RETRO IN MODERN WEAR or “SPLUFIK” RETRO

I learned a new word in pidgin – splufik. I think it means splendid, and I want to incorporate it into my pidgin vocabulary. And just as I discovered splufik, I spotted a return of the retro. I know your mum said so a thousand times…however you do not need to wear it all at once. And in understanding your feminine side you might want to add old-school class to grab attention (maybe carry out another transfiguration). 

A little bit of this and that can add a dash of splufik to your outfit. The retro is simply old school glamour from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. It is playful and has quite an unconventional refined feel to it. Incorporating the retro is a great way to inject a bit of high energy to your everydayness.

So here are a few of our looks we urge you to try, even if it is one at a time. I am quite sure you cannot overlook them anyway…

1.    The Hair- The hair of those days was big, curly, full hair and up-do styles. If you have observed, some celebrities have used this in their music videos. Also bold hair accessories were a part of that time – bows, flowers, bandannas etc.

       2 . The Make-up –Popularly called the pin-up look. It is fresh-faced, eye lined black, a little blush and bold red lip, other bold lip colors are cool too. And if you think blush is not African, remember eba is still eaten with stew… 

      3.     Mini Trends – Whether it is skirts, dresses or shorts, these are nice ways to show off your hot legs, hips and pretty blouses. Plus if you are feeling conservative or cold pair with a jacket, leggings or patterned panty hose 

               

     4.    Pointy Shoes and Classic Pumps: With varying designs and colors and in unique mixes with Ankara and metallic strips 

     

                                                            

      5.    Floral prints – 

       

       

     6.    Jean Sleeveless Jackets: I don’t know how this trend came back but we love it and it can dress up or dress down almost everything, for work or play… 

             

        

      7.   Maxi Skirts – This was the hippie dress sense of the old days. Hippie was a nomadic youth subculture of the 60s who sought to free themselves from social restrictions, mainly identified by their unusual dressing, although hippie for African Americans meant currently fashionable and sophisticated in the 40s. Choose ye, which ye prefer… 

         

      8.   Crop Tops – “There is this thing about crop tops,” – a father tells his daughter, “you’ve got half a shirt on, you should have had a discount.” 

                  

       9.      Chunky Accessories – 

  

    Need we say more? Find your expression in fashion history. Look through old pictures; observe the trend waves and try this splufik trend...*wink

     

CAN A STYLIST DRESS YOU BETTER THAN YOU DRESS YOURSELF?

Beauty is defined by so many twists and perceptions, especially as constructed by folks such as designers, stylists, photographers, marketers, and lastly but most importantly, YOU. And even with so many tips and principles to consider, there are always days when nothing is working out.  Those off-days or drab days are the times when you wish that a “professional” someone exists to put something together and take away your misery.

The celebrity and model looks are very powerful images and mostly we fantasize (and copy) what they wear. It seems that they can afford to look better than you because of who they are… or what they have??? Who knows?

But, does a stylist know better than you? Or is it because fashion styling is their job (their bread and butter)? Is great fashion styling an in-born trait with some genetic number and code present in select human populations? Or is there a handed down generational (or family) legacy that differentiates your style from the next lady’s?

Well I can stick my neck out confidently to say that a pretty large proportion of ladies think that a stylist (employed or consulted) can dress them better than they would themselves. As believed, the stylist has received appropriate training as regards putting an outfit together, and with experience is better able to achieve looks that create lasting impressions, inclusive of current fashion trends and body type considerations.

A stylist is better able to capture work and lifestyle habits in giving fashion advice to his/her clients. They are also able to creatively use colors, prints, patterns, and accessories with effortless skill and work. For ladies with a heavy work schedule and who have to attend a lot of socializing functions, a stylist is a God-send, because s/he is able to cut out the stress of going from store-to-store to find just the outfit, as suits the occasion. For those on this side of the wall, convenience and ease of access is found with the stylist.

I daresay that without the stylist there will be little need for ladies to be as attentive to what they wear. Even with the cash strains and the obvious diversity of styling and clothing preferences, the undeniable and imaginative construct from a stylist cannot be underestimated. As a stylist detail is everything – each strand of hair, accessory, the show of skin, color, pattern and/or texture is playing a part in the powerful image story. It’s a breath-sweeping and lifting place to be able to spin past body shape and plain old stitches to produce a life of itself in inexpressible words of beauty and fashion.

As a stylist, my work is a life, an art and science of cutting through walls of people, place and time to bring forth a statement, only told by the clothes on your back… and admired by a waiting audience…

HOW FAR CAN YOU GO IN DRESSING FOR YOUR MAN.....???

