jazz and wine, vintage dresses

A vintage dress shop in D.C. that Kathryn, Amaro and I had a good time browsing in. And below, a fantastic flapper-style dress. I love how simple it is- the simplicity yet distinct origin makes it able to wiggle between all time periods and still look relevant and fresh. I could imagine wearing something like this all year long- in the summer with a bright slip dress underneath and some bold earrings, in the winter with knee high leather boots, a cozy drapey wrap cardigan, and maybe a belt. Who doesn't like to wear a sheer black dress with feathers at all hours of the day and all days of the year?!

So lovely...look at all of these humans just enjoying themselves. This was an event we all went to Friday evening, it was a jazz in the park event. People were sitting around the water or on the grass, with wine and picnic food, listening to live jazz and just enjoying wonderful weather, wonderful food, and most of all, wonderful company. I love outdoor events...I love even more events that aren't really events, maybe where it's just part of the culture to have live music in the park during the summer and doesn't have to be on a calendar...

color me with feathers

Here are a few pictures I took last weekend while in D.C. Amaro and I had a wonderful time in this city which always seems so alive to me...yes, it was hot and muggy, but I loved it!

The Saturday we were there there was a parade / festival celebrating Caribbean / Latino / African American culture (basically, everything goes. unless you are white or asian). We went to the parade with Peter, Angela, Rory, and Alex. It reminded me of what I imagine carnival in Brazil might be like (I'd love to go someday!) although I'm sure carnival is on a larger scale. In any case, I loved the bare-all exuberance of it all, even if I stood out like a sore thumb.

I feel like it must be easier to just dance and wear only feathers when it is hot out...imagine a festival where everyone wears furs and does the polar bear boogie woogie!

Weekend in Review

Had a lovely, much needed weekend.

Saturday started off with a music festival in Harvard square. It was pretty hot this weekend, which I love- I really like feeling like my body is the same temperature as the air...feels somehow balanced (for me).

I sneakily took a picture of these street musicians...I wondered if they intentionally set up shop right near that minty green fire hydrant? The combination of the peachy-salmon of the man's shirt and woman's dress plus the minty green and metallic silver of the hydrant was just so summery. I'm taking a mental note...I think these colors would be great in an interior, maybe especially a bathroom, but not so much clothes, I think (lest it look too resort-y). Mini mint colored tiles with chrome fixtures and peachy walls? Yes!!

Right as we left the festival, it started pouring in the New England fashion. I love warm-weather rain...it makes you feel intrepid because you don't mind getting wet.

After the rain, met up with Elizabeth and James to have dinner in the North End. I think the North End and Charles St. Beacon Hill area are my two most favorite spots in Boston. They feel sort of out a storybook, maybe because they feel European to me. Brick sidewalks, outdoor patio cafes, crumbling stones and thriving window boxes. And, of course, the food is amazing!

The incredible black ink pasta at the Daily Catch. Afterwards, we went for gelato. I think wandering around a busy street on a balmy night is one of my favorite things to do.

Went to a cute pub with a patio overlooking the harbor...

On Sunday, went to go see "Midnight in Paris," directed by Woody Allen. A really cute story and some beautiful shots of Paris...makes me want to go back for more than just 2 days!! One can tell that Woody Allen must really love Europe (apparent in Vicky Christina Barcelona, too) but has a way of poking fun of wealthy American tourists in a way that is kind yet still truthful. After the movie, we had to continue the good mood and just pretend we were in Paris so went to Finale, a dessert place with THE best chocolate lava cakes, beautiful red velvet banquets, and gold-framed mirrors on the ceiling above where the chef creates your dessert...so you can see all of the beautiful delicious things that are coming together like artwork on your plate! Plus, they had a patio with twinkling lights- I love outdoor eating, especially in bustling areas, at all times of day.

The costumes in "Midnight in Paris" were also wonderful- because it was set in many different time periods, the designer was really able to go all out- with 20s dramatic sequined drop-waist dresses, to lavish ruffles and lace of la belle epoque. I think this movie made me change my mind about my general dislike for drop-waist things...or maybe it was Marion Cotillard that wore them so beautifully! Also, Carla Bruni, the first lady of France, plays a role in this movie, which is fun as well. I also really liked the music. I also like that the characters like warm rain. Apparently, what's not to like?