Exclusive Collabo- Beyonce+Topshop

Now we won't just listen to her songs, we get to wear her too.

Queen Bey joins forces with one of the world's biggest high  street fashion store to launch a new label. She has been a customer of the line for years, now she gets to work with the brand.

It is an athletic inspired street wear brand named Parkwood Topshop Athletic. It is expected to launch sometime before the last quarter of 2015.

The collaboration will include: clothing, footwear, yoga, fitness and dance accessories.

This isn't the first time Beyonce is delving into fashion, she once launched House of Dereon with her mum in 2004. However, this collaboration surely means athletic outfits will never be the same again as her creations develop.

The Tuxedo Look For Women

Ain't nothing wrong with  a dress, but there is definitely something utterly sexy about a tuxedo look for women . As we know the tuxedo is a male inspired outfit. However, it sure makes a woman stand out when worn for an evening event.

Apart from the red carpets or black tie events, the tuxedo jacket can be paired with jeans or skirts or even a dress.

Indeed it is a dramatic look that is not for everyone.

A couple of tricks to pulling off the look; ensure that the jacket is well tailored. Some statement jewelry will make it more feminine, a bold makeup is a good idea and lastly, heels are a must with this look.

So for that next event, toss the fashion rule book out of the window and stand out with the tuxedo piece.

The Return Of The Fanny Pack

In Nigeria, at the NYSC  camps, it is like a requirement to keep all your small personal effects as close to you as possible during the drills before some people will rip your bag in the room and make away with your valuables. The best way to do this was to carry a fanny pack around your waist.  We use to call it  the waist bag.

It was not unusual to find people going about back in the day with it. Who would have thought that it would come back as a big fashion accessory in 2014. Even seen on runways. Givenchy, Burberry and others had various luxurious versions down their spring runways.

The big designers are crafting into it indeed, while the big celebrities are making it happen.

They are much more sleek and stylish as well as more superior to the nylon styles of before that had the dome shapes. They are available in numerous colors and fabrics.

A trick to pulling it off, is to let the bag hang at the side not the front.

Is this a trend you think you will rock? Personally i would. They are tres chic and can come in handy especially when you are on the move.

Oscar de la Renta

The legendary designer died in his home at the age of 82. He was one of the most amazing designers and the master of glam.

He has shaped the wardrobe of First Ladies, Hollywood stars and Celebrities for over 40 years. He was famous for evening wears. His signature looks was voluminous skirts with rich embroidery detail and vibrant colors.

Some of his iconic designs :

Taylor Swift at the 2014 Met Gala

Jessica Alba at the 2013 Golden Globes

Zoey Deschanel at the 2014 Golden Globes

Lupita at the 2014 White House Correspondents Dinner

He once said: 'the only realities in life are that you are born, and that you will die'.  He had just unveiled his spring 2015 designs. Without a doubt his works will live on.


Photos: Indigital, getty images.

Transparent Obsession

Call it Transparent, Vinyl, Translucent, Lucite or Pvc. It is all about the Clear Shoes trend which popped up some 2 years ago like a flash in the pan.

They have graduated to a hot trend, and have been improved upon by big designers like Chanel, Gucci,  Louboutin, Manolo Blanik and a whole lot more. It has been updated and paired with patent materials.
 
The transparent pumps are like windows to the feet and are fast becoming a must have. They give an elegant look. They are futuristic and fashionable.

These see through shoes go with just about everything, from the black dress to the jeans, to the iro and buba and the wrapper and gele trends.

So, as you go about your holiday shopping, put some spring in your feet, go make a subtle but Clear statement.

Wild Leg Trousers Are In

Baggy. Pallazo. Slouchy. Pyjama Pants.

All of the above refer to one trend. The Wild Leg Trousers. It is a huge feature  right now, from runways to red carpets to street. It comes in both high and low waists bands. It doesn't matter your size type,  it is more flattering than you think. It is a little tricky to pull off though.

