THISDAY STYLE MAGAZINE 16TH AUGUST 2020

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

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2020

Y K K BU

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E 0 G 5 R O @ E G E L B D O U

N O I T A R E B L E C

We are faster, closer and safer With our scale, expertise and deep desire to satisfy your needs, we will deliver exceptional experiences for the moments that matter the most to you.

Bukky George, aka Queen of Pharmacy, is the Founder & CEO of HealthPlus Limited, Nigeria’s first integrative pharmacy, the fastest growing pharmacy & beauty chain in West Africa. But behind every success story, there are challenges to overcome and one of such is Bukky’s life was the recent survival of when not one, not two but 11 members of her household including her family and her 83yr old mother all tested positive for the dreaded Covid 19!

As she turns 50, we celebrate this multiaward winning female role model for entrepreneurship in Nigeria and also celebrate her and her family for surviving COVID-19. FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI reports...

CONTENT

Fashion HOW TO BE MORE STYLISH PG 4-5 THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS

PG 5

TRIPLE DELIGHT PG 7

• COLOURS OF LIFE

MEN’S GUIDE TO BUSINESS ATTIRE PG 8

BAG IT NOW PG 17

PG 12

PG 20-21

SKIRTS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD OWN PG 6

MUDI’S AFRICA HOME COLLECTION PG 9

WHITE IS THE RAGE PG 18

DITCH THAT DENIM FOR THE NEW COSY BOTTOMS

STYLING TOOLS PG 10

• STYLISH SHOES TO WEAR WITH BOYFIRNED JEANS

PG 7

• CAPSULES

THISDAY STYLE FASHION DIRECTAOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR RUTH OSIME

08111847085

EDITOR PRINT OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI EDITOR DIGITAL KONYE NWABOGOR

08111847086

08111847087

SENIOR ART DESIGNER MATHIAS ARCHIBONG 07054965500 CONTRIBUTORS RUKY SALAKO ISIOMA USIADE IYANU AYODELE PHOTOGRAPHER TY BELLO DIRECTOR, PRINT PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO 08077092196

• SO YOU WANT TO BE A FASHION INFLUENCER

THE BRAIDED BOB PG 19

Beauty • 7 BEAUTY TRUTHS • 8 BASIC MAKEUP PRODUCTS PG 22

There’s a saying that goes “When the going gets tough, the tough get going!” Many a time, life has thrown us many curveballs which sometimes overwhelms us but it’s the ability to rise up and fight back that separates the men from the boys or should l say wheat from the chaff. Truth be told, no matter what obstacles come our way, the ability to overcome is a gift we should not take for granted.

Recently, our cover personality, the Queen of Pharmacy as she is fondly referred as, BUKKY GEORGE, turned 50. Though it is a milestone age, that was not the only reason she had cause to celebrate. Hers can be called a double celebration because 11 members of her household survived the dreaded corona virus! To many, that sounds like a hammer house of horrors...but to the Georges, it was simply a matter of survival. They fought back with everything within their power including prayers and today, she is here to tell her tale!

What challenges are you facing right now? How strong is your faith? What is your state of mind whilst going through this dark tunnel? Do you see light at the end of it or have you thrown in the towel in defeat and can only see the train coming towards you? Regardless of what your situation is, as long as you have the ability to fight back...this too shall pass. The journey might be painful, but at the end of the day, if you do survive it, it will make you a stronger person both physically, mentally and spiritually.

Some battles might not be won due to the law of nature but where you stand spiritually and mentally will determine how you go through it. Thankfully, more often than not, most battles are not that dire even though just as worrisome.

The George family, like other victims of Covid 19, went through emotional upheaval and immediately did the needful in addressing their problem head on! Bukky was brave enough to share their ordeal with the world and drew further attention to the undeserving stigmatization that comes with it. Some people still hide this disease like it’s a fault of theirs which should not be the case. The more people speak about their various experiences, the more we can learn about this pandemic that has befallen us! No research is enough and each day we learn something new. People should stop concealing their challenges and share as much knowledge as they can either as victims or as front liners.

We pray that a few years down the line, we would have found a much better way to deal with this virus.

Stay safe!

FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

STYLE & DESIGN

HOW TO BE

MORE

STYLISH

It may have been one of your resolutions to make 2020 your most stylish year yet – and, although we have all come across some unexpected hurdles regarding our goals for the year, there is no reason why you can’t use this time to get your wardrobe in order. From holding onto old clothes that never get worn to panic buying pieces that won’t have more than one outing, we are all guilty of making less than sensible decisions when it comes to our wardrobes. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here, we break down a few wardrobe resolutions to undertake now so that you can make space, save money and look the best you ever have.

BY KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR

Don’t buy something for just one occasion

We’re all guilty of it. A wedding, a Christmas party, a Friday night reunion in the club with your friend’s post-lockdown.

Heading somewhere exciting means we inevitably feel like we need something special – and therefore something new – to wear. However, more often than not, as much as we like the pieces that we buy, it rarely gets more than one outing.

Instead of purchasing something specific for certain events, try to have a few pieces in your wardrobe that are more versatile.

Clothes swap with your most stylish friends

One great way of keeping your wardrobe feeling fresh is to swap pieces with friends.

Operate your one-in, one-out policy by getting rid of something that you haven’t worn in months and trading it for a piece your friend has got bored of wearing (but you have always had an eye on). Whether you host clothes-swap parties with a big group or just have a deal with one friend, trading clothes is a great way of having an exciting wardrobe without spending any money or doing any further damage to your wallet.

STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9229 Sunday, August 16, 2020

Make an effort to discover new brands

Another reason we get stuck into style ruts is because we get attached to and comfortable with certain shops. It’s great to have your core favourites who you trust, but there are always so many new, amazing brands hitting the market that are waiting to be discovered. From highend designer labels to more affordable mid-range brands, keep exploring all year round. You’ll end up with some truly special, stylish finds (that – bonus – almost nobody else has).

Create a uniform

One of the big misconceptions about being stylish is that you should never buy something similar to what you already own. Of course, nobody aims to have an entire wardrobe consisting only of 15 navy blue tops and 10 identical pairs of black skinny jeans. However, don’t be afraid to make the most of the knowledge of what suits you. All of the most stylish women in the world have their own uniform – they keep it simple; they know what they look good in and they stick to this formula when they’re choosing new pieces.

Know your wardrobe inside out

It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget what’s sitting in our wardrobes – and, for many of us, there will be great pieces hidden away that haven’t seen the light of day for years, or that will have been forgotten about during lockdown. So, before you go ahead and buy something new, make sure that you have a very clear idea of what is in your wardrobe already.

If you have a clear-out and declutter, you will know what’s in there and this will prevent you from accidentally buying things you don’t need.

Invest in what you already own

So many of us are guilty of throwing pieces away as soon as they are damaged, but just because something is a little worn does not mean it needs to be discarded. Invest in the pieces that you already have in your wardrobe by knowing where to get things fixed in your local area, from a great seamstress to shoe and handbag restoration companies. It is worth spending a little bit of money to get things fixed rather than re-buying the same thing time and time again.

