FAVORITE LOOKS OF THE DAY

Style is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma. Fashion is something that comes after style.
                                                                                            - John Hamilton.

Rihanna is most definitely a style icon. This outfit is no fuss and the boyfriend shirt looks like something you could just throw on and go. The white tasseled shoes spell C-L-A-S-S. Extremely stylish. Lurv it.

The Glamourai took a simple office outfit to the next level, first with the different textures of fabric, next with these sick foot candies. Loving the trim on the shoes. Minimal accessories. Lurv! 

Karla of Karla's Closet nails it everytime. She's definitely becoming one of my style icons. I'm a fan of the jumpsuit, so I think these tiger print ones are amazing. You could dress it up by throwing on an amazing pair of blazers and some pearls. I like the coral brooch and that Kate Spade straw bag is phenomenal! I could stare at it for hours! Fab!

Colored pants seem to be trending at the moment. I'm sceptical about this particular trend, but she makes it work with the top part of the outfit which I can totally identify with. LURV the foot candy. Reminds me tap-dancing shoes. Overall she looks incredibly put together.

I love this outfit. From the white shirt to the jungle animal patterns to the gray linen to the shoes. Her pins are on point to. Her accessories are kept to the basics. I would definitely wear this. Quirky yet classy.

Style Tips

1. A pair of sunglasses do more than keep the sun out. It doesn't matter of they are 20 naira or 20,000. They should fit and sit on your face well.

2. Less is oftentimes more. #notetoself. Less makeup, less accessories. Focus on key pieces that pull the whole look together.

Toodle-oo

   xx

Isi-Aki.

 

ALWAYS BE TRUE

Over the weekend, still reeling in shock over the death of one of my favorite R&B artists, Amy Winehouse, not quite recovered from the death of Motunrayo Agbara, I came across this beautiful soliloquy by Grammy Award winner Jill Scott, another of my favorite artist, urging us to rejoice in our complicated, contradictory and perfectly unique selves.

It strikes a chord in me because it’s exactly how I feel most times and could have been something I’d written. So I’ll share this with every other girl out there who’s never quite fit in and always felt – different.

JILL SCOTT  -  ALWAYS BE TRUE

I guess I have a multiple personality. If that is what it is, I mostly like it. Don’t get confused with a multiple personality disorder. I don’t wake up left-handed or speaking Greek. That’s a whole other story. I know who I am and I am always me, although I can be really intense at times. I used to ask God to make me a consistent person like most of my friends. But after many years, successes and failures, I just shrugged my shoulders and decided this is my bag, so I carry it.

Sometimes, I’m a sullen girl, disillusioned with the world’s backwardness, angry at the wrongs, can’t get pen and paper in my hands quick enough. Sometimes, I’m thoughtful, calling my loved ones to pour out why I appreciate them, singing my thanks. Sometimes, I’m shy, painfully transparent, at times silly. I am one intense adjective at a time, and while I’m there, I don’t resist those feelings. I rest in those moments. I try to taste them, wrap myself in them as hard as hard as I can. I call it freedom, and I suppose if I wasn’t the way I am, I wouldn’t have the careers I do. Maybe I’m nuts (probably), but I notice that when I fight myself, suck myself in, I lose all the stuff, the fruit, the core of me that I enjoy the most. Some find me off-putting, but here I am. Take me or leave me.

I’ve travelled quite a bit and met all kinds of people. I see the cloaks they wear: tight, static images that are meant to represent who they really are. I’ve worn them too, and found them spiritually and mentally draining. Being honest outwardly and most importantly inwardly is terrifying. Maybe they won’t like you. Maybe they won’t understand you. Maybe you won’t get the job. Maybe all that is true, but not every chance belongs to you and not every glowing bauble should be on your wrist.

