CROSSING THE LINE in Black and White Gingham

Last trip to Seattle I packed only black and white clothes. It was so simple to take a minimal of pieces and yet still have enough different looks to mix and so easy to match. Of course, knowing I’d be on a shopping spree in Jean’s eco boutique had a lot to do with my never-before traveling outfits. I chose black and white again for NYC, but I added pops of red and turquoise.

This time I was not on a shopping spree. (Yes, you heard right, unbelievable, but true!) Undoubtedly, I bought a few things (like this cute off-the-shoulders gingham top or mini dress) but this trip was for making memories in one of my favourite cities, to enjoy the sights and sounds of life in the Big Apple.

Here again in Central Park in black and white gingham. So many fashion bloggers have inspired me with off-the-shoulder tops; it’s a fresh, summery look.

It’s pleasant to leisurely walk through the park in no hurry, no schedule, no stress–under tunnels, over rocks and hills.

You’d think you’re in a forest except for the towering buildings in the distance. 🙂

A little drizzle on this particular day, so I had my umbrella.

Leaving the park and strolling along the city sidewalks, everyone knows I’m a tourist, forever gazing up at the magnificent architecture, stopping to admire the rows of houses and taking photos at every chance.

Stuart Little’s House?

Walking all day builds up an appetite, so we headed over to Peacefood Cafe for delicious vegan pizza and the best vegan cheese cake ever!

Gingham has been very popular this season, just snapped some photos to show you what I didn’t buy.

I’ve always loved gingham. My mom had a pink and white gingham kitchen and I once had red and white gingham in my country-style kitchen. It’s a cheerful pattern with old-fashioned charm.

Do you wear gingham?

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A T-shirt Dress with Style

This comfortable T-shirt dress is made by THREADS 4 THOUGHT, an eco-friendly company. It’s the comfort of wearing a T-shirt and very stylish. The fun black and white ink splattered print reminds me of Dalmatians.

I bought it at DRIZZLE & SHINE in Seattle and I brought it with me to NYC as one of my black and white outfits, this time adding a red belt, red cuff, red sandals and a little red purse.

Morningside Park is just walking steps from where we stayed in Harlem, a beautiful park with a fabulous waterfall and pond. Turtles and frogs enjoy this natural setting.

The park is situated on a rocky hill with hundreds of steps to climb.

When you reach the top of the park, there are lovely spots with flowers and benches to sit and enjoy a gorgeous view of Harlem.

Stairs are a great workout.

This dress is casual and comfortable for walking in the park and stylish enough to go to a restaurant in Harlem afterwards.

Thank you Jean for telling us about this fine restaurant.
I highly recommend the Seasoned Vegan if you’re ever in NYC.
❤ carmen

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Central Park: the North Woods

Right in the heart of Manhattan, a park so big, it feels like I’m in Northern Ontario. Except for the people, it looks like we’re alone out in the wilderness.

Finding the park should be easy, you can’t miss it, right? Wrong–we started walking the wrong way but a friendly New Yorker (Miriam) pointed us in the right direction.

Once in the Park, you wouldn’t know you are in NYC, this Park is bigger than a ranch in Texas, 843 acres of paradise: including ponds, streams, little waterfalls, lovely nature trails, bike paths and meticulously groomed gardens. The first time I saw Central Park from the top of the Empire State Building, I was truly amazed!

There’s wild life …

And lots of turtles!

I love strolling through this park, the air is so fresh and smells sweet.

There’s always places to take a rest on a park bench.

Or on a rock.

These schist rocks are all over Central Park and sparkle in the sun.

You can actually get lost in the park (I oughtta know because we did). We eventually found our way out with the help of some kind locals.

Note to self: get a map of Central Park next time and bring a compass, flashlight and survival kit.

What’s your favourite park?

❤ carmen

Linkup: VISIBLE MONDAY

The Doors

On the way to Central Park we passed some beautiful painted doors in Harlem where we are staying in a brownstone building. Doors make fantastic backdrops for fashion bloggers. 🙂 Black and red doors were perfect for my black and red theme.

This is my second outfit I wore in NYC: a little black wrap dress worn over a red tank top and polka dot capris. My sandals were light brown but my husband painted them red.

 

 

Next post Central Park

Thanks for stopping by!

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Roses in Spanish Harlem

We’re in New York City!

I wore this dress on the plane. It made me feel like I was back in the 1960s, a time ladies looked like they were on their way to a special event when traveling. Indeed, flying is a very special event for me! It never ceases to thrill me as the jet engines start up and we take to the sky where the world looks a lot smaller and somehow more peaceful.

This is the first of my outfits in NYC: black with white polka dots and big, bold red roses. I wore it to have dinner with friends at the Harlem Tavern.

