Mighty Fine "SO Cute" top and tank.

I don’t care how old you are, Hello Kitty rules. It was fashionable when you were 5; it’s fashionable now. You can wear it as jewelry, on your bag, or as a shirt.

Like this “SO Cute” top and tank from Mighty Fine.

It comes as a 2-in-1 set, so you can either wear the pieces separately, together, or with something else. The racerback tank has black and colored hearts splattering the front and back with Hello Kitty’s cute face snuggled between them. You can pull over it a white crop top tee with Kitty chillin’ on your chest.

Cute, casual, fun.

It’s the prime of summer and food is always a great way to rejuvenate oneself during hot weather.

Curious as to what my peers were enjoying this time around, I asked a few friends and, to my delight, the top pick was a dish that I had almost forgotten about but was soon ecstatic to re-explore: Korean cold buckwheat noodles or mul naengmyun.

Koreans love the refreshing noodle dish called naengmyun. Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Times.

Thought to have been made since the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), mul naengmyun (or naengmyun for short) is a traditional Korean noodle dish that is made up of cold broth, thin buckwheat noodles (or other various noodles), julienned cucumbers, sliced beef, boiled eggs, and sliced Asian pears. Vinegar and mustard are common condiments used for extra flavoring.

These fresh, tangy and refreshing noodles are served cold, and is not only a favorite among Koreans but it’s also gaining in popularity among many non-Koreans.

Mr. Li, an investment banker of Chinese descent, was introduced to naengmyun by his Korean girlfriend and now calls it his favorite summer dish. He frequents Yu-Chun in L.A. to satiate his appetite for these noodles. (His visits to Yu-Chun have led him to try out other Korean dishes). Ms. Yoshida, a fashion market researcher of Japanese descent, says that she has had a great experience trying naengmyun and wishes to try the other spicier kind that her friend had last time at their dinner.

The positive reviews from both native Koreans and other ethnicities have quickly allowed naengmyun to become a dish of first resort to beat the summer heat.

Have you had your naengmyun yet?

Some popular destinations for naengmyun if you’re in the L.A. area:

Yu-Chun Chik Naeng Myun

3185 W Olympic Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90006

Chil Bo Myun Ok Ulsacc

3680 W 6th Street Los Angeles, CA 90020

P.S. Most Korean BBQ joints other than the aforementioned will also serve naengmyun. It’s a great accompaniment to your hot grilled, savory meat.

Happy Summer!

Hello Drama "Youth Gone Wild" ring in silver.

Another rockin’ piece from the jewelry collection of Hello Drama, the fashion line of Kaila Yu from Asian girl band Nylon Pink. The “Youth Gone Wild Ring” is the newest design of the heavy metal collection and is sure to catch a few double takes.

This special piece features tri chain finger rings, accented with three crosses. Rings are adjustable and will fit on any finger for multiple looks!

Olivia Munn does it again, except this time with a new book. Her autobiographical book of rants and love, Suck It, Wonder Woman!: The Misadventures of a Hollywood Geek, was released on July 6.

Olivia Munn's new book.

Named to Maxim magazine’s “Hot 100″ list for the past three years, Munn is of Chinese descent on her mother’s side and of German-Irish descent on her father’s. Although born in Oklahoma, she was predominately raised in Tokyo and later settled in Los Angeles. Known for hosting G4’s cult hit Attack of the Show, the actress is the newest regular correspondent for Comedy Central’s The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and is starring in the new NBC sitcom, Perfect Couples, which is premiering this fall.

Her wonder woman tales comprise of a hilarious collection of essays like “Thought’s About My First Agent’s Girlfriend’s Vagina,” or “Sex: What You Can Do To Help Yourself Have More of It.” There is even a chapter entitled “What to Do When the Robots Invade (Yes, When!),” wherein Munn literally gives advice on what to do when the robots invade. Wow.

