The Nation Newspaper

Category: Fashion

  • Care for foot this rainy season

    RAINY season takes a particular toll on the feet. Many problems may occur with feet such as blisters, heel pains, moles, cracked heel and particularly bad odour. Foot problems especially bad odour and infection are big risks during the rainy season.

    And while you might think that covering them up protects them from the rain, the fact is that the damp weather combined with cold temperatures are a potentially hazardous combination for the feet.

    People, and women in particular, do not give much thought to preventive foot wellness, only taking care of unsightly foot problems after they develop. With just a little bit of care and caution, you can keep your feet in top shape. You should monitor your feet; they need more care in the rainy season.

     

    Tips on how  to help your feet survive the rains

    •After walking through murky water, wash your feet with medicated soap, rinse with water and later soak in warm salt water solution.

    •Always keep your feet warm, don’t get your feet wet in the rain and if such happens, follow the procedure above.

    •Spray your feet with antiseptic foot spray for protection against bad odour: odour occurs from bacteria and sweat glands’ reaction, especially if your shoes are damp or airless shoes.

    •Use quality lotion to keep the skin of your feet soft and moist, but don’t put any lotion in between your toes.

    •Smoking decreases blood supply to your feet.

    •Never walk barefoot or in extremely flat shoes.

    •Soak your feet in warm water for about twenty minutes at least once a week. It is helpful for blood circulation to the feet, feet relaxation and tenderness after long walk.

    •For protection against callous dead cells under the foot, scrub your heels once a week or when having your bath.

    •To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not walk barefooted on sand.

    •Keep your nails trimmed, whether artificial or not.

    •Do not tear your cuticles, this will break the layer of the skin and cause injury. Instead look for cuticle remover cream or cuticle clip.

  • Black and white is huge this season!

    Black and white is huge this season!

    DESPITE the array of colourful designs on the fashion scene, black and white has been one of the biggest trends on the red carpet this season. Whether it is colourful or subtle, there are plenty of ladies who love this look. Black and white dress is a fashion trend that you wouldn’t want to miss, it is classy and sexy!

    Since the beginning of the second quarter of this year, the whole world has hopped on board the black and white madness train! Pants, shorts, tops, shirts, full-on dresses, all made of black and white! Sometimes it is the skirt or parts of the sleeve or perfectly colour of the two.

    How to rock the look

    IT might be the most tried-and-true colour combination, but the sharp punch of ebony and ivory is ever modern. Turn formality on its head in graphically-minded pieces. Or use it to give geometric motifs new class. The perfect accessory: an elegant touch of silver.

  • Wedge crazy

    THERE are three varieties of wedge that are hotly in vogue now: the Giuseppe-Zanotti wedge shoes, wedge sandals and the wedge slippers. A wedge shoe is guaranteed to make you look chic. But never buy one without trying it out very well and making sure it fits at the store.

    Wedge shoes are everything you could want in a pair of sexy heels, from strap sandals, peep toe, to covered shoes. Wedges, after the 80s disappeared and it then reappeared again; they are the most elegant shoes of the season. They are a must have for women of style, who need to look classy and different. And some daring men are not left out too!

  • Rousing street style

    Rousing street style

    THE best of street style from around the country. Discover what’s hot in! Ankara jacket, crazy wedge booties, Ankara maxi skirts, animal prints and more are incredibly what fashionistas are wearing right now!

    A Chic and gorgeous white or black dress with lace details

    One stylish black blazer -There is one of the reasons timeless fashion pieces retain their popularity, they go with most things in your wardrobe and transcend the trends. A great tailored and well-fitted jacket to show off feminine curves, and which can be paired with everything from work trousers to jeans.

    Turtleneck sweater-Neckline trends come and go like weather, but a turtleneck sweater has earned its place as a classic come rain or sunshine!

    Beads or pearls-Feminine pearls and beads are the perfect trend-proof accessory to compliment your look. Wear gray pearls with black for a sexy tonal look; or choose layers of creamy white pearls worn with a simple black sheath dress for a perfect cocktail dress look.

