Category Archives: Fashion

Fast Fashion…. Fast Dating?

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

 

Fashion & love.

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Things like relationships.

 

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

 

Fast.  Little effort invested.  Disposable.

 

And online dating has become our fitting room.

 

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

 

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

 

Romantic, right?

 

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

 

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

 

It goes something like this: 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

When did we forget about the possibility of butterflies?

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

And always, always handle it with care.

 

And who knows….

 

  Maybe, just maybe, you might get butterflies.

 

Spring: The Season Where Simple Meets Sexy

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.

spring summer 2017 liberata dolce fashion blogger stylist

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.

monochromatic peach spring summer 2017 beauty makeup trend spring summer 2017 beauty makeup trends monochrome

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.

spring summer makeup beauty trends 2017 pastel eyes smokey peach pink aqua

spring summer makeup beauty trends 2017 pastel eyes smokey violet candy colored smokey eye pastel spring summer 2017 beauty makeup trend

spring summer makeup beauty trends 2017 pastel eyes smokey

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.

spring summer makeup beauty trends 2017 pastel eyes kitten eye smokey dark

spring summer makeup beauty trends 2017 pastel eyes smokey

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.

spring summer beauty makeup trend 2017 blush bomb

spring summer beauty makeup trend 2017 blush bomb

spring summer beauty makeup trend 2017 blush bomb

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.

spring summer 2017 beauty makeup trends no mascara bold lip

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.

no-makeup makeup lookNTFW spring summer 2017 beauty makeup trend

no-makeup makeup look chloe spring summer 2017 beauty makeup trend

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.

spring summer NYFW 2017 nails beauty trend glitter beds

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.

spring summer 2017 liberata dolce fashion blogger stylist

Till next time, dolls…

X

The Power Of Two

Talent.  Vision.  Tenacity.  Confidence.

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

Something beautiful…  Magical, even…  And undoubtedly unparalleled.

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

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

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

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

who we are.

And just who are we, you ask?

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

And we’re dreamers.

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

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

So consider this your teaser to our upcoming unveiling.

Because trust me when I say-

You.  Haven’t.  Seen.  ANYTHING.  Yet….

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

X

Shimmer & Gold

Lets all get serious here.

If you’ve been paying attention to my posts then you already know I’m not afraid of much when it comes to getting dolled up.

Except for kitten heels.

Honestly, what IS that??  Much like the word “fetch”, there are just some things that are not going to happen.

But staying on track here…

Because its this specific time of year that the limits to getting glam are just begging to be defied.

And defy you must.  Because regardless of whether you’re a self-proclaimed glamazon (ahem…), or the girl next door who just needs a little sparkle, I’ve got the tips and tricks that will have you covered this holiday season.  Head to toes.  Or, just toes.

So lets break this down using a little system I like to call….

   The Sizzle Scale.

Pretty catchy, right?  Okay, okay- but hear me out first.

For instance, are you a Level 5 smoldering sex bomb?  How about a Level 3 bling babe?  Or maybe a Level 1 minimalist momma?  Whatever the case, I’m only here to tell you that if there was ever a time to step out of your comfort zone, and try something shiny and bright this year-

This.  Is.  It.

And because every girl loves a satisfying finale (;)), we’ll start this off with the bare minimum on big ways to get your shine on this Christmas, leading all the way up to the big… finish.

Level 1.

Lets start off simple, shall we?

Now we all love a good mani, BUT, save yourself a few bucks and spend them on cocktails instead.  Cause you can pull this one off on your own.  And I can speak from personal experience on this trend that not only is it the easiest, it will earn you the most compliments too.  I’m talking about gold glitter nails.  But here’s the trick- you have to straight up layer that polish on.  Like, 4 coats kind of layer.  But if you’ve ever used a glitter based polish before, you know that it dries super quick.  So 4 layers of glitter polish is like 2 coats of regular polish in the hustle world.  And this is important.  Because your a boss bitch with things to do.  So find the brightest, most sparkling polish OPI has to offer and get to work.  You’ll see the payoff the second you reach for your first latte post-paint job.

shimmer and gold nails glitter holiday fashion beauty liberata dolce winter trends 2016 shimmer and gold nails glitter holiday fashion beauty liberata dolce winter trends 2016 shimmer and gold nails glitter holiday fashion beauty liberata dolce winter trends 2016

Level 2.

 A girl’s gotta give good face.

But we have seen a streak of, shall we say… questionable trends this year.  It seems like beauty pro’s all over were trying to frost every feature.  And while the majority have been oh so right, there were a few that left us with serious doubts.  Like glitter brows….  BUT– like everything else in life- I think they all deserve a shot.  So while you may not want to paint a solid streak of glitter under your brow (see Gigi Hadid below), I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised of what a little bling can do blended right into the brows themselves.  Think of it kind of like applying mascara.  One little swipe and you’ll get some serious bling that’s perfect for  your next Girl’s Night Out.  Not to mention this look is definitely concert approved.

shimmer-and-gold-glitter-brows-2016 shimmer-and-gold-glitter-brows-done-right-2016-2

shimmer-and-gold-glitter-brows-done-right-2016

shimmer-and-gold-glitter-brows-liberata-dolce-beauty-fashion-2016

Level 3.

