Tag Archives: Trends

Beauty, Blogger Style, Fashion, Spring, Street Style, Summer, Trend Report

Spring: The Season Where Simple Meets Sexy

January 29, 2017 Liberata Leave a comment

When it comes to my overall look, I have spent the last 4 years of my life going to every possible extreme to achieve one thing- long hair. Not just long hair, but full, luxurious, head-turning bombshell hair. Which is ironic, since I spent most of my life with that very thing. And yet, all it took was one chemical cut to quickly (and quite dramatically) humble what I had taken for granted. If you have ever been through a chemical cut, I promise, I will buy you a drink the next time I see you. Because after my experience, it is my firm belief we deserve a badge of honor to survive an experience so horrifying. Or, at the very least, the phone number to a support group.

But back on track here.

Fast forward to these last few months. Finally, I had long hair again.

And I couldn’t stand it.

I felt like a prisoner to it. Everything revolved around it. And the time it took to maintain it. Or rather, the time LOST to maintain it. Now, to be fair, most of the excessive maintenance was due to extensions. Which, if done right, are an awesome way to grow out your natural hair while maintaining its integrity. Which is exactly what I had done. And will probably do again. But when the time came to tighten my extensions, I found myself eagerly anticipating their removal. For good.

Not only did I need some simplicity back in my already overwhelming schedule, but I wanted people to actually see ME. Because when you have a long, full mane of silver hair, the attention tends to go there. And that was no longer okay with me.

I needed to be free.

So I chopped it. Not quite all of it- I’ll always be more Barbie than G.I. Jane. Instead, I opted for an angled bob- a bold cut that would still scream “bombshell”, thanks to a few well placed curls, and would work well with my signature side part.

What can I say? There’s just something mysterious about a long bang that swoops mischievously over one eye…

And the final result was nothing short of love at first site. It was short, but still sexy. Provocative, but still chic. And not to mention hella flattering.

But more importantly, it was SIMPLE.

So that got me thinking about the rest of my routine. If longer doesn’t necessarily mean better, then maybe less really can mean more, too? For instance, is contouring really all that necessary? Does a smokey eye always have to be dark? Fortunately for me, my questions came at the perfect time. Because after seeing the beauty trends dominating the runways for the upcoming Spring season, I already had my answer.

So get excited dolls.

Because we’re about to lighten things up. Without losing impact.

Too good to be true, right? Well…. read on and decide for yourself.

And with that, lets get in to the good stuff.

So if you’re an avid pallet collector, you already know peach will be major for Spring (Kylie Jenner pretty much slayed the entire game in this area). And for good reason. This light and playful shade is the perfect alternative to the bold red lip you’ve been rocking all winter. But don’t stop there. Because of its barely there tone, this is the perfect shade for the monochromatic look we all know and love. Pick three different shades and go from dark to light, starting from either the bottom or the top. Lids, cheeks, lips. Gorgeous, flattering AND low maintenance- can I get a “Hell Yeah”?! And of course, the monochromatic trend is perfect for any shade (as seen on Gigi below with violet), so get busy experimenting. Just not right now. Because I’m only getting warmed up.

So while we’re on the subject of pastels, its time to talk about what’s probably my favorite trend to look forward to- pastel eyes. Remember my question about smokey eyes? Someone was already ahead of the game here. And while a brooding smokey eye will always be sexy, you can pack away the black- at least, until fall. Same for the Cat Eye. Instead, I present the Kitten Eye in its place (see what I did there?). Same concept, yet totally refreshing. And playful. And romantic. Candy pink, peach, lemon, baby blue- they all work. Which means there are literally endless ways to express yourself through color. Besides, I already know you’re a badass. But that shouldn’t make you afraid to show your girly-girl side too. And this is literally the perfect combination of BOTH.

But lets say you DO want a dark smokey eye. I get it. I understand the power of it. Like date night- nothing says “come hither” like a sultry and smoldering lid. Just lighten up with it to keep with this trend.

But enough with the eyes. Because its important to note that a simpler routine doesn’t always have to mean a simple statement too. Which is why I’m so excited about this next one, which is all about playing up your cheeks. But in a fun, yet totally unique, yet incredibly show-stopping way. And if you are anything like me- then you like that shit. So you’re going to love what is being referred to as the “blush bomb”. Simply put, this trend is all about keeping the rest of your face neutral, and adding a bright burst of color on and above your cheeks. I know, right? Just when we thought we’d run out of things to try. Now I’m not suggesting this one for the office, but I AM begging you to give it a trail run on your next girl’s night out. Lavender and bubblegum pink tones are perfect for a playfully shocking punch, but coral or red will knock them dead. Fortunately, you’ve got plenty of time to try them all.

