Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Cupcake of the Week: Australian Scent
The Grand Central Holiday Fair opened up for the holidays yesterday, and I decided to poke around while waiting for my husband's train to get in. I found these olive oil soap cupcakes at Australian Scent. They come in a variety of flavors, and cost $22 (or 2 for $40).
The Holiday Fair runs from November 18th to December 24 in the Vanderbilt Hall. There's also a shop with a crocheted Victorian bonnet, which I encourage everyone to check out.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Cupcake of the Week: High Fructose Zombies
Catching up on some posts I've been meaning to get to. For instance, this week's cupcake is from New York Comic Con. It is a "zomcake," (zombie + cupcake) from High Fructose Zombies. This is definitely something for you if you are into the creepy cute facet of Japanese fashion.
They also currently have a comic book about candy that turns people into, you guessed it, zombies. Check out more on their Facebook.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Street Snaps: 6%DokiDoki in Bryant Park
Sebastian Masuda, founder of 6%DokiDoki posing with fan. |
Monday, October 7, 2013
Cupcake of the Week: Pajamagram
Never have to complain about having crumbs in the bed with these pajamas. I love Pajamagram and have at least three sets from them. They are one of the coziest pajamas I have ever owned. Unfortunately not this cupcake one but it's on my list.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
MARUQ at NYCC + Looking for Volunteers!
Spread the word: Liz Lisa is coming to the East Coast! |
Japanese fashion is getting easier to come by thanks to the Internet. Lolita brands like Innocent World and Metamorphose were one of the first shops to create an English version of their website. You can go to San Francisco and Paris to buy Baby, the Stars Shine Bright. If you go to conventions a lot you can often spot h.Naoto goods at their official booth.
Now MARUQ (the U.S. carrier of Liz Lisa) is testing out the convention circuit by going to New York Comic Con next weekend from Oct 10th-13th.
They will be at Booth# 678 and are carrying items from LizLisa, Tralala, and LizaLisa Doll, as well as other Japanese brands. If you are planning to go to NYCC anytime, they will also be handing out phone decals for anyone who stops by and likes their Facebook page (or already have)!
Let them know that you liked their Facebook page and get a phone decal! |
In addition to a booth, they are currently looking for volunteers to help out at their booth!
Requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must be available Oct 9th - 13th (9AM - 7PM)
If you or know someone who loves Liz Lisa or a fan of Japanese fashion and would like to help out: send an email with your name, age, a short introduction, as well as a headshot and a full body shot to tiffa@shopmaruq.com
If you're planning to attend NYCC this is another reason to break out your wallet. Stop by 678 and say hi to the shop girls -- maybe do some shopping too! I know I will.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Cupcake of the Week: Designer Cupcakes
Found this Cupcake of the Week while browsing the Internet. Features cupcakes that are inspired by fashion designers like Betsey Johnson, Chanel, and Christian Louboutin.
You can see all of them here. What was your favorite?
Monday, September 9, 2013
Cupcake of the Week: Billy's Bakery
S'mores, Pumpkin, Chocolate, Banana Nutella. |
Spent Labor Day wandering around the city and checking out the High Line. To end the holiday we stopped by Billy's Bakery in Chelsea. The chocolate cupcakes are a must, and it's fall so they've come out with a Pumpkin flavor.
Also their Cupcake of the Month for September is S'Mores -- rich, dark chocolate cupcake meringue frosting, drizzled with fudge chocolate, and sprinkled with graham cracker crumbles.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
I've Got A Golden Ticket (to NYFW)
Racked.com took a cue from Willy Wonka and is giving away tickets hidden in chocolate bars to New York Fashion Week.
They will be giving out tickets all week to select shows. Just keep watching Racked.com for times and locations where a street team will be handing out chocolate bars. One lucky chocolate bar will have a ticket for a code to see the latest collection during New York Fashion Week.
They've already given out tickets for Jill Stuart and Project Runway. New York Fashion Week suddenly got more delicious.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Cupcake of the Week: Cupcake Currency
This is one ATM that requires no additional fee to use.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Street Snaps: Japan Expo USA 2013
School's in Session in Jaegertown. |
Note: As always, please credit me if you decide to use these photos elsewhere. And if you see your photo and would like it taken down, please let me know!
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Cupcake of the Week: Cake Tin
Cake Tin was right next to my gate. |
JFK Airport
Terminal 4, Gate B32
Queens, NY 11430
Monday, August 19, 2013
Cupcake of the Week: Brooklyn Cupcake
With flavors like French Toast (with or without maple syrup), Coquito, Rainbow Cookie, and Tres Leche who can go wrong. These cakes can last a few days fridge and still taste good.
