// Preen sequin dress. Rosario feather dress. By Far mule. Malone Souliers velvet pump. Fendi handbag //

These past few weeks have been a total Hennessy X.O x Kim Jones celebration! What began as a very intimate and chic dinner and jazz night at the Aman New York turned into a last-minute trip to London, the hometown of creative director to Fendi and Dior Mens, Kim Jones. I packed up my suitcase with sequin and feathers, naturally. This very special Hennessy bottle is a work of art, dripped in a gold casing that feels tapped into the future. There was even a robot pouring drinks at the bar of the Battersea Arts Center! It was all very surreal. London is one of my favorite cities and it was amazing to be back to see old friends, eat the best classically British chicken pot pie I’ve ever had at Kettner’s, and have some quality sister time. Our stay at the London EDITION was so amazing, we hardly had to leave the hotel. I cannot wait to hop over the pond again soon.

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I was just in London with the Armani Beauty team for the launch of Armani Beauty’s Face Fabric foundation. This mousse-like nude foundation is completely weightless. I love when my makeup doesn’t feel like makeup. Shade 2 is the perfect fit for me…as are these Emporio Armani jeans. Our studio for the Face Fabric shoot was amazing. Talk about one killer set in the middle of Shoreditch, London. Everything was larger than life….from the Face Fabric customized bottles (they were even taller than me!) and foundation sponges that also doubled as pillows. It was like stepping into my very own vanity. A true makeup playground. The Face Fabric foundation is beautiful, clean, and simple. Like I said, it’s so soft and light, that the closest thing I can describe it to is a mousse-like foundation. The  texture is made to be applied with your fingers. For the shoot, I went with my best blue jeans and an oversize white shirt with a classic Emporio Armani stiletto. My makeup was extra fresh. It’s all about showing off smooth, healthy, even skin. I had a soft bronze smoky eye and an orange/red lip. I now keep the Armani Beauty Face Fabric foundation in my bag at all times, especially when I travel. I just got back to NYC from Nicaragua and it’s all I wore on the beach and everywhere in between. It’s amazing for my skin. Face Fabric comes in 12 different shades so you’re bound to find the perfect fit!

As for when I as off set and off duty, I spent my days at the Rosewood Hotel. Dylana and I had the most beautiful suite, making the most of our bubbling hot tub and delicious breakfasts in bed! And you may have noticed this vanity…just as amazing as studio light. It’s the most epic spot to find your perfect shade. Besides thoroughly enjoying our lovely hotel, I made sure to eat my way through most of Central London. Think late night dinners with the team for fish and chips at Sketch in Mayfair and a classic English high tea over at the stunning Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge. The fashion version of course…we literally ate cookies the shape of Armani trench coats. Having my base at The Rosewood was a dream. Until next time Armani Beauty! I can’t wait to see the team again back in NY.

Armani Beauty’s Face Fabric available at Sephora.

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Et Voila, meet my new Chanel. I saw it in Beverly Hills when I was home in LA, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I officially picked it up on my recent trip to Paris. Because when in Paris: get a Chanel. Gosh, it’s so pretty, I can’t stop looking at it! I’ve already taken it around the world with me and here, in London. It goes with just about everything. London was incredibly cold this past week. All I wanted to do was snuggle up at the hotel, hop from restaurant to cafe, and hit up the sauna and steam room. I didn’t get much sleep this time around either! There was too much to do and see in such a short amount of time and my internal clock certainly wasn’t wanting to adjust. I was back in town with Armani Beauty yet again for another killer photoshoot that I can’t wait to share with you for their new Face Fabric foundation. I spent a lot of time in and around the Rosewood London, our home base for the trip. It’s a new spot in London for me and I absolutely loved it. I stepped out to explore realizing how very Elton John-esque I looked: tiny sunglasses and a look that somehow didn’t match, yet completely matched. How very English of me.

