The ‘20s are Back!

The roarin’ 1920s were brought back to life this past weekend at Governor’s Island. The bi-annual Jazz-Age Lawn party was the place to step back into history for their end of summer blowout. With a vintage Motorcar Exhibition, Michael Arnella and his Dreamland Orchestra and all of the 1920’s fashion guru’s, how could you not feel like you were in a time machine?
The Vaudeville scene was in full effect with St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur cocktails, picnic blankets, people dressed to impress and a full on game of Tug-o-War. The spirit of the event was to honor the excitement, drama and fashion of the 1920’s era of gambling, dancing, drinking and jazz.
The costumes were absolutely outstanding with women in long beads, t-strap shoes, drop waist dresses with hats and stunning dramatic parasols. The beaus were in caps, knickers, knee socks, ties and barber quartet straw hats. The leader of the band, Michael Arnella, was the showstopper as he sang jazz through his old fashioned microphone and a megaphone. ’78 records were brought and played on a real functioning phonograph for all to dance by the WFMU’s Antique Phonograph Music Program.
The mustaches and canes were too many to count during the Charleston lessons taught by dance legend Roddy Caravella. If you forgot your hat or didn’t know what to wear you were covered as Odd Twin Vintage Clothing (www.oddtwin.com) in Park Slope along with The Village Scandal in Manhattan (19 E. 7th Street) were there to suit all of your 1920’s fashion and millinery needs.

The live dance and jazz solo performances, pie recipe contest and parade of hats finished off the day as the sun went down bringing the festival to a close. Visit http://newyork.timeout.com/articles/own-this-city/86909/decades-of-nyc-the-1920s to get the full scoop on where and how to live the 1920’s lifestyle.
Wanna jazz it up? Go to (www.dreamlandorchestra.com) to have Michael Arnella and his Dreamland Orchestra pull you back in time. If styling your way back to the 1920’s entices you, then head to Doggy’s Clothing at 285 N. 6th Street in Williamsburg to dapper up for the next 1920’s gala.
For more bargaining tips, style education and fashion inspiration, visit www.thedressrecycler.com. “Your bargain fashion superhero!”