This week we were lucky enough to get 10 minutes to chat to top fashion blogger and TV host La Carmina.

As well as working on her fashion blog – Lacarmina.com/blog – which has been featured everywhere from The New Yorker, WWD, Cosmopolitan and Vogue Italia to the LA Times – she is also a CNN, AOL and Huffington Post journalist, author of three books and hosts TV shows for NHK, Food Network, Travel Channel and more. It’s fair to say she has made a success out of her love of fashion and we decided to ask some of those burning questions…

What inspired you to start fashion blogging?
I first heard of blogs around 2004/5. When I started mine in September 2007, I was a student at Yale Law, but felt frustrated by the lack of a creative outlet. Blogging was a perfect fit: it combined photography, writing, and interaction – allowing me to share my love of Japanese Goth fashion and culture. I never expected blogging to become a career, since the medium was completely new and unrecognised. However, when it led to the book projects and TV appearances, I realised something was in the air. So I decided to pursue this road instead, and I’ve kept going.

Gothic, Japanese street-style is your signature look. How would you describe this look to someone who has never before seen it?
Aristocrat skirts, Victorian corsets, patterned tights, lots of layers, cute meets spooky accessories, dark lipstick, silver crucifix jewellery.

You are also a writer, TV host and designer, as well as a professional blogger. Do you have a favourite?
Right now, my focus is on television hosting; my credits include The Today Show, Travel Channel, NHK Japan, Fuel/Discovery/National Geographic, Food Network, Pepsi, Sony, Norway TV, CNN. All my TV clips are HERE. I also host my own web series for Huffington Post, and have more travels and TV work ahead.

What do you think is the most important thing about fashion?
I love the way it can transform your mood, make you feel good and part of something (such as a subculture or something you believe in). Fashion can be transformative, connect people, and boost confidence and courage.

What other Japanese sub-culture styles are popular on the streets of Tokyo and can you tell us a bit about them?
Harajuku fashion has so many different style tribes, such as Gothic Lolita, Sweet Lolita, Punk, Cosplay, Decora, Kawaii. Many young people mix the street styles together, or create their own – so it’s an ever-changing parade. However, much of Harajuku fashion has cute (kawaii) and colorful elements. Many youths prefer to distress and
deconstruct the items themselves. Safety pinned and patched T-shirts, or accessories with eyeballs and skulls glued on.

Where are your favourite places to shop online?
For those outside Japan, you can buy Harajuku street fashion online from Closet Child – everything’s brand label but secondhand, so the prices are reasonable.

What would you count as your greatest achievement to date?
Being the mother to the cutest Scottish Fold cat in the world, Basil Farrow. You can see his photos HERE.

Have you ever experienced any negativity towards your kooky look?
Often, when I’m out with my friends and we’re all dressed up, we get funny looks! But most passersby are friendly and supportive, and the odd reaction comes with the territory. It’s not going to stop us from expressing ourselves the way we want.

What advice do you have for other girls who want to make it big in the fashion blogging industry?
Don’t do it for the traffic, or the badges of recognition. Blog only if you truly love doing it, and would continue even if you’re speaking to an empty room. If you get frustrated, take a break or try something new. Finally, it helps to learn as much as you can about web design, SEO and the other technical aspects of blogging. And keep it human. Try to make a meaningful contribution with your work.

Finally, for the budding travellers out there, what are the three best places to go shopping in Tokyo?
I am batty for the second hand store Closet Child, which has locations in Harajuku, Shinjuku and Ikebukuro. Here, you can buy Gothic Lolita Punk brand clothing – designers such as h.NAOTO, Putumayo, Angelic Pretty, Baby the Stars Shine Bright – at half price or less. The alternative department stores, Laforet Harajuku and Marui One Shinjuku, are also must-visits.

Make sure you head over to La Carmina’s blog now: Lacarmina.com