Little Black Book ft. Much to My Delight - NYC

Hi everyone, how is everyone's week going? I guess it's been quite a fashionable week for a few of you who are dotted around the globe watching Fashion Week as we speak!

I know that both Vahni (Grit & Glamour) & Lee (Lee Oliveira) were both chosen by Gucci to Livestream the Women's RTW AW11/12 from their blogs! How cool? Click on their blogs to see Gucci's stunning collection!

Anyhow, it sounds like I'm signing off early doesn't it, well yes... Actually, I've got friends flying in from London for 5 days, so I'm pretty giddy & hideously excited about their arrival and catching up on good times!

But first things first, let me introduce to you a fabulous blogger by the name of Jenn from Much to My Delight who will be sharing her edition of Little Black Book for New York City.
If you don't already know Jenn, be warned. DO NOT visit her blog without munching on something first! Why? Much to My Delight is filled with copious amounts of food porn, Jenn's recipes and personal photography is mind blowing stuff and I'll be damned if you don't leave her blog; A) drooling over your computer, B) feeling like you want to visit New York or C) entertain the idea of trying out a new recipe or simply gorging on food afterward.
Anyhoos, over to you Jenn! Enjoy!

Chinatown Ice Cream Factory (http://chinatownicecreamfactory.com)
While you’re casing Chinatown for that perfect knock-off Gucci bag, make sure you take the time to veer off busy Canal onto some of the more narrow and isolated streets. Here is where you’ll find the better restaurants, tea shops and the awesome Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. They specialize in exotic flavors like black sesame, taro, lychee, mango, ginger, almond cookie and my personal favorite, red bean.

Economy Candy (economycandy.com)
Sweet tooth still not satisfied? Head to the LES to this old-fashioned, family-run penny candy store. It’s been around since 1937 and still carries all the old-school candies your parents liked as kids. Remember the scene in 13 Going on 30 where they tried to track down a classic candy called Razzles? They found them here. I think i'd be banned from the store if i was let loose in here - how many scrumptious bites can you see here?!

Eisenberg's Sandwich shop (eisenbergsnyc.com)
No trip to NYC is complete without visiting an old school Jewish deli. Skip the $17 pastrami at the bigger joints (no seriously, that’s what they cost—and they charge you an extra $3 “sharing fee” if you decide to split with a friend) and come to this humble lunch counter where the matzoh balls are bigger than your fist and the egg creams flow like Manischewitz wine.

Chelsea Market (chelseamarket.com)

This place is no secret, but I couldn’t do a roundup on New York City food and not include Chelsea Market, a collection of bakeries, specialty food shops and restaurants in one super-cool industrial space. Here you’ll find everything from live lobsters to artisanal cheeses to hand-painted, just-out-of-the-oven cookies. Get your taste buds ready to party!

Tomoe Sushi (tomoesushi.com)
There’s a reason the line wraps around the corner 30 minutes before Tomoe Sushi opens for lunch. What this unassuming sushi place lacks in décor it more than makes up for with unbelievable freshness and incredible quality. Even my aunt (who lived in Japan for four years) said this was the best sushi she’d ever tasted.

McNulty’s Teas (mcnultys.com)
If you’re into exotic teas and classic coffees, you need to come see what’s brewing at this West Village institution. There are over 100 apothecary jars filled with every tea leaf imaginable (I picked up chocolate tea and matcha green tea powder on my last visit) and the tin ceilings, creaky wood floors and antique cash register make each visitor feel like they stepped back in time.


Arthur Avenue Retail Market (arthuravenue.com)
Even a lot of New Yorkers don’t realize that the real Little Italy isn’t in Manhattan—it’s in the Belmont section of the Bronx, and is worth the trip. This place is like a covered Italian bazaar and houses five pastry shops, four butchers, two pasta-makers, six bread stores, three pork stores, five gourmet delicatessens, two fish markets, and three gourmet coffee shops. They even have cigar rollers up front!

