Los Angeles-based Natalie Live (30) works at a restaurant and is an accomplished seamstress. She blogs about her outfits and style musings over at The Tiny Closet. Our 5′ petite blogger is a girly urban tomboy who has arty layering down pat. She loves high-low hemlines, dramatic styling elements, asymmetric detailing, breezy tops and statement earrings. Her wild, bouncy curls, gorgeous smile and contagious joie de vivre are just as much part of her trademark style as the on trend oversized fits she loves to sport regularly:
“My style has I think become more intuitive. Coordination of colors, prints and genres of style has become innate when it comes to dressing myself. I will certainly always be motivated and inspired by others and by fashion, but for years I was very conscious of ‘style’. Like, how am I going to style this to make it look fresh or unique or unusual or whatever. Now I just put pieces on and I know what the outcome or style will be. I don’t have to think about it.”
Now this is the magic of a fantastic pair of shoes at work. Natalie refers to these happy-coloured striped ankle strap sandals as “Dr. Seuss-like”. I think these super peppy peds elevate this wonderful casual look to a whole new level. Their girlishness contrasts brilliantly with the easy, lived-in vibe of the drop crotch boyfriend jeans and the nonchalant drape of the white T-shirt. The horizontal, meant-to-be-there creases in the fluid fit jeans provide textural interest and echo the stripes on the sandals. The low scoop neck of the almost tunic-length tee emphasizes the relaxed feel of the outfit, while the rounded hem hits Natalie at a flattering spot on the leg. A couple of bright-coloured bracelets, a black bag with silver hardware and Natalie’s wild, bouncy curls are all that’s needed to finish of this look.
This urban avant-garde look is not for the timid because you will get noticed, but our petite blogger pulls it off with aplomb. Arty layering is her forte, and the cobalt blue is stunning on Natalie. Our blogger is fully embracing the volume-on-volume trend by pairing loose-fitting drawstring pants with an asymmetrical poncho with extra dramatic collar. This fab poncho is one of Natalie’s own creations. She used a substantial felted wool fabric in a solid colour that collapses back onto the body. Natalie’s pulled back hair, the high-low hemline and 3/4 sleeves on the poncho, and open toe Mary-Jane pumps showing a peek of skin also help to keep all this unstructured volume in check. Big statement earrings and oversized cat-eye sunnies are the perfect accessories to continue the theatrical vibe.
There’s a laid-back ease about this casual chic outfit that really appeals to me. It’s the pointy-toed flats in combination with the ballerina-esque vibe of the “tucked up” top. The open neckline, bare midriff and scrunched sleeves make it look as if she’s just finished dance practice and threw on a beautiful, self-made skirt to go run some errands. The pleated midi hits Natalie at a flattering just-below-the-knee length that works great with the flats. The cropped top lengthens the leg line despite the flats. Spunky pattern mixing with the black and white zebra print and brown leopard print. Eye-catching, gold-toned pendant earrings (our blogger has quite the collection), and a green shoulder bag complete this easy Summer look.
Doesn’t this scream carefree Summer dressing? The lightweight materials and oversized fits will keep you from overheating in hot temps, while the long sleeves and full-length trousers provide protection from the sun. The nonchalant drape of the super loose top and trousers make the look feel very casual. The gauzy fabric and cream colour of the trousers add back in a touch of dressiness. Also notice how the bold striped top fits more narrowly on the forearms. This helps bring back structure to this unstructured, flowy look. Semi-tucking the top, and deliberately showing the ankle strap of the sandals just below the elasticated hems of the trousers creates the same effect. The gold-toned sandals, huge round statement earrings and oversized sunglasses add a splash of sunny glamour.
I am smitten with this cheeky tomboy look that is quintessentially Natalie. The slouchy fit of these drop crotch jeans (also shown above) is divine, and gives this outfit tons of playful charm. It’s almost as if the denim fabric has a sort of wet look, which is then repeated in the leather jacket. Modern and striking, and an unusual way to create outfit depth with shine. The jacket is graphite, not black, which makes it more unique looking in my book. The creases in the jeans and jacket also create lots of dynamic movement that is very much in line with Natalie’s outgoing personality. Black booties with gold buckles and tip provide some tough edge. The cognac trim on the classic black satchel is a stunning colour contrast and interesting juxtaposition that fits the mood of the outfit. Natalie’s exuberant curls and gorgeous smile are the icing on the cake.
Natalie believes in salon products to keep her trademark curls looking healthy and fabulous:
“I’ve recently learned salon products are the way to go when maintaining and managing curls and kinks. Don’t skimp on products at the drugstore. Salon products are tested by professional stylists. Drugstore hair products are not.”
I just cannot stop smiling about this white on white eyelet dress + tutu combination! Our creative blogger wore this outfit for her 30th birthday last May. What a fun way to celebrate. A tutu may not be the most versatile piece on its own, so I thought pairing it with this romantic frock was genius. The skirt’s tulle material helps to bring out the beautiful eyelet pattern on the Catherine Malandrino sundress. Plus, the extra fabric makes the dress stand out further from Natalie’s body, thus creating more birthday twirling power. I adore the contrast between the casual cheeky denim jacket and the romantic white layers. Our tomboy further tones it down with the taupe canvas lace-up espadrille wedges. The colour and rope-covered heel provide exactly the right urban contrast against the pristine girly white.
Stop by Natalie’s blog to browse the rest of her fab outfits, or go check out her pinboards for more visual inspiration. But first, let us know in the comments what you think of our blogger’s marvelous girly urban tomboy style.
