A Queen's World

photos by me

I snapped these photos on my second visit to the Giles + Brother studio here in the city, where I picked up a gorgeous new jewel to add to my collection. Knowing that this little spot is filled with hidden gems, I selfishy brought along my camera. It's a place so full of inspiration and gold, but there's that gritty element that I can't live without. Plants, metal hardwares, and portraits...the little things that I love so much. All daily reminders as to why life is so beautiful. Philip Crangi wrapped a gorgeous silver necklace around my neck. Hugging so close that it was almost a choker, I knew it would be the winner. With pieces sublty shaped like a delicate leaf crown, I felt like a queen for just that moment.  

INSTAGRAM (natalieoffduty)

 

Swim Baby

(Giejo swimsuit top and bottom, Urban headband, Vanessa Mooney choker, Hallelu velvet kimono)

I used to sit in my bedroom on the 2nd floor, overlooking our pool...playing music by the window as the sun sets over the dog park behind our house. I wonder if the neighbors could hear...I always made a racket. After Dylana went to college years ago, I somehow ended up on the other side of the house, taking over her giant room...with one of the best views of the canyons. This was long before we both became East Coasters in what felt like seconds. California is all about those little moments. The open space, the freedom, and quiet nights. Not a worry in the world, but with so much time and space to dream. I'm in love with our wooden LA home, and I do miss those glowing sunsets through the oak trees. I remember texting my friend in NYC saying all I can hear are the birds chirping, and I felt happy yet sort of far away. I did spend as much time out by the pool as physically possible. This time, soaking it all in with a gorgeous GEIJO mix and matched swimmy, and a random leopard headband I discovered at the bottom of my Coachella suitcase. If only we had more pooltime in the city! I find myself constantly pulling my friends out to the island, for that much needed R&R by the water! A girl can only take the constant rush of New York City life for so long! I really am completely back in the groove though, as the downtown streets warm up and nights seem more awake. For now, I'll doze off dreaming of daisies and sunflowers until next time, California.

INSTAGRAM (natalieoffduty)

 

To Paint

(BCBG Maxazria Runway skirt, Junkfood tee, Sienna Ray handbag, Vintage hat, Lacar cuff, The 2 Bandits layered cuffs, "Natalie + Dylana Suarez x Modern Vice" CHLOE harness boot)

I am back after a weekend that I wish never had to end. I spent hours on my bike, riding over to Williamsburg, prespiring through my tank top, before a Sunday running around the tennis court with my racquet in nothing but a bathing suit. I'm saying YES TO THE HEAT, being outdoors, and wearing super short shorts. Anyways, I'm back in the city for the week, but before we know it, it will be Friday all over again. NYC time flies, and there are some mornings when all I can do is throw on a band tee, and all things black! Overalls are a love of mine, and this gorgeous pair from BCBG, fresh out of their Runway collection, could either be worn to the ball, or here, just outside of Blick Art on Bond. I dragged Kelsea there, in search of new paint...and new inspiration. This time, I ended up with a nice watercolors set as I'm experimenting painting faces, and of course...I've already made the crazy colorful cards for my boyfriend's birthday and Father's Day. I love it. I feel I find myself doing last minute sketches at 2am. Once I've made a nice little collection of things, I'll put them up! Anyways, I forgot how much I loved the uneven cobblestone streets of my neighborhood. The way your voice shakes when you're driving through in a taxi, and the way it lights up when the sun hits it before the night. All these little things that I love. Happy Monday everyone, let the good times rooooooll.

