BBFW 2015 Review

This year marked the 10th year of Barbados Bridgetown Fashion Week and it was once time again for fashion lovers to gather and see the SS 16 collections of up and coming designers. I’m still basking in the glow of the collections that were featured on November 21st and 22nd. I have to admit the students of the Caribbean Market Center, D’Marsh Couture, the Barbados National Dress Project as well as the Yendor bag collection stole the spotlight for me as they produced some very outstanding collections, each with it’s own unique artistic voice.

Here are my favorite looks from the designers of both nights:

When I saw the Him by Mark Pierre, three words came to mind. All I think was punk, edgy and androgynous. This collection would be ideal for the man who loves to push the fashion boundaries.

As for the collection I Am Nyvek, let me just say that every woman present that night wanted at least one piece from this collection. There was great detail paid to these pieces and in my opinion the whole collection was clean and looked effortless.

 

D’Marsh Couture from the USA showcased both a men’s and women’s collection that both had a fun flamboyant side to them. The looks were polished but still a relaxed vibe.

The Barbados National Dress Project by Rodney Powers was themed Wear It With Pride and as the blue and yellow stripes came down the runway being a fellow Barbadian I felt extremely proud and I would love to cop the shift dress from this collection.

The showcase of the Yendor bag collection titled Body And Sole also by Rodney Powers peaked my interest as the bag were made using the leather of the black belly sheep, which is an animal indigenous to our country Barbados. The bags came in a wide variety with something for every taste level with clutches, chain strap, backpacks and other styles. My overall opinion was that they had a sophisticated look with great detail and craftsmanship.

 

*Photos have been edited for this post, original photos are from Muze Caribbean*

Click the link below to see all the collections that were featured.

Muze Caribbean

Fashion Fridays _ Overall Impressed

The Overalls Edition

Overalls are everywhere, you can get them in pants or dresses, long or short, even in colors and textiles other than blue denim. This look gives an simple effortless appearance that is not only comfortable but trendy as well. Once a wardrobe staple reserved for farmers during the depression era, hence dubbed the name “farmer browns”; they then later popped up throughout the history of fashion in the 60’s and 70’s with the hippie movement and then with rise of pop icons in the 80’s and 90’s. Nowadays, overalls are apart of modern day street style and when done right, you can look really superb and not like if you just walked off a farm.

Short Pants Overall

This look consists of: floral crop top, seaweed green overall and laced-up heeled booties.

Midi Dress Overall

This look consists of: white crop top, sage green midi dress overall and white converse.

Happy Fashion Friday my trendsetters.

The Scarfs For Summer Campaign

Hey there again my trendsetters, I know the title of this post probably will have some of you thinking “what!?!” some of you may even be already saying “this girl gone and lost her mind, talking about scarfs and summer in the same sentence!!!” I know, I know, summer is all about shedding away the layers of clothing and soaking up the sun, but as I was browsing through my closet I came across my collection of scarfs and the wheels began to turn in my head. I thought to myself that it was such a shame to keep these beauties tucked away; for sure scarfs can be used for more than just covering a pair of cold shoulders or for wearing during the colder months. I love scarfs, I think they are great accessories and simply amazing as they can be tied and styled in so many different ways.

Of all the many options available out there, I chose these chic ways to utilize scarfs which I found to be great for summer time.

Wear as a Head Tie

Summer was meant to be enjoyed to the fullest, minimize time spent on hair with a quick fix on a lazy day or for a bad hair day.

Accessorize A Hat

Add spunk to a simple hat.

Wear As A Halter Top

Because you never have enough halter tops during summer.

Wear As A Wrap

Who says swimsuit cover-ups have to be boring.

Hopes this gives you some inspiration to rock some scarves during this summer.

Until next time keep it cute and classy.

Fashion Fridays_Fantasic Florals

The Flower Edition

Happy Fashion Friday to all Trendsetters, hope all is well with you. Yesterday I posted a DIY tutorial “Rock It Yourself: Summer Florals” where I showed you how to make a floral headband and a floral bralette top. Today I’m going to give some inspiration on how you can incorporate these beautiful DIYs into your wardrobe. After all it’s summer, it’s time to have fun!

