Lazy Fashionista: 5 Summer Pieces I Killed...Dead
This post is about 5 pieces of clothes I killed! When I say "killed", I mean literally killed, not the urban dictionary meaning which denotes the accomplishment of "slaying" or successfully "executing a plan" or in this case executing an outfit. No, I killed these articles of fashion, some of them are on life-support and others need CPR but that's Ok, they have a year to make a comeback...that is, if they haven't formed a committee, stolen some shoe laces and escaped from my closet through my window.
My Five Summer Items:
1) Bangles
I bought these ethnic patterned babies from the Front General Store in Brookyln at the start of summer. They were made for me. I'm not kidding. Other customers were drawn to the bowl in which these bangles lustfully lay, just as I was, and they kept trying them on but they wouldn't fit. I believe I've worn them on most days this summer. They just seem to go with everything! I have killed them, in fact one seems to have unraveled but unfortunately, I have no retirement plans for them, anytime soon, so get back to work, bangles!
2) Shorts
I. Killed. Shorts. I did. You know when your mum tells you not to wear something because it's too short or clingy, and then you stumble on one of her photographs from ages ago and she's wearing the exact same thing? No doubt this will happen to me if I have a daughter but you know what? I don't care, because it was like the sun moved in next door to my home this summer. I wore shorts almost everyday, except on Sundays and that's only because church has air-conditioning.
3) Crops
A-ha I didn't rock these so much but I did try my best to wear them a few times-with the Ankara skirt and a pair of shorts because I had promised last year to try them on. They were supposed to be a motivation for a great summer bod. Then again, sucking your gut for hours is not so bad either. Presto, summer bod! Don't listen to me, visit the gym. No, no sucking.
4) Necklace
It's a summer piece because I don't wear necklaces in winters. If it's winter and you aren't a scarf, please get off my neck! This necklace is a favorite piece of mine. I bought it at the Brookyln Flea market! It fit right in with most of my outfits. I can't wait for next summer to kil' it again. Muhaha.
5) These well-broken-in Orange Aldo flats
Lol! I love these shoes. I had searched high and low for them and I couldn't find my size anywhere. Then one day I asked an attendant helping me at the Oxford Street Aldo about them and he found me a pair! It's just plain sentimental attachment and they are so comfortable. Itunu, my sister-in-law, also has one, so the sentimental attachment is pretty high up there!
Is this the end of our superhero flats?
What is your most "rocked and killed" piece ever? Are your daughters going to give you the side-eye too? Hmm, I also had my natural hair out most of the time! What style do you have on?
Hello, World! Follow on Bloglovin'
Follow
My Tunic of Many Colors by Ed-John
Since the start of this summer, I've walked into my closet and the first top I'd reach for, has been this brightly-colored "Hey-there-Joseph" tunic! Always! I can't help myself.
It, actually, used to belong to Ed. He outgrew it right about the time I realized my clothes were mostly body-cons and felt like cling-film; and you know how sometimes your body just needs that "whoosa" moment. Exhale! So, I obtained 2 of his other shirts and his jog pants too! Grin. Benefit of being married, everything becomes double including your wardrobe selection! What do you think about my tunic? Ok, I hear you, what you think about our tunic? The family tunic lol!
Want one?
Tunic by Ed-John Apparels
Phone: +2348030927373
I promise, I'm wearing shorts!
PGI's July Girl: MOPE (The Dope Girl-Next-Door)
On Friday afternoons, when the yellow school buses line up across my street to pick up the school kids, chances are that I am listening to Mope Oyetunji's distinctly chirpy voice, discussing inspirational topics with her guests on the TGIF radio show. Most of the time, I find myself hollering my opinions at my radio, hoping that they are a little telepathic. Lol.
I’ve known Mope for about 5 years now and in that "short" time, I can testify with both hands on the holy book that she's remarkably special, she inspires me with her heels, her words, her happy heart, and her dedication to God. During our interview, she touched my heart more than once, without preaching a sermon and that’s not something you see everyday.
She's a Corrosion Engineer. She used to be a model, working with brands such as Oando, Iamisigo and orange culture.
She also has a truck load of girlfriends, if you are a guy, you might want to get her number. Be warned though, her husband is over 6'3 tall and I will not rescue you, I repeat, will not. Lol.
She discusses the key to work-life-God-self balance; her experience "living with a boy"; busts a popular modeling myth and insinuates that Moimoi trumps Akara. Let's meet her, and the many sides of her colorful Rubik's cube personality!
Warning: We laughed for a good part of this interview. Bear with us, laugh with us!
