I’ve been teasing you about my new hairstyle. Two bright colors I’ve never done before. Drumroll please… La Carmina’s gone pink and yellow-orange!

Everyone always asks me: which bright hair dye do you use? My stylist likes Joico Vero K-PAK Color Intensity, which comes in a rainbow of shades.

I always recommend that you go to a professional for cutting and dying. My super-talented stylist, Isolde at Avant Garde Hair, put foils in all the right places, leaving dark areas underneath for dimension. She cut a lot off, at a dramatic angle: the right side’s long, the left is almost shoulder length.

She did a cute fishtail braid (with two strands). The eyelashes are a gift from Shrinkle at Sugarpill Cosmetics.

Corset Chick sent me this dramatic skirt and thigh-high fishnets. This online clothing store carries a variety of corsets, Gothic Lolita dresses and skirts. For those who can never fit into Japanese brands: hooray, these designs come in plus sizes!

I love the skirt’s lace layers, and the shorter front with the trailing back (very vampiric). The fishnet stockings are sturdy and never fell down. Check out Corset Chick to buy Gothic Lolita fashion, both regular and plus-sized.

Worn with a crystal necklace gifted by Fashionology, a Marble trailing-sleeves jacket from Marui One Shinjuku, and a random black tank top.

Thanks to SassynPunk for the cute cupcake ring with sparkles on top. Close-up on my new John Fluevog teal-colored shoes (one of my favorite footwear brands). I treated myself to these Guide Mule and Clogs after the National Geographic TV job.

What do you think of my new hair? Which colorful hair dye brands have you tried? Anyone else use Joico Vero Color Intensity?

PS: feel free to share photos from my blog on Tumblr and Pinterest, if you link back to my site.

While madly spring cleaning, I unearthed piles of memorabilia from Japan (along with a few live spiders). Creepy-awesome stuff from the past few years. Visual Kei indie band posters, Vampire Cafe matches, and Death Cookbooks. I’m itching to share these stories with you…

So I’m doing a live web stream on Blog TV! Please tune into my channel on Saturday April 23, from 5-6pm PT / 8-9pm ET. I’ll show-and-tell my goodies from Tokyo, and answer your questions in real time. And I bet Basil Farrow will waddle over to say hi.

Spring Cleaning made me realize that so much has evolved ever since I started this blog. The focus of my work, the people in my life, the things that matter.

In a nutshell, the past six months have been about: “Travel, fashion, alternative / Japan / pop culture: TV hosting and fixing. Journalism. Coolhunting. Professional blogging.” How about a run-through?

TELEVISION – Ever since the co-hosting the Andrew Zimmern Bizarre Foods show, my TV work has exploded — to the point that I started a TV hosting and fixing company with First Mate Naomi. In 2010, we Pirates hosted and arranged travel programs for Dutch Pepsi, Sony Australia, Belgium TV, Norway TV and more. We also provide coolhunting and trend consulting (details here).

BLOGGING – The blog’s subject has branched out from Japanese Goth fashion to alternative subcultures, travel and style worldwide. I’m enjoying the writing/photography more than ever, and the interaction with you Pirates! It’s been a wild ride, the opportunities that blogging has brought (design collaborations, modeling, travel for appearances and TV work).

JOURNALISM – I’m mainly writing in the travel genre now, with a focus on Asia / pop culture / bizarre. I followed my editor at CNNGo to Huffington Post and AOL Travel. We’re developing a special project for AOL… can’t wait to tell you! (All my Huff Post and AOL articles are here.)

CHARITY – One of the most rewarding things I’ve done recently is nonprofit work. I’m currently helping the NOH8 campaign, speaking out for animal rights, and raising funds in a variety of ways for relief efforts in Japan. Thank you for your support. Let’s do more, together.

COMING UP… In June, Sebastiano and I will be in Italy — we’re guests at the Luisaviaroma Firenze4Ever fashion event, and staying in hotels courtesy of Hostelbookers (details in this post). We have more tricks up our sleeves, including a trip to a new city…

Got questions for me? Want to hear my scandalous stories and see knick-knacks from Japan Spookyville? Let’s catch up during my Blog TV live-stream (starts 5pm/8pm PT/ET, Saturday April 23). All you need to do is tune in to my live video channel.

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I also invite you to join my Mailing List; simply enter your details above. I send out occasional notices about giveaways (such as Jrock concert tickets and brand clothing), events, internships, and other exciting opportunities. Yay.

