Thursday, April 28, 2011

Hello Kitty in the City

The first image of kawaii you can think of is more often than not Hello Kitty. But who is the face behind that feline? Last month I had the opportunity to meet Yuko Yamaguchi, the creator of Hello Kitty as part of a promotional tour for Sephora’s Hello Kitty Collection.


Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Street Fair Season begins!

One of my favorite things to do in New York City is trolling a street fair. It's a symbol for the start of summer here in the city : the smell of deep fried vendors, and the sight of vendors selling everything from ponchos to $1 jewelry to Pillow Pets.

Just simply walking block after block finding where it ends makes an unplanned day more exciting.

This Saturday is the start of another year of street fair season, which features not one but two street fairs!

The adults shouldn't have all the fun. The Tribeca Film Festival is hosting the Tribeca Family Festival full of musical performances, face painters, dancers, arts and crafts, and food from restaurants around the area!

And Herald Square will be the site of The Earth Awareness Day Fair. Carob nuggets anyone?

Tribeca Family Festival
Saturday April 30th, 2011
10AM - 6PM
Greenwich Street (between Chambers St and Hubert St)

The Earth Awareness Day Fair at Herald Square
Saturday April 30th
10AM - 6PM
Broadway (between 35th St and 38th St.)

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Highlights of Easter

Hope you all had a lovely Easter. I ended up on a mini-egg hunt in my own apartment, and headed to the Easter Parade for some hat-watching.

I felt that this year was the year of the glue gun, since there were a lot of homemade hats. There was a lot more of creative "I did this last night, but it's still looks fabulous" hats. Or perhaps I arrived too late to see some real spectacular sights. 

Here are some of the ones I found. Enjoy!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Crumbs Cupcake of the Week - Cookie Bar

Ironically, I made cookie bars last week. But it never occurred to me that I should make a cupcake that taste like one.

Apparently Crumbs got to the idea first.

This week's Crumbs' Cupcake of the Week is Cookie Bar - a chocolate cream filled vanilla cupcake with caramel frosting. Top top it off it's rimmed with chocolate chips and chocolate covered caramel bar pieces to make it complete perfect and delicious.

Check out more delectable deals on their Twitter.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Bowtie Required

While bowties aren't lolita, they are cool.  The new season of Doctor Who is premiering tonight on BBC America tonight, and I'll be tuning in -- bowtie around my neck and fez on my head -- but I've got a spoiler.

I've already seen "The Impossible Astronaut".  I had the opportunity to attend BBC America’s Brooklyn premiere party on Tuesday. Keep in mind this was not a premiere with cast and crew, which was last, last Monday (and unless you were an expert line squatter, there was not much of a chance). However it was a party fit for fans nonetheless.

(Unfortunately the lighting was not the best so bear with me with very dim pictures.)


Held at the Bellhouse in Brooklyn it was a Doctor Who themed affair with cardboard standups, themed drinks, and Fez cupcakes. One felt underdressed if you weren’t in a striped suit, long scarf, suspenders or a fez. Festivities were well on there way, and by the time I arrived the joint was standing room only. The attendees ranged from Whovians in full costume to the casual fan.


Courtesy of The Chip Shop, you could sample British staples like Bangers and Mash, Shepard’s Pie, and Scottish Eggs, as well as Jelly Babies and Cadbury Crème Eggs. Sadly no Maltesers or Smarties in the mix.

Frills, Pants and Cake - Lessons in Kodona

There are times when donning the dress, the petticoat, the bloomers, the tights, rocking horse shoes tends to be cumbersome. And reserving that extra two hours of primping your hair and face to be picture perfect becomes increasingly tedious and time-consuming.

There are days when you just feel like wearing pants.

While majority population of lovers of Lolita fashion are girls, not all of them are fond of wearing skirts and petticoats. Some prefer to be the princely counterpart, the crook for her arm, or to simply stand out even further amongst the sea of skirts.

Boystyle, as it's commonly known (also kodona or ouiji. I tend to define kodona as a younger version, and ouiji looking like a fop), is a subcategory in Lolita fashion, and the name pretty much explains it.

