Red and Green

Some days that are given special recognition on the calender have colors associated with them like red, which is used on Valentine's day and the color of a country's flag used on their independence day celebrations. I have always been curious about red and green that are mostly used on Christmas day. I decided to do some research to find out answers that are out there for the reason why people wear and decorate with red and green during the Christmas holiday season.

An online blogger explained that red and green have Christian symbolism. "Red symbolizes Christ's blood shed on the cross for our sins (John 19:34). Green symbolizes Eternal life in Christ (John 3:16-17)." If Christmas was originally a Christian celebration, I would thoroughly enjoy this answer. I once learned that Christmas used to be a pagan celebration and when I read the next explanation for red and green as "Christmas colors," it made more sense.

"Many of the early Christians were originally pagans who celebrated Yule. They brought in some of their old traditions when they started celebrating Christmas; among them were the Yule log and the Yule colors red, green, silver, and gold."
*Yule was a religious mid-winter festival celebrated by Northern European peoples, which overtime absorbed into Christmas celebrations.

I'll like to hear your theories about the origin of red and green as Christmas colors.

Merry Christmas!


(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)

Oxfords for You and Me

I was excited about my new oxfords and couldn't wait to put them on the next day. They were a grey suede pair with pink soles. I wore them the next day on my way to Boston to meet a friend for lunch. I felt my cool meter going really high. When I got onto the train I got a look from a guy that made me think something was wrong. I was confident about my outfit so I was sure that wasn't the reason for the weird look. Then I saw his eyes linger on my shoes. I took a look at them and they seemed fine to me. Then I saw it. He was wearing the same pair. Same grey and pink soles. Okay so I don't know who got whose first but I was not going to feel out of place wearing them because they were amazing. They were in the girl's section of the store, by the way, so he wasn't going to make me feel guilty for getting them. What's his problem? I thought. He didn't look my way until I got out of the train. At my side, I heard someone say, "Nice shoes." I looked at the person and it was the guy wearing the same pair as I. I replied with a winning smile, "thanks I like yours too." 


(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)

MASS-ART PT II

Unique garments made by students of the Massachusetts College of Art and Design continues...

10

Designer of 10: Jessica Tenczar

Project: Non-Textile

Inspired by the texture and grain of birch bark. This dress is made from birch bark gathered from dead trees.

11

Designer of 11: Marcia Roseme

Project: Costume

Inspired by Black History Month, "Afro-American" is a tribute to Americans of Africa descent expressing hardships of the past, the blessings of the present and hope for the future.

12

Designer of 12: Sarah Koval

Project: Non-Textile

This dress was made from 30 feet of acetate sheeting (24 feet just for the shirt), 2 cans of gold and blue spray paint.

13

Designer of 13: Shawna Healey

Project: Non-Textile

1300 guitar picks. 7 bass guitar strings all sewn and stapled onto the sturdy base made from gaffers tape.

14

Designer of 14: Shenendoah Aldrich

Project: Non-Textile

Made from 8 yards of netting, 7 yards of raffia, and 1 trash bag. The bra is made from a pencil case backed with black construction paper. The hat has a wire armature covered with wrapping paper and googley-eyes.

Tall Socks

Fall is here and we are beginning to search the bottom of our dressers to bring out the tall socks. While our leg warmers can wait, how about I suggest some ways to dress up with our tall socks? It's Fall but we should not neglect colors. Where's the fun in sticking with grey and black? This Fall is really cold and you have an excuse to wear those longs socks. Try out these fashionable ways and keep all eyes on you this season for good reasons.

Put on a pair of tall socks with a thigh-high A-line dress. The dress should either be a plain color or patterned but ditch neon colored socks and stick with secondary shades. Make your look fun and flirty with polka dot or pin strip socks on a solid or plain colored dress. Flats always works but how about a pair of platform sandals?

Imagine the tall socks with thigh-length boyfriend shorts, not jeans, and a pair of sneakers to complete the look. Lets not forget that the tall socks can work with both an A-line and pencil-styled skirts, not longer than below the knees of course.I'm sure you all can come up with a variety of looks with tall socks. Stay warm!

