What Makes A Style Icon?

Hello. This post was inspired by a conversation I had with a friend a few days ago. We were discussing some of my blog posts and she mentioned the fact that she doesn't think Nike Oshinowo is a style icon, ANYMORE. I was a little surprised by that. So it got me thinking about what I think qualifies someone as a style icon.

So what makes someone a style icon? I think the main ingredients are an eye for color, understanding proportion and then the ability to use fashion to tell a story, ie the ability to pull a look together in a way that looks fresh. A look has got to say something. For example, my ultimate fashion icon is Jackie Onassis (not Jackie Kennedy). Even though her style was simple and looked effortless, she just had this way of working with clothing and accessories to tell you a story that said 'I'm rich but not flashy'. The sunglasses, the handbags, the simple but statement jewelry. Her look said ''luxury' and 'leisure'.

I classify someone as a style icon who loves fashion and invests the time and effort it takes to build up a cohesive wardrobe that he/ she can use to create looks that are interesting and pleasing to the eye. And then they take it even further. To them fashion is fun, an idea to play and experiment with. But then it's also serious business, so they make sure that their look is on point 99.9% of the time. A style icon never has an off day. That I think is what separates them from ordinary 'fashionable' people. They are always on. They make the effort even when they are just running errands. Every item in the ensemble is well thought out, even when it looks like they just threw it on.

One thing I must touch on is the idea that real fashionistas shouldn't wear an item more than once or at best, a couple of times. I remember the first time I heard that idea. I was compiling a list of 'most stylish women' with the fashion editor of a magazine and when I mentioned someone to her (I can't remember who), she said that the person didn't qualify because she had worn a particular skirt several times. I was shocked by that way of thinking, to say the least. As far as I am concerned, a real fashionista knows how to work an item into several, sometimes unrelated, looks. If you can take one skirt and work it into ten different looks, then you are a fashionista. If you need to always be wearing something new, it doesn't say you have style, it just says you can afford ( or rather, MAY afford) a large wardrobe.

So, back to my conversation with my friend. Her reason for saying that Nike is no longer a fashion icon is because she doesn't feel Nike dresses 'age appropriately'. I don't agree. I feel that even when she is wearing something short, she does it tastefully. Besides, she has the body to pull it off. What do you think? I must also say that I see a lot of up and coming style icons that INCLUDE Funke Fowler, Ifeoma Williams, Lisa Folawiyo, Dolapo Oni among others. Up and coming because they are on their way, but haven't quite gotten there yet. (In my opinion.) Please note that there are a lot of other people I feel are note worthy and may have to do a post to cover the list.

I hope this post helps you in your quest to put your best foot forward. Take care of yourself and remain fabulous.

How To Dress To A Wedding

Hello. How are you doing? So, I got my inspiration for this post from my last (OOTD) post. That post had me thinking and I have tried to come up with a guide on what to consider when getting ready for a wedding.

Now we all love to look good, but the pressure goes up a bit when it comes to a wedding. Why? Because it's a festive occasion and with so many people coming, some of whom we haven't seen in a long time, we tend to want to go that extra mile. Also, is the fact that weddings are a very good place to mingle. They also present an opportunity to be approached by guys. And so we tend to want to look attractive. Besides all that, it's just polite and shows consideration to the bride and groom to bother to dress nicely. I mean they did go through the trouble and expense of putting on a show, right?

Anyway, that not withstanding, there are things to consider when choosing what to wear for a wedding. The first one is to not outshine the bride. It is her day so please let her be the star. That includes not wearing any white dress in a style that looks even remotely like a wedding gown. You know, long and flowy or princessy, etc. It's rude to do that. I find that a white short dress or suit or (of course) 'native' are fine. Also, while you want to look as fabulous as possible, do not over do it. It's not your wedding.

Do not wear jeans or denim to a wedding, please. It's just plain rude to the couple to not bother to dress up. I have been guilty of this before. I was once out of town and had to show up some long lost, distant cousin's wedding when I was totally unprepared for it. Believe me, I did everything to make sure that I made the jeans look as dressy as possible and it still felt rude. The way I see it is that the couple has planned and payed for a nice event, show them the courtesy of dressing up. Another thing is that showing up in jeans makes it look like you don't know the couple. Like you heard through the grapevine about the wedding and just showed up, uninvited.

Another thing is to dress modestly. Please, do not over do the sexy. It's a wedding not a date and definitely not a club. So not too much cleavage, or legs and nothing overly clingy. If you must wear a sleeveless or strapless dress, wear a bolero, shrug, jacket or wrap to the church. You can always take it off at the reception.

So, hopefully, I've got you thinking about what is appropriate and what isn't for your next wedding. If you are guilty of any of these offences, you are going to need to repent. Anyway, this was written in the spirit of 'nothing but love'> Please remain fabulous.