Shop 'til You Drop for Japan This Weekend!

via Fashion Girls for Japan

The American fashion industry did not let the tragedy of Japan go unnoticed - they were just trying to figure out what to do.

Fashion Girls for Japan mission is to help "aid aim to aid and rebuild hope for their Japanese colleagues and customers."

As such they are holding a two-day sample sale at the Bowery Hotel from April 2nd (11AM - 7PM) to April 3rd (11AM - 5PM).

Over 60 designers have donated one rolling rack with items at least 50% off retail price. All the sales will go towards the earthquake and tsunami fund Japan Society has setup for New Yorkers who want to help.

Tickets are a minimum $5 donation and can be purchased online or at the door.

Designers featured are:

• Alexander Wang
• Alice + Olivia
• Altuzarra
• Derek Lam
• Diane von Furstenburg
• Helmut Lang
• Jil Sander
• Marc by Marc Jacobs
• Proenza Schouler
• Rag + Bone
• Theory
• Thakoon
• Thom Browne
• and many more

So open your wallet and do your part (and get some designer clothes, too).

Fashion Girls for Japan Sample Sale
April 2nd - 3rd, 2011
Bowery Hotel
335 Bowery
New York, NY

Step into Hogwarts April 5th

via Daily Lolita

Need somewhere to kill time before that summer vacation to Florida for a weeklong adventure at Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

Starting April 5th, the Times Square Discovery Center is housing original props and costumes from all of the Harry Potter movies as part of the Harry Potter: the Exhibition.

Thanks to all you Potter fans, the exhibition was extended, and New York City became a last minute stop of its U.S. tour before going international.

New Yorkers and tourists alike will get a chance to see Hagrid's hut, all the Quidditch team uniforms, face Death Eaters. But it's not just for show: you'll be able to be a part of Herbology and pull mandrakes from their pots just like in The Chamber of Secrets!

I suggest getting tickets in advance, since this is Harry Potter we are talking about. Need I say more?

Harry Potter: The Exhibition
April 5th - Sept 5th, 2011
Discovery Times Square
226 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036

Cupcake of the Week - Licorice!

Spring has sprung and Crumbs has decided to jump right in with this week's Cupcake of the Week.

Licorice is a cherry preserves-filled vanilla cupcake with white cream cheese frosting. Rimmed with red sprinkles, and a licorice swirl, this cupcake will brighten your work week (and sweeten it too). 

Ever Changing - Japan Fashion Now

This coordinate is on display at
Japan Fashion Now.

Last Monday I had the opportunity to take a guided tour, lead by the curator Valerie Steele, of Japan Fashion Now, an exhibit displaying selections of prominent Japanese fashion designers and subculture styles that are distinctly found on the streets of Tokyo.

While it was my third time at the exhibit, it was a great experience learning the vision Steele had in mind for viewers. I was especially interested in what she could comment regarding Lolita fashion.

A Stone Throw's Away

If you've ever had the chance to stop by Bryant Park shops during the holidays this past winter, you may have noticed a cute accessories vendor known as Stone Flower.

Necklaces with cute bows, earrings in the shape of cupcakes, and headbows  that would work for your next Lolita coordinate.

Luckily if you are in the city, Stone Flower has a physical location right here in New York City at the South Street Seaport. It has two stores within the South Street Seaport mall: one solely for accessories and one for clothes.

The clothes are often flowing summer floral dresses, fur-line hooded cardigans for winter, as well cute hats and skirts. Perfect for girls who want to feel feminine and girly all the time, or even just throwing on something after your fun-filled day meeting your fellow Lolitas.

There are a lot of items like cardigans and cute blouses that can work with Lolita fashion. Even polka-dotted umbrellas for that random chance you get stuck in the rain.

...And if you have already have that eye for finding offbrand Lolita looks, you even find an adorable JSK for a more casual style.


Compared to brand clothing like Angelic Pretty or Baby, the Stars Shine Bright, Stone Flower is a great place to go if you need something for a last-minute meet or haven't bought anything Lolita-related lately.

If you're not into clothes and just need something to add on to that already great coordinated, you should by pass the first floor shop and head to the second floor.  With its signature pink and white color scheme, it's a store that catches your eye and draws you in.