In a recent interview with Vulture, the entertainment section of New York Magazine, she said, “I want young girls who read [Suck It, Wonder Woman!] to feel empowered that there’s somebody who went through all of this and made it out on the other end.” Her charming wit and love of hover-boards are what earned this down-to-earth goddess of the geeks major points with guys and gals alike. Munn’s new cheeky story of being a fearless, at times dorky, female in Hollywood is sure to be a hit.

Oh, she even made sure to include a timeline of great moments in Geek History.

Check out Audrey‘s interview with Olivia Munn in our Feb/Mar 2007 issue here.

Otrera turquoise "Hamsa" scarf.

I am such a kid sometimes. Even though I can buy myself a drink legally, drive a car with my elbows while eating Del Taco, and make the best batch of chocolate brownies you’ve ever sunk your teeth into, my wardrobe isn’t always necessarily “adult” appropriate. That isn’t to say I’m wearing my kid sister’s baby tee or squeezing into jeans for juniors, but my taste in clothing is youthful. And I absolutely love color.

Color pops and catches the eye. It can completely change a schlumpy outfit to a chic one if done with taste. The turquoise “Hamsa” scarf from Otrera has the right balance of crazy colors and texture to do just that. It can brighten up a daytime look or be the final touch accessory when going to an evening event.

Lunch with a girlfriend? Theatre premiere with a significant other? Done and done, and it’s hand sewn 100% silk with gold Hamsa charms.

Bellissimo.

I am so excited! Laura Ling and Lisa Ling, sisters and co-authors of the newly released Somewhere Inside, which tells the story of Laura’s harrowing imprisonment inside North Korea, will be having a book signing in Downtown L.A. this weekend. Co-sponsored by Giant Robot and Liberty in North Korea (LiNK), the event will be their first book signing event for the sister journalists.

Laura and Lisa Ling's "Somewhere Inside" (HarperCollins).

In 2005, Laura worked as a series producer for Channel One News. She later became the vice president of Current TV’s investigative journalism series Vanguard, and an on-air correspondent for the show.

A contributor to ABC’s Nightline and the National Geographic channel, Lisa Ling is a correspondent for the Oprah Winfrey Show. She was also a co-host of ABC’s The View until 2002. (Lisa graced Audrey‘s cover in April/May 2004.)

“Somewhere Inside is the electrifying, never-before-told story of Laura Ling’s capture by the North Koreans in March 2009, and the efforts of her sister, journalist Lisa Ling, to secure Laura’s release by former President Bill Clinton. This true account of the first-ever trial of an American citizen in North Korea’s highest court carries readers deep inside the world’s most secretive nation while it poignantly explores the powerful, inspiring bonds of sisterly love.” – GR2

See you there!

DETAILS Giant Robot Los Angeles (GR2), 
2062 Sawtelle Boulevard, 
Los Angeles, CA,
5 – 7 pm.

By Dianne Lee

Chocolate Handbag pleated hobo in purple.

Hobo bags rock. They are fairly spacious (and believe me, I need the room), and you don’t have to worry about throwing in too many things because they were made to carry lots.

And Chocolate Handbags does it just right with its pleated hobo in purple. Not only does it have a roomy interior, but it also has a detachable crossbody strap, making it versatile for your many outfits.  It’s subtly crafted with light vertical lines that run down its side — a nice touch — and shiny baubles on the straps. This paired with the pleats give it an overall pleasing feminine look.

OMG it’s Friday. You know what that means.

I get to settle down at home with a nice book and chillax at home. Or I could go out and watch a comedy show. Shall I go dancing instead? Find a mysterious lover? The possibilities!

You can win this Rachel Park floral print silk scarf with fringe.

To help you start your weekend right, we’ve got a few goodies for y’all.

Two handmade multi-print silk scarves with fringe by Rachel Park Designs!!

This woman (and her designs) is a godsend for women. Why?