So a little brow bling doesn’t scare you, you say?  Great– now we’re on to something here.  And by here, I mean pigments.  Lately I have become obsessed with the ability to turn any pigment into liquid metal.  And this little trick is accomplished by mixing the powder itself with small amounts of either coconut oil (that ish really DOES do everything…) or MAC’s Essential Oil.  And then brace yourself for the results.  You’ll soon be the mad scientist of your own bathroom, mixing and applying colors that your teenage self could only once dream of.  I suggest MAC’s pigments in either Copper, Platinum, Gold or Rose Gold for this season.  Wait for festival season for the rest.  And while the more timid may apply this as a shadow, these are especially striking when applied straight to the lips.  And if that’s still not enough to make you your little beauty loving heart say “Daaaammmnnnnn, girl”, than add a light dusting of contrasting pigment or glitter on top for even more sparkle.

shimmer and gold nails glitter holiday fashion beauty liberata dolce winter trends 2016 mac pigments

shimmer and gold nails glitter holiday fashion beauty liberata dolce winter trends 2016 shimmer and gold nails glitter holiday fashion beauty liberata dolce winter trends 2016 shimmer and gold nails glitter holiday fashion beauty liberata dolce winter trends 2016

And if your heart isnt crying from glittering happiness at this point, I still have 2 more to go….

Level 4.

They say the eyes are the window to the soul.  And with Christmas right around the corner, its only fitting that the view should be just as bright.  Silver and gold kind of bright.  And lucky for you, all it will take is a simple tube of glitter glue (yes, there is such a thing) to achieve this.  Now, I’m sure there are much more “industry standard” ways of doing this, but after spying this glorious product, I couldn’t care less.  Purchased at Sally’s, this little tube of wonder will make the chunkiest of glitter’s stick.  AND stay put all night.  Start off with your favorite shadows, then dip your brush into a small amount of the adhesive.  At first, it felt too watery to do anything thing.  But I blotted it into my crease anyways.

And then the magic happened.

Next I moved my brush into a glittery pigment (also from MAC) and blotted it into the same area.  And the results were stun-ning.  Like, ready for New Year’s Eve kind of stunning.  Except it was a Tuesday.  And I could not have cared less.  And you wont either.

Like Bruno would say: 24 karat magic in the aaaaiiiiirrrrrr.

shimmer and gold nails glitter holiday fashion beauty liberata dolce winter trends 2016 shimmer and gold nails glitter holiday fashion beauty liberata dolce winter trends 2016

glitter-lids-bling-sparkle glitter-lids

gold-lids

Level 5.

I’ll admit- I don’t think this particular look is in any as striking or jaw dropping as the aforementioned.  But I DO think its one of the easiest.  And most wearable.  Yet at the same time- most avoided.  And I cant think of one good reason why.  At least, not now.  True, you may not want to roll up to your next meeting with glitter roots, but I would sure as hell rock it to brunch with my girls.  After all, isn’t life about having fun?  About not giving a fuck?  And while its not the most mature look, I think there’s something endearing about the childishness of it this time of year.  Like drinking hot chocolate instead of wine while you watch Elf.

Glitter roots is the hot chocolate of holiday hair.

shimmer and gold nails glitter holiday fashion beauty liberata dolce winter trends 2016

shimmer and gold nails glitter holiday fashion beauty liberata dolce winter trends 2016shimmer and gold nails glitter holiday fashion beauty liberata dolce winter trends 2016shimmer and gold nails glitter holiday fashion beauty liberata dolce winter trends 2016shimmer and gold nails glitter holiday fashion beauty liberata dolce winter trends 2016

So be bold and go heavy with it.  Or keep it simple and sassy with just your part line.  Whatever the case, just freaking do it.  Keep the wonder alive in more than just Christmas this year and be a little childish with these trends.  Because as some once said-

“Always keep your childish enthusiasm and things will go your way”.

And always, ALWAYS keep shining.

Till next time, dolls….

X

Why You Need To Work With Joshua Paull…

I first met Joshua on an assignment coordinated through Prolific Quarterly.  Walking into his place, it didn’t take long for his kind demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for the task ahead to make me feel right at home.  And that’s a big deal when you have to rely on your creative energy.  In other words, attitude is everything.  But even more impressive was his open mind and willing attitude throughout the shoot.  Never once did I hear him turn down one of the many suggestions or opinions being thrown at him.  And for those of you familiar with the industry, you can understand just how refreshing that is.

And for those of you who aren’t, well, here’s an idea from a Stylist’s perspective….