    Large handbag-The bigger the bag, the better, and they all work under everything from cardigans to jackets or gown.

    Pumps, crazy wedge soles and stilettos shoes-They are a great choice when it comes to looking kinky; black pairs with almost everything.

    Patched Ankara- A little leg and a lot of pattern is a one way ticket to very cool appearance.

  • Black still rocks the fashion scene

    Black still rocks the fashion scene

    WHAT’S the perfect way to rock the season without pastels or floral dress? A black dress to the rescue!

    Ways to wear black

    FASHIONISTAS and half of Nollywood have been rocking black garbs lately. It is a look that’s elegant and season-less whether it’s a casual cocktail bash or an elegant party.

    Ndidi Obioha was mod-cute in this long black cocktail dress at an event in Lagos last week. And while it might be too cold where you are to wear a sleeveless garb, a black jacket, shawl or cardigan would look great just like Bridget Awosika paired her number.

    Ene-Maja Lawani was pure glamour in a velvety gown with mesh cleavage and shoulders detail. Picking a pure black gown like this one with just a hint of silver is a chic choice for a swanky party in the lingering days of cold.

  • Shake & move in fringe

    CELEBRITIES have been favouring the fringe pieces for a while now and we are seeing a lot of shimy and shake everywhere. . We just love when styles come full circle. There is something fascinating about clothes and jewellery that move entirely on their own. It portrays the wild and free look, but it is actually hard to get it right. Fringe makes your pieces move in a cool way. When picking a fringed piece to wear, the shape should be graphic and entirely minimal. Endeavour to go for other colours than black. Fringe looks good on dresses, skirts and even camisoles. Fringe makes you look like a stylish showstopper and any of those pieces would fit in just fine on the street today too. Depending on how you twist it, fringe can also add an edgy and consistent look to your final look.

    Tips 

    AIR tough-girl boots/high-tops and a jacket on a short-fringed gown.

    Stay warm or just look cool in trendy fringe-detailed outerwear. Fringe vests over button-up shirts, paired with jeggings, sandals, and a bowler hat is such an awesome look.

    Opt for a great pair of boots with fringe to go with any outfit of your choice.

    As far as fashion trends that are constantly reinvented, fringe has got to be high on the list. You don’t have to dig the modish look to make this trend work for you, one signature fringe piece can add an instant highlight to an outfit you already own.

  • How to wear maxi-skirt

    EVERY girl should own a maxi-skirt, either short or long. As long as you want to be fashionable, you should have one. They are very stylish and will elongate your body, which is what most people want. Another advantage is that it is not for only the slim ladies, big-sized fashionistas can rock it too. A maxi-skirt is a multi-purpose fashion piece that will serve you well, as long as you know how to wear it.

    Pairing a maxi-skirt with only a tank top is kind of too plain to bring out the main effect, a tee shirt will do it more as it should not be worn with plain materials. A comic tee would do the trick anytime, most especially if it is in a contrasting colour.

    Maxi skirts look very cool with jackets, boyfriend jackets/cardigan (feminine look), blazers (romantic), sweat jackets or just sport jackets (edgy). You can roll the sleeves of the jackets back; this gives the edgy, sophisticated look. If you want a clean look, keep the sleeves down.

    Mixing fabrics is a nice way to wear maxi skirts. Most of the skirts are in chiffon material and you should not pair it with another light material, so go for lacra, cotton, silk and other materials.

    Your jewellery depends on your destination; you can go for statement pieces or blings, or just stay with the homely ones.

    The same thing goes for your shoes. Most of the time, ballet flats and sling-backs are more appropriate, but when going for events, rock your pumps and platforms.

    Big bags go well with maxi skirts, most preferably box bags which are in vogue now.

