// Onia swimsuit and coverup //

My ideal swimsuit is always extra minimal. A great solid color. A high hip. Really simple straps. I’m extremely picky when it comes to swimwear. Add a matching coverup and that’s all I really need. 

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I miss the simplicity that is Tulum. My favorite part of the day is to wake up to the heat and go out for my morning coffee. To many more days of rest and relaxation. Trips like these require very little packing. Sling a sweater over your shoulders or tie your scarf on as a top. Voila. 

The post OFF DUTY IN TULUM first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

With Memorial Day weekend ahead, it’s time we start thinking about the perfect beach coverup. As most New Yorkers head out for their first celebratory weekend back in the Hamptons, all that’s on our minds are 1: a bikini bod, and 2: some easy, breezy pieces. Next that glass of champagne of course. Does it finally feel like summer to you?

Back in Mexico, I sported this stunning Ulla Johnson embroidered dress. It’s easily something to take from volleyball on the beach to a romantic bonfire. Go for pieces with that little sense of adventure with an ethnic twist. Fringe? Tassels? Embroidery? Yes, yes, yes! Sometimes it’s nice feeling like you’re out of a castaway film. Grab your Teva sandals, a pack of beer, and a stellar playlist as you pack up that car. Since I’ve been traveling non-stop, I might do a little staycation. What about you guys?

Shop my top favorite beach-coverups below.

Ulla Johnson dress

Shashi NYC earrings

Teva sandals

The post THE BEACH COVER UP YOU NEED | MEXICO first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

It’s spring and my fabric of choice is always cotton. Light, blows in the wind, and super soft against my skin. It gets better with every single wash. It allows me to move, roll around in the sand, and breath.

Club Monaco at the moment has killer cottons. Blouses and dresses in really beautiful cuts and detailing. I mean, who doesn’t love a perfectly crisp off-shoulder top that ties in all the right places? It’s the weekend, and I’m off to Los Angeles for an upcoming spring shoot. Think palm trees, West Hollywood, and a slight tan. Lots of blue sky. That means filling my suitcase with lighter than air ensembles. Bikini and shirt? All I need.

// Club Monaco top, Mikoh bikini, Teva sandals, The 2 Bandits earrings //

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How was everyone’s first day of spring? I’m back in NY after what feels like a burst of back-to-back traveling but mentally, I’m still rocking this badass red swimsuit somewhere out in Mexico. Playing with shadows… jumping in the ocean…spending more time behind the lens than ever before. What more can a girl ask for? Every wild experience keeps me inspired to create and write and live and connect with you all. And we all know inspiration doesn’t always come easy after what feels like a long winter of hot toddy’s and oversized sweaters. Spring always gives me a rush of adrenaline and excitement. In with the new, out with the old…and not when it just comes to our closets. I’m excited for my new website (in the works), brand spankin’ new videos (subscribe now) and of course, Los Angeles (even for a few days for an upcoming shoot). Aaah, sunshine. Spring reminds me to take a little hop in my step and breathe a little more. Take more walks along the waterfront. Eat more fresh fruits. Spend more time with friends. Sing more. Take another dance class. Move more. Be inspired. I know, I know…my agenda is crazier than ever lately, and how could I do it all?! Sometimes I can’t even find the time to take that much-needed 1 hour pilates class. But I’m always working for that balance. I like that everyday feels different, especially when waking up in a new city. Tulum was a perfect getaway. I biked every single day. I lived in a bikini and loved the skin I was in, and embraced my body and it’s imperfections. No care in the world. Like I always say, imperfection is beauty. Say hello to spring!

// Mikoh swimsuit, Cluse watch, Shashi NYC bracelets, Teva sandals //

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Another VLOG is out this week! Taking you from Tulum to Mayakoba, Mexico and through the white sandy beaches…one bikini at a time. Or shall I say, one cerveza at a time. I fully unleashed my inner jungle monkey this time around. Throughout this and next week, you’ll be able to shop each look from my adventure…so stay tuned.

