Why Can't My Life Be A Free People Short Film?

Rangeen Roshambo

2013 MET Gala Punk: Chaos to Couture. Beauty Looks We Loved

Hey guys! Some of you know I'm obsessed (click here) with the Met Gala. I usually write a post on this site listing which looks I loved and why but I decided to write a beauty related post for Style House Files this year.

Click here if you want to check it out.

I may still write a "Met Gala 2013 Favorite Looks" post.

Photo from Laineygossip.com

Not Mandatory But Freaking Good: Blog Girl Crushes Part IV

Ashley Madekwe of Ring My Bell. 

Why do I read RingMyBell.com? Helloooooo, she's Ashley from Revenge people.

She's as pretty as a doll and she dresses the way I would dress if I weighed nothing and she's part-Nigerian so I'm supporting one of my people okay?

If you like fashion blogs, hers is a good one to check out. She pairs clothes in unexpected ways but she's not so avant-garde with her style that it's unwearable.

And she'll inspire even the biggest lover of flats (that would be me) to embrace heels and walk the streets like you're Naomi on a runway.

Sigh. Serious girl crush.

Not Mandatory But Freaking Good: My Blog Girl Crush Part III

Fabiola of Diary of a Third World Fashionista 

ThirdWorldFashionista.com is a blog I stumbled upon while I was procrastinating like a champ. I don't frequent lots of style blogs because I usually can't afford the clothes the girls are wearing but what's so amazingly awesome about Fabi is the fact that she sews most of the clothes she wears.

And they look fantastic.

Besides her boss skills behind a sewing machine, I find it comforting to read about another girl's struggles living in a third-world country.

Now let me make something clear: there are parts of Lagos that are like any other city in the states. People who live in Lekki, Victoria Island, things people take for granted until it's no longer available.

But I live in Alagbado.

We don't have those fun things in the boondocks and it can be a bit boring on my side of town. But Fabi, who lives in Honduras, would tell me to dress up, head to the market and have an impromptu photoshoot among the bootleg DVD stand.

Reading about her adventures in an underdeveloped country motivates me to take my lemons and make a tart yafeelme?

 Love her.

*Photos courtesy of Thirdworldfashionista.com

Men & Fashion: A Few Tips From a Woman

Hello readers! I had the pleasure of meeting Maurice Ajanaku of Ajanaku.com during Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2012. Ajanaku.com is an awesome lifestyle site that will appeal to anyone with an interest in art, fashion, gourmet food and the other pretty things in life.

I wrote a post for the site a few months back and I want to share it.

If you're a guy: I'm here to help you not look like a douche.

If you;re a girl: I'm here to help you help your guy not look like a douche.

Check out the cheeky post here.


Did I miss any essential points?

Winter Is NEVER Coming.

Not here.

Not in Nigeria.

I can't say I miss walking to the subway station in the snow. I hate feeling cold. I hate wearing jeans and puffy jackets, hats and gloves.

But. It's. So. Hot.

It's insane. If I could walk around in shorts and a tank without incurring the wrath of neighbors who already think I'm a ho, I totally would.

Anyway, this post was really just an excuse to show off my turban and maxi dress!

Look at my dress! I'm wearing a painting.

It's November in the west but here in Nigeria, summer lasts all year long.

Rich Girls Are Annoying.

I graduated from Rollins College. It's a small, fancy, liberal arts school in quaint Winter Park, FL. Going to Rollins was a blessing and I thank God every day for my scholarship donor and the Hamilton Holt School. At $50,000 a year for tuition, there is no way in hell I could afford to go to school there without financial assistance. The Holt school (evening classes) was significantly cheaper and I still needed scholarships to afford going there.

Anywho, one of my professors required the class to act as ushers during a book reading (it was a class of 8) my last year. It was a fancy event so I wore a fancy dress and a cardigan and I made sure my hair was pretty and I wore a little makeup so it looked like I tried. I saw one of my classmates (a day student) and she said hi and I said hi and she complimented me on my dress and I said thanks and told her I bought it at Forever 21.

Later that night when a group of us were together, this same girl points out that a string is loose on the dress. No biggie (I certainly wouldn't have mentioned it), I pulled the string and ripped it off and she said

"That's what you get for shopping at Forever 21".

My first thought: whatabitch!

Second thought: ugh, she's right.

