Going Medieval

(close up of skirt)

I've always been drawn to Medieval and/or Renaissance Festivals; in fact any chance to "travel back in time" or become lost in another time/place is alright with me.  When I found out about the Medieval Festival in Fort Tryon Park last year I was pretty excited to check it out. Fort Tryon Park, setting for The Cloisters, feels pretty timeless to begin with but pepper it was tents full of fanciful items, costumed characters, and the sounds and smells of another time, and it takes on a life of its own. The Medieval Festival only takes place for one day so I'm happy that I was able to make it back for a second year. The weather was perfect, unlike last year when I ended up getting completely drenched.  Rain or shine, it's always fun to leave the modern world behind for a little while and get swept up in an idealized version of the age of chivalry. I have to say that one of the highlights for me is the train ride to The Cloisters....hilarious seeing the cars packed with knights, princesses, magicians, and all sorts of nobility, mythical creatures and medieval townsfolk. 

The "one minute it's warm and the next it's cool" weather this time of year always makes getting dressed a little complicated in my opinion as I mentioned yesterday's post so again I found myself wearing a bunch of light layers. I may not have wore a medieval costume but I felt like my outfit fit the setting, and I was probably a lot more comfortable than anyone who was in full costume.  Speaking of costumes, I was very tempted by some of the lovely costumes, headdresses and jewelry at the festival; Medieval and Renaissance Festivals always have the best artisans but from past experiences a Merlin necklace, flower chain hairpiece or a long flowing cloak doesn't seem so practical the next day.

Outfit Details:

Pants (old): Dex

Blouse (old): thrifted/vintage

Grey T-shirt: Perfect Fit Tee, J Crew

Skirt (old):  thrifted/vintage

Jacket: Nanette Lepore via Ebay

Bag (old): Betsy Johnson

I Heart Puffy Hearts

While the aesthetic of novelty purses is appealing to me, their price tags usually aren't. I'm okay with paying more for an investment piece but a bag in the shape of a tea cup, popcorn box, boat, heart  or flower (Gorgeous!) doesn't exactly qualify as that (unless I win the lotto, in which case that tea cup and flower purse will be mine). 

Speaking of novelty purses, I saw some darling clutches in a window along Fifth Avenue. I didn't catch the name of the store but you can't miss all the glittery objects in the window. I think the tiger and the pink rose clutches are my favorites of the ones I saw. 

Recently I popped into H&M, and came across this soft puffy heart purse. I looked at it and thought "I heart this heart purse."  There weren't many left and according to the cashier she was surprised any were left at all....apparently a lot of us really love these little purses. Mine has a slight crease on it but I'm sure that will come out with a little steam action.  Frankly, I can't put much in this purse but it's not intended to be a workhorse kind of purse anyways. I think the day these photos were taken I had some kleenex and some lip balm in it and there wasn't much room beyond that. There's something kind of decadent about carrying around a little purse that sort of looks like a Valentine's Day box of chocolates. A fun (and inexpensive) addition to my wardrobe, and one that I can't wait to style with other outfits.

Outfit Details:

Dress (old): thrifted

Denim Leggings (old): BCBG

Heart Purse: H&M

Days Like This

Gorgeous summer day! Even though I wish summer could go on and on, I do enjoy the weather as we move away from summer’s peak and towards the early days of fall.  Central Park is beautiful in all seasons and each one is my favorite in that moment. In the summer, carnivals appear, picnic blankets populate the lawns, people drift in row boats, and ice cream vendors are never far away.  The wisps of clouds in the sky today looked as though they had been painted in the air. Fountains seemed to glisten under the bright summer sky and tree branches barely stirred in the warm air. On days like this, people meander down paths and over bridges, still too warm to move very fast but not too hot that people are in a hurry to get home. These are days to be enjoyed.

Outfit Details:

Dropped-waist beaded tank dress - thrifted/vintage (similar here)

Floral denim - Steps at South Street Seaport (similar here)

Purse necklace - my mom’s (similar here)

Bag- The Stone Flower at South Street Seaport

Cooling Off in Bryant Park

In New York City, when the temperature is close to 100F and the humidity well over 50%, I’m extremely grateful for any green spaces the city has to offer. Each city park has its own personality and all seem an oasis, a break in the concrete, brick, metal and glass landscape surrounding it.  

One of my favorite parks is Bryant Park. Not too big and not small, it’s such a welcoming spot when you are sweltering in the sun along 6th Avenue. Entering the park with its leafy green foliage, pastel colored flowers, sprawling green lawn, and sparkling fountains, you automatically feel a few degrees cooler.  There are always numerous chairs and tables for relaxing at, and there’s plenty of places to pick up a cool beverage.  I also love that the park has chess tables and a carousel, and on select nights in the summer there are free films.  What a great place!

Outfit Details:

Dress (old) - Yumi Valerie Pearl Tunic (I often wear the detachable necklace with other outfits and not with this dress)

Lace Leggings - vintage/thrifted

White T-shirt with Mini Puffed Sleeves - Laudree T-shirt from Uniqlo

Boots (old) - Adriana Nuni from John Fluevog 

Hat (old) - Beige Evelina Straw Floppy Hat from Rugby Ralph Lauren (similar here and here)

Bag - Dooney and Bourke Hydrangea Print Tote (borrowed from my mom)

Necklace (old) - Purchased at store in Queens Quay Terminal, Toronto, but similar necklaces available here and here)