Model Behavior – I met a top fashion blogger last week at a Santa Monica event she hosted at MANGO and shared it on one of my favorite LA websites, mondette. She’s a well-known LA based fashion blogger, but I didn’t expect her to be so down-to-earth and it literally felt like walking into a birthday party. Natalie Suarez, 20, has been a professional model since age 15 and started blogging only a few years ago with encouragement from her bloggerati sister (same in my case!). Natalie shares her boho-with-an-edge outfits, exotic travels and modeling adventures on NatalieOffDuty - and was nice enough to share the inspiration fueling her blog and what lies ahead…
Q: What inspired you to start Model Off Duty a couple years ago and how has it shaped you creatively?
Natalie: My sister introduced me to blogging at first and I was completely fascinated, spending the entire day going through the top blogs. I was hooked. I started guest blogging on my sister’s blog (www.colormenana.blogspot.com) before launching Natalie Off Duty. Through modeling, I really developed my own personal style and so blogging was the perfect way to share how I dress off duty as well as do posts on what projects I’m working on as a model and now, blogger. Blogging has really helped me share my creativity with thousands all over the world. I have also started sharing my music with my readers which is really special. They are all so supportive and my readers encourage me to continue doing what I do. It keeps me going when I know that I’ve inspired someone personally.
[VIDEO] Natalie’s recent video for olsenboye
Q: What adventures does your blog’s popularity tend to bring?
Natalie: My blog really exploded and I’m so thankful for that. Through my blog, I’ve worked on so many wonderful projects with top fashion brands that I’ve only dreamed of working with. Also, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to places I never thought I’d visit. I’ve had so many wonderful things happen and I’ve met so many amazing people and made some of the best friends.
Natalie shooting a MANGO campaign in Barcelona
Q: And how about professionally?
Natalie: I am the new face for Volcom and so, as well as being their model, I am also working with them on Volcomunity.com. I have my own column where I share bits and pieces of my life as a model. I’m also working with Glamour on their Slaves to Fashion column for their Young and Posh Network. There, I share my fashion and personal style with Glamour.com readers. It is one of my favorite magazines so I feel lucky to be a part of it. With modeling on top of everything else, it’s been a really busy year so far!)
Q: What are your next adventures?
Natalie: Next up, I hope to travel more and continue working. My next dream destination is Paris! I love what I do and I’m really motivated at the moment to work on more projects with brands that have really supported me from the very beginning.
Thanks for the chat, Natalie and I look forward to your outfits and adventures. Any girl who loves the scent of a leather handbag is a friend of mine. || All images courtesy of NatalieOffDuty