Have you been Spring Cleaning? How have you changed over the past few years? Are you happy about where you are? (I know I am…)

Song of the Day: Menticide – Painkiller ( Trakktor ReMix )

Time to open the mailbag and answer a few Reader Questions. (Thanks for your comments and messages — I read them all!) Photos in this post are by nightlife/subculture photographer Qhoto, who I finally met in Osaka.

First, I’ll answer the number one most asked question: where can I buy Gothic Lolita Punk clothes in the US or Canada?

If you want to buy new Japanese Goth / Sweet Lolita brand items from a physical store in North America (where you can try the clothes on), your options are limited. East Coasters: go to Tokyo Rebel in NYC, Lower East Side.

West Coasters: head to New People World, the San Francisco J-pop center. It houses boutiques for Baby the Stars Shine Bright, Alice and the Pirates, and 6%DokiDoki. (The Black Peace Now boutique will close August 2011.) There is also Q Pop Shop in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, which sells Sex Pot Revenge, Swimmer, Algonquins, Super Lovers, and other Goth Lolita Punk brands from Japan.

Fortunately, many Japanese Goth / Loli / Rock brands offer international shipping. These include Metamorphose, Angelic Pretty, Baby the Stars Shine Bright. At Marui One and CD Japan, you can choose from a variety of brands (including Algonquins and Moi-meme-Moitie). For used items, try Closet Child. (You can find links to these brands and more on the right sidebar of my blog.)

You can also buy Japanese Gothloli brand items on eBay and other online auctions / retailers. But there’s no need to stick to the labels: Western brands such as Gloomth are excellent, and I’ve found excellent Lolita-esque items in vintage stores (for more tips, check out these posts.) Finally, you can visit my Online Garage Sale as I sell Jrock/Gothic clothing here.

Dear Carmina,
Hello! I’m a big fan of your blog and your work. Keep going strong! I have a big question for you that I just couldn’t really find on the internet, no matter how hard I looked. After I graduate college, I really want to try working in Japan for a while, because… well, frankly speaking, life has been rather dull lately and I wanted a big change of pace and kick it up a notch. I’m going to be taking the Japanese Language Proficiency Test 2 once I graduate (and have some asskicking self study sessions haha). I’m rather uncompromising with the kind of job I want. As an aspiring writer and artist, I’d like to do something that would help me develop those skills. Because of my love for Japanese street fashion, I was wondering if it would be realistic to try working for Kera magazine. I could imagine the set of job skills that they would want, but I’m not entirely sure how realistic my goal is. Is it even possible? With the economy tanking and written media slowly dissolving, plus me being a foreigner (though I am Asian, maybe that helps?? T_T…or not) maybe it’s not entirely plausible. I’m also curious about the working environment in places like Japan. I’ve heard it’s a lot more rigid than in places like America.
Good luck! And thanks so much for taking the time to read this.
-Susan

Dear Susan,
The bad news first: it’s a difficult road. Many of my foreigner friends are near-fluent, with years of work experience in Japan — and still, they have a hard time finding and maintaining jobs. In order to get a decent job at a medium-to-big company, such as Kera, realistically you need to pass JLPT 1 or graduate from a Japanese translation program, AND have something exceptional to bring to the table. Japan’s corporate culture is also frustrating. No matter how well they speak and excel at their jobs, foreigners will tell you they never quite fit in…

Now for the good news! Many Westerners have done very well in the world of Japanese fashion/subcultures, especially as writers and entrepreneurs. My friend Tiffany Godoy is a shooting star — she wrote the book Japanese Goth, contributes to fashion magazines and newspapers, launches fashion projects and… I can’t keep track! Her book’s co-author, Ivan Vartanian, started the company Goliga Books. Other inspiring entrepreneurs include Nathan of HearJapan, the digital music label that houses your favorite Visual Kei acts.

My main advice to you is: go with the flow, and make your own way. It doesn’t make sense to limit yourself to one specific job. Instead, use your outsider status as an advantage. Create your own work. You can be a bridge between cultures, and do incredible work in the world of Japanese fashion that will surpass any “dream gig” at Kera.

PS: Be patient. My friend Mai Sassy Girl is doing extremely well as a fashion promoter and writer and all-around-dynamo (notice that many of us have multiple roles?) But she started as an English teacher, building up her connections and language skills for a few years. And she’s a go-getter — she went out to parties, did great work on her blog — which got her to where she is now.

