Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Rehearse New Year's Eve at DoV's Let's Face the Music & Dance

2011 is fast approaching and one new year's eve is simply not enough. Do something special and dress up for a night of dancing tomorrow night at The Players as Dances of Vice and The Midnight Follies present "Let's Face the Music & Dance" New Year's Eve Eve celebration.

There'll be swing dancing, cabaret, tango and blues music, and, of course, cocktails.  Featuring music by the J.C. Hopkins Biggish BandLES Hot Club, and Gelber & Manning, burlesque and caberet acts from Kiki Valentine, Veronica Vardlow, and Medianoche, and even performances from Shien Lee, herself!  

There will also be tango lessons by the School of Argentine Tango.

Dances of Vices will give you plenty of practice before the big night to remember. 

Let's Face the Music & Dance
December 30th, 2010
16 Gramercy Park South
New York, NY 10003
212-475-6116

General Admission $20 (at the door $25)
VIP Admission $35 (at the door $40)





Tuesday, December 28, 2010

The White Rabbit Requests Your Presence at the Morris-Jumel Museum on Jan 8th

While International Lolita Day has past and the next one is months away, that doesn't mean you have to wait long for your invitation to the next party. The Morris-Jumel Mansion was George Washington's make-shift war room during the Revolution. Now it's a museum for historical artifacts and furniture for any Lolita who would like to travel back in time (at least temporarily).

On January 8th from 1-4PM, the Morris-Jumel Mansion is inviting all children, adults, tea lovers, and Lolitas* for a good old fashioned Victorian tea party. Learn proper tea party etiquette, including how to "take tea" properly as well as make a get the opportunity to make your very own Victorian Treasure Box.

*All dolls and usakumyas are also welcome.

Victorian Tea Party
Saturday, January 8th
1-4PM

Morris-Jumel Mansion
65 Jumel Terrace
(between 160th and 162nd Streets)
New York, NY 10032
212-923-8008

Monday, December 27, 2010

Walter Reade Theater presents two nights of Aronofsky

After seeing Black Swan, are you curious about Darren Aronofsky's work? Want to see if all his movies are just as psychologically mind-bending? Are you interested in meeting the man himself?

On January 4th and 5th, the Walter Reade Theater will screening several of Aronofsky's work from Pi (1998) to Requiem for a Dream (2000) to The Fountain (2006) to The Wrestler (2008). And if you've never see The Wrestler, you should because you'll get the opportunity to see the man himself (No, not Mickey Rourke). Darren Aronofsky appearing for a post-screening discussion after Wednesday's screening, and will be showing clips from his latest film -- Black Swan.

If you haven't seen Black Swan, see it, and keep a notepad hand if you want to ask Aronofsky questions later. I recommend asking "Did you have nightmares after making this movie?" or "Do you keep looking out of the corner of your eye for strange things you think happen when you're not looking?"

(Spotted on Nerd York City.)

Sunday, December 26, 2010

A Year of Lolita and Resolutions

2010 was the Year of the Lolita
Now that Christmas is over, it's onto celebrating the beginning of the end of 2010.

I'm not one for big crowds or standing in the cold for six hours waiting for a ball to drop, so I will be counting down indoors. Perhaps turning on ABC's Rocking New Year's Eve.

This year has been a very good year for me, especially in terms of Lolita.  I acquired three pieces from my "dream dress" wishlist. I've made a whole lot of Lolita friends -- who've now become friends who just happen to be Lolitas. The fashion has slowly integrated into my regular fashion that I can barely tell the difference.

And then I started this blog.

After getting into Lolita, I wanted to create a blog -- but I didn't want those typical Lolita blogs where you talk about being a Lolita with occasional haul videos/posts. I wanted a blog that would still talk about Lolita but will additional tips that relates to Lolita, but also in regular life. It's a long way from being one of the more known bloggers in the Lolita community, but I'm not losing steam yet which is good. So I do hope that you continue to read it and discover New York the way I have and continue to do so.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Happy Holidays! Plus Things to do on Christmas Day.

