THE BERET AT GYONGBOKGUNG PALACE

Natalie Lim Suarez

Modeling since the age of 15, Natalie Lim Suarez has been a notable figure in the fashion industry for years. Based in NYC, she is 1/2 Chinese, 1/4 Spanish, and 1/4 Mexican. With her passion for photography, creative direction, design, music, writing, modeling, and style, NATALIE OFF DUTY was born. Completely inspired by the "model off duty" on-the-go lifestyle. Sharing her stories, inspirations, and projects through her own photography and writing. Already noted for her winning fans in Harper's Bazaar UK, featured editorials in ELLE, and WWD for her "Good Taste." Along with campaigns and ambassadorships to top fashion and beauty brands from around the world. Some including COACH, DKNY, L'oreal Paris, Saks 5th Avenue, Sunglass Hut, Levis, and Nordstrom. Her eclectic, unique style has launched many successful design collaborations sold in top retailers around the world. Next to fashion, Natalie's other passion is music. Singing along with piano/guitar continue to pop up in her upcoming fashion campaigns.

Represented by FENTON MODELS.

contact: natalieoffduty@gmail.com

Korean fashion definitely has that French influence. Funny that I already had this vintage beret packed. But it wasn’t long until I realized I needed another for my hat collection and made a quick stop at a hat shop to find that perfect souvenier.

After an early morning of shows at Seoul Fashion Week, we were on a mission to discover a taste of Korea’s history. We headed to Gyeongbokgun Palace, one of the most beautiful palaces of the “Five Grand Palaces.” It’s crazy that this beauty was built Joseon dynasty…back in the 14th century! Talk about taking a step back in time. I fell in love with it’s pastel pink walls, and exotic Korean designs painted on it’s roofs. With all 7,700 rooms, it’s pretty unreal. We were greeted by the palace guards, in traditional outfits. They stood so still…I was almost positive they were mannequins until I stepped right up close and saw a blink. They were real. Marching through the entrance of the palace after a ring of the bell. Swinging their swords. The rich blues and reds and teals of their traditional dress shimmering under the sun. Tourists from all over the world couldn’t put down their cell phones and selfie sticks. It was amazing capturing a moment filled with so much history and color.

As the sun started to set, we walked alongside the side of the palace to the back streets of Insadong, an older part of Seoul filled with Korea’s charming traditional homes. The streets were lined with adorable little shops, art, and of course food. It was exactly the place to pick up some fun gifts for your pals back home. Ashley picking up a cheeky pair of furry toes sneakers, as Dylana and I prowled the streets up and down for the perfect bowl of bulgogi (a not so simple, simple bowl of rice topped with perfectly grilled thin beef). I still salivate thinking of it. With so much time for our feets, it was about time us explorers just needed that cold Cass beer to knock us out in preps for a new day in this foreign land.

// Topshop turtleneck, AGAIN silk dress, Gucci bamboo tote, Vintage beret, Luiny rings//

TAGS: Korea, Seoul, Seoul Fashion Week, South Korea, travel

22 Responses to THE BERET AT GYONGBOKGUNG PALACE

Patricia says: Sunday, November 15, 2015 at 5:06 PM

I fall in love with your amazing look and the Korean pics!
xoxo
http://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/donkeycool-4487669/

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Auna says: Sunday, November 15, 2015 at 5:06 PM

So cool, love to see other cultures influence on fashion. Thanks for sharing.

xx Auna | http://simplyauna.com

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Natali says: Sunday, November 15, 2015 at 5:08 PM

Seriously, I’m addicted to your blog and seeing the world through your and your sister’s eyes! Beautiful photos!

http://lartoffashion.com

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Iliana says: Sunday, November 15, 2015 at 5:32 PM

Great!

http://theragdolls.blogspot.gr/

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Ashlee says: Sunday, November 15, 2015 at 6:12 PM

You and your sisters looks are killer! Where is your phone case from!?

http://www.tusksandtails.com

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Nau says: Sunday, November 15, 2015 at 7:02 PM

I love Insadong! ^_^ When I visited Korea in 2014 I stayed a short walk away from Insadong~

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camille says: Sunday, November 15, 2015 at 8:57 PM

These pictures are absolutely gorgeous
Xoxo
http://fashionbackyard.blogspot.fr

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laurie manson says: Sunday, November 15, 2015 at 11:51 PM

Tanks for sharing even your travelling plus of course we love to see what you wear too and how you style it.

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aurora says: Sunday, November 15, 2015 at 11:52 PM

Heard so much about korea and you really make me want to arrange a travel there next summer for sure and maybe to Hong Kong and Japan.

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SAUL says: Monday, November 16, 2015 at 12:08 AM

Love the black and yellow combo

Have a look at our new collection: http://www.shopsaul.com/collections/f-w-15-products

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Audrey says: Monday, November 16, 2015 at 2:54 AM

I totally see that this look was inspired by a runway look in SFW earlier on! I love it! Natalie, you really inspire in me a passion for travel, I love your carefree attitude when it comes to exploring new places. And really Korea, is amazing beyond words.

Velveteencockroach

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