Fete Paradiso...Parisian Carousel Heaven

You’re never too old for a carousel ride especially when the carousels are part of the world’s first festival of vintage French carnival rides. I should also add that carousel rides have an amazing ability to transport one to a dreamy- pillowy-clouds-flowers-everywhere-enchanted-kind-of-place. There's always one second where I kind of forget where I am and can almost imagine the horses and other fantastical creatures leaving the mechanics of the carousel behind them, taking their riders for a whirl in the grasses.....a Mary Poppins kind of moment. 

If I had any doubts about the power of the carousel, I don't anymore. My day started off on the wrong foot.  After waiting to go to Fete Paradiso since July 14, I woke up on the day the visit was planned for with allergies all flared up - sneezing, itchy face, runny eyes....the whole thing. Ended up missing the 10am ferry by 1 minute and then had to wait in line until 11am.  Caught my dress in one of those curved pipes as everyone was jostling to get off the ferry. The pipe literally sucked my dress up as I walked past and it took two of us to yank it back....now it's ripped in two spots. Got stung on the leg as I was crossing the field to where all the rides are. And on the first ride (dragon coaster), I was completely unprepared for how rough and windy it would be...these are children's rides after all.  I definitely flashed a few people as I attempted to hang on with my arms and legs, keep my hat and sunglasses on while attempting to hold my dress down. At the first opportunity to get off that ride, I'm not ashamed to say I was one of those who hurriedly made their way to the exit. And then a carousel ride....and all is suddenly right with the world. Amazing what a little time travelling, nostalgic romp can do.

Fete Paradiso on Governors Island from July 13 - September 29, 2013

Outfit Details:

Dress (old): Chromatic Canvas Shirtdress by Floreat, Anthropologie (purchased on Ebay)

Bag: Kate Spade Wild Flowers Harmony

How to Wear a Big Sun Hat Without Looking (or Feeling) Completely Ridiculous

Step 1:

Buy a big sun hat that suits your personality and one that fits comfortably. All stores, from large department stores to boutiques, have sales on their accessories so there’s never a need to buy a hat at full price. Many stores even have pre-season hat sales so you can purchase a hat on sale well before the temperatures start to climb.

Photo source

Always try a hat on….if it’s too tight or flies off your head at the slightest breeze you’ll probably never wear it. I generally prefer hats that have sizing but I’ve had some luck with one-size-fits-all hats too. Usually the deeper the crown of the hat, the more secure the fit. If you are concerned about sun exposure it’s important to check out the brim and make sure that it shades your neck and shoulders. A floppy brim allows you to slightly adjust the amount of sun exposure you get. I also find that a Puggaree or a hatband, material which runs around the torso of the hat, helps set the hat on your head and makes wearing it more comfortable.

Perhaps most importantly is how you feel about the look of a particular hat. You want to find a hat that appeals to your aesthetic and lifestyle, otherwise you’ll likely feel awkward wearing it. Flowers, beads, straw, bows, canvas…..there are hats of every shape and style so it’s probably easier than ever to find one that works for you.

Step 2:

Think about proportions when figuring out what to wear with your big hat or otherwise it’ll end up wearing you. At just under 5’5 I’m definitely not very tall so I tend to wear fit and flare sun dresses, a fitted a-line skirt, or slim pants, basically nothing too billowy, whenever I’m wearing a big hat. If you’re tall, long maxi skirts and dresses or wide leg pants would look great with a large hat.

Step 3:

Wear it and mean it! People may stare at your big hat but who cares?! Pull down the brim and enjoy the shady oasis around you. If you never wear hats and the thought of wearing a big hat makes you nervous get a starter hat like a smallish cloche or even a newsboy cap. Before you know it you’ll be ready for your big hat debut.

Step 4:

Get outside and soak up the sun! You weren’t planning on wearing the hat indoors were you?

Step 5:

Make new friends! Everyone will love your new hat and will be eager to meet you so be ready to extend a hand in greeting. If your new friend happens to be an adorable kid named Patches, be careful to keep your hat a little out of reach….it can make some new friends hungry.

Step 6:

Play games, make music, get creative! Your hat will make you want to try all sorts of new things.

Step 7:

Make a serious face. It’s okay….no one will think you’re too serious as long as you have your big hat on.

Step 7:

Pose for a photo! Word of warning: Other people will probably stop and take a photo of you and your hat too so be prepared.

Step 8:

Take a nap in public…whether on a boat, subway, train, bus or a bench. No one will be able to tell if you are asleep (but don’t go to sleep for real because that could be dangerous) thanks to that large brim you’re sporting so it’s perfectly acceptable to catch a bit of shut-eye enroute to wherever you’re next stop is.

Step 9: Congratulate yourself for finding the perfect big sun hat!

*All photos taken on Governors Island during Figment NYC 2013*

Outfit Details:

Hat: Kate Spade New York Hello Sunshine Sun Hat (purchased during pre-season discount sale at Lord and Taylor)

Yellow Tank - Curled Ribbons Tank from Anthropologie

White shirt - from a dance store (old)

Jeans - Dex (old)

Boots - John Fluevog (old)

Bag - H&M (old)

Bird necklace - not sure where it’s from (old)