THISDAY STYLE MAGAZINE 14TH FEBRUARY 2021

...NOT IN THISDAY STYLE? THEN YOU’RE NOT IN STYLE

ENIOLA UWA ADEOLW DEDUN O OLOBAY

POWEDE AWUJO

ANGEL OBASI

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

ELIZABETH OSHO

TIMINI N EGBUSO

F O N O S A E S CHIOMA IKOKWU

GBESANDERIN OSDU THOMA

E V O L T! S R WO D AN T S E B R I THE

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CONTENT Fashion MEN IN SHORTS PG 4-5 VALENTINE GIFTS FOR HIM PG 6

8 LOOKS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY PG 8-9 BEADED BAGS PG 10 VALENTINE’S DAY FLOWER FOR THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE PG 11 • CAPSULES • COLOURS OF LIFE

PG 18

• DOUBLE DELIGHT • FAT SHAMING PG 19 RED ALERT FOR VALENTINE PG 20-21

SKIN CARE RULES TO ADOPT Oh, Valentine’s Day! A day to spend some time among loved ones sharing hearts, candies and good memories- at least that’s how most hope it goes.

Some get an amazing fairy tale day filled with romance and self-care, while others… well, they tried their best. So from sweet to all-hell-breaks-loose V-Day stories to heart breaks and great life lessons learned along the way, here are some valentine best and worst stories some influencers have been through. FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI reports...

THISDAY STYLE FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR RUTH OSIME

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EDITOR PRINT OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI EDITOR DIGITAL KONYE NWABOGOR

08111847086

08111847087

SENIOR ART DESIGNER MATHIAS ARCHIBONG 07054965500 CONTRIBUTORS RUKY SALAKO ISIOMA USIADE GUEST CORRESPONDENTS AZUKA OGUJIUBA ZINA ANUMUDU JOANNA MACGREGOR SEYI ALAWODE PHOTOGRAPHER TY BELLO DIRECTOR, PRINT PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO 08077092196

PG 22

It’s that time of the year again...Valentine’s Day! The day that brings smiles to a lot of faces and at the same time, tears to others. In this week’s edition, ALL ABOUT VALENTINE’S, we feature those who describe their best and worst experiences. It is somewhat comforting to know that life teaches us not to always look at things with rose-tinted glasses. So even though Valentine’s Day is a day full of lovely surprises and gaiety, there are those who will still be disappointed and crestfallen when things do not go the way they want it. That’s life.

Truth of the matter is, as you get older, the day passes just like any other, so it is not heart shattering as your emotions are now better managed. You have learnt, albeit painfully, how to avoid the land mines. This is so because most times, on days like this, you find something to do that expresses some form of love in your life. You either spend it with friends or family or you go out of your way to put a smile on someone else’s face. Life as we know, does not match to the drumbeats of our wishes so therefore, you make the best out of what life has to offer you. You do something, anything to ensure your existence on earth is noted and appreciated by a recipient of whatever ‘gesture of love’ you decide to do on V-Day! I am not going to go down the ‘I-don’t-care-whether-l-get-a-love-Gift-or-not’ mantra but at the same time, l would encourage women not to make this day a do or die affair. Don’t get me wrong...I love love. Till now, l remain an incurable romantic at heart even though over the years, the heart has become more brittle. Regardless, a small part of me still remains romance-compliant if there’s such a word. But it does no good to wallow in ‘if-onlys’. It does much more good to share what you have to give with those you cherish. Family. Friends turned sisters. Friends turned brothers. People whose company you greatly enjoy. Send love messages to them because your happiness should not, and should never, be defined by one single individual.

Of course it’s nice to have that ‘special one’ but the absence of that is not the end of the world so snap out of the solo ‘pity party’... if you are leaning towards that.

Make this day special. Love is beautiful and can be beautiful...if it’s shared both ways. But in the absence of that, Love can also be beautiful if you have family and friends to share it with. We usually take them for granted so use this day to express your love for them. Whether coupled or single, consider yourself lucky to have people in your life who deeply care about you.

Life is transient. Make the best out of it while you still have it.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

Instagram: @thisdaystyle | Twitter: @thisdaystyleon | Instagram: @thisdaystyle | Website: www.thisdaystyle.ng

FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

STYLE & DESIGN

Cotton Shorts

Cotton shorts are the answer for relaxed casual looks. Team them with a chambray/linen button down or a simple t-shirt. A pair of espadrilles or boat shoes will elevate your look and are a more appealing option to the typical thongs most gents tend to wear.

Chinos Shorts

Chino shorts were designed by the British military to be durable but also pleasant to wear. They are made from sturdy, midweight cotton blend and is garment-dyed for sophisticated character. Combine this short with a button-down shirt or your favourite T-shirt for the ultimate smart and casual look.

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9411 Sunday, February 14, 2021

Sports Shorts

The men’s running shorts is an option with cropped legs and a loose elastic waistband that is adjustable with laces. For cycling, there are tight-fitting shorts made from elastic fabrics with a mid-thigh length

4

MODEL FOR TZAR

Men

Suit Shorts

They look like short trousers and perfectly complement the business style.

This short goes well with a polo, short-sleeved shirt, and plain T-shirt.

MODEL FOR MAXIVIVE

in

Bermuda Shorts

This year, designers are offering men shorter knee-length pieces. Bermuda with cuffs is one of the styles of men’s shorts 2021. There is a trend to reduce the length of Bermuda legs by folding the hems to perfect fit.