And with that, my next Spring trend takes us from one end of the spectrum to the other. And while I’m not necessarily as excited about this one as the previously mentioned ones, I do have to admit that it grabbed my attention. If you’ve already looked at the image below, you can tell something is… missing. Mascara. And its oddly beautiful. Somehow the bold lip makes up for it, and balances out a bare eye, making everything look effortlessly beautiful together. And with that, I’d say its definitely worth a try. Especially if you’re running late one morning.

And that leads me to another adored trend. I almost didn’t add this one because while it LOOKS simple, it also happens to be the most complicated one (in my opinion). I’m talking about No-Makeup Makeup. Also referred to as the biggest lie you’ve heard since you were told Santa wasn’t real. BUT, it does look amazing. And also tends to be a favorite with men. And lets face it- while its sweet to hear, we really don’t care if they still love us without our makeup on. And, actually, come to think of it, that might be the biggest lie since Santa Clause…

But back to the point. So while this look is far from “simple”, its certainly stunning. And the perfect excuse to go all out with your favorite highlighter. Not that you ever needed one anyway.

And remember- anyone who looks flawless, yet says they’re not wearing makeup, is a dirty, dirty liar.

And finally, it wouldn’t be fair now to talk about nails. I know all too well how easy it is to gravitate to electric colors. For me it seems the higher the temp, the brighter the shade. And that’s okay. But here’s a unique little twist to try with your next mani. Simply put the focus on your beds instead, and leave the actual nail itself nude. Its literally the perfect metallic pop that will pretty much work for any occasion- and that itself is worth loving it for.

But regardless of what trends you want to try, its important to remember that Spring is the season for rebirth. And maybe that’s why I love it so damn much… After all, its hard not to be inspired to try something new when there’s so much new around you- from baby birds hatching to new flowers budding.

So don’t ever be afraid to reinvent yourself.

And don’t ever be afraid to bloom.

And take a few minutes to look at not only the beauty that is around you, but at the beauty that is inside you.

Whether you do that through pastel eyes is up to you.

Till next time, dolls…

X

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

Flashback Fall

October 2, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

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

Fashion has somehow become stuck in the 20th century.

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

Seriously- I swear on my Starbucks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yeah, I know-

As if.

X

#BombshellCode, Beauty, Blogger Style, Bohemian, Fall Fashion, Fashion, Gypsy Soul, Prolific Quarterly, Spring 2016, Street Style, Trend Report, Winter Fashion

Its The Little Things…

March 23, 2016 Liberata Leave a comment

With another wave of Fashion Week’s coming to an end, I found myself really questioning what it is exactly that inspires and motivates designers. What separates their collection? What makes a look personal? Legendary? Iconic?? Because when you really think about fashion, like art, it’s really just another form of expression. So ultimately, what we’re seeing in a collection is a reflection of the designer themselves.

And out of all the fall collections this season, it was Chanel that struck me the most. Karl had once again outdone himself with a collection that gave a glamorous nod to the old school salon days. But it wasn’t just the clothes that had me in awe- it was everything. It was every minor little detail that would make one have to re-watch the entire show just to take it all in. It was the kind of accessorizing genius that made fashion feel fun and exciting again. But more importantly, there was an unexpected playful energy to the collection that was surprising for a historically drab time of year.

Chanel Fall/Winter RTW 2016

Also like art, runway fashion is typically exaggerated. Go big, or go home. With everything. And with that, trends are noted, trend reports are created, “Lust Lists” are made, and more muted versions will eventually trickle into our every day fashion lives come Fall. But that doesn’t mean that’s where the individuality and creativity stops.

No, darling, instead its just the opposite- its where the magic really starts to happen.

Which brings me to my original point of this post- that the presence of one’s style cannot be measured simply in the outfit itself. Anyone is capable of throwing on a LBD and pulling of “chic” for a night. That’s why its the safety net of fashion. Simple. Effortless. Classic. Standard issue.

Okay, great. But what does it actually say about someone? Exactly- not much at all. And that’s fine if you’re someone who prefers to blend. I’m not here to tell anyone how to live their life. But I WILL say never have I ever admired someone for their ability to pull off basic.

