12 September 2012

Vogue Fashion Night Out!

Hi all!

I know it has been a veryyyyy long time since I last posted *hangs head in shame* BUT I have a good reason. This is because I have spent the last year concentrating on my masters and finally I have finished and got a 2.1! I'm soo happy! So now I can turn my  full attention back to blog! Yay!

But anyways... Last week Thursday was Vogue Fashion Night Out and the girls and I went (of course)! It was a good night out: fashion, music, drinks! What more could a girl want!




            We had fun in House of  Fraser at the Mahiki Coconut Bar and taking photos in the photo booth!


                                             Watched Deliah perform in Toshop's window!

                                               Cocktails and Celebrations at Revolution!
I'm finally a graduate baby!
Diva xoxo

15 June 2012

OOTD: Playsuits and Prints

Hey folks a quick OOTD from Diva and moi from the past Sunday.

Diva 
Play Suit - PriMarc Jacobs
Sandals - PriMarni

Boo!
Boob tube- H&M
Denim shirt - Uniqlo
Skirt - Ankara leftover from my cousins wedding
Sandals - Gift from my mummy 


Til next time 
Peace
Boo!

13 June 2012

Sun on a Sunday


So London decided to be sexy last, and is giving me SUNSHINE. So what did we do...... Party in hyde park with the only 4 F's you need, Friends, family, fun and FOOOOOD (and an attack involving Pink Friday lipstick and an 11 year old smh)
more pics after le Jump 

7 June 2012

Designer Insight: Asha.nti Lou



Wednesday evening, the girls and I met up after work to attend a Pop-Up Boutique at the Sanctum Hotel where different designers such as Blingdeenie, Domino Club and Girls Gang were promoting their new collections.

Walking in, my attention was immediately grabbed by Ashanti Lou's collection which was literally dazzling with all the little details I love such as fur, spikes, African cloth, gems, platforms, etc. It was indeed, shoe heaven.

In 2008 Louisa graduated with a BA in Product and Furniture Design from Kingston University, and later completed two shoe related courses at the London College of Fashion.


She then later launched her shoe brand, Ashanti Lou in 2011.

(The Stunning Ms Osei) 
We were fortunate enough to meet up with the warm and lovely Louisa Osei, designer and founder of Ashanti Lou, and have a little chat.
                                                                                         


So, can you introduce yourself.
My name is Louisa Osei, and I am the creator of Ashanti Lou

How Long has Ashanti Lou been active?
Basically, I had the idea in my head about four years ago.when I was at university, but we officially registered in 2011.

What is Ashanti Lou?
Its my baby. Its a brand which is not for all flowers but for the bold women who love shoes, and who loves to make a statement, loves to be seen in public, for those who embodies everything unique.
The idea basically came round when I was at uni, I would spend hours and hours and hours, instead of doing my dissertation, trailing for shoes. My problem was that, when I used to go out, you would find that someone would be wearing the same dress or shoes as you.
So I used to look for a unique pair from places like Australia and New York.I did find some, but they were not as unique as I wanted them to be.
So I thought, I'm in product design, this is what I'm doing now, why don't I utilize what I have and the machinery I have around me and make my own!

So you mean all the shoes on your collection are made by you, by hand?
Yes! They are done all by me by hand, sitting in my room, customizing all day, all night, as well as holding down a full time job.
So when I come home at around 7, 7.30pm, sometimes 10/11pm... I go straight to my desk. Picking and sticking. I don't have a social life no more. So, this is me, this is all I do.

And all the collection are designed by you?
Yes, all from this little brain here (She points to her head). They are a collection of things that excite and  inspire me all the time. I always walk around with my little blue book, all the time, and I literally scribble everything and any idea that may come to mind there and then.
I could be sitting at my desk at work and would be like "oh! Tree! Haribos! Haribo shoes!"
That's literally how it comes mind, any idea that comes to me.
I was trailing for Victorian stuff, because I like the structure if the Eiffel Tower in Paris.That's when I thought, let me research more on the Victorian period and machinery and their style, and that's how I came up with the Victorian shoes.
Literally, anything can inspire me.

Do you also do requested designs?
Yes, definitely, for example, if someone wanted an alien shoot for a music video or so, I would love to do that. I would love the fact that someone could come to me with a brief. That would blow my mind.
If they gave me one word to work on like "purple", my mind will go crazy. I love working like that.
So I am open to ideas.

Do you have anyone in mind that you would love to design for?
I would love to make shoes for artists like Lady Gaga, Niki Minaj, Katy Perry. But there are a few people in the pipelines that people are pushing me towards, however I will keep that hush hush until it happens. So watch this space.

So, how long does each pair take?
(Laughs) Well, the unicorn ones, took two days for ONE shoe! So that's FOUR days in total. It's all about patience. The achievement for me and what gets me through it, how they are going to look like from my head to the actual made product. That's what keeps me going. Oh and the red bull! Its my passion and I love it"
My full time job takes up 90% of my time so, I only have the other 10% to do it. But I am determined.

