New York Fashion Week: Daniel Silverstain Spring/Summer 2016

I arrived back in New York City on last week to take in a front row view of Daniel Silverstain's Spring/Summer 2016 runway show and presentation at Shop Studios, amidst the excitement of New York Fashion Week.  A feast for the senses and imagination, the collection is laden with the futuristic essence of the 1967 Montreal World Fair, known as Expo67.

Designing since the age of 11, and now in his third runway season, the designer drew inspiration from the modern decor and innovative architecture that reshaped Montreal following the Expo.  The influences can be seen throughout the collection, from the neutral tones color pallet, contrasted with shapes of primary colors representing national flags, to lace and crochet textiles with metallic gloss coatings, to intricate multi-yarn jacquards mixed with natural wovens, yielding soft and relaxed silhouettes.

Featured below are several of my favorite looks from the collection.

Do you have a favorite look?  Which pieces from the collection can you envision in your upcoming Spring/Summer wardrobe? For more fashion and design inspiration--and to shop the collection--visit Daniel Silverstain.  You can also check-out more of my 'day of' coverage on Instagram, including a video look at the finale walk.

Happy Styling!

Photo Credits: Daniel Silverstain

D.M.R. Fine Foods, The Blog, Celebrates 10 Years (Pt.3)

Soaking in my exceptional BHG Stylemaker Event in '18

Happy New Year! 

Without question, making it through 2020 was a feat--and one well worth celebrating. And before much more time in the new year elapses, I want to finalize my "blogiversary" celebration with this third installment covering the 2016-2019 years.

I hope you've enjoyed my walk down memory lane from the 2010-2012 and 2013-2015 installments and perhaps learned a bit more about me and what I've been up to on this front all of these years. Best of all, I hope you are inspired to stay connected with me in the days ahead because I like having you around. :)

In reflecting on the 2016-2019 years, they were years of continued momentum across many of the areas that had come to life and blossomed in the previous years, along with their own new noteworthy highlights.  So let's once again dive in--and enjoy!

2016

My 2016 highlights included the likes of more amazing travel, the continuation of my Holiday Pop Up Shop, my For the Love of Food monthly food column in Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine (2011-2019), continued food and lifestyle media coverage, more sponsored brand campaigns, including Groupon and Warby Parker, as well as PopSugar, being featured in the Vinings Lifestyle Magazine, and taking in that exquisite night to remember at the James Beard House in NYC that I was awarded in 2015, and enjoying a celebration among celebrations at the Red Rooster Harlem Cookbook launch party!! 

2017

My 2017 highlights reflect more amazing highs from my journey to date. From exceptional travel throughout the year, including another dynamic, hosted press trip to St. Croix in collaboration with United States Virgin Islands Tourism, it was another year for the travel books.

Beyond travel, the year brought on a new (and continuing) collaboration of epic proportions, with a cadre of fellow talented food bloggers, for a first of its kind Black History Month Virtual Potluck. It remains one of the key highlights of my blogging journey to date, as it gave more exposure and expression to our individual and collective voices, talents, stories and heritage, among each other, as well as on several renowned media platforms (including Food52, Blavity, Tasting Table, and more that would follow in the years to come.)   

My media footprint expanded(!!!)--to include television (a long-held dream of mine) via a series of holiday-themed segments on CBS46's, Atlanta Plugged In show, showcasing my recipes and entertaining tips, as well as a St. Croix travel radio segment that chronicled the best of the destination and travel planning tips, following my recent press trip earlier in the year.  

Continued collaborations, including existing and new media relations and social media campaigns, across more hotel, tourism, lifestyle and food brands, were definite highlights, along with more fashion media coverage for the Ragtrade Atlanta Fashion Week and Runway Show. 