Fast forward to Lagos Fashion and Design Week (I worked the event). Africa may be portrayed as this continent of suffering and poverty but that doesn't apply to everyone. Nigeria's wealthy are WEALTHY.

I was chatting with this girl (who is actually a sweetheart) and she was telling me about her store where she sells designer labels and I expressed interest in buying a handbag that wouldn't fall apart in a month. She asked how much I was willing to spend and I said $400 when I really meant $150. Maybe.

 But y'know, I wanted to look cool in front of the rich girl so I stretched the truth until it looked like a lie.

She laughed. And then told me she didn't have anything that cheap at her store.

$400 is cheap?

Ugh. I need to hang out with poorer people.

Anyway kids, these moments really do build character.

Interviews are Fun; Joy Adaeze.

Yo homies, I had the opportunity to interview my fab friend (who's also a kick-ass stylist) Joy for Style House Files recently. Click here to check it out.

I love interviews so much! It's a huge part of why I became a writer;  I'm a nosy bitch who wants to know everything about everyone.

Anyway, I had a blast interviewing Joy because she's a pretty fearless chick. And she's also a sweetheart.

Here's the interview below:

She mixes prints like nobody’s business, has a great collection of sunnies, is frequently featured on street style blogs and has been covered by New York Times, Italian Vogue and ESSENCE magazine. Did I mention that she gets to dress people for a living?

I’m talking about stylist/image consultant Joy Adaeze! The fab Nigerian-American is living and breathing fashion; styling shoots for publications like Fashizblack, ESSENCE and Blu as well as writing for ESSENCE, Huffington Post-Black Voices and Heritage 1960.com and she documents it all on her website joylovesfashion.

We’re huge fans and thrilled the fashionista took time out of her busy schedule to talk to SHF about making her passion a career, her favorite job so far and her ridiculous manis and pedis.


SHF: Soooooo, how did you get your start as a stylist?

JA: I got my start as a stylist by interning at Womens Wear Daily. It was amazing assisting the editors there. A fabulous learning experience. After that, I assisted fashion expert Constance White on NBC fashion segments. This was a dream come true for me, as I had admired Constance for a long time!  My goal in the near future is to do fashion commentary on tv- stay tuned for that!

SHF: To date what/who has been your favorite styling job?

JA: My contemporary African themed shoot that I did for Parisian magazine- Fashizblack. Being Nigerian, working with gorgeous African prints is always a thrill. We used designers like Jewel by Lisa, L.A.M.B. and Tory Burch. The photos came out beautifully and the magazine loved it too!

SHF: You could teach a class on accessorizing. Name one item you absolutely cannot leave the house without?

JA: A statement necklace!

SHF: You wear the coolest sunglasses. How many do you own and which ones are your favorites?

JA: I love shades!!! I have over 30 pairs : ) My fav are by Mercura, Urban Outfitters & Vintage brands

SHF: Anyone who reads your blogs knows you're a fearless dresser. Do you plan what you're going to wear way in advance or are you looking in the closet right before you leave your apartment?

JA: I usually am a "grab n' go" dresser! I never plan ahead, unless it's for a big event. I actually love the excitement of getting ready in a rush. It brings a fun unexpected feel to your outfit. All of my New York Fashion Week looks were chosen in under 10 mins as I scrambled around my bedroom, pressed for time! They were also my most fun outfits and I had the great pleasure of being featured in New York Times, Italian Vogue, Daily Candy and a bunch of other great sites. Fabulous : )

SHF: What does your "kicking it at home on a Saturday" uniform consist of?

JA: I like fun prints, vibrant colors and unexpected pieces. You'll find me in a turban and a cute sundress with sandals and loads of accessories!

SHF: You're at the airport waiting for a flight; do you go for comfy clothes or for Posh-worthy attire?

JA: I like to mix the two for what I call "casual fab". This can be a great pair of jeans, a silk top and sleek leather flats. Add a fabulous bag and you're good to go!

SHF: Now that the weather is warming up in New York, which trend will you be rocking this spring?

JA: Crop Tops!!!!!!

 SHF: As a successful stylist, what advice would you give those who want to follow suit?

JA: Find an internship working for a stylist or a magazine that you admire. Learn as much as you can and never be afraid to ask questions or for advice. People want to help but they have to know that you need it. Be sure to keep in touch with everyone. In this industry, connections are essential!

SHF: Can we switch gears for a second and talk beauty? Because your nails are works of art and we're kind of obsessed. Do you let your manicurist (celebrity nail artist Naomi Yasuda) know what you want, let her do her thing or is it more of a collaborative effort?