But “admire” might be too harsh of a word. Instead, its the ones that put the effort into the details that inspire me. Its the personal twists in accessories that make me see less of the clothes, and more of the person wearing them. It’s the small and tedious things many might just simply lack the patience or imagination for, that another will go all out with just because its who they are. Because its within those details that lie the true personality of someone. Its those interesting little twists that say so much about who someone is, or how they feel, without saying a single word. In other words- in a world full of LBD’s, it’s the small things that play a big role in making you so largely unique.

And isn’t that what we’re all striving for?

For my SATC fans, we know the show was famous for its [sometimes questionable] fashion. But you may remember there were a few pieces that made it through the entire run of the show because they represented the characters so well. Most memorable was Carrie’s necklace- it was such a huge part of her identity, it even became part of the storyline in the series finale.

Now fast forward to today, where the word “basic” is now an insult. Yet its amusing that we do so much talking to express who we are, and yet so little in letting it shine visually. And the best part about accessories? They can be as expensive, or as cheap as you’d like them to be. The price of unique finds is usually based on how much time you’re willing to spend finding them. For instance, if you’re someone who loves to comb antique and second hand stores (me, me, me!!), then you already know the gems that are waiting for you, often at ridiculously low prices. I’m talking cheaper than Forever 21 here. No, really. But what you save in the money department, you will spend in time. At the same time, if you’re someone who loves shopping (Again- me, me, me!!), this isn’t a problem. Though you’ll probably want to go on these adventures alone, or risk being annoyed by the inevitable whining from your boyfriend. But if you’re going for vintage one-of-a-kind pieces, this is the only way to go. Even flea markets have proven to be beneficial hunting grounds. And you can use going to one as an excuse to load up on fresh local produce- even if you only use the aforementioned fresh local produce to make organic mojitos. I wont tell.

Just be sure to make on for me….

Now its important to note, combing vintage stores is only good for collecting. You cant just go on a mission one day to find a particular piece and expect it to be hanging out at the antique store down the road. Accessories aren’t ice cream- it doesn’t work like that. Instead, these adventures are for “building”. They’re for days when you have some time to kill, an open mind, and you can simply look with no pressure for items that speak to you. And only you. I cant explain it other than, you’ll know it when you see it. Some of my favorite finds were completely unexpected, yet once they came into life, they made me question how I could have ever been “me” without them.

But accessorizing isn’t just about the actual accessories, but rather in how one uses them. Which brings me to my next point- literally anything can be an accessory when you’re creative enough. Think of how boring fashion would be if we only used things as they were originally intended? One example of this I think we can all remember would be Lady Gaga’s meat dress. Though I’m still not sure what the final verdict was on her daring choice (Did we love it…? Hate it…? Eat it…??). The point is, she took something conventional, and made it unconventional. She turned heads and made a major statement using something many of see every day. And while you don’t have to go as far as using actual food (please don’t use food) you can add major impact in other ways.

Example: A few days ago I was styling a shoot. I had the sudden idea for a particular look, but didn’t have the wardrobe with me to support it. Knowing that there was a secondhand store right below us, I ran down with my “I’ll know it when I see it” mentality. Within 5 minutes I discovered a silk scarf, and 5 minutes after that it was tied effortlessly around my model’s torso as a top. Going off pure instinct, it was the perfect addition to an outfit that was already a huge risk- and it all paid off beautifully. It became one of my favorite looks for the day, mostly because I know without a fact that look is 100% unique, born from a idea that was in my mind at the time- and there’s a lot of pride in that.

But every day can be like that if you’re willing to put forth the effort. There’s no photoshoot required for you to treat the entire world like its your personal runway. Because IT IS. And I need you to pay really close attention to this one- you don’t need to be a model to dress like one. You got that? You don’t have to be Lady Gaga to make a statement. You can do it every day, all day, in every unique way you can think of, and for any reason you feel like.

Like button-downs. Basic, boring button-downs. Someone woke up one day, looked at a button-down, and thought “What if I put this on backwards…?”. And so they tried it.

And it worked.

Then someone else took their button-down and thought “What if I tied the arms and turned this into a tube top…?”.

And that worked.

And so on…

You get my point here? Like the Field of Dreams of fashion, you just gotta build it.

So next time you feel like you have “nothing to wear”, or you’re bored with whats in your closet, just stop. Step back. And really take a look at what you have. There is nothing more exciting to me than the challenge of being able to create virtually any look I’d like with just a few well thought out pieces. Or wearing something in a way I never thought of before. Or pairing one piece with something totally unexpected. But that’s the trick- you have to care. You have to make the effort. You have to be willing to take chances. And you have to be willing to get it wrong sometimes. Because there really is no wrong when it comes to style, as long as you feel good about you.

