Category Archives: Style

I’m finally onto the last day of PFW, and it’s certainly time to keep things a bit more simple before boarding my next flight. A clean, fresh striped shirt… jeans that hug in all the right places…and amazing suede booties. But something’s missing. Yes, a beret. A French staple. This past winter I’ve traded in my Russian hats and fluffy beanies for a classic beret. Easy, and oh, so chic. The key to Parisian style is making jeans, a beret, and shirt feel elegant. Especially for lunch at the extra elegant hotel, The Peninsula. But it wasn’t before long I hit the Parisian streets only to get stuck in the rain, without a map. I had to stop a Parisian to ask where on Earth I can turn to walk to the Tour de Eiffel. He showed me where, and recommended to take a second route…”the chic side of the street.” Perfect.

TAGS: paris, Paris Fashion Week, PFW, Sandro Paris, travel

Monday, March 20, 2017

28 Comments

24 hours in the perfect slip dress by SPLENDID

Saturday, March 18, 2017

Style

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.

// Splendid slip dress //

TAGS: Day to Night, Slip Dress, Splendid, style

Saturday, March 18, 2017

19 Comments

SEE YOU AT THE CAFE BUSTELO TENT | SXSW

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Style, Travel

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.

TAGS: Cafe Bustelo, SXSW

Thursday, March 16, 2017

16 Comments

TOP 5 MOST FLATTERING BIKINIS TO TRY NOW

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Style, Travel

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.