I met a girl – great, incredible, passionate actress. She works on a horse farm in the country. She has a donkey and a full grown wolf named Becket. She’s as happy and grounded as a person could be. She doesn’t seem to make a lot of money, but she doesn’t seem to want for much. She could be a megastar (the girl is that good), but she only wants to act in whatever television series, movies or plays come to her neck of the woods. She says she couldn’t live in Hollywood. She wants to do what she wants with her time. She loves and needs to be near horses, so she dresses and lives the part. She’s simple and she’s beautiful and so easy to be around. After I left her, I felt inspired. She’s happy with her life. How many of us can actually say that and mean it?

When we suffocate who we truly are – for status or material things or friends or money – we do our lives and spirits the greatest disservice. We disrespect the intricate and exceptional stories we’ve all been given.  So many heart attacks and blood pressure pills. So many foreclosures and addictions. We need change on many levels. Try finding those things that make your whole spirit say yes. Live within your means and choose to appreciate what you have. Let people see your oddities, your quirks.

I’m just sayin’ – what do you really have to lose?

Jill Scott is a three-time Grammy Award winning artist, writer, actress, philanthropist and mother.

Culled from the February 2010 ESSENCE.

BEAUTIFUL AMY

Beautiful Amy... You belted out the pain and torment most of us are barely able to whisper... I thought your music was amazing... Even though it was so clear that you waged war with your demons...

 

I hoped you would kick those demons out... I was sure you would...You were so fierce... Never mind... No tears... You did what God put you on earth for... A fallen angel...

And while I only ever met you through the words and music that echoed your torment... I'm positive that I KNOW you because your pain, your torment, your agony resounded somewhere in my heart... They could have been mine...

Everwhere I look, there seems to be picture and stories of you drunk and out of it... But I choose not to remember you that way...

Beautiful Amy... I choose to remember you thus... Beautiful, Strong, Talented and Pure.

Rest In Peace Amy Winehouse.

Love Always.

    xx

Isi-Aki.

ANOTHER YEAR!!!

It's my birthday!!! Yippeee!!!

I woke up with a feeling less of;

and more of;

I feel terribly excited. I thought I'd have difficulty getting out of bed and I'd have to be towed out from under the duvet but I almost bounced off that bed and I've been feeling incredible +++positive+++ all day.

My Mom called me on the phone early this morning and sang songs of praise on my behalf while I danced, cried and laughed! And her blessings...? I feel tears springing to my eyes just thinking about it. That's definitely been the high point of my day. It's hard to be grouchy and ungrateful when I look around and I'm so blessed. It's hard to gripe about what I don't have when there are so many things that I do have, like family, friends, health, love, peace... and the list is endless.

So I'm going to enjoy myself today and have a fabulous day!!!

PS: Thank you C.E for that nude cake. It was... interesting. I wish I could share the pic but I don't want to offend some sensibilities, so I'll share this instead.

Happy Birthday to me! TGIF!!

Let's go!!!

xoxo

Isi-Aki.

THE GHOSTS OF BOYFRIENDS PAST

I should begin by saying that despite the title of this post, I don't have some late boyfriend's spirit haunting me before y'all start pleading Obara Jisus (Blood of Jesus) over my life. And unlike the movie, (The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past) I haven't been callously breaking hearts left, right and center. (Fingers crossed behind my back). I can almost see some eyes widening and gossip antennas springing up to attention at the hint of some scandalous, low-down dirty bit of gist about my love life. Sorry, not today. Not the scandalous, low-down and dirty part at least. :p

This week has been full of some sober reflections, soul searching and re-evaluations. This avalanche of emotions is a consequence of my Xth birthday imminent in a few hours from the moment I’m writing this post. Bleh!

Okay, Okay, before I start to blame the famine in Ethiopia on my impending old age, let me qualify the statement by saying that the avalanche of emotions is not entirely a consequence of my imminent Xth birthday.

*In an aside* I know some of you are thinking, ‘Say your age already!’ or ‘What’s in the age?’ or  my personal favorite, ‘Age is nothing but a number!’ All I can say is, ‘Sorry lagbaja, nothing for you!’

I read somewhere that a woman who will willingly tell her age will divulge every and any secret! And you know a closed mouth is one of the tools of the trade, so I’m going to keep my lips zipped on that matter. Thank you!