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

X

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, Dating, Model Life

Going Ghost: Today’s “I’m Just Not That Into You”

July 13, 2015 Liberata Leave a comment

…

We all remember the episode. The iconic words spoken by the one and only Jack Berger to explain one of the greatest mysteries still numbing the female mind today. The mystery of dating someone you presume to be amazing. Someone who obviously finds you equally amazing. This is followed by the mystery of that very same person suddenly becoming (and staying) too busy for you. Till finally, here comes the wine filled investigation with your best P.I.’s/girlfriends on why- Maybe he really is busy? Nope. He scared of commitment? LOL. Maybe he’s sick? Wrong again. Maybe he’s out of town? Possibly- if the new town he’s visiting is named Veronica. And then of course, no girl rally is ever complete without someone fiercely declaring “It’s not you, it’s him!”. Well, that’s partially correct… because really…

“He’s just not that into you…”

And boom. Everything made sense. Just like that. 6 honest words was all it took for confused women around the globe to shove that loser out of their mind, strap on their Manolo’s, and get back in the game. No agonizing. No over analyzing. Just straight forward progression to meeting someone new. And it wasn’t because they were excited the guy didn’t like them- it was because they had CLOSURE. And logical closure at that. An understandable and relatable reason to no longer invest time or energy into someone. And then closure on your end would usually go something like this- “HE wasn’t into ME?? What an idiot. Well clearly the guy is delusional. And not to mention totally clueless on what size he actually wears. Thank God I found out now- I wonder if the Christian Grey look-a-like still goes to my Starbucks…? I need new shoes.”.

And just like that, you’re on to the next one. Not just the next one, but a sexier, funnier, smarter one. And hopefully richer. ALWAYS richer. If you’re not constantly upgrading the type of man you are dating, you are SO doing it wrong. #BombshellCode

But alas, that was then. And this… well, this is now.

Welcome to Generation Ghost.

The generation that decided just to skip the whole awkward “I’m sorry- I have to be up really early tomorrow” excuse and just straight up ignores you. This tactic can be deployed by either the male or female. Basically, whoever lost interest first, or found someone more interesting/hotter/taller/richer/dumber on Tinder. There are varying degrees of Ghosting, but in order for it to count as a full blown Ghost experience, the person must disappear out of the blue, with no logical reason or warning. I’m serious- you’re going to think they were struck by lightning. But usually a simple look at their social media will eliminate any doubt. In other words, if they can post a picture of their breakfast on Instagram, thereby confirming they still exist, but not respond to your text from 2 days ago, well… you can now consider your life the new sequel to Paranormal Activity.

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So here comes the real question about this new phenomenon- is it good or bad? Personally, I believe the answer depends on how fast you accept it- and react to it. In one way, we have eliminated the awkward and sometimes painful last minute date cancelations. There’s no need to come up with clever excuses as to why- food poisoning/my mom is sick/I have to wash my hair/I was in a tragic car accident that left me paralyzed. Cause we all know- the more incredulous the lie, the more believable it HAS to be.

But we’re also avoiding being honest. And more importantly- communication in general. This kind of treatment can only lead to one feeling disposable. I believe that no matter what the reason, we all deserve the right to know. You don’t have to believe it, or adjust your whole life/personality as a result of it- it IS just someone’s opinion after all. Like, if someone judged me for having too many clothes, I would point and laugh, and then move on happily. To Saks. Cause NO ONE needs that kind of negativity in their life. And look at that- in addition to a new dress for your next new (hotter/richer/funnier/smarter) date, you got honesty AND closure. Fuck yeah.

But when someone goes Ghost, you have two choices. Choice #1, you can be smart and recognize it. And I mean quickly. I’m not saying you should assume this is the case because a whole day went by without a text. But I WOULD say that you should start doing damage control and accept this could be the case. What you DO NOT do is start sending text after text. Which brings us to Choice #2, refusing to accept that anyone could be dumb enough to lose interest in you. So you’re going to spend the next few weeks over analyzing, texting, and feeling bad about yourself while figuring out what you did wrong. The fact is, someone IS dumb enough to lose interest in you. And that’s exactly how you have to look at it. That’s the thing with Ghosts- there will never be solid proof. Just a bunch of urban legends as to why he disappeared.

