My first day at Social Media week #SMWLagos2016 fashion fix

Last week, I attended the Social media week #SMWLagos2016 forum hosted by Tomiwa Oladele the Creative Director of style by Ayaba. It was called fashion fix and the panel which was anchored by Mimi Onalaja saw Ozinna Anumudu, Denola Grey, Adaku Ufere, Dodos, and Tomiwa Oladele chair the event, taking questions and educating us on how they grew their social media platforms, differentiating brand and personal social media and basically sharing experiences on how they had grown to this point. It was quite educating, I promise to share what I learned in general in tomorrow's post but here are some pictures from the event.

L-R Mimi Onalaja, Dodos, AdakuUfere, Ozinna Anumudu

Model rocking Style by Ayaba

All models in SBA evening wear

Style session hosted by Tomiwa Oladele of  SBA

Selfie with Uju of Sleek Nigeria

L-R Desola Mako, Ezinne Ousagwu, Uju Ikegbune

Uju Ikegbune

Boxy Sihouettes: How to get comfortable in outfits you're not so comfortable in

I planned to attend social media week yesterday, so I styled my pants with this sequined embellished blouse. I must confess it wasn't my first choice, I planned to wear it with a fitted shirt, but it didn't feel right. I then decided to try this on, though I did feel a bit shiny at work but who cares. I had two problems. I might like boxy silhouettes but sometimes they can make you feel unflattering. I always wear a fitted piece when I wear boxy clothes but the pants were loose and so was the blouse, I looked uncomfortably into the mirror but I was already late for work so I couldn't change it. There are three  things I do when don't feel comfortable in my outfits.

  

1) I wear heels- There is a feeling you get when you wear a fly pair of heels, they improve your walk and boost your confidence. So even when think you're getting funny looks, don't worry, they are only admiring you.

 

2) Colours that pop: Bright colours have a way of improving your mood. When you feel uncomfortable, get a bright coloured purse, lipstick or accessory that draws attention away from your outfit.

 

3) Look at me bags: This also helps shift attention away from you. You might not like your outfit, but people will surely compliment you and your bag. I left my purse at home so I turned my camera pouch into my makeshift bag for the event. I used the card of my church bulletin to line it so that it had some structure, I stuffed my things in and off I went. This was a very happy outfit for me o. Wink*

 

I hope this helps. What's most important is to remain confident, no matter what you wear. Confidence can turn any drab outfit into a fab one. Any more suggestions guys?

Do you ever struggle to be liked? This is a tale of plantain chips. Honestly.

Someone ate some of my plantain chips which I hid in one of our office cabinets as a quick snack for days when I crave... well, a quick snack. Isn't it funny how little things you'll come to laugh about tomorrow can raise so much turmoil in your soul. LOL, I choose to stay civil till I can laugh about it again.
Yes it was important to me (the chips I mean).

You see I like to tell myself that I'm a happy girl, I'm always cheerful, I love to smile, I love to see the good in people but I'm honestly not very tolerant, every day I pray for patience and humility because if God can cope with my excesses then I should make an effort towards my neighbours. With this mindset I am constantly battling with blurred lines- where does tolerance become long suffering? In our lives, we struggle to climb the social ladder, struggle to live, eat, and struggle with that constant need to be liked. That last part I tossed in the gutter during my school days, If you didn't like me you could burn in hades, see if I'd flinch, that changed as I grew older. I find that in life, no matter how wide you smile, there are those people who'd never see anything good about you. From your heels to your well-styled dress, they write you off immediately-
 "I don't like that girl". 
"Why?" 
"I don't know, she dresses too much, and she's  friendly, that's very fake".
That's the story of my life. I started out life early so constantly I find myself in the midst of my seniors, thus I'm forced to bridle my tongue because our elders don't expect you to express your angst about anything- it's plain rude. Oh the fuckery.

I'm not perfect, I can be an annoying person too, but someone once told me, treat people the way you want to be treated; with respect. So I'll try to remember this when people eat my plantain chips and it pisses me off and I'm struggling with the temptation of unleashing a tirade of very hot words and rather, pass on my query in a civilised manner, just because that's how I'd like to be treated if tables were turned; and not because people who hate you already will add that slip of tongue to their list of "1001 reasons why you should hate her too" (because who cares anyway?)