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9229 Sunday, August 16, 2020

Don’t underestimate the power of a capsule wardrobe

To be truly stylish does not take a huge budget or three walk-in wardrobes worth of designer clothes – you don’t need a lot to look good.

What you do need though, is to make good, sensible decisions. Buy what you need and what makes you feel great and hold on to nothing more.

And look after your clothes. You can do with just 15 pieces.

MONICA LERATO SEUOE

KEFILWE MABOTE

THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS

4 reasons why every woman should own one.

BY KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR

From standard black or nude heels to at least one black leather jacket, certain wardrobe essentials need to be in your closet. Of all the must-haves, there is the one you cannot do without. The famous little black dress.

Why, you ask? Here’s four reasons why.

CHIOMA IKOKWU

ALERO LERATO KGAMANYANE PEARL MODIADIE

YUKI AKINOSHO

NIKKY BLACK

OZINNA ANUMUDU

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.It is versatile

The little black dress is a powerhouse all by itself. It can be worn to different occasions like dinner, to work, a funeral, the list is endless. If you’ve had a busy day at work and you have a small gathering with your friends later, your whole outfit changes when you swap your work heels for fancy gladiators and replace your blazer with a jacket.

It’s hard to find an outfit that you can use in so many different ways, so the LBD really comes in handy. The best part about it is that they are so easy to accessorize so you don’t even need to do too much. It looks good with different colours, so you are free to play around with belts, scarves, necklaces, bags and other accessories. What you do with it is entirely up to you.

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. It’s an emergency wardrobe essential

Another reason why we love the LBD so much is the fact that it can save you when you have nothing to wear. And let’s be honest, as women we never have anything to wear despite having clothes overflowing from our closet. There are many times when we have unexpected occasions and nothing to wear. You might be called for a sudden party at work or some random occasion that you haven’t had time to properly plan for. You might even be required to attend a certain meeting that’s not too formal or too casual either. If you have the black dress in your closet,

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you’re lucky. You can quickly accessorize it and instantly be ready for your occasion.

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. It flatters everyone

PEARL MODIADIE

We all have different preferences.

When it comes to the black dress, however, you’re less likely to find someone who doesn’t like them at all because they look good on everyone. Furthermore, it’s still an essential for women of all ages. When you reach a certain age, you might start avoiding some colours and prints but with the LBD, you can never go wrong. If you are curvy, it looks great too because black complements your curves. If you are petite, it’s also very flattering. This goes to show that it is suitable for every woman.

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. It’s a classic piece

The little black dress is a timeless outfit. Other styles and designs come and go but the LBD remains. It has been recognized from the 1800’s, 1900’s and all the way to current times. We owe it to one great designer who transformed it from the standard mourning dress to a fashion statement.

Coco Chanel managed to bring out the versatility of the LBD into a wardrobe staple.

Today, the dress comes in diverse designs and silhouettes to fit every woman’s need.

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STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9229 Sunday, August 16, 2020

STYLE & DESIGN

SKIRTS

T

EVERY WOMAN Slender silhouette or voluminous, short or long, formal or casual, skirts can be just right for all occasions! With the several options available, you’ll be better off knowing each type and how they can be styled.

IDIA AISIEN

NQOBILE KHWEZI

A-line skirts flare from the waist towards the hem. They can be short or long and flatter all body shapes

Yoga Pants went from being a workout essential to all-day comfort fashion. Because of its body-hugging and stretchy characteristics, yoga pants have now garnered massive popularity and are a wardrobe necessity.

NAOMI NOINYANE

JULIET FOXX TEMITOPE ADESHINA AMAGODSON

SWEAT PANTS

PLEATED SKIRT

6

PENCIL SKIRT

NEW COSY

Pleated skirts work for all occasions from boardroom meetings to evening soirees.

Choose from regular pleats, box pleats, inverted pleats, and more!

Biker shorts is a trend that was initially not accepted by many but has now turned into a staple wardrobe item. There are innumerable ways to style biker shorts as they are comfortable and match with any garment easily.

R

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BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI ADETOKE OLUWO

Not a very surprising addition to the trend list as you cannot deny that sweatpants will always remain the OG comfort wear. They are comfortable and can even look stylish when paired with the right accessories.

Our denim drawers have not been touched in ages (almost half a year).

It is practically impossible to remember the last time we wore jeans, and it also seems a little unnecessary even to wear them right now, doesn’t it?!

The WFH trend has brought with it the emergence of stretchy and comfy pants that can be effortlessly adapted to amazing styles.

BIKER SHORTS

Pencil skirts are form-fitting and suited for formal wear.

T

FOR THE

T

YOGA PANTS

MODEL FOR KAREN UBANI

A-line skirts flare from the waist towards the hem. They can be short or long and flatter all body shapes.

A

This look is nothing but amazing. Combining same fabrics of different designs can be daring but TOKE has effortlessly paired this together looking chic. She has kept her accessories very simple making her look more stunning. This look works perfectly if you are a wedding guest or going for Africa festival.

BOTTOMS

A-LINE SKIRT

A-LINE SKIRT

H

DENIM

SHOULD OWN

BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI

DITCH

STREET CASUAL

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9229 Sunday, August 16, 2020

Knitted Pants

Knitted pants are not only versatile but also snug-proof.

Whether you are heading out for the grocery run or just lounging at home and finishing your day’s to-do-list, a smart pair provides a home-wear feel and also makes a stylish impression.

SEMI-FORMAL DINNER DATE

ADETOKE used the Adire skirt as layer over a net dress.

This look is a great choice if you are on a date night with friends and family. You look comfy and stylish all night.

KIITAN AKINNIRANYE

For a casual formal meeting over a cup of coffee, ADETOKE wore an Ankara blazer over her adire skirt and a classic white shirt tucked in.

This look obviously looks great, the mix of prints on each piece makes a statement. The hat, mirror sunshades and simple pink heels ready to meet a client or a cocktail party.

E L P TRI DELIGHT

Unique and versatile, the Tbally Adire skirt is now a perfect alternative for your classic outerwear pieces to effortlessly add dimension to your outfit.

Although the skirt has been seen on few fashionable celebrities recently, ADETOKE OLUWO has inspired us even further on how to style the Adire skirt. Get your styling inspiration from her.

BY ISIOMA USIADE

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BUSINESS CASUAL OUTFIT

Looking for a casual outfit to wear to work? Slip into a crisp pair of blue jeans and put on a white button-down shirt. If you want, you can throw on a blazer as well or otherwise hold it on until when necessary.

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4 EBUKA OBI-UCHENDU AUDREY LUNDA

SOLOMON

LOGIK

BUSINESS COCKTAIL PARTY OUTFIT

Here is an example of a stylish ensemble when invited to a business cocktail party. You may prefer neutral colours. Keep it business casual. You can always remove the jacket and roll up the sleeves as well if you want an even more casual look. If you like a little flare with your shoe choices, consider suede boots.

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LAYER FREE LOOK

In the dry season, avoiding layers is probably your main goal, to stay as cool and comfortable as possible. Here is a fantastic layer-free look that maintains professionalism and style.