Another perplexing factor that has to contributed to my irritation, dismay and gloom is the fact that a couple of ex-es have decided to stage a comeback into my life! Yep! All in the same month!

I should probably be doing a pirouette and hugging myself in excitement because ‘they’ have finally decided they made an error in judgement and I was the woman for them all along, right? Er… WRONG!

First of all when I say ex-es, I mean ex –ex. As in guys I dated while I was still at the University! Now, when the first turned up, it wasn’t a very pleasant surprise but I lived. Then, the second and third. Lovely coincidence...  or maybe not. The Man upstairs has a weird sense of humor when it comes to my life, I’ve discovered. Believe me when I say I’ve learnt to grin and wink along with Him. His Humor gets me everytime. But this morning when the fourth ex ‘found’ me on Facebook after donkey years, I had to look up and ask the Big Man what he was up to.

Four ex-es? The very month of my xth birthday? How can you explain the mysterious reappearance of these ex-es within the same period of time, all burning with the zealous desire to stoke the embers- forget embers - the ash of long dead relationships? Haba!

Now, my friends, I’m not talking about that scenario (dreamt up while trying to repackage my grinded heart when the relationship(s) unceremoniously ended.) where I bump into an ex one day while exiting – say Silverbird Plaza – and I’m about to unlock my brand new 2011 Mercedes CLS Limited Edition. The ex spots me from across the park. He does a double take before quickly sprinting towards me. (My favorite scene). He proceeds to tell me how he is doing in a record time of one minute. I reciprocate by telling him about my fabulous life. (Hah!) At the end of it all, I tell him about how nice it was to see him, (all the while tongue in cheek) flip my Brazillian in his face… okay scratch that. In my case, it would be, twirl my skirt around his knees and leave him in a cloud of heady perfume while I get into my car, start the ignition and zoom away in my Mercedes. All the while he stares after me with lovesick eyes, mentally kicking himself on the behind for allowing me slip away from him.

Perfect scene… *sigh*

However, my reality is a far cry from my fantasy. These fellows manage to get a hold of my contacts and just like that, I get a call from the blue that sounds like this;

Me: Hello?

Ex:   Hey Zenia!

Me: Er… Who am I speaking with?

Ex:   Ahn Ahn! Baby it’s me nah. (mentions name) You don’t have my number again?

At this point I pull my cell phone away from my ears to look at it incredulously.

Ex: I've had your number all this time. I’ve never really forgotten about you.

I don’t even bother to respond.

Ex: Anyway baby, how are you doing? What are you doing now? I hear you are one of the big girls in Abuja.

By this time, I decide I've heard enough.

Me: I’m sure you heard incorrectly. Listen…er… (his name), I’m in the middle of an inspection. Can we talk another time.

I didn’t wait for a response. I mean, WT*!

He did call back later. By then, I’d made up my mind to be gracious even though my guard was up and the sentries were out, armed with their bows and arrows, ready to shoot if a toe stepped out of line. That was the very first fellow that tried to stage a comeback. Granted, some of them have been a little more tactful and seem to have matured a bit over the years but all the ladi dadi da leads me to ask a couple of questions;

1.   Would you renew a long dead, buried and forgotten relationship? Can old bones rise again?

2.   Would trying to fan the embers of the now very cold fire of a relationship qualify as ‘settling for less?’ I mean, there was there was a reason the relationship ended in the first place.

3.   How do you restrain the gleeful feeling of schadenfreude from rearing its ugly head and shouting in their faces, ‘Look! I’m strong, beautiful, fabulous, achieved some of those dreams, set to conquer the rest – AND YOU’LL NEVER HAVE ME!!! Or maybe you will – when hell freezes over! Brutal right? But then, payback is a mother!

4.   Is it possible that my knight in shining armour is amongst the ex-es and he had to take a long hiatus to polish off his armour or fight a few battles of his own while life and experience awakened the sleeping beauty in me?

Okay, before y'all start rolling your eyes at my romantic balderdash or shaking your heads at my cynical sense of humor, think about it for a minute. Do I open the pathway to reconciliation and possibly a happy marital future or do I put the ghosts of boyfriends past to a perpetual rest and look on to the future filled with the prospect of new love and happiness? Food for thought...

