Category Archives: Winter Fashion

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

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

#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.

Because at the end of the day, that’s all it should ever really be about anyways.

X

Beauty, Blogger Style, Bohemian, Fall Fashion, Fashion, Gypsy Soul, Polyvore, Prolific Quarterly, Street Style, Trend Report, Winter Fashion

BTS With Lorraine Castle

February 15, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

…

What started as a simple collaboration between two local artists….

…would ultimately turn into a published adventure.

…

I first met Lorraine back in September. Having just relocated here, she was anxious to dive back into her first love and natural given talent- photography. And after just one look at her prior work, I was happy to help in any way I could. Together, we decided that a beach shoot made the most sense. Bohemian, natural, fashion forward…basically, everything I love. And living by the beach year round, it should be noted that bohemian is more than just a passing trend. Here, its a lifestyle. An attitude. Both of which I LOVE to shoot, as it speaks easily to my natural born gypsy soul.

Fast forward to a very unnaturally cold day in October. Remember- this is Florida. Anything below 70 is considered miserable. But not only were we dealing with chilly temps, but the wind was flat out unbearable. Especially for a shoot. For instance: blonde hair + red lip gloss + high winds = I. Cant. Even.

Unless you want to miss out on shooting one of the most beautiful series, thanks in part TO the wind.

We sure as hell didn’t.

So we powered on. And thanks to Lorraine Castle, made editorial magic on a less than magical day.

Now, because I’m a straight up hustler when it comes to achieving my goals in life, I decided to take our work one step further. Lorraine’s work was too beautiful not to. And so I took a chance with a publication that had featured some work of mine before- Prolific Quarterly. But I wanted more out of the experience than just to simply be published- that goal had already been achieved long ago. No, darling, I wanted more. I wanted to WRITE. More specifically, I wanted to make a new impact in this industry that would help me advance to the next level. I wanted to piece together an editorial, where I could write about fashion, that would feature my photos. Its kinda like having your cake, and eating it too.

And Lorraine could not have been more supportive. Because without her hard work and dedication to the project, there simply would be no cake. Or in this case, editorial. We narrowed down shots, choosing ones that made sense for the content of the article, while showcasing her talent. She edited. I wrote. And together, created a beautiful editorial that was published in Prolific Quarterly’s Winter Edition. 8 glossy pages that contained so much more than the words and pictures printed on them. Like late nights, freezing temperatures, wardrobe malfunctions, hurricane strength winds, strained eyes, short deadlines…. but above all of that- PASSION. And the belief that is was ALL going to be worth it.

And it was.

So thank you, Lorraine Castle- your professionalism and dedication are the reasons many of us strive to work with talented artists such as yourself. Because you help restore the passion and respect in this sometimes questionable industry.

Included is a gallery of some BTS shots, many of which never made it to print, but still command the attention and appreciation of Lorraine’s work.

For more info on Lorraine Castle, or to book YOUR shoot, CLICK HERE.

I hope you all love them as much as I do-

…

Until next time, Dolls…

X

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

Faux Sure

January 1, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

Fauxbulous, darling.

What? You think a girl that lives in Florida cant rock a faux fur coat? Let me go on record to say that I will risk suffering from heat stroke before I miss out on one of my favorite seasonal trends. And with a little help from my friend Lorraine Castle, you’ll be able to see more on how I pull this off this month in the upcoming issue of Prolific Quarterly.

Part boho, part glam, consider this lux piece THE accessory for pulling off winter chic. It adds just the right amount of edge while complimenting a perfectly put together outfit, chic or casual.

Below are a few of my favorite picks, all available now….

Glam Faux Fur Coat from bebe, $229

My favorite purchase in recent weeks, this coat screams “Boss“. Hitting at just the right length, and with just the right volume, it packs just the right wow factor. AND its cozy. Added bonus- it kind of gives off that Carrie Bradshaw look circa Seasons 1 & 2. Her coat was everything…

Snag it online here- bebe

Wanderess Shag Jacket by Lovers & Drifters, $159

This jacket is literally life. It has that perfect vintage vibe, while the color gives off that “I don’t care” attitude. As you can see, it works perfect with little underneath- literally. So you wont have to give it up when the temperatures start rising again. And why would you want to?

Visit here for info- Lovers & Drifters

Now how can you work this look into your current wardrobe?

Easy…

Any. Way. You. Want. To.

The key here is to balance the heavy texture according with the occasion. I’ve worn my to work many days, draped casually over a short, loose dress. For this style, think Free People- they are iconic for mixing fabrics, like chunky knits with lace. And this stunner, featured in the October catalog is perfection….

But maybe you want to stand out? And who can blame you? After all, fashion is a way of expressing yourself without having to say a word. So turn some heads with color. My personal favorite is a deep jewel-toned green. Its still muted enough to be appropriate for any outing, yet pops…. especially against gray skies.