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9229 Sunday, August 16, 2020

CASUAL WORK ATTIRE

For a casual workday, remain professional but feel free to whip out your best jeans for this stylish summer ensemble you will love. Skip the tie and cuff links and lay aside your darker suit jackets in favour of this summer-jacket.

Wear dress shoes and use a tiny brown belt and hat as a finishing touch.

EVENT 3 WORK OUTFIT

The light colours will have you feeling cool and fresh even at a work event. Play up your regular style by giving the pale pink suit a try. Bypass the tie in favour of a floral button-down shirt, open at the collar.

USIADE

BY ISIOMA

E D I U G S ’ N ME SINESS ATTIRE

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STYLE & DESIGN

S ’ A C I R F A I D MU

HOPE COLLECTION

EVERYDAY WORK 6 SUIT

In the warmer weather, put away your dark suits and give a pale brown suit a try. You will want to avoid a three-piece suit as extra layers are never fun in the dry season. Finish off the look with black dress shoes and a black tie.

7 TRAVEL WORK OUTFIT

If you have to travel for work, you should always aim for a conservative yet classy look instead of a trendy one. Here is a great outfit option you can try, go for jeans with dark wash and slightly loose fit and a sweet shirt, pair with dress shoes. This look is well-coordinated and structured without being overly dressy.

8 EFFORTLESS STYLE

Combining varying shades is always a great look. Pair a white shirt with wine blazer and white slacks. Match your belt to your dress shoes and be sure to add a watch for a practical accessory. Remember fit and cut is always super important. These well-tailored slacks look fantastic with just enough give at the ankle. In most cases, it is best to avoid exposing your ankles for work attire.

This exquisitely tailored collection reflects the uber new normal occasioned by the pandemic, which continues to reorder outlooks. The Mudi brand in rapid response has delivered one of the most symptomatic pieces that would arrowhead the resurgence of life.

Playing with a casual approach, the master delivers on these pieces with pinpoint accuracy.

Part of the sales of this collection will be donated for Covid-19 relief in Africa, especially Lagos where the brand has its headquarters.

BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI

RICHARD MOFE DAMIJO

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9229 Sunday, August 16, 2020

STYLE & DESIGN

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9229 Sunday, August 16, 2020

Styling Tools To Ace Your Hair Game Everyday Every girl, no matter her hair type, needs to have some essential hair styling tools at home. If you’re just starting out, or need some help filling in gaps in your current tool kit, we’re here to help you out I

EJ

UF S-K

B BA E K

UN

F BY

CURLING IRON

TORERA GEORGE

BLOW DRYER & BRUSH These tools are a must for salon-like smooth hair at home. It adds bounce and shine to your mane and is perfect for when your hair is unruly or needs some body. Whether you have straight or frizzy hair, you cannot live without these tools.

HOT ROLLERS You’re probably thinking that this is so old school but hear us out. Hot rollers are one of the best hair styling tools for achieving voluminous styles, or they can be used to prep your hair before creating updo hairstyles.

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TAIL COMB FLAT IRON You can’t leave your straight hairstyles entirely up to your blowdryer. Flat irons help seal the deal on your sleek styles and can also be used for mid-week touchups.

ELECTRIC HAIR STYLING BRUSHES These multi-purpose tools can be a real-time and energy saver. You can dry comb, straighten, and texturise your hair all at the same time. The bristles help brush your hair while the heat smoothes your hair.

This is essential for creating styles that require clean and precise hair partings. Consider buying tail combs with different tooth sizes. A fine-tooth tail comb can be used for wet styling already detangled hair and a wide tooth tail comb can be used for sectioning and detangling hair.

Yes, nowadays we can use a flat iron to curl our hair, but the only reason people opt for this is when they don’t own a curling iron to begin with. Start off with a one-inch sized barrel to create curly hairstyles, like Hollywood curls, and more.

PONYTAIL HOLDERS If you’re still using a rubber band to secure your ponytails, you’re doing it wrong. Not only will a rubber band snag your hair, it also breaks easily when you keep looping your hair through to achieve your favorite sleek and tight updo style. Make sure you buy a bunch of ponytail holders, we all know that they magically disappear.

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9229 Sunday, August 16, 2020

STYLE & DESIGN

Alero Adollo aleroadollo@yahoo.com

STYLE & DESIGN

CAPSULES

BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI

The silence of pain, the thunderous roar of sounds saying nothing....

Once upon a time we dreamt with careless abandon, an abandon dipped in faith baked in fate.

Once upon a time we flew up as we felt the wind whisper to our wings, our innocuous minds made us believe we could take the world.

Once upon a time we climbed beyond Babel with an understanding of the various languages but today we oscillate like headless chicken.

Those were the days my friend, when the the colours of the rainbow elicited hope with each colour splashing a different dream and each dream daring a different act.

We trot around today face covered with masks, another layer to lives that were born masked, another complex layer to a world that 2+2 is not adding up to 4. Muffled sounds, death of clarity, we speak unheard.

This cannot be our new normal? We need to impugn process and orchestrate a different normal that will speak to our designs after all we are gods, we need to stop vacillating.

We need to stop singing lullabies that do not soothe or calm, it is time to change the melody of our songs as the world is on her knees frightened and seemingly defeated. Our refusal to exercise the power we carry within is part of the problem we are facing today and believe it or not, we have the power to change our reality because we are gods.

I think of motherland and I shiver, I think of a mother who is allowing her children wander around aimlessly destroying her legacy oblivious to her pain, forlorn, she beats her chest like a bird without a song, sad and tired she prays for divine intervention.

We have created a lacuna with our inertia and the consequences of this is fast catching up on us and time has chosen to ignore our rantings because it is not backed with rational action.

The days are dark, the clouds cry endlessly as many are in agony as they watch souls vacate bodies and fly to other realms, a few from tired hearts others ravaged by the silent enemy and the mothers continue to cry BUT this must end, we must wrestle control off the foreign invaders, remember we are gods.

Many are suffering from mental health issues and and keep seeing giants where lilliputians abide, but given our supposed new normal, who can blame their minds for playing tricks on them, how does anyone cope with solitary confinement laced with daily doses of bad news of departures to eternity and not see horses flying....... we need to resist this hostage takeover of our minds by making a conscious effort to remain sane despite the insanity of the present tide. We are as strong as our minds allow, it is time to fight for survival, it is critical.

Remember the maxim of “enough is enough” .... “o to gę” like the yorubas say.....seriously, we need to take our power back because we are gods like the good book says.

We all started 2020 full of hope, we cannot allow “lights out” on our dreams, it is time to give power to faith and muscle to boldness, it is time to dump life’s garbage in it’s proper home, we are not garbage incinerators, we need to declutter and travel light.

We must learn to rest the stress, we must birth our tomorrow despite the labour pain and we must resist the urge to allow posterity to be stillborn. We must speak to courage and fight our fears. We must make that decision to walk on water by staying our eyes on the face of the Creator. Remember, you are gods.

