New Outlook, Who Dis?

December 24, 2019 Liberata Leave a comment

It’s official. Being single in your 30’s might just be the worst title one can have today. And before any of my feminist friends lose their shit at me for this declaration, hear me out first.

You see, I’ve been quite comfortable moving through life at my own single speed. Sure, I’ve had a few great “almost, maybe” relationships, but none of them ever ended in “happily ever after”. And that’s okay. Because being single is fabulous, right? You can do whatever you want, whenever you want. You don’t have to share anything. Or compromise. You get the entire bed to yourself. And my favorite part- every day is literally brimming with the excitement of the possibility that you could meet THE ONE. In other words, when you’re single, you almost feel like the rest of your life is still one big, exciting question mark, and your future is still full of unlimited possibilities (I know, I know- que Natasha Bedingfield’s Unwritten).

Okay, so maybe that’s just my only child syndrome showing, or maybe it’s my selfish nature to usually put myself first. And do every little thing myself (because who else can it better, right?). But more importantly, maybe it’s because in today’s world, I have to question how anyone could ever make another person happy, without first being happy with themselves. Sure I want the King to my Queen, but how can I financially contribute equally to a relationship when I’m still building my own empire? How am I supposed to inspire and motivate another person when I’m still so focused finding my own? Because after all, especially by today’s standards, success is something I should be able to build all by myself, and definitely not with the help of a partner.

The pressure of being a strong, independent female today is real, y’all. And truth be told- it’s exhausting.

So if you’re anything like me, you most likely spent your 20’s working hard to be the Boss Babe that you are now in your 30’s. I see you Queen. You ate your glitter for breakfast, and you became the proud poster child for #riseandgrind. You’re by no means rich (yet), but you’ve been able to support yourself, all the while successfully dodging fuckboys along the way. AND you probably did it all in heels. That in itself should earn you a trophy. Or at the very least a vacation.

Except there is no trophy. And there is no vacation. Instead, there’s only another level, or another new goal you’ve decided you need to reach. Which means more glitter will be needed, and more rising and grinding will be done before we might finally be able to declare ourselves as “happy”. To be fair, I’m not sure what exactly happens to a person when they do successfully reach it. Maybe some internal light magically turns on similar to a taxi cab, letting men know that you’re finally qualified enough to be Wifey material. Or, maybe nothing happens at all, and we just have to continue dodging fuckboys until The One simply decides just to casually show up one day in some meet cute kind of way.

Or maybe, we can finally just stop worrying about it. And just keep crushing our goals while we live our life. For the record, this is the option I vote for.

So why is being single in your 30’s such a toxic title to have today? Well the truth is…. it isn’t. Or rather, you shouldn’t look at it that way. Because being judged for being single in your 30’s is really just a sign of the times, and not a sign of your life choices. Or perhaps I should say- a sign of the changing of times.

Let me explain….

Remember when you were young, and society had this normalized standard that you thought you had to follow to be successful? First you would go to college to get the job that would make the money, then you would meet Prince Charming somewhere in your 20’s, get married, and then finally, you would have the family and coveted white picket fence in your 30’s. It all sounds so lovely, right?

God, we were stupid….

Because as it would turn out, we would grow up as the generation that would rewrite the entire fucking script. The generation that proved you didn’t need to go to college to land the dream job. Instead, we realized we could skip the student loans, create our own dream jobs instead, and just start working for ourselves.

We realized the divorce rate was ridiculous, as most of us grew up in single parent homes. So we decided maybe getting married in your 20’s wasn’t the best idea, and we took our time instead. So we used our 20’s to live. We used our 20’s for travel. For experiences. And for an education that no classroom would have ever provided. And hopefully, through all that, you figured out just who “you” really were, and how much “you” were really capable of. And then to our surprise, we discovered the person we were in our 20’s would still yet somehow evolve into almost an entirely different person in our 30’s.

And now here we are in our 30’s, and we’re still learning. About ourselves, and about what we define as a successful life. For some of us it might still be that family with the white picket fence. But for others, it could be the apartment you’re still renting in NYC. Or maybe it’s living with your best friend in the Hollywood Hills. Or maybe it’s the old, but very shabby chic farmhouse with just enough property to shelter all the animals you rescued.

The point is- the only way to measure your success in life…. is you. Or more specifically, your happiness with where you are, right now.

So the truth is, maybe our 30’s are when we just need to stop. Stop with all of it. Stop with the standards. Stop with the timelines. Stop with the judgement. And to finally stop letting ridiculous factors like goals or wealth determine our own happiness with where we are in life, at this very moment.

And instead, maybe we just need to start looking at ourselves as individuals that each have their own idea of what happiness is. As individuals that are still learning. Still growing. And more importantly, individuals that are still making mistakes.

But above all, maybe your 30’s are for finally realizing the only things worth chasing in this crazy beautiful life, are the things that set your soul on fire.

2018, Dating, Fashion, Sorry I'm No Sorry

Fast Fashion…. Fast Dating?

January 24, 2018 Liberata Leave a comment

Call me old school. But there are 2 things that I believe still deserve to be done with thought and integrity:

Fashion & love.

Fashion, because it is still a representation of who you are. How you feel. It’s a representation of your passions. Your beliefs. It can tell a little about your past, while even adding hints of where you see yourself in the future.

You don’t dress for the job you have, you dress for the job you want, right?

So it’s a little disappointing that we now live in a world where fashion has become fast. Cheap. Little care needed. And easily disposed of.

And really, whats to value about the quick purchase we made at Forever 21? That $14 dress you bought to wear once, on Friday night, cause it’s, like, so cute. If the dress is lucky it will survive the night without any stains, and will eventually find its way to the nearest donation bin along with 10 more just like it (different colors, of course). But more often than not, it will fall apart after being washed once, and it’s memory will only live on only in a filtered Instagram post.

We make purchases like these because, while they may be a big fashion risk, they will be little risk to our wallets. With virtually no financial damage, we can score an entire outfit, knowing full well it may only be worn once. And that’s okay. Because you weren’t really interested in committing to it anyways. I’m pretty sure you have no intention of passing on your sequin and studded tube top to your future daughter. And you probably aren’t saving it for a rainy day, either.

However, stopping by Neiman Marcus could cost you. Big time. Not only will you be spending more, you’re also more than likely committing to making a permanent home in your closet for your purchase. This would be considered an investment. So a lot of thought (and a little trying on) will be required before you make your final selection.

But wait… Dry clean only? No thanks. Hand stitched? I mean, how could anyone even know if that’s true? Hand wash only? Who has time for that? Lay flat to dry? Girl, bye.

And so, not wanting to take the risk of spending your time, money and effort on something of quality, you settle for cute and convenient instead. So it’s really no surprise that we have evolved to treating other areas in our life with the same level of effort.

Things like relationships.

Face it- dating has now become the Forever 21 of our love lives.

Fast. Little effort invested. Disposable.

And online dating has become our fitting room.

That would almost be funny…. if it weren’t so true. And we have to face the reality that online dating really is the only way to go these days. I mean, you could still run into someone at the grocery store, I suppose. But even if you did see someone that caught your attention, chances are that person will walk cruise right by you, their face buried in their phone, feverishly swiping, narrowing down that weekend’s dating options.

Because we don’t lock eyes anymore. We swipe right. Or, if you’re feeling extra creepy, you can slide right on into their DM’s.

Romantic, right?

But this also creates another problem- no one actually invests time in getting to really know one another anymore. If the dress rips, you can just throw it away with no remorse and buy a new one. If a date falls short of our expectations (but he said he was 6’2!), you can simply hop on your phone, ignore your 5’9 date, and line up your next one before you’ve even finished your drink.

That’s if you even make it to an actual first date. Because more often than not, the first date is now the time you message one another, right after you’ve matched on Tinder. That’s right. We just went ahead and completely eliminated the need to even have an actual face-to-face conversation to learn about one another. OR, we want to know everything about that person to even determine if its even worth going on a date with them. In my own personal experience, this dance can go on for weeks.

It goes something like this:

So, what do you do? What do you do for fun? Where do you live? Where are you from? What brought you here? Have you ever been married/kids? Are you on Facebook? Instagram? I’m probably going to need to see more pictures of you in various situations to determine just how attractive you really are. How tall are you?

Basically, this Q&A session will last longer then if you had just skipped all the superficial stuff, and actually just met for a drink instead. But neither party had to get off their couch, change out of their sweats, or make any real effort whatsoever. There’s no risk.

And so while you may know what they had for lunch that day, thanks to Instagram, you will have zero clue on whether there’s actually any chemistry between the two of you.

This is known as the period that we assess the potential risk of the individual. Or, in fashion terms, is the item worth the price? And there lies the problem.

I’m not sure we even understand what quality is anymore. In fashion, or in love. Or what it means to really invest in something, and want to take care of it, understanding that the item’s value will appreciate over time. We no longer know how to look at things, and think of the future, and imagine how special their place could potentially be in our lives. Do we even know how to care for something that could be expensive now, but priceless down the road? Instead, we’re only thinking of the hear and now.

And so we fail to imagine the magical memories that could be created, and fill our lives with a string of instant gratification moments instead.

But isn’t the magic what dating is all about? The potential?

When did we forget about the possibility of butterflies?

Thanks to social media and Amazon Prime, we expect everything now. From information to sex. We want to have all the answers. All the information. And a solid return policy.

But that’s not how relationships are formed, or even how memories are made.

I’d still like to believe that I’m going to marry my best friend. And a relationship like that takes time. Built with quality, and capable of being repaired, even when completely broken. Cared for with love, and protected from harmful agents. There for the good times, and even the bad. No annoying flaws or snags, but rather, only the stories behind them.

So I propose we start to treat dating like it’s something we actually value again. Because it is a risk. Whether it’s your heart, or your money on the line. Stop wasting your time and energy on cheap knock-offs, and instead save your efforts to invest in the real thing. Next time you meet someone, put down the phone. Lighten up on the messages. And put your fabulous, beautiful self out there and invest the time and effort to really get to know them, face to face. Say Goodbye to Forever 21 (unless it’s for accessories- I can’t even fault you there). And begin to treat your potential relationship like an Hermes bag. Sure, it’s a risk. And it definitely could cost you. But that same investment could be worth more than gold in time. And while it’s beautiful now, it could be even more stunning with age.

And always, always handle it with care.

And who knows….

Maybe, just maybe, you might get butterflies.

Beauty, Bohemian, Spring, Summer, Trend Report

Microblading- A Brow Game Changer

June 10, 2017 Liberata Leave a comment

***

I wish someone would have warned me when I was younger just how important two narrow lines of hair would eventually be to me. I especially blame my Grandmother. Beautiful and fabulous, her brows were a sparse reminder of overplucking to follow the beauty trends dating all the way back to the ’30s. So when I reached the age where I realized it was time to wrangle my own arches, I really should have known better. I should have known that less is not more. And I really should have known to leave them in the waxing hands of a professional.

Basically, I should have just left well enough alone until I knew what the hell I was doing.

