THE LAST MINUTE WEDDING GUEST

Your childhood friend Sharon, calls to say she is getting hitched in two months, oh wow, congratulations you scream back at her, such awesome news, who is he?, how are the preparations going? and it goes on and on….

Fast forward one month, three weeks and five days later, it hits you - OMG, Sharon’s wedding is this weekend and you’ve got no clue on what to wear. The thought of reconnecting with so many old friends at the wedding who haven’t seen you in ages, makes it even more important you look your best. How do you get the best outfit?

One of the most difficult parts of preparing to attend a wedding is finding the right thing to wear. If you’re feeling the pressure to look your sharpest for those upcoming nuptials, here are five tips to ensure that you’re the best-dressed guest at any wedding you attend:

Determine the right color for your skin tone;

Before you buy any new outfit, you should know how to choose colors that flatter your skin tone. Choosing the wrong color can make your skin and even your hair appear dull, while the right colors for your skin tone can make you look vibrant. So though you might get the right outfit style wise for your body, if those colors aren’t working for your skin tone, darling you just wasted a good outfit.

To test if an outfit color is good for your skin tone, Hold the clothing color up to your face, under your chin and look into a mirror, what do you see first? Your face or the clothing? Best if you see your face before the clothing. Also notice what the colors do for you - uplift you, wash you out or overpower?

We would talk more about colors on the next series.

 Accentuate your best asset

Though you should accentuate your favored asset, it’s important to remember that you are going to a wedding not a night party or a club. Your outfit can have ONE sexy element like a plunging neckline, short hemline, low back, or a body con fit, but no more than one.

In Melissa Coker’s words, “If it looks like something Jennifer Lopez would wear on tour, it's probably out of bounds for your friend's wedding.”

Avoid neutrals

I’m thinking most people know they should avoid wearing white to a wedding (or ivory or champagne, for that matter), unless you are the bride, add black to that list. Though black is traditionally a no-go, wearing a little black number to an evening wedding might work, as long as the dress feels fun and light. However, if there's even the slightest chance it could fit into a procession for the deceased, please put it back on the rack and slip into something more colorful.

Keep it sophisticated

Some interesting outfits to wear to a wedding are; a short prom-like dress (depending on your age range), doll dresses, a color block dress (with colors that suit your skin tone of course), vintage lace gowns, pencil/pleated skirts, stylish maxi dresses, flowery silk gowns, jump suits.

Accessorize

The right accessories bring out your clothing, just be careful not to be obnoxious with the style of your hat/purse/shoes/jewelry.

Most importantly, look and feel confident! If you try to stick to these guidelines above then you should be fine. 

For more in-depth clothing advise, kindly contact us via mail: info@crosswordcw.com or mobile: +234 8 018 450 7330.

FIRST DATES AND A TINT OF FASHION

Hi Darlings…seems like a decade since you heard from us, we definitely missed you all. Apologies for the silence, we would definitely make it up to you...sending lots of kisses.

The Christmas holidays are almost here…whoop whoop, definitely the best time of the year for me J; from the cool weather to the Christmas décors, parties, yummy dishes/pastries (thank Goodness for gyms), family time, serene choruses, and of course the presents! So you can imagine how excited I am. I am sure I’m not the only one that feels this way…Let’s not forget the romantic stuff, yep! Like the song goes, Christmas just ain't Christmas without the one you love.

Being single during the holidays can be tough, we have all been there at some point, (well I have). Besides having one less person to buy a present for, there's the awkward nagging questions/small talk from relatives at family parties, the endless fire cracking proposals being displayed on social media, with pictures of cute couples, while you keep watching, hoping and waiting....lol.

Wouldn’t we just love that first date to bloom to a long-term relationship (assuming he's your perfect match), especially with the upcoming holidays? Giving a good first impression sure has a lot to do with it, like the popular saying goes- ‘you only get one chance to make that good first impression’.

While getting ready for that date, here are a few tried and tested fashion tips to remember:

KISS IT (Keep It Simple and Sexy): While you might want to impress your date, this isn’t the time to wear that Avant Garde outfit or to use a multi-color blocking theme. You’ll look like you tried too hard, and your date might get a little scared, being overdone can also translate to high maintenance. Think classic styles depending on the venue, while not revealing too much flesh. E.g., drapey skirts, blouses with V-neck/sweetheart necklines, gowns which accentuate the waist, a fitted pair of jean / bright colored Tees. Skip the complicated stuff and save your trendier garments for future dates, you are better off teasing him with a hint of sexy and then leaving him wanting to see more.

