The Big Chop: Ours By Juliada

Over the Easter break, I unraveled my unsightly month old twists and decided I’d give my ‘fro a break. It’s been tied up constantly since I arrived in Lagos last August and I figured it was time to give it a bit of a rest.

I usually co-wash my hair as I hear it’s good for afros, but it’s been so long since I gave it what I’d deem a good wash and so I purchased Organic Shampoo from Ours By Juliada. Not only is this shampoo 100% natural (just like my hair) but it lacks sulphate which is considered harsh for the hair and said to cause skin irritation. Ours By Juliada’s Organic shampoo although really liquidy and apparently light, lathered very well and left my hair without a trace of dandruff which was excellent. Now the packaging was not quite my viewing pleasure, I’m sure you’ll agree, but the product itself was definitely a winner and I just might be purchasing it again.

In the mean time here’s a lame attempt at a Mohawk with my 4 inch (or less) afro, in phase two of my natural journey. In case you’re wondering, phase one was the transition, lol.

Don’t take my silly poses seriously. I mess around a lot.

xXx

Ps: I’ve got Neriah Naturals Deep Conditioner and Ours by Juliada Shampoo next up to find another brand for hairspray. And they say you can’t get any products in Nigeria! HA!

PRIM by House 38

***PRESS RELEASE***
PRIM by House 38 is the younger and more affordable range of clothing designed and produced by House 38. Our current collection is a celebration of the burst of colours that arrive with spring and intensify into summer. With full pleated skirts and shorts, this is a collection that is suited for the ease and breeze of the spring. With its affordability, the blouses of PRIM S/S ’12 should be a bright presence in the wardrobes of women hopping from work to play.

The latest prim by House 38 collection relays a sophisticated exuberance that the brand so cleverly executes. The rippled ruffles and knife pleats although flirty and playful adopt a balance of tailoring that ensures the wearer is still taken seriously. The block colours and jewelled buttons speak volumes of a fashion conscious urban lady. My favourites of the collection have got to be the lomy skirt and Molly blouse…. Gorgeous!

Items start at N5,000 and are capped at N12,500.

Stylist: Bidemi Zakariyau

Makeup: Tola Olurinde

Models: Dami Teidi, Whitney Umeh and Anie Inoyo.

Visit House 38 at: 289b Akin Olugbade, Off Adeola Odeku, VI, Lagos

xXx

Call To Bar

A couple of months back I headed to Ibadan, for my friend; Shope’s, call to bar. Ibadan is only the biggest city in all of West Africa and located in Oyo, it’s about two hours out of Lagos.

Upon arrival at Shope’s place, I was impressed to find that in line with the demands of a courtroom, the set-up was monochromatic themed and coupled with a three-course meal and good company we were all glad to be there celebrating with her.

Here are pictures from her classy and very chic Call To Bar Celebration…

Ps: I’m currently seated in Bogobiri, a restaurant/bar in Ikoyi and I’m so bummed I didn’t bring my SLR. This place is beautiful.

Arise: The Show

Duaba Serwa was the first collection to arrest my full attention. The coke-bottle silhouettes coupled with mid-length hemlines were reminiscent of none other than Victoria Beckham. A number of dresses also incorporated beading which I’ll forever be a fan of, however I failed to find consistency in the entire collection with the palette somewhat inconsistent and the varying styles unable to draw a common inspiration.

Regardless, I was definitely a fan, with the monochromatic backless figures scoring top marks.

As I stated in my previous post, the Okunoren twins remain my favourite simply because of the ambiance experienced at the show. Their opening scene featured two women with bowls of what I’d assume were fruits, however upon discussion with my Mum; she said it’d have been wiser for the ladies to come out with bananas and beans as those are representative of twins in Yoruba land. Genius I hear you say, I must agree.

Finally, Jewel by Lisa always gets me. So far, I have failed to criticise anything she does. Not only because I think she’s pure genius, but simply because I’m biased. Her latest collection comprises of a touch of leather adding a bit of an edge to her feminine track record.

Hope you like the pictures, I tried my best!

