Tag Archives: Blogger Style

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….

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

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, Bohemian, Fashion, Model Life, Prolific Quarterly, Trend Report

Prolific Quarterly

February 14, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

Happy Valentine’s Day dolls….

Since today is all about love,

and I love YOU,

I wanted to apologize for my lack of posts lately.

However, with that comes great news that I can finally share with you all.

Starting Tuesday, February 16th, Prolific Quarterly will be featuring posts from your truly. Teaming up with this publication, which concentrates on primarily on lifestyle, entertainment and high fashion, is an absolute honor.

Many of you already know I was featured in their Winter Edition, Noir et Blanc. The experience, which started off as just a model for a pictorial, turned into writing my first published written editorial. And the rest is history. Its also a testament to what I preach most to you about on here- having confidence in yourself and living the life YOU want.

While I will continue to post work on here, I encourage you all to check out my weekly posts for Prolific Quarterly which will be updated every Tuesday.

You love and support has been an absolute blessing, and I cant wait to see what the future stills holds. And you can remain confident that whatever it brings from a fashion or beauty perspective, you’ll be able to read about it.

Because I LOVE writing about it.

To follow my posts for Prolific Quarterly, visit HERE.

To order a digital or hard copy of Noir et Blanc, visit HERE.

Stay fabulous 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).

#BombshellCode, Beauty, Blogger Style

Bombshell Down- Surviving Cold Season Like A Boss

October 13, 2015 Liberata Leave a comment

Remember when you were a kid, and being sick was actually kind of awesome? You got to stay home from school, watch all the bad TV you otherwise weren’t allowed to, AND you got spoiled by Mom? And while being sick was never really fun, it was tolerable. Comforting. There was no real rush to recover, because there was no real rush for, well… anything.

And then you grew up.

And with growing up came responsibilities. Priorities. In other words- the inability to simply just disconnect from the world and recover for a few days. You discovered that life goes on, bills need paid, and empires need run. Even if you look (and feel) like an extra in The Walking Dead. Plain and simple- you realized that no one really cares.

Except Mom. Mom’s always care. 🙂 And I love mine very much for that.

So after being down with a cold for about a week, I discovered a few things about myself. Or my evolvement, rather. I learned how to power through and still give it my all. How to still handle business, even when the only deadline you care about is your own. But most importantly- how to still be a leader to a team that needed me, and deserves to have me at my best. All the time.

And I learned how to do it WITHOUT making myself worse.

So I’m going to share my tips on how to survive Cold Season. And not only survive it- but own it. Because like the old saying goes, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Even if it is only your immune system.

1. HYDRATE

You should be doing this already. In fact, if you were doing it properly to begin with, you probably wouldn’t even be sick. That old saying you’ve all heard- if you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated? It’s true. And should never be taken lightly. But if you’re like me, you will happily choose an iced caramel macchiato over ice water any day. So I cant really blame you. But NOW is the time to start chugging. Well, don’t chug. But seriously- start drinking. A lot. We’re all smart enough to know the benefits of water at this point. But we also need to remember that it helps flush toxins from your body.

It also might help to know that you can infuse your water with things like lemon, mint, berries- so there’s no excuse for those that claim they don’t “like” water. That’s just stupid. You kind of have to like it- your entire body is practically made up of it. Look at water the same way you do an Hermes bag- with nothing but total love and admiration.

Personally, I like to mix mint and lemon in mine. For me, its all about presentation. I have a huge beautiful vintage glass pitcher that I keep in my refrigerator at all times. It was my Dad’s, and he was a BIG believer in drinking water. So it reminds me to never take my health for granted, and that doing something so simple as drinking water can (and will) make or break you. Plus, something about it always being there and ready to drink makes it so much easier. I use fresh mint that I grow myself, along with fresh squeezed lemons- those I did not grow myself. Honestly, I can barely keep the mint alive… Occasionally I’ll blend the mint with berries and a little honey for an extra source of antioxidants. And flavor. I’ve also been known to add small amounts of Sweet N Low. But the sweetener is up to you. My advice is to start off using it just to get in the habit of drinking more water in general, and then wean yourself off.

