I have this pink dress which i love love love. Got is fron Dorothy perkins the Closet brand. I like their line because its very feminine. That aside the dress is plain and skin tight, its a high boat neck with a V cut in the back. its 100% polyester. I decided to embellish it because I wanted a contrasting color on it just for the occasion I was wearing it for.

Dorothy perkins Closet Dress II

This is how my dress looks but mine is pink.

What I did was pretty simple and temporary because I was going to take them off after.

First I bought the stones I was going to use. i got a deep emerald green that will contrast really well against the pink background. They are teardrop shapes and I bought them at the Lagos Island market. I got 25 pieces for N250. i also used fabric glue instead of tacking it in as I said it was temporary and I didnt want to damage the fabric of the dress.

This is the glue i used for the stones

The stones i bought to embellish my dress

As you can see the stones have provision for sewing at both ends so I have that option if I choose too. I started with arranging the stones in the pattern I will like them to be on the dress (in my head) its usually better to arrange it on the dress or material itself before you start to fasten it or glue it on.

When I had decided on a pattern I started to glue on the stone, one by one

Lay the fabric or material in a flat surface

so here Ive started glue on the stones line by line from the pattern in my head. its important that you use enough glue on the material and the stones so that it bonds. For instance polyester is not exactly absorbent, I learned that and Ihad to let it absorb some of the glue first before I put on the stones.

Almost done!

You can see the pattern is coming along. I placed inbetween the darts at the neck because that is a focal point on the dress. if it didn’t have the darts i will have glued them along the neckline.

Hanging it to dry after heating the reverse side

After all my stones are glued in i use a warm iron on the reverse side of the area I have glued to seal the glue in and the stones. Then Ive hung it to cool and dry for about 30 minuites to an hour before I actually wear it. I planned to sew in the stones but I never did : ).

The pattern on the dress when it is worn

Yeah, finished and on my chest.

Here's the dress finished and ready to rock!!

Yes!!! I absolutely loved it and I wore it out with some accessories and these shoes

must have black velevet pumps

I removed the stones later by applying some diluted rubbing alcohol to the reverse side of the dress it let it soak. the stones came of easily and I could peel off the glue. I used cotton wool and some of the alcohol solution to rub off glue residue from the dress then i hand washed it in cold water and a little soap and it back to normal, no stains. : ).

* I advise that before you put any kind of chemical on a fabric you should check what it comprises of and how to treat it so you don’t ruin a perfectly good fabric.

For red carpet pictures click here ——>

http://www.bellanaija.com/2011/03/13/arise-magazine-fashion-week-lagos-2011-%E2%80%93-%E2%80%9Cair-kisses%E2%80%9D-%E2%80%93-day-3-in-photos/

http://www.bellanaija.com/2011/03/12/arise-magazine-fashion-week-lagos-2011-%E2%80%93-%E2%80%9Csocial-butterfly%E2%80%9D-%E2%80%93-day-2-in-photos/

http://www.bellanaija.com/2011/03/13/arise-magazine-fashion-week-lagos-2011-%E2%80%93-%E2%80%9Cair-kisses%E2%80%9D-%E2%80%93-day-3-in-photos/

I am super exited!!!  it is the ARISE/ THISDAY Fashion week here in Lagos Nigeria. Taking place at The Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos from March 10th -13th.  ARISE  magazine as far as I know is the best at showcasing African designers and I have seen the schedule of shows and I know its going to be AWESOME!!!

Its been said to be the largest gathering of fashion ambassadors in Africa! Ive received my IV so time to look for what to wear and who to go with.

Your truly will be reporting firsthand on the shows I attend. Watch this space.