Dress androgynously and feel dandy. Tap into your inner George Sand.

However "boystyle" is not just throwing on your Sunday best. You should be as meticulous, if not more so, with your appearance as much as you do when wearing Lolita. In addition, you don't have to buy brand (but a pair of Alice and the Pirates pants won't hurt either).

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Do as the Victorians did and wear your best hat

Easter 2009
The Easter Parade is one of the few events in NYC that hasn't really changed. It's not a parade march but it's still a great sight to see.

History dates back to the Victorian times when churchgoers show off their best hats, jewelry, and clothes after church - like one giant red carpet at a movie premiere. And it still is today.

On Sunday April 24th from 10AM - 4PM, 5th Avenue (between 49th to 57th) will be closed off for people who want to show off their impressive millinery skills. Whether you're dressed in Victorian garb, Lolita, or just your best suit, head uptown for an array of hats.

There's be big hats, small hats, hats made of Peeps, even the occasional cat in a hat.

And if you're still up for more fun, head up to the Children's Museum of Manhattan for their Easter-related programs.

Easter Parade
April 24th, 2011
10AM - 4PM
5th Avenue (between 49th and 57th Streets)

Children's Museum of Manhattan
212 W 83rd St
New York, 10024

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Learn to be Eco-Chic on Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day! New York City has steadily been on its way to being more green with it's encourage of more bike lanes and opening more pedestrian friendly areas.

Celebrate with fellow eco-minded strangers and friends alike for a weekend dedicated to environment.
  • Friday: Times Square acts as place for an eco-friendly fashion show, see the latest in hybrid cars, browse various vendors who can show you innovative ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle. 
  • Saturday and Sunday: Grand Central is holding a fair (Vanderbilt Avenue side). There'll be music,  performances, and streetside art. Embrace the hustle and bustle of Grand Central without need to catch a train for once.
Earth Day in Times Square
Friday, April 22nd, 2011
11AM - 5PM
Times Square
New York, NY

EarthFair in Grand Central
Saturday, April 22nd, 2011
12:00PM - 7:00PM
Sunday, April 23rd, 2011
11:00AM - 4:00PM
Vanderbilt Avenue
(between 42nd and 45th Streets)
Grand Central Terminal
82 East 42nd Street
New York, NY

The Elusive Ganguro

Ganguro fashion is often defined by bleach blonde hair, tanned skin, and white concealer used as eyeshadow ("Panda eyes" if you will). If you are unfamiliar or just curious, Japan Society and the Museum of Arts & Design are exploring Japan's various subcultures, with a focus on Ganguro on Thursday, May 5th.

"Ecstatic Skin: The Evolution of Subcultures in a Global World" is an event that will explore various subcultures, focusing on ganguro, and how they developed through digital and social media means.

Admission is $8, $6 for Japan Society members.

"Ecstatic Skin: The Evolution of Subcultures in a Global World"
Thursday May 5th, 7PM
Museum of Arts & Design.
2 Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10019

Monday, April 18, 2011

Crumbs Cupcake of the Week - Green Tea

I'm shocked that Crumbs has never thought of this flavor before now.

This week's cupcake is "Green Tea." A green tea infused cupcake with vanilla frosting, rimmed with raw sugar.

Let your tastebuds drift from sugary-high goodness to the mellow taste of green tea.

Feel free to join Crumbs on Twitter for more news, updates, and daily deals.

Celebrate the Royal Wedding in NYC

While we're just an ocean away from London but that doesn't stop New York City from celebrating the Royal Wedding Friday April 29th. Check out these events going on around town and celebrate with your fellow Anglophiles:

The Paley Center for Media is open bright and early for a viewing party at 5:30AM. Celebrate in style with tea, scones, and, of course, champagne. There will be wedding trivia and eventgoers are encourage to wear their best bridesmaid dress for "Most Unique Bridesmaid" contest.