Chanel handbag

Rebecca Taylor faux fur coat

Cynthia Rowley pant

Emporio Armani heel

Absurd Argentina sunglasses

The post TEXTURE PLAY IN LONDON first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

Meet my new vintage YSL blazer…a piece I’ll keep forever. I still have so much excitement for consignment shopping. This is a piece I found on Vestiaire. It was shipped in from Paris, and completely worth hours on the site, digging. I grew up going to estate sales back home in Los Angeles so I know what it’s like to dig, dig, dig for the perfect surprise piece. I really miss it and try to do a weekend route through Beverly Hills and Santa Monica if I’m ever home in Los Angeles. The items I found were incredible, and literally came down to 5 bucks for a killer coat. It’s funny but I think I really did find my style back then when I was younger…shopping on a bargain. I have this thing where I love making something old feel brand new again. Right now, I’m into boyish everything. Oversize trousers. Boxy blazers. Dr. Marten boots. Crew neck sweaters. Anything you would see on an Olsen twin. Pile it on baby. This was shot on a much warmer day back in London. I’m really back home in NYC sprawled out on my couch. We’re having a real SNOW DAY. What does that mean? School’s out. Work’s closed. Meetings have been postponed to tomorrow. I can finally catch up on everything I need via email. There really is something lovely and relaxing about a snow day. This beautiful vintage YSL piece will have to make it’s second appearance on sunnier days.

Vintage YSL blazer

AQ/AQ pants

The Fifth Label sweater

By Boe earrings

Dr. Martens boots

The post IN A VINTAGE YSL first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

When in doubt, wear black. Here I am on the streets of Mayfair in London: layered up in 3 of my main travel essentials: a silk blouse, a giant wool coat, and perfect polka-dot trousers. I went with my boyfriend to shop for suits out on Savile Row, the most posh and luxurious shopping road in all of London. Each store has it’s own tailor. Everything is bespoke, made of the absolute best silks and cashmeres and wools. It sure is an experience, shopping for the most perfect suit, and believe me, the men in London know how to rock a good suit. With time, I noticed low-key Shoreditch was a lot more our style though work always brings me to this part of town! Now this is where you want to stop by for a real afternoon tea. A place to dress up in your most fabulous coat and shoes. Go all out. I say go to Claridges, take a walk back in time, and indulge in England’s most buttery cakes. Now that’s one fun way to feel like royalty.

Petar Petrov coat

Beaufille top

Monse trouser

Bvlgari handbag 

The post SAVILE ROW, LONDON first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

Is this not the most beautiful meadow you’ve ever seen? England, you’re so dreamy. Here we are at Soho Farm House… one of the most remote and secluded properties of all of Soho House out in Great Tew, Oxfordshire… about 2 hours from the city of London. Think classic barns-turned-restaurants. Romantic little cabins in the open field. A steamy indoor/outdoor pool to decompress in. Boat rides through the fog. And then one gorgeous cottage perched perfectly beside this very meadow. Now this is how a home away from home should look like…a private place to unplug and get away from it all…no social media allow #truth. As for getting dressed for a weekend in the country, simply layer and match your surroundings. Shirts under dresses. Shirts under vests. Socks and sandals. M Missoni does a killer job once again for our winter 2017 photoshoot. At this point in time, I was traveling every single week, and time was flying by like the speed of light. It’s nice to step back this holiday season, and finally get to see all the beauty we created shooting on location along with the stories and memories. We’d slip on our clogs to fetch our freshly made milk and cookies, plucked flowers in our oversize wool totes, and danced in what felt like the middle of nowhere. For now, stay warm and keep on dreaming lovebugs.

wearing M Missoni Winter 2017

Alexis Bittar earrings

White + Warren cashmere beanie

The post THE NEW COUNTRY first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

The shape of this Ellery dress is like a work of art. An exaggerated waistline, beautiful puffy sleeve, and flouncy skirt. I’m in love with this feminine, corset-like cut. It creates a delicate, beautiful shape of the female body, just seeing it hanging on a hanger. I’ve never seen anything like it! Here I am taking it for a walk in Notting Hill, London. The only way to survive the breezy London air, is to always pair your dress over a pair of trousers. Key to traveling abroad come December? Layer, layer, layer and experiment. Voila. Another epic work week in London accomplished, with a whole lot of killer looks to go with it. You may be wondering where in the world I am now, but I’m completely de-layered for a month back home in sunny Los Angeles. I’ve been in town for a new campaign, and of course shooting and editing loads that will go live before the New Year. Team Suarez has either been stuck in the studio or tied up in Lightroom wrapping up some last-minute holiday projects. It’s almost, ALMOST time for me to unplug for one summer-y Christmas in LA. Until then, this girl is in the zone.

