Splashes of Awesomeness

Might I Suggest...

2010-10-29T22:22:00.000-07:00

This Halloween weekend, you should...

Marialia

Let's play fashion.

2010-09-13T20:55:00.000-07:00

I think one of the best things about Fashion Week in NYC is that I get to pretend like I could actually like some of the things I see on the runway, in catalogs, on models. I can't afford to even like most of the things I see. And that's lame. HOWEVER, I can afford to pretend like I'm Marilyn Monroe. I can dress up Marilyn Monroe. Remember dress up paper dolls? I love childhood.

Though please free free to buy me that Michael Kors watch. :)

Back to School Means Back to Chic

2010-09-08T21:08:00.000-07:00

As today is the first day of public school again, I decided that this was going to be the first day of yours truly again. And with my entrance comes a special notification:

It's not too late for sunglasses. Milk the last few days of summer with shades like these. Thanks Vee for this photo!
<3

HIATUS

2010-08-11T21:25:00.001-07:00

LePolkaDotChic on Hiatus. UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

Irena is a Hot Tamale

2010-07-18T17:48:00.000-07:00

This is my only friend from Bosnia. And she's gorgeous. Wherever she bought this dress from, it doesn't even matter. It's perfect. I stole these photos from her. Shhhh, don't tell her I did.

andy warhol is the man

2010-07-05T20:18:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, July 3rd, Target First Saturdays hosted the fiesta of all fiestas at the Brooklyn Museum. It was a special tribute to Andy Warhol with a showing of his works, a party in his remembrance, and an Interview reminiscences of the man's multi-talented abilities through video.

Now the man was awesome. He put some awe into the art of pop and make pop-able art. He did Campbell's, he did Marilyn Monroe, and I didn't know that he did his own magazine but Interview - that was his baby. And he should have my baby. He needs to have did me. ;) jk jk.

I also happened to spot this dress in the museum in a side fashion exhibit. It's red and black polka dots on creme satin by Arnold Scaasi; an evening ensemble of 1961.

red wallets help you save money

2010-06-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

*Photo Credit: LePolkaDotChic

According to Montenegrin culture, if you hold your money in a red wallet, you're more likely to save money because of who knows what. I am a fan of this idea because I'm a fan of red first of all. It's a passionate, happy color. And perhaps if I carry a red wallet, I'd be passionate and happy just with the wallet, that I wouldn't have to spend those green pieces of paper that plague the universe.

Speaking of the universe, imagine there are dollar bills on other planets. Imagine Neil Armstrong left a dollar bill on the moon. Imagine us paying for trips to the moon and pulling out our wallets for a frozen cappuccino that we could ingest through a mighty cool tube attached to our oxygen mask or helmet or beret?

Anyhow, I saw this adorable wallet at Urban Outfitters last week during a tremendous thundershower when I should have been shopping for umbrellas. Notice the polka dots on the front. And then lo and behold, inside is red everything!

So do I want it because of the polka dots or do I like it because it's red inside? Double-whammy!

The Moving Checklist

2010-06-16T18:51:00.000-07:00

I feel like all my friends are moving out of their old homes into new apartments at the rate that the BP reputation has spiraled down. Only, moving into a new apartment is a...great...thing.

Maybe its because the rental index is up (because rent pricing is down) but moving is all we seem to talk about these days. Moving. Boys. Moving. Food. Moving. Clothes. Moving. Stocks. Moving. Fireworks at Coney Island. Moving. It's frightening and fearful. Sometimes it's a good move, sometimes it's a messy move, and other times it's incredibly troublesome. And most of my friends are in a...panic...time.

It isn't easy to move for many reasons especially if you are moving into your first apartment after your birthhome. But you should be fine if you have the following checklist below checked off.

Long days and nights on craiglist
Gmail all day to read and check potential apartment sellers and potential apartment seekers in the case that you're giving up your place as well
Calculator to see how poor you are
Picking up empty boxes from the street to pack up your crap
Asking useless friends to help you pack or move
Getting a rental truck that is 1,000x the size you needed
Getting a rental truck that breaks down midway into the move
Having the moving guys come 4 hours late so not only do you miss a half a day of work, but you miss a whole day of work
Forgetting to eat lunch because you're on gchat with a potential seller
Missing mom and dad before you even leave home
Fighting with your new roommates before you move in
Finding a place then having to give it up because the realtor lied about rent
Realizing that the place you moved into doesn't accept your dog and you have to move out immediately
Realizing you can't even visit the place you want to move into because you're at work all day
Moving into the room with no windows
Moving into the smallest room
Moving into the room with the tiniest closet
Moving into any of the above three and paying an equal portion of rent as the roommates with windows, large rooms, and/or big closets
Borrowing money from mom to eat lunch
Borrowing money from dad when you have a full-time job

*Photo Credit: LePolkaDotChic

I am looking into co-operatives myself right now. And this process started today with a letter to the holders of the co-ops I am looking into. I like this process. Letters are fun. I suppose because I haven't gotten to the moving checklist yet.