Keep a pitcher like this full and ready, and you’ll never have he desire to reach for anything else again. Accept wine. Which is totally acceptable.

#BombshellCode

2. FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT

That’s right. Because even if you feel like shit, it doesn’t mean you have to look the part. And I know- that’s way easier said than done. Its hard to imagine even getting out of bed, much less mastering your standard AM beauty routine.

Relax- I gotchu girl. (Or boy!)

First, take your time. There’s no way around it. Your energy is depleted, seeing that your body is doing everything it can to fight off all those nasty germs. And you need to let it. But rolling into work looking like the troll that lives under the bridge isn’t going to make anyone happy. Now, we all wish that we worked at places where employers were sympathetic and understanding. If you’re lucky enough to have this, take advantage of it. Please. Stay home. Rest. And save your fellow co-workers from getting infected. Not to mention, yourself from being the asshole that got everyone sick. NO ONE likes that person. You’re now that kid that eats their hair in the back of the classroom- we ALL had one of those. Fortunately, I recently found myself with a company who cares, so I was able to rest for a day after being sent home. They didn’t want me to be that asshole either. But maybe you don’t have that leisure. Or sick time. Or anyone else to do what you do. So… lets get you ready for battle.

Take a hot shower. And I mean HOT. Its amazing what steam can do for the body. Not only will it help wake you up, but it opens everything. From your pores to your sinuses. And sinus pressure is one of the most unbearable symptoms of being sick. Dizziness, earaches… mine get so packed even my teeth hurt. But the steam will help loosen it all and will be a major factor in how well you’ll feel for the day.

DONT wash your hair. Save the energy. Dry shampoo is your best friend right now, if it wasn’t already. Zap your strands and let it dry. Then simply rough up your hair with your fingers for added texture and throw that mane into a messy topknot. Up high, down low, to the side- it doesn’t matter. Its the lifesaver of hairstyles simply because the messier it looks, the better. Its the IDGAF (but I kind actually do) look that we all know and love- so WORK IT.

My personal favorite-

Dress comfortable. Yes, this is your Get Out Of Jail Free Card for the fashionistas. No heels. No crazy accessories. No body hugging fabrics. If leggings are acceptable workplace attire, use it to your advantage. A cute off the shoulder sweater will keep you warm while still keeping you on point. But lets say you work in a No Legging Zone. That’s okay- find a maxi dress and pair it with a blazer. Regardless of what you choose, ADD A SCARF. Not only is it super comforting when your sick, but it will help keep your throat warm, and you looking chic. The bigger, the better. Plus, its easy to bury your face into during those inevitable times throughout the day when you feel like you’re going to die. PS- you wont!

Style tip– I like my scarfs with a lot of drama. In other words, LOTS of fabric and length so I can wrap it multiple times. But not a lot of scarves come this way, with the exception of blanket scarves. So to get that look, I simply take two scarves with patterns/colors that work well together. And I wrap them together. And boom- I have the perfect amount of extra body and thickness that you picture when you think of Fall.

Lastly- Makeup. Yes, I’m sorry, you still have to wear it. Just not as much of it. No, its not about vanity. Its about doing everything you can to make yourself feel better. Because you will literally feel better. And going out into public looking like a hot mess is not going to help you. Its my personal belief that if you feel bad about yourself, you cant help but look bad. At the same time, thinking you look bad, will make you feel worse. Its a no-win situation. So just avoid it. Take 5 minutes to a basic face- a little concealer and brightener can go a long, long way. Groom your brows, throw on some gloss, and handle it. Anything else will be a complete waste as you will no doubt wipe it all off after blowing your nose for the 50th time. But I promise- the effort here will be worth it. It feels pointless at the time, but you’ll be so glad you did once you’re at work. Plus, it will keep children from being completely terrified of you. If they weren’t already… 😉

