My Ensemble (OOTD) : African Prints

Being of African origin, I fully appreciate and love African prints: the colours, the shapes, and the patterns in all their glory.

DRESS: Etsy (gitasportal2011) | SHOES: Nelly.com | BAG: Zara | BELT: ASOS | EARRINGS: New Look | NECKLACE: Me & Zena

I think what used to put me off wearing traditional African clothing was the tailoring. The grown-ups always managed to find the most unskilled tailor to make our traditional attire. I used to hate the fit because it was never quite right: either the shoulders were too broad so one side of the top would slant; or the skirt would be too loose so you'd have to use extra string and some safety pins to hold it in place, but that would only create an odd kink or random bulges at each side. Nonetheless, we made it work.

 What I find so appealing and refreshing about modern African attire is the way designers are integrating contemporary styles and tailoring into the designs. I bought this dress on Etsy and was instantly drawn to it because of the unusual print, the style, as well as the colours. I love the pleats and the A-line cut.

I follow Shadders for African inspired style ideas and to keep up-to-date with the latest in African fashion. I adore Sika Designs, and would purchase 80% of their dresses if money was no object - and if most of the pieces weren't out of stock (not that their popularity surprises me)! 

It's great to see that high street stores such as Topshop and Urban Outfitters are working with African designers and stocking some of their ranges.

I wore this dress last night when I went out for 'bon voyage and good luck' drinks  with a few colleagues (one of them is moving back to the States with his family) and received quite a few complements.

If you're really into your African prints (and all things African), Osasu Events is hosting Le Marché Africain at Brick Lane on 29th-30th June 2013. Here you'll be able to browse and shop for "African infused products" such as clothing, ornaments and various works of art.  I'll be popping along on one of those days. You can find more information on the Osasu Events Facebook page.

Have you worn African prints lately?

My Ensemble (OOTD): Little Black Midi Dress

The midi dress: a classic item that should definitely be a wardrobe staple in every female's closet. It creates an extremely flattering silhouette and is a classy, yet sexy option that proves appropriate for most events - it can be styled down or glammed up. I must own at least ten midi dresses! They're perfect for when you don't want to go short; and they're not too long, so you don't look as if you're bordering on senior citizen.  

DRESS: New Look | SHOES: Zara | BERET: Tie Rack | SUNGLASSES: Jeepers Peepers via ASOS | SCARF: eBay | CUFF BRACELET: LightBright Boutique | BAG: eBay

Another classic is the beret. You may remember the photo of the cute couple I snapped during London Fashion Week A/W13 (click > here <). I loved their style, so decided to go searching for mine, which was tucked away at the back of my soft accessories drawer.

I teamed this with a gold mirror belt (which seems to be all the rage at the moment), matching gold cuff bracelet, and, of course, my gold-heeled sandals from Zara. In keeping with the black and gold colour palette, I thought I'd opt for a neck scarf instead of a chain or necklace.  

Seeing as the sun seems to be making surprise appearances recently, I decided to treat myself to some new sunglasses. Even though it's from the Sports Vintage range, these shades are nothing short of chic and go well with this look. 

The ensemble as a whole looks sort of stereotypically French - which was not my intention - but I think it came together well.

Have you rocked a midi lately?

My Ensemble (OOTD): Lady in Red

Every now and again, you'll come across a store - be it online or while out and about - that you begin to adore and start wishing you'd discovered it sooner. On this occasion, Notonthehighstreet.com is that said store. Up until recently, I'd never heard of it, but when I was contacted about working with them, I had a meerkat moment. I don't always jump to offers of featuring brands just for the sake of receiving freebies, but after having a quick skim of the site - and you can pretty much tell within one minute whether it'll be to your liking or not - I was pleasantly surprised.  

In a sentence, Notonthehighstreet.com is an online department store that offers creative and unique products produced by small, independent businesses. To find out more, you can have a read (and watch) here.

True to its name, you'll discover some real gems on here, some stunning accessories, and fantastic gift ideas. There are some super-pretty, girly, and feminine buys to be had, and I found myself occupied for one morning and the better half of that afternoon just browsing the different departments and products. Not everything will be to everyone's taste, but I can guarantee a fair few products will catch your eye.  

DRESS: ASOS | EARRINGS & NECKLACE: eBay | FASCINATOR: Eureka & Nash (via notonthehighstreet.com) | NAIL POLISH: Unforgettable by Dielle (via notonthehighstreet.com) | SHOES: Linzi | CLUCH: Barratts

You, may recognise this dress from a post I did over a year ago (read here). I thought I'd joosh it up a little with some new accessories - after all, that's the best way to restore pieces you love.  I found this gorgeous facinator, which makes the outfit feel a little Ascot-esq and thus, tres elegant. The red nail polish by Dielle, is vibrant and application is a dream!

