Month: September 2011

FNO with LVF

NYFW has past, but FNO will always a memory of craziness.

Although it was my first time venture out for Fashion’s Night Out, I was not alone – Dalin from La Vida Frills decided to team up and find out what all the insanity was all about.

I do mean insanity.

Four hours to get into the Missoni @Target Pop-up Shop in Bryant Park. Kim Kardashian and Pauly D shut down DASH.  We were at none of these.

Our adventure took us to Sephora to (attempt to) see Kristen Bauer from True Blood. The store was packed to maximum capacity with four different lines (three for free hair and makeup sessions and one for celebrity photo-ops) snaking around the entire store and meshed together.

Kristin Bauer

Next stop was Opening Ceremony, where Manila Luzon was DJing. Again more lines, but plenty of carnival games. Opening Ceremony held another carnival, this time Argentinian theme (last year was Paris), with Muppets everywhere.  We couldn’t resist the call of a water gun race.

So good at this game she doesn’t need to look.

The night ended in SoHo hoping to find something that was not so line intensive and do some actually shopping.  Betsey Johnson started the night out with cupcakes and champagne and ended with champagne.  Tried on a bustle jacket that was instantly bought, and for my troubles the store offered me a free makeover.

@Betsey Johnson

The only advice I have for next year (If there is a next year.) is to plan ahead and keep to schedule.  (The people at Vogue are rumoring that it’s one giant party where nobody is carded and people aren’t shopping as much as expected, to be worth it.)

Live Models in Betsey Johnson window
DJ @ Betsey Johnson
LVF outside the NIKE store
Nike MAGs were debuted to be auctioned off for charity.

Were you at FNO? Was it crazy where you were?

Special thanks goes out to Dalin who helped me take pictures at Betsey Johnson.

Orange is “In” – Anna Sui Launch Party 9/15

Gotta love email newsletters

So what do you think of New York Fashion Week so far? Current favorites of my are Charlotte Ronson, Richard Chai, and Vivienne Tam.

Unfortunately spring is too far and summer is clearly ending. So to remind people, autumn isn’t so bad, Anna Sui’s throwing a party to celebrate the launch of her Autumn makeup collection for 2011.

From 6-8PM on Thursday, September 15th, Anna Sui store will be giving free mini makeovers. For purchases over $75 you get a free cosmetics case.

So try some makeup, browse around, or perhaps congratulate Anna Sui on her latest fashion collection (Note: Her fashion show is September 14th 6PM. Check LiveRunway for Anna Sui and other designer’s collection. They also loop the shows that day in case you missed them live.)

Anna Sui 2011 Autumn Cosmetics Launch Party
Thursday, September 15th, 2011
113 Greene Street
New York, NY 10012
212-941-8406

Willkommen to Cafe Marlene

Ode to Marlene Dietrich 

As much as I enjoy being a foodie in Manhattan, Queens should get some love too.

Cafe Marlene is a cozy little cafe that reminds you of Old World Berlin. Inspired and named after And its no wonder, the owners were inspired to open this little spot after Marlene Dietrich, film noir Hollywood actress and singer.

Excuse the poor cellphone quality

Tiny hole in the walls like Cafe Marlene can be intimidating in size, but they make up in great decor and food that brings you back to try the rest of the menu. Two friends came over for the weekend a couple of weeks ago, and I decided it would be a perfect opportunity to sit down and check it out.

Marlene specializes in crepes and sandwiches, a perfect light lunch for a hot day.

Reminds me of a pizza. A sweet pizza

Although I had just an apricot jam crepe (considering I just had some dental work done), it was still cute and tastes great for a place just around the corner. (Course everything seems to always taste better when its within reasonable walking distance from your bed.)

While you wait for your order being made, you’re never bored with the decor. I couldn’t help but stare at the ceiling’s woodwork, making you feel like you are in a Manhattan speakeasy (and not in Queens).

Their website mentions that there is a performance space downstairs for private events and the occasional poetry slam.

My friends were quite amazed by the food, especially for the price – very reasonable and slightly less than a meal and a subway ride into Manhattan. Whether it was the company, the incredible woodwork decor, the baristas or the food you should go check out Cafe Marlene.

Beret and snapping fingers are optional

Cafe Marlene
41-11 49th Street
Sunnyside, NY 11104

All Aboard, Courtesy of Nucky Thompson

Like Boardwalk Empire? Like vintage trains? Just like anything vintage?

To get ready for the premiere of the second season of Boardwalk Empire, HBO gives MTA riders a chance to travel on an authentic Prohibition-era train every weekend of September from 12PM to 6PM.
Just wait along the uptown 2/3 line until you spot an old-timey train with the windows open (they didn’t have A/C back in the day). The train runs between 42nd and 96th street, running along the express line. 
Feel free to dress up or down, but just remember to bring your camera. Last Sunday I had the opportunity to take a ride into the 1960s myself and took a few pictures.

According to the Wall Street Journal, people will be handing out free Metro Cards courtesy of Nucky Thompson later this month. So keep watch and for once, this free Metrocard is not a scam. 

Unicorns Everywhere – Big Gay Ice Cream Shop Opening

Had the opportunity to check out the opening of the Big Gay Ice Cream Shop. Definitely worth the wait, especially for a first-timer like myself. Check out their Twitter @biggayicecream for minute-by-minute updates. 
In the mean time, check out pictures of the place I managed to take while inside. And for those already addicted, they have loyalty point cards available.

 

The Gobbler and Mermaid. 

Big Gay Ice Cream Shop
125 7th Street
New York, NY 10009