JA: It's a collabo! I give her an overall idea and we'll give ideas back and forth as we go along! She is truly the best! I love her!

SHF: Last but not least, what's in your makeup bag right now?

JA: I am and always will be a lipstick addict! My favs in my bag right now are Makeup Forever #36 (my trademark magenta color), MAC's Russian Red (gorgeous matte red!) and Estee Lauder's Cherry Kiss (an amazing pinky-red in a fabulous gold case!) I looove vibrant lipstick!!

Feel free to style-stalk Joy as much as we do on her site, JoyLovesFashion.com and you can follow her on Twitter too  @joyadaeze.

You're welcome.

Posing On The Red Carpet Like Lea Michele

Bellanaija.com

 

A lot of people tease the Lea Micheles and the J.Los of the world. The women who pose for a photo like they’re being shot for a Vogue cover. Until the photo comes out and they always look good while your ass looks ten types of fug in every photo you take (by you I mean me).

Arise Magazine Fashion Week is coming up in March. Last year I was photographed. I look constipated in the photo.

Should I start practicing my poses?

Is Halle Berry The New Jessica Simpson?

Halle Berry is launching a shoe line.

Meh.

Don’t get me wrong, I think Halle is gorgeous and she has one of those bodies that make everything look good.

 But like her acting, her style doesn’t really leave me inspired. It’s nice enough, but it’s not amazing. She doesn’t make me want to buy anything she co-signed on because I never look at an outfit she’s wearing and think “what great style”.

Then again, neither did Jessica Simpson and look at her.

Conquering The Tribal Print Trend One Blog Post At A Time.

Yo yo yo! Yo...

So I like, wrote this post for Madame Noire about tribal prints in fashion and that whole Navajo moment happening right now.

You can check it out here. If you want to : )

Solange Knowles Looking Cute.

I was on YBF.com, saw these pics of Solange Knowles and just wanted to share them.

Cute look for Spring/ Summer.

Love it!

Fashion Isn't Colorblind.

Hi guys!

Check out the article I wrote for Coco & Creme. I'm trying to freelance more so I'm really excited that my piece on the underwhelming presence of black celebrities on fashion websites was posted!

Here's the link: Who What Where?: Black Celebrities Fashion Status Online.

Don't be afraid to add your two cents and let me know what you think.

XOXO

Janet Jackson in Haider Ackerman

How hot is Janet Jackson in these photos? From her hair to her makeup to her outfit, I love her look!
It's, in my opinion, a cool and feminine take on menswear as far as the effect goes.

Doesn't she look sharp?
She's wearing Haider Ackerman and these photos of her were taken at the 2011 amfAR Cinema Against AIDS Gala.
Fancy schmancy.

*Photos from Theybf.com

Costume Institute Gala 2011

I look forward to the Costume Institute Gala like it's my birthday; I love seeing Hollywood's stars rub elbows with New York's fashionistas, athletes and other people I'm not cool enough to know.

With that said, this year's gala (“Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty”) was kind of underwhelming to me. I didn't really love anything I saw save for a few outfits.

*Tears* It was so sad.

Okay, it's really not that serious. But this year's gala did leave me with a resounding "meh". Maybe I just have too much on mind to really appreciate anything. Either way, I found most of the outfits either incredibly safe and boring or incredibly ugly.

Let me stress that this is my opinion; I'm sure everyone has their favorites. But I like what I like.

Check out MY favorite look of the night.

No surprise here. Anyone who reads my blog regularly knows that I LOVE pretty much everything Diane Kruger wears.
I don't know what kind of juju she works, but she always wears outfits that work for her. She never looks like she's trying too hard or trying to follow trends.
Kruger wore Jason Wu with Van Cleef & Arpels jewels and a Jimmy Choo clutch.

Kruger with her dapper beau, Joshua Jackson. Hi baby!

Here were some other looks that caught my attention that night:

Shalom Harlow, in Marchesa, with Harry Winston jewels.
Kerry Washington, in Escada, with H.Stern jewels and a Swarovski clutch.
Chanel Iman, in Dolce & Gabbana.
Solange Knowles in Dries Van Noten. Please ignore the tranny makeup!

That is all.

Check out style.com, wonderwall.com and fashionbombdaily.com if you want to see what everyone from Lea Michele to Kanye West wore. Those are the sites I got the photos from.

