The Nation Newspaper

Category: Fashion

  • Essential casual clothing

    Essential casual clothing

    WHAT are the essentials for a casual wardrobe?

    •T-shirts

    •Cotton skirts and dresses

    •Flat footwear

    •Bogus bangles

    •Shorts

    •Jeans

    •Combat short

    •Three quarter pants/capris

    Imagine relaxing times, like hanging out with friends or enjoying a casual meal out. Now, imagine doing those activities in fancy clothes. Not so relaxing, right? Casual times call for the right clothes, ones that wear easily and allow you to enjoy life.

    But casual doesn’t mean sloppy. Today’s designers offer styles that can either dress you up or dress you down, depending on what you want. From running errands to catching a hippy concert, the right casual clothes give you tons of flexibility.

  • Payne’s Top 10

    Payne’s Top 10

    Artiste manager, showbiz personality and poet, Toni Payne, reveals her favourite things to Kehinde Oluleye. 

     

    Favourite shoes designer

    Christian Louboutin and Nicholas Kirkwood. I love how creative they get with their designs.

     

     Favourite bag designer

    Valentino

     

     Favourite wrist watch designer

    Michael Kors

     

    Favourite earrings

    I love Chandeliers depending on my outfit though

     

    Favourite car

    Mercedes G Wagon AMG

     

    Favourite perfume

    Lolita Lempicka

     

    Favourite underwear

    Fredericks of Hollywood

     

    Favourite fashion designer

    Betsy Johnson

     

    Favorite sunglasses

    Dior

     

    Favourite actress

    Angelina Jolie

  • Shea butter: The luscious skin magic

    SHEA butter also known as karite butter or Ori is a cream-coloured fatty substance made from the nuts of karite trees that grow in the savannah regions of West and Central Africa. Shea butter is sometimes referred to as women’s gold because so many women are employed in its production. Shea butter also works wonders on your body, hair and scalp.

     

    Benefits for the skin

    Shea butter has proven successful in the treatment of various skin ailments including eczema ans psoriasis and in some cases rosacia.

    Shea butter helps to restore elasticity to the skin

    It helps to minimise stretch marks.

    It works wonderfully on razor bumps and rashes

    It’s an intensive moisturiser, ideal for dry cracking skin especially good for those extra dry spots, elbows, heels, knees and cuticle beds.

     Benefits for the hair and scalp

    Shea butter provides moisture to dry and damaged hair from the roots to the tips, leaving it healthy and shiny. Because it’s rich in vitamins A and E, shea butter soothes dryness, repairs breakage, and mends split ends.

    Shea butter absorbs quickly and completely into the scalp without clogging pores, leaving a greasy residue, or causing a buildup of oil or dandruff.

    Shea butter helps heal a variety of scalp problems, including dry scalp, psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.

    Shea butter protects hair from weather damage caused by wind, humidity, and extreme dryness, and repairs such damage.

    Because it’s rich in moisture and can shield against harmful ultraviolet radiation, shea butter protects hair from sun damage.

    If your hair has endured chemical treatments, hot irons, and blow-dryers, shea butter can restore its moisture and vitality.

  • Nail Matters

    Nail Matters

    KEEPING extra nails is not too bad for you as long as you keep them clean and strong. Apart from nurturing your natural finger nails and toes, there are various ways you could make them grow faster, stronger and healthier.

    Some people find it inconvenient to visit the nail salon for pedicure and manicure because of unsterilised equipments. You too can do it by yourself. It’s very easy. Moderate long nails could make it easier to pick up small things, clean a frying pan and scratch an itch. Sometimes, they are external signs of your health; but, weak breakable nails often signal some nutritional deficiency.

    Here are 14 tips for not only well-groomed but also healthy and strong nails on all 20 fingers and toes.

    1. Keep your nails oily.

    2. Wear soft rubber gloves whenever you do housework or wash dishes to avoid infections.

    3. Make sure you dry your hands for at least two minutes after doing the house routines. More so, dry your toes thoroughly after swimming or showering. Leaving them wet may increase your risk of fungal infection.

    4. Spread out your work boots and athletic shoes.

    5. Let your socks be 100 percent cotton.

    6. Add a glass of milk and a well-cooked egg to your daily diet because of the nutrient of zinc. White nails are signs of low zinc intake.

    8. When pushing back your cuticles, though not necessarily you cut them, be very gentle otherwise, they could get damaged.