Here’s the schedule for the ARISE FASHION WEEK

Day 1: [Thursday 10th March]

10:00 – Arise Magazine Tent

The Business of Fashion Conference

16:00 {Collective Show} – This Day Style Tent

- Nkwo

-House of Nwocha

- Kiki Kamanu

- Grey

18:00 - This Day Style Tent

- Jewel by Lisa

20:00 - This Day Style Tent

-Kluk CgDT

Day 2: [Friday 11th March]

12:00 { Group Show} - This Day Style Tent

- Kemkem Studio

- Autumn Adeigbo

- Madam Wokies Couture

- Viva La Resistance

13:00 {Double Show} - Arise Magazine Tent

- Christie Brown

- Buki Akib

14:00 - This Day Style Tent

- Samantha Cole

15:00 – Arise Magazine Tent

- Mustafa Hassanali

16:00{ Group Show} - This Day Style Tent

- Bridget Awosika

- Korto Momolu

17:00 {Double Show} – Arise Magazine Tent

- Okunoren Twins

- Amine Bendriouich

18:00 - This Day Style Tent

- Gavin Rajah

19:00 – Arise Magazine Tent

- Ituen Basi

20:00 - This Day Style Tent

- Tiffany Amber

Day 3: [Saturday 12th March]

11:00 {Group Show} - Arise Magazine Tent

- Nikki Khiran

- Anne Marie Addo

- Vonne

- Eki Orleans

12:00 {Group Show} – This Day Style Tent

- Mimi Plange

- Bestow Elan

- Ejiro Amos Tafiri

- Jo Black Craze

13:00 {Double Show} – Arise Magazine Tent

- ChiChi A

- Gert-Johan Coetzee

14:00 {Group Show} – This Day StyleTent

- Maki Oh

- Tsemaye Binitie

15:00 – Arise Magazine Tent

- Alexander Amosu

16:00 - This Day Style Tent

- Bunmi Koko

17:00 {Double Show} - Arise Magazine Tent

- Eredappa

- Odio Mimonet

18:00 {Group Show} – This Day Style Tent

- Lanre Da Silva Ajayi

- Laquan Smith

19:00 – Arise Magazine Tent

- Saheed Sulieman

20:00 - This Day Style Tent

- Deola Sagoe

Day 4: [Sunday 13th March]

12:00 {Group Show} – Arise Magazine Tent

- Kastle Designs & Treasure Chest

- Zed eye

- Re Bahia

- Toju Foyeh

13:00 {Double Show} – This Day Style Tent

- Pierre Antoine Vettorello

- Angelo Von Mol

14:00 {Double Show} – Arise Magazine Tent

- Mataano

- Ron n Ron

15:00 – This Day Style Tent

- Lola Faturoti

16:00 - Arise Magazine Tent

- Bside by Wale Adeyemi

17:00 - This Day Style Tent

- Xuly Bet

20:00
AMFW Awards

Ill be attending from the 11th to the 13th. SEEEEEEE YYYYYOOOUUU!

As much as the we love the weather in our usual tropical weather city it also does a lot of damage to your skin, hair,lips etc

Im going to give you some DIY tips that work for me and maybe they can work for you.

HAIR:

The weather is especially brutal to hair be it a weave or your natural hair you need to keep your hair clean and moisturized during this harmattan season. For example I have a sew in weave at the moment and will usually wash and condition once a week then apply serum while it is damp. Now I noticed that 4 days into the week my hair is dry and dirty because of all the dust in the air. So I wash and condition twice a week now and my hair is better.

If  its your natural hair you are wearing you can wash your hair once a week but you chould also consider an oil  treatment for your scalp at least once a month using olive oil or shea butter. It keeps your scalp moisturized so you dont get dandruff.

However I will still advise that you use serum even for your real hair because it is light weight does not build up on hair as much as regular oil and it reduces frizz. Not only will regular oil build up it will also attract and keep as much dust as it can leaving your hair heavy and dull.

Also at night apply a coin size drop of serum to your hair and wrap it before you go to sleep. Try to avoid applying direct heat to your hair because it increases dryness in your hair.