2018

My 2018 highlights included more thrilling moments and experiences across the food, travel, lifestyle and media fronts.  From continued collaborations (BHM Potluck, food and lifestyle media relations and campaigns, etc.) epic travel, more sharing via television segments, this time on NBC's hit Atlanta and Company show, along with more fashion and lifestyle goodness from Saks to the Global Runway Fashion Presentation hosted by the Atlanta Airport, I couldn't make it all up, if I tried. :)

2018 was also the year I experienced one of my biggest honors on my journey to date: being selected as a 2018 BHG Stylemaker by Better Homes and Gardens magazine!!! An honor indeed, by all accounts, with the coveted spots reserved for a select few on an annual basis, I couldn't have been more thrilled to have been recognized by such a renowned and exceptional publication--and to have been in the company of my fellow ah-mazing Stylemakers--for an unforgettable event in New York City! From the day I was notified and invited until the very last moment of the event, I was beyond thrilled. (I know I keep saying it: but dreams do come true!)

2019

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, my 2019 highlights represented what was truly another phenomenal year.  As you might have guessed :), there was more epic travel (I added my fourth continent via Thailand and more new countries, states and cities to my footprint, as well as launching my own travel boutique), to more exceptional collaborations, media campaigns and recognition, across food, fashion, travel and lifestyle, including New York Fashion Week-adjacent media coverage at the MAN/WOMAN A/W 19 show, another phenomenal hosted press trip in collaboration with Arkansas Tourism, and a dream (to me) media collaboration with a long beloved brand, ESSENCE, among notable others.  

As I mentioned in an earlier post, my highlights always included my blog posts during the year, that were always done in tandem with every other amazing experience and opportunity throughout the years.  They can all be found in my archives section here on the blog, so feel free to indulge!

That brings us to the year we'll all never forget: 2020--and the actual culmination of my 10th blog anniversary, or "blogiversary", this past August.  So in keeping with my annual highlights tradition, I will dedicate a post to my 2020 highlights in very near future to conclude this memory bank/digital celebration of sorts. :)

I thank you for being here and being interested, engaged, supportive, connected and encouraging throughout my journey.  It has made it sweeter and all the more fulfilling--and I look forward to sharing more as the year unfolds. 

I wish you the best (healthiest, happiest, most fulfilling) year yet on your personal journey.

Happy Living!

Dawn

{MAN/WOMAN} MAN Show Autumn/Winter 2019

I momentarily re-entered the world of my dreams during a recent jaunt to NYC.  The dreamland of which I speak was taking in the MAN Show AW19 Collections from MAN/WOMAN, held in New York from January 22-24, 2019.

Despite a full day in the office and freezing temperatures that beckoned anything but being a journalist about town, I would not be deterred from my date with fashion on the cusp of the now running New York Fashion Week (NYFW).

Arriving at Spring Studios was its own moment, taking me back to fond memories of my first NYFW coverage a few years ago during NYFW Spring/Summer 2016.  And the thrill only catapulted as I emerged from the elevator and walked into the collection of collections representing MAN's collective of designers hailing from around the world.

Proudly uniting the best-of-the-best in the global fashion community since its establishment in 2012, MAN/WOMAN has been dedicated to fostering an intimate community of fashion talents from around the globe - welcoming top tier brands, designers and press at their shows in New York, Paris and Tokyo.

It's likely no surprise that menswear is typically not my thing (for obvious reasons), however covering this designer collective was as engaging and arousing as any woman's collection, because ultimately, in the eye of a fashion lover, fashion and design are fashion and design.

With the Canadian designer of Viberg Boot

As I weaved in between racks of styled pieces and displays of everything from shoe wear, to leather accessories, I was enthralled with the rich display of colors, textures, fabric and style from the myriad designer collections represented. Highlighted brands included Fred Perry, Veja, Tanner Goods, Sperry and Oliver Spencer.

And menswear never looked as good, making for...

Happy Styling!

{In Case You Missed It}: 2020 Highlights

Against the backdrop of everything 2020 brought to bear (the good, the bad, and the downright ugly), I'm thankful for the highlights--the special, often everyday, moments that still allowed for a memorable year, despite a global pandemic and its fallout.  And so, without any further delay, (where did January go?!), I'm thrilled to continue my perennial tradition of highlights and to cap off my recent 10 year blogiversary installments. (Woot, woot!)

2020 started like most other years, for which I'm grateful, allowing me to indulge in some of the my favorite things all over again.  I kicked off the year with a trip to my forever favorite New York City, to indulge in the perfect trifecta of food, fashion and travel.  On the food front, my timing allowed for yet another indulgence in NYC Restaurant Week, where I took in both new (Wild Ink) and new to me (Butter) restaurants for phenomenal dining (for less).  

