I just spent over a month in Los Angeles and I couldn’t be happier. When NYC gets cold, I just hop on a plane home to the west coast to take the load off. It’s my time to disconnect, and it’s certainly a luxury. After what felt like the craziest and most exciting work year, I needed a few weeks away from it all…to be in the simplicity of my family’s home and in the company of the people I love most. I had a real off-duty moment where I wore no makeup and lived in baseball caps and jeans. That’s just what you do in LA. But when it’s time to go out and have some fun, trust in me to throw on some color and my luxurious accessories. It’s in my blood. As an Angeleno, I’m not afraid to be bold and wear every color of the rainbow. Luckily, this sunny city is my home away from home. Think a December in rose-tinted sunglasses, drive-thrus, and tee-shirts.

I soaked in the sun and spent some real quality time with my parents. They’re a lot more like my best friends. We can do anything together, talk about anything, and most importantly, laugh at just about anything. The boyfriends even flew out out for a little California Christmas…the Suarez Sisters way. We showed them where we were born in Santa Monica, just off Montana Avenue. We took them to In-N-Out for the very first time. Mom made her famous curry chicken at home (it’s so good you want to lick your plate clean). We stopped at just about every single mall in Los Angeles County because that’s just what you do in LA…become a mall rat. We even teamed up with Maserati…making long hours on the highway a lot more chic. It’s always hard for me to say goodbye to my LA home and get on that plane back to NYC smack dab in the middle of 5 degree weather. But it’s when I land and go back to my Dumbo abode that I realize, I feel more alive than ever. LA will always be there for me when I need it most.

And Other Stories ATELIER dress

Monnier Frères handbag

By Far boots

The post DECEMBER IN LOS ANGELES first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

Pink is certainly one of LA’s colors. The Barbie pink cars in our minds growing up as children of the westside. The pink streaks we always wanted in our hair for Halloween. The bubblegum pink nail polish we painted on at the back of class. The shade of my very first lipstick I stole from my mom’s cabinet. Pink is both rebellious and sweet. The & Other Stories LA collection featured ton of pink, and in every single tone and vibe.

A blush pink. A hot pink. A berry pink. Though the collection has much of this girly pink perfection, all of it came with either a raw edge, a sexy sheer knit, or a little worn-in vintage wash that I love. It’s what makes the color come back down to earth. All made to match the walls of the Venice Beach canals, all faded from the hot sun. Let’s just say the Suarez Sisters love this shade on every side of the spectrum. Not to mention, on every coast.

& Other Stories:

pink raw edge sweatshirt

pink knit sweater (worn around shoulder)

raw edge denim skirt

sandals

& Other Stories:

cropped bomber jacket 

berry dress

Shop all looks at www.stories.com

The post & Other Stories LA Collection Part 2 first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

I am so excited that & Other Stories has just launched their LA collection, all of which are designed in their beautiful LA Atelier. I loved being a part of the launch campaign shoot. So far I’ve visited 2 of their 3 ateliers: Paris and Los Angeles. Next one on the list? Stockholm. Each uniquely stunning and each true to their city’s DNA. The brand as a whole takes inspiration from all over the world, and that is what draws it to me the most. Remember our Paris fall campaign shoot?! Well, Los Angeles is just as dreamy and of course. It’s also my home, so that made the whole experience even more magical.

Sunshine, Venice beach, and light layers. As an LA native, I know how much us California girls crave casually cool, laid back style. The collection was full of graphic tees, a slight military touch, denim (of course), and every California girl’s go-to print: leopard. There was a vintage, retro inspiration combined with a romantic twist. I love this new bit of attitude woven into every piece. We shot in all of my favorite corners off Abbot Kinney in Venice. The streets I grew up with. I’m super inspired by the colors of Venice. The bold pink doors. The crisp white beach homes and rows of cactus. California sure is a dream. Stay tuned for part 2 of our shoot!

& Other Stories:

jacket

dress

“blue monday” graphic tee

sandals 

& Other Stories:

leopard blazer

leopard dress

heels

handbag 

Shop the & Other Stories LA Collection now on www.stories.com

The post & OTHER STORIES LA COLLECTION LAUNCH | PART 1 first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.