PPS: Constantly build up your Japanese language skills. I’m finding the Smart.fm free interactive learning programs to be very helpful.

It’s Elegan Black here. I wanted to ask for a piece of advice on two tiny subjects. Oh and also, I hope you come to Greece!

Problem 1: I had said in a comment before that I have recently re-pierced my ears and now I have two piercings on my left one and three on my right. But I want to do some more on the upper part of the ear. I don’t want to do any facial piercings but my ears, I want them super-pierced. Especially after I saw the Goth owner of a manga shop down in Athens wearing the connected-with-chains piercings. However, my mom (the usual suspect, huh ?) doesn’t want me to do any more than I already have. She says the usual stuff about it being over the top and giving the wrong impression… but she tells me I can wear fake earrings. This is stupid, what’s the difference between having real ones and having fake ones? Wouldn’t that still give “the wrong impression”? I managed to make a deal with her though: if I become the top student of my class again, she’ll let me pierce my ears! Still, it’s so unfair…

It’s true that a lot of my Goth friends have piercings. However…
1) Most of them started getting piercings when they were older: age 16, 18 and above. They also built up piercings gradually (ie, getting a new one every 6 months or year). Going slow is smart, since it allows proper healing and ensures that you aren’t rushing into decisions.
2) None of us think it is “more Goth” to have lots of piercings. It’s a matter of personal, aesthetic choice. (Did you know Sebastien and I have no piercings at all, and Yukiro only has one in his earlobe?) Also, many of my friends take out their piercings when they go to work or formal occasions. As silly as they may be, dress codes exist and people do (unfairly) judge those with piercings…

I think it’s awesome that you can talk to your mom and come to a compromise. To be honest, she seems more open-minded than a lot of parents I know. So take your time (just as we all did). Even if you have to wait a bit, you’ll still have 70+ years of your life to have super-pierced ears!

Problem 2: Goth clubs. I’m still not at the time to be allowed to go downtown, where all the Greek Goth clubs are, but I’d like to be prepared for the holy time of high school. How does someone dance to Goth music? A friend of me who’s frequently visiting Goth clubs tried to teach me while dancing to MSI’s “Shut me up” and told me something about moving shoulders, hips and headbanging somewhere in the mix. I wouldn’t like to go to Goth heaven and dance like a Britney replica… And what is your advice about ‘first time at Goth paradise’ in general? Maybe it’s too early to even think about it, since I’m fourteen but I’d love to dream.

Going to your first Gothic / Industrial club can be intimidating, and it’s understandable to feel awkward about dancing in public. I think the best introduction to this world is by going with trustworthy friends that have been to Goth clubs before. This way, you’ll always be with someone and you can follow their lead.

I wouldn’t over-think the dancing — just have a great time with your friends. Do the South Park Goth dance. Be a zombie. A Little Monster. Nobody will look down on you if you’re respectful and having fun!

Now I turn to you — how would you respond to these queries? Do you have pearls of wisdom to add? You can read previous Reader Questions here, and contact me if you’d like me to dish out advice.

PS: Happy birthday (September 14th) to Miyavi and DJ SiSEN!

Japanese Word of the Day: Jouki = Steam
Song of the Day: Glass Candy – Candy Castle (Modern italo disco.)

Dearest La Carmina,
I’m hoping to attend Dir en Grey’s concert in New York. Except…well…it will be my first actual concert! I’m very excited, yet I’m rather nervous, because my friends and relatives have told me horror stories of their experiences, which included violent pits in the audience, being stepped on by some crazy fangirl, and some blood-shedding fight on line even before the concert! Are these even true? Not to mention, I don’t know how to get good tickets to a concert, what to wear, how to prepare, and whether or not to come alone! And because you have done so many concert reviews, I’ve decided to turn to you, you oh-so-wonderful Victorian doll blogger, you. So… PLEASE HELP!

Sincerely, A VERY troubled Visual Kei freakazoid

It’s J-rock concert season, my North American friends: D’espairsRay, Dir en Grey, and X Japan are making the rounds. I encourage all of you to go — your scene needs your support. And I can guarantee you’ll be blown away by the performances; these are Visual Kei legends, after all. (PS: stay tuned to this blog for a Dir en Grey ticket giveaway…)

It’s funny: in Japan, the process of buying concert tickets and attending a Visual Kei show is (in most cases) completely different. There are the dreaded Lawson ticket machines, mandatory drink tickets and assigned “numbers” that determine the order for going inside (meaning there’s no benefit in arriving early). True to the Japan stereotype, the concerts always start on time. And people are nice; they’ll step aside to let you move closer to the stage.

