Month: December 2010

Rehearse New Year’s Eve at DoV’s Let’s Face the Music & Dance

2011 is fast approaching and one new year’s eve is simply not enough. Do something special and dress up for a night of dancing tomorrow night at The Players as Dances of Vice and The Midnight Follies present “Let’s Face the Music & Dance” New Year’s Eve Eve celebration. 

There’ll be swing dancing, cabaret, tango and blues music, and, of course, cocktails.  Featuring music by the J.C. Hopkins Biggish Band, LES Hot Club, and Gelber & Manning, burlesque and caberet acts from Kiki Valentine, Veronica Vardlow, and Medianoche, and even performances from Shien Lee, herself!  
There will also be tango lessons by the School of Argentine Tango. 

Dances of Vices will give you plenty of practice before the big night to remember. 
Let’s Face the Music & Dance
December 30th, 2010
16 Gramercy Park South
New York, NY 10003
212-475-6116
General Admission $20 (at the door $25)
VIP Admission $35 (at the door $40)

The White Rabbit Requests Your Presence at the Morris-Jumel Museum on Jan 8th

While International Lolita Day has past and the next one is months away, that doesn’t mean you have to wait long for your invitation to the next party. The Morris-Jumel Mansion was George Washington’s make-shift war room during the Revolution. Now it’s a museum for historical artifacts and furniture for any Lolita who would like to travel back in time (at least temporarily).

On January 8th from 1-4PM, the Morris-Jumel Mansion is inviting all children, adults, tea lovers, and Lolitas* for a good old fashioned Victorian tea party. Learn proper tea party etiquette, including how to “take tea” properly as well as make a get the opportunity to make your very own Victorian Treasure Box.

*All dolls and usakumyas are also welcome.

Victorian Tea Party
Saturday, January 8th
1-4PM

Morris-Jumel Mansion
65 Jumel Terrace
(between 160th and 162nd Streets)
New York, NY 10032
212-923-8008

Walter Reade Theater presents two nights of Aronofsky

After seeing Black Swan, are you curious about Darren Aronofsky’s work? Want to see if all his movies are just as psychologically mind-bending? Are you interested in meeting the man himself?

On January 4th and 5th, the Walter Reade Theater will screening several of Aronofsky’s work from Pi (1998) to Requiem for a Dream (2000) to The Fountain (2006) to The Wrestler (2008). And if you’ve never see The Wrestler, you should because you’ll get the opportunity to see the man himself (No, not Mickey Rourke). Darren Aronofsky appearing for a post-screening discussion after Wednesday’s screening, and will be showing clips from his latest film — Black Swan.

If you haven’t seen Black Swan, see it, and keep a notepad hand if you want to ask Aronofsky questions later. I recommend asking “Did you have nightmares after making this movie?” or “Do you keep looking out of the corner of your eye for strange things you think happen when you’re not looking?”

(Spotted on Nerd York City.)


Darren Aronofsky’s Dreams and Nightmares
January 4th and 5th
Walter Reade Theater
165 65th Street
(Upper Level of Lincoln Center)
New York, NY

The Wrestler (with Darren Aronofsky)
Wednesday, January 5th
6:15PM

Tickets:
General Public $20
Students & Seniors $18
Members $16

Requiem for a Dream
Tuesday, January 4th
6:30PM

The Fountain

Tuesday, January 4th
9:00PM
Pi
Tuesday, January 4th
9:15PM
Single Screening Tickets:
General Public $12
Students $9
Seniors $8
Members $7
Three Film Pass (does not include The Wrestler):
General Public $24
Students & Seniors $18
Members $15

A Year of Lolita and Resolutions

2010 was the Year of the Lolita

Now that Christmas is over, it’s onto celebrating the beginning of the end of 2010.

I’m not one for big crowds or standing in the cold for six hours waiting for a ball to drop, so I will be counting down indoors. Perhaps turning on ABC’s Rocking New Year’s Eve.

This year has been a very good year for me, especially in terms of Lolita.  I acquired three pieces from my “dream dress” wishlist. I’ve made a whole lot of Lolita friends — who’ve now become friends who just happen to be Lolitas. The fashion has slowly integrated into my regular fashion that I can barely tell the difference.

And then I started this blog.

