Credit Crunch et all

Okay I'll be the first to admit it, the Credit Crunch is getting to me. Even though I haven't been investing in the sub-prime market (or any other market for that matter, well, maybe the store market lol), I still have to count the pennies.

So I stayed away from the shops and focused on optimizing my existing wardrobe (I know I need to wear some items a few times more) and increasing the turnaround time on the period taken to use my entire wardrobe. Of course, this hasn't been helped by the fact that I am staying below the radar and keeping my head down so I haven't been out much.

And as if things couldn't get any worse, all summer European banks have been folding up left right and centre, jobs are on the chopping block, mortgages are a no-go, and credit is a red bull to be avoided (I hope I am trying to convey a subtle message here).

So where's the fashion message here? Here it comes:

Revisit your entire wardrobe and make it work for you not vice versa. With the key trends for this Autumn/Winter season staying the same as last autumn/winter, this shouldn't be a problem (except if your entire wardrobe is more than two seasons old). Deep purples and black coloured clothing are still as strong as they were last year so it's all jolly to go. Short dresses, tights, leggings, and the ankle boots are still fashion statements rocking the streets and there's no season without the knee-length boots if that is what you prefer.

Go Bargain hunting. I revisited my old hunting ground H&M to see if I could shop on my budget and it felt nice to be able to pick essential winter pieces within my price range. Lots of online stores are still offering sale items even though the high street equivalent don't have any sales racks out.

Do a bit of updating with key pieces. You can buy key items which give a whole new meaning to your wardrobe like an all-in-one sweater which can be worn over any thing or a pair of boots that work with dresses, skirts, or trousers. You have to be creative and think outside the box to decide what look you want to be sporting all winter and find the key items that help you bag it.

If you were affected by the Lehman Brothers collapse this week, I would have to warn you to stay off the credit and get on the dole if you are eligible after all, that's what public welfare systems exist for. On the other hand, you might wanna trade in your expensive duds on eBay and live according to your current means. Whatever the case, I sympathise with those who lost their jobs and are left out on the street without any warning.

The Credit crunch isn't showing any sign of abating and oil prices are still rising through the roof, fashion isn't getting any cheaper but we all have to get wiser in achieving fashionable looks and style.

Watch this space........

Diary of a Tired Black Man

This video touches on an issue that is age old but a current debate amongst black men and women. I was of the opinion it was mainly the case strictly between black American men and women however, I have recently seen otherwise.

As a Nigerian woman living in UK, I have become fascinated with the fact that at the centre of any discussion on relationships, men are of the opinion that Nigerian women in UK don't make it easy for a man to approach them hence the decision to seek associations with other races (not that this is a bad thing cos I would love to dabble in other racial pools wink, wink, offers invited).

At the best of times, the men who have expressed this opinion sound like the man in this video, tired of the drama of being led by the nose by women just wanting to mock them when they step up to the plate and approach them (this being their own opinion, don't shoot the messenger).

Well, it's come full circle now cos women are having to step up and take a man's place by doing the propositioning in order to get the attention they want from a fellow bruv i.e street for black man. When did it get to this?

I guess I have the prerogative of speaking my mind on this page all in the guise of blogging. THIS IS MY OWN DIARY OF A TIRED BLACK WOMAN, LOL.

Watch this movie fellow sistas and see if the men are right, they need some TLC not vernom.

August Bank Holiday - Whirlwind of Events

I'm back on this page after being away for a few weeks (I had technical problems and couldn't blog) but I have so much to catch you up on and I won't waste anytime getting started.

Summer has officially hit a snag and come to an end for us in UK. I look back with nostalgia at the last UK bank holiday and last when I see the videos of the Nottinghill Carnival and the photos from the Yettyd Fashion show held on the 22th of August.

Let's start with the Fashion show, there were collections from Yettyd, D'korum, De Angels Couture, Twynkle Loves and a few others.

A few pieces caught my eye and it was a good night out with the girls but a few things could have gone better i.e poor lighting does not help a fashion show and space was an issue (hey, space is always an issue in London).

























































I have to say kudos to these upcoming designers for their creativity and courage to step out and make a mark in the fashion industry. We look forward to seeing many shows.

I moved on to Nottinghill Carnival on Sunday and Monday. I had so much fun on Sunday with a lot of street gigs going on, a mellow and non-dramatic crowd and an ability to let all inhibitions fall (no shady thoughts please). However, Monday was another story altogether. It was overcrowded and there were no street gigs going on. After managing to find the Black Knights Entertainment gig for Nigerians, we could barely hear the music playing and there was certainly no feeling of letting all inhibitions go with the unfriendly crowd standing all around the street.

In an ironically hilarious twist, the Police shut down the Nigerian excuse of a gig while the Jamaican crowd were having a ball two streets away in a much bigger and carnival-like riot of a gig. I don't know what that says about our ability to throw a party (I always thought it was in our genetic make up to make a party happen, but apparently not). I don't mean to be a hater, I'm just telling it as it is (don't shoot the messenger and all that stuff).

Note to self, don't bother with the Monday version of the carnival, Sunday's the one to be at. have fun seeing some vids we caught of the Sunday event.

Ne-Yo - Miss Independent [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Shout out to the women who are not afraid to be independent yet in love with a man, wanting love with a man, or searching for love with a man cos Neyo's new single states clearly that there's nothing wrong with independence.

I ain't no feminist but it's great to take care of yourself and feel good about it. Don't let any man make you feel different, they should and you should embrace it whilst loving each other.

Love the dance moves in this video, makes me wanna get up and dance myself and as usual neyo is looking his sharp self. Get bad with your sexy self, Neyo.

Anyone know his number, holla at me. lol...

Sean Combs' A Raisin In The Sun Trailer

This movie is my fav of the week. It's close to my heart due to the inclusion of Nigeria in the storyline. Nigerian language, culture, history, and hardship is referred to over and over again and it's hilarious to watch.

Sean (pdiddy) Combs' acting skills surprised me and gave another insight into the musician and clothing label owner.

As always, I love to watch Sanaa Lathan in any movie.

I applaud David Oyelowo for his portrayal of a Nigerian Man (which wasn't too hard considering he is actually Nigerian) but in a manner that any Nigerian in the western world would identify with.

Anyway, if you live in UK, you'l have to buy your copy of the DVD from Amazon or Ebay, and in the States I'm sure you know where to get one.

I'll be back with hot videos from the Nottinghill Carnival 2008, a fashion show by Young Nigerian Designers, and latest gossip.

Fashionable thots