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Regardless of which route you take, this is the biggest challenge with Ghosting- the risk of OR belief in the Ghost coming back to life. With no closure, you can never really be sure. I mean, maybe he really WAS sick with the flu. For 3 months. With no ability to make contact cause he also had the Chicken Pox. And had to wear oven mitts. So he couldn’t text. I KNEW IT!!

Yep. He must be your Prince Charming. It just took 3 months worth of other women for him to see it.

You get my point? And just in case you’re still painfully unaware of the obvious, let me clarify- once someone goes Ghost, there is no coming back. Ever. Even Pet Cemetery couldn’t resuscitate this relationship. So exercise the demons. Preferably with a new man who actually does adore you. And puts you first. And puts all your fears of the paranormal at rest.

Take ownership and see the relationship, however long or short, for what it really was. Was it REALLY all that incredible? Or just convenient. Or maybe a little of both. Either way, chances are you’re going to look back and it will make sense as to why it didn’t work. And yes, a simple “Because he was a dick” is fine.

But finally, here is some good news with Ghosts. Unlike cheaters, ghosting is not an actual characteristic trait. So the whole “Once a cheater, always…” theory doesn’t apply here. It is still believed by both Ghost’s and Ghostees that when the right person comes along, Ghosting isn’t something to be worried about. Unless of course, he actually DOES get struck by lightning. And if that does happen, well, I would classify that as simply a case of good old fashioned karma.

So in the end, I guess we can put Ghosting in the Blessing category. Eventually. Way down the road when you’ve met The One, elusive as they may be. The real life man of your dreams who only makes excuses to spend more time with you (“Sorry Boss, I think I caught the flu….”). That’s when you can finally stop being afraid of ghosts, once and for all. And your scary dating past can become just another urban legend.

And finally, lets get back to good ol’ Jack Berger. What a piece of work this guy was. Do you remember how he broke up with Carrie? I know, I know- stupid question. Of course you do. It was the most incredible example of a douchebag you had EVER seen in your romantic life up to that point.

I’m sorry. I cant. Don’t hate me.

The Post-It. I bet it still makes you cringe. Except it shouldn’t. Not today anyways. Because we leave our own little break up Post-Its all the time. Except now we simply send them via text. So at the VERY least, thank Ghosting for saving you from having to deal with THAT.

And honestly, I have a lot to thank my own personal Ghosts for. They forced me to really look at myself and take responsibility. To grow up. And to accept that we don’t always get what we want- and that sometimes we SHOULDNT get what we want. And even more importantly, I gained the ability to take all the times that men made me feel like nothing, and then turn it into a big something. A voice. For you.

And as it turns out, I’m not as stupid as the ghosts in my life have made me feel.

And that’s the greatest self discovery of all.

So yeah- R.I.P. bitches.

X

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#BombshellCode, Beauty, Fashion

Fall Fashion Guide 1- Accessories

July 8, 2015 Liberata Leave a comment

If Fashion Week taught us anything about Fall, it’s that its ALL about accessories this year.

Can I get an “Amen”?!

You see, I’m a Southern girl now who will put any Northerner’s bohemian game to shame during the summer season. But I will admit there is nothing I miss more than a gorgeous fall day- AND the ability to layer rich sweaters with fabulous coats. But I cant do that now. At least, not without looking completely ridiculous and risking heat stroke.

So accessories are the only way I get to play this season.

And. They. Are. MAJOR.

Beginning with colors, the winners for this season were a mixture of classic Fall staples, combined with new unexpected brighter hues. Marsala wine was a common site at Paris Fashion Week in Sept, mixed with jewel-like tones of coral and aqua to name a few. It is the perfect palate to transition from Summer’s natural/earthy tones and into Winter’s undoubtedly darker collection.

So what can you start splurging on now? Here’s the amazing part- pretty much anything and everything is fair game. Designers from Celiné to Lanvin all made dramatic statements with pretty much every type of accessory, with the key being to OVER-emphasize them. The bigger and more fabulously exaggerated, the better. Who can be mad at that??

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Get it? Got it? Good.

Moving on…

More amazing news? You don’t need to give up your fringe just yet. Gypsy souls rejoice! We still have one last season to make our favorite free spirit statement.

Balmain, Nina Ricci and Emilio Pucci were among many that kept the bohemian energy alive in their collections.

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Now here’s something you probably DIDN’T expect to see-

Brooches.