But, like most things in my life, I tore into my brows with wild excitement. Now to be fair, they weren’t awful. But rather, I think I just assumed that all brows were created equal, which was a major rookie mistake. I also assumed that by being Italian, and therefore having enough hair on my head for two people, that my brows would follow suit and just continue to grow in waves. It was an exciting thought.

It was also a very stupid one.

Because they didn’t.

Instead, I was left with two sad strips of hair that were so sparse that trying to shape them into anything would be the equivalent to the old guy with a few hairs on his head. And lets them grow really long. And then wraps them around his entire head.

So instead, I did the only natural thing I could think of. I started filling them in. It was an art I became obsessed with. And quite good at. And with that, I sealed my own fate of a lifetime commitment to eyebrow pencils, powders and dip brow. Anastasia would later become my best friend in life. And I would never, ever be able to go swimming on a first date.

I had gone from bushy to bare to prisoner.

Until now.

But first, let’s rewind to about a year ago when I first noticed an ad about microblading. I remember looking at the “before” picture of one sad shapeless brow. Followed by the immediate panic of my own brows (Were they okay? I think I may have accidentally touched my right brow earlier… Is there a smudge? Are they still on fleek? I should do a quick mirror check to confirm…).

And just to put things into perspective, when your brow obsessed, or rather, obsessed over your lack of brows, those questions will flow through your mind probably 30 times a day. Maybe even 60 if you have a date that night. And the first time you sleep over your new guy’s place and have to wash your face before bed? It’s like the Walk of Shame, except you’re only walking from the bathroom to the bed.

But then (after confirming my brows were, in fact, still perfect) I saw the “after” picture….

At first, I felt the same familiar pang of jealousy I usually reserve for Angelina Jolie’s brows. And lips. I mean honestly- how is one woman so perfect?? But back to the point. Because then I just felt skeptical. Surely it’s photoshopped. How in the world is that even possible?

(Unless you’re Angelina…)

But then I felt… hopeful. Because when I clicked on the ad, I was taken to a website where literally rows and rows of before/after photos were posted, just waiting to show me this was in fact no joke.

It was Microblading.

Also know as the semi-permanent process of tattooing tiny individual hair-like strokes that look so real that it’s almost unreal.

Now because I’m a grown ass woman who has learned her lesson about going ham on anything involving my brows, I started doing my research first. And the more I read, the more I was convinced that this was my solution. I started once again fantasizing of perfectly shaped arches that were dramatic, yet realistic. Fantasizing about a life with brows that didn’t wash off. Or dictate the start of my day. Or add another 10 minutes to my already too long ritual of getting ready.

Only this time- they could actually be mine.

But there was still one thing that stood in my way: I needed to see microbladed brows on someone. In person. I needed to get all up in their grill and really see this miracle up close. On someone who was just like me, and got dealt a shitty hand in the brow department. And had spent every day of their life since religiously filling in their brows, whether they were leaving the house that day or not.

I needed to see them on someone who understands that good brow game is life.

And as fate would have it, that person would turn out to be my best friend, Corrine Dale.

Now, Corrine happens to be in the beauty industry, so you already know she’s not entertaining anything but the real deal. So when she told me about her appointment, I immediately confessed my interest in the whole procedure. I pulled up the original ad and together we admired brow after perfect brow. And it was a little less than a week later that I would see Corrine’s new perfect brows. In person. Up close. All up in her grill. Amazed.

It was kinda like discovering Santa Claus was, in fact, real. Except it really was real. I was seeing them with my own eyes.

And exactly one hour later my appointment was booked.

And it was exactly one week later that I myself was walking into Salon 2510 to meet with Jenn Lintzenich– who I have now dubbed The Brow Queen. Located in St Pete, this charming salon was everything I had pictured. Clean, chic and comfy. She greeted me with a warm hug and instantly I was at ease. Because no matter how much research you do, the thought of doing anything permanent is scary. But her confident and professional energy erased any doubt that may have still been lingering.

Of course, I arrived with my brows filled in as usual, though slightly darker. I just felt it was important that she see me the same way I’ve grown accustomed to seeing myself. Or, rather, my brows. Plus, I knew she would measure my face to mark where my natural brow should start and stop. And I was curious to see just how bad of a job I’ve been doing all these years. To my amazement, I had been dead on.

ABOVE: An example of how to find your natural brow shape.

ABOVE: Measured, marked, and outlined. The actual area to be microbladed will be entire area inside the dark outer line.

But more importantly, it meant that if she was going to follow my natural brow, they were going to look pretty much the same. Only a hell of a lot more natural.

The measuring process probably took the longest out of my two hour visit. As it should. Because it’s not so much a process, as it is an agreement between yourself and the artist. A level of expectation. There should be a clear understanding of what you expect your final result to be, yet a reasonable one. With my current brow situation, or lack thereof rather, I was pretty much a blank canvas. But I was also very set in my brow ways. I knew what I wanted, and came armed with screenshots to back my vision up. But I was also open to the possibility of my expectations being unrealistic. At the end of the day, your artist is someone who is trained and licensed to do what they do best, so their opinion should not only be welcomed, but taken seriously.

Fortunately we were on the same page, so there was nothing left to do but get to work.

The next step was to apply a topical numbing gel to work its magic. Because its microblading. Which means a needle will be involved. So there’s no need to ask if it’s going to hurt. But more on that later. Because while the gel was slowly numbing away, we had another important decision to make- Color. This can be a difficult decision for many reasons. But the most obvious being your hair color. Because what it is today, may not be what it will be tomorrow. So while I’ve been living the blonde life for about 5 years now, my natural hair color is black. Yet, I’ve always filled my brows in with light shades of brown. So together, we decided that a 50/50 mixture of dark and light brown would be perfect. The idea being that we would rather start off lighter, and go darker if I felt the need during my touch up visit a month from now.

ABOVE: Numbing gel with plastic on top for absorption.

And then it was Go Time. My shape was drawn, my color was mixed, and my brows were numb. All in one hour’s time.

I laid back on the table, took a deep breath, and braced myself for the worst. Not because I thought it would hurt like hell, but because I hate needles. And I had this picture of a giant tattoo gun in my head. Instead, she leaned over me with a tool that was no bigger than a pen. And no louder than the sound one would make when clicking it open to use.

But best of all??

No pain. I mean, everyone is going to be a little different in this area, but I would say one a scale of 1 to 10, the majority of the procedure was a 1 for me. Maybe 20% of it a 2. And another 5% was a 3. At one point, I’m certain I could have drifted off to sleep for a few minutes. And why not? I was in good hands, having a procedure done that I would almost consider life changing.

After about 30 minutes, she had me get up and take a look. Not just because I was curious, but to see if there were any tweaks I thought might be needed.

Honestly, this was probably the scariest part of the whole thing.

I had to close my eyes before standing in front of the mirror. Because I knew that when I opened them, it was either going to be one of the greatest moments of my life, or one of the worst. If I opened them, and they were awful, then it would mean it really was too good to be true. That, once again, there was no Santa. And I would be confined to my brow prison again.

I held them closed for one more final second…

And then… I slowly opened my eyes, prepared for whatever was waiting. At first, I was confused. And then… surreal. Because for the very first time, I knew I was looking at a reflection that would never again be a source of anxiety. A reflection that would no longer require time and effort before presenting it to the world without shame. I would wake up to that reflection. That other people would wake up next to that reflection. Because it was no longer simply a reflection. Or a screenshot. Or a wish.

It was me.

No Dip Brow required. Or mirror check to confirm.

This is me…

ABOVE: Both pictures taken immediately after. No redness, swelling or pain.

I didn’t cry. I thought I would, but I couldn’t. I was too happy to cry. I also needed to focus and really look at the face that would now be me. I saw only a few minor tweaks, which she had already pointed out. It just took standing up and looking at me from a different angle to confirm. Again, we were on the exact same page.

I jumped back on the bed and closed my eyes, ready to begin the final step. The Chainsmokers started playing in the background and I began to hum along. And enjoyed the experience of what would be the final brow to ever land on my face by hand.

In a month, I’ll go back for my final visit. It will take that long for them to heal. Which is just another way of saying the pigment is going to change a lot over the next few weeks. It’s been a about 6 days, and they already appear lighter. Though it’s hard to tell with the scabbing- a natural reaction to any kind of tattooing. The most annoying part of the whole experience has been keeping them dry. Turns out, you’re not allowed to get them wet for the first ten days, or it can affect how the pigment sets. So if you’ve ever grown bored with the mundane routine of washing your face, this could be just the kind of challenge to keep things exciting.

And while I fully intend on writing a second part to this after my final visit, I will go on record now and say with 100% certainty that I have absolutely no regrets. And the experience itself has a lot to do with that. So if this is something you’ve been considering, or even merely thought about, it’s definitely worth a consultation. Because while the internet is great for research, you’ll get the best answers one on one.

If you’re lucky enough to live in Florida, or even if you’re visiting the area soon, make an appointment with Jenn. Like, now. You can see more of her work on Instagram by following her HERE. Her enthusiasm and passion for the industry are reasons enough. But her overall skill and natural talent makes her the best in the area.

Or, give her a call directly for more information, or to book an appointment:

(727) 485-4178

And, of course, feel free to comment with any questions- I’m happy to answer them!

So for now, I think it’s important to end Part 1 by agreeing that of course natural is beautiful. But beauty comes in many forms, and can be determined only by the eye of the beholder. But there is truly nothing more beautiful, or more amazing, than the body you have been gifted. Treasure it. Take care of it. And appreciate it. All of it.

But the key word here is “your”. Meaning that however you choose to express yourself with your body is your right. It is the greatest instrument you will ever have, and should be adorned accordingly.

So adorn away.

Because the best look on anyone is, and always will be happy.

XX

Confessions, Dating, Sorry I'm No Sorry

Valentine’s Day- Why You Need To Stop Being Bitter About It

February 12, 2017 Liberata Leave a comment

I get it. Really, I do. I have spent every Valentine’s Day of my life single.

Every. Single. One.

When your a kid, Valentine’s Day isn’t nearly as traumatic. Because it wasn’t about having a boyfriend- it was about candy. Your entire class was basically your Valentine. We were all in it together, making our way around the classroom, dutifully dropping our Valentine’s into each other’s handcrafted boxes, so ornately decorated that even Lisa Frank would have been proud. Even the weird kid in the back that ate his own hair felt the love (even if he did get the crappiest cards out of the bunch….). That shit was exhausting, writing out 30-something Valentines. Unless you were lucky, and had an adult on hand to help you out. The only real stress was determining who would be lucky enough to get an actual personalized paragraph written on the back along with some badass hearts drawn on it, or the simple “xoxo, Libby”.

( Cause I don’t care what the situation is, there will still always be a hierarchy….)

But then you get older. And just like everything else in life, Valentine’s Day turns into serious shit. Instead of a scale that was once used to innocently determine one’s popularity, it somehow becomes a scale to determine one’s entire self-worth.

Which is completely ridiculous.

