2017: Where Have I been? Let's Catch up

*Big Sigh*
My people. Happy New Year o!!

I have been working. Yes! No preamble.

I had to stop blogging. I used to write for happenings.com.ng, until I got a job with Xollus.com, an online store recently launched in Lagos.
As it is with startups, I threw myself 100 into the job. I didn't have time to blog anymore, I needed to give it my all. Xollus had an awesome dream, I was proud to be a part of it. I couldn't wait to see it kick off. It's launched now, I couldn't be happier.

Does This Mean I have Stopped Blogging? No & Yes.
I still intend to pursue a career in fashion in the near future, but I honestly don't have the time to attend events and give you as much information as I'd like to. Blogging is a full time job, and I already have a full time job. I do however intend to update my blog weekly come 2018- which is tomorrow. I'll talk about my outfits, new finds, fashion things I love. This blog will be my getaway from the chaos that is my life now.

Am I still interested in Fashion? 
 I love fashion, with all my heart, but I learned a programming language called C/C++ recently, and the journey to computer programming pretty much took up all my time and gave me a good ass whooping. I'd fail, I'd try again, go through all 5 stages of grief, pick myself up, try again.... Gosh!!! It's been real. I look forward to the day the knowledge I have gained in Programming will meet my passion for fashion. That is the goal.

What To Expect? 
A new website, A new URL, a new name. I intend to overhaul Hi Fashion Online. I intend to launch with a new name that's says a lot about my personality. Yes, I know I'll have to start from scratch again, but I look forward to it. It's all growth.

To those who'd read this and actually look forward to reading more from me, I won't fail you. Thanks for believing in me and hanging in there. 2018 is definitely going to be a great year. I know this in my heart.

Happy new year guys.

Who likes my new haircut by the way? Details in the next post




 

Top 5 must see looks at the Emmy awards

The Emmy awards last night hosted A-list Hollywood stars on the red carpet, today,I am bringing you my bests looks of the evening. There are so many red carpet events yearly and the fashion could get boring and repetitive. Here are some looks that made the Emmy red carpet worthwhile.

1) Kerry Washington in Brandon Maxwell

The baby bump has never looked more gorgeous. This right here is how to show skin in moderation. She's on top my must-see list in this black cut-out number by Brandon Maxwell. The cuts hit the right places, the hair is casual enough to throw in an elegant air of nonchalance. I love everything about this look

2) Priyanka Chopra in Jason Wu

When in doubt, wear red! Priyanka looks amazing in this mono strap ruched Grecian-inspired maxi. The hair, the makeup, the fit- it's perfect. At first, it looks like regular Hollywood glam, but sometimes mostimes, the wearer makes the dress more stunning.

3) Sarah Hyland in Monique Lhuillier

I love a girl in pants any day. This look is tricky to pull off and could come off looking really tacky or underdressed but Sarah Hyland killed the look. It's simple with a touch of glam but very comfortable and chic nonetheless. This look wins on all counts- Hair, makeup, and pose.

4) Olivia Culpo in Zap Posen

Floor length dresses might be your go-to ensemble for the red carpet, but Olivia rocked this ankle length Zac Posen number with the grace of a fashion icon. This is something Audrey Hepburn will wear and slay. The nude underlay, the organza details and the length of this dress makes it a winner any day.

5) Ariel Winter in Yousef Al Jasmi

I don't think this dress hits her in the right places but this is a classic example of a dress that complements your skin tone in a manner that makes you look so flawless. Here is a beautiful girl who rocked an outfit that would, by most fashion standards, be a fail in terms of fit, but ended up just stunning. You go girl!

Who's look did you like the most?

Image credit: elle.com bellanaija.com

Do this to your favorite work dress to get a new look

My friend Osase of St. Charmynn made this dress and it hugs every curve of your body. I styled a shoot for him with it some time back here. I loved the prints and the style because it could be worn to a whole lot of places. I especially like wearing it to work, but, it gets boring when you wear a dress repeatedly the way it was made (at least to me) I decided that I could spice it up with a white shirt because I know for a fact that a white shirt is ALWAYS right.

