Category Archives: Confessions of a Stylist

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, 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

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, 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.

LIBERATA DOLCE