Tarina Tarantino: A Vision in Black

As I sit comfortably on the futon mattress on the floor of my room (it was used when someone slept over a while back - we were just too lazy to move it back to the other room), I am going to sit here and further indulge myself. When I say further, I mean in addition to already sitting here with a double tall espresso truffle in my hand, a couple chocolate covered strawberries, and a legit reason to not study right at this moment. Yum.

I met Tarino Tarantino today. It was fantastic.

Though I mentioned her in an earlier post, I'm sure most of you have no idea who she is. Let me inform you.

Tarina Tarantino is a jewelry designer and, in my eyes, a style icon. She is known for her bright pink hair and equally bright and quirky jewelry collections. Though she caters to more "scene" taste, I think she's just beginning to break through to the mainstream. Examples of her customers are Jeffree Star, Miley Cyrus, and Audrey Kitching.

I learned about her back in 2006 through Jeffree Star, and I've been quite a fan ever since.

Anyway, Tarina had her signing today and it was just lovely. Even though it was almost pouring rain, I had a great time and don't think it could have gone much better.

12:00 PM - we arrived at Downtown Disney. I had a friend of my mom's come with me just so I wouldn't be by myself. We headed over to Vault 28 so I could buy something in order to get into the signing. I also had many questions about how it was going to happen. I then spoke with a castmember, who said that when one purchased any Tarina Tarantino item in the store, one would receive a voucher for the signing with a number. I was immediately relieved - I wouldn't have to worry about trying to stake out a spot!

I proceeded to purchase the necklace that I saw at the Melrose boutique - it's long, silver chained, has a large rhinestoned key at the end that says "TARINA TARANTINO", plus a couple little pleasant surprises on the chain. I love it!

12:30 PM - lunch at the Rainforest Cafe

2:30 PM - We began to line up in front of Vault 28. The signing wasn't supposed to start until 3, but of course everyone wanted to make sure there were no complications. I was very excited to see so many people sporting their Tarina Tarantino bling. By this point, I was wearing 3 of her pieces.

Unfortunately, the sunshine had vanished and it started to get cloudy.

3:00 PM - The excitement began! They started letting people into the signing! To our dismay, however, it began to rain. At first it was just drizzling... but then it really started to rain. I had come prepared, thankfully, equipped with my umbrella, leather high-heeled boots, and a trendy raincoat.

We finally made it inside probably about 30 minutes later. I could see her pink hair! The excitement was coursing through my body. I knew what I was going to say and I was terribly excited about it :]

I got up to where she was and put my bags down on the floor. This is pretty much how it all went:

Jolene: Hi!

Tarina: Hi! It's great to meet you!

Jolene: *takes out canvas bag and postcard* Would you please sign these for me?

Tarina: Absolutely!

Jolene: I just wanted to tell you how much you inspire me. You're aesthetic is incredibly unique and amazing, and as an aspiring artist, I am completely amazed.

Tarina: Thank you so much. That's the best compliment I could have received! What's your name? Would you like these personalized?

Jolene: Sure! It's Jolene. J-O-L-E-N-E

Tarina: You know.... Jolene... There IS a song...

Jolene: I know! People always say that!

Tarina: Well it's a great song, darling. Dolly is just amazing. I mean, anyone who has their own theme park must be special.

Jolene: Yeah, it's a great song... but I think I like the cover by the White Stripes better.

Tarina: That's great too!

Jolene: Could I get a picture with you please?

Tarina: Sure! *poses*

Jolene: Thank you so much! Can I have a hug?

Tarina: Absolutely! You're so cute! Good luck with everything!


And that was it.

I was SO happy that it went so well - she was a total sweetheart and so beautiful in person. Not to mention she has great taste in clothes... we were practically wearing the same thing lol! She will continue to inspire me and hopefully next time I'll bring the drawing that I did of her :]

And the song of the day is Impossible by the Shout Out Louds

xoxo