Floral Headband

This look consists of: Floral Headband, Circle Frames Shades, Custom Made White Top, Olive Maxi Skirt,Tan Belt and Tan Gladiator Sandals.

Floral Bralette Top

This look consists of: Floral Bralette Top, Aviator Shades, White Watch, White Cardigan, Denim Cutoffs, White Belt and White Converse.

Hope this has you Trendsetters thinking of some cool ideas.

Until next time.

Fashion Fridays _ Athleisure Trend

The Active Wear Edition

It’s Fashion Friday Trendsetters and today we’re keeping it cool, calm and collective. I’m going to show you how I rock the Athleisure Trend. It’s a playful fusion of athletic wear and regular fashion pieces, where you can express your personal style and still feel and look all dressed up without looking like your going to the gym. The key is to mix and match textures, patterns and use pops of color all the while keeping your look more leisure than athletic. Hey you can’t go wrong, its comfy and versatile.

Here are a few ensembles:

   Sometimes it’s good to show off a little bra…..

Sports Bra Options

Beware of leggings posing as tights, as they are unforgiving and the devil in disguise….

Workout Tights Options

When chic and comfort collide…..

Sneakers Options

Athleisure Trend

These are just a few options to get the wheels turning in your heads because I know that you Trendsetters can recreate this trend in so many other different ways. Side note, please ignore my “ let me show how strong I am ” facial expression ….. So until next time, remember it’s always style over fashion; style is who you are and fashion is what you buy.

Fashion Fridays _ Mommy Chic

The Fashionable Mothers Edition

Hey my lovely Trendsetters, it’s Fashion Friday and today I’ve written this post in dedication to all the wonderful, fashionably, inclined mothers out there. So without going any further I would like to wish all my Trendsetters that are mothers and those play a mother’s role a Happy Mother’s Day in advance. When we fashionistas think of the word mother, she is the woman that we’ve all asked for styling advice, borrowed clothing, chatted about the latest fashion craze and of course hit the stores for some retail therapy. Then when you become a mother, your realize it’s like an unspoken rule to become second fiddle to your children and now you have to juggle caring for them and still keeping your look together. As a new mother, it’s easy to see how some women become overwhelmed and find themselves in a rut and as the saying goes “let themselves go”; but you have to find a balance and think comfort yet chic while you quickly create your look on your busy schedule. It’s always good to give credit where credit is due, so I tip my hat to all the mothers who manage to always look effortlessly chic when stepping out.

Here are a few of my fashionable mother looks…….

A casual day for some shopping….

In this photo: a african print shorts, white shirt, red jacket and a pair of white converse

Ideal for grabbing a quick-lunch…..

In this photo: a sun dress, a pair of khaki lace canvas shoes and a fedora hat

Great for a dinner date……

In this photo: a navy blue and khaki zig-zag shift dress and a pair of khaki strap heels

A social gathering never hurts….

In this photo: a black v-neck top, black and white geometric shape pants and a black pair of ankle booties.

Mommy Chic 

Cheers to the great weekend and I hope all your Mother’s Day plans are set.

so until next post, enjoy!

Fashion Fridays _ 1 Shirt, 4 Ways

The Short-Sleeved Denim Edition

Hey my Trendsetters, it’s Fashion Friday and today I want to show you the versatility of the short-sleeved denim shirt, by wearing it casual, tied, lose, or smart which can either dress down or up your outfit. The trick to achieving this is simple, be selective when shopping for that key piece that would be the core, that meaning, it could be worn many times and can be successfully paired up with other pieces in your wardrobe. Hey, they’re your clothes after all, so why shouldn’t you wear them more than once.

Now let’s get down to the matter at hand; here’s how I creatively styled and rocked my denim short-sleeved shirt in four different ways……

Casual

In this photo: Denim short-sleeved shirt paired with a romper, belt and a pair of Converse for a casual look.

Loose Fit

In this photo: Denim short-sleeved shirt worn buttoned down and paired a lighter shade denim jeans, a straw fedora hat and a pair of Kenneth Cole canvas shoes

Tied 

In this photo: Denim short-sleeved shirt buttoned down half way then tied in a knot, then it is paired with a pencil skirt, sandals and sunglasses.

