website.

Stay tuned for videos of Gothic Prince Ken and SaTaN dressed as Alice in Wonderland. Which are your favorite Starwave/Darkest Labyrinth bands?

Japanese Word of the Day: Maou = Satan
Song of the Day: GPKISM – Atheos (you can buy the single on HearJapan)

X Japan has announced a NORTH AMERICAN concert tour! As you may already know, the legendary Visual Kei band will be at Otakon convention in Baltimore (July 30-Aug 1) and Chicago’s Lollapalooza (Aug 6-8). Now, they’ve announced a full tour across the US and Canada, starting in California on October 1. The cities will include Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Vancouver, San Francisco, and Boston. (Source)

X Japan has been around since the dark ages (ok, they formed in 1982). Guitarist Hide (pronounced Hee-deh) tragically passed away in 1998 — thirteen years ago! But the band lives on, and is now finding new fans outside Japan. This spring, Marui One Shinjuku set up a special Lemoned Shop to commemorate Hide.

In addition to selling Hide merchandise, the store displayed the legend’s guitars such as the one played in Endless Rain.

While this was only a month-long special exhibit, you can always visit Hide’s Lemoned Shop in Harajuku, which sells goodies with a slightly worn or malformed aspect (hence the name “lemoned”). The boutique was also once Hide’s headquarters for his radio station, record label and tireless creative enterprises.

The logo — a bright, juicy lemon sliced in half — perfectly reflects Hide’s electric hair and showmanship.

Break out the… yen, if you want one of these rare Hide vinyls.

Fortunately, there are also affordable and cute little goodies for sale. Hoodies, t-shirts, pins, accessories, notebooks and kawaii bears. Perfect souvenirs.

Hide is alive… and on a t-shirt. Pick one up from the Harajuku shop if you find yourself in Tokyo.

We saw Kaya’s manly look… now let’s marvel at Yukiro’s! He was the model for Sembl’s new collection of Japanese deconstructed high-end mens clothing. (You can see the photos here.) The artsy video above was shot at Mt Fuji; poor Yukiro had to stumble around in icy water while chased by a shinigami (death god).

Are you looking forward to X Japan’s first “new” album in 14 years, to be released later this year? Will you be seeing them live?

Japanese Word of the Day: Higeki = Tragedy
Song of the Day: Kanon Wakeshima – Lolitawork Libretto (New PV from Mana’s cello-playing protege. What do you think of the music video and her Lolita clothing?)

I have a question for you… how do you build your outfits? I don’t usually plan everything out in advance; inspiration often hits at the last moment, such as my KISS makeup for the Osaka Black Veil ball. In Fruits magazine, the Japanese are asked what is their outfit’s “point of fashion” (meaning the overall theme or main focal point of the ensemble). I suppose I’d describe this ensemble as Gothic Aristocrat meets Japanese Schoolgirl.

Victorian girl top: gifted from Akina by Lang Leav. Check out her adorable new hand-bound book, Charlie’s Widow.
Skirt: Algonquins, from the store across from Marui One Shinjuku.
Knee high stockings: gifted from We Love Colors. These sheer knee socks come in 51 colors! I chose pale green and pale blue, for a subtle mis-match.
Silver Mary Janes: Yosuke, from EST in Osaka.

Long, sheer black coat with corset lacing: Ozz Croce, from Closet Child Shinjuku. Love the scoop back with the ruffled bottom.
Hair accessory: gifted from Cutie Dynamite (check out her gorgeous handmade hair decorations).
Eye makeup: Purples and browns from the new Aromaleigh collection, “Victoria’s Revenge.” I put false eyelashes in the outer corners of my eyes.
Lips: Lined with a purple eye pencil and filled with Aromaleigh lip creme “Sweet Tart.”

Funny story… when I met my friend for dinner, she looked at me oddly. “Did you do something new to your look?” I reflected. “No, my hair is the same from when I last saw you.” As we ate, my friend kept stealing glances at me. Finally, she stammered: “Did you… draw a MOLE on your face?” I ROTFMAO-ed so hard!

