Chanel Ali: Relative Stranger – A Hilarious Solo Journey at SoHo Playhouse

September 30, 2025October 24, 2025 / lolitaland / Leave a comment

New York, NY — I had the privilege of attending Chanel Ali’s off-Broadway debut at SoHo Playhouse with her powerfully personal solo show, “Relative Stranger.” Making her theatrical debut after establishing herself in the stand-up comedy world, Ali delivers what can only be described as a masterclass in vulnerability wrapped in razor-sharp humor.

“Relative Stranger” isn’t your typical comedy show—it’s a deeply personal excavation of identity, family trauma, and the unexpected ways our past can resurface when we least expect it. Ali takes us on a journey through her tumultuous foster care childhood, her mother’s struggle with schizophrenia, and the court-ordered paternity test that introduced her to her police officer father when she was 18.

What struck me most about Ali’s performance was her incredible ability to navigate between heartbreak and hilarity without ever feeling fake or manipulative. When she quips about being “a cocoa Chanel” or shares her preference for Matilda over Annie in the fictional foster-child canon, these moments of levity feel earned rather than forced.

The staging at SoHo Playhouse creates an intimate atmosphere that perfectly serves Ali’s storytelling style. She moves through the space with the confidence of a seasoned performer, drawing the audience into her world through vivid storytelling and impeccable comedic timing. There’s something deeply cathartic about watching someone transform their trauma into art that manages to be both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Ali proves herself to be a sharp storyteller who knows exactly when to ease up on the jokes and let the inherently gripping nature of her story speak for itself. The show becomes a meditation on what it means to search for family, identity, and belonging—themes that resonate long after the final bow.

❥❧ Support me on Ko-Fi ~

❥❧ Shop my Closet on Depop

❥❧ Facebook: Cosplay and Fashion

❥❧ Instagram: PearlPeony and AliceinLolitaland

❥❧ Tumblr: Personal and Fashion

❀ For sponsor inquiries, please contact me at: info@aliceinlolitaland.com ❀

FTC disclosure: If you click on my affiliate links, I may earn a commission on any purchases.

Labor Day Sales: Kawaii Edition!

August 29, 2025 / lolitaland / Leave a comment

Labor Day is here, which means three-day weekend vibes, end-of-summer nostalgia, and—best of all—amazing deals! Even though NYC is still a mix of humid afternoons and early-fall breezes, I’m already thinking about cozy layers and winter-friendly beauty products to prep for the season ahead. I am sticking to window shopping this time around, but that just means you can snag the finds I’m drooling over. From adorable lolita accessories to add to your wardrobe to crazy deals on circle lenses, here are my favorite Labor Day sales that deserve a spot in your cart:

UNIQSO circle lenses – 80% off sale (circle lenses prices drop down as low as $3!!) Use code “PEONY” to get an additional 10% off your purchase!

Bisoulovely Alice Ring Set – 50% off!! Normally this set of two stacking rings is $160, but it’s 50% off to $80 right now. If you’re interested in a different piece of jewelry from Bisoulovely, you can also use my code PEARLPEONY for 15% off. This code can only be used for non-clearance items.

Infanta JSK – size Small to size Extra Large available! Full shirring in the back. The price dropped down to $84.50, plus get 5% off your entire order with code “ALICE”

Rose Pearl Chain Retro Gothic Lolita Shoulder Bag – discounted down to $39.50! Plus use code “ALICE” for extra 5% off.

Xuwen Alice – Gothic Retro Lace Double Layers Lolita Veil – only $10.99 (factory price)! Use code “XIAOLILICOS” for 5% discount

Strawberry Witch – Elegant Lace-Up Back Lolita Blouse – $39.99 (factory price!). Use code “XIAOLILICOS” for 5% discount

haruharu wonder – Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Sunscreen – 50% off!! It’s important to wear sunscreen everyday, and I’ve never seen this product this heavily discounted before. Use code “3PEARLS” to get an extra discount!

Kitsch x Bridgerton Satin Wrapped Hair Towel / Toile De Blue – on sale to $20.88! Plus use my code “PEARLPEONY” for an additional 10% off your purchase.

Elizavecca – Milky Piggy CER-100 Collagen Ceramide Coating Protein Treatment Bundle Set – 51% off! Only $11.27 for this value set. Use code “3PEARLS” for an additional discount!

I really want these items but won’t be purchasing them since I’m holding myself to a budget. But my window shopping wishlist can become your real style and beauty steals! If you purchase any of these, let me know what you think of the products.

The only one I’ve used are the circle lenses from Uniqso – they’ve been my go-to for contact lenses for many years. I’ve always had a great experience with them! Remember to use my code PEONY for 10% off any purchase from Uniqso. They also sell cosplay wigs!!

Happy Labor Day weekend, everyone!

❥❧ Support me on Ko-Fi ~

❥❧ Shop my Closet on Depop

❥❧ Facebook: Cosplay and Fashion

❥❧ Instagram: PearlPeony and AliceinLolitaland

❥❧ Tumblr: Personal and Fashion

❀ For sponsor inquiries, please contact me at: info@aliceinlolitaland.com ❀

FTC disclosure: If you click on my affiliate links, I may earn a commission on any purchases.

“Lili/Darwin” – A Poetic Solo Show of Trans Identity- NYC

August 13, 2025 / lolitaland / Leave a comment

New York, NY — I had the opportunity to attend Lili/Darwin, a powerful solo performance, at The Tank. This show was written and performed by the talented Darwin Del Fabro. I first discovered Darwin from the queer slasher horror film They/Them, and was thrilled to be invited to this show. If you didn’t have the chance to see Lili/Darwin yet, it runs through August 23, 2025 so you still have time to check it out!

Lili/Darwin brilliantly merges two intimate journeys: that of Darwin Del Fabro, and of Lili Elbe—the transgender artist whose diaries from 1907-1930 inspired the narrative. If you know who Lili is prior to the show, you’ll love the pieces of history from her diaries sprinkled throughout the show. If you don’t know who Lili is, this is a great introduction! Darwin portrays Lili and herself with sensitivity and strength, moving seamlessly between eras, personas, and emotional landscapes.

Let’s talk about the staging: it was cool to see how the identities were differentiated in a visual manner— Lili Elbe appears on one side with a vintage chair, Darwin on the other with a stool. There were also moments where the lines were blurred. It was visually stunning and I loved the use of lighting and shadow underscore shifts in mood. My eyes were also drawn to the beautiful Dior heels as a symbol of femininity.

The show was brimming with emotional honesty and I felt myself tear up multiple times during the performance. At its core, Lili/Darwin is a testament to the power of authentic storytelling. It’s a deeply personal tribute to visibility, resilience, and the often-overlooked courage of trans narratives—spoken directly by a trans artist herself.

Details & Ticket Info

Where: The Tank, 312 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018
When: Performances are Thursday to Saturday evenings through August 23, 2025.
Tickets: Available here.