Here are some items currently in my Notonthehighstreet.com basket for springtime:

One: Lovebird Dress by Instant Vintage

Two: Feather Rosette Felt Trilby Hat by Vixen

Three: 'You Look Lovely Today' Wash Bag by Alphabet Bags

Four: Traditional Leather Satchel by Teals

Five: Dielle Nail Colourin 'Aged Coral'

Six: Colour Crush Watch by Kiki's

I think this'll be my 'go-to' store whenever I want something a little different, personalised or - like it's namesake - something that's not on the high street.

Have you come across this online store before? If so, what are your thoughts? What did you buy? If not, would you consider shopping here?

Food | DELUXEBITE

Now, I've had my fair share of beauty boxes (read here, here and here), and seeing as I love food so much (you may have noticed I take a ridiculous amount of photos of my meals and snacks), it made perfect sense for me to try out one of the edible equivalents on the market: Deluxebite.  

In a sentence, Deluxebite is a monthly subscription service where you receive five deluxe-sized, gourmet food samples to try out. 

My trips to the supermarket are usually quite rushed; I very rarely stroll down the isles and check out other items, so the concept of this food discovery box definitely appealed to the chef within me.

I'm all for the humanitarian element involved with Deluxebite too: with each box purchased, a meal is donated to Foodbanks in UK - a project run by a poverty prevention charity called The Trussell Trust.     

1: Ashbourne Foods - Indulgent Chocolate Brownie Slice - 

This product is so delightfully delicious. Moist, yet the right amount of crunch. It's definitely an indulgent treat. I enjoyed this yesterday during a mini tea break at work. 

2: The Cornish Crisp Company - Salt and Vinegar

I don't eat crisps very often, but these were really tasty, somewhat moreish, and the flavour was very balanced.

3: Cornish Sea Salt Co.

Haven't ever cooked with sea salt before, but I've been reading up about it since receiving my box, and I'll be adding some as a last minute sprinkle to season cooked/ semi-cooked food (particularly fish dishes).  

4: Trotter's Independent Condiments - Assorted (in my box: Scottish Honey Mustard)

I absolutely love a drizzle of honey mustard dressing with my salads, so I see no reason why I wouldn't love this condiment.

5: Teapigs - Assorted Collection (in my box: Chai Tea and Everyday Brew)

I've had a thing for trying new brews lately, so I was ecstatic when I saw these two sachets in the box. Very nice indeed. Everyday Tea was a great morning-starter and Chai Tea was my saviour after a long, gruelling day at work. 

I've discovered some great items. The full-sized products are on the higher end of the price bracket, but I suppose that's the whole point of the box. It's filled with high quality, luxury items. Treats, if you will, that will encourage you to be a little more experimental in the kitchen. 

Each box costs £20. I won't be subscribing to receive one every month, but it's likely that I'll purchase a box on the odd occasion. If you're a food lover, you'll definitely appreciate food boxes. 

For more information, visit www.deluxebite.com. 

 Have you tried the Deluxebite food discovery service before (or any other food box on the market)? Is it something you'd consider purchasing?

London Fashion Week A/W13

Yesterday, I went along to Somerset House for the first day of February's London Fashion Week. 'Twas my first time ever to the event, so the experience was a tad bit overwhelming, at first; it's not a world I'm used to, at all. Despite not having enough monthly blog views to be considered an 'accredited blogger' - and thus not being granted an exhibitions pass - I didn't let that dampen my spirits or stop me from soaking up the atmosphere; nor did I let it stop me from observing and appreciating some of the wonderful and eccentric styles on display. 

LEFT: Cute, stylish couple | TOP RIGHT: Jena Theo A/W 2013 collection show.

It was going to be a long day of photo-taking, so I was dressed practically and for comfort; and with a slight chill in the air, layering was a must.  

TROUSERS: New Look | WOOLY CARDIGAN: New Look | FAUX SHEEPSKIN GILET: Local Market | SHIRT: United Colors of Benetton  BOOTS: Hunter | BAG: Accessoryo

I had he pleasure of meeting Shirley, the writer of Meek-N-Mild. She was such a delight to chat to and is so down-to-earth. 

LEFT: Claire Sulmers - founder of Fashion Bomb Daily | RIGHT: Melissa (Mel's Wardrobe) and Breeny Lee

Interesting shoes. 

Meanwhile, outside Somerset House, an anti-fashion protest was going on... 