GABRIEL

MODEL WEARING DAVID

STYLE & DESIGN

Beach Shorts

Men, as well as women, prepare for vacations and rest on the beach. They prefer comfortable models of shorts that do not hinder movement. Traditionally, beach shorts are made from natural and semi-natural fabrics that absorb moisture well and dry quickly. Colourful short are best for the beach.

Baggy Shorts

Your biggest responsibility when it comes to the baggy shorts is to ensure that they are well balanced for your body type. Proportion is key, so ensure you know what works with your body, but more importantly for your height.

Experiment with different fits and textures to ensure that the baggy shorts will be a flattering piece as opposed to reading clownish or dated. Preserve a much shorter length with your baggy shorts.

Denim Shorts

This item of everyday wear is always present in the men’s wardrobe, regardless of the age of its owner. Denim shorts are practical, worn under T-shirts, lightweight jackets, loose T-shirts, and formal shirts.

JORDAN TAYLOR

MODEL FOR FABIANI

MODEL FOR COLRS

Shorts

BY ISIOMA USIADE

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9411 Sunday, February 14, 2021

Striped Shorts

Another trend is the stripes. It can be present in everything from socks to hats in men’s wardrobe 2021. Stripes shorts are no exception this year.

OZOEMENA JOSEPH CHUKWU

MODEL FOR OZWALD BOATENG

In every man’s wardrobe, shorts are a necessary piece of clothing. They are replacing the usual trousers and it is a great way to enjoy the heat of summer while looking stylish. Every year fashion trends change, which means design, shades, and style are updated. It is comfortable to be in them at high air temperatures, and they do not restrict movement.

As the name suggests, shorts should be short so anything below knee is no go! Aim for around the knee cap, and depending on your height and your leg muscles, maybe even higher depending on occasion. They’re the perfect staple to a summer wardrobe. Update your wardrobe with these fashionable trendy shorts.

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9411 Sunday, February 14, 2021

STYLE & DESIGN

VALENTINE GIFTS For Him

BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI

Let’s face it: Valentine’s Day gifts can often be cliché. A box of chocolates? Sweets or cufflink? Expected but boring. The pressure of finding the perfect Valentine’s day gift for him is stressful not to talk of coming up with a unique idea for what to do with your boyfriend on the big day, the right outfit, mood-setting holiday decor, and the movie to watch if you’re staying in.

To help you step up your game and avoid a cheesy gift to accompany your cute love note, we’ve compiled a list of romantic gifts that guys really want for Valentine’s Day whether it’s the first time you’re celebrating with your boyfriend, you’re looking for something sentimental for a new or soon-to-be dad, you’re on the hunt for something creative for your husband or you need to snag a funny, last-minute goodie for your favorite male friend. We’ve got plenty of options below that are personalized, affordable, and best of all, guaranteed to put a smile on his face.

ELIDOMC WHISKEY GLASS AND DECANTER

SRS-XB12 MINI BLUETOOTH SPEAKER

THE SUBTLE ART OF NOT GIVING A F*CK

Give your guy the gift of living his best life with this New York Times bestselling self-help book that uses a straightforward approach to overcoming struggle and pushing through.

BARTENDER KIT

MINI BLUETOOTH SPEAKER

One tech tech gifts that is never to old to give are blue tooth speakers. Look for one that is waterproof, dust-proof and can boast of long hours of battery life and we are sure he will absolutely love you for it.

KINGS SQUARE SET

APPLE AIRPOD PRO

AIRPODS WITH WIRELESS CHARGING CASE

Upgrade his earbuds with a pair of AirPods. There’s a reason everyone’s got a set of these top-of-the-line headphones. APPLE AIRPOD PRO

WHISKEY GLASSES AND DECANTER

Gift him a custom whiskey glass and decanter that will elevate his beloved home bar.

BEARD GROOMING & TRIMMING KIT

For the beard-obsessed, this kit provides the essentials: clippers, organic argan and jojoba oil, plus a sturdy comb.

BARTENDER KIT

Encourage him to perfect his - or your favorite cocktail with a bartending set.

Who knows? He can be your personal designated mixilogist for a long time to come.

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TIE, POCKET SQUARE, & SOCKS GIFT SET

ALIVER BEARD GROOM KIT

It’s everything he needs to look spiffy at Valentine’s Day dinner.

LIVE . WORK . INVEST

STYLE & DESIGN

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9411 Sunday, February 14, 2021

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9411 Sunday, February 14, 2021

STYLE & DESIGN

LOOKS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY It’s no secret that your Valentine’s Day plans will likely look a bit different this year, what with the social distancing and restaurant closures. But that’s no excuse to skimp in the outfit department. In fact, Cupid’s holiday is reason enough to get all dolled up even if the itinerary just consists of an intimate dinner at home. When it comes to putting together a fool proof look that’s worthy of your V-Day agenda, don’t over-complicate things. You can never go

wrong with a chic printed dress. However, if you want to go the traditional route, consider investing in a well-tailored leather skirt suit that you can wear well after the festivities are over. And if dresses or skirts aren’t really your thing, pull a pair of wide-leg pants from your workwear collection to create a look that’s more in line with your personal aesthetic.

Ahead are eight ideas to get you started on the right path, as well as, the key pieces you need to recreate them at home.

BY USIADE ISIOMA

t Modern Shor Suiting ng for a reason

Sheer Genius L ayering

Dressy nDcaellsnfoim ra

Bring a sultry fe el to your datenight look this Valentine’s Day with a shee r sequins pants and knitte d jacket. Stream line the look with flat d ress shoes and a cl utch to match.