Mainly, because the only thing that has changed to create this absurd standard is nothing more than our own way of thinking, and not the actual meaning of the day itself. Of course the day is about love. But why have we made it all about being loved by one person, a significant other, and not about being loved in general?

Or even better- why isn’t it about celebrating the fact that you have people in your life to love?

Like many others, I have spent the majority of my life with the belief that if I wasn’t in love, I just simply wasn’t allowed to participate in this holiday. I was permanently benched. I might as well be the kid in the back of the classroom eating my hair. Or even worse, if you did happen to be casually dating someone, it instantly places an awkward pressure on both of you by creating the sudden need to hastily define your situation. The dreaded D.T.R. Which, by the way, also explains why so many people break up just prior to the big day. If the day isn’t going to be all about roses, burning passion and undying love, then it’s going to be about chick flicks, ice cream, and defiant rage.

In other words, its one extreme or the other. Blissfully in love, or bitterly single. Long stemmed roses or double shots of tequila. Pink or black. There is no in between come February 14th.

Or is there?

Well, if you have anyone in your life to be even remotely thankful for, there is.

Lets go back to the grade school thing. You know, when a silly Valentine and some candy hearts was all it took to satisfy your innocent little heart. And it was fun simply to acknowledge having one another in our lives. No fancy dinner reservations required. No future plans to get married needed to give a girl some chocolate.

Sure, if you’ve found the love of your life (and you both need to be equal participants in this conclusion) then go ahead and go crazy. I hope you come home that night to a rose petal trail that leads to your man in a candle lit bubble bath. Cause for the record, that would be my idea of celebrating.

But what if you haven’t found that person yet?

Well, so fucking what? I can think of plenty of things in my life that make me feel all warm and fuzzy. Most of which are accessories, but still… My point is, think about all the amazing people you do have in your life. And then think of all the things you’ve been able to achieve because of them. Think of all the motivation their encouragement has inspired in your life. THOSE are your real MVP’s. And I honestly cant think of a better time to tell them how much you appreciate them, in the corniest way possible. Stop making the day about you, and what you don’t have in your life, and turn it into a celebration of who you are beyond blessed to already have in it- whether its a friend, a friend with benefits, or family. If they do anything to make you a better, happier person, then use today as an opportunity to count your blessings, and show them some love. Send them a Valentine. Take your BFF for a mani/pedi. Schedule a massage for your mom. And at the end of the day, you can still have the bubble bath.

So while I do look forward to the day that I get to share this ridiculously lame holiday with my future person (I refuse to use the word “soulmate”…), I’m also not going to sit on the sidelines while I wait. Instead, I’m going to wear pink. Lots of pink. And eat chocolate. Lots of fucking chocolate. That I will have bought for myself. And I’m going to take that bubble bath (…but to be fair, I probably wont be solo on that one). And for those that have made me a better person this year- my real MVP’s- you better check your mailbox. Because cheesy Valentine’s Day humor is on the way.

So take the pressure off yourself this Valentine’s Day. And anyone else who may be in your life currently. Stop using the day as a tool to define your relationships. And just enjoy the day for what it is- a day of love. For anyone, and everyone.

Except for our Ex’s, of course.

#SorryNotSorry

So Happy Valentine’s Day, dolls! Because above all, however you choose to spend it, or whomever you spend it with, I hope the day is just as beautiful as you are.

X

Beauty, Blogger Style, Fashion, Spring, Street Style, Summer, Trend Report

Spring: The Season Where Simple Meets Sexy

January 29, 2017 Liberata Leave a comment

When it comes to my overall look, I have spent the last 4 years of my life going to every possible extreme to achieve one thing- long hair. Not just long hair, but full, luxurious, head-turning bombshell hair. Which is ironic, since I spent most of my life with that very thing. And yet, all it took was one chemical cut to quickly (and quite dramatically) humble what I had taken for granted. If you have ever been through a chemical cut, I promise, I will buy you a drink the next time I see you. Because after my experience, it is my firm belief we deserve a badge of honor to survive an experience so horrifying. Or, at the very least, the phone number to a support group.

But back on track here.

Fast forward to these last few months. Finally, I had long hair again.

And I couldn’t stand it.

I felt like a prisoner to it. Everything revolved around it. And the time it took to maintain it. Or rather, the time LOST to maintain it. Now, to be fair, most of the excessive maintenance was due to extensions. Which, if done right, are an awesome way to grow out your natural hair while maintaining its integrity. Which is exactly what I had done. And will probably do again. But when the time came to tighten my extensions, I found myself eagerly anticipating their removal. For good.

Not only did I need some simplicity back in my already overwhelming schedule, but I wanted people to actually see ME. Because when you have a long, full mane of silver hair, the attention tends to go there. And that was no longer okay with me.

I needed to be free.

So I chopped it. Not quite all of it- I’ll always be more Barbie than G.I. Jane. Instead, I opted for an angled bob- a bold cut that would still scream “bombshell”, thanks to a few well placed curls, and would work well with my signature side part.

What can I say? There’s just something mysterious about a long bang that swoops mischievously over one eye…

And the final result was nothing short of love at first site. It was short, but still sexy. Provocative, but still chic. And not to mention hella flattering.

But more importantly, it was SIMPLE.

So that got me thinking about the rest of my routine. If longer doesn’t necessarily mean better, then maybe less really can mean more, too? For instance, is contouring really all that necessary? Does a smokey eye always have to be dark? Fortunately for me, my questions came at the perfect time. Because after seeing the beauty trends dominating the runways for the upcoming Spring season, I already had my answer.

So get excited dolls.

Because we’re about to lighten things up. Without losing impact.

Too good to be true, right? Well…. read on and decide for yourself.

And with that, lets get in to the good stuff.

So if you’re an avid pallet collector, you already know peach will be major for Spring (Kylie Jenner pretty much slayed the entire game in this area). And for good reason. This light and playful shade is the perfect alternative to the bold red lip you’ve been rocking all winter. But don’t stop there. Because of its barely there tone, this is the perfect shade for the monochromatic look we all know and love. Pick three different shades and go from dark to light, starting from either the bottom or the top. Lids, cheeks, lips. Gorgeous, flattering AND low maintenance- can I get a “Hell Yeah”?! And of course, the monochromatic trend is perfect for any shade (as seen on Gigi below with violet), so get busy experimenting. Just not right now. Because I’m only getting warmed up.

So while we’re on the subject of pastels, its time to talk about what’s probably my favorite trend to look forward to- pastel eyes. Remember my question about smokey eyes? Someone was already ahead of the game here. And while a brooding smokey eye will always be sexy, you can pack away the black- at least, until fall. Same for the Cat Eye. Instead, I present the Kitten Eye in its place (see what I did there?). Same concept, yet totally refreshing. And playful. And romantic. Candy pink, peach, lemon, baby blue- they all work. Which means there are literally endless ways to express yourself through color. Besides, I already know you’re a badass. But that shouldn’t make you afraid to show your girly-girl side too. And this is literally the perfect combination of BOTH.

But lets say you DO want a dark smokey eye. I get it. I understand the power of it. Like date night- nothing says “come hither” like a sultry and smoldering lid. Just lighten up with it to keep with this trend.

But enough with the eyes. Because its important to note that a simpler routine doesn’t always have to mean a simple statement too. Which is why I’m so excited about this next one, which is all about playing up your cheeks. But in a fun, yet totally unique, yet incredibly show-stopping way. And if you are anything like me- then you like that shit. So you’re going to love what is being referred to as the “blush bomb”. Simply put, this trend is all about keeping the rest of your face neutral, and adding a bright burst of color on and above your cheeks. I know, right? Just when we thought we’d run out of things to try. Now I’m not suggesting this one for the office, but I AM begging you to give it a trail run on your next girl’s night out. Lavender and bubblegum pink tones are perfect for a playfully shocking punch, but coral or red will knock them dead. Fortunately, you’ve got plenty of time to try them all.

And with that, my next Spring trend takes us from one end of the spectrum to the other. And while I’m not necessarily as excited about this one as the previously mentioned ones, I do have to admit that it grabbed my attention. If you’ve already looked at the image below, you can tell something is… missing. Mascara. And its oddly beautiful. Somehow the bold lip makes up for it, and balances out a bare eye, making everything look effortlessly beautiful together. And with that, I’d say its definitely worth a try. Especially if you’re running late one morning.

And that leads me to another adored trend. I almost didn’t add this one because while it LOOKS simple, it also happens to be the most complicated one (in my opinion). I’m talking about No-Makeup Makeup. Also referred to as the biggest lie you’ve heard since you were told Santa wasn’t real. BUT, it does look amazing. And also tends to be a favorite with men. And lets face it- while its sweet to hear, we really don’t care if they still love us without our makeup on. And, actually, come to think of it, that might be the biggest lie since Santa Clause…

But back to the point. So while this look is far from “simple”, its certainly stunning. And the perfect excuse to go all out with your favorite highlighter. Not that you ever needed one anyway.

And remember- anyone who looks flawless, yet says they’re not wearing makeup, is a dirty, dirty liar.

And finally, it wouldn’t be fair now to talk about nails. I know all too well how easy it is to gravitate to electric colors. For me it seems the higher the temp, the brighter the shade. And that’s okay. But here’s a unique little twist to try with your next mani. Simply put the focus on your beds instead, and leave the actual nail itself nude. Its literally the perfect metallic pop that will pretty much work for any occasion- and that itself is worth loving it for.

But regardless of what trends you want to try, its important to remember that Spring is the season for rebirth. And maybe that’s why I love it so damn much… After all, its hard not to be inspired to try something new when there’s so much new around you- from baby birds hatching to new flowers budding.

So don’t ever be afraid to reinvent yourself.

And don’t ever be afraid to bloom.

And take a few minutes to look at not only the beauty that is around you, but at the beauty that is inside you.

Whether you do that through pastel eyes is up to you.

Till next time, dolls…

X

#BombshellCode, Confessions, Sorry I'm No Sorry

2016: We Need To Talk

January 1, 2017 Liberata Leave a comment

2016 may go down for many of us as the worst year in history.

Like any other year, we lost another wave of musical icons. Only this time it felt more personal. Legends like Bowie, Prince and George Michael all took their final bows, leaving us reeling, and mourning in ways one might mourn the passing of a blood relative. I took Prince’s the hardest, shedding tears for days at the mere mention of his name.

For the first time in my life, it was as though part of my adolescence had died too.

We also had tragedies this year. Tragedies on scales unfathomable to most of us for the first time since 9/11.

Brussels. Pulse. Nice. Berlin.

Tragedies that once again left me afraid to live my daily life. Or, at least, wanted me to be afraid. But after losing 3 friends at Pulse on that horrifying June night, I made the silent vow to never, ever be afraid again. I vowed to never allow their deaths to have been in vain, and to walk with unwavering courage, every day, in their memory.

I vowed to never let hate win, by exuding love and acceptance in it’s place.

And then there was the election…

The election that would offer to us a new President that will no doubt challenge my aforementioned vows to the very core. Without getting too political, the division and fear this country has felt ever since has been enough to make my heart ache. And once again, for the first time, I’m dealing with a new set of feelings: Anxiety has replaced excitement when I think about the future. At least, for the next 4 years.

