Tag Archives: Fashion

New Outlook, Who Dis?

December 24, 2019 Liberata Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let me explain….

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

God, we were stupid….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beauty, Bohemian, Spring, Summer, Trend Report

Microblading- A Brow Game Changer

June 10, 2017 Liberata Leave a comment

***

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

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

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

It was also a very stupid one.

Because they didn’t.

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

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

I had gone from bushy to bare to prisoner.

Until now.

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

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

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

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

(Unless you’re Angelina…)

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

It was Microblading.

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

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

Only this time- they could actually be mine.

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

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

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

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

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

And exactly one hour later my appointment was booked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABOVE: Numbing gel with plastic on top for absorption.

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

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

But best of all??

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

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

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

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

I held them closed for one more final second…

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

It was me.

No Dip Brow required. Or mirror check to confirm.

This is me…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(727) 485-4178

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

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

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

So adorn away.

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

XX

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

Re-Inspire, Re-Boot, Re-Start

December 12, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

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

Fast forward to now.

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

And then there’s me…

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

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

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

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

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

And that’s exactly what I was doing.

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

Retail was my paycheck.

And being a stylist was my escape.

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

On WHO I wanted to be.

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

And its scary as hell.

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

I’m here to be indispensable.

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

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

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

I have to.

It’s just too beautiful not to.

X

Beauty, Fashion

The Power Of Two

December 8, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

Talent. Vision. Tenacity. Confidence.

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

Something beautiful… Magical, even… And undoubtedly unparalleled.

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

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

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

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

who we are.

And just who are we, you ask?

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

And we’re dreamers.

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

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

So consider this your teaser to our upcoming unveiling.

Because trust me when I say-

You. Haven’t. Seen. ANYTHING. Yet….

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

X

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

Flashback Fall

October 2, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

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

Fashion has somehow become stuck in the 20th century.

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

Seriously- I swear on my Starbucks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yeah, I know-

As if.

X

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

Stylists- The Rebels of Fashion

June 18, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

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

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

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

And that’s saying something.

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

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

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

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

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

…

To my Cream Soda Daddy,

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

I love you always,

The Rootbeer Float Kid

X

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

Summer Style: Sexy or Sweet?

June 7, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

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

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

It was pretty amazing, right?

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

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

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

For FUN.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So go ahead. Dive in.

Happy Summer Dolls…

X

Blogger Style, Confessions of a Stylist, Prolific Quarterly

Year 1: Come Out Swinging

June 1, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

June has always been a special month for me.

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

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

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

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

And let me just say-

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

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

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

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

Character.

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

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

And run with it in total confidence.

THAT is what will separate you from the mediocre.

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

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

Not. A. Chance.

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

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

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

And the achievements?

Well, lets see…

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

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

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

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

The year I came out swinging.

The year I set my own new standard.

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

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

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

IF I’m willing to work for it.

So get ready dolls. Or rather, stay ready.

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

X

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

White Hot

May 9, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

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

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

Yeah- I said it.

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

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

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

How’s that for deep?

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

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

Balmain

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

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

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

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

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

But above all….

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

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

Or because it makes you feel amazing.

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

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

X

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

Spring ’16 Fashion Sets

May 4, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Literally, ev-ery-thing.

But until then, there’s Polyvore.

And I love you for it.

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

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

It’s a Date.

May 2, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

Yasssss, girl, I see you!

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

In other words, they’re secure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Effort = Interest

So what is considered casual?

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

Though I’m still not casting any judgement.

So now the fun part…..

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

Denim

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

Blazers & Cut-Off’s

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

Dresses

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

Leather

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

Bohemian

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

Straight From Work

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

Slay.

White/Black

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

Hair/Makeup

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

Less is truly more here.

You’re welcome.

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

No smokey eye required. No cleavage necessary.

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

And steer clear of the idiots.

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

______________________________

X

#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, 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, Fashion, Spring 2016, Street Style, Trend Report

That’s A Matte.

