Holiday Party Style

The Holiday Party Season is in full swing. I have been running from place to place over the last few weeks for Holiday festivities. With so many places to make appearances, you always want to be original with a sense of sparkle and glam. This outfit is feminine, fabulous and affordable. You can never go wrong with a statement necklace to brighten up a look. I hit the streets of Dumbo, Brooklyn to capture this look before heading off to a Holiday Party at The James Beard Foundation. 

Jacket: Top Shop / Top: Loft / Skirt: Loft

Shoes: Vince Camuto (old; similar here) / Rings: Aldo & Forever21

Necklace: Aldo (ON SALE)/ Earrings: Loft (similar here) / Sunglasses: Kate Spade

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! Gosh I just love this time of the year. What are your favorite touches to a Holiday Party look?

- Naturally Ginger

Photos by Kait from Madly Mignon

Christmas Wish List for the Classic, Glamorous & Feminine Lady

The final Fran Christmas Wish List comes from the beautiful Hannah. This bride to be describes herself as Classic, Glamours & Feminine.

Hannah's style is Charlotte from Sex & the City meets NYC's Kate Middleton.

1. Luxurious PJ Set from Pretty Plum Sugar. What lady does not love a beautiful pajama?

1. Rag and Bone Harrow Bootie. The ultimate classic NYC company. The perfect bootie is essential for the colder months in the city. 

3. One-Year Subscription to Birch Box. It is just $110 for a year of monthly makeup and skincare goodies.

4. Valentino "Valentina" Eau de Parfum. We all need a signature scent.

5. Barton Perreira 'Ronette' in Heroine Chic Brushed Gold Sunglasses. Nothing says GLAMOROUS like chic sunnies. 

6. A cozy, girly sweater from Anthropologie. There are so many on the site. Pick one and cozy up with your sweetie by the fire.  

Happy Shopping.

- Naturally Ginger

Christmas Wish List for the Edgy, Urban & Innovative Woman

The next Christmas Wish List is from Meredith.

Her personality and style can be described as Edgy, Urban & Innovative.

Meredith's Christmas Wish List:

1. Leopard Faux Fur Coat. This beauty is from ASOS.
2. Another ring for her collection. The more the merrier when it come to this lady. Her obsession with The Great Frog is real.
3. A round trip plane ticket to Paris. Enough said. You can actually buy Gift Certificates for flights! Hint hint hint to all potential suitors.
4. Pierre Hardy Fringe Leather Clutch. Fringe is SO in this season.
5. La Mer Moisturizing Soft Cream. It is basically the best facial cream in the world.
6. The Perfect Leather Jacket. This piece is from Wunder Leathers. All New Yorkers need a leather jacket. It is THE staple clothing item.

Mer snuck in a 7th gift. I just had to include it...

7. Tattoo with JonBoy. Our friend JonBoy works out of Red Legged Devils Studio in Brooklyn. He is an extremely talented tattoo artist and has done all of Mer's tattoos and one of mine. She is always itching for what her next piece will be. The tattoos are always edgy and innovative with a feminine flare.

Happy Shopping! 

Christmas Wish List for the Nostalgic, Feminine & Experimental Lady

Holiday Gift Guides are all the rage right now in the blog world. Like I mentioned in my previous post, I'm not all about doing what everyone else is. I've wrote about the Frans a bunch over the course of this blog. They are incredible woman with unique personalities and styles. They each represent a different kind of woman; all strong, beautiful, intelligent and motivated, but with unique edges. I solicited their help for the next few posts. I asked them to each pick out 6 gifts they would want for Christmas.

First up is Natalie. She works in the fashion industry and is genetically blessed so she can wear everything perfectly. She describes herself and her style as Nostalgic, Feminine & Experimental.

Natalie's Christmas Wish List:

1. All Saints Assembly Leather Jacket

In NYC, there is no truer staple than the leather jacket.  They are the ultimate outfit completer, span several season and give the sweet girl serious street cred.  If I could invest in leather, I would go with All Saints.  Not only does the leather feel amazing, their designs are fashion forward and feel fresh.  This is an investment well worth the Benjamins.