Simply put, 2016 seemed like a bad dream that none of us have been able to wake from.

So what does this mean for us, since this all is, in fact, our reality?

It means we persevere.

We grow.

And we take any of those current voids in our adolescences created by these events, and we fill them in with a renewed hope and passion for the things and the people we love.

And we make 2017 the year we come out stronger, by coming together. We replace bullying with encouragement. Hate with understanding. And rejection with sympathy.

Case in point- my New Year’s resolution has nothing to do with me specifically. Instead, I chose to make an effort impacting others in small but sincere ways. Through compliments. And while I recognize this is hardly earth shattering, I also know the difference this small gesture can make in someone’s day. Remember the video of the little girl telling the old man that she “liked his face”? Okay, so while that exact statement may not be my particular method, the genuineness of the act is exactly what this world needs more of.

Because at the end of the day one thing will always remain true: Life is beautiful. And we only have ourselves to blame for any inadequacies or injustices we may feel about our current situations. The truth is, you never needed a new year to take charge of your life, or to make positive impacts on the lives around you. Quit the job that you hate. Walk away from any negative energy. And forget about anyone who is incapable of seeing your value.

The biggest lesson from this year is how short life really is.

And as for the days when it seems like its a losing battle, well, just remember the words of the great George Michael-

You gotta have faith.

Blogger Style, Confessions of a Stylist, Model Life, Prolific Quarterly, Sorry I'm No Sorry

Re-Inspire, Re-Boot, Re-Start

December 12, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

When I was little, I had an idea in my head of who I wanted to be when I grew up. We all did. Except, my vision was always so much different than my friend’s. I can remember hearing them talk about where they wanted to get married, how may children they would have, what their names would be… I had names, too. Only they were the names of the countries I wanted to see. Names of the designers I would work for. And the names of the labels my closet would contain.

Fast forward to now.

Many of my friends would go on to bring their dreams to life. Most are happily married now, with the children they had wished for. And while their names may have changed (Cinderella seems like a good idea when your 8…), the overall vision of their future is pretty much what they had hoped for. And even if it wasn’t the path I chose for myself, I could not be any happier for them, and the beautiful families they have now brought to a warm and loving reality.

And then there’s me…

Now before you start to think this is a pity post about missing out, I regret to inform you that I have absolutely no intention of doing any such thing, as I harbor no disappointment with myself, or my life. Quite the opposite, actually. I’m proud of the things I’ve accomplished, especially within the last few years. I’m proud of the chances I took, and the decisions I have made.

Above all, I’m proud of who I am as a person.

But nevertheless, there has always been one specific area within my life that had room for drastic improvement. Or, rather, the strength and bravery to completely change it. And that area was my career. And trust me- I’m being kind by even using the word “career” to describe it. Because it was never a career to being with. What started out as simple desire to make some money fresh out of college turned into a 10 year journey of… absolutely nothing. Those of you who have been involved with retail can relate to my pain. You can relate to the brutal hours. You’re familiar with the sacrifice of your social life. And for one reason or another, its a life that seems impossible to escape.

Here are just a few reasons I can personally give you.

You see, most of us grew up with parents who told you that if you wanted to be something in life, you needed to work hard. Really hard. Or, you needed to work hard now so you could play hard later. But what they don’t tell you though is that there IS a difference between working hard to fulfill your own dreams, and working hard to simply build someone else’s.

And that’s exactly what I was doing.

Sure, I’ve made a good living. I’ve been able to support myself, even when it seemed unlikely. But while I was making that very living… I wasn’t actually living. I would often joke to people and tell them I had two jobs- one that paid the bills, and one that paid for the experiences.

Retail was my paycheck.

And being a stylist was my escape.

It was being a stylist that kept my original dream alive. It was modeling that offered me the occasional escape. And it was through writing that I was able to stay inspired and focused on what I wanted to be.

On WHO I wanted to be.

And so… I quit. I walked away once and for all from the “career” that in reality had become my prison. I walked away from the “career” that kept me from the family and friends that I love. And above all, I walked away from the “career” that kept MY dream so far from reach.

And its scary as hell.

BUT, I think that’s a good thing. Because its only through fear that I think we become capable of truly knowing ourselves, and achieving extraordinary things. And I realized that in my 10 years of retail, there wasn’t one position I had where I didn’t feel there was someone who could do my job just as good, if not better. From Sales Associate to Assistant Manager to Store Manager. And that’s no longer good enough for me. Its simply not what I’m here for.

I’m here to be indispensable.

Because that was MY dream. To be special. Unique. Unconventional. To do something no one else can do, and then build a career from it.

So I might be 10 years behind, but I’d rather be 10 years behind then not ever being brave enough to even try. Because you need to know your happiness is worth more than your paycheck, and you need to believe your dreams are worth more than title.

And while I have no idea whats going to happen, or where I’ll end up, I can admit that at the same time, and for the first time, my heart could not be happier about the possibilities that lie ahead. Because maybe… just maybe… I’ll get to finally live the life I had envisioned for myself. And do something no one else can do.

I have to.

It’s just too beautiful not to.

X

Beauty, Fashion

The Power Of Two

December 8, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

Talent. Vision. Tenacity. Confidence.

What happens when you take all those characteristics, and you double them?

Something beautiful… Magical, even… And undoubtedly unparalleled.

That’s exactly what happened when Corrine Dale and I first met. What started out as just another collaboration on a shoot would soon turn into a friendship that would shift the direction of both our lives. Because we didn’t just simply collaborate- we dreamed. We envisioned. We built. And then we ignited.

For the first time, I was able to spout off one of my insanely random over-the-top shoot ideas to someone. And instead of the usual smile and nod I would politely receive in return, this time I was enthusiastically matched with another vision equally as exciting. From that point forward, we would blend those ideas into one and form concepts worthy for the pages of Vogue. And the more elaborate we got, the more determined we became to bring those ideas to life.

And while the best idea we’ve collaborated on has yet to be announced, I felt it was fitting to share our first step towards that grandeur destination.

A dreamlike shoot that would test not only our ability to work together from beginning to end. But a shoot that would serve as a time stamp to the beginning of many more. A shoot that would set the standard of

who we are.

And just who are we, you ask?

Just as I said- we’re talented. Creative. Tenacious.

And we’re dreamers.

Dreamers that then take those scenes- and create a photographic reality.

A photographic reality free from cold studios devoid of personality, but instead full of alluring spaces injected with life and saturated with magic. A reality where both fairytales and nightmares can be blended together into provocative beauty.

So consider this your teaser to our upcoming unveiling.

Because trust me when I say-

You. Haven’t. Seen. ANYTHING. Yet….

So stay tuned. There’s still so much more to come.

X

Beauty, Blogger Style, Fashion, Trend Report, Winter Fashion

Shimmer & Gold

December 6, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

Lets all get serious here.

If you’ve been paying attention to my posts then you already know I’m not afraid of much when it comes to getting dolled up.

Except for kitten heels.

Honestly, what IS that?? Much like the word “fetch”, there are just some things that are not going to happen.

But staying on track here…

Because its this specific time of year that the limits to getting glam are just begging to be defied.

And defy you must. Because regardless of whether you’re a self-proclaimed glamazon (ahem…), or the girl next door who just needs a little sparkle, I’ve got the tips and tricks that will have you covered this holiday season. Head to toes. Or, just toes.

So lets break this down using a little system I like to call….

The Sizzle Scale.

Pretty catchy, right? Okay, okay- but hear me out first.

For instance, are you a Level 5 smoldering sex bomb? How about a Level 3 bling babe? Or maybe a Level 1 minimalist momma? Whatever the case, I’m only here to tell you that if there was ever a time to step out of your comfort zone, and try something shiny and bright this year-

This. Is. It.

And because every girl loves a satisfying finale (;)), we’ll start this off with the bare minimum on big ways to get your shine on this Christmas, leading all the way up to the big… finish.

Level 1.

Lets start off simple, shall we?

Now we all love a good mani, BUT, save yourself a few bucks and spend them on cocktails instead. Cause you can pull this one off on your own. And I can speak from personal experience on this trend that not only is it the easiest, it will earn you the most compliments too. I’m talking about gold glitter nails. But here’s the trick- you have to straight up layer that polish on. Like, 4 coats kind of layer. But if you’ve ever used a glitter based polish before, you know that it dries super quick. So 4 layers of glitter polish is like 2 coats of regular polish in the hustle world. And this is important. Because your a boss bitch with things to do. So find the brightest, most sparkling polish OPI has to offer and get to work. You’ll see the payoff the second you reach for your first latte post-paint job.

Level 2.

A girl’s gotta give good face.

But we have seen a streak of, shall we say… questionable trends this year. It seems like beauty pro’s all over were trying to frost every feature. And while the majority have been oh so right, there were a few that left us with serious doubts. Like glitter brows…. BUT– like everything else in life- I think they all deserve a shot. So while you may not want to paint a solid streak of glitter under your brow (see Gigi Hadid below), I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised of what a little bling can do blended right into the brows themselves. Think of it kind of like applying mascara. One little swipe and you’ll get some serious bling that’s perfect for your next Girl’s Night Out. Not to mention this look is definitely concert approved.

Level 3.

So a little brow bling doesn’t scare you, you say? Great– now we’re on to something here. And by here, I mean pigments. Lately I have become obsessed with the ability to turn any pigment into liquid metal. And this little trick is accomplished by mixing the powder itself with small amounts of either coconut oil (that ish really DOES do everything…) or MAC’s Essential Oil. And then brace yourself for the results. You’ll soon be the mad scientist of your own bathroom, mixing and applying colors that your teenage self could only once dream of. I suggest MAC’s pigments in either Copper, Platinum, Gold or Rose Gold for this season. Wait for festival season for the rest. And while the more timid may apply this as a shadow, these are especially striking when applied straight to the lips. And if that’s still not enough to make you your little beauty loving heart say “Daaaammmnnnnn, girl”, than add a light dusting of contrasting pigment or glitter on top for even more sparkle.

And if your heart isnt crying from glittering happiness at this point, I still have 2 more to go….

Level 4.

They say the eyes are the window to the soul. And with Christmas right around the corner, its only fitting that the view should be just as bright. Silver and gold kind of bright. And lucky for you, all it will take is a simple tube of glitter glue (yes, there is such a thing) to achieve this. Now, I’m sure there are much more “industry standard” ways of doing this, but after spying this glorious product, I couldn’t care less. Purchased at Sally’s, this little tube of wonder will make the chunkiest of glitter’s stick. AND stay put all night. Start off with your favorite shadows, then dip your brush into a small amount of the adhesive. At first, it felt too watery to do anything thing. But I blotted it into my crease anyways.

And then the magic happened.

Next I moved my brush into a glittery pigment (also from MAC) and blotted it into the same area. And the results were stun-ning. Like, ready for New Year’s Eve kind of stunning. Except it was a Tuesday. And I could not have cared less. And you wont either.