I want to stay in brooklyn. I'd like to rent a place either in williamsburg, or greenpoint. Maybe fort greene. Maybe ridgewood. Those are my spots. Speaking of spots, do you notice the spots of papered graffiti on the sign above? I took this photograph on my blackberry by kent ave and west street. My favorite spot by the east river. :)

in my polka dot dress

2010-06-14T17:43:00.000-07:00

i dine with polka dots tonight

one's a charm
white on blue

and two -

betta than any da'ling

betta than any da'ling, i dine with polka dots tonight

make the meal and open the terrace door to let the heat out

cause the oven's on

and he's here and

i can't wait

for us to eat

for us to eat, i dine with polka dots tonight

mom just got home

and is on farmville
clicking away

again

again, i dine with polka dots tonight

under the stars and under the rain

the freaken stars don't shine because of our lame over-excess of electric energy

though i love the view from my room
and that
even though the stars don't shine, i do
and i'm the only one that counts
fifteen flights up

fifteen flights up, i dine with polka dots tonight
me and you
in brooklyn

and i do it again and again

cause i love him

and them

- LePolkaDotChic

Sometimes I Wonder If I'm Too Cheap

2010-06-07T04:17:00.000-07:00

I am a Disney fan. Every since I was unborn, my mother would buy me a comfy new set of pajamas for Christmas (and I mean, every Christmas without fail) and it would always be a pair from the Disney store. I was never one of the girls who recycled pajamas from old clothes though sometimes I do anyway. I always have high-class, designer pajamas with all the characters that made our childhood magical.

Polka dots was something that I might have been obsessed with since the days of Minnie Mouse. It might be a good curse. But what's not a good curse is that I am cheap like a chicken.

*Photo Credit: Jairo Ortega

So I'm walking by Herald Square, the intersection of 34th Street and Broadway one Saturday two months ago, and then I heard it! Minnie Mouse in her cute dress asked a European couple, new to the scene and excited to be shopping in one of the world's best, walking by: "Want a photo taken with Minnie?" And I froze.

I wanted one but then Minnie said, "Four dollars."

I know this is America and $4 is the least I could do for a fellow employee of this great country in time of economic need, but I couldn't. I COULD NOT pay the $4. Why? Cause I'm cheap.

So I walked away.

Another Saturday came by, and I'm walking with my friend Jairo to see the Macy's Annual Flower Show on the last day, and I am posing for photos nearby before we go to the show since he's a photographer and low and behold, I check the camera at the end of the day, and look who's in one of my photographs!

I love free things; I totally didn't plan this one but I got it anyway.

Don't ask me why I posed by a phone; long story. Anyway, I owe Minnie Mouse $4; it's the least I can do for my cute photo.

ModCloth.com

2010-06-06T01:13:00.000-07:00

I am a fan of various online indie and vintage clothes shopping sites and ModCloth is one of them. How can anyone not like this Powder Puff Polka Dot Dress?

I <3 this dress.

Polka Dot Garden in Hoboken

2010-06-05T10:10:00.000-07:00

Where's the river? - Jessica's brother

On River St. - Jessica

True story.

Hoboken, New Jersey is a great spot for the quaint. It's yuppie, young, and fun. There's GreenRock, McSwiggans, and other cheap bars to watch the sports game and laugh the night off with friends. I work in Hoboken, and I love everyday stepping off the Path train into beauty.

There was an article recently on www.nj.com that spoke about Hoboken ferry owners who want to cultivate a polka dot garden on the waterfront pier.

Now, I don't know how tires look like polka dots but I guess if you're flying over the Hudson River, somehow, in some way, these tires would look like polka dots.

At Uniqlo...

2010-05-27T21:11:00.000-07:00

Cute coat! I always love when the phone matches the outfit. For the record, I spotted this before Jairo took the picture. P.S. You must watch Sex & The City 2. It's fun as hell and fashion friendly. :)

*Photo Credit: Jairo Ortega

Brother & Sister, Vintage Photos

2010-05-24T17:34:00.000-07:00

I love photography. I want an SLR this summer. I want a LOMO this summer too. And I want to model.

I love photography. I love sifting through pictures new and old. I love black and white and skylines and close-ups of flowers.

I love photography. I love graffiti. I love myself in front of graffiti. And I love The Satoralist. Especially when his blog includes polka dots.

I love photography. I want to marry a photographer. That's all.

*Photo Credit: The Satorialist

L.A. EDITION: Vintage Bettie Page

2010-05-20T16:53:00.000-07:00

If you know me, you know how much I love vintage clothing and items. I love the 1950's era especially: the dresses, the sunglasses, and Bettie Page.

I'm not the promiscuous type but I do like the evolution from teenager to young adulthood; from cute to meow; from Bettie Boop to Bettie Page, as Katy Perry describes her own personal artistic revolution. (Interesting Fact: Bettie Page converted to Christianity later on in her years and worked under Billy Graham).

In Hollywood, you can find Bettie Page clothing; the one stop for everything retro and vintage, inspired by the 1950's. You can find anything polka dot from that time period at the store. I took a photograph of the store window when I passed by it.

*Photo Credit: LePolkaDotChic

And on Etsy, you can find this sexy lamp of the pin-up girl.

L.A. EDITION: Becoming Intimate

2010-05-18T17:42:00.000-07:00

I am getting naked. As I eat my pasta with broccoli and chicken, I'm taking off my pants. And then sipping my soda, and my shirt comes off.

And then, I was told: "I need you to write a blog about your life. I can't keep up with you by just hearing about your life during lunch."

Since I have a blog about how polka dots follow me in life and I wouldn't want my interesting life out there in the open like that, I figure it might be interesting to incorporate a little more of my life in my already existing blog. I'm intrigued by this getting down and dirty idea a.k.a. getting naked and personal.

So while in California, I took this picture. It's of a store window for Frederick's of Hollywood. (The mannequin in the background has a black set with white polka dots). If you want intimate, you want underwear. If you want fancy intimate, you want Frederick's. It's that simple.

This is Step 1 for becoming more intimate in my blog. And this hopefully would be one of a FEW of entries actually dealing with underwear, "underwear". (Is lingerie underwear like grandma panties are underwear?)

Unless I work with you. You hear it all. During lunch. Especially if it deals with Dylan, the pool boy from California. ;)

*Photo Credit: LePolkaDotChic

Random Fact

2010-05-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

"Polka dots are a print most often associated with the 1950's, especially when they're oversized and in kitschy colours.

