Tag Archives: Lorraine Castle

Blogger Style, Confessions of a Stylist, Prolific Quarterly

Year 1: Come Out Swinging

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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.

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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.

liberata dolce fashion blogger blog stylist model couture bohemian boho

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?

liberata dolce fashion blogger blog stylist model couture bohemian boho

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.

liberata dolce fashion blogger blog stylist model couture bohemian boho

liberata dolce fashion blogger blog stylist model couture bohemian boho

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

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

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

The year I came out swinging.

The year I set my own new standard.

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

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

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

IF I’m willing to work for it.

So get ready dolls.  Or rather, stay ready.

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

liberata dolce fashion blogger blog stylist model couture bohemian boho

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

BTS With Lorraine Castle

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

 …would ultimately turn into a published adventure.

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Liberata Dolce model prolific quarterly editorial ethereal beach bohemian festival fashion style coachella

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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-

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Until next time, Dolls…

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