The Brownstone buildings in Manhattan are charming and a fantastic backdrop for photos. This one is a replica built to look like the original ones. It’s a newer building but very much in keeping with the character of the old architecture.

A stroll around Harlem in my dress of red roses reminded me of Cliff Richard singing this song and I can imagine dancing a rumba.

First thing on my list of where to go next?

Central Park!

 Linkups: VISIBLE MONDAY TURNING HEADS TUESDAY

Black and White Fashion

As every fashionable woman knows, black and white is a classic combination: always in style, never out of date, forever chic. You can’t go wrong with black and white, this duo will always be in vogue: takes us through every season without looking dated and makes coordinating a cinch.

That’s why I packed black and white clothes for my trip to Seattle last September, knowing I’d be shopping at my daughter’s new eco boutique — Drizzle and Shine. It was so easy to mix and match with only a minimum of pieces to pack and fit into my carryon. It was my first time ever choosing only black and white on a holiday.

My white denim vest worn three ways.

With one pair of capris, two pairs of pants, 4 tops plus my white vest and a black cardigan, I was able to put together over 12 different looks which kept me going while I bought a new wardrobe in Jean’s store. I even bought more black and white outfits like these two below.

Left: Synergy Organic Clothing. Right: Threads 4 Thought

Also bought a black lightweight cotton coat with white trim, and a black and white scarf at a thrift shop.

I decided to pack black and white clothes for my holiday in New York City, this time adding pops of red and a touch of turquoise. I won’t be taking too much because I always leave room for shopping!

I’m really looking forward to our trip to New York.

Happy summer holidays everyone!

❤ carmen 

PS. I’m in the Big Apple now! This post was written before I arrived in the USA. Next post will be my first one from New York City!  I ❤ NY

Linkup: VISIBLE MONDAY  TURNING HEADS TUESDAY

Synergy Organic Clothing

Whether casual or dressy, I like to be comfortable and classy. Not only do I want what I wear to reflect my personalty, but most important to know what I buy reflects my values and convictions. So I choose eco clothing and cruelty-free fashion.

Top: Synergy from DRIZZLE & SHINE
Pants: Ricki’s
Shoes: St. Jacobs Market

Lovely hand-stitched detail on the front and back with a cute peek-a-boo.

A curious little dog came to investigate this photoshoot, guess she wanted to be in my fashion blog. She reminds me of Pierre, my white poodle that I had when I was 10 years old.

Jean’s boutique is so beautiful, all clothes are organic, cruelty-free and nothing is bought from companies that abuse the workers or animals.

❤ carmen

Linkup: VISIBLE MONDAY

A Crown of Daisies

Daisies make me smile! 🙂 For me, they represent the simple pleasures in life!

Roses are elegant, orchids are luxurious and there are a myriad of beautiful flowers to behold, the humble daisy is my choice: simply growing in a meadow, they do not boast to be the most beautiful flower in the world, they have a modest quality that makes them pretty too.

My top has lace across the front at the neckline and sleeves. And lace on the hem.

As a little girl, I loved making delicate daisy wreaths for my hair. I chose a crown of daisies for my wedding day. I carried a bouquet of daisies as I walked up the aisle. This skirt is lace with daisies that I bought last time in NYC that you can see closer here.

 

“Gatsby looked at Daisy
in a way that every young girl
wanted to be looked at.”
~ The Great Gatsby

I’ve had my gravitar photo ever since I started blogging and decided to use a new one.

My new gravitar photo.

Do you have a favourite flower?

Linkups: VISIBLE MONDAY TURNING HEADS TUESDAY

Song Sung Blue

I’m borrowing Neil Diamond’s song for this post.

We’re all subject to the blues now and then, and I’ve got them today in my outfit.

This gigantic saftety pin buckle was a purchase in the ’60s and I attached it to a denim blue belt. I decided to wear it with a long cotton top worn over rolled up faded blue jeans and then added this sheer fringe vest.

Now I’m singing the blues and this being one of my favourite blues song by Neil Diamond.

What’s your favourite blues song?

❤ carmen

Linkup: Turning Heads Tuesday

Memory Lane: University Village

Meandering around University Village in Seattle last year, I wore my black and white damask design pants that I bought in NYC several years ago in a little boutique in Harlem. We’ll be going back to NYC this summer and will stop by Bebenoir where Jean and I bought some lovely clothes and accessories.

University Village is an outdoor mall with lots of shops.

Crate and Barrel is one of my favourite home decor stores.

We had a super delicious vegan Mac and Cheese at VeggieGrill.In the evening we drove across town and had dinner with friends on a covered patio. I had a Chicago-style (pickle and tomato) vegan hot dog. The BEST ever in my life!

❤ carmen