In the eighties, designers and high street shops alike loved to re-do that fifties look, giving a distinct new slant to many style points."

L.A. EDITION: watermelon-lime-popsicles

2010-05-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

O the heat in California - let me tell you!

So I'm sitting by the pool at the Langham in Pasadena last week catching sun without sunscreen. I'm waiting for my co-workers to be relieved from a conference for work, those sl*ts. (I kid).

"I'm not going to get sun-burned. It's impossible. I'm Hispanic," I think, all too pridefully.

Woefully, two hours later, I'm burned to the marrow and asking the pool boy Dylan for sunscreen lotion along with some iced water. As always, I'm applying the sunscreen after the sun-burn.

The sun is extreme and the only way you'd survive California sun is with the good ol' H20, fruits, and other refreshing treats.

Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere made a fantastic Watermelon-Lime Popsicle recently. It's super easy and super cute. Find the recipe here.

Also, notice the cute bag she made for Coach. I'm so jealous!

The New York Photo Festival May 12-16

2010-05-13T15:43:00.000-07:00

I'm going to add more posts on my trip to California this past week and the dots that followed me there, but I would like to bring to your attention before then The New York Photo Festival, which takes place in DUMBO starting today and through this weekend.

One of the exhibits for the festival is called Use Me, Abuse Me curated by Erik Kessels and containing contributing photographs surrounding the idea of the future of photography as images and image-making technology continue to increase in our culture and therefore, influence photography as an art.

One of the most interesting contributed photographs BY FAR is from Chantal Rens here.

For more on Chantal, visit her blog here.

L.A. EDITION: dots cupcakes in Pasadena, CA

2010-05-11T16:54:00.000-07:00

Pasadena (this includes Old Town Pasadena) is a fun LA city and excellent for sun, stroll, shopping, a Jack's burger, the best Urban Outfitters sale you'd ever find, frozen yogurt from 21 Choices, spanish tapas and nightlife dancing at Bar Celona, surfing stores, and the Langham Hotel (order your drink with the cute pool server Dylan while taking sun by the pool). Pasadena is also your location for dots cupcakes.

I must say that it was the white wall paper and pink polka dots that got my attention. But it was the cupcakes themselves that made me take a card.

Having coverage from bride & bloom and Instyle magazines, this place is the place for the sweetest desserts!

See menu of cupcakes here and an adorable and personalized packaged product below.

L.A. EDITION: Before I Go to L.A.

2010-05-03T19:24:00.000-07:00

I am off to L.A. tomorrow for a wonderful and much needed vacation. I can't wait to hit Cali soil. Until then, I'd like everyone to know what will be on my IPOD for the airplane ride...

The Vanguard

I'll be like a 15-year-old here and write...

<3 The Vanguard <3

If you look at the cover of their CD, and on their website, you'll see that they created dolls to represent themselves. One of the band members is exemplified with a blue shirt (with a star in the front) and white sleeves that have red polka dots.

True story - I was walking from Williamsburg through Greenpoint one Saturday with my lovely mother when I saw The Vanguard shooting a video. I walked over because I saw one of their members with a polka dot cape (one of the dolls has a polka dot cape too to represent this one) and then I saw the one with the polka dot sleeves and from that moment, I knew I was in love with them. Even they know dots! I want a cape! Thanks guys!

Check one of their videos below.

Whole Foods

2010-05-01T21:06:00.000-07:00

I was waiting on line today at the Whole Foods in Columbus Circle with my two bestest friends in the whole entire world (while we were shopping for a picnic in Central Park) when I saw the cutest bag on a hipster girl. This particular bag totally works for dress up days, casual days, picnics, and well....food shopping...

*Photo Credit: LePolkaDotChic

Through Williamsburg to Greenpoint....

2010-04-30T20:41:00.000-07:00

...I found a surprise. This week's "It" girl for me was a fashionista by career. :)

*Photo Credit: LePolkaDotChic

Weekly Etsy

2010-04-28T19:31:00.000-07:00

This week's Etsy comes from The Garter Girl by Julianne Smith, designer of hand-crafted and stylish wedding garters. If you're looking for a garter made purposefully for your special day, look no further. Below are some of her garters on Etsy. See her website link above or her blog for more information.

Jasmine's Cake & Jairo's Head

2010-04-26T18:34:00.000-07:00

I heard through the grapevine that a lovely hispanic chic made a cute and yummy polka dot cake and if she's nice enough, I hope she'll let me taste it or at least give me a recipe.

*Photo Credit: Jasmine Rosario

For similar-colored make-up/cosmetic bags, look no farther than Duane Reade. (A special thanks to Jairo's big head.)

*Photo Credit: LePolkaDotChic

Last Sunday

2010-04-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

There was once a nice Sunday when it didn't rain like today in New York City. It was just 7 days ago to be precise. I was walking down Broadway Avenue in the Soho area, when I peeped the sweetest scarf on a Canadian woman visiting and shopping for jewelry on a street stand. I hope Macy's has one. Me want it, me want it!

*Photo Credit: Jairo Ortega

Nel's Everyday Painting: Polka Dot Bowl

2010-04-24T14:52:00.000-07:00

I love this homemade oil on canvas painting for $50.00 plus shipping.

*Photo Credit: Nel Jansen

More info here.

"Street Art New York"

2010-04-23T19:22:00.000-07:00

Random House/Prestel recently published a book called "Street Art New York" by Steven P. Harrington and Jaime Rojo on the best street artists in New York City up to date including Banksy, C215 and INVADER.

For more information on the book or to purchase, click here.

