(Joie cardigan, Stylestalker tee, 5 preview leather skirt, Liebeskind Berlin bag, Wanted shoes, Alimonada spike necklace)

I am slowly moving into my new apartment and things have been a little crazy! It’s not fully furnished yet at all…I have my bed all set, but I’ve still got piles and piles of clothes lying around the apartment. It really looks like a hurricane blew right through it! The back room of my apartment is still a total mess and has become just one huge pile of lost treasures. It makes for an excellent way to get dressed every morning…simply plucking something from the pile and throwing it on before heading out the door. I just remembered I had these two killer pieces: a knitted Joie cardigan and 5 Preview leather skirt. The cardigan is something I’d find my grandma in, while the pleated leather skirt reminds me of the little grade school me. Together, I think they make the perfect ensemble. I’m pretty happy to be moving, playing around with older pieces in my wardrobe, and eventually cleaning the whole darn thing out. It’s kind of a fresh new start. Let’s see what else I come across in this madness!

Just a few days ago I finally found the perfect apartment here in NYC and already, my life is going through a lot of changes…for the better of course! I cannot wait to give you a glimpse into my new place! It’s so crazy, after coming to New York and not knowing anyone at first, this city, of all places, has slowly become the center of my life! There are still many little corners of the world that I can still happily call my home though. After bouncing from city to city, it feels nice to have this one place that I can call my own. Decorating is going to be the fun part! Even with settling down, I think I’m still very much the gypsy! It’s no wonder I gravitate towards loose layers and long, oversize skirts. Right now, I’m in love with these two pieces by Chan Luu. The body chain, with the dangling jewels, is probably one of my favorite pieces in my entire closet. It looks so pretty hanging as well…I could look at it all day! The skirt, another personal favorite of mine, just makes me want to go dancing. I will for sure be packing these babies next month for my Coachella escapade. Forever there will be a little gypsy in me.

All of my readers will get the chance to design a dress especially for me, with the possibility of it being sold in the Fashiolista pop-up sale! How cool is that?

To enter simply:

1. Register on Fashiolista here if you haven’t already

2. Design a dress for me at United Styles

3. Add your design to Fashiolista by clicking the “heart.” Make sure to tag the dress with ‘United Styles’ and ‘Dress Design for Natalie Off Duty’ to be entered!

– Now collect as many loves for your design on Fashiolista as possible, by sharing it with your friends, followers and other style lovers! Get creative!

On April 5th, I will choose my one favorite dress out of the 5 dresses with the most loves. The winning dress will be actually made, and sold in the Fashiolista pop-up sale here. As well will the winner receive the dress for free!

To see all the entries, go to the official contest page!

Good luck everyone! Can’t wait to see what you guys come up with!

(via Volcomunity)

“Take a look at some snapshots taken down in the subway, and everywhere in between in NYC. All shot by my awesome friend Ariana of www.55-th-street.com. She’s got the travel bug, and texted me saying “I have to, have to shoot you again, before I head to Brazil!” And of course, I agreed. Though we were both super busy, we met up at Grand Central to snap up these photos. She’s always awesome to work with, even shooting in the craziest of conditions…during rush hour in the city! The photos came out just the way we like it, dark and morbid. I wore a beige crochet blouse, a long sheer skirt, and giant leopard coat. I think my greatest accessory is the underground band, no?”