Here’s all you need for a basic, yet flawless face:

(click on picture to enlarge)

3. GET TO WORK

When you’re there, let people know you’re not feeling well. No, don’t whine about it. We all hate that. Instead, let them know so they can steer clear and avoid catching whatever it is you have. Its courteous, and hopefully will earn you a slightly easier day. In other words, maybe an extra task that would involve staying late might be put off for another day. But again- don’t come across as whiny. Simply state the facts- “Hey guys, I’m a little under the weather today. You might want to email me anything you need. Me and my disinfectant will be in my office…”. Hopefully you have a good crew you will understand and will proceed with caution. Or you have a crew who couldn’t care less and will enjoy passing your cold around for the next 4 months.

4. REST

I cant stress this enough. You showed up. You played the part. You got shit done. Now its time to rest and let your body recover. No Happy Hour. No reality TV. No Empire marathons. No social media- no one wants to here you whine there either. Put your eye mask on, and just sleep. And hydrate. Sleep and hydrate. This will be your life for the next 24 to 48 hours. Accept it now and you will be well on your way back to Diva status. Or Boss status. Or if your like me, both.

5. TOTAL WORLD DOMINATION

You did it. You survived. Hopefully with a stronger immune system and greater respect for H2O. Get rid of any evidence that this cold even existed. Strip your bed sheets. Clorox everything. Stock your fridge with better, healthier foods. Sign up for yoga. Go for a walk. Consider this your chance to be reborn into a more health conscience version of yourself- forever invincible to colds, flus and men with no ambition.

But darling- above all- drink your damn water.

Your body is a temple, after all.

So start treating it like one.

X

Beauty, Blogger Style, Fashion, Street Style

Winter Trend Report- 70’s Disco Chic

October 4, 2015 Liberata Leave a comment

…

Get Your Chic On.

Once again, this vintage look shows zero signs of going away. Instead, this season its more amped. Think less Flower Child twirling in a field, and more late night NYC at the disco.

Think Bianca Jagger.

A regular at Studio 54 (she even celebrated her 30th birthday there, riding in on a white horse), this rocker wifey became the fashion icon of 70’s disco style. Those who haven’t already turned to her for inspiration need to start doing their homework. Now.

Liquid gold replaces delicate lace. Textures are bigger (and warmer) with shag coats and sequence. Bold red lips (tips and tricks on this here) will take center stage in your makeup routine. Gold – including Rose Gold – will dominate accessories. Throw out your skinnies to make room for flares. BIG flares. And jewel tones take over while neutrals take a back seat.

I would include fur, but I HATE that shit. We at LiberataDolce.com will never support, nor endorse animal cruelty. And I would encourage you to do the same.

#BombshellCode

But lets get back to what we DO support:

Like plunging necklines. Remember Amy Adams in American Hustle? Her wardrobe in that movie was literally everything. And this is where girls packing a small bust win. Not that girls with anything over a B cant pull it off. But there is a very fine line between 70s chic and just straight up street. Fashion tape will be required, regardless of size.

We’re also very big fans of bold prints. And jewel tones. On everything. Be brave and mix them. No really- go ahead. After all, the entire point of the 70’s was to make a statement. And YOUR statement should be “I’m a fierce bitch”. Because you are.

And now for my personal favorite- the shag coat. I literally die when I look at mine, wishing for temps frosty enough to wear them again. White is a simple, no-fail way to pull it off, but I encourage you to look for ones with color/prints. I even scored one last year with jeweled shoulders. You can view it HERE.

We also believe in breaking free of fashion ruts (I’m talking about YOU skinny jeans) and breathing life into old favorites (hello flares!). And Free People is your go-to for these. Their Super Flares are so on point, you’ll want to live in them. AND their long enough to wear with a heel.