2.  J.Crew Jewels

It wouldn't feel like the Holidays with out a little sparkle. When it comes to jewelry I love to mix metals, add a little edge and top it off with some art deco glitz!  J.Crew never fails to disappoint me and this Holiday season is no exception. Throwing on a statement necklace or a great bangle will take any outfit next level. 

3.  Frye Stella Chelsea Short Boot

In the winter there is nothing I love more than a comfortable, dependable, classic boot.  If your looking for the best boot investment, look no further than Frye.  This company has been around for over 100 years and prides themselves on the quality and craftsmanship of their products. I fell in love with the Stella Boot when I tried them on at the Frye store a few months ago.  They work perfectly with a great jean or a flirty dress and are comfortable enough to wear on a full day of walking these mean city streets!

4. The Brixton Tiller Hat

I have a sincere obsession with hats.  It goes back to my love for vintage, old world fashion and times when people really 'dressed" themselves. Donning a great hat can take a look from zero to hero in no time and people are sure to take notice. I once saw a vintage photo of a woman in a Spanish, flat brimmed gaucho hat and have been on a mission to find one like it ever since. This is my closest find so far! 

5.  The Fragrance Shop: Essential Oils

I first learned about the science behind essential oil fragrances from the boy I was dating several years ago whose family owns a perfumery business. Simply put, oil fragrances are alcohol-free which means they last longer, take less product to be affective and capture all three notes of the fragrance on your skin.  You can craft your own personal fragrance, choose an essential oil such as lavender or vanilla or choice from a host of popular fragrances that smell scarily like the originals.  

6. Pottery Barn Lux Robe

Anyone that knows me, knows I don't really LOVE mornings.  Especially in NYC when winters are cold and the struggle is real when I stick my little toes out of my cozy bed and into our cold apartment air!  Sometimes its the little things that make all the difference, like this lux plush robe from Pottery Barn.  I was gifted this several Christmases ago, but since it has gotten worn out from wear and bad NYC laundromats. I need an update and this is definitely on my wish list!

Happy Shopping!

Naturally Ginger's Gift Guide for the Difficult People to Buy For

THIS IS NOT A TRADITIONAL GIFT GUIDE!

There are so many holiday guides out there. Bloggers are popping them out right and left. My friends really thought I should do one as well, but I was hesitant. If I was going to go there, it had to be different from the rest.

After much brainstorming, I have come up with the Holiday gift guide for the more difficult people to buy for in our life. These are the not so obvious gift options that send us walking in circles around the mall looking for the right gift choice. Why waste your money if you can't get something of quality? I say throwaway gifts just are not worth the mula.

So I present...Naturally Ginger's Gift Guide for the Difficult People to Buy for in your Life.

The Fashionista who needs some fashion help.

StylingOn

Ever had someone in your life who is really into fashion but they generally end up looking like a mess? Instead of discouraging them you can educate in an exciting way. StylingOn is an incredible program I learned about through a friend. You can pay someone to dress you! They have a variety of services from In-Person Styling Session to Monthly LookBooks. It is an awesome idea for a special night out. 

The Dad who has everything and needs nothing.

This is my Dad. I was milling around on Black Friday and stumbled into Restoration Hardware. They had an incredible selection of pocket sized gifts. It lit a light blub. A great options for Dads...pick up a stocking and stuff it with fun stocking-stuffers. A bunch of stores are featuring some really sleek gadgets and gifts. Some of my favorites can be found a Restoration Hardware, West Elm and J.Crew.


Smartphone Speaker (picture c/o Restoration Hardware)


Moscow Mule Copper Mugs (Picture c/o West Elm)


Candy is a Dandy Leather Flask (Picture c/o J.Crew).

Your Newborn Baby.

Nothing. Skip the toys, take $1000, and put it in your savings account for their future.

The Ultimate Foodie.

James Beard Foundation Membership or Gift Card.

