Tuesday 30 August 2011

A Little Bit of This, a Little Bit of That...

For everyone in the states on the east coast. I hope you all are coping with the aftermath of an earthquake and Hurricane Irene. I called my mother yesterday and she said everyone was okay and that it was awkward to experience an earthquake and hurricane within the span of one week. I hope Pepco restores the power soon. I am happy my friends and family are okay,. Although I have heard a lot pf people's property has been flooded!

In more happier news Beyonce is pregnant! When Tosin told me I thought it was yet another rumor; I mean how many times have we heard in the last few years that she was. She herself said that she was thinking when she's really pregnant people will be like again?! I am happy for her and Jay, and pray they continue to have a successful marriage and healthy baby! He looked so happy and proud; and See Uncle Kanye jumping around excited as well! Bless.

I finally saw the FELA show in London!! For those of you who know me I am a Fela Fanatic!! I grew up listening to Fela and have always loved his music. When I study I have to listen to Fela, its a tradition that I have been doing since my days at HU. When I used to design Tee-Shirts I always had a Fela tribute Tee Shirt. I am a Fela STAN!! Nonetheless I liked the show except for that 'universal' African accent that people always use, whether you're Nigerian, Senegalese or South African i.e. the rolling of the R's and etc... Nigerians don't talk like that. I was getting annoyed, other than that they tried and it was a funny politically correct and interesting show. worth every cent. And the natural hair styles on and off stage had me goo-goo-gaaing.

Here are some pics of my old SouL BoutiQue Tee Shirt line from way back in the day (If I am honest my best collection was done in 2007 and pics taken by Wale Ariztos in DC. [will post those whenever I find them] I sometimes cringe looking at some of my old shirt designs and quality of the photos, and then when your friends rock the old tees you want to through paint on them, lol!). To everyone emailing me about if I still make shirts. I have been really caught up with my coursework, but will try my best to do a new collection in the near future for you guys!







Have a blessed week, and for those without power still i pray it comes on soon for you. Also Happy Eid to all the Muslims as well. 

Wednesday 24 August 2011

Last Days in France

 




 I loved Nice and although I wasn't able to stop in Paris, I made up for it by going to Monaco.


 

Photographer: Oluwatosin Ogunlesi

Monday 22 August 2011

Don't Park Here


In Gidi this summer, this posting on the gate had me laughing so hard I almost cried. I am used to the typical 'Post no Bill' or 'This House is not For Sale' signs and/or writings on walls. But this had me laughing and crying all at the same time. You better not pack your car there!

Wednesday 17 August 2011

SuperNatural -The Basics


I wanted to start something called the Super Natural post series about natural hair care. People over the past 10 months or so have been asking me what do I use for my hair, and to do hair post. I am finally giving you guys what you wanted.

Honestly I have been natural for 7 years now, but didn't start taking good care of my hair until last year February when my little sister 'the natural hair guru' as I call her, started making all sorts of concoctions and doing various regimes and her hair grew to extraordinary lengths FAST!! I thought why not try some of her products and I saw a major difference in my hairs: softness (my hair is naturally soft though), the thickness, growth, and amount of damage that I experienced. 

Now for all new comers (aka newbies) to being natural and even people that have been natural for years like myself, I always say one key thing about being natural is tender, loving, care a little bit of TLC never hurt anybody. Also be aware that what works for me may not work for you, and vice versa; everyone is different. 

I'll start the SuperNatural Post series with Basic tips that may seem like common sense to some, nevertheless others may not really know.

Breaks: 
Your natural hair needs a break every now and then. The longest I have left my hair out at one time has been 4 - 5 months (since I've been taking care of it). If you live in colder climates like the UK and Northern States in America, cold weather can cause your hair to dry out leading to damage. Breaks can translate into protective hair styles, wigs, weaves, and/or braids. Trust me it is needed every now and then. NB: Just because your hair is in braids, weaves, or a wig, that does not mean you don't continue to moisturize and wash your hair!

Brushes: 
Never use hard brushes on your hair, I personally use this conair brush after I section my hair and comb it to stretch my hair out a bit more. It does wonders for me. And use a soft brush for my ends.



Combs: 
Always, Always, Always Comb out your hair with WIDE picked combs such as these. If you feel you need to de-tangle your hair a bit more, then and only then do you move onto to smaller picked combs. If you start out with small picked combs your hair shedding will be detrimental and the snapping of your ends will lead to horrific damage.


