A TRUE AMERICAN HOLIDAY | MAUI

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

By now, you have probably noticed my travel go-to look is a messy low bun, wide leg pants, and bold earrings. It’s always elegant, and it just works perfectly in this balmy weather. This summer was jam packed with trips to extraordinarily beautiful places, but Maui certainly stood out to me. Maybe it was because Mom and Dad got to join us on the island after our work trip. Dylana and I can barely remember a past family vacation. When you travel as much as we do, our normal vacation consists of going back to our Los Angeles home for Christmas to avoid the NYC snow. It was as easy as that. Fly to LA, sit on the front porch, and just soak in the winter sun, avoiding East Coast winters at all cost. This family trip was a lot different. It was super exciting to hop on the plane and once again, travel with our parents as adults. They seem a lot more like my best friends than anything else.

All I can remember from past family vacations are road trips. We’re Californians…we love to get in the car and drive. The West Coast really does have amazing things to explore from the mountains, to desert, to the sea. Vegas. Lake Tahoe. Reno. San Francisco. Big Sur. San Diego. Santa Barbara. We’ve done it all. We pack our car with snacks and good books, and hit the road. There would always be someone snoring in the car. But with every road trip, it’s never really felt far from home as a kid. On the other side of the spectrum, we had our long vacations. I’m talking about 5-week family trips and 24 hours by plane, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia…a place I revisited back in October that also feels close to home since it holds so much of my Chinese culture and family history. But yes, as a child, Hawaii met us somewhere in the middle. Far, yet not-too-far away. Beach. Paradise. Resorts. Swimming. Hiking. Exploring. With family, it doesn’t matter where you are or what you’re doing. The important thing is just being together. And now, I value that time so much more as an adult. You suddenly miss having family time while you’re caught up in your own world. I think now, more than ever, I’m closer to my parents. How funny is that? Now, Hawaiian luau’s and lei’s will always remind me of a classic American family holiday.