Gala Darling & Molly Crabapple Take Austin

Dustin Downing for ChinaShop magazine

One of the most fun things I did while I was in Austin was the following photoshoot for ChinaShop magazine. (Click for more photos! I have only reposted a few here!)

My SXSW BFF & infamous artist Molly Crabapple & I were picked up in an ’80s Cadillac limousine one rainy day & taken out for a day of vintage shopping. We also managed to fit in some arcade games & a round of miniature golf before adjourning to a magical tea party. It was quite a day!

The photos were taken by Dustin Downing, who is a tireless champ. He also looked excellent in my sequinned mouse ears. Here are some of my favourite pictures from the day…

Dustin Downing for ChinaShop magazine

You can’t tell from the photos, but we were listening to Lil Wayne at what could only be called an obscene volume.

Dustin Downing for ChinaShop magazine

These lace-covered bunny ears are from Hot Topic! (Amazing, yes?!)

Dustin Downing for ChinaShop magazine

I was wearing…

Daisy dress by Shumaq
Skull sweater from Yes Style
Black tulle petticoat by Leg Avenue (if you’re looking for the perfect fluffy petticoat to wear under dresses or skirts, this one gets my vote!)
Black stockings
Sam Edelman Zoe booties (love, love, love, always)
Black full-length slip from Urban Outfitters
Crystal skull pendant + pentagram from Mexico on a silver chain

Dustin Downing for ChinaShop magazine

The lime green/turquoise photos were taken outside of Feathers, one of the most incredible vintage stores I have ever been into. Not kidding — it was really exceptional. If you are ever in Austin, YOU MUST GO!

They were very nice to us, letting us gather huge armfuls of stuff & then ponce around taking photos.

Dustin Downing for ChinaShop magazine

I own that pink & purple skirt now. Oh, you better believe it.

Dustin Downing for ChinaShop magazine

Dustin Downing for ChinaShop magazine

I also like to try on hats. A lot.

Dustin Downing for ChinaShop magazine

After some furious dancing & racing games at Arcade UFO, it was on to Peter Pan’s miniature golf, where we ran in terror from a Tyrannosaurus Rex (look at his creepy arms!), made appropriately dour faces while posing beside a skull, & swooned into the arms of giant bunnies…

Dustin Downing for ChinaShop magazine

Dustin Downing for ChinaShop magazine

Dustin Downing for ChinaShop magazine

You can see way, way, way more photos here! Including pictures of me playing a Japanese fighting game with a lollipop in my mouth, doing my hair in the back of the limousine & Molly looking gawwwwjus.

Thanks so much to Barbie, my West Coast fairy godmother, & of course to ChinaShop for the opportunity! LOVE!