Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Channel Your Inner Flapper or Gent at the Jazz Age Lawn Party

Who wants to go to a Jazz Age Lawn Party on New York City's Governors Island? My hand is high up in the air.

Let's go. She looks like she just stepped out of her time machine.

Listen to music of an era gone by but not forgotten by Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra.

Grab a sweetie and cut up the rug. My heart's desire doesn't dance I'm afraid.


Admire Zelda, which calls itself, "The Magazine of the Vintage Nouveau."

Peruse the vintage clothing from Odd Twin. Wonder why hats ever went out of fashion.

Admire the style of the bathing beauties, including the stylish lady on the right. Reflect on how sultry a bit of modesty can be.

Take part in a vintage photo shoot.

Check out classic cars. Wonder if any cars today will be considered a classic in the future. I know mine won't be. The one word I think of when pondering the clothes, music and fashion of the 1920s era: style.

Enjoy St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur mixed with soda water and a twist of lemon, $5. I could get used to sipping on these on a hot July day on a picnic blanket with some great reading. All that's missing are tunes from The Big Broadcast.

My thrifted copy of The Great Gatspy, just 50 cents from This n That in Hillsdale, New Jersey. The classic Fitzgerald novel, set on Long Island's North Shore and in New York City during the summer of 1922, seems like a fitting summer read.

While vegetarian fare is usually the minority on the menu, here it ruled. Three of the four items listed on the flier were veg: caramelized onion and spinach tarte with cheddar cheese; roasted zucchini, squash and red pepper sandwiches with maple mustard glaze; and pesto farfalle pasta salad with sun dried tomatoes. Sound delicious? Others thought so too - they were all gone by the time I arrived (as was the homemade lemonade and baked goods).

Luckily, my boyfriend and I arrived with our own picnic of sandwiches, carrot raisin salad, peaches and lemonade.

Miss this weekend? The Lawn Party resumes for the weekend on August 28th and 29th. Admission is $10 at the door, $7 in advance.

While there, take a walk (or rent a bike) and go around the island. Admire sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty. The ferry ride to Governor's Island? Free.

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