OverDressed for Life

Jeffrey Jenkins and me at the 2012 Gatsby Summer Afternoon. Photo by Dorothy Brown.

We really could not have had a more perfect late summer day for the 28th annual Gatsby Summer Afternoon. Close to 800 attendees had a swell time under the clear and bright blue sky. The warmth of sunrays blended nicely with a slight breeze to keep us all comfortable in our lightweight attire as we danced, chatted, and enjoyed this rare opportunity to live like it’s the Art Deco era all over again.

For me and my judging partner it was bustling day of scrutinizing. Local actor, Jeffrey Jenkins, and I were Picnic Site Judges and we spent most of our time looking over sites deciding on what was the best in Small (2 to 4 people) and Grand (more than 4 people). It was quite the challenge as we checked appropriate period details (1920s to 1940s) in decor, food, and of course costumes are considered as well because folks within each site complete the picture.

I was most impressed with people’s creativity and dedication to getting everything just right. One woman did all her own canning and used the vintage glass jars as part of her decor. Another lady, sporting a fine cloche hat, made a Jell-O mold using a recipe from a 1930s cookbook.

A couple of other personal favorites:

• A lovely woman set up her small site under a tree with an easel and she spent the day painting scenes of the crowd. 
• Two women chose a story for themselves: It was election year 1936 and FDR was their guy. Included in the site were a 1930s American flag and a vintage bike.   

Overall what wins in both categories is authenticity, cohesion, and charm.

Announcing the winners. Photo by Dorothy Brown.

My outfit this year featured a 1920s cotton day dress in white with tiny blue polka dots. To echo the dress’ pattern I wrapped a blue and white polka dot scarf around my sunhat. Accessories included white lace gloves and a white beaded handbag. Comfortable and cool, this no-fuss frock was a happy find at the Vintage Fashion Expo. And boy did it receive a lot of compliments.

Click here to see photos of the winning picnic sites as well as winners of all the contests – dance, costume, and classic car. I’m hoping readers will be inspired to join the fun next Gatsby Summer Afternoon set for Sunday, September 8th, 2013.