Alice’s Tea Cup (alicesteacup.com)
Girly-girls of all ages go ga-ga for this quaint and cozy tea shop where the tea menu is longer than the phone book and the scones are so delicious you won’t even be paying attention to how much butter is in them. It’s a wonderful, whimsical place—the walls are covered with Alice in Wonderland scenes and tiny pink butterflies. Translation: Leave your boyfriend at the hotel.

And the best part? You’ll do so much walking in New York that any calories you ingest will be quickly burned off and you’ll basically break even. That’s the real reason so many tourists pick up an “I heart NYC” t-shirt before flying out—ravenous eating with no discernible weight gain.

Happy eating!

Thanks so much Jenn, now I feel super hungry all over again!

Chinatown Ice Cream Factory - nyc.metblogs.com & nymag.com

Economy Candy - Photos by muchtomydelight.com

Eisenberg’s - roadfood.com

Chelsea Market - Photos by muchtomydelight.com

Tomoe Sushi - amateurgourmet.com & picasaweb.google.com

McNulty’s - Photos by muchtomydelight.com

Arthur Avenue Retail Market - tripadvisor.in & jamiesstomach.blogspot.com

Alice’s Tea Cup - eatbigapple.com & gotstahavesit.tumblr.com

Meeting Legendary SATC stylist Patricia Field

Oh yeeeaaaaah!!! I am one happy bunny, why? Earlier today I got the opportunity to meet legendary Sex and the City & Devil Wears Prada super stylist Patricia Field at the MCM boutique in Kolonaki! Wooo hoooo! It was a highly anticipated event organised by Act & React PR, since Patricia designed a limited edition range of bags in collaboration with MCM, German Luxe brand for their 35th anniversary.

I'm probably still buzzing from my excitement today and suffering from a large dose of insomnia (it's currently 1:45am! Yikes-thank God for make-up!) but I thought I'd get this out to those of you across the ocean who are still on Monday.

Patricia Field is everything you'd expect in person, her hair is redder in reality and despite the amount of camera's thrust in her face during the evening, she was always gracious and posed for everybody, bless her. After the arrival of Anna Vissi, Greece's equivalent to Madonna, things got crazy in the MCM boutique and in the stairwell! Everyone wanted a picture!
Later in the evening I found Patricia hiding (?) next to me & my gal pal in the corner of the boutique, we got chatting and after a bit of grilling as to what I was doing in Athens, I discovered that her family is from Lesvos, the island where I met my Mr. Perseus.

This was a brilliant event, I also ran into my fellow blogger buddies tonight too! Yay!

Patricia Field and Anna Vissi

Yup, I also got my little SATC book squiggled on & had a polaroid taken with the legend... and Pat thought it'd be real funny to draw herself a mustache!

Drawstring bag featuring a superimposed sketch of a woman's face & the MCM logo.

After the event, I scooted down to Oikeio restaurant nearby by for some really delish nosh and a good natter with my friends. Ok, it's late, I gotta go get some shut-eye now folks... I'll be sharing some link loving from those who took more snaps! Thank you Act & React!

*****
Update - link love and more pictures from last nights event at Fashion Algorithms

Have a great week!

Copy Cat Chic: Could you be the face of a 'highstreet' brand?

Well this is news to me, but it appears that Inditex group (Zara & Stradivarius) have been caught red-handed by fashion blogger's accusing them of stealing their style/copying their image from photographs they've posted for T-shirt/top designs.

Blogger Louise Ebel of misspandora.fr notices similaries between this shot of her and the Stradivarius top on right
image via Daily Mail

Stradivarius has confirmed that they're now under investigation and Zara have since pulled the stock off from stores. (Source Daily Mail - full article here)

A few more bloggers and photographers have noticed their personal style photographs bearing an uncanny resemblance to dresses & tops by other fashion retailers and are furious that they were never asked permission or that there was never any agreement between them in the first place.

One blogger has asked the help of others to identify/figure out who the other 'fashion/style blogger's' might be in a collection of t-shirts that are based on an illustration of girl.
Could this be you? What if this happened to you? I almost forgot to mention photographers, as your work (street style snaps) could be used too.