As a Fashion Coordinator, it is imperative for me to have a clear idea of the shoot ahead long before the actual event takes place.  This is critical not only while selecting and pulling the pieces that will be used for the shoot, but to also lay out the sequence the pieces will be shot in so it makes the most sense to the reader.

In other words, I’m creating a story.

So by the time the shoot happens, that story has now become a novel.  A novel that until now has only come to life in my mind.  And all that’s left is for it to physically unfold.  But of course, this never happens without the usual problems.  Problems that can sometimes be predicted but never determined until the model is dressed and in front of the camera.  Maybe something just isn’t working right…  Or staying in place…  Or reflecting light badly…  Whatever the reason, this is also when the suggestions or opinions start rolling in.  By everyone.  And the energy can shift dramatically.  Sometimes in an unfavorable or counterproductive direction.

This is also when a true professional will come through and handle business like a boss.

Because when you work with a team, everyone has their own unique angle and vision on how they see the final result.  That’s part of the creative process, regardless of your role.  But the real magic happens when everyone can work together, and all those visions can be blended into one final stunning image.  From the stylist, to the MUAH, to the photographer.  However, no one has more say so, or more pressure on them than the one operating the camera.

And Joshua knocked it out of the park.

So with that initial experience, I was excited to work with him again.  This time, the shoot was more personal, with an emphasis on an extreme beauty concept.  With my MUAH, the amazing Corrine Dale (see contact information below), we collaborated and dreamed up a series of shots that would focus on Corrine’s incredible creative abilities.

And because of Joshua’s patience and professionalism from the prior shoot, I knew he was perfect for this concept.  No rushing, no pressure.  These things are hard enough to achieve during your average fashion shoot, where changing outfits is your biggest challenge.  But when you ALSO have to dramatically change the hair and makeup between each look, things can get complicated.

Fast.

However, none of that even hinted to becoming an issue, and each look flew by effortlessly.  This is no doubt a reflection of my team that day.  Even Chic Norris made her modeling debut (I think there’s a real future for her…), giving all of us the opportunity to try something new.  Because that’s exactly what each shoot should offer, regardless of the role you’re playing in it, or the level of skill you currently possess.

Growth.  Experience.  And of course, success.

And thanks to an exciting and energetic environment, that is exactly what we got that day.  And then some.

So thank you, Corrine and Joshua for not only delivering, but for exceeding my expectations.

Chic’s too!

X

To book your shoot, please visit:   Joshua Paull Photography

 For MUAH inquiries, please visit:  CorrineDale.com

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Photographer: Joshua Paull MUAH: Corrine Dale
Photographer: Joshua Paull
MUAH: Corrine Dale

Flashback Fall

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.

original-supermodels-90s-icons-2 original-supermodels-90s-icons-3 original-supermodels-90s-icons

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.

kate moss calvin klein supermodel 90s

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.

kurt cobain courtney love 90s grunge fashion trend kurt cobain courtney love 90s grunge fashion trend kurt cobain courtney love 90s grunge fashion trend

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…..

drew barrymore 90s fashion icon grunge flower child trends drew barrymore 90s fashion icon grunge flower child trends drew barrymore 90s fashion icon grunge flower child trends drew barrymore 90s fashion icon grunge flower child trends

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.

clueless movie fashion trend 90s

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

X

Stylists- The Rebels of Fashion

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.

Thomas Desimone Jersey Shore

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.

thomas desimone

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.

Thomas, John, Robert & Luke DeSimone

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

Summer Style: Sexy or Sweet?

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…

Liberata Dolce Summer Fashion 2016 heart shaped sunnies fashion stylist style bohemian boho

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…).

Liberata Dolce Summer Fashion 2016 heart shaped sunnies fashion stylist style bohemian boho vintage sexy sweet

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.

Liberata Dolce Summer Fashion 2016 heart shaped sunnies fashion stylist style bohemian boho

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.

Liberata Dolce Summer Fashion 2016 heart shaped sunnies fashion stylist style bohemian boho surf

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.

Liberata Dolce Summer Fashion 2016 heart shaped sunnies fashion stylist style bohemian boho

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.

Liberata Dolce Summer Fashion 2016 heart shaped sunnies fashion stylist style bohemian boho sexy sweet

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.

Liberata Dolce Summer Fashion 2016 heart shaped sunnies fashion stylist style bohemian boho

So go ahead.  Dive in.

Happy Summer Dolls…

X

White Hot

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

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

Yeah- I said it.

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

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

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

How’s that for deep?

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

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

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

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

But above all….

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

Or because it makes you feel amazing.

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

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

X

Spring ’16 Fashion Sets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Literally, ev-ery-thing.

But until then, there’s Polyvore.

And I love you for it.

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

 

It’s a Date.

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

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

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

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

Yasssss, girl, I see you!

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

In other words, they’re secure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Effort = Interest

So what is considered casual?

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

Though I’m still not casting any judgement.

So now the fun part…..

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

Denim

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

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Blazers & Cut-Off’s

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

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Dresses

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

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Leather

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

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Bohemian

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

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Straight From Work

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

Slay.

