Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Hits NYC

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week has hit New York City. It has always been a dream of mine to go a show at the tents. My first Fashion Week experience was this past Fall, the dream became reality. It's been incredible learning more about the industry and figuring out my place in the mix of it all. Yes it is awesome to see the latest in the world of fashion, but my favorite part has been connecting with other bloggers and fashionistas at the different events. My hope as I grow as a blogger is to never take advantage of the unique opportunities I have been given to connect with people in this sphere of life. 

It is both fun and challenging to pick an outfit to wear to a Fashion Week event. In the end, it is important to be true to who you are and your personal style. It is super easy to get caught up in being noticed or standing out, but it is those who are confident and comfortable in their own shoes who draw the most attention. This NYFW has seen temperatures below zero. A statement jacket is key to the success of an outfit, going without one is simply not acceptable. You must always also be camera ready, photographers are everywhere wanting to take a picture if you're ready to pose.  

I decided on a classic for my first outfit. A black and white palette can never do you wrong. I mixed a vintage herringbone with a very trendy over-the-knee boot. I couldn't help but bring along my faux fur jacket to keep me warm in the Winter chill. 

(Faux Fur: Forever21 / Top: ASOS / Skirt: Vintage / Lace Jacket: H&M / Boots: C.Wonder)

Happy Fashion Week NYC - Naturally Ginger

Photos c/o Bianca at Diwa Dollhouse

Cafe Mogador

Dinner by candle light...very romantic. Dinner by candle light with friends...very fun! I love Williamsburg, Brooklyn, but don't get our there often during the Winter months. The commute is long and the cold weather honestly just deters me from straying too far from home. 

Friends of mine, Elas, were playing a show at St. Balmain. We decided to make a night of it and ventured out early for dinner. I discovered Cafe Mogador during my first year in NYC. I frequented their East Village location often for both brunch and dinner. Recently, they opened a spot in Williamsburg. 

Their menu is jam packed with Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine that is unique and also traditional. They have a set menu with favorites like Cous-Cous, Salads and Platters, Tagines, Bastilla and Grilled Meats. They also have a number of unique entrees to try if you want to stray from the traditional route. 

I can not go to Mogador without starting with the Hummus Plate. The freshly baked pita is always warm when it hits the table. 

Mer got the Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken. The vegetables are all organic and the meats are free-range so everything is fresh and vibrant. 

For the more indecisive person, the Mixed Platter is a great option. You get a little bit of everything - hummus, eggplant, tabouli, tahini & arabic salad. 

The Tagines are a hearty and warm option on a colder night. I gobbled up the Chicken Tagine Casablanca. It is served with rice and the meat is so slowly stewed it falls off the bone. 

After dinner we hurried over to St. Balmain and Joey Diamond's to hear Elas perform. Elas are an indie folk sister duo originally from Brazil. Their music is full of harmony and toe-tapping melodies. They are planning on releasing their first EP this summer. 

St. Balmain is currently only open for breakfast and lunch but will resume dinner hours come warmer weather. Also, don't forgot to check out Joey Diamond's for an excellent nightcap. 

Bon Apetit.

Naturally Ginger

Winter Whites

The end of the holiday season does not equal the end of Winter. It actually only is the beginning of the coldest month of the year. February...the bottomless pit of the Winter season. The shortest month of the year always seems to drag on and on and on. 

In order to put a little pep in my Wintery step, I decided to break out the Winter Whites. Who says white can only be worn between May and September?!? This wardrobe staple tone should be acceptable all year round. I'm obsessed with a creamy ivory piece to brighten up any Winter outfit. The key to rocking Winter Whites is to layer and pair with other soft hued pieces to complete the look. You need to also walk with confidence. Own your Winter Whites, you'll be amazed at how you'll brighten up a room. 

I turned to J.Crew, Loft and American Apparel to create this cheerful ensemble. In the end, I couldn't help put at a pop of sass into my look with a pair of leopard heels from Steven by Steve Madden.

(Pants: Loft / Jacket: J.Crew / Top: Forever21 / Sweater: Francesca's / Beanie: American Apparel)

Stay warm and full of joy.

xoxo

naturally ginger