If the occasio nsemble, dress more casual e rite pair of dad up your favou r tailored blaze denim with a d accessories and heels. Ad ok V-day to make the lo appropriate.

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MODEL FOR ODIO MIMONET

Print Dress

A print midi dres s will work best with tig hts and platform bo oties during the chilly evenings. Swap your classic hand band with a cross body vers ion for an intimate VDay dinner.

Check Mate

Invest in a bold checked two pieces that can be dressed up (or down) with ease regardless of your V-Day plans.

CHINYERE ADOGU

MODEL FOR MMUSO-MAXWELL

TANIA CASCILLA MODEL FOR STYLE TEMPLE

Intentional eting Colour-Pall ry shades

Night-Time Tailoring ally your

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SADE AKINOSHO

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esswork out o f getting read and try wearin y g your favouri te maxi trench as a dre ss. Style them with tall strap sandals for a fu ll-coverage lo ok. Model for STYLE TEMPLE

CHIOMA IKOKWU

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STYLE & DESIGN

L FO ISA

D E

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9411 Sunday, February 14, 2021

E B

IYO AW

G A B D A

D SIA U BY

R E T T E B D N A K C A B IS

There’s a compelling reason for the beaded bag’s resurgence, it elevates any outfit with a splash that’s equal parts edgy and playful. Fashion designers led this revival of everyone’s favourite ‘90s bag and now everyone has caught on to the trend as well. There are beaded bags in a vary of silhouettes and colours. Everyone can wear the trend, here are different options to complement your outfits.

VALENTINE’S D A Y F L O W E R FOR THAT SPECI STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9411 Sunday, February 14, 2021

BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJ

I

CARNATIONS

AL SOMEONE

CARNATIONS

Also known as the first wedding anniversary flower, the carnation is a popular and fragrant flower often given at weddings and on Mother’s Day. But this gorgeous floral arrangement is for more than just your mom.

Depending on the colours you choose, a bouquet of carnations can represent purity and good luck (white), admiration (light red), as well as deep love and admiration (dark red).

Valentine’s Day is the perfect ti m of year to show the person you e how much you lo care. And, whil ve e you might use sma ll there througho gestures here and ut the rest of th e to tell them ho w you feel, Vale year ntine’s Day is the one day you can go all out.

But if you’re cl u bouquets, we’re eless about h These delightfu ere to help. l and fragrant floral arrangem ents are sure to put a smile on your face or th e recipient’s this year.

CARNATIONS

PURPLE ORCHIDS

SUNFLOWERS

CHIOMA IKOKWU

When you’re looking for flowers to give your loved one, roses are probably the first to come to mind. But they aren’t the only flowers that symbolizes love. Delicate, exotic, and gorgeous, the orchid is a plant that represents luxury, delicate beauty, and strength. Purple orchids are elegant and universal flowers that carry a lot of emotional weight and represent delicate beauty. There’s no better gift to show that special someone how much they mean to you.

Show your sweetheart how much you care with an arrangement of beautiful sunflowers. While they aren’t your typical romantic flowers, sunflowers are cheerful and uplifting.

According to Teleflora.com, the wide, open faces of these yellow flowers symbolize the sun, happiness, adoration, and longevity, making an arrangement of these more romantic than you think. You can even get red sunflowers.

STARGAZER LILIES SUNFLOWER

STARGAZER LILIES

Looking to celebrate your Valentine in an extra special way this year? Stargazer lilies can be used to honor the ambition of your loved one. For a more elevated look, try pairing the lilies with roses to make them feel like royalty.

Similarly, tiger lilies are extra romantic because they symbolize passion.

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WHITE DAISIES

If your Valentine is someone who is cheerful, bright, and always puts a smile on your face, return the favour with a bouquet of yellow and white daisies.

Although it is one of the most common flowers and often seen as simple, the daisy is a flower that represents innocence, happiness, and friendship. Give one of these brilliant bouquets to your significant other or to a friend to brighten their day.

RED ROSES

LONG-STEMMED ROSES

If you’re planning on sending flowers to a friend, try yellow roses, which symbolize friendship. For something a little more romantic, put together a bouquet of long-stemmed red roses, which express passionate love to your Valentine. For an extra touch, mix red with pink roses, which represent poetic love and admiration.

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E V O L F O N O S A SE

COVER

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9411 Sunday, February 14, 2021

COVER

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9411 Sunday, February 14, 2021

Oh, Valentine’s Day! A day to spend some time among loved ones sharing hearts, candies and good memories- at least that’s how most hope it goes. Some get an amazing fairytale day filled with romance and self-care, while others…well, they tried their best. So from sweet to all-hellbreaks-loose V-Day stories to heartbreaks and great life lessons learned along the way, here are some Valentine best and worst stories some influencers have been through.

BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI

BEST VALENTINE DAY EXPERIENCE BEST VALENTINE DAY EXPERIENCE

My Best Valentines Day experience was the year I moved to Beirut, Lebanon for work. I had just moved and didn’t know a lot of people and so had absolutely no plans for the famous lovers day.

Unbeknownst to me, my Valentine had planned with my colleagues at work to send me roses and chocolates during the day as he lived in England at the time. I was pretty excited about the gesture.

After work I ordered some Lebanese takeaway and was headed up to my apartment when I heard a familiar voice call my name. Guess who it was??? My Valentine!!! He flew halfway across the world from England to physically surprise me. He had never been to Beirut and we hadn’t discussed him coming so I was in actual SHOCK! He checked us into the Four Seasons hotel where I was met with a thousand roses and a beautiful red dress. As if the day couldn’t get any better we had dinner underneath the stars and he even went as far as creating a signature cocktail with my name imbibed in it.