My stay also included another press invite to cover the A/W Man Woman Show again on the cusp of New York Fashion Week.  Designer interviews, coupled with innovative and classic collections spanning menswear, lifestyle and home goods, was a return to a space and collective design talent that was nothing short of exceptional.  

Finally, there was also my attendance at the New York Times Travel Show, where I soaked up industry knowledge and expertise from travel experts, media and tourism representatives, fellow consultants and more.  Although travel would be soon be impacted (and largely restricted) in unimaginable ways, the investment was well worth it--and my knowledge hangs in the ready for when the world restores to a healthier landscape.  

And with it all, I couldn't come to town without experiencing long-time favorites like Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park, along with new discoveries, like the fabulous Hudson Yards and The Vessel.  As it turned out, that would be the extent of my travel before the Covid-induced quarantine began a month or so later, so I'm truly thankful to have scored that trip and those memories just in time.

More excitement came with my continued collaboration with exceptional, fellow Black food bloggers for the fourth annual Black History Month Potluck and my Vegetarian Chili recipe (so good!), along with more food and hospitality media for local restaurants and hotels.

I was additionally honored to have my work featured in MyDomaine, sharing my Elderflower Lemonade Spritz.  And as quarantined life became the norm, hearing from many of you looking for cooking inspiration, I hosted my first Instagram Live Cooking Class and kicked off a star ingredient series, rounding-up recipes centered around a star ingredient that's typically on-hand in the pantry or freezer/refrigerator.

And as collaborations go, I was honored to participate in a Juneteenth Virtual Cookout with over 60 fellow Black food bloggers and creatives to celebrate the history and significance of this important (but often forgotten) part of American history.  Our virtual cookout was featured across several food and media outlets, including the Washington Post, Food52, the FeedFeed, Blavity, and many more, while resonating the emphatic message that Black lives and Black history matter.

Continuing that theme here on the blog included posts on effective allyship, to supporting Black-owned Atlanta restaurants, to drive much needed aid to those establishments disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

And because it became clear that "quarantine life" wasn't leaving anytime soon, I dedicated more content (blog and social media) to helping us continue to adjust and thrive in our quarantined lifestyle, including more travel, lifestyle, fitness, beauty, self care, and arts and culture posts and sharing, along with recipes and cooking inspiration for keeping things delicious while staying home and staying safe.

The holiday season was met with my guide for a stress-free Thanksgiving, including a series of social posts on everything from recipes, to advance prep, to making the best turkey, and more.

Finally, I paused to take in the 10 year run that crescendo-ed in August and recounted my journey from then until now in a series of posts, culminating with this one (albeit a bit beyond the 10th year). :)

Which brings me once again to the heartfelt, resounding sentiment of: thank you.  For every post you've read, comment you've shared, recipe you've tried, travel tip you've taken on, lifestyle inspiration you've garnered, platform you've joined me on, cooking class or pop-up shop you've attended, collaboration you've extended, and just simply being here year after year, I extend a million thanks!

Although I was excited to live out my passions here and beyond, it is absolutely the people I share this with (known and unknown) that make it worthwhile and keep me coming back again and again. At the root of my love for it all, has always been my love of sharing it with those who are along for the ride. I'm truly thankful for the blessings that make this journey so rich and rewarding.

I'm praying this new year is a blessed, healthy and prosperous year for you and those you love.  Let's stay connected through it all and keep cheering each other on. The best is yet to come!

XO,

Dawn

P.S. See more of my 2020 highlights here!

D.M.R. Fine Foods, The Blog, Celebrates 10 Years (Pt. 2)

I'm excited to be back sharing more of the highlights and experiences that have made my D.M.R. Fine Foods blogging journey truly rewarding to date.  And I trust that the best is yet to come!  

In this installment, we're going down memory lane for the years of 2013-2015, and believe me when I tell you that they were some of the most progressive and thrilling years, following the amazing-ness of the early years.  So without further ado, let's keep this party train rolling!

