Digging it! Phil just had to take a photo of me standing in this digger on our way to Little Island. He’s such a guy! 

Jutting into the Hudson River, Little Island is a bite-sized, low-commitment park. You can follow the path to the peak in less than 10 minutes, enjoying stunning views of Manhattan, New Jersey, and the Hudson along the way. The first time you visit, the views are so entrancing that you might not notice the exciting landscape design by Signe Nielsen, meant to offer something new in each season, with flowers, grasses, and foliage and over 100 trees. On the way back down, stop by the spinner for a dizzying photo op.

Conceived by Barry Diller, in partnership with the Hudson River Park Trust, the park began as a restoration project after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Built at the historic Pier 54 and Pier 55—where survivors of the Titanic landed and the ill-fated Lusitania departed—the 2.4-acre park is a unique architectural and horticultural achievement. Personally, I think the supporting concrete pilings look like white mushroom stems, though they are called tulip pots. The island is accessible from Hudson River Park, just above the Whitney Museum at the end of West 13th Street.

You can follow the path to the peak in less than 10 minutes, enjoying stunning views of Manhattan, Jersey, and the Hudson along the way. Personally, I think the supporting concrete pilings look like white mushroom stems, though they are called “tulip” pots. You can find this petite public park in Hudson River Park, just above the Whitney, at the end of West 13th Street.

I first visited Little Island soon after it opened, in May 2021. I loved the idea of a tranquil oasis, and so did every other New Yorker in the neighborhood. On that visit and subsequent trips, I have found the Island to be a bustling place, but there are little nooks throughout where you can sit and enjoy the beauty of the city views, nature, and human antics.

Speaking of antics, this is the fourth anniversary of my column. Something lovely is sparking, after four years of creating quirky styles and writing about it. I did my first, almost accidental “Karen’s Quirky Style” in March 2019—together with another column I wrote called “Style on the Street,” an homage to Bill Cunningham. Since then it’s become a New York love affair, with neighbors and friends bringing their quirky clothes to me as offerings for this column. I feel so lucky to meet others who love quirky style.

This month’s outfit was even more of a thrill for me than first. Each piece of the puzzle fell into place effortlessly, from the moment I asked my favorite designer, Andrea Thurlow, if she had anything new I could wear. She graciously lent me her newest collection piece, in pink plaid bouclé and patent leather—her characteristic edgy, structural design and gorgeous fabrics. I admired my friend Betsy’s shaggy jacket, and she offered it up freely. Soon after, my neighbor Nanette called to me across the lobby while I was getting my mail. She had a vintage suit that she wondered if I might like to wear. The skirt fit perfectly. And the sexy, sheer spotted socks were a gift from my dearest friend Sally. I got the shoes at Collette’s fantastic basement consignment store when Sally took me to Southampton last summer.

The gnosis of bringing these dear people, places, colors, fabrics, and patterns together gives me tremendous delight when it all clicks into place. I am so glad that you groove on it too. As I look back at the past 48 columns on my website, I feel proud of what I’ve accomplished, and so grateful to Lincoln, Andrea (I’ve worn nine of her couture gems, starting with this gorgeous ballgown), Phil and Amy, and all my readers who keep tuning in every month—especially those of you who dare to share your quirky thoughts: Bruce S, Pat D, Lew M, Phil M, Linda Z, Suzanne Z, Lynn S-R, Kim R, Janet E, Liessi H, Jeff R, George S, Maggy K, Mary R, Louise B, Anila C, Tracey M, and so many others.

I’ve kept going because of you. I hope you are inspired to confound your peeps with the ecstasy of combining plaid, zigzags, and polka dots whenever you’ve a mind to!

This article also appeared in The Village Sun.

Style Notes

• Couture bouclé tailored top in pink, gold thread, black, and white, with patent leather trim and gold zippers, fully lined in silk charmeuse. Engineered by Andrea T. 147 West 35th Street (by appointment only).
• Vintage black-and-white zigzag tweed skirt with hot pink peekaboo lining. Gift from my neighbor Nanette.
• Retro Willow & Clay shaggy burgundy fun faux fur. Loan from my friend Betsy.
• Ballet-slipper pink Prada 5 1/2″ satin pumps. Collette’s Basement, 10 Main St, Southampton.
• Sheer socks with black polka dots. Gift from my friend Sally.
• Pearl, onyx, and crystal necklace. Made by Karen, author of Complete Beading for Beginners.
• Banana Republic purple faux snakeskin clutch. Collette’s Basement.
• Michael Kors burgundy suede boots with stacked leather heels. Macy’s at Herald Square.

Style Tracker

My neighbor Nanette bought this gorgeous vintage skirt from a local designer on Greenwich Avenue circa 1983. There is no name on the label, just this chain-stitched logo of a sun and moon.

Does anyone know who the designer is? Please reach out if you do—I’d love to learn about her.

Sound Track

My friend Meno in BC made me a New York soundtrack when I came to New York for a 6-month trial in 2015-2016. As I contemplated the four-year anniversary of this column, and my New York journey, this seemed like the perfect soundtrack to listen to.

1. First We Take Manhattan – Jennifer Warnes
2. Chelsea Morning – Joni Mitchell
3. New York State of Mind – Billy Joel
4. The Boy from New York City – Manhattan Transfer
5. On Broadway – George Benson
6. New York Minute – Don Henley
7. New York Groove – Ace Frehley
8. New York’s Not My Home – Jim Croce
9. I Guess the Lord Must Be in New York City – Harry Nilsson
10. The Only Living Boy in New York – Simon and Garfunkel
11. Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters – Elton John
12. Spanish Harlem – Ben E. King
13. Shattered – The Rolling Stones
14. Downtown Train – Rod Stewart
15. I Am… I Said – Neil Diamond

Great artists, great songs. Part of the world’s grand love affair with New York City! Click here to listen on YouTube.

Outtake