Louise Ebel - again! - I think the similarities are... the same!
image via Beware-of-my-heels.blogspot.com

I know that some of you who attended the IFB conference discussed copyright infringement - I missed this part - if anyone has any points to make please share!

Vahni of Grit & Glamour blog, who attended the IFB conference last week and moderated the Business of Blogging panel, has written brilliant and informative posts on both Copyright & Trademarks. Everyone should read this!

Another amazing blogger, B of Beautifully Invisible wrote this post a while back on 'Copying in the Fashion Industry' as part of Modly Chic's Friend Friday posts. Very good reads indeed.
As much as it is flattering to be plastered all over a T-shirt - it is WRONG to not have asked permission first!

Right luvvies, I hope you all have a rocking weekend? What are you all upto?

J'adore le new Essie SS '11 collection!

Last year we all fell head over heels for Essie's mint candy apple shade, it was extremely popular and hit a fashion high on the chic-o-meter on pretty much all beauty blogs. This spring/summer, Essie has gone 'oooh la-la' over the launch of their new feminine range called 'French Affair' . Expect to see dreamy shades right off the glitzy shores of St. Tropez, with influences from famous 50's icon, Brigitte Bardot.

From top left-right: Sand Tropez, French Affair, Topless & Barefoot
Nice is Nice, Coat Azure & Kisses & Bises

Whilst I love a subtle hint of barely-there colour on my nails for when I don't want my nails to go naked (which is all year round by the way), I often like to opt for colour. The shade I want to get my tootsies in right now is Essie's 'Coat Azure'. I'm also excited about checking out 'Kisses & Bises' which apparently has a sheer shimmery sparkle which can be applied either under or over any shade to give it a cooler hue along with a silent sparkly touch.

What are you all wearing right now and what you be wearing at the first glimpse of sunshine when it's sandal weather? I'm wishing we had Deborah Lippman glittery goodies over here, sigh....

Greece has just launched the new Essie range, so you should be able to pick up a bottle via here at 12.50€ or from the US site at $8 usd via here.

Happy Hearts & Love day!

Wow, the weekend just flew by, did everyone have a great time? Whilst I'm battling a corker or a migraine today, I'm not going to let it spoil my V-day food festivities for Mr. Perseus. I cannot wait to cook up my fave dessert - Molten lava cakes/chocolate fondants (awesome recipe by Gordon Ramsay)! What's everyone upto today? Any surprises to share?

Anyhoos, I hope you have a fabulous day filled with love, hugs n' kisses!

I saw these gorgeous and rather delish looking bits of foodie delight over at my fave baking connoisseur - Bakerella below.

i also wanna just say:

Thanks for stopping by and reading my little blog!

Credits:
image 1 - Butterscotch tarts via Delicious Inspiration - warning delicious recipes and food pics will have you drooling!
image 2 - via Arts+Commerce by make up artist Francelle
image 3 & 4 via Bakerella
image 5 via etsy by Zom-B

Super young, rich & famous: The rise of Tween Queens & Chadults!

Yikes, I think..., ok, no, I am sure that I'm approaching the paleozoic era in age, seriously how old are these tweens? I'm talking about Elle Fanning, Chloe Moretz, Willow Smith and Abigail Breslin, who aren't even 16 yet! Better get me walkin' stick at the ready luvvies.

These guys are the mini fashion celebs du jour - doing the Hollywood thing and grabbing fashion by the balls. First there's Elle Fanning, aka 'lil sister to Dakota who is now muse for Rodarte, see here for more info. This dinky tween looks good in anything, I mean anything (especially Valentino) and she sure knows how to rock the red carpet at the age of 12!

Chloe Moretz, (14 today) is totally unforgettable as Hit-Girl on 'Kick-Ass', and she certainly 'kicks ass' on the red carpet too. She's already developed a taste for fashion and knows what she likes - Chanel Resort, Proenza Schouler, Stella McCartney Resort! Confidence just oozes out of this one, and in a strange way there's something about her that comes across as quite grown up (for her age anyway). I only mention this from what I can see of some of the Pap pics i've seen and also the Nylon shoot she appeared in here.

