// Bondi Born Australia linen dress //

I am standing in an iconic spot in Oahu, the China Walls. This is a place that has an energy that releases my inner child. You’ll see young kids jumping off the cliff. Teenagers gathered in groups playing music, gearing up for the sunset. I could immediately relate to the child version of me, growing up in California, where you had zero worries, just sun, the water, and good friends. Even with it’s very youthful energy, it’s also a place to feel grounded on a quiet day. Feet bare on the floor, connected to Mother Nature. The tide getting higher and higher behind me. Go here and you’ll even get a glimpse of a few rainbows if you’re lucky.

The post BEST BAREFOOT first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

// Simon Miller bodysuit, pant, and sandal. Versace scarf // 

Punk was my nickname growing up. I was always a mischievous kid, and a total tomboy. I never wore a dress. I was always silly and being playful in my big combat boots and baggy clothes. I refused to wear my hair down. These vinyl pants bring out that trouble-maker side of my personality just with an added coolness. Luckily, I’m a lot more tame now. 

The post BEACH PUNK first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

// Paige sweater, Triangl swimsuit //

We were lucky with weather in Oahu. We had plenty of sun and just this one rain day, and honestly, it was even more beautiful, especially in the rustic North Shore. There’s an intensity by the sea on a rain day. Chaotic and full of energy. Surfers were still out, doing their thing. The beauty of Hawaii is the ease in its lifestyle. I didn’t have to change out of a bikini once. 

The post BEAUTIFULLY CHAOTIC first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

I was literally toasting on the black sand beaches of Maui this summer. The darker the sand, the hotter it actually gets. Within only 10 minutes, I could feel the tip of my nose and shoulders immediately turning pink. For some reason this particular beach wouldn’t show up on our GPS. With just a little wooden sign saying “beach,” we followed it down a tiny road leading to an absolutely perfect little black sand cove. The most off-the-beaten path you can get. What I remember most is the breeze, and chasing my hat down the beach everywhere I turned. But it was also it’s intense color palette that left me smitten.

There’s something simply stunning about shooting at summertime. Being in my most natural state. My hair being an absolute mess. The magical textures of the smooth sand and the ripples of the water. The shadows from the harsh sunlight of the day across your face, you can’t help but squint. There’s no hiding any flaws. Super simple triangle bikinis combined with the exact opposite, a heavy statement earring. That’s my way of getting done-up…throw on earrings and I suddenly feel amazing. There’s an easy elegance to this natural state that keeps me island hopping all year round. I find easy elegance with confidence.

You know when you hit a point where you’re like I’m beginning to know myself, and I love myself for all that it is. I think I’m finally having that moment. Acceptance of all that makes me different. We all grow up with the struggles and confusion…the idea that to be perfect, that you have to look like everyone else to be liked, and that to succeed, you have to be like everyone else. But in reality, there are no rules. Once I put myself first, began to love my imperfections, and push everything else aside for just one second, I suddenly felt in control of my own being….my own future. And for me, that means traveling the world, living a life well lived. You feel empowered to go anywhere, to do anything. When you have that moment…when you have that confidence and strength to break through your shell…the rest is history.

Theory x Onia swimsuit (founnd something similar here and here)

Lack of Color hat

Luiny earrings

The post BARE ON THE BLACK SAND first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

Now isn’t this the most stunning landscape you’ve ever seen? The sky so blue…the ocean behind me. It’s where the birds nest in Maui’s summer and also the pathway to the most beautiful of rocky cliffs. I certainly went off the beaten path a little during my stay, and got blown away in blue.

We walked carefully through this back trail though untouched, open land. I was stunned by the island’s beauty. With nothing obstructing our views of the water, the wind from the ocean feel extra intense. I just let my hair just fly and let nature do a little talking. Can you say freedom? Maui is a place to wear barely any makeup. A place to let your hair down. It’s a place to wear easy breezy cotton that you can move in. The air feels balmy so more you let your skin breath and go with the flow, the better. We eventually ran into teenagers tanning on the rocks and jumping into the ocean from the highest of cliffs. Clearly, we found a spot for the locals. I grabbed myself a bottle of champagne and sat and watched the sunset. I’ve never felt so far away from the city in my entire life.

Banana Republic one-shoulder top

Banana Republic pants

Donald J. Pliner sandals

Elizabeth & James sunglasses

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