Featured Post

Beware of Pyramid Schemes in Disguise

I'll tell you a story, but first, the familiar questions: Do you want to be financially secure? Do you want to be your own boss? Do you ...

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Thigh High Boots - Guys tell it as it is



My latest boot purchase was a grey colored thigh-length boot. My initial intent was to buy a long brown boot with good traction to help with this winter season. That did not happen and I couldn't be more happier because of the "Nice boots" comments I got on the grey one! Surprisingly, guys gave the most compliments. It's never been that way with the other cute boots. It's usually the ladies who compliment them and ask where they were purchased. I got curious and asked questions. Winks* ☺ let’s see what the guys have to say!

At the train station

Me: Do you have a girlfriend?
Guy: (Puzzled look, then a smile) Why?
Me: I was wondering if you would like if she wore this kind of boot (Pointing at my legs)
Guy: (Looking thoughtful) Absolutely!
Me: Why?
Guy: It's cute but sexy at the same time. Kind of suggestive but covers a lot of skin - if you know what I mean.
Me: Why that description?
Guy: Maybe the length has something to do with it.
Me: And the way it is dressed up?
Guy: Probably
Me: So you wouldn't mind that other guys will look at your girlfriend with those thoughts in their heads?
Guy: Not really. They can think but they can't touch.
Me: Hmm




Waiting for the Bus

Guy: Nice boots
Me:  Thanks. Sorry, can I ask you a question?
Guy: Sure
Me:  What's nice about these boots?
Guy: It's nice. Makes you look tall
Me:  But I'm tall
Guy: Makes you look taller
Me: (Laughing) Okay. Is that all?
Guy: It just suits you
Me: Thanks. Is it a trend you would like to see?
Guy: Not on everyone. As long as it looks good on them, that's fine
Me: Thanks
Guy: You're welcome



 


At Starbucks

Guy: I like your boots
Me: Thanks. Do you mind if I ask you a question?
Guy: (nodding and sipping his drink)
Me: What do you like about these boots?
Guy: It fits you perfectly
Me: If I had worn this in another color and style, do you think you would have noticed it?
Guy: Maybe. Some boots are really cool but this stands out in a good way
Me: How?
Guy: I don't know...maybe the length I guess...brings the "Pretty Woman" image but in a good way
Me: (faking a horrified look) are you saying...
Guy: No no, I just meant...
Me: Just kidding.
Guy: (Laughs)
Me: Thanks
Guy: You're welcome

These are just three of my encounters with my now famous high-thigh boots. I intend to wear them until they get damaged. This trend could easily be a great one. If these boots come in high heels and are red patent leather, then buy with caution so as not to send out the wrong message.


(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Make a Statement this Season







I'm one of those people who isn't looking forward to holiday sweaters and Christmas themed outfits. Christmas dressing is so over done that  I often wonder what people are thinking when they wear those reindeer, gingerbread man, Christmas tree, and ornamented designed sweaters. Don't get me wrong, some of these sweaters are nice but you hardly see the nice ones. This year, I think it would be nice if people took another route. If this season's celebration is emphasized with jewelry, it will be a new and improved way of dressing for the holidays. Picture this. Someone wears his or her regular outfit. But what catches the eye is the necklace or bracelet because they are Christmas themed. Necklaces with reindeer pendant or Christmas tree pendant; Christmas themed charms for bracelets like snow flakes, socks, and so on. Then you have the spirit of Christmas still celebrated in a much more unique and interesting way. With this style we can avoid the puzzled look that someone has when he or she is trying to make out the patterns on Christmas sweaters. Trust me, I know that the "hideous Christmas sweater" is a tradition for some but wouldn't it be nice to try something different? Some of us would love to be spared the fact that we are trying so hard not to cringe at your sweater because we do not want you to feel awful. Happy holidays!

(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Airport Fashion Tips!