I just wanted to give a moment and say Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone! To my fellow Lolitas, new and old and around the world, I hope you're holidays  are full of frills.

Unlike most cities, New York City doesn't shut down (completely) on Christmas Day.  So if you're done opening all those presents, or just tired of your crazy uncle here are a list of things you can do in the city.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

For Last Minute Shoppers - Select Holiday Markets Close on 24th!

Did you have a chance to visit the holiday markets yet? Planning to do some last-minute Christmas shopping? Or found something that caught your eye to buy later?

Think fast because not all the markets will still be around after Christmas.

The following holiday markets are open only until the 24th:

Union Square Holiday Market
Union Sq & W 14th St
New York, NY 10003

Thursday, December 23: 10:00am - 9:00pm
Friday, December 24: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10025

Thursday, December 23: 10:00am - 8:00pm
Friday, December 24: 10:00am - 8:00pm

Grand Central Holiday Fair
Grand Central (Vanderbilt Hall)
15 Vanderbilt Avenue
New York, NY

Thursday, December 23: 10:00am - 8:00pm
Friday, December 24: 10:00am - 8:00pm

Monday, December 20, 2010

H&M NYC Project

I recently passed by the H&M on Madison Ave and notice one of the windows was replaced by a black wall with a collage of TV screens.

It's called the H&M NYC Project. H&M wants to show you the real, fashionable side of New York. No models, no designers, just you showing off your incredible fashion sense.

If you happen to stop by their store, there's a photo booth by the entrance on your right for taking pictures. You take a picture in the photo booth, and it's displayed on their store windows as part of a rotating photo slideshow. It will also be uploaded on their official flickr page. Or tweet your picture and use the tag #HMNYC.

This is a great opportunity for Lolitas to strut their stuff in addition to daily_lolita. So grab your most stylish coordinate, head down to H&M, have a mini photoshoot, and maybe do a little shopping afterwards.

I'm not sure how long this event/performance project will last, but if you need a legimate excuse to dress up, head to H&M.

Let's show some New York Lolita pride!

H&M NYC Project
505 Fifth Avenue
at 42nd Street
New York, NY 10017

Twitter: HMNYCProject
Flickr: H&M NYC Project

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Where's Broadway? Shows to see before 2011

The economy has been rough on everyone, including Broadway. Avenue Q moved back off-Broadway. After a long wait Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark is finally showing previews for its January 2011 release. Some shows have too good a cast to change actors (i.e. Promises, Promises). Some simply can’t muster the effort to go on for another year no matter how good it is (i.e. Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson).

So if you want to do the tourist thing, see a Broadway show.

But how do I get tickets?
If you have a particular show in mind and want to make sure you have good seats go to the show’s main website. Often times they will send you to Ticketmaster, but sometimes they have coupon deals on the website so check there first.

The other option is the TKTS Discount Booth. If you’re more concerned about getting a low price than what show you see, this is place to go. Often these are tickets that have gone unsold, as such when you buy them that day the price is often between 20% - 50% off the regular price. Sweet deal right?

The disadvantage to this is that you need to wait in line and you probably won’t know what performances are available until you get there. So make a list of at least 10 shows you’ve been dying to see. There are also two marquees that rotate available shows and now the Times Square location has live helpers in case you arrive at the ticket counter, your show is sold out, and you don’t know what else to see.

If you are not a waiting-in-line type of person, there are also two other locations Downtown and in Brooklyn.

Now onto the shows.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Tribeca Retail Club presents Holiday Bonanza 2010

Still trying to find last minute gifts? This Friday, December 17th, the Tribeca Retail Club (TRC) is hosting "Holiday Bonanza 2010" - an independent designers trunk show and shopping and beauty event from 6PM - 10PM.

For people and friends who would rather support designers trying to make a name, this is an event you should definitely check out. With an cocktails, DJ Lil' Hungry at the boards, shopping, and goody bags what's not to love?

Designers include Sole Discretion, Berit New York, Yamerra Skin Care, Candace Blake, Crystal Knuckles, Kat Basics, Laser Cosmetica, Finishing Touches, and Ardistia, just to name a few.