There's a silent auction tomorrow from 7-9:30pm in Bushwick at Factory Fresh Gallery and a FREE book release party for anyone interested. Ya'll don't wanna miss it. I will not miss Rene Gagnon and her dots. It's hot.

For info on the event here.

Weekly Etsy

2010-04-21T21:31:00.000-07:00

I think that every so often (in my head right now, it will be every Wednesday), I'd like to showcase some cool hand-crafted creations made by you - humankind - yourself. I think that personally crafted items are worth so much more than items crafted oversees by under-age boys that earn a day what I spend on coffee every morning.

Here are three of this week's finds for me.

A lunch bag for the upcoming warm weather. ($29)

Instead of being fat and staying in during the day to eat lunch at the work cafeteria, it's time to work the big butt off in style and walk to the closest park/bench/open area for fresh air, a nice walk, and just because...you have this bag.

Click Here to Buy

A girly pillow. ($45)

A pillow makes the bed ladies.

Click Here to Buy

A Mother's Day card. ($4.25)

Fastly approaching (Sunday, May 9th), give mom something that she won't throw into the jewelry box.

Click Here to Buy

Polka Dot Squared

2010-04-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

Strolling through Macy's last week or the week before for the wonderful annual Flower Show, my friend and I spied the coolest chic ever. She did polka dot right: the bag and the tights.

*Photo Credit: Jairo Ortega

Anne Sage

2010-04-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

Anne Sage's blog is one of my favs. Check it out if you haven't already!

She's currently obsessed with polka dots. I wouldn't blame her. See here: The City Sage: Trend Lust: Polka Dots

Zac Posen for Target

2010-04-16T21:28:00.000-07:00

If you're a normal fashionable female human being, you had to know that this past Thursday night at 11pm began a 24-hour sale of Zac Posen for Target.

It was a big party with DJ and all for the upcoming line, which officially opens on April 25th - not this upcoming Sunday but the following. I wasn't a HUGE fan of Zac Posen before but I must admit that his Target line is pretty neat.

And now I'm in <3.

Zac Posen Purple/Pink Dot Dress Here --- > To View & Buy

Print Mixology

2010-04-15T20:47:00.000-07:00

Matching patterns is a gift from God. I swear it's like night and day; sometimes things can be complete opposites but so complimentary, and when you do it right, damn, it's good. There were two New York Times articles today that talked about mixing matchable patterns. It's about time we learn how to do it right. Throw in dots!

"Toss in some polka dots, stripes or even leopard prints,

which are easier to mix with other patterns because they're simple and graphic.

And they're familiar to the eye."

- Anita Leclerc, "Print Mixology," The New York Times, April 14, 2010

Swedish Beauty

2010-04-14T15:48:00.000-07:00

I picked up a picture when I went to B&H in search for cameras (this past weekend)! I asked this sweet young lady if my boyfriend could take her lovely picture on his cool camera because she not only had polka dots on her shirt but she had white polka dots on a blue shirt, which totally matches the earrings in the previous blog. Sweden met Manhattan which then met Brooklyn. It's like a universal thing - these dots. What can I say?

P.S. A special thanks to you wonderful pretty lady! Enjoy the rest of your stay in New York! :)

*Photo Credit: Jairo Ortega

Realform Girdle Building (Williamsburg Mini Mall)

2010-04-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

I love you hipster mall you.

You can find a lot of sleek nicknacks and clothing for cheap and for cool at this mall on Bedford Ave (between North 4th Street and North 5th Street). I played music on a synthesizer for the first time and messed with some polaroid and lomo cameras. My friend bought a cool mousepad, which I might also go back for. I was also surprised with a beautiful, little, exclusive note card that said "I Love You." :) And not to mention, there's Verb Cafe.

For cute little cards, for vintage and skater sweetness, browse around and you'll find the cutest surprises.

Peek-a-boo!

*Photo Credit: LePolkaDotChic

I Don't Know Who's Bowl This Is...

2010-04-12T16:04:00.000-07:00

But I like it...

A couple of weeks ago, my co-workers and I were invited for mojitos at one of the girls' homes...

And in between sips of this delicious concoction, I noticed...

You can get a similar one hereeeeee...in a Fondue set for $24.95...
http://www.wrapables.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=C60003&prodlist=search

Shopping @ MOMA Store

2010-04-11T20:11:00.000-07:00

Polka dots dancing and red roses blooming

Shining cars driving and balloons that are flying

Sugar in coffee and friends that smoke lassis

These are a few of my favorite things

When I'm smiling and I'm drinking

Eating some tacos and cheese

I simply remember my favorite people,

And then I don't feel so bad.

-LePolkaDotChic

Shop with your favorite people here for a cool polka dot baking mitten and laptop case:
http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/StoreCatalogDisplay_-1_10001_10451_

*Photo Credits: LePolkaDotChic

The Photography of Jairo Ortega

2010-04-10T17:31:00.000-07:00

Those traveling back home from the weekend, please feel the need to have the dots protect your belongings.

My friend JO took this photograph on his blackberry on his way to work today and I just want to shout him out here real quick. He's an up and coming grand photographer. You can contact him here: http://www.wix.com/desttro/twothousandandnow

*Photo Credit: Jairo Ortega

Street Blogging Begins in LES

2010-04-08T19:28:00.000-07:00

I was sitting on a bench in LES this past Wednesday night with my homie g JO and I saw the best shoes I'd seen after a whole hour of looking at the shoes passing down the street. I stalked the shoes with my eyes until the dots on the dress caught the sparkle in my pupil and remained consistent as I was mesmerized by the Chanel earrings and lipstick.