Lastly- we will ALWAYS support a red pout. While hard to pull off during the summer, I literally sleep in my MAC Russian Red during the Fall/Winter. Red lips scream glamour. Boss. Confidence.

And I already know what you’re thinking- it leaves you looking washed out. Wrong. The wrong shade of red leaves you looking washed out. So head to your nearest MAC counter and let them show you the light. Or red, in this case. As mentioned before, head over to my Beauty page (click here) for tips on the perfect application.

But above all, we believe in the ability of putting your own spin on things. Trends come and go, but who YOU are should be reflected in WHAT you wear. That, my dear, is what we call “Style”. Because Bianca didn’t become an icon by copying outfits she saw on Instagram. She became an icon by following her [fabulous] instinct and wearing what felt right to her. No stylist. No social media. And she OWNED it.

So take these tips, and put your own spin on it. Create your signature Winter look, whatever it may be. Just make sure you do it with lots of gold. And LOTS of attitude. 😉

Now go forth- and be fabulous, you sexy thing.

#BombshellCode

X

“I said ‘Hey babe, take a walk on the wild side'”- Lou Reed

Blogger Style, Fashion, Street Style

Hats Off To Fall

September 28, 2015 Liberata Leave a comment

…

Oh. My. God.

Its here.

And by “it”, I mean Fall. Today is officially the first day of my absolute favorite season. And no- its not for the pumpkin spice lattes either. Personally I think they’re overrated (and gross). Yeah, I said it. Feel free to direct any hate mail to NoOneCares@EspeciallyMe.com.

But here’s why I DO love it: chilly nights, the changing of leaves, fires, sweaters, hot apple cider (spiked, please), scarves, and the return of layering. And really, the return of ALL accessories. From gloves to hats, your style options nearly double thanks to the cooler temps.

Which brings me to my current obsession-

Hats.

I’m also comfortable enough to admit to you guys that this wasn’t always a trend that I was on board with. I thought every hat looked “stupid” on me. Seriously. So much so that I refused to even try them on in public. Now don’t get me wrong- some still do. I will never pull off a baseball cap (and I’m not all that said about it either). But something happened recently. Something amazing. Something so sinfully good I can feel myself biting my lip as I type this.

What happened was….

I stopped giving a shit about what anyone else thought.

And I put on a hat. Except I didn’t just throw it on, while I breezed out my door with that kind of effortless grace that makes you think of Audrey Hepburn. No, child. But I applaud those that can.

Instead, I looked at the things I didn’t like when I had on a hat on. Because as it would turn out, it really wasn’t the hat at all. It never was. It was everything around it- my hair, my neckline, even my lip color. So basically, I learned how to frame it. I learned that a wide brimmed fedora is everything. And that I like my hats cocked to one side, and slightly over one eye. That I like to pull my hair into a big, messy sideknot. That I like a bright, dramatic lip so it pops next to the dark fabric. And that I LOVE pairing a hat with a giant scarf.

Here’s a look at #WhatIWoreToday

Hat by ALDO, Franchetti in black ($35).

And I can tell you that with this look, I get this unique feeling that’s somewhere between “badass” and “glamour queen”. I feel mysterious. I feel confident.

I feel…. put together.

Like a hat was that one final accessory my wardrobe has been ~~looking~~ screaming for. An added element of style expression that can single handedly change the entire tone of one single outfit.

For more style inspiration and looks to try click HERE.

So whether you’re a dedicated hat fan, or new to the game entirely, this is THE season to step outside your comfort zones and take a few fashion risks. For example-

Go oversized and low…

Shooting for a casual look? Go neutral and chic and pair with flares….

Prefer bold and dramatic? Me too. Than monochromatic maroon is all you, sugar…

Or maybe you’re not into the fedora look in general. Don’t worry- I got you. Because knit textures are just as playful and daring. Plus, they give off that kind of effortless vibe that begs to be paired with long, loose waves and skinny jeans…

Regardless of your preference, my last word of advice is this-

Try them all. At least once.