After getting into Lolita, I wanted to create a blog — but I didn’t want those typical Lolita blogs where you talk about being a Lolita with occasional haul videos/posts. I wanted a blog that would still talk about Lolita but will additional tips that relates to Lolita, but also in regular life. It’s a long way from being one of the more known bloggers in the Lolita community, but I’m not losing steam yet which is good. So I do hope that you continue to read it and discover New York the way I have and continue to do so.
Although I’ve accomplished a lot in terms of Lolita, there’s always room for improvement. Instead of doing a regular list of resolutions that I know I’ll never accomplish, I’ve decided to create a list reserved just for Lolita:

  • Be more selective with brand purchases rather than splurge. (a.k.a. less impulse buys)
  • Try to acquire more casual pieces for hanging around the house.
  • Learn to navigate Baby’s new website.
  • Make time for hanging out with my Lolita friends.
  • Try fairy-kei or pop-kei.
  • Host a Lolita meet-up or panel.
  • Visit the FIT exhibit Japan Fashion Now.
  • Travel to San Francisco to shop at the Angelic Pretty store.
  • Think of new topics and places to see for Lolita and the City.

It’s not much, but it’s a good list to start the year on the right Lolita foot. I know there are a few things I can easily check off. What’s your New Year’s Resolution? Do you have resolutions reserved just for Lolita? Let’s hear them! They can been outrageous, practical, or just plain silly.

(Keep in mind resolutions are mainly to tell yourself that you have goals for the new year. Whether you make the effort to accomplish them is up to you.)

Happy Holidays! Plus Things to do on Christmas Day.

I just wanted to give a moment and say Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone! To my fellow Lolitas, new and old and around the world, I hope you’re holidays  are full of frills.

Unlike most cities, New York City doesn’t shut down (completely) on Christmas Day.  So if you’re done opening all those presents, or just tired of your crazy uncle here are a list of things you can do in the city.

For Last Minute Shoppers – Select Holiday Markets Close on 24th!

Did you have a chance to visit the holiday markets yet? Planning to do some last-minute Christmas shopping? Or found something that caught your eye to buy later?

Think fast because not all the markets will still be around after Christmas.

The following holiday markets are open only until the 24th:

Union Square Holiday Market
Union Sq & W 14th St
New York, NY 10003

Thursday, December 23: 10:00am – 9:00pm
Friday, December 24: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10025

Thursday, December 23: 10:00am – 8:00pm
Friday, December 24: 10:00am – 8:00pm

Grand Central Holiday Fair
Grand Central (Vanderbilt Hall)
15 Vanderbilt Avenue
New York, NY

Thursday, December 23: 10:00am – 8:00pm
Friday, December 24: 10:00am – 8:00pm

H&M NYC Project

I recently passed by the H&M on Madison Ave and notice one of the windows was replaced by a black wall with a collage of TV screens.

It’s called the H&M NYC Project. H&M wants to show you the real, fashionable side of New York. No models, no designers, just you showing off your incredible fashion sense.

If you happen to stop by their store, there’s a photo booth by the entrance on your right for taking pictures. You take a picture in the photo booth, and it’s displayed on their store windows as part of a rotating photo slideshow. It will also be uploaded on their official flickr page. Or tweet your picture and use the tag #HMNYC.

This is a great opportunity for Lolitas to strut their stuff in addition to daily_lolita. So grab your most stylish coordinate, head down to H&M, have a mini photoshoot, and maybe do a little shopping afterwards.

I’m not sure how long this event/performance project will last, but if you need a legimate excuse to dress up, head to H&M.

Let’s show some New York Lolita pride!

H&M NYC Project
505 Fifth Avenue
at 42nd Street
New York, NY 10017

Twitter: HMNYCProject
Flickr: H&M NYC Project

Where’s Broadway? Shows to see before 2011

The economy has been rough on everyone, including Broadway. Avenue Q moved back off-Broadway. After a long wait Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark is finally showing previews for its January 2011 release. Some shows have too good a cast to change actors (i.e. Promises, Promises). Some simply can’t muster the effort to go on for another year no matter how good it is (i.e. Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson).

So if you want to do the tourist thing, see a Broadway show.

But how do I get tickets?
If you have a particular show in mind and want to make sure you have good seats go to the show’s main website. Often times they will send you to Ticketmaster, but sometimes they have coupon deals on the website so check there first.

The other option is the TKTS Discount Booth. If you’re more concerned about getting a low price than what show you see, this is place to go. Often these are tickets that have gone unsold, as such when you buy them that day the price is often between 20% – 50% off the regular price. Sweet deal right?

The disadvantage to this is that you need to wait in line and you probably won’t know what performances are available until you get there. So make a list of at least 10 shows you’ve been dying to see. There are also two marquees that rotate available shows and now the Times Square location has live helpers in case you arrive at the ticket counter, your show is sold out, and you don’t know what else to see.

If you are not a waiting-in-line type of person, there are also two other locations Downtown and in Brooklyn.

Now onto the shows.

Felá (Closes Jan 2) – A slice of life musical about the times had by Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the Afrobeat pioneer. With the music and charismatic choreography, you can’t help but be smiling and dancing another with the cast.