Like Bruno would say: 24 karat magic in the aaaaiiiiirrrrrr.

Level 5.

I’ll admit- I don’t think this particular look is in any as striking or jaw dropping as the aforementioned. But I DO think its one of the easiest. And most wearable. Yet at the same time- most avoided. And I cant think of one good reason why. At least, not now. True, you may not want to roll up to your next meeting with glitter roots, but I would sure as hell rock it to brunch with my girls. After all, isn’t life about having fun? About not giving a fuck? And while its not the most mature look, I think there’s something endearing about the childishness of it this time of year. Like drinking hot chocolate instead of wine while you watch Elf.

Glitter roots is the hot chocolate of holiday hair.

So be bold and go heavy with it. Or keep it simple and sassy with just your part line. Whatever the case, just freaking do it. Keep the wonder alive in more than just Christmas this year and be a little childish with these trends. Because as some once said-

“Always keep your childish enthusiasm and things will go your way”.

And always, ALWAYS keep shining.

Till next time, dolls….

X

Beauty, Blogger Style, Confessions of a Stylist, Fashion, Model Life, Prolific Quarterly

Why You Need To Work With Joshua Paull…

October 2, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

I first met Joshua on an assignment coordinated through Prolific Quarterly. Walking into his place, it didn’t take long for his kind demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for the task ahead to make me feel right at home. And that’s a big deal when you have to rely on your creative energy. In other words, attitude is everything. But even more impressive was his open mind and willing attitude throughout the shoot. Never once did I hear him turn down one of the many suggestions or opinions being thrown at him. And for those of you familiar with the industry, you can understand just how refreshing that is.

And for those of you who aren’t, well, here’s an idea from a Stylist’s perspective….

As a Fashion Coordinator, it is imperative for me to have a clear idea of the shoot ahead long before the actual event takes place. This is critical not only while selecting and pulling the pieces that will be used for the shoot, but to also lay out the sequence the pieces will be shot in so it makes the most sense to the reader.

In other words, I’m creating a story.

So by the time the shoot happens, that story has now become a novel. A novel that until now has only come to life in my mind. And all that’s left is for it to physically unfold. But of course, this never happens without the usual problems. Problems that can sometimes be predicted but never determined until the model is dressed and in front of the camera. Maybe something just isn’t working right… Or staying in place… Or reflecting light badly… Whatever the reason, this is also when the suggestions or opinions start rolling in. By everyone. And the energy can shift dramatically. Sometimes in an unfavorable or counterproductive direction.

This is also when a true professional will come through and handle business like a boss.

Because when you work with a team, everyone has their own unique angle and vision on how they see the final result. That’s part of the creative process, regardless of your role. But the real magic happens when everyone can work together, and all those visions can be blended into one final stunning image. From the stylist, to the MUAH, to the photographer. However, no one has more say so, or more pressure on them than the one operating the camera.

And Joshua knocked it out of the park.

So with that initial experience, I was excited to work with him again. This time, the shoot was more personal, with an emphasis on an extreme beauty concept. With my MUAH, the amazing Corrine Dale (see contact information below), we collaborated and dreamed up a series of shots that would focus on Corrine’s incredible creative abilities.

And because of Joshua’s patience and professionalism from the prior shoot, I knew he was perfect for this concept. No rushing, no pressure. These things are hard enough to achieve during your average fashion shoot, where changing outfits is your biggest challenge. But when you ALSO have to dramatically change the hair and makeup between each look, things can get complicated.

Fast.

However, none of that even hinted to becoming an issue, and each look flew by effortlessly. This is no doubt a reflection of my team that day. Even Chic Norris made her modeling debut (I think there’s a real future for her…), giving all of us the opportunity to try something new. Because that’s exactly what each shoot should offer, regardless of the role you’re playing in it, or the level of skill you currently possess.

Growth. Experience. And of course, success.

And thanks to an exciting and energetic environment, that is exactly what we got that day. And then some.

So thank you, Corrine and Joshua for not only delivering, but for exceeding my expectations.

Chic’s too!

X

To book your shoot, please visit: Joshua Paull Photography

For MUAH inquiries, please visit: CorrineDale.com

Photographer: Joshua Paull MUAH: Corrine Dale — Photographer: Joshua Paull
MUAH: Corrine Dale

Fall Fashion, Fashion, Street Style, Trend Report, Winter Fashion

Flashback Fall

October 2, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

I’ll admit, finding inspiration to write about fashion has been hard lately. Even with waves of Fashion Week’s taking place around the globe, I struggle to find that one new trend that really stands out. The key word here being “new”. And while its true that fashion always repeats itself, I fear we may be stuck on a skipping track…

Fashion has somehow become stuck in the 20th century.

Take the 90’s revival that’s happening right now. Or rather, has been happening. For the past 3 seasons. Its painful enough to look back on my fashion “moments” in high school, so I’m pretty much the last person in a rush to relive any of them. Not to mention its beyond amusing (and slightly annoying) to watch today’s teens load up on Nirvana shirts considering most couldn’t even name one of their songs if you asked them. I know this, because I have. One even asked who Kurt Cobain was…

Seriously- I swear on my Starbucks.

But before we get carried away with everything that was wrong about the 90’s, lets skip the PTSD and talk about some of the things that were oh so right. After all, there has to be something about the era that makes it so hard for us to let it go, even if we only revisit it one trend at a time. So instead of turning to the runways for the same predictable fashion forecasts this season, I turned instead to my own personal experience- and remembered the things about the era that molded me into who I am today.

Like Supermodels. As in, the original Supermodels. The term alone oozes global domination, and this was THE decade where legends were made. Cindy, Kate, Claudia, Naomi, Helena…just to name a few. These women were not only catwalk perfection, they were our original #SquadGoals. Never again will we see such a reign of naturally striking beauties, as Supermodels have now been replaced over time by a constant rotating barrage of “It Girls” instead. George Michael’s Freedom is now Taylor Swift’s Bad Blood. Revlon’s Cindy Crawford is now Maybelline’s Gigi Hadid. GUESS’s Claudia Schiffer is now Balmain’s Kandell Jenner. Beautiful? Sure. But ICONIC? Sorry girls… Not. Even. Close.

But speaking of It Girls, the 90’s did have some of the most notable when it comes to original fashion. After all, these are the very looks everyone’s trying so hard to replicate today. And this was way before celebrity stylists really became a thing. So its worth noting that these ladies were the ones who truly brought them to life in the first place.

Like Kate Moss. Her campaign with Calvin Klein was really the first nudge towards the super slender models we’re used to seeing today. Almost boyish in figure, who can forget her next to “Marky Mark” (that’s a whole other subject….). Not only was it brilliant, it would also mark the beginning of the androgynous look dominating today’s modeling industry standards for runway.

And then there’s Courtney Love. For those who still don’t know (and believe me- there are still plenty that don’t…. ), Courtney was married to Kurt [Cobain]. As a couple, their “IDGAF” fashion attitude would create and ignite an entire generation of grunge. But the real beauty with these two is that they weren’t even trying to make a statement. In fact, quite the opposite. Polar opposites of the aforementioned Supermodels, they defied the then current beauty standards by doning torn slip dresses, flannels and dirty hair. Nobody dressed them, or told them what to wear. It was the true, most honest, literal form of “I woke up like this”, and it was amazing, though tragic- drugs probably played a major role in both parties choices of attire. Sadly, Kurt would eventually succumb to his use, leaving behind only his music and personal style as an influence for many generations to follow. I often wonder if he were around today, would he still be committed to his perfectly imperfect ensembles? I’d like to think so.

So next time you want to rock a Nirvana t-shirt, understand that what you’re wearing deserves more significance than just another passing trend. Its more than just “cool”- Its a nod to both fashion and musical genius.

But if we can thank Courtney Love for the slip dresses that have remained so prominent this year, then its Drew Barrymore who deserves all the credit for the revival of the babydoll. THE 90’s Flower Child of sorts, she embodied a girlier, prettier, more feminine version of grunge by incorporating soft touches like daisies and red lips into her trademark style. With her wild, impulsive nature, she was her very own fashion muse, perfectly balancing chunky Doc Martin’s with a crop top and a peace sign.

So when you think of the 90’s from here on out, this is what I want you to picture…..

But it was certainly more than just the It Girls of the era that makes this generation so enticing and influential. Much like today, television played a huge role in visually defining the generation and time-stamping the 90’s style. But there were 2 shows in particular that would become part of our visual fashion bibles, often dictating what we would wear to school the next day- Beverly Hills 90210 and My So-Called Life. So when you need some style inspiration, forego the fashion magazines and have a Netflix binge night instead. Not only are they accurate examples of all that was major, they’re HELLA good. The only remaining question will be- Team Brenda or Team Kelly?

And while your getting your Netflix and Chill on, you cant forget the about the holy grail of 90’s fashion- Clueless. Not only would this movie ignite a passion for pleated mini skirts and matching knee high’s, it also gave us our first glimpse at what a “real” wardrobe would look like- I’m pretty sure I even asked for a rotating closet for Christmas that year. Plus, the slang alone is worth the watch.

So while there are a lot of things from the 90’s worth leaving behind- scrunchies, frosted tips, and pretty much everything The Spice Girls wore– there were some pretty major trends that are certainly worth investigating again. At the very least, Halloween is right around the corner, giving you the perfect excuse to slay it as Cher one more time.

But please, above all else, remember THIS: If you want to show your love for the 90’s by rocking a band t-shirt, go for it! But have some respect and do your homework first. Or you’ll go from on point, to poser, real quick. And that’s never a good look.

And finally, while the 90’s were great, I’m excited for the trends still yet to come. And beyond ready. If you’ve been paying attention to the Fashion Week’s in NY and Milan, you already know SS/17 is looking pretty damn amazing. So enjoy the grunge resurgence while it lasts. It may be a long, long time till we see it again.

Yeah, I know-

As if.

X

Blogger Style, Bohemian, Confessions of a Stylist, Fashion, Gypsy Soul, Summer

Stylists- The Rebels of Fashion

June 18, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

My mom loves to tell me stories of my sometimes (very) questionable fashion choices when I was little. Apparently, I was very adamant about dressing myself, even if I was the only one to ever really appreciate my efforts. Now obviously I wasn’t turning to the latest issue of Vogue for inspiration- I could barely read. But what I DO remember were more sentimental influences. Like late nights with my Grandmother, sorting through and trying on every piece of her insane collection of costume jewelry while she set her hair. She died when I was in 3rd grade, but I still remember this glamorous air about her. And her love for Elizabeth Taylor. And how she always drank Pepsi from a Coke glass. As I grew older, seeing pictures of her in her earlier years confirmed what I had already known- she was the definition of iconic old school beauty.

