Category: Fashion

  • Choosing  right  shoes to  match  your outfit

    Choosing right shoes to match your outfit

    Shoes for jeans

    You can wear almost any colour or style of shoes with jeans, but avoid very shiny shoes that are obviously intended for more dressy outfits. Boots, lug soles, sneakers, loafers and sandals all work great with jeans.

    When choosing shoes for jeans, let the style of your shirt help to guide you. For example, a sporty, polo shirt might work with a loafer; t-shirts go well with sneakers or retro-style shoes; long, artsy button-downs work well with sandals.

    Shoes for casual pants

    download (3)Whether you call them dockers, chinos, or khakis, there are a variety of loafers, oxford and other men’s shoes that work well with casual pants.

    Let the ornamentation and style of the shoes guide you towards the look you are trying to achieve. For example, a tassel or a buckle is a little more on the dressy side, while a woven pattern or heavy stitching is a little more on the casual side.

    Shoes for dress pants

    Choose shoes that are of the same colour or darker than your pants, and if wearing a belt, match your shoes with it.

    Care tips

    Clean and polish leather shoes regularly with quality shoe care products, preferably all-natural products that allow leather to breathe. Silicone based products sit on top of the leather.

    Waterproof your casual shoes and outdoor leather boots with a quality shoe care product to protect your footwear from water, snow and salt stains.

    Condition your shoes to keep the leather soft and supple and prevent cracks and maintain a comfortable fit. Use quality leather conditioning oil or lotion.

    Store your leather shoes to absorb excess moisture and retain the shape of the leather. Do not put leather shoes near direct heat.

    Shoe repair – Before minor problems become permanent damage, take your shoes to your local shoe repair shop.

    Hue matching

    · Black shoes work well with navy, grey or black pants.

    · Brown shoes are best suited to tan, brown, beige, greens, other darker earth tones.

    · Burgundy shoes work well with khaki, lighter browns, blue and grey.

    · Tan shoes look great with lighter earth tones, blue, beige, lighter tan or white.

  • Men’s  essentials

    Men’s essentials

    Find  out the essential items every man should have in his closet and learn to successfully mix and match vital pieces for a variety of timeless, stylish looks.

    Boxers and briefs40, 41 TREND 28-2-15.

    Nothing much to be said here. A man’s underwear is a must-have accessory.

    Wristwatches

    Wristwatches are particularly important for meetings and appointments. There are some sophisticated ones that display the day, month and year. Some even have past and future dates. A few ones like Rolex also serve as status symbols; they differentiate between boys and men.

    Palm or flip flop slippers

    This simple and comfortable men’s footwear goes well with casuals, but some men still wear the stylish ones for their formal outings. These slippers are essential part of a man’s wardrobe. They can be used to dress up or down, depending on the occasion. And they are also good for leisure and for moving around the house.

    Pinstriped trousers

    Pinstriped trousers are classic, perfect for formal or more casual occasions. The details on pinstriped trousers will spice up what otherwise might be an ordinary ensemble.

    Ties

    As we all know, ties are like ornaments because they bring out the best of men’s style and personality. We have to take note of the importance of putting the appropriate type of ties for the right event.

    Striped shirts

    They are the best among the different patterns of shirts that we have. Plain shirts always look too official and are mostly worn on suits, but striped shirts could be worn as office or ceremonial wear. That is why most designers have different striped shirts. Striped shirts are more fitting, elegant and cool than plain shirts. For leisure, you can wear a striped shirt without tucking it in, but if you try that with a plain shirt, you will certainly look out of place. It can be worn independently with jeans, a suit or under a sweater. It is easy to incorporate into any ensemble.

    Black and brown shoes

    40, 41 TREND 28-2-15.Black and deep brown will blend with most fabrics. A man should have several pairs of shoes, but owning two pairs of black and two pairs of brown shoes is ideal.

    Blazers

    A cool blazer is definitely a must-have item, and the styles available really give blazers a life of their own. Do not go for wild colours. Go for neutral tones that can easily be worn with jeans and as well as a dress shirt or with a printed tee underneath.

    Cufflinks

    They are the rave and it is for a reason: nothing gives your shirt a classier look than a nice set of good quality cufflinks.

