BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Posted Jul 25 2008 @ 05:56 PM

Natalie Portman was out for a sweaty stroll in the NYC heat on July 15, looking as casual as the girl next door. To nab Nat’s comfy, everyday look, start with cropped denim shorts (very similar to Pierce Jean’s Costa Rica Frayed Bermuda in Light), a simple tee with a catchy graphic (check out Hussy Jr’s Love Your Hate Tee in Ivory) and add some earthy jewelry (Castaway’s Mauritius Necklace is ocean inspired like Nat’s Hawaiian shells). For the finishing touch: strappy black sandals (like Matiko’s 4 Ivy Sandal in Black), sleek shades with metal frame accents (try JeeVice’s Edgy in Black/Ash Brown) and an eco-friendly canvas tote. The 26-year-old actress appears to have taken a break from the silver screen and is now dabbling in other industries, beginning with fashion. The trendy vegetarian created her own line of vegan shoes for Te Casan back in February, which are leather-free and contribute 5% of proceeds to charity. The Harvard alum described her inspiration in typical smart-girl fashion, “Basically, I did it out of a lack of choice. I wanted a Mary Jane shoe without leather. I’ve been getting stuff from Target, which is de facto vegan because it’s so cheap. But I did need some shoes that weren’t made of canvas or plastic.” Continuing the eco-friendly theme, Nat will appear this season as a guest judge on a Project Runway challenge that involves sustainable materials. Natalie’s next move: appearing in her wacky boyfriend Devendra Banhart’s Bollywood inspired music video, “Carmensita.” You MUST google this video immediately – it’s too funny to pass up. In the video (which was filmed a few months ago, right after the couple met), Natalie plays Princess Carmensita, who must be rescued by her prince and his “rebellious beard.” The opening shots are weirdly reminiscent of Natalie’s portrayal of Queen Amadala in Star Wars, but the cheesy acting and subtitles are hilarious. Though no one can quite figure out the attraction between the beauty and her very hairy beast, Natalie and Devendra have been snapped smooching all over NYC, Malibu and Cannes since they got together. A close friend said, "He's funny, scary-smart and in love with her. This is a serious one, and they seem to be in it for the long haul. I've never seen her so in love or connected to somebody. I definitely wouldn't be shocked if he popped the question soon." Hmmm, do you think their love will last?

Natalie Portman seen in New York, NY on Jul 15 2008.