3 Ways to go from Casual To Glam Casual!

Hi ladies (and the gentlemen),
Just here thinking about how while getting all dolled up is fun, my favourite go-to when it comes to style will still be the casual look.

There are times you need to upgrade your casual styles though, and I have got just the tricks for you!

. Pair your Casual with One Glam Item.
Be it a shirt over jeans or jacket over your tee, take casual to glam with one item.

. Feet and Hands Matter
Your choice of footwear is important.
A pair of heels instantly transform any look so if you can, invest in heels in different colours.
If 'issa no' when it comes to heels, don't despair. There are some really glam flat options to reach for as well.

In the same vein, ditch your usual bags for something more glamourous and you are glam to go!

. Don't forget your Face.
To complete the casual to Glam Casual transformation, do take some time with your hair and face.
Remember to keep your make up simple but dramatic. A good smokey eye or red lipstick (never both together) will glam you up.

For your hair, try an up-do with basic hoop earrings and voila!
Say hello to glam you.

Hope these help.

WCW, FASHION BLOGGER, GRACE ALEX

Hey everyone. Another Wednesday is upon us again, and for many of us, a long weekend lies ahead. How awesome!
Today, we are  crushing on a young, beautiful and talented fahionista! Her name is Grace Alex. She's a fashion blogger and the CEO of Gafa Fashion. Enjoy ;)

1)     You’re the CEO of Gafa sandals, how did you find the confidence to start a business at such a young age? 

GA: Most things I have accomplished at this age happened by chance and sheer inquisitiveness and that was how gafasandals came about. I also wanted to work with the design side of me and achieve it by elevating others out of poverty, which after two years I’ve been able to do to an extent.

2)      You have the most amazing pictures on your blog,Please share with us your most favorite photo of yourself? 

GA: I really can’t pick a favorite photo there are some that aren’t a favorite but my blog has tons of pictures I think readers can check and make a judgment from.

3)     What 3 tips would you say are key for blogging successfully especially in Nigeria ?


GA: Don’t do it because everyone is doing it.

Find what is unique about you and stick to it

Have a technology that can help you tell your story right.

4)     How do you keep yourself constantly inspired?

GA: I stay longer when I shower, to have time to think.

I take long drives and actually religiously go through my Instagram explore page

5)     One thing you'd like to say to your '20 year old' and '50 year old' self respectively?


GA: To my 20 year old self “you need to be more confident in yourself and realize you’re beautiful, and put more strength in reading and perfecting your writing”.

 To my 50 year old self “I hope you understand you still have more to achieve”

That's it guys!
Stay inspired! ;)

Grace blogs at https://gafashion.blogspot.com.ng

Stalk her on Instagram @t2pitchy

4 Tricks to Getting the Most out of Your Day

Ever ended a Day feeling like you did not do enough? 

Check out some ways to get the most out of your day!

For this post, I'll do a mix of physical and mental.

1. Plan Today Yesterday

If you want to get a kick-start and make the most of your Wednesday for example, set things out on Tuesday!

I find that days where I don't have to worry about my look are so productive because not knowing or liking what you're wearing takes crucial hours of my day! 

I take out about an hour each day to prep for the next day. This includes writing out my to-do for the next day, prepping for my show, laying out my outfit and sometimes, even thinking about how I'm going to style my hair.

2. Include TIME FRAMES in your To-Do

It is nice to know what you want to do but go a step further by including times as well.

That way, you don't get stuck spending so much time on one thing that you neglect the others. 

Be specific with how much time you want to spend on Shopping, Social Media, Lunch etc and you'll see how much more productive you become! 

3. Do at least One Thing You Love Daily

If you want to feel accomplished daily, then include things you love into your routine. 

Experts say even just one thing is fine but hey, you can go from the perspective of eating, doing and watching one thing you love, and maybe being with one or more people you love. 

4. Refresh, Relax, 'Re-Close'

So many of us work all day, whether at home or work, we just keep working but to ensure you're getting the most of each day, we have to learn to close each day and set a mental closing time. 