In the States and Canada, it’s not quite the same. Since J-rockers rarely embark on world tours, North American fans will go to great lengths to see them up close. Some will drive or fly out for one or more shows. If the venue is general admission (unassigned seats), hardcore fans will line up — sometimes camping out for 2-3 days — and run to the stage as soon as the doors open.

But you don’t have do this to have an awesome time watching your favorite Visual shockers live. Since J-rock is a relatively small, niche scene in North America, the tickets often won’t sell out (so you can still buy them last minute). Check out the band’s website; the tour dates should link to Ticketmaster or some other site to purchase tickets. If no tickets remain, try Craigslist. When the venue is seated, try to buy tickets as soon as they’re released to get the best pick. If you’re prepared to pay big for a good one, search for a reputable ticket seller. The last resort is trying your luck with scalpers outside the concert, but I don’t recommend this since you could get ripped off.

Determine when the “doors open” and when the “show starts.” If the concert is seated, arrive any time before the start and locate your seat. (Although it’s fun to come early to see the tour merchandise and audience’s fashion.) General admission means everyone stands in a crowd before the stage, or seats are first-come-first-served. Ticket-holders line up outside, and when the “doors open” time arrives, they enter the venue in order. Since it’s your first concert and you’re not concerned about being right up against the stage, I’d suggest arriving an hour to 45 minutes before the “doors open.” (Be prepared for the weather, as you’ll usually be standing outside!) At most shows, even if you arrive right before it begins, you can still find a place to stand around the middle of the hall (which is just fine for seeing the performers).

The violent dancing and crowdsurfing typically happen at hardcore/punk concerts, not Jrock ones (so don’t be worried!). And the audience at these shows is not looking to pick a fight. Simply be respectful: don’t cut the line or try to squeeze in front of people who’ve waited outside all day. The potential for injury decreases the further away you are from center stage. Up there, you’ll certainly be jostled and squished, and a random arm gesture might hit you in the face. I personally am happy standing in the side-middle area, where I can still get an excellent view without getting roughed up. Bonus tips: wear comfortable but tall shoes, and stand behind people who are shorter than you. And bring earplugs, in case the bass boom is overwhelming.

As for preparations… a VK concert is a golden opportunity to dress up, so go for it! (But keep in mind that the venue will get hot, and your outfit can get smushed if you’re up front.) There’s no dress code: some people will wear tshirts and jeans; others will cosplay Mana-sama. If you dress vaguely Gothic or J-rock, you’ll feel right at home.

I usually meet up with friends before or at the show. But don’t worry about going alone — nobody’s judging or will even notice (it’s not like being seated at a table for one). Concerts are some of the best places to meet new friends who share your passions for J-rock music and fashion. So I encourage you to rise to the challenge and go! I promise it will be a night to remember.

Dear La Carmina,
I start college this fall and I’m hoping I can find a spooky posse on campus. Where did you collect all your friends anyways? They’re all so hardcore awesome! Anyways, how did you get into Lolita and viz-kei style and get to be a part of it? You get to host shows introducing the world to this awesome subculture, how did that happen?

-Sunny

Congrats on starting college — it’s an exciting time for making new friends. My “spooky pals” are wonderful, and they often appear in photos because they share my love of J-Goth culture, fashion and music (and that’s the focus of my blog). However, they’re only one devilish cross-section of my friend pool. You may not see their faces on this site, but some of my closest friends are from high school, elementary and even preschool. And they’re the ones I turn to for advice, since it’s easy to get caught up in your own scene and lifestyle. Never take for granted your friends who think Versailles is a palace rather than an epic band.

