Pink Wedding

Hey lovely readers,

Welcome back to my blog. It's been a minute but I am back, I hope I can control my crazy schedule and blog more frequently. 

Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending one of my closest friend's wedding in Nigeria. I have to say; Nigerian weddings are on a different level. There was no moment of boredom and no - long speeches. The wedding ceremony was filled with lots of dancing, drinking and lots of joloff rice. I am so happy I attended the wedding despite my crazy work schedule.

I have to commend Nigeria for preserving its culture (from the foods, the dress codes, the language and even the way the carry themselves - its so unique and organic), something my beautiful motherland could really improve on.

For this occasion, I wore an off the shoulder pink dress and black sandals - a very cliché colour for the month of October but it did fit the bill. I really wanted to wear the aso-ebi dress code but I was pressed on time (I will probably wear the aso-ebi in the next Nigerian wedding I will have the pleasure of attending!!!).

Till the next time, thank you so much for stopping by.

Love;

Aika

Denim Ways

Hey lovely readers,

Welcome back to my blog. 

The one thing I hate about being a corporate lady, is the "no denim" dress code. But whats the point of rules, if you don't find a way to break them? I always cheat on the denim dress code with a denim shirt. For starters, it can be argued whether it is denim or not. And secondly, well I just love denim and I miss wearing it on weekdays...(hahaha, what an excuse). 

Right now I am thinking of any denim item (other than denim bottoms) that I can sneak into my office dress code. Any ideas my lovely readers?

Once again, thanks for stopping by.

Xo-xo;

Aika!

MY BEAUTY ESSENTIALS

Hey lovely readers,

I hope you have all had a great week. Today, I am sharing some of my most important beauty items I use on daily basis. I have other beauty items that I use from time and again but these one are most important one. I use these products religiously and help my face stay in shape and skin glow even without make up. 

1. Face wash

I think finding the right face wash for an oily/combination skin tone is as hard as finding the right boyfriend (hahahhahaha). I have tried a number of face wash but each one has an almost catastrophic impact. Some made my skin lighter, some dried up my skin so badly and some made my skin oilier. But ever since I started using this Body-shop face wash, life has become bearable. I use it twice daily and it removes all the oil and dirt without changing anything. 

2. Moisturiser.

The funny part is I didn't know what a moisturiser was till a few years ago. I used my good old Vaseline and yes, it left my skin shining like a disco bulb. A friend of mine suggested that I try using a moisturiser. Life has since then changed. I don't have to apply powder or any make up on most days and my skin doesn't look shiny. 

3. Lip balm

If there is one beauty item that every lady has used from childhood, it would be a lip balm. I have been using the Vaseline lip balm for over ten years and I probably will use it forever. This lip balm just works wonders especially on those windy months where the lips dry up so badly. I sometimes try to be all fancy and switch it up with Calvin Klein lip balm. Because of the cost element of the Calvin Klein one, I use it one in a week or on days that I am going make up free. 

4. Eye brow pencil 

I am not yet a pro at doing my eyebrows but I have realised that working on your eyebrows make such a difference. It frames the face and one appears with a cleaner face if the eyebrows are filled. Because am not a pro, I tend to use this Bella Pierre powder eye brow kit as it's easier for me to apply and it can be easily wiped off in case I make mistakes. 

5. Body lotion and oil

My body skin is quite dry and I have to use lots of lotion or else I end up as dry as crazy. I prefer the Nivea Express Hydration lotion for daily use. On the windy months, I often mix the lotion with Bio-Oil. Sometimes when I want to smell a certain type of way, I use the Body-shop body butter and the smell is just divine. 

I like to hear what are your beauty essentials (I might be missing out on some of the good products out there). 

Once again, thank you so much for stopping by. 

Xo-xo;

Aika!

I mean business

Hey lovely readers,

Welcome back to my blog. The month of July has started off so well and I am loving every minute of it. How have you all been?

I am currently on a study trip which also serves as one of my biggest adventures for 2015. My mother decided to join this trip and we have been doing all the touristy staff including exploring all the tourist places and sampling new cuisines. For this reason, I have decided to stick to attires that are both picture worthy and gives room for the long distance walks and the major food festival.

 On this particular day, I decided to pair a peplum top (which allowed me to eat each and every meal that was served on my plate) with jeans and a pair of chic animal-print flats. In my book, this outfit fits the tourist business by all means. 

Thanks for stopping by and I will catch up with you soon.