That's the time of the day when we don't work, think about work nor plan work. 

It can be 6pm, 8pm, 10pm... Whatever time you know is realistic but do stick to it. 

In the same vein, have a time when you do start work. 

During your downtime, relax, meditate, shut the world out and truly refresh. 

Do you have any tricks or tips to s.h.a.r.e?

MCM: THE DOPEST EDITOR YOU MAY EVER MEET, BUNMI ELESHIN

Youtubers! This one is for you.:)
***

I'm always excited when I hear people talk about their career stories- Moving from a 7 figure salary to a 6 figure salary just for the peace of mind,  quitting a 9-5 to follow their passion or even starting a 9 to 5 to help build and become a part of something bigger than themselves. Sheer bravery!
Our MCM today shares one of such stories, while dishing out important advice that is sure to give you the perfect drive your Monday needs.
I am a Youtuber  as well so trust me when I say that this interview is pure gold. Our Man Crush is Youtuber and IT consultant, Bunmi Eleshin. Enjoy ;)

Hi Bunmi

1)     You used to work a 9-5 in the IT sector, why did you leave that to do what you currently do now ?  (Youtube/videography)

BUNMI:  Yes I used to work with an IT firm. I left the 9-5 life because I needed to discover myself. I was very good at my "job" and moved up the ranks quickly in so little time but I ALWAYS felt there was something I needed to be doing “out there”. What I am trying to say is I was very comfortable but I wasn’t convinced I was on the right track with my purpose and who I wanted to be. So I basically left my 9-5 to venture on a journey of self discovery. I stumbled into so many things and one of the things I discovered was VLOGGing which led me to starting a YouTube channel. I actually still consult for some companies in the IT sector I used to work in, I also run digital marketing services for some SME companies and ultimately I have recently found myself being asked to shoot commercial videography projects.



2)     One moment in your life that still has you in awe would have to be…………….
BUNMI:  Recently I had back to back awe moments. Nedu from Wazobia FM posted one of my short Instagram videos on his instagram account and spoke about my vLOGs on his radio station. I was also invited by Cool FM for a radio show (myweddingradioshow) to come speak about my vLOGs. These were moments that had me in awe!.

3)     If you had a magic wand, and could wish for something for your youTube channel, what ONE thing would that be?
 BUNMI: hahahahaha, this is a tricky question…If I was to choose one, I would definitely choose to have more subscribers. Someone recently asked me if I was to choose between 1 Million Naira and 1 Million active followers…I am sure you know what I chose. I believe whichever endorsement you get is because of the work you have put in to build your community and audience; that is what brands eventually approach you to be a part of. so Subscribers!

4)     Your YouTube Channel has grown rapidly over the last year, what 3 tips would you say have helped you to achieve this?

BUNMI: i. START WITH WHAT YOU HAVE - I started shooting my vLOGs with my phone and actually still do. I did not wait to get a BIG DSLR camera before starting.

ii. BE ORIGINAL AND BE YOURSELF - if there is something i hear so much from people it’s these words “I love how you are yourself and your originality”.

iii. Be CONSISTENT - 3 words I learnt very early in my beginning days were - JUST KEEP UPLOADING - these words will live with me forever because they have really helped in my drive to continuously push for quality and self improvement.

5)     What’s your greatest fear at the moment?

BUNMI:  Loosing my laptop…LOL. It has been a fundamental tool in getting me where I am today.


6)     A piece of advice you hold very dearly is…..
BUNMI: BE CONSISTENT - JUST KEEP UPLOADING!


7) It's Monday, tell us about someone (male) you look up to and why?

BUNMI:  Will Smith - He has stayed relevant for as long as I can remember. He discovered himself very early on and went down that path with laser eye focus. He has continuously re-invented himself with each change and direction his industry has undergone. That is the path I am looking to follow.


8)     What’s on your mind this Monday?

BUNMI:  Monetization…LOL. My motto for 2018 is how to monetize and improve on everything I am involved in. Also how to make a lasting and positive dent in my niche/industry.