For women AND men. Pinned boldly on everything from shirts, to shoes, to hair (and I thought I was the only one known to do that…). Chanel and Gucci were the front runners with this statement, with special mention to Louis Vuitton for boldly going where I’m sure many men have not yet gone before.

And here’s a tip- you don’t need to spend a fortune to nail this look. This is probably the easiest, and cheapest trend to master. Two words- Thrift. Store. They are jam packed with some of the biggest, gaudiest brooches you’ve seen since your Grandma last sported one (don’t forget to raid her collection too!).

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And finally, lets all pause to appreciate me favorite trend this season… The sexiest, game killing accessory that hit the runways in September…

Second-skin Thigh High Boots.

And Dior KILLED it, pictured below, unleashing what were described as the “most desirable shoes of the season”.

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Now, considering its still only July, I don’t want you to get too depressed thinking about Fall. There’s still plenty of time left to spend in your bikini, soaking up the sun, and maybe a few margaritas. But we at least covered some basics to keep you on the prowl during your next shopping binge. Listed below is the link to my Fall Accessory board, which includes many more amazing looks to absolutely fall in love with. Just WAIT will you see the Bird of Paradise clutch from Fendi.

No, seriously. I would risk my life, and potentially 5 of my friends, for that bag.

Fall Fashion Guide 1- Accessories

Now go enjoy that margarita. Relax with a few magazines. And remember…

“Style is something each of us already has- we just have to find it”.

#BombshellCode

X

#BombshellCode, Beauty, Fashion

Summer Fashion Guide 1

June 29, 2015 Liberata Leave a comment

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HELLO BEAUTIFUL….

Though summer has already started, I just made my debut.

So lets start by catching up on the biggest trends this season. From lustful faves by Chloe and Emilio Pucci, to binge-worthy summer staples by Free People, I’ve got your Beach Goddess look covered this season.

And its EXACTLY how we picture summer.

Below is your cheat sheet to the hottest looks of the season. Wear them one at a time, or be bold and mix multiple statements together in one look. Remember Bombshell- style is about expression. Think about what you want to say.

Oh- you just came back from the Hamptons? Monochromatic white is ALL you.

You’re a man-eating female on the hunt? Find the loudest, boldest print to ensure every eye is on you.

See what I mean?

And now, in no particular order, here are our winners for Summer 2015:

LACE– We’re talking dresses so sheer and delicate you’ll wonder how they stay on. At least, till you’ll want them to come off.

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BOLD PRINTS– bonus points if you mix them. Even animal print is okay in little pops. Remember- the key is to keep the look more boho, and less safari. Or Jersey.

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SILVER– the bigger, the better (#bombshellcode). Seriously. Let them speak for themselves. Find a necklace so big that wearing anything under it is simply out of habit.

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MONOKINIS– there is literally NO limit to how sexy these can get. While I was never one for the high waisted look, I can not get enough of these sexy one pieces.

Who ever thought you would say that??

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BOHEMIAN– Bet you thought this look was over? Me too. And I was dreading it. I was clutching on to my turquoise till the dirty end. Fortunately, it shows no signs of going ANYWHERE. In fact, it’s only just started. Chloe SLAYED it this year, with looks from Paris Fashion Week that still make my knees weak. And their Resort 2016 line promises to be even MORE awe-inducing.

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WHITE- Hair. Clothes. Accessories. EVERYTHING.

And the contrast between white accessories and tan skin is utterly gorgeous. But bronzer users- proceed with caution.

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So how do we tie this all together? First, start HERE to see what I’m swooning over.

Next, recover. I told you these looks were insane.

Now lets talk beauty. And by beauty, I mean tan. Its the most important accessory you’ll need this summer. UV rays not necessary. FINALLY, the world has started to make sense by creating self-tanners that actually look (and smell) like the real thing. I have tried them all (you can thank me later after you’ve skipped the whole nuclear orange phase) and there was only one winner. Streak-free hands down. Thank you St Tropez for making all my tanning dreams come evenly true. Visit here to see for yourselves.

Now don’t forget to give good face. I have a whole post dedicated to the perfect summer look HERE. Its effortless. Its sexy. Its PERFECT.

So there you go, bombshell. You’re ready to strut your smokin’ self where ever summer’s adventures may lead you. Have fun, take risks and love life. The sexiest thing you will ever wear is your confidence.

So own it.

And remember that when in doubt, always, ALWAYS go with the outfit that first comes to mind.

#bombshellcode