An Inspiring Designer I'd Love to Meet: Diane Von Furstenberg

If there ever was a designer I'd love to meet, it would be Diane Von Furstenberg, also known as DVF. Sometimes, I skip stories of designers, artists etc. in Elle Magazine, just 'cause I don't care enough to read about them. But one lady that always gets my attention is Diane (I'll say "DVF" for the rest of the post). Just looking at her, I can tell she is bold, brave and happy in her own skin. She EXUDES confidence. She is one woman I think every girl/woman should meet. She makes life look so simple and loves to inspire women.

DVF; from dareoutloud

Her wrap dress design helped launch her fashion career. She's built an empire off it, with a motto "celebrating freedom, empowering women and selling confidence." There's nothing like following someone you know practises what she preaches!

Some of my favorite DVF designs are below.

From sofeminine

From matchesfashion

From boutique1

From polyvore

Stunning Dresses at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards

If I asked you the top cities in the world for fashion, what would you say? Paris, New York, Milan, Tokyo, right? But if you don't mention Lagos, trust me, you need to widen your horizon. Now, you are thinking, "Where in the world is Lagos?" That's good! Google it!

Fashion, style and spending money are important "traditions" in Lagos/Naija (slang for Nigerian) life. While this post is not about Nigeria, but a sister country, Ghana, keep your eyes out for Lagos style.

Vodafone recently sponsored an award ceremony in Ghana. Here are the ladies and styles that caught my eye.

From bellanaija

From bellanaija

From bellanaija

The rest of the outfits, I think, are just okay. Whites and blacks (dresses/suits) are classics. You can almost never go wrong with them!

Music Artists: The Best of Kelly Rowland is Yet to Come!

Depending on your personality, you liked one of the Destiny's Child's girls more than the other two. I'll just guess and say those who loved pure talent and were looking for someone to imitate in terms of looks and maybe confidence chose Beyonce. Those who had a mix of hater personality and loved vocal talent went for Kelly because Beyonce was just "too good." And then others who saw themselves as mini-Michelles, in some way, chose Michelle.... I won't tell you who I went for, but I'll say that I believe the real Kelly is yet to stand up. We are, however, getting close to seeing her.

Kelly is blessed with a great voice, a lovely complexion, an enviable height, great beauty and a very nice figure. I know it's hard to be you and work on you when most people compare you to Beyonce. Kelly was never made to be a Beyonce or to be Beyonce, but to be Kelly. She has great depth: is able to reach into the depth of her soul because of the downfalls and obstacles she's faced in life. I mean look at Jennifer Hudson. She's won Grammys AND very close to an Oscar. Those who tried to compare her to Beyonce are wishing they hadn't. She's proven is a million times better at being Jennifer Hudson than being Beyonce. She strives to be just who God made her to be and it shows.

I believe that if the world takes its eyes off Beyonce for a second and halt the comparisons, they'll let Kelly shine. But that's not happening anytime soon. So, my wish for the beautiful Kelly is to reach down deep and discover who she was made to be. Where she doesn't have to sell sex like Beyonce does in her music and outfits, to sell records. What I want to see from her is an authenticity that speaks straight to our souls. I love her for just who she is and who her insides are begging her to show: what her full potential is. I pray that she feels it and that she shines brighter than she shines today. Kelly has been beautiful in different getups. I hope to see more of her in the limelight!

Kelly Rowland is Kelly Rowland, a child of destiny, not to be defined as a Beyonce! (And I bet Beyonce wants to world to know this too, by the way.) Watch out now!

From josepvinaxia

From makhosazane

From johnalisblog

Angelina Jolie Shows a Different Kind of Beauty

I believe we won't be remembered for how good we looked or how well we wore a Dior or Versace dress, but for what we did to improve the lives of others.

Angelina Jolie has shown an amazing example of what it means to love others more than how others may begin to view/see you. She talks about getting a double mastectomy to greatly reduce her chances of getting breast cancer. Here is an excerpt from the New York Times article.

"MY MOTHER fought cancer for almost a decade and died at 56. She held out long enough to meet the first of her grandchildren and to hold them in her arms. But my other children will never have the chance to know her and experience how loving and gracious she was. "

From Verastic.com

From a prom dress website

From apnatimespass

From apnatimepass

Angelina is a popular actress, director and a former Goodwill ambassador for UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

A Sexy Swimsuit for You

I've never been bold enough to wear a bikini. I figured if I hide my body (to an extent) on a normal day, why should you see it on a non-normal day? :)

But swimsuits on nicely toned bods are GAW-GEOUS! Here are 2 hot and spicy swim suit styles for you to invest in.

From Harper's Bazaar

From Harper's Bazaar

The Red Ralph Lauren Bag

If you've been reading magazines lately, I'm sure you've come across Ralph Lauren's red cut-out leather bag. What's your take on it?

From Fashionemia Blog

From Lookonline blog

In the Name of Prints

I know my last two posts were on prints but I was inspired to write another post because I noticed even more prints as I flipped through my March issue of Harper's Bazaar. (I don't know how I skipped the March issue and read through the April and May issues the past couple of months... :-/ Talk about busy!) Anyways, I noticed prints by Kenzo, Etro and even Gucci on models in the issue. Yes, Gucci. It's saying something about this season and prints. If you don't have some unique prints in your closet, I advise you to purchase some today.