Check out his Amazing channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGX0z-GAl2xV7qJpx0g-h6A You're welcome ;)


That's it guys!
Stay Inspired! ;)

7 Social Media Trends to get on Board of NOW!

There is always some new update or trend and it can get tiring but stay on top we must, especially if we are on social media to grow our brands and businesses.
Check out 7 Trends to take advantage of today!

1. Stories and other Disappearing Posts
Be it Snapchat, Facebook or Instagram, you can now send short stories out to your audience, and they will disappear after a period (for most platforms, 24 hours).
This is especially good where you are at an event for example and want to show a lot of what is going on but would not want to post them on the page directly.
Now with the 'Highlights' feature on Instagram, it is even better as you can leave some on your page to give people a glimpse of your day and interests. Categories like 'Beauty', 'Nature', 'Cars' etc can easily show visitors to your page what your page is about.

2. Live!
Go Live! You can host a live talk show, connect instantly with fans or show demonstrations of how you do things by going live from your page. To avoid talking to just yourself, be sure to let people know in advance that you will be live, so for example you can start prepping your followers 2 to 3 days in advance.
P.S, Do you know you can now go live on YouTube as well? It is not just for edited videos!

3. Follow Hashtags
A platform like Instagram now allows you not just follow people, but also hashtags.
This means instead of following everyone who sometimes posts things you may be interested in, you can follow a hashtag and see more of those type of content. How does it work to your advantage?
See next tip

4. Use Hashtags
Now that people can follow hashtags, create one that is unique but universal!

5. Videos
Video content will continue to garner more attention than just pictures and practically every platform supports this now. Don't think of just long form videos, even Boomerangs and Microsoft Hyperlapse videos work as well.
Aim to incorporate more video content moving forward

6. Don't Ignore Whatsapp
Whatsapp is basically turning itself into a social media platform so if you use it already, try out its new features like status updates, and try out unique features like groups for your brand.
(While we are it, do join my whatsapp group by sending a message to +2348136882989)

7. Don't ignore Generation Z
Every year, thousands and millions more are eligible for voting, driving, and social media platforms...
Find a way to target new audiences, old and young.

WCW: TV HOST, PELUMI SHITTU

Hi guys, how's the week going? Mine has been super packed with exams and making money moves like our MCM advised on Monday. However today, our WCW has me on cloud 9 as I was super curious about her move from architecture into the media industry.

She's a co-host on Ebonylife TV's show for millenials 'Moments-Z; today we are crushing on the beautiful Pelumi Shittu.

From her pictures, you can tell that she super fun, cant you? Enjoy! ;)

Hey Lumi!

1)     You studied architecture in school. Why the move into media and are you ever going back to architecture?

PELUMI: Hey!!! I studied architecture in school but then moving into media was not a conscious effort for me because first of all I had a lecturer in school who always made me feel bad about my design. he made me feel like I had no future what so ever in design or in architecture so I was always looking for the next thing that I could do that I was sure that I was going to excel in it, be comfortable with it, have fun and still impact my community and the world at large. So, there was a friend of mine who drew my attention to the fact that I loved presentations in school, I loved talking, defending and representing my group in group projects. She then sent the link to the moments Z audition that brought me into the media industry and made me who I am today. Will I ever do architecture? I really don’t think so... but the beauty of architecture is that you can major in different parts like aesthetics(facade architecture), landscape design, interior design etc... so I hope to major in one of them. But if I can’t, then I definitely have to figure out a way to marry media and architecture together and carve a niche for myself😁😁😁

2)      You are a presenter, you must have attended quite a number of auditions, tell us about one you’ll never forget?

PELUMI: Funny enough I have not physically attended so much because nowadays a lot of companies just require to send a demo and your CV to a certain email address or website and sometimes they reply, sometimes they don’t. There is one that I went for recently though and during the course of the conversation/audition I had mentioned payments like 3-4 times. The person interviewing had to stop and stare at me like... “you like money o!” I wasn’t even aware at that time that I was saying it. I guess that’s where my head was at, during that period 😂😂😂 I was broke then 😂😂

3)     What 3 tips would you say are key to getting into media Nigeria?