When styling your office dresses, once in a while you could pair a white shirt in it and probably add a belt for proportions. I loved the outcome of this outfit and it started to feel like a whole new dress to me.

 

That's my friend Maria

My friend's fun weding in Abuja- A mini reunion

Me, Bianca, Zara

I was in Abuja last weekend for a friend's wedding. Nkem and I used to dance in a group called 'The classic dolls.' We occupied our boring university days learning dance moves and trying to compete in dance competitions. Yes I was sort of a social person in school. No it didn't affect my grades because that was the only social activity we could engage in apart from praying the rosary or joining a religious society.

Her wedding was fun and colourful, and even though I couldn't stay to watch the games at the end of the reception, I had a lot of fun boding with my old friends from school and her other friends who served as briesmaids.

In my next post however, I'll tell you a story about my bridesmaid dress, which almost got ruined. Tailors can be disappointing, especially when you have a style in your head, some tailors never seem to follow instructions, but what happens when your clothes are ruined? Will be sharing some tips for dealing with disappointing tailors.

Nelo, Zara, Me, Tina

Mother of the bride

Getting dressed

Nkem all beautifully dressed to say I do

Zara, Me and Tina (TCD dancers too.)

Bianca my lovely bestie from my school days

Brides second outfit

Happy married life darling!!

What to wear when attending a fashion event

 

Uberstyle.org launched it's official website with an uber stylish fashion brunch at Polo avenue. Attending fashion parties that seem quite high fashion can be quite tricky because you'd meet different classes of people, and let's be honest, the fashion crowd can be quite... snobbish. Lol. 

At my first fashion event, I wore a long skirt and a big bat sleeve blouse, and I felt a little... inappropriately dressed. the outfit felt too church-y, the style, too kitsch. With time, I started to learn how to interpret event banners and dress codes. 

Here are a few tips on styling your outfits for fashion events.

Research the event:

 

 Find out if the event has been done before and seek out pictures of guests to get a feel of what the dresscode should look like. If it hasn't been done before, then search for a similar event and do the needful.

Perceived quality is everything

 

Persevered quality is how people see your outfits. You don't want to go to an event looking like your blouse is from Ajah bend down, even if it is. Wear white, wear silk, they always look expensive. Wear one detail that stands out- shoes, a bag, maybe your accessories. Have your clothes well ironed, but nothing says expensive more than the confidence with which you carry yourself.

Where is the venue?

 

The venue of an event says a whole lot about what you should wear- pool side, flats would work, with a summer style dress. If it's a park, a spunky outfit will do or sneakers, but basically comfort first; you definitely won't wear heels because of the grass. Then when you start to hear Polo Avenue, Intercontinental hotel, EHEN!! Pull out the big guns, go classy, wear heels, let your style shine through.

Ever gone to a fashion event? how did it go? what did you wear? 

Here are some stylish guests I totally loved

 

 

Mirror selfie with Annie my bestie

Xoxo

How to repeat your clothes without actually repeating them...

    

Have you ever bought a dress, shoe, or blouse you love so much, you just want to wear over and over again, but you're scared people will wonder if you have other clothes? That's how I felt when I bought this skirt from Soul orange vintage, owned by my friend Chinedu Obiano, I loved the colour and I knew there was a place for it in my wardrobe. Versatility is the watchword for me.
I decided to wear this skirt 3 times in the same week, just because.... just because!
Please don't look at my hair, I wear wigs half the time. Here are three tips for repeating your clothes without it being so glaring.

1) Switch locations: I wore it like this for the first time to church. The length is perfect, the crop top is the right length and the textures blend into one another very nicely. Bell sleeves are hot now and I love the boho feel this one has. I might not be wearing it to church anytime soon again but I surely will be wearing it to other places. The point is, when repeating an outfit, ensure that you will not meet the same crowd that saw you before.