 In all, it was a good first day. Did you go/are you going to LFW? If so, which shows - if any - did you see? 

Photo Diary #7

Time waits for no man; we're already in February 2013! Here are some photos of what I got up to/ate/saw/bought in January. 

 TOP ROW (L-R): Lamb stew, rice, red kidney beans and plantains | eBay-ing red shoes | Exclusively drank green tea and water in January;

MIDDLE ROW (L-R): Saw Django (loved it) | Nexus 7 for me and my boo | Noodles, salad and chicken;

BOTTOM ROW (L-R): Preparing some jerk chicken | Salt brushing | New £50 note.

 TOP ROW (L-R): Mr Snowman with tongue out and thumb up | Chips, salad, coleslaw, and salmon crumble | Honey and mustard dressing (must drizzle some on my salads);

BOTTOM ROW (L-R): Volvic water with lemon and lime (tastes like flat lemonade!) | My Nexus 7 home screen | Chicken bite from Percy Ingle.

 TOP ROW (L-R): Nanjing rice and king prawn salad | Reading 'The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared' by Jonas Jonasson on Kindle | Ghanaian doughnuts made by neighbour;

MIDDLE ROW (L-R): Serious hydration | Popcorn (sweet, always sweet) | Snow starting to cover trees;

BOTTOM ROW (L-R): Activia! | Nexus 7 case | Chicken korma and yellow rice. 

TOP ROW (L-R): Seeing the New Year in with some champagne | Fitness (toning and particularly working on those abs);

BOTTOM ROW (L-R): eBaying | Lightly fried potatoes and haddock | Something from the Zara sale. 

What did you get up to in January?

My Ensemble (OOTD): Coated Trousers & Pearls

For me, Sundays offer short respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Mine are usually spent going to church, visiting friends and doing a small bit of grocery shopping. This means that what I wear needs to be comfortable without compromising femininity or style. 

SILK BLOUSE: Forever 21 | COATED TROUSERS: New Look | CROC BOWLER BAG: eBay | FLATS: Linzi Shoes  

WOVEN BELT: H&M | PEARL NECKLACE: Majorica | PEARL BRACELET: Miss Selfridge | PEARL EARRINGS: Oasis

Coated trousers- there's something about them that gives the silhouette an extra bit of flattering definition. The finish is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and can be worn either as a dressy or casual piece. 

This pastel purple blouse is one of my favourite tops- the crinkle effect gives the silk an understated dimension; and the roll-up sleeve detail means I'm not restricted from doing the more brisk activities of the day, yet end up looking how I started.  

I've expressed many a time just how much I love pearls and this five-row necklace is no exception. By placing it under the low-cut blouse, it's visible enough to add a subtle feel of elegance without overdoing it.  

The patent, imitation croc skin bowler bag and suede flats add a lovely finishing touch to the whole outfit- by incorporating different textures, the monotony of smooth fabric is broken up. 

How do you spend your Sundays (or weekends) and what appropriate clothes/styles do you wear?

Photo Diary #6

 Row One: Salmon with cream cheese | Faux fur collar scarf | My first attempt at cooking katsu curry | Wrapping presents;

Row Two: Out for client drinkypoos | My first Christmas card this year | Putting up Christmas tree | Nativity scene;

Row Three: Pink nails with a hint of glitter | Spicy tomato soup with boiled plantains and sweet potatoes | Long, chunky braids | Chinese balms (winter must-haves);

  Row One: Making milk chocolate custard | Little man mesmerised by Christmas adverts | Mini mince pies | Shrinkage after washing hair is A LOT!

Row Two: SOL REPUBLIC headphones | Potato wedges | Retail therapy at Harrods | Triple chocolate cake;

Row Three: Drinks, drinks and more drinks | Trip to the opticians | Nando's chicken burger with mango and lime sauce | Work Xmas party in Leicestershire;

  Row One: Work Christmas dinner | Alien by Thierry Mugler | Festive tree lights at Canary Wharf | Drinks at Boisdale | Relaxing bath with some salts;

Row Two: Skyfall cinema tickets | Me in church on Christmas Day | Bit of red wine - Tierra Antica | Lip balms for winter | Raspberry tart;

 Row One: Seasoned poussins | Chocolates from Hotel Chocolat | Mini burgers;

Row Two: Canepés- Mini salmon on toast and mini quiche | "Bitch Be Cray Cray" T-shirt from friend | Christmas cake and cream; 

Row Three: Noodles, lamb and mint sauce | New bag from Lipsy | Serving Christmas lunch.

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas and the Crimbo limbo isn't too disorientating...Happy New Year, in advance!