Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Cupcake of the Week: Cako


This is a special "Cupcake of the Week" as I'm in San Francisco for the week. Cako is a local cupcake bakery in the Bay Area. They have your regular flavors like red velvet and vanilla to the more eccentric like maple bacon and pink lemonade. Also something called a "Rich and Famous" - essentially chocolate ganache frosting with chocolate cake.


Wednesday, December 5, 2012

2012 Holiday Window Displays in NYC

Window Browsing is Better than Shopping.
Holidays are often the best times for tourists with chance to see New York City during their vacation.  For New Yorkers its also a time to brood and avoid all the any plans that involve remotely going near main points of traffic.

However there is one that thing that both tend to enjoy is the holiday window displays.  People line up and wait just to see what will light up and what new themes stores have come up with.

Like the ice rinks that open, the special markets that open during this time of year, stores get into the season by decorating their windows with images that inspire anyone to take their camera out. I personally recommend starting midtown and walking up. Depending on the time of day you can visit them all in one day - be prepared to brave crowds and have your walking shoes on.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Cupcake of the Week: LovelyLeeSoaps

This cupcake is actually soap!  This was in my gift bag from International Lolita Day at Lady Mendl's.  From the creative mind of LoveLeeSoaps, this is a gift that's too good to use.  Her shop has all types of food shape soaps from cupcakes to PopTarts to even pie!

But as a future tip for those who keep getting fragrant smelling things, you can always put them in your clothes/craft/fabric drawers!

Saturday, December 1, 2012

What's in a Name?

Will the real Lolita please stand up?
When I first started wearing Lolita, I would always avoid the term with a passion. Mainly because of its Western connotation to Vladimir Nabakov's novel of the same name. However after four years I can confirm that the only aspect the novel and the Japanese fashion have in common is a reverence for youthful appearance.

To this day I tend to respond "We've decided to dress up." when others asking what or why are you wearing such clothes.  People respond better to this and there's no need to include "Lolita" in your response.  However if people are persistence, then if you must use the term "Lolita fashion."  Only when you have no other options.

People within this fashion community have attempted to relabel Lolita but to no avail. As such instead of relabeling the fashion, relabel yourself.

If you are taking the plunge or having second thoughts whether you should try Lolita fashion - remember it is just a name. Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.  While it's true that words do hurt you, it hurts only a little bit at first.  And if you have the right petticoat and the right amount of friends, they will just bounce off.

You are not a Lolita, you are you.  It just so happens you like to wear clothes with a petticoat and blouses with puffed sleeves. The label Lolita is attached to style of dress, not you.  Giving a name power by calling it taboo is absurd, because at the end of the day you are wearing a blouse/skirt/one-piece/jumperskirt from Angelic Pretty/ Baby the Stars Shine Bright/ Innocent World/ Metamorphose/etc.  These happen to be designer brands associated with Lolita fashion.

While it does feel like a magical girl transformation from regular you to Lolita you -- you are still the same underneath.  Nothing changes.  "Lolita" is just a name.

So pronounce it with me (it's on the tip of your tongue).

Lo. Lee. Ta.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Cupcake of the Week: Cupcake Tree

Thanksgiving is over which means you have yet to get a jump on that extra long holiday list.  Instead of worrying about not taking advantage of the Black Friday deals start decorating that tree you just put up.

These ornaments were found at Mary Arnold Toys, the oldest toy store in New York City.  We stopped in on our way to a brunch at Hi-Life.  And if our tree wasn't so small it would definitely be on our tree.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Sunday Brunch : Hi-Life

Hi-Life is a restaurant that has two faces depending on the time of day.  By night it is a restaurant that caters to the looking-for-a-good-time-involving drinks crowd; by day it is a family-friendly place for an Upper East Side brunch.

Last Sunday, a good friend had been aching to catch-up and my husband wanted to try their breakfast version of a bread basket (blueberry muffins and cinnamon toast) so we decided to meet up at Hi-Life.

The east side location of Hi-Life was closer to meet up so it was a natural fit.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

What Are You Thankful For?

 Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 

This is the one holiday where you get to share the reasons you are thankful to family and friends - not just stuffing your face like the turkey you are about to eat. 

I am thankful for a getting married to a loving husband this past year.

I'm thankful to have a myriad of Lolita and (non-Lolita) friends, who have inspired me to continue this strange but frill-filled fashion. 