For now, SUBSCRIBE to my Youtube channel

The post TULUM, MEXICO TRAVEL VLOG first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

Just like how earrings and a bangle can complete a look, so does a watch. The trend of minimal, accessible watches are all the rage, and I have a newfound love for Cluse. Their minimal marble faces, and sleek leather bands work with just about anything. Even with my favorite bikinis. In Tulum, I went with 2 of my favorite watches of the moment: the Cluse “La Roche in Rose Gold/ Marble Grey” and Cluse “Minuit in Rose Gold/ White Pink” I adorned these everyday watches with a bit of Spanish flavor with a stack of beaded bracelets. I love this added color to my Cluse’s very NYC neutral tones. Minimal with an eclectic touch.

All watches by Cluse.

See more at Cluse.

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My sister is the one who really instilled this on me: “Always travel with your own hair products.” We’ve had our hair dyed in rainbow colors for campaigns, we’re always on set at different photoshoots and events and there’s always some hot iron running through our ends, or someone tugging at our scalps. I’ve been looking for any reason to give my hair a break. Our Tulum girl’s trip was the perfect place to start taking really good care of our hair and giving it what it needs, which is natural products. We promised ourselves that with our time frolicking on the beach and under the sun, we won’t use a hair dryer. No heat styling. Just amazing, natural products to refresh and hydrate our hair after every dive into the ocean. 

 Tulum is all about being eco-friendly and eco-chic. It inspired us to do the same, but not just on vacation, but every single day, by incorporating luxurious, natural products into our routine. That’s when Kérastase’s Aura Botanica collection comes into play. These new products are made of handpicked Samoan coconut & Moroccan Argan oils. I love that the products are responsibly sourced to help these exotic communities make most of their natural resources and thrive from them. Coconut Palms are the “tree of life” in Samoa. Kerastase has worked with the NGO Women in Business Development in working with over 200 farmers to supply local women with equipment and knowledge to produce high-grade coconut oil. Bringing this fair trade revenue to the Samoans helps preserve their unique culture and natural resources. I love that everything is done by hand to preserve it’s purity. The Moroccan Argan Oil comes from the foothills of the Little Atlas Mountains. Targarine is a project helping Berber women provide for their families by embracing their traditions and preserving the village’s natural ecosystem. The oil has high concentrations of Omega 6 and 9, giving my hair softness and shine. Now that you’ve got the inside scoop, let’s go over the products I used:

Aura Botanica Essence d’Éclat: an oil spray I used on both my wet hair and dry hair to refresh and restore it throughout the day. It has  jojoba, coconut, and organ oils with a touch of orange. It also has a subtle scant of rose water. It’s super light, without any oily residue. Just 3 sprints on both sides of my hair, and I let it air dry. My hair never felt so soft.

Aura Botanica Concentré Essentiel: It’s essential to my ends, which after a day in the ocean can feel a bit dull. I use it just before bed after taking a shower for some intense conditioning overnight. I sometimes use this on my body as well for added moisture. It’s that versatile.

Aura Botanica Bain Micellaire: This shampoo is light and airy. It leaves my hair squeaky clean with a shiny touch. 

Aura Botanica Soin Fondamental: This conditioner is super lightweight, but most importantly, is amazing with frizz-control…which makes it fantastic for air drying. 

The story behind these products is inspiring and really gave me a big picture into how we can make most of our world’s natural resources. It’s time we dedicate ourselves to the sustainable use of materials. Kerastase’s pursuit is to obtain the highest possible biodegradability for each formula, and I’m with them.