Avoid Dark Colors, Especially Black: I know most ladies might prefer to wear that little black dress on a date. However, most men think black makes women seem older and unhappy. If you absolutely have to wear your LBD, then, at least, complement it with a colorful accessory or a bright necklace to add some life into your look. It’s no surprise that the most alluring color by far, holiday season or not, is (wait for it.. pause...) red! While everyone might not be open to wearing red, seeing it’s such a bold color, other colors like peach, pink, and purple, would work.

Dress up with Him in Mind: Use what you already know about him to make strategic choices on your outfit. E.g., if your date is shorter in height, maybe opt for flats over four-inch stilettos. There’s nothing wrong with a woman being taller than her man, but until you get to know him better, it’s best to be sensitive and not tower over him in case it’s something he’s self-conscious about. If he seems reserved, choose an outfit in the slightly more conservative range. This can be done fashionably without compromising your personal style.

Flaunt your Feminine Side: Don't choose an outfit that looks like it came out of his closet, e.g., a male's suit or baggy clothes. Wearing a feminine outfit, will make you look flirty, e.g. lacey things, florals, and dresses, especially ones that accentuate your best assets; a shorter one if you have good legs, a sleeveless one if your arms are toned or a cinched one if you have a tiny waist. If your style is more manly (tomboyish), try tone it down a little on your first date. You want him to be a man, so try look like a woman.

Choose Comfort over Fashion: I can’t stress this enough, do not wear something that is ill-fitting, itchy, doesn’t breathe well or shows perspiration easily (silk and satin). The idea is to project your genuine personality, which will be difficult if you are fussing with your clothing. It will also distract your date from the conversation. This especially applies to shoes; don't wear stilettos if you can't walk in them comfortably for 3-4 hours. He is more likely to notice your dazzling smile or your witty banter than those Louboutins anyway J .

Finally, when it comes to wearing makeup, don't go completely au naturel. Even if it's just a little bit of eye liner and a dab of mascara to brighten your eyes, you should choose to enhance your natural look. Lip gloss is especially key because it draws a man's eyes to your lips. (Just so you can swallow meals better...lol)

We would love to know other fashion tips that worked for you on your first dates based on Le boo's feedback. Guy's, we would also love to know your thoughts...

WHEN YOU DO NOT LIKE YOUR MAN'S STYLE...

You may not be the Kim K of fashion, but you take note of the details of grooming and style... Or you may not really send your appearance but you appreciate it when le boo looks like a million pounds on the sidewalk or at  an event right beside you. He doesn't seem to mind that he has worn an oversized basketball vest to come pick you from your friend’s place, and you a dropped jaw from the spotted tiny underarm hole on his shirt when he laughed and raised his arm…..lol!

You are not the only one in the boat, however you love him more than what the clothes have said. You will however like that he takes note of those rooming details, maybe not just the hair carve and vest change. Truth is that a man is more courageous to go to war, than to begin a stock of what is torn in his closet. And even when he makes an attempt to keep clean and fresh, you may just wish he was more deliberate in his colour choices and purchases... 

Here's what you can do-

1. Compliment what you like on him: many people dress to cover up parts of their bodies they're ashamed of, and in the process choose tacky and poorly fitting clothes. Remind your partner that you like them just the way they are, recognize when he gets his style right, even if it's only the shorts that make sense. Tell him you like them, they'll give him an idea of the things you will like to see him in. Of course he will try to wear it again just to see u crack that gap-tooth smile. 

2. Guide him into the fashion context: give him an idea of the kind of look you would like him to portray especially when attending an event together, instead of imposing your style sense or Idris Elba's style sense on him. Let him see the picture and you both can follow up together.

3. Talk About what makes him comfortable or what determines his style: let him show you or tell you how he thinks when he wants to dress up. If you are expecting a detailed and elaborate description you might be very disappointed, because men are very simple and quite straight forward about whatever concerns them. However listen for non-verbal cues and ask questions (please do not be overbearing)

4. Purchase clothes: you could get as a gift something you will like to see him in. Let's hope it does not end up sitting under a box. When you go shopping together, you could suggest something you will like him to wear and to reach a compromise; he could select something for you as well. You both have to purchase/wear each other's suggestion, as a compromise.

Overall treat your man with respect, when it comes to solving his "girl-friend-diagnosed-style-problem". Clothes are only outward extensions of what you admire, his personality is what you will travel with as soul mates....*wink*

STYLE PERSONALITIES AND WHY WE LOVE THEM...

Many fashion icons or style crushes we look up to obviously have a better wardrobe or even stylists at their beck and call. However something they also possess is a confident consistency. They have tweaked some part of their personality and made sure they shine through it. 

All women of the world have worries, fears and things they will rather hide... And we all have something we are confident about as well. This is where signature style comes in. Whether we know or not, our personality reflects on our style to a large extent. Style therefore mirrors personality, and in consideration of such external influences as work, lifestyle a good eye or just acquired taste.This post will help you understand what you represent based on style personalities and will show you what to add to take it to the next level. 

