Living on solid ground

It's been along while since I have posted, or even been active on social media apart from on Twitter (are you following me? If you lurve God, luxury fashion - I talk a load about that, black business within the UK? - I talk a lot about that and lingerie crisis ? (I suffer with being a size UK12 except God anointed my cup to runneth "plus size") - I blast on the chance the subject comes up ^_^

But back to apologising for not being active - I've been going through some things. At 24 I'm still observing low-key madness with acquaintances overstepping their mark, mean-girl movie style backstabbing attempts, confidence (we'll get to that in this post) and honestly a broken iPhone camera haha.

The older I become, the more I evaluate and observe the people around me; growing up I've watched my mother keep so call friends around because they 'grew up on the estate, mothers got their hair did on the Saturday, went to school blah blah blah' and I'd be damned if I followed such a practise in the matter of quantity over quality.

There has been an instance this year where I have had to ask myself when releasing myself from some people 'am I the problem?' and God revealed simply; 'You are enough'. 

Gosh I love having Abba on my side. 

The world as a homegirl says 'is truly going mad' and will have you thinking that you are a problem but really and truly you as a person are enough when you are :

Truthful - to a situation 

Honest - to your peace

Forgiving - to the world you are in and surround yourself in

Knowing who you are in Christ will have you walk differently (blessed), talk differently (blessed) which will be received by many (including frenemies) as 'over the top', 'assertive', 'ignorant' and sometimes 'arrogant' .

You ever notice somebody finds a problem when you publicly dedicate literally every small and big victory to God but are chilled when you thank the universe? 

A prime example of the world, going, absolutely mad.

This honestly lead me to low-key not post myself on the gram, go out with a group of my girls etc etc. I was afraid of the image I would put myself on not correlating with the feelings I was experiencing with presently , carrying on day after day at the view of the world (people that claim to know me) at a higher authority than my own, immaculate creator.

You see, God is who I call - the Picasso of Picasso's. Who cannot tell me nothing about his work of art. So why do we look at the poison in Instagram likes?

On Christ the solid rock I (and you) will stand / On other ground (Instagram / Twitter / workplace with co-workers who befriend you simply out of the four walls you share your 8hour shift) is sinking sand.

So I share my latest upload, something that I took (obviously at a wedding haha) that I was well pleased to see capture my million dollar smile from an angle ;) 

  

At the Centre | OOTD

This is something quite new for me, opening speaking about my faith but as I see; my blog over the years really just shares my experiences and reflects on new things.

Be it observing the how the industry that i have studied/ work in is evolving for the better / worse or simply sharing something I learnt personally whilst attending something major and central to the stage of life that i’m at.

Marriage has been a hot topic amongst my circle recently, it’s so weird because I’m only 23, Olivia-Zara YOU ARE ONLY 23 !

My older cousins at the age 23 were only worrying about the latest hairstyle they’re gonna do for their 3 day weekend long raving extravaganza.

Nowadays with the help of social media like Instagram, weddings are happening every other day (I once went to 3 within one day), and:

• When is it your turn 

• Ooo, I loved her facebeat 

• The decor/food wasn’t enough 

• Did you notice so and so wasn’t there ? *inserts conspiracy evaluation*  

Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t hang out with judgemental people (well- I appear dismissive but when appropriate), but what I just frown upon is how caught up one may be around the importance of the ceremonial activities.

Which prompted me to write this post (and slide in my my featured traditional wedding pose picture). I went along to a wedding as a guest of my sister-in-Christ with her school friend from wheyyy-back (add the south london accent). Mind you, I did not know the couple, but I connected with them through joy because of what they represented.

Jesus, not only do they represent him, but the action of proceeding together in the ministry of marriage represents the love of Jesus at the very core. This was just marvellous to witness, and fulfilling in the sense that such a young couple displayed this in such beauty. I come from a family where marriage is truly seen in 2 spectrum - an achievement or an imaginary fairytale . It’s amazing how society sprinkles a little bit of sugar of social media topped with Instagram icing (the heavier, the better) can really cloud one’s judgement of what love has to do with marriage and that marriage is after the wedding day.

This was just comforting to experience as you know, Londoners may get lost in the wedding fiasco sauce but mediating on Ephesians 5:21-33 and witnessing the face value of that union being established a few weeks back gave me peace, reassurance , I say, a great overall reminder.

Dress : Missguided

x

London Fashion Week SS18

So who has had a peep at my September video ?

NYFW has little run passed me as quick as the blink of an eye however with the return of Tom Ford to NYFW,  I am reminded yet again in a fresh and slick manner, a tuxedo is an important investment in ones wardrobe (worn together or as separate). Romance is younger and fresh floral gardens (as seen throughout Brock Collection) is an attitude I will most probably start practising loosely before I truly adopt by May and Mr Kors has now highlighted how important a good piece of swimwear is for your wardrobe - no excuses !

