What a Holiday Weekend in NYC Looks Like

Plus, Superfine and summer sale picks

Hi friends,

I hope you had a great Fourth of July and are still enjoying yourself wherever you are. For me, the beach is the only place to be on July 4th. Poor planning on my part kept me here in the city, so I decided to lean into it and approach it like one of the many tourists who flood into the city in the summer.

Superfine

I went to the Met to see Superfine, Tailoring Black Style. The show was packed on this Thursday afternoon, which prevented me from lingering longer on the many historical treasures mapping the history of black male style and the deeper implications behind shifts of dress from the time of slavery to the present.

The chronology of the exhibit meandered, mixing modern designers with historical pieces, including livery for enslaved men, paintings, photographs, and personal effects. Superfine examines a complicated, often disturbing history through a sartorial lens. Ultimately, the evolution of dress demonstrates the creativity, resilience, defiance, and pride of the wearer. The most succinct examples are credited to individuals from Fredrick Douglass to Andre Leon Tally. Here are some highlights: the show runs until October 26th.

Fourth of July in New York

I’m such a creature of habit. I need the structure of a morning routine to get my day on track. Throw a holiday in there, and my productivity goes straight to hell. Despite having much to accomplish, I whiled away Friday morning, though I did walk and exercise, a nonnegotiable as I attempt to lose the extra pounds that have stubbornly colonized my middle. I used to be able to starve myself for a few days, and the pounds would evaporate. As I age I’m eating less yet damned if that weight doesn’t just creep in. Any advice on this subject is most welcome!

Friday the fourth festivities started with an Aperol spritz at Bar Pisalino with friends. The city was blissfully deserted as I walked through the West Village; maybe that was because everyone was at the bar, which was packed solid.

What I wore: The white linen pants bought in Spain have become my go-to pants, especially when it’s hot. Here’s a good alt. The striped tee is no longer available, here’s an even better choice. This nothing outfit needed another element; tying the sweater at the waist adds color and interest, plus practical if it gets chilly. The A. Emory sandals I could not live without. At right: The empty streets of the West Village.

On our way to Brooklyn as seen through the sunroof.

After a quick drink, we headed to the wilds of Brooklyn for a backyard barbecue. Hosted by an old friend I haven’t seen in at least twenty years. After fortifying ourselves with wine and food, we foolishly piled into another Uber to view the fireworks already underway from a nearby rooftop. Soon enough, we were in a hopeless traffic jam and had to make do with catching glimpses of the fireworks through the car windshield.

Scenes from the barbecue and what we saw of the fireworks from the car.

We abandoned plans for the rooftop since the fireworks were long over by the time we got moving again. Two crowded but jovial subways later, I returned home feeling pretty damn good about my Fourth of July in the City.

Tonight I’m off to a friend’s ultra chic terrace in Harlem. There’s nothing like a holiday weekend in the city when the weather is just right.

Fourth of July Deals

And last, here’s my Fourth of July Sales Edit with purpose; only things to enhance your summer.

Make sure you’re invited back with the perfect hostess gift like this Fornasetti Giardino room spray. On sale now for a great price.

Here’s a trio of summer shoes you’ll wear a lot. If you love to walk like me, you can’t beat these Veja Rio Branco sneakers; they are one of the most comfortable sneakers I’ve ever owned. Bergdorf has a full-size range with an extra 25% off the already reduced price. I love the dark brown paired with white or pale blue, and they will bring you right into fall. I’m a size 7, but in Veja I have to order 38. If you’re a size 7, these A. Emory flip-flops are calling for you, drastically reduced! These slides are just as comfortable as a Birkenstock but a whole lot chicer, now 40% off

I learned while in Spain that a packable beach/market bag is a handy thing to have. Here are some great options from Kassatex. Get an extra 25% off with the code SUMERSUN. From top left: the mini Farmer’s Market Tote, the Minka Beach Bag, the Palomino Beach Bag, and if you need a really big bag, the Jumbo Farmer’s Market Tote.

Thanks for reading and supporting What Looks Good, I’m grateful to every one of you!

Until next time,

xxx Jolain