Urban Cowgirl

Some things I love about winter:

1. Hats

2. Chunky Scarves

3. Layering

On, what I think was our last mild winter day, I decided to combine all three of these. This outfit can be easily replicated in a variety of ways. I love mixing and matching long sleeve shirts (collared or without), sweaters and statement accessories for a variety of casual yet fabulous looks. 

Many people think they can't wear hats. The great news is that EVERYONE can rock a hat, they just have to find the right shape and fit. Personally, I enjoy a fedora shaped hat...the larger the brim the better. But there are tons of varieties out there to choose from. Great places to start include Brixton, Urban Outfitters, and Goorin Bros. A great patterned scarf can liven and warm up an outfit. I picked this beauty up last year, but fell in love with a ton at Zara and H&M this season. It is colder than ever out now, make sure to pick one up!

Hat: Reiss London / Jacket: Zara / Sweater & Shirt: Loft / Jeans: Victoria's Secret / Necklace: J.Crew / Scarf: H&M

xoxo - Naturally Ginger

Photos by Kait of Madly Mignon

Essential Fall Wardrobe Items

Here comes Fall! Temps hit below 70...the hat and boots come out. I personally dislike the heat of summer in the city, and even though this summer was quite enjoyable with more mild temperatures, nothing compares to Fall in NYC. 

What better to do on a gloomy Saturday than pop over to Riverside Park, before the rain, to take a few shots of one of my favorite summer to fall transitional outfits. Here are some of my suggestions for Essential Fall Wardrobe Items. 

Essential Fall Wardrobe Item #1: Plaid Button Up. They are everywhere right now. A plaid button up is great because you can dress it up or dress it down. Look for a shirt made from a thinner material, save the flannel and heavy cotton for Winter. This shirt is from the Savannah, Georgia boutique Red Clover. 

Essential Fall Wardrobe Item #2: Felt Hat. From fedora to floppy, everyone loves a hat. I found this Navy dream at a Boutique in Savannah, Georgia called Harper. Stores are filled with them right now, so explore and see what fits you best. If you're feeling adventurous go for a fun color like cranberry or emerald. 

Essential Fall Wardrobe Item #3: Leather. My leather staples are a jacket and boots. Both of these items will last you through the Winter season. A leather jacket can be layered with a sweater for more warmth or warn over a tank on the milder days. I prefer leather boots to suede because they hold up against the weather. These pieces were great finds; the jacket is from Tinley Road and the boots from Aldo.   

Essential Fall Wardrobe Item #4: Carry-All Tote. This leather backpack/shoulder bag is perfect for those long days out and about in the city. You want something that will hold all your stuff. This beauty is from Dolce Vita Handbags. I'm super excited about a project I've been doing with them. More posts to come in October. Make sure you check out my Instagram. 

What are some of your Fall Essential Wardrobe Items? I'd love to hear!

xoxo

Derby Dayz & Central Park Picnicking

Days like this don't require many words. 

I love being busy. As much as I might pretend I don't, I love having a million things to do and seeing how God always increases my capacity. I don't like busy, though, when I don't ever get a chance to rest. As an extrovert, I recharge by still doing things, but taking it easy; by being around people out in the world soaking in life. After a full on week, I was ready to recharge. When Hannah suggested a picnic in the park I signed up immediately. I was going with or without the Frans.

We decided to meet up at The Great Lawn. For those of you not from NYC, The Great Lawn is a large grassy space in the middle of Central Park that you can enter from the east or the west in the 80's. I love The Great Lawn because it doesn't get as crowded as Sheep's Meadow, and the crowd is usually more calm and family oriented. 

The Frans did not disappoint and came out in full force.

What's a picnic without cheese, meat and wine? 

We nibbled on Salami and a variety of three cheeses - Stilton with Apricot, a creamy French St. Andre & Goat Cheese rolled in Herbs.

Hannah really surprised us with these homemade roasted vegetable sandwiches. She grilled squash and eggplant, tossed in some sun-dried tomatoes and basil, then spread goat cheese on like butter. They were delicious.

They also smelt like a fresh vegetable dream.

Lindsay popped by to say hi and brought along a little bubbly.

Sleepy from too much food and the warmth of the sun, we were in full lounge mode. 

This little princess was killing it flying that kite. I was very impressed.

Halfway through the afternoon we realized it was Derby Day!  The Kentucky Derby is an American institution and tradition. There were events all over the city to celebrate the race. We decided to participate in the festivities at The Red Rooster.

Located in Central Harlem, The Red Rooster boast a menu full of comfort food that celebrates the local American tradition of the neighborhood. People were out in full force to watch the derby, wearing hats and sucking down Mint Juleps.

The big screen to watch the race was located outside, so everyone moved that way to watch as the start neared. 

I've only had one Mint Julep in my life so I figured I'd give it another go. Not my favorite, too sweet, but when in Rome...or on Derby Day.

And they're off!

California Chrome, the favorite to win, ended up winning. I'm always one to root for the underdog, so the race was anticlimactic for me. I also find it amusing that the race only lasts two minutes.

Overall, it was a GOOD day...a very good day indeed. Cheers.

xoxo
d.eileen