What's the quickest way to update your look for fall? By switching up your beauty routine of course! While wardrobe shopping for the season can take some time, there's nothing easier than scooping up a new lipstick or experimenting with eyeshadow. This week, I called upon my favorite beauty expert; makeup artist Cris Jenkins, to give us the low down on the look of the season. Hint: things are about to get dark...
The whimsical decor was a perfect match for the collection, which is anchored by quirky prints like candy stripes and pastel beetles. I've got my eye on the silk blouse and chiffon skirt set, which will soon be mine thanks to the generous gift card we received! In attendance were some of the best in the biz, including Elle Creative Director Joe Zee, celebrity stylist Mia Morgan, PR maven Veronica Borchers & more.
My contribution to the coffee table book, Durango Loves NYC! Shot emma watson pokies by instantelation.
durangolovesnyc:
Natalie Decleve for Durango Loves New York
Never heard of Nevis? Neither had I… until recently. To celebrate one of my best friend’s birthdays, my 5 girlfriends and I were searching for a weekend getaway to relieve our over stressed, city spoiled senses. Something tropical and distant, but relatively easy to access from both New York and LA, somewhere we could warm our hearts and bodies in the sunshine while spending quality time with each other and not tons of other tourists. The answer? A tiny island located in the West Indies, right next to St. Kitts named Nevis. But while Nevis is unspoiled and remote enough to feel undiscovered - it’s also home to the incomparable Four Season’s hotel - which would be our luxurious home away from home for the 4-day trip.
“We dubbed this ferry the “Speedboat to Paradise” as we sipped complimentary spiced rum punch while watching flying fish flit and flutter across the cerulean ocean waves...”
From the moment the girls and I deplaned at the St. Kitts airport, we began to unwind. We were greeted with humid heat and a smiling member of the Four Season’s staff - ready to whisk us away to the private ferry that would take us the 25 minutes across the water to Nevis. We dubbed this ferry the “Speedboat to Paradise” as we sipped complimentary spiced rum punch while watching flying fish flit and flutter across the cerulean ocean waves, leading the way to our destination. Up ahead - the dormant volcano that forms the island of Nevis, named Nevis Peak, reached into the clouds, beckoning us closer. As we approached, we spotted our hotel - nestled among the lush landscape and adjacent to a white sandy beach, which stretched as far as the eye could see.
It wasn’t long before we’d swapped our leggings and Louis Vuitton luggage for bikinis, and plopped down side by side in the sand, frozen “Fruit Jam” cocktails in hand. We had arrived… A few hours of lounging and laughing, and eventually our tummies began to rumble. A short walk down the beach produced an oasis of local eateries - where we decided on an open air, oceanfront feast at Lime. After gorging on fresh seafood and “rice and peas” (the Nevisian term for rice and beans) we stumbled back down to the hotel and slipped sleepily into bed. I stretched my limbs across the crisp, soft sheets, nestled my head deep into the oversized down pillow and let the sound of the waves lapping at our window lull me to sleep before I could count to four seasons…
The next morning found us refreshed and ready to explore. We began with a fresh breakfast buffet at Neve and our first view of the hotel grounds. Later, a few of us took a long and leisurely stroll along the coast and into Charlestown, Nevis’ capital, in search of local flavor. While the little town itself may not seem like much to some visitors, we found the storm beaten buildings overgrown with bright bougainvillea to be inspirational backdrops for a photo shoot. In fact, when we stumbled upon an abandoned beach bar along the way, the girls and I just had to pause for a few fun shots. Don’t you think this is what Calypso had in mind when they made this eyelet vest? Once in town, we uncovered a hole-in-the wall spot called Jamaicy’s for lunch, and as the owner/hostess/waitress spouted off the three menu items of the day; we knew we’d found what we were looking for. Moist jerk chicken and succulent salt fish for the price of an appetizer at Miss Lily’s in NYC? Yes please!
“We ditched our cork wedges and embellished sandals in favor of hiking boots, packed a backpack full of water and took a deep breath as we faced the steep climb ahead.”
