Category Archives: Bohemian

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, 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

#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

#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.

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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.

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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….

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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…

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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

#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

#BombshellCode, Beauty, Bohemian, Fashion, Gypsy Soul, Polyvore

Bohemian Baby

August 12, 2015 Liberata 2 Comments

Free People for the Gypsy Soul

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As I’m sure we’re all aware of by now- I’m a free spirit at heart. A self-proclaimed Bohemian Bombshell.

There is nothing I love more than a whimsical summer dress. One that reveals just the right amount of skin to be sexy, yet covers the right amount to still be worn in public. The deeper the plunge, the barer the back, the better. If the material is sheer enough that a equally stunning slip is required, I’m in festival fashion nirvana.

Maybe its my love of music. Maybe its my hippie roots. But there is no other style I connect with more.

I feel girlie. I feel sexy. I feel… free.

And as a result, there is no brand I love more than Free People.

Look Into The Sun Maxi, $98

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I recently teamed up with David John Lantrip to capture some of my favorite pieces this summer. Each one radiates that iconic Free People feel with material so perfectly draped and flows so effortlessly, its hard not to spend your day twirling in circles on a beach. Though I might encourage you to throw on some Milky Chance and try it for at least a minute or two.

Here’s why-

To me, fashion should be an extension of your personality. Another way to express who you are. And just like your mood, you have the right to change that look, or vibe, anytime you like. At least, thats my excuse for why I have so many clothes. I have never once been that person who was able to decide what I wanted to wear the night before. Although I envy people that can- they must save themselves SO much time. But the fact is, I dress according to my mood. Or to change my mood entirely.

Wait- what?

That’s right. For instance, lets say I wake up one morning, and I feel…. less than enthusiastic about the day to come. Maybe I’m stressed. Maybe I just broke up with someone. Maybe I don’t even need a reason. Because I’m a female. Now think about what you might feel like wearing. I bet leggings, a messy topknot and a giant scarf sound pretty damn good right now?

Wrong.

Because being basic is the LAST thing that’s going to help you counteract everything the world is going to throw at you today.

So girl, you better walk your cute ass to the closet, pick out the brightest dress you have, along with the highest heels you own. Wear your most expensive lingerie. And attack this world with the best attitude you can summon while applying the perfect baby pink pout.

I challenge any of you to try this trick the next time you feel down.

And I’ll just go ahead and say it now- You’re welcome.

Now back to my original point…

You see, people make the mistake of dressing for the wrong reasons. And its usually for OTHER people. If you think you might be on of these individuals, please stop. Now. Because the truth is, no one that dresses for others can ever be confident with themselves. I don’t care if you’re a beacon of the RTW Fall 2015 Balmain ollection. It will never work unless you’re wearing it for YOU. And only you.

Which is why I connect so strongly with Free People. Every time I slip into one of their pieces, I feel like I’m gearing up for Coachella all over again. I feel calm. I feel natural. I feel feminine.

I feel beautiful.

And because of the neutral tones of their collections, there is literally no limit when it comes to accessorizing. Though I will admit, I’m an accessory junkie. And I have the stash to prove it. So if you’re sporting a plunging neckline, then attention should be drawn to it. (#BombshellCode) With layers of long delicate chains, carefully hanging at just the right lengths so each charm/pendant gets the admiration they deserve.

Or perhaps your dress is backless? Simply take those same necklaces, but flip them backwards. Or choose just one- preferably something big, bold and bright. Its an unexpected pop of color to highlight (and emphasize) one of the most underplayed, yet sexiest parts of your body.

Perhaps you want to go the minimalist route? That’s okay too. This is where unique pieces come in. Like arm cuffs and hand jewelry- these are all brilliant examples of individual pieces that often get lost unless they’re worn alone.

Maybe hats are your thing? Good. And if they’re not, make them your thing. Like, yesterday. And remember- the bigger, the better. Free People’s Ranchero Matador Hat (pictured on the right) is everything.

And dare we forget about bags?

Never.

Keep the bohemian vibe going with leather. Fringe will add extra drama. Plus, if you’re not into large bags, these will give the illusion of one without the extra bulk. And here’s a special treat for my fellow equestrian friends: this particular bag from Horse & Nail even features a two tone snaffle bit.

It. Is. Perfection…

Horse & Nail Altair Hobo at Free People, $890

So your maxi carried you through the day, but can it pack the same punch at night? You bet your sun-kissed cheeks it can. With a simple attitude shift with your accessories, you’ll go from flat out Boho to Boho-Chic. And trading your Hobo bag in for a compact clutch is the first step. This particular one from St. Xavier is like Alexander McQueen at the beach- it couldn’t be more perfect if it tried.

St. Xavier Zane Il Clutch for Free People, $98 (available in Gold or Silver)

And finally, lets talk about those locks. Thanks to a day of ocean air, you now have been blessed with hair so filled with body and beachwaves that even the most skilled stylist couldn’t duplicate. You smell like sunshine and salt and the last thing you want to do is ruin it. And you don’t need to. Simply pin back enough strands to keep your hair long and loose using a few bobby pins. Adorned or plain, there have never been so many creative options-

And by the way, I think this is the perfect time to talk about the latest trend for fall. One that I, for one, am already a HUGE fan of. Introducing the “Hun”. The half up, half down bun.

Go ahead and try not to fall in love with this look….