Playing with fabrics.

So last week was my cousin's wedding and it was a very beautiful sight because both the groom and bride were a sight to behold. You might be wondering why am talking about the wedding, but am so excited because at first I was at a complete lost about what to wear. As usual there was a uniform "aso-ebi" for us to wear, that is; we the siblings of the groom, but unfortunately for me the fabric was one which irritates my skin type (I have a very sensitive skin). I could have worn it but i would have been very grumpy through the whole event and then at the end of the day have massive skin irritations blah blah blah.

So I kept thinking of what to wear for sometime and then I set out to get the material one week or so before the d-day without having anything really in mind. Getting to the market I just felt like I should buy these very ancient looking aso-oke and i was pleased, but then I dint think I could use that alone to sew something and not end up looking like a grandma. So I started thinking very hard on what fabric I could use alongside, all these while i was just walking mindlessly into one fabric store or the other (need I say it was a very sunny day and it was the very notorious balogun market in Lagos). Finally it just came to me that why don't i try mixing our very own ankara prints with the aso-oke and go all local? So the aso-oke was red in color and i got a green ankara with it, green and red are complimentary colours so I felt good about it. Not to bore you with all the details I believe I did justice to the materials and am quite happy I played with the fabrics as a designer, hence I felt I should share with you guys :). Enjoy.

Omidan Kemipher

Miss Synteeyah

Mary and Tolunifey

Sete and Omidan Kemipher

what does the price mean to you

The very first thing that attracts a buyer to a piece of clothing is the color. Then the design, the fit and finally the price, yep that's how it goes. But how we react to the price is definitely the most important factor in the sale of a garment. So many of us have had to let go of some of our very much desired cloth pieces either because of the price or fit. But to some, the fit can be adjusted if only the price was affordable.

The effect of garment prices on the buyer greatly depends on the individual's socio-economic status, life-style, personality and age.  To some people a particular price of a dress could be just too exorbitant, to some its affordable and to some its even cheap! Let take three different people of very different socio-economic status for example; the average mom, the working-class single lady and the show-biz personality. Why would they have different views on the price of lets say the dress below. Am using this dress because it can be worn by any of them depending on the occasion.

So if the dress comes with a price tag of maybe #10,000, there would definitely be a contrast on how each of them reacts on the price because of what each one is looking out for. The mom looks out for functionality, durability and performance of the dress, the style not being a main issue so long as the dress is conservative, it suitable for most outings like wearing it to church. So to her the price may be a bit on the high side. Then the single lady sees mostly the aesthetics, style, fit and performance. The price seems affordable though wouldn't mind a discount but would get it all the same. Now our show-biz personality sees every detail of the dress fashion wise, sees the fabric, fasteners, trimmings, style and performance.  For her its suitable for a casual  hangout but yet still good for the cameras so to her the price is more than affordable. She could even begin to doubt the quality cos to her the price should be a lil' bit higher. This is also how two different people will view scarves, to one person she would never buy a scarf above a certain price range because its just a scarf, whereas to the other a scarf is a fashion piece and is willing to pay as much. But we cant blame neither, everyone has their priorities  but one must be careful so as not to be wasteful :) or too stingy to oneself :( .So we can see that going shopping is fun be it also tasks the brain kinda, a lot of thinking is surely involved.

So do we blame the designers for the price? no. Every designer knows that in making a garment, all materials used must be of like quality, hence a lot of work is done. So the cost of the garment must meet up with all that. Do we then blame the buyers for not buying? no. Everyone must learn to cut their coat according to their size. So you need not put yourself under unnecessary duress cos you want to look stylish and impress others. Some clothes are not just for you. Who says you can't get stylish garments for your purse and life-style? Trust me you can, you just have to find the perfect store for you. And these shouldn't be a problem, browse through magazines, the internet and so on, you would find one. Another way is to go window shopping once in a while, its fun especially with friends, so you are getting information and having fun at the same time.

Snow White!

Many people shy away from white clothings because of the general believe that white emphazies body flaws. But we cannot deny the fact that white is such a beautiful colour, why else do you think it the traditional bridal colour? Well asides the fact that it signifies the purity of the bride, it also brings about an angelic glowing beauty on the bride, so yes white is indeed beautiful. White is such a pure colour and need no negation of any kind, so why dont we embrace those white outfits in our closet more. I believe, as I always say, that if you truly understand your body type you would know how to pull off a white outfit perfectly. I love the colour and I want you too to fall in love with it :D. So be it  a bag, or shoes or even a dress, the colour is pleasing to the eye.

 

Now this colour is not only flattering to the female species but is extremely good looking on men too. White shorts, suits, caps and what have you. Its goes a long way in showing both the degree of maturity and sensuality of the guy ;)

True that the white colour has a high degree of vulnerabilty as it can easily get stained, and one has to be overly careful when sporting a white outfit. But I know this could pose a problem for those clumsy ones like myself, but who said you must deck up in complete white? Nobody! although its beautifully tempting :D

 

 

So how can you spice up your wardrobe if you are either not bold enough to wear complete white or you are cant be bothered about been careful? Very simple, by accesorizing with white. It could be just a white scarf, sunglasses or a purse, something to give that 'pop'factor to your out fit.

