Natalie and I met a couple of weeks ago at a launch party for issue 5 of Rue Magazine (you can find my original post on that evening here). She was wearing a canary yellow dress with a ribbon belt and a sharp blazer, and of course I asked her if I could take her picture. She said yes, and I snapped a few shots, but when I got home and saw the results I was disappointed. So I emailed her, proposed the idea of her featuring her as a styley friend, and, well, here we are.

Sweater and skirt: Forever 21. Wedges: Anthropologie. Scarf: Random Indian store in Berkeley.

Natalie, who is a terrific blogger in her own right–check out her great personal style blog, Like Fresh Laundry–lives in the Mission, on the edge of Potrero Hill, which meant that we had lots of interesting streets to use as “sets” for this shoot. She’s inspired by “people who are experts in things no one had thought to do that way before,” so it should come as no surprise that she works in marketing at ShopItToMe.com, a free online personal shopping service. Totally genius, right? Kind of makes you want to kick yourself for not coming up with the idea.

Sweater: H&M. Pants: Asos.

Natalie doesn’t stick to one style because experimentation is what keeps it interesting for her. Still, she gravitates toward “clean, cozy looks that are a little romantic…in fashion I’m interested in storytelling–movies or images that use outfits to create a mood.” In life, her priorities are her relationships with family and friends, and her philosophy is, “Life is short…enjoy it, try to have a positive impact, and let all the extra stuff roll off your back.”

Blouse: Urban Outfitters. Jacket: Myne. Tights: Zara. Shorts: Forever 21.

Given Natalie’s sweet personal style, I suspected that she might have some good cultural recommendations. And I was right. Recently she saw the movie Exit Through the Gift Shop, which “tackles subjects like ‘what is phony art?’ in an honest, unpretentious way. It satisfies the Holden Caulfield in you.” Amen to that.

For more pictures of Natalie, check out Picture Book, my blog on Tumblr.