But an even bigger influence would be my hippie Dad, who marched to his own fashion beat- just like he did everything else in life. While he had a great job, he never flaunted it. It was always a running joke that the only things he splurged on were cheese and booze. And me. Then again, being Italian, that was understandable. But what people didn’t notice was that while he may not have necessarily splurged on the other things, he did hunt for them. Like furniture- our house was always full of antiques. Beautiful, vintage sets that were full of history and rich with character. Just like him. And clothes…well, I don’t think my Dad ever really wore a shirt until the early 90’s. Instead his look consisted of low slung jeans, usually bell-bottoms, and a belt to keep them in place. But again, what people didn’t see were the details. Like the star shaped buttons along the fly. Or the almost too perfectly placed tears. Or the buttery soft feel of the leather. He was the closest thing to Roger Daltrey many had ever seen, right down to the eyes. And his casual hippie swag fashion was the perfect touch. Many that knew him would laugh at the idea that he cared about fashion, given his bohemian energy.

But I realize now, after seeing how I now find most of the pieces I need for shoots, that he did care. A lot. Meaning, he cared enough to search for things that spoke only to him. Those unique and personalized touches that would eventually make him such an enigma. In other words, he was never interested in mass produced items, and instead searched for things of quality in unexpected places. On another interesting note, I’d like to point out that looking back on his “wardrobe”, the amount of clothing this guy had would probably give my current collection a run for the money.

And that’s saying something.

So much like any proven stylist, it was never about the labels when he wore something, but rather how he wore it. Or why. It was how he made his look so uniquely him. His perfectly frayed jeans would be just another genuine extension of his personality- carefree.

So its no surprise that in our household, fashion was never about rules- it was about wearing whatever you wanted, however you wanted. And never because someone told you to. And I would grow up being no different. Because no one ever discouraged my creativity. Or deterred me from taking my many, many, many risks. And that in itself would help establish and foster one of the biggest passions in my life.

Because now I’m the one that hunts. The one that thrives on being an individual. And expressing myself without the concern of others opinions. I’m the one that loves customizing looks in ways that will make me, and the people I style, unique. I’m the one that encourages others to take risks. And to rebel against the fashion rules many of you grew up with.

But most importantly, I’m the one that pays attention to details. The one that appreciates every little thing. That values the history and character in unique finds, while carefully blending them with a modern edge.

And you can thank my Dad’s star studded jeans for that.

…

To my Cream Soda Daddy,

Happy Father’s Day- there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of you, and thank you for always allowing me to be me. Your confidence remains my biggest motivation, and your encouragement my greatest motivation.

I love you always,

The Rootbeer Float Kid

X

Blogger Style, Bohemian, Fashion, Gypsy Soul, Street Style, Summer, Trend Report

Summer Style: Sexy or Sweet?

June 7, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

Every time summer rolls around, I find myself having the same fashion debate with myself. But before we get into that, let me explain my thought process…

A season already known primarily for how little one wears, it makes what few articles you do actually adorn yourself with all that much more important. But summer is bigger than just bikinis. Maybe not to men, but for you… it’s a season that evokes feelings of innocence. Freedom. Adventure. No doubt all nods to your childhood, when all you needed were your friends, a pool, and a few stolen cigarettes (that none of you were ever brave enough to inhale). But more importantly, remember how careless you felt about… well, pretty much everything? Remember how good it felt to get wet and not care about your hair? Or when the time that the street lights came on was more important than how shiny your face had gotten? Because the only makeup you needed was your summer tan (those were still considered fairly safe to have then…).

It was pretty amazing, right?

Life was simple. “Calories” was just a weird word your parents used. And boys were dumb. And while maybe not everything has changed since then, most of us face a much different reality today:

Life is only as simple as you make it. Calories are fucking evil. And most guys are still generally pretty stupid.

So with all the pressures our adult lives will no doubt bring- like bad dates, bills and cardio, why are we purposely doing the same thing to our style? Why are we still rushing to grow up? So what if we’re adults? If there’s one way we can keep that young innocence about us, even if its just for a little longer, its through fashion. I’m not saying you have to go all Lolita on everyone. But maybe chill with your summer sexbomb arsenal for just a minute? Stop thinking about whats going to slim what area. Don’t worry about what Becky’s going to think. And dress for the moment. For summer.

For FUN.

There’s a quote I heard once. Maybe from the movie Vanilla Sky? But I’ve loved it, as its one of the purest yet simplest truths I’ve heard-

“Never lose your childish enthusiasm and things will go your way.”

So why shouldn’t we apply this same theory to what we wear as well? Why not reconnect to how it felt to get ready with the only purpose of attacking the day before us, and any adventure it might bring? Sure, you don’t get a summer vacation anymore, but you do have days off. So enjoy them with that same reckless energy. Get all “young, wild, free” for a day. Cause it will be back to Boss-mode and Spanx on Monday.

When I look at my own style, half of me wants to be the vampy bombshell, suggestively displaying each curve to provoke just the right amount of hysteria from the opposite sex. The other half wants to be the innocent, girl next door type who’s down for anything. You know who I mean- the doe eyed girl that loves ponytails, sundresses and America.

But what I actually am is somewhere right in the middle. A perfect balance of sexy and sweet. Provocative, but girlie. What I wear is merely the determining factor in which direction I feel like going that day. And when summer rolls around, the girl next door side just seems to win a lot more often.

And that’s where my original question comes into play. Sometimes I have to remind myself that summer is supposed to be a season of fun, regardless of age. A season of long, lazy days at the beach. Cocktail filled nights with friends. Steamy dates with boys. And with all that, who has time to worry about much else.

So throw on some heart shaped sunnies. Wear pink. Dance. A lot. Makeout even more. And give your inner Power Bitch a break. Be the Badass Girl Next Door who isn’t afraid to get wet. Or to lose a little control. We both know you’re gorgeous either way.

So go ahead. Dive in.

Happy Summer Dolls…

X

Blogger Style, Confessions of a Stylist, Prolific Quarterly

Year 1: Come Out Swinging

June 1, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

June has always been a special month for me.

Not [just] because its my birthday month, but because I chose to launch LiberataDolce.com on the very same day.

Except I looked at it as less of a launch, and more of a birth. The creation of an idea that suddenly came to life one day. A reflection of myself that would share all the things that make me… me.

Who knew the life of a website could be so deep?

This site was a gift to myself to finally put into action all the dreams I had, and the dreams I wasn’t even aware I had yet.

And let me just say-

It has quickly become one of the most exciting and rewarding chapters of my life.

It has also been one of the greatest lessons. Especially seeing they were all self taught over a series of adventures, fueled by nothing other than hard work, commitment and passion.

That’s right. Because we still live in a world that requires good old fashion drive if you want to be exceptional. And while I’m not there yet, my arrival will simply be considered fashionably late. And honestly, I’m not even sure where “there” is. I just know its going to be amazing, and well worth the ride.

But above all, one of the greatest attributes I can credit many of these blessings to is so simple, yet SO crucial:

Character.

Become a person of your word. All day, every day. Commit to only what you can do. But don’t ever not commit to something you’re simply scared to do- that’s the only way your talents will ever evolve. But being a person of your word is without a doubt the most important attribute you will ever possess. And once you commit to something, attack it with everything you have.

At the same time, know your value. Your talent. Understand what defines you.

And run with it in total confidence.

THAT is what will separate you from the mediocre.

Don’t be afraid of your imagination. Ever. Your creativity is one of the most powerful tools you own. Get lost in it. And use it to your full advantage. So what if everyone doesn’t get it right now. I’m sure not everyone understood Karl Lagerfeld at one time. Or David LaChapelle. Many probably still don’t.

But do you think that ever stopped either of them? Or more importantly- do you think they even cared?

Not. A. Chance.

If anything, it fueled them. Because they knew they were creating something others couldn’t. Seeing what others wouldn’t. And what better possible way is there to brand yourself?

Branding yourself is something only you can do. Just like character, your reputation is ultimately something only you can control. So control it wisely. It will lead you to more opportunities than anything else. ANYTHING. Go out of your way to help others- you will be amazed at the kind of doors it will open. Maybe not right away, but you’ll see. At the same time, be cautious of who you give your time to. Be patient, be forgiving, but don’t ever be a fool.

And with that, you have the observations and the lessons learned thus far during this adventure.

And the achievements?

Well, lets see…

Published Model. Published Editorial Writer. Featured Stylist. Fashion Contributor.

And trust me when I say that the titles will keep on coming.

So Thank You to everyone that has been a part of this experience. To everyone who contributed. To everyone who believed in me.

To everyone who made the first year at LiberataDolce.com THE year.

The year I came out swinging.

The year I set my own new standard.

The year I took nothing, and turned it into something.

The year I defined who I am. What I want. And how I’ll get it.

And if I could accomplish all I did, in one tiny little year… then I simply cannot wait to see what Year 2 has in store.

IF I’m willing to work for it.

So get ready dolls. Or rather, stay ready.

Because I have a feeling we haven’t seen anything yet.

X

Beauty, Blogger Style, Bohemian Babe, Fashion, Gypsy Soul, Polyvore, Spring 2016, Street Style, Trend Report

White Hot

May 9, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

If there’s one thing that fashion and beauty bloggers have in common, its probably our fear of white.

Personally, I’ve successfully avoided the color for years now. For no other reason than I’ve never been able to keep anything I’ve put on that was white to actually remain white through out the day. And if I ever needed a reminder, any guy I’ve dated that was dumb enough to wear white with me could provide it. Really- you guys should know better by now. Bottom line, I’m a high maintenance girl.

Yeah- I said it.

Between bronzers, makeup, tinted lotions… you get the point. But besides all that, I’ve never really felt like I was missing out on much. I spend most of my mornings dutifully adding and applying color to myself- why then put on something completely devoid of it?

So again, I never felt like I was missing out on anything… until now.

Its no shock with summer around the corner that white is once again having a moment. But its different this time. There’s something sexier about it. It feels bold. Refreshing. Even… powerful. Or maybe it just took me this long to realize what a brave color it is to actually pull off. And I’m not referring to the dirt factor. I mean that it truly takes a certain level of confidence to wear white because it offers no other visual distractions from… well, you.

How’s that for deep?

But back to the point. Going back to Spring’s Fashion Weeks, white was actually a big factor. Everyone from Balmain to Balenciaga to Chanel to Ralph Russo featured stunning all-white looks in their collections. But we got so caught up in vibrant prints and insane accessories, that they never got the credit they deserved. Don’t get me wrong- we’re still every bit obsessed with prints. And accessories. Especially accessories. But sometimes its nice just to give “extreme” a rest, and stand out with a clean, monochromatic look instead.

white hot summer spring fashion liberata dolce bohemian style balenciaga — Balenciaga

Balmain

white hot summer spring fashion liberata dolce bohemian style greg lauren — Greg Lauren

white hot summer spring fashion liberata dolce bohemian style — Roberto Cavalli

And don’t worry if white’s still not your thing. There were actually a few colors that had exceptional monochromatic moments that I only recently revisited. It took about a second of fashion boredom for me to look back at my archives and suddenly I felt re-inspired. Inspired by simplicity, of all things. The simplicity of eliminating the frustration of successfully mixing prints in my life (even if it was only for a day).