The Style-lover
First things first, I will start with the most important question to ask a style-savvy Engineer:
Is it possible to look good in a hard-hat?
Yes! *laughs* with some lippie and a great smile!
What was the best part about modeling?
The Giveaways! I’m kidding, the ‘Dress up’.
How did you get into it?
My friend, Bubu, recruited me. She had just started her label, iamisigo and she needed someone to help her model her clothes, so I volunteered. I did some other jobs after, mainly through referrals. Even though it was short term, I made the best of the experience and enjoyed every second of it.
What skills do you need to begin a modeling career?
Confidence. Courage. Strength. It's important to look after yourself- face, body and overall health. Also developing networking skills is a plus, referrals are big in the fashion industry.
Any modeling myths, you could bust for us?
The most obvious myth would be that models don’t eat! That’s not true at all. I’ve met a model who eats like a horse. Sometimes, it’s really just their genes and other times it’s eating healthy as well as portion-control. It’s all about those portions!
Do you dance in changing rooms?
Absolutely! Who doesn’t! *laughs*
Your hugest style influence?
My Mother. I call her "Fashionista Mama". My friends back in Nigeria go to her sometimes for material choices for events.
Do you ever hide an outfit in the store with plans to return to buy it?
Hahahaha! Definitely! Especially when it’s on SALE and I need to do a quick inspection of the clothes in my wardrobe that go with it!
Cyber shopping or store-shopping?
Cyber shopping (only because I don’t have the time)
What was the last thing you bought but had to return?
A pair of Mustard heels from Zara.
You are in a Men's clothing store, name two items you'd grab for your outfit?
Oh la la! Suspenders and those shocking brightly-colored socks.
*********
The Friend-Lover
What's the key to maintaining great relationships with girlfriends?
Loyalty and discretion. You shouldn’t tell Girlfriend C what Girlfriend A has told you in confidence.
What’s the key to being friends with guys?
Being truthful. Boys love the truth!
So girls don’t love the truth?
Hmmmmn
*we both burst out laughing*
What's the hugest lesson you've learnt from being married?
Compromise! In marriage, you’re a team and for two people to work together as a team, each member must give and take once in a while. Note: I said once in a while (no one should be a door mat)*laughs*
What's the coolest thing about "living with a boy”?
You get to wear his shirts, when you can’t be bothered about dressing up around the house!
**********
The God-Lover
How did you meet God?
I grew up in a Christian home but never really knew God for myself until 2006 when I was involved in a car accident in Ghana. I had a divine encounter with God and I remember saying “Lord, I am Yours, I want to be a vessel fit for Your use. I dedicate myself to You, use me for your Will.” From that day on I began a journey to enter a new spiritual life through God's Holy Spirit.
What's the coolest thing about Him?
His Sense of Humor! No jokes- I’m here asking God for akara meanwhile He has moin-moin in the oven waiting for me but I just don’t see it. His plans are always grander than mine.
Do you serve in church?
Yes I do, I’m a Junior Church (Children) teacher primarily. I’m involved in the Broadcast department where I host radio shows and present the news on Sunday (Visual). Lastly, I’m in the Virtuous Women’s Committee which is built to guide, strengthen and encourage women in the church amidst their busy schedules in life.
*Side eye* I just want to say for the record that I serve in ONE unit in church and I still feel a little overwhelmed! How do you do it? How do you balance it all-life, God, work, marriage, friends… all in heels?
*laughs* I think what works for me is ‘Prioritizing’ I’ve always used Jill Briscoe’s word Picture: picture each priority in your life as a box. Don’t try to completely fill each box or you’ll be exhausted. I ask God which boxes should be first in line for the season, even for the day. I reorganize them accordingly and then only fill up the first ones in line, voluntarily leaving the others only minimally filled, there’s that calm. That’s my balance – filling up what God wants me to and leaving the rest for another season because I’m no super girl. *laughs*
Describe hosting a radio show with one word?
AMAZING (A mix of Splendid and Unpredictable)
That’s 7 words!
I know! *laughs* Hosting is unpredictable because you never know what the audience is thinking and what their response might be on the other side.
Does it help to look pretty going to the radio show even if you won't be seen? Like, does it
help you get into host-mode or help your show-biz psyche? Lol
Hahaha! Sometimes, but saying that I think a lot of times my mood dictates my style for the day as opposed to the other way round.
Do you ever feel like not talking on the day of the talk show? Let's assume you've had a long, tiring day, do you scowl at the mic?