I'll let you guys know how the saga continues...

Let's gooo!

xx

Isi-Aki.

WHAT'S IN MY BAG?!

I took a look at my favorite blogs recently and a topic fascinated me to no end. The trending topic seems to be ladies bags and its contents. I had fun perusing the oddities ladies carry around. That got me thinking about the junk I have in my bag, so I’ve decided to jump the bandwagon and give you guys a peek of what I’m lugging around in my bag at the moment.

THE RULES

1. Take a picture of the bag.

2. Tke a picture of its contents.

3. Explain!

4. Tag as many bloggers that you'd like to see the contents of their bags.

Here goes...

THE BAG




I’m currently in-love with this bag. It’s an unstructured snake skin Michael Kors tote bag that was a gift from my good friend E.N a couple of months ago. I haven’t been able to look at any other bag since I got it. As a result, every other bag in my closet has ceased to exist for me. It’s extremely spacious and everything fits into it. (I have to restrain myself from stuffing it to the brim.) I’ve also managed to make it work with every outfit.

THE CONTENTS

The 3 journals

My Prayer of Jabez journal that is supposed to chronicle my walk with God, which has somehow been converted to a journal for putting in those little practice details like how much it costs for an incorporation or the step by step procedure of incorporation at C.A.C. (Procedures and costs are forever changing)etc.

The spiral bound one for inspirational quotes, new words and quirky little details that I pick up during the day.

The Red one: This journal has a story that I’m going to take a minute to tell. This is my *drum roll* - wedding journal. I was motivated to start one after having a chat with my friends, I discovered I was probably the only girl in the world who did not have fairy tale visions of what she’d like her wedding to be, or a detailed account of the wedding menu or even what kind of wedding gown she’d like to have. Bleh!

Anywoos, I decided to exorcise what I’ve concluded is an unnatural female behavior by getting a journal and recording blow by blow detail of what I want for that special day; even if it kills me. Turns out that I actually enjoy it. Currently working on the rings.

My glasses case

Acute astigmatism. Some days I can live without my glasses, other days I just can’t.

Tara Make-up brush carrier

This also doubles as a make-up bag for the few necessary essentials necessary for a touch up during the day. Which include;

Sleek's Pink Cadillac Lip-gloss

I was introduced to this by my friend Mascoteda (Interview with her coming up soon) and I’ve ditched all other lipsticks and glosses. I’m hooked! This lip-gloss is the bomb, I tell you…aside from the fact that it  makes for a great kissing experience for him. *wink wink*

Elizabeth Arden's Red Door

I thought the pack of miniature signature scents of Elizabeth Arden was plain ingenious. As opposed to lugging around the huge bottle of perfume, the diminutive is incredibly handy. Perfect for that pre-meeting or pre-date freshening up.

Orekelewa Blushes

Nothing gives instant glam like a blush. I love these two in colors 33 and 70. Due to the fact that I’m a nice toffee complexion, I like to blend the two shades for a fantastic hue on the cheeks. Perfect for those dinner dates after work.

Back up lip-gloss

Tara’s high pigment lip-gloss called ‘Koko’ to switch up the look sometimes.

Pens

I have a peculiar habit of collecting pens. I’m told it’s a normal for writers. I just remember how exasperated I feel when I’m asked for my pen, so I make sure I always throw a pen in my bag before leaving the house. The result is by the end of the week, I have a thousand pens in my bag. I can’t live without my pens. Tool of the trade.

LG flashdrive

This flashdrive has saved my life so many times.

Face wipes

Excellent for wiping off make-up at any point during the day and gentle enough to double as feminine wipes.

Zaki the Elephant

This is probably the first piece of art I ever bought. I think I got it in high school. It’s my goodluck charm and I absolutely refuse to let go of.

My wallet

A gift from a boss I had while on a holiday job years ago. Holds cash, ATM cards and business cards beautifully.