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White/Black

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

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Hair/Makeup

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

Less is truly more here.

You’re welcome.

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

No smokey eye required.  No cleavage necessary.

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

And steer clear of the idiots.

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

______________________________

X

Monochromatic Love

Who here is tired of contouring?

*raises hand*

A firm believer that everything has its place, contouring is no exception.  HOWEVER… I think everyone has gotten a little carried away with the art.  Myself included.  And I came to this very conclusion when I realized that this technique, once reserved for nights out, had somehow become part of my “every day face” routine.  Finding myself puzzled on how I was running late (again) one morning, I retraced my steps to figure out exactly where the extra time was being spent.

And one guilty look in the mirror confirmed it.

I’ll be the first to admit I’m not taking one single step outside of my house without some sort of coverage.  And before you even go there, its not because I need it.  I don’t need to wash my hair either.  Or for that matter, even my body.  But we all have our routines that make us feel put together.  Ready for the day ahead of us.  Daily showers and makeup just happen to be part of mine.

#Preach

But perfectly carved cheekbones?  A nose that appears slightly slimmer?  I’m fairly confident I’m able to take on the world without those things.  And I definitely could use the extra 20 minutes in my mornings.

So it was a relief to see a new trend take center stage for Spring.  Some call it the Tonal Trend, others Monochromatic Makeup.  I’ll just refer to it as my new “every day face”.

Some of you may remember Gigi Hadid making a stunning debut of the trend at the Sports Illustrated Awards a few weeks back….

gigi hadid monochromatic makeup sports illustrated beauty blog liberata dolce

And it was that look right there that made us want to put down the contouring brushes.

Enough said, right?

So what exactly is monochromatic makeup?  Exactly as the name implies.  Its the use of one color, in varying shades, on multiple areas.  In this case, the eyes, lips and cheeks.  But more importantly, its about enhancing one’s natural features- not manipulating them.  And while there’s still a little work involved in the process, your pores will thank you.  And probably your boyfriend.  Not to mention- its SPRING.  Who wants to be weighed down with layers of creams/powders/bronzers?  The increase in temperatures alone means an increase in maintenance throughout the day.

So take a much needed break and lighten up.  Literally.

So now the “How?”….

The key here is to take one color, and first pick the feature you want to put the focus on.  Whether its your lips, cheeks or eyes, that area is where the strongest/brightest version of that shade should go.  Take Gigi for instance.  Burgundy was the drug of choice in this killer look, with the attention on the eyes.  Then two softer burgundy shades were used, 1 for her cheeks and 1 for her lips.

Side note- this is an awesome excuse to use all those colors in your pallets that you usually ignore.  You know what I’m talking about.

Looking for an even easier route to go?  Then just go with two.  You’ll just have to pay closer to attention to your color choices, as working with two shades makes it super easy to get all matchy-matchy.  And that is not what this look is about.   For example, if you choose to go with a bright pop of color with the eyes, then the lips should be muted.  Or vise versa.

My personal favorite?

Violet Eyes + Lilac Lips

liberata dolce monochromatic makeup beauty spring 2016 peach violet bronze red metallic pink coral orange liberata dolce monochromatic makeup beauty spring 2016 peach violet bronze red metallic pink coral orange

Even easier, yet just as lovely?  Concentrate on your cheeks and lips.  Coordinating these two correctly is absolutely stunning when using an unexpected color.  Like coral.  And before you immediately write that off, give me a chance.  I wrote before about a beautiful orange hued blush I picked up at MAC.  It was one of those products that when the artist applied it on me, I wanted to hug her.  But I only used it as more of a highlight, adding it softly on top of my primary blush (usually pink).  Until now…  After finding a soft coral tinted gloss that compliments it, its now moved confidently to primary position.

liberata dolce monochromatic makeup beauty spring 2016 peach violet bronze red metallic pink coral orange

You can visit to links below to purchase:

MAC Powder Blush in Devil

MAC Mineralize Glass in Precious Fruit

But the look I absolutely cannot get over?

Metallic.

Gold, silver, bronze- they all work beautifully.  And you wont have to worry about going through highlight withdrawal while on your contour ban.

PS:  For my Urban Decay Naked Palette lovers, this is allllllllll you.

liberata dolce monochromatic makeup beauty spring 2016 peach violet bronze red metallic pink coral orange spring 2016 monochromatic makeup metallic trend beauty

So you’ve probably already realized that going monochromatic can be as subtle, or as bold as you’d like.  The only real consistency here is the most important one: ENHANCEMENT.   In other words, instead of trying to create the features that you want, focus on the beautiful features you already have.

They deserve the attention.

I promise you- a confident face will always outshine even the most flawless contour.

But a little blush will never hurt, either.

