Month: July 2014

Street Snaps – Tokyo Rebel/Baby, the Stars Shine Bright NYC Store Opening!

It was a momentous day on Saturday, July 19th.  Tokyo Rebel and Baby, the Stars Shine Bright opened its doors for business, attracting Lolitas and Japanese fashion lovers (and awe struck passerbys) far and wide (some as far as Canada!).

I managed to take a few girls in line who wanted to dress their best for the special occasion.

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!

Cupcake of the Week: Sweet Buttons Desserts

Cherry Blossom and Lychee Panna Cotta, Orange Creamsicle, and Chocolate Mousse

Stopped by this place after a quick shopping trip to the Lower East Side.  Sweet Buttons Dessert is really cute and purple, and their cute chalkboard menu attracted me the most.  Their cupcakes are alot like Baked by Melissa but with a more gourmet taste — especially with flavors like Chocolate Nutella, Pistachio, and Lemon Curd.  They also had seasonal ones like Firecracker and Orange Creamsicle.

I chose an Orange Creamsicle, which was a vanilla cake with orange marmalade filling and an orange slice on top!  It was quickly devoured and tried not to buy another.  Though at $1.50 it is definitely a treat worth indulging.

In addition to cupcakes they had single serving dessert cups and tarts!  If you are in the area, it’s definitely a place to check out and grab a bite (or 6).

Sweet Buttons Desserts
 84 Rivington Street
 New York, NY 10002
 (212) 253-8484

Weekend Getaway at Connecticon 2014

Having been to bigger cons like New York Comic Con and Otakon, it makes me appreciate the quaint smaller cons.  With larger events you have to really plan out your day, while smaller events you have the choice of going or not going — and it’s not a great disappointment if you are not able to go you will be able to find something else to do.  In addition, I’m able to see the small con grow bigger.

This is why I’m growing to love Connecticon.

Compared to last year it was apparent that convention grew-whether it was attendance or organization-in some way that was different but still felt the same.  
The Tea Tasting Workshop was packed and overflowing despite it being extending to all 3 days of the convention. Quite an outstanding success having been it’s second year running.

Paradise Kiss Cosplay
The Lolita Fashion Show was moved to a bigger room as well. While Connecticut Lolitas are a smaller but growing grassroots bunch of people.

This convention also attracts a lot of Disney characters that one could certainly make a photo scavenger hunt out of it. 
ConnectiCon is unlike specific conventions but an amalgation of everything: comics, anime, tv, film and more.  This year feature people like Noah Hataway from Neverending Story, and the infamous voices behind Invader Zim.  I attended the Invader Zim panel out of nostalgia.  Former college roommates exposed me to the bizarre cartoon during my senior year and I recall being disturbed and terrified by them quoting from the show out of nowhere. But I enjoy the fact they enjoyed it.  The panel brought back the insane memories that senior can often bring.

Ellen McClain and John Patrick Lowrie
Also this was a convention that was very literary, inviting authors and writers alike to talk about…well writing.  I went to several panels last year about laying the groundwork about starting a book.  This year I decided to attend a panel about the characters moving a story as well as the benefits motivating yourself by joining writing groups. It was reminiscent of the time I saw J.M. Stracinski’s workshop at C2E2. The best part was that it ended in a song.

Uncle Yo’s panels were a hit as always, but was incredibly impressed by his “Magical GIrl Boot Camp.” It was an breakdown and overview of prominent bishoujo shows like Sailor Moon to Madoka and pairing them with exercises from P90.  The best part would have to be the audience participation which everyone loved.  Anime often motivates fans to learn Japanese or travel to Japan, but exercise? That is movement I’d really like to see.

Connecticon is always a great “starter” con despite its growth.  It’s a great introduction to “con culture.”  Check out below for the other cool cosplay I spotted that weekend.

 

 

Baby the Stars Shine Bright/Toko Rebel Opening July 19th!

I’m sure readers and Lolitas across the East Coast have been overwhelming ecstatic about the news of Tokyo Rebel joining forces with Baby, the Stars Shine Bright and opening a store in New York City on July 19th.

Today the new website announced their location: 158 Allen Street!  Located in the Lower East Side, it will fit right in with all the vintage shops and great eateries around the area.

Will you be there?