Here's to this lovely New Yorker:

*Photo Credit: LePolkaDotChic

Polka Dot Cheesecake

2010-04-06T21:11:00.000-07:00

From http://bakersdaughter.typepad.com/

¼ cup cocoa

2 tbsp sugar
1 cup Graham crumbs

¼ cup melted butter....
Filling

16 oz softened cream cheese

½ cup sugar

2 eggs

2 oz dark chocolate, melted

1 tsp vanilla

2/3 cup sour cream

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
Grease a 7 X 7 inch square pan and line it with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, mix together the graham crumbs, sugar, cocoa, and melted butter and press into the pan.
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sugar. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the eggs one at a time on low speed. Add vanilla and sour cream. Scrape the sides of the bowl one more time and beat until smooth. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cheesecake filling and set aside.
Melt the 2 oz of dark chocolate in a bain marie (a bowl placed over a pot of barely simmering water), or in a microwave on low temperature. Stir the melted chocolate into the reserved 1/2 cup of cream cheese filling.
Pour the plain batter into the pan, smoothing out to the edges. To make the dots you will need a pastry bag fitted with a round tip. Fill the pastry bag with the chocolate cheesecake mixture. Gently press the tip of the bag into the smoothed out plain cheesecake and squeeze the bag forming a dot. Place dots all over the cheesecake until the chocolate mixture is used up.
Place in the oven and bake for 1 hour. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for an additional 1 hr. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours. Freeze if you wish for about 1/2 hour before cutting. Use a knife dipped in hot water to help when cutting.

Molly Ringwald

2010-04-05T17:42:00.000-07:00

Molly Ringwald was a fascination in 1980's pop culture and a queen for 1980's tween film. I just love her in this dress at the end of the film Pretty in Pink (1986). For those looking for prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses, summer dresses, take heed.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T14:40:00.000-07:00

Bring a nicely wrapped bouquet of flowers to your future mom-in-law today!

*Photo Credit: LePolkaDotChic

Starlets and Harlets

2010-04-03T14:54:00.000-07:00

Femme Fatale ALERT: http://www.starletsandharlets.com/PhotoGallery.asp?ProductCode=EL-PH511-PAIGE

Off White Beauty

2010-04-02T22:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Beauty Bar (231 East 14th Street) where you can get your hair done and your nails did. On Saturday nights, ladies can buy a drink and get a free manicure. Or the other way around, I'm sure, but who cares, you get both a lovely cosmo and a mani for ten dollars! And manis and pedis and waxes and 'dos can be arranged all week long.

Turn the clock forward a bit on a Saturday night after nails and drink and you have yourself a bar with a dance floor in the back. There's a wonderful arrangement of DJs who play everything from classics to oldies to goodies to modern every weekend, and it's worth the trip and squeezing yourself into the back.

Here's to their modern wall in the back dance floor room. Love it!

*Photo Credit: LePolkaDotChic

And the Store is: White House Black Market

2010-04-02T15:42:00.000-07:00

I am committing from after this post on to include only the most colorful polka dots for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. Can I get an Amen?

However, I did want to let it be known that for those razzle dazzle/sassy classy days, this store never fails when it comes to white/black polka dots.

This picture was taken of the White House Black Market on 136 Fifth Avenue, between 18th and 19th Street. While walking with BFF. :)

*Photo Credit: LePolkaDotChic

Thom Browne 2010 Spring Menswear Collection

2010-03-31T21:12:00.000-07:00

Check it, check it!

More info at these two links....
http://hypebeast.com/2009/09/thom-browne-2010-spring-rtw-collection/
http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2010/spring/main/newyork/menrunway/thombrowne/

For The Young Artist 1991

2010-03-30T18:19:00.000-07:00

James Rosenquist, the American artist, was one of the protagonists for the pop-art movement (after the 1950s). If you like Richard Hamilton, Andy Warhol, Eduardo Paolozzi, Roy Lichenstein, Tom Wesselmann, Wayne Thiebaud, Claes Oldenburg, David Hockney, Alex Katz, and/or Jim Dine for some examples, you'd love this guy as well. He's 76 years old right now and still going strong.

The piece is called For The Young Artist 1991. This was my photo of it, now at the MOMA.

*Photo Credit: LePolkaDotChic

Noah's Flood is Coming

2010-03-28T19:54:00.000-07:00

Stay dry in style. Even while roaming through Central Park.

*Photo Credit: LePolkaDotChic

If You Love Her, Tell Her You Love Her

2010-03-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

The English rock band The Libertines have a song called "What Katie Did." Some think it was inspired by What Katy Did, the children's book written by Susan Coolidge (1872).

The book is about a tomboy named Katy whose life is a mess, but who only wishes to be beautiful and loved. She gets injured after a terrible accident, and her illness and recovery teaches her to be good and kind, like she always really wanted. Babyshambles did a song right after entitled "What Katie Did Next."

Pete Doherty, lead vocal/guitarist formerly for The Libertines and now for Babyshambles was clearly in love with this story so much so that he wrote both songs. So much so that he cried polka dots. The chorus of "What Katie Did" goes like this:

Oh what you gonna do, Katie?

You're a sweet sweet girl

But it's a cruel, cruel world

a cruel, cruel world

My pins are none too strong, Katie

Hurry up, Mrs. Brown

I can feel it coming down

and it won't take none too long

But since you said goodbye

Polka dots fill my eyes

And I don't know why...

May 22, 1980

2010-03-25T20:22:00.000-07:00

On May 22, 1980, history was made for arcade games. The company Namco came out with the infamous Pac-Man. Not only did it become an icon in popular culture at the time, but Pac-Man has the highest brand awareness of any video game character among American consumers (recognized by 94 percent of them).

Of all the things that Pac-Man could eat, he chooses my favorite dish: dots.