I am thankful for my readers for continue to read my blog. It still astounds me when I meet someone new and they say they've read Lolita and the City.

 I am thankful for being able to begin a new career. It's scary and new but good.

And of course, living in one of the greatest cities in the world.

So now what are you thankful for?

Monday, November 19, 2012

Cupcake of the Week : Vietnamese Coffee

 
Vietnamese Coffee is known to be strong and good for a nice kick of caffeine.  Imagine if it was in cupcake form?  You can find it at Spot Dessert Bar in the St.Marks area.

Coffee cake, coffee frosting, chocolate espresso beads, and a surprise liquid coffee-flavored molten center.  It's satisfies your sweet tooth and gives you a much needed pick-me-up something to get you through the day.




Monday, November 5, 2012

Cupcake of the Week: Forever21 X Hello Kitty

I don't wear t-shirts but this Forever21 X Hello Kitty collaboration is something I could get behind.  It's rather plain, but with a glue gun, crystals, and sewing skills this shirt could go with a nice casual Lolita outfit.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Cupcake of the Week: Cupcake Wine!

We bought this as a welcome to the neighborhood gift for friends of ours who recently moved nearby. I actually sampled this wine during this year's Fashion's Night Out. It's a white wine that's very sweet. Great for desserts or just treating yourself!

Have a cupcake you'd like to share? Feel free to email me at lolitaandthecity(at)gmail(dot)com. Just put CCWK in the subject line and what it is and where you found it (preferable anything that is accessible in NYC or the internet).

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

My Bryant Park Holiday Shop Picks!

The Holiday Shops and the ice rink opened up last Friday, leaving me to grab my skates and head to Midtown after work. After a couple of rounds on the ice, I decided to check out the shops that were all ready for business. There were some old favorites, new shops, and some relocations. As well as plenty of food.

Caution: You may get hungry. 

Thursday, September 27, 2012

From the Littlest Frill to the Rest of the World

I'll give you a guess which one is me, given this post. Taken by doctorginger
One of the reasons I was into Lolita fashion was that I could fit into the clothes. I’m well under 5 feet and not growing anymore anytime soon. Being extremely petite makes find any clothes in XS or shoes in size 5 is like mining a beach with a metal detector. So noticing that most of the Japanese sizes were more to my measurements I was very thrilled.

However I slowly learned this was not always the case.

There are cries from people that Lolita fashion designers should make things larger to accommodate fuller figures and larger sizes. There are also people who try to drastically lose weight to fit into the clothes so they can actually have room to breathe. There are plenty of posts about which pieces and Lolita brands that can fit almost any size.

But what about the other side of the spectrum?

Personally, I can tell you it’s not all that great either and there’s no reason to be jealous. You chances of looking more childlike increases by alot. A lot. You have to pay more attention to minimum measurements than the maximum. Ribbon-laced corsets can only do so much (and forget about shirring).

A lot of items will fit but not all; and it might even be your dream dress. As a result I’ve come to accept and learn a few things.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Runway Looks, Lolita Style: Anna Sui

Images via Fashionista.com
Those who've passed by this blog, knows I have a soft spot for Anna Sui. And this collection also touches the Lolita fashion part of my heart. According to CBS, she was inspired by the Post-Napoleonic Era and Madeleine Castaing, a 50's interior decorator.

For those unfamiliar with Lolita Fashion, which also inspired by French Rococo period, there's sure to be some inspiration drawn from Japanese fashion as well.  Anna Sui was known to add her love of punk into her collections, so we'll also explore a bit into Punk Lolita.

Runway Style, Lolita Style: Thom Browne

Images via Fashionista
When it comes to choosing designers for this series, I try to choose designers that I fit with my own aesthetic and style. Thom Browne is no execption. His designs are known to fall under a very preppy style but always with a twist.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Sunday Brunch: Wolfnights

You don't have to go on a full moon to eat at Wolfnights
Bare with me as I'm slowly playing catch up with posts. But if you are absolutely ravenous for a food review, you should check out Wolfnights.