I’m preferring gold over silver these days — it matches my hair better. I like how my hair dye has stayed orange, but faded from the original brightness. Which version of my hair color do you like better?

I painted half of my nails orange, then carefully painted the other half dark purple. Finally, I added a white swoosh across, using a fine-tipped “nail art” polish from Daiso.

A happy announcement! Starting June 30th, I’ll be writing a monthly “La Carmina: Global Gothic” column for Lip Service’s webzine! It’ll be about Goth fashion and culture in every part of the world.

I’m honored and excited to be working with Lip Service, one of my favorite American Goth/alternative clothing brands. (Remember my beloved spiky faux fur jacket?) Lip Service’s latest Lolita and Steampunk-inspired clothes and accessories are wonderful; I can’t wait to coordinate them in upcoming outfit posts. For updates, you can check out my Twitter and Facebook group.

Are you a Lip Service fan? Which dark parts of the world should I cover for my column?

Japanese Word of the Day: Kuchi beni = Lipstick
Song of the Day: Sex Gang Children – Sebastiane (yay 1983)

I promised you J-rock eye candy… and here’s the delivery. Young Visual Kei band Luzmelt wearing what can only be described as training bras! And shorty-shorts. And a butt bustle? Regi and photographer Shiori Saito continue their epic Tekkoshocon journey by interviewing Suicide Ali about Pikachu pijamas and headbanging to their music. Read on…

Tekkoshocon brought in one of my favorite bands for the convention this year: Suicide Ali. I anticipated only interviewing them, but was also scheduled for an interview with Luzmelt, a new Visual Kei band I had never heard of before. Fortunately, prior to each interview, I managed to see the Q&A panels and performances from both bands.

Luzmelt’s interpreter knew ahead of time that she would be on break, as I speak Japanese. Unfortunately, the band seemed to have forgotten… and the result was rather comical (one almost fell off his chair and there was quite a bit of nervous laughter going on). The vocalist, Yuhma, was extremely polite, and the drummer, Miu, was absolutely adorable, always smiling. It was harder to get the other members (guitars Asuka and Kaie and bass Zig) to speak, and when they did I was never 100% certain of where their minds were. My favorite question was: “What country do you want to go to?” and the answer was immediately “London.” They also had gone to Walmart, and were fascinated by it, enough so that they took tons of pictures.

The Suicide Ali interview was extremely enjoyable, with lots of laughs and random comments from both sides. Kozi (bass) started the comedic ball rolling when he sounded out his name incredibly slowly. Apparently Hiroshi (guitar) sleeps in Pikachu kigurumi, and Goshi (vocals) swore that he saw it. Hisashi (drums) didn’t say much. At one point I accidentally skipped Goshi on a question (I thought he had answered it already)… I apologized but he had answered the question (“Favorite brand?” “I don’t have any, actually…”) the same way I’d written it on my notepad a few moments earlier. Awkward…

Time to rock out. Luzmelt opened with an energetic rock vibe, and Suicide Ali sealed the deal with their twisted “industrial metal,” for lack of a better term. Both performances were outstanding and the crowd was very involved, even trying to mimic the para-para-style motions.

Suicide Ali’s live act never ceased to impress. Goshi’s vocals were spot on and every attempt to speak English was adorable (Hiroshi forgot the word “happy”). They’re not quite as gimmicky as Mix Speaker’s Inc, but the sight of Goshi spreading his arms as though they were wings during the song “Revendish Ring” made me scream and jump around like an idiot.

Though there were some sound problems, the shows were executed nicely and the bands treated fans who lined up for autographs with respect and a touch of humor. Though I am partial to Suicide Ali, I highly recommend seeing both groups live.

Also: buy their new singles! You can get Luzmelt’s “Sacrifice” from HearJapan. Suicide Ali’s “Stitch Doll” (which is AWESOME) and the best-of album of Variable Messiah (Goshi and Hiroshi’s former band) are available from Darkest Labyrinth. What are you waiting for? Go for it!