Okay, so this week I thought I should share my ideas on travel tips with my readers. Traveling didn’t use to be one of my favorite hobbies but that changed a few years ago. Over the years, I have seen traveling become a trend of comfortable versus uncomfortable. Tip #1: Prepare ahead of time! It will make your trip fun and stress-free. Have everything set before the D-day and you’ll be strolling down that terminal like you own the airport. But if you decide to pack the night before, oh boy, you will find yourself doing sprints down to your flight gate. However, my definition of comfortable travel is not just dependent on packing early but also dressing comfortably. So which leads us to Tip #2: Security check point! Our favorite stop points where clothe layers are taken off, belts lose their grip on pants, torn socks get exposed…just kidding. But on a serious note, would you really want to deal with oversize carry-on luggage, multiple clothe layering and having to strip them down, or deal with excessive jewelry pinned to your body when you go through the scanner or that can even waste your time while trying to take them all off? Or even deal with those 6-inch heels and then realize due to unforeseen circumstances that you actually have to run a 20m race to catch your flight? I don’t think so! I am not suggesting that you become one of those who wear yoga pants, sweat pants, or flip-flops. All am saying is, dress up to your advantage. Dress up to make your travel a fun experience. Tip #3: Think of what you can avoid to make your trip stress-free and that will make your day less horrible before you get to your destination. Go for the right luggage size, pack only the ‘necessary items,’ dress comfortably, consider wearing few accessories, ladies wear comfortable shoes and lose the 6-inch heels; you can always put it on when you get to your destination. Aim for a comfortable trip to your dream destination. 

(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Simple - Lose Some Accessories



I think a belt is a magical invention. A belt can be one thing away from turning a grandma look into something glamorous. It takes a belt to bring out the much-needed shape that can make a girl look sexy. It also takes a belt to turn a guy from looking unkempt to looking dashing. I experimented with a style and discovered that it can take a belt to mess up a perfectly simple look into an over-accessorized mess. Granted, the dress I wore on the photo above was boxy, it was meant to look that way. 


 (ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Comfort Trumps Style

Metaline Nine West


I had walked into a store to purchase a fall season specialty booties. Of course, I found an uncountable number of booties ranging from different styles to colors. This is the season, hence many selections. However, I accepted the challenge to pick a pair of boots out of so many knowing this was going to be a difficult task. After trying several pairs, I had eight favorites; opted for an elimination process and got rid of the brown pairs since have got a couple of brown boots already. Five more to go! Got rid of the pairs with spikes designs, had four to go, and got stuck. So, asking the store clerk for an opinion seemed like the way to go to making a decision! We came down to two pairs. This level was surprisingly difficult. The store clerk liked both and so did I. I wore one of each pair on both legs and looked at them at the mirror at the same time but that did not help with my decision making process. I decided to walk around in both and got a disapproving look from another store clerk. I ignored her. I wasn't going to buy both pairs so I needed to make a choice and walking in them didn't help. Then cooked up a scenario. Which pair would I rather be wearing on the day that I have to sprint to catch the bus? That was it and took home my perfect booties!

(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor) 

 

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Meet Ronibe

Fashion Designer Ronibe Ekhator

When it comes to discovering new things, am on it! Going shopping or taking a walk are one of my best moments for new discoveries. Recently, I discovered a young fashion designer whose designs are spectacular. I have had the privilege to wear some of her designs. This of course happened accidentally. A good accident I must say! Her sister was my roommate and I had free access to try on some amazing pieces that Roni designed. Whenever I wear her designs, I get the ‘wow look’ following the question, “where can I find that?” When I respond to the questions, people show the look of regret cause the source is thousands of miles away. I look forward to the day when Roni can get her designs across the oceans to individuals who have been drooling for them. In the meantime, meet her here.

Quick Background on Roni. Who is Roni?


I am a student of English and Literature at the University of Benin. I strongly agree with the saying that "looking good is good business". I've not always been interested in looking good. I think I really  became sensitive to fashion in my first semester in University. I would buy clothes and have to adjust them to suit me. It became difficult to pick something from the store and just put on. Somewhere in my mind I just always thought maybe I could make the outfit from the scratch but It didn't come through just like that largely because the opportunity to acquire the tailoring skills  hadn't come through. However because of my love for fashion designing I involved myself in the diversity of creativity. I got into costuming and styling of course using family and friends as guinea pigs. 

 
How did you find your feet in the fashion design industry?



Sometime in my first year, ASUU went on strike and that's when the break came. As soon as the strike started I went home and talked to my mum about learning to sew. She registered me at a local tailor down the street where I learned the preliminary of sewing. Unsure of when the strike was going to end, the agreement was to go back whenever the strike was over and come back every holiday to continue wherever I stopped. I'm so glad that I didn't let that time waste. I used it to develop the skills I had always craved for. The strike lasted for three months, I got to school and continued practicing. I didn't have the need to go back to the tailors shop again. Since then its been fashion all the way.