We walked through rose petals along the beach afterwards and fell asleep on the sand.

It is a day I’ll cherish forever.

WORST VALENTINE DAY EXPERIENCE

KWU O K I A M O I H C

My worst Valentine’s Day experience was in 2007. It was my first year in university in Birmingham, England and I was still trying to find my feet. I didn’t have a Valentine, nor did one of my female friends and so we decided to spend the day together. We spent hours doing our hair, makeup and dressed up real fancy hoping to get a dinner reservation last minute.

Unfortunately, every (and I mean every) single restaurant in Birmingham was fully booked that night, so we we ended up walking to McDonalds in our fancy clothes, getting a burger and fries and sleeping early. Sigh.. not even a rose petal.

It truly was a dry one!

My best Valentine’s Days were when my mom used to give me and my siblings our gifts before school. She’d call us together and share each person’s gift while we hugged her and thanked her. Very fond memories.

WORST VALENTINE DAY EXPERIENCE

SI A B O L E G N A

I won’t say it’s the worst but five years ago, I didn’t have a Valentine or anything of that sort and it was calm and somewhat satisfying. Not the worst but not very interesting.

BEST VALENTINE DAY EXPERIENCE My best Valentine is yet to come to be honest, because every year with my hubby there’s always something to look forward to.

Valentines Day I guess is special depending on who you spend it with..

BEST VALENTINE DAY EXPERIENCE Spent it with my friends restaurant hopping and having the best laughs and night with ourselves which was amazing

WORST VALENTINE DAY EXPERIENCE Was seeing someone or so I thought and expected him to make plans for US, which never happened. I actually got dressed thinking he was going to surprise me but he just proved to what I’ve always known that men are Scum.

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ADERINOSLAAN-THOMAS ODUGBE

WORST VALENTINE DAY EXPERIENCE So my worst Valentine’s Day experience was when I was in Secondary school, I was an SS3 student at that time and I was “dating” a fellow SS3 student who was in another arm.

My seat partner literally begged me to date him because, I didn’t really like him at first.

So we started dating, writing love letters and all. On Valentine’s day I thought it’ll be cute to give him a Valentine’s card pouring out my genuine feelings about how I was initially wrong about him and bla bla bla. He didn’t get me anything but I didn’t mind after all, love isn’t self seeking abi?

I sent the card through my seat partner to him in the morning, only for me to hear some students screaming down the hall way at break time, a girl had just received bags of valentine gifts of some good stuff; clothes , perfumes etc.

I was honestly happy for her until I realised it was my so called boyfriend that bought it for her! Chai! My chest was shattered into pieces. The hot tears I cried when I got home I didn’t forget in a hurry!

He apologized years later, and tried to make up, but baby girl’s heart was already hardened with cement.

JO U W A E D E W PO 15

COVER

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9411 Sunday, February 14, 2021

COVER

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9411 Sunday, February 14, 2021

BEST VALENTINE DAY EXPERIENCE

BEST VALENTINE DAY EXPERIENCE

With my husband, in the earlier years of marriage. I appreciate the simple things o! I got a teddy, flowers and chocolate delivered to my office, I had gone out for a meeting, so my colleagues sent a picture to me saying a delivery arrived for me - my heart was smiling.

So, heading back to the office I was already really excited. When I got home, my husband, the romantic guy that he can be when he wants to be (for the most part his love language is gifting) had flower petals all over our bed and on the floor of the room. We had a nice dinner afterwards at Shiro...and I won’t go into the rest. Beautiful day though.

I do not have the fondest memories of Valentine’s. I am not even sure I have experienced Valentine maybe it is because with all my love lessons I am still single to stupor. LOL! But I can remember taking my mum’s Valentine cards, the ones she sold in her decor shops to go give my secondary school crushes during Valentine, and I would send them with my snacks and a lovely message by the side. It was a way of expressing my love now that I think about it.

WORST VALENTINE DAY EXPERIENCE

WORST VALENTINE DAY EXPERIENCE

SHO O H T E B A Z I EL

I had recently broken up with my boyfriend, but was secretly hoping we would mend things. I did everything in my power to reconnect with him. I started with i’m not feeling well some weeks before. No budge, it didn’t move him! Then I asked my older cousin Dayo to demand a meeting. He obliged her on the phone (out of respect I think). I was so happy, wore my best outfit, did my makeup - this guy stood us up shani!!! * HOT TEARS* I was so desperate and it was so pathetic, it was then I learnt that as women, we won’t get far if we act pressed when it comes to the opposite sex. I cried that day, I shed a tear for my broken heart.

BEST VALENTINE DAY EXPERIENCE

BEST VALENTINE DAY EXPERIENCE

A group of my single friends and I decided that the cost of buying gifts for Valentines was too much of an expense for struggling University students and the whole charade was a little overrated anyway. So we decided to have a potluck dinner with wine, good food, games and even better, conversation. It made me realize that sometimes it’s okay to spend the special day in an unconventional way with the people that really matter, enjoying the simplest of pleasures. It really shaped my idea on love and how it should be very much like friendship without the frills and fluff although that’s nice too.

My best Valentine’s experience was Valentine’s 2020. My partner did everything to make sure I had an amazing day. From the moment I woke up he showered me with so much love, my favourite flowers, a home service massage, a cute outfit and shoes to wear to dinner at Eko Pearl. He got us a room at Intercontinental, filled it up with rose petals and had a bottle of champagne waiting for us after going clubbing that night. It was just so cute especially because I know he’s not a traditional romantic! He went above and beyond himself for me and that’s what made it the best. His thoughtfulness! I felt so much love that day!

