(Tailor & Stylist sweater (free shipping/10% off with code: Natalie10), Goldsign high wasisted “virtual” jeans, Urban coat, M. Hulot handbag, The 2 Bandits jewelry, Warby Parker “everett” sunglasses, Lucky Brand hat, Swedish Habeens “heart” sandals)

I was just heading back to the city from our upstate New York getaway, and honestly, I wanted nothing more than to curl up in the backseat of our car, munch on the chocolate we picked up in New Paltz, and catch some sleep in a good denim jean and striped sweater…my two go-to’s for any travel destination. There are some mornings that I just want to be as simple as ever. No fringe, no crazy layers (all things I’m extremely, extremely fond of.) I always think “ok, a striped sweater, and I can be done with it.” I realized all I had was an old tattered striped sweater I picked up at a Paris thrift shop late last year. I wore it to the bone, as I do with any striped top. I still refuse to throw it away. Luckily, I’m beginning to stock up. This Tailor & Stylist classic is one to always throw in the ol’ suitcase! A super cute shop started by a tailor and his stylist wife. Talk about adorable. I’m all for cute designer couples. Paired with the best little leopard hat known to man, my older sister’s coat (yes, I refuse to give it back), and a girly clog sandal, it’s another look my friends call 80’s Berlin. I love the simple things to bring us into Spring! Happy Monday!

(AGAIN lace dress, Cheap Monday sweater (similar here), Modern Vice “rebel yell” denim jacket, HUNTER boots (original), Jenny Bird netted handbag, The 2 Bandits cuffs, Ax + Apple spike ring, Karen London jewerly, Vanessa Mooney necklace)

Did I ever mention that Nolita has been my life lately? Walking it’s quaint streets calm my mind after a long day’s work. It’s always where I meet my friends. It’s where I grab my boyfriend’s hand and lead him to whenever we leave the apartment. I never really realized how much I love this little nook of Manhattan. There’s still that grunge, authentic NYC edge to it. The restaurants and shops are teeny tiny but hold the most beautiful treasures. I feel lucky to live only steps away. These were snapped in Nolita with my sister and boyfriend. We were walking the streets long before most of lower Manhattan was even awake. I’m always the one up early, brewing the coffee, opening the windows, and begging everyone to get up. I’m restless in a really weird way. I like to sleep, but I love starting my days early. This morning we were headed to Cafe Habana. It being the first time going to this Cuban corner joint, I was happily skipping over puddles from the last night’s rain. The morning dew felt refreshing in the empty streets as I made my way down Elizabeth in nothing but wellies, and what may be one of my favorite little lace dresses. One step up from lingerie, it daringly flaunted a little beige slip. I love bare legs, rain boots, and something a bit unexpected on the top. I always ask my boyfriend before I leave the house, “is this just too weird?” Luckily, he’s always on my side and normally likes what I’ve thrown on. But really, weekends are when I don’t have to get dressed for anyone. Just myself.

Nicole Miller Summer ’13 shot by Lauren Teslia in Barbados

And it’s finally here! My Nicole Miller Summer ’13 campaign, shot in Barbados!! Shooting on location is like a dream…especially when you get to shoot in the warm tropics of Barbados right smack in the middle of the NYC winter. And everything was so full of color, brightening and warming my heart. The green lush, the bright blue waters, the collection. I fell in love with the beautfiul form-fitted dresses, hugging in all the right places. Perfect to pick flowers in. I could easily blend in with the palm trees…the bold leaves taken from this gorgeous place were planted directly on my dress like a work of art. Then there’s the little beach cover-ups and lightweight rompers. I fell in love. This was one adventurer’s dream shoot. In between takes, we’d take breaks on the back patio of The Monkey house (yes, there were monkeys at our house!) or end the day taking dips in the pool during sunset. I could lie back and stare up at the sky all day. Barbados is such a beautiful island… quiet, and just so full of relaxation. I could spend hours in the go-carts just trying to get a monkey to come to me…or by the water, digging my toes into the sand. And I finally got to swim with the giant sea turtles. Talk about liberating. Arriving on the island from the airport, beer in hand, music blasting, it’s a trip I’ll always remember! Everything from discovering old boats in the sand, to peeking into old, brightly colored desolate buildings. This island is so full of colors so rich, and everyone’s on a slower, calmer pace. Our campaign shoot just being a postcard of a place I’ll never forget.