Colours of Life with Koko Kalango

AN ALLELUIA MOMENT When my children were very young, I took them to visit an orphanage. We went with a big bag containing clothes, shoes and toys they had outgrown. I had taken time to explain the importance of this trip to them. They got so excited about the visit that items that did not quite qualify to leave the house were eagerly ‘volunteered’ for the ‘special children’.

At the orphanage we interacted with children of different ages. Our visit was going well until we came to a section for new intakes. There we saw three large cots; in each one was a new-born baby, curled up in a precious bundle. When I asked how these babies ended up in the home, I was told that one was found in a bag in a dust bin, and another by a river. I was so overwhelmed by this information that tears rolled freely down my cheeks. But soon it dawned on me that for each of these children who had been found alive, an unknown number had died! At that instant, I realised it was not a time to shed tears ... it was a time to rejoice. It was AN ALLELUIA MOMENT! How many times each day does an alleluia moment pass us by? How often do we mistake a blessing for a problem and murmur instead of give God praise?

In the book of second Kings chapter thirteen, Elisha the prophet was terminally ill. Jehoash, the king of Israel, paid him a visit. The king was moved to tears at the sight of the dying prophet. To him it was a time to weep; but not so for Elisha. The prophet was not afraid of death. He knew that to be absence from the flesh was to be present with God. Elisha also knew that God was about to deliver Israel from Syria. Elisha recognised AN ALLELUIA MOMENT! Rather than give the king a handkerchief to dry his tears, Elisha gave Jehoash matching orders for the next level.

“And Elisha said unto him, “Take bow and arrows”.

And he took unto him bow and arrows. And he said to the king of Israel, ‘Put thine hand upon the bow.’

And he put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hand upon the king’s hands. And he said, ‘Open the window eastward.’ And he opened it. Then Elisha said, ‘Shoot.’

And he shot ... and he said ‘Take the arrows’. And he took them. And he said unto the king of Israel, ‘Smite upon the ground’. And he smote thrice, and stayed.” (2 Kings 13:15-18) The dying prophet responded to a situation that would have justified him throwing a pity party, with instructions for action. And his orders contained principles worth paying attention to.

Yes we are experiencing an economic downturn, yes things have been tough, yes the future seems uncertain. But God always leaves us with a cruise of oil, a ray of hope, a light at the end of the tunnel.

Even in this challenging times, we can advance in life. But we must obey God’s orders, step by step: 1.Take bow and arrows: The bow is the base

from which the arrow is launched out. The bow and arrow work together, they are a team. The original bow is our faith and the original arrows are our works. But the bow is also what we have that we can use to propel ourselves – a good education, a strong support system, an experience, unlimited information. With our faith in God, we can launch out with our arrows: ideas, products, services, enterprises.

2. Put your hand upon the bow: Lay firm hold on what you have going for you. Here, the king had his hand on the bow and the prophet had his hand over the king’s, symbolising God’s touch upon what we have to build on: a recipe for success.

3. Open the window: A window allows access to what is on the other side. Being asked to ‘open the window’ implies that the window is shut, preventing access. We must take away every obstacle in the way so we can fire.

4. Shoot: With the window open (the obstacle now out of the way), we can release our arrows to hit our target (take the necessary action to reach our goal) and this could be completing an education, building a business, getting married, starting a family, promoting a cause, serving God. 5. Take the arrows: When the king shot the arrows, he accomplished something. But that was only the first phase of the exercise. He still needed to go after the arrows and pick them up. So also it is not enough to step out, we need to followed-up and follow through.

6. Smite upon the ground: When we receive the follow up instructions we need to act upon it and persistently. We must repeatedly exercise the tools we have been given for total victory. God is placing limitless opportunities before us.

King Josiah obeyed the prophet’s every instruction and he was making good progress. But he also made an error; when he was told to strike the arrows on the ground, he did so only three times. Unknown to him, the destiny of his people was hinged upon this action. Because he struck just three times, Israel would triumph over Syria only three times.

God has given each us the go-ahead to maximize our potential. He is ready and willing to go with us as far as we are ready and willing to go.

If we are perceptive, we will identify the alleluia moments and, when we do, we must remember it is not a time to weep but a time to take action. And when we step out we must be relentless – we must just keep at it until ALL we get total victory. Who knows, the destiny of a nation may just depend on it!

Koko Kalango is author Colours of Life devotional and host, Colours of Life show. contact@coloursoflife.org

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9229 Sunday, August 16, 2020

Bukky George, aka Queen of Pharmacy, is the Founder & CEO of HealthPlus Limited, Nigeria’s first integrative pharmacy, the fastest growing pharmacy & beauty chain in West Africa. She built a solid foundation in the first seven years. Through cycles of expansion and consolidation, her two brands, HealthPlus Pharmacy and CasaBella Beauty have grown to over 90 retail stores, with 850+ employees in 11 States of Nigeria. Today, they are the gold standard in retail pharmacy & beauty and have become a household name in Nigeria and beyond.

With such accolades, behind every success story, there are challenges to overcome and one of such is Bukky’s life was the recent survival of when not one, not two but 11 members of her household including her family and her 83yr old mother all tested positive for the dreaded Covid 19!

As she turns 50, we celebrate this multi-award winning female role model for entrepreneurship in Nigeria and also celebrate her and her family for surviving COVID-19.

You are often referred to as the Queen of Pharmacy or the Queen of Retail, tell us about your journey from an 18sqm store to becoming the leading pharmacy & beauty chain in Nigeria?

It’s been an eventful and exciting rollercoaster ride.

It has taken grit and grace to emerge as the industry leader. We opened our doors to customers 21 years ago in GRA Ikeja. Focus they say is the hidden driver of excellence. We have remained laser-focused on maintaining the highest standards in retail pharmacy practice, employing the best and the brightest, guarding the integrity of our supply chain to prevent infiltration of sub-standard products and we have remained committed to exceptional customer service.

It has been said that you achieved what the men couldn’t do. What were some of the challenges you faced in building your company and how did you overcome them?

Ours is a highly regulated industry and so I duff my hat to all those who were ahead of me to pave the way.

I must acknowledge the untiring efforts of NAFDAC, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria in enabling the industry. In particular, I will like to honor the memory of Prof. Dora Akunyili, the former DG of NAFDAC whose unprecedented achievements sanitized the pharma industry, paving the way for a new order upon which we built.

Major challenges in building HealthPlus are access to affordable finance, retail technology and the usual people issues. Each challenge presents an opportunity.

In overcoming them, we have moved in our positive direction and continue to do so.

How have you maintained your industry leadership despite economic downturns and increasing competition?

By not paying lip-service to our brand promise. Our customers are guaranteed quality medicines, healthcare and beauty products. In a country where fake products still proliferate the stores and markets, we provide peace of mind. Our product and service offerings are unique and relevant. We have worked very hard to build on effective team. Our people are indeed our number one asset. We have standardized our core processes for operational efficiency. We aim to delight our customers and are committed to continuous improvement. We intentionally and vigorously pursue these to stay ahead.

Describe some of your most fulfilling moments in your entrepreneurship journey.

