The sweatshirt just got majorly elevated thanks to a new designer I love: Maggie Marilyn. Check out these finger length sleeves of my sweatshirt draping casually and a bit messily over a most decadent ruffled skirt (that is actually a dress!), also by the brand. I slipped on a pair of Christian Louboutin heels to complete the look because Paris Fashion Week makes me want to go that little extra mile when it comes to luxury. Red bottoms for the win! Now this is a look that I want to get up and go do things in. And trust me, Team Suarez has been doing a lot lately. We never stop! It’s come to a point where I have to pencil in the normal stuff like dinner with friends and simply attending a workout class. And trust me, I always make time for the normal stuff because it’s the best part of my day. Every one of my days is different and it seems every one of my hours has a “schedule” and sometimes I just want to click the pause button. There are weeks where I could be living in a hotel in a new city, or here in home base of NYC…early mornings checking emails, afternoons shooting, followed by evening meetings and press events. Team Suarez has been extra busy lately, but never busy enough for what’s important to feel on top of our game.

I’ve been spending my “off duty” time finding my balance, feeling clarified and more centered. I’m beginning to become more free and less “planned” when it comes to getting dressed and shooting looks. The more my business grows, the more responsibilities I take on. Getting dressed and shooting and being a part of the creative process suddenly becomes the fun and easy part of my job. With being back home, I love finally being back in my routine of desk time, fitness time, boyfriend time, and friend time. I love to go, go, go yet sometimes wish I didn’t have to always check my clock. With that, I’ve really become more aware of how I can add a little more wellness into all parts of my life so that I can feel balanced, strong, and mentally inspired. With what I do, self-care is more important than anything. I like trying new things and seeing how it has a positive impact on my daily life: think more family time, vitamin boosters in my smoothies, and that extra hour of sleep. It’s the little things that keep me going to feel good….giving me the energy to accomplish so much more on the daily. Now, I can’t wait to hit the snooze button for a hot second. But let’s get one thing off the agenda, what am I going to wear tomorrow?

Maggie Marilyn sweater

Maggie Marilyn skirt/dress

Karen Walker sunglasses

Christian Louboutin heels

Proenza Schouler bag from Monnier Frères

The post THE SWEATSHIRT AND LUXURIOUS SKIRT IN PARIS first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

You may remember this Etro scarf. I’ve worn it around my head during multiple beach trips and lately, I’ve decided it also doubles as a belt. When you’re working with classic Etro prints, pile it on. Everything just works. I was so inspired after my meeting at the Etro HQ at Milan Fashion Week…everything was super cinched at the waist…. the layering was right on point…. I was even picked up this amazing not-so-simple black bag as a gift from them team. I took what I loved and brought it to Paris. Here I am back at The Hoxton during Paris Fashion Week. It was just before heading to the airport and boy was I feeling jet lagged. 3 major fashion weeks in a row and my body was feeling it. I couldn’t wait to hit snooze on the plane and hide under a blanket. I managed to brighten up my day with a little swipe of electric blue eyeliner and highlighter yellow pants for one more coffee run. Color makes everything better now doesn’t it? Lately, I’ve got to settle down a little bit back in the sun of Los Angeles to recharge. Now I’m back in NYC with some really exciting shoots coming up this week. I’m excited to be home…to really unpack and gearing up for what looks like a crazy May.

Etro jacket

Etro handbag

Etro scarf

Baum und Pferdgarten pant

Sezane sneakers

The post THE PRINTED EVERYTHING IN ETRO first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

Attending the Sacai show at Paris Fashion Week was a serious treat. This dress is just as dark and mysterious as my then, extra dark brown locks. The show was in a huge garage in Paris. Think runway models sashaying up and down between floors 4 and 6 in incredible long gray layers with added pops of blue and purple. The amazing thing with Sacai is the play of textures and the super small details. Take a closer look and you’ll notice this stunning belt, a sexy sheer skirt panel, and little lace neckline. A bit of Parisian goth against the romantic city streets. Right now, I’m currently in LA in the midst of festival season. I have since swapped out my luxurious fashion week dresses with denim overalls and tee-shirts to beat the California desert heat. Paris will always take me into this alternate universe, where I can play different characters in support of my favorite designers. I sure miss Paris, but I’m so excited to go back as the weather warms up so I can roam free sans jacket.

Sacai dress

AGL boots

Anonie shearling coat 

Proenza Schouler bag from Monnier Frères 

The post SACAI IN PARIS first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

This is not a normal shape I wear…the bubble, but it’s pretty fun to switch things up, and especially during Paris Fashion Week. Here I am snapped outside the Marimekko show. The presentation was beautiful, with loads of pink and reds with women of all ages taking the stage. It was refreshing. This little Marimekko bubble polka-dot number went best with a pair super thigh-high Tamara Mellon boots and my favorite Proenza bag. Totally rain proof. The weather was intense, making it one of those days to throw my hair up in a bun, skip the makeup, and add on giant pair of goggles…aka, my fun Karen Walker sunglasses. Paris was amazing this fashion month. There were so many incredible shows, presentations, and previews. Team Suarez had the most productive week of non-stop action! There was so much to do in so little time! Our home base was at the super chic Hoxton hotel. I have never run into so many people I’ve worked with before in one place. It was like a zoo…it felt like everyone was either out in the cafe taking meetings or simply chilling out with a glass of wine in between shows. It’s a pretty amazing space to just sit and people watch. Everyone looked wonderful, all jazzed up in their best for the shows. In Paris, I always feel I step up my game when it comes to getting dressed in the morning. I like to wear something a little out of the ordinary. The city just makes you want to create beauty of everything that’s around you. I always come home after a Paris trip feeling inspired to soak up the simple luxuries of the everyday because in Paris, that’s what life is about. The luxury of your morning coffee. The luxury of simply walking around the city. I can get used to the luxury of everything made in France. 