What was the first piece you designed and who was it for?


Anytime I'm asked this question it always amuses me because I remember the drama that surrounded my first piece. It was a blouse and it took forever to make. I was just trying to replicate what I saw on TV which turned out very differently from the original piece. Compared to what I was trying to copy, it was a complete disaster. My sister ended up wearing the piece and even though she laughed loud when she saw the original piece she still rocked it and thought it was an amazing piece for a first time. I got lots of compliments from that piece and was encouraged. So I started creating my own designs which was an amazing experience, this time it was an evening gown again for my sister which she eventually sold to a friend and that was my greatest inspiration - the fact that I could make money from doing what I love. At that time I had that joy and momentary fulfillment. For a long time when I needed inspiration to design I remember that feeling.



 
How do you distinguish your designs from that of your competitors out there?


To me fashion is all about uniqueness and versatility. It's about finding a unique point. I call it the designers' recipe. Every designer has his/her own techniques but for me I use a blend of English /contemporary African fabrics to achieve my layouts. For my cuts I use patterns and free hand. My designs are always personal. I think about the personality of my client and the occasion. My goal isn't just to design a beautiful outfit but something that suits the individual who'll be in the outfit.

 
How do you get inspired/who inspires you?


My greatest inspiration is from God who created nature. The environment, people and their diverse cultures, colors and everything and anything that nature brings. 


Who would you give credit to for your motivation and the pursuant of your dreams?

I have the most amazing family ever. I feel so blessed when I think about the oneness in my family. I cannot quantify the support I have from my family. My dad paid for my sewing lessons and my mum made sure I went to the tailors shop everyday she would also get sample fabrics for me to try every time she went to the market. My sister bought my first sewing and weaving machine and my brothers were also there for moral support.

 
What are your current accomplishments in relation to fashion designing?



I still have to spend time at school so I can get my degree, however I spend my leisure time developing my designing skills. I have participated in a runway show' on campus called "fashion challenge". I also spent a part of the holiday courtesy of ASUU strike  working with Byge Collections as one of her customers in the Maltina Dance All season 7 TV show and on a movie set. I am currently in the US working on a project which I wouldn't want to spill out now.


Any plans on going international?

Yes, definitely. Who wouldn't want to go international? Like I mentioned earlier, I am currently working on a fashion related project in the US. I intend showcasing my brand not just across Nigeria but to the world at large even though it's still a growing brand.

 
What is your ultimate long-term goal in this career path?


My ultimate goal is to become a household name in Nigeria


What should we watch out for?


You should definitely watch out for originality, simplicity, class and style.


Any closing remarks?


I encourage everyone to pay attention to their hobbies and develop their skills. In my experience what was like a big joke has become what I look forward to everyday. I'm grateful to God for giving me creative hands and for putting wonderful people in my life.



Special thanks to Ronibe Ekhator  
(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Nail Can Choose




Ever worn something based on your nail color? I once saw a girl who was purchasing an outfit from one of my favorite stores, Arden B, based on her nail color. I'm not kidding. I had noticed that she glanced at her nails and looked at dresses on the rack. Then she held up two dresses, faced me and asked which color closely resembled her finger nails. I smiled because I thought it was odd but I answered honestly nevertheless. Then not long ago, I spent a good amount of time doing a perfect mani-pedi and I found myself selecting my outfit of the day while looking at my nail color to see if the overall look blended well. I quickly realized that I did this because I had unusual nail colors. If I had stuck to the basic red or neutral colors, I'm sure I wouldn't have focused on coordinating nail colors and outfits. I had an interesting shade of blue nail polish on and it was a fun adventure choosing outfits. I'm not sure I'll go as far as shopping for outfits
to match or color block with my nail colors but never say never, right?