    9. Trim your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. This is particularly important if you are diabetic.

    10. File your nails correctly. To keep your nails at their strongest, avoid filing in a back-and-forth motion only go in one direction. Don’t try filing just after you’ve had a shower or bath because wet nails break more easily.

    11. Massage your nails to keep them extra strong and shiny.

    12. Make your nails up with polish your nails even if it’s just with a clear coat.

    13. Avoid applying polish removers with acetone or formaldehyde.

    14. Stretch out the beauty of a manicure by applying a fresh top coat every day.

  • Let’s get natural

    Let’s get natural

    HAVE you ever wondered about the secrets behind the astonishing glow of our fore-fathers’/mothers’ skins? Black soap, also known as African Black Soap (Anago Soap, Alata Simena, or Ose Dudu), has long been used to heal skin problems. It is good for thinning fine lines, evening out dark spots, eczema, razor bumps and eliminating blemishes. It is also used to lightly exfoliate and give you healthier looking skin.

    The soap can also be used on your body or hair or for oily skin, dry skin, skin rashes, scalp irritations, body odours and is good for sensitive skin. The black soap has got different skin beautifying properties like vitamins A, E and iron. You could basically mix your soap to what you want it to do for you, add some amount of shea butter for UV protection, coconut oil and honey for the baby-like glow.

    Camwood or African sandalwood are also naturally derived from tree barks, grounded and mixed with black soap or used alone as exfoliants and or added to some of the skincare products out there. The benefits of naturally derived skincare products outweigh that of the chemically derived ones; they have skin healing properties that can help get rid of most skin problems a lot of people face and they also help keep the skin balanced and stay in its possible youthful state.

  • Make statements with Sari/Saree

    Make statements with Sari/Saree

    ALTHOUGH the traditional outfit which is known as sari was not originally designed for Africans, recently ‘sari’ has steadily become an integral part of African women’s wardrobe. A sari or saree is a strip of unstitched cloth, worn by women, ranging from four to nine yards in length that is draped over the body in various styles which is native to the Indian subcontinent.

    The most common style is for the sari to be wrapped around the waist, with one end, then draped over the shoulder. The sari is usually worn over an underskirt with a blouse forming the upper garment.

    The blouse should have short sleeves and a low neck. Blouse may be backless or of a halter neck style. These are usually dressier, with plenty of embellishments such as mirrors or embroidery, and may be worn on special occasions. Including a well-tailored sari dress in your colourful wardrobe won’t be a bad option.

    9 steps in wearing sari dress:

    Determine the shoes that you plan to wear.

    Hold the sari so the fall is facing towards you.

    Wrap the sari around your waist and tuck it in once.

    Wrap it around again, but don’t tuck it in.

    Tighten the cloth and tuck it in 3 to 4 inches to the left of your belly button.

    Pleat it: Stretch your left hand and hold the cloth with your thumb and pinkie fingers.

    Tuck in your pleats.

    Drape the remaining fabric around yourself from left to right, and over your shoulder.

    Secure the end portion on your shoulder with a safety pin.

    Things you will need:

    A sari, a blouse, an underskirt, safety pins and shoes.

  • This Season’s biggest trends

    This Season’s biggest trends

    Pastel/Neutral

    Don’t shy away from sleeveless tops or shirts, thoughlayer them or pair with black tights now. Later, they’ll fit into your warm weather wardrobe easily.

     

    Little lace dress

    In this season of hotter temperatures, here comes a new fashion trend to boost your look: it is the little lace dress, always makes you look beautiful in whatever way you choose to wear them.

     

    Little black dress (LBD)

    LBD is the easiest and safest of colours, and this season we have a lot of styles to experiment with, such as peplum.

     

    Tie-neck blouses

    The tie-neck blouses are the hottest fashion item; they are turning up everywhere, from classic and chic bow-tie necked blouses and even shirt-dresses, in every imaginary colours, pattern, design, style and texture, from twinkling sheer fabrics to thick prints.

     

    Vivid floral prints

    Beautiful and stylish floral prints are in vogue. They are remarkably apparent this season and add a subtle and sexy appeal to one’s look.

     

    High/broad waist skirt & trousers

    If you have been following the fashion trend, you would have noticed that gorgeous broad/wide waistband skirt and trousers are now the king among skirts and pants and despite the hot weather, it is getting hotter by the day.

     

    Jeans: not just a casual

    The big fashion statement this season is jeans. They are everywhere and vibrant in different hues: from striking and vital black, cream and white, to alluring blue.

