“Money can’t buy you class”

DURING my first year of varsity, we all seemed to be at the same level, wardrobe wise.

Of course we’d all just come fresh out of high school and school uniforms – we didn’t really have much to go by. Most of us had to deal with our parents’ non-trending wardrobe choices, most of which we didn’t like. But in their minds, they thought they were doing you a favour because they bought the clothes in “reputable” shops and they cost them quite a lot of money. With time, some of us would save pocket money just to buy that one pair of skinny jeans, a cooler pair of shoes and one funky top. By the time the second year was over, the wardrobe was competitive, maybe not filled with quality clothing but at least it exuded some sense of style. Most of us looked forward to work-related learning because we’d get the opportunity to earn some real money.

In most instances though, it wouldn’t be much but it would certainly go a long way in pimping up that all important wardrobe which contributed much to your image on campus. Once we came back for the final year, the transformations were unbelievable!

Some girls went from not wearing pants at all to wearing ripped jeans and asymmetrical tops. They went from no make-up at all to the whole nine yards – eye-liner, mascara and bright red lipstick! I remember this one girl in my class – for three years I didn’t know her, we never spoke, maybe I was snobbish or I just couldn’t be bothered. Until final year when she rocked up in big hair, elaborate make-up, skinny jeans and six inch high heels and bam, she was in my face and everybody else’s!

It was quite some transformation but something just wasn’t right. She had the money and the clothes but it just wasn’t coming together quite right. We had a debate about this on Twitter the other day. Someone was saying times are tough and people can’t afford to look good. I was saying looking classy isn’t about wearing expensive clothes. It’s about having an eye for fashion and knowing what looks good on your body. Every other day, I meet people who seem to think they can’t afford to look good. But I I’ll tell you now – looking good isn’t about the price tag on a garment. You can buy fashion but you can never buy style. When you go shopping, even if it’s once a year, think very carefully about what you want to buy and make sure you don’t spend on rubbish.

Make sure you don’t buy colourful, floral or printed garments if it’s the only one of its kind you have. Instead of buying a yellow blazer, buy a black or a navy blue one because you won’t be able to wear yellow every other day – people will know it’s the only one you have. Because you can only get so many outfits from purple shoes, rather buy black, nude or brown ones. These can be easily rotated and no one will notice they’re the only ones you have. Make sure you get the basics – white shirt, clean wash denims, black suit and black shoes – these can always be pimped up with accessories.

Every woman should own a little black dress and every man a dark coloured suit. A little black dress is timeless. It’ll go to the club, to a wedding or a cocktail effortlessly.

Your accessories are what will make it relevant for the different spaces.

Same as a well-fitted black suit – your shirt, pocket square and buttonhole are what will set you apart. And to be frank, these are once off purchases – you don’t go around buying pocket squares every day! Rotation is a key component to keeping your wardrobe vibrant without spending an extra dollar. Don’t wear the same pants with the same shirt and shoes. Mix it up a little bit and trust me, you’ll get more out of your lean wardrobe. Ever seen some rich people you’d expect can afford “looking good” but they just don’t? It’s because money can’t buy you class. You can be in an Armani suit and no one will look at you twice yet the person in a no name number will turn the most heads.

When the weave looks like a mop – let it go!

THE braid life has been absolutely good to me through most of winter. I’ve enjoyed walking out of the shower, into my outfit for the day and heading straight to work without worrying about combing my hair. It’s been quite the easy life, hassle free and yes, time saving. But it’s time to say goodbye to the good old braids! I mean, there have been in there for over six weeks now – it’s about time. There’s been so much hair growth it’s become untidy, some braids are dangling loose and I’m beginning to fear for my hairline. 

My hairdresser has even started sending reminders that the braids have to go! You know it has reached unprecedented levels when, your hairdresser who has scores of other clients to worry about, remembers you’re long overdue for an appointment. Of course, some can push for eight weeks and get away with it by styling their braids into all sorts of funky dos but please don’t push it for so long with a weave. I bet the hair would’ve even started giving off the dreaded stench of old moisturiser or petroleum. You know what I’m talking about. That synthetic weave won’t look too pretty when the ends resemble a scrubbing brush – the kind I’d use to brush my shower floor clean. The weave would’ve become so hard and brittle with some bobble in it and there you are, still holding on. 

We might as well take your weave out and use it as a scourer! It’s even worse when it’s a short weave. Have you noticed how, if it’s kept for too long, ends up looking like a mop? It loses shape, the strands are scattered and it looks like it’s just sitting there, waiting to mop the next liquid spillage. While we’re at it, can we talk about weave and braid colour for a second. Come on now, can we really be plating blonde braids over black hair? I get that fashion trends are evolving but no, that just looks clumsy – especially when it gets old. If the reason you’re not getting rid of the weave is because you’re cash strapped, why not keep your hair natural and low maintenance? Save yourself some money on regular weave purchases and an arsenal of hair products by keeping your hair short or natural. Too many women put themselves under so much pressure such that they can’t do without weaves. 

 

They believe the only way one can be considered beautiful is when they’re wearing a weave. That’s such an inferiority complex and lack of self-confidence, it actually breaks my heart. Girl, you can rock your hair short or even go bald and still turn some heads! A lot of women are not comfortable cutting their hair short because they feel longer hair covers up for a lot of their flaws but that’s actually far from the truth. The secret lies in making sure your make up and jewellery are on point. Go for a more defined eyebrow and bold lipstick and you’ll be just fine. The jewellery will be useful in ensuring you don’t look too plain.