Business Card Holder

My tool of trade came in this plastic white holder from the printers which I thought was rather different. Usually, the printers wrap the cards in a bit of paper and call it a day. I decided to hold on to this because of its functionality. It’s light to carry around and keeps my business cards wrinkle free and dry.

Cheque Book

This one travels with me from bag to bag. I chose to omit the name of the bank while taking the shot. I don't want to do any free marketing but some of y'all still guess though.

Bottle of aspirins

Keeps my brain from frying most days, definitely a life saver.

Compact

To make sure the face and hair are presentable pre-meeting or pre-dinner date. I thought these were whimsical with the engraving of a Chinese emperor. Stolen from my Mom.

Sunglasses

A Marc Jacobs pair that I absolutely love because it shields my eyes from the sun extremely well and the odd heptagon shape. Also it was 'obtained' from a boyfriend who gave it up rather willingly, so it has sentimental value as well.

Edge of Evil

Obsessed with serial murder thrillers. Currently reading these.

Earrings

I always have a spare pair of earrings in my bag. I’ve been known to lose an earring during the day. And the deeper life look is not a good look for me.

My two phones
My old faithful Sony Ericson cybershot which I've had for donkey years and refuse to let go of, pictured above and the Blackberry used to take the pictures. Sometimes, they are all the office I need. *smile*

Hope u had fun looking at my bag and the crap you'll find in it every given day.

Toodle-oo.

  xxx

Isi-Aki.

MY BIRTHDAY WISH LIST.

One of the things which gives me joy over the weekends is going to church on Sunday.

The excitement I feel can be likened to going on a date with a hot, handsome and charming man.

I spend hours on Saturday evening mixing and matching outfits, shoes, bags and scarves, doing a manicure or having a facial.
 Come Sunday, my BB status has been known to read, “Off to meet with my King.”

Really, Jehovah is King. He is Royalty. We all would love to be in our best and on our best behavior when meeting with an earthly king, how much more a Heavenly One.

Meeting with my King is only just one part of it. Imagine knowing that every-time you are in the King’s presence, you are bound to receive a rich gift. We all know the quality of a King’s gift o! It’s not plastic souvenir o! There’s bound to be plenty of  gold, platinum, expensive silks and exotic fabrics, perfumes… you name it. Well, every-time I get dressed on Sunday mornings, I’m mostly excited about the rich gifts and blessings in Christ Jesus that’ll be mine at the end of the day. The thought alone is guaranteed to have my face lit up with a 100 mega-watt smile.

That was my state of mind when I sashayed into Church premises at 9.00a.m. Sunday morning. My eyes immediately lighted on a Star Trek looking contraption in-front of the auditorium’s entrance. Nah! I thought to myself and continued to the front desk to get my bulletin and offering envelopes.

While I smiled charmingly and exchanged pleasantries with the ushers, I took in the scene once more. Nah…! Now that I come down my cloud of euphoria of being in Church a bit, I noticed the akpu-obi (for lack of a better English word, because bodyguards just will not suffice) guys in suit positioned around the entrance and church premises. They were not smiling at all!

Haba! Was my guy GEJ worshipping with us today? What on earth…? Eyeing the Star Trek contraption again, I felt some disquiet.

“Can I go in through the side doors?” I questioned one of the ushers who was grinning at me, obviously amused at my discomfiture.

“Hnm! They  won’t allow you o!” Came his reply, while casting a quick look at ‘they’.

“See me see wahala.” I thought to myself, irritation finally claiming me.

Tentatively I approached the particularly forbidding akpu-obi guy in a suit standing behind the contraption. I beamed a smile. He glowered at me. A real case of ‘jamming brick wall.’

He gestured. I took a deep breath and came forward. Then put a foot through the narrow contraption, ducking my head, even though it was several inches higher. And my other feet followed the first. I held my breath and didn’t have to wait at all.

The thing shrieked like a banshee and several heads turned in my direction. Yes o! I had all the accessories in the world on. I was going to meet with my king nah!

