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

Monday, March 12, 2012

Cupcake of the Week: Valentine's Day

I have a boyfriend who has the habit of making goofy drawings inside greeting cards. This was he drew for Valentine's Day.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Sunday Brunch: Tea and Sympathy

A very royal wall.

Tea and Sympathy is one of those places you know about and have always wanted to go, but for some other reason something always comes up.  Our story is set in the Greenwich Village and getting there is a lot like finding Neverland walking several side streets. And even then you have to wait for your own taste of authentic British food.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Macaron Day 2012

864 Madison Avenue
 A year ago I said I wasn't a big macaron fan.  Now my tastes for macaron have change and grown. Mainly I've gotten to taste a lot of cupcakes and macarons equally.  So macarons are now OK in my book as a delicious indulgence. 

Francois Payard seems to agree.  Who is Payard? He is the one who organized the First Annual Macaron Day, a day celebrating the tiny, decadent treat by giving them away.  This year will be its third year.

Mention at a participating shop that you are visiting because of "Macaron Day" and get a free macaron! I will have to warn you to start your macaron crawl early and free samples are in limited supply.

Macaron Day 2012
various locations
March 20, 2012

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Community Pep Rally at the Paley Center for Media

Last Saturday I helped cover an event for New York Comic Con at the Paley Center. The Paley Center for Media hosted an event for the television series Community. There was a pep rally with food, posters, and even a homemade blanket fort.

The event was part of a live streaming event, premiering a new episode before it airs March 15th and a chat with the cast.  New York Comic Con was given the hard but easy task of hyping up the crowd before the main event.  

See below for a few of my favorite moments of the night.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Cupcake of the Week: Louis Vuitton


Seen in the Louis Vuitton store in Soho.