On our sandy walk home we plotted our evening, which would be spent celebrating my dear friend’s birthday. The craftiest among us had smuggled streamers and balloons in our carry-ons - which we used to deck out the hotel suite for an island style surprise party! We folded origami paper into old-school fortune tellers (remember the kind you made in grade school?!) and scribbled in fortunes from the thoughtful to the absurd. We shook up cocktails of tequila with fresh mango puree (courtesy of the downstairs bar), and giggled the night away reading eachother fortunes like “you will find your true love on Nevis…but he’ll be an eccentric monkey wrangler.” But first… a big birthday dinner at Mango began the festivities. The waves crashed onto the shore just feet from our feet, and between the 6 of us we must have ordered almost the entire menu… from curried shrimp to grilled lobster and a seafood soup that made me swoon, every dish was as heavenly as the stars sparkling overhead. We toasted bottles of rose to friendship, to life and to the best of it all…
“4 hours and a short rainstorm later, we emerged back at the bottom of the volcano: looking like we’d been dunked in chocolate mousse, but victorious! ”
It was with that gumption, that we decided the next day to tackle the intimidating Nevis Peak! We ditched our cork wedges and embellished sandals in favor of hiking boots, packed a backpack full of water and took a deep breath as we faced the steep climb ahead. But we couldn’t do it alone. A hired a guide named Sheldon showed us the way through the rainforest all the way up to the cloud forest at the summit. He made it look almost easy as he swung his legs over boulders; leaping from rock to root. But as we dug our manicured fingers into the mud, cracking dirty jokes and not a single complaint along the way - Sheldon declared us to be “no ordinary city slickers.” 4 hours and a short rainstorm later, we emerged back at the bottom of the volcano: looking like we’d been dunked in chocolate mousse, but victorious! I awoke the next day with aching muscles, and decided that the best way to recover would be with a morning massage. Moments later, I was swathed in an oversized bathrobe at the Four Season’s spa. I was ready to indulge in 50 minutes of deep tissue treatment and a soak in the steam room that would banish any last bits of tension still lingering from the chaos of life back in NYC. As I shuffled around the ladies lounge sipping lemongrass infused water, I felt as pampered, lucky and thankful as could be. But like all good things, our terrific trip too came to an end… As we once again boarded the Speedboat to Paradise, this time in the other direction, we threw mental pennies into the ocean, wishing to return to Nevis as we watched the shore disappear in sight.
So, if you’re planning an end of summer getaway, or looking to escape the cold of another New York winter… consider Nevis, you won’t regret it.
WANT TO BOOK A ROOM? The Four Seasons has several amazing offers that make it easier than ever to vacation in style. Free nights, air credits and amazing packages. CLICK for more info and mention Natty Style when booking for an extra treat. ;)
Still sorting out your summer travel? Check out these 15 travel guides to get you eating, drinking and discovering in style, all over the world…
Written for Public Goods
Have you ever traveled to Europe and discovered that your food sensitivities evaporate? Turns out, even beyond gluten, there’s more to French bread than meets the eye and it may explain a whole lot about our own issues on American soil…
Written for PUBLIC GOODS
Want the truth behind that effortless glow of a French girl? Find how how and why they pull it off, and the American horror story that may be making it harder for us in the United States…
With Valentine’s Day and winter’s worst months still ahead, now is the time for a cozy weekend away with your boo or your bestie. Whether you’re looking for something polished and chic or rustic and fun; behold the 12 most hygge and hip upstate getaways that you will find.
Written for HERE magazine by AWAY. From globally sourced throws to herbal wellness pearls and little luxuries to take on the plane - these goodies are sure to spoil even the most seasoned adventurer.
Thinking about a Southern Holiday? Not before reading my round up for HERE magazine! From clandestine champagne bars, vintage Italian wine offerings, a Parisian-style apartment-turned-cocktail bar and taps of endless craft beer: Charleston is anything but dry.
If planes trains and automobiles are in your holiday plans, don’t worry boo - I gotchu. These 3 essential hacks will get you through the transit mania, so you can get to the fun part!
Italy and the South have more than just warm hospitality in common… If you’re a wine loving Europhile like me, you’ll want to read this South Carolina secret… PS - They do special deliveries anywhere in the US.
Written for HERE by AWAY TRAVEL. Above is an unabridged look at my seaside adventures in Long Island’s wine country!