Stone Flower is a place for accessories for that Lolita who wants to move on up from Claire's, or needs accents that will make her great coordinate even better.

From flower earrings to cameo necklaces to hair clips to a cute wallet, there at least something for every type of girly girl. Everything is easily displayed for windowshoppers and buyers alike. With plenty of mirrors around the store, you can see for yourself if the blue bird earrings or if a rhinestone cupcake necklace is more your style.

That inner girl of yours will be squeeing at the cuteness even if you are not.

Stone Flower
89 South Street, Pier 17
1st & 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10038-3520
(212) 240-9001

Earthquake and Tsunami Funds by Local NYC Orgs

In the wake of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan this past week, we all feel to need to give our support in some way or another.

Here are some local organizations that have created funds that people can send their donations:

• The Mayor's Fund. Be sure to click on the radio button that says "Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Fund. Or you can call at (212) 788-7794 and provid credit card information, as well as mail your checks marked with “Japan Earthquake” to the Mayor’s Fund at 253 Broadway, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10007.
• Japan Society
• UJA-Federation of New York

The Japanese government are still assessing the total damage, and deciding where aid needs to go to the most. So before you start writing that check or booking that plane ticket and head to Sendai, I recommend research into the organization or places that planning to hold fundraising events. This way you'll know where your money and efforts are actually going towards.

Good Intents has some tips on the Do's and Don'ts of donating to disaster relief funds.

Art for the Plush Lovers

Tired of visiting the same old gallery opening? Want to feel fancy while wearing an Usakumya bag? On Friday March 18th, MyPlasticHeart is having an exhibit opening for Soft*: A Plush Art Show.

But the question is why an art exhibition on plushies?

Making a plush is like giving life to something that will keep you company and won't judge when you cry during the end of The Little Princess. It shares your mess and covers for you when a scoop of ice cream falls off the cone. It protects you from the monsters in the closet with its mental super powers.

All in all, a plush is the best friend you will ever have, and what better way to commemorate than in an art exhibition.

Soft* features pieces by Steff Bomb, Danita, Kelly Denato, Heidi Kenney, Amanda Louise Spayd, and Mariangela Tan. So cuddle and critic the immense soft power of the plush animal with the artists and art lovers alike.


Soft*: an Art Show
March 18 - April 3, 2011
myplasticheartnyc
210 Forsyth St.
Lower East Side
New York, NY

646-290-6866

Meet the Queen of Kawaii March 16th!

If there was ever an icon of kawaii, Hello Kitty would be it and she would be front and center.

As a fan of anything Hello Kitty, I was ecstatic to learn Sephora was going to release a collection centered around the fabulously cute feline. It was a hard decision what item to buy first, especially with so many options to choose from.

Blush sticks, lip gloss, perfume, a makeup holder in the shape of Hello Kitty, and so much more. 

Sephora is in full swing of advertising the collection with all of its female staff wearing pink Chubby Bunny headbows. If you are in the SoHo area or just need an excuse to shop, Sephora has invited Yuko Yamaguchi, the creator of Hello Kitty, to their flagship store on Wednesday, March 16th at 5PM!

In honor of this exclusive collection she'll be signing autographs and taking pictures. 

There is a catch though. Stop by the Soho location between 10AM and 5PM next Wednesday and purchase at least $35 worth of Hello Kitty collection. The first 200 customers will receive a wristband which guarantees your place in line. Yamaguchi will also only autograph two items per person.

Looks like I know what I'm doing during my lunch break next Wednesday - how about you?

Tip courtesy of geeky glamorous and Sephora.

Meet the creator of Hello Kitty

Sephora (Soho)

555 Broadway

New York, NY 10012

212=625-1309

Crumbs Cupcake of the Week - Happy Birthday

Resembles a Dr Suess version of Sunny side eggs doesn't it? 

What do Jenna Fisher, Rachel Weisz, and Piet Mondrian all have in common? They were all born today on March 7th!

So go out and celebrate by going to Crumbs for this week's new Cupcake of the Week - "Happy Birthday." It's like a Funfetti baby: a vanilla cupcake filled with a vanilla and rainbow sprinkle mix, edged with more rainbow sprinkles and topped with a yellow rosette.