A little mortified, a whole lot irritated, I made to hand my purse and Bible to Mr Akpu-obi guy whose face looked by now looked like ofe gbaruka (sour soup) when he shook his head and asked me to go through. I raised my brows. WT*! Just like that? So, what was the point?

Restraining myself from giving a long hiss, I walked into church. Immediately my good-humor was restored and I made for the staircase heading to the gallery where I hide out and worship God. The idea behind sitting at the gallery is that you don’t have to dance round the whole church when going to put in your offering or if you have a special offering to put in, you don’t have to walk the whole expanse of the aisle to put it into the offering box. Aside from that, you can weep, speak in tongues, kneel and just get your worship on the gallery without making a spectacle of yourself.

Anyhoo, I get to the staircase and meet some usher shaking his head and indicating a pew. Kai! I’m stuck downstairs. I take a seat and look to my right. I spot the former Minister of Foreign Affairs. I roll my eyes. Is that the reason for the extra security? My church is an old traditional church and we do have some Senators, a couple of Ministers, plenty of Honorables and politicians but I’d honestly attributed all the security to the recent bomb threats.

All through service I kept jumping out of my skin every-time the contraption shrieked, because trust us women in our Sunday best. By the end of service, my nerves were thoroughly jangled as I kept thinking of the possibility of bomb blasts or shooting given the amount of public servants in our congregation.

My long story leads me to ask one question – If we don’t feel safe in the House of God, in His very Presence, where can we possibly feel safe. Can all the security devices and agents be any good when your time comes?

I’ll leave you to ponder on that one because I can tell you I chewed on it for a long time and found it extremely funny in retrospect. Very funny…

On a different note, my birthday comes up at the end of the week, Friday actually.  The 22^nd. I should be excited, right? WRONG!!!

I foresee a very depressing week. It’s been a depressing month, truth be told. When did I get to this age? I’ll just call it age x! I don’t feel any different than I did at 21. Ok, maybe a little different. A whole lot stronger and a lot more jaded granted. I really can’t pin-point the moment when I lost my rose coloured glasses but it hasn’t been a bad ride down to this point, has it? I mean, I survived my rebellious years, went through a Nigerian University and obtained a certificate, then on to Law school, became a lawyer, survived some bad relationships and life altering events along the way so yippee, bring on another year!

Yep, that’s the song I’ve been singing to myself for the better part of the month but alas, as the day draws closer, my trepidation builds. Can someone please press rewind? I guess I’ve gotten to that age where women take their ages back two years – or five.

I know I’m beginning to sound like that saying about how we are neglectful about the things we have and desirous of the things we don’t have…or something along those lines but I really don’t seem to be able to snap out of it.

Anyways, to get my mind and emotions out of the rut over the weekend, I drew up a birthday wish-list hoping the little exercise will perk me up. I allowed my imagination run a little wild… *grimacing*. Ok, a whole lotta wild. The list comprises of the little and not so little things. It made me smile, so here goes. Smile with me…

2011 IMERCEDES CLS CLASS

If wishes were horses then beggars would ride. This is a clear case of what my friend L recently explained to me as oloju kokoro. However on a more optimistic note, I could someday get that million dollar brief that would make the impossible possible. *sigh*

 

A BOTTLE OF KENZO JUNGLE

Aside for my love for elephants, there’s something about their stoicism that moves me if that makes any sense. And I believe they are good-luck, hence the mahogany center table in my living room and the miniature one I always carry around in my bag.

Okay enough of the yadda  yadda yadda. I love the heady, mysterious tones. Not too feminine or overpowering, just enough to let you know a sexy, strong woman was in your space.

A CHARLATAN T-SHIRT

Can I first of all say that I find the brand name ingenious? Charlatans by iamISIGO. The name was inspired by the fact that there's a little pretence in us all. (More on this label and the brain behind it coming soon). Ingenious! Secondly, they are plain gorgeous and really to die for. Thirdly, I luurv t-shirts. Someone get me a charlatan t-shirt – or two, pretty please.

Lurv!