(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)

MASS-ART

I was at the Copley Mall in Boston and came across fashion exhibits designed and crafted by students from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. I want to share these designs because of their uniqueness. The outfits are made with objects we see around us and they are crafted so perfectly that they can actually be worn. It's just going to be funny seeing a person in an outfit made with tree backs, newspapers, paper clips, guitar picks, sponges, tea bags, and bottles.

1

Designer of 1: Aris Segura

Project: Non-Textile

127 Sponges were used to create this garment. Using a variety of different methods to shape and mold them into unique shapes.

2

Designer of 2: Ashley Cushon

Project:Tailoring

Inspired by fortresses, this garment is made from upholstery and wool. The wool has a heavily embroidered look with metallic fibers. 

3

Designer of 3: Becky Lafrate

Project: Non-Textile

Made from 7 full newspapers with stamped newspaper flowers.

4

Designer of 4: Chloe Davis

Project: Non-Textile

Made from over 3,000 tea bags and 17 pounds of tea. Hand-dyed in tea to create the gradation. Utilizing all of the different aspects of the tea bags in the details.

5

Designer of 5: Erika Williams

Project: Non-Textile

Made from screening and over 6000 paperclips attached with copper wire.

6

Designer of 6: Hadley Dombrowski

Project: Bridal

This elegant silk wedding dress was inspired by the hand beaded applique found by the designer.

7

Designer of 7: Fiona McTeigue

Project: Non-Textile

Made from approximately 300 matchbooks. The bodice is made from the matches and the skirt from the balance of the matchbook.

8

Designer of 8: Faith Garland

Project: Non-Textile

200 Aquafina bottles, 1000 staples. Constructed over a fitted duct tape base with Velcro fastener.

9

Designer of 9: Evan Michael

Project: Tailoring

Made from wool boucle. The fastenings are actual hardware.

To be continued...

It's a Guy in Skin Tight Jeans

The first time I ever paid attention to a guy in tight jeans was when I saw a Jonas brother donning a grey colored pair and I thought it wasn't pretty. I honestly felt uncomfortable for him. But then I noticed that it looked different on other body types. I guess the error that the singer made was wearing the wrong fit. Guys who love the straight tight jeans style should pay attention to how it fits on their waist, and most importantly, crotch, butts, and thighs.The tight jeans can easily hug the wrong places. You may have worn it just because you like it but trust me, you'll get attention for the wrong reasons. My advice, try different stores for different fits. when you wear the tight jeans, spread your legs and if it doesn't tug back and pose too much resistance, you're one step closer to picking the right pair. Then try sitting down and if it not tight around the waist and hip, you're good to go. Don't make the fashion police have you on his radar!!

(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)

Belt the Loop

It never occurred to me that it is a no-no to leave out belts when wearing pants that have belt loops. It was until a friend of mine mentioned it that I saw how bare and incomplete the look could be. I now find that many people leave out belts especially when they wear shorts with belt loops. Sometimes we feel like it's a waste of time wearing belts if the waist of the pants or shorts fit perfectly. I use to feel the same way but now I think that putting on the belt completes the look. The belt doesn't need to be worn tight. I went belt shopping recently and noticed that there are some fashionable belts out there. The belts for guys are limited in both colors and designs but for women, there are some over-the-top designs to plain belts. I found myself tweaking outfits on people by either adding a belt or switching their belts for a particular style I had in mind. It was fun. I would advise that people should wear belts more often. It makes, not breaks, an outfit if the right one is worn the right way.