And you just might surprise yourself…

I know I did.

#BombshellCode

X

Beauty, Blogger Style, Fashion, Street Style

Berries, Brooches and Boots…. Oh My.

September 7, 2015 Liberata Leave a comment

My favorite season is literally right around the corner.

Fall.

The season of perfectly pieced together layers. The season of messy updo’s and berry-stained lips. The season of sweaters, scarves, skies-the-limit thigh high boots, your favorite vintage leather jacket, your… I cant.

Because this year, I get to celebrate the arrival of Fall with the success of reaching yet another career milestone- my very own store.

Well, it’s not exactly “MINE”. But its mine in the sense that I am now responsible for every single aspect of its success. No biggie. I mean, come on, you’ve read a little bit about the men I’ve dated. You’ve gotten a taste of my fashion sense. Obviously, it takes a LOT to shake my confidence.

And that’s good.

Because with my new role comes the complete freedom to push work day fashion to the absolute limit. To boldly express myself the best way I know how. The universal language of fearless style that simply says- “I’m a Boss“.

(Honestly, can I get an Amen??)

We all know the proper term for dressing like a professional:

Business Casual

Gag.

Now take whatever outfit you have pictured in your head and throw it away. And don’t ever bring it up again.

Because if the Fall/Winter 2015-16 runways showed us anything, its that business is ANYTHING but basic. Of course, there are always going to be the familiar and iconic seasonal hints of warmer tones (berries/nudes), layered buttery soft textures (leather/fur), and slightly heavier accessories. But this year its more detailed than ever.

Its edgy. Its polished.

Its heaven.

So with that, I decided to share my own personal challenge of the moment. The challenge of building a wardrobe not only for a new career, but for a new season. A visual guide of staples so chic, you’ll wonder how your closet (or you, for that matter) ever survived without them.

Bring it.

In a previous post (See Post Here) I talked about Fashion Week’s most coveted Fall looks. And sure enough, those trends are everything they promised they would be. But we need to break it down even more. Because you’re not just a Fashionista- you’re a Boss. A tiger. A strong independent female who calls the shots. In all areas of her life. In heels. You’re trying to run the world AND look fierce.

#1: LEATHER

Leather leggings are everything this season. I prefer styles that feature more of a motocross look to them- zippers, textured prints, etc. It gives them a slightly more interesting look, and are way more forgiving to anyone who doesn’t have perfect mile long twig-like legs (and honestly, who really does?).

But that’s not only way we’ll see leather this Fall. Fashionistas rejoice- it is now 100% acceptable (and encouraged- by me) to be worn to worn. But keeping it classy is key. I don’t care where you work- looking like you’re heading to a Stones concert probably wont be appreciated. Unless, of course, you’re actually going to a Stones concert. So the trick here is simply a looser fit. That instantly keeps leather more chic, less BDSM.

So maybe leather pants aren’t your thing? Maybe you saw that episode of Friends where Ross tried them on- and it scarred you for life. And that’s okay. I still have plenty of other leather options to help keep you on point this season.

Like skirts. Yes darling, you read that correctly.

Leather. Skirts.

And I cant lie- this is probably one of my favorite fall accessories. And the styles are limitless. Fringed, short, long, adorned, plain, asymmetrical- anything goes. And as long as you’re keeping your proportions (and hemlines) in check, you’ll be able to rock any of these looks to work AND keep it classy-

And of course, I saved my favorite leather piece for last- the always classic, always chic, always perfect leather jacket. The only trick here is to keep it fitted. Don’t be afraid of color either. But black, camel and white all scream 70’s chic while keeping things classy. Collar or no collar- its up to you. Studded or plain Jane? Either is fine.