These may inspire you.

ETRO.. from mytheresa.com

ETRO... from LA Times Blog

KENZO... from Artloveallister

From Myfashionconnect

GUCCI... from Pomegranita.com

GUCCI... from Fabsugar

Talking prints: Solange Knowles in Kenzo at the Met Gala

I guess this is Prints Day. :)

Solange Knowles in Kenzo. Photo credit: Munaluchi Bridal

King of Prints: Roberto Cavalli

If you've read a number of my blogs, you know I like silk, red, black, white and... high heels! I also love prints. The prints I wear are mostly African prints, which are the most interesting and elaborate prints you'll find anywhere. Take it from me!

But when it comes to "long-standing" international fashion and you mention the word "print," Roberto Cavalli comes to mind. De la Renta is another good designer with prints. I like his stuff, but Cavalli prints, whoa!

I have a certain pair of pants that make it out only once or twice a year. The "bad" thing about unique clothes is that they are easy to point out, you see. What I mean is: you were a unique outfit today; the next time you wear it, everyone knows it's the same outfit. So, you can't wear it too often. It takes away from its preciousness... if that's a word.

If you doubt me about Cavalli prints, check these out.

Photo credit: A wholesale site

Photo credit: Mariam Rizwan's blog

Photo credit: Best Clothing Gallery Site

Photo credit: Kit Me Out

Photo credit: Style Hive

'Nuff said! Comments please...

Dresses at the Iron Man Premiere

I'll be going to see Iron Man 3 today. I've seen the former 2. It (Iron Man) is one of those movies I don't mind seeing multiple times. I would choose it on the plane over certain newer movies. I enjoyed going through the photos for the premiere.

Gwyneth Paltrow is usually well-dressed to red-carpet events. She wore a nice dress to the premiere but I must say I think it was unnecessarily too showy. A little less skin would not have hurt anyone or even taken away from the creativeness of the dress. But, oh well!

Here are photos.

Photo credit: Just Jared

The black outfit and red lipstick is a stunning combo. Photo Credit: Hello Magazine

Photo credit: Just Jared

Shoes and Shots

When I browse through magazines, certain things catch my eye: a nicely angled body position in a shot (trust Giselle Bundchen for this), nice shots of  high-heeled shoes (trust Gucci campaigns) and other pretty things.

On my quest for sexy shoe shots, I found these.

Gucci. Photo Credit: Blog

You do feel bad for the model but honestly, you are still lost in the heels! Luxe Life Daily

Versace. Blog

Time to Pull Out the Shades

It's getting warmer... the sun is coming out more often. So are the colorful flowers, and with that, legs and skin. I leave the latter for another post... Some eyes are totally insensitive to the sun's rays. I'm not that lucky... I squint terribly under the sun. So, I always have shades on once the sun is out.

Be it for protection or just style, sunglasses are a totally fun accessory. Kate Moss rocks 'em, Vicky Beckham and just about every celebrity you and I know. See?

Butterfly sunglasses. Photo from Style Bistro.

Victoria Beckham in Ray Ban glasses. Photo credit: Fab Sugar

Photo credit: Style Bistro

Are you Miss Casual or Miss Sexy in Bed?

Yea! My title asks if you are Miss Casual or Miss Sexy in bed. I daresay for most women, the answer would be both, depending on the day right? A smaller percentage of women may choose "Casual" and even smaller, "Sexy."

The sexy "look" in bed is presumed to be more uncomfortable than comfortable. Casual, on the other hand, is always comfortable. I mean, that's why it's casual. :) But I hear a good chunk of men, at least American men, tend to think casual can oftentimes be sexy. What do my French readers say? :)

I say sexy in satin is an easier sexy for both the lady donning the outfit and the "looker" than say, lace. Satin + lace is even better.

Here are casual and sexy sleepwear from Victoria's Secret.

CASUAL

SATIN + LACE

BABY DOLL

Suitable Gift for Mum: Designer Wrap Watch

I got a cute white leather wrap watch (Kenneth Cole) in February. I absolutely love it. It's like a bracelet and a watch all in one. I get asked about it pretty much whenever I wear it. Did I say it is divine? :-)

Anyway, I'm thinking. Wouldn't it be a perfect gift for mum for Mother's Day? Just trying to help you out. If you haven't gotten anything yet for Mother's Day and you are wondering what to get, don't say I didn't tell you.

Here are some other cute ones below.

HERMES

LA MER

MICHAEL KORS

Decorating Ideas for Your Living Room and Mine

I chose orange and brown for my living room: brown sectional chaise, a brown three-seat couch, a brown stone coffee table, a pair of orange wall candle-holders and two little orange vases. Frankly more brown than orange. LOL; I still have more work to do on the orange: I plan on getting orange and gold throw pillows, an orange (and maybe brown) rug etc...

So, it pleased me to get an email from Good Housekeeping titled "54 Living Room Decorating Ideas." And no I won't share the 54 with you. Only a few that I find particularly appealing. Enjoy!

Some people get scared with purchasing neutral colored furniture. But this is a perfect example of how to spice it up: glistening coffee and side tables, lots of pillows, a large rug, sculpture and some vegetation. If you are lucky enough to have a lake or ocean in the backdrop :), hey be my guest. ;)

I admit I'm partial to red, black and white. I'm sure you are not surprised that I would include this living room.

Another red, black and white.  ;)