WORST VALENTINE DAY EXPERIENCE In Secondary School, I had been trying to get with this girl I really liked in another boarding school. So for months leading up to Valentines, I would send handwritten letters to my beloved.

I thought I was sharp by getting my neighbour, a naive little girl or so I thought, a junior at her school to deliver them for me. Much to my surprise on Valentine’s Day, I found out that she did not even get an alphabet, much less my numerous letters. A shocker to discover that I was in a relationship with myself and my neighbour’s vivid imagination as she had been the one replying to my letters all along because she was too afraid to go to the senior block.

WORST VALENTINE DAY EXPERIENCE

Valentine’s Day is celebrated every February 14 as couples across the globe honor their spouses, partners and sweethearts. Hundreds of years of traditions and customs have made it into the holiday that we observe today.

Here are nine interesting facts about the holiday dedicated to love.

It was this same partner that I just praised. Our very first Valentine. We met 10 days before Valentine’s 2018 and at the time he claimed he lived in Abuja and was flying to Lagos just to see me. After asking for my address and gassing me up, he showed up at my house at 9pm with a single rose. One rose that I eventually found out he took from a bouquet his flat mate got for his girlfriend! I was so underwhelmed. We ended up ordering food and just watching TV in my living room. Very boring but at least I got one rose. LOL!

SON TIMINI EGBU

VALENTINE’S DAY FACTS

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WA U L O E D A A ENIOL

What! I would have said a heartbreak but no I do the breaking of hearts. LOL! I think my worst Valentine experience would be all the Valentines I have gotten to experience because I have experienced them alone. Cold! Even worse was when a secondary school crush told me we were just friends days before Valentine. I literally got Friend-Zoned. But here I cheer to some exciting Valentines coming for me because no more would I be left alone on a day of love. I mean what could be worse?

ORIGINS TO A BLOODY PAGAN FESTIVAL Some trace Valentine’s Day origins to a Christian effort to replace a pagan fertility festival that dates as far back as the 6th century B.C. During the festival of Lupercalia, Roman priests would sacrifice goats and dogs and use their blood-soaked hides to slap women on the streets, as a fertility blessing.

According to legend, women would later put their names in an urn and be selected to be paired with a man for a year.

LETTERS ADDRESSED TO ‘JULIET’ Every year, thousands of romantics send letters addressed to Verona, Italy

Culled from history.com

to “Juliet,” the subject of the timeless romantic tragedy, “Romeo and Juliet.”

The city marks the location of the Shakespearean tale, and the letters that reach the city are dutifully answered by a team of volunteers from the Juliet Club. Each year, on Valentine’s Day, the club awards the “Cara Giulietta” (“Dear Juliet”) prize to the author of the most touching love letter.

BOX OF CHOCOLATES The Valentine’s Day tradition of giving a box of candy was started in the 19th century by Richard Cadbury, a scion of a British chocolate manufacturing family. With a new technique recently established at the company to create

more varieties of chocolate, Cadbury pounced on the opportunity to sell the chocolates as part of the beloved holiday.

FIRST VALENTINE WAS WRITTEN FROM A PRISON History’s first Valentine was written in perhaps one of the most unromantic places conceivable: a prison. Charles, Duke of Orleans wrote the love letter to his second wife at the age of 21 while captured at the Battle of Agincourt.

As a prisoner for more than 20 years, he would never see his Valentines’ reaction to the poem he penned to her in the early 15th century.

‘VINEGAR VALENTINES’ DISCOURAGED SUITORS

During the Victoria Era, those who didn’t want the attention of certain suitors would anonymously send “Vinegar Valentines.”These cards, also called penny dreadfuls, were the antithesis of customary Valentines, comically insulting and rejecting unwanted admirers.

They were later used to target suffragettes in the late 19th and early 20th century.

‘WEARING YOUR HEART ON YOUR SLEEVE’ The term “wearing your heart on your sleeve” may have origins in picking a Valentine. Smithsonian reports that during the Middle Ages, men would draw the names of women who they would be coupled with for the upcoming year while attending a Roman festival

BAYO O L O N U D E D

honoring Juno. After choosing, the men wore the names on their sleeves to show their bond during the festivities.

heart shape in 1901, appealing specifically to Valentine’s Day sweethearts.

‘SWEETHEARTS’ CANDIES STARTED OUT AS LOZENGES The iconic chalky heart-shaped candies that have been passed out lovingly every Valentine’s Day started out as lozenges. According to the Food Business News, pharmacist and inventor Oliver Chase created a machine that would quickly create the lozenges before switching to using the machine to create candy - later known as NeccoWafers.

Chase’s brother came up with the idea to print messages on the candy in 1866, and the candies got their

CUPID BEGAN AS A GREEK GOD The chubby baby with wings and a bow and arrow that we call Cupid has been associated with Valentine’s Day for centuries. However, before he was renamed Cupid, he was known to the ancient Greeks as Eros, the god of Love.

Eros, the son of Greek goddess Aphrodite, would use two sets of arrows - one for love and another for hate - to play with the emotions of his targets. It wasn’t until stories of his mischief were told by Romans that he adopted the childlike appearance that we recognize today.

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9411 Sunday, February 14, 2021

Alero Adollo aleroadollo@yahoo.com

STYLE & DESIGN

CAPSULES

BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI

Many voices within challenge us today asking: where is your God, is he on siesta, or he is just irresponsive, feeling rejected and despondent during the dark nights of our souls, we cry out to him; where are you Lord? He sometimes puts us on our backs so that we can look up.