Wolfnights is a Lower East Side shop that specialize in wraps appropriately themed after wolf-related tales and references. The shop is easy to spot with a giant wolf's eye for a sign and sandwiches equally named "Teen Wolf", "Brother's Grimm", "The Howling", "Little Red Riding", "Once Bitten" "Carnivores Delight", "Pink Moon," and "Underworld." Sadly no Ginger Snaps Back.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Runway Looks, Lolita Style: Peter Som

Images via Fashionista.com
Jumping on the Peter Som bandwagon because of his use of florals. The collection reminded me of a gradual sunrise. I chose Peter Som because of fashionista's description. He's know for unusual color combinations but catches you unassumingly by starting off the show with classic spring colors to his usual pop and then back to a mixture of the two.

He's made sure to make the audience focus on the models as well as the clothes with a very bright eyeshadow -- making cream-colored pieces stand out and adding a finishing touch to pieces that already pop.

Which is why it reminds me of a the daily movement of the sun was they way he present the entire collection. Each sunrise is different and you never really notice the changing colors of the sky until it passes you by.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Cupcake of the Week : Fashion Night Out

via Huffington Post
Fashion's Night Out is a celebratory event for shopping and fashion appreciation. It also is an event that brings designers and consumers closer together.  In honor of Fashion Week and Fashion's Night Out, Magnolia Bakery is putting out two special cupcakes just for the occassion.

For Fashion Night Out, they will have a chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream topped with red velvet crumble. It's $3.50 and portion of the proceeds go towards the New York City Aids Fund.

The other is a collaboration between Magnolia Bakery and Swarvoski, the "Kingdom of Jewels": a cupcake with a crystal sugar gem on top of a vanilla frosted cupcake. These will be available for purchase on September 10th to September 30th. The catch is that they are only available at Magnolia Bakery location inside Bloomingdales.

Note: if you are a fan of Swarovski and are planning to purchase something from their Kingdom of Jewels collection, these cupcakes will be free for Swaroski Jewel Holders from September 6th - 9th.

Source:
Magnolia Bakery's Swaroski Cupcake is the Best Thing about Fashion Week
Swarovski Kingdom of Jewels

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Sunday Brunch : Elephant & Castle

Menu says it all.
Elephant & Castle was a place that my husband and I had planned to go but never got around to it. Two years to be exact. And since we had a long weekend and hardly any definite plans we decided on this place for brunch.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

7 Cute and Almost Essential Items for the Kitchen

If you like to cook and wear Lolita, please wear an apron. Just don't lick the bowl with your fingers when you do.
Living in the city is hard and hectic.  Sometimes you just need a cute apartment to make it better.  Sometimes that cute apartment is out of your price range.  Sometimes you also live with a significant other, making it difficult to fight that urge to cover every inch in Hello Kitty items or look like you've just stepped into Candyland.

The kitchen doesn't have to be one of them. The kitchen can be you "happy place" from all that. That is if you are the cooking-type or want to learn.

To compromise, make sure what you're using to furnish your apartment is also cute but functional. It's hard to complain when you can't find a spatula to flip that pancake and you get handed one shaped like Snow White (or Darth Vader).

Below are a few items that I find are not only kitschy, but most important of all functional for a very cute kitchen.

Monday, August 6, 2012

Cupcake of the Week: Angry

My favorite character of the Hangry & Angry duo.
This cupcake was from the Hell Cat Party that h.Naoto threw for customers in honor of Gashicon (creator of Hangry & Angry). It was oreo-flavored and came with these cute charms - either Hangry (the shy punk) or Angry (the violent Gothic Lolita). I was so impressed by the simple craftmanship that I carefully pried the bow off.

On another note this was also my Sunday breakfast. I advise no one to do that.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Street Snaps: Otakon 2012

From the Gothic Lolita Tea Party.
Usually I street snaps after an overview, but I've been busy trying to catch up. So here's a teaser of my adventures at Otakon 2012!

There were certainly quite more Lolitas than I could snap. I apologized if I could not get everyone.

Note: If you would like your picture removed please leave a comment below. As always if you'd like to use any photos I've posted please credit.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Cupcake of the Week: Peanut Butter Jelly Time

Made a trip to Magnolia Bakery's Columbus Circle location for an event I'm hosting.  Before I left I decided to try a "Peanut Butter" cupcake - basically a peanut butter sandwich in cupcake form. 

Our judgment: if you are a super peanut butter and jelly sandwich fan and can't get enough, go for it. Or feeling adventurous.