    Jeans

    Jeans can be paired with just anything. With jeans, you just can’t go wrong.

  • Ways to combat razor bumps

    Ways to combat razor bumps

    There is nothing quite as frustrating as cleaning up with a close shave, only to suffer from razor bumps. But, if you suffer from razor bumps and ingrown hair, there are ways to combat this unsightly and uncomfortable condition. Razor bumps occur when the skin gets irritated or when it starts itching after you have shaved. What follows next are bumps which will form small hard outgrowths that cause a lot of discomfort and pain.

    Finding a solution to this condition is always a difficult task. Nevertheless, there are several ways to combat these tiny ugly monsters. For example, there are some bumps removing products that are highly effective.

    By adhering to the following rules, one could minimize the effects of razor and shaving-related skin irritation.

    Best shaving tips:

    *Rinse your blade with hot water before you begin to shave.

    *Use quality shaving cream. The best shaving creams create a rich creamy lather and do not foam up. The less foaming in the shave cream the better, as it is what is in contact with the skin and beard that matters.

    *Scrub your face with a facial scrub lotion. This will help remove dead skin, bring out ingrown hair and reduce razor burn rashes.

    *According to a school of thought, the best time to shave is after you must have taken a shower or after washing your face in warm water. So one of the keys to a great close shave without irritation or razor burn is to make sure your beard is thoroughly wet. Facial hair will absorb moisture up to 30% of its volume. Hair swollen with water becomes quite weak and therefore easier to cut

    *Use new razor blades always. Always use a good quality sharp razor blade. Be sure the blade is sharp. You’re not just cutting off hair, you are also removing  two layers of surface skin when you shave. A dull blade is more traumatic to the skin, making your face feel scratchy and look blotchy. A dull razor is one of the contributing factors to razor burn and shaving rash.

    *If you are using an electric clipper, be sure to clean and sterilize the blades regularly.

    *Brush off hair on the blade after each stroke.

    *After you must have completed shaving, wash your face and head in cold water with antiseptic soap.

    *Lastly, finish off with an after-shave lotion or balm. Shaving can remove up to two layers of skin. There is no other regular activity that does this, which is why it is so important to use a good quality moisturizer after shaving. An after-shave lotion, designed as an after shave balm and moisturizer in one, is the ideal way to replace lost moisture and soothe the skin. Be sure to use one made just for guys.

  • Beautiful locks

    Beautiful locks

    It is fascinating to watch a hair trend that used to be unique to Jamaicans and Rastafarians eventually grow in popularity until it became a world fashion. In the current fashion world, locks have become the hottest hair fad, apart from the ever-current hair braids. The hair style formally invented in Africa is now being worn by skin of all colours and sexes. This style is less expensive to take care of and less time-consuming in terms of maintenance, and the other good thing about it is that you can either make the hair style with your natural hair or have it synthetic. The hair style is for those who want the bohemian look. Some are extremely low, average length, while others are very long.

    It is the ideal low maintenance hair-do. It can be carried for years.

     

    Maintenance

    40, 41 TREND 21-2-15.Hair locking is a natural process that requires patience and understanding. The key to locking hair is for it to be free of any kind of chemical treatments that straighten or curl the hair. The first step involved in dreadlock maintenance is to make sure that the hair is clean. Wash the hair with a clarifying shampoo and allow it to air dry. Air drying is important in dreadlock maintenance because it encourages the hair to assume its natural state. Using a blow dryer will cause the hair to become brittle and too straight. When hair locking, the natural curl pattern of the hair is important in order to achieve the desired results.

     

    Tips

    Use a lock twisting hair butter to groom your locks.

    Tie a silk or satin scarf around your hair before you go to sleep. This keeps it hydrated and lint free.

    Use lock grooming oils and butters for dry locks.

    Use the latch hook or palm roll methods to tighten your roots.

    Washing-Dreads should be washed at least once a week, more often if you have an itchy scalp. Use a residue free shampoo made for your hair type. Focus on your scalp and let the suds run down the length of your locks. Use natural shampoos and not drugstore brands.