(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor) 


Monday, September 23, 2013

My Top Ten Fave Red Carpet Looks of 2013 Emmys

Tenth Place: Jane Lynch in Badgley Mischka




Ninth Place: Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Monique Lhuillier




Eight Place: Jewel in Tony Ward




Seventh Place: Kaley Cuoco in Vera Wang




Sixth Place: Padma Lakshmi in KaufmanFranco




Fifth Place: Rose Byrne in Calvin Klein




Fourth Place: Tina Fey in Narciso Rodriguez




Third Place: Heidi Klum in Versace




Second Place: Anna Gunn in Romona Keveza




First Place: Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang



(credit to yahoo)

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Tee Line




I've noticed a growing trend of people wearing graphic T-shirts that either have something written or some kind of logo on them. Plain Tees have been thrown out of the window. The inclusion of graphics can have a nice impact on an overall outfit. I sometimes enjoy reading what is written on people's T-shirts. I just try to be discreet to avoid awkward glances. Although, what gets me a little confused is how everyone these days claim to have clothing lines. Should these people call their graphic T-shirt collections "clothing lines"? It seems like owning a clothing-line now means mass producing "cheap T-shirt with catchy words written on them." When did this qualify as owning a clothing line? A clothing line should show individuality and originality. There should be a mix of different designs, styles, and fabrics in the collection of clothes. The line should aim for something that would make people go 'wow' and as a result be able to identify the line with a distinct signature. These so-called designers think that printing something on T-Shirts somehow makes them a clothing line. It sounds far-fetched and insulting to those who actually make the effort. T-shirt designers should learn to make the distinction between a clothing-line and a T-shirt line.

(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)






Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Twerkable Wear




Apparently the sag should give enough room for the shake

I know you guys are like, “Emem, seriously, you too?” Yes me too. I’m sorry, as long as we are all hating on Miley because of her VMA performance, we are all fueling her fame. My goodness she is the biggest topic right now, even while something horrible is brewing between the US and Syria. Shouldn't that be the biggest news in town? No. Unfortunately, Miley Cyrus' twerking habit is. Twerking has been said to be done so much that people are expecting it to be dead soon. Yes, but I’m seeing sites that are beginning to refer their clothing as “twerkable.” Umm for real? They have sewn something special for you because they don’t want you wearing Miley’s nude underwear style while twerking. Until I stop hearing the word, “twerk,” twerking is not dead yet. If you may attempt to dance it, why not jump on this bandwagon and buy the twerkable outfit?

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Miley Likes Grunge




I define the "grunge" look as the excuse to look unkempt and make it acceptable by calling it a style. Granted, I'm a sucker for this style on some guys but I still like my polo, dress shirt, and khaki look any day. Real and would be Rockers out there, who do not have time for showers and drink themselves to stupor, have invented this look for their benefit. I see them and immediately think of a drunk person. How would the person coordinate himself long enough to comb his hair or pick out reasonable clothing? Exactly. But because he already has fans, he can become a style icon too with his messiness included. It's funny how that tattered look now makes up a whole clothing line in stores. Some parents think it's annoying when their kids buy torn or worn-out looking clothes. "Why not wear your torn old clothing instead," some would say. Sometimes one can tell if the outfit is fresh from the store or if it is old. The other day I saw a guy at the mall wearing a patched tee with holes on it. I could tell he was making a fashion statement because his pair of jeans looked clean and new and he had a sweet-looking pair of Dr. Martens. The checkered shirt tied on his waist and his messy hair completed his look. This is exactly what fashion is allowing. It seems okay now to look messy, if you do it correctly. Sometimes you find people who have clean tops and bottoms and then their shoes look like it was picked up from a mud pit. It's all fashion and I'm beginning to wonder where we draw the line.

(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)




Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Progress on the Bag Pack



I recently posted a blog titled "I'm Ready For You," which basically was my rant about getting a grown up back pack because I was tired of killing my shoulders with my heavy hand bags. "How is that coming along?" you may ask. Well, It is coming. I have the coolest bag pack right now. I just have to get used to it. I still feel like I'm in primary school heading to class when in reality, I'm heading to work; those jobs where people dress business-like. Wouldn't it be funny if you came across someone in dress shirt, dress pants, heels, and then a bag pack slung on her shoulders? Yup that's me. Well, substitute the heels for flats but you get the idea. I carry my bag pack with the mentality that my health is more important than my looks, regardless of what others think. Secretly, I 'm hoping no one is paying attention! Men carry bag packs to work; why should women get the weird looks? Well I'm going to answer my question. Because, when men carry man-purses "murses", they get weird looks. Okay, I have decided to suck it up and ignore whatever look I get. I'm enjoying my bag pack way too much to make weird looks bother me.

