This past weekend, Gaby and I decided to throw together some 1920's-esque ensembles, grab the kids, and join the annual Jazz Age Lawn Party. I'd been wanting to go for years (eight years to be exact, since it first began), but somehow every summer when it rolled around I would find myself either working, out of town, pregnant, or postpartum. This year, we were free. And so, with gusto from years of anticipation, we joined the party. And it was spectacular.
Vintage cars lined the roads, stands selling gorgeous beaded antique dresses and felt hats set up shop next to bars slinging prohibition-era drinks. Everyone leisurely grazed on picnics and relaxed in the sun. The band played jazz that made you feel like you had stepped back in time, and the dance floor was hot with couples dancing everything from ballroom to the Lindy Hop to the Charleston.
And the fashion.
The style could stop you in your tracks. Flapper dresses and silk gowns, head scarves, top hats, vests, so much tweed, so many suspenders. Gatsby would be proud. There was so much beauty, so much style, and so much originality in one place, you couldn't help but be happy.
Baby Lou sat upon his Papa's arms and took it all in. I think he really enjoyed the music. Biet, on the other hand, had me on the dance floor in a matter of minutes. We twirled and shimmied and shook until we could dance no more, and she still wanted more. She invented a couple of new moves and hammed it up for photographers left and right. I swear that girl has performance in her blood. She simply thrived in the communal, creative, free-spirited energy of it all. It was really amazing to witness. At one point I caught her far in the distance, sitting with a group of women. I ran to grab her, and found her happily sitting her new friends at their picnic, eating strawberries and laughing and joking with everyone. My little pearl of a girl...
I cannot wait to do it all again next year. I'm already daydreaming of a little toddler Lucien in suspenders and a fedora. :)
*my kimono c/o Arnhem Clothing*
AND OUR LITTLE FLOURISHES GIVEAWAY WINNER IS.... Anna! (I emailed you for shipping info) Thanks to everyone who entered!