Its The Little Things…

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

chanel fall 2016 accessories paris fashion week rtw liberata dolce stylist fashion blogger accessories chanel fall 2016 accessories paris fashion week rtw liberata dolce stylist fashion blogger accessories chanel fall 2016 accessories paris fashion week rtw liberata dolce stylist fashion blogger accessories chanel fall 2016 accessories paris fashion week rtw liberata dolce stylist fashion blogger accessories chanel fall 2016 accessories paris fashion week rtw liberata dolce stylist fashion blogger accessories chanel fall 2016 accessories paris fashion week rtw liberata dolce stylist fashion blogger accessories chanel fall 2016 accessories paris fashion week rtw liberata dolce stylist fashion blogger accessories

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.

bohemian vintage accessories unique festival spring 2016 liberata dolce

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.

carrie bradshaw sex & the city necklace iconic accessories fashion carrie bradshaw sex & the city necklace iconic accessories fashion

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.

vintage accessories spring 2016 unique liberata dolce vintage accessories spring 2016 unique liberata dolce vintage accessories spring 2016 unique liberata dolce

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.

vintage accessories spring 2016 unique liberata dolcebutton down up shirt backwards spring fashion street style 2016button down up shirt backwards spring fashion street style 2016button down up shirt backwards spring fashion street style 2016button down up shirt backwards spring fashion street style 2016

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.

button down up shirt backwards spring fashion street style 2016button down up shirt backwards spring fashion street style 2016button down up shirt backwards spring fashion street style 2016

its the small things liberata dolce stylist fashion blogger street style spring 2016

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…

button down up shirt backwards spring fashion street style 2016 liberata dolce skirt button down up shirt backwards spring fashion street style 2016 tube top liberata dolce stylist

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

And The Award Goes To….

oscars best dressed 2016 liberata dolce fashion blogger style couture red carpet

While many fashionistas drug of choice remains shoes, my personal preference has always been couture.  Primarily, red carpet couture.  Sure, shoes are great.  And I can totally relate to their healing powers- no matter how you feel, they’ll always fit.

But… the focus is still on your feet.  And I need more than that.

And couture puts the focus on the entire package.  Sometimes in the most creatively imaginative and stunning ways possible.  Others, a bit more classic.  And that’s exactly what makes couture so damn addictive- you never know what you’re going to get.  But there’s one occasion in particular where you can count on seeing a little bit of everything.

The Academy Awards.

Otherwise known as the holy grail for stylists.  Like Rachel Zoe, who showed us all the painstaking work that went into securing gowns for her clients through her reality show, The Rachel Zoe Project.  And quite honestly, we can credit her for the reason people even pay attention to who’s styling who these days.  For Zoe, the process would usually begin with Fashion Week, where she would spot a gown, picture a specific client with it, and the rest would become red carpet history.   But not without drama- the show exposed just how critical obtaining the perfect gown was, and the lengths stylists would go to get it.   After all, it was all about “the moment”.  Her client list has included A-listers like Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lawrence, Eva Mendez, Demi Moore, Jennifer Garner and Kate Hudson.

But enough about the people- lets talk about the DRESSES.

Over the years there have been some serious standout looks.  Some good, some bad, some flat out legendary.  Then there’s Bjork’s swan dress that has its own category all together… (Seriously, still…. wth??)

But being in the legendary group- THAT’S what its all about.  It’s the magical moment of fashion in its most glamorous form.  Like Halle Berry in Elie Saab (2002), Hilary Swank in Guy Laroche (2005), Michelle Williams in Vera Wang (2006), Julia Roberts in vintage Valentino (2001), Penelope Cruz in Atelier Versace (2007), Jennifer Lawrence in Dior (2013).  Hell, even Sharon Stone in her husband’s dress shirt.

liberata dolce oscars best dressed history halle berry michelle williams hilary swank

So who made Legend status this year?  Personally, I didn’t see any major misses.  Or, tragic ones at least.  This year’s Oscars proved to be one of the more timid ones when it came to fashion statements.  In other words- no one showed up as a farm animal.  Instead, the risks were on a more personal level.  Like wearing yellow.  Or an unexpected cutout.  And it paid off.  Then you had your standard classics, like Reese Witherspoon.  Though always stunning, Reese pulls no surprises with her strapless, mermaid cut gowns.  Hey, if aint broke…

But we don’t watch the Oscars for the expected.  Instead, its stars like Cate Blanchett that we rely on to make our knees weak.  And Cate DID NOT disappoint this year.  Winning Best Dressed, hands down, no questions asked, I literally gasped when they first showed her on screen.  Wearing Armani Prive, everything was so spot on perfect about this gown.  It was romantic, yet glamorous, yet unique.  The color was exquisite.  The details were flawless.  And the dress said everything a dress is supposed to on Oscar night- LOOK.  AT.  ME.