Being young and coupled up, ladies tend to have a dual interest dose. One is flirting with first-meets and the other is being the center of Baby Boo’s heart. Alas but this is not about mushy attractions and puppy love.

As an unapologetic beautiful lady, I like to show off sometimes and for this reason I will dress up (no matter how I feel). You never know who you may run into anyway… That’s where ‘the boo’ comes in – he takes up the next significant opinion (first being my opinion) about what I am putting on. Of course it’s a special feeling as in super-cat-woman-powers when I knock him out of breath with my outfit. If u know what I mean ;-)…. It is in trying to recreate this truly desired buzz that I will purposely buy some clothes he will like.

The worry is will you change your style because of your man’s taste? Don’t go extreme on me with the whole wear-whatever-makes-you-feel-good sermon or don’t-define-your-life-around-a-man crap. Of course I can get as selfish as not to care what he prefers… but I love when he finds me super-attractive and shows me off. I don’t know how authentic but let’s have a look at the following scenarios:

       A.    My Man likes me looking old-fashioned

“My man is a wonderfully conservative guy; we aren't a year old yet. However he thinks I take adventures when I dress up, and he really doesn't like it. I think I am loud with what I wear but not mind-crazy. He cannot stand my short flared skirts, but I like showing my legs. He doesn't like my jewelry; he says they’ll pull out my lobes, but I love big jewelry. He also doesn't like that I wear make-up; he says I look prettier without it, but I feel plain silly without it. I thought I was supposed to make him happy by cutting down but am running mad – he has made rules for my fashion when we are to meet he’s friends and any member of his family. Is he high?”

            B.      My Darling Man thinks conservative is wacky

“My Darling is the crazy one, I am more conservative. I still expect him to one day open an ear hole or give me money for a tattoo somewhere – then I can make my conclusions. Even though I genuinely think he cares for me, he prefers when I show off my boobs (that I really struggle to tame under my clothes). He would rather I wear booty popping jeans, short and hugging dresses. I am not so comfortable about all that… “

      C.     My Charming Dear is indifferent about my fashion sense

“Le man is a pretty much laid back fellow with lots of jokes and sarcasm. I love his wit all the time, that’s why I said yes… I love to dress for him, but he doesn’t seem to notice. He can follow me shopping (sometimes) and says all sorts – funny, lame and even plain annoying – when I show off what I think of buying. I am able to take vengeance when I deliberately refuse to take his “genuine” fashion advice. It seems I just cannot impress him…”

Well ladies, will you buy stuff because “he” says so; tailor your wardrobe subconsciously to suit him; will you choose his fashion fancy or will u care less, as long as you look good?.....

DONE-TO-DEATH OR SO INSPIRED (2)??

The week is almost gone, yey! to that...... trust my ladies are gearing up for the weekend....*wink.  

Remember our last post? http://crosswordcw.blogspot.com/2013/05/done-to-death-or-so-inspired-1.html the write-up below continues from where we stopped. I  honestly didn't mean to break it down like our very own home video's...lol, anyways here it goes...

The ladies I promised you’ll meet have various ways of pulling their carriage off.

The reflection from Comfortable and “Traditional” Lady is usually that of a strong feeling about the “minimal benefits” that chasing trends accomplishes for the consumer. It is her opinion that a stable decision does not follow trends, but is disciplined to obtain clean and timeless pieces for whatever the mood and place. She doesn't sway with seasons, the seasons sway for her. She develops styles that never look out of place, regardless of space and time.

The thoughts of the Materialistic Lady are not concerned with the monetary extent to which one must attain to get trendy fashion labels or pieces – just as long as it can be gotten! This lady seems to live in a whirlwind of who has what, whatever can I do to get vogue stuff and “as long as I have it, the world is spinning fine. Plus the world’s idea is to get with the trend now and now… [no clues whatsoever, as to how to measure up].” Call her a victim of fashion and money or just a helpless lover of both??

This Lady does not attribute any deal to being in tune with fashion of the day and to own the trendy stuff – the Socialite. If you ask her, she just owns them. No sweat, no tears, no blood, no agony, they just gravitate towards her of their own accord. She (almost) always has something for every occasion. When she can afford something nice – why not splurge; when she can’t, she still gets it anyway…

Now meet Lady Clueless. She defines herself as comfortable, but Miss Comfortable cannot understand her. Miss Materialistic looks down on her; the Socialite is just sorry for her. She seems ignorant (or unmindful?) to what she puts on. She may or may not be defined with self-esteem issues, but she acts unaware of her lack of expression with her clothes. Usually the impression on meeting her is plain and un-lasting.

Now, having met these four ladies, which one of them do you really think you are???

Let’s be sincere…J

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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!