Any fans of Suicide Ali in the house? Which Visual Kei band would you most like to see perform in America?

Japanese Word of the Day: Mijuku = Immature
Song of the Day: Suicide Ali – Revendish Ring (from the DVD)

Ladies and gentlemen, we’re taking it to the next level. As the Adventure Team would say: “Onward!”

When I started this blog in September 2007, it was a personal experiment. Trial and error. But as I got hooked on the medium and things started rolling, I realized I had to keep the momentum going. Version 2.0 began when I got my pro camera. The jump to 3.0 was a big one: I installed WordPress and transfered everything to this URL.

Because of blogging, I’ve made wonderful friends and had work/creative opportunities I never dreamed of. The status quo is a-ok. Which is exactly why I’m giving myself a kick in the pants. There are still so many possibilities out there. Adventure awaits. So let’s push on, claw upward, to version 4.0!

What’s up ahead?
† As Yukiro likes to say, outfit posts and photos will be “top quality.” I’m redoubling my efforts, and can’t wait to share a Fetish/Goth series shot by Apollo Starr with you.
† I’m going to be in Tokyo and Osaka – so you can look forward to Visual Kei concert reports (Versailles and GPKISM live!), Goth nightcrawls (including Black Veil’s 10th anniversary ball), bizarre theme cafes (butlers, gundam, kitties) and other Jpop culture amazements.
† For the first time, we’ll be streaming live video. I signed up on Blog TV; if you have an account, let’s be friends.

All in all, 4.0 means saying no to flat-lining. I think challenging oneself — exploring new and unexpected territories — is a matter of life and death. Because the minute you stop dreaming and “settle” on your laurels, you’ve essentially put out the lights on your potential.

May is going to be a big month: my Andrew Zimmern Bizarre Foods episode airs (I’ll let you know exactly when). And I’ll be guiding Antoine de Caunes (Eurotrash host) around Japanese theme restaurants for the French documentary. I’m loving the TV gigs; I’d love to do more of them. If you ever want to collaborate, brainstorm, or just say hi, shoot me an email any time. We can make it happen, I know it!

Do you ever feel the need to stir things up? What do you do to keep momentum going in your life? Everyone yell it together now… ONWARD!

Japanese Word of the Day: Creativity = Souzouryoku
Song of the Day: Army of Lovers – Obsession (one of my favorite music videos of all time. Hail Jean-Pierre Barda.)

Though I wasn’t blown away by Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland film (see my review here) — I wasn’t dissuaded from dressing up for the Goth Alice party at Hollywood’s Bar Sinister!

Makeup: Inspired by the Queen of Hearts, I turned my lips into a heart-shape. (I covered the edges with foundation, and drew a heart on my lips with red lipstick.) I glued red eyelashes under my eyelids.
Hair: Tied to the side and decorated with glittery flower clips from a fabric store.
Grey shawl: from my beloved 99 cent store. I usually wear it in my hair.
Dress: People’s Market
Silver ankle boots: Nabbed them for $2.99 in a Fairfax vintage store!

Our friends Kynt and Vyxsin (top photos) hosted the party; they’re two of the nicest Goths you’ll ever meet! Vyxsin and Yukiro both dressed as Cheshire Cats, complete with fuzzy tails. (Yukiro did a different interpretation of the costume in my Theme Restaurants book — have you gotten a copy?)

What fun it was to party with the White Queen, Red Queen, Mad Hatter and other Lewis Carroll eccentrics.

I love it when nightcrawlers put effort into their costumes. Goths, steampunkers, fetishists, drag queens — a better-dressed turnout than usual.

Bar Sinister is one of our favorite venues in LA. The two-floor club resembles Dracula’s manor with gargoyles, red sofas, gilded mirrors and a fog-emitting fountain lit by candles. Not to mention the punishment corners, and the absinthe bar…

As you can see, we had quite a silly night! (Photos by Greg of Tune in Tokyo.)