January 17, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

Every now and then, a game changer comes along….

…

Fashion and beauty go hand in hand. And with NYFW just weeks away, we can all admit we’re just as excited to see what makeup artists will dream up to top off the sure-to-stun collections as they set the tone for fashion magic. Working closely with designers, it will be determined whether fresh faces will dominate- or a single feature. Dark lips? Neon lined eyes? Pink pouts? Its all one giant puzzle where the final image has yet to be determined.

But sometimes, just sometimes, it can be as simple as one tiny little revolutionary product. Something totally new that seemed so (up until now) impossible. Convenient AND chic. Glam AND foolproof. Liquid AND matte…. wait, what?

Do I have your attention now?

Good. Because what we’re talking about could be considered the unicorn of lipsticks. The hydrating, pigment packing, couldn’t smudge it if you tried prowess of glosses. We’re talking about… LIQUID MATTE.
I first caught wind of this fairy tale product back in December while in MAC. I was on the hunt for a vibrant purple, perfect for those days when all you need is a dramatic lip. I fell in love with Heroine instantly. Edgy, boldly bright and just a little dangerous- ironically, just how I like my men.

I bought it in both the matte lipstick, and the lipglass. Cause I’m also a girl that likes options. And THAT was when my MAC girl changed my life with one little sentence- “You know, in January, we’re releasing our new matte lipstick… it will be like having both of these products in one”.

Sign. Me. Up.

But fortunately, I didn’t have to wait till January. I hopped over to Sephora next (again, options!) and that’s when I saw it. Or them, rather. 12 beautiful shades in a glorious row of color, pigments bursting. I reached immediately for a beautiful lilac shade. I easily justified that I needed it, as it had more pink than Heroine.

And its been love ever since. My own personal game changer.

Why, you ask? Well, let me just try to explain the significant differences that has left me a lifelong fan.
Lets start with the applicator. Most gloss tubes have a soft, sponge-like end. Which is perfect for that casual smudgy effect. But when you’re dealing with something more permanent, application is crucial. And the tip on these babies is like a built in lip pencil. Its firm, and lets you draw the finest line around your lips, perfectly eliminating any possibility of the color bleeding (red lipstick is famous for this). Then, after lining, you continue to use the applicator as normal to fill in your entire pout. But again, the firmness makes the final process SO much more precise. More dramatic. Trust me, no matter what color you choose, your lips will scream “EXPERT”.

Okay, so now you’ve got it on, and you’re looking fierce. Like always. So again, whats the big deal?

The fact the you will still look just as fierce, even after your first (or fourth) latte. Also worth noting- when you first apply it, your lips will literally feel like silk. And will continue to do so, even after the product has dried- which takes a minute or two. Now usually, anything that needs to dry means it will have your lips screaming for moisture by noon. Again, not so with this. My lips can go practically all day with nothing more than a minor touch-up. And I mean literally one minor touch-up. Not 3. Not wipe it all off and totally reapply it from scratch. Which means you can also stop worrying that you have lipstick on your teeth all day. Or why people never tell you when you actually do?? And just to clarify, its Girl Code to never let a friend leave a bathroom with toilet paper on her shoes, or lipstick on her teeth.

End. Of. Story.

But lastly, lets not forget the most important reason. The reason you’re even wearing it in the first place. The COLOR. Both MAC and Sephora managed to pack so much pigment into these tubes, its hard not to think about the staining disasters that could result. But they wont. Well, after the first minute, of course. And trust me, as a single girl, I’ll happily confess- I drink a lot of lattes, and I kiss a lot of boys. So trust me when I say I’ve done my research for you on this. You’re welcome!

And while Sephora and MAC are not the only ones to carry this new genre of lipstick, they are my two personal favorites for this particular product. Soon to be a cult classic, nestled right along side NARS blush in Orgasm, the only real question remains is which shade will hold the most power in the long run.

Because just like the killer pout you so perfectly applied, this formula is here to stay.

