This week’s fashion idol is an exotic looking Natalie- half Spanish, half Chinese, she has a look like no other.  Natalie is a rising star in the modeling industry, who is new to the blogging world, but I have a feeling that this girl has some lasting power. One look at her blog and I guarantee you will instantly be sucked into her world.  She gets into the best events, goes to the best restaurants and manages to look insanely fashionable all at the same time! Below is a small glimpse behind this girl and her busy life.

the Interview

La Mimi: Name, age, location

Natalie Suarez, 18 years old, Los Angeles

La Mimi: What has prompted you to start a blog and what’s your goal behind Natalie Off Duty?

Natalie: My older sister actually encouraged me to create a blog. Once she showed me the blogs of all the fashionable people from all over the world, I quickly became interested. I started Natalie Off Duty to really just connect with all of the people from every corner of the world who are as interested in fashion as I am. I was surprised at how much I had in common with all the interesting bloggers out there. A lot of them have inspired me with their great sense of style and I hope Natalie Off Duty will also be an inspirational spot for some.

La Mimi: Tell us a bit about your modeling career and how you started it?

Natalie: I just walked into a modeling agency, took a few polaroids, and was quickly called back to sign on with them. I’ve been modeling for about 2 years now and I absolutely love it! I’m constantly casting, working, and meeting a lot of creative talented people in the fashion world. It keeps me incredibly busy.

La Mimi: What advice would you give an aspiring model? How do you crack into the industry?

Natalie: You really just have to meet the right people in the industry who believe in you. Once you get that great agency, you are good to go. You have to have confidence in yourself and not strive to be somebody else. No one wants a girl who looks exactly like someone else. What you might find a flaw about yourself, others may really love. Different people will always see you in a different way. It’s important to also have your own personal style which makes you stand out from the crowd. I usually book jobs that go with my personal style.

La Mimi: Do you see your future in the fashion industry?

Natalie: Of course! I want to model for as long as I can. I would also love to travel and see all parts of the world as a working model. But I am also in love with music. I’ve been singing and dancing my entire life and I also play the piano and guitar. I would love to launch a music career in the future.

La Mimi: Describe your personal style?

Natalie: My personal style is not at all put together. I love grungy, tough items of clothing. I do have more girly clothes in my wardrobe too, but I always throw in a little edge either with beat up boots or tons of accessories. I am obsessed with bracelets; I can stack them like crazy. Most of my wardrobe is vintage but I do love my designer pieces which I will often throw into an outfit.

La Mimi: What are you into wearing right now?

Natalie: Right now I am wearing a denim button-up from Heritage with a dark blue pair of Joe’s Jeans along with some of my favorite bracelets/rings. Denim on denim is something I am totally in love with right now.

La Mimi: I have to confess that I’m in love with your long hair! Do you feel like it has become part of your signature look and would you ever cut it?

Natalie: Thank you! I would never cut my hair. It is always down in a long, tangly mess that I have grown to love. I have had this haircut my entire life (I know, hard to believe), but it is the best thing that suits my face and I don’t see myself changing my hair anytime soon!

La Mimi: Who is your favorite designer and why?

Natalie: My favorite designer would definitely be Alexander Wang. I love how effortless his runway looks are. It always looks like the models just got out of bed and threw on the first thing they see in their closet. His collections always have great basic pieces along with very over the top grungy pieces. His new handbags and shoes are so incredible too. I don’t think Alex’s designs will ever go out of style, because they are so classic and wearable.

La Mimi: Please share some words of wisdom with La Mimi readers…

Natalie:  Just go with the flow, and don’t take anything too seriously!

Thank you for reading! If you have not already, why not subscribe to my RSS feed, or you can get the latest fashion & beauty tips in your Email Inbox for free.

Thanks for visiting and keep in touch ~ Mimi.