MINNETONKA Music Fest 2014 Lookbook starring Natalie + Dylana Suarez

IT’S FINALLY HERE! Our MINNETONKA MOCCASINS lookbook…extra inspired by the au natural WILD, WILD WEST. Talk about a dream project for both Dylana and I. We took our top favorite mocs and got to shoot at SXSW’s Heartbreaker BANQUET in AUSTIN, TEXAS…at the epic Willie Nelson ranch, shooting with the creative director. During our shoot, we took mini breaks to watch our favorite artists on the stage…the whole atmosphere, happening to be the perfect settting for our lookbook. With the dust on our boots, and the sun beating on our faces…we found shelter on the rugs under the oak trees, and kept our shades on while on the swings by the chapel. I needed the sun, that’s for sure! We took some of our favorite pieces from Free People for the lookbook, mixing in our favorites. That Denim & Supply fringed suede jacket really topped everything all off. MINNETONKA is all about the free spirited wanderer…you just slip those babies on and go. Effortless and easy. All I need for music festival season. TEXAS BABY, TEXAS.

SHOP THE MINNETONKA LOOKBOOK:

Front Laced Knee High Boot
Double Fringe Tramper Boot
Bandera Boot
Classic Fringe Boot
Fringed Moccassin
Two Button Boot

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(J BRAND photoready jeans, RVCA jacket, Chaser Brand tee, H&M cap, Elizabeth & James sunglasses, Botkier bag (similar), Modern Vice shoes)

San Francisco fog, how I miss you so! I can’t wait to share with you more from my Nordstrom Rack collaboration and photoshoot in SF (believe me, I ended up coming home with some new designer DUDS from the set), but for now, I’m taking you on the scenic route. Always getting me so nostalgic. My California MOM & POPS were cute enough to pick me up at my hotel, let me hop in the back seat like the good ol’ days, as we aimed for the Golden Gate bridge. Driving through the drizzle and endless skies of fog, we actually made it! Down the crooked street and all, to the refreshing edge of the bay. The city seems so much smaller now than when I was little…the cafe’s more quaint, the bay BIGGER. When I travel, I’m always in BAND TEE mode. Packing my Jimi Hendrix tanks, and here, rockin’ some TREX. I also happened to live in these jeans the whole trip! When I’ve got a pair that just fits…I can’t stop wearing them. But the true killer is this RVCA fringed wool jacket…cropped with just the amount of horses dancing across the front. I shimmy’d my way to the love locks at Fisherman’s Wharf before heading back to the airport for a red-eye, heading home. San Francisco, you’re one of the most ROMANTIC, and beautiful places…I can’t wait till I can go back for work again. Your mysteroius gloom just adds more to the charm of your rainbow streets. 

  INSTAGRAM (natalieoffduty)

(True Religion overalls and shirt, VEDA x Pamela Love leather jacket, Minnetonka boots// 

URBAN OUTFITTERS halter tank, True Religion denim shorts and denim shirt, Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply fringe suede jacket)

DENIM is my life and so it was extra amazing getting to work with TRUE RELIGION BRAND JEANS in realllyyy wearing in those denim blues to the bone! And at SXSW music festival! You can see more as I tookover their INSTAGRAM…and filled it with images of cowboy boots, bloody mary’s, and Sean Lennon + Charlotte of The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger. SXSW in Austin, Texas is absolutely killer. I’m still listening to my SXSW playlist, inspired to drop everything and pick up my guitar. At the festival, I went for the True Religion patchwork denim overalls, and rugged cut-off tank. Extra roomy and perfect for dancing from dawn till dusk! After 19 hour days, you end up stumbling back to you room with dirt on your knees and ketchup stains on your cuffs. How did it happen? I have no idea. All I know is that I did everything I could to make as many shows, while still managing to grab a bite in-between at the food trucks (hence, the ketchup mess). Festivals are supposed to be messy!!

As the days heated up, I opted for boyfriend shorts and lightweight halter tank I picked up at the local Urban Outfitters. Oh, and did I mention this suede fringe jacket? It’s an ensemble MADE for Texas. A little suede and a whole lot of faded denim goes a long way! True Religion has absolutely nailed their latest collection…with extra soft denims….perfecting the slouchy fit, and my favorite…the skinny. 

SXSW// TOP SONGS:

-Gardens & Villas: Chrysanthems

-Clear Plastic Masks: Shake Down

-The Ghost of the Saber Tooth Tiger: Jardin du Luxembourg

-Clear Plastic Masks: Baby Come On

 INSTAGRAM (natalieoffduty)

Willie Nelson’s HEARTBREAKER BANQUET// Minnetonka Moccassins
Dresses by Free People

I grew up with a super soft spot for moccassins…Minnetonka to be exact. They’re like cushions on my feet, and I love them especially when I’m on the road, scruffing around the dusty streets of SXSW in Austin, Texas. Also, I’m proud to own a fresh new pair of the Kate Moss lace-up boot I sported nearly everyday in grade school. 

Anyways, I am so SO excited for the new Minnetonka lookbook to be released, featuring both me and my sister Dylana (whom I’m sure you all know n’ lurv!) We shot our looks right here on Willie Nelson’s ranch, just an hour outside of Austin, the morning of the HeartBreaker Banquet festival…soaking in that Southern sun and smell of barbeque brisket. His ranch is like an old Western film set. A giant set stage, mini white chapel where we watching all of our favorite intimate shows, and loads of FOOD TRUCKS, booze, and designer stations. It may well have been the hottest place in all of Austin, Texas last week! I of course, spent the majority of my down time under the shaded section of bohemian couches and pillows in a field of grass behind the stage. Complete with glowing chandeliers draping from the trees. 

Packing for SXSW really was easy as pie. I feel I’m always traveling and so now, I’m a master. I had just about every moccassin in the book…brought along the best printed dresses I owned (all Free People and all felt like blankets by the way!) along with a leather hat, 2 pairs of sunglasses, and DENIM and tank tops. Oh, maybe a fringe leather jacket or two. That’s really all you need when you’re at a festival.  Did I mention that morning cup of Joe? I spent my waking hours seeing endless gig after gig, each giving me the music itch..making me want to just get back to NYC and pick up my Martin guitar. The HeartBreaker Banquet introduced me to new favorites like Clear Plastic Masks….you must listen to “Come Back On”….along with Elle King and Nikki Lane. Some bands a little country, a little blues, and A WHOLE LOT of rock n’ roll. Willie Nelson knows how to throw a party now doesn’t he?

I’m still daydreaming of TEXAS. I kind of like those sleepless nights, crashing in your hotel room at 4 in the morning, and still managing to wake up for hotel breakfast. We sure do clean up well. 

Stay tuned as our MINNETONKA Moccassins lookbook comes out SOON!

(Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply fringe suede jacket and coin necklace, True Religion jeans, Stylestalker sweater, Original Penguine sunglasses, Minnetonka two-button boots)

 INSTAGRAM (natalieoffduty)