Oh, we did, Cate.  And we still are….

cate blanchett liberata dolce academy awards oscar best dressed fashion style blogger blog red carpet glamour

But we had a few more winners last night.  Like Brie Larson (Below, Left) in a magical blue Gucci number that celebrated some of the biggest trends at the moment.  The plunging neckline gave a hint of a lingerie look, while her jewel encrusted belt offered the only bit of accessorizing.  And it was perfect.  With its A-line cut, the skirt added extra drama through ruffles and a small train, while the top screamed total glamour.  Also worth noting was the hair piece woven into her hair perfectly matched the detailing on her belt.

oscars best dressed 2016 liberata dolce fashion blogger style couture red carpet best

 After that, it was Saoirse Ronan (Top, Right) who stole the show.  Wearing Calvin Klein, the girl was literally dripping with that old school Hollywood glamour.  But it was the cut outs and color that kept the look young and modern.  Add to that the plunging neckline, and you can add bombshell to the list of everything that is SO right about this dress.  Keeping with the “less is more” trend that was so dominant last night, accessories once again took a backseat.

See guys- I told you to ditch the necklaces.  The only statement these girls are making are simple, but clear with a killer set of earrings and a well placed ring, or two.

Moving on to my next favorite, we have one of our red carpet alumni favorites: Charlize Theron (Below).  Wearing Dior, Charlize absolutely slayed it.  And at 40, I can honestly admit she has never looked better.  One of the few stars to wear her hair up last night, I’m so glad she did.  But just in case that wasn’t enough to direct any and all attention to that incredibly sexy neckline, a very well placed necklace guaranteed it.

 

HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 28: Actress Charlize Theron attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 28, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
HOLLYWOOD, CA – FEBRUARY 28: Actress Charlize Theron attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 28, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

After that, we have Mara Rooney in Givenchy.  The girl definitely has a red carpet formula that works for her, and we dont ever want it to change- last time Mara walked the red carpet, she wore the same color and same designer.  Again, we have a minimal accessories, keeping the focus exactly where it needs to be.  And the cutout could have been a total miss… but somehow the placement is exactly what makes this dress so incredible.  Its unexpected, yet completely on point.  And her perfect is her complexion in white?  Its a look like this that really makes you stop and realize just how incredibly beautiful Mara is.

 

HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 28: Actress Rooney Mara attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 28, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
HOLLYWOOD, CA – FEBRUARY 28: Actress Rooney Mara attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 28, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

So there were a lot of fashion “moments” to be had at this year’s Oscars.  Though probably none more notable than Leo’s- who finally got his well deserved Oscar.  It was refreshing to see celebrities really bring out their best, and keep the red carpet exactly at it should be- glamorous and awe-inducing.  It brought back the excitement one hopes for as each celebrity is interviewed, elaborating on their look, and who their wearing.  At the same time, it creates a sort of time stamp for our generation of the moment as new iconic looks are both established, and coveted.  Because just as their films will live on, so will their looks from this night.

And you ladies certainly gave us all one to remember.

No swan dress needed.

BTS With Lorraine Castle

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

 …would ultimately turn into a published adventure.

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

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…

Prolific Quarterly

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…

That’s A Matte.

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

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

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

Do I have your attention now?

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

mac cosmetics heroine lipstick matte lipglass liberata dolce beauty fashion spring trend report summer 2016 mac cosmetics heroine lipstick matte lipglass liberata dolce beauty fashion spring trend report summer 2016

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

Sign. Me. Up.

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

mac cosmetics heroine lipstick matte lipglass liberata dolce beauty fashion spring trend report summer 2016 sephora lustre

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

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

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

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

End. Of. Story.

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

mac cosmetics heroine lipstick matte lipglass liberata dolce beauty fashion spring trend report summer 2016 sephora lustre

        mac cosmetics heroine lipstick matte lipglass liberata dolce beauty fashion spring trend report summer 2016 sephora lustre

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

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

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

Part 1: Spring Has Sprung….. Almost.

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

bohemian spring summer trend report 2016 RTW liberata dolce fashion boho embellishment valentino

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.

slip dress chloe saint laurent spring summer 2016 ready-to-wear fashion runway liberata dolce slip dress chloe saint laurent spring summer 2016 ready-to-wear fashion runway liberata dolce slip dress chloe saint laurent spring summer 2016 ready-to-wear fashion runway liberata dolce

slip dress chloe saint laurent spring summer 2016 ready-to-wear fashion runway liberata dolce slip dress chloe saint laurent spring summer 2016 ready-to-wear fashion runway liberata dolce

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).

liberata dolce mcqueen gucci valentino bohemian spring summer 2016 rtw trend report fashion liberata dolce mcqueen gucci valentino bohemian spring summer 2016 rtw trend report fashion liberata dolce mcqueen gucci valentino bohemian spring summer 2016 rtw trend report fashion liberata dolce mcqueen gucci valentino bohemian spring summer 2016 rtw trend report fashion

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….

bohemian spring summer trend report 2016 RTW liberata dolce fashion boho embellishment valentino bohemian spring summer trend report 2016 RTW liberata dolce fashion boho embellishment valentino bohemian spring summer trend report 2016 RTW liberata dolce fashion boho embellishment gucci bohemian spring summer trend report 2016 RTW liberata dolce fashion boho embellishment valentino bohemian spring summer trend report 2016 RTW liberata dolce fashion boho embellishment reek bohemian spring summer trend report 2016 RTW liberata dolce fashion boho embellishment valentino bohemian spring summer trend report 2016 RTW liberata dolce fashion boho embellishment