*laughs* No! There have been a couple of times when I’ve been super knackered after a long week but you’ll be amazed how the topic in itself motivates you or even simply getting in front of the Mic and thinking ‘No one wants to hear grumpy’, you just kinda shake it off.
What types of topics throws the station into an excited, air-pulsating frenzy-with phones ringing off the table and guests almost off their seats?
Haha! Relationships!
The Self-Lover
Do you ever have me-time? What do you do then?
Oh yes, I do- it keeps me sane and re-energizes me. I read inspirational articles (online- I don’t do books), listen to podcasts or I go for a run (if the weather plays nice).
5 things in your handbag right now as we speak:
Cocoa butter lip therapy Vaseline, my bunch of keys hanging off a cowboy-boots key-holder, nail file, spare earrings (just in case I leave home in a hurry), tissues.
Eau de Parfum or Eau Naturale?
Eau de Parfum. Ike, don't even play like that. *laughs*
4 Things I've learnt
1. Put spare earrings in all your handbags! They are the easiest things to forget in a hurry.
2. Daily priority list- ask God to tag the most important items for the day!
3. As a girl, I really should listen when my friends advise me and I should try this baked moi-moi recipe…hmmm.
4. Opportunities arise from being a blessing and being selfless. Who needs a model for free? *Grin*
Thank you so much, Mope, for being PGI's July girl!! Love you to style heaven and back!
Catch the TGIF show on Fridays at 7pm GMT, here!
PGI's May Girl: Ufuoma (The Organized Bride)
PGI's feature for the month of May is the beautiful, ambitious bride-to-be Ufuoma Ukueku! She talks about working in Real Estate, planning her wedding and how she deals with marriage horror stories!
Many brides have wedding planners and if they don't, they, at least have 5 different notepads where they scribble all their wedding ideas and plans or a scrapbook or Pinterest board. Ufuoma Ukueku is a different type of bride, one who is very keen on detail and plans to have a flawless, hitch-free wedding without a wedding planner! She applies her vocational skills to her wedding planning in a super-impressive way. She's blessed with fab planning skills, a trait she apparently got from her mum! Where was Ufuoma when I was planning my wedding and forgot to pick up my cake! Lol!
About her crazy organizational skills
What do you do for work?
I work as the Assistant General Manager of a Real Estate company in Lagos
How do you balance your busy lifestyle with your wedding planning?
I prioritize, analyze my tasks. I tend to take everything I do as a project, applying my management skills and knowledge to them. I manage well, balancing my personal life, work and wedding plans
Have you had any Bridezilla moments?
Not yet. I'm hoping not to! (laughs)
How many bridesmaids do you have?
I have 11 bridesmaids! (laughs)
Have you asked them if you've been showing any Bridezilla signs?
I haven't. I should ask them.
How do you keep a tab on your wedding planning? Do you have a wedding planner?
I actually don’t have a wedding planner. Excel spread sheets are the best wedding planner tool anyone could have! My work has taught me to plan, document and track progressions in any project, in this case, the wedding plans. I have an excel document with different sheets for various things I need to plan for. I just need to check every week to make sure nothing has been forgotten, then from time to time I show the document to my friends so they can contribute, so I don’t miss out anything .
From Ufuoma's doc
Pretty amazing! Are you a natural planner?
Yes, I am. Majorly influenced by my mum. She is super-organized; the best planner I know. She has a file for the wedding with "Seyi and Ufuoma" written on it! (Laughs) She saves programmes from weddings, documents everything as it progresses and is very hands-on with the preparations which I really appreciate.
Your dress! How did you find it? How many dresses did you have to try on?
My dress! My dress! People say it's difficult finding a dress but I always told myself that it would not be difficult for me.
It was helpful that I knew what I wanted already! I tried on about 6 dresses. The first store I went to is called Perfect Bridal Occasion. I had seen a dress they made for a bride on a friend's display picture. I felt the lady wearing the dress and I had similar figures, so i made inquiries about the dress, went for a fitting and that was it!
The only reason that i tried other dresses after finding this one was to get a sense of pricing on wedding dresses in general. The store stylist asked me to go to other stores to have an idea what their prices were like relative to the quality of the dresses and in all honesty I did not see any thing better. So I stuck with this one regardless of the price. I found it about 6 months before the wedding!
What do you love the most about it (the dress)? (Don't spill anything you don't want us to know)
I particularly like the fact that it’s very fitted, I have always loved body-con dresses.
What do you think are the top three things a girl needs to have to be well-put-together?
Great hair, Glam heels, Shaped eyebrows
What's your morning beauty routine?