LIPS:

  If you dont suffer from this during harmattan you must be a super hero. The weather is dry so it affects your lips and they start to dry out and crack. Licking your lips only makes things worse because your saliva will dry it out more. What I use is vaseline, morning, noon, night anytime my lips dry out during the day. There are other lip salves you can use such as chapsticks, salves with a little mint condition the lips a bit more.

Some people swear by honey but I havnt used it and ill most likely lick it all off. You have to keep your lips contantly moisturised. I know some men will think its not manly and will prefer to sport chapped lips, guess what it is very unattractive and projects an untidy and unhealthy person. If you dont want the shine on your lips you can go with the chapsticks or if you prefer vaseline when u apply it blot it out with tissue. The shine will go but the moisture wont.

You can exfoliate dry lips with a facial wipe, just wrap it around your finger and gently scrub from one side to the other then apply some lip balm. Also drink more water.

SKIN:

Moisture, Moisture, Moisture that is all. Moisture in your soap or wash and your lotion. For those who dont like to  apply lotion to their body get a moisturising oil bar soap or wash like the Dove range or Olay with shea butter.

If you use the natural black soap like I do get creative and add some melted shea butter in it or olive oil. Doing this leaves a coating of oil on your body even when you rinse off so if you dont apply lotion your skin still isnt dry. You can also add oil to your lotion if it isnt moisturising enough.

The same applies to your facial skin. Although facial skin is more sensitive you can just apply light weight moisturizer before your make up so that your facial skin doesnt start to crack or have fine lines.

When applying lotion you can do so when your body is stil damp not wet from having a bath. It helps to lock in some moisture in your skin. Also pay attention to your regular dry spots, ths back of your hands, soles,knees’s, elbows and neck.

I hope that helps a little with battling the harmattan weather.

The other day my girlfriends and I were having a bonding session basically with the usual food, wine andthe crazy things girls do. I The talk covered everything but what was particularly interesting to me was how everyone agreed that the bad girls always got the best husbands or always got married first but the good girls waaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiitttt and be gooood and waaaiiiiiiiiiiitttttttttt. Then we brought up the things theses “bad” girls did or do that gets them all the men plus a few tricks we got from movies and personal experience and Im going to share our little quota of knowledge with you.

Now Im not giving any guarantees and these are Nigerian girls talking but men are the same everywhere, ego, ego, ego its all you have to appeal to. ; )

1) Confidence will get you anything you want. Believe that. Walk confident, talk confident, stand confident.

2)When a man speaks to you pause before you answer. It is a sign of confidence and also gives an air of mystery

3) Speak slowly. I dont mean draw out your words but have you noticed that its the girls that talk slowly with soft voices,even if its husky like Tony Braxton get more attention? I have no idea why this works but it actually does!

4) Smile when you speak, a man will always lower his guard when you smile.

5) Always touch a man when you speak to him. His skin if you can, fore arms,upper arm, face, shoulder. Most men respond to physical touch better than just words and it helps them remember better.

6) Tilt your head upward when responding to a question. It allows the man take in the full beauty of your face. Once or twice not all the time so you dont look like you have a problem.

7) If you are in a room and you see a guy you like, try and make eye contact, hold it for about 3 seconds, lower youreyelids and smile, like a quiet flirtatious smile. Thats a green light.

Not all men like intelligent women, in fact they find it intimidating. Some women tend to flaunt their intelligence first meeting instead of being just feminine, the independent woman thing just surfaces unintentionally. Im not saying dumb yourself down but stoop to conquer.

9) Shaggy hair is sexy. Very neat hair is sophisticated. You should learn to speak with your hair too.

10) When you dress Flaunt your best assets on your body.

11) Men love to be needed. Love. They love their ego fanned. A guy always wants what he cannot have so ignore him. Caution though, he has to be into you enough for him to be ignored and still want you. If he isnt that into you and you ignore him he wont notice.

Plix girls if you have more tips and tricks leave yur comment or emailme at timaabdul@hotmail.com

Id like to add more from personal experiences, stories or just tips.