Eugene O’Neil Theater
230 W. 49th St
New York, NY 10019

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Closes Jan 2) – Try to imagine President Andrew Jackson as an emo rock star dealing with marriage, populism and the Indian Removal Act. Can’t? Michael Friedman does it for you. It’s Indians and Cowboys at a whole new level.

Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre
242 West 45th Street
New York, NY 10036

West Side Story (Closes Jan 2) – This classic Sondheim tale of love and the life on the other side of the tracks is a story that everyone remembers (or at least heard of). Fall in love with Tony, Maria, the Jets and the Sharks all over again or for the first time.

Palace Theatre
1564 Broadway
New York, NY 10036

Promises Promises (Closes Jan 2) – A musical comedy set in Mad-men era starring Kristin Chenoweth and Sean Hayes. Chuck Baxter is a man who simply wants to move up in the world and to fall in love. However this comes with a lot more strings attached than he would’ve liked.

Broadway Theatre
1631 Broadway
New York, NY 10019

Elf (Closes Jan 2) – Remember that Will Farrell movie of the same name? Now it is performed live on Broadway. Just in time for the holiday season dance with elves and Santa.

Al Hirschfield Theatre
302 West 45th Street
New York, NY 10036

In the Heights (Closes Jan 9) – Wonder what it’s like living in Washington Heights but with music and dancing? Watch and listen to characters struggle with attaining the “American Dream,” and appreciating the little things that make them happy to get by in the Heights.

Richard Rogers Theatre
226 W 46th Street
New York, NY 10036

A Little Night Music (Closes Jan 9) – Going through it’s second Broadway revival, the performance follows three romantic couples in Sweden during the 1900s. A Little Night Music stars Bernadette Peters as Desiree. Also if you are familiar with the song “Send in the Clowns” this the play it comes from.

Walter Kerr Theater
219 West 48th Street
New York, NY 10036

Next to Normal (Closes Jan 16) – A rock musical about a family dealing with their mother’s bipolar disorder.

Booth Theater
222 West 45th Street
New York, NY 10036

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Closes Jan 23) – Based on the 1988 film of the same name, it follows a group of women as they go about their lives telenovela-style.

Balasco Theatre
111 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036

These shows are not leaving anytime soon, but they are rotating actors.

La Cage Aux Folles – Kelsey Grammer (leaving Feb 2011)

Longacre Theater
220 West 48th Street
New York, NY 10036

The Addams Family – Nathan Lane (leaving March 2011)

Lunt-Fontanne Theatre
205 West 46th Street
New York, NY 10036

TKTS Discount Booth Locations
Times Square (can only purchase day of evening and matinee performances)
Father Duffy Square
Broadway and 47th Street
-look for the red steps
South Street Seaport (can only purchase day of evening performances and day before matinees)
Behind 199 Water Street
Corner of Front Street and John Street

Brooklyn (can only purchase day of evening performances and day before matinees; plus Brooklyn only events)
1 Metrotech Center
Corner of Jay Street and Myrtle Avenue Promenade

Tribeca Retail Club presents Holiday Bonanza 2010

Still trying to find last minute gifts? This Friday, December 17th, the Tribeca Retail Club (TRC) is hosting “Holiday Bonanza 2010” – an independent designers trunk show and shopping and beauty event from 6PM – 10PM.

For people and friends who would rather support designers trying to make a name, this is an event you should definitely check out. With an cocktails, DJ Lil’ Hungry at the boards, shopping, and goody bags what’s not to love?

Designers include Sole Discretion, Berit New York, Yamerra Skin Care, Candace Blake, Crystal Knuckles, Kat Basics, Laser Cosmetica, Finishing Touches, and Ardistia, just to name a few.

Currently only VIP tickets are available but it includes the open bar and you receive goody bag containing exclusive products from TRC’s sponsors. Holiday Bonanza is TRC’s last event of the season so get your VIP tickets before it’s all sold out. For more news and updates, check out TRC’s blog.

Tribeca Retail Club’s Holiday Bonanza
Friday December 17th 2010
6PM – 10PM

28 West 27th Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10010

Admission: VIP $15 / Door $20

Crumbs Cupcake Giveaway at 775 Columbus Ave Today

A bit last minute, but if you happen to wander around uptown, stop by Crumbs’ newest location. Why you ask? Not because you crave their Peppermint Hot Cocoa cupcake (December’s Cupcake of the Month) – a chocolate cupcake filled with buttercream filling with peppermint cream cheese frosting and coated with crushed peppermint candies. (Well, maybe you should stop by for that after all.)

To celebrate their new store, Crumbs is giving away 1000 cupcakes starting at 8AM until they run out.  So get them while their fresh and before there’s none left.  This is one Early Bird Special you should not miss out on.

*Note: Peppermint Hot Cocoa is not actually hot.

Crumbs Bake Shop
775 Columbus Ave
New York, NY