#2: Blanket Scarves

I’ll be honest. I was one of the first to rock these last winter. And I had a lot of very mixed reactions. Men, of course, were confused- “Why is it so… big??”. I remember one particular date where the guy told me it was “weird”. I’m sure he also found it weird when he never heard from me again. But most people were just curious. And with so many different way to wear them, I cant really blame them. But the best part about these babies is right in the name itself- they literally become blankets if needed. And who doesn’t love that? Plus, if you’re stuck in a blanket scarf styling rut, simply head to YouTube. There are plenty of videos from stylists showing you ingenious new ways to wear them. Here are some of my favorite classic looks for blanket scarf beginners-

#3: Monochrome- Black/White

Okay, seriously. Is there anything more classic than head to toe black? There is now- White. Remember the old rule of never wearing white after Labor Day? Good news- you can now file that in the same place where it says you cant mix gold and silver. Who even came up with these “rules” in the first place?? To me, an all-white look is a symbol of strength. Class. Status. Confidence. Even dignity. No one dares wear white, let alone ALL white, unless they plan to be seen. And heard. The same can be said for black. An all black ensemble screams utter sophistication. Luxury. Power. Regardless of your preference, these two monochromatic looks both deliver the same message- “Look, but don’t you dare touch”.

#4: Grunge Tee’s

You heard me. The chance to mix your inner child and outer boss. Just please- keep it appropriate. In other words, feel free to declare your love for My Little Pony or Guns N Roses. Avoid political messages or personal beliefs. While I’m all for making a statement, one that could potentially offend a co-worker (or anyone, really) is just ignorant. Spread love, not hate- #BombshellCode. So use your imagination. Tap into your creativity. Or musical inspiration. And have FUN with this trend. Jus be sure to balance it out by keeping the rest of your outfit more structured and tailored. This is the key to pulling this one off. Its the perfect combination of quirky and chic by adding that unexpected element of playfulness. And who knows- maybe you’ll catch the eye of another secret Aerosmith fan. 😉

#5: Accessories

My favorite. There is no better investment simply for the fact that accessories are the details that can make or break any outfit. At the same time, they can completely change any outfit. The addition, or removal, can take an outfit from day to night, or vice versa. And chances are, they’re worth holding on to. Because unlike a lot of other trend pieces, accessories CAN be recycled. Often through multiple seasons even. Take the Bohemian movement for example. Many thought it would be over with by the end of summer. As we were preparing to pack our feather cuffs away next to our Coachella ticket stubs, Fall 15/16 came along and breathed life right back into it. Albeit slightly darker. So fear not, gypsy souls. Many of your summer favorites can transition into your fall wardrobe.

#6: Thigh-high Boots

Thigh high lovers- this one’s for you. This season we’ll be shattering sex pot records. Fashion week unveiled boots so high, sometimes it was hard to tell just where they ended.

And I couldn’t be happier.

Wear over leggings, or alone with a dress leaving just a peek of thigh. Avoid looking too disco queen when it comes to material. Flat out leather is best. Anything shiny needs to be kept strictly for outside of the office.

#7: Brooches

Another trend I touched on in a previous post, this is probably my favorite for the season. Its a chance to mix old with new. A chance to personalize each outfit with details NO ONE else will have. And its a chance to comb every vintage store in your area. As if you needed one… But seriously, theres finally a trend out right now that I can honestly say I haven’t tried before. And even better- you can go absolutely crazy with it. That’s the whole point! So grab every brooch you can find. And then plan on needing at least 20 more. And pin them wherever you see fit. Shirts, collars, cuffs- even your hair. The more dramatic and personalized, the better.

And there you have it darlings. A general overview of how I’m preparing for both my new adventure and Fall. And whileits important to pay homage to trends, and embrace them while we can, its even more important to remember that trends come and go. They should be treated as an enhancement to your personal style. Because style is forever. In other words, the most successful fashionistas are ones that take trends, and tweak them to make them their own.

WE wear the clothes- the clothes do not wear us.

#BombshellCode

So have fun. Mix it up. And be fabulous.

But be YOU.

Because the best thing you could ever put on is your confidence.