The simplicity of making a statement by not trying to make a statement at all.

The simplicity of reducing any further complications- because sometimes, life is hard enough.

But above all….

Lela Rose Fashion Show Ready to Wear Collection Spring Summer 2016 in New York

….the simplicity of wearing any single, solid color simply because its gorgeous.

Or because it makes you feel amazing.

And who doesn’t need a little more of that in their day?

So next time you feel like you’re in a fashion rut- just stop. Stop all of it. Take a step back. And keep it simple. Don’t over-complicate something that should be a natural reflection of who you are. And who knows… you might just surprise yourself at how fabulous you really are. With or without prints.

X

Blogger Style, Fashion, Polyvore, Spring 2016, Street Style, Trend Report

Spring ’16 Fashion Sets

May 4, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

Many of you are already aware of the fashion playground known as Polyvore.

For those not yet familiar, I’ll explain. And apologize in advance. As it will quickly become your new favorite addiction.

Regardless of your creative passion- interior design, fashion, beauty- Polyvore allows you to create your very own personalized sets and collections of whatever you desire, however you desire. The more you create, the higher you rank. And the higher you advance through different levels, not only do you gain more exposure (literally all over the world), but you could even earn the chance to go to Fashion Week.

Not a bad deal for doing something you already love, right?

But why do I really love it?? Much like taking notes while studying, Polyvore allows me to visually map out my observations and predictions on current and upcoming trends while giving me the opportunity to test my own style ideas. Not to mention the designers and brands I discovered as a result is a reward in itself.

Its kind of like playing dress up, but with virtually anything you want. Plus, its no secret I’m a bit of a shopping addict- so this is extremely useful in satisfying those inconvenient cravings.

And by inconvenient craving, I mean more like a constant urge until the day arrives that I can afford to walk into Bergdorf Goodman and buy everything.

Literally, ev-ery-thing.

But until then, there’s Polyvore.

And I love you for it.

Scroll through and click on each of my following sets for Spring 2016 to understand why….

#BombshellCode, Beauty, Blogger Style, Dating, Fashion, Spring 2016

It’s a Date.

May 2, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

Few things bring can be as terrifying as the challenge of determining what to wear on a first date.

I mean… except for the actual first date itself, of course.

But seriously- think about all the pressure that goes into one little outfit. This could be the man you’ve been waiting your entire life for. Or he could be a total idiot. Either way, you’ll be saying a lot about who you are simply by what you have on.

And who you are is a confident, sexy, bad ass woman.

Yasssss, girl, I see you!

Okay, but how exactly does a confident, sexy, bad ass woman dress? Well… that’s the thing. There’s no set definition anymore. Think about the last time someone walked into a room and you really felt their presence. Chances are when you picture them now, you’re not focused on what they had on, but rather the confidence, or power they exuded. You know right away that this person has complete control.

In other words, they’re secure.

They know who they are, and exactly what they have to offer.

As a result, what they’re wearing is simply a reflection of that security- and not a source of validation for it.

More importantly, these individuals aren’t dressing for you or anyone else, seeing that approval is the last thing they need. And that is exactly how getting ready for a date should be.

So now back to my original question- what are you going to wear?? I know that telling you anything is pretty much fair game these days doesn’t help much. But I do think having a firm understanding of how you want to feel does. First dates are already stressful enough. The desire to be the best “you” is understandable. And as much as we hate thinking of a first date like a job interview, it kinda is…

So we have to prepare for both the same way: with honest confidence.

Yep- the key word here is “honest”. In other words, throwing on a short revealing dress will almost certainly gain his attention. And probably everyone else’s too. Now, if that’s who you are, then you own that. With no apologies. I mean zero. I will never tear a girl down who is simply staying true to who she is. And if you’re a girl that loves to flaunt her curves then I support that. But if this is NOT you, then you need to back away from the bodycon dresses. At least for now. There’s plenty of time for that down the road.

So what I’m saying is- keep it casual. That’s right. This fashionista is actually telling you to keep it simple. Well, more like simple-ish. And just to clarify, casual does not mean you can look like you’re on your way to yoga. Even if that is who you are. (Unless of course your first date is actually going to yoga….) Because even a first date deserves the respect of effort on your behalf.

Effort = Interest

So what is considered casual?

First of all, casual should be looked at as an overall tone of the look, and not a uniform. Its a style that is literally in the styling itself. Casual can mean jeans and a t-shirt…. except the t-shirt is knotted to expose just the slightest hint of skin. Meaning, its a look that combines equal parts of both naturally sexy and effortlessly chic. As women, this is something we ALL have. Think of all the times you’ve heard men talk about how much more beautiful we are without makeup (lies…). Or how amazing we look in the morning when we first wake up (more lies…). Maybe we do… Maybe we don’t… Either way, I believe these opinions are based off of something deeper than simply the existence of one’s outer beauty. They’re seeing something more honest. Raw. Vulnerable. And that’s incredibly sexy to men. Because guess what- the real you is sexy. Yes girl! Eyebrows on fleek, or not. And keeping it casual on a first date is about as close as allowing a man to see you in those situations as you can get. Unless you actually wake up with him the next morning. Which would be frowned upon…

Though I’m still not casting any judgement.

So now the fun part…..

A personal list of my favorite coveted date night looks, perfect for just about any situation or mood. Find one that speaks to you and give it a shot. Because while I cant promise the guy wont turn out to be a total idiot, I CAN say these looks are positively fool-proof….

Denim

Ripped, skinny, boycut- they ALL work. Studies have shown this is the look men love the most. Not that we care. Because we wear what WE want to wear. So if you’re a denim kind of girl, this is all you.

Blazers & Cut-Off’s

Admit it- who doesnt love showing a little leg? But just like everything else in life, the key is balance. So go ahead. Throw on your shortest shorts. Just top off the look with a casual tee or tank. Add a blazer. And boom- you’re the girl next store, with a 401K. Now who doesn’t want that??

Dresses

The classic staple. And spring nights just beg for a flirty, flowing dress. If ultra feminine is your thing, then a romantic little dress is all it takes.

Leather

For my rocker babes. Because you like a little edge with your romance. Though a rebel at heart, deep down you’re a lover- not a fighter.

Bohemian

My personal favorite. Because I believe all a girl really needs in life is sangria and Free People.

Straight From Work

We’ve all been there. You’re running late, or maybe you’re just a boss bitch. But like any true hustler, you know how to make it work when you need some time to play and you’re short on time. A quick change of accessories and its game on…

Slay.

White/Black

Nothing basic or boring here. You just know how to keep things classy. I ain’t mad atcha… He wont be either.

Hair/Makeup

And finally, that last finishing touch. As you may already know, now is not the time to try any new looks. Tempting as it is to try something different, this rarely turns out to be a good idea in this particular situation. For instance, if you’re not someone who wears false lashes on the regular, don’t. Just don’t. And this applies to anything else you may be thinking about extending, enlarging or contouring.

Less is truly more here.

You’re welcome.

And there you have it ladies. Come hither looks that should be as effortless as your potential relationship.

No smokey eye required. No cleavage necessary.

Now get your fine self out there and turn some heads.

And steer clear of the idiots.

And remember that when all else fails in love, there’s still sangria and Free People.

______________________________

X

Beauty, Blogger Style, Fashion, Spring 2016, Trend Report

Monochromatic Love

April 4, 2016 Liberata 1 Comment

Who here is tired of contouring?

raises hand

A firm believer that everything has its place, contouring is no exception. HOWEVER… I think everyone has gotten a little carried away with the art. Myself included. And I came to this very conclusion when I realized that this technique, once reserved for nights out, had somehow become part of my “every day face” routine. Finding myself puzzled on how I was running late (again) one morning, I retraced my steps to figure out exactly where the extra time was being spent.

And one guilty look in the mirror confirmed it.

I’ll be the first to admit I’m not taking one single step outside of my house without some sort of coverage. And before you even go there, its not because I need it. I don’t need to wash my hair either. Or for that matter, even my body. But we all have our routines that make us feel put together. Ready for the day ahead of us. Daily showers and makeup just happen to be part of mine.

#Preach

But perfectly carved cheekbones? A nose that appears slightly slimmer? I’m fairly confident I’m able to take on the world without those things. And I definitely could use the extra 20 minutes in my mornings.

So it was a relief to see a new trend take center stage for Spring. Some call it the Tonal Trend, others Monochromatic Makeup. I’ll just refer to it as my new “every day face”.

Some of you may remember Gigi Hadid making a stunning debut of the trend at the Sports Illustrated Awards a few weeks back….

And it was that look right there that made us want to put down the contouring brushes.

Enough said, right?

So what exactly is monochromatic makeup? Exactly as the name implies. Its the use of one color, in varying shades, on multiple areas. In this case, the eyes, lips and cheeks. But more importantly, its about enhancing one’s natural features- not manipulating them. And while there’s still a little work involved in the process, your pores will thank you. And probably your boyfriend. Not to mention- its SPRING. Who wants to be weighed down with layers of creams/powders/bronzers? The increase in temperatures alone means an increase in maintenance throughout the day.

So take a much needed break and lighten up. Literally.

So now the “How?”….

The key here is to take one color, and first pick the feature you want to put the focus on. Whether its your lips, cheeks or eyes, that area is where the strongest/brightest version of that shade should go. Take Gigi for instance. Burgundy was the drug of choice in this killer look, with the attention on the eyes. Then two softer burgundy shades were used, 1 for her cheeks and 1 for her lips.

Side note- this is an awesome excuse to use all those colors in your pallets that you usually ignore. You know what I’m talking about.

Looking for an even easier route to go? Then just go with two. You’ll just have to pay closer to attention to your color choices, as working with two shades makes it super easy to get all matchy-matchy. And that is not what this look is about. For example, if you choose to go with a bright pop of color with the eyes, then the lips should be muted. Or vise versa.

My personal favorite?

Violet Eyes + Lilac Lips

Even easier, yet just as lovely? Concentrate on your cheeks and lips. Coordinating these two correctly is absolutely stunning when using an unexpected color. Like coral. And before you immediately write that off, give me a chance. I wrote before about a beautiful orange hued blush I picked up at MAC. It was one of those products that when the artist applied it on me, I wanted to hug her. But I only used it as more of a highlight, adding it softly on top of my primary blush (usually pink). Until now… After finding a soft coral tinted gloss that compliments it, its now moved confidently to primary position.

You can visit to links below to purchase:

MAC Powder Blush in Devil

MAC Mineralize Glass in Precious Fruit

But the look I absolutely cannot get over?

Metallic.

Gold, silver, bronze- they all work beautifully. And you wont have to worry about going through highlight withdrawal while on your contour ban.

PS: For my Urban Decay Naked Palette lovers, this is allllllllll you.

So you’ve probably already realized that going monochromatic can be as subtle, or as bold as you’d like. The only real consistency here is the most important one: ENHANCEMENT. In other words, instead of trying to create the features that you want, focus on the beautiful features you already have.

They deserve the attention.

I promise you- a confident face will always outshine even the most flawless contour.