Let us take a look at some of the qualities of a few style crushes...

The Bombshell: Toke Makinwa, Damilola Adegbite, Toolz

Sexy is the mantra for these women. And for them, picking pieces that show off a curvy, feminine figure is the norm. These sexy sirens do not believe in choosing a style on the basis of age.

Basic components:

·   When dressing like a sultry siren, be prepared to draw attention to yourself. Look for clothes that accentuate the hourglass. Deep V’s and high slits are acceptable necessities. 

·    Choose body-hugging, figure-flattering cuts. Avoid sack dresses, (too) simple dress designs, masculine tailoring, and anything with too much coverage. (helps even though you don't have an hour glass figure)

  ·  Brights, white, and black all work in solid shades. Prints, patterns, and elaborate embellishment detract from the focal point - your body. 

The Classicists - Kate Henshaw, Stella Damascus 

These women prefer basics — the T-shirt, blazer, white shirt, and trousers — and look effortlessly chic in simple staple pieces. These women would ordinarily not stick their necks in the tidal trend waves. They stick to clothes "as they are made to be", no fancy designs or unnecessary extras.

Basic Components:

·         Embrace tradition. Sticking with things that have stood the test of time is often the key to looking clean and elegant.

·         The hottest and newest don't always suit a simpler style. If intrigued by a trend, incorporate it into your look in a subtle way, maybe with an accessory. 

·         Keep a clean line. Frivolity, frills, and fanciful cuts are not in tune with a more established approach to dressing.

·         If you fit with this persona, pick a pared-down palette - colors that do not call a lot of attention. Black, white, navy, gray, and khaki are classic. 

The Non-conformist: Chimamanda Adichie, Asa

These ladies seem primarily attached to their art and therefore set a free-spirited style in ethnic-inspired looks. They grab your attention because they do not fit into the trendy style mould nor the basic style niche. It's like staying chic, with an aura of  very, very approachable calm.

Basic Components:

·         Master the mix. Layering pieces, pairing new with vintage, and combining multiple textures all add to the appeal.

·         Banish plain shades. Wearing peppy colors highlights a carefree demeanor. 

·         You could even rock a laid back hairstyle (like Chimamanda's threaded hair) and still be in style. 

·         Play up prints - swirly paisleys, pretty florals, retro patterns,— the haute-hippie chick can pull off funky patterns. 

The Polished ladies: Genevieve Nnaji, Agbani Darego, Rita Dominic 

The prim, polished, and pulled-together air still resonates with today's refined set. This polished persona gives her the air of unreachable elegance.

Basic Components:

·         Keep it feminine but not flirty. Pick a silhouette that shows off your waist but not too much else. If you want to show some skin, choose one erogenous zone — like your shoulders, ankles, or décolletage — at a time.

·         Add charm. A bow, a touch of lace, or a slight ruffle offers a sweet edge. But keep it to one or two flourishes. Also try edgy dress designs 

·         Classic colors are most appropriate. Black and white will never fail you. Avoid anything over-the-top or garish, especially with colors - a pop of color is always sweeter. 

·         Fabric counts. Look for structured, high-quality materials. Anything too flimsy or sheer should be shunned. 

The Eclectics: Nkiru Anumudu, Tonto Dikeh 

It's all about having fun with fashion for these playful women. The appeal for these ladies is putting on everything and boy, they sure know how to make it all work. Bright colors, madcap pairings, peculiar accessorizing and loud patterns are part of the package.

Basic Components:

·         Never say never. Follow your heart when it comes to picking out your clothes. Forget what's appropriate or safe, and don't take yourself too seriously. Serious is boring anyway...

·         Eye-catching hues, look-at-me motifs, even bright colored hair are par for the course. 

·         Mixing and matching makes sense -e.g, a bejeweled shoes over a patterned dress... 

·         Be wary of crossing the line into "tacky boulevard". Keep one of your outfit pieces pared down or your accessories classic when wearing something wacky.

The ball is your court to judge your style. What do you think about your persona and your style? Where do you fit in? Oh, you don't fit in with these? Create your persona and tell us about it in the comment box.

HEAD OVER HEELS!

Happy New Month Lovelies…I hope someone missed us? Cos we did miss you J. The write-up today is dedicated to all shopaholics (yep, that sometimes includes me..hehe), here it goes…

I like to think that I make good choices when it comes to purchasing clothes, shoes and accessories – although taking these from my sisters or mum still is waaaaaay easier than walking through shops and online stores! Well, while buying items for the kitchen and the house, I and my sister stumbled on a shoe store. The shoes were “OK” shoes, but they were good on the eyes, and there were lots of designer (... okay well, good brands!) flashing on them. About to dismiss the idea of wasting time and money on things that have no guarantee, my lustful eyes fell on a pair of satin red sandals. If you play Candy Crush the way the man says Divine is the absolute description. (It was DEEVVAAIINE!) It had a halo all around it, with its satin-covered-4”-heel-height, folded cover, little peep.