Foundation and eyebrows are super important to me
Are you on a diet for the wedding?
To be honest, i'm always on one diet or the other, its already a way of life for me. Yeah, I would say i am on a diet
Shoes or Handbags?
Shoessss! Anyday, any time. ( I give all my bags out all the time. I have about 2 bags left and i'm like what is the point of buying bags)
Shoe-colour preference?
The family of purple (purple, lilac, magenta , plum)
About her wonderful job!
Did you choose your industry or did your industry choose you?
Well, I would say both based on the circumstances of the employment. I met my boss on a project that I was working on at the time and he offered me a job!
Why did you choose your industry?
It was all just me following that inner voice saying, "this is an opportunity of a life time".
What do you love the most about your job?
I love that ownership quality that comes with working here. Even though, it's not my company, i still feel responsible for the outcomes of certain decisions made. I love everything about my job, really! It’s the best decision I have ever made (laughs) This is not for my employer o! I mean it.
How have you developed your skills and knowledge of Real Estate?
Experience. I work in the construction aspect of Real Estate. A lot people think its only when you are an engineer that you can understand construction- that's so not true. Experience is our best friend and for the past 5 years, I have been learning and getting better at it .
What would you change about your industry?
Improved skills for artisans; I'd like to set up a training school for them. They have the enthusiasm and energy to work but they have very low level skills which could have adverse effects in construction. It's something that should be looked into in Nigeria.
About marriage and twerks!
What are you looking forward to the most in marriage?
Really looking forward to actually living with my best friend
How long have you and Seyi been together?
5 and half years
About 3 years ago, I had a conversation with you about your goals as a couple. I still remember very clearly. You guys set goals you hoped to achieve before you got married! Have you set your goals as a married couple yet?
Well, yes we have been working on our goals for marriage and the marriage counseling classes have also helped us redirect some goals as well.
Have you heard any marriage horror stories?
Yes, I have, especially couples that did not get married from their tribe(my fiancé is Yoruba). We hear all sorts but for some reasons people also say Deltas don’t really attach tribal issues to anything, so for me, it doesn't bother me or maybe it's because of the person I am getting married to
How do you deal with these stories?
Just prayers and working on my relationship daily.
Have you ever tried twerking?
Hmm, yes o! (Laughs) I used to know how to dance in the past!
Kilishi or plantain chips? Let's see where you are on the Vegetarian-Carni spectrum!
Plantain chips any day, that kilishi ‘s pepper can kill (laughs)
What would you say to your 20 year old self?
"Well-done for taking great opportunities at a very early age and well-done for setting good morals and values but we could have done better."
What would you say to your 30 year old self?!
"30 is the new 20s, so stay positive and aim for better"
4 Things I Learnt...
1. Take your work home with you, i.e apply some work skills in your personal life too (except, of course, if you are a wrestler)
2. As you grow vocationally, don't forget to develop subordinates and junior staff
3. Ufuoma hands out bags; i love bags....we should work something out
4. We eventually become our mums (tell me about it!) Love you mum! Happy Mothers' Day!
Thank you so much, Ufuoma, for being PGI's May girl! ! We wish you all the blessings of God in that thrilling adventure called marriage! Love you loads!!
My Worst Date Experience+a Date outfit idea!
I'm writing this post to redeem my worst date experience ever. So, there we were on that cool, sun-setting evening- as i sat down next to my date, my pants ripped...down...the...back! I am not kidding. I'm yet to find an explanation for this mis-hap! The guy was very graceful and we were good friends too, so we laughed at me and he got me back home. It was a very "drafty" journey!
In retrospect, maybe i should have worn a dress but I've never been a dress-lover (slowly becoming one though). For a date with Ed, i usually go for a pair of Capri pants and a pretty blouse, heels (subject to my mood), pretty earrings and remarkable nail polish (greatest dinner topic and #1 icebreaker, assuming ice needs to be broken)!
The perfect date outfit is first, comfortable, second, unassumingly hot and third, not prone to sudden rips up the back! Lol. What's your most "fondly-remembered" dating experience?
Top: Dorothy Perkins
Capri pants: Dorothy Perkins
Shoes: Prima Donna Collection
Earrings: Kate Spade
Arm Candy: Fitbit
PGI's December Girl- Ike
If you thought being a student was fun and you spent it in a perpetually nifty state, looking like you just stepped off a runway, every minute of the day, put your hands up! ..........Now ignoring those people. Lol, kidding.