Thats all Ive got for now.

: )

I havnt blogged in a while because I went and got a job. . Yelz i did.

Anyway id like to share something I obsess about which is HAIR. I love hair,love love love love!!! I think it grew out of my lack of hair.

In reality my hairline is sparse, Ive got half eyebrows that stop growing after the arch and my body is virtually hairless.  So I am obsessed with hair, buying it, wearing it, telling people about it, loving it. I just like hair.

So last year after my brief romance with Supreme Hair extensions, the curly body weave and the straight yaki I ventured to Indian human hair. The Indian Remy hair was a very bad experience. When I bought the hair from the vendor who is actually someone I knew a little she guaranteed the hair wont tangle, it was human hair, blah blah. I believed it because it was my first foray into the human hair craze. I paid a total of N36000 for about 250grammes of hair, Indian Remy two bundles of 14 and one of 16.

The first week of wearing the hair was bliss, it didn’t tangle, had a manual on human hair care. Got my serum, shampoo and conditioner everything. She told me I could dye the hair so I dyed it a shade darker with powder dye. I used very little dye but one weft dyed completely while the other didn’t so much. I gave the hair a deep conditioning treatment. The second wear around however the hair started to tangle badly, it dried out and started shedding. Take note that my first wear was for one week. I took it out and dyed it.

Now at this point i know most people will think its the dye that messed up the hair but it wasn’t. Original human hair can be dyed and it wont change a thing. I thought it was my fault till i started getting complaints form other people that had bought the same hair and had done nothing to it but had the same problems I did with the hair.

Now the morale of the story is the human hair fad is at its peak in Nigeria. every tom dick and harry is claiming to sell human hair. Some sell packaged hair extensions such as Supreme or Remy hair as 100% human hair. So you end up buying  a bundle of hair that should cost N6500 and buy it for N30,000. Indian hair is being passed off as Brazilian hair when they are two totally different textures and come from totally different place.

I am going to try my best to simplify hair for you so you have an inkling of what you want to spend your money on and what is best for your hair type.

lets go : )

Types of Hair extensions:

Synthetic Hair extensions:

There are various qualities of synthetic hair. Most are made from some type of plastic. As such, most respond poorly to heat implements. Many, however, are pre-styled, meaning that a person does not have to worry with using styling implements. She can simply buy synthetic  hair that is already curled or waved as she likes it.

Synthetic hair generally does not respond to the same dyes as human hair. This does not mean that those who use these beauty products are limited in their color choices. Synthetic hair comes in a wide range of colors, including multiple tones and highlighted hair pieces. Some people attempt to match the synthetic hair to their natural hair color. Others choose colors that are completely different.

There are several ways to wear synthetic hair. One way is by wearing a wig. A full wig is like a cap with hair attached. A person’s real hair is tucked in with the wig covering the top, back, and sides of the head. There are also partial wigs that only cover part of the head.

When fake hair is referred to as a weave, it is usually glued or sewed into the hair. This often involves hair that is connected to a track. That track is cut and it can be glued to the scalp with specially designed bonding glues. The tracks can also be sewn into the hair with thread.

The golden rule for synthetic hair is that heat should not be applied to it although there are some such as the Beverly Johnsons Futura fibre line which you can apply low heat to. If you have a curling iron with adjustable settings.

Most hair brands carry a synthetic hairline. popular ones in Nigeria include Darling Yaki, Noble, Xpressions, Black elegance etc. I have come across some of these brands  claim to human hair and have been very disappointed. I think they are best when it comes to synthetic hair.

Human Hair:

The hair cuticle is the outermost part of the hair shaft. It is a hard shingle-like layer of overlapping cells, some five to twelve deep. It is formed from dead cells which form scales that gives the hair shaft strength and do the best job of providing protection for it.The hair cuticle is the first line of defense against all forms of damage; it acts as a protective barrier for the softer inner structure including the medulla and cortex.