Or you can go all out. And I know all too well how drab things can get mid-winter. So go for it. Brighten up your day, and everyone else’s.

No one will be mad at you when you look this damn good-

But maybe no matte what the shade, you still feel basic in one hue.

Don’t worry girl- I gotchu too.

Simply break up a monochromatic look underneath with lux patterns on top.

Another way to rock this look- Vintage.

This is for my bohemian babies. The Coachella loving, effortlessly sexy, music queens.

Leather leggings, vintage rocker tee’s, wide brimmed fedoras, flowing lace- you love it all. So a coat that screams 70’s glam is just another one of the many details you adorn each day just to say one thing- You love music AND fashion.

But we’re not done yet….

I’m talking about accessories.

Maybe you just need a touch of added glam for your already on-point outfit?

You’ll be able to add that touch pretty much anywhere you’d like this season. From fur trimmed gloves- elbow length, please- to detailed handbags, nothing is off limits.

But my personal favorite winter accessory of choice is still an oversized scarf. Its perfect to wear all day when you want to say “Boss”, and simple enough to throw on to run errands. The plusher the “fur”, the more dramatic the effect. Don’t forget a flawless red pout to go with.

Head to Anthropologie to score these posh numbers-

One thing is for certain thought- no matter how you choose to rock this trend, be prepared to feel like royalty.

Without the guilt.

Because no matter the trend, it is NEVER a good look when it involves the pain and torture of another for unnecessary luxuries. Especially when there are so many other ways that offer the exact look and feel.

Fashion is just another tool to inspire and empower others. It should make the person wearing it feel good. Strong. Confident.

And those feelings will never be obtained, nor respected, when you have blood on your hands.

Photographer- Lorraine Castle

So express yourself- but express yourself with compassion. Always be sure that the message you’re sending is one you can be proud of.

That never goes out of style.

#BombshellCode

X

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

All That Glitters

November 13, 2015 Liberata Leave a comment

First off, you should all know this now- I am a sequin whore. And it makes sense with gold being my favorite color. Which also might explain why I’m so obsessed with accessories. And gowns. And have absolutely zero fear of standing out in a crowd. I adore shine. Glitz. Glamour.

“The next day I was in The Village looking for the perfect $7 dress to go with my $300 shoes…”

This quote from Sex & the City summarizes my style perfectly. And it has very little to do with price. Instead, its about the hunt. The desire to find something unique and personal to define…..ME. MY style. Because ideally that’s exactly what fashion should be about. Different and special to each individual. Sure, we have trend reports and fashion weeks to help set the stage for us, but ultimately its up to YOU to put your own spin on things. To take trends and incorporate them into your already existing style. Not to follow the masses. That would make you….a basic bitch. Unless, of course, your goal is to blend in?

No darling. Trends come and go. But style? That’s forever.

And so with that, comes the time of year fashionistas defy limits (if they ever really set any). Because with colder temps comes maximum opportunity to play with and layer pretty much anything. Chunky cable-knit sweaters would be ridiculous in the summer- but a barely there dress works fine in December…. with the right accessories.

Which brings me to my point. Accessories are life to the fashion-obsessed. They are the signature tools that uniquely define, and therefore separate us. And signature is key. They should be bold. Eye-catching. Different. Strategically placed creative spins on classic theories. Or classic spins on modern theories. That’s the creative beauty of the whole thing- anything goes.

SATC is probably one of the most widely known ways things were worn in ways that were considered [at the time] different.

For example, remember the giant, oversized flowers? Exactly. Or when she wore the dramatic ballgown skirt to dinner with The Russian. Or paired one with a Dior tee in the 2nd movie. The odd crown-like headband while trying on wedding dresses? From leather gloves, to fur coats, to headwear, Patricia Field knew how to add a totally unexpected pop to any outfit while maintaining balance.

If you aren’t excited yet by the ideas already running through your head, you’re doing it wrong.

Either way, here are some of my favorite looks I plan to capitalize on over the next few months. With trends already heavy with 70’s swag, we have every reason to cash in on anything that shines. Think over-embellished. Plunging necklines. Come hither boots. Bold prints. And with Christmas and New Years just around the corner, you literally will have zero reason not to shine exactly like the diamond you are…

1. SEQUINS

If you’re a girl that likes to be seen, much like myself, then this is for you. You might not be the first one on the dance floor- but you know how to make an entrance. You like to look, and FEEL, glam. And with the holidays approaching fast, you’re free to wear them anytime, day or night. The key here is balance. For daytime, stick to one adorned piece- a mini skirt, top or blazer. Any color works. But if you’re going to go sequined, go all the way and choose something in a jewel tone. SO. PRETTY! Now for night- anything goes. Free People has a STUNNING collection of dresses available right now. Starting at $98, they are the epitome of perfection. And with their iconic soft neutral hues, low necklines and backless cuts, it will be hard to find a reason NOT to wear them.