PELUMI:  My 3 tips have definitely got to be:

1. Know what you want to do, that way you can channel your focus on certain auditions you want to go for. E.g are you interested in fashion? Be a lifestyle presenter et.c it’s all about carving a niche for yourself in this industry.

2. Image. What image are you trying to sell to the people? You can call it branding if you want. Do you want to be known for your energy, makeup, style, controversy? Whatever it is. Find that and sell that. Especially on your Social media page. You never can tell that post that will circulate round and get the right people interested in you.

3. Network.... let’s be honest ehn, some things in this industry are gotten by connections. It is who you know, you recommend for a job or position. So, why not let a lot of people know you and recommend you 😏😏

4)     Before the camera comes on, you......

PELUMI:  pray and ask the Holy Spirit for help, direction and energy lol. I read and research to know the angles I’m coming from and areas I would like to touch, I interact with the crew so that we’re all in a good mood where we can work together and have fun. I dance as well, to get my adrenaline pumping 😂😂😂😂

5)     One thing you'd like to say to your '20 year old' and '40 year old' self respectively?

PELUMI: I’m still in my early 20’s na 😂😂😂 but anyway, I’d say never compare yourself with anybody. Situations change in an instance. Discover yourself and walk in that don’t focus solely on school and it’s assignment. Have fun, live a little, go to more places and just be young. Psssttt! You’re going to end up in the media industry so start learning and going for auditions already, architecture is not your way😏 don’t tell future me I gave you expo😜😜

To 40 year old me: I hope all the struggles were worth it. I hope you’re super rich and dining with Kings and presidents already. I hope you’ve touched and changed lives. I hope you’re married, with kids and living without regrets.

6)If you could exchange lives with any media personality. Whose life are you picking?

PELUMI: I’m picking Ellen Degeneres!!!! She’s everything I want to be! A great interviewer, funny, energetic, looks young for her age, generous as heck, has her own show and companies as well, comfortable in her own skin etc

7)What’s on your mind this Wednesday?

PELUMI:  On my mind this Wednesday, how to be better, make more money,get more followers on Instagram, have more than one business. As you can see, my mind is full😂😂😂

That'ts it guys!hope you enjoyed?

Stay inspired ;)

#OAP101 4 Ways to Stay Fresh and Credible as a Media Host

Hello fresh, aspiring or established media personality,
It is a beautiful new week and I am writing this, sipping my tea, and thinking about how to keep being fresh and credible.


The truth is, there are 2 things you want to avoid on this journey- being thought of as stale, and being thought of as fake, as in, a source of fake news.

Some of the ways to stay fresh and credible are:

- Verifying your Sources
This is one of the most established tenets of journalism and I still get surprised when even interns or students on Industrial Attachment feel comfortable presenting me with stories, or worse, going on air with stories based on, 'People say...'

Investigative Journalism even has higher standards but whether you went to media school or not, as with life, so with news- check, recheck, double check.


- Consuming Different Kinds of Content
If you are into Music, you can still get some content from Sports. If you love News, Fashion may surprise you.
By watching and listening to other kinds of content, you stay updated and easily adaptable.



- Checking out Trends
Social Media platforms are making things a lot easier for us these days as they have things like 'Explore' (Instagram), 'Trending' (Twitter) and more.
A simple daily glance at online trends can help ensure you keep up with what everyone is talking about.


- Gisting with People
Sometimes, just a good kickback with people provides a world of fresh news, stories and talking points for you.
By listening to them and enjoying what they say, you get an insight into what people are excited, worried or lackadaisical about.
This can help you immensely.


What do you think of these tips? How do you stay fresh and credible as a media host from your end?
s.h.a.r.e with me.

P

MCM: DAMI AJIBOLA

Hi fam!
It's a brand new day and you should be excited at another opportunity to make money moves like our MCM. ;) He's the Creative director/C.E.O of Dami Ajibola Couture (DAC), a premium leather goods company that makes bespoke shoes and accessories for men. This Monday, we are crushing on Dami Ajibola.