Can you imagine October is next door ? Mind you, I always say, ' Can you imagine ?' but Guys!!! Octoberrrr, as in numero 10, as in Christmas is in 2 months, I'm 24 in less than 15 weeks (Jesus steer the wheel at 20MPH please)

September has been truly a month of new experiences, some that has me hyperventilating but also miniature breakdowns but only for a moment though ;). What I love about LFW is truly the buzz around the social scene. I always say that I am completely fine with observing though social media platforms like insta stories /snapchat and twitter however, just to be vybing and connecting with the social and creative scenery within the most diverse and interesting fashion capitals is just such an amazing opportunities. 

Hopefully I will upload a snippet of my time at Rohmir SS18, which (need I have to mention the obvious) was such an amazing and exciting show ! But meanwhile, would love to connect with you guys more on twitter (I've become a little more chatty nowadays there ;) !

Back home I go, to film then eat #bookedandbusy #LFW17 pic.twitter.com/yj7qv1J35H

— Olivia-Zara (@_oliviazara) September 17, 2017

Wedding Wednesday's | OOTD

It's been a very long time since I have done a really cute OOTD post so I thought to actually share the details with you all.

 

Second wedding of the year and I I've noticed that my body really has been changing a lot since I have stopped eating meat (Ima pescatarian now ^_^ ) and I have been exercising a lot lately. Since the last wedding I went too, my confidence has truly become bad and boujee hence why you see me in practically all white for this wedding hahaa ! 

What do you think about wearing white to a wedding ? Mind you, I wore it because I knew the bride to be was not wearing white ;) . So I wouldn't have been so bold for it to be worn if it was a close friend of mine ^_^

Dress: Boohoo

Shoes : Zara (old) 

x

From Selfie to Self-Expression

As a child/student of fine art and criticising art for majority of my student life, I never aligned classical portraits with characteristics like vanity. Comparing to classical portraits dating back from the late 1400s with today's "selfie" with technology, you can clear see that the denomination of self-control takes place as clearly now as back then !

It's amazing how traditional method's within practicing art is still used in modern society but through different mediums. I did not do any research before entering the exhibition so I was pleased to see a wide range from my traditional favourites like Van Gogh, Cézanne and Frida Kahlo.

I encourage you all to visit (Ending July 23) and experience a rich exploration of the journey of self- portraiture.

Hi YouTube !

Hi Guys! It's currently bank holiday weekend over in London so everyone is pretty chilled towards the end of May. I wish I could say May was a pretty relaxed month but it has been filled with wondrous activities, opportunities and a few hardcore sessions of editing birthing my first ever YouTube video !

Yes, I am on YouTube ^_^

I have always loved editing but I felt so comfortable behind the camera and playing about with editing software at university and college. But speaking with my girls from The Body Studio at Selfridges (we all no longer work there but we still identity ourselves as that), they always persuaded me to upload a stream of vlogs, create video content to tie in with my blog and add some more personality. I never felt like I would belong on YouTube but after some great ides, brainstorming and a sunny morning in London, i filmed my first with Jonathan , hopefully I will be sharing new video content about my experience with LCF, Fashion PR, tips and university life about twice a month (every other week) ! I hope you will enjoy this extended version of me and do feel free to share any topics that you would want me to film.

Genesis 15:6 

      And he believed in the Lord, and he counted it to him for righteousness.

x

Longer days and warmer nights

Happy Spring! I just thought I’d share a really cute OOTD fit from Mother’s Day. In the UK, we celebrate on the last Sunday of the month of March.

 So spring has come and I have tilted my head over to the Zara mid-season sale site, haven’t purchased anything as of yet, but that silk flower print kimono that Shirley posted sometime this month got me thinking lol. For this transitional period though, blush pinks, creams and nudes along with a cool denim (yay for tucking the dark denim back into the winter file to not be seen until September!) are my go to palette for me.

Sleeveless turtleneck top - REISS
Jeans - TOPSHOP (JONI)
Shoes - CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN So Kate

What go to colours are hiding in your palette ?

 Also during this past weekend, I attended my first wedding of 2017. I haven’t been to a wedding in 2 years! The occasion was so beautiful and intimate, a first for me. Imagine, I had around 2 weeks to actually find an outfit for the occasion and seeing as I’m so conscious of my body, can you just imagine the slight panic going through my head?

Shout-out to my home girl Bernie! She hooked me up with her aunt from Fantascreation whose designs have featured on many cool Ankara / kente bespoke tailoring Instagram pages including bellanaijaweddings and idoghana! Within 2 weeks (more like 5 days) me, a Caribbean, learnt a thing or two about buying lace material and how to differentiate kente (it was low-key a headache lol).  But I loved my outfit!