(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)

A Style Icon To Remember

nydailynews.com

vogue.com

While doing my daily browsing of nothing but fashion, I came across a photo of a lady that stood out to me in the real sense of standing out. This lady wasn't just clad in numerous colors but also in numerous clothing articles. Her outfit, composed, yet not composed, comprised of almost all pallets of both primary and secondary colors, I'm not kidding. She combined different textures of cotton, polyester, fur, and many more into one look. Did I fail to mention her electric-blue hair? What shocked me the most I think, was her age. Her age did not define her style at all. She had cultivated this show-stopping attitude, the attitude that gets everyone quiet in a room and all focused on her look. While some may have hated it, the fashionistas of the industry definitely appreciated her ability to create a chaotic fashion statement that managed to tell a story in an artistic way. I look at photos upon photos of this lady and I'm wowed. I can't understand her reasoning of her combinations but I immerse myself in the arrangement of it all. I'm left wondering if it took her a long time to figure out what she wanted to wear or if she was one that picked from the pile of the bedroom floor and threw them on. I am speaking of the one and only Anna Piaggi. May she Rest In Peace. 

(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)

Sheer Comfort

Forever 21

A girl goes into her favorite clothing store and she sees different colors of sheer tops. She recognizes that this is a popular trend and she sighs in exhilaration when she sees the color she likes and her size. She had already envisioned the look she'll put together with the sheer top while she picks it off the rack. A day prior to the day she had plans to wear her sheer top she sees another girl on the street wearing something close but that girl dressed up the style differently. She smiles to herself and says; maybe I should try out this style with my sheer top. The day comes when she wears her sheer top. She has abandoned her original styling idea and wears the sheer top the way the girl on the street did the other day. She walks out of her house and thinks wow I'm loving my sheer top. Ten minutes into her stroll, she thinks everyone is scowling at her. Two minutes later, she finds that she begins to hunch her back and look at the ground. Another minute later, she contemplates going back home to change. Twenty seconds afterwards, she started making her way back home. She reaches home and after ten minutes, she comes out with the same sheer top. Only this time, she wore a tank underneath, not showing her lacy bra. She walks out smiling with her head up high and headed to her destination with confidence. The moral of the story is that if you like to follow trends, you are allowed to tweak them to your comfort level. Fashion allows room for uniqueness. Sheer material is light and comfortable in this summer heat and remember ‘it is transparent.’ Keep up the decency and cover what needs to be covered. Play with some colored tanks underneath a sheer top, dress, or skirt. Happy trending!

(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)

E x E x E

Africa cultivates Art

As what grows is Extraordinary

Africa molds Art

As what takes form is Excellent

Africa is Art

As anything that comes out is Exemplary

Natural - Kinky, Coil, Nappy, and Fro

What is it with people hating on nappy coils? why do people with natural hair have to prove to you that they want it that way? It truly doesn't make sense to me that individuals with natural fro should straighten their hair if they do not want to. I think leaving hair the natural way is liberating and adds less to the headache of spending too much money on styles, only to change them a lot because one has to keep their hair clean and healthy. When did it become okay to tag natural coils as "unkempt" and "homeless people style?" Nappy hair has its own unique texture and look and is not supposed to fall flat. It could easily get dry but steaming, creaming, oiling, and spraying it properly can give it a clean sheen. I have natural hair and would love to keep it that way because I despise hair relaxers. Relaxers are dangerous when not applied the right way. They can cause burns and also break hair. It's time for people to embrace the fact that there isn't one kind of hair texture. Let people be free with the kind of hair they want to carry, as long as they keep it clean and it does not harm you in any way. I admire Solange Knowles for  keeping her natural hair and she definitely doesn't owe anyone an explanation for choosing to do so. I love my hair and if you do not have anything nice to say about it, how about keeping your opinions to yourself :)

(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)

Make-up, Cremes, Hair Care & more - Visit Jumia.com.ng!

