I was lucky enough to realise one of my all time fantasies - visiting the Angelic Pretty store in Harajuku, buying some clothes in person in the store, and then walking back to my hotel with an Angelic Pretty bag. It was literally a dream come true.
At first I couldn't find it, and I believe that the original store, which was located in Harajuku, no longer exists. It is now just one of a number of lolita and kawaii fashion stores in a huge multi-storey mall in Harajuku. The only other customers in the shop (and indeed the staff) were all dressed head to toe in Sweet Lolita fashion, and they just looked amazing. I must admit, I did feel a little out of place as I was not dressed in any such clothing, but I figured that everyone probably thought I was buying some gifts for a girl, when in fact I was buying them for myself.
I bought two pairs of ankle socks and two pairs of knee high stockings (and I am wearing the socks right now!), and it came to around ¥15,000 ($135/£100), so I take very good care of them indeed. My only regret is that I didn't buy an original Angelic Pretty dress while I was there, but they are ultra-expensive and, to be frank, I don't know that they make them in my size, and I wasn't about to get fitted for one in the shop!!
Anyway, Japan is such an amazing place, but a trip to Harajuku is an absolute must, but esp. for those interested in Japanese street fashion and kawaii/lolita fashion in particular. I can't wait to go back and blow another small fortune on some really expensive socks!!