But a little blush will never hurt, either.

X

#BombshellCode, Confessions, Dating, Sorry I'm No Sorry

What came first, the relationship or the egg?

March 28, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

Okay, so forgive the Easter pun here.

But since today’s holiday is basically centered around the idea of someone rising from the dead, I cant think of anything that’s harder for our generation to believe in than…

love.

Its true- we find the idea of love harder to grasp than the idea of someone rising from the dead. Because we also happen to be a generation where many find entertainment in preparing for a zombie apocalypse. So not only do we believe in it, we’re pretty much banking on it.

And honestly, the odds of me surviving an apocalypse are probably far better than my odds of getting married. Or at least, getting married one time and having that marriage last forever. And that’s pretty discouraging considering my only plan for zombie survival involves barricading myself in Barney’s, and happily living out the rest of my existence in couture. If time permits, I might even hit up a liquor store beforehand.

No, really- that’s pretty much my plan. So if you want to join me, bring food.

But back to my original point- Today, its love that has somehow become the miracle, where we need to see it to truly believe it.

But how will we even know it when we see it? In other words, what comes first- the relationship, or the love? Being someone that was raised on the idea that loves come first, I’ve pretty much gone through life expecting to meet someone, and somehow just knowing that they were “the one”. You know, the whole “love at first sight” theory. Except it hasn’t happened yet. So its made me think that maybe love isn’t something that is quite so instant and obvious. Maybe love is something that is brought slowly to life over the course of a relationship, through a series of shared experiences and consistency. In which case, maybe love is simply the byproduct of trust?

So what does happen when we meet someone? Maybe its not love at first sight, but its something, right? There has to be some reason that makes you want to continue seeing someone. Or at the very least, continue to eat food with them (since that’s what a lot of dating is). Maybe it is love at first sight, or… maybe its just lust. Or maybe, there’s just something about them, recognizable only to you. Researchers have suggested pheromones could be the culprit- apparently we all have our own unique scent, that only our “person” is able to detect. So not only do you have a fingerprint, you also have an “odorprint”. Which means love could literally be in the air between two people. Romantic? Yes. Helpful? Not so much, since sniffing someone is considered rude. Plus, these scents are generally undetectable, and only reach us on a subconscious level.

Moving on.

Maybe many of us have simply lost our belief in love as a result of our unrealistic expectations? Everything about our society today is based on instant gratification. Results need to be immediate for anything to be considered a victory. Where patience was once considered a virtue, its now no longer something we’ll even consider. We invest in liposuction over a gym membership, fast food over cooking, texts over phone calls, and one night stands over relationships. So why wouldn’t our feelings eventually begin to work on the same demanding schedule? Instead of getting to know someone over time, and slowly falling in love with the person for who they really are, we force the process and “fall in love” with the idea of who we want them to be.

I think I’m on to something here…

Going from personal experience, I have been a victim of this pattern countless times. And I’ll justify my use of the word “victim” here in just a second. You see, I’m not a serial dater. I just don’t see the benefit in dating more than one person at a time. One, its hard enough for me to find time to properly adult most days, let alone play games. Two, I actually enjoy learning about someone. And Three, I believe above all we need to actually be the person we want to date. So I’ll invest time with someone until it no longer works out. And this is where the word “victim” comes in. Because usually it stops working once the man I’m seeing slowly starts to morph into the man he actually is. He reverts. The impressive standard he set in the beginning with his actions begins to drastically lower. His priorities start to include things that were never a factor before. Words stop becoming actions. And finally, the things that were so consistent initially are now irrelevant. Usually the magic words “I love you” have been spoken at this point- probably as a way to deflect attention from everything else that is disappointing you. Except I never say “I love you” back- instead, I walk away.

There was no love at first sight, and there was no love created over time. In other words- he wasn’t “the one”. And no one should ever remain with someone because it feels better to them than being alone. Or because its convenient. Or worse- because you think its the kind of relationship you deserve. Obviously, its not fair to either party. But more importantly, being with the wrong person actually IS worse than being alone. Staying with the wrong person means you’re eliminating any possibility of meeting the person who IS everything you want. And that’s the most exciting idea to someone who is single. Regardless of whether love is instant or not, it is something you deserve.

So while I cant be sure what comes first- the love, or the relationship- I DO know that the presence of it is all that really matters. So keep dating. Stay positive. Have fun. Don’t let the pressures of how you think love is supposed to work determine your worth to anyone- including yourself. Walk away from anything that doesn’t make you happy.

Because when you keep your heart open and available to it, love will eventually find you. And just like your “odorprint” it will be up to you, and only you, to recognize it.

X

#BombshellCode, Beauty, Blogger Style, Bohemian, Fall Fashion, Fashion, Gypsy Soul, Prolific Quarterly, Spring 2016, Street Style, Trend Report, Winter Fashion

Its The Little Things…

March 23, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

With another wave of Fashion Week’s coming to an end, I found myself really questioning what it is exactly that inspires and motivates designers. What separates their collection? What makes a look personal? Legendary? Iconic?? Because when you really think about fashion, like art, it’s really just another form of expression. So ultimately, what we’re seeing in a collection is a reflection of the designer themselves.

And out of all the fall collections this season, it was Chanel that struck me the most. Karl had once again outdone himself with a collection that gave a glamorous nod to the old school salon days. But it wasn’t just the clothes that had me in awe- it was everything. It was every minor little detail that would make one have to re-watch the entire show just to take it all in. It was the kind of accessorizing genius that made fashion feel fun and exciting again. But more importantly, there was an unexpected playful energy to the collection that was surprising for a historically drab time of year.

Chanel Fall/Winter RTW 2016

Also like art, runway fashion is typically exaggerated. Go big, or go home. With everything. And with that, trends are noted, trend reports are created, “Lust Lists” are made, and more muted versions will eventually trickle into our every day fashion lives come Fall. But that doesn’t mean that’s where the individuality and creativity stops.

No, darling, instead its just the opposite- its where the magic really starts to happen.

Which brings me to my original point of this post- that the presence of one’s style cannot be measured simply in the outfit itself. Anyone is capable of throwing on a LBD and pulling of “chic” for a night. That’s why its the safety net of fashion. Simple. Effortless. Classic. Standard issue.

Okay, great. But what does it actually say about someone? Exactly- not much at all. And that’s fine if you’re someone who prefers to blend. I’m not here to tell anyone how to live their life. But I WILL say never have I ever admired someone for their ability to pull off basic.

But “admire” might be too harsh of a word. Instead, its the ones that put the effort into the details that inspire me. Its the personal twists in accessories that make me see less of the clothes, and more of the person wearing them. It’s the small and tedious things many might just simply lack the patience or imagination for, that another will go all out with just because its who they are. Because its within those details that lie the true personality of someone. Its those interesting little twists that say so much about who someone is, or how they feel, without saying a single word. In other words- in a world full of LBD’s, it’s the small things that play a big role in making you so largely unique.

And isn’t that what we’re all striving for?

For my SATC fans, we know the show was famous for its [sometimes questionable] fashion. But you may remember there were a few pieces that made it through the entire run of the show because they represented the characters so well. Most memorable was Carrie’s necklace- it was such a huge part of her identity, it even became part of the storyline in the series finale.

Now fast forward to today, where the word “basic” is now an insult. Yet its amusing that we do so much talking to express who we are, and yet so little in letting it shine visually. And the best part about accessories? They can be as expensive, or as cheap as you’d like them to be. The price of unique finds is usually based on how much time you’re willing to spend finding them. For instance, if you’re someone who loves to comb antique and second hand stores (me, me, me!!), then you already know the gems that are waiting for you, often at ridiculously low prices. I’m talking cheaper than Forever 21 here. No, really. But what you save in the money department, you will spend in time. At the same time, if you’re someone who loves shopping (Again- me, me, me!!), this isn’t a problem. Though you’ll probably want to go on these adventures alone, or risk being annoyed by the inevitable whining from your boyfriend. But if you’re going for vintage one-of-a-kind pieces, this is the only way to go. Even flea markets have proven to be beneficial hunting grounds. And you can use going to one as an excuse to load up on fresh local produce- even if you only use the aforementioned fresh local produce to make organic mojitos. I wont tell.

Just be sure to make on for me….

Now its important to note, combing vintage stores is only good for collecting. You cant just go on a mission one day to find a particular piece and expect it to be hanging out at the antique store down the road. Accessories aren’t ice cream- it doesn’t work like that. Instead, these adventures are for “building”. They’re for days when you have some time to kill, an open mind, and you can simply look with no pressure for items that speak to you. And only you. I cant explain it other than, you’ll know it when you see it. Some of my favorite finds were completely unexpected, yet once they came into life, they made me question how I could have ever been “me” without them.

But accessorizing isn’t just about the actual accessories, but rather in how one uses them. Which brings me to my next point- literally anything can be an accessory when you’re creative enough. Think of how boring fashion would be if we only used things as they were originally intended? One example of this I think we can all remember would be Lady Gaga’s meat dress. Though I’m still not sure what the final verdict was on her daring choice (Did we love it…? Hate it…? Eat it…??). The point is, she took something conventional, and made it unconventional. She turned heads and made a major statement using something many of see every day. And while you don’t have to go as far as using actual food (please don’t use food) you can add major impact in other ways.

Example: A few days ago I was styling a shoot. I had the sudden idea for a particular look, but didn’t have the wardrobe with me to support it. Knowing that there was a secondhand store right below us, I ran down with my “I’ll know it when I see it” mentality. Within 5 minutes I discovered a silk scarf, and 5 minutes after that it was tied effortlessly around my model’s torso as a top. Going off pure instinct, it was the perfect addition to an outfit that was already a huge risk- and it all paid off beautifully. It became one of my favorite looks for the day, mostly because I know without a fact that look is 100% unique, born from a idea that was in my mind at the time- and there’s a lot of pride in that.

But every day can be like that if you’re willing to put forth the effort. There’s no photoshoot required for you to treat the entire world like its your personal runway. Because IT IS. And I need you to pay really close attention to this one- you don’t need to be a model to dress like one. You got that? You don’t have to be Lady Gaga to make a statement. You can do it every day, all day, in every unique way you can think of, and for any reason you feel like.

Like button-downs. Basic, boring button-downs. Someone woke up one day, looked at a button-down, and thought “What if I put this on backwards…?”. And so they tried it.

And it worked.

Then someone else took their button-down and thought “What if I tied the arms and turned this into a tube top…?”.

And that worked.

And so on…

You get my point here? Like the Field of Dreams of fashion, you just gotta build it.

So next time you feel like you have “nothing to wear”, or you’re bored with whats in your closet, just stop. Step back. And really take a look at what you have. There is nothing more exciting to me than the challenge of being able to create virtually any look I’d like with just a few well thought out pieces. Or wearing something in a way I never thought of before. Or pairing one piece with something totally unexpected. But that’s the trick- you have to care. You have to make the effort. You have to be willing to take chances. And you have to be willing to get it wrong sometimes. Because there really is no wrong when it comes to style, as long as you feel good about you.