335 Union Ave,
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-576-3600
(Dumbo)
61 Pearl Street
718-576-3600
(Dumbo)
61 Pearl Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-576-3600
(Long island City)
4-43 48th Ave
718-576-3600
(Long island City)
4-43 48th Ave
Long Island City, NY 11101
718-482-8220
718-482-8220
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Treat House - Treat. Yo. Self
Treat. Yo. Self. To Treat House that is. |
An unknown rice krispie treat shop had been gracing my Facebook feed. Between this and a new crepe shop in SoHo, it was hard to decide which to check out first. Crepes tend to be more fun with people, so I went to check Treat House on it's grand opening.
I also treated myself to the American Natural History Museum to check out their whale exhibit which was a few blocks away.
(For the record, I went to the museum first.)
Monday, August 5, 2013
Cupcake of the Week: Taking Notes
Lyntha Tye from Something Deeper: Anime, Manga, and Comics remembered I like things shaped like cupcakes. These cupcake shaped notepads can be found at your local Barnes & Noble.
Now if they only made scratch-and-sniff versions...
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Matching Sets - BoldLoft Human Touch
"Oops...My Bad." |
Monday, July 29, 2013
Cupcake of the Week: Shark Week
Save Snuffy, eat a cupcake. |
These are only available online or by emailing your nearest store for pickup or delivery.
NOTE: Shark Week starts Aug 4th, 2013 for inquiring minds.
Georgetown Cupcakes
111 Mercer St
New York, NY 10012
212-431-4504
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Go Big or Go Home: Lolitas vs. (Mini) Vermonster
Signed as proof. |
Lolita fashion makes you do crazy things. If you love the fashion long enough you want to do practically everything while wearing clothes that make you look like a giant cupcake. Whether it's going to the movies, the zoo, to try out a new restaurant, or even going out for ice cream.
Since a lot of friends were big foodies, I wanted to do something a bit outrageous: I wanted a bunch of us to get together, while wearing Lolita, and eat a Vermonster. It turned out to be a fun, casual bonding experience.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Street Snaps: ConnectiCon 2013
It was my first time going to Connecticon and I had a great time. Not only was it a nice break from the larger cons, like NYCC or Otakon, it was just as fun with plenty to do. I was quite surprised by the amount of fashion statements for such a small convention.
Note: As always, please credit me if you decide to use these photos elsewhere. And if you see your photo and would like it taken down, please let me know!
Monday, July 22, 2013
Steady As She Goes: Connecticon 2013
You are not in NYC anymore, Pucca. |
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Fête Paradiso - July 13-September 29!
via ixdoxdeclare |
Governor's Island is proud to host several vintage carnival rides and carousel straight from France. Not only are they relics of 19th and 20th century but still functional! Admission is free for the festival and for a measly $3 you can ride into the past!
From July 13 - September 29 every weekend, you'll be able to eat and drink at their pop-up beer garden that features French carnival food, try your hand at mid-century games, and ride lots of different carousels.
Check out their Twitter, Instagram and Facebook page to peak your interest and any updates.
Fête Paradiso: A Festival of Vintage Carousels and Carnival Rides
July 13-September 29, 2013
10:30AM - 6PM
Governor's Island
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
City of Water Day - July 20th, 2013!
Heave-ho onto open waters on City of Water Day |
New York City is a city surrounded by water. You need to go under or over water to get to Manhattan from Brooklyn or Queens. You take the ferry to Staten Island.
On July 20th, Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance celebrates everything that has to do with water with City of Water Day. On Governor's Island and Liberty State Park in New Jersey there'll be Children's Activity Fair in both areas. Featuring food, a cardboard kayak race, as well as free boat tours!
Various boats will also be offering free tours along the Hudson. See New York City like you've never seen it before. Learn about the life of a mariner, see various birds that live along the river, or see why tugboats are so important.
City of Water Day
July 20th, 2013
10-4PM
Liberty State Park, NJ and Governor's Island, NY
Friday, July 5, 2013
Bastille Day on 60th Street - 7/14/13!
After celebrating July 4th with fireworks and barbecues, why not head uptown on July 14th to celebrate our French's neighbors independence with cancans and crepes (and macarons)?
Bastille Day on 60th Street is put together by the French Institute Alliance Francaise to bring a bit of France to NYC. There'll be music, wine tastings, food, and drawings, as well as prix fixe boxed lunches so you won't go hungry. The entire event is free unless you choose to partake in things like tastings, the boxed lunches, and of course any stalls that strike your fancy. Be sure to check out their website for more information.