Currently only VIP tickets are available but it includes the open bar and you receive goody bag containing exclusive products from TRC's sponsors. Holiday Bonanza is TRC's last event of the season so get your VIP tickets before it's all sold out. For more news and updates, check out TRC's blog.

Tribeca Retail Club's Holiday Bonanza
Friday December 17th 2010
6PM - 10PM

28 West 27th Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10010

Admission: VIP $15 / Door $20

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Crumbs Cupcake Giveaway at 775 Columbus Ave Today

A bit last minute, but if you happen to wander around uptown, stop by Crumbs' newest location. Why you ask? Not because you crave their Peppermint Hot Cocoa cupcake (December's Cupcake of the Month) - a chocolate cupcake filled with buttercream filling with peppermint cream cheese frosting and coated with crushed peppermint candies. (Well, maybe you should stop by for that after all.)

To celebrate their new store, Crumbs is giving away 1000 cupcakes starting at 8AM until they run out.  So get them while their fresh and before there's none left.  This is one Early Bird Special you should not miss out on.

*Note: Peppermint Hot Cocoa is not actually hot.

Crumbs Bake Shop
775 Columbus Ave
New York, NY

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Six places to go when the weather is frightful

Winter's definitely here in the Big Apple. It's colder, windier and the locals are a tad bit grumpier than usual. This morning the temperature clocked in at a brisk 28 degrees. So bundle up, layer on those petticoats, and don't forget your bunny-shaped earmuffs on your way out.

Still feeling cold-blooded? Here are some places that I recommend to warm you up from the inside out.

Monday, December 6, 2010

This Friday Dances of Vice Holiday Ball!

Are you dying for an excuse to dress up and go all out? On December 11th, Dances of Vice (DoV for short) asks all little girls and boys to dress in their best and head to Rebel NYC for "The Secret Life of Toys."

A winter ball unlike any other featuring music from Drew Nugent & the Midnight Society and performances from Company XIV, the Minsky Sisters, and a fashion show by I Do Declare -- it will be a dream you won't want to wake up from.

Doe Deere from Doe Deere Blogazine and creator of Lime Crime Makeup, will also be there giving free makeovers for anyone who wants to get into the true spirit of Christmas, Dances of Vice way.

So eat, drink, and be merry with Dances of Vice this Friday!

(Dress code asks for Little Bo Peep, Hansel & Gretel, Mary Contrary, Jack Nimble, Toy Soldiers, Dolls, Little Boy Blue, Puss in Boots, Wind-up Ballerinas, Miss Muffet, Jack in the Box, Queen of Hearts, etc - or vintage and formal evening attire)

Dances of Vice Holiday Ball
December 11th, 2010
9PM-2AM
Admission: $20, 19+ (ID required)

251 West 30th St.
(between 7th and 9th Avenue)

Thursday, December 2, 2010

A Holiday So Nice, They Held It Twice.

It's not officially marked on your calendar. You don't have an extra day off from work or school. You don't exchange presents (unless you want to). However despite the lack of perks, this holiday does have one: celebrating your love of Lolita fashion.

International Lolita Day (ILD) is a celebration of all things Lolita. With the increasing trend of Lolita fashion, girls (and boys) around the world wanted to have a day devoted to their love and dedication to the fashion to share with other Lolitas near or far or on the Internet. No one really knows how it began or who decided it, but it is an observant holiday that is equal to every known holiday combined.

Like Thanksgiving, we reflect on why and how we got into the fashion. Like Christmas, we get together with others. Like New Year's, we think about how we've grown and how we should improve Lolita-selves. And like Easter, we dress in our finest and best to show the world how proud we are to be a part of a fashion that promotes layers, lace, and petticoats.

A fashion worn throughout the year, in all season -- International Lolita Day was held twice a year to leave no frill behind. The first Saturday of June to show others you can still keep cool in petticoats and in December to teach others how bundling up can be less frumpy and more cute.

This Saturday marks my second year celebrating International Lolita Day. It was a tough decision on what to do this year, I'm going to see La Boheme at the Metropolitan Opera with friends.