Good effort Magnolia, but I'll be sticking with your classic buttercream frostings and cupcakes for now.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Cupcake of the Week: Kyotofu

Kyotofu specializes in making vegan friendly desserts. This was a vegan meringue cupcake before it was quickly devoured. The almond meringue is very thick and creamy, but complements the lemon cake very well. Also the cake was very soft and it was about 2-3 lady-like bites before it was completely gone.

Make sure you have napkins within reach when eating.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Sunday Brunch: Buddha Bodai

Right across from the New Chinatown Arcade.
Being a vegetarian/vegan is relatively easier in NYC than most places.  My parents tend to not venture beyond Chinatown, so I've been to a good portion of the restaurants that have dim sum.  However it was shocking to learn that this trip they wanted to try something different.  My dad is a very particular person when it comes to food, so it's very surprising to find out he wants to try something he's not used to. Especially anything vegetarian.

My husband and I had several options lined up near the area, but due to the sudden heatwave we made a spontaneous decision to go to Buddha Bodai.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

"Good Taste/Bad Taste" at the Met 6/17

image via MTV Style
The Met's Costume Institute is one of the highlights of going to the Metropolitan Museum if you a fashion fanatic.  While the Met Gala is out of reach to most, the Costume's symposiums are more approachable.  This year's exhibit is "Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations" - a comparison exhibition of the works of Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada.

On Sunday June 17th at 2PM the Met will host a discussion of a similar nature between Iris Apfel, quirky fashion icon, and Tavi Gevinson, editor-in-chief of Rookiemag. "Good Taste/Bad Taste" will be about what style and chic means today.  Panel will be moderated by the Judith Thurman, New Yorker writer.

Panel is free with museum and admission.

Unlike Schiaparelli and Prada, Gevinson and Apfel have met before but this symposium will certainly be a meeting of the eccentrically styled minds. 

Good Taste/Bad Taste
June 17th, 2012
2PM
Metropolitan Museum
1000 Fifth Avenue (at 82nd Street)
New York, NY 10028
212-535-7710

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Be Right Back

The answer is yes (I made that).
Getting married today. Expect future brunch and cupcakes posts soon.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Cupcake of the Week: Cakeology

Boston's winding streets meant discovering everything at every corner.  This van was parked by Breugger's on School Street. Little did I realize that the store was right behind the hotel. That is until we walked back up the street.

Have any Bostonians tried this Cakeology? What did you think?

Cakeology
45 Province Street
Boston, MA 02108

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Liebster Blog Award!

Thanks to Kieli from Rainbow Star Candy for presenting me with this award! I'm glad you enjoy reading it so much!


This award goes to the underdogs who are just starting out or simple lost in the sea of bloggers out there.

"The origins of the Liebster Blog award are somewhat unclear but the general consensus is that it originated in Germany, Liebster meaning favourite or dearest, to showcase bloggers with fewer than 200 followers. Upon accepting the award the recipient can then pass it on to five more blogs of note. A way of introducing other bloggers to the blogs you enjoy."  

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Street Snaps - Anime Boston 2012

La Vida Frills is headlining street snaps post again
This was my first AnimeBoston as press and as a general attendee.  Living in New York and getting to know alot of Lolitas within my own city, I was unsure what the scene would be like in Boston. Surprisingly I met some wonderful people and did lots of picture taking.

If I've taken a photo of you and would like me to take it down. Please feel free to send me an email.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Two Cons, One City - Anime Boston 2012

AnimeBoston 2012
If you ever go to Ithaca, NY you'll notice the maps will include Cornell University and Ithaca College.  Everyone is familiar with Cornell and its Ivy-League prestige, and Ithaca College is also a great school -- in its own right.  You really can't compare the two just like you couldn't really compare AnimeBoston and PAX East

Thanks to an unusual case of double booking, both cons took place Easter weekend. A few people were actually concerned about whether one would overtake the other.  In my opinion, it only benefited by bringing in more people to a great city. Especially when they catered to entirely different crowds (one being anime/cosplay and the gaming) with a slight amount of intermixing.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Cupcake of the Week: Sweet


Craving Sweet.
Last weekend, my fiance and I were in Boston for AnimeBoston and PAX East. We discovered that Sweet was literally down the street from the Omni Parker House when we were looking for Friday dinner options.
Camera phones don't do justice.
My fiance surprised me with two cupcakes after returning from AnimeBoston on Saturday. One was Banana Split and the other Sweet Cake.  Definitely prefer the Banana Split - it was extremely light and you could taste really taste the banana.  And the spoon was an excellent touch. 