Ellery dress from NET-A-PORTER

Vintage trousers (similar)

Lack of Color cap

Bulgari x Nicholas Kirkwood handbag

By Far boots

The post THE CORSET DRESS | LONDON first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

After my numerous trip to London for work, I finally feel like I’m connecting more and more to this beautiful city. I’m so excited to be sharing my own personal London guide here with British brand, Superdry. I’ve known Superdry for years here in the U.S, but I was beyond excited to get to explore the capital city of their home country, and share my own stories and experiences in this lively and super cool city. Superdry defines British chic with a mix of classic, sporty, and laid-back pieces. I lean to Superdry for their classically English trench coats, brilliant bombers, and fantastic summer staples. We’re talking super sweet smock dresses, matching leather twin sets, and extra slimming high waisted jeans. It’s at Superdry that I can grab and go for both basics and the not-so-basic necessities. London style, to me, is both classic and eclectic. It’s the birthplace of rock n’ roll. It’s also the birthplace to anything posh. You get the best of both worlds.

During my recent 4 day stay in London, I checked into the stunning Dean Street Townhouse… part of the Soho House family. I was blown away with it’s beautiful pink walls, tufted teal velvet couches, and vintage chandeliers. Everything certainly looked bespoke. I wanted to take the decor home with me! Before checking in, I went straight to the Superdry showroom to have a fitting. I laid out my first look once I got settled in…this amazing striped bodysuit, leather midi skirt, and tan trench. I was feeling classic that day.

St. Dunsten-in-the-East:

In Soho, it seems that there is the hustle and bustle of the work week, much like NYC. People were everywhere. I was craving a walk to somewhere a little bit more quiet, as my jet lag was kicking in really hard. Dylana and I ventured to Saint Dunsten-in-the-East. So quiet, it’s the perfect place to plop on a bench and read a good book. The concrete walls were lined with ivy as the sun was setting through the archways. I certainly felt like a real duchess in my Superdry smocked dress. It’s funny how something rather simple like this dress can feel super otherworldly when you’re thrown into such a beautiful setting.

Superdry smocking dress

Notting Hill / Portobello Road Market:

Luckily, Dylana and I arrived in London during a week of amazing weather, and loads of sunshine. When I think of sunny London, I think of Notting Hill. We made our way to Daylesford Notting Hill for brunch…a completely organic, locally produced market and restaurant in the heart of Notting Hill. We wanted just a quick bite so I took a quinoa salad and delicious salmon on rye bread sandwich to-go. On the way to Portobello Road, I couldn’t help but stop and take photos of the colorful streets. The pink doors. The blue walls. I even stumbled upon Wild at Heart, a super chic flower shop in the middle of the road. Freshly picked flowers in Notting Hill just for me? I’ll take them.

Wild at Heart flower shop:

Superdry off-shoulder top

Superdry suede skirt

Superdry tote bag

Daylesford Notting Hill: 

Covent Garden / Neal’s Yard:

On past trips to London, I would always stay in Covent Garden. It’s super quaint. It has loads of shopping and hotels. But never have I ever been to Neal’s Yard. It’s a bit hidden and hard to find unless you know what you’re looking for. Once I entered this little pocket, I was blown away. It certainly screams 1970’s with it’s very hippie decor and colorful walls. It has a very eccentric look: green, yellow, and dark blue paint lined the windows and restaurants. It reminds me a bit of Woodstock back home. It felt like a little spiritual retreat. But the energy was indescribable. You could smell Home Slice pizza from a mile away, and it seemed everybody was sitting outside, waiting to book a table for a glass of wine.

Superdry trench coat

Superdry bodysuit

Shoreditch: 

I took a quick rest at my hotel before prepping for a little night out on the town. I got word that there was a Sofar Sounds gig happening at Juju’s in Shoreditch. Sofar Sounds hosts intimate shows in unexpected places, all around the world! The cool thing is, they never reveal the location until day-of the show. I was super excited for this one. This secret show happened to be at Juju’s, an adorable bar in Shoreditch. All of the locals grabbed blankets and got seated on the floor. It was BYOB so it was like a giant picnic inside a bar. No photos  were allowed during the gig, but that makes it all the more special. WE saw a set of soulful rock n’ roll band, Circus VIII. I did manage to grab some shots across the road at D/F Mexico. Go on Mondays, for the 2 for 1 special. I never knew Mexican food in London could taste so good.