Marimekko dress (similar)

Tamara Mellon boots

Proenza Schouler handbag from Monnier Freres

Karen Walker sunglasses

The post THE BUBBLE DRESS IN PARIS first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

I’m finally onto the last day of PFW, and it’s certainly time to keep things a bit more simple before boarding my next flight. A clean, fresh striped shirt… jeans that hug in all the right places…and amazing suede booties. But something’s missing. Yes, a beret. A French staple. This past winter I’ve traded in my Russian hats and fluffy beanies for a classic beret. Easy, and oh, so chic. The key to Parisian style is making jeans, a beret, and shirt feel elegant. Especially for lunch at the extra elegant hotel, The Peninsula. But it wasn’t before long I hit the Parisian streets only to get stuck in the rain, without a map. I had to stop a Parisian to ask where on Earth I can turn to walk to the Tour de Eiffel. He showed me where, and recommended to take a second route…”the chic side of the street.” Perfect.

// Sandro Paris shirt, Sandro Paris jeans, Sandro Paris suede boots, Sandro Paris red bag, Goorin hat //

The post PUT A BERET ON IT | PFW first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

My Sandro Paris shoot continues! We certainly brought the heat to PFW. I’m obsessed with the flame accents in the latest S/S ’17 collection…have you seen the matching trainers yet?! It’s all just too good. Here I am in Montmarte, just steps from the stunning Sacre Coeur. I could sit at the top and stare down along the sunset forever. It’s one of the most magical spots in all of Paree. Be sure to stop for a delicious nutella crepe along these hilly streets and get your portrait drawn. It’s hard to avoid all the attention within the tourist trap in these striking gold boots. I think it’s about time I’ll slip away for a cappuccino now…

// Sandro Paris shirt, Sandro Paris skirt with flames, Sandro Paris gold boots, Sandro Paris Bonnie Bag //

The post BRINGING THE HEAT TO PFW first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

There really isn’t a bad view in Paris. I began every day and end every night looking out upon the beautiful Parisian streets…completely starry-eyed. Paris is even more romantic in the rain. Rainy days call for untucked layers and soft, oversize denim. French style is always a bit undone. Mess up your hair. Never leave your fringe too even. Smudge up your kohl black eyeliner. Go a size up in your outerwear. Speaking of which, Sando Paris has created the most perfect star denim jacket. I love it’s 90’s fit and paired it with a little something sporty. A striped boyish shirt and slouchy jogging trousers. My Lou bag always the ties it all together. The amazing thing about Sandro Paris is their special attention to detail with every single piece. Always a subtle mix of masculine and feminine. It’s true the French are best at “chic.”

I spent my afternoon in Le Marais, exploring the familiar streets I know and love. I love getting lost in it’s corners…somehow I always find myself curled up in a little bookstore, getting an espresso at La Favorite, or at my go-to dinner spot, Au Petit Thai, late into the night. It’s the neighborhood of Paris that reminds me most of NYC. The amazing vintage shops. The youthful energy. The diversity when it comes to food and fashion. No trip in Paris is complete without a true Le Marais adventure.

// Sandro Paris denim jacket, Sandro Paris shirt, Sandro Paris jogging trousers, Sandro Paris gold boots, Sandro Paris Lou bag //

The post STARS + DENIM | PFW first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

Paris Fashion Week went by far too fast this season. I joined my Sandro Paris family in shooting their brand new S/S ’17 collection, and launch of the beautiful Lou bag. This bag was everywhere this PFW, and it’s no surprise. This new collection is so brilliant and refreshing. Subtle pops of color. Amazing denim. Always classic. I loved being their face this PFW. And what better day to feature this stunning power suit than today, on International Women’s Day? Hello my badass women! This suit was made for days like today…days you want to feel unstoppable. It’s powder, statement blue really lit up the rainy Parisienne streets. But it’s the cut of this power suit I love most. The cropped ankle. The fit n’ flare waistline. Giving what would be a tomboy look, a little something so sexy. And with every PFW comes a statement shoe. I finished off my daily looks with the Sandro Paris gold boots. They’re a classic. I had just hopped off the plane in Paris at 7am, and checked into the stunning Hotel de Sers in Champs-Élysées, one of the most spectacular avenues in all of Paris. PFW is known for it’s glitz, the glamour, and of course, all the hard work that goes into every show, every shoot. Countless hours on our feet. But it’s all worth it once you’ve settled down at the end of the day with a good bottle of wine and good friends. Sure the jet lag was kicking in, but I couldn’t help but walk to the Eiffel Tour early this morning and fully immerse myself in gloomy Pareeeeee. I eventually hid into a corner cafe to hide from the drizzling rain. “A shot of espresso please!” Just the thought of a classic espresso gives me a little burst of excitement. This American in Paris is having the time of her life. 

// Sandro Paris top, Sandro Paris jacket + trousers, Sandro Paris Lou bag, Sandro Paris gold boots //

The post THE POWER SUIT OF PARIS FASHION WEEK first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.