(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)




Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Not a Statement Hair



I had written a blog once called, "Natural - Kinky, Coil, Nappy, and Fro" about how people should give those with kinky, nappy, and fro looks a break. I had just learned somewhere that there are people out there (In non-African countries) who truly think the nappy look is a "statement hair." They see people with fros and dreadlocks and think, "oh are they protesting?" No it is not a statement hair. It's just the natural hair for most Africans. This is the hair we were born with. Some people choose to change the texture to make it easier to maintain. Others do not like the look and use relaxers that straighten the hair, which gives it a straight and fine texture. Many people have their reasons for looking which ever way they want to look. Some have European and American idols and like to emulate their styles and know they can achieve looking like them with cups of relaxers, weaves and, extensions. Some feel they can bypass questions, especially if they're Africans living abroad, and just go with what has become the norm, wearing straight hair. Some just prefer to stay with their natural hair and wear it whichever way they can style it. Everyone should be free to wear their hair which ever way they see fit, as long as it's clean.

(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)






Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Reppin'






"Reppin" aka representing is a way some of us who are far away from our birth countries try to stay close or convince ourselves that we are staying close. I wear my traditional Nigerian outfit and say to myself, "Yup, I'm reppin Nigeria." That's not the only way I rep Nigeria. In fact, I think when I succeed in eating my roommate's pounded yam and ogbono soup that is too peppery for words and I don't cry, then I can confidently, "yes, I'm reppin my country." I like when people abroad proudly have something on them that makes you know where they come from but you know the people I admire the most are those that embrace other countries and learn about them. I have a friend who says "Chineke" a lot and he's not even Nigerian. I say ciao but I'm not Spanish, okay I say it a lot because it's faster and more cuter than good bye. I look around me and see people mixing fashion, food, languages, and gestures and it makes me smile. One of the best things I noticed was  when I watched a popular American TV show and the star of the show was speaking pidgin English (aka broken English) and I fell off my sit in excitement! So people, in what ways are you reppin?


(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)


Thursday, July 18, 2013

Bad Girl Riri








I want to like her all round, so badly, but I can't. I sing her music and then when I get to the point of immersing myself in it, I get this bitter taste from her latest deed. Why do some artists think that having squeaky clean images diminishes their work? Oh wait, because bad image equals publicity. I feel so bad for these people because I know that somehow they may not be the kind of people that we think they are. I remember the first time I heard Rihanna's music. It was the club special. Her voice was unique and her beats were off the hook. Then her songs became hit after hit. I couldn't get some out of my head. Then the photos on her album covers became unnecessarily raunchy and the lyrics? Yikes! Did she really have to go that route? I wondered how I was supposed to go into a store and get one of those without feeling self conscious? Yes, maybe being sweet doesn't get much publicity but I would think your music could speak for itself especially if it's good. Any artist could find something unique to themselves that would make them stand out. You do not have to become the music industry's "bad egg." Unfortunately, that's how I see Rihanna these days; making waves with her personal life, which she's not trying to conceal or protect. If this is the way she's going to stay on top of the charts, well, good luck to her. I guess I can do with downloading some of her music and listening it with earphones.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

I'm Ready For You

aldoshoes.com
aldoshoes.com
aldoshoes.com
Does this happen to anyone else? The weather playing who is much smarter, me or you? I choose to wear all black and the sun comes out in full force like it swears to change the color of my outfit by the end of the day. I choose to wear sandals and it rains all day. I choose to wear white and the first place I sit on stains my outfit. I choose to wear a short dress and the wind decides it wants to give everyone the best view they've ever seen. Then I get paranoid after these occurrences and carry a massive handbag. My guy friends wonder why I have to carry this huge luggage I call a hand-bag! Well, in it is a change of shoes and clothes just in case the weather wants to play a smart one on me. Who’s smarter now huh? I guess my shoulders still suffer but I can’t stand the unpredictability of New England weather. However, what I can’t stand the most is being stranded. This whole rant has to do with entering one of my favorite stores and seeing bag packs for grown ups that were so  cool that I almost cried (which doesn't happen at all). Hauling heavy hand bags that kill one of my shoulders is getting to me and I have dreamed of a bag pack that looks reasonable and doesn't make me look like a school girl. I saw them, in different colors and styles and I started praying for good fortunes to the manufacturers, wherever they are.  

(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)

Blog Archive