Now go. Head on down to MAC. Or Sephora. And enjoy your latte, lipstick free. And take the poor girl with lipstick on her teeth with you.

#BombshellCode, Beauty, Blogger Style, Bohemian, Fashion, Spring 2016, Street Style, Trend Report

Part 1: Spring Has Sprung….. Almost.

January 13, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

A look at Spring/Summer 2016- what you need. NOW.

…

I’ll confess…

Spring has always been my favorite season. Never mind the warmer temperatures and longer days. Its so much more than that. Spring represents a time of new. Its as if Mother Nature finally wakes up after another long dull winter, takes a look around, cringes, and starts adding color and life to literally everything.

And you should too.

And what better place to start than within your own wardrobe. But be prepared to make plenty of room for this season’s trends. Cause you’re going to want them all.

You’re probably sick of looking at all those heavy, over-sized, curve-hiding, skin-covering pieces anyway. I AM. And that is EXACTLY why Spring is so damn amazing when it comes to fashion. Textures finally lighten up, giving way for shorter, sheerer options while colors palettes increase. I mean, REALLY increase. In addition to that, dresses become more playful. More girly. More exposed. Think flowing, draping silhouettes that will have you feeling Goddess status. Even the patterns amp it up with bold vibrancy, while accessories become more delicate. And finally, we get to trade the tired feeling of wool against our skin for something more sultry and feminine- silk.

If you weren’t already excited, you are now.

So what trends should you invest in now? If you’re like me, you collect clothes. Like an investor. You don’t shop- you build. You constantly keep your eyes open, slowly acquiring those cant-live-without-pieces to add to your collection. The show stoppers. The game changers. Its a little practice called “Buy now, wear later”. You have an entire lineup of stunners just waiting for the right occasion. Or, in this case, month. In other words:

You don’t buy the dress for the party- you go to the party so you can wear the dress.

#BombshellCode

So with that being said, lets take a look at some of the S/S 2016 trends you can count on to turn heads, no party needed.

1. Lingerie

You read that right. Except we’re not talking about the Victoria’s Secret type- people tend to frown upon you walking around in your bra and underwear. But this trend is as close as it can get. Because this season is all about the return of the slip dress. If you’re the bombshell type, you’re probably use to wearing these. Albeit, up until now, it was only at home when you were feeling casual and that was the best you could do. But now, even running to Starbucks in one is fair game. And a simple adjustment in accessories can take the look straight into night. Or, tone it down and keep it more boho with ankle boots. Because the best part about this trend is the versatility factor. Keep it as glam, or as quirky as you please- you’ll look amazing either way.

Pro Tip: To keep the look extra sexy and authentic, shop vintage. Not only will you score something unique, but the idea of a retro slip is sooooo much more chic.

Below, from top left, Chloe RTW S/S 16, Vintage, and Saint Laurent RTW S/S 16.

…

2. Modern Bohemian- barely there boho meets vibrant tropical prints

Once again, the bohemian trend shows no end in site. And I LOVE it. But this time, feel free to go wild with it. And by wild, I mean prints. Its Boho, but with a twist. Its less about the simplicity of pieces and lace details and more about dramatic details. Like birds. Or at the very least, feathers….

From left, McQueen, Gucci, Valentino and McQueen again (full sized).

But boho is more than birds and feathers right now. Its about embellishment. Whether its patches or patterns, color is key. And lots of it….

…

3. Pleats

If you suddenly got excited when I mentioned flowing fabrics earlier, than this look is all you.

Maxi dresses have never looked so lux. And who would have thought that something as simple as pleat would be the element to take a standard spring staple from comfy to flat out goddess. And the colors are a visual feast for everyone. Get ready to stop traffic…

…

4. Metallics

Accessory lovers, get excited. I mean, even more excited than you already are. Cause you get to have some fun this season. During Fashion Week, we saw everything from the return of spikes, to gloves, to beyond oversized statement necklaces. But one thing was consistent- the use of metallics. Bronze or pewter, they’re both on point. And even better when worn together. So mix it up, or tie your look together with one bold piece. Its all fair game.

