New York City during the summertime is unlike anywhere else. In the city that never sleeps, there is always something to do. Scratch that, more like five things to do. My social life becomes so excessive that I often feel guilty if I head home early, or even spend a lazy day indoors. There is always an overwhelming sense that you are missing something huge someplace else. There is always an adventure to be had, and it's up to you to discover it.
One glorious Saturday that crossed my path was Summer Streets. For three consecutive Saturdays, they close off a large portion of a street for the public to play. From Central Park all the way down to the Brooklyn Bridge you are free to walk, run, bike, or cartwheel down the open road without having to worry about being hit by a bus. I joined my dear friend Kanani for a afternoon in the sunshine, and we biked up and down Manhattan. People were out and about in droves, running in groups or meandering around with friends. I am lucky to have a cruiser bike of my own but there were also free bike rentals available, as well as public biking workshops, group fitness classes in the middle of the street, zip-lining (ridiculous), and I even rode by a rock climbing wall in SoHo. It was such a wonderful opportunity to get outside and be active, a chance for some fun exercise outside of your normal gym routine. It was an amazing day, and I recommend it to everyone.
This vintage denim jacket was my father's. I stole it from him before I moved to New York ten years ago. I love how beaten down it is, but still incredibly sturdy and resilient. He obviously wore it almost every day of the 1980's, and probably even some of the 70's as well. The jacket has a life story all its own. It has been present during so much of my dad's life, and has been around from my infancy into adulthood. If this jacket could speak, it would have some super cool stories. Just like me, it is midwest at heart but has found new life in the fashionable streets of New York City.
I love how the top collar is completely shredded and frayed at the fold line. The coloring is perfect, an authentic vintage wash that can only be achieved with true age through wear and tear. You could search months inside vintage stores for a jacket like this, and I just happened upon it as a teenager in the back of an old closet in the middle of Michigan. The story behind this piece is truly priceless, and it will always remain one of my favorite garments.
Levi's vintage denim jacket, Topman tailored shorts, H&M mint t-shirt, brown hat, & sneakers, Michel Kors silver runway watch, Alexis Bittar modified anchor necklace, Schwinn "Coffee" cruiser bike
I won this killer bike through a twitter contest with The Fader magazine and Kenneth Cole Reaction. It was such a great prize, and I'm so thankful to have a such a cool bike. Check out the article about me here and play the Reaction Re-Play contest in the future.