Below are a few notable pieces that I’ve personally scored, for ALL budgets:

Balmain for H&M, $199

Forever 21, $38.50

(wear it backwards for a plunging neckline instead)

Free People, Tarnished Gold Tunic ($298) and Sexy In Sequins Slip ($98)

And with mini dresses comes maximum accessories. Any of these pieces can be dressed up or down by adding things as simple as a leather jacket. Or a blazer. Wear thigh high boots. Or add a simple heel. A thicker heel will make it more daytime appropriate. Heading to the office? Throw a pencil skirt on over it. You will literally have zero excuses not to work one of these gorgeous numbers into your daily wardrobe.

2. ITS ALL IN THE DETAILS

Did you ever find yourself looking enviously at women from the past, perfectly put together from head to toe, dripping with lux and class? It was a common standard to be perfectly groomed. From driving gloves to hats, they made a basic trip to the grocery store look like a glamorous adventure. Today, we’re lucky if women put on pants. No, really.

Well this is your chance. Thanks to the rebirth of vintage, nothing is off limits when it comes to accessorizing. Recently I set out to on a mission for such pieces. And for this kind of mission, vintage truly is best. And fortunately for me, I have a gem of a store literally right down the street. A darling shop by the name of Retro Rosie’s, they wont take a thing made after 1975. The owner combs other shops, homes and yard sales to salvage the best of the best. I’m talking items like prom dresses from the 50’s. Shift dresses from the 60’s. Bell bottomed Levi’s from the 70’s. And statement jewelry from literally every era. Bags… shoes… hats… its ALL there under one glorious roof. This place is my nirvana. When I visit, I literally spend hours transforming myself into every generation. Last hull scored me my best finds yet, scoring several sets of white leather gloves, shag wraps and some costume jewelry.

I imagined the gloves had been worn by some fierce glamazon at Studio 54, holding a glass of champagne while dancing with Andy Warhol. Probably not…. but still. I bought them in 3 lengths, planning to wear them all scrunched a bit. Add a few cuffs on top for some extra drama. But I’ll warn you- these are not for those who cannot be without their cell ph0nes for long spurts of time. Touchscreens and glove-covered fingers just don’t agree.

As for the brooches, we’ve discussed this cant-live-without fall accessory for some time now in other posts. But I wanted to add that the beauty of these pieces is you can usually find vast amounts, in varying sizes and colors, for next to nothing. I paid about $8 a piece, picking ones that reflected my personality.

Lastly- SHAG COATS. If there was ever a heaven for these pieces, vintage shops would be it. But they are also the hardest piece to find. Mainly because they get scooped up so quickly. Sure, you can buy a new one online for practically nothing. And you may have to. But if you have the patience, go for authentic. I promise the quality and overall look with be worth it. And you probably wont pay much more for it. I would also advise checking local thrift stores. Same thing- they go fast, but it will broaden the possibilities.

Above I showed you some of the different pieces I’ve collected over the last few weeks. And today I want to try something different. Something more personal. Something that I do everyday with my wardrobe. So I selected a few of the aforementioned pieces, and styled them multiple ways, for multiple occasions. And the best part? Every look was under $500. 1 was even under $50 (thank you H&M!).

The first two pieces were scored at H&M. Available now.

Top $9.99, Skirt $14.99, Vintage Belt/Gloves/Clutch

There’s so much to love about the versatility of both pieces. Wear together for a show-stopping effect, or tone it down with a solid tank or leather pencil skirt.

Next was the ultimate score. The possibilities are endless with this stunner. And considering the dress was just under $40, you’ll have plenty of cash left over to discover them…

It starts off simple enough. One bold number, flipped backwards so the plunge is in the front. A set of vintage gloves ($10), my favorite Chanel cuff ($350) and a vintage clutch is all a girl needs to turn [more than] a few heads.

But I didn’t stop there….

Remember the H&M shirt? Mmmhmmmm….

Perfection.

Now lets edge things up a bit, shall we?

Swap the gloves for a fitted lather jacket. This particular one is vegan leather, from American Eagle (no longer available).

Oh, but you’re fancy, huh? I got you covered too…

My personal favorite look, and the one I’ll most likely rock first-

And for even more style inspiration on both casual and killer ways to rock sequins this season, visit HERE.

So go ahead, dolls…. Whether your look is classic, rebel or bombshell, dare to stand out this fall in the most beautiful way a girl can. AND do it without sacrificing your rent. And don’t forget to show me how you’ll be rocking this trend- tag me in your pictures on Instagram (@LiberataDolce).