Good thing is white is suitable for almost every occasion except burials ofcourse, but in some parts of asia white is even worn at those. White dresses could be classy, casual or even sexy (very sexy) you just take your pick. It just has an alluring factor.

White dress are very flattering too, but be careful not to overdo it with white. A white dress goes very well when paired with accessories in contrasting  dark colours, especially if the ocassion is a formal and mature one. You can go playful with colours if it is a casual outing, but you dont want to end up looking like a white mess when you step out of your abode, so when wearing the colour white "subtility" is key!

Sister sister

Ok, if you are one of the my regular followers of my blog you would remember the post I put up some time ago in appreciation to the support I get from my sister, yea? So once again I want to share some more pictures (Taken by me the unprofessional amateur photographer) of her wearing stuffs I made, do enjoy, CHEERS!

 

Ankara Earring



Chiffon blouse and ankara skirt I made

 



Ankara Jacket



 



Horizontal patch-work skirt

 

Ankara Necklace



Ankara Earring

Ankara Earring

Sleeveless shirt/Jacket combo

 

 

Fashion shoes; Pain or beauty

There is this popular saying I hear alot, 'Fashion is pain'. Anytime I hear this statement i mentally task myself to think deeply if this saying should be true. Why cantIi be comfortable and yet be fashionable? So this morning when I woke up it struck me that one can be fashionable and comfortable at the same time. You dont have to subject yourself to the uncomfortability of the many fashion trends we have today. Its as simple as if you aint comfy in it, dont be in it! This was what Paul Poiret, the fashion designer from the 1910s stood for thereby designing the simplest yet stylish dresses women could wear without the aid of maids.

 

The number one step in being comfortable in fashion is to define your personal style and then go with fashion trends that suit your style and is quite comfortable. Some Ladies don't mind going through some fashion pain as long as they get complimented by everyone that sees them, but for those of us that dress to be comfy then we mustn't let ourselves be swayed by every fashion trend that comes. Getting every fashion piece that trends can be not only exhaustive but uneconomical as fashion changes rapidly these days. When big tummy belts are in, you buy so many in different colours and then when slim is whats in vogue you go again and buy so many, leaving the other ones useless. Rather one should invest wisely in timeless fashion pieces that suit your style, comfortability and can't be termed outdated.

 

So now am going to focus on shoes, many of us ladies believe you have to wear high heels to be termed fashionable and then at the end of the day we go home tending to our sore feets because of the pain they have being subjected to all day. Am not saying wearing heels are bad, infact when worn comfortably gives a nice gait to a ladies step. Below are some steps to have a nice amd comfortable shoe wardrobe :)

 

* When shopping for shoes, invest wisely in quality shoes that come with sturdy heels no matter the type of heels, to avoid shaky heels after a few wears which could be very painful to your feet.

 

* Always buy your perfect shoe size, never settle for a smaller or bigger size because the shoes are cute, always think of the coniditions your poor feets will be in.

 

*Before buying the shoes make sure you wear them and take a short walk around in them, many stores allow this. So that you can test your balance in them, you dont want to end up looking like a zombie in heels.

 

*Buy shoes that suit your lifestyle and for the function, not just because they are in vogue. Wearing stiletto heels to classes as a student can be very exhausting (believe me I saw a few when I was in school) or if your job involves moving up and down such as marketing, you can get really low heeled court shoes.

 

*Nothing wrong in having some loafers or flat sandals for a casual outing.

 

*Boots are not very friendly for us here in the tropics because of the heat, but if your like that shoe style you could go for a very nice pair of shoe boots.

 

*Avoid storing your shoes in stuffy, closed up spaces its not good for the material and makes shoes get weaker real fast.

 

*You can even be stylish in sport shoes too, and even  if you are a vintage person, there are some great shoes to suit your style without you being at the risk of looking "öld-skool"

 

 

 

 

Before i sign out, I have a tip for you ladies out there. You could learn to walk very well in your really high heels by wearing the shoes around the house while doing some house chores (please not in bathrooms, the slippery floors could be dangerous ooo). Do this with new shoes to familiarize your feets with them shoes so that by the time your wear them out you can walk gracefully in them. It could seem stupid or stressful at first, but for those who would rather wear 'fashion' than comfy, this could come in handy!

 

 

 

 

some of my sketches

I was bored today and then decided to clean out my room when i stumbled on some of my very old sketches. So i thought to share it with you guys and add in some of my more recent ones. Nothing professional though, i don't know how to draw but many a times i like to doodle some designs that cross my mind. Feed your eyes on my beloved though amateurish sketches.......

 

Earlier sketches like some six years ago, very primary school looking X_X

 

 

 

 

More Recent sketches, not much improvement sef...........