Rihanna +Puma

Firstly, i would like to apologize for my long absence from the blogosphere. It was due to circumstances beyond my control. 

So bad girl Riri, has just been named the creative director of Puma. Her job description includes: overseeing the Company's women's wear line that includes shoes and clothes. She will also be the face of the brand's fall 2015 campaign.

Products from her collaboration may hit stores by 2015.

Puma did this with Solange earlier, and she did a fine job. Now its Riri's turn to leave her mark. 

Can't wait?

 

Tips For Shopping

The holiday season is here again, It is the season to be merry and jolly and also the season for a whole lot of shopping.

Here are a few tips to get you through the shopping maze.

Make a list of items you need, noting what is in your wardrobe already so you don't buy items you forgot you own. 

Set a limit of how much you intend to spend, as to prevent over spending on stuff not required.

Wear proper undergarments so you can have a good view of the outfits when you try them on.

Do your shopping in the mornings when the shops are less crowded and items are still tidy.

Follow your instincts. This is very important so that the sales people do not talk you into buying what is not right.

Buy classics, this will serve for special occasion.

It is never a good idea to shop when hungry and exhausted. A lot of bad decisions can be made on empty stomach.

Purchase  comfortable items that are flattering on your body, even if they are on sales.

As much as possible, negotiate prices.

Some people prefer to shop alone, while others prefer company. If you prefer company,be sure to go with a buddy, as in a very good friend, not just any friend.

Above all, find out the store's return policy in case you have a change of mind.

Hope these tips help as you shop this season. If you know any tips, please feel free to share. Happy shopping.

Tips To Make Perfumes Last Longer

Every woman loves to smell good. It makes her feel feminine and sophisticated. That is why most women hardly feel dressed up without one.

Generally, perfumes have the highest concentration of oils and scents, followed by Eau de Toillete, then colognes.With that said, here are a few tips to help the scent last longer.

Firstly, the bottles should be stored properly, in their boxes and away from sunlight, so it does not oxidise.

It is best to apply them right after shower, the steam helps to open up the skin and makes the scent more absorbent.

Layer it on, apply the cream, roll ons, deodorants before the perfume.

Do not rub wrists together when you apply perfumes, as this will break up the scent and make it fade faster.

Apply to pulse areas, like behind the ears, wrists, along the throat, crook of elbow, breasts cleavage and behind the knees.

Finally, when making a purchase, be conscious of the base notes. Notes like musk, vanilla, cedar, woodsy and pines tend to last longer.

Do you know of any more tips? Please share.

Metallic Urges

Gold. Silver. Jewel tones. All that glitters. That is what the metallic trend is all about.

Without a doubt, a metallic tone can vamp an outfit.

However, less is more with this trend, to avoid looking like a cyborg. One tip is is go for a natural make up with this look, and also keep hair simple and not over the top.

You can also choose to infuse one  metallic piece at a time, like a shoe. Silver or gold shoes work with jeans and dresses. Or try a small shiny clutch to give an elegant look . Single pieces could also include a skirt, shorts or a full dress or a jewelry piece from necklace, bangles to belts.

So, step out of the black and white wardrobe and go metallic.

 

Fashion Lingo

In fashion universe, there a  are a lot of terms which can be quite confusing.

Here  are some of the commonly used words and what they mean.

Silhouette: Stands for shapes or outline of an outfit whether A line, straight so on.

Decolletage: Refers to that long V shape cut in a dress that cuts from neck to below the bust. Could be at the front or back.

Vintage: Refers to fashion from 1920's to 80's. Any thing prior to the 1920's is antique. From 1980 is referred to as retro and modern,

Lookbook: Stands for a compilation of images showcasing a designers upcoming designs.

Sartorial: Relating to clothes.

Applique: Embroidery or stitching of a fabric unto another.

Pop Up Shops; Refers to temporary shops that last from a few days to several weeks, used mainly for campaigns or sales.

Bias: Refers to a diagonal cut.

So do you know any other words used in fashion parlance? Please share

Weekend Style Crush: Victoria Beckham

The very posh Victoria Beckham has gradually become a fashion icon of some sorts. She is fashion designer, whose designs combine simplicity with color.

Recently a UK based publication, Management Today crowned her as the number one entrepreneur in Britain. Her eponymous fashion label created in 2008 is what prompted the title

The former spice girl admitted that the first time around she felt famous, but now she feels successful.

Without a doubt she is also successful at power dressing, as she is as a designer.

Some of her powerful looks:

Which is your favorite Beckham look?

The Shirt Dress Trend

A crisp button down shirt is a very classic look. However, it does get more chic in the form of a dress. Voila- the Shirtdress.

It is partly casual and cool on one hand and yet sophisticated and sexy on the other hand. Usually it is flattering on virtually every body type. It is a timeless piece and it is very versatile. Long or short sleeved, it all works. The look can translate to office if the length is modest enough. Can work for beach wear as well, that's how versatile it is.

