The Nation Newspaper

Category: Fashion

  • Valentine special

    Valentine special

    FEBRUARY 14 seems to send the entire world into frenzied emotion. We panic about what exactly to get for our loved ones and what to wear to mark the occasion. Do you really give any thought to what to wear? Ladies, are you prepared for this most romantic of all days and nights? Have you got the chic, simple and perfect dress for today? If not, now is the time to start thinking about it.

    Though this special day is not always on everybody’s agenda, for those who choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day, here are a few suggestions of what to wear to look good; whether you are planning a casual date or a formal night out. Since time immemorial, red dresses have always been deemed as perfect Valentine’s Day dresses. Hot red, pink or fuchsia (soft) pink drape tops with jeans trousers will look great for casuals. Ladies, ensure that you are comfortable. There should be no extremely high heels for lunch or daytime event, possibly you may do a lot of walking (shopping, strolling arms in arms etc) and therefore avoid wearing high heels, so that you can go casual for daytime events with your special ones. Or dress up and be a bit on the blink-blink (glamorous) side for dinner or night out.

  • Ankara thrills and frills

    Ankara thrills and frills

    WE are in the era of indigenous fabrics, especially ankara, and we are going to see more of it either as an entity or mixed with other fabrics. Ankara is still sassily hot on the runway and has become a great leveller, a fabric worn by the lowly and the well-to-do.

    Though the good ones are expensive, either expensive or not, when a good designer does justice to an ankara fabric as an entity or stylishly mixed with other fabrics, people will certainly appreciate the result. In other words, the finished product depends on the designer; in fact it is the designer that would determine whether your ankara would look cheap or out of this world.

  • Every woman’s companion

    Every woman’s companion

    OVER-SIZED handbags may appear to be kings of bags at the moment, but clutch purses are the true social and party bags of many discerning women of style.

    Handbags have a long history of being every woman’s companion. Big or small, chic or plain, or craftily designed or not, they are items women can’t do without. A handbag is an important but not compulsory part of a woman’s dress and it has been a symbol of feminity for years.

    Handbags are of different classes; their prices depend on the material and accessories used, style or shape and the maker. Beautifully crafted handbag adds enchantment to one’s look.

    A lady can forget one or two things at home but definitely not a handbag. No self-respecting woman would leave home without one. A woman needs not be told to go along with her companion or better half fashion accessory. It is inexcusable.

    Handbag can be used anytime or for any occasion and functions; while clutch bag or purse is mostly used for socials and outings. Clutch purses are carried in the hand or their straps made to rest on the wrist. Some Nigerian women prefer to carry it under their armpit; clutch purses usually dominate high-class socials and dinners.

     

    Handbags to watch out for in 2013

    SHOULDER Bags: They have become smaller and have more defined geometric shapes and lines than before.

    Fur handbags: They are not your everyday bag but no one can deny fur bags look luxurious.

    Colourful handbags: Despite the fact that mute colour-blocking bags were the vogue last year, this year is going to be a year of colourful and over-sized bags. And designers do like to add some diversity to their collections. So, do not be surprised if you see a couple of really bright handbags.

    Over-sized bags: Roomy bags have always been popular with women, especially those who have to do a few things and be at different places at the same time.

    Tiny handbags: These are perfect bags for going out, romantic dates and other occasions. You need to have just a phone and one or two things with you.

  • Fascinated with fascinators

    Fascinated with fascinators

    HAIR accessories, especially hats and fascinators, are getting more stylish and trendier. From small bowler hats to big, round curve cow-boy hats, hats are now the in-thing. Some are plain while others are studded with exotic bows, feathers, sequins, ribbon and beads.

    Fascinators add to beauty and they are good for all occasions. They can be worn on anything: casuals, dinner wear, and skirts and trousers suits, depending on the designs.

    Celebrities use hats to create a distinct image of themselves. Some have turned themselves into brands by wearing exotic, trendy and classic hats to functions. Showbiz personality, Nena Kalu Ogba and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie of Britain, are examples of celebrities that have created unique styles with fascinators.

    So, why not jazz up your look with good fascinators this season and enjoy the attention that’s reserved for celebrities.

  • Add an element of interest to your apparel

    Add an element of interest to your apparel

    NECKTIES say a lot about one’s fashion taste, identity and class. For some men who have been able to create a fashion statement with neckties, it is a must-fashion accessory. It can be used both as casual and serious wear.

    But it is certainly not for everyone. Some men look better than others with neckties.

    At the same time, most men would look trendy when wearing a good necktie, especially when the colour combination is right.

    Only a few men know how to pick or wear a solid necktie. The secret is to wear your necktie in such a way that it has a little bulge at the point where it rests on your neck.

    Although bow neckties are the raves of the moment, long neckties are certain to make a return soon. They certainly cannot go out of fashion.

    Bow tie rules

    BOW TIE can prep up any outfit, if worn rightly with colours and patterns. You can pair it up with an elegant slim-cut suit, be it corporate affair or an evening out. Even a tailored blazer is apt for the look.

    But make sure that it’s not overdone with other accessories like pocket squares and so on.

    The basic rule of wearing a bow tie is to sync the colours with that of your outfit.

    Your bow tie should not be so bright that it would distract people from your face. It should only

    emphasize your style, not overshadow your outlook.

