MY STYLE: Tetris (Black and White)

Being glamorous is about strength and confidence. It’s black and white—dramatic! You have to be strong—Catherine Zeta-Jones

My love for big, full, flare, midi or maxi skirts is growing at a speed that I seemingly cannot control. Thanks to my amazing seamstress who never grows tired of making these skirts for me, this high-low black and white maxi skirt is newest piece in my collection.

A few posts ago, I mentioned that I received invites to a few Christmas functions and I found that rather odd because rarely am I invited anywhere....maybe because I'm such a home body, but one of my department's partners extended an invitation to their annual Christmas party and this is what I wore.  I named the post Tetris because that's what the pattern reminds me of. You know that game right? On long haul flights, I love playing Tetris on my iPad.

Now, let's focus a little on the opening quote, especially the first line "Being glamorous is about strength and confidence" because it truly is. You could have the most amazing outfit, a face that's beat to the heavenlies, and a hairstyle that only a true master stylist could create, but if you're not bold, strong and confident, that insecurity will shout a whole lot louder than your banging outfit. In this life, you HAVE to be strong to survive. There are no two ways about it.

Photographed by: Cortez Vernon

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2015 Holiday Lookbook- Style 2

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas- Calvin Coolidge

Hi loves, apologies for the absence of posts last week but what a week it was. Bridal shower, work, staff lunches, Christmas parties etc.....and, it's Monday AGAIN *sigh*.

This second look from my holiday lookbook is more for the casual to not-so-casual Christmas dinner or other event, it's not overly dressy neither is it completely dressed down. I've been doing some closet scouring lately and realised that I hadn't yet worn this jumpsuit which I purchased well over 6 months ago. Actually, I'd venture to say that I purchased it at least a year ago but never wore it or even remembered that I bought it. I promise that I'll do better in the new year. I have wayyyyyyy too much clothes. 

What I love most about this jumpsuit is the intricate lace detail over the light beige lining. The lining adds such depth and dimension, almost creating the illusion of a 3d look. The downside to wearing a jumpsuit is when it's time for a bio break. Uh! Just the thought of having to undo the outfit totally discourages me from taking that break.

On another note, Christmas is drawing nearer and nearer by the second. What are your plans?

Photographed by: Scott Swing

Outfit Details::

Jumpsuit (local boutique)- Similar here

Blazer- H&M

Heels- Lulu's

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2015 Holiday Lookbook- Style 1

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all year- Charles Dickens

Happy Monday loves!! It's almost Christmas! Yes, I jumped right over Thanksgiving to Christmas. I loovvveee Christmas. It is my favourite season for so many different reasons. 

I've never done this before but this year I decided to create a holiday lookbook for all those upcoming festivities. I've already received a few party invites which is rather unusual but hey, why not?! 

Style 1 is a dress I bought from Team Wardrobe a few months back. I bought it in red and white and  knew that I would style the red one for Christmas. There's just something about red that is synonymous with Christmas. I'd never ordered from this site prior to purchasing these two dresses but was quite impressed with quick delivery to a Caribbean island and the quality of the fabric. 

Photographed by Cortez Vernon

Outfit Details::

Dress in black & white

Heels- Old

Necklace- ALDO Accessories

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MY STYLE: Le Bleu

Hey loves! It seems as if I've been wearing a lot of blue lately but I promise you it's unintentional. I bought this maxi peplum a little while ago but hadn't worn it or even figured what to pair it with. It just sat in the closet longing to be worn. These pants have however been worn numerous times and have appeared in several posts (seen here and here). Because I'm always rushing, I didn't have time to properly prepare this outfit but figured these pants would have complimented the peplum nicely. mixing shades & hues of blue often work out right? In an upcoming post, I will be sure to share how I maximize shooting for style posts.

 Photographed by: Cortez Vernon

Outfit details::

Top- Similar here

Pants- Old

Shoes- ALDO

Sunnies- Tom Ford

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Dreams Do Come 'True'- Allure Fashion Weekend 2015

Making it happen, it’s just something you gotta do- Auliq Ice

 I am ECSTATIC to introduce, #OliviaBDesigns to you and the rest of the world. Dreams really do come true and all you have to do is something, anything--just make it happen. 

For years and years I've envisioned myself with a label, an internationally recognized and respected label, but how was that going to happen if all I did was envision it and not do something about that dream?

Allure Fashion Weekend, a LimeLite Entertainment Production created a platform, THE platform I needed to showcase my designs to the island and the rest of the world. Was I nervous? YES! Was I unsure? YES! Was I hesitant? YES! Was it that I wasn't confident in my creative abilities? No, I was nervous, unsure and hesitant because I was going 'up against' other established designers; designers who had already shown their work on international stages around the globe. 

Were there hiccups in my designs? YES! Was everything last minute? YES! Was I filled with every type of mixed emotion there was? YES! Was I fearful? YES, but the only way that I would overcome these feelings was by going, by doing, by leaping....and I did! Despite all of the uncertainty, I took a huge leap of faith and jumped on the opportunity to showcase myself and my designs to the world. Was it rewarding?? Oh heck YES!!

Self-confidence and self-courage are your greatest strengths- Lailah Gifty Akita

Fashion Weekend kicked off on Saturday, 7 November 2015 on the roof-top of one of Cayman's luxury beach resorts- the Grand Cayman Beach Suites and was hosted by actor and model, Tyson Beckford and local model and TV personality Monica Walton. The runway show featured international designers including BCBG MAXAZARIA, Yumi Katsura, Trefle Designs, Carlton Jones Collections, Planet Zero and local designers YNC, Isy B. and me, Olivia B.

