Black & White Summer

Summer is officially here. Don't get me wrong, I love the colorful hues of a summer wardrobe but it is hard to take the neutrals out of a New York girl. The easiest way to transition Winter wardrobe pieces into a Summer wardrobe is to add pops of colorful accessories. 

I'm loving my new accessories from Juicy Couture. Under new ownership, Juicy is rebranding themselves as a more high end brand with fashion forward pieces for woman of every age. Pairing old with new, I'm loving this Summer day or evening look. 

I wore this look for brunch in Chelsea at Cookshop with my sweet friend Kait from Madly Mignon. 

Purse: Juicy Couture / Bracelets: Juicy Couture / Necklace: Juicy Couture / Hat: Joe Fresh / Sunglasses: Kate Spade / Watch: Charming Charlie / Tank: ASOS / Skirt: Express / Shoes: Seychelles

photos c/o Kait from Madly Mignon

Happy Summer!

naturally ginger

Love Wall & Sequins

Sometimes the simple things in life bring the most joy. In a city like New York where black, grey and white concrete rule, a pop of color is a welcome sight. Because I always enjoy sequin and a pop of color, this "Love Wall" backdrop was the perfect location to showcase this outfit. 

When life gets tough, I try to put things in perspective. First, I pray. Second, I take a deep breath. Third, I do something that I enjoy. The details of life that bring me joy always outweigh those things that pull me down. My mom continually challenges me to see that there is something to be grateful for, no matter how hard it might seem. 

So for this brief moment...smile, love and sparkle. 

(Jacket: Rachel Zoe (similar) / Jeans: Loft / T-Shirt: J.Crew / Sunglasses: Kate Spade / Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Purse: Lauren Checchi)

Photos c/o Kait @ Madly Mignon

Soho Casual

 

There is something about Soho that makes me feel fabulous and fierce.  It is an area of Manhattan where anything goes when it comes to fashion. The simplest look takes on new charm and edge while walking the cobblestone streets.

In the end, fashion is about confidence. If you have confidence in who you are and what you are presenting to the world, what you physically wear makes no difference. 

So when you're getting dressed each day, don't forget to dress yourself in confidence. 

She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future. - Proverbs 31:25

I headed downtown to meet up with a friend (who I'll be featuring in a post later this week). We snapped some pics outside the beautiful Mondrian Soho. A girl can't help but feel fabulous and beautiful in such a luxurious location.

 

Fall is sadly quickly turning into winter, so I chose to layer on some warmth with this luxurious fur vest. Just so you all know, I am a sucker for a popped collar. My fashion is a mix of classic and trend, so I opted for a boyfriend jean and some leather booties to finish out the look. 

 

 

Shirt & Boyfriend Jeans: J.Crew; Fur Vest: Banana Republic (similar here); Shoes: Circus by Sam Edelman; Sunglasses: Kate Spade

Photos by Kait at Madly Mignon.

- naturally ginger

Gifts of Love

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to do a blog about Valentine's Day Gifts. I've divided the gifts into 5 relationship type categories. I hope it spurs your imagination and inspires some loving ideas!

For the Frans in your life...

For the single ladies out there, I've always hated when people turn Valentine's Day into "Singles Awareness Day". LADIES...why do we do this to ourselves?! This only ends up drawing more attention to the fact that you are dateless on Valentine's...stop it! I try to come from the mindset that Valentine's Day is a celebration of the love in your life. Love does not just come from a boyfriend; friends are an amazing source of love and encouragement. Try your best to celebrate Valentine's Day with joy each year with or without a boyfriend, be grateful for the people around you.

That said, men and women, celebrate your friends! It isn't necessary to go all out, but everyone likes to feel remembered. My friend Lindsay is making custom cards for her friends this year. We actually had dinner and crafted some sweet notes to mail to people this week. It is a cheap and easy way to let those you are closest to know you care.

Pinterest has lots of great ideas, here are some I found! 

Sister Sister...

I have a younger sister. We usually don't exchange gifts at Valentine's Day, but this post got me thinking about what I would buy her if we decided to. Mer suggested a Birchbox.

A Birchbox is always a great gift! What girl doesn't love beauty products? The cool thing about Birchbox is it exposes you to things you might have never tried. They send samples and a few full sized beauty products once a month to your home. They also have a version for men which isn't a bad idea for the gentleman in your life. 

Will you go out with me? Can I have your number?

If you're in a dating relationship, or the "getting to know you" phase, you don't want to place too much emphasis on Valentine's Day. For some, it is a holiday that comes with a lot of pressure and baggage. My suggestion is don't do anything out of the ordinary. Go to dinner, have a laugh, see a movie, maybe even spring for some flowers.

Boyfriend/Girlfriend...i like you...a lot.

Now this is when you can get a little creative. At this stage of a relationship your expression of love on Valentine's Day is purely based off of each others personality. I'm trusting that you know the person you are dating and what they enjoy. Surprise flowers at work, tickets to a show, manicure and pedicure gift card, a fun day trip, a piece of clothing or an accessory your significant other has been lusting after are all excellent ideas.

If I currently had a boyfriend, I would want him to consider these items as gifts :)

My current obsession. Rose Gold Licorice Heels from Kate Spade.

BaubleBar is a great place to find affordable jewelry that is still fabulous.

Here are few pieces I'm lusting after. It was so hard to narrow it down.

Photos c/o BaubleBar - Pave Links Bracelet / Laquer Palm Drops / Tic Tac Drop Earrings

Here are some easy day getaways from NYC.

Visit a few wineries on the North or South Fork of Long Island. You can take the train, rent a car, or spring for a car service. Here are two of my favorites out in the Hamptons!

Channing Daughters Winery

Wolffer Estates Vineyard

Another great day gateway is Beacon, NY. The Metro-North can take you to so many wonderful quaint towns along the Hudson River. Pick one and have an adventure! 

Married...in it to win it. 

I think sometimes married people forget about Valentine's Day. They have been together for so long, the normalcy of life may have dimmed the passion flame. Use the Valentine's holiday to ignite it once again, remind each other of why you really love your life partner. I think you can be more sentimental when you are married...hand written notes, weekend getaways, sentimental jewelry pieces, his and hers massages. I love the idea of a man buying his wife a full glamorous head to toe outfit and then taking her to a show and dinner.

Gift or no gifts this Valentine's Day, I hope you all are able to spend it with people that you love. 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. John 15:13

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. Love your neighbor as yourself. Mark 12:30-31

Love & Blessings

d. eileen