This month our PGI girl is someone, who does make student life seem a little more glamorous than I would imagine! By contrast, my student make-up life comprised of bad hair days, stress pimple surprises, some eyeliner (usually drawn in a hurry and all squiggly), brow pencil, a little mascara and a dab of Vaseline lip therapy. I'd eye the liner blunder, ignore the pimple, cover up with large geek glasses and burst out the door!
You see why I feel the need to honor all the girls who make the effort to look good to class or work or bed, even? A thousand salutes and loads of respect. It really is something to be admired and celebrated.
A couple of weeks back, I had the pleasure of chatting with the wonderfully stunning Ike Saliu, she's someone whose style I greatly admire. She has a fun and brave sense of style and upholds this all while being a student! In case you missed it, we have the same name! She's the 'Ike' that actually cares about her fashion life as a student; I wish I had her around during my bad-liner days.
She has huge dreams of becoming a TV/media director one day, a day not too far away. She talks about slaying as a student, her favorite make-up vloggers/ lifestyle bloggers and what she misses about Nigeria.
Let's meet her!
Where do you go to school?
York University, Toronto
What are you studying?
Human Resource Management
What's your morning phone app sequence?
First, I reply messages i left hanging after falling asleep; then What’sApp, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Tumblr. Pose. Then my Bible app, then Elevate and Lumosity for my regular brain exercises.
Your student life makeup fix?
I draw my brows (they’re essential), apply foundation, set it with powder. If I am having a presentation, I’d put on eyeliner, apply blush and put on a nude lipstick but if I’m not, I'd simply use mascara. I usually go with a natural look for school.
How long does it take you to get ready?
1 hour, 30 minutes, if i have braids on. If I have a weave, 2 hours because i have to style it. It takes me 30-45 minutes to wear my makeup.
Favorite Makeup Vlogger?
I LOVE talking about my favorite YouTube make-up artists. I watch an awful lot of them but my two favorites would be Msrosposh and Sonjdradeluxe.
Recommended makeup remover?
Biore or Global beauty care make up cleansing wipes.
Clothes or Makeup?
I finally know what it feels like when people say they’re in love with two people. *laughs* I love and i’m crazy about both equally! That being said, if I am to pick, I’ll go with what had my heart first, since i was 6 years old; Make up
A makeup mugger is trying to steal your makeup purse, in a dark alley. He gives you a chance to take 3 items from it. What would they be?
Oh, this is a hard one, my Guess by Color Pop Lipstick, my eye liner(i feel naked without my liner) and my brow pencil, i can't go out without brows. Also this pencil can't be gotten in Canada, so respect that and step away, mugger.
Favorite nail polish color
Burgundy!! I also like purples, pinks and blues
What song describes you at 5.30AM?
Future ft Drake , Where Ya At? Tbh it describes me 24/7
Night time habits/routine?
When I get home, the first thing I do is open the pot/fridge/cupboard to search for food or snacks (this is because I am always hungry, no matter the time of the day). *Laughs* I make some tea and change into comfy clothes, wash my face (make up or no make up) , clear the bag I took out (i just love my bags being empty), turn on my laptop to either research, watch a movie or Youtube video or complete an assignment. If I'm home all day, I’ll look for food as usual, wash my face and be on my laptop .
What do you miss about Nigeria?
I miss being driven in a car! *laughs* I miss that i don’t get taxed when I shop. I miss the hawkers (i don’t know why). I miss suya, agbalumo (the best fruit ever), Christmas at home, my mom’s cooking, my parents and friends.
Favorite Blogs
Kummy-kaybee.blogspot.ca, Pages by Ike (I love it so much), E-online, Justjaredjnr, Blvckcosmic.tumblr.
What are you reading these days?
School texts, ugh .
What would rather be reading?
I'd rather be reading the books in my cupboard and Malcom Gladwell books
What are your winter study time must-haves?
Tea. A show or movie during my study break. Snacks. Chewing gum
4 Things Learnt....
1. Empty my bag/clutch when I get home (maybe I'll finally find that tub of lip color I've been looking for).
2. Wash my face every night, whether or not i put on makeup during the day
3. Learnt that Ike likes Future! ....... at 5.30am! Lol. Someone's clearly a morning person.
4. It's possible to look good as a student
Thank you so much, Ike for being PGI's December girl!!! Love you!
PGI loves to honor everyday people who inspire. The great news is, we are all capable of inspiring!
If you would like to be a PGI feature or would like to recommend someone (male or female) who is inspiring in anyway, please contact me here, or send me a DM on Instagram . Remember to mention in less than 4 lines why you think you or this person is inspiring. Brag Away 😎