Ibiza, New York City

2010-03-20T10:20:00.000-07:00

Walking on a lovely early spring day with my love-lots-forever-friend-Len-from-Long-Island on our way to do bad things to our body, I came across a surprise that had me swinging off power lines.

But before I continue, I'll backtrack.

We actually weren't going to do bad things to our body. But I like to phrase it like that, her nose ring and my second tattoo because in my opinion, it was bad *ss. And she'll hate me for writing this.

Anyway, back to the surprise: Ibiza, a great, but a little expensive boutique on 625 Broadway Ave. between 13th and 14th Street.

I stopped in because the name reminded me of the party island near Spain. It surely is a party of colorful and textured fabrics, bags, wallets, bags, dresses, bags, skirts, bags, belts, and bags. The bags were lovely.

Anywho, if you're in the area, it's worth a peek. For visual purposes, it's across the street from Regal on University Avenue and next to Max Brenner Chocolate Factory.

Look what I peeped in the boutique:

*Photo Credits: LePolkaDotChic

Whitney Museum Biennial with Heels

2010-03-13T21:20:00.000-08:00

Every two years, the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City blooms not only for the springtime but for new artists in America (not necessarily from America but who created art in America). This year's biennial was entitled simply "2010" and consisted of photography, painting, video, sculpture, and some mixtures of mediums that surrounded deep concepts like women who burn themselves in Afghanistan to avoid abuse in a marriage or just plain marriage and more simple playful ideas revolved around illusory visual perception games.

One of my favorite exhibits this year, if not my favorite, was from artist Kate Gilson. Gilson created a video of herself breaking into what seemed to be a roofless carton made of sheetrock. Once she breaks in, she spends the rest of the short film trying to climb up and out. (The video was intended to represent a woman's struggle in finding her identity.)

What struck me about the video, aside from the idea, was the artist's attire. To break into sheetrock, only to break out again, Gilson not only chose feminine attire but feminine attire with heels. Who in their right mind enters a sheetrock carton with heels to try to climb out?

For the film, Gilson wore a vintage type red polka dot dress with her heels. It was lovely. And I think all women should fight for their rights and identity and should look cute while doing it. Especially if it involves a vintage red polka dot dress.

Below you'll find a picture of Gilson climbing up the carton, followed by a link to the video of her in this action, followed by a link to the Whitney Museum Biennial.

If you haven't checked out the Biennial yet, you must put in on your to-do list (before May 30th)!

http://kategilmore.com/stills/standinghere-clip.mov

http://whitney.org/Exhibitions/2010Biennial

FOR THE MEN - Polka Dot Polos

2010-03-12T19:08:00.000-08:00

My endearing friend JO put me on to this news item. (But I'll only give him a little tiny bit of credit for his coolness.) For the men, there is the new exclusive line of polos covered in dots from a collaboration between United Arrows Beauty & Youth and Lacoste. These polos can be bought at Beauty & Youth retailers in Japan.

For more information and to shop Beauty & Youth online, click here: http://www.beautyandyouth.jp/.

90210 Premier

2010-03-09T16:17:00.000-08:00

I was highly disappointed with the season premiere of Gossip Girl yesterday. It just seems not appealing anymore. Does anyone else agree with me or is it just me?

I hope I'm not disappointed with tonight's season premiere of 90210. Catch it tonight on CW 8pm EST. Look who know's what bathing suit type is in! My favorite character. :)

Tim Burton and Polka Dots

2010-03-06T09:41:00.000-08:00

In Alice in Wonderland (2010), not only is there a mighty huge white polka dot dog (Alice's "golden horse"), but Alice's fashion at some points was all about the dots. I was in love and clearly, so was Kinder Aggugini. Look at this London-based designer's Spring 2010 vintage collection.

See more of his work here: http://www.aggugini.com/.

Nasty Gal

2010-02-28T21:40:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, you have to get nasty. And when you do, there is shopnastygal.com. This blog sells vintage and mimic vintage, includes a lookbook with some cool pics, and has a neat blog. It's become a FAVORITE site of mine to shop and to follow up on vintage styles, especially the '80's! You should check it out and in the meantime, enjoy these two items on sale!

Cynthia Polka Dot Skirt $24.00

Insight Hey Mickey Cardi $64.00

This One's For Dayna

2010-02-24T19:21:00.000-08:00

Dayna is my mistress at work. Not really. But she would be if I were a man and this was the 20th century. She introduced me to bargainbabe.com and so this week's bargain on dots is by LePolkaDotChic and I dedicate it to her.

For those who can't wear heals like myself, the wedge is a savior.
For those who LOVE discounts/sales, Remix is Jesus.
[Remix is a shoe store located at the address 52 West 14th Street between 5th and 6th Ave in New York City.]

*Photo Credits: :LePolkaDotChic

One Skirt Too Many

2010-02-16T16:38:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how one thing can transform a thousand times. For 21 ways to wear the 1 H&M Polka Dot Skirt below: check out: http://www.polyvore.com/polka_dot_skirt/thing?id=1695502.

My Best Friend Blair.

2010-02-14T13:51:00.000-08:00

No lie - my bestest friend in the whole entire whole world looks like Blair Waldorf. I enjoy the presence of many people but no one comes close to my heart like my Upper West Side love.

And so, this is an ODE to her. Garance Dore took pictures of one her best friends who looks like my best friend, and so here's an ode to all of them. And of course to loving friends who wear polka dots.

*Photo Credit: http://www.garancedore.fr/en/2009/11/30/you-know-you-love-me/#more-9132.

Dots in Socks

2010-02-06T10:35:00.000-08:00

Filene's Basement is wonderful. And everyone should know it.

For cute socks with color polka dots, try Betsy Johnson's collection. I just bought a set of 5 socks for $9.99. See below! Thanks to my model.