I did a shoot for an upcoming clothing brand, St. Charmynn, they specialise in corporate wear and he gave me the honour of styling the looks and shooting them. I loved his collection and all his pieces are made in Nigeria. I had fun with it, It was a simple dress, yet I wanted it to appeal to the working woman who wanted to buy office ready clothes and still keep them versatile. These are one of the looks, and I'll follow up with more pictures subsequently.

 

Dress: St.Charmynn

Model: Jennifer Raymond

Photo credits: Yours truly

xoxo

Linda Ikeji's Hermes bag- The cost of being successful and single

I read a story about Linda Ikeji's fake Hermes bags, and the comments followed got me thinking, "Don't you just hate a woman who is so successful and unmarried." I might hold minority opinion on this topic but I love that woman; call her proud, call her bush, but she rose above the dirt that was her life. I visit her blog every day because I'm sorry, no matter where I go, gist just seems sweeter on that platform. I know a woman who bashes her and calls her names all the time, but still shamelessly admits that that's her go-to blog for gist.

Dabota Lawson was showing off her billionaire wife skills on Instagram and everyone seemed to  want her  "blessing." Show me the way, they said, I want to be like you, they famzed, (Who names her business after her billionaire husband anyway?) Ini Edo posted her shoe closet the other day, social media swooned (I wasn't impressed anyway, it never translates into her personal style, but I digress) Linda Ikeji then posts her Birkin and trolls march into her comments space and even go as far as photoshopping a message from Hermes? What is she doing that any of us don't already do? Celebs show off new cars every day but Linda Ikeji can't?

We get engaged we flaunt our diamonds, we buy new cars and we rush to post on Instagram, Davido buys a wrist watch that cost two cars and social media sings Osinachi, but Linda Ikeji buys a Birkin and she shows off too much. HYPOCRITES!!! This fuckery is what drives me to succeed, married or unmarried. My goodness! Women, rise above this pettiness, let's be real, if I were Linda of course, I'll get angry at some point, why always me, why can't I be on Instagram and use it like any other person, why do people pick on only  me!

Look, Egbon social media, if you want the bag, go and take it! 

 

I wore my dress as a jacket today because the economy is getting bad and I have to wise up and save. Recycling and restyling your clothes is a great way to stay stylish without breaking bank. I changed jobs recently so I have more time on my hands for rants and random thoughts. I will share them once in a while. E go better my people. 

 

 

Backpacks are stylish still

I wore this sunny summer outfit to the worst summer party ever - Ciroc summer party. I attended the Genevieve summer party the previous week and had such a great time and it was actually for work, so I decided the ciroc summer party might just be as much fun but I was wrong, but hey! I won't bore you with the details.

  

I have been meaning to put up this picture. I love to match in monochrome tones, and yellow is a summer colour so I felt it was very apt for the event. I wanted a bit of fun so I carried my Mango convertible backpack, a jacket for when I got cold, and my beret I wore for the heck of it. lol

The back pack is a nice quirky addition to any outfit you wear. It adds spunk and personality to your outfits. It's different, and it's fun too. 

 

 I chose this outfit because my style is quite boxy, I love my dresses oversize and Palazzo elongates you. This could be restyled with a corporate shirt for the office, and a crop top with flat sandals for the movies. Of course the backpack stays. Lol

 

Wear varying tones of a particular colour for a new approach to the monochrome style. Xoxo- #BoxySilhouettes

When you love the blouse but the time is not right

I bought this blouse 3 years ago in Onitsha main market for 300 Naira, their vintage clothes are to die for. At the time, whenever I put it on, it never felt right, but I refused to discard it. Mom has tried and tried to get rid of it but I knew it could be styled better and could look really good when I wore it, but It just wasn't ever the right time. 

On this day, I decided to take baby steps. You see, when you have an outfit you are unsure of, take baby steps to style it. I took the easy route and styled it with a black skirt and my favourite pair of heels; I love them because they are super comfortable. The bow on the blouse could be worn in front of at the back, I chose to wear it behind because I love back details.

It's a little cropped but thankfully not too short, and they can be worn with pants, skirts, or shorts, I'll like to explore the many possibilities of this blouse now. I love the details on it. I love love love!
But like I said, do you have something you haven't worn in a while because you were unsure? Match it up with black or simple colours and wear heels for added oomph.

It's coco Chanel's birthday today, and her history truly inspires me, will put up a post on her tomorrow. Good night.

Is there anything wrong with predictable style?