A LEATHER MAN BAG

I spotted this ‘amazing’ leather man- bag - (It was perhaps more of a briefcase) at a recent visit Wuse market. It was made of croc-skin, complete with the scales at the back and the stitching was impressive. Pure de-luxe item and it cost a fortune, trust Wuse market. (I wonder if both the Arts & Crafts market I know will have a more pocket friendly version). Would be perfect for carrying my lap-top, hard drives and all those papers and files I swore I’d never carry as a 21^st century legal practitioner, while looking chic and professional at the same time.

I-PAD 2

After being dissuaded from getting an I-pad 1 when it came out, I find myself obsessing about the latest version. Aside from saving me some energy from logging around my lap-top and also saving me the acquisition of an eye wrinkle or two from squinting at my blackberry, I think it would be pretty neat to do some constructive work on the go.

A CANON CAMERA

I used to roll my eyes when I saw bloggers with high powered cameras around their necks zooming in for shots. Yes, I was one of those bad-belle people that would snicker and mutter, ‘notice me!’

Picture T.Y. Bello running around GEJ’s motorcade at the inauguration ceremony. With what closely resembles a telescope around her neck.  Now, I know she is no blogger and  nope, I’m not that ignorant. That piece of equipment probably cost a tidy sum, never mind that she made tons of money from that job, but I digress.

Bottom-line, camera around the neck taking shots inspires a not very flattering image in my mind.

That being said, I now understand the importance of cameras. How can you effectively tell a story without pictures? They say pictures say more than a million words. I came across this baby on the internet and fell in-love.

Cue R.Kelly’s I wish, I wish, I wish.

APAIR OF FOOT CANDY

Where all fails, this is guaranteed to put a smile on my face. Yes, I’m an obsessive shoe collector and I do get over depression by going shoe shopping. I’m a bit obsessed with footwear. This obsession has progressed to collecting pictures of shoes, the crazier the better. (I shall share my picture collection of shoes soon). Anyhoos, I’d like to be indulged with a mad pair of shoes come 22^nd of July.

Mad about these.

Has day-dreaming about my birthday wishlist gotten my mood out of the dumps??? Ask me after Friday. It's going to be a looong week. TGIM!

Let's gooo!

xxx

Isi-Aki.

MEN IN SUIT.

I love a man in a suit!



Suave in a Suit



Cool factor


Can I sufficiently describe what a dapper looking  man in a suit does to me, be he 19 or 91? You cannot imagine my pleasure that suits are becoming hip and are trending at the moment. Now when I say suit, I mean a well tailored suit. Fit-to-form, great shirt, fantastic tie, pocket square, cuff-links, tie-clip, socks, great pair of shoes and a lovely watch. Yep, the ‘little’ details make the suit.

When I see a man in a good suit, I mean – suit not coat, (because y’all know some guys be wearing some trench coats!) my brain freezes, my eyes get greedy, my hands twitch and my mouth goes dry. Make him a tall, dark, attractive man in a suit and I’m gone I tell you! I can’t recollect how many times I’ve gotten side-tracked and flirted shamelessly with my accounts officer, G of X-bank because I can't get over how debonair he looks in a suit.

Tall drink of water - check

Polite and charming - check- check,

Power Suit - check - check - check.

Now, I’m in a profession where we live in suits, come rain, come shine. Believe me when I say I’ve seen suits and then some more suits. Up in the Courthouse and other places where we do our business, men can be seen parading all sorts of suits. Granted we are only permitted to wear a preferably a black suit (some have been known to get away with wearing dark gray or navy blue in court) and a crisp white shirt, but really! Some guys be wearing some rag-tag, 'I can hide a bazooka and an assault rifle Oshodi- type- suits'.

Now don’t get me wrong. Buying an expensive suit is no guarantee that you’ll look good in it if you don’t get the rudimentaries right. Suits are not relegated only to the work place. You can work your swag in a suit at a wedding or special occasion by taking your accessories up a notch or two. Here are my humble tips on nailing it stopping traffics and hearts every-time you step out.

1. Work Out:

Burn some calories on the treadmill or the gym. Better yet, take a quick early morning or evening jog. We don’t want you bursting the seams of the suit or popping any buttons. Worse still, that belly hanging over the belt.