The confidence our customers have in our knowledgeable pharmacists and quality products. We are viewed as healthcare heroes in the communities we serve. Every employee acknowledges their growth in skills and capacity. We have empowered entrepreneurs in pharma, healthcare and other industries. We share our best practices with business management students.

We have raised the bar in our sphere, winning multiple awards including the NHEA Awards, the industry’s Oscars, every year but one from inception.

The healthcare industry has come under the spotlight with the coronavirus pandemic, what are

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the biggest issues affecting healthcare in Nigeria and what is the way forward?

Where do I begin? Is it the brain drain which has been on for decades? We have been losing our locally trained health practitioners to greener pastures.

Human resources is everything. The grossly inadequate investment by government in healthcare infrastructure haunts us daily. Quality standards are either not in place or are not uniform across the industry. Access to longterm, affordable financing is stunting growth. How can healthcare businesses grow with 23% interest rates.

Surely, a single-digit, naira-denominated Health Fund is urgently needed. Those of us who have scaled our businesses are being strangulated by the high cost of funds.

We need an enabling policy environment to unlock the potentials of the private sector. Government cannot do it alone. The Coronavirus pandemic highlighted this.

It took five months to onboard private sector diagnostic labs to join government facilities for COVID-19 testing.

This is not good enough! We need to improve our life expectancy from embarrassing numbers like 53/54 years!

Indeed turning 50 and my family surviving Covid was a double celebration! I mean, what are the odds that 11 persons out of 12 will test positive for COVID-19 and all survive? While most of us were asymptomatic, two of us had moderate symptoms.

After your household’ ordeal of surviving Covid 19, it must have been a double celebration, thanking God for five decades on earth and also for surviving the virus?

Indeed turning 50 and my family surviving Covid was a double celebration! I mean, what are the odds that 11 persons out of 12 will test positive for COVID-19 and all survive? While most of us were asymptomatic, two of us had moderate symptoms.

I say moderate because we did not need oxygen nor a ventilator but it was traumatic enough. I celebrated my birthday with a colourful zoom thanksgiving themed Joyful Jubilee...an expression of my ecstatic gratitude for how far God has brought me, his mercies, favour and excess love over my family and I. My Pastor of 25 years, Paul Adefarasin of House on the Rock Church officiated the service. The choir went above and beyond. Over 400 family and friends showed up for me.

You are the last person one would imagine will catch

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the dreaded COVID-19 infection. Does this not drive home the point that no measure is too extreme to use in preventing and fighting this virus?

If anyone had suggested I will contract the virus, I would have considered it a big joke. Why? Because I am anal about health and wellness. I pay exacting attention to detail. I crafted a procedure for decontaminating my children upon their return from College and this information went viral. Family and friends reached out to thank me. Domestic staff were not allowed to go on time off. All packages coming in were disinfected. The house was on lockdown. We also had very elaborate SOPs set up at work to protect our staff and customers while we stayed open to serve. If we went through these lengths to protect ourselves and the virus still came in, it is clear that each of us must go above and beyond to stay COVID-free, especially if there are underlying health conditions.

What immediate steps did you take to get tested and what emotions ran through your mind when 11 out of 12 members of your household tested positive? How did you break the news to your family?

When one member of the family started coughing badly during the Easter weekend, I suggested a COVID test. An antibody test was carried out and it was positive. Shock was an understatement. I was frightened. I called in my oldest son and informed him of the test result. He was ultra calm and this gave me some courage. A doctor friend put plans in place for PCR tests the next morning. 12 of us got tested. Results came out in 24 hours. The doctors said we had a lot of positives which included myself, all the children, my 83 year old mum, nanny, chef and drivers. Once I got the positive PCR results, I informed each family member over a 24 hour period, starting with the most vulnerable who had to go on immediate admission at an Isolation Centre. With hindsight, I salute the high levels of emotional intelligence of my folks. There was no drama.

I had their full cooperation to activate medications, extra supplements, steam inhalation and pack up for the Isolation Centre in Yaba. I have to emphasize that taking action with speed is everything!

What symptoms did you all have?

Seven of us were asymptomatic, two had mild flu-like symptoms such as cough, headache, achy eyeballs, general aches and pains and runny nose. Myself and another had the respiratory illness. We suffered. We had turbulent pain in our chests. A tightness at the base of our throats. Back and leg aches and extreme weakness. I had a raspy exhausting cough for weeks.

Can you tell us about your experience at IDH, from admission till discharge?

The day after we got the positive PCR results, each person packed a suitcase for seven days. We then made our way to the IDH. The admission process was thorough. We were fortunate they had enough bed spaces for 11 of us. Like I detailed in my article that went viral, titled “When The Unthinkable Happens”, IDH was newly renovated, clean and had 24-hour power supply.

These were good enough for me. I did not have high

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9229 Sunday, August 16, 2020

expectations because of the tales from the 2014 Ebola epidemic. I was therefore pleasantly surprised. The medical corp were professional and appropriately attired in PPEs. From Worldometers’ data, deaths per one million, population is four in Nigeria and 660 in the UK. UK ranks 4th in the world while Nigeria is in the 141st position.

My suspicion is that our Ministry of Health and NCDC must have brainstormed on the best approach to handle COVID-19, set up treatment protocols and were willing to be flexible to try medicines that had some evidence of success. You will agree with me that we are doing well in Nigeria given this data. Kudos to the entire healthcare team in Nigeria, especially all my colleagues on the frontlines.

Your 83 year old mother survived this virus? How, considering the odds were against her?

She was thankfully asymptomatic. I attribute our recovery first to the grace of God. In addition, my mother is an unusual 83 year old. She is as fit as a fiddle. Her Body Mass Index is perfect. She is particular about her meals – zero wheat containing foods, zero processed foods, zero fried foods. This has been her way of life for as long as I have known her. She walks everyday. She takes her nutritional supplements daily. She is your poster lady for health and wellness.

12. How did you keep hope alive while in the ward?

I am a positive and happy person. As a family, we have a great sense of humor. As Christians, our faith is a big part of who we are. In addition, we had some phenomenal ward mates and twice a day, we held praise, worship and prayer sessions.

I also ensured this was replicated in the male ward.

Other actions we took included SPO2 checks, daily exercise, steam inhalation, chest physiotherapy and breathing exercises. Phone calls, encouraging or informative messages from family and friends kept us going. I continued my official work while on admission.

The children were attending school online. My mum read her bible and knitted scarves. Each person was occupied.

What requirements were you given to follow after your discharge and more importantly, how did you still feel health wise even after you had tested negative?

While on admission, we were given Antiretrovirals, Antibiotics, Calcium and Vitamic C. Upon discharge, we were given enough of these medicines for one more week. Every other therapy we engaged in while on admission were self-help from online research and personal experiences of survivors. I like to emphasise this because most people hand themselves over to medical practitioners like they have all the answers.

In today’s world, we have important information at our finger tips, as long as we are looking at authentic sources. We must all vigorously participate in our own health and wellness. It is now a well established fact that long after a COVID-19 victims test negative, the symptoms continue. Two of us continued to have the turbulence in the chest, the fullness in the throat, the raspy cough and weakness. Speaking to survivors who had similar respiratory symptoms helped. They were ahead of the curve and so could reassure me that these too shall pass!