Pro tip: NOTHING looks better against metallics than tan skin. But for the sake of safety, skip the tanning bed and hit Sephora instead. Get your golden glow on without a side of cancer.

So there you go, dolls.

These trends should keep you inspired enough to safely secure how you’ll be spending that upcoming tax refund. Personally, mine is pretty much as good as gone… Or at the very least, these ideas will keep you busy until Part 2. But just like everything else, spring will be here before you know it. And its always better to lead the way with fashion. So take these tips, and twist them into your own unique way to express yourself this season. Because just like I always stress, no matter your style, it should always represent you.

So… what do you want to say to the world this Spring?

Till next time…

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

#BombshellCode, Bohemian, Confessions, Gypsy Soul, Sorry I'm No Sorry

Cancel and Continue

January 1, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

…

I’m on the pursuit of happiness…

New Years is always an interesting time. Some see it as an ending, others a new beginning. Both as a fresh start. Or, you just see it as an opportunity to buy a new outfit, drink champagne and make out in public acceptably.

I personally am all for the new dress part.

But above all, I see it as a time of reflection. A way to summarize how I’ve grown by the lessons I learned. And with that comes a chance to develop an action plan. Call it a Bucket List for personal growth. For instance, some days I think I have this whole adulting thing nailed. I made it to work, I drank actual water, AND I did laundry. Go me. And then there are days where I eat ice cream straight from the container with the freezer open and refuse to put on pants. And in all honesty- that will most likely be my game plan tomorrow. But pants or no pants, I’d still like to think that I’ve evolved into a slightly better version of myself over the last year. That I’ve gained a slightly higher awareness of who I am, what I can contribute, and who I still have yet to be.

Its called acceptance.

And its not easy.

Its not easy to accept that you spent another year dating guys that broke your heart. Its not easy to accept that you didn’t make time for that epic roadtrip to California. And its definitely not easy to accept that you lost some friends along the way, and you’re not even sure why.

But it happened. All of it. And you have to stop asking why. Life is too short for that.

And start asking: How are you going to use this to learn? To grow? To be better? To try harder?

And, most importantly, is this the year you’re finally going to stop kissing douchebags? Probably not, but still….

And so New Year’s is the time you take all the things that happened over the last year, the good AND the bad, and you put it behind you. And you carry on with only the lessons. Pants, or no pants.

You cancel and continue.

Below are the lessons I’m taking with me into the new year. And who knows, maybe this will be the year I finally meet someone, creating the most electric “Power Couple” since Becks and Posh.

Or maybe I’ll keep eating ice cream in my underwear.

Either way, I’ll be just fine…

And you will be too.

…

And now, my observations from my always beautiful-yet-slightly-confusing pursuit of happiness thus far….

Do what makes you happy. Whatever it is. People will criticize you either way. Accept it, erase it, and move on. It usually has nothing to do with you, but is rather a reflection of their own unhappiness.

Look for the highlight of your day, every day. Some are harder to find than others, but I promise- there will be at least one moment, every day, where you’ll find happiness in simply being alive. And that alone is worth it all.

Let it be. Whatever it is you’re holding on to- hurt, resentment, jealousy. Its in the past now. Keep it there.

Live in the present. In everything you do. Living in the past leads to depression. And waiting on the future creates anxiety. But being in the now could be pure magic- should you allow it.

My mother is my best friend. As I get older, it becomes increasingly clear how defining her love and guidance has been, and continues to be, in my life. Her love for me continues to amaze me. As does her patience.

Figure out what defines you. And own it. Then figure out how you can use it to help others.

You are enough. Whoever you are at this moment. Don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise. Walk away from anyone who makes you doubt your worth.

Trust your gut. If you’re still in doubt, Google it.

If it doesn’t make sense, its probably not true. Its as simple as that.

Wear your heart on your sleeve. Don’t be afraid of who you are. Or how you feel. The people that are meant to be in your life will only value you more for it.