Have you seen the Goth duo on The Amazing Race? You can add them on Twitter to keep up with their latest modelling gigs and appearances. (And add me too!)

J-ROCK AND VISUAL KEI NEWS from my dear Adventure Teamster K! (Photo from Wikicommons.)

† All of X Japan is relocating to and performing a live concert in LA presumably sometime in or just before August before their performance at Lollapalooza.
† Miyavi has officially posted his North American tour dates and the tour is set in stone. Dates can be seen here.
† FACT has signed on to HASSLE RECORDS and is going a short UK tour as support for Breathe Carolina.
† Harmonix has approached Jrock Revolution for information on what Japanese bands we would like to see songs made for on the new “Rock Band Network”. Voters may vote for up to ten bands, the same band ten times, etc. Voting opens on Wednesday, March 24th. More information can be found on the Jrock Revolution site.

Did we leave out any recent J-rock news? If so, share it with us in the comments!

Oh my! What’s going on here? What is this place? More importantly… how does it stay concealed?

The answer to the first two questions is Mr. Black at Bardot Hollywood, the most vivacious gay club night in Los Angeles. Instead of the bald and buff types that flock to West Hollywood, you’ll find a peacocked flock of nightlife eccentrics here. Such as…

… the infamous poet, performer and “hyper-hyphenate” Clint Catalyst, who led us down the rabbit hole and into a half-naked, makeup-heavy bacchanal.

… and our beautiful, flame-haired hostess, Lenora Claire: artist, model, muse, scribe. She and Clint were featured in a Canal Plus documentary about LA nightlife — I’ll be working with the same producers for the Tokyo documentary I’m co-hosting in May!

Talk about an eclectic crowd: that night, Samantha Ronson DJ-ed and Lindsay Lohan tagged along. At the always-busy Mr. Black, you’ll elbow fashion designs, painters, drag queens and even denizens of the dead. (V-fingers for Kynt.)

We started our nightcrawl at Pimai It’s Thai restaurant around the corner. (Can you tell that Clint loves his sticky rice with mango sauce?) He’s wearing a tailored Alice in Wonderland suit by avantgarde American Gothic designer Jared Gold. I wish I had a photo of the matching blue spats…

Hair decorations: If you want to join the “neon hair color club” but are hesitant to commit, try pinning a bright scarf over your locks. Flowers, bows and feathers are other fun ways to add color. Or how about oversized paper clips?
Eyelashes: Flip long, fake lashes and paste them under your eyelids, for a doll-like look. Try it!
Lips: Outlined in MAC Cyber (dark purple) and filled in with light blue No She Didn’t from Lime Crime.
Black lace longsleeve top: It’s hard to see the detailing, but it’s a vintage find from a NYC shop.

Yukiro is a chameleon with his arsenal of wigs. The shirt reads “Playboy”; the butt advertises “My hips don’t lie.” Not surprisingly, he got cat-calls in the parking lot.

Mr. Black happens every Tuesday night at Bardot (Hollywood and Vine) — make it your next outing! Do say hi to Lenora and friends for us.

In the last post, many of you expressed appreciation for K’s dashing looks and Gackt poses. Happy news: with his help, we’ll be bringing you regular J-rock and Visual Kei news roundups!

† Tokyo Decadance is coming to Moscow — with Kaya! (See promo video above.)
† Versailles announced a new support member… Masashi from COSMO.
† ScReW has a new bassist, Rui (formerly in Gimmick, Garnet, Mudgett, juliadoll and Jewel). Read more here.
† Tragic news… Gakido vocalist Piyo died in a car accident. K writes: “Gakido, a unique Visual Kei band featuring three vocalists with lyrics in both Japanese and Korean were in a serious car accident on the twelfth of February. One of the vehicle’s tires exploded and control over the car was lost. Yohya, Rito, Yuu and Shutaro are all in good condition. Tossy and one of the band’s staff members are currently hospitalized, but are fully aware and conscious. We can hope for their quick recovery. Unfortunately, one of their three vocalists, “Piyo” was ejected from the car, and hit his head. He died on impact. The band was just preparing to release their first PV for the song “Yanderu Toki ni Utau Uta”. The future of the band has not been dictated, and hopefully they will be able to continue on in his memory. Deepest consolations to Piyo’s family and friends.”