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

NYC Nineteenth Century Extravaganza 4/27 - 4/29

It's Elementary, My Dear Watson (Sherlock Holmes Museum, London)
Wish there was something more to steampunk than just gears and top hats? That's where the New York Chapter of the Nineteenth Century Society comes in. This organization serves as a niche where the historically-minded can gather and appreciate, and, most of all educate each other about the goings-on during the 19th Century.

On the weekend of April 27 - 29th, the Nineteenth Century Society presents their first ever festival of the arts featuring historical presentations, workshops, walking tours, pub crawls, and a fashion show.

The "NYC 19th Century Extravaganza" is an event not to be missed.

Here are some select events going on:

Listen to the event organizers speak about their fascination with the time period on Cityscapes podcasts. 

NYC 19th Century Extravaganza
April 27th - 29th, 2012

Greater Astoria Historical Society
Quinn Building, 35-20 Broadway, 4th Floor
Long Island City, NY 11106

and

Old Stone House – Washington Park
336 3rd Street
Brooklyn, NY 11215

Monday, April 9, 2012

Cupcake of the Week: Hello Kitty #2

Rainbow Kitty
A friend of mine found this in Macy's and thought of me. As such they felt to purchase it as a random day-of-the-week present.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Sunday Brunch: Kickshaw

Commit storefront to memory, otherwise you'll pass it by.
There are lots of restaurants that specialize in one type of food dish in New York City. There's restaurants just for peanut butter sandwiches, dumplings, mac and cheese, and grilled cheese.

The Queens Kickshaw is no different.

Located in the heart of Astoria, Kickshaw has become a fast go-to place for a hip coffee shop that happens to serve one of the ultimate comfort foods, grilled cheese, with adult tastes. 

Friday, April 6, 2012

Never Let Go - Titanic 100th Anniversary Events

Ticket from Titanic Exhibition
On April 15th, 1912 the R.M.S. Titanic sank below the Atlantic and we have never able to let go of its tragedy and history since. For 100th anniversary there are several events going around the world to remember and celebrate the passengers who died and survived.

If you stop by the South Street Seaport, one of the first things you'll see is a lighthouse. That lighthouse serves as a memorial for all the people brought to port.  Note: The South Street Seaport location was not it's original spot and moved for historical preservation.

Here are a few of the events going on in NYC in honor of the centennial:
  • Join the South Street Seaport for their exhibition about the history and fascination with the ship's sinking.
  • Queens College will be showcasing documents collected from people who wrote about the days following the sinking.
  • Seamen Church Institute examines the effort from local New Yorks did to help the survivors.
  • Watch Julian Fellows (Gosford Park, Downton Abbey) Titanic miniseries April 14 and 15. Bonus: seeing the newest Doctor Who companion in action. 
  • Gemini & Scorpio are holding a Drowned Ball at the Zanger Hall
  • Titanic in 3D is now playing in select theaters. 

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Caps upon caps - Easter Bonnet Parade 2012

What does your hat say about you?
I'll be on a bus ride back from Boston and will be sadly missing an iconic New York event. While the event is more unofficial excuse to dress up and put that glue gun you bought years ago to use, it is a fun spectacle to watch, see, and perhaps participate.

During the Victorian era, churchgoers not only wore their Sunday Best but also display their wealth through their extravagant hats.  Now it's become a Hallmark ritual on how fanciful or ridiculous you can make/wear

Decorate an old hat you have no use for or get those brain juices flowing with creativity. Peeps are optional but very effective.  Plus you bought Happy Garden for this very reason.

Check out pictures taken from last year for some last-minute ideas.
 
Easter Parade
April 8th, 2012
10AM - 4PM
49th-57th Streets (along 5th Avenue)

Monday, April 2, 2012

Cupcake of the Week: Sugar Fairy Cake + Mini Review


When Angelic Pretty came out with Sugar Fairy Cake, I had to get it. I reserved the mint version since this would be the most subtle of colors and I'm not one who normally does candy-inducing Sweet Lolita outfits.  