*Photo Credit: LePolkaDotChic

Don't Litter, The Dots Are Watching

2010-02-01T13:55:00.000-08:00

Sitting in a doctor's office can be pleasant or unpleasant depending the reason for the visit. This particular visit was a happy one; a check-up to prove that I'd been a good girl who deserved a nice, big, round colorful lollipop for being so good. Midtown on a breezy day. Warm room filled with books and photographs and a doctor and I.

The doctor doesn't mention how good I've been so I decide to acknowledge it myself and reach over to a candy dish full of hard Life Savers, obviously for good girls like me. I pick out an orange candy because I'm feeling sunny for having exercised and lost weight, and having chosen to eat right. (I don't agree with everything in the recent popular trade book Skinny Bitch, but I swear it will change your life).

To prove how even more good I was (proper grammar), I remember to throw out my candy wrapper and lo' and behold, look what was looking back at me and approving of my goodness. Dots! What a clever way to decorate your trash can and throw out the trash in style!

*Photo Credit: LePolkaDotChic

Here's to not littering....:)

Let's play Diesel.

2010-01-12T19:48:00.000-08:00

I was walking down 14th street this past weekend to visit my friend Shawn at the pharmacy he works at when I passed the most sexy store window on 14th street and University Ave. It was like a strong Italian man. It was like the oil that fuels the world. It was like the cute Spaniard from Galicia that I left in Salamanca my last night when I visited Spain in the summer of 2008. It was Diesel. And Diesel's store window was diesel.

What better to have on this season's window than polka dots? This Italian designer store had it right.

Diesel men jeans with a New York City street backdrop.

Diesel men jeans store window with polka dots.

*Photo Credits: LePolkaDotChic

My Co-Worker's Haute Shoes

2010-01-06T20:27:00.000-08:00

So I was in a weekly meeting at work when a co-worker and I were sitting and chatting before the meeting had begun. And then Tyra Banks walked in.

Well, not really Tyra Banks but a co-worker just as fashionable. Well, really more fashionable. But just as cute. Well, really, more cute.

Anywho, cute co-worker comes in with shoes that matched the indifference she has to common dressers. She's an elite. In fashion. She walked it, talked it, and the best part, was that her shoes were like the period on her look. Or more like an exclamation point. But, they are never ever a question mark. She lives with the nimbleness of someone in control of life. That's what looking at these shoes do for me.

Later did I find out that her excellent and personable fashion sense is as innate as her skinniness.

These were the shoes that made my day - and at a great price ($54.99).

I found these on heels.com. The brand is Not Rated. The shoe is called Yankee Doodle Bootie.

Enjoy!

Vintage is so 2010.

2010-01-04T19:55:00.000-08:00

I’ve decided to take Le Polka Dot Chic’s blog to the next level the first week of this New Year. It’s going to be sophisticated. It’s going to be vogue. It’s going to come out once a week/biweekly/everyday depending what I’m doing, drinking, or dating. (Of course recommendations on a schedule are welcome.) It’s going to be 2010. And you can count on each post having something to do with my specialty: polka dots. (An advance apology for grammatical errors, sometimes I write how I speak, which isn't always proper).

Contemporary is so 2009. This year, we’re going to start with vintage.

I’m in love with vintage. Clothing. Jewelry. Accessories. Furniture. Books. Trinkets.

For those that need a little simple history, vintage is anything from 1920-1960. It’s more complicated that, but that’s my easy definition. Considering the 1970’s and 1980’s vintage is pushing it. Anything closer than 15 years ago is absolutely not vintage. Anything more than 100 years ago is considered antique. The 1950’s are the most popular decade to vintage fashion collectors. Online vintage shopping isn’t always quite accurate but increasingly popular. Make sure you trust who dates your items before purchasing so you know it’s true worth, quality, and decade.

As I begin collecting vintage clothes and accessories in the beginning of the New Year, I notice this beautiful dress. It’s a 1960's Black Silk Polka Dot Puff Dress. It’s love at first sight. And from the discount rack.

Here are three great vintage websites to shop for the New Year. Though these items might be from the past, this is the year to bring them back. Shop away in 2010!

Poshgirlvintage.com

Starletsandharlets.com

Pinupgirlclothing.com

The Brooklyn Issue (2009)

2009-09-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

After watching The September Issue, the documentary of Anna Wintour and her leadership of the september issue of Vogue two years ago (2009); reading the whole September Vogue issue (2009); watching the MTV Video Music awards (2009) and reading its fashion commentary thereafter, I was super excited to see and compare what the local Williamsburg, Brooklyn had to say for it’s styles. While I am totally against underground ideas becoming mainstream (i like underground enough), the bright green and pink flyers did their job and so I ended up seeing one of the best shows ever at the Williamsburg Fashion Festival this past weekend. Here are some highlights below. Feel free to comment posies and of course, feel super to mix the 1950s underwear offered by NinkyBink with a dress from Sodafine, a blazer from Netti Tiso and heels, well, from a thrift shop.

*Photo Credits: LePolkaDotChic

“Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable.

Style is more about being yourself.”

Oscar de la Renta

Stars and dots!

Giggles - Stop Being Ungrateful!

2009-06-30T20:55:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I forget that my own personal agony as a young lady growing up in America with a full-time job and and still having the privilege of living at home compares in no way to women in other countries who need to marry to get out of their home (many times, these women have no say). This compares in no way to women who have to sneak Bibles into their home countries to practice their own religious beliefs. And this compares in no way to women who are castrated.