Bespoke dress - Fantas Creation
Shoes - Christian Louboutin So Kate

A satin-rose off shouldered high-low dress with gold lace applique and orange beading.

And the slay for the weekend:

  

Sunday and Saturday

This is like my go-to basic necessities whenever I'm pulling out a look ;)

Foundation: A mixture of Dior So Nude and YSL -Concealer: LA Girl set with Sacha Banana Powder

Setting Powder: Mac Mineralizer -Bronzer: The Body Shop

Highlighter: MUA at Superdrug -Eyebrows: Sleek eyebrow kit

Eyeshadow: Morphe 360 palette with Barry M loose glitter in Rose Gold -Eyelashes: Liza Lush

Lips: NYX chestnut eyeliner with Tom Ford Nude


x

A year later

Although time seems to fly, it never travels faster than one day at a time. Each day is a new opportunity to live your life to the fullest. In each waking day, you will find scores of blessings and opportunities for positive change. (Unknown, 2015)

It’s coming to an end of the first part of graduation season and I am so happy to be celebrating such successes (shout out to Yashi and Naomi)! I can’t help but spend a little time reflecting back on last year, in that heavy gown walking across the stage and hearing my niece shout out ‘That’s my aunty’ but still praying that I would not drop in my Louboutin ‘So Kates’.

During my ‘A year later’ chapter, I feel like I have grown so much in many ways. I have cried about being rejected, but have also learnt about not letting the word ‘no’ get to you. After many trials and tribulations I have landed my dream job, I've also launched a new project! I have also discovered the beauty living life in the moment and investing in myself. This is something that I have never been comfortable with but I have found it is key in preserving ones mental and physical health.

Just sharing another picture ^_^

P.S – Congratulations to all of you new graduates! Don’t be stressed about the unknown future or become disheartened when your plan does not work out accordingly; should you need any advice or help; drop me an email I have a fair amount of experience to share.

x

Mademoiselle Prive

Chanel returned to the halls of the Saatchi Gallery during October with an installation set over three floors bringing to life the spirit and charm of the brands legends; Mademoiselle Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld. 

 

There were many of elements within this exhibition, it was not the type where you travelled through various corridors / up a couple of steps and take a few cute selfies. The installation gave you a chance to immerse yourself in some of Chanel’s most iconic creations, a focus of the haute couture, the 1932 Bijoux de Diamants high-jewellery collection and the Chanel No 5 fragrance. But Chanel's approach via an exhibition installation, struck me in a very cool and thoughtful way. 

A unique element of this exhibition for me was the mobile application, where visitors got to journey through the creativity of the brand in an interactive way through their Bluetooth. As you can see from the above, when the phone moved over an element of the room, the interactive session began. It was so cool ( I really want to say ' simply magical' but maybe that's a bit too much lol), you could hold the phone up at part of the exhibition and your phone/tablet change into an interactive description of graphic message relating to the brand and the purpose of the exhibition. Having this option allows much more visual freedom within the space of the exhibition. Sometimes I find it slightly annoying when you have 1/3 of the dissertation description right next to the beautiful picture that deserves to be honest though; text with our can be tricky for me to digest.

 

I attended to the workshops on the Wednesday, with my friend Jonathan and they were such beautiful experiences. The first one was there CHANEL N°5, Olfactive workshop way we had the opportunity to see and experience the key ingredients to the world famous and best seller, the CHANEL N°5; as well as discover the vision and creation of CHANEL N°5, from Ernest Beaux, the first house perfumer, to Jacques Polge. 

Who knew I would engage in conversation with a group of people about ' the art of wearing of wearing fragrance'? We all agreed it was best to:

a) put it where ever you want to be 'kissed'

b) spray around 6" away from the skin and let it 'sit' 

c) DO not rub

The final workshop of the day was at the Lesage, embroiderer;  where we were able to participate in creating embroidery pieces in a similar fashion to how it would be done in the savoir-faire at haute couture. This happened to be our most favourite workshop simply because of our determination to produce great 'masterpieces'. We had the same blank canvas to start with and build upon, but due to our different taste we produced very different pieces; mine resulted very traditional, whilst Jonathan's sparked elements of the dark side of Chanel.