Sommy, Oby and Rachel. Thank God I found them, otherwise I’d have had absolutely no one!

Valerie, Sommy, Xerona and a friend

Damola in House 38

xXx

Ps: Finally took a picture of my ‘fro!!! Shall upload it soon 🙂

Arise

Last week Saturday brought a fresh bout of depression on my weekend. I’d mapped out a two-day strategy involving taking charge of the fashion empire and maybe even conquering the world, yet somehow, favour appeared to have ditched my right hand side and friendship no longer felt like a cushion.

Arise Fashion week was in Lagos and I missed the entirety of its Saturday show thanks to a few hiccups coupled with the manic traffic that constantly engulfs Lagos.

Sunday night had to be different! I attended the finale ALONE and encapsulated each awaking moment in the joy of my own company. In all honesty, the Sunday night show fell short of my tall expectations with the Okunoren twins being my personal highlight. However, my judgement might have been slightly flawed seeing as I missed the beginning and missed out on the end too.

Nonetheless, as my Dad’s driver pulled up outside the front door with me in the passenger’s seat, a glimmer of satisfaction washed over my face. I was pleased just to have made it to the show. I always like to form my own opinion on certain situations.

Below are pictures of what I wore. Pictures of the show coming soon…..  

Blazer: Zara

Blouse: H&M

Skirt: House 38

Necklace: H&M

Bracelets: Toshade

Rings: Topshop (one is Taiwo’s)

Bag: Zara (Costa Brava) 

Pumps: Vivienne Westwood (my 1st post ever https://bonitavalli.wordpress.com/2011/05/30/melissa-2/ )

xXx

Ps: Pictures of the actual shows coming up soon.

PPs: House 38 had a photoshoot yday so look out for behind the scenes shots!

PPPs: I shot a video with Oh TV saying who I was wearing 😀 dunno if that’s up yet :s

Neriah Naturals

It’s official. I’m natural.

You may remember from my last post that I met Dami, the founder of Neriah Naturals. We had a little chat (well, more like a consultation) on my hair transition process and she was excitingly informative and impressively self-educated on afro hair care (be it natural or relaxed).

Last weekend, I picked up my Neriah Natural Deep Conditioning order and at about 1:00am the following morning I had my hair all buttered from the roots to the tips. For the first time in 7months I could comb my hair right through with ease and smoothness. It was certified, I was sold. My thick, full, afro hair often requires a dose of composure and a whole lot of patience so quite frankly, this was an unknown luxury.

Around 6:00am that morning the hairdresser came over to braid my hair and before she’d even begun, I braved the Big Chop! I just didn’t see the point of having these straight edges on my curly base. They looked unhealthy and weak as they hung limp off the edges of my afro crown.

I’ve refused to put pictures of my new look up simply because the pictures are of terrible quality and at 6:00am in the morning it’s safe to say no one (especially not me) looks particularly flattering. So until next time, here are pictures of my Neriah Natural product and me whilst deep conditioning…. Lol

Want to learn more about Neriah Naturals or african hair care in general, visit: http://www.blackbeautyfanatic.com/

xXx

Ps: I’m considering going to the beach, yay? nay? who knows…

Fusion

I attended ‘Fusion’ at Eko Hotel a couple of weeks back and it was incredible walking through the hall and being inspired by all the budding creative Nigerians. Jewellery seemed to be the trade of the day, nevertheless, present were clothes boutiques, bag retailers and natural hair products.

The event lasted from 12-7 giving shoppers enough time to slip it into their Sunday schedules and judging from the atmosphere, I’d say it was a huge success.

Below are a few pictures I took while at Fusion. Come along next time if you can.

Annie’s Shoe Hut

AnkAra Rebel

I.O.N Jewelry (these are handmade by the way, awesome!)

Household of Panache

House 38

Neriah Naturals

xXx

Ps: I just had to order the Neriah Naturals, hopefully, they’ll assist as I progress with my transition.

PPs: It’s fashion week and I’m working 😦 I was offered FREE tickets but I’m working…..what’s happening to me? Heck, even Taiwo is more up-to-date with fashion week than I am, and that says A LOT! I’m upset!