Hmmmmm, this world get as e be ooooo....

Life issues can be so cruel, so so cruel that they grow horns of their own, problems sometimes come from every angle unrelenting and fear follows, paralysing by blocking everything else.

To survive, we need to starve our fears whilst feeding our faith and even at that we may still limp a bit. it’s tough out there I beg.

I remember eons ago when I decided to become a committed Christian, what we call “born again” in the this clime, l wrestled with many giants especially that of self doubt, I was convinced that I was just not good enough, not pure enough, too carnal, I liked the things I liked and I did not understand why loving God meant I should stop liking what I liked, but when it seemed as if my prayers were piled up in the “return to sender” tray, I began to wonder if God was truly my friend. I decided to change tactics.

The good book says if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can speak to mountains and they will obey you, but mere pebbles defied me, despite my rock size faith. I struggled to understand God, because I had experienced him in his many facets as it was my “burning bush” type experience, that led me to him in the first place so I could not join the “supposed school of common sense” graduates in the there is no God chant.

God is real, but the problem continues to be how to understand our individual purpose in his purpose.

Secondly, how a God who loves us so much can watch us hurt and not act. I attended bible school (way back then) searching for answers, I searched and searched for the reason for the here and now, the reason for existence and I came up short because nothing seemed to make sense. Life is war and we have to face it prepared, it is that simple in my opinion.

We need to also understand that good things happen to bad people and bad things to good people. We live in a fallen world and we must learn to trust God as soldiers of his cross so as not to become collateral damage. Truthfully on a good day I don’t get God because with him 2+2 is never 4 because he uses the foolish things of this crazy world to confound the wise, but despite all, he is still the only truth worth believing.

I know many are conflicted right now because of the pandemic, COVID-19 wondering why a loving father will watch us suffer like many are today, you stay home depressed, you go out repressed, we were so sure God was going to miraculously bring forth a drug that would end COVID 19 but alas we are still grappling with confusing vaccines that may or may not end our sorrows.

No matter what this present tide presents, no matter what you are going through, I enjoin us all not to lose faith, remember, a little light will change the colour of darkness, so keep your light lit, please stay your eyes on the face of the Master through this journey so that you can walk on water, ignore the market noise and the naysayers so that you can travel light and no matter how dark the night, joy comes in the morning.

Don’t give up, don’t give in, it’s not over till it’s over and guess what it’s never over if Eledumare is involved.

Hold on fellow pilgrims......”last last we’ll all be alright”.

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STYLE & DESIGN

E L B U O D

Colours of Life

BY ISIOMA USIADE

DELIGHT

with Koko Kalango

CONVERSATIONS WITH A SERPENT (3) CAN GOD BE TRUSTED? ‘For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’ Genesis 3:5 The devil had drawn Eve into dialogue and made her doubt whether God had spoken, and if He did, what He had said. Satan had got Eve to question the consequences of disobeying God. Now the Serpent dug his fangs even deeper, he began casting aspersion on God’s integrity.

Here he was saying to Eve, “You don’t really know God, I know Him and I am about to expose Him to you. I can tell you something about Him to prove that He cannot really be trusted.” He was saying, “God knows something you don’t know but I know and unlike Him, I will not keep it from you. I am willing, able and ready to reveal it to you here and now.”

TWO TRUTHS ONE LIE Satan began to take the woman, in her mind, behind the forbidden door. He made her realise that one simple act (eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil) would grant her access to what God was trying to keep away from her. Satan sold Eve the lie that things would only get better when she took that step; her eyes would be open and she would be like God, she would know good and evil.

To an extent the devil was right – but, like before, he was speaking half-truths. When Eve and Adam ate the fruit, indeed their eyes were opened. When Eve and Adam ate the fruit, indeed they got to know good and evil. But when Eve and Adam ate the fruit, they did not become like God. Sandwiched between two truths, was a big, fat, lie.

Fact is, before they ate the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Adam and Eve were already like God – God had made them in His image.

I AM MY OWN GOD The Serpent enticed Eve with the promise of access into a world God had shielded her from. He lured her by a promise to let her in on the things God knows – He told her that once she ate the fruit of the forbidden tree she would be elevated to divine status – like God, she would have something very powerful; the knowledge of good and evil! The devil struck a cord with the woman. He was showing her the opportunity to be more than God had created her to be and that was attractive.

Eve is still falling for this lie. She keeps resisting her God-given role. She is dissatisfied with her God-ordained place. She does not want to be confined. She wants to have power over her body and the choices she makes over it. She wants to head the family in place of her husband. Eve wants to know what God knows.

She wants to be what God is. She wants to be her own God. She is still in conversation with a serpent.

WHAT DO YOU SEE? ‘And when the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it…’ (Genesis 3:6) Once Eve had crossed the boundary God had set, in her mind, it was a matter of time before she would act it out. By now she had begun caving in, sinking in the quicksand on which she had been standing 5 verses before.

Eve was about to re-write the story of the world. She began to consider what the serpent had just revealed to her. Then she started to believe him. She lingered on around the tree, she gazed upon it and then she SAW. She saw something she had never seen before – the tree was good for food, it was pleasing to the eyes, it was desirable for gaining wisdom.

The things that appealed to Eve in the tree were harmless in themselves, that is why she reached out for the fruit, that is why she took hold of the fruit, that is why she ate it….

Do you really trust God? Do you always want to challenge the boundaries God has placed?

Do you allow yourself to be led by your senses rather than by God’s word?