Because, women of the world, you no longer have to be bored or frustrated with your boyfriend, brother, father, boss, or ex-lover’s drab neckwear. Park was inspired by the lack of variation and excitement seen in men’s accessories and sought out a way to create something that would be tasteful, vibrant, and appealing to men.

But no worries homegirls, Rachel has you covered. For women, Rachel creates lovely silk scarves that are dynamic in color and tasteful in design. Rachel Park Designs knows how to accommodate every woman’s fashion accessory needs.

This is the other scarf you can win: Rachel Park Designs pink dot print scarf with fringe.

Each piece is made with precision, an eye for detail and the highest quality materials, and a bit of her Asian and New York flair is incorporated in every one of them.

And with this week’s TGIFree Friday giveaway, two of you will win one of these silk scarves, each originally marked at $60, for free.

You have until July 16, 11:59 p.m. to comment.  And don’t forget to include your U.S. mailing addy!

PS: You can retweet for an additional entry.

In 2009, an estimated 80,000 visitors gathered to peruse the goods of 30 vendors. More than 10,000 product samples and 450 food samples were sold within four to six hours. Approximately 200,000 people partook in the shopping and food eating festivities. What was going on?

Spectators at JapanTown in New York.

JapanTown was happening.

Due to the enormous success it had witnessed the previous year as the NYC Japan Street Fair, it was brought back under the new name JapanTown in hopes of continuing to give New York City a taste of true Japanese culture.

Bad luck comes in threes, but this summer, that isn’t the case.

Cosplayers at Japan Town.

To celebrate, in the next three months, three festivals will be held in the East Village, Midtown and Upper East Side, each focusing on a different aspect of Japanese culture: Japanese “cool” culture, Japanese healthy food, and Japanese soul food, respectively. JapanTown will bring together local businesses and common household brands, so that the people of NYC can truly experience and gain a better appreciation of the New York Japanese community.

The first of the three is the Cool Japan festival, which starts on July 17th in the East Village. NYC’s unofficial Japan Town, it will showcase the various aspects of Japanese culture that make it “cool.” Here, visitors can find anything from Japanese robots to antiques to yummy tidbits to eat while participating in the Japanese street fashion contest. Winners will receive a prize from a JapanTown sponsor.

JapanTown cosplayers.

Following that is the Healthy Food & Green festival on August 22nd in Midtown. A variety of wholesome dishes and organic produce can be sampled, which will be provided for by Souen Noodle restaurant, Suzuki Farm, Marukome, and Kikkoman.

Some of the vendors at JapanTown.

Udon galore at JapanTown.

Lastly, in the Upper East Side on September 26th, experience Japanese soul food. Authentic foods representing various parts of Japan will be presented. They range from Kyushu grilled tonton pork to Japanese curry to konjac. Regional produce from agricultural government Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost island, will also be available for taste.

Mochitsuki at JapanTown.

Taiko drums at JapanTown.

Food to eat, stuff to buy, New York City. What more could you ask for?

DETAILS

For more information, please visit www.nyjapantown.org.

Cool Japan Festival
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Fourth Avenue between 8th and 10th Streets

Healthy Food & Green Festival
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Madison Avenue between 43rd and 45th Streets

Soul Food Festival
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Lexington Avenue between 93rd and 96th Streets

Just last weekend, I was with my girlfriend in search of a crop top. Although the day was fun, our search for a cute crop top worthy of the few bills we had managed to scrape together was a fail. We walked up and down Hollywood Boulevard like a pair of out-of-place, daytime hookers, but no luck.

Now, had I known about this crop top, I wouldn’t have spent so much time in Hollywood looking for it. This watercolor lace crop top by IZESX has a zipper back and is the perfect mesh (pun intended) of color and see-through. The “watercolor” effect on the lace makes it pop, but it doesn’t go overboard and turns it into a mess of colors. Paired with a pair of black leggings and stunning heels, you’ll be sure to turn some heads.

IZESX watercolor lace crop top.