At the same time, knowledge is power. Be careful with what you dispense to others. And remember that those who talk to you, will talk about you.

Be the person you want to date. If you want honestly, give it. If you want love, exude it. If you want a one night stand, go on Tinder.

Say what you mean, mean what you say. Even those with nothing still have the value of their word. Don’t cheapen yourself. Or sell yourself short.

When in doubt, over-dress. Always.

Give. Whatever you can. As much as you can. Even if its just your time, I promise that there is someone out there who needs it.

Get to know your body. Love every inch of it. Do everything you can to take care of it. And let no one disrespect it. It is the greatest tool you will ever own.

Stop saying “I’m sorry” all the time. Save it for the times when you truly mean it. People will take it a lot more seriously.

Slow down. You will be amazed at all the incredible things around you, literally ALL THE TIME… if you just take a minute to see them. People ARE still good. Miracles DO happen. And wishes DO come true.

With the right chemistry, kissing is bliss. And cuddling is heaven. But doing either with just anyone will only leave you feeling cheated.

Choose wisely. When faced with a difficult decision, ask yourself which consequence you would rather live with. Go with that one.

Perception is reality. So pay attention. Make sure that the projection of your own self is something you’re happy with.

Remain optimistic. Especially with love. You’re going to get hurt. But don’t let it make you cynical. Keep your heart open. But protect it with all you got.

Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. The race is long. And in the end, its only with yourself.

If a boy wants to see you, he will see you. That goes for calling, texting and any other form of communication including smoke signals. End of story.

Make some art. Whatever art is to you. Do it. Indulge in your creativity. It is the most personal and unique imprint you can leave behind. It will also most likely be the most cherished after you are gone.

Find someone you can be free with. Sexually, emotionally, physically, spiritually- and go fucking WILD.

But….

Be careful with who you exchange energy with. You can give a lot away while seeing very little in return. Reevaluate anyone or anything in your life that consistently leaves you feeling drained. Cut your losses and move on.

Learn how to communicate again. Stop texting. Be authentic. Make time to be genuine to those you care about.

Not everyone is going to know how to receive your energy. Make peace with that and move on. Never dull your shine for the sake of someone else.

Don’t be scared. Or anything. Or anyone.

Be kind. It will always be better to build someone up, rather than tear them down.

Travel. There are some lessons that can only be learned by taking yourself out of your comfort zone. These will be the lessons you will appreciate the most.

People change. Some for the good, some not so much. Only you can decide which one. Then keep it to yourself. Not everyone will take the same path as you. And that’s a beautiful thing.

Smile. Even when you think you cant, you can. Not only will you feel better, but you might help someone else out too. A lot of great things started with just a smile…

It really is the simple things. I’m talking about nature. Watch a meteor shower. Go to the beach at night. Hike every chance you get. Your soul will thank you.

Bob Marley’s 3 Little Birds. Live it, learn it, love it. Make it your anthem. Listen to it in the morning. Let it set the standard for your day.

Most of the apologies you’re waiting to hear will never happen. Forgive them anyways. At the same time, ask yourself if anyone is waiting on yours.

Its okay to be single. Its also okay to feel lonely at times. Both are temporary.

And finally-

You have done SO much better than you give yourself credit for. At the end of the day…or year, in this case, we all have things we wish we could change. Or do over. Or do again. There are people we will miss. And people we hope we never see again. But when you break it all down, and see all the experiences you went through, I hope it hits you-

You’re still here.

You survived. And you came out a stronger, better, wiser person for it.

So keep trying. Keep fighting. Keep believing in love. Keep planning your roadtrip. Keep banning pants. And above all, keep being a good person. Because if for nothing else, go into the new year believing this-

For whatever you put out, the universe will give you back 3 fold in return.

Its the Law of Attraction, darling.

And I’m all about that life.

Now go drink some champagne, cheers to life, and manifest something amazing for yourself.

And have a fabulous New Year- may it be your best year yet.

#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.