Bastille Day on 60th Street
July 14th, 2013
12-5PM
Between Lexington
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Avoid Brain Freeze - My Top 5 Places to Eat Cool
Tangerine and Plum in pretzel cones - Chloe's Soft Serve Fruit |
Monday, July 1, 2013
Cupcake of the Week: Dylan's Candy Bar
Monday, June 24, 2013
Cupcake of the Week: Charm City Cupcakes
Charm City Cupcakes - Inner Harbor |
Went to Baltimore last week for a short trip. I found this cute cupcake shop, Charm City Cupcakes, that took over an ice cream shop in one of the mini malls in the Inner Harbor. I had initially wanted ice cream, but cupcakes will certainly suffice.
We purchased a Caramel Praline and a vanilla Black-eyed Susan. I had the Black-eyed Susan, which was a vanilla cupcake with chocolate frosting in the middle.
Caramel Praline and vanilla Black Eyed Susan |
If you're going to Otakon or have a chance to go there I recommend getting one to try!
Charm City Cupcakes
1340 Smith Avenue (Mt. Washington Mill)
Baltimore, MD 21209
Baltimore, MD 21209
410-435-8790
(Inner Harbor Flagship Store)
Inner Harbor Pratt Street Pavillion
(Inner Harbor Flagship Store)
Inner Harbor Pratt Street Pavillion
410-244-8790
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Street Snaps: AnimeNext 2013
AnimeNext was fill with all kinds of fashion. From Lolita to casual to more Lolita. Chess Story's Starry Night Angel and Baby's Strawberry Pie lucky packs were popular, as well as a good smattering of gothic coordinates (The weather was perfect for it -- not too cold, not too hot).
These are in no particular order, please enjoy!
These are in no particular order, please enjoy!
Friday, June 14, 2013
Up Next, AnimeNext 2013
It has occurred to me that I have or will be traveling to a convention every month. It was AnimeBoston last month, and this month was AnimeNext.
To be truthful I haven't attended AnimeNext since their move to the Garden State Exhibition Center in Somerset. As a New Yorker it was no longer a casual commute but a long trek that seemed more hassle that it was worth. However when they announced Baby, the Stars Shine Bright and MC Melody Doll
as guests, I had to repack my bags and travel to New Jersey.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Crafternoon at the Etsy Craft Party 6/20!
I love Etsy and make cute things like this. |
Love Etsy? Love crafting?
The Etsy Craft Party is a worldwide celebration of making, designing, and creating something with your imagination and own two hands. With several events around the world there has to be one in Etsy's home-base, New York City (Brooklyn to be exact), on June 20.
In fact there is!
This year Brooklyn's Etsy Craft Party will be at Brooklyn Bridge Park in the Tobacco Warehouse where you'll be able to embroider and sew hand puppets that will be donated to organizations like Baby Buggy, Children's Aid Society, and Room to Grow.
There be food trucks, raffles, and craft lovers alike. RVSP here.
Etsy Craft Party: Brooklyn NY
June 20th, 2013
5-8PM
Tobacco Warehouse at the Brooklyn Bridge Park
26 New Dock Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Street Snaps: AnimeBoston 2013
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Wait Awhile, And The Weather Will Change: AnimeBoston 2013
Winner of the Tales of Yokai contest - Honne Onna |
Friday, May 31, 2013
Speedwalking Through Sydney
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
One Week in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is similar to New York. Lots and lots of people, places to eat, places to see, and, of course, places to shop. I've been away for a week on a holiday before the summer convention season really begins. My parents were literally begging for my husband and I to make the trip (mainly to introduce him to the family), and thanks to some advanced planning we were able to take one week. His work took him to Sydney, so we got to go to Hong Kong as a pit stop.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Street Snaps: Sakura Matsuri 2013
Lolita problems: which camera to smile at. |
Note: As always if you see you're picture and would like me to take it down for any reason, just let me know!
Friday, April 26, 2013
PUNK: From Chaos to Couture at the Met 5/9 - 8/14
After the Alexander McQueen restropective, the Met is taking more alternative and fashionable approaches to art. With it's latest exhibit on Impressionism and now the upcoming exhibit that everyone has been waiting for: PUNK: Chaos to Couture.
This exhibit examines the roots of punk fashion and how it has effected today's high fashion. From DIY to the runway and London to New York, punk is the rebellious influence that refuses to go away.
Definitely an exhibit where you can totally look but definitely should not touch.