The positive feedback from everyone has been overwhelming, so much that I'm still receiving compliments and even orders for my pieces. How crazy is that?  I'm still in disbelief that this happened.

For anyone to believe in you, first you have to believe in yourself. Failure is only failure if you do not try.

Did you like any of these pieces? Which one(s) was your favourite?

More buzz on the show:
Isle Style Fashion
Cayman Compass
BTETV
The Cayman Reporter

Allure Fashion Weekend showcases up-and-coming designers along with seasoned individuals, ready and raring to gain international exposure. The mission at Allure Cayman is to celebrate, showcase and inspire international and local style minds, whilst highlighting Cayman as an emerging fashion capital. #AllureCayman is about changing the landscape of fashion in the Caribbean. (Be sure to check them out on Instagram and Facebook)

Photography by:

Cortez Vernon- Vernon Photography

Conrad Mathison- Its Pixel Perfect

Kenroy Lumsden

Makeup & Hair by:

Makeup- Stephanie Ford-Ramoon

Makeup- Me- Olivia B

Rock Gorgeous Hair

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Travel: Wanderlust Wardrobe

Surely you've heard the line, "Not all who wander are lost" from a poem written for Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, and if you've been following this blog or my Instagram for some time, you would know that I am quite the traveler, roamer, wanderer, wanderlust, globe-trotter or whatever frequent travelers are called. From time to time, I will share snippets of my worldwide travels on this blog but majority on my posts are shared on Instagram. Because of my frequent travel posts,  I was challenged by Betabrand to share my wanderlust wardrobe, basically functional outfits I would wear for the long days and nights spent globe-trotting, many of which I consider wardrobe staples--every woman's must have. Betabrand focuses on comfortable, yet stylish clothing. Check out their women's pants that are all pretty travel-focused. They look great, but feel even better! 

The City Traveler

I created this collage for the city traveler and funnily enough, it includes a pair of sneakers, a wardrobe staple that isn't necessarily a staple for me. C'mon, I'm a heels kinda gal but I've recently added 3 pairs of sneakers to my wardrobe though. For me, wearing comfy, loose-fitting clothing while travelling is key. It is paramount because the last thing you want is to feel confined/ restricted in the already confined space of an airplane, train or car. Walking the long airport halls or standing in immigration and security lines can be tough on the feet, back and body over all so I would always recommend wearing a good, comfy pair of sneakers.

The Island Traveler

This Island Traveler outfit is definitely a combination I would wear while traveling. I'm the traveler who wears sandals on travel days because I cannot be fussed to take off my sneakers (or other closed-toe) shoes to go through security. Some airports allow travelers to wear their sandals through the scanners and others don't but I much prefer to wear sandals. Over the past 6-8 months of traveling, I always ensure that I have a scarf. Some airplanes have teeth-clattering temps and cozy scarves always add comfort,warmth to the flights and a stylish element to your entire ensemble.

The Modern Chic Traveler

Here again, the Modern Chic Traveler will more than likely wear a comfortable pair of sneakers, (distressed) denim, a light-weight top like a chambray blouse, boyfriend shirt or cotton-blend top and of course, a scarf. Travel days should be no-fuss, chic and comfortable and what better way is there to achieve this than with double denim, comfortable shoes and a plaid scarf.

For more looks, visit my page on Polyvore

Betabrand is an online clothing community, based in San Francisco. We design, manufacture, and release new products nonstop. Brand-new ideas spring to life on our site everyday. Our fans co-design and crowdfund into existence in a matter of weeks.

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MY STYLE: You Bleu Me Away

The purest and most thoughtful minds are those which love color the most- John Ruskin

If you've been following this blog for some time then you'll know that I love colour. I am not a single colour kinda lady. I love colour. I am not afraid to wear colour. Colour speaks to moods and feelings and represents so many different things. Blue is nature's colour for water and sky (representing coolness) but rarely found in fruits in vegetables. Blue is the colour of peace and peace begins with a smile, so for me, blue in its various shades and hues will always be a wardrobe favourite.

I mentioned in a previous post that my seamstress returned to island so I am one happy lil camper again. I popped in to my local fabric store for a completely different reason which I will discuss in the next post, and saw this stunning Ankara print. There was NO WAY I was gonna bypass this fabric; absolutely no way. As I saw it, I knew that I wanted a full 360 box-pleat, maxi skirt and that is exactly what I went for. Since taking these pics, I've adjusted the length because I went a little overboard, forgetting my height, even in heels :(

Photographed by Cortez Vernon

Outfit Details::

Crop top- Local boutique

Skirt: Custom-made (OliviaBDesigns)

Accessories- Local boutique

Clutch- Old

Sunnies- Tom Ford

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MY STYLE: Mid-week Stripes

Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough- Oprah Winfrey 

While everyone in blogosphere has been killing me with their beautiful style posts in colourful Fall leaves, cozy knits and knee-high boots, I on the other hand have been trying to stay as cool as possible and living in light-weight pieces. This airy, mid-week outfit is  perfect for Sunday brunch by the sea, cocktails by the sea or even a quick meet up with other fashionable girlfriends.

On a more positive and happier note, it is the season of bright lights, family-time, lots of food, presents, SALES, Hallmark movies and lots more. I LOVE this time of year.

Photographed by Cortez Vernon

Outfit Details::

Hat- Panama Hats

Top- Local Boutique

Pants- Old

Heels- Steve Madden

Sunnies- ZeroUV

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