The cuticle is responsible for much of the mechanical strength of the hair fiber. A healthy cuticle is more than just a protective layer, as the cuticle also represents the structure that controls the water content of the fiber. Much of the shine that makes healthy hair so attractive is due to the cuticle.

In the hair industry, the only way to obtain the very best hair (with cuticle intact and facing the same direction)is to use the services of hair collectors who cut the hair directly from people’s head, in the form of a ponytail. This hair is called virgin cuticle hair, or just cuticle hair.

Most human hair used for weaves and wigs are derived from Asia (perhaps mostly China, India, Korea). It is collected from the barber’s floor or Indian temples floor and aggressively treated with acid, and other chemicals which destroy the cuticle partially or totally. (Lower-quality “human hair” extensions are sometimes even mixed with animal and synthetic hair to lower the price.) In the hair industry, this hair is commonly called processed hair.

Remy Human Hair
The “remy” designation originally meant that the cuticles are facing the direction in which they grew this means the hair  will never tangle. All hairs are usually the same lenght. However this terminology is no longer accurate. The word remy is being abused on the market, and generally accompanies processed packaged hair.

Non-remy hair is perhaps the most popular and commonly available form of hair. It is also known as fallen hair. The roots and tips of hairs are all mixed up in non-remy hair. Tangling is a problem as a result of this, but still since they are inexpensive, they are the largest selling kind of hair.

Non-remy hair comes in two types:

• Normal non-remy hair: generally the least expensive type of hair. The cuticles are present in different directions, and the hair is prone to tangling.
• Tangle free non-remy hair: obtained by shaving off the cuticles or the ends. This process reduces the chances of friction among hairs and what remains is tangle free hair.

Single drawn is of a slightly lower quality than double drawn hair. The hairs will have up to a 2″ difference in the tip; that is, some hairs will be up to 2″ shorter than their original lengths. Double drawn hair is similar to remy hair. Double drawn wefts in that all hairs are the same length.

Three qualities are designated:

• Quality A: consists of tangle free non-remy hair with the cuticles shaved off or smoothened out. The entire weft consists of hairs of the same length, with no short hair. This is a premium quality weft.

• Quality B: the next quality in wefts made up of non-remy hair. They are also tangle free and have their cuticles shaved off. They are made up of special double drawn hair, with hair length of two inch difference, with no short hair.

• Quality C: the final quality of wefts, made up of tangle free non-remy hair. The cuticles are again shaved off and the hair used is single drawn. This makes the entire weft have hairs of different length.

Part 2 coming soon…..

Uniform style jackets and accents.

Can be worn over jeans with a T shirt. over a flirty dress to give your outfit some edge or a long tee and leggings.

Military -Biker fashion

kemi Adetiba - Biker fashion. Throwback to Grease

LACE:

lace is everywhere from tops to short flirty skirts to dresses. Even Nigerian designers are incorporating this material into their pieces. lace or sheer fabric is more popular for lingerie inspired pieces.

Oreka Godis

Omawunmi

to be continued…..

My bestest outfit of the evening

TBAB FASHION FOURM (17TH March 10-4pm): Q&A Seminar Paneled by Fashion Industry Experts;

For more information :

http://www.theboldandbeautiful.org/event.htm

Awards:
One year internship with House of Zebra for winners of fashion design category
One Year Internship with Face of Sleek for winners of makeup category
One Year Contract with Beth Model Management and entry to Elite Model Look Nigeria 2010
Complete camera startup kits for winners of fashion photography

I attended the fashion Styling workshopby Pepper and I learnt a lot though ididnt win the internship with FAB magazine. Anyways here are some pictures from the workshops and the Gala night.