Xo-xo

Aika!

life lessons

Hi Lovely readers,

Welcome back to my blog. The week has flown by so fast that I cant believe its Wednesday already. I swear Sunday was like 9minutes ago..loool.

The other day I was having a conversation with one of my bestfriends, and we were going over all the important lessons that we have learnt especially in our 20's. I think I can summarize all that I have learnt in two statements.

1. I am enough. 

When we are in the akward teen years, we spend most of the time and energy trying to fit in certain social circles or wanting to appear cool to our peers. I have learnt that was a total waste of my time and energy, because at the end of the day, I will never be anything other than who I am. I have come to realise that I am enough and I fit right in my small circle of friends. 

2. Every dream is possibility and no dream is too big.

I used to have (and still have) grand dreams and ideas, when I shared with some of the people they would sort of look at me like am crazy. With time that I started to doubt my dreams and I have let many of them go. But as I turned 20 (a few years back), I started to take every opportunity that came my way. Sometimes, I had to keep my pursuits for these dreams a secret so that I couldn't face the nay sayers and so far it has been so deliberating. To everyone out there with grand dreams and ideas, I say to you, its ok to have those dreams. Take each opportunity to accomplish them and forget the naysayers. 

Ok enough with the chit-chat for today, I am wearing a tailored floral blazer and pleated skirt - my favorite combo if I want to appear lady like for those big meetings. 

Thank you for stopping by. 

Xo-xo

Aika!

BLUE MONDAY

Hi lovely readers,

Welcome back to my blog. I have been missing in this platform for so long. I am currently working really hard to complete my 2015 goals and boy oh boy, its harder than I thought. How have you all been? Are you keeping up with your 2015 goals or have you forgotten that you set some goals at the beggining of the year? 

I am currently at work and this blue monday is not doing it for me, too many items in my to do list and 24hours seems to be shorter than expected. To keep my monday fun, I had to include colours in my attire to brighten up my mood. This blue shirt and pink handbag were a perfect fit for the day. 

On the brighter side, I have been working on a really cool project and I cant wait to share it with you my lovely readers. 

Until next time, thanks for stopping by. 

Xo-xo;

Aika

BLACK OUT

You know you are lazy when you blame on the nasty weather for your lack of motivation. I wanted to write an healthy related blog post but my brain seems to be rained on. I hope this weather will change soon and pave way for good old sunny days.

You know how they say gloomy weather calls for black outfits, well they couldnt be more wrong. Black has become my go to colour every single day!

Thanks for stopping by;

xo-xo:

Aika!

RAINY DAY!

Hi Lovely Readers,

The last two days I acknowledged my love for the weather, boy was I wrong. After six long hours of traffic jam, its safe to say I officially hate the weather. But a rainy day is perfect for boots. Now let me go in search of mine and remix  this outfit.

Thanks for stopping by.

Xo-xo;

Aika!

SWEATER WEATHER!

Hi Lovely Readers,

Welcome to my blog. If there is one thing that I have been absolutely loving is the current weather in Dar es Salaam (Minus the rain water filled roads). I have had a chance to wear some of the items that were so hidden in my wardrobe: my sweater, my leather jacket, my suits and my boots; and I am enjoying a cup of hot chocolate as I snuggle in my bed everyday after work. Life could not get any better!. 

The last time I wore a sweater, it was to a lunch situation with my bff a few days before we parted ways. The good thing about sweaters is that you can dress them up or down depending on the occasion. 

Thanks for stopping by.

Xo-xo;

Aika!

Sexy Talk: Lingerie Must Haves!

 

Hi Lovely readers,

 

Welcome back to my blog. Today, I am going outside of my comfort zone and will write on a subject I wouldn't normally discuss in such a public forum.

 

Lingerie is one of the most important item in a ladies wardrobe. You are likely to have a wardrobe malfunction if you don't wear the right lingerie. In addition to being a wardrobe staple, lingerie can be a feel good outfit. Wear the right lingerie and I guarantee you will boost your feel good factors.

 

I have compiled a list of few essential lingerie's that every lady should have in their wardrobe. I have even included links of where you can purchase these lingerie's.

 

 

1. Strapless Bra!

 

Buy here (other alternatives here)

Nothing irritates me, like showy bra straps. If you are wearing a strapless dress or a low cut dress, I suggest you go for the strapless bra instead of the bras with colourless straps. Luckily, there are brands that offer a range of size form A to FF. Choose the one that's suitable for you. If you have the cash to spend on a strapless bra, I suggest you opt for the Wonder-Bra Brand, they are a bit pricey but ooh so worth it.

