The Jazz-Age Lawn Party, a fabulous bi-annual, daytime jazz event on NYC’s Governors Island took place earlier in the summer and is currently taking place this weekend, August 20th and 21st. I was lucky enough to attend yesterday and I have to say the outfits were fantastic and the bow-tie clad boys made me swoon. This year’s party features Gelber & Manning, performances by ’20s tapping sensations The Minsky Sisters, ’78 records from the 1920s played on antique phonographs, charleston lessons by dance legend Roddy Caravella, vintage portraits by Tsirkus Fotografika and Yelp.com, and a 1920s Motorcar Exhibition. Today is the last day (11am to 5pm) so I say pack a picnic, get your butt in the best 1920’s look you can muster and head on over to the island while you still can!
Epic street style photos from yesterday will soon come, but for now, I thought I’d share my look options and the look I ultimately went with for this fabulous party of all parties.
This was my original look, which felt true to the time period, but also felt too nighttime for such a daytime event. Maybe next year!
I was on the fence between dressing 1920’s day or night when I decided to do my makeup. I went with my normal eye, but a bit more exaggerated. I’m generally a fan of a good cat eye even on a normal day to day basis. I know it’s more 1950’s than 1920’s, but I wanted to stick with what I know. The biggest difference in my eye makeup routine though was my first time use of fake eyelashes! I used Make Up Forever Professional Lashes and ooh let me tell you, as a first timer, it was quite a challenge. I had such a hard time getting it exactly where I wanted. After a few attempts I felt it was workable so I used my usual liner, L’Oreal liquid liner, to create the cat eye and cover up any eyelash to eyelid mistakes. On a side note, I got a comment in my last entry asking how to do the cat eye. I’m no beauty/makeup expert, but after wearing it on a daily basis, I think I’ve got it pretty down. Would you guys be into a tutorial video or photo instruction type thing?
For my lips, I definitely wanted to try out a darker, more heart shape look. This tutorial was suggested to me, which is a bit more costume-y than I went, but I think I definitely succeeded in creating a smaller more doll-like lip than my everyday norm.
[video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZHD8Pg_dZs&feature=youtu.be 425×344]
I also took a cue from Hannah of XoJane.com‘s lovely Clara Bow-esque lips. I would’ve liked something less subtle than I came out with, but it worked well enough.
For my cheeks, I tried out a new blush I just received from a friend called Tres Vichy, which is also from Makeup Forever Professional. Normally I use this Pixi Cheek Gel Blush, which is amazing, but I was definitely into the shade and shimmer of the Tres Vichy one.
Makeup Results:
When it comes to the dress I ended up wearing, I’ve decided I’m going to share my new favorite flea market with you readers…ok it’s not actually new, but it’s new to me and I’m obsessed! The Mary Help of Christians Church Flea Market in NYC is small, but totally awesome. They have cheap vintage dresses, agua frescas and lots of super cute, well-priced jewelry. I got this dress for a mere $10 at the flea market! It contributed to the daytime look I went with. I know the dress is on the cusp of a 1950’s tea party, but it definitely felt more true to my every day style than the first choice.
Watch out! I’m ready to do the charleston.
[video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRveIIe4uAs 425×344]
Once I got on the ferry, I donned matching pink sunglasses.
Thankful I remembered to bring a change of shoes because by the time I got off the ferry, my heels were killing me! I’m just not a heels gal I guess. I love the way they look, but give me comfy saddle shoes and penny loafers any day!
Sadly my street style hero, NY Times photographer, Bill Cunningham, passed over me while photographing the event (It was “fashion death” as Anna Wintour would say!), but I did manage to get this happy shot of him in action!
Keep an eye out for street style pics coming up soon!