Punk: Chaos to Couture
May 9 - August 14, 2013
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10028
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Sunday Brunch: The Herb Festival at Gallow Green
Last Saturday I filled in as a +1 for a friend who was going to The Herb Festival at Gallow Green at the McKittrick Hotel, the infamous stage for "Sleep No More." The McKittrick Hotel was opening their rooftop garden for the first time this spring, and celebrated for the second time with a mini-festival of music, dance, and food.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Front Row: Chinese American Designers/Shanghai Glamour: New Women 1910s-40s 4/26 - 9/29
Anna Sui S/S 2013 |
Richard Chai. Prabal Gurung. Peter Som. Anna Sui. Vivienne Tam. Alexander Wang. Vera Wang. All familiar names in the fashion industry - but did you know they are all Asian-American? The Museum of Chinese in America presents two exhibits that examines Chinese-American influence on the industry in both history and present day.
Front Row: Chinese American Designers looks at fashion designers today and interconnection between the garment district, Chinatown, and outsourcing to China. The exhibit will examine those who broke into the industry during the 1980s, like Anna Sui, and how it's grown tremendously with Michelle Obama wearing designer dresses by Prabal Gurung.
Shanghai Glamour: New Women 1910s-40s is a retrospective on the fashion during Shanghai in the 1940s. It examines the changes of fashion during the time, as well as how fashion played a key role when it came to advertising. As well as looking at the different roles women had at the time and how dress defined that role.
"Front Row: Chinese American Designers" and "Shanghai Glamour: New Women 1910s-40s"
April 26th - September 29, 2013
The Museum of Chinese in America
215 Centre Street
The Museum of Chinese in America
215 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013
(212) 619-4785
(212) 619-4785
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Street Snaps: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu in NYC
Whenever there's a line everyone wants to know what's going on. |
Note: If you see your picture and would like me to take it down please let me know. And as always if you wish to use anything please give credit where credit is due.
Enjoy!
Friday, April 12, 2013
2nd Annual Nineteenth Century Extravaganza 4/26 - 4/28!
I Do Declare (2012) - She'll be returning again with a new collection you won't want to miss! |
This was an event created last year brought about by the sheer love and passion for the past - The New York Nineteenth Century Society. Kicking it off with 1880's Ball, panels, a fashion show and more!
Here are my personal what-to-dos:
Friday, April 26th
8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. 1880′s Fancy Dress (Masquerade) Ball and Dance Lesson with Susan de Guardiola.
Saturday, April 27th
Women’s Fashion at the End of the 19th Century with costume historian Christine Evans.
The History of 3D Photography with director of photography William Klayer (ICG, DGA).
“A Scene At Long Beach: Oscar Wilde and Friends on Vacation, 1882″ with Oscar Wilde historian and scholar John Cooper.
Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity: A Guided Tour at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with fashion historian Katy Werlin.
Sunday, April 28th
Bartitsu: The Lost Martial Art of Sherlock Holmes
Home brew sampling with the Underground Brewery
Model Flying Machine Competition
Steampunk, Neo-Victorian, and Lolita Fashion Show
Check out more information on NYNYCS' website and see you there!
Nineteenth Century Extravaganza
April 26-28th, 2013
The Old Stone House
336 3rd St Brooklyn, NY 11215
336 3rd St Brooklyn, NY 11215
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Sakura Matsuri at the BBG 4/27 - 4/28
Instill some Japanese Culture into your kids, or simply leave them at the J-Lounge. |
With the weather getting warmer and warmer that can only mean one thing - the Sakura Matsuri Festival at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens is also upon us!
Featuring Taiko Drumming, traditional dancing, folk music, ikebana displays, Ukiyo-e galleries, tea ceremonies the weekend of April 27th will never leave you bored. Be in awe as you walk about the gardens seeing all forms of Japanese culture from the traditional to the more contemporary at Sakura Matsuri.
Adults $20
Seniors (65 and over) $15
Students 12+ with valid ID $15
Children under 12 Free
BBG Members Free
Note: Parasols are a must for this event being under the bright sun and the chance of rain that has been known to happen in the past.
Brooklyn Botanical Gardens
150 Eastern Parkway455 Flatbush Avenue
990 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11225
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Sunday Brunch: Podunk
Not exactly brunch, but there was tea and cakes and sandwiches and good company. I went to see Oz, the Great and Powerful with some friends, and then hung around St Marks. Some of us were hankering for some savory food so I took a few people to Podunk.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Cupcake of the Week: Cinderella
Picture via Magnolia's blog |
Whether you like vanilla or chocolate cake head to Magnolia's Rock Center location to see if this shoe fits!