Have you experienced any stigmatization since being discharged?

Yes. Upon discharge, I called my doctor asking for a check-up since no tests were carried out while on admission. I got a politically correct answer which was not lost on me. I was told that IDH had the knowledge, skills and manpower to handle COVID cases and so I

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STYLE & DESIGN

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dreaded virus and brought it into the home or office. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Aggressively deploy all and every solution you have at your disposal. It is better to go over the top than to have regrets about “what ifs”.

I am a positive and happy person. As a family, we have a great sense of humor. As Christians, our faith is a big part of who we are. In addition, we had some phenomenal ward mates and twice a day, we held praise, worship and prayer sessions.

should go back to IDH for the desired check-up. I was feeling very poorly and needed to know if something was still going wrong under the surface. I walked into a diagnostic centre, asking for a chest x-ray and full blood work. The manager asked why and I explained I was once positive with COVID but now twice negative.

I even showed him my negative certificate. He would not look at me, just kept his gaze on the floor. I was determined to be seen and waited in this centre for 90 minutes before the manager got clearance from his management. I was gobsmacked because a lab/ diagnostic centre must assume that all persons walking in could be positive with COVID, HIV or a host of other infections. They must therefore adhere to strict protocols which protect themselves and their clients.

There have been videos around of some survivors who say they “would not wish this ailment on their worst enemy”. Did you, at any point think the odds were against you in terms of survival?

I certainly do not wish COVID on anyone. I just read that 13 reverend sisters died of COVID in one convent.

This disease is deadly and should be taken very seriously. The News is full of stories of the consequences of COVID. Some people have permanent lung damage.

So many deaths home and abroad, across all ages. Yes, I had some moments when I wondered if the two of us with the respiratory illness will survive the virus!

What advice will you give to families in such situations, to help them cope better emotionally and avoid playing the blame game?

Focus on your focus! That is, survival. It is irrelevant who got careless or who was unfortunate to catch the

As the owner of Nigeria’s biggest pharmacy chain, what will you advice people to take on a daily basis to strengthen their immune system against this virus?

First, the fundamentals of optimum health is eating healthy balanced meals, regular exercise, adequate sleep, adequate water, periodic detox and nutritional supplements.

Ideally, these should be in place as a norm for every person. People often ask me what supplements to take. At a minimum, take HOPE, an acronym for high fibre, omega oils, probiotics and enzymes. These are essential nutrients which the body does not produce. In addition to HOPE, add the best quality natural multivitamin & mineral complex you can afford to take daily; plus supplements specific for any health conditions you may have, for example, CoQ10 and Garlic for cardiac health.

Specific nutritional supplements for boosting the immune system against Coronavirus include high doses of VitaminC, Vitamin D, Black seed oil, Garlic and Selenium. Cellgevity, Purxcel, Immpower and Immunactiv are excellent combo supplements too.

NIFE AKIGBE

NSE ETIM

PINIC PAL

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There has been speculation that another lockdown is inevitable. Some feel it is better to be patient than be a patient, while others feel it’s too economically damaging to introduce another lockdown. What is your take on this?

The cost of another lockdown will be devastating to all. Luckily, the pandemic hit Africa late so we had the benefit of adopting best practices from other countries.

Taiwan is an excellent example. They are so close to China yet managed to have only 458 cases and seven deaths. There is a video online that articulates the swift and sweeping actions Taiwan took. Let’s look to femaleled countries that better managed the pandemic in order to stay safe while keeping the economy alive.

Are there any added measures you have taken to prevent a recurrence in your household?

We have kept up the usual precautions. We wear masks when leaving the house and add face shields when going to crowded places. I want to believe we have antibodies that will protect us, but no one knows for sure how long this protection will last for. I have seen three months online.

You just turned 50 and it looks good on you! What’s your secret for staying radiant? Do you have any regrets? What is your philosophy on life going forward?

My much awaited golden jubilee in the magical year 2020. I am excited and grateful to reach this major milestone. A merry heart does good like medicine! This is my secret. I am happy and positive. I surround myself with positive people that add value to my life. I expect good things to happen to me. I guard my mind from negative energy. I believe that all things are possible.

I trust God and believe all things are working for my good. Regret is not a word in my dictionary. It causes worry and imprisons one in a permanent state of sadness. Never regret...instead learn. My life philosophy is to live my life to the fullest. We only get one chance to live afterall. So discover your purpose and fulfill it.

Bring positive change to your sphere of influence. Do everything that you have ever dreamed of doing and then more. Work smart. Be intentional about your retirement and financial independence. Keep your family and friends close. Be spontaneous, laugh loud, play, dance and be happy.

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9229 Sunday, August 16, 2020

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JENNIE JEKINS

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9229 Sunday, August 16, 2020

1. Don’t wear a white dress to a wedding: This is one that most

AKRIS

fashionistas seem to agree on. The only woman who should wear a white dress to a wedding is the bride. It’s fine if your ensemble has white in it, but head-to-toe white for anyone but the lady exchanging vows is generally seen as a no-no.

BOTTEGA VENETA.

2. Choose off-white, If you just love white and the way it complements your complexion, but you’re still a bit skeptical, choose off-white, cream and beige clothing instead.

STELLA UZO

PIERRE LAURENT

YUKI AKINOSHO

BOTTEGA VENETA

bustling city and relies mainly on public transportation, wearing white clothes is akin to courting disaster. Between taxis, dirty seats and puddles, it would be a miracle for white clothing to make it through the day unscathed.

KEFILWE MABOTE

LOEWE

PRADA

PRADA

TORY BURCH

RAG & BONE

VERSACE

WHITE GRACIE

WHITE IS THE RAGE

BY USIADE ISIOMA ANNA QUAN

The Four Major Fashion Cities

An interest in fashion doesn’t mean just flipping through magazines and watching any fashion show that comes on the air. If you’re really passionate about this industry, it might be time to take things up a notch and learn some of the most basic yet interesting facts.

Anyone with even a tiny bit of knowledge about the fashion industry would know that the fashion weeks are highly important here. These are usually held in the four major centers of fashion.

These are the cities of New York, Milan, London, and Paris. Each of these fashion cities holds shows twice a year February and September.

Evidence of the First Clothes

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3

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Before we had fashion, humans needed to have

basic clothing. The earliest recorded clothing likely consisted of leaves, grass, and fur. The evidence of the first clothes dates back to around 100,000 or 500,000 years ago.

Signature suit

Coco Chanel designed the signature “Chanel Suit” in the 1920s, and often wore it paired with a short-cropped haircut. The

suit was designed for comfort and mobility, and featured rather “masculine” lines for the time. The suit was widely criticized then, but was re-debuted in 1954, when it became a massive hit. The Chanel Suit became hugely famous, and was popularized by style icons like Jacqueline Kennedy.

Both sides now Both the pencil skirt and the A-line skirt were designed by the

1 Chin-Length Box Braids

Minimal, classic and ultra-stylish; these are all words use to describe these laid-back box braids bob. The chin-length cut is equal part cute and sassy, making it the perfect for first-timers who want to dip into the trend, yet don’t want to go for anything too dramatic.

