DONE-TO-DEATH OR SO INSPIRED (1)??

Ever walked into a public space – restaurant, photo studio, classroom – and weirdly all the girls look alike. Dressing, mannerisms, speech, hair, gesticulations, everybody is doing the same thing! Seriously! It is frustrating!! Aaaarrrrgggghhhh!!!

Although we all are as different as spots and stripes, and as slim is different from plump, the interesting fact about creating a worthy first impression is that having “your” style, while incorporating trends, will present you as likeable, thoroughly real, and more likely to be remembered. However we (guiltily) prefer to wear out inspiration, cling to clichéd images and imitate styles that are done-to-death… The vogue in today’s world of fashion encourages you to be somebody via what you wear or nobody at all. It’s almost lacking “le difference”… ((Forgive the French expression)). We forget that uniqueness can be the most beautiful aspect of living!

So why are we unoriginal? Is chasing trends beneficial?

Fashion as an idea, a created art and form of expression that is constantly evolving. 

Fashion is created to be as different and as unique as individual finger-prints. It simply requires "you". 

Marc-Alain Descamps, French philosopher and psychologist presented fashion as an ever-changing and over-determined phenomenon which expresses the unconscious and one's own personal evolution, and which covers many roles and values in human psyche. The expression of individual style with colors, labels, trends, and fabric cuts is based on moods, events, seasons, culture and the environment.

I will introduce you to the four ladies I happened to distinguish in that room full of the same people: - the Traditional and Comfortable lady, the Socialite, the Materialistic lady and the Clueless lady.

((TO BE CONTINUED))

SWINGING THE SEASON IN STYLE (2) - RED DAY DREAM

We love fantasy. Rather who isn’t guilty of day-dreaming? …Of the perfect outfit, the perfect night-out, the perfect raise… oh and the perfect guy...

How about we set the tone for fantasy with the color red? “Why red?” you ask. Well, red’s intensity has been the age-old bedrock of many a fantasy, symbolizing danger, sexual attraction as well as grabbing attention. Its powers of warmth and stimulation draws the onlooker into the boldness and sophistication of its wear-er.

We’ll show you a few great ways to get the best out of this color in your outfit or get you to include it in your shopping list –

• Wear red with other primary colors- yellow and blue. Do this on low key, you don’t want to end up looking like you stumbled into a paint war.

• Wear a red outfit with shoes of classic patent colors like beige and black.
• Accessorize your monochrome (white and black) and grey outfits with red – never goes out of style)

• Consider teaming (red) with metallics such as gold, silver and bronze.

• Opt for deep shades of red, instead of bright shades. This allows you to mix with colors of like shades e.g. pink, purple, and brown.

• Consider bracelets, rings and earrings over necklaces.
• Diamonds and pearls do a red outfit much justice ;)
• Introduce red pieces with lacy material, leopard print, fringe or denim.

• Grab attention with little doses of bold red accessories, as used with head band, hat, earrings, cocktail ring, clutch/purse, belt etc. There's really no hiding (regardless of subtlety...)

• Use red lip-color/cheek color to get up your make-up.

So Ladies,.... Turn on your alter-ego with these few tricks and create your fantasy with a dash of sassy red... *Wink!

SWINGING THE SEASON IN STYLE (1) – BLAZING THE TRENDS

Hearty Compliments of the Easter Season! And folks, we have officially crossed into that time of the year marked with more rain than sunshine.  The season commonly referred to as “the weather for two”. (Ahem)........ But why multiply when you can stay warm and trendy? Couldn't help noticing the blazer trend all around this season, even when the bright sun spared no mercy…

Presenting the layering culprit (called the) –Blazer…

Without thinking, anyone would guess that blazers and jackets were designed to protect from extreme weather conditions and hazards. However beyond protection, the layered look created by blazers broke through men’s only to official wear and now to chic and fab-tastic looks.

Various textures define this fad – ranging from cotton, leather, wool, Ankara and so on. Designs, cuts and seams in their diversity grant fashionistas options for the kind of seriousness to attach to your outfit. 

For example: 
The tuxedo blazer glams up any outfit – all by itself; 
The boyfriend blazer presents a contemporary coquette style (a sophisticated flex between genders); 
Blazers without lapels creates an all-round womanly look; 
The blazer’s length below the waist draws more attention to the shoulders; 
While blazers with lengths just on the waist accentuate a shapely figure;
The shorter the sleeves are, the more relaxed the blazer.

Stamping a statement with a blazer is that easy – whether paired with a dress, skirt, shorts or pants; with a forward or bashful attitude or worn for night-time or a day out; the blazer fad effortlessly puts a "Y" in classy!

Behind the Scenes! - Crossword CW’s Première Saison 2013 collection – “Zafirah by CW”

Hey Lovely People,

So much happened last year, good and bad stuff.....Glad to know we all made it to the New Year! & then there was Vals, which I’m sure a lot of ladies enjoyed! well, I enjoyed it *smiles*....... Guess that brings everyone back to reality...lol!

Anyways, here is one more thing to look forward to (besides Easter of course), Crossword CW’s Première Saison  2013 collection – “Zafirah by CW” would officially be released on the 1^st of March 2013, isn't that awesome!!! We at Crossword CW have put in so much to ensure our fashionisters are thrilled with this new collection and we sure hope you all will be...

The “Zafirah by CW” collection was inspired by the ‘Sunset’, leading to the infusion of colours like Hues of orange, gold and red.  Clearly seen are simple yet effortlessly sophisticated designs for social events as well as the workplace; a combination of gowns that can double for dinner and cocktail dresses, bridals and office wears.

The vibrant team includes: Hair/ Make-up Artist – Isabel Signature (Ify Onwuka), Stylist/ Assistant Make-up Artist – Fatima Okorie, Casting Director - Ijeoma Ogiemwonyi, Director of Photography/ Visual Effects – Eikonworld, Production/ Creative Designer – Chika Nnadozie and Director – Osa Erhabor. The photo shoot was held at 5^th Haven Furniture – Tomilayo Akingbelu (CEO). I would like to thank every one of them for making this a success.

The pictures below are never been seen footage of the photo shoot (smiles...well it’s never been seen); pictures of actions going on behind the scene, just so you get a glimpse of what the collection looks like. Enjoy!!!

Less is more.....?

As told by a guy

One late evening, while walking home, I stumbled upon a beautiful girl dressed in a simple medium length purple gown, I was immediately attracted to her because of the mystery surrounding her......who was she? Where did she come from? What lies beneath the gown? The less she revealed, the more I desired

The following evening, having taken the same route home, I ran into her again, but this time she had changed. She was still undeniable beautiful, however, the mystery was gone. She wore a low neck yellow micro mini gown with a lot of jewellery, high blue sandals, quite heavy make-up and this time she smiled at me.........I already figured her out, her purpose was clear and without another thought, I walked on.

Quite a short story,........ but what do you think?