AMFW: Good Times

Hello my lovelies! I'm still working on updating my blog with my posts from Nigeria but I wanted to share my quick review of Arise Magazine Fashion Week that's currently on AOL's BV on Style site. I had a lot of fun covering the event and even more fun meeting the amazing women and men taking creativity to a completely different level.

So check out my post and feel free to be brutally honest if I mistook ankara for adire. I, myself am still learning about different fabrics.

Here's the post.

: )

ARISE Magazine Fashion Week: Day Two

While it was the second day of AMFW, it was the last day for me. I cut my trip early to go to my dad's village before heading back to the states.

If you'd like to read my review of the shows, click here.

I don't want to make this post too long but I will say this: these were events organized by a magazine that celebrates Africa’s accomplishments as well as discussing their issues and features designers that create looks that compliment ALL types of women and all types of beauty.

I am so glad I attended the shows during AMFW. I met some amazing people and I'm just really excited about the talent that continues to come out of Africa.

Here are some more pics:

This is my favorite photo. Period. I love trad so...

Agbani
Tsemaye Binitie show. I loved the messy updos some of the models had their hair in.

Nice : )

I snapped Dare Art-Alade with his cousin (a photographer and my new hair idol) and Hephzibah Hart.

I loved the outfits the ushers wore that day.

Twin designers behind Maatano. I'm pretty sure this was my favorite collection. I'd wear everything from that collection.

Jo Black Craze.

Hello little boys, little toys...

Mercy.

ARISE Magazine Fashion Week: Day One.

So March 11th was the first real day of Arise Magazine Fashion Week (check out my review). I got up that morning and got ready.

I can't tell you how many times I changed in an hour. You want to talk about anxiety?

I'm not clueless but I wouldn't call myself a trendy dresser. And the women here can put any fashionista to shame let alone me, the girl who refuses to wear anything she can't run in.

So yeah, I was worried I was going to look like a dork.

I finally decided on the dress below. It's very similar to a white dress I bought in Williamsburg a couple of years ago. My mom's tailor basically copied it in a different fabric which is ankara by the way.

Funny story: I wanted to be a fashion designer when I was younger so while I was in secondary school, I would design all of these outfits and my mom's tailor would sew them. But she would always tweak it to make the outfit less revealing. If it was a skirt that was supposed to reach mid-thigh, she would make it knee-length. If it was supposed to be a form fitting dress, it became a freaking caftan.

I would get so frustrated with her! But that was then. I guess now that I'm older, I can look like a ho if I want to : )

I love the dress and I think my mom's tailor did a great job.

Anyway, I took a taxi again that morning and an overnight bag because I was planning on staying in VI overnight.

That's the skyline.

The red carpet and the photographers getting ready to assault some celebrity.

Here are some of my thoughts on AMFW Day 1 (from my notebook):

• What time is this show starting?
• Dude, people are getting agitated.
• There are more beautiful people in this room than should be allowed.
• I haven't sat front row at a fashion show since I covered Winter Park Fashion week in College.
• Show was supposed to start at 11:00 am. It's 1:45 pm.
• Aww, Penny McDonald is a real trooper.
• House of Nwocha: Must have that green dress with the ruffles.
• Wish I wasn't broke.
• Christie Brown: A perfect balance between traditional and modern.
• Looks like sequins, greens, ruffles are going to be trends.
• I'm hungry.
• Oooooh, I love the makeup (Toju Foyeh show).
• Maki Oh's show is delayed. Who are we waiting for?
• Maki Oh: first designer whose collection felt right for Fall imo.
• Simple hair dos for all the models so far today.
• AGBANI DAREGO!!!!
• Color blocking a trend in this country too.
• Are people really leaving before the designer comes out?
• Korto Momolu is gorgeous.
• Someone's clapping like a lunatic during this show. We get it; you like the clothes.
• Okunoren Twins: most entertaining show so far?
• Wearing sunglasses at night: hot or not?
• Jewel by Lisa: perfection.
• Tiffany Amber: Medley of Prince songs. Orange for Fall?
• Oh snap! A model just became fashion road kill.
• I'm hungry.

Here are some more pics:

Viv la Resistance.

Christie Brown.

Okay, so I saw this pretty lady earlier that day and I was obsessed. So I stopped her and asked if I could take a picture. And be her friend. Kidding.

How cool is her outfit?

The main tent.

Artist Naeto C performing.