    Colour-blocking with maxi skirt is easy but please don’t go overboard, the rule does not allow more than four colours, we do not want you to look like a carnival disaster. If your skirt is in nude colour, use colours like purple, red, orange or jaded green. If it is a bright-coloured skirt, let your inner wear be a nude colour; your jacket, bright and your bag or shoe can be in a bright colour.

  • Back-to-school fashion tips

    Back-to-school fashion tips

    NEXT up is your jewellery. Though you might have the outfit, you still need the accessories. Bangle bracelets, cuffs and chunky silver; either slim or textured, you need them. Big brooches add shine to your outfit. You can add a smaller one to a black sweater or jacket as long as they are concentrated in one area of your outfit. Woven handbags are also trending now; large roomy bags and brightly coloured clutches are also popular.

     

    SHOW the girlie side. Puffy shoulders and peplums on jackets and shirts are some examples of feminine flair that you can wear. This look goes great with a skirt, pair of skinny jeans or your favourite leggings. Pair a lace dress with tights and boots or a brightly coloured lace top with black pants, and you’ll be set to hang out. Embrace your feminine sides with silhouette and hourglass-shaped dresses and blouses. Rather than covering up your curves, you should flaunt them.

     

    MAKE jeans your best friend. You cannot discuss fashion without talking about denim. Skinny jeans are very popular now and you do not have to be skinny to wear them. Skinny jeans can work with almost any figure type because they flatten and smooth out your bottom half. Besides, skinnies are versatile; you can pair them with long cardigans, blazers, hoodies, standard button-down shirts or just tops. Another item for you is your ‘Jeggings’. They are stylish and comfortable because they are soft and stretchy. Like leggings, they go with almost anything; big sweaters, oversized blouses, jackets and hoodies.

     

    PRINTS are also trending now so you might want to have different Ankara jackets and tops or just trousers too. These would work for either casual or corporate. Plaids, patchwork, stripes and polka dots are also appearing on everything from T-shirts and flannel button downs to ballet flats, so get these too. The great advantage of prints is that you can go all out or simply add a few separates to spice up your wardrobe. An Ankara sleeveless top with your skinny jeans, a plaid jacket with solid-coloured pants, or a striped T with Capris are great ensembles, or just choose a printed handbag or shoe

     

    FINALLY, for your shoes, you can choose sandals, high tops, ballet flats, etc. Pair neon green or yellow high tops with your favourite pair of jeans and a casual cotton or hoodie. Try bright ballet flats, patent leather in a bold red or blue to add excitement to a casual outfit or extra flare to a dressier look, or go jungle fever with an animal print on your primal ballerina flats. It is a stylish but understated way to embrace the prints craze. If you want to bare a little more, colourful sandals will make a splash. Trendy pastels like pale aqua, light yellow and rose are in style. Sandals with metallic, gold and silver sheens would also look cool.

  • Elegantly waisted

    Elegantly waisted

    LAST season’s flamboyant waist belts of all kinds were worn by an elite few, but since the beginning of the year, it has been the reigning fashion accessory for skirt, trousers and gown attires.

    The waist belt is one the season’s big accessories, whether cinching a sleek pencil dress like Adaure Achumba, a long ball gown like Rita Domnic, a free gown like Abike Dabiri-Erewa, a jumpsuit like Ibiere Agwu or just a skirt like Barong Taiwo.

    It is the fashion piece of the moment, sometimes dazzling with gems that those who know their onions or fashionistas cannot do without.

  • Lean to the skinny side

    Lean to the skinny side

    IT is time to nestle up to a pair of skinnies considering the way they are flooding all fashion areas and you will always find a pair that fits. Preferably, pick out a coloured denim trousers as we have a lot of rich colours. People wear their skinnies in different styles and creating different looks and you cantake pleasure in matching them to unique stylish looks.Pair with classic jackets, romantic blouses, shirts, tops, trendy comic tees etc. The list is endless. This season, coloured skinnies have been trending a lot and you cannot go wrong with them as they are suitable for anywhere so stay loyal to them.