Have you heard of other head-banging J-rock and Visual Kei news? Please share in the comments! (I try to respond to as many as I can.)

† Name: Maya (Nadia Capella)
† Age: 15
† Location: Buenos Aires
† How were you introduced to Gothic Lolita fashion?
In my school, a girl had the Gothic Lolita style … The title of her photoblog was something with the words “Lolita Heart” and when I searched on Google for “Gothic Lolita,” it showed me pictures of many brands and style … I loved it from the moment, it’s beautiful. That was three years ago and from then on, I loved the style.
† What do you find appealing about GL style and culture?
When I was little I loved clothes decorated with bows… and when I saw Lolita dresses I knew they were for me. The prints, accessories, shoes, socks… all fascinated me from the beginning.
† What are your favorite Gothic Lolita clothing brands?
Victorian Maiden, h.NAOTO, Juliette et Justine, Despair, Visible, Innocent World, Alice and the Pirates, Atelier BOZ, BlaBlaHospital… I like all brands, but those are the best (for me).
† Any other comments (inspiration, tips, favorites)?
One of the things I like most is to make my clothes. I encourage girls and boys to try making your own clothing, without caring about what others think. Innovate, be creative. And the same goes with make-up: play with shadows and eyeliners, with lipstick and glitter.

Film of the Week #43: Almost Famous (Kate Hudson, Patrick Fugit, dir. Cameron Crowe) is on my list of favorite movies of all time. After I first saw it in the theaters, I went on a mission to find a fluffy coat just like Penny Lane’s! A teen reporter and groupies (sorry, Band-Aids) tag along with a Led Zeppelin-like band on tour in the early 70s… scandal and drama and hilarity ensue. It’s based on the director’s real-life experiences as a precocious writer for Rolling Stone. I could go on and on about the grand performances (Phillip Seymour Hoffman as music critic Lester Bangs) and aww moments (like the “let’s go to Morocco” scene).

And how cute was Patrick Fugit as the wide-eyed fifteen year old?? Don’t you just want to corrupt him? Watch Almost Famous if you haven’t already. I haven’t met a single person who hasn’t dug it.

If you would like to be the next Gothloli of the Week, please read the submission instructions here. For all your Lolita shopping needs, check out the links to clothing brands on the right column of my blog.

If you are purchasing from Amazon.com, may I ask you to please consider supporting this blog by buying via my site? Just click here and search for whatever you want from Amazon (there are no extra costs to you).

Thanks so much and please keep in touch (I do my best to respond to messages): RSS feed, posts in your inbox, MySpace, Facebook Group, Facebook Fan page, Twitter, YouTube, Bloglovin and Google Friend Connect.

Hope to see you at our Lunar New Year + Purikura Jpop party, Saturday Feb 13 in LA! Come out on Saturday, February 13th at Kira Kira, a sparkling photo-sticker shop with all of the newest Purikura machines from Japan! The special event will be hosted by Harajuku fashion and Cute Food blogger La Carmina. The DJs from Tune in Tokyo will also be there, spinning the best in J-Pop, J-Rock, and Global Dance Pop all night long.

There will also be prizes and giveaways sponsored by Hear Japan, Lime Crime, and Gloomth. You can win Visual Kei music downloads, magic dust eyeshadows and certificates for Gothic Victorian clothing. (Photo of Carmina by Shichi; flyer by Greg.)

WHEN: TONIGHT! Saturday, Feb 13th, 8PM – 12 AM. Free and all ages.
WHERE: Kira Kira is located at the Seasons Place shopping center in City of Industry (2nd floor, above Red Mango). There’s plenty of free parking.
RSVP on Los Angeles Going or Facebook.