2013

2013 highlights brought on the likes of amazing collaborations, including being a founding member of Popsugar Food Select which would segue into the publishing of five of my original recipes on the Popsugar platform and inclusion in additional round-ups, being acknowledged as Blogger of the Week among the cadre of fellow talented bloggers, and sponsored/ambassador campaigns for the Popsugar Must Have Box in the years to follow.  

My collaborations continued as a contributing blogger with the Travelista TV brand, expanding my reach for sharing my travel passion, tips and savvy with fellow travelistas far and wide.  Annnd, I saw another dream come true, as I embarked on my first (of several fully-sponsored/hosted) press trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  Furthering my voice as a travel journalist and working with tourism authorities, all while taking in the best of a destination, couldn't have been more thrilling and fueling to keep indulging my passions with wild abandon.

2014

And then there was 2014!!! With momentum from the previous years flowing nicely, 2014 highlights brought even more awe-inspiring experiences.  I caught the bug for teaching culinary skills and techniques, while making food a fun and delicious endeavor, during my William-Sonoma days and in 2014 ultimately parlayed that into the realization of  my very own cooking school. (Can you say, dream fulfilled?!). As the pop-up concept was starting to catch on, and with a full-time corporate career in tow, I decided on a pop-up concept that would launch in the Spring of 2014 to raving success.  You can take in more of the amazing highlights from my Techniques and Tastings (TM) Pop Up Cooking School--and stay tuned for future offerings from this well-beloved DMRFF offering.

And if my cooking school wasn't enough, I added another pop up concept, in the way of my Holiday Pop Up Shop, to the mix with our initial launch in December of 2014.  My love of sharing my food with the "masses" beyond the world of media and bespoke cooking classes, was realized in this one-day format where I brought forth many of the recipes that had become customer favorites from my Holiday Sweets and Treats Menu catering days.  Again, I say, stay tuned for more on this front!

I also continued furthering my media and collaboration footprint covering events like the Taste of Atlanta Food Festival, restaurant reviews, being a contributing writer to the Travel Noire platform and crowning the year with another epic, hosted press trip and tourism collaboration to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands!

2015

The hits just kept on coming with my 2015 highlights!  

I experienced more epic travel forays to new destinations (like Argentina and Uruguay) and repeat favorites (hello Paris and London and NYC), and more, to satisfy my travel passion. 

Back on the media/collaboration front, my footprint expanded to more festivals, including the highly regarded Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, along with more restaurant and food industry event reviews, including Restaurant Week indulgences and more.  I was also honored to have my first of four recipes, to date, published on the FeedFeed!

There was also the matter of having the James Beard Foundation give a nod to my food, accompanied by an award of dinner for two at the James Beard House!!!!! It still remains one of the most special memories in my journey to date--and a night I'll always remember. 

My byline credits expanded to include a lifestyle piece in the June 2015 issue of Upscale Magazine; another honor, indeed.  

And then there was yet another dream come true, as I received my first media invitation to cover the Daniel Silverstain SS16 New York Fashion Week collection (eeek!!!). To know me is to know my life-long (as in adolescent years forward) passion for fashion and my dream of attending fashion week someday.  

And to be clear, all of these highlights were in parallel with blogging my heart out here and staying connected through my social media channels. From 2010 until now, that has always been the format.

So much amazing-ness, so many memories, so much more goodness still to share.  I keep pinching myself and thanking God for all the richness this journey has served (and continues to add) to my life and expression as a creative.  Thank you for being here and for allowing me to share many of the good things that continue to make it worthwhile.  Stay tuned for more in the days ahead. :)

Happy Holidays!

Dawn

{Be Inspired!}: Simple Pleasures

Photo Credit: The New York Times

I'll admit that I love the grand, OMG, wow moments that punctuate our lives.  But the reality is that those punctuation points are intermixed with the more tempered--and more frequent--normalcy of our everyday lives and routines.  Routine isn't a bad thing, however--especially when sprinkled (or showered) with simple pleasures. 