2) Shift Focus: This tip works perfectly for me, not just for clothes but for shoes and bags and everything. Whenever you want to repeat a piece of clothing or accessory, add an element that takes all the attention away from that piece and draws it to itself. It works every time.

Here I attended an event the next weekend and I rerocked the skirt with this beaded jacket I wore as a blouse. Mom got this blouse for 10$ thereabouts. It's really shiny so I wore it backwards to reduce shine. But I got so many compliments about my blouse, no one noticed the skirts and the shoes. Win-win!!!

 

 

My friend looks great too don't you think?

3) Be versatile: Is not everyday heels, could you outfit work with flats? sneakers? slippers? Play it casual, play it fun, change the concept. 

The third time, I wore it with a bulky sweater and sneakers. I ditched my wig and styled my natural hair. I wanted it neutral.

I didn't get a lot of pictures though, but the point goes through yes?

 

Bottomline, repeat your clothes as you wish, wear your outfits in different ways and keep it interesting. Be happy with you choices and stay confident in your own skin. 

Xoxo

How to know you have overstayed your welcome

In 2003, I visited my aunt, in Port harcourt, before my NYSC. Although I’m related to her husband, we grew so fond of each other on my short visits from school. Holidays in Madonna University were short and going to Lagos was hardly an option. On this visit, I didn’t exactly have a time duration, I needed to finish up my clearance and sort out graduation issues, so you see, I couldn’t exactly tell her when I was leaving.

Ever heard the saying: ‘visitors and fish smell after 3 days’? Well, I started to smell after 3 weeks.

Here are 5 signs to know that you have overstayed your welcome.

Everyone always retires early
For some reason, no one wants to stay up and chat anymore, they all just retire to their rooms. It could be a coincidence though, but yeah, it happens very often.

No one asks if you are hungry
You are no longer lovingly welcomed with “Will you have dinner, there’s some tasty jollof on the cooker.” You find the kitchen very very clean, with no food in sight.

How are your parents at home?
They start asking how your parents are faring and if you speak with them all the time. Once in a while you get an “I hope they don’t miss you too much oh”

They start to ask about your mission there
They suddenly become interested in your mission; how is the clearance going? Hope no problems? What’s holding you? Enya! God will see you out through.

The point is, staying with people who aren’t your family can become pretty stifling. Here are a few ways to make it easier on your hosts.

Offer to help out around the house
Participate in chores and family activities, be eager to help. Stay useful.

Come with gifts
Whenever you visit, go there bearing gifts to show you appreciate the hospitality, if they have kids, ordinary bread can go a long way.

Try to stick to your plan
Let 3 days be 3 days. If there are any changes, tell them about it. Just don’t stay on and feel they are okay with it.

Once in a while, replace something that has finished
Offer to buy fuel if they drive you around. Buy some provisions for the kids. Show care.

Clean up after yourself, always.

Be grateful
Always tell them how grateful you are for their hospitality, back it up by being tolerant of their house rules. When in Rome…

Ever stayed with someone or hosted a guest? Do share your experiences.

Shopping on a budget- How to know when to exceed your budget

I am allergic to the word budgets, but they are a necessary evil. I had a wedding to attend last month, and my mom kept saying no to all the dresses I brought for screening and I figured I'd get a new one. We went to Debra's grace, opposite Panti police station. You would know Debra's grace on Instagram for their dope affordable wears. It was the end of the month, so I didn't have a large budget, I saw some really nice 6k dresses so that's where I pinned my budget. Long story short, I ended up buying this awesome dress for 15k and I never looked back.

When do you know to exceed your budget?

* When you have support from a second party. Like I had my mom pay up the difference for me. 

* When the dress is a good investment. Here we are talking about quality. Will the fabric stand the test of time? Is the color manageable? Does the color leak? how long do you foresee wearing before you probably put on weight, and pass on to the next generation. lol 

* Let's talk about functionality? How re-wearable is the dress? Will you be able to wear it after that fashion season? How many functions can it serve you? Work? church? party? all the above? Buy the dress!

When will you surpass your budget for a dress?