 



Janelle Monae is know to bring it on the red carpet time and time again. With every new outfit, she stays true to her signature style; High necks and menswear inspired outfits. You google her and you're assaulted with so many images of her very stylish outfits. Stylistically I'd opine it's too monotonous and it gets boring with time. But then I start to really think about it; Is it wrong to have a predictable style?

 



 

The capes, high necks and the bow ties, all beautiful, different in style and colour, but the same in concept. I love her style, and honestly it's good to stay true to a style that makes you comfortable. I always try to avoid imposing my ideas and opinions on people because everyone is unique in their own way.

Yes it might get boring with time, but you should be the one to determine when to switch it up. I love to take risks but I like to be comfortable. And if you ask my honest opinion, I'll encourage people to take risks and step out of your comfort zone because that's the best way to grow and evolve. I love Janelle monae style, heck I'm rocking a hairdo inspired by her and she's one super stylish woman; 

 

In conclusion I'll say this, if you have a signature style that you stay true to, there's absolutely nothing wrong with it. Are you comfortable? That's the important question. 

 

Stay true to you always!

Two events; One outfit

 

I had a wedding to attend on saturday, and I was really antsy about how my outfit will look. I wanted something simple but stylish, and I needed to be able to wear them as separates for any other occasion. So I thought pencil skirt!

But choosing the blouse gave me a headache, I wanted a cropped blouse, but one that won't ride up so easily hence the short ruffled peplum. Also I love cape style necklines so this asymmetrical one was a no brainer (I thought it all up myself ;) )


I found out about the genevieve summer party two days to the wedding and I knew making seperates was the best decision ever! because it'll be more versatile and I just needed to carry a top along. Natural hair makes my life so easy! I took off my gele, fluffed my hair with water and it was curly again. Threw on my fun cropped blouse which blended beautifully with the theme of the event and the rest was history- Yes it was fun fun fun.
How would you rock two outfits to one event?

The versatility of the corporate shirt

I was extremely tired when I took these photos, though it doesn't show.
I knew I was going to be out and about town, so I decided that I'd wear sneakers. Mom was almost fighting with me because she bought shirts for me and I hadn't worn any, so I faithfully wore a shirt.

I hate corporate shirts, they are so dull, and so not my style, but then again, you can own any piece you want so far as you are comfortable in it. Thus I decided to make it my own by adding sneakers and a headscarf.


I was in no mood for hair or wigs (My hair is under construction ATM so I wear wigs for now) Thus I decided to scarf it and since it was friday that day, I figured ANKARA SCARF!!!



No I'm not one of those girls who wear ankara bangles, shoes and bags; but once in a while I like to go that route. I like that my outfit was easy, and still street style chic. I got loads of funny stares but it's alright.

 I have a lot on my mind I need to off load, so I'll head over to linkedIn to share my thoughts. LOL. I hope you like the outfit..... ciao

 

Read more of my articles and opinions on Happenings.com.ng .

Polka dots, sunny yellow, rerocking dresses

So I am currently trying to rebrand myself, so that's why I have been MIA, and it gets pretty stressful juggling the activities and work and the blog. Ironically I blog for happenings.com.ng/category/fashion. I really wouldn't want to put up the same posts on here. I'm pretty much putting in all my efforts there and trying my best to rebrand with a bang! So please bear with me. Good times are coming.

I recently put up a post about rerocking clothes, especially dresses. At hifashiononline, we are strong advocates of getting maximum wear out of 80% of your wardrobe, and unlike blouses and pants, dresses are harder to rerock, well because they are dresses. So here I am rerocking my polka dot dress

So this outfit today is one of my favorite dresses for lots of reasons I wont bore you with. Unfortunately I have had a hard time rerocking it, because it has a high neck, so the best I can do is a blazer. But I recently got this sweater, woke up late for work this morning, mad dash around the house (the fear of ikate elegushi traffic morning traffic is the beginning of wisdom) didn't plan my today's outfit, but I knew I needed to wear a dress because its easier. Hence my outfit.

I paired my dress with my sweater worn backwards to cover the high neck in front. I just didn't want it to look obvious up front.I belted it, so it defines my waistline and doesn't look bulky, You should do that too unless your going for a boxy layered look, then it's fine. I initially thought the yellow sandals were an overkill, but If you want to tone down an outfit like this, wear black shoes. I love yellow, so I had a sunny happy day. Au courant?

I love my new retro afro curly look, though it's been two days and my dad hasn't attempted to trim it down with his bad mouth. LOL

Photo credits; Mfonobong Akpan; happenings.com.ng/category/lifestyle