It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with Zoya nail polish [hey, when I love something - I’m not shy about sharing!] Their “Big 5 Free” policy means that I can breath easy when I use their products because they’re ALL free of harmful and toxic chemicals. But if that wasn’t enough, the fact that they last the LONGEST of any polish I’ve tried has made me a die hard Zoya fan for life [check out my last Zoya giveaway post here to see what I mean!]
The good news is, as it turns out, this love might not be so one sided… Zoya has created a color for their latest Designer Collection named “NATTY” after yup, you guessed it - Yours Truly! This creamy navy/grey shade is not only one of my signature colors, but it’s also a big “it” shade for nails this fall. Lucky me! And… Lucky you! Because Zoya has also generously given me a handful of polishes to share with my friends and readers.
If you’d like to be miley cyrus pokies photo one of the first to get your hands a bottle of NATTY by Zoya, just [CLICK BELOW] For details on how to be one of FIVE winners!
HOW TO ENTER:
Entry is simple:
1. Just sign up to FOLLOW @Natty_Style on TWITTER and RETWEET this post.
(If you already follow me on Twitter, just retweet the post! The more retweets the more chances to win.)
———————
For an EXTRA CHANCE to win, you can also do one or all of the following:
* Like Natty Style on Facebook
* Follow Natty Style here on Tumbr (just click “Follow” at the top right of this screen) and “Like” this post
* Follow Natty Style on Pinterest and repin my Zoya pin
* Sign up for the Natty Newsletter
* Sign up to follow me on Instagram at Natty_Style and “like” the photo of Natty by Zoya
* Share a link to this giveaway on your own blog!
———————-
Winners will be chosen in four weeks. GOOD LUCK!
**Winner must have a shipping address in the continental US. No PO Boxes.
A girl can never have too many dresses. But when one dress can be worn FIVE different ways - and is just as appropriate on the city streets as the beach boardwalk… Well, it may just push a few of your old favorites to the back of the closet…Uintah’s Elizabeth dress is just such a miracle worker. This gauzy, lightweight frock is one-size-fits all, and comes with a coordinating sash/belt/headband to wrap up 5 effortless looks from one piece. Ideal for travel because of it’s wrinkle free fabric and versatility, the Elizabeth dress also dries quickly and is perfect for the beach! It may just be the only thing you pack on your next summer getaway…
Sold out at Saks Fifth Ave and Shopbop, now’s your chance to pick up one of your very own!
Total Retail Value $230
Love it? Want it? Get it! For FREE!
[Click Below] for details on Electronic Cigarettes how to enter to win.
HOW TO ENTER:
Entry is simple:
1. Just sign up to FOLLOW @Natty_Style on TWITTER andRETWEET this post.
2. Click “Like” on Uintah’s brand new Facebook page!
(If you already follow me on Twitter, just retweet the post! The more retweets the more chances to win.)
———————
For an EXTRA CHANCE to win, you can also do one or all of the following:
* Like Natty Style on Facebook
* Follow Natty Style here on Tumbr (just click “Follow” at the top right of this screen)
* Follow Natty Style on Pinterest
* Sign up for theNatty Newsletter
* Share a link to this giveaway on your own blog!
———————-
A winner will be chosen in two weeks. GOOD LUCK!
**Winner must have a shipping address in the continental US. No PO Boxes.
Photos by Natasha Jahangir of One Photograph at a Time
Lucky Magazine
June 2012
P 52
Lucky me!
The best part of this shoot was learning how to do a fishtail braid. Who knew it was so easy?!
Springtime has finally arrived here in NYC, and I for one, could not be happier. Of course that also means that pretty soon we’ll be wearing itty-bitty bikinis and micro-minis. So, what better way to prep for the revealing warm-weather fashion than kicking things off with a detoxifying cleanse?
These days you hear the words “cleansing” and “detox” quite frequently, but what exactly do those terms mean? Nutrition and Wellness expert, Megan Zimak gives us the low down, and reveiws her 4 favorite all natural Juice Cleanses and Detox Diets.
CLICK BELOW for healthy eating tips, reviews on some of the best ways to spring clean your body (including Gwenyth Paltrow and Demi Moore’s hot body secret!)