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I’ve only heard amazing things of Tulum’s dreamy, white sandy beaches and eco-chic resorts. It was just what this New Yorker needed after what feels like a long, never-ending winter. Mexico’s hot sun, mouth-watering salsa, and pops of cerveza were calling my name! Plus, I’ve been dying to brush up on my Spanish.  Every year, my sister Dylana and I plan a girls trip to bring together some of our favorite babes from around the world. We love anywhere with a bit of culture, lots of sun, and of course, somewhere picture perfect. Tulum was the place. We hopped on a plane straight for Cancun, before making the 2 hour drive to our off-the-beaten path beach. For trips like these, I’m always on my feet. I count on Teva to keep me covered and ready for just about anything. I packed 5 pairs. You know a girl needs her options! I love how they go with every single look, whether it be a bikini or a perfect sun dress. My Teva obsession began years ago…on the campgrounds at hot, hot Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tennessee. Which then lead us out to the jungles and hot springs of beautiful Costa Rica. And of course, we ended up even taking  our Teva sandals back to NYC for fashion week, with a play on sock’s and sandal’s, one of my favorite trends. Let’s just say, no crazy adventure with my girls ever seems complete without them now.

For our first night in Tulum, we decided to “glamp.” Glamping Hub really got me into it. It allowed us to really feel the heartbeat of the town. We slept in beautiful huts under the stars at Joy Tulum. We caught up on life by our pool, giggling like little girls late into the night (it’s been a year since we’ve all seen each other), and woke to the sound of the birds chirping. I’m so excited to tell you a few spots we’ve visited during our stay. A friend recommended we walk to Burrito Amor for breakfast, a hip joint just by our campground.The amazing thing about this spot, and Mexico in general, is their love for colorful fruit and delicious spices and chilis. A breakfast burrito was exactly what I was craving after a long day of traveling. With our bellies full, we grabbed our camera equipment and set off for the cenotes…beautiful warm, bodies of water surrounded by trees and exotic birds. They’re fantastic places to swim. They’re so calm, you can float for hours. I never took my Teva sandals off, even when jumping off the highest ledge into the cenote. I always swim in them. They protect my feet and somehow make me feel safe.

Our next few days were in front and behind our cameras. We were ready for early mornings shootings on the water, and spent our next few nights in a beautiful apartment by the long stretch of white sandy beach. Lazy afternoons were spent at The Beach Hotel for lunch, a luxurious hotel with a super secluded and remote beach just steps from the bar. You can wander just far enough that not even a soul was in sight. Nights were spent at the Papaya Playa Project, a stunning seaside resort with loud jams to dance to, surrounded by the dark crushing waves and acres of  preserved lush and trees. This is a super romantic date night spot, that’s also a ton of fun.

With amazing food and culture, comes a very diverse crowd. People from all over the world have settled in Tulum to bring vibrancy and diversity to the city. Here are a few more of my lunch and dinner recommendations. Dinner at Hartwood is a total must. Go for the beet salad, plantains, and white fish. So fresh and beautifully presented. This chic spot was started by a New Yorker, so expect a super cool and unique menu every single night. We found another more casual spot, Tunich Tulum, that’s great for lunch. Also started from an expat from Australia, it’s spin on a classic Mexican dish is both comforting and inspiring. But even with all of these amazing, innovative food choices, sometimes all we really wanted to was an authentic Mexican classic plate of rice, beans, and a few good tacos. It’s the type of food I grew up eating, and I was craving it hard. That, of course, you can find anywhere off the side roads in Playa del Carmen…the town where the locals live by Tulum. When our driver picked us up at the airport, all I wanted were tacos. He took us to a tiny hole-in-the-wall on the side of the road. Simple pollo tacos with cilantro and onions, and served with delicious salsa in tiny plastic bags. Classic, and easy.

From Tulum, we spent a few nights in Mayakoba, just an hour away to stay at the stunning Fairmont Mayakoba resort. I traded in my sandy leather hat and dusty overall shorts for bold red dresses and luxurious printed kaftans. My Teva sandals love to be styled every which way. Up or down. It’s amazing having a beach shoe to dance in and still hike in the next morning. Mayakoba has absolutely stunning beaches as well. It’s the perfect place to really decompress at the end of a long, adventure trip with a few much-needed moments by the pool. I’m still missing the hustle and bustle of the people and spirit in Tulum. Until next time will our sandy sandals wait.

Lunch at The Beach Hotel, Tulum

Breakfast at Burrito Amor.

The post THE SPIRIT OF TULUM, MEXICO | TEVA first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.