Day in Brooklyn via East Village

photo by me: Vintage finds in Brooklyn



Leonora Russo
photo by Jake Chessum, New York Magazine
Look Book by Amy Larocca

Staying local this weekend, I went to brunch with one of my dearest friends in the east village on Saturday. She travels for work a lot so it's always a treat to snag her while she's in town. We met at Cafe Orlin on St. Marks Place. It was great to sit outside chatting & people watching while we ate. I was so happy to have a lazy, slow summer brunch before fall arrives. By the way, the pumpkin pancakes there are divine! I haven't really been in the east village much lately but it's pretty much a guarantee to be inspired by the cool, edgy style all around. It's a place where the envelope is pushed with fashion. The people down there are self styled without looking like their in costume.

After brunch, we headed over to Brooklyn for a little vintage shopping. I'm soooo excited about the new pieces I found for the store! We poked around Williamsburg all afternoon. Once we exhausted ourselves shopping, we went to a cute little dessert shop for some refreshments. Sitting next to us on a bench out front was the famous Leonora Russo. She's known as the "Queen of Williamsburg". I was amazed at how she knew everyone walking by us by name. I mean everyone! I guess that's what happens when you live somewhere for 60 years. She seemed to have a very bold but fun personality that was directly reflected in her style! That's what I love about New York, the characters that exist in each neighborhood. Despite the constant change of the city, it really does have it's permanent fixtures.

Alex

photos by me: Alex Falgiano
50s Floral Cotton Dress/Coat & 60s Black Verdi Bag
Vintage Black French Cuff Dress
40s Cotton Tan & Red Day Dress


Lucky enough to steal my cousin Alex for a couple of hours, I asked her to be the first guest model for Little Peach Vintage. She is such a classic beauty. Something about her reminds me of Sophia Loren. Absolutely gorgeous! Alex always manages to achieve a polished effortlessness in her style. I knew she'd be the perfect model for 50s silhouettes. Right now she's making me want to grow my hair long to be able to do a french twist or loose curls. She sure is stunning.
Enjoy your Friday!

little peach

Fort McHenry, Baltimore

photos by Dan:
Vintage straw hat from Ecuador
Vintage polka dot blouse
Vintage red patent leather belt
Metal clamdiggers
Black Peep Toe Slingbacks


Time flies when your having fun. That always seems to be the case, right? Looks like my list of places to venture into over the weekend only ended up with a few check marks by the time Sunday night rolled around. I'll have to make another trip down to Baltimore to see more of the sights & neighborhoods soon.

I did manage to visit an interesting vintage store full of beautiful clothes from the 60s & 70s. I found some fantastic dresses there that will be perfect for the transition into fall. I love versatile pieces that take you through the seasons. It's great when they are able to earn their keep in the closet.

Wearing a wispy vintage silk blouse & pop color red belt, I walked from town over to Fort McHenry. The first thing I noticed was how well the area has been preserved. It was easy to imagine what it must have been like in the War of 1812 since the historical integrity is still intact on the grounds. This fort was used to protect the city during the Battle of Baltimore. After the battle ended, the very young America celebrated a victory having avoided handing the land over to the British. It was pretty spectacular to be near the spot where Francis Scott Key sat in a boat & penned the words to the Star Spangled Banner. The replica flag in the photos above is similar to the one that inspired him to jot down the National Anthem.

little peach

Next stop....Baltimore

photo: Two for the Road film capture (by me)


Tomorrow we're drivin' down to Maryland. It will be a treat to visit all the historic parts of Baltimore & brush up on my U.S. History! I already have a long list of spots to see.

I'm baking up a peach cobbler & supernatural brownies for the trip. The peach cobbler is my Momma's recipe. It's so good! She calls it cupa, cupa, cupa, cupa. The translation to that is 1 cup milk, 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup peaches, & throw in a stick of butter. Yummmmy! That one's straight from Georgia. The supernatural brownies are a secret recipe of my sister who is a pastry chef. Those are pretty much awesome! Now, that the goodies are in the oven I better start packing.


photos: Kathryn's Supernatural Brownies & Georgia Peach Cobbler


It's going to be a pretty laid back, fun getaway. We're going to be spending time with some wonderful friends barbequing and catching up. In between that I'm going to sneak away for some vintage hunting at the local shops. I've heard Baltimore has some unbelievable vintage stores in a neat area called Fell's Point. A few people told me it's a part of the city that is up and coming with a nice creative energy to it. I'll let you know what I find in my exploration.


In my suitcase I'm packing all the necessities....shorts, striped tees, bensimon sneakers, & a couple of light sweaters. For fun I'm tossing in a wide brim straw hat & a couple of easy traveling, no brainer sundresses. It's best just to keep it simple & enjoy the weekend without having to fuss over outfits.


little peach

Greetings from the High Line

photos by Dan & me!
wearing: vintage floral mini dress & camel wedges

It seems there comes a point after living in New York City for a certain amount of time that you become jaded. Or, at least that's what I've been feeling like lately. However, just when the hard living starts to wear you down, something pretty neat happens. That's what the High Line seems to be right about now. I finally made it up there & was quite impressed. It's a whole new perspective on things. You have to admit, it's pretty cool to be in a park up in the sky! Thirty feet above the hustle & bustle of the city streets, the vibe and flow on the High Line is calm & smooth. I think this is just what New York needed. The way it was designed is smart, modern, & beautiful all at the same time! Check the history at thehighline.org.


Get there if you can!

little peach

Ringwood Manor & Ringwood State Park

photos by Dan: tiny pictures are of Ringwood Botanical Garden
Ringwood Manor - Vintage Crochet Vest, 50s Blue Shorts, 70s Blue Dress
Hiking on trails in 50s Yellow Eyelet Dress



On Sunday, photos by Dan & I put the pups & some vintage clothing in the car & off we went into the mountains. We drove up to Ringwood State Park in New Jersey. It really is a neat place to see. Winding trails to hike or bike are plenty and peaceful throughout the park. There's even a lake to do a little swim or sunbathing after you've walked through the botanical gardens. It was a fun adventure. Now, I'm even more intrigued after doing a little research on the rich history & past inhabitants of the land. I want to go back & view the park with educated eyes so I can fully appreciate what those mountains & streams have seen over hundreds, even thousands of years.

It was originally inhabited by Native Americans, in which supernatural occurances are credited to the grounds. Ringwood was then known for it's ore & became known as an iron making empire. General Washington's map maker during the American Revolution had his headquarter's at Ringwood, where he drew up hundreds of them to keep the General safe. The area & manor were later sold to an affluent family, the Hewitts & used as a summer escape. No longer needing the home, it was given to the state of New Jersey. I read that the Hewitt family handed over the house full of all their furniture, supplies, & even clothing....boy, would I love to go through those garments! Do any of y'all know more history on the area? I'm certainly curious now.


little peach

rose ring winner & 50s high waisted shorts

photos: top two, film captures by me - Bonjour Tristesse (1958)
bottom three, photos by Dan
shorts: 1950s high waisted - vintage shop Jersey City




Just wanted to announce the winner of the vintage rose ring............Coco Cherie! Thanks for all the sweet comments!

Look at these adorable 50s high waisted shorts I found at my favorite vintage shop in Jersey City. They are a close relative to my white ones that I have been living in for the month of July. They zip up the back & are just the right length. I love the idea of wearing starched blouses with these during the day. It kind of reminds me of Jean Seberg, in Bonjour Tristesse (one of my favorite movies!) on the French Riviera.

Photos by Dan & I are off to explore the mountains & lakes of Ramapo Valley today. Have a lovely Sunday!