ON WATCH // Cut-Out Boots

Christine Centenera street style & right photo by Bridget Fleming.

I've been recently eyeing cut out boots. They're edgy, still feminine and add a bit of that bad girl look to your outfit without going completely overboard. Like, hey I'm wearing this cute babydoll dress, but BAM look at my boots! I'm badass! Okay... just me? Sure.

Left to right: 1, 2 & 3 all from Nasty Gal

Either way, I'd love to nab one of these for the cool summertime nights. For those who already own a pair, do you wear them with or without (thin/minimal) socks? I feel like socks would be rather nerdy to wear with something so cool, but I'd love to see how others wear these!

INSTA // Week in Pictures

Well this week has been a bit better than the previous few! I've really decided to make a conscious and constant effort to make my heart filled with joy rather than have it be heavy with worries and the tasks at hand. Here are a few highlights, Instagram style:

follow @nathaliek on instagram

Thursday night, I was invited to my first professional hockey game. I'm Canadian (from Toronto) and I never have been to a game? I know, sacrilege! My friend Paul and I went to the Kings Vs Stars at the Staples Center in DTLA, where we lost. Worry not, we drowned our sorrows in beer and sausages at the DLTA Wurstküche. I first did the, "which player is the cutest" game and was surprised that I really got into the game and starting cheering and heckling. And when Paul was telling me about the background and trades of the players, I was getting amped! I think there will be a lot more games in my future. And I'd say that I'll be a Kings fan since their team was the first one I watched. Plus, being in LA I have to get loyal to the home team!



Earlier in the week we had a surprise fiesta for my boss, Tyler. I was in charge of getting the decor and the piñata... filled with Don Julio. Needless to say, the wet spots on the floor are from the one broken travel sized bottle that was unlucky enough to be smashed by the hitting stick. Tuesday, I went to the westside to find an apartment. After having a roommate (not corey) that was SUCH A LIFE SUCKER, I moved out from my place on Washington and I found the most perfect apartment in Venice. Few blocks away from the Breakwater surf spot, with a rad girl of a roommate and a dog I can play with in the entire process. Plus, my favorite coffee shop, Groundwork is right down the street. I'm so stoked... and FOR SUMMER! Lastly, I've been really loving my mornings staying in bed a little bit longer since I have been staying at an apartment a block away from work and having a late brekkie. The brekkie above is bananas, kiwi, strawberries, bee pollen, yogurt and mint. It's freaking phenomenal. I get so excited about the little things.

Lastly, I went to a birthday party last night for my friend, Matt. I've never really taken a good look at the people that make up my life. I think I'm doing pretty well because these people last night are and were amazing... and they've added nothing but value. I really want to stop taking it for granted because they are some crazy talented and genuine people.

Los Angeles! The Blogcademy 2013 Scholarship Application!

Okay here goes nothing! I've been a fan of Nubby and Gala's blogs for quite awhile. I am a new fan of Kat as well and it honestly makes perfect sense when you put the three of them together! Davy is located in Venice Beach, as you know, so when I heard that The Blogcademy was coming to LA, I HAD to jump on the opportunity.

One of my new year's resolutions was to invest in myself. I love Davy and I want to make it into something much larger than what it is currently. It's really become a part of me. I know there are things I need to work on and I want to learn from the best and the most positive people I know of. People always say I have a good thing going, I just need to stick with it. This year is all about becoming that 1% of people that do what they love. I love blogging, surfing and I want to celebrate the pursuit of dreams with people that are passionate about theirs!

I really can't wait to hear of the decision you guys make! I hope and pray it's me!

WHAT I WORE // Goodbye Sweater Weather!

Okay so it was actually a tiny bit still chilly yesterday when I was taking these photos.The fog happened to roll in pretty much right after these photos! I was out filming my Blogcademy application video and had my friend, Brian, snap some shots of me. I'm wearing the usual leggings and black boots of some sort, I really need to learn to venture out a bit more. I love this free people top, it's so gauzey and light, it'll be perfect for summer when that rolls around!

Boys Club: Women & Sex in Surf

left: source unknown, right: photo by Morgan Maassen

Last week I had a weird experience. I was showing a friend surfing videos and I told him about all these amazing women surfers that basically just blow a majority of surfers out of the water with their athleticism. I wanted to show an example, so I played a video of what I thought was going to be a good show of their prowess. Instead, I was surprised to just see ass, boobs, ass, boobs, ass and did I mention more boobs? 

I actually was quite embarrassed. 

What it was, was a mixture of embarrassment and disappointment. Sexual innuendos and lewd remarks aren't the first things I want to hear when it comes up to the women I look up to in the surf world. Ever.

Don't get me wrong, all these girls were beautiful and probably only wear clothes because they're socially obligated to do so (I would kill, maybe badly maim someone, for their abs). I've seen interviews done with these women and I've seen them perform at numerous contests. They have high intelligence, courage and dedication... especially to perservere in a predominately testosterone saturated lifestyle. 

It's inevitable that women are going to be scantily clad in bikinis when they're surfing in the most beautiful-you-want-to-vomit-outta-jealousy spots in tropical climates. I'm not stupid and I'm not a prude nun that demands 5/4 suits all-year round... with hoods... and boots... And add those silly gloves while you're at it. Sex and surfing are in a serious long-term relationship with each other, everyone knows it. But, when you're advertising how your bikinis stand up in surf conditions, you should probably SHOW it. If I were in a great surf spot and it called for a two-piece, you bet your Brazilian cut bikini I would wear one. But, like most girls, I'd do it for myself. 

Women, sexuality and surfing is discussed so much it has become an eye-rolling and yawn-inducing topic. I feel like only the bricks around my house are the ones to absorb the words, and the not the people I speak to, about this topic.  It shouldn't be like that. These girls are sexy, of course! But, these women are also elite athletes that deserve the best waves, sponsors and contests but yet cannot get the support needed without selling something else. Contests get cancelled due to small crowds and lack of sponsors, but sex sells and the crowd is hungry. 

What are your thoughts about women and sexuality in surfing?