PATTERNS

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Looking Expensive Without Breaking the Bank

We are addressed the way we are dressed. You must have heard or read that a million times over. The interesting thing about that common saying is that it is the truth. Have you ever walked into a bank and get better than regular treatment? Well, that's probably because you have the look of a wealthy customer. We actually react to people according to how they dress. I for one, love to look expensive because I get a lot of preferential treatment when I do, plus it makes me feel like I own the world. Hey, not all of us can rock those dazzling Manolo Blahniks straight off the runway or that sizzling hot Chanel dress from the latest fall/winter Collection, and you know why (You know that I know that you know). Come on, don't lose that hope just yet, you can still look expensive and fabulous without incurring account-draining expenses. Below are some tips to help you do just that: 

• Stick with simple silhouette and pieces with minimal detail: 'Simple' is the new 'Classy'! Go for clean finished, simple and understated pieces.

Our very own fashionista, Ngozi Ogbo
 in a simple sleeveless black and white dress,
 accessorized with a white double-layered faux-pearl necklace
 and a multi-layered faux-pearl bracelet.
 Indeed, simple can be classy!

• Pay attention to fabrics: Go with natural fabrics with the exception of Linen of course (Linen wrinkles easily, makes you look untidy and evokes cheapness). You don't want to be caught on those tacky, shiny satin dresses too. Always make sure you are comfortable in the fabric you choose.

• Black and White is just alright: Black does not finish off as the colour of mourning attire, it's a colour that elicits class, goes with just about any colour and provides you with multiple options from its different shades. With black, there is no line separating formal from casual (the LBD is a living testimony). Black combined with white speaks luxury, there can't be a more perfect combo!

• Undo and redo: Make that tailor down the street your buddie. Make that dress more exciting by adding some colourful buttons or applying a few sequins. Rip that jeans yourself, dye it, add some patches. Unstitch that brand design on that jacket, remove the sleeves on that jacket! Edit your old and new dresses, make them more modern, stylish, chic, and classy.

• Rock those statement accessories: Multi-layered bracelets, sunglasses, over-sized rings, hoop earrings, wrist watches, scarves, hats, layered necklaces, skinny belts, brooches, purses and bags are must-have statement accessories. And guess what? They are relatively inexpensive! These accessories help you maintain a fresh and classy look each time you step out. They'll leave friends and colleagues wondering whether you go shopping everyday. And hey, you don't need to buy new ones to keep up with trend because they are timeless.

       

Multi-layered Jewelry

Clutch purse

Over-sized ring

Skinny belt

Multi-layered bracelet

Brooch

Statement Sunglasses

• Patronize the Thrift store: Yeah, I knew you would say that! "I can't wear second-hand clothes", " I can't even imagine myself in one" ....blah blah blaaaah! News Flash >>> I wear them too (I hope I didn't say that loud?). Okay tell me, how else can you rock 625$ Louboutin pumps without breaking the bank? Ah! I thought so!! Hey, I even prefer this option to the other more embraced but less noble option of buying counterfeit/look-alike designer pieces (ewww! That's so cheap!!). Feel free to visit a thrift/second-hand clothing store, quality pieces are waiting to be yours at give away prices.

• Wear your size: Too tight might just mean too cheap, too loose is a synonym for hand-me-downs. So, if you don't wanna look cheap or like your granny willed that dress to you, buy pieces that fit you perfectly (not too tight, not too loose). Make sure they flatter your body shape for that stylistic elegance.

• Mix Cheap with Pricey: Cheap dress + cheap accessories = disaster! Pair that cheap jeans, tee & jacket with a pricey designer bag or shoe and you'll be oozing CLASS! This means that you have to invest in a couple of pricey items. Not to worry, you don't need to buy hundreds of them or buy new ones every season. One or two timeless statement bags or shoes will do the trick.

• Temper Colour with Mercy: Mixing too many colours will definitely land you a ridiculously cheap look. Stick with colours that accentuate your features.

• Confidence is Key: No matter how expensive that dress you are donning is, If you don't have that I'm-sexy-and-I-know-it air, you are gonna look a lot less than the worth of your dress. So wear that dress proudly knowing you look fabulous and are worth a million bucks. And hey!!! Don't you forget to smile.

That's the magic fashionistas! cheap and chic is very possible!!

DRESSING FOR THE SEASON.

Hello Fashion lovers


          Many of us within Nigeria is experiencing the greatest heat of the year(I for one find it really disturbing) and that brings us to the question of what to wear in this season and still look trendy.There are some clothes which you can wear all year round no matter the weather but there are others that are weather sensitive(am talking about the clothes here,you know they have feelings too)this brings us to the issue of JACKETS in whatever material it is made of, especially the leather jackets_I know how tempting it is to throw on a lovely jacket on whatever we are putting on but you have to resist that temptation.
          Am a fan of rock stars and sometimes I love to recreate the rock star look(going on all leather pants, jackets, chains, with all the right bling and definitely black)but how will that look in this weather? So let's do our selves a favour and our skin, even more, favor by keeping it cool by reducing the amount of heat you generate through your clothes. If you are not comfortable with a sleeveless top, or you don't like the idea of showing off your arms then go for pure cotton in whatever style or pattern you think suits you best.This is no time to wear skin tight jeans, allow some air circulation within your body and if you work in an office with a centralized air conditioning system that you cant regulate only then are you permitted to have a jacket around and keep in on your coat hanger till you get cold.Stay off the long sleeves and don't get caught by the fashion police looking like an Eskimo in this weather cos they might as well send you there.

Your fellow fashion lover

Introduction from my desk

     So glad to be able to share my passion with others,first of all welcome to faculty of fashion,now i know what you are thinking this is no school faculty just a place for like minds to share all we know about what makes the world go round(of course apart from money)FASHION.
      Now you might be wondering,what does she know that i do not know although am no big shot yet(am still working on that)but i know a thing or two about fashion you might have an idea of but my job is to bring it to the lime light.We love to look good like the saying goes looking good is good business and looking good gives a great degree of confidence making  you feel good about yourself to sum it up in one phrase its a confidence booster.The big question is how can we attain this?and the simple answer is knowing what works for you,which includes your shape,complexion and
comfort(fashion is not always comfortable though,there are sacrifices to be made).

We all cant be like the Beyonce's,the Rihanna's,the Kim Kardishan's of this world but trust me when i say you can do better and the key is creating your own fashion niche,looking good is not about the money you spend on clothes but how you are able to combine all you have and stay on top of your game.I think i have said enough for now so let the fashion party begin,we re going keep you posted on all you need to turn your style around....cheers
                                                                                                                 Your fellow fashion lover