When you have two very gifted parents in Tinseltown, it's likely that the offspring are dripping in talent too. Welcome Willow Smith, daughter to Will Smith & Jada Pinkett, who's a mega pop & acting sensation and she's still only 10. Her style is bold & experimental and her presence has become more noteworthy since accompanying mama & occupying a front row seat at Emporio Armani.

It'll be interesting to see how these Chadults (-child adults) grow... (please let there not be any Lohan examples)... perhaps i'll need a zimmer frame by then.

Images via: Just Jared, Fashionista, Red Carpet Fashion Awards, Bitten & bound, The Hollywood Gossip

Tangerine Dream

Well Happy Monday to you folks! Hope you've had a brilliant weekend!

Yup, I'm on a colour roll at the moment, can you tell? Right now, I'm in the mood for tangerine.

From top left: Spring Summer '11 - LOVE LOVE LOVE these guys!
Paul & Joe, Gucci, Christopher Kane, Christian Dior, Marc Jacobs & Fendi
via Vogue.com

Spotted, Celebs getting 'Tangoed' in tangerine.

From Left: Olivia Palermo, cute in orange jacket and Kurt Geiger's Fashionista pumps
Kate Bosworth in Proenza Schouler (Nov 2010)
VB in a slick mid sleeve shift.
(Asos.com has a smattering of VB style dresses including this one - the fit and flare style and also Dorothy Perkins have this cute peplum pencil dress in Orange.)
via Daily Mail, Instyle

...and now for some cute buys...

• Zimmerman Poppy dress £189 via my-wardrobe
  
• Fiorelli Waikiki bag now £18 at asos.com
• Deborah Lippman polish in 'Supermodel' $16 usd
• River Island Peep toe lace up wedges £84.99

With Spring just around the corner for some, what colours will you be wearing?

Seeing Red into the Chinese New Year

I hope you're all having a fantastique week so far!

Tomorrow marks a very important day in the calendar for me and many others as we'll be celebrating Chinese New Year-the year of the rabbit. It's around this time of year that I wish I was with my extended family in Hong Kong, as the city literally bursts with vibrant tones of red, a very lucky colour and gold, which symbolizes wealth and happiness. There are parades galore, a crazed vibrancy in the flower markets and stunning fireworks over Victoria Harbour.

Most visit the temples, one of the more well known temples such as Wong Tai Sin gets rammed on New Years day, there are people running around with joss sticks (incense sticks) lit and there's ash flying everywhere, whilst they rush to make their offerings & pay respect to the Gods. It's quite a sight actually. I only experienced this once when I went with my late Grandmother one year as a teen and I almost got poked in the eye! Scary stuff.


When I was a kid I never understood why Chinese New Year took place on different dates every year until someone explained that this was because the Chinese calendar is based on a combination of the lunar and solar movements, the lunar cycle working to 29.5 days.
Therefore, because of this cyclical dating, the beginning of the year can fall anywhere between mid/late January to the mid/late February. A complete cycle takes 60 years and is made up of five cycles of 12 years with each of the twelve years named after an animal.

In true Chinese legend, it is believed that the Lord Buddha summoned all the animals to come to him before he departed from earth. Only twelve came to bid him farewell and as a reward he named a year after each one in the order they arrived. The Chinese believe the animal ruling the year in which a person is born has a profound influence on personality, saying: "This is the animal that hides in your heart."

What year you were born in?

The New Year is a time for family and a frenzy of present giving, usually in the form of small red envelopes containing money, called 'lai see'. This is mainly a tradition where seniors give to juniors or married couple to single friends! I wonder how my newly wed chums are going to deal with this one!

There is usually a sea of superstitions and customs surrounding Chinese New Year, personally I like the wearing of new shoes (slippers) on New Years Day, but first one must kick/walk around the house, so as to ward off bad luck and also step on the people who gossip about you. For more info on customs and traditions click here if you're interested.
Wondering what the year of the Rabbit will mean for us? Check it out here.

So, here's to a fabulous Chinese New Year!
Gung Hei Fat Choy.

Images 1, 2 via The Cherry Blossom Girl, 3, via here, 4 - me, 5 via Vogue, Italia