A tip is to wear a fit that is a little loose, not baggy. This is more flattering and more comfy, we don't want the buttons gaping if it is too tight fitting.

A belt can also come in handy to cinch the waist  for some styles that are quite shapeless.

It is no wonder that actress Rita Dominic is a huge fan of this trend.

So go  try the shirt dress for that classic look.

All About The Boyfriend Jeans

Sometime ago, the Boot cut jeans reigned supreme in fashion kingdom, followed by a wicked slimming cut known as the skinny jeans.

The skinny jeans will forever hold a special place in every woman's wardrobe, but lately, it looks like it is about to be dethroned by a looser,  slouchier and more relaxed kind of jeans known as the Boyfriend jeans or Baggy jeans.

They give a laid back look and  are very chic. Could be paired with some heels or a pair of chuck for an even more laid back look, a tip is to pair with some chunky necklace to make it look more feminine.

So take a break from your skinny's, switch up your style and try a new cut.

Runway Vs Ready to Wear

If you have pondered the difference between the two terms, come closer, let me fill you in.

The runway looks are otherwise known as Haute Couture, a word that connotes 'high sewing'. They are the outfits we see on runways, that are usually very thrilling in appearance. They are custom made to the measurements of specific clients, and are made from more luxurious materials than their ready to wear counterpart. The designs are usually over the top and are sold in luxury stores. Often they serve as a framework for what will be later varied in smaller retail stores.

Ready to Wear or, as the French call it, pret-a-porter are more practical and affordable. Larger quantities are manufactured  in  different range of sizes and are available in retail stores. Most designers have ready to wear lines even though they deal in couture designs. 

It doesn't matter if you can not afford couture clothes, what counts is your personality. Fashion can be bought, but style cannot be bought.  Put on whatever works for you and shine.

Different Shades Of Nicki Minaj

So the Anaconda queen was the host of  the Europe Music Awards, she did a fantastic job of it and also slayed it in the fashion department. She dazzled everyone with her several dress change up plus hair transformations.

In all she had about 10 changes during the night, these are my personal favorites.

She brought it on, didn't she? Which was your favorite look?

Highlights From GTBank Lagos Fashion Design Week

Handbag Care Tips

A good handbag is a prized possession and with care, will hold up a long, long time.  Handbags, apart from carrying our essentials daily, are also crucial in putting an attire together. It makes sense to maintain and care for it. Some helpful tips:

Keep out of direct sunlight and store in a dust bag  cover.

Rotate bags so you don't wear out a particular one too quickly. Most of us are guilty of this, we tend to carry one particular one that we are fond of, or we  are  simply too lazy to switch bags and deal with transferring items from one to the other.

Wipe handbags down weekly with a soft cloth when in use.

Keep cosmetics and makeup items in a separate bag  to prevent spills and stains from products.

Do not store bags with nylons or plastic materials as they tend to trap moisture.

Avoid placing bags on the bare floor when out, keep on your laps or hang on a chair.

Remove any stains immediately.

Do not over stuff bags, this can cause a strain on it.

When not in use, stuff bags with old newspapers or old clothing to maintain original shape.

If any issues, be sure to take it to a professional repairer, not your road side shoe maker/repairer.

Keep bags elevated in storage, don't just toss them at the bottom of your wardrobe. Think a bag rack.

Be mindful of pens as well. The ink could stain bags. Go with one that has a cover.

Do you have any more tips on how to care for our valuable handbags?

Items that should be in your handbag

A woman's bag is like her best friend, holds many secrets and always has tons of stuff inside. From keys to phones and wallets.There are some other essential items that every lady needs to always carry in her bag.

Hand Sanitizer or Wipes

Your hand are always at work, from using ATM, pushing a trolley in the supermarket, handling cash, opening cabs.  A sanitizer  or wipe helps to keep germs at bay.

Compact Mirror

A small mirror is necessary for make up touch ups. Also comes in handy after a meal to ensure the teeth are free from food particles. Even better when there is a powder attached, as it is also a necessity.

Lipgloss

Even if you are not into lip sticks, a lip gloss helps to keep the lips moist and healthy.

Handcream

This is a quick fix to keeping the hands moisturized, soft and ladylike.

Tissue hankerchief

From dusting seats to handling seats to even those moments in a public restroom when there is none available. A tissue is a must have in a lady's bag.

Gum or mint

Bad breath can be a huge turn off.  It makes sense to chew quietly on a gum or suck on a mint to freshen breath, i think mint over gum, more ladylike.

Oversized Sunglasses

Besides enhancing looks, this comes in handy for protection against the blazing sun.

A Travel Size Perfume

Whether in a roll on form or a sample size, a small size perfume is necessary. Not all perfumes linger all day long, there might be a need to refresh during the day. Also a necessity for days when you need to go out after work.

Hair Brush or Comb

To avoid a tousled look, one of this item should be in the bag always.

Pen

Somehow, this is a necessity, you can not tell when it can come in handy.

This list is by no means exhaustive. What other item do you think should always be in a lady's bag?