I was sure I could use it to go dancing, for weddings, maybe every occasion. My sister on the other hand was not impressed with it, she felt I had a lot and better red shoes, but she left me to gush. The bargaining began and I was going to pay. My sister tried to say that I may not use it as often as I thought; it wasn’t worth so much; I had few clothes that would need it, however I was too busy borrowing money from her to wonder about worth and value.

Shoes in hand, I was proud to show it off... Except that the only time I forced myself to wear it was with a blue dress (mismatched does not begin to describe my look that day), and that was the only time I used it. After a year, attacked by beneath-the-bed-dust, the shoes needed cleaning. Without any proper idea of how to clean satin shoes, I plopped them into soapy water to find that water made my red beauties peel. Nail polish tried to repair that damage but my shoes still sit – unused. Under the bed. Again!

Fashion buying advice is hard to adhere to because most of the time desire or lust confuses reasoning. Feelings are so unreliable and do not determine the rightness of a fashion buy. At that point of excitement no advice makes any logical sense even if the person giving you the advice was the editor of Vogue magazine. Usually, until the event ends in defiance, an “I told you so” moment, and maybe regrets... There is also the conceivable idea that we buy to prove a (non-existent) point – that we can afford some item in vogue – which in truth will probably not be used.

Thinking again, it is probably hard to define when some fashion item is important or unnecessary. 

Basic clues to know whether your purchase is worthy –

1.  Check its versatility. Can you harmonise with or match with other items in your wardrobe, especially so it can be used for other purposes? Is it irreplaceable?

2.      Lifestyle. Does it reflect your everyday life? Does it define your values?

3.      Money’s worth. Does it exceed your budget? Why buy something that goes bad in less than 3 months because it’s cheaper?

So using your HEAD over your love for heels (or any other buying choice for that matter) could protect you from falling head over heels (pun intended... twice!)! ;D

WAR PAINT 2: FEELING GREAT THIS SEASON..

Wow Ladies, how brilliant is it that we are in December! Holidaying and all the family and fun stuff are only a few weeks away. It has been a short year, but a great time sharing with you and hearing from you.

In our previous post, we defined maximizing your confidence through style as war paint. The key to feeling great in what you are wearing is learning to understand your body. What do you like the most? And what do you like the least? Where will you like to draw more attention to? And what will you prefer to keep out of sight? Though, since your shape-size combination is unique, it’s very important that you appreciate every part of your body (…but of course we know there’s that body part you will love to trade).

Here are some points you can incorporate to stay confident and play up your assets – 

Hiding a Big Tummy:

-          Try using a structured jacket which defines your shoulders and waist

-         Dresses with an obvious band a little higher than your waistline are also great.

-         A-line skirts are so called because they are narrower at the waist area and have a bit of volume below. Exploit this option for dresses and skirts.

To Create Curves:

-          Belts are an easy way to define the waist. Make sure they do not create unnecessary pleats or bunch-ups.

-          Use dresses or blouses that have their sides in darker colors and the brighter color runs vertically from top to bottom.

To Look Taller:

-          For petite women, dresses that sit just above your knee create an illusion of length

-          A pinstripe suit that is impeccably tailored and high-waist trousers will also give the illusion of length.

-          By far the simplest and most obvious solution to creating length is to wear high-heeled shoes.

To Look Shorter:

-          Big cuffs at the bottom of your trousers tend to shorten leg length.

-          Maxis (long and billowy skirts/dresses) help you seem more petite.

-          Flat shoes are another go-to option.

To Look Skinnier or to Conceal:

-          Wear solids i.e. clothes in just one color, and dark colors e.g. dark teal, egg plant

-          Small prints can also downplay any area you wish to conceal

To Look Bigger or to Emphasize:

-          Utilize lighter colors e.g. pinks, white

-          Big prints and outfit details like pleats, ruffles, sparkles, bows, and embroidery will always draw attention to and emphasize any area

-          Fitted and clingy fabrics (body-hugging tightness) are other easy ways to look fuller.

Wearing a panty hose and/or leggings is a great way to dress up a skirt or dress, especially when you want to warm up or cover up. Make sure the leggings are obvious in opaque colors or fish nets with beautiful detailing.

Never underestimate the power of scarves, colored accessories and bold interesting jewellery. Scarves and bold jewellery dress up any simple outfit especially T-shirts and Little Black Dresses. Get accessories in bright colors for versatility. Layer up on necklaces and bracelets, to stand out.

Lets work it ..;)