INSTAGRAM (natalieoffduty)

 

Tie me Up

(Lovers & Friends dress, Vanessa Mooney necklace (similar), Opening Ceremony sunglasses, Black Water Moon ship ring, Karen London silver rings, Rebecca Minkoff backpack, The 2 Bandits turqoise cuff, and Vanessa Mooney cuff, Dr. Martens boots)

I never thought I'd fall in love with a pink dress so badly. This blush beauty is super mini, and I like it just on it's own...but of course, with a killer pair of Docs and a pebbled leather backpack. It's Saturday, and though I'm all for crazily running around the city, finding new places to explore, I always start my day on the roof. I love it up there. Especially on a gloomy day. I can see everything down 2nd Avenue, what's going on in the East Village, the roofs of the buildings below. The occassional, "OMG what are they doing in their apartment?" I feel more sane when I'm up there. We're lucky that we have a roof garden and so many lounge chairs...making it my friends favorite place to escape. They beg me to throw a rooftop party sometime this summer. Maybe I will! Here I'm shimmying in my new little frock with nothing but a Diet Coke and swipe of red lipstick. Two things that get me in the Saturday groove. Weekends I'm all for playing with new colors and makeup. Because it's when I'm not working that I like to step things up. Happy Saturday everyone, get some rest, or get crazy.

Oh, and a little "Be Happy" loving on my arm, as a little reminder for the weekend.

INSTAGRAM (natalieoffduty)

 

Hey Seymour

(L.A.M.B. jacket,  Lovers & Friends tank, MIH Jeans shorts, Dr. Martens "clemency" boots, Vanessa Mooney/ Karen London/ Black Water Moon rings, Rebecca Minkoff backpack, BOOSTCASE cell case)

Sorry boy, it's a girl's daaaay! God, I don't know what I'd do without these chickadees. All absolutely crazy in their own way. Dylana, mostly behind the lens, captured these gorgeous shots as we had a Saturday playdate up and down Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Kelsea, forever clutching her film camera in the sunset. I grabbed the reins on Tanya's adorable little pup, Seymour, and took him for an intense workout from Greenpoint to Williamsburg! I feel like he loved it...eventually getting to finally rest on the patches of grass, taking over the concrete down Bedford Avenue. I kept singing "sudeeeenlyyy Seymooourrr" in a really strange Broadway voice only because it was the main number in a play Dy and I did about 7 years ago hehe! Aww, Seymour, you had one wild day out with the ladies now didn't you?! Too bad we had to take you home before venturing out to Fort Greene! Brooklyn is just so a wonderful escape on the weekends. There are places where the street can be completely empty, with maybe one biker passing by. A place to finally be able to clear your mind in peace. Rarely do I find that moment in the heart of the crazy East Village, my actual home. And YES YES, with the heat, I'm aaallll about the denim cut-offs. The perfect black pair, paired with a neon jacket and tie-dye tank. Extra chunky Docs made keeping up with Seymour all the more easy...just one clunk-of-a-step behind. The city already smells like summer, and I can't wait to paint the town in more and more color.

INSTAGRAM (natalieoffduty)

 

INVITE: Meet us this Thursday at Cloak & Dagger BROOKLYN!

You are invited Brooklyn babes to our Cloak & Dagger BROOKLYN and Modern Vice JETT event featuring our exclusive "Natalie + Dylana Suarez x Modern Vice" JETT styles including the VINTAGE JETT, the OFFICER, the BENNI, and black on black SUMMER JETT (only in stores!) 

Lately, Dylana and I become more and more inspired...with time spent in the factory, continually growing the collection...and we've honestly been having way too much fun, playing with new colors, new leathers, and new lasts. All the rock n' roll boots we've only dreamed of wearing. And we have so many new styles, including our brand spankin' new CHLOE boot on a higher heel, in all colors of the rainbow...and did I mention the CHLOE with harness just hit the shop online? Go get em while you can!  

I'm excited for our night just across the river, at our favorite and adorable cozy boutique, filled with everything vintag inspired and beautiful! There of course will be BOOZE, GIVEAWAYS, and rad rad tunes. I'm excited to finally have the Brooklyn event we've been planning, and you're all invited!

Here are all the details:

WHAT: Cloak & Dagger BROOKLYN & Modern Vice event 

WHEN: this Thursday, the 13th 6-8pm

WHERE: Cloak & Dagger Brooklyn

77 Hoyt Street

Brooklyn, NY 11201

See you all there babes! Feel free to bring guests and friends!

INSTAGRAM (natalieoffduty)