Another spot I recommend? Dishoom. It’s a hip, modern take on Indian cuisine. Curry is my favorite thing to eat…and that’s why I love London, they love curries and spices just as much as I do. Dishoom is a super cool bar with an innovative takes on classic Indian dishes.

Superdry suede jacket

Superdry top

Superdry suede skirt

Chelsea / Saatchi Gallery:

Our final stop in London was the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea, which may have been one of the best parts of our trip. It reminded me how much I miss going taking my dear time at museums and galleries, for the sake of taking in inspiration. Right now the main exhibit there is Selfie to Self Expression. It was super interactive, informative, and really just a perfect place to step back and take a different look at our digital age in which we live in now. From celebrity selfies and random cell phone shots to artistic self portraits far from the normal, there was so much to see and think about.

Superdry bomber jacket

Superdry high waist jean

Superdry tote

The post MY SUPERDRY: THE LONDON GUIDE first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

It seems that with every adventure and every memory, comes a pair of shoes. The quirky pops of bright and blush pink in Notting Hill? I am immediately reminded of why I packed my Reebok sneakers from DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse with me. The bustling corners of Chinatown on a Saturday night? My Tahari black mules…great for dim sum and some late night dancing next door in Soho. DSW has proven to be a leading shoe shopping destination for me. Not only can I find amazing and fun sneakers every season, but I can also find absolutely stunning and classic feminine staples, like a fantastic pair of heels, all in one click. My eclectic style is always craving something new and so having a go-to shoe store with unlimited options is so necessary for this shoe lover.

My love for pink continues just off Portobello Road Market where color is celebrated, and so is everything out of the ordinary. Retro inspired Reebok trainers in a blush pink to match the rainbow walls? DSW knows what’s up when it comes to city-girl chic meets comfort. I got extra lucky during my travels and soaked up the English sunshine. I have never seen so much sun in London before! The sun doesn’t come out very often, and when it does, I always wear a pop of colors…especially in my shoes. I spent the majority of the day getting killer bargains at the street vendors and even had time to pop into a few super chic bakeries and cafes. London is known for their cakes and pastries. All buttery and sugar and with a side of peppermint tea…my favorite.

shop: Reebok sneakers

But like in every city I visit, I somehow always gravitate towards Chinatown. It’s that hustle and bustle. Chinese food is like my comfort food! For a quick bite of chow fun and a bubble tea to go, it was a short walk from my hotel, Dean Street Townhouse…a place to see and be seen at. Soho and Central London is always packed with people and once the clock strikes 6pm, the bars become loud and rowdy and the sidewalks seem to transform into a late night party. I dressed for Soho with a classic mule that also shows a bit of rock n’ roll with an unexpected  grey snake heel. I knew the Brits would appreciate a touch of rock n’ roll since they practically invented it. It’s the little details in my DSW shoes that draw me back to the shoe store again and again. May my shoes continue to whisk me to away to extraordinary places.

shop: Tahari heels 

The post LONDON BY FOOT WITH DSW first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

Taking you on a little spring flashback because this is also a look that could easily work come fall. It’s when I travel to London during a week of beautiful weather that I find myself gravitating towards the green and white striped chairs in St. James Park. You can find twinkles of sunshine below the trees and a glimpse of the tip of Big Ben in the distance. I just strolled out of my hotel room at Claridge’s this early morning. Sure my duster may be a bit wrinkly, but all I had plans to do that day was curl up on the grass and read a good book. This is a lounge look like no other.

An oversize duster. Extra wide-leg linen pants. A sheer red tee. Kings & Tuckfield is a British label I’ve come to love for their pants and tailored jackets. This is put together and relaxed at the exact same time. Ideal for snuggling up in the cool and breezy park. I actually just got back from another amazing work trip in London for a shoot. It will be coming soon on the blog next week, but for now you can see some sneak peeks on Instagram. I’m off to Miami early this morning so I wanted to at least say a quick hello before I rush on over to the airport. Though we’re constantly go, go, go, and pulled in a hundred different directions, Dylana and I love that we can get to travel and create together…I really can’t complain! What’s better than that? So many #SuarezSisters projects coming up that I can’t wait to tell you about.

Kings & Tuckfield jacket

Kings & Tuckfield top

Kings & Tuckfield pants

M. Gemi shoes

Salvatore Ferragamo handbag

The post LOUNGING LAYERS IN ST. JAMES PARK first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.