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

Oh my ASOS

Fall is truly the best season for playing with your wardrobe. If you're feeling adventurous, go for it! My motto is invest in the classics and play with the trends. I fall for a fashion trend just as quickly as the next fashionista, but I know I don't have to break the bank to have a little fun with my wardrobe. Hence my love for ASOS.

Here are my "Oh My ASOS" lust list picks for this week!

**Extra Bonus This Week** One of my favorite bloggers, Cup of Jo, is offering an ASOS discount for her readers! Head over to her blog to snag 20% off!

Photo c/o www.asos.com

(Items from top left to right and then the bottom row)

ASOS Pencil Dress with Peplum Hem 

ASOS Easy Money Pointed Chelsea Ankle Boots

ASOS Leather Jacket with Embellished Sleeve 

ASOS Maxi Longline Cardigan in Fine Knit with Mohair

ASOS Farleigh High Waits Slim Mom Jean in Vintage Wash with Busted Knees

ASOS Body-Conscious Midi Dress in Winter Floral Print

Shimmer & Leather in Riverside Park

Fall is officially here. There is no going back at this point. Temperatures will only continue to drop as the days pass, looming closer and closer to freezing. I learned an interesting fact from a friend that this past week, fall tree foliage was at its peak of color. I hope you all got to be outside and take in the warm hues. NYC loves to show off in the Fall.

Layers are what it is all about during the Fall in NYC. Cold outside yet hot inside since the uncontrollable heat has decided to turn on. It is essential to be able to pull off or put on a layer depending on your surroundings.

I decided to layer up, pop outside and take in the beauty of the city.

I'm in love with what J.Crew is doing this season. I recently picked up their Sparkle Side Slit Sweater  (currently 25% off on-line). It is the perfect piece to dress up or down depending on your mood.

I paired the sweater with my Quilted Faux-Leather Mini from Banana Republic and a basic white collar button up, also J.Crew. My everyday favorite black boots for the season from Aldo, finish out the look.

Riverside Park on Manhattan's west side is often overshadowed by its neighbor Central Park. This thin park, that is only about two avenues wide, runs from W 72nd St up to W 158th St along the Hudson River. It is THE park to watch a sunset in NYC. Less busy than Central Park, Riverside is filled with dog parks, playgrounds, community gardens and tons of space for lounging or outdoor recreation.

A great leather jacket is a worthwhile investment. I picked this beauty up from Zara last year.

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument stands proud at the park's edge, commemorating Union Army soldiers and sailors who fought in the Civil War. Its historical flare reminds me that I live in a city with many years under her belt.

 

(earrings: Banana Republic)

(All photos taken by the fabulous Meredith Anderson)

What do you love about fall fashion? Comment below!

xoxo
naturally ginger

Tessa

Uptown Manhattan has taken on the sad reputation of being a "food wasteland". Though many try, none seem to come close to the finer fare of downtown (some critics say). 

Enter Tessa. A shinning star of a restaurant on the Upper West Side. This culinary treat has both the taste and price tag of a downtown delight. 

Mom came back in town and I knew we needed to give it a try. 

The interior from decor to lighting oozes Soho chic. 

We shared a French Chardonnay that paired perfectly with the meal.

 

Olive Oil or Butter with your Bread? Can't decide, why not have both. 

 

First, we shared a couple salads. Here is the Cauliflower Salad - a variety of blanched cauliflowers mixed with golden raisins, pickled red onions, roasted almonds, and a coriander vinaigrette. 

The second salad was the Tessa Mixed Salad special. This was a compilation of baby kale, tomatoes, pecan, acorn squash, pear and a maple mustard vinaigrette. 

Onto the entree. Mom did not want to share so we ended up getting the same dish. I could not resist, it sounded too delicious.  

Here is the Pan Seared Arctic Char. Arctic Char looks similar to a salmon but does not taste like it. They placed the beautifully seasoned filet over spaghetti squash and chunks of butternut squash. The plate was decorated with oyster mushrooms, butternut squash puree, baked kale and topped with a variety of herbs.

Tonight I could not resist dessert. This is their Dolce De Leche Cake with pistachio ice cream.

I thoroughly enjoyed my meal at Tessa. I have to disagree a little with critics that Uptown Manhattan is a "food wasteland", but we do have a long way to go. Hopefully Tessa is the beginning of many more culinary treasures to come.