2 Cute Short Braids

This cute look is a must-try for ladies who want to frame their face shape.

3 Short Bob Braid with Side Bangs

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Some side-swept bangs are a great way to make a statement with short bob braids.

4 Braided Bob With Undercut

What makes these short braids even cooler is the unique shaved hair design this beauty has teamed with them.

5 Short Dookie Braids

Bob styles, like these dookie braids, will allow you to fulfil your mane fantasies while making sure you nail those ’90s vibes.

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6 90s-Inspired Box Braids in a Bob

This 90’s-inspired asymmetric bob is another ‘do you can try if you love all things ’90s, aside from being gorgeous, the best thing about this sideparted asymmetrical cut is it can work for all face shapes.

7 Short Red Cornrow Box Braids

Short, sassy red box braids are always gorgeous.

8 Modern Braided Bob

With short hair, accessories are everything! Give your favourite bob box braids a sparkly makeover with some gold hair threading and hair cuffs.

BY KONYE NWABOGOR

KNOW?

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

1

For some of you, white is an intimidating colour. The mere thought of wearing it head-to-toe is reason enough to slip into an all-black uniform. Well, this is a year to take chances, right?

So why not give this pure hue a chance. To further convince you, we honestly can’t think of any other colour more refreshing than white to brighten up the darkest days of the year.

How to wear White.

DID YOU FUN FASHION FACTS

BROCK COLLECTION

The braided bob can never run out of vogue. If you are looking for a style that’s convenient and easy to manage, you can have both with a box braids bob. The braided bob went into extinction some years ago but we can surely say it’s back. Done into ghana weaving and styled with hair clips, it’s definitely the design to rock. Minimal, classic and ultra-stylish. We’ve put together an inspiring gallery that features the best short bob box braids to inspire you to take the plunge.

TREND TO TRY -

FASHION

MIGUELINA

BRAIDED BOB

4. Avoid white clothes on very busy days. For anyone who lives in a

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9229 Sunday, August 16, 2020

BY USIADE ISIOMA

black pumps paired with lightweight white dresses can be an odd combination.

If you wear a white dress, better options include natural toned or white sandals.

Brown shoes are also a nice option.

LERATO KGAMANYANE

GIANVITO ROSSI

3. Wear the right shoes: Heavy

STYLE & DESIGN

THE

STYLE & DESIGN

same fashion designer: Christian Dior. He debuted the A-line skirt as part of his post-WWII “New Look” in the early 1950s. In 1954, he debuted the pencil skirt, then called “H-Line”, as the silhouette of the skirt was intended to create parallel lines to the floor.

Red heels

In the 1670s, King Louis XIV of France popularized high heels for men. He favoured shoes that had soles and heels dyed red as red was an expensive dye at the time and issued an edict stating that only members of his court were allowed to wear red heels.

Yyk

Have you ever noticed that many clothing zippers bear the letters “YYK” regardless of who makes the clothing? Those letters stand for Yoshida Kogyo Kabushikikaisha which roughly translates as “Yoshida Company Limited”.

As simple as the concept of a zipper is, they are tricky to make, and a single zipper tooth going awry can render a garment unwearable. YKK is the largest zipper manufacturer in the entire world.

Birds of a feather

Bird feathers were used to decorate the hats of upperclass women, which lead to the near-extinction of some species. Plume hunting

was a scourge in Florida’s Everglades and in 1900, more than five million birds were being killed each year up to 95% of Florida’s shorebirds. The birds’ plight was memorialized onscreen in 1958’s Wind Across the Everglades.

Trompe L’Oeil

During World War II, nylon was scarce as it was needed to produce parachutes used for the military.

As a result, nylon pantyhose became extremely scarce. Instead of buying hosiery on the black market, women would paint their legs with instant gravy powder and draw a line up the backs of their legs to mimic the look of nylon stockings.

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Asymmetrical Short Braided Bob

This simple, striking bob hairstyle has a gorgeous fashionable edge to it.

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Cornrow Braided Bob

Not all box braids bob styles have to be the same.

In fact, you can give this classic hairstyle a modern update by adding a stunning Fulani effect at the front. Don’t forget the beads.

TEMIOLUWA OTEDOLA

11 Short Box Braids Updo

Never underestimate the power of a hair scarf.

Pair it with an updo of your choice and you’ve seriously got yourself a no-fail fashion combo.

12 Long Braided Bob

A long bob might seem like an oxymoron, but hear us out. Sweeping past the shoulders, longer braided bobs give you more to work with: whether that means more room for voluminous buns, extra braid cuffs, or extra inches of braiding string. A stylish hat also mixes well with this fancy, braided look.

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Ankle strappy sandals

Want to make your boyfriend jeans partyready? Pair them up with some bright colour ankle strappy sandals matching your top for a splash of flair you’ll love dancing the night away in.

CHINYERE ADOGU

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9229 Sunday, August 16, 2020

Flat Slip on

Flat slip on are the typical summer beach style shoe and come in such a vast amount of styles that finding your ideal pair is easy. Here is a super casual outfit option you can try. Pair a simple and cute crop tee with your favourite pair of boyfriend jeans and add some colourful slip-on.

To make this look a little more puttogether, make sure to style your hair and a simple make up for good measure.

DEBBIE BEEKO

Trainers

Pointy Pumps

We love this ultra-chic look incorporating a knit pink top, ripped jeans, and white trainers.

If you love an outfit that you will feel uber comfortable in while also looking super stylish, this is the one for you. While this ensemble works great for a variety of occasions, this would make a great party look if you are trying to keep things lowkey while also being chic. NAOMI NOINYANE

For a chic yet casual work outfit look, check out this ensemble.

Whether you have lunch with clients, a date with your guy, or are just looking to break out of a boring work attire routine, this stylish combo of a crop shirt and a white boyfriend jean paired with black pumps will do the job nicely.

This is a great way to rock boyfriend jeans. ANITA ALOYS

Platform Slip-On Sneakers

Nothing says casual and stylish like a pair of boyfriend jeans and platform slip-on sneakers. This is a great look for running errands or just chilling on the weekend.

You’ll feel put-together without having to overthink it. Win-win, we say. KIKI OSINBANJO

S E O H ! s S n a e j H d S n I e i r L f y Y o b T h S wit r a e w o t

Invest in Yourself

You have to spend money to make money and fashion blogging is no different.

Fortunately, getting started doesn’t require you to empty out your savings account.

You’ll want to invest in good lenses and camera equipment, though. If your pictures are not attractive, people aren’t

going to take you seriously, much less take the time to read what you have to say. While paying for a custom-designed website upfront isn’t a must, you should purchase your own domain name (a minimal expense) and pick a clean layout that won’t confuse readers and is easy on the eye.

Step Up Your Social Media Game

You can’t have a fashion

IADE

BY US

A

ISIOM

keeping abreast of the latest trends and what’s happening in the world of style is a must for bloggers. You should constantly read fashion magazines not only from your country, but abroad as well. Again, social media is also a very good place to get fashion inspirations from.

blogger without an active social media presence.