Now that Angelic Pretty has a US website, the reservation process was pretty easy, and when the shipment came in the store sent me an email (and voicemail!) that they had plenty of accessories.  So as a last-minute purchase I bought a matching headbow that came with the order (with no additional shipping charges. 

Seeing it in person, I'm glad I made this purchase. It's very pale and will work well with retro-styled and SweetXClassic coordinates.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Sunday Brunch: Penelope



Penelope is one of those places that you see a line out the door and wonder what the fuss is all about. I've passed by this place every so often, asking the wait times and see what is reasonable. So far no luck with 45 minutes to two hour wait times.

So we decided to take matters into our own hands. We set the alarm for 7AM and headed out early to literally catch the worm.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Raiding the Bank at Trinity Place, Bachelorette Style

No Secret Passwords Needed.
I'm not one to talk about work, but today my co-workers were kind enough to take me out to lunch for a bachelorette luncheon at Trinity Place Bar and Restaurant

What's fun and very unique about this place is that it's was originally a bank vault in the Trinity Building.  An ideal and archetype place for two stock brokers and the like to talk business.

God Save My Shoes Movie Now Playing


If you are into Lolita fashion, you probably obsessed with shoes.  Whether it's the bows and thin straps of teaparty kitten heels or the chunky ballerina style that defines rocking horse shoes, you probably have a growing collection of fancy footwear just for Lolita. 

However you probably don't have anything on the people in God Save My Shoes.  This movie examines shoe fetishes to the extreme.  Perhaps otaku is a better word since most of the women in this movie are literally shoe collectors keeping them under lock and key.

See shoe closets that rival Carrie Bradshaw's and bring some peace of mind that you only own 30 pairs.
  
Quad Cinema
34 West 13th Street
New York, NY 10011
(212) 255-8800

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Creatures of the Light: Bioluminesence 3/29/12 - 1/6/13

Jellyfish at the Monterey Bay Aquarium - 2010
When I was younger I was really fascinated by the deep ocean and the sea life you couldn't see with the naked eye. My favorite was the angler fish with it's glowing fishing rod. For those who aren't familiar with this fish perhaps you remember the scene in Finding Nemo when Dory and Marlin chase after the scuba mask. The fish with the terrifying jaws and the glowing antenna was the angler fish.

On Saturday, March 31st, the American Museum of Natural History presents an exhibit about all the organisms who have glowing personalities. It will explore why they glow and for what purposes - if it's to lure food, scare predators, attract a mate, or simply just for show.

This exhibit is going to be around until early 2013, but if you are eager like I am see it early before the crowds turn into mobs.  "Creatures of the Light" is an ongoing exhibit, so all you need pay is general admission.

Princess Jellyfish outfits not required.

Creatures of the Light: Nature's Bioluminesence
March 31, 2012 - January 6, 2013
American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West at 79th Street
New York, NY, 10024
212-769-5100





Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Cupcake of the Week : Ditsy Cupcake Shoppers Tote


When I went to Max Brenner's with a group of friends, I was quickly fixated on this tote bag.  At first I didn't believe her when she said she got it Forever 21, so I decided to do some research.

Forever21 has coyly branded it the "Ditsy Cupcake Shoppers Tote." Honestly not sure where the ditsy part is, unless you're ditsy enough to pass this deal up.

It's a $1.50 so you really can't go wrong with a giant bag for groceries and the like.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Sunday Brunch: Max Brenner


As a New Yorker, I tend to avoid tourist places due to higher price points and the crowds (and the long waits).  However I do make an exception for Max Brenner's.

Max Brenner was one of the first places my fiance took me too when I first moved to New York City.  I was amazed by the chocolate and the oddly designed drinkware.  As well as the food was modestly  We went there again a couple more times, but the price seemed more expensive and the wait suddenly was not worth it.

Making memories

Recently, I had the opportunity to go back.  ElleJay from Sherry and Cookies was in town and I was invited to a small get together.  Max Brenner was on the agenda and I decided to give it another chance. Thankfully there was brunch on the menu.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Facebook Page, Con-going and Being a Tourist

Being a tourist for once!
  • Check out Lolita and the City's Facebook Page and on Bloglovin' for easier access to posts. I'm testing out the Timeline feature, so I greatly appreciate feedback!
  • I'll be shipping off to AnimeBoston for some good old-fashioned reporting.
  • There's a 80/20 probability I'll be also heading to Chicago for C2E2, especially after this latest announcement. I'm shocked at the response of Lolitas in the area attending so hopefully I will get to meet some of you. 
  • If you know any cupcake or brunch places in either cities I could try please let me know!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Audrey Grace Pop-Up Shop + Preview 3/23 - 3/28

Audrey Grace is a small boutique in Mississippi that emulates all things beautifully vintage.  The name comes from two prominent fashion icons that represents Audrey Grace: Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly.

