Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Throw It in the Bag : Picks and Tips for Fashion's Night Out




Three year's ago when the economy was very down in the dumps and shopping was literally a guilt trip, Anna Wintour and her colleagues decided to get people out to the stores. As such, Fashion's Night Out or FNO was born. An idea that began in New York has now spanned several cities, which grants people the opportunity to meet fashion celebs, win exclusive prizes, and of course, shop until you drop.

This year it falls on September 8, 2011 (just a few weeks away) starting at 6PM. Now it's grown to overwhelming proportions, so I thought I'd give you some events that appeal to a Lolita-minded fashion lover's heart.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Out and About: Meet and Greet with Lolita Designers at Tokyo Rebel

Mistuba (left) and Masumi Kano (right)
With Otakon having taken up so much of my time, I barely had moments to enjoy myself (much less have time to eat). Which is why I was truly ecstatic when Tokyo Rebel announced they would be hosting a meet-and-greet session with designers Masumi Kano and Mitsuba on Monday, August 1st, 2011.

It was also a great opportunity for those who weren't able to make it to Otakon, and for people like me, who prefered a more intimate one-on-one sitting -- not to mention avoid hour long lines just for an autograph.

Tokyo Rebel asked those girls interested to RVSP ahead of time, with everyone going in groups of ten at a time so each person could have a few moments to speak with the designers. It was also beneficial to attendees to not feel claustrophobic with Tokyo Rebel being such a small store.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

The Traveling Lolita - Otakon 2011

Pepper Ink
It's been at least a year since I've gone to a con, and two years since I've attended Otakon, one of the biggest conventions on the East Coast.  I had just gotten into Lolita and haven't quite fully grasped that Baltimore is hotter and crazier than New York. 

This year's guests feature designers from Baby, the Stars Shine Bright and Alice and the Pirates - along with Ibi and Mint, designers of Sixh (a sub-brand of h.Naoto). There was also the Ultimate Lolita Fashion Show, a fashion show devoted to American designers. With Lolita being guests and part of the main events it was a must-see event, and a mini-vacation I could not pass up. 

Initially I was unsure what to expect this year, and at my only priorities were the Lolita-focused fashion shows. All the while, I would tweet my adventures via Blackberry. Unfortunately my Blackberry could not take Baltimore heat and I had to survive sans smartphone. 

Saturday, August 6, 2011

The Magician King Signing 8/10!

For Harry Potter fans there is a void that needs to be filled. So while you're waiting for your Hogwarts letter from Pottermore, I suggest checking out The Magicians by Lev Grossman.

I picked up The Magicians on a whim in a now defunct Borders store. It was one of the best books I've ever picked up. Think adult version (as opposed to YA) of Harry Potter set in Narnia - and there are no happy endings. Six months later I seized the opportunity to check out a booksigning. It was the most interesting signing I've been too - an elderly attendee began comparing The Magicians to the upcoming Sorcerer's Apprentice. (There's no contest that The Magicians is far better).

Lev Grossman continues where The Magicians left off with The Magician King. If you're a fan or aching for a new book, Grossman will be holding a Q&A and signing his latest book at two stores. On Tuesday, August 9th, Grossman will be at WORD bookstore in Brooklyn, and at Barnes & Nobles on Wednesday, August 10th.

Hope to see you there with at least two books in hand!

The Magician King Signing
7:30PM
August 9th, 2011
Word Bookstore
126 Franklin St.
Brooklyn, NY 11222
718-383-0096

7PM
August 10th, 2011
Barnes & Noble
2289 Broadway (at 82nd Street)
New York, NY 10024
212-362-8835