Queen of the Castle

Mason by Michelle Mason French lace gown | UGG Kyra wedge bootie | Luv Aj cross hoops | Free People Empire lace choker | Photos by: Tina Clara

And just like that, I was the queen of the castle…in Ireland!

Perhaps this is not what you expected for a fairytale look. This is a homage to all the antagonists such as the magnificent Maleficent. Ahem, goth glam anyone? There is nothing more alluring than black French lace gown that is intricately detailed such as this piece by Mason by Michelle Mason. It personifies elegance and beauty. And when you pair this look with dark makeup and vampy lips - you have goth glam in full effect. We don’t always want to play the norm now, do we? I think that’s why there were no children in the castle…I scared them all away! ;)

This fairytale shoot was taken on location at the Ashford Castle in Ireland. No words to describe this breathtaking estate, but to implore you to add onto your bucketlist. This five star luxury castle hotel is simply a dream come true. It’s a MUST go! What an extraordinary experience it has been to explore this country with all of its beautiful glory. With countless of sheep grazing in lush green rolling hills that goes on for miles and miles. Occasional rain that always ends with spectacular double rainbows. I had the opportunity to meet so many friendly folks, who not only are kind but very proud of their tradition in their homeland. The Irish culture is truly special.

This particular blog post is dedicated to a certain special someone (you know who you are) and to whomever need a little motivation in life. I wish for you to be the queen of your own castle. Yes, grass is always greener on the other side, but in reality it’s greener where you put the manure on! So get that shit in! ;)

‘If you want to live a happy life; tie it to a goal, not to people or things’ - Albert Einstein

We are in constant search for our purpose in life. I still am. We all are! We have opportunities all around us, so make it worth your while. Try new hobbies, make new experiences, and find what gives you the greatest joy. When you do, hold on to it and don't give up. It may take some time, but that’s the beauty of life: it can happen at any stage. Trust!

Have an ambition, stay inspired, and find your self-worth. Be the queen of your own castle. xx jt

Wild Child

Free People "After the Storm" shirtdress | Z&L Europe white dress (similar here and here) | Free People "Joe" lace up boots | Urban Outfitter over-the-knee socks | Jewelries: Flash Tattoos (Child of Wild or Sofia feathers), Lili Claspe "Horn" choker, Lili Claspe "Ellie" choker, Lillianna Jewelry, Pura Vida Bracelets (use discount code: JUTING10 for additional 10% off), Stacy Sterling Jewelry | Photos by: Tina Clara

When you’re out in the Mojave desert, you have to plan on the drastic weather changes. So for the RiSE lantern festival, I opt for a white dress under a long gorgeous shirtdress that can be doubled as a duster coat. I knew it was going to be hot during the day and cold at night. When traveling light and not planning on bringing too much to a venue, it helps to wear layers. This shirtdress that I wore as a duster coat flutters in the wind, flows when you walk and flares out when you spin. I paired the outfit with some lace up boots. Accessorized in various gold necklaces and flash tattoos to complete the festival look as a desert Wild Child.

Growing up, my parents always told me “you’re a little wild”…and for the most part I couldn’t sit still. And I still can’t. Yoga is probably the only thing that keeps me still, albeit for one hour. lol. They say you need to be a little more ladylike! Booooring. I did try to a certain degree, but that innate tomboyish personality will always shine through because it simply can’t be buried. You just got to let it be. You live your own life, not what your parents perceive or dictate how you should live. As long as you’re happy that’s all that matters. Live the real you.

So my dear sweet child….stay young, stay wild. xx jt

Together we RiSE 2015

RiSE Lantern Festival | Photos by: Chris Caparro, Erik Borzi Photography, Karen Herndon, Susanna Musotto and my iPhone :)

This post is dedicated to the people (yes, you!) of my past, present and future. In life you go through many friends, lovers, acquaintances, etc. Some are meant to only be in your life for a certain period of time to teach you a lesson, some just passing through, and some are here to stay. Just because when one is no longer in your life doesn’t mean that you’re not affected. We are all connected in ways that every one person you meet is meant to happen for a reason. And for those who are no longer in my life, but yet you take the time to read this. I’m glad you are, because I just want to say thank you for making me who I am today.

Last year, I had the most incredible experience from the RiSE Lantern Festival so it’s no surprise that I’m back again. And this time around with an amazing group of friends. This year, due to the wind, there were many lantern fails. When I say lantern fails, I mean fire hazards such as hair getting singed via Michael Jackson style. Lanterns that burned through the paper and simply didn’t lift up. These lanterns symbolized dreams, hopes and wishes, and you can only imagine how devastating it is for those whose lanterns did not rise. What moved me was the fact that as a community, we see people - complete strangers - helping each other. That simple act of kindness is helping with the lanterns that needed a little extra push. We rise by lifting others. When your intentions are good, life has a way of working out. One thing we all learned from this experience, is the fact that life is full of failures. And it will take many fails along the way to succeed. If you’re lucky enough to surround yourself with good people, you will always have the help and support.

We released our final lantern, sending our wish out that people in this world can be just a little more kind to themselves and to others. Stop the bullying and the negativity. You have one life to life so why not live it positively and fully? Do your best to surround yourself with good people. And if they are bad? Well, even better, kill them with kindness. :)

So on that note, I’d like to end this post with a quote I love….

“Be kind to one another.” - Ellen

xx jt

Tropical Delight

Guess by Marciano hot house hibiscus cutout dress | Photos by: Tina Clara

Look! Look! I got mermaid hair!!! Did I ever mention how I love playing dress up? I enjoy switching up my looks, so this time around, I busted out my hair extensions. Et violà! I went from short hair to long hair...and now I look Polynesian. It’s like magic, no? In all seriousness, don’t be fooled by what you see in the movies, tv, and magazines because everything is fake. Well almost. Many talents in the entertainment industry have hair extensions put in for jobs and events. I’ve seen fake hair used for hair commercials and advertising. Even mascara ads have false lashes on the models. So don’t always believe what you see in the ads.

If you’ve ever wanted to cut your hair, and was afraid to do so. Just do it! What have you got to lose (well besides your hair lol). You won’t know how it’s going to look until you try it. Who knows? Maybe you will rock your new do so hard you’re gonna wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. And in case you don’t like how it turns out? Never fear! Nothing a little hair extension can’t fix or cover. :)

Nothing quite makes a girl feel like a little girl, by wearing a pretty dress and have long pretty hair. I did just that. I had so much fun twirling around in this cute tropical dress with my lovely braided hair extension and “I whip my hair back and forth” and have everyone “just watch me whip, watch me nae nae.” :) xx jt