Instagram is all the rave at the moment,and you should have an active page with constant posts. A good majority of your followers will probably initiate from social media anyway. Even if you don’t have Treat It as a Business Assuming that your end goal any scheduled blog posts, keep is to turn your love of style into your followers interested by your full-time job, you’ll have posting throwback style pictures or pictures of fashion to treat the blog the same way related items. you would any other business.

Do Your Homework

Knowledge is power and

Be Patient & Passionate

Overnight success stories

are few and far between. Many people think starting a fashion blog is easy and that you’ll become a street style star overnight. But that’s far from true, as it takes a ton of effort to achieve success in the blogging world. The harder you work and the more you pour your heart into the blog, the more your readers and others will notice and admire you for your dedication.

Discover Your Voice

Don’t be a copycat! Have your own voice and your own style. Give people new things to look at and get excited about and make sure they are things you’re stoked about, too. It’s so important to be authentic.

STYLE & DESIGN

Pump High Heel

Open toe slippers Heels Cap Toe Pumps

These cap-toe pumps are so great for bringing a bit of a vintage, old-school vibe to your outfit. Pair them up with denim boyfriend jeans, oversized wax bow blazer and hand beaded wooden bow bag. LISA FOLAWIYO

Dress up your boyfriend jeans a bit to make them partyready by pairing t hem with some animal print open toe heels, and a long check blazer.

Add an animal-print waist bag to tie the look together.

ELLA A.

White Sneaker

White sneakers give this look a more feminine and shapely finish by showing off a little ankle. White sneaker is a perfect footwear during the summertime.

JENNIE JERKINS

Most of the time, boyfriend jeans are worn rolled at the cuffs. This provides the perfect opportunity to show off some glam heels. With this look, opt for some dazzling wet look pump heels and pair them up with some distressed high waist boyfriend jeans. A white shirt and some fun accessories add the finishing touches to the look.

SHANIQUA J.

Booties

To bring some chic vibes to your boyfriend jeans, pair them up with some snakeskin stiletto booties. This is a gorgeous semicasual outfit you can rock for just about any occasion. Whether you are running errands, grabbing coffee with friends, or even heading to a concert, this look does it all.

FISAYO LONGE

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Collaborate, Collaborate, Collaborate

It’s one of the most effective ways to get some exposure and broaden your readership, granted you pick the right people.

Find like-minded folks people with similar interests to your brand to collaborate with.

Pitch ideas that are mutually beneficial and someone’s bound to key into it.

DENOLA GREY

TEMISAN EMMANUEL

ADENIKE BANKOLE

SADE AKINOSHO OZINNA ANUMUDU

So, you want to be a fashion influencer?

BY KONYE NWABOGOR

Being a fashion influencer sounds like the absolute jackpot to everyone who adores the creative side of the industry. Getting dressed by brands and taking part in catwalk shows is just the tip

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of the iceberg of this career’s benefits. But how do you get there? Well, by mirroring some of the biggest success stories, and by reading these essential tips we have gathered for you.

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9229 Sunday, August 16, 2020

BEAUTY

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9229 Sunday, August 16, 2020

you, focus on Retinol

If you’re not the type who enjoys researching/trying every new skin care trend and product, don’t worry.

Preventing lines doesn’t need to be that complicated.

Just start by applying something containing the most clinically proven ingredient, retinol at night.

y t u Bea s h t u r N T A M O W Y R E EV OW

5. Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate

If you don’t exfoliate regularly and are approaching age 30, now’s prime time to start. In your 20s, your skin is making lots of new cells. In your 30s and older, your cells turn over more slowly, leading to dull, dry, flaky patches. Exfoliation will reveal new skin cells and keep you looking glowy.

N K D L SHOU

6.Everyone can and should wear red lipstick.

BY KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR

BEVERLY NAYA

1. Skin care isn’t just about your face.

Repeat this commandment after us: Thy shalt not neglect thy neck. Or the backs of your hands. Or your décolletage.

Without daily broad-spectrum sun protection and adequate moisture, these zones can quickly start to look weathered before their time. When it comes to skin care, your face ends at your nipples. Don’t stop at your jawline, and don’t stop at your neck. Keep. On. Going.

Down. You’ll be grateful you did when your neck and décolletage age as gracefully as your face.

2.Lack of sleep leads to things even less cute than dark circles.

Studies show that sleep deprivation makes your skin

dehydrated and tired looking. Aim for seven to nine hours of beauty sleep per night.

3.Sunscreen really IS the best antiaging product you can use

The older we get, the more firmly we believe this to be true. Having a go-to red lipstick makes it one million times easier to look good for any occasion (instant style, even if you’re in a rush and/or wearing some same-old striped tee or LBD)

7. Remember that everything gets better when you let yourself enjoy looking like you.

Your younger years are often about following trends and wanting to look like everyone else you see, from If you ask any dermatologist to name her numbercelebrities to makeup vloggers to random girls on one anti-aging tip, boring-old sunscreen will be it, Instagram. But eventually, thankfully, that gets too guaranteed. So, it’s as simple and hard as that. Be exhausting - and you can relax and figure out what diligent about broad-spectrum sunscreen on all your your uniquely beautiful traits are. Instead of focusing exposed skin every day. Even the most high-tech skin on what you don’t like about your looks, focus on the care can’t match its ability to preserve your skin. You can qualities you do like. Find your favorite feature and prevent so much more than you can treat. highlight it every day. No one has ever, or will ever, have the natural beauty you were born with forever. It has to 4. If anti-aging skin care overwhelms be maintained regularly.

8BASIC MAKEUP PRODUCTS EVERY GIRL SHOULD CARRY ALWAYS Ever wondered what makeup items the models or celebrities carry in their bags?

Makeup can make any woman look pretty and attractive but most women don’t know how much makeup they should put on. There’s also confusion about what makeup products to use. A well-stocked makeup bag is everyone’s wish but the most essential thing of all is the right product. Only choosing the right product can give you the appropriate look for your face with products that you can take easily like those listed here.

BY ISIOMA USIADE

1-Concealer

Concealer is used to hide the dark eye circles under the eye and since it is creamy in texture, it conceals the spots on the face.

2-Foundation

To even your skin tone, you need to apply foundation over the face. This way, your complexion will look balanced and clear. You can also use a moisturizer on the face if you don’t want to use foundation.

3-Blush

To add colour to the cheeks, apply a little blush on the face. There are variety of colour tones in blush.

4-Translucent powder 22

For shining you need to apply the translucent powder. Only a little amount is enough for the skin.

5-Mascara

Defining your eyes is very essential. For this you should use mascara over the lashes because it will enhance the lash length. You can also find coloured mascara.

6-Neutral eye shadow

For this, you can use only a beige colour eye shadow. This will give a natural look to the eyes.

IDIA AISIEN

7-Eye liner

You can use your darker shade of eye shadow as a liner along the lashes or use a dark brown or black pencil to create a thin line that will define and enhance your eyes.

8-Lipstick

Colour on the lips with little gloss can complete the basic makeup.

Apply colour that matches your dress.

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