DO IT LIKE A DUDE - ANDROGYNOUS STYLE.

I'd rather be handsome for an hour than pretty for a week. - Tilda Swinton.

I'm currently trying my hand at the androgynous fashion. 

The term androgyny refers to the removal of either male or female attributes to create a person devoid of sexual characteristics. Women who embrace androgyny are brash and very bold. She's a rebel who rejects everything that society says she should be and the lessons passed on from generations of women before her.  An independent individual, she refuses to endure the male dominated society. She blurs the line between masculinity and femininity as she flaunts her sexuality.

The concept of 'boy style' embraced by celebrities such as Janelle Monae, Emma Watson, Rihanna is one that is widely embraced today with menswear turned womenswear such as tuxedos, blazers and oxfords becoming commonplace.

Androgyny is truly eclectic and intriguing.

OUTFIT FORMAL

Break out the two piece suit in black or white for that formal occasion. Either black or white can be flattering.The colour black is a huge confidence booster for women. A black or white suit in a roomful of evening dresses is sure to make you stand out.

Fierce!

OUTFIT CASUAL

To achieve the androgynous look, go for clothes which are unisex. Shirts must not be form fitting, but well fitted. High waisted jeans or harem or peg pants and a white tee-shirt combined with minimal accessories such as a bold wristwatch work for the casual look.

Paul Smith's casual androgyny.

Minimalist styling.

FOOTWEAR

Brogues, oxfords, converse and wingtip shoes are an easy way to achieve the androgynous look. I have a particular liking for spikes or creepers which are guaranteed to add the androgynous edge to any outfit.

A definite attention grabber.

Russel & Bromley

ACCESSORIES

Minimal jewellery, utilitarian totes in worn leather, chunky watches, belts or suspenders, hats, ties,  complement the  androgynous look.

STYLING

Hair may be cut in a bob, a mullet or pixie cut. Long hair may be pulled back in a slick ponytail or tucked under a hat. A red lippie and blush do not work with this look. A foundation,  matte powder and nude lip pulls the whole look together. 

Simple classic pieces. I <3 the blazer.

Whimsical feminised masculinity.

Androgyny Perfection.

Vogue Russia.

KabiraWilliams on Times fashion series on androgyny.

Rasa Zukauskaite merging androgynous style with a ladylike twist.

With a bucket loads of confidence and constant practice, you should be working this look in no time. I definitely will.

Peace and Light,

xx

Isi-aki.

INSPIRATION BOARD

Printspiration!

Ingenious!

I need this skirt in my life!

In the shops now H&M Imitation leather skirt.

Mara and Mine Skeleton slippers.

Artistic mani inspired by 10 Blank Canvases.

Chanel clutch from Spring 2013

Fantastic perspex purse. I love the golden spider clasp.

ASOS beaded shift at the Spring Preview. Oxygen! <3

Statement Walter Steiger heelz.

Blooming baguette at Fendi PreFall 2013 via @mduenasjacobs instagram

Incredible brocade skirt on style blogger Chic Muse

LOC ENVY

Following my last post, I put my hair up in cornrows. One word -Torture!

Suffice to say that I-WILL-NOT-BE-DOING-THAT-AGAIN! One sleepless night and several hours of enduring a severe migraine, I took them out the very next day. I just could not endure the thought of one more sleepless night, going through that amount of self-imposed pain! Right now my scalp feels so tender that I still experience painful twinges from time to time. Absolutely awful! 

So, I've started thinking of going back to the locs route. Protective styling and hair retention rolled in one.  Viola!

These beauties are just giving me oxygen, right now. 

 

So tempted. I just might...

Light and Love,

xx

Isi-aki.

PROTECTIVE HAIR STYLING

Hey y'all.

I'm going to be focusing on natural black hair in the next couple of posts. Having never experienced my natural hair (aside from the nine years when I wore locs; does that count?), I'm eternally fascinated by the versatility of the mass of hair on my head - and the head of other natural hair lovers.

Unfortunately, as I'm beginning to discover, at some point down the natural hair journey, length retention is a PROBLEM! I like to wear my hair out - a lot. The first reason being that I hate sitting down for hours to get my hair done. The second being that my scalp/ hair cannot stand to be bound in anyway. The third reason is that after expending time and money to get an amazing hair do, my scalp rebels and I have to take out the hair after a week! Hence, I just do my two strand twist, unravel them and put my hair in a hair textured bun. Most days my  hair loves to be free to do its thing, which is coil itself up in fairy knots and tangle into a dense bush that takes half a bottle of conditioner and more than a gallon of patience to de-tangle  As much as I like to humour my hair, the thing is, this habit is causing much more harm than good.

Example: 

Yesterday morning, I took one look at the scorching and unmerciful Abuja sun and drenched my hair with water and some Jamaican Mango and Lime leave in conditioner using my spray bottle. I sealed using extra virgin olive oil, finger combed and put my hair up in a high bun. I should have been covered, right? Wrong!

Fast forward to several hours later where I'm relaxing and having a drink at my usual spot with a friend. Fascinated that my hair feels as dry as crisp despite my obsessive moisturising, I pick at my hair absent-mindedly. My fingers come away with coils. I must have done that like four or five times before it finally dawned on me. My precious length was breaking off! 

In-spite of what the mass on my hair wants - which is the freedom to break off at will and set me back a year of growth, I'm going to get my hair braided.

I've spent all morning looking at protective hair styles which are young, fun and edgy. What do y'all think?

Light and Love,

xx

Isi-aki.