  • Keep it simple and Glamorous

    Keep it simple and Glamorous

    Chiffon is a beautiful breathable fabric that is easy to wear and always looks elegant. It can be very cheap and sturdy despite its light weight. Some chiffon fabrics are made of silk while others are cotton, nylon, rayon, or polyester. There are many styles and colours that can be created from chiffon fabric for gorgeous styles. Chiffon dresses are great formal wear, appropriate for parties, formal events or as casual, even every day wear as well. They look amazing with all kinds of accessories, costumes, or real jewelry. They flatter all body types and you can look just stunning. Chiffon is a feel good easy trend. We will all realise that one way or the other we own at least one or more pieces of chiffon outfit, perhaps a blouse or dress. Chiffon outfits just never go out of trend. It gives a sultry look and you can always keep it simple or glam it up. If you are looking for the glam look, watch out for pieces with detailing such as draping. Keep it simple and sophisticated.

    These dresses are often sheer and summery. The fabric is usually layered to avoid allowing transparency. However, care should be taken by ensuring that the undergarments are not visible under the dress. If your skin tone contrasts with the colour of the dress, be extra careful that your skin is not too visible. A pale slip made out of a thin silky material can be worn to help avoid wardrobe malfunction.

    A chiffon dress can be short or long. Chiffon dresses that are cut just above the knee are more elegant and often fitting to a woman’s physique.

    The lightweight texture of a chiffon dress should be coupled with flattering makeup and modest accessories. Some black chiffon dresses look best with gold or silver jewelry. A white chiffon dress looks best with gold if it does not have any sorts of prints on it. Other accessories can be chosen to match the print.

    Casual dresses with flowers look stunning with playful costume jewelry and a solid coloured clutch or purse. Strapped sandals complete the look. A few of the more elegant chiffon dresses might be complemented with a pair of heels. When you’re shopping for chiffon outfits, be sure to take into account any stretching of the fabric.

  • Embellish your style with Ankara Accesories

    Embellish your style with Ankara Accesories

    ANKARA fabric has taken a new shade of style in the fashion world. It is no longer the tailored top, skirt or gown only, but also creating a new style from the print. Ankara fabric is one of the fabrics that cannot be outdated because of its new inventions the manufacturers put into the design.

    However, it is not just the fabric, but also, the accessories that have been created from this print. Transforming the ankara fabric into another form has added value and beauty to part of the accessories. You can try putting on these accessories with any outfit of your choice. Being ankara doesn’t mean it should strictly be used only on native attires. Rather, you can blend your outfit with ankara accessories to give a look of traditional beauty.

    It is not necessary you wear a complete attire of ankara fabric before you appear traditional. Instead, just a touch of the ankara accessories can spice up the traditional appearance you want to create.

    There are some types of ankara accessories in stores currently. You can walk up to any of the modernised local accessories stores and pick yours up.

     

    The  Ankara Accesories 

    THE ankara earrings are of different patterns. You can try putting on the drop earrings or anyone of your choice.

    The ankara neckpiece which is of various designs such as the round bib necklace, the buttoned necklace and so on.

    The ankara bangles which can also be a round big bangle of set of small bangles, depending on your choice.

    The ankara belt/suspender which also gives a different look on your outfit when you wear it on another outfit aside ankara.

    The ankara hair clips or ruffles also make your hair style glam when you fix it on one side of your hair.

    The ankara ring is another accessory you can also wear. This kind of ring will give you another outlook of fashion.

    The ankara brooch is also an added touch of the ankara accessory. It is worn by both men and women. The men can use it as their side pocket as a design on their shirts or tops.

    The ankara neck band also beautifies your outfit. When you wear this, you may not need to wear any serious necklace.

    The ankara purse makes your outlook appear stylishly simple and elegant. This can be worn with any outfit of your choice.

  • Trends to love

    Trends to love

    •Hot pink accessories

    Pink fashion accessories are great to brighten up any look. If your outfits feel boring, a bright coloured pink accessory will perk it up!

     

    •Distinct black and white

    Not your typical colours, but this trend is easy enough for the everyday fashionistas to pull off.

     

    •Low heels and ballet (flat) shoes

    Wearing flats and low heels are in! No need to squeeze your feet into high heels and feel uncomfortable all day.

     

    •Short suits

    Ladies, put your skirts away and pull out your shorts. Turns out this look was on dozens of runways and is the perfect blend of masculine and holy hotness. I love this because you can mix and match what your already have in your closet.

     

    •Bold stripes

    Stripes never go out of style.