Young entrepreneurs out there, this one if for you!

1) Describe your life in three words?
DAMI: 
Spontaneous, fun, colourful

2) You are a young entrepreneur and would sometimes have low days, what keeps you going through those periods?
DAMI: Well, I’d say passion. I love what I do, and I’m deeply driven to create a highly industrious Nigeria by empowering youths.

3) What’s one dream you have for your company, Dami Ajibola Couture (DAC)?
DAMI:  The dream is to build a brand that will outlive me, a brand that in good time will gain international recognition. A brand that’d create products that will be a must have in every fashionable person’s collection.

4) If you could change something in your life with a switch, you’ll change what (to what)?
DAMI: To be honest, I don’t think I’d change anything, well none comes to mind. Maybe add a few zeros to my bank account balance. 😊

5) Please tell us some challenges young entrepreneurs can expect to face at the beginning of their careers? (Regardless of industry)
DAMI: Well, entrepreneurship isn’t a bed full of roses. Then sometimes we feel like we are in control and then we sometimes feel like we have lost direction. It is filled with a lot of indecisiveness for a starter but then faith, believe, hard-work and the bigger picture keeps you going.

6) The biggest/most important lesson you’ve learnt from doing business so far is?
DAMI: The biggest lesson I’ve learnt so far is never to let people talk you out of your ideas or discourage you based on their inability to see potential. And then if you don’t do it, someone else does it.

7) What’s on your mind this Monday?
DAMI: 7. Monday is moneyday, so you bet that’s what’s on my mind. Well, meeting our customer’s expectations and surpassing them. Basically how we can do things better for them mostly which will in turn be great for us

That's it guys! Stay inspired ;)

10 Items to Pair with your T Shirt for Work or School

I checked my wardrobe this weekend when thinking of what to wear today (Monday March 12th) and realised (again), that I have quite a number of t shirts.
I tend to wear t shirts at home, or for super casual stuff like chilling with friends but I decided to wear tshirts to work this week. I therefore had to do some digging and thinking to see what to pair my t shirts with to make them chic and work ready.

Here are 10 things you can style your t shirt with for work or school.


Pair with a Dress
Almost similar to the pinafore look is the dress. It can either be a thin strap of sleeveless dress and of course, this works better with a plain t shirt as the dress will cover most of it up.

Pair with a Pinafore
If you can usually get away with a school girl vibe, then please do pair your t shirt with a pinafore. Either go all out by wearing shoes and socks, or keep the outfit the focal point and opt for quieter accessories. No pigtails though.

Pair with Overalls or Dungarees
This one I love because depending on the overalls you go with, you usually end up being a collage of sexy, trendy and cute all at once!

Pair it with a Blazer
Blazers, Long or Short jackets, they will all work in taking that t shirt from casual to business casual, especially if you wear with plain black or dark blue jeans, or pants with it.

Pair it with a Suit
Pant or Skirt suit, throw your t shirt under a suit and people will forget it is a t, especially if it is plain, white or black.

Pair with a Denim Jacket
I personally wear my denim jacket with EVERYTHING but pair with a t shirt and you realise they were probably made for this!
I am not a fan of denim on denim so when I do my denim jacket, I go with leggings or pants, and when I wear jeans, I go with jackets.

Pair with Leather
Leather toughens anything up so be it leather pants or jacket, have fun.
Do watch out though to ensure your leather does not end up make you look more like you're going for a rock concert than to school.

Pair with a Sweater
I should add 'Weather Permitting' to be honest because the sun in Naija is not for babies but if you know it is a cold day or you will be in an air-conditioned room for most of the day, this is a good look to try.

Pair with a Shirt
Throwing a shirt, buttoned or not, on your t shirt dresses it up for work. You can tuck just the t shirt in, or tuck both the t and the shirt.


Pair it with a Skirt
Most times when we think t shirts, we think jeans but skirts are great as well.
You can either go with something flared, or a pencil skirt.
While I do not own one now, I will get one of those tulle skirts and rock with a simple t shirt soon.