The fun thing about Funfetti is the fact that the cake batter has sprinkles in it, which Crumbs does not forget to do.

Happy (belated) Birthday to our celebrities. Or have a very happy unbirthday to you.

The Next Andy Warhol : Armory Show

Anyone pass by Times Square recently and noticed any new additions? I'm not talking about the tourists or latest brand name store that opened up. Or the guy begging for money for weed.

I'm referring to the flock of sheep that seems to have lost their Bo-Peep.

As part of the Armory Show at Piers 92 and 94, Kyu Seok Oh created a sculpture of a flock of sheep as part of the show at the Park Armory

The Art Show brings thousands of pieces ranging from 19th-20th century to more modern art, including a sculpture of meat made out of wood.

So bring your sketchbook, camera, or journal and be inspired to create! Or if you prefer to stay in the more central areas, check out sculptures at Duffy Square, between 46th and 47th Street, and, of course Times Square. And while you are allowed to take pictures, pet, and hug the sheep - please do not practice your kickboxing moves on the sheep.

The Armory Show
March 3 - 6, 2011
12 Avenue at 55th Street
New York, NY

Hours:
Thursday, March 3 - Saturday, March 5 Noon to 8 pm
Sunday, March 6 Noon to 7 pm

Admission
General: $30
Students: $10
Groups (10+) US$15
Purchase online or at the show.

Gotta Catch 'Em All

If you're heading to New York City and are a hardcore gamer, then your #1 stop has to be at Nintendo World at Rockefellar, Nintendo's official retail store.

Not only can you play and buy games, but you can see thier mini-museum corner. They have relics of Nintendo's past, including a classic Nintendo system to special edition Gameboys to a handheld Gameboy Color that survived the war.

However that's not all. The store also holds exclusive launch parties and events, where you can also buy games before their official release.

And if your in the area tomorrow, the Nintendo World is having a launch party for the release of Pokemon Black and White. From 3-6PM, you'll get to participate in trivia contests, battle with other Pokemon trainers, admire Pokemon art, take a picture with Pikachu, and the real reason why you're going: to buy Pokemon Black or Pokemon White (or both if you are that hardcore).

You'll even get a shot at getting the legendary Victini.  If you are a fan of getting swag, Nintendo will be giving out Pokemon Black and White t-shirts for those early birds who simply can't wait.

Are video games not your thing? Don't be an idler and stuck on the bench while your other half is fawning over all the Pokemon cosplayers - go ice skating at famous Rockefellar Rink.

Pokemon Black and White Launch Party
March 5th, 2011
3-6PM
Nintendo World
10 Rockefellar Center
New York, NY 10020

Tokyo Girls Collection Goes Livestreaming

While New York Fashion Week is restricted to mainly press, designers, and celebrities (and the occasional six-degrees of seperation), the Tokyo Girls Collection (TGC) is a fashion festival in Japan dedicated to street fashion brands (mostly gal/gyaru but Japanese fashion nonetheless) modelled by the people who wear it. And in addition to press, etc, it is opened to the general public!

This year Google partnered with TGC and is going to stream the entire show live through an official Youtube Channel.

What does this exactly mean? At 2PM in Tokyo (around 1AM Eastern), Youtube will be streaming the entire festival as it happens for 7 hours.  Which means you can pull an all-nighter for the sake of fashion.

So heat up some popcorn, Redbull (or whatever you drink for that caffeine high), and countdown to Tokyo Girls Collection S/S 2011!

Sunday Brunch: Sip Sak

New York City is a very convenient place for anyone who is hungry anytime, anywhere because there is always a slew of restaurants to choose from.

What people may not know is that if you step off the main streets like Broadway, you arrive in the New Yorker's area of the city: a quieter, residential but still have that urban feel.

With so many restaurants in the area is best to choose based on a roulette method: walk along the street until one strikes your fancy.

It's a method that's especially useful when you are unsure of what do about brunch on a late Sunday morning after one last skate around The Pond at Bryant Park.

If you're wanting brunch, but want something different, Sip Sak should be on your list. Their sage green doors and mirror-framed menus outside will entice you to try their food on impulse.

And it won't disappoint.