So where do you see Ashanti Lou going in the Future?
Ashanti Lou is not just shoes. People will not only be buying shoes, but will be buying into a cause as well. Every shoe that sells, a percentage will go to a charity. I haven't decided which charity exactly yet, but I was thinking more of Water Aid, because some people walk for fashion, and some walk for water.
I like to think about other people as well, those in unfortunate situations. So the way I see it, when you buy a pair of my shoes, it would be a gift to you and gift also to some less fortunate.

You seem very passionate about what you do.
I am. I just thought if I don't do this now, I will always be scared, so I literally just trough myself in the deep end.

Finally, your pricing?
You will have to contact me directly for that.

You can view the Ashanti Lou Collection at www.ashantilou.com

All Ashanti Lou's contacts are as follows:
+44(0)7841507008

You can also follow via:

3 May 2012

My Natural Hair Journey So Far: 1st Month

Ola Minha Damas!

So it has been pretty much over a month since I graced this bloggersphere, and most importantly (for me anyways) a month since I did the big chop and became au naturel.
I'm not going to lie, once I had chopped of my hair, I instantly thought to myself... 'what the hell have I gone and done'.
But a coupleof hours later I embraced it and looked forward to my journey.



I got all the facts and nutrients I needed to know about from Boo! and immediatly made a basic hair regimen that would be easy for me to follow and keep up with.

So here goes...
  1. Wash my hair fortnightly with a shampoo which is low in sulphate. (I have stated to use the Tresemme Naturals shampoo)
  2. Co-wash / deep condition my hair once a week with a moisture based conditioner
  3. Treat my scalp every other day with Coconut oil (I suffer from severe itchy scalp and dandruff)
  4. Seal my ends and protect my edges with Castor Oil & Shear butter.
Since cutting my hair into a TWA, I have worn it in a protective chunky braid style for about 3 weeks.
During this, I was consistent with with my regimen, cleansing, conditioning and moisturising,



In the last week, I braved myself to wear my short TWA, out for a whole week to give it a bit of air before I put it back into braids.

So far, I have seen the positive effects of maintaining my hair in its natural form.Its much thicker and healthier, and it has proved my previous notion wrong, that I wouldn't be able to handle it.
Instead, I find joy in feeding and nurishing my hair and am enjoying every moment of it, so much so that I can't keep m hands out of my hair. :D

I now just can't wait for my desired length!





2 May 2012

Shoe of The Day!

So far, I'm loving my new position which I had just started this week. So much so, it has amplified my shoe game, which has been less than appaling the last couple of weeks.

I find that the shoes I wear always heightens my mood level no matter what the day may bring.
So today I wanted to be FIERCE and IN CHARGE at work.
So I brought out my animal print.
Did me so many wonders today! :D
Hope you all had a great day.

29 April 2012

Rain Rain, Go Away

It's difficult not to end up looking like a hobo with all the April showers we have been experiencing as of lately.

My shoe game is so poor right now. I've been practically living in my ankle boots and converses lately.

Sunshine... When will you be back?!?

Alas!
"life is not about wait for the storm to pass, its about learning to dance in it" :)

A Quick Hello!!!

Olaaa,

Hope you have all had and amazing, although wet weekend (for those in the UK)

I've been MIA for a little while, a couple of life and career changes have been over riding.
Alas! I am here. And will later update you guys on my natural hair journey so far.

I also have some good news! :D after all those failed job searches and interviews, I managed to get promoted in my current work place.
I guess God works in mysterious ways. :)

The last couple of weeks have been hectic, in preparation of my new leading role. :)

Power suits are now ready to wear!
Excited to excersise my authority!


23 April 2012

Day 23 (not really sorta)

Just a quick PSA, I accidentally deleted a few of my DIY (yup i'm a dummy) and over the next few weeks I have 2 family weddings (nigerian weddings so technically it's 4) and a s*it load of other stuff to do so hopefully after the 12th I should be able to put the rest up

Peace
Love
and Grease
Boo!

22 April 2012

Day 22: Quick Shift dress



So I made this dress for my mummy and is was super quick and easy and when I say quick,  I mean 45 minutes hand sew (that's quick to me ).

Check out the Tutorial below le jump.

21 April 2012

Day 21: Adjustable turban (semi fail)


I call this a semi fail because it didn't quite turn out how I envisioned it, it looks more like a headband but oh well. But if you want to semi fail with me check out after le jump. 

20 April 2012

Day 20:- Copper and Ankara statement collar

If you want to make this statement Copper and Ankara collar check after Le jump

19 April 2012

Day 19:- Chain bracelet/ ring



(ASH ALERT, someone get this girl some moisturizer) 

So I have a 6 pack of necklaces, that I got from Aldo like 4 years ago and never even opened it, so in a bid to get rid or make use of I decided to make a chain gang bracelet/ ring. Quite simple and easy. Check out the DIY  below.

18 April 2012

Day 18:- Copper wire ring



I'm a ring kinda girl and am currently obsessed with full finger rings so when I acquired some copper I was like fook yeah lets do this. So this is really super duper quick and easy, my shortest video yet.