  • Beauty tips for MEN

    Beauty tips for MEN

    MALE grooming these days is on a par with the female grooming routine.  There are many new products aimed at men’s looks, and male grooming products and services have become a thriving business.

    Fresh breath-Having whiter teeth does not always mean that you have fresh breath, and although regular brushing does help, investing in a good mouthwash is essential. Mouthwash gets to parts of the mouth that brushing can’t reach, leaving your breath fresher and your mouth cleaner.

    Hair care-Regardless of your hair type, it is important to use a shampoo that is gentle on your hair. Ingredients such as vitamin E are great for naturally strengthening and conditioning the hair follicles.

    Melt the shea butter and coconut oil at a low temperature, then add the olive oil and stir it up.

    Pour it into a large bowl and let it firm up in the refrigerator. Then, use a mixer to whip it up into a consistency more like that of a shaving cream. Store it in an airtight container.

    Heal dry or rough skin-You do not need an elaborate skin care regimen for that.

    Minimize wrinkles-Keeping your skin exfoliated and moisturized will do a lot to minimize and prevent wrinkles, though the real key to youthful skin is your diet.

    Whiten your teeth -One of the biggest beauty concerns after smooth, clear skin is a gorgeous bright smile. It doesn’t matter if you are male or female. No matter how often you clean your teeth, they can become stained from drinking tea, coffee, smoking and eating certain foods. There are many different ways to whiten your teeth, but the cheapest option is to use whitening toothpaste. Although it might take a little longer than other methods, it will give you a brighter smile in two to three weeks.

    Exercise regularly- For exercise to work effectively, you need to give your body the best fuel.  Eat food that will help flush the toxins out.

    Dump the baggage under those eyes-Under eye problems can be a result of fluid retention, lack of sleep or stress. So, to flush out what you can, munch on fruits and vegetables, especially celery. Celery works in two ways: it acts like a mild diuretic to encourage excess fluid to leave the body and it reduces stress hormones.

    Cleansing-Cleanse your face with an exfoliant, get rid of dead skin particles and leave your face feeling smoother and looking great. It can also help prevent black heads, acne and in-grown hairs.

    Clothing-No matter if you are going out to a formal or casual event, ensure that your clothes are well laundered. Cleanliness is next to godliness after all, and if you have worked on all of the other care tips above, you could spoil it all by having poorly washed or pressed clothes. And don’t forget about the shoes which should be well cared for and polished.

  • At D’Banj’s party

    At D’Banj’s party

    THE red carpet arrivals at D’Banj’s recent party held at Ocean View Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos had some truly incredible looks from the celebrities and fashionistas who wowed the audience with their dressing sense.

    The red carpet saw some truly mesmerising gowns and suits. It’s difficult to say who was the best dressed celebrity, as everyone dressed to impress.

    Nigerian artistes and celebrities like Banky W, Omowunmi Akinifesi, Praiz, Lami Phillips, Yvonne Ekwere, Kemi Adetiba, Toke Makinwa, Tola Odunsi, Sharon Ojong, Efe Tommy, Zaina, Osi Suave, Ehiz, Shaydee, Charles Ahize, Wizkid, Davido, Phyno, Seyi Shay, Iceberg Slim, Emmanuel Ikubese, Lisa Omoridon, Kayswitch, Orezi, Toolz, Oritsefemi, Yvonne Ekwere, Fade Ogunro, Leslie Okoye, DJ Spinall, Sensei Uche, Adams, Jimmie and many more rocked the red carpet.

  • Fashion exhibition holds in Lagos

    A three day international ready to wear exhibition to hold in Lagos from February 10th to 12th at the Eko Hotel & Suites Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria from 10am to 6pm daily.

    The international fair according to the organisers, Meridien International Fair organisation will feature exhibitions from various parts of the world who will show case their unique products. Over a hundred exhibitors according to spokesman Olugbade are expected at the fair, just as he listed companies from Republic of Turkey, Dubai, Italy, China, Egypt, UK, Nigeria among others.

    He added that Nigeria fashion designers, distributors, wholesalers, agents and major retailers who are driving demands as well as the final consumers who love fashions should see the exhibition as an opportunity to invest in emerging fashion designs.