However, it is amazing to have a group of friends that live each day as if it’s Halloween. The typical advice is “go out and join activities and smile” — but honestly, I think the most important thing you can do is build something to show for yourself. It could be a cosplay blog, a Steampunk jewelry company, J-rock promotions… When others observe your passion and creative contribution, they’ll naturally want to say hi, exchange emails, meet up, collaborate. Perhaps you could start with your campus Japan Club, or organize outings to J-rock/Goth events. Put up flyers, make an announcement on stage. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, which leads to next answer…

I started this blog for fun, to express my love of Japan subcultures and style — and the whole thing snowballed to today. I have zero family connections to anyone in TV/media, and have never hired a publicist or promoter. Every TV hosting opportunity (NHK Japan, CNN International, Travel Channel, Canal Plus France) arose because a producer found my blog and sent me an email. The TV people looked at my writing work, press, bio, photos, videos etc, and that helped them decide if I was someone worth contacting.

My dear ones, do the best work you can — whether it’s writing, videos, art, music — and share it without qualms. Know and be proud of your abilities. The bottom line is, if I took the path of self-effacement, nobody would know what I could offer, and I wouldn’t have had these tremendous TV adventures in Tokyo.

Now let me ask the rest of you: what would you advise these two readers? Got tips for making it through your first rock concert, or ways to meet alternative-minded friends?

If you have a question for La Carmina, email me (gothiccarmina {at} gmail) and I’ll answer it in a blog post. You can read my previous responses to Reader Questions here. (All the above images are from the music store and magazine stand in Laforet Harajuku.)

PS: last chance to win Kanon Wakeshima autographed Gothic Lolita postcards! Spread the word and enter here.

Japanese Word of the Day: Tsutomeru = Industrious, diligent
Song of the Day: Edith Piaf – Non, Je ne regrette rien (Have you seen Inception yet? A magnificent film.)

Dear La Carmina,
I would like some advice on something. My question is whether or not to go Lolita. You see, I would really love to go into the fashion, but I’m sorta scared (although it does help a little bit to be able to read some of the Japanese sites). Partially because I’m afraid my parents wouldn’t approve and if it happens, teasing. Not only that, but I’m only 13 (which makes me have no income and no possibility to get a job) and I live on the East Coast (where there is not much influence from japan). I really appreciate any advice you have on the matter (and, THANK YOU for having such an awesome blog).
- Signed, A troubled Reader

Dear reader,
Please don’t be troubled! Lolita isn’t scary, and wearing the fashion doesn’t have to be like jumping off a bridge. As with any journey, the best way to go forth is by taking baby steps and enjoying every moment of the ride.

I personally don’t think that “entering into Lolita” is an all-or-nothing leap. There’s no rulebook that states you must own certain items or wear expensive Japanese brands to enter this lovely world. Instead, you can make Lolita a part of your life in many small ways. And the further you explore this wonderland, the more your confidence will grow.

No pocket money? No access to Tokyo Lolita brands like Victorian Maiden? None of these should stop you from celebrating Lolita in your own personal way. Take, for example, Gothloli of the Week Anastasiya who is from Russia. She says, “I try to do my best with what I’ve got. Like making my bedroom as cute as possible.” You can do the same: put Mana-sama photos on your wall (like I did), kawaii toys on your bed, hand-made candy and crucifix necklaces on the wall.

Or you can also make tiny “tips of the hat” to Lolita fashion in your daily wear. For example, you might wear a big bow in your hair, or doll eyelashes, or a cute dress similar to the ones in the Milk catalogue above. My friends and I like to mix Lolita influences into our clothes; we don’t believe you have to look like an Angelic Pretty model in order to genuinely enjoy the fashion.

What about teasing and family disapproval? I’m not going to lie to you – even in the most open-minded cities, you’ll encounter stares and harsh words when you wear alternative fashion. But my friends and I keep strong because we must! Holding back this means of self-expression would crush us; it would reduce us to shells of ourselves. And you’ll discover a type of magic in having a “crew of spooks”, loving alternative fashion/lifestyles and celebrating it together. It’s something that someone in a Polo shirt would never experience.

But all that will come later. Remember, trying Lolita fashion shouldn’t feel like a fall down a hill, but a stroll through a rose garden. You can make Loli a part of your life in many subtle ways. So take your time, feel it out and let it slowly enrich your life. Good luck!

Everyone, what would you advise to this reader? How do you make Lolita fashion a part of your life?

If you have a question for La Carmina, email me (gothiccarmina {at} gmail) and I’ll answer it in a blog post. You can read my previous responses to Reader Questions here. (All the above images are flyers I picked up in Tokyo and Osaka.)

Japanese Word of the Day: Kinjo = Neighborhood
Song of the Day: Kaizers Orchestra – Maestro (Gasmasks!)