One tip is not to overdo it. Baggy pant does not go with a baggy blouse, rather opt for a basic blouse or tee.

So is the skinny jeans about to give way to a slouchier silhouette? Not very likely, however there is no denying that the baggy trouser has a certain swag to it.

Expand your wardrobe, stash your skinnies and open it to wide leg trousers.

The Shorts Suit

  

High Fashion.. check. Fashion Forward..check. Chic.Trendsetting.

 A few fashion adjectives to describe the trend of Shorts Suits. A fad from last spring which is still very much in vogue. It gives 'a put together' look and screams confidence and sassy (a very superb combo).

One tip to pulling of this look is to make sure the separates match. That is, jacket and shorts in same or similar fabric.

It is a good idea to ensure that they are well tailored and not too form fitting. Keep it colorful and rock with any shoe depending on the look you are aiming for; pair with sandals for a casual look or heels for a more serious feel or try a sneaker for a smart look.

It is certainly not professional enough for work, as it has a relaxed feel to it.

 Take a cue from the photos, interpret it your way and give the trousers a break.

Fashion News

It is no news that the First Lady of the United States is playing  host to well over  150 students who are attending the first ever fashion education workshop being held in the White House.

According to CBS, 'it is part of the of the first lady's "Reach Higher" initiative, where high school students visit the White House to hear about success from those who have already achieved it'.

Basically, fashion pros share ideas and try to mentor the younger generation about  business.

Participants include; Anna Wintour, Jason Wu, Jenna Lyons and so many others.

What is news however, is that our own Maki Oh is one of the participants. She is such an amazing designer. The First Lady Mitchelle Obama has worn one of her pieces. The likes of Beyonce and Solange have also been seen wearing her outfits. Many kudos to her for once again calling attention to one of the positive things in Nigeria.

A subsequent post will take a look at some her amazing works.

Essential Oils

Without a doubt, skin care is a very big deal to every woman. It is common to use creams and lotions for moisturising our skins. However if you want to take it a notch higher, beyond just moisturising, then it is time to step into the world of beauty oils.
              

There is generally a lot of apprehension about the usage of these oils, especially if like me, you have sensitive or oily skin. Applying these oils (yes even on the face) have some amazing benefits.They work wonders for the skin's outer layer, making it supple and beautiful. 

There are quite of number products in the markets, for the purpose of this discussion, we shall analyse 3 of my all time favourite natural oils.

Argan oil: This product can be used for hair and skin. It is very nourishing, tightens the skin, reduces the effects of wrinkle and improves skin elasticity and prevent free radicals damage to skin. It aids in scar tissue healing.

Apply a few drops at night as moisturiser, by the way, it is highly absorbent and non greasy. Try using it as a serum before applying your regular night cream. Also add a drop to foundation or bronzer to give a luminous glow.

 
Olive oil: The benefits of this product goes way beyond the kitchen. The Egyptians have been using it for centuries. It's non irritating properties makes it suitable for sensitive skin. Add to your cream for daily usage.

Coconut oil: This product is excellent for chronic skin conditions such as eczema. It hydrates the skin. The best way to use it, is to go sparingly for skin around the eyes, but more generously on legs, elbows, kneels and heels. It softens these body parts. It is also ideal for dry, flaky hair. 
People with sensitive skin do need to go a little easy with this particular product.

Irrespective of your skin type, go find a suitable oil. Your skin will thank you.

Denim on Denim

Fashion is indeed very cyclical. There was a time when the denim on denim trend was considered a fashion faux pas, but time has proved once again that fashion rules are meant to be broken.

The denim on denim look was seen on fashion week from New York to Milan and has exploded in the streets and it does look absolutely chic.

A cool way of rocking this trend is to wear a lighter denim shade on top, (consider a chambray shirt) and a darker shade on the bottom. You could also try adding a visual interest by adding a neutral colour like black or white or layer a tee or tank top under the shirt.

From skirts, shorts, to button up shirts : go make your denim do double duty.