Keeping in shape will guarantee you look good in any suit.

2. Fit:

Ideally, a suit should be tailored. Yes I mean tailor, fabric, measurements, cut and sew. In Italy and most parts of Europe, suits are tailor-made i.e. made from the scratch by a tailor for his clients and it remains to be seen what other men can look as good in a suit as the Italian men. They look like they were born in a suit. Their secret? Tailoring. Having a suit tailor- made, contrary to our belief in this part of the world is the ultimate sign of affluence, class and major big bucks.

However if you cannot afford an Italian suit and can’t quite trust your tailor to construct the whole thing, here’s how to make sure your regular suit fits and look like a million bucks.

 Take to a good tailor and have him carefully take out the lining and take the sides in a few inches for the lean, long look.

Elongated torso.

Fit is everything.

 Your suit sleeves should never cover your hands and double as hand warmers. Take it up a few inches, so your shirt sleeves peek out from under. The overall effect on your attire is to take you to a new level of class and sophistication.



Dapper!



Peek-a-boo sleeves.

  Your pants should have little or no breaks. Breaks refer to the point on the trouser where the fabric hits your shoes. Multiple breaks refer to those folds of fabric pooled around your shoes. It ends up making you less groomed, unkempt and definitely less cool and it doesn’t matter how much the suit costs. So unless you haven't stopped growing and are in danger of shooting up a couple of more inches, have your tailor take in the hem of the trousers a few inches so that it hits the top of your shoes. Aside from the modern, smart and lean look this gives you, it’s a great way to display your socks and fabulous shoes.



Zero break.

 

One break.



Smart!


3. Carry a Man-bag or a man-purse

Now you aren’t going to go through all the trouble of having your suit tailored to achieve the perfect silhouette only to have you stuffing all those phones, keys, pens, card-holders etc in your pockets are you?

Enter the man – bag.



Billykirk 1.



Billykirk 2.

This accessory has been carried around for decades by European men and is finally being embraced by men around the world. Far from being effeminate, it steps up your look as a power dresser, gives you a place to carry around all those work essentials while retaining your silhouette.



Classic White.



Working the accessories.



Croc-skin Man-Purse... Lurv!



Leather folder.



Allen of  Fr3shwallstreet.



Fab!


Major cool ingredient to looking trendy and fabulous in a suit.


4. Choose your accessories carefully.

There are certain items which are a must for wearing a suit. I cannot over-emphasise the importance of a basic white shirt and a black tie. Where all fails, this nails it every-time. Good quality shirts, belts, socks, cuff-links, tie - clips, pocket squares, watches and shoes are a must. Take it a step further with sun-glasses, scarves or hats. In other words, accessorise, accessorise, accessorise!



Killing it!

  

Dapper!



On point!





Classic Black & White.



Cheetah skin accessories.

 

Tasselled beauties.

 

Christian Louboutins.

Pink Boy.



 

Missoni silk tie.



 

Gucci Sunglasses.

 

Caviar Exotic Wood Collection Sunglasses.


5. Colours, Colours, Colours!

Pump up the volume of your suits by wearing colours. Don’t be afraid of colours guys. From your shirts, to your belts, socks, (ditch the white and black socks abeg!) sunglasses, pocket square and shoes. Yes! Colour! What better way to express your personality than through some quirky colour peeking out from here or there.



Beautiful colour.

 

Power man-bag.


 

Quirky socks. Lurv!



Blazer umps the outfit.




Colour block people.



Chic!




Neat whites & pinstripes.

 
 

Colour block.

 



Lurv!

 

Real men wear pink.



Bullseye in Business class.



Business class.

   

 Colour at the Ozwald Boateng X London Fashion Week '10.




Men do wear Pinks, Greens, Limes, Reds, Oranges, Torquoise, and all the different shades of the rainbow. Do I hear somebody say major swag?



All my Love.


xxx

Isi-Aki.


Credits to Fr3shwallstreet for the Inspiration.