Thanks to Small Girls PR, Audrey Grace is being a good Southern hostess and throwing a party in honor of opening a pop-up shop at the Highline Loft. There'll be sweets, wine, music and of course lots of advantages to shop!

This Friday, March 23rd from 8-10PM, you'll be able to preview shopwares and clothes from Audrey Grace, Erin Fetherston, Alexander Grecco, Rachel Antonoff, Lulu Frost, etc.

There'll even be a performance by SuperCute!, a local tween band from Brooklyn whose fashion style could be inspired by cult party kei.

The event is free, but it's strongly suggested to RVSP to make sure there's enough bubbly for everyone.

If you have already made Friday night plans, the pop up shop is still open from March 24th - 28th 11AM - 8PM.  Check out their blog and Etsy for a preview of what to expect.

Audrey Grace Launch Party
Friday, March 23, 2012
8 - 10PM
The Highline Loft
508 W. 26th St
New York, NY 10001


Monday, March 19, 2012

Cupcake of the Week: Hello Kitty #1

While Hello Kitty prefers to be surround by macarons, she does like cupcakes once in awhile. This tiny suitcase was spotted in the Sanrio store in Times Square. Good to use if you need to change into Lolita or non-Lolita clothes for the day.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Sunday Brunch: Laut

When in doubt, Laut.
 
Now it's time for the other half of brunch: lunch!  There's nothing wrong with eating breakfast at lunch time, but it's nice to have a real lunch once in awhile.

I had originally discovered Laut through MalaysiaKitchen two years ago and was more than pleased with my experience.  Now I try to bring everyone I know there at least once.  Laut specializes in Malaysian, Singapore, and Thai food - a real Asian fusion.  And if Lillies Victorian Bar is full, this is right next door.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

CFDA's You Can't Fake Fashion Bags 2.0

Picture of 2011 You Can't Fake Fashion Bag

In New York City it's very easy to find counterfeits, sadly to say. Just today, I overheard two tourists about how they planned to go to Chinatown to "get a bag." It's cheaper and just as good as the real thing. However it's not the real thing and the feeling of buying a counterfeit is not the same as buying the real deal.  It also takes away hard-earned money and work and effort designers go through just to make these.

While Coach, Prada, and Louis Vuitton (or LV) are big brands, they still are hurt by the peddlers on the street.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America have teamed up with eBay's Fashion Vault once again to bring shoppers and pro-activists together to promote the idea of support designers instead of counterfeiters. On Tuesday, March 20th, 2012 you can check out the bags or buy a blank canvas and design your own. This year will have four different styles: the duffle tote, the satchel tote, the gear tote, and the bucket tote.

One initiative they started was created generic canvas bags with the phrase "You Can't Fake Fashion." CFDA also asked several designers to created their own one-of-a-kind bag that is representing their brand.  The designer bags ($200) tend to go rather quickly, but you can purchase regular totes ($45) to decorate or leave as is. 

I wholly recommend purchasing and supporting CFDA's cause. Plus you always need a new bag. Check out my review on last year's tote.

My personal favorites this year are Betsey Johnson, Robert Gellar, The Row, and Tommy Hilfiger. You preview some of the designer totes, and the regular ones at SheFinds.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Spring Ahead with Betsey Johnson 3/21 - 3/24

Prom Season is Here.
A great way to start spring is some spring shopping. Everyone needs a signature piece and Betsey Johnson is the best brand for the season.

Next week, Betsey is having one of her annual sample sales at the Millenium Broadway Hotel starting Tuesday, March 21, 2012.

Go the last day for extreme markdowns or go everyday to see what's new in stock. Either way you can't help walking away with at least one item.

Betsey Johnson Spring Sample Sale
March 21 - March 24, 2012
Millenium Broadway Hotel
145 W 44th, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10036
212-993-9251