Video after le jump

17 April 2012

Day 17:- Ankara Oval Necklace



So we're back to playing with Ankara again. So when I saw this picture I was like, 'yup, i'm gonna need this in my life'. So another DIY was born.



Video after le jump 

16 April 2012

Day 16:- Shea Scrub




So this is a continuation of yesterday's Sexy Shea Mix and you can use that as a base for this scrub which is great for getting your summer skin ready. It can be used in the shower but is best in a proper bath as it melts and soften the skin.

15 April 2012

Day 15:- Shea body butter


So continuing on from the Shea shower gel I thought I share my current sexy Shea mix which I'm using to get rid of the dull ashy skin from winter and fade the stretch marks that I've amassed from my winter weight gain. I also have been using it for my hair as a sealant and my hair has informed me that it's a staple.


More after le Jump

14 April 2012

Day 14:-Shea Shower gel



Hi my name is Boo.... and I'm a Youtuberholic. So when one of my favourite diy youtubers Roots4U45 posted a video of how to turn a bar of castile soap into a shower gel , it was on like popcorn. So I tweaked it a little by adding Shea butter, and some oils. I would suggest you stick to Roots4u45's method, as mine doesn't lather up too well but it definitely cleanse and leaves me feeling moist (minds outta the gutter please), however be sure to check out the video. Shea scrub and sexy mix coming soon.

13 April 2012

Day 13:- Massai Inspired Necklace

                
 So I've been in love with these Maasai necklaces since forever and love the symbolism behind it and wanted my own (no cultural appropriation). The colours are symbolic and they are usually made from beads but mine is made from string ( gotto work with what I got). Tutorial after the jump.

12 April 2012

Day 12:- Ankara Pockets




So searching through my wardrobe, i found this Maroon shirt which is several kinds of sexy and decided it could use a lil something something, so added it to my DIY pile. Simple yet effective in making it a statement piece.


11 April 2012

Day 11:- Ankara Padded Box

So just to mix it up I decided to do some interior DIY's. So here's a quick tutorial on revamping those old perfume gift boxes, and its a video ya'll. I'm getting a little bit better at this editing malarky. But excuse my song choice at the end, my inner hoodrat popped her head up. 

10 April 2012

8 April 2012

Day 8:- Moo Moo to maxi skirt


So if you follow the blog you'll know I have a YouTube obsession and currently one of my favourite Yt shows is the couple. So when I saw this episode I died a little inside because i have a few moo moo-ish dresses and i love them but alas, if you want to take your moo moo from frumpy and comfy to sexy and comfy stay tuned. 

7 April 2012

Day sorta 7:- Ankara Clutch Revamp pt 2

So apparently blogger and I have some issues to deal with in couples therapy. Blogger is insistent on ignoring my efforts and allowing me to show them to the world. So be prepared for multiple post in quick succession.





6 April 2012

Day 6-: Motherland Earrings


Hope everyone is having a Good Friday (see what i did there, I am so funny). I'm a believer in waste not, want not, so i use what i have available to me when doing my DIY's so with this one I had an old bag that had broken :(, some basic studs and figured they could be used for something so i kept them for ages (Hoarder behaviours) and it came in extremely useful for this DIY. Done during 2 episodes of Shuga (love this show and don't lemme catch Femi in a dark alley and violate him #'fineboy2dimples #sideeyeingmyself)

5 April 2012

Day 5-: The Head band

(Damn you blogger for not rotating my pics)

Another simple tutorial. Completed in one episode of Big bang.
So for this DIY you'll need :
strips of cloth and you guessed it im using ANKARA.
Elastic
Sewing needle and thread
optional: Glue gun

4 April 2012

Day 4:- ColourBLOCK shoes

So this DIY was prone to a lot of trial and error. Initially I tried paint but it didn't look how i wanted it to so I looked through my stash of material and found a sexy fuchsia scraps and was like 'this will work' . So this DIY was about the length of an episode of Single Ladies excluding drying time.
 So I started off with a pair of flats that just weren't cutting it. #Oldladychurchshoeswag

3 April 2012

Day 3: Ankara Clutch - The Revamp

So this clutch is actually a travel pocketbook for your documents that my mum has had for like a billion years. It was falling apart and needed to go in the bin but my inner hoarder said NO STOP WE CAN STILL LOVE IT (seriously i need help). So I grabbed some ankara and my glue gun and gave it the loving it needed, while watching Nollywood. And it only took about 20 mins . 

All you need is your cloth, an old bag an adhesive (i'm using my trusty glue gun) and a pair of scissors (and a ruler is optional)


Begin by measuring your fabric leaving a centimeter perimeter 
Cut around your material 


 Glue around the seams that are already there and press your fabric onto the adhesive putting a book on it to mesh the two materials together.

 Seeing as it was orgininally a pocketbook for documents I had to cut out the tags on the sections 
 Next find your clasp
 And make a small incision and push it through 
 Any excess material can be pushed under the clasp to neaten and secure.


And Voila a simple clutch revamp.