If you've never thought of simplicity and pleasure as likely bedfellows, I assure you they are.  A favorite song.  A talk with a good friend.  A thought-provoking read.  A motivating quote.  Fresh flowers.  An unforgettable meal.  A great dress or shoe sale. :)  A lingering sunset.  The list becomes virtually endless when I take the time to pause and reflect and embrace the joy of everyday living. 

So today's inspiration is all about sharing a few of the simple, but nonetheless special, pleasures that brought laughter, satiation, and the joie de vivre to my life this week.  

A new recipe for my weeknight repertoire --  I discovered a "fried" chicken like dish that came together on a sheet pan in my oven.  The results? Delicious crispy-skinned, moist chicken legs that are still as good the next day (without the added cleanup or calories of its fried counterpart.)   See the easy recipe, courtesy of New York Times, here.

Farm-to-table meets the runway at Paris Fashion Week -- It sounds strange, I know.  And it is.  Except that we're talking jokes and fun and the quirky approach Valentino lended to its Autumn-Winter '15 runway show this week.  I love fashion--and intermixed with a bit of Zoolander humor brought a welcomed laugh.  Lighten up with this fun video parody.  

Photo Credit: Fashonista.com

   
A birthday party for me! -- So, Anthropologie just happens to be one of my favorite stores for everything from home and kitchen decor, to clothing, jewelry and more; we go way back.  And I received a sweet surprise from them this week: an invitation to a birthday party for me (not a private party, but a party all the same!--a spring fashion show, sips and snacks, etc.).  So a little shopping and celebrating are in order for this March birthday girl.  


What are some of the simple pleasures that brighten your days?

May we all embrace more of them...along with Happy, Inspired Living!

Marcell Von Berlin - Fall Winter 2021 Ready-to-Wear Collection

Fashion remains one of the greatest 'loves' and sheer pleasures of my existence--and excites me in ways that make me giddy and enthralled all at once.  Such was the reaction to my introduction to designer label, MARCELL VON BERLIN.

Founded in 2012 with ready-to-wear collections for men and women, the label stands for progressive looks, reflected through powerful silhouettes and unique statement prints.  Based in Berlin, the label embodies electric energy and urban charm with a street-style emphasis.  But ready-to-wear isn't all the label offers. Designer Marcell Pustul is a visionary who also creates custom made couture pieces.  The result? Both lines offer impeccable craftsmanship and the highest quality materials. 

 

Since its relaunch in 2018, the brand has expanded nationally and internationally, making its New York Fashion Week debut recently. On February 18th, the designer released his Fall Winter 2021 Ready-to-Wear collection titled “Fashion Remains.”

“Fashion Remains” is a reflection of Marcell's experience in Los Angeles during the pandemic. The FW21 collection expresses strong optimism towards the new normal. The message of the collection is in this strange new world lies the belief in the strength of fashion and its yearning for return.

 

Shooting on ruined building on the rough cliffs of Malibu evokes standstill, as if the entire world is holding its breath (“the new normal”). The collection moves in this ambivalent, intangible realm - a realm between something rooted in our world as we once knew it, and yet completely different. 

Watch the stunning digital NYFW show here and prepare to experience some of my aforementioned giddiness, too.

Happy Styling!

Photo Credits: MARCELL VON BERLIN, F/W 2021

MARCELL VON BERLIN collaborated with Fashion Director/ Stylist Nicola Formichetti. 

 

 

 

Postcard from New York City: Summertime Indulgence

 It recently dawned on me in a more obvious way that Summer usually finds me in New York City.  Although I didn't purposefully intend it this way,  it's become a staple in my Summer travels--and there's no denying that I relish every minute of it.  In fact, beyond a brisk Fall dalliance, I've never come close to encountering those notorious winter chills that NYC is known for.  I'm not opposed to braving it though--for the gorgeously adorned holiday windows, a twirl around Rockefeller Center's ice rink (maybe, maybe not), and the chance to bundle up to a degree I've rarely had to do living in the South.  Still, I'll resign that Summer in the city agrees with me.

It's no secret to most that I adore the place and never get enough of the essence that is New York City.   Pulse. Energy. Action. People. And more People. Food. Fashion. Art. Music. Culture. Diversity. And one day, I'm counting on a pied-a-terre of my very own. 

