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

50 Shades of Blue

Made by Dawn Hiker bikini top and bikini bottom | Natalie B Jewelry body chain | Bracelets: H&M, Forever 21 | Belt vintage | Photos by: Tina Clara

If I was a Bond girl for a day....this is it!

I had the opportunity to go to the beautiful island of Turks & Caicos, thanks to The Ellen Show. My traveling buddy Tina and I decided to pack our bags and jet on out for a long overdue and deserved vacay. Into the BLUE!

My bucket list, before I get old and gray (ahem...already am! LOL) I’ve dreamed of doing a Sports Illustrated swimsuit inspired shoot while I still have the body to do so. Well I can certainly check that off the list! Having caught the flu in February helped me put my body on track. I think I’m close to my high school body and weight. Yikes! My stomach shrunk so I don’t eat as much as I used to. In the process I lost 10-15 lbs. Crazy right? It wasn’t even by choice. It just happened. But one can’t take that for granted, so I still eat healthy and exercise regularly. Everything in moderation.

Ironically enough, Victoria’s Secret models were on location shooting for their catalog at the same time. I had to laugh out loud when the hotel staff were asking if I was one of them. Flattered....but seriously, have you seen how skinny minny and stunning these models are in real life? Believe me, I saw them and they look like teenagers! They are literally one third of me. LOL.

Another bucket list item was that I’ve always wanted to go horseback riding in the ocean. And what more could you ask but to do it in the Caribbean and more on so, in the perfect turquoise waters. Double check that off the bucket list:) That was truly the highlight of my trip because the experience was absolutely beautiful and tranquil. You felt like you were one with the ocean. Riding out into the sea...and not looking back. And that’s the mantra for this trip...is to move forward and not looking back. Life experiences gives you the courage to always look to the brighter future. And it is bright. Only if you choose it to be so.

"If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello." - Paulo Coelho

So, Hello! :) xx jt