I have friends and we dance in mirrors with only our underwear on -- after showers with actual hot water. I could sing Lady Gaga out loud to my mom in the middle of the street, as she walks away to avoid embarrassment. I could kiss my boyfriend. Anywhere. And hold his hand. I could litter and not get stoned, but not really because I do not litter (btw littering is inhumane and not the answer - I hope you're convicted if you litter).

And so I'm thinking about these ideas this morning, and the most uncomfortable chain of events occur: I walk into work this morning with a french vanilla medium iced coffee from Chock Full-of-Nuts, and watched it spill from my desk to the floor as I reached over for a folder. A whoosh sound occurred and I was embarrassed because I knew that everyone heard the coffee drop because it was inundated with ice but it's okay, I don't need help; please, people, don't rush too much to help me. I then had to run to the kitchen area for napkins to clean the coffee up so I could wipe down with Clorox wipes to scare away stickiness. Then I cleaned the coffee that sprinkled on my legs. That's when I noticed the eight mosquito bites I have on my left leg that make me look like a heroine addict. It was 11:25am, and I was still without make-up.

This is a caffeinated skank's crazy morning.

But I read a blurb about how the government in Saudi Arabia is shutting down unlicensed gyms for women. First of all, gyms are gender-segregated in Saudi Arabia. Male gyms are licensed by the government, and female gyms aren't. That's the reason the government could do such a disfortune to it's women.

Now, let's analyze this.

1 - Saudi Arabian women who are educated are the ones pushing for the country's female fitness. Makes sense. The search for knowledge brings a discontent with the status quo, and change begins to itch like a bad wedgie. Knowledge brings Discontent. Perhaps this is why a country like America is made up of the most unhappy people. We're so much more free to do as we please, than women in other countries, but depression rates nationally are astronomically. My coffee spilled this morning, and I lacked caffeine until lunchtime. But I could drive, and I could show off my curly hair, and I could jaywalk.

Unhappy American women, why are you so downcast?

2 - Seriously, if gyms were banned for females in America, I wouldn't feel so bad about my giggles. (this spelling is intentional, as you saw in my last post. ;) ).

Why is it that women so thin fight for gyms that fat people like us take for granted?

Something is clearly wrong with this picture:

<------- Ladies, really? You need a polka dot bikini!

4 - A guest on Chelsea Lately tonight spoke out on the topic of Stephanie Pratt, Spencer Pratt's sister (from the Hills), coming out the fridge talking about how she's bulimic: "You know those Hollywood girls. You have to tie them together to have sex with them."

Sometimes being a little chunky is crucial to, you know. But at the end of the day, we want to see your boyfriend walking down the street next to you. Not having to walk behind you because you take up the whole block.

In conclusion, I don't want to take advantage of gyms that I take for granted. I don't want to complain about having to work-out when truth is people complain about not being able to work out. And I never, ever want to be so fat, you can't see my bathing suit bottom (check numbers 1 and 3 in picture).

Until next time, hit the gym for all the women who can't! And Saudi Arabia, hang in there!

In the beginning...

2009-06-29T20:15:00.000-07:00

...there was a dot.
And the dot asexually reproduced into two dots,
which reproduced into four dots,
which reproduced into eight dots.

And so on. And so on.

And it was good.

And then she rested.

The year is traditional Spain, and four flamenco dancers, two men and two women, line themselves in front of four guitar players in a plaza in Andalusia in the late afternoon, after the excruciating sun has decided to take a little nap until tomorrow's new work day. There are trees everywhere with bitter oranges worthy only of a jam. History everywhere made tangible through cathedrals and castles and clouds that speak of wars and victories. The sun's hibernation allows festivities of leg shaking and kicking and knocking. Faster and faster and faster. Spanish pride.

Their attire? Let's focus on the female attire: adorned with either a well-brimmed polka dotted hat, or a wide, lively colored flower, she wears a red dress clad with white polka dots. Everywhere. It's fun. It's a mess. It's wild. But it's whole and coherent. Sort of like how this blog will be. It'll dance with ideas. It'll sweat with female hotness. It'll be traditional to certain values. But in the end, it will be fashionable. You can wear it. And you can pass it to your friends and their little girls.

Le Polka Dot Chic is broken down into 3 components:

1 - Le-isure Talk - discourse on everything from boys to skanks to fashion to photography to news to commentary to gossip to cities to travel to cooking to making out to not making out. this is your cafe talk. this is your late-night sleepover talk. this is the talk you say in your head when you're bored and staring at something fat and giggly. (like your lower gut, but hopefully not for too long) Ooooo yes, and this includes made-up words that I like to create from time to time when the English dictionary and every other language fails to express something I am trying to communicate. Sometimes a word will be a mixture of different words from different languages (as you will see in #2). Nonetheless, it will be, and I have spoken.

Le-isure Talk looks like the following but I will provide further explanations in entries. This le-isure talk occurred one day last week over dinner with two of my most favorite girls in the whole entire world:

Dot A - I have done it in the car; now it's time to do it on top of the car.

Dot A - I did it in a national park.

Dot B - You let him hump your face?

Dot C - I let him hump my face and he fixed my eyes.

And then, that's when I will go into a lengthy discussion on Le Polka Dot's trendiest sunglasses. LOL.

2 - Le-cessities - Le + Necessities - this is your must-own section. i will say no more. if you do not own these, you will live most unhappily and unfulfilled. and die a rich person's lonely death.

Dress done by Venezuelan fashion designer Carolina Herrera - a fan of our favorite, you guessed it, in the late '80's and '90s.

3 - Le Amor - what we love and what loves us back. what we don't love but still loves us. (some of you know this). and what we absolutely will never love. ever.

Please feel free to drop a dot every now and then, and I promise to bring you complimentary dots as they come. hopefully, they will form some making-some-sort-of-sense picture eventually. if not, well, they still do well on their own.

Love Me!