Uncategorized – Tadera

Column Dressing

As much as I love fashion, I’m still very much on the fence about trends. Could it be the millennial in me? I guess I like what I like and if I don’t like it, it’s fine to keep it moving.

Having said that, Column dressing is one of those trends I’ve noticed and become definitively obsessed with. You didn’t ask, but you know the drill, I’ll tell you why anyway…

I’m obsessed with a classic silhouette – comfortable without drowning you, tailored, but not exactly fitted. It’s easy and somehow it remains elegant. I kinda feel like it’s a tease, never really giving too much away but drawing you close enough to want more. Regardless of whether it’s a dress or a two piece, it’s pretty much always maxi, falling right down to the floor. 9/10x it’s a monochromatic look, 10/10x it’s a fire look.

Below are pictures of some looks I stole off Pinterest. Is it just me or are they all strapless? Never been one to brave it strapless but don’t hold your breath, I might surprise you.

Source: WhoWhatWear.com

Source: Pinterest

Source: Pinterest

Source: Pinterest

That’s all for today folks

xXx

Ps: Taiwo has been on my neck for God knows how long about doing something creative again. I hope this suffices even if it’s only for today.

Pps: Special thanks to Kathleen for encouraging me to get back into blogging . I’d totally given up!

Don’t Spend Time, Invest In It: Casio A168WE

With the new year often comes new resolutions. This year however, there’s been a trend of INs and OUTs and I’ve bought into it. Having compiled my 2024 INs and OUTs, I’ve noticed that a good chunk are centered around how I spend my time. What is that saying people preach…. “Time is a currency you can only spend once. Be careful how you spend it.” Yeah, that’s me this new year.

A couple of months back, Taiwo and I had a conversation about time. She was in my ear about how I spend it… advising me to relish in the moments I enjoy, letting the time pass and damning the consequences (within reason of course). Funny that advice came from her considering that she’s the one that bought Wura and I our Casios… The A168WE to be precise. It was supposed to be a gift for our -Taiwo & I’s- 35th birthday, but somehow, Wura was lucky enough to end up with one too.

The first time we owned Casio watches must have been 1997. It was a gift from our parents for our 10th birthday (if I remember correctly). We had matching pairs in dark purple and those watches did everything my 10yr old self required of any watch… they were fastidious in time telling – right down to the second, they reminded you of the day and date, the watch had an in-built alarm and was water resistant, but most importantly, at the touch of a button, it would light up, keeping you updated at the darkest hour. 10yr old K thought it was GENIUS! This time around, I opted for the silver watch, while Taiwo went for gold. Gbonju says the gold one reminds her of Del Boy from Only Fools and Horses, which had me cackling at the thought!

The Casio is so timeless, light, very simplistic, a little fun and heavy on nostalgia. It’s definitely a fave. I’m not sure that it ever really went out of fashion, but if it did, it’s safe to say it’s back and doing the rounds all over again.

What’s a nostalgic piece of jewelry that you own?

xXx

Ps: Is it still safe to say Happy New Year, or has that ship sailed?

Don’t Spend Time, Invest In It: Cartier Baignoire

I’ve never been a watch girlie. Always been wishy washy when it comes to time. You see, when it’s in my favour, I’ll tell you that I’m a stickler for time. Punctual. And when it goes against me, I’ll stand firm in the belief that time is a construct, an illusion. What I have found though, is that when I wear a watch, I’m more conscious of time and a tad more respectful of it.

Over the past year or so, my interest in watches has heightened. I can’t pinpoint the exact moment in which it happened, but I am increasingly aware of the rabbit hole I get lost in every time I see an instagram post, or a TikTok about time pieces. So, I’ve been inspired to post a series on my current faves beginning with my most recent obsession- the Cartier Baignoire.

Before we get into this, I acknowledge that Cartier is a jeweler. But for whatever reason, I have never been a fan of their infamous Love and Juste Un Clou bracelets. Just tooo cliché for me (the irony of this statement will be discovered in future posts). But their watches…! THEIR WATCHES!!!!! *Chef’s Kiss*

I’ve never known a watch to so succinctly capture my every desired essence quite like the Baignoire does. Its bracelet secures a careless grace in it’s loose fitting. It’s feline silhouette dances up and down the wrist with each gesture. So carefree and yet so calculating. The oval bezel is very much minimalist but somehow decorative in that it can be stacked with your finest gems without losing its significance, or worn in isolation in appreciation of its simple, yet rare beauty.

As is Cartier’s signature, the watch dial is outlined with the typical rail track and labeled in roman numerals, while the crown is set in sapphire. Pure class.

As a start, I’ll need to set aside c. US$12,000 to adorn my wrist with this 1958 beauty! But the REAL magic happens when you’re able to cough up US$50,000. Shout Out to my future husband for this one. I will no doubt be burning a hole in his credit card for this dime piece. I just need him to show up already… Tik… Tok… (pun intended).

Source: Cartier Website

Source: Cartier Website

What are your thoughts on my latest obsession?

Basic? Too much? Or right up your alley? Let me know…

xXx

Ps: What’s everyone doing for Christmas? I suspect this one will be reflective for me. Sooo thankful still. So, so thankful!

Under the Rock

Note these 2 things about me:

1. I get easily (and quickly) excited. It’s usually about the smaller things… gestures, gifts, little wins….

2. I can sleep through just about anything (I think it’s a gift), but the night before I headed to Abeokuta, my excitement kept me up! Yeah, I was surprised too

I’ve lived in Lagos for the better part of my adult life and never once considered experiencing Nigeria’s own tourist attractions. So my friends and I decided that instead of sitting on a flight to the ends of the earth, we’d do what we could about experiencing the local terrain.