To Rock that Two-Piece

I don't necessarily slack off from my exercise routine in the winter, but I have to say I'm one of those who amp up their routine in the summer. I hope you're not asking why because it's as obvious as the smell of coffee. We wear lesser clothing and therefore show more figure. Shouldn't we at least try to flaunt the fact that we've been living at the gym? Kudos to those who actually succeed in their fitness endeavors because if there is one thing I know, it's not easy to get the "toned" look, believe me, I try really hard. Yes, you can be slim or full, but it takes a lot of dedication to doing the right exercises to be toned. I'm not an exercise junkie, but I think I do enough to have achieved the toned look by now. But, that is not the case. It's definitely possible that I may be missing key exercise regimens that can give me what I'm looking for. At the mention of plank I shiver. Not to talk of wall sits and other strength training. I always wish exercise was less-painful but we all know that's not how it happens. To flaunt you must go through some daunting experiences. I don't like daunting. I like fun. Zumba is my go-to exercise because I love to dance. It's not as easy as it may look but it is fun. I don't grunt but sing and laugh. I move about and drink as much water like I would have done doing strength exercises. But sooner or later, I have to wake up and know that I need to incorporate some strength exercises if I want to rock a two-piece.

(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)

Beach Day Trends

Style - Vintage Inspired High Waisted Swimwear

Color - Yellow

Style - One Piece

Color - Rust

Style - Ruffled

Nike Cut-Out Floral Burst Women's Tank Swimsuit - Black, 28

Rust

thebubbreport.blogspot.com

I like the color red. It seems to bring out the elegance in ladies and if taken too far, brings out another part that should be hidden. I like the color brown too and I really can't say why exactly, except that brown looks good on me. Lately, I have found myself shifting to the color known as rust. In my head, if you mix red and a lighter brown, or maybe orange, you get rust. This color has not escaped me as I noticed it last fall and now this spring and summer fashion carries them. The way rust stays subtle on the racks is eye-catching and makes you want to pick it up. But then, it's a color you're not sure of, until you put on the item and take a look at yourself in the mirror. Not as loud as how neon colors jump out at you but more like, move away neon, the new cool factor is in town. I just think rust is a good color to wear. Could be a dress shirt with a suit jacket, could be a blouse, or in my case, a shirt dress, could be shorts, or even shoes and bags. Get a rust colored item, mix it up, and enjoy a look you've never tried before. 

(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)

Fashion Lenses



northandwatson.com

Grey - that's the eye color that has always captivated as well as terrified me. I have come to the conclusion that it depends on the individual with the eyes. While everyone is blessed with their unique eye colors, some of us try out other colors that we think might suit us. Not everyone can pull this off because some eye colors are not natural to the individuals. "Who cares?" as my friend would ask. "I'm wearing blue contacts because I like blue eyes." I admire contact wearers because they are able to touch their eyeballs and have something foreign on it. I also like to see how some people would look if they had a different eye color. I have to say that some people really look good. The eye color definitely changes something on the face. You could look cute, flirty, sleepy, mean, and my personal best, dead as a result of wearing a different eye color. When I asked a lady why she had light brown contacts on (I could tell they were contacts), she said it was medicated and if she had to wear contacts, why not another color. What about the contacts that transforms you into a doll? I'm not kidding. I saw this look in a magazine about some girls' fascination with doll-like fashion and how the eye of dolls have been incorparated too. Cool huh - Well I still believe it is painful. I don't think I have the guts to try that. I appreciate regular contact lenses, thanks.


(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)

The Hunger Blame

So I love movies and that's not news. What I've really gotten into is reading a book before watching the translation of the book on the big screen. I did that for The Hunger Games because I got the trilogy as a birthday present and thought, why not finish the books before going to see the movie. I wasn't disappointed by the way. Sure the movie was not as elaborately translated like I had in my head after I read the books but I must say I was satisfied because they could have done worse. So, The Hunger Games made news - both good and bad. The good news is that the movie did well in its first week in the movie theater and has still continued to do well weeks after. But the bad news, the one that got to me personally, were some "fans" and their translation on the races, complexions, and physiques of the actors playing the characters. This made me wonder if these fans really knew how to read. Yes, sometimes the movie doesn't incorporate a 100% of the book. The screenwriters put their twists when writing the screenplay because there is no way a screenplay can contain all the lines in the book. There are things called budgets and movie times. With that said, I was disappointed in those who called themselves fans of The Hunger Games and gave a hoot about what the actress that played Rue looked like. To quote one, "Rue wasn't supposed to be black," and I was like, "Really, did you read the same book I read?" Even though that wasn't the case, why would that be a problem? Didn't Amandla Stenberg, the actress, play the character like she was supposed to? I know that we are all entitled to our opinions but if we were really taught about good manners when we were growing up, I'm sure we would know what to voice out and what not to, especially if it is really stupid. That's my opinion. What's yours?