To cleanse one’s body is to remove dietary & environmental toxins through some application of a healthier lifestyle. Some examples of dietary theories that fall into this category include the Colon Cleanse, Master Cleanse, Candida Diet, Great American Detox Diet, and Raw Juice Fast to name a few.
Research shows that we are exposed to thousands of chemicals on a daily basis through the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe and the household, office or personal care products we use. These toxins deposit in our fat cells and produce excess residue that our bodies are no longer capable of naturally eliminating. Furthermore, much of the food we consume nowadays is processed—high in refined sugar & starch, and devoid of adequate nutrition & fiber—which can trigger inflammatory response in the body, the root cause of all chronic disease.
Rebuilding and cleansing diets work to strengthen your immune system and reduce inflammation by removing common food allergens, lightening up your diet, and adding in essential nutrients to bring glowing vibrant health to mind, body & spirit. Through a detoxifying diet, you can not only lose weight, but may also eliminate allergies, improve chronic ailments, increaseenergy, and overcome addictions and cravings.
For starters, here is a list of foods to include and avoid on a general detox or rebuilding diet:
EAT THESE:
• fresh or frozen berries •fresh or frozen vegetables •whole, gluten-free grains (amaranth, millet, buckwheat, quinoa, brown rice) • nuts and seeds • extra-virgin olive oil
NOT THESE:
• sugar & artificial sweeteners • wheat, gluten & dairy • yeast • food additives and preservatives • chocolate, caffeine & alcohol • foods high in saturated fat
However, if you’re looking for a bit more structure, or want to take your cleansing to a deeper level for fast & lasting results, here is a brief overview of 4 of my favorites. Fair warning: these cleanses are not for the faint of heart, and it goes without saying to please consult your physician before starting on any new diet or detoxification.
****
“MOST INTENSE”
1. The Master Cleanse Diet, also commonly referred to as the Lemonade Diet, Maple Syrup Diet, and Cayenne Pepper Diet, was created in 1940 to help treat people with ulcers. This diet was not originally intended for weight loss; however, that is a nearly inevitable result due to the significantly reduced daily caloric intake (avg 600-1200 calories).
The Master Cleanse recipe includes: 2 tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon 2 tbsp. pure maple syrup 1/10 tsp. cayenne pepper 10 ounce glass of medium hot water
The Master Cleanse diet should be followed exclusively for 10 days, with solid foods gradually re-introduced in a specific manner & order. This allows good gut bacteria to sufficiently re-develop. Important to note: most physicians & wellness experts do not endorse this diet due to the lack of essential nutrients.
“MOST CUSTOMIZABLE”
2. Organic Avenue offers 5 organic, vegan raw food/juice cleanses based on their “L.O.V.E.” philosophy: Live, Organic, Vegan, Experience. The 3 most popular cleanses are the Love Easy (5 day beginner cleanse, combining raw juices & cuisine), Love Fast (Level 2 cleansing, incorporating juices, soups & smoothies), and finally, the Love Deep (3 days of juice only, for advanced “cleansers”). Cleanses may be picked up or delivered (depending on zip code) & all packages include a daily email with detailed instructions, time schedule, nutrition tips & inspiring words of L.O.V.E & wisdom.
“MOST CELEB ENDORSED”
3. The Clean Program, a 21-day cleanse developed by Dr Alejandro Junger MD (a renowned cardiologist), has been touted as the most effective cleanse in the world. It is doctor-backed by wellness heavyweights Dr. Frank Lippman & Dr. Mark Hyman, and loved & endorsed by celebs such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Demi Moore & Debra Messing to name a few. The plan is simple (a shake for breakfast, lunch from a list of specific foods, a shake for dinner, and supplements such as probiotics & enzymes to be taken throughout the day), and arrives direct to your door, neatly packed & organized, in just 2 days. Its pricey ($425, shipping included) but let’s just say, the results are worth their weight (or weight loss) in gold.
“MOST ACCESSIBLE”
4. Finally, the ‘First Cleanse’ system from Renew Life is fantastic. It is an organic mixture of minerals and herbs that helps draw away toxins, fats and ‘extra’ hormones from your system. It is a 30 day program but eating is permitted (follow above list of recommended foods to eat/avoid). This system is by far the least pricey and most widely accessible of the bunch.