Instead of just taking them to dinner, give them an experience. I became a Greens Member (for those under 40) at the James Beard Foundation this year, and I have not regretted it for one minute. Basically you pay a yearly fee for exclusive access to some of the best culinary events in the city. The fee for a Greens Membership is under $100 and each dinner is as well. Events are open to the public but will cost you close to $200. That's why a Gift Card is a great option as well!

I try to go to an event once a month and I have never been disappointed. You always get more than you pay for. Any foodie will be in culinary heaven. Plant the seed, buy them a membership and I know they will fall in love. 

   

In Laws

Parents or siblings, if you are not super close and don't see each other often, gift giving can be tough! For this category I am sticking with fabrics. First, for the ladies, I'd go with Cashmere. A scarf, sweater or throw...you can never go wrong with Cashmere. The best options can be found at Club Monaco, J.Crew, and Nordstrom. For the gentlemen, stick with Leather. A nice travel tote, toiletry bag, belt or gloves.  Great options can be found at Cole Haan and Ralph Lauren. Everyone enjoys receiving a gift that feels and looks luxurious. We do not often indulge for ourselves, so when someone else does it is greatly appreciated. You'll be a huge hit.


Collection Cashmere V-Neck Sweater (Picture c/o J.Crew)


Colorblock Cashmere Wrap (Picture c/o Nordstrom)



Classic Deer Skin Glove (Picture c/o Cole Haan)

I hope these ideas helped you come up with a gift for that more difficult person in your life. Let me know if you explore any of these options!

Naturally Ginger



 

Thanksgiving with a trip to Channing Daughters

Thanksgiving Day was a huge success. We cooked, we ate, we drank great wine, we watched a few movies and we lounged by the fire. Overall, two very enthusiastic thumbs up. I would also like to note that I really enjoy cutting the turkey. I've gotten pretty good over the last few years.

I'd also ike to take a moment to give Mer a congratulatory "slow clap" for the best turkey yet. 

After a lovely sleep in and breakfast, we headed out into the sun-filled world. Full of turkey goodness, we needed to get our bodies moving a bit. Not even a half mile from the house we were bombarded by nature. First, a family of deer came prancing across the road. True city folk, we stopped in the middle of the road, took pictures and shouted out loud as more and more appeared.

What came next literally made me laugh out loud. A flock of about 8 wild turkeys were grazing in someones front yard. Somehow they escaped being served as dinner the night before. It was a sort of in your face victory lap one could say, out in daylight, no fear.

No longer needing to visit the zoo, we set out to the town of East Hampton for a more retail experience. We popped around from store to store but the Black Friday buzz was lost on us. After a quick nibble we drove over to my FAVORITE winery out in the Hamptons.

Only about two miles from where we were staying, Channing Daughters Winery is one not to miss if you are headed out east.  I have posted about them once before, I'm obsessed with their wines. During my last visit I joined their wine club. Let me tell you it was worth every penny. 

The sky was picture perfect, I could not help but take some shots. It was very cold out, so I opted to go for the furry winter snow bunny look. 

This warm and luxurious puffer jacket is from Victoria's Secret (similar here). My leopard clutch is Clare V. My new peasant white top is ASOS. By the way, ASOS just had a huge Cyber Monday sale and I resisted all temptations. I'm "pat yourself on the back" proud of myself about that!

I had the friends join in. They are much cooler than me and have such an effortless sense of style. 

We hurried inside to warm up and taste some delicious vino!

Sniff, slurp, sip...spit?

Since I can never walk away empty handed, I decided to take home two bottles. First, their Mosaic. It is a white wine made up of a "mosaic" of grapes. It has a smooth dry finish which opened nicely with a bite to eat. Second, I grabbed their Ramato.  One of the more unique wines, this orange tinted wine is made from Pinot Grigio grape. It smells like a white and drinks like a red. For more of what Channing Daughters has to offer visit their website or go visit in person! Tasting are only $10 a person and the staff is so incredibly friendly!

Cheers - Naturally Ginger