Peper and her style class,Im somewhere in the corner : )

Body Painting workshop

Workshop at Expo Hall

Movie Make up: Make up workshop

Backstage

Body Art

Backstage

Oby Ezenduka for House of Zebra

Paula

Isio for House of Zebra

Oby in Adebayo Jones

Adebayo Jones

Annette Briggs for Adebayo Jones

Adebayo Jones

OMA on the runway

House of Zebra

Today I had a little spare time and I got creative with it. It’s the kind of creativity I think anyone can get into and its a lot of fun..well for me it is. It’s not the first time I’ll be doing it but its the most recent and I would like to share it with you guys. If you are a naturally creative person this will be a breeze for you and if you aren’t you’ll have a friend that is. If you are a parent its a good idea for a project to work on with your daughter.

I call it flipping because it has to do with making something you consider old or unused into something new,useful or more beautiful. I worked on an old pair of slippers I had for about 4 years and it had just been lying there in my closet and ive been searching for a pair of slippers and all everybody is selling is gladiator style sandals! I know that is what is in but im a girly girl with love for frills,bows,embellishments,drapey fabric,pink,blah blah…I dont always want to dress with an edge.

With all that said and a little time on my hands i decided to create my own slippers with whatever materials I could find in my room. As I said you have to be creative to work with little or nothing.

Materials you may need:

A pair of slippers or shoes( depending) for this one I’d say slippers because I also flip bags.

A pair of scissors or a blade

A tube of super glue, UHU is fine but you’ll need something to apply it

A  straight needle : a strong needle could be the size used for mending clothes or for sewing in a weave

Add on materials you want to use such as beads,rhinestone,lace,satin anything at all! Be creative!

I’ve  added some pictures so you can understand better.

STEP ONE

I cleared my workspace on the floor.I got my pair of slippers and all the options I had for add-on material. I had beads,faux pearls some rhinestone, ribbon and some rope.

STEP TWO

So I decided I didn’t want to use any of the above add ons, I wanted something frilly with some embellishment. I started to look for pieces of material, traditional material or just satin, chiffon anything. I found a long brown ribbon that used to be a belt for an old dress. Perfect!

I threaded my needle  and cut the ribbon into two equal halves. I took the needle through the bottom of one side of the ribbon with large tacks so that when I get to the eng of the ribbon and pull the thread it forms a fan like shape. You can fold the ribbon the way you would fold a paper to make a paper fan and just pass your needle through it. Make sure your thread is knotted at the end.

Once you have pulled the thread and the ribbon is fan like take your needle back through it and make sure it is secure. Now twist it round and round till you get the desired flare.  Thats what I did to fit the shape you can see beside the slipper.

STEP THREE

I made two of the satin frills with the two equal halves of the ribbon and opened them up. I then attached them to the front of the slippers first with a single stitch and then some glue under for extra security.

STEP FOUR

Its beginning to shape up right? but i still thought it was plain so I wanted some bling or some kind of embellishment. The pearls didn’t work with the colour. I rifled through my jewelry box looking for a pair of brooches. I didn’t find them but i found a pair of earrings which one was broken and I hadn’t worn in a while.

I broke off all the extra beads on the earrings, like the first one. I then flattened the frills so that i could stick the earrings flat with glue.

STEP FIVE

Wow! So I’m loving the way it’s looking but the straps are still battered so I’m thinking…spray paint? nah. Ok, I’ll wrap it with something so that its covered. I still want to retain the gold colour so it’s either I go with beige satin or something else that is the same shade of gold. Luckily I had this pair of braided gold laces that had been for a pair of sandals i had before. i kept them because I thought the will be useful one day. I was right.

I cut the lace into two equal halves. I’ll have to wrap the left and right strap and the front where the thong starts. i didn’t want to cover it up just wanted to create a kind of design with it so that it looks like it was meant to look like that.

To start the wrap i secured the beginning of the lace with a stitch and some glue, I did the same at the end of the wrap.

FINISH

So there it is…I did this in two hours and im very happy with the result. Its simple and fun. You can flip anything and find something new in something old at no cost. All you need is time and imagination. Start flipping today!!

Ill update you on more fashion savvy arts and crafts to help you create and kee your own unique style!

xoxo, fatimah.