Wishing you all an easy cleanse, and a healthy, happy & vibrant Spring!
- Megan Zimak
FIRST DAY OF SPRING! What better way to celebrate than with a dash of beauty? For today’s post - I asked makeup artist and friend,Cris Sun, to weigh in on the season’s hottest trends for your face. Here’s what she had to say:
As — would say, “I’m goin’ goin’, back back to Cali Cali”… So what am I gonna pack pack for a low key week in the city of angels? Answer: A bunch of day to night casuals that can be mixed and matched for a variety of occasions.
The Forecast: High’s in the mid 60’s to the upper 70’s, Lows in the mid 40’s
The Agenda: Wine tasting in Santa Barbara with NB, lazy days around town, casual dinners with friends, a few casual meetings and showroom appointments
How Long: 5 1/2 days, 5 nights
CLICK BELOW to see what I’m bringing to La La Land and how I plan to wear it.
One of my favorite packing tips is to pick a color palette and stick to it. For this trip I chose neutral grey and earth tones to keep my travel wardrobe is as flexible and interchangeable as possible.
You’ll also notice that nearly all of the pieces below (with the exception of the silk Theory blouse) are wrinkle free fabrics - so they will look just as good when I pull them out of the bag as they did when they went in!
(Actual list / wardrobe credits at the bottom of post)
Layered over a silk cami or under my leather jacket, this cozy cashmere cardigan is the perfect way to keep warm. The grey silk cami is cute on it’s own too, and can be worn during the day with boyfriend jeans, or worn with some gold jewelry, heels and a tie dye scarf.
This striped fisherman sweater is really light - perfect with boyfriend jeans and wedges, maybe for a shopping day.
This leather jacket is perfect for adding polish to casual basics like a white T shirt or this grey slouchy sweater. Paired with my platform Marni booties, I could even wear this to dinner. I also adore these skinny jeans because they’re carol burnett nude pokies super fitted, and have just the right amount of distress.
Skinny jeans: EARNEST SEWN
A plain white T shirt goes from drab to fab when accessorized with fun jewelry and a scarf.
A cotton sweater is perfect for that in between weather. This hoodie looks darling with cut off shorts for a day of bumming around Venice or Manhattan beach.
This open weave tunic sweater feels effortless because of it’s shape, but dressy because of it’s wirey, slightly shiny material. It’s perfect for a casual dinner, worn with skinny jeans and platform booties, or for daytime with leopard flats and boyfriend jeans.
For a trendier evening, I love this animal print blouse with my skinnies. It’s just the right amount of “look” without going overboard. This amazing Kara Ross bracelet is all the jewelry I need!
Effortless and chic, this silk blouse just feels right for day or night. Maybe I’ll wear this wine tasting in Santa Barbara… Better be careful not to spill any!
More jewelry to play around with!
THE EXTRAS
Go with everything grey bag: BALENCIAGA
Tie die extra long scarf: ZARA
Bright leopard print zipper bag to hold plane essentials like hand cream, Lara bars, lipgloss and hand sanitizer: DVF
Giant vintage duffle bag to carry it all in?: LOUIS VUITTON
Reading material: ELLE, HARPERS BAZAAR and FIFTH AVENUE 5 AM by Sam Wasson.
PACKING LIST
Cashmere Cardigan: CALYPSO ST. BARTHS
Double Belt: INTERMIX
Skinny jeans: EARNEST SEWN
Grey Silk Cami; NILI LOTAN
Taupe Ballet Flats: GAP
Lace Up Wedges: CHLOE
Army Green Leather Jacket: DVF
Grey Slouchy Sweater/Sweatshirt: MILLOU
Shredded Boyfriend Jeans: CURRENT ELLIOT
White Silk Blouse: THEORY
Animal Print Blouse with Leather Detail: HAUTE HIPPIE
Perfect Oversized White T: ZARA
Cotton Hoodie: T BY ALEXANDER WANG
Striped Open Weave Sweater: EVER
Cream Wire-y Sweater: UNKNOWN
Gold Bangles: VAN H.