    He also said products and designs expected at the exhibition includes women’s wear, men’s wear, children’s wear, knit wear, leisure wear, leatherwear, cocktail wear, evening dress, body and beach wear, sport wear, lingerie, bags, foot wears, caps, ties, accessories, hosiery, women rhinestones among others.

  • Hot Valentine’s gift ideas

    Hot Valentine’s gift ideas

    THE day for expressing love in a special way is around the corner. Hope you have been sharing in advance the spirit of love and warmth that such day brings. It is a day to give passionate gifts as an outward sign of love for your spouse, loved ones, the needy and those around you. This is the time to express how you feel, not only in words, but also by actions.

    In this part of the world, it is the general belief that to get ready-made gifts, you need a whole lot of money. But in actual fact, that is not the case. If you have the time, you can make up your own gift hampers and pack them with colourful gloss wrappers.  You don’t even need to use a basket. But basket or no basket, you could just cover a box filled with gifts with a scented red rose in fanciful wrapping paper. And if you don’t have much in your pocket, give her flowers or give him a wristwatch. Remember it is a season for friends.

    Hey guys, whatever you may decide to give her, add red scented rose to your gift. The smell of a rose is always special. This is the classic symbol of love since time immemorial. And there is no better scent for this season of love.

  • Lift up your features

    EVERY woman’s desire is to look fantastic, no matter her age. At the different stages of life the urge to look and feel youthful is given priority. Interestingly in the beauty world, there are many creams, facials, and procedures to aid us on this mission. However as simple as this seems, there are some hindrances to achieving this. One of the things that you need to take care of is the way you apply your makeup. It actually determines to a great extent how young (or old) you look.

    It is important to understand the main make up tricks that would enhance your look. The first rule is that, it is important to wear foundation that matches your skin color. Unfortunately, a lot of women end up looking like they have a floating head or they are wearing a mask because their foundation does not match their face and neck. When you go for a colour that is  too light, it makes your skin appear flat and lifeless. Instead of natural, it will look like the makeup is just sitting on your skin, which can add years to your face.

    Conversely, if you go for foundation that is too dark, you would not be highlighting your features, but dragging them down and adding  dullness and heaviness. In order to get the right color, when testing out a foundation, do not blend it in too much. Simply tap it on your face from the top of your cheekbone to the bottom of your jaw line and try not to go lighter or darker than your actual skin.

    If you are tan on your neck and body, you can bring that color into your face with a bronzer, without having to use a foundation that’s too light. The goal is to connect your skin by blending it evenly across.

    As you age, you lose definition in your lips, so to appear more youthful, you need to wear a lipstick that adds fullness. A dark color does just the opposite, making your lips look smaller, less plump, and less highlighted. Instead, choose something in a mauve or pink tone. Adding a layer of gloss is helpful as well. Many women feel like they are too old to wear lip gloss, but a shiny finish will actually add a youthful plumpness.

    Many women do not wear a shade of blush that adds youthfulness to their face. Some choose  a color because they think they are adding definition and contouring, but it ends up looking muddy, dull, and like the makeup is just sitting on your skin. Other women often choose a product that is too soft in color, which can wash you out and age you as well.

    To find the right shade, pinch your cheeks and try to match the natural color that you get when you actually blush. When applying, start at the height of the apple of your cheek and blend it up and back. Some people apply blush on the bottom of the cheekbone, but you want to place it higher to define and lift your features.

  • EYE catching brights

    Fashion buffs would tell you that the masculine look can be deceptive because it contains a whimsical element and that is actually the humorous tribute of the female silhouette. It is all in the mix, depicting the softness created by the fabrics that we love to wear. Here you can make use of fabrics like sensuous silks, satin as well as the flirty tunics.

    This can be contrasted with the slouchy trousers and tuxedo pants depending on the event. It is however important to choose a design that flatters your figure, as well as a colour that suits your skin tone.

    You always stand out in the crowd, when you put panache and some attitude into, what you wear. For instance, a soft skirt and blouse ensemble, broken by a different textured waistline, gives you the ultra feminine silhouette especially when combined with colourful accessories.