Tag Archives: Stylist

2018, Dating, Fashion, Sorry I'm No Sorry

Fast Fashion…. Fast Dating?

January 24, 2018 Liberata Leave a comment

Call me old school. But there are 2 things that I believe still deserve to be done with thought and integrity:

Fashion & love.

Fashion, because it is still a representation of who you are. How you feel. It’s a representation of your passions. Your beliefs. It can tell a little about your past, while even adding hints of where you see yourself in the future.

You don’t dress for the job you have, you dress for the job you want, right?

So it’s a little disappointing that we now live in a world where fashion has become fast. Cheap. Little care needed. And easily disposed of.

And really, whats to value about the quick purchase we made at Forever 21? That $14 dress you bought to wear once, on Friday night, cause it’s, like, so cute. If the dress is lucky it will survive the night without any stains, and will eventually find its way to the nearest donation bin along with 10 more just like it (different colors, of course). But more often than not, it will fall apart after being washed once, and it’s memory will only live on only in a filtered Instagram post.

We make purchases like these because, while they may be a big fashion risk, they will be little risk to our wallets. With virtually no financial damage, we can score an entire outfit, knowing full well it may only be worn once. And that’s okay. Because you weren’t really interested in committing to it anyways. I’m pretty sure you have no intention of passing on your sequin and studded tube top to your future daughter. And you probably aren’t saving it for a rainy day, either.

However, stopping by Neiman Marcus could cost you. Big time. Not only will you be spending more, you’re also more than likely committing to making a permanent home in your closet for your purchase. This would be considered an investment. So a lot of thought (and a little trying on) will be required before you make your final selection.

But wait… Dry clean only? No thanks. Hand stitched? I mean, how could anyone even know if that’s true? Hand wash only? Who has time for that? Lay flat to dry? Girl, bye.

And so, not wanting to take the risk of spending your time, money and effort on something of quality, you settle for cute and convenient instead. So it’s really no surprise that we have evolved to treating other areas in our life with the same level of effort.

Things like relationships.

Face it- dating has now become the Forever 21 of our love lives.

Fast. Little effort invested. Disposable.

And online dating has become our fitting room.

That would almost be funny…. if it weren’t so true. And we have to face the reality that online dating really is the only way to go these days. I mean, you could still run into someone at the grocery store, I suppose. But even if you did see someone that caught your attention, chances are that person will walk cruise right by you, their face buried in their phone, feverishly swiping, narrowing down that weekend’s dating options.

Because we don’t lock eyes anymore. We swipe right. Or, if you’re feeling extra creepy, you can slide right on into their DM’s.

Romantic, right?

But this also creates another problem- no one actually invests time in getting to really know one another anymore. If the dress rips, you can just throw it away with no remorse and buy a new one. If a date falls short of our expectations (but he said he was 6’2!), you can simply hop on your phone, ignore your 5’9 date, and line up your next one before you’ve even finished your drink.

That’s if you even make it to an actual first date. Because more often than not, the first date is now the time you message one another, right after you’ve matched on Tinder. That’s right. We just went ahead and completely eliminated the need to even have an actual face-to-face conversation to learn about one another. OR, we want to know everything about that person to even determine if its even worth going on a date with them. In my own personal experience, this dance can go on for weeks.

It goes something like this:

So, what do you do? What do you do for fun? Where do you live? Where are you from? What brought you here? Have you ever been married/kids? Are you on Facebook? Instagram? I’m probably going to need to see more pictures of you in various situations to determine just how attractive you really are. How tall are you?

Basically, this Q&A session will last longer then if you had just skipped all the superficial stuff, and actually just met for a drink instead. But neither party had to get off their couch, change out of their sweats, or make any real effort whatsoever. There’s no risk.

And so while you may know what they had for lunch that day, thanks to Instagram, you will have zero clue on whether there’s actually any chemistry between the two of you.

This is known as the period that we assess the potential risk of the individual. Or, in fashion terms, is the item worth the price? And there lies the problem.

I’m not sure we even understand what quality is anymore. In fashion, or in love. Or what it means to really invest in something, and want to take care of it, understanding that the item’s value will appreciate over time. We no longer know how to look at things, and think of the future, and imagine how special their place could potentially be in our lives. Do we even know how to care for something that could be expensive now, but priceless down the road? Instead, we’re only thinking of the hear and now.

And so we fail to imagine the magical memories that could be created, and fill our lives with a string of instant gratification moments instead.

But isn’t the magic what dating is all about? The potential?

When did we forget about the possibility of butterflies?

Thanks to social media and Amazon Prime, we expect everything now. From information to sex. We want to have all the answers. All the information. And a solid return policy.

But that’s not how relationships are formed, or even how memories are made.

I’d still like to believe that I’m going to marry my best friend. And a relationship like that takes time. Built with quality, and capable of being repaired, even when completely broken. Cared for with love, and protected from harmful agents. There for the good times, and even the bad. No annoying flaws or snags, but rather, only the stories behind them.

So I propose we start to treat dating like it’s something we actually value again. Because it is a risk. Whether it’s your heart, or your money on the line. Stop wasting your time and energy on cheap knock-offs, and instead save your efforts to invest in the real thing. Next time you meet someone, put down the phone. Lighten up on the messages. And put your fabulous, beautiful self out there and invest the time and effort to really get to know them, face to face. Say Goodbye to Forever 21 (unless it’s for accessories- I can’t even fault you there). And begin to treat your potential relationship like an Hermes bag. Sure, it’s a risk. And it definitely could cost you. But that same investment could be worth more than gold in time. And while it’s beautiful now, it could be even more stunning with age.

And always, always handle it with care.

And who knows….

Maybe, just maybe, you might get butterflies.

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

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

Stylists- The Rebels of Fashion

June 18, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

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

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

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

And that’s saying something.

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

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

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

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

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

…

To my Cream Soda Daddy,

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

I love you always,

The Rootbeer Float Kid

X

Blogger Style, Confessions of a Stylist, Prolific Quarterly

Year 1: Come Out Swinging

June 1, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

June has always been a special month for me.

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

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

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

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

And let me just say-

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

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

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

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

Character.

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

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

And run with it in total confidence.

THAT is what will separate you from the mediocre.

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

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

Not. A. Chance.

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

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

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

And the achievements?

Well, lets see…

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

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

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

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

The year I came out swinging.

The year I set my own new standard.

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

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

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

IF I’m willing to work for it.

So get ready dolls. Or rather, stay ready.

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

X

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

Spring ’16 Fashion Sets

May 4, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Literally, ev-ery-thing.

But until then, there’s Polyvore.

And I love you for it.

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

Beauty, Blogger Style, 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.