Eat Well and take Vitamins.

Moisturize:
Never ever let your hair be dry! Always moisturize your hair some people may need to do it daily others weekly and other every two days. I aim to moisturize my hair every two days. When your hair is well moisturized it promotes healthy hair growth as well as guarding against damage.




Quality:
Do not be cheap when purchasing products. However, don’t buy something just because it’s expensive. I have learnt that quality ≠ expensive. You’ll find there are some basic products that you will have to cough up those extra dollars with i.e. moisturizing shampoos, moisturizers, and conditioners, and you won’t regret it.

Scissors:
If you are one of those brave souls that trim your hair yourself (like me at times) always have a SEPARATE pair of scissors that you use for your hair ONLY nothing else. It prevents rigid edges from forming on the scissors and maintains its sharpness. 

Trim:
Trim your ends, especially if you notice split ends. If you don’t trim your hair on a regular basis it will catch up to you. Your split ends will cut your hair for you. So beat the unwanted cuts to the punch and aim to trim every 2-3 months, it varies for everyone.

Washes:
Aim to wash your hair weekly; however, this may vary depending on hair styles and the level of build one accumulates in their hair. (However, there are times that I let my hair bask in its natural oils, but that’s for another post) Also wash and clean your combs and brushes. Ideally with every hair wash. Its senseless to use dirty hair grooming tools if they aren’t clean and you just washed your hair: defeats the purpose.

Wraps: 
So many of us are used to wrapping our heads with scarves and that is fine, but make sure its satin. And if it isn't satin, use a satin bonnet under your scarf at night. If that doesn't work and you’re a rough sleep or you’re trying to look cute while you sleep lol, get satin pillows. This helps to maintain moisture guard against unwanted breakage. 

I know that was a bit much for the first SuperNatural post, but these are all points that I wish someone would have told me when I went natural several years ago. I had to learn these through trial and error. You have gained this knowledge by a simple click!

All in all when in doubt about something regarding your hair think: Damage and Control. Will this retain and control my length or will it damage my hair?

I hope you enjoyed this first post. Any questions, concerns, or inquiries concerning SuperNatural contact me via email at zeldaandfestus@yahoo.com I’m all ears. 

Tuesday 16 August 2011

Next Episode

Dress: Vintage Skirt worn as Dress/ Belt: Reiss/ Bag: Episode/ Slippers: Office/ Sunglasses: Laura Biagiotti


Have you ever been on vacation and just wanted to lie in the whole day! This day was one of those days, I wanted to just lie in bed, as you can see that didn't happen. Thus the creation of the lazy outfit, a vtg skirt turned into a dress and slippers. 


Photographer: Oluwatosin Ogunlesi

Saturday 13 August 2011

Parlez-vous Français?




 Out of everywhere I went this summer France was definitely the most romantic! And changed my life forever. I wish I was on that rocky beach in Nice right about now or Shopping. But hey I have to focus right? What have been your favorite moments this summer?

Cardigan & Dress: Zara/ Bag: Vintage Gucci/ My Old Faithful D.I.Y. 's 


Hope your weekend is going well, I am stuck indoors studying... (insert sad face).
Photographer: Oluwatosin Ogunlesi

Monday 8 August 2011

Ostrich Day Out



 Anyone up for an ostrich omelette? Just joking...





Dress: Vena Cava for GAP, Shoes: My DIY faithfuls I have worn these shoes too much!!!
Oversized: Wayfayers, Bag: Tahari, Watch: Movado 




 




I miss my ace right about now, and K as well. Esp. with all these riots in England. I hope everyone is keeping safe. and not trying to take advantage of the situation and get a free television. Everyone in England stay safe.
Photographer(s): Ace & K 

Friday 5 August 2011

Placement STAT



Hey everyone, when I say this week has been something else, it has! I have started my placement in the hospital for the next 6 months and it has been a busy and enjoyable experience thus far! It makes you know that you need to know SO much more than you ever imagined.

In the hospital jewelry below the elbow is prohibited and I can't wear watches on my ward rounds for infection control. So I can only really wear necklaces and earrings for accessories. I have tried to down my wardrobe this week and be a bit more conservative so they take me serious for the first week. But deep down inside I always want to walk in with a nice bright pink skirt and button up, but thought that'd be a bit too much for the first week! 

So for the professionals out there, what do you tend to wear to work? 
Hope you've had a great week.


Photographer: ACE