(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)

Skirt Trend for Tall Girls

gfcboutique.com

Just about every clothing store has it's twist to the new high-low skirt trend that has a short front and a longer back. I saw this skirt first at Gliks when the new spring collection came out. They were polka dots and really adorable. My trip to the mall this weekend confirmed that this was going to be a major trend to watch for. This skirt was made in just about any material you could think of and any color too. I like the trend but I think it's going to be a little too much. I'm afraid to say I'll join the crowd for this one because I like the comfort and flow the skirt gives the body. Yet, it has this edginess to its style. I hope the tall girls out there get to try this style with me.

(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)

Gloom to Bright: A Transition in Dressing

I'm one that never fails to complain about the winter. I hate cold. I can't stand the bundling of clothing, and I hate my electricity bill. But you know what, in spite of my never ending rant about my dislike for winter, I loved the direction fashion took. I enjoyed watching how people tried to make winter colorful even though they had plenty clothes on their bodies. Most designers didn't disappoint with the layering techniques and introduction of texture combinations. Lace and leather looked amazing. Color blocking was awesome. I even followed the bandwagon of those who wore leg warmers and didn't look like they were headed for ballet practice. It was a nice winter in terms of the ever flowing fashion ideas of bundling and layering. But the change in weather has been drastic. One day, I couldn't walk out of my home without a sweater. The next day I'm wearing shorts. I still think the weather is playing us, but I'll play along. But what I noticed is the thing I'd like to call "uncertainty dressing." I have seen many females doing it. We are not sure if we should completely appreciate the warmth and go all out in shorts and tank tops. You see a lot of capri pants and tees. It's really warm but you do not want to be caught red-handed if the weather decides it wants to change in two seconds. From my walk from class to class, I could see a similarity in the way we females dressed. Jean pants folded underneath our knees, short sleeve tops and a light sweater on our hands. I counted not less that thirty females dressed in that similar fashion. I happened to be one of them. I just thought it was funny that somewhere in our minds, we can't easily accept the fact that it is Spring already. But you know what, I give us two more days of warmth and people will bring out their short-shorts, tank tops, and flip flops and enjoy this weather like we truly should.

(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)

Grace Jones

thecsperspective.com

A friend of mine says to me, "Someone said I reminded him of Grace Jones. I didn't know if he was complimenting me or making fun of me." My friend cannot sing so I ruled out the possibility that it may have been a similarity to Grace Jones' voice. So I looked my friend over and it definitely wasn't her hair cut. Yes, she's really dark but she looks nothing like Grace Jones. But guess what? As I was about to say I didn't know what that person was talking about, my friend said something to me and it was right there. The mannerism and the fashion. Grace Jones takes risks. My friend definitely takes fashion risks and sometimes does things that, to me, are fashion-no-nos. "It's my style and at least I don't expose myself," she reminds me. After the Grace Jones comment, that was all I saw. I didn't know if this was good or bad but I could tell you it was easy to draw inspiration for new fashion ideas. I told her I agreed with the person who called her Grace Jones but in my case it's compliment. I don't know if I made a mistake saying that to her because lately, her fashion sense has gotten crazier.

(ukoemem - Author; Ola Y - Editor)

My Top 5 Favorite Oscar 2012 Head-to-Toe Looks...

by the ladies. I chose them based on style and fit of dresses, confidence in pose, makeup, accessories, and compliment of outfit color to skin tone.

In First place

Emma Stone

 In Second place

Rooney Mara

In Third place

Viola Davis

In Fourth place

Milla Jovovich

Tied in Fifth place are

Angelina Jolie

and

Natalie Portman