The DUMBO Improvement District and the BBC America are holding a grand old party under the Manhattan Bridge, known as "The Archway." Featuring:

  • costume contests
  • facepainting
  • retro British music
  • traditional British games
  • a photobooth for keepsake memories
  • quizzes and raffles
  • and of course food such as scones and wedding cake
The event is free, but if you would like to attend a special evening wedding reception you can purchase your tickets here. (Note: if your not an early bird, it will be replayed after the wedding takes place. 

Tea & Sympathy is also getting in on the action to and encourages restaurant goers to come in their best (or even their wedding dress if you like). There will be a raffle where ticket proceeds will go to William and Kate's charity. They'll be open at 10:30AM. 

Lyon will open bright and early at 6AM, and hold a viewing party where you can order breakfast and English beer.


So grab your best hat (or make your own) and set your alarms for that early wake up call. Or if your not into going out, why not throw your own wedding party? Here's a link for some party ideas.

Royal Wedding Viewing Party
5:30AM
Paley Center for Media
25 West 52 Street
New York, NY 10019
Admission: Free (but reserve your space here)

RoyalWeddingNYC
5AM
The Archway (under Manhattan Bridge)
Admission: Free

Evening Wedding Reception
8PM - 1AM
All Day VIP Pass Only $60
Evening Pass (8pm – 1am) Only $40

Tea & Sympathy
108 Greenwich Avenue
New York, NY 10011

Lyon
118 Greenwich Ave
New York, NY 10011

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Sakura Matsuri NYC 4/30 - 5/1

Are you dying for stroll in the park amongst flowers just in bloom? The Brooklyn Botanical Garden celebrates the blooming of the cherry blossoms with Sakura Matsuri this year on April 30 and May 1st.

Sakura Matsuri is an annual weekend event that lets the public get a sample of the wide spectrum of Japanese culture, such as: taiko drumming, tea ceremonies, origami and ikebana workshop, and most recent an area full of events (cosplay, comedy skits, voice acting, etc) that caters specifically to anime fans.

Whether you want to see pretty flowers, just lounge on the lawn with a bottle of sake and friends in true Japanese fashion or need an excuse to plan your first summery Lolita outfit of the season, Sakura Matsuri will be an event for you. 

Note: If you are a someone who prefers to see cherry blossoms before anyone else, pay attention to the weather as they tend to be fickle things and can bloom early (like last year).

April 30 - May 1st
11AM - 6PM
Brooklyn Bontanical Garden
900 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11225

Admission:
Adults $15
Seniors (65 and over) $10
Students 12+ with valid ID $10
Children under 12 Free

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Crumbs Cupcake of the Week - Pink

Perk up your day with a cupcake I always say!

This week's CC of the Week will certainly brighten your rainy days with a splash of pink. "Pink" is as pink can be, made of a pink vanilla cupcake with pink frosting and rimmed with pink sprinkles.

Check out Twitter for more deals and updates. And if your looking for a new cupcake haunt to check out, Crumbs has also opened a new location on Park Avenue!

Monday, April 4, 2011

A Culinary Wonderland April 7th!

The Knave of Hearts stole some tarts, but do you know what type of tarts, and want to learn how to make them?

Haley and Lauren Fox, co-owners of Alice's Teacup, will be an appearance at Macy's as part of Macy's Towers of Flowers Festival. They'll giving a baking demonstration in The Cellar on Thursday April 7th from 1-4PM.

If you can't make it out, I highly recommend their recipe book that came out last year. It features recipes of food found on the menus at their various locations which you can make at home.

Also check out Macy's other events for the Towers of Flowers Festival.

A Culinary Wonderland
April 7th, 2011
1-4PM
Macy's
The Cellar, Lower Level
151 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Getting a Breath of Fresh Air

While I love New York City, there are times where you become sick of it all. You become exceedingly pessimistic about crowds, ear-piercing squeaky trains, tourists who don't know how to walk, and going beyond an area that's not one of the boroughs (White Plains is considered "out-of-state" in my book).

So it's time to take a break from it all and miss New York City for once.