This month we interviewed Natalie Steen, founder and writer of The Nat Note, our go-to destination for fashion, interiors and gifting inspo. We spent the morning with Natalie talking all things Houston, Texas, hosting and bucket lists.
Tell us about The Nat Note...
The Nat Note is a weekly, fashion-focused newsletter that delivers ready-to-shop style suggestions for women, kids & the home in my signature collages - the "Notes." I’ve been sharing the curated shopping edits with subscribers since 2017.
Can't live without?
My husband
What did you want to be when you 'grew up'
A Mum
Favourite cocktail?
Have really been loving Negronis as of late.
Fool proof dinner party dish?
Bucket list - where do you want to go?
Cuba. my entire family is Cuban, but i've never been because of the political state. One day!
Best advice you've ever been given?
One of my Penn Law professors ended the semester with an email that read: “Focus relentlessly on your professional satisfaction. No employer will care nearly as much about that as you should. It's easy to sublimate your satisfaction to every day pressures. Don't do it! Protect yourself and the value of your career by doing things that matter to you and others.” I’m not practicing law anymore (in large part because I followed this advice!) - but it’s sentiment is widely applicable and still rings true. In short - don’t spend your days not doing what you love.
What keeps you smiling?
My three children!
Favourite season?
To me fall is the beginning of the best.
Any secret discoveries you've made on a past or recent trip to London?
I visited 5H for the first time in November - I wanted to get lost in there and never be found.
Top three things to do in Houston/Texas?
1. Experience some of our award-winning restaurants - Houston has one of the most diverse restaurant scenes in the country.
2. Find a charming spot to have a margarita. Preferably with some Tex-Mex or BBQ.
3. Visit our world-class museums like The Museum of Fine Arts, Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, and Rienzi.
Dream London Velvet design?
The Weekend Bag in Cream & Cornflower Blue - Spring Break ready!
Natalie's London Velvet Pick
Hand-crafted from an innovative and robust canvas material and top-quality vegetan leather, the holdall recalls smart weekenders from the golden age of travel, when everything, from glamorous dresses and stilettos to skiing and shooting gear, was piled into the back of a Morris Minor in spontaneous spirit.
Channelling the same nostalgic escapism, just with more focus on functionality, the holdall is perfectly sized and designed for carry-on luggage, with the sides cleverly collapsing to ensure compliance with all major airlines.
Long leather straps allow the bag to swing over shoulders layered with thick jumpers, suits and ski jackets, while a crossbody satin grosgrain strap provides an alternative, hands-free form of travel through airports and stations.
Or, to avoid carrying anything altogether, the timeless weekender slots easily onto a wheelie with a smart leather sleeve. And, despite its heritage charm, the canvas holdall’s two-way zip is padlock-friendly
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