// Moeva swimsuit. Sir the Label black tube dress and red top and skirt set //

Philadelphia is a city I really know and love. I went to Philadelphia for the first time to shoot the Free People 2009 catalog cover and fell in love with the city back then. I fell in love with the history, architecture, and creativity. My sister also ended up living in Philadelphia for over two years and I visited from NYC every other weekend. I will never forget the music scene and incredible food. After that, I went back to the city for a few times for photoshoots but it’s been years since we’ve had a weekend in town just for pure pleasure. I was so excited that the Four Seasons invited us over to experience this luxurious hotel and all of it’s beauty.  Everything is just done so exquisitely, with close attention to detail. We swam, we relaxed, and we ate…a lot.

Here are my favorite spots to dine at. All are so elegant and romantic. Before you check out, don’t forget to order the classic Philly cheesesteak to room service. It’s a must-have.

Jean-Georges Philadelphia: This is something to get dressed up for. You get the most incredible city views at sunset. Plus, the six-course menu is so beautiful and artistic.

Vernick Fish: I had the most incredible seafood here. Oysters, caviar, and branzino! The atmosphere was relaxed, super cool, yet totally chic. All I can say is that the cocktails are divine and you will want to try everything on the menu. We had the best night here.

The post An unforgettable weekend at The Four Seasons Philadelphia first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

One final recap from our Costa Rica trip earlier this year. I can’t believe that was almost 4 months ago! I still remember that trip like it happened yesterday though. What an amazing experience it was with my sister Dylana, our friend Kiara and her boyfriend Mike. We spent the first half of our time in Costa Rica staying at the Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo. My favorite part of our stay there was the easy access to the beach and the unlimited opportunities to get adventurous in the water. We surfed, we paddle boarded, zip lined and jet skied our way through our part of Costa Rica. We went wild, and we got tan, and we danced to local music. It was such a freeing experience. But although we were adventurous most of the time we did get to relax for a little bit, too. Massages and some time at the hydro therapy spa. My body felt renewed. I wish I could go back and relive it all again. And again. And again.

Well, at least now I can with this video we made with footage from our trip. Check it out below and follow my YOUTUBE. Filmed by Mike Bish

Dresses by Gentle Fawn

Shoes by Teva

The post FOUR SEASONS PENINSULA PAPAGAYO VIDEO first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

Cinq à sept is the French term for the moments linking late afternoon with early evening. The intriguing time of the day where anything is possible. Where you can grab a cocktail with mystery boy at the bar, or slip away…unknown during these after-work hours. I fell in love with this new contemporary brand the moment I slipped on this dress from the Pre-Fall collection. Its embroidered stars and flowers were made for Paris moments like these, here in my room at the Four Seasons, George V. My gal pal Haleigh snagged these beautiful photos while getting dressed for a work dinner in the Champs-Élysées. There’s something so sexy about this hotel. The lobby was exploding with bouquets of freshly cut white flowers. But best of all, the rooms. I’ve always dreamt of having a special yellow room in my house and this one is the perfect inspiration. Yellow carpets. Decadent yellow walls. Yellow pillows and chairs the color of a banana. And a ladybug on the wall that just wouldn’t leave during my stay. It’s true that some of my favorite photos are taken by my friends. In your most natural and comfortable state. Cinq à sept. I threw on my shaggy lavender vest and off we went. Paris, I love you.

photos by Haleigh at the Four Seaons Paris George V

// Cinq à Sept dress, Jocelyn vest, Marie Claire St. John scarf //

The post Cinq à Sept | PARIS first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

This gigantic straw hat has been to many beaches with us. From lazy mornings in Miami to here at dusk in Costa Rica. It’s been this close to getting washed away into the ocean that I’m surprised it’s still here in my closet back in New York awaiting it’s next sandy adventure. Here we are just minutes from losing the sun at the beautiful Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo. The beach so quiet all you could hear was the buzzing from the trees and the crashing of the waves. Pure paradise. New York City felt extremely far away. Suddenly you smell of sunscreen, the ocean, and bug spray. A comforting combination. It’s nice having these photos to soak back in this little moment. When all you need is a beer and your best friend’s shoulder to lean on.

// Aerie swimsuit, Hatattack sunhat, Phyllis + Rosie jewelry //

The post PENINSULA PAPAGAYO first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.