(Dylana’s bikini, Hallelu kimono, Junim necklaces, PinkLola bracelets, The 2 Bandits cuff)

All of chilly November I’ve been traveling to different countries for work. And luckily, to all very beautiful and warm places! This time? I was just in Barbados shooting the Nicole Miller S/S ’13 campaign, and though we were so busy on location, I did get one moment before my flight back to NYC to hit the beach! I still feel like I’m on island time. I haven’t even had time yet to unpack from Morocco! Still my room has tie-dyed dresses, bikinis, and denim shorts thrown here and there. But I love island living…the slow pace and driving through small winding roads by the lush. Barbados is just so so beautiful. Our house was called The Monkeys..and believe me, I was right there running after monkeys all over the place! They’d surprise me in the trees, everywhere! Late at night in my cottage, I could even hear all the little creatures just outside my door! Anyways, there really is nothing like the clear, blue water of the Caribbean. I dived right in. Lauren, our photographer for the shoot, jumped right in with me. We threw on our goggles and went swimming with the giant sea turtles. They were so beautiful…and came so close! Barbados, I miss you and your warm sun already.

(Vintage dress, Muubaa leather jacket, “Natalie + Dylana Suarez x Modern Vice” JETT boots, The 2 Bandits cuffs)

I shacked up at the gorgeous La Sultana, right on the lagoon of Oualidia in Morocco. It really is magical. There’s only 11 rooms, each is different, and each feels like a real home. Wooden doors, actual keys, and adorable little backyard patios overlooking the lush. We arrived as it was just about to rain and so spent the night cozying up by the fireplace until the slight storm passed. Even with the craziness and unexpected weather, I did get plenty of time to explore! From running down the long row of trees to the front gate like a little kid, to getting lost underground in the corridors. The staircases are lit by the mosaic lanterns and stones from the town cover the walls. I even escaped for a Moroccan massage and was left slathered in vanilla oils. It made me fall asleep like a baby. Honestly, this place makes you feel like a princess. I couldn’t find a better way to play pretend in this mystical land than in this long vintage dress. I thrifted it in the city for 5 bucks and though washing it turned my sink green, it’s one of those pieces that I’ll keep forever and ever. I just always wonder what kind of girl had it before me, and what adventures she took with it.

(SUNCHILD printed skirt, Vintage camo jacket and hat, Stylestalker tee, Thrifted Moroccan bag, The 2 Bandits cuffs and rings)

Before I get more into our Oualidia adventures at our villa, I want to take you a few steps back into Casablanca. The city is full of hidden gems. And you kind of have to go off the beaten path to find them. Here, at what looked like an old adobe house, was actually a quaint little restaurant once you headed back through the alleys. Little wooden stools, low tables, and an open roof. I can’t get enough of the pastel walls and bold colored doors! I knew just what to pack to go with Morocco’s love for color: a little navajo print skirt, oversize camo jacket, and of course, I had a little Moroccan love with me everywhere I went, with this thrifted bag I picked up at the market. Right now, I’m back in the NYC chill and I’ve alrady traded in my colorful pieces for dark heavy knits, but it’s only until Sunday, and then I’m off to another warm, beachy climate for work. Bring on the minidresses, sunhats, and passports!

(Muubaa quilted leather jacket, boyfriend’s tee (All Saints), Vanessa Mooney necklaces, Converse beanie,  Thrifted bag, “Natalie + Dylana Suarez x Modern Vice” Benni boots, James Jeans “Twiggy” skinny jeans// 25%off with code good till end of month: JJ017)

The sun this time around in Oaulidia goes down super early. And we got that chilly breeze from the sea. I went back to my room and changed out of my dress into a beanie, a leather jacket, and of course one of my favorite pair of James Jeans, before heading back out for our boat ride in the lagoon! I live in their dark denim…and of course, I support anything that’s handmade in the USA. I do wish I had my wellies with me for the trip! I tip-toed in my cheetah Benni boots to the water, clutching onto our guide so that I didn’t get wet! Once we did take off, it was amazing! My hat was pulled down almost over my eyes in the wind, and I was mesmerized by the lagoon’s beauty. From seeing the royal ruins on the side of the water to views of the green lush on one side, and the perfect sand on the other. It’s crazy how Morocco has a little bit of everything in one place. The desert, and the sea. The little boats anchored in the middle of the lagoon looked like they were out of a movie, perfectly spread out. I dream of that boat ride. It was too beautiful to forget.