 

“Which exhibition have you preferred most (which was better)”, I feel bad if I tried to come up with a direct answer in general because designer and exhibition activities are all beautiful within there own right, especially with a brand with such strong heritage. The Hermes Wanderland (not on this platform but do check my portfolio) was full of fun, energy through interaction (within certain rooms) and reduced me to my childhood in a luxury world; The tiffany exhibition initially geared me up to experience the love of and within the brand, but I then learned and appreciated the connotations aligned with the brand, reminiscing on the beauty of New York City. Series 3 brought me back to my final major project, in terms of the element they had within the exhibition where there was a member of its’ atelier re-making one of the bags (anatomy of the bag always melts hearts ) and Mademoiselle Prive was just ‘on fire’ with the technological elements installed as well as the workshop activities allowing followers of the brand to live life with Chanel for around 60mins.

How on earth can I answer simply yes/no create a list? Fashion and technology is a topic that many people within industry are discussing in great detail and exploring more and more and it excites me! So that is what grabbed me at Mademoiselle Prive.

I hope you enjoy the photo diary, a few more are here!! ^_^

x

FIFTH & 57TH

 

Attending the Tiffany exhibition made me think about why I am a consumer of the brand. For me, the objective of an exhibition is to educate the consumer about the artist (/brand) and their art (/brand core value/craft / creativity).  I find that thoughts around luxury brands are similar to visiting the opera for the first time; you either love it or simply appreciate it (Pretty Woman quote ^_^).  So I had to visit my subconscious self, do I truly love the brand or am I fond of the brand? Hmmm

To start off, most of my jewellery is actually from Tiffany&Co, from my first ever set of earrings as a baby, to a few pendants on special birthday celebrations and my promise ring which I wear every day (seriously, ask a friend of mine how different or frantic I act when I don’t have it on/ feel like I’ve lost it). So I guess a connection with Tiffany&Co is somewhat dear to my heart because the brand has played importance materially throughout many milestone moments in my life.

But when I was just talking to people, of course the movie; Breakfast at Tiffany’s may be the very reason why most women of today who place the late Audrey Hepburn as their role model identify with the brand. The associations with the brand from that movie will stick with a viewer from the very first time they see it until the day they tell their grandchild the storyline of the movie.

Then there is the engagement aspect, I remember when I was a little girl, my mother once showed me the price of a Tiffany engagement ring, and highlighted the woman’s worth around the topic of engagement rings (Can you believe I was only about 8, why would my mother be hosting a conversation about this lol).

Also who remembers My Wife & Kids on Trouble ? Remember when Jay thought that Michael bought her something special because Junior said he saw a blue box in his bag? AUTO-MATI-CALLY she thought she knew what it was and creatED a scenery within her head; a scenery which would have been created, by the visual content held by the romanticism around the Tiffany brand, from the famous shade of blue to other aspects of the brand.

Going to the exhibition, I honestly thought this is what I would see. I didn’t read much into the coverage around the launch and I briefly passed the new concession to clean my pieces and that was that. What I loved foremost about the exhibition was it’s inconspicuous location. Though clearly signed, you wouldn't have noticed unless you were truly looking for it. Upon arrival, you meet a mock up of the metro exit that most people would take when getting to 5^th Ave in New York. I chuckled initially simply because it was the 5 and R train that ran to 5^th Ave, closest to Tiffany & Co. on 57^th Street, but when I was working in New York last year, in order for me to get to 5^th Ave, I always ended up taking a 2 train and then picking up a 4. *Just a little reminiscing point lol *

 

Afterwards I headed straight to sit down and view a little screening about Tiffany&Co. and the New York minute. A phrase that I quickly adopted whilst out in NYC, and fully understand the hood meaning by ‘I haven’t seen you in a minute’.  New Yorkers really measure time by moments taken, instead of the usual British literally counting 60 seconds.

There were in total, 6 sections of the exhibition;

The Love Bench

The New York minute

Pretzel and Coffee

Fifth & 57^th

Tiffany& Co. / Master Engraver

Charlie’s Bar

These segments really do make up the beauty of the brand, I was glad to not have seen Audrey Hepburn to be very honest, though she is a beautiful figure within history, her legacy should not only be restricted to her affiliation with Breakfast at Tiffany, as well as the brand.

It’s all about NEW YORK, a place surrounded but beautiful past experiences and celebrated within the new, jazz as an eternal genre, the idea of craftsmanship by hand as well as machine, the Pretzel and Coffee Carts that will refuse to offer payments by card just so you don’t forget what a 5$ bill looks or feels like and appreciates more than any gourmet Starbucks.

Maybe what pushed me to go to this exhibition was the fact that Tiffany &Co is a brand (like many others) that has travelled with me throughout my life thus far. What made me love the exhibition were its bold visuals highlighting the connection with New York City, which I dearly miss.

It was so funny actually, I remember taking this picture after heading out of Niketown and turning on the corner where Tiffany is last year during my placement.

To read my experience at the Tiffany exhibition, click here #selfridgesXtiffany