To learn more about the pitfalls of temptation, but above all, how to triumph over them, look out for my upcoming book: Conversations with a Serpent.

COLOURS OF LIFE SHOW We have kicked off season 2 of our Colours of Life show. Today, as we celebrate Valentine’s Day, tune in at 5pm (WAT) on YouTube, to hear Dr David Carling tell us how the love of God brought him from the UK to work amongst lepers in northern Nigeria. Also catch up on the first two episodes; the amazing testimony of healing by Fadeke Adepetun, and the incredible story of how God has led Tobi Oluseye and Uyeme Itsueli.

Koko Kalango is author of the Colours of Life devotional and host of the Colours of Life show. Contact her at: contact@ coloursoflife.org and on Instagram: @koko.kalango.

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9411 Sunday, February 14, 2021

To achieve a cool smart look, a shirt is an important ingredient for your outfit.

Besides the buttonless shirt and the button up shirt, there is something that is a probably a little more feminine and sexier, which is the wrap shirt. Most wrap shirts come with a V neckline making the top extra sexy. Also, it provides your outfit with a breezy and laid-back feel. KEKE O. has shown two ways to style this look effortlessly.

BUSINESS CASUAL

KEKE O

This wrap shirt is a very unique designed piece. To build a business casual stylish outfit around the shirt, wear black skinny jeans and a pair of black statement strappy heeled sandals. Carry a black leather purse to complete the outfit with style. Don’t forget to belt up and wear a smile for that business casual look.

SMART CASUAL

This outfit looks pretty casual and stylish at first glance. You can pair with a pair of white skinny ripped skinny jeans. Finish up the look with black pointed toe heels, a Gucci belt and a Louis Vuitton mini purse to make the outfit more eye catching.

Fat SHAMING!

If I don’t get a move on, if I don’t quit moronically sabotaging my own plans by tackling the weight loss challenge at a snail’s pace, ditching the 30-plus kilos I need to ditch will take forever; and I’ll prolong my self-loathing, my exposure to the health risks that are exacerbated by obesity, my inability to fit into nice clothes, etc.

I have a very good friend – a brilliant lawyer called Ibroma Akpana. He understands my anguish and has just sent me the following:

BY DONU KOGBARA “A good read that resonates with me, as it mirrors much of what Mark Manson [an American self-help blogger and author] preaches; the question is not what do you want; it is PART 42 what pain are you willing to bear? It is as true for sports as it Weeks 43 and 44 is other aspects of our lives from career to relationships [and dieting[…

“No matter how you want to improve, you need to ask summer), while the worst was when I hit 123kg (on yourself two questions first: 1) Do you really want to do January lst, after a big Christmas food/drink binge).

Fortunately, I have been able to drag myself back onto better? 2) Are you willing to feel the discomfort of trying new things that won’t work right away? You need to the straight and narrow. But, truth be told, I’m still not honestly answer “yes” to both of these questions in order to trying hard enough to rescue myself from obesity and grow… its many negative consequences. “…If you want the benefits of something in life, you I’ve been crawling, strolling and grinding to a halt have to also want the costs…If you find yourself wanting when I should have been sprinting or at least walking something month after month, year after year, yet nothing briskly…which is why I only lost 4kg in the first 3 weeks happens and you never come any closer to it, then maybe of 2021 and have been stuck at 119kg since then. what you actually want is a fantasy, an idealization, an This column will appear on Valentine’s Day, a day image and a false promise. Maybe you don’t actually want dedicated to Love. And I’ve decided to show ThisDay Style mag readers a photograph of myself in my super- it at all… “…So I ask you, ‘How are you willing to suffer?’ slim heyday, aged 28, when I loved myself! “…It’s the question that can change your life…You can’t Nobody warmly welcomes the painful disappearance have a pain-free life…What is the pain that you want to of youth. But fellow oldies who have taken good care of their bodies by exercising and eating sensibly simply sustain?...the answer will actually get you somewhere. So what’s it going to be? look like more distinguished versions of their younger I choose to suffer the POSITIVE pain of discipline, selves…whereas I look like a totally different person. delayed gratification, minimizing my consumption of Long story short: The gap between Donu Then and favourite food items and drinks and exercising, even Donu Now is too wide and too shocking as well as extremely traumatic from my point of view. And I must when I don’t feel like challenging my creaking elderly body. find a way of eliminating this depressing reality at the I choose to reduce the visual chasm between Donu earliest opportunity. In a nutshell, I need to cut the crap Then and Donu Now. asap.

BATTLE OF THE BULGE Recap and vital statistics: am 5 feet and 10 inches tall and 61 years old. I was an effortlessly super-slim 70kg till my late 40s, then the weight started to pile on. By my early 50s, I was 85kg.

But I didn’t become obese till my mid-50s.

I started this battle of the bulge on March 16th last year, when I weighed a whopping 120kg and measured 49-47-51 (chest-waist-hips) inches. And I’ve been struggling to shed excess lard since then.

I was at my happiest and most elegant when I was 70kg and a size 10 (UK sizing). But a woman of my current advanced age might look haggard – ill and starved even - in a totally fat-free body and face zone, so I’m taking the view that a bit of genteel padding does a sexuagenarian no harm. And since I didn’t feel/ look too bad when I was 85kg and a size 14, that’s the compromise I am aiming for.

It’s been a yo-yo ride.

My weight has, alas, fluctuated wildly since I started this journey. I’ve had weeks when I’ve lost a couple of kilos, weeks when I’ve regained every lost kilo and weeks when I haven’t gained or lost an ounce.