    They can be dark and muted or a bit on a fancy note as the occasion demands. But still, stay away from loud colours.

    For evening formal wear, your best bet would surely be a white or black satin self tie.

    For daytime (informal) wear, opt for ties fashioned out of fabrics with texture, such as flannel, suiting wools, hopsack, selvage denim, straight cotton, seersucker and madras. They are supposed to be patterned to avoid looking like formal wear substitutes

  • Rock slim jeans in new way

    Rock slim jeans in new way

    IT is so interesting the various ways you could wear your jeans. Jeans has come a long way and it seems to have come to stay too. It is no longer just a casual outfit as it can be combined with other clothes.

    A new way to wear your jeans now in vogue is with African fabrics, especially ankara tops. As more creative designs are done with the African prints, there are more choices for tops and shirts for your jeans depending on the occasion.

    Stylish ways to pair jeans with shoes Boot

    If you like to tuck your jeans into boots, a slim-cut pair stays comfortably in place

    Wedge it

    Go for a narrow rolled-up cuff with ankle boots.

    Pump it up

    The hem should just barely touch the shoes when you pair jeans with heels (pumps).

    Style and comfort

    Let the hem of your jeans break over a flat shoe for a leg-lengthening look.

    How to rock jeans

    A long-sleeve shirt tucked in on a straight jean with a pencil-heel shoe would not be bad for corporate look, especially when you want to appear smart.

    Office on Thursday: A smart shirt on a straight jean is a good idea when the rush of the week is dying and when you want to free yourself from the Monday to Wednesday’s suit.

    Saturday is usually a day to look forward to. You just want to look your own style. Even if you have to go to the office on Saturday, make your outfit different from what it has always been. Fly your shirt on your jeans. You wouldn’t be fired for it. It’s weekend.

    Friday special: For most people, Friday is the favourite day of the week to show off the latest traditional attire. Do it; it is not pride; you deserve it. It is just once in a week.

    Sunday impression: Whatever you wear, make sure that Sunday should be cool. You could make that simple, cool statement with your jeans.

    First date: For most girls, their first date does not mean much to them. Don’t try to impress him with your looks on your first date. Just be simple and let him find out the rest.

  • Dry Lips: Balm & gloss to the rescue

    Dry Lips: Balm & gloss to the rescue

    CHAPPED and dry lips are common during the harmattan. These occur when your lips do not have enough moisture to keep them supple all day long. For your lips to remain soft throughout this harmattan season, always protect your lips with a lip balm or gloss.

     

    Some rules to adhere to

    First, the golden rule: do not lick your lips consistently. This can lead to dry and cracked lips, which will definitely result in chapped lips, because the moisture on the lips would have been licked off and the lips would then be exposed

    Use a lip balm or gloss to help seal-in moisture.

    Exfoliate weekly. This will peel off the weathered outer covering or layer.

    Go for lip balms or gloss that are thick and that contain moisturising.

    And for chapped lips, medicated balm or gloss that has menthol is suitable. This will relieve pains.

    For homemade lip balm- gently melt African shear butter (ori) in hot water, add the coconut oil to the shear butter and stir until melted, and remove from the boiling water pot. Now add your vitamin E oil and mix in while still hot. Pour into your container of choice and let cool. You will be surprised and amazed at the result and the soothing effect. Give it a try!

  • Be a Fashion Accessories Collector

    Be a Fashion Accessories Collector

    COLLECT as many fashion accessories/items as you can lay your hands on. You can mix and match effectively at any point in time.

    Stick with classic cuts

    Go for fashion pieces that are well-structured.

    Splurge on your blazers/jacket

    Good blazers do not go out of style. They are ever trendy and classic.

    Know the power of an over sized bag

    It’s fashionable to carry just one big bag that will contain all your necessities and one that fits your lifestyle.

    Neutral

    Neutral pieces are wardrobe staple any time, any day. With neutral pieces, you can mix and match effectively

  • Get in the ring

    Get in the ring

    COLOSSAL, colourful cocktail rings are everywhere at parties, on the red carpet and for casual wears. The cocktail ring is the ultimate accessory that brings out the glamour and shine in your outfit and draws attention to your hands, whether you are wearing a colourful whimsical dress or a little black dress [LBD], with so many rings to choose from, ranging from the bold and crazily crafted to the bling-bling.

    How to rock it

    FOR you to make a gallant statement with your cocktail ring, it has to be chunky (bold), sexy and at the same time stylish; this is the ultimate cocktail ring golden rule.

    Believe it, the big rock is a solid way to highlight your individual style, you can never go wrong with one. Get as many as possible, different rocks with different colours; you can wear a different one for each day, it all depends on your attires.

    They are the classic and timeless finger pieces.

  • Rose’s top 10

    Rose’s top 10

    Ebony NTA’s AM Express presenter, Rose Peters, speaks to Kehinde Oluleye about her favourite things.

    Favourite shoes designer

    Nine west

    Favourite bag designer

    Gucci

    Favourite wrist watch designer

    Gucci

    Favourite fashion designer

    Frank Oshodi &
    Giorgio Armani

    Favourite car

    Toyota Camry

    Favourite perfume

    Givenchy “Hot couture”

    Favourite earrings

    Chandeliers

    Favourite underwear

    Marks and Spencer

    Favourite sunglasses

    Gucci

    Favourite dinner wear

    Figure hugging flowing gown