*Only found at the Rock Center location.
Friday, March 1, 2013
San Francisco: Tourist Time
Friday was our first free day together, where he took me to Blue Bottle Coffee, a West Coast coffee chain that is very precise about their coffee -- using glass beakers, scientific thermometers. Each cup is treated like its own experiment and infused with various ingredients like berries, nuts for a more flavorful coffee. If he had to drink coffee everyday it would have to be Blue Bottle.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity 2/26 - 5/27
Women with Parasol - one of my favorite paintings. |
The Metropolitan Museum opened up the exhibit to the public yesterday - "Impression, Fashion and Modernity." They pair various artworks with illustrations and actual pieces to examine how fashion greatly influences art and vice vera. Already receiving good reviews, this is an event not to miss out.
Something to check out on a rainy day like today.
Impression, Fashion, and Modernity
Feburary 26 - May 27, 2013
The Metropolitan Museum
1000 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10028
Monday, February 25, 2013
Cupcake of the Week: Dylan's Candy Bar
A cupcake fit for a princess: lots of sugar, lots of frosting. |
Dylan's Candy Bar is a store full of candy that we all grew up and loved. It's kitschy and full of pop, and a tiny bit of a tourist trap. However it doesn't hurt to shop there once in awhile if you are looking for something specific or a unique gift for a Yankee Swap. Also you can see winning outfits from Project Runway competition when they raided the store for materials.
Apparently they have expanded quite a bit since I've been here last, improving their cafe portion and moving their private room in the basement to upstairs. Naturally they sold cupcakes. But not ordinary ones. This "Princess" cupcake was one of three they still had at the end of the day. The other two was Red Velvet and one with Gummi Bears. Made up of chocolate cake and Sixlets, it's an ordinary cupcake that has been jazzed up.
Also if you are in need of a sugar high, these cupcakes have a lot of buttercream frosting -- as in half cake, half frosting.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
San Francisco: My West Coast Home
How could you not go? |
Surprisingly it would be the first mini-vacation as a married couple as well.
(Note: this post is long but has lots of food and pictures)
Saturday, February 9, 2013
The Chocolate Bar at Cafe Fleuri
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Loli-Date with ParfaitDoll
Last Friday Victoria from ParfaitDoll was interested in coming into the city for an afternoon, so we decided to meet up for some lunch and shopping. She had a determined interest in visiting Ladureé's New York location, so I suggested Mon Petit Cafe.
Mon Petit Cafe was a restaurant I discovered with my husband as we were on our way to Central Park. It's a cute French cuisine bistro that I now take people whenever I have the chance to go uptown. It's also a good alternative for those who are unable to get into Alice's Tea Cup Chapter II location as this place is just a few blocks down Lexington Avenue.
Mon Petit Cafe was a restaurant I discovered with my husband as we were on our way to Central Park. It's a cute French cuisine bistro that I now take people whenever I have the chance to go uptown. It's also a good alternative for those who are unable to get into Alice's Tea Cup Chapter II location as this place is just a few blocks down Lexington Avenue.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
I Spy DIY
via HonestlyWTF |
And I don't mean schlepping to Chinatown to buy fakes (because people who matter can often tell).
Sometimes all it takes is a glue gun, some creativity, and a trip to Micheals. I love sites like ISpyDIY, HonestlyWTF, Violet LeBeaux, and sometimes Cupcakes and Cashmere because they offer a lot of tutorials on making editorial-worthy projects with simple materials. ISpyDIY and HonestlyWTF tutorials focus on items and projects that could be easily seen in a magazine spread but you could also make yourself with a few tools.
And they look just as good.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
YOLO - Recaps and Resolutions
A photo collage of 2012 from left to right in no particular order: Met Simon Doonan; hosted a summer potluck; Saw the My Little Pony Project; Went to AnimeBoston as press; Got Married; Started up an Etsy shop; Met some Bay Area Lolitas and Twinkie Chan; Celebrated the end of 2012 with a new career goal. |
However you should have accomplished at least one.
The only real resolution I would like to keep is to live life for the experience and get a good story out of it. Because this was really a raison d'etre I have followed for most of my adult life.
It was the reason I chose the college I went to.
It was the reason I moved to New York City.
It was reason I got into Lolita fashion.
It was one of the reasons I created this blog.
You have probably noticed the voice of this blog has changed a bit the few times I've written. In the future things won't be too different - at least I hope not. There will be less events posts and more event coverage posts. I hope there will be more quality posts. Perhaps more "what I think about the fashion" posts.
And of course, lots of food posts.
Do you have any realistic resolutions 2013?