A mixture of discovering new things and places that drew me in and revisiting certain favorites during my latest jaunt made for another collection of memories that I'll cherish.  Travel remains one of the purest joys of my existence, and I can't imagine not having a big, beautiful (yet gritty), imperfectly perfect 'cocoon' of sorts that suits all my fancies to escape to and relish.  Summer in NYC is a love affair I never want to end.  Below are a few highlights from my getaway.

An Afternoon In Bryant Park

Just Hanging Around -- My Digs at the Royalton Hotel

A Bit of Glitz and Glam at Baccarat Hotel

A Taste of Italy via New York Restaurant Week

Baking Birthday Cake at Milk Bar!

Good Eats from Bryant Park to Grand Central Station and Beyond

Taking It All In ~  Inside St. Patrick's Cathedral, The High Line, Jazz in Harlem, Art, Garden Concerts, and More, with Really Special People Intermixed

 Until Next Time...

Happy Travels!

{In Case You Missed It}: 2015 Highlights

As I approach the end of another year (five years and running now for the blog), it has become clearer to me than ever that the love and sweat poured into D.M.R. Fine Foods is worth every ounce of effort.  Sharing my passions with you here and beyond, and getting to experience them in newer and more exciting ways during this past year, has made 2015 nothing short of phenomenal.  While you're always welcome (and encouraged) to devour the archives, I want to encapsulate the highlights that set 2015 apart for D.M.R. Fine Foods--and have us raring to go for an even greater 2016!

FOOD
Where to start? There was no shortage of great recipes that made for a delicious year from start to finish.  Favorites included Rustic Strawberry Jam Crostini, Chilled Red Pepper Soup, Strawberry-Basil Sorbet, Buffalo Hot Wings, Crispy Flatbread Pizza, Raspberry-Ricotta Cake and so much more! Visit our recipes page to see them all.

Beyond my own cooking and baking forays, were equally delicious restaurant tastings and brand openings, food festivals, including the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival and perennial Taste of Atlanta Festival.  Not to mention the thrill of my award of dinner for two at the Beard House in NYC from the James Beard Foundation and a share of this post on their Instagram feed. Swoon!

And last, but certainly not least, was the continuation of my beloved Pop-Up Cooking School and Holiday Pop-Up Shop.  

TRAVEL
I started the year with an enviable travel bucket list that combined long-standing favorites with new, yet to be seen, territory.  I'm elated to share that I made every place on the list (with an extra or two along the way)--with the exception of one due to a last minute downturn in weather.  You'll have to stick around in 2016 to learn which one that is because I won't let it get by me next year.   

What could be dreamier than starting my year in travel in Paris and London for a winter holiday?  It was followed by weekend getaways, R&R beach escapes, NYC, and finally Argentina and Uruguay.  Laden with beauty, great food, amazing people and cultures, adventure, shopping, art and more, as travel goes, it was phenomenal on all counts. I'll be sharing more in upcoming travel postcards, so wait to be inspired.

FASHION
A passion of mine since seemingly forever (just ask my mom), I loved bringing more of myself to the blog on this front.  From beach style, to Labor Day garb, to New York Fashion Week(!!!), 2015 served up some truly memorable moments in fashion.

LIFESTYLE INSPIRATION
From interiors to dining alfresco to makeup and beauty to simple pleasures, there was no shortage of lifestyle inspiration in 2015.    

MEDIA COLLABORATIONS
Beyond the festivals, restaurants, businesses and brands I was fortunate to work with this year, my collaborations as a contributing writer with Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine's For the Love of Food column and as a PopSugar Select Food member continued in full force.  I was also proud to add UPSCALE Magazine to the list as a contributor to their annual Luxury Hotel and Spa Guide in the June 2015 issue.

The biggest thrill of them all remains connecting with my readers, supporters and patrons through the blog, events, social media and beyond.  Thank you for the support and enthusiasm that makes it doubly fulfilling.  I hope you enjoyed all we had to share in 2015 and stay plugged in as the New Year unfolds.  (**Check out this quick video collage of some of the year's favorite moments.) 
 
Here's to the happiest of New Years--and may it be our best one yet!

Xx,
Dawn