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…

pleats dress summer spring 2016 rtw trend report fashion liberata dolce sexy stunning maxi chloe pleats dress summer spring 2016 rtw trend report fashion liberata dolce sexy stunning maxi chloe pleats dress summer spring 2016 rtw trend report fashion liberata dolce sexy stunning maxi chloe pleats dress summer spring 2016 rtw trend report fashion liberata dolce sexy stunning maxi chloe pleats dress summer spring 2016 rtw trend report fashion liberata dolce sexy stunning maxi chloe pleats dress summer spring 2016 rtw trend report fashion liberata dolce sexy stunning maxi chloe

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.

metallics summer spring 2016 trend report fashion liberata dolce style beauty makeup gold accessories pewter bronze chloe chanel fendi metallics summer spring 2016 trend report fashion liberata dolce style beauty makeup gold accessories pewter bronze chloe chanel fendi metallics summer spring 2016 trend report fashion liberata dolce style beauty makeup gold accessories pewter bronze chloe chanel fendi metallics summer spring 2016 trend report fashion liberata dolce style beauty makeup gold accessories pewter bronze chloe chanel fendi metallics summer spring 2016 trend report fashion liberata dolce style beauty makeup gold accessories pewter bronze chloe chanel fendi metallics summer spring 2016 trend report fashion liberata dolce style beauty makeup gold accessories pewter bronze chloe chanel fendi metallics summer spring 2016 trend report fashion liberata dolce style beauty makeup gold accessories pewter bronze chloe chanel fendi metallics summer spring 2016 trend report fashion liberata dolce style beauty makeup gold accessories pewter bronze chloe chanel fendi metallics summer spring 2016 trend report fashion liberata dolce style beauty makeup gold accessories pewter bronze chloe chanel fendi

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

 

Faux Sure

Fauxbulous, darling.

What?  You think a girl that lives in Florida cant rock a faux fur coat?  Let me go on record to say that I will risk suffering from heat stroke before I miss out on one of my favorite seasonal trends.  And with a little help from my friend Lorraine Castle, you’ll be able to see more on how I pull this off this month in the upcoming issue of Prolific Quarterly.

Part boho, part glam, consider this lux piece THE accessory for pulling off winter chic.  It adds just the right amount of edge while complimenting a perfectly put together outfit, chic or casual.

Below are a few of my favorite picks, all available now….

liberata dolce fashion blogger bebe faux fur coat winter trend bohemian glam

Glam Faux Fur Coat from bebe, $229

My favorite purchase in recent weeks, this coat screams “Boss“.  Hitting at just the right length, and with just the right volume, it packs just the right wow factor.  AND its cozy.  Added bonus- it kind of gives off that Carrie Bradshaw look circa Seasons 1 & 2.  Her coat was everything…

Snag it online here-  bebe

liberata dolce fashion blogger shag coat behomain sexy glam lovers and drifters winter fall shag faux fur coat

Wanderess Shag Jacket by Lovers & Drifters, $159

This jacket is literally life.  It has that perfect vintage vibe, while the color gives off that “I don’t care” attitude.  As you can see, it works perfect with little underneath- literally.  So you wont have to give it up when the temperatures start rising again.  And why would you want to?

Visit here for info-  Lovers & Drifters

Now how can you work this look into your current wardrobe?

Easy…

Any. Way. You. Want. To.

The key here is to balance the heavy texture according with the occasion.  I’ve worn my to work many days, draped casually over a short, loose dress.  For this style, think Free People- they are iconic for mixing fabrics, like chunky knits with lace.  And this stunner, featured in the October catalog is perfection….

liberata dolce free people faux fur winter fashion january 2016 blog street style chic

But maybe you want to stand out?  And who can blame you?  After all, fashion is a way of expressing yourself without having to say a word.  So turn some heads with color.  My personal favorite is a deep jewel-toned green.  Its still muted enough to be appropriate for any outing, yet pops…. especially against gray skies.

liberata dolce free people faux fur winter fashion january 2016 blog street style chic liberata dolce free people faux fur winter fashion january 2016 blog street style chic jade green

Or you can go all out.  And I know all too well how drab things can get mid-winter.  So go for it.  Brighten up your day, and everyone else’s.

No one will be mad at you when you look this damn good-

liberata dolce free people faux fur winter fashion january 2016 blog street style chic pink

But maybe no matte what the shade, you still feel basic in one hue.

Don’t worry girl- I gotchu too.

Simply break up a monochromatic look underneath with lux patterns on top.

liberata dolce free people faux fur winter fashion january 2016 blog street style chic pattern print denim liberata dolce free people faux fur winter fashion january 2016 blog street style chic sexy vntage

Another way to rock this look- Vintage.