I won’t bore you with the numerous ups and downs my weight has been through. Suffice it to say that the best I’ve done so far was dropping to 106kg (last

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STYLE & DESIGN

D R E FO

T R R e E n i L t n A

e l a V

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9411 Sunday, February 14, 2021

Red Patterns

Patterns can be a fun and playful way to rock the red trend this season.

Although they can often seem more intense than block colours, patterns can actually subdue a vibrant all red hue by breaking up the bright tone.

Therefore, rocking a red patterned design is an excellent way to ease into this season’s hottest trend. All you need to do is pick your favourite option. While florals are always a lovely choice, you should also consider checks, tartan, gingham, and stripes.

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9411 Sunday, February 14, 2021

STYLE & DESIGN

Red Jumpsuit

Cute wide leg jump suit with power sleeves in red which silhouettes your curves to perfection, may not require you to wear much makeup. An effortless look ready for any occasion.

Red Dress

Red is hot, and this red dress is a statement on its own.

Sometimes your red dress needs you in it to raise the ante with a near bold appearance!

The red shoes gives it more pazzazz. This look can power up your lunch date and also make you a sultry siren at night.

Red Power Suit

Pairing straight pants with a blazer, heels, painted lips and a bag all in same colour is one way to get noticed any time of the day.

Red Top & Bottoms

Opting for a pair of red skirt and top will still create statement style without feeling over the top.

To keep the look balanced, go for a wrap skirt and a button-down shirt for an excellent turn out.

This look is effortlessly sleek.

BY USIADE ISIOMA

Red is the colour of love and romance.

It is the colour that make you stand apart even in a crowd.

The colour of bold fashion statement.

The colour of glamour and glitz. With its vibrancy, it definitely draws the attention.

Although it may be a bold move, going red all over is completely on-trend and incredibly stylish. So, if there was ever a time to rock this look, it is now.

We have tracked down seven chic all red dressing ideas for women that will spice up your closet.

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FOLAKE HUNTOON

TOKE MAKINWA ALICIA

EKI OGUNBOR MODEL FOR TIFFANY AMBER MODEL FOR CLAN

MPHOTSILA

Red with Leather

While red undoubtedly goes great with denim, it can also partner perfectly with leather. The combination of the bright hue and tough fabric is an intense and edgy one. Red with leather makes an excellent option for occasions where you want to give attitude. While you can rock the pair during the day, it works especially well for evening events. All you need to do is dress it up a little.

Don’t forget to wear a red bold lipstick and you are good to go.

Red With A Touch Of Black

If you have a cooler skin tone, you can still wear this colour and look amazing. Red dresses look fantastic when combined with a touch of black which sets off your outfit to perfection.

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9411 Sunday, February 14, 2021

BEAUTY

SKIN CARE

STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9411 Sunday, February 14, 2021

BY FUNKE BABSKUFEJI

RULES TO ADOPT

Lockdown has sparked a skincare revival. Consumers would now rather invest in skincare than make-up and Google searches for ‘skincare at home’ have shot up by more than 100% since February 2020. People are beginning to engage with their skin again and are able to see the benefits of taking care of it. So here are some failsafe skin care rules you should stick to in 2021.

LA ROCHE POSAY SPF 60

PIXI DOUBLE CLEANSE

CLEANSE EVERY NIGHT

That doesn’t mean use a face wipe. It means properly wash your skin every night without fail.

Double cleansing is key if you’re wearing an SPF or make-up. Start with a balm then use a cleansing milk. PIXI DOUBLE CLEANSE

START YOUR NIGHTLY SKIN ROUTINE EARLY

Your night-time skin routine should start as soon as you’re through the door.

Don’t get home, fix dinner and sit in their make-up all night. Don’t do your skincare routine right before you go to bed. If you do it as soon as you get in, all of those actives you’ve invested in get to work on your skin while you’re sitting watching Netflix. It’s all about forming good habits.

USE A HIGH SPF DAILY

Use a broad spectrum SPF 60 every day. It will save your skin so much damage further down the line, it’s really worth the investment. All signs of ageing are exacerbated by the sun.

CREAM DE LA MER SET

CESAR SALAD

PRIORITISE SKINCAR Equate your skincare spend to the amount you’d pay for a pair of shoes or a bag.

If its good to wear then it also good for your skin.

DO NOT SMOKE

‘People think that great skin is all about skincare but it’s about what you do to yourself too. Do not smoke. It destroys your collagen, depletes the oxygen levels in your skin and in doing so hinders nutrients getting to it too.

EAT WELL

We are not saying don’t have a little bit of what you fancy, but you could start by taking a probiotic. It’s something most skin experts agree on, from dermatologists to GPs to health specialists. Not eating well shows on your skin. Sugar, in particular, has a big effect. Sugar causes glycation, a process that destroys collagen.

NNENA OKOYE

OLE HENRIKSEN TRUTH SERUM

USE A GOOD VITAMIN C

Use a good quality vitamin C daily. It’s great for day wear because the antioxidants help ward off the damage caused by pollution. It’s also great for use in the evening because of its repair function – just don’t mix with retinol, they don’t work well together. Use an oil-based vitamin C product if you want an instant glow and all stable vitamin C products to help boost your collagen production.

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AVOID STRESS

Get enough sleep and try to avoid stress. It’s easier said than done but when you are stressed, your skin is the last thing your system worries about.

Added to that stress causes inflammation. Find what makes you calm.

IF IT AIN’T BROKE DON’T FIX IT

If what you are doing works for your skin, don’t listen to people about what they think you should be using. If it is working for you don’t change it.

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