Imitation Bone Cuff Bracelet: BCBG
Catch you on the flip side!
xx
Natty
7:30am – Wake up to the radio blaring.Wonder why the F the alarm clock is mistakenly set so early… Oh yeah it’s still Fashion Week.
8:00am – Power breakfast of coffee and cereal, try on 3 outfits before deciding on my “look” for the day.
8:45am – Make my way uptown to Lincoln Center for the Jenny Packham show.Listen to a seemingly normal man on the crowded subway sing Kumbaya - to nobody in particular.
10:00am – Lust after the ethereal looks of the show, what a lovely and soft way to ease into the day!I’m feelin’ good.
10:30:am – Head across to the Rachel Roy.Run into Bobbi Brown who remembers me from working together a while ago.I’m flattered to chat her up for a hot second before she’s swooped up by more important people begging for her attention, namely – Kim Kardashian.
11:00am – Meet with our Guest of a Guest fashion intern, Courtney and photog, Jenna to tag team some street style from the tents.
11:15am - Run into Candice Lake, photographer for Vogue UK.We chat and take each other’s picture –a common practice in the love-fest that is Lincoln Center at Fashion Week:“I love your look, can I take your photo?”“YES but I love YOUR look – can I take yours tooo?!”
11:30am – Stutter when I ask Joanna Hillman about her t-tips for F-Fashion Week.Is it possible to have a style crush?
12:30pm – I’m starving and starting to drag.Head over to the Teen Vogue Haute Spot in Lincoln Center to use their iPads and catch up on emails.
12:35pm – Snatch up 4 baby “Baked by Melissa” cupcakes in rapid succession immediately upon entering.The peanut butter and jelly flavor is just like eating a sandwich… right?
12:37pm – Pound a Figi water like a frat boy drinking beer and repress the urge to slam dunk the bottle.Gotta wash down all that peanut butter somehow!
1:00pm – Shiver uncontrollably while snacking on some Pirates Booty in the lounge.WHY is it so cold in here?!Are they secretly storing salmon or eggs in the makeup station or something??At least I’m not tired anymore.
2:00pm – Leave the (not so hot) Haute Spot, despite having more work to do because my lips are blue, and it’s not a fashion statement.
2:05pm – Buy a cup of payday loans savings hot tea from the Lincoln Center vendor dude.He looks at me like I’m a lunatic.Maybe because it’s 80 degrees and sunny outside.
2:06pm – Burn my tongue on my tea, but don’t care because I’m so happy to be answering emails from my Blackberry in the sunshine.
3:30pm – Head downtown to the Metropolitan Pavilion for the Elizabeth Kosich show as a part of Nolcha.
3:45pm – I’m a little early, so I decide to walk over to Sephora to pick something up for my mom.Extra walking in 6 inch Louboutin stilettos; not the best idea at this point.
3:55pm – Back to the Pavilion.By now, I’m sweaty and my feet are starting to kill.
3:56pm – Spot a very comfy looking SUV printed with #MBFW, and convince them to give me a ride to the Highline after the show in exchange for posing with the car.
4:45pm – Exit the show to find that my “white knight” in shining car is gone!Bastards.Feeling like a sucker.
5:00pm – Make it to the A&O show (no thank Mercedes Benz).Eat yet another cupcake.Watch the paps go nuts over those other 2 Kardashian sisters.
5:30pm – Hobble into a cab back up to Lincoln Center, and inspect blisters the size and shape of Africa on my feet.I also examine that the Nolcha show’s gift bag which includes all of the necessities for … well I’ll just show you:
EXHIBIT A:
And the kicker…
7.Two “Swipes – Lovin’ Wipes…For before and after intimate moments”
Yes, seriously.
6:00pm – Pound another Figi water on my way to see Betsy Johnson.Skip the socializing and sink thankfully into my seat.Peer into the gift bag with trepidation only to discover MORE cupcakes, teal eyeliner and pink hair extensions.Perfect!My Ho Kit is now complete.
6:30pm – Rock out to Nirvana and New Young Pony Club in one of the most entertaining shows of the season before finally limping as quickly as a gimp can limp; back to the subway and home.
xx
Natty
Written for WELL + GOOD: That time I said yes to a sailing adventure with a bunch of friends that weren’t my friends, and it turned out to be one of the best adventures of my life…