Pbenjay's Blog

Yesterday in spite of dire predictions of showers, Fifth Avenue was crowded with New Yorkers and tourists.  The annual Easter Parade has been a New York tradition since the 1870’s.  Over the years, it has attracted the colorful, the crazy, the fashionable and the NOT so fashion-minded.

Peter and I and our friends, Helen and Catherine joined us in strolling down the Avenue.  Helen was wearing a very saucy hat from the 1940’s or 30’s (I should have asked her for clarification).  Anyway, she looked lovely and maybe she’ll be in the Times next week.  She had one of her employees join her who was decked out in an unbelievable knock your socks off vintage outfit.  Jessica was a vision of the past in a deep wine red dress, sable fur draped over her arm, wearing net gloves and classic heels from that era.  Topped off with a perky fur hat tilted to the side , she turned everyone’s head – check out the Times, I bet she’s there.

I’ve never gone for the vintage  look when it comes to the Parade but that’s mainly because I maintain I can’t find vintage clothing in my size.  Well even so, I like to wear wide brimmed hats and I like to decorate them with lots of flowers and ribbons.  I have made a few and recycled them and sometimes reconstructed them so when Catherine decided to join us, I offered her a hat.  She picked a favorite of mine, pink with a very wide brim.  She wore a beautiful sun dress and the hat complemented it perfectly.  Peter was dapper  as usual in a soft gray double-breasted suit, vintage tie and a straw “boater”.

We had a great time, strolling along the Avenue and having our photo taken many times.  And as the day wound down, we decided to top off the afternoon enjoying a cocktail.  Now where to go?  Elegant was the byword of the day so we headed to the King Cole bar in the St. Regis Hotel.  It was definitely the right choice.  Turns out many of the people whose outfits we admired apparently had the same idea.  The King Cole bar was only the more elegant with everyone’s Easter finery. 

I managed to forget my camera at home (that was a first).  So I’m dependent on others to send me photos from the Parade. So far I only got one I can use but am hoping for more.  I’d like to show Finley Ray in her bright orange and hot pink sun dress and wearing the wreath of flowers Gigi made for her.

Lori, Peter and Catherine