This is for my bohemian babies.  The Coachella loving, effortlessly sexy, music queens.

Leather leggings, vintage rocker tee’s, wide brimmed fedoras, flowing lace- you love it all.  So a coat that screams 70’s glam is just another one of the many details you adorn each day just to say one thing- You love music AND fashion.

liberata dolce free people faux fur winter fashion january 2016 blog street style chic coachella vintage liberata dolce free people faux fur winter fashion january 2016 blog street style chic coachella vintage liberata dolce free people faux fur winter fashion january 2016 blog street style chic coachella vintage liberata dolce free people faux fur winter fashion january 2016 blog street style chic coachella vintage rock tee

But we’re not done yet….

I’m talking about accessories.

Maybe you just need a touch of added glam for your already on-point outfit?

You’ll be able to add that touch pretty much anywhere you’d like this season.  From fur trimmed gloves- elbow length, please- to detailed handbags, nothing is off limits.

liberata dolce free people faux fur winter fashion january 2016 blog street style chic coachella anthropologie scarf liberata dolce free people faux fur winter fashion january 2016 blog street style chic coachella accessories hat scarf liberata dolce free people faux fur winter fashion january 2016 blog street style chic coachella vintage trim classy 70s

But my personal favorite winter accessory of choice is still an oversized scarf.  Its perfect to wear all day when you want to say “Boss”, and simple enough to throw on to run errands.  The plusher the “fur”, the more dramatic the effect.  Don’t forget a flawless red pout to go with.

Head to Anthropologie to score these posh numbers-

liberata dolce free people faux fur winter fashion january 2016 blog street style chic coachella anthropologie scarf liberata dolce free people faux fur winter fashion january 2016 blog street style chic coachella anthropologie scarf liberata dolce free people faux fur winter fashion january 2016 blog street style chic coachella anthropologie scarf liberata dolce free people faux fur winter fashion january 2016 blog street style chic coachella anthropologie scarf

One thing is for certain thought- no matter how you choose to rock this trend, be prepared to feel like royalty.

Without the guilt.

Because no matter the trend, it is NEVER a good look when it involves the pain and torture of another for unnecessary luxuries.  Especially when there are so many other ways that offer the exact look and feel.

Fashion is just another tool to inspire and empower others.  It should make the person wearing it feel good.  Strong.  Confident.

And those feelings will never be obtained, nor respected, when you have blood on your hands.

Liberata Dolce Lorraine Castle faux fur Bohemian boho free people fashion winter trend report chic vintage coachella

Photographer- Lorraine Castle

So express yourself- but express yourself with compassion.  Always be sure that the message you’re sending is one you can be proud of.

That never goes out of style.

#BombshellCode

X

All That Glitters

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.

gold sequin plunging deep v dress sequins liberata dolce all that glitters post fashion blogger blog fall winter 2015

“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.

balmain leather gold sequin plunging deep v dress sequins liberata dolce all that glitters post fashion blogger blog fall winter 2015

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.

  liberata dolce carrie bradshaw satc accessories style fashion blog blogger liberata dolce carrie bradshaw satc accessories style fashion blog blogger fall winter all that glitters post blog liberata dolce carrie bradshaw satc accessories style fashion blog blogger fall winter

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

balmain h&m dress sequins liberata dolce all that glitters post fashion blogger blog fall winter 2015

Forever 21, $38.50

(wear it backwards for a plunging neckline instead)

gold sequin plunging deep v dress sequins liberata dolce all that glitters post fashion blogger blog fall winter 2015 gold sequin plunging deep v dress sequins liberata dolce all that glitters post fashion blogger blog fall winter 2015

Free People, Tarnished Gold Tunic ($298) and Sexy In Sequins Slip ($98)

free people tunic gold sequin plunging deep v dress sequins liberata dolce all that glitters post fashion blogger blog fall winter 2015gold sequin sexy in sequins slip free people dress sequins liberata dolce all that glitters post fashion blogger blog fall winter 2015

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.

liberata dolce all that glitters sequins vintage fall winter 2015 fashion blogger balmain h&m liberata dolce all that glitters sequins vintage fall winter 2015 fashion blogger balmain h&m

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

liberata dolce model fashion blogger fall winter 2015 h&M balmain vintage

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…

vintage balmain leather gold sequin plunging deep v dress sequins liberata dolce all that glitters post fashion blogger blog fall winter 2015

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….

vintage balmain leather gold sequin plunging deep v dress sequins liberata dolce all that glitters post fashion blogger blog fall winter 2015

Remember the H&M shirt?  Mmmhmmmm….

Perfection.

Now lets edge things up a bit, shall we?

vintage balmain leather gold sequin plunging deep v dress sequins liberata dolce all that glitters post fashion blogger blog fall winter 2015

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-

vintage balmain leather gold sequin plunging deep v dress sequins liberata dolce all that glitters post fashion blogger blog fall winter 2015

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).