Monthly Archives: March 2017

24 hours in the perfect slip dress by SPLENDID

Style

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When I go to grab a dress, day or night, it’s a complete no-brainer to go for a simple slip dress. It shows just enough skin to be sexy for night but is also the perfect layering piece for day. I love wearing pieces that are transitional. Day to night. Winter to spring. I grew up with Splendid as a California native. I love easy, breezy cottons. I love beautiful neutral colors. Laid back to perfection. I love anything that can be worn and used in multiple ways. The slip dress is definitely my thing. You can’t find anything more flattering. I took my new olive slip dress for a crazy long day in the city. For my lunch meeting, I let a bit of my eccentric personality show in my look. A silky button down under my dress. Topped off with an extra long wool coat and my favorite retro sunglasses. When I’m working with classic shapes, I let my colors and textures go wild! I had a few moments to stop back at my home in Dumbo, Brooklyn to change for a quick cocktail hour pre-NYFW. It seems everyone who I work with is in and out of NYC all of the time. Meet-ups for me happen on the regular! There are too many people to see and catch up with. I had about 30 minutes to change, get ready, and add a little more twist to my hair. I simply wore the dress alone and added in a bold scarf, and feathered jacket. Voila. 24 hours in the perfect slip dress by Splendid.

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// Splendid slip dress //

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Saturday, March 18, 2017
  19 Comments

SEE YOU AT THE CAFE BUSTELO TENT | SXSW

Style, Travel

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Only one more week until I’m off to the SXSW music festival in Austin, Texas. Austin does music unlike anywhere else! The energy is wild, the music is wild, and of course, so is my wardrobe. I’m already mentally packing my suitcase. Dylana and I will be there to support Cafe Bustelo, who is one of the sponsors of the Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake from March 16-18th. This stage is one of the biggest stages at SXSW.

Cafe Bustelo activation hours:

Thursday: 4-10pm

Friday: 4-10pm

Saturday: 11am-7pm

For access to this stage, you just have to sign-up for a wrist band HERE.

We will be at the Cafe Bustelo tent on the Friday, the 17th, at 4pm. We’re so excited! Come by anytime from the 16-18th at the above times to get the full Cafe Bustelo experience. We’re talking charging stations, free Cafe Bustelo samples, a photo booth, and a ton of fun games and giveaways. The Cafe Bustelo tent will be the ultimate place to take a breather between shows and have some fun with friends. I can’t wait to give you live coverage on my social channels from the festival. Austin is incredible in that everywhere you turn, there’s live music. There’s always a beat to dance to. The city becomes one big hang out session, with one thing in common: a love for live music. Next to the music, comes an incredible food and bar scene. I can’t wait to walk you through the parks of food trucks…they’re incredible.

With every music festival, I have way too much fun with my looks. I’m actually really inspired by the Cafe Bustelo colors of red and yellow. Maybe a red suede bag? Maybe my favorite yellow silk blouse! Boots are a total must in Texas. I say a studded, harnessed, suede paired boot will do the trick, paired with something more delicate like beautiful pink sunglasses and a little sun dress. And it’s Texas, so I always pack my leather cowboy hat. Remember, SXSW is a lot more laid back than any other festival. Therefore, I live in denim and bold colors and prints. Easy and eclectic. And yes, I threw in some Cafe Bustelo packets in my suitcase because Dylana and I are going to have super early morning and late nights which means having that afternoon cup of Joe is necessary before a night at the stages. Now who is ready to hear some music?

Thank you Cafe Bustelo for partnering with me on this post.

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Thursday, March 16, 2017
  16 Comments

TOP 5 MOST FLATTERING BIKINIS TO TRY NOW

Style, Travel

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You won’t believe how many bikinis I have tried and tested throughout my years here on NATALIE OFF DUTY and with just modeling alone. Over a decade of super fashionable and chic bikinis have been taken all over the world, but only a few that have held the test of time on countless white sandy beaches with their design. Here are a few that have worked so well for my body, and the various shapes and sizes of my friends. For my boyish body, I try to give myself as much curves as possible. This Vitamin A “neutra” swimsuit I sported in Mayakoba, Mexico has the most unbelievable fit, with still just enough coverage. It’s one of those swimmys to get in every single color, it’s that good. So here are some that could work for everyone who needs a little fun in the sun:

1. Vitamin A: Known for their super classic cuts in beautiful colors. The quality of their swimsuits are amazing, and their designs are timeless. Very Amalfi Coast.

2. Solid & Striped: I love their retro vibe…and of course, killer stripes in gorgeous color schemes. Their one-pieces work best with a simple pair of denim shorts. Beach ensemble complete.

3. Suboo: If you want something unique and stand-out, with great sheers, or ruffles, or cut-outs, Suboo is your swimmy.

4. Mikoh: If you want to go really cheeky…and I mean, literally. Known for their tiny, but beautiful hipsters. It has a super surfy vibe with a sexy, chic twist. They do Hawaiian prints perfectly.

5. She Made Me: crochet, crochet, crochet! She Made Me is handmade. Every single piece seems to feel different, but it’s their neutral soft color palettes that are romantic.

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// Vitamin A swimsuit, Shashi NYC bracelet, NARS velvet matte lip pencil in Pop Life //

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Wednesday, March 15, 2017
  17 Comments

TOP BACKSTAGE BEAUTY LOOKS TO RECREATE NOW

Beauty, Style

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It’s backstage at the shows, and when I’m getting my makeup done by the professionals that I get most inspired. Inspired to dig my own hands in the beauty department and experiment with some of the absolute best products out there. Shimmer. Purples. Pinks. Redish black eyeliners, that I didn’t even know existed. All things that shouldn’t be so scary to play with. For my first day of shows, I wanted something super rock n’ roll. I asked my makeup artist, “hmm, what would look incredible with a full sequined blue pant suit?” A sexy, dark eye of course! Done. Of course I arrived backstage at Alexander Wang just moments before show time, but easily revamped my look in the chair within 5 minutes. A super easy shimmered shadow and velvet matte bold lip. Sure it sounds simple enough, but swoon-worthy makeup starts with amazing, quality products. Here, I worked with NARS in mastering stunning, statement looks during fashion week.

Look #1: Easiest way to bring out the colors in your eyes? Black kohl liner. NARS to be specific. Smudged to perfection. It’s fantastic for us green eyed girls. Keep the rest clean and fresh, with a swipe of pale pink lip gloss. Gloss always does the trick when completing a sexy eye look. Oh, and don’t forget to go crazy with the mascara. You’re allowed to here!

*Makeup by Jenny Atwood Smith at NARS*

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Look #2: A pale shadow with a really bold lip. I am in love with NARS’s velvet lip matte lip pencils. This one is in “Pussy Control.” It’s a gorgeous deep plum. It’s seriously all you need with a bare face. But if you do want a little something-something on your lids, do a little liner on your top lids with a swipe of pale pink eyeshadow. Done and done.

*Makeup by Niko Lopez at NARS*

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Tuesday, March 14, 2017
  23 Comments