JACKIE NYC.
I’ve heard October in NYC is perfection and can only imagine Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis felt the same. As one of it’s most famous residents and lifelong lover of a good morning Stroll. She never allowed the unwarranted attention of onlookers and Paprazzo keep her inside at 1040 5th Ave. And October 7th 1971 seemed no different I'm sure.
Jacqueline headed out to Central Park wearing probably her usual strolling ensemble, but like many of us anything she put together had innate undate-able style to it. This particular day a simple Heathered Henley shirt, jeans, those iconic big sunglasses and a pair of classic Keds was her uniform.
Once her morning walk was done and she headed back to1040, she seemed unaware or pretended to not notice the infamous Ron Gallela who was there as well shooting another women's portfolio. Gallela a bain in her existence, for his downright obsession with capturing her and her children’s every move. She was after all his bread and butter and even a “crush” he later admitted to as well. Now in our age of paparazzi, he would be considered the Father of Stalk-arazzi. And this day would cement it all.
Gallella then jumped into a Taxi after her and told the driver to follow her closely. He took picture after picture without her being unaware. Then at 89th and 90th. The driver blew his horn excitedly to get her attention. Jacqueline with a slight smile turned to the driver and Ron got his now iconic “Windblown Jackie” image. Soon after she figured out it was him behind the camera and the smile left her face and those legendary sunglasses came on.
He then jumped out after her and continued to snap away… finally she arrived home, but before entering 1040, she boldly asked him, “Are you pleased with yourself?” and he responded exuberantly, “Yes.” He was even more pleased when he got back to his studio and developed the shot. It was his “Mona Lisa”, a once in a life photo. Jackie glowing, No make up, a half smile and her bright wide eyes framed with perfect movement.
Whatever you think of Ron (yeah he’s a smuck) or the debate of Public Figures and privacy. It’s a photographic masterpiece that has stood the test of time and a beautiful image of the legacy of Jackie O’s mystique and style.
Jackie NYC.
Henley•Jackie could make the most basic top look chic. Her Ribbed Henley fit like a glove and her sleeves pushed up were casual perfection. I chose G. Label Krystian Long-Sleeve Henley in Oatmeal.
Jeans•A modern version of her fitted slightly flared jeans with a distressed wash, I picked G. Label Kaplan Vintage Flare Jeans that ooze 70’s-esque style with oversized patch pockets to be dressed down or up.
Shoes•Replacing her Navy Keds with La Tennis Bensimon in Shell. Jackie a lifelong Francophile would of probably adored these Parisian Tennis Shoes today and maybe she did when they were created in1984.
ACCESSORIES.
Sunglasses•These were it! It is rumored that Jackie had a basket full of her trademark large framed sunglasses at her 1040 Apartment door for easy access and this original style Jacky 2 by Francois Pinton were customized specifically for her.
Camera•Jacqueline had a good eye for photography herself. Working as a “Camera Girl” Photojournalist for Washington Times-Herald interviewing the likes of her Future Husband JFK even. I'm sure she might have even dreamed of turning her own camera on the dreaded Ron Gallela at times to give him a taste of his own medicine. A 1951 Vintage Leica IIIF Black Dial Camera via Chairish.
Book• A rare copy of Ron Gallela’s 1974 Photography book on Jaqueline. A interesting peek into his favorite subject.
Further Reading Favorites from my own Jackie collection below:
•Mrs. Kennedy and Me. By Secret Service Agent Clint Hill with Lisa McCubbin•Jackie’s Girl By Kathy Mckeon •New York Jackie By Bridget Watson Payne.
A Social Media Story.
“I want to live my Life, not Record it.” -Jacqueline Kennedy
Let’s talk about Social Media! I know it’s a loaded topic with so many layers to it and I could probably do ten posts:) But, one will do for now especially when it comes to Faith and Social Media.
It starts for me with this quote by Jacqueline Kennedy above. It lives inside the cover of my planner as a reminder to choose living over documenting my every day. And the above photo of her stays in my iPhones favorite photo section as another reminder if I am on social media to remain playful, gracious and light most days.
Jackie herself definitely knew a thing or two about Social Media even before it existed. As Being one of the original “Influencers” of her day. Where everything she did, said and wore was plastered in magazines, books and news columns. She knew a Documented Life had a legacy especially after the tragic event in Dallas, November 22, 1963 that changed her world and even ours as a Nation. But, she never let it define her.
That's where Faith and Social Media is starting to come together for me in a new way.
Living vs. Recording.
Recently, case in point:) I always in a New Year make a intention to be more active on Social Media particularly Instagram. It's no secret I have little time for the other platforms:) I just love creating new IG content and challenging myself to be more active. It always seems to go well at first and then something happens… I get a bad case of cold feet. But, this month it has been whole another beast.
I allowed my feelings to get hurt and took a unfollow way too personal. It was someone I truly admired, I had even invested in her courses and read her books recently. She was a huge influence on my Faith reconversion Journey last year and actually inspired me to be more Brave in sharing my story online with others this year.
When I happened to notice her unfollow, I felt like I was in 2nd Grader again and never being asked to the most popular girl in classes birthday. I instantly went to What had I done? Am I not interesting enough anymore or did I offend her in some way? I know what your thinking?!? Why cares? It’s not someone you know in person and people unfollow people all the time.
I get it. I thought the same things. But, I did care and to actually understand why this was bothering me so much. I dug deep even prayed about it and poured my heart out in my Morning Pages.
It came down to this…
Virtual Life is not Real Life.
Ironically, I just finished a lovely book by another Catholic writer Emily Stimpson Chapman, Letters to Myself: from the End of the World. Where Emily writes to her 25 year old self during the beginnings of the Pandemic. It contained 45 beautiful letters including 5 on social media.
The First Letter in the section was titled, Virtual Life in not Real Life. I went back and read it again. It definitely spoke to me in whole new way.
Online is Not Real Life and I often try to make it that way, out of my own lack for what I want real life to be. beautifully curated. I've honestly been ashamed to show my life in so many ways. It hasn't ever turned out how I expected it too. Growing up I had so many big dreams and ambitions that I still carry with me and as time slips by I get frustrated with myself even more.
Then even a virtual world that seems perfect makes me feel that I don't measure up either. Yuck. Yuck. Yuck. Right?
Then God swooped in to remind me that I was made for more than this… My life is precious and so is the story he gave me. That my dreams and ambitions are gifts not curses and the timing I've placed does not matter at all to Him. It’s Timeless work rooted in his love. And this virtual world that many of us invest so much energy in is fleeting and fruitless without His Redemptive message not being involved.
So, I go forward now knowing I solely belong to Him. My middle name I was even given, Christianna- Belonging to Christ. Tells that True Story Narrative.
And that's all of our Stories. So, when Social media permeates your purpose in a negative way. Know you are much more then the follows, filters,reels and algorithm too.
You and I have a REAL LIFE WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED in HIM outside of all that.
Peace be to you.
Love, Cynthia 🫀.
PS I still will be hanging out on occasion.