Abeokuta was the first adventure (only took an hour and a bit to get there) and even though only 3/5 of us made it, we had fun! Our first stop was the Obasanjo Library. Although the staff tried to kill my spirit (we weren’t allowed to take pictures unless we were using their photographer 🙄), I learnt a lot about who is arguably the best President we’ve ever had.

The Olumo Rock (Under the Rock) was definitely my highlight. We got a bit of the history in word and song (I love varied expressions) and it pushed us physically (some of us anyway… I climbed the stairs. Wasn’t about to risk my pride climbing mountains). Let’s not get into the peace that comes with sitting on Ori Oke (top of the mountain). It’s very easy to have a one on one with God there.

Before we get into the pictures, here is a list of simple tips/things to pack when going on such trips in no particular order:

Wear light, comfortable clothing and trainers. Sandals or slippers are a NO from me
Stay hydrated with water and pack light snacks
Take your camera. Don’t be too fussed about how you look, it really doesn’t matter. You will re live certain moments through your pictures
Go in a group. I went with TVP Adventures and they made it so much fun… so easy. We played games on the bus, they had a photographer, they provided drinks and snacks, face towels, etc.
Don’t forget your power bank
Sunglasses and SPF are a MUST because the sun is intense
Put on your FitBit/Apple Watch/ whatever step/fitness tracking device you have. You’ll amaze yourself. I’d hit 10k steps before I even got to Olumo Rock!
Ladies, don’t bother with makeup. Trust me on this one
Pack baby wipes and a face towel
Go with an open mind. Don’t take yourself too seriously

See Nigeria through my shades….

TVP OLUMO ROCK-5916

TVP group

TVP OLUMO ROCK-5616

Obasanjo’s Library

OOPL Photos (19)

I was the President for all of 30 seconds

DAV_1643

On our way up the Olumo Rock

DAV_1609

Quick break for a story

DAV_1621

Polaroids!

TVP OLUMO ROCK-5681

Play the song

Any ideas of where my next adventure should be?

xXx

Ps: I lost a friend of mine recently. She was my age. How does that happen??

Inspiration: #SupportDolapo

Friday, February 12, 2016 was the beginning of a miracle. Dolapo Igboin set up a “Go Fund Me” page detailing her financial struggles and her dreams of a career in Acute/Emergency Medicine. Her page recognized the magnitude of her request for £25,000 to complete her final year of Med School and even described the thought of raising the funds as ‘impossible’. Acknowledging that the odds were against her, she set up the page as a cling to her last source of hope.

Before now, I never really paid much attention to such pleas…. I couldn’t relate. I didn’t know those people. But this time, was different…. this time, it was happening to me. This time, it was happening to all of us (Nigerians) bearing the brunt of FX scarcity or dwindling oil prices. This time, Dolapo’s story hit me like a ton of bricks and like everyone else I began to tell anyone that would listen to join me in helping her.

This post is not about how much each person contributed, it’s not even about Dolapo raising over the £25,000 . It’s about the overwhelming sense of oneness which everyone showed. It’s for the relentless encouragement and the selfless rallying. It’s because little drops of water really do make the mighty ocean!

Dolly bay-bay, we are all your family now! Your struggle, is our struggle. God has never disappointed and you are a living testimony that he never will. Congratulations in advance for making it to your final year. Make us all proud!!!

xXx

“Ken”

Ps: Dolapo is the only one that calls me Ken

PPs: Bon Bon, I stole your screenshot 😀

#BringBackOurGirls

On April 14, 2014 over 200 school girls were abducted from their boarding school in Chibok, Borno State (Nigeria). Abubakar Shekau the leader of the terrorist group- Boko Haram- believes that “God asked him to sell them”.

It’s been about three weeks since and although some managed to escape, there are still helpless teenage girls out there in need of our prayers with 8 more girls having been abducted today.

Please pray for these girls. Please pray for their families. Please pray for Nigeria.

#BringBackOurGirls #BringOurGirlsBack

xXx

Ps: I prefer the hash tag #BringOurGirlsBack I think it makes more sense, no?

Big LA

In a bid to make Taiwo jealous, I invited Laolu (her best friend) for lunch with me today. You see, Taiwo and I work in the same building, but she got the whole week off and has been rubbing it in my face all day. Pictures speak a thousand words and so as Laolu wolfed down his TFC fried rice, I snuck in a picture and immediately whatsapped it to her. My plan worked. She was jealous. Please see below:

Laolu is easily one of our best dressed male friends- and he probably knows it (LOL)! I dug up pictures I took of him over Christmas and decided to share what an ‘Oh-so-Dapper’ Friday look should resemble. Gentlemen… please take note!

1. The usual khaki Friday trousers are a staple in every man’s wardrobe. Nothing else screams “Business Casual”.

2. A plain blue (or pale pink) shirt sings untold harmonies when paired with khaki. No pinstripes or checked shirts required, just plain vanilla.

3. A pocket square is always a winner be it a formal or casual look. If it matches your shirt/tie, you’re definitely winning!

4. Laolu has on a simple pair of plimsoles. I never would have thought it, but they work!

5. An expensive watch/belt/Man Bag will always sail you through to top points!!! I like anything but Hermes! That massive ‘H’ drives me insane, however, I do appreciate that it’s top quality so I can’t knock anyone down for it.

Below are the pictures of Big LA I dug up from Christmas…

xXx

Ps: Note to Taiwo: Revenge is a dish best served cold, enjoy! Muhahaha

Pps: Ladies, Laolu is taken, you can stop drooling now *giggles*

Ppps: It was Laitan’s tradition wedding over the weekend. She looked beautiful. Can’t wait for the pictures to come out!