Ever since first visiting New York City – in 2005 – about six years before I moved here, I’ve been fascinated by the history of this metropolis. I often think, as I wander these city streets, what came before me. What moments, celebrations, heartbreak, challenges this city has seen before I ever arrived.
If I were to transport myself to another time, I’m quite sure I would choose the 1920s or 1930s of New York City. Gritty yet glamorous. Spirited and defiant. One of my favorite books is Rules of Civility set in 1937. And I loved reading about New York during that time.
Old New York
Some of my favorite spots in the city harken back to what I imagine those days must have been like if you had the money to take it all in. Minetta Tavern, Bemelmans Bar, Carnegie Hall, Long Island Bar and Grand Central. The Grand Central we New Yorkers know today dates back to 1913. And every time I visit I like to imagine how it used to be. Red carpets rolled out to board the train, bellmen in their red caps ready to assist with your bags. And the passengers dolled up in their finest ready to climb aboard. Isn’t it such a fun sight to imagine?
Now, I don’t go to Grand Central that often. But when I do I am always left marveling in its grandeur. I love how intact it has stayed over the years. It is majestic with its cascading marble staircases, its enormous windows and its beautifully painted ceiling.
Growing up my mom used to always utter a phrase “it’s like Grand Central station” whenever we were somewhere crowded and now I often smile as I pass through the building thinking of this. The sheer amount of people bustling to and from within its walls is something to behold.
I have always wanted to do a shoot in Grand Central in an outfit that was an ode to the time I like to imagine back in the early 20th century and I am so excited to share these photos with you today.
. . .
Trina Turk Dress via Rent the Runway (similar here, here, here) // Kate Spade Heels & Clutch // Hair & Makeup c/o Glamsquad
p.s. atop the Empire State Building and my favorite posts about NYC.
I love love these photos! Totally agree that I would want to live into 20s-30s in New York. I think that time would be so chic, but so rich in all types of culture and history. Your look just fit right in, too. Thanks for sharing, Meghan!! These are too beautiful!
xx Libby
https://premedwearspearls.blogspot.com
Great minds, Libby! Thank you so much!!
The book A Well Behaved Woman has some great NYC history in it! It’s set before the 1930s, but it still talked about how NYC has changed so much over the years and the development of iconic landmarks like Central Park.
I love that dress on you, it looks so classy and beautiful!
XAllie
http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com
Oh yay! Glad to have this recommendation – thank you so much for it + the kind words, Allie!
Love this so much. And you look gorgeous!
Thank you so much, Alyssa! Means a lot!
So beautiful, I love this look and location!
It was so fun (albeit nerve-wracking!) to do so I so appreciate the kind words, Mel!
Beautiful!
Thank you so much, Bridget!
So pretty!
Thank you, K!
How breaktaking this is; you are such a classic beauty, just like New York! I adore the old-school glamour that New York, London and Paris do so well, and I wish I could travel back in time to experience the city in that same era. I’d stay at the plaza, take in a show on Broadway, and ride uptown to hear Ella and Louis at the Carlyle *sigh*.
P.S. One of my favourite books too. I’ve just ordered A Gentleman in Moscow by the same author so I can’t wait to get stuck into that.
Briony xx
Need to read that book, too! Thank you for the kind words, B! I can just picture us taking in that evening “ensemble” – We certainly share an appreciation of the same, finer things in life, don’t we friend!?
LOVE these photos! very glam. thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed them!
Just finished The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis which was set in two different time periods in The Grand Central! You look like you just stepped out of the book! Beautiful.
Oh Rhonda, thank you! What a compliment. I’ve read a book by Fiona Davis (The Dollhouse) and really enjoyed it so I am adding this one to my list! Thank you for the kind words!
sooooooooooooo perfect!
Thank you, sweet friend!
I love this look. Great dress on you!
Thank you so much!!
These photos gave me goosebumps! I love this city so! I used to dream about living here but never made it happen. Beautiful photos!!
Kristin
http://www.tweedandlace.com
Aw yay! Thanks for the kind words, Kristin! So much love for NYC!
Gorgeous, head turning photos. Love the first one, with the man in the background caught admiring you.
Thank you, Betsie! I will treasure these photos!