 

2. Bra Clips.

Buy here (cheaper alternative here)

 

I didn't know of bra clips, until a friend of mine schooled me on them. When wearing halter neck of dresses or tops, it's nice to have bra clips to pull back the bra straps.

 

3. Thong

 

Buy here

 

I recommend thongs to all the corporate ladies who wear suit or official pants. It's very unladylike and awkward for panties edges to be seen through the trouser. 

 

4. Black lace panties

 

Buy here

If you cant wear a thong, I suggest you opt for the boxer brief lace panties. They serve the same purpose and are more comfortable in comparison to the thong.

 

5. Satin Slip/Shimizi/Gagulo/

 

Buy here

 

Every lady needs atleast one slip/shimizi/gagulo in their wardrobe for the see through dresses or skirts.

 

6. Sexy Night Lingerie

 

Buy here

I am always surprised when ladies buy these when they are about to get married or when they are going for honeymoon. I feel like every lady should wear a sexy night lingerie whether they are single or married. Feeling sexy should be influenced by someone else, it's a personal feeling.

 

I hope this has been helpful, let me know of any other lingerie essentials in the comments section below.

 

Thank you for stopping by.

 

Xo-xo;

Aika!

Corporate Chic: Wardrobe Essentials

Hi Lovely readers,

When I started writing this post, I remembered my career resolutions for 2015. I am sure everyone has them and we are all working towards achieving them.

How we look has an impact in reaching our career goals. Believe me, if you turn up in that interview and/or board meeting with a wrong attire, chances are you will leave with the wrong impression.

I have assembled a list of 10 clothing items that every corporate chic needs in their wardrobe.

1. White button down shirt.

A white shirt entails smartness. You can pair a white shirt with neutrals bottoms (black or grey) to appear ready for activities such as meetings or interviews. You can also pair the white shirt with floral or colored bottoms for casual yet smart look for days like Fridays. 

2. Power Suit.

A well fitted suit interprets that you are well prepared and you mean business. Wearing a suit on any business meeting makes you appear formal, serious and well experienced. Invest in a power suit and be prepared to be the professional who draws attention of business meeting attendees. 

4. Black and/or nude pumps.

*A little story about proper work shoes* 

A friend of mine came over for a sleep over on a weekday. As you may have guessed it, we spent most of the night catching up and went to bed very late. The next morning we were so late, I was in a hurry so I decided to put on flats. My friend looked at me and said, well, those shoes confirms that you are not only late but also not in the mood for serious work tasks. 

That was a De-ja-vu moment for me; the shoes we wear tell our moods and our seriousness towards our tasks. Invest in basic pair of properly-heeled shoes (2" wont kill you) to dress up any attire and look ready to conquer the world. 

5. A well fitted blazer.

A blazer adds structure to any outfit, provided it fits well. A blazer can be used to cover up a multitude of issues with our attires. For example, you can wear a blazer with the seriously mini dress and it will suddenly look office appropriate.

6. Black trousers.

Well fitted trousers are the very essential key for smartening office looks. In addition to smartening the look, they can be used as a basis for remixing your wardrobe. 

6. Well fitted pencil skirt.

You can't go wrong with a well fitted black and/or grey pencil skirt. Wear this with a button down or a blouse or a t-shirt; and you will look very official. I own a few pairs myself and life is so much easy with these skirts in my office wardrobe. 

7. Little Black Dress.

To quote the fashion guru of all times, Karl Lagerfield, "One is never under-dressed or over-dressed with a little Black Dress". 

Nothing works double shift like a little black dress. You can dress it up or down and you will still appear official. You can dress up the little black dress with a blazer and beautiful pumps; or dress it down with a pair of flats. 

8. Stripped Button-down Shirt.

Stripped button down shirt have a masculine feel to it. The masculine feel can translate that you are fearless and ready to take on the challenging tasks. You can have as many of these shirts as possible. They can be smartened by wearing them with black pants or well fitted pencil skirt. They can be dressed down by wearing them with denim on casual office days.

9. Black Tote Bag

If you work in an office like mine, you may be forced to carry a laptop every single day. Now; am a girlie girl and carrying the laptop backpack is not cute at all (Lool!!). Invest in a large tote handbag that can accommodate all your office essentials. 

10. White and Black Cami Tops;

A cami top can be worn in different ways. You can wear it underneath a see through top to smarten your look or you can wear it under a blazer as a top.  

I hope this items will help you build  a chic corporate wardrobe base. Let me know any other essential items that you own in the comments section below. 

Thank you for stopping by.

Xo-xo;

Aika!