Regardless of whether you’re channeling bold colours or subtle highlights, any colour-change you do will always make a statement against your short layers. But, while trends like Instagram-inspired highlights and pastel strands are having a moment, it’s hard to say whether or not they’ll become certified classics. I admit, protective hairstyles are good, especially during harsh weather conditions such as winter but don’t abuse them. Sure, the weave and braids will lock in your hairs’ moisture and help prevent breakage but learn to let them go in good time. You need a shampoo and some air – don’t deprive yourself of that little bit.

Looking good is a choice... #60AndSlaying

I WAS blown away when I first saw pictures of Irvin Randle on the Internet. The 54-year-old American who jealous men have termed “Uncle Bae” or “Mkhulu Bae” is the reason why people say age ain’t nothing but a number! “Mr Steal Your Grandmother” is one of the most stylish men I’ve seen and for someone in his 50s, he’s pretty much got it all figured out. His fitness and fashion enthusiasm has seen him melt hearts by the swag and physique which he doesn’t hesitate to flaunt online. While some were shocked by how good looking this guy is – I really wasn’t. I live with a human being that has showed me that looking good is a choice. 

My mother turns 60 this year but you wouldn’t tell just by looking at her. The other morning, she came to my room to ask how she should wear her Burberry scarf. It was a little chilly and she had worn a black pencil skirt suit, a pink cashmere top, black heels and silky pantyhose. The scarf was that accessory that would keep her warm and of course add that extra special touch. It does take a certain kind of person to be able to look classy in a scarf you know. As she went about her business before she left the house that morning, I kept thinking wow, that’s a gem! 

 

She has, over the years maintained a healthy weight – she might even weigh less than me and I’m not overweight – maybe just a pizza slice away! She doesn’t wear granny pants or viscose suits that drown her figure – she remains age appropriate while embracing current fashion trends. Like Uncle Bae, she’s just decided she’ll keep herself looking good and continues to do that. For some people, not being able to keep their weight in check or knowing how to dress their body types well is what stands in the way of their next perfect outfit.

Although there are ways around covering extra body fat, it’s so much easier and certainly healthier for your wardrobe to exercise regularly and eat healthy. I’m not quite the weight loss expert but I’ve started to make certain changes to my lifestyle to enable my wardrobe to strive in its fullness. The gym thing is still a struggle for me but let’s look on the bright side. I hardly eat junk food or take fizzy drinks. 

I’ve given up things like margarine, bread and sugar completely, but that’s just me.

A friend and I have even started calling them #SeptemberGoals. By September, I hopefully, would’ve toned up and be ready to rock some butt high shorts with a blazer and some killer heels! I don’t know where I’ll be headed to but I’m so wearing that come September! There are certain things about ourselves that we can’t change but there are some that we can. Instead of having to change your wardrobe every six months because your eating habits are out of control, why not invest in your health and your wardrobe will take care of you. I often see people whining and mopping about how they can’t get sizes in the clothes they want.

Why not drop a kilogram or two and wear whatever you want? Nobody is saying you should become model thin, trim to a weight you’re comfortable in and maintain it. It’s heartbreaking to see people hiding themselves in track pants and sweaters because they are too embarrassed about their bodies. It has killed their confidence and they don’t get out much because they feel they’ve nothing good to wear. Why don’t you get up and do something? Make yourself a fabric slayer and like Irvin and my Mom, get to 60 while you’re rocking it!  

Black, white and a dash of colour…

Photo Credit: Ma Ngu

THE shoe rack in my bedroom often leaves whoever sees it astonished. Not to outdo Imelda Marcos but I’ve had a good run as far as shoes are concerned. 

I’m not sure how I developed a shoe fetish but one thing’s for sure – shoes can change the game completely. 

They are what will break or make an outfit. Sometimes, all you need to look good is a stunning pair of shoes with an all-black, denim or white outfit.

Photo Credit: Ma Ngu

When it seems like your clothes just can’t make the cut – your shoes are what will make the difference. 

I often see it on mornings when it seems like I’ve no clothes to wear. Sometimes it’s so bad I black out – I just can’t figure out what to wear. 

But I’ve since found a solution and it lies in the most simple of clothing items I have in my wardrobe.

A combination of a black skirt, white shirt and virtually any colour pair of shoes is how I sort myself out. If you don’t own a white shirt, I suggest you start saving for one! It’s gold where fashion is concerned. 

Maybe you don’t own a black skirt but you certainly have a pair of black slacks or jeans, right? You can’t afford not to! Black bottoms are a timeless base that will make dressing up easy.

So, here I am in a pair of black bottoms, a white shirt and a red pair of shoes and voila – I’m the epitome of class. Of course, for this to work, you absolutely need a handbag or clutch bag that matches the shoes.

By the way, this isn’t a trend that works for a somewhat work outfit only. You can incorporate colour into your casual look by adding an elaborate pair of shoes and bag to an otherwise subtle black and white colour palate. The combination doesn’t only work on separates per say. 

Photo Credit: Ma Ngu

The skirt or pants could be a striped or printed black and white themselves.

If that’s the case, add a plain black or white shirt or blazer and then a dash of colour.

Even for a more sophisticated look where the dress or jumpsuit is black and white – any colour shoes will change the game completely. 

 I prefer the more solid colours like red, yellow, green, gold and orange to such combinations. They sound like a little too much but trust me – they’ll give a beautiful pop of colour to an otherwise dull black and white.

Photo Credit: The Grown And Classy

This trend works both ways. The bright coloured shoes liven up a subtle black and white combination while the black and white tone down the bright coloured shoes.

You have to be fashion savvy to be able to wear bright coloured shoes with anything else other than black, white or a combination of both. Think of it as a two way street – I pimp you up and you keep me low key so I don’t look cheap.