Smart

In this photo: Denim short-sleeved shirt is smartly used as a head wrap to help pull together the look.

The possibilities are well, …..endless, there as so many other ways to wear this shirt. So I hope this encourages you to go through your wardrobe and create some new looks. Until next time, keep it chic and classy.

Valentine’s Day Outfits For The Hooked, Hitched or Free

Some people get wild and giddy each year when Valentine’s Day comes around and other for various reasons cringe at the idea. But the bottom line is my trendsetters is that we all like to look our best no matter our relationship status, whether it be hooked, hitched or free. So here’s some outfit inspiration for date night on Valentine’s Day……

For my ladies with a significant other, it doesn’t matter if you will be going on a first date or if you’re going out with your longtime love, the goal is to keep your date’s eyes on you and keep him close all night long. Take your pick for a date night that includes a fancy romantic dinner with a lush setting or maybe you just want to catch a romance comedy at the movies and then dinner or drinks……..

For my single ladies you don’t have to stay home, it’s a great opportunity for a Girl’s Night Out with the squad and either treat yourselves with a nice dinner date or party the night away. Gather up all your single friends on valentine’s day and celebrate the love of friendship ……

So if you’re hooked, hitched or free, let’s go out and celebrate love no matter what.

Happy Valentine Day My Trendsetters

My Top 5 Spring/Summer Trends

For some of my readers I know it’s still freezing outside, but lucky for me I’m in Barbados soaking up the sunshine (sorry didn’t mean to rub it in). However, due to this weather I’m totally excited and looking forward for the fashion for spring/summer 2015 to hit the stores as some stores are already trying to get rid of their winter stock to make room. Based on what was seen on the catwalks across the fashion weeks from the major fashion capitals five main trends were very prominent among the designs. So I decided to give you trendsetters a heads up about what will be hot this season so you’ll know what pieces you should be looking for to add to and what to keep in your wardrobe before you hit the stores and become overwhelmed. Fortunately, some of the trends from spring/summer 2014 will be still fashionable this year, like florals, sheer, crop tops and the 70’s influence. So, without further ado, here is a look at the top 5 spring/summer fashion trends that you’re gonna want to get your hands on in 2015:

Top 5  Spring/Summer Trends 

Florals

I know you must be thinking “Florals? For spring?  That’s very groundbreaking.” Well, we all just have to accept that florals are here to stay, just like peanut butter is always affiliated with jelly, it would be awkward to go through the season without this staple.

Sheer

Designers seemed to be in loved with how they can play with sensuality and still make it sophisticated. This trend seems like it never going away either, come on we must admit that we like the idea that it make us feel like we’re wearing nothing. However, remember to keep it chic, an opt more for sheer panels instead of head to toe all over sheer.

Gingham

Notoriously affiliated with tablecloths, this print is in for a comeback that will best any picnic tablecloth. Whether blown up or shrunk down in size it gives a retro and vintage feel.

Bohemian

Put on your flowers headbands because the hippies are coming to town, well, the Retro-Fab ones from the 70’s I mean. The new “boho” look for spring 2015 includes flowing Bohemian inspired prints, trapeze dresses, tie-dyes and lots of colour.

Crop Tops

The “Red Carpet Gown” is getting a run for it’s money as more fashionistas are preferring to pair a crop top with lady-like skirts or well-tailored trousers giving just a subtle peek of midriff skin.

Hope this helps my Trendsetters, Happy Shopping

Happy New Year

There is nothing like a fresh calendar year….. a brand new 365 days  

This is not another “New Year, New Me” post because we all know that most of the times we end up setting goals that we somehow manage to not complete most of them by year-end anyways….. le sigh. Instead this is just a short post from me to you hoping all of you enjoyed your holidays and had a blast ringing in the new year. I can’t believe the holidays are basically over already, but on the brighter side 2015 has so much in store.  With that being said, let’s not rob ourselves of happiness by rushing through 2015 trying to fulfill lifetime goals in a year’s time but rather live one day at a time and enjoy the moments while we work our way closer to becoming a better version of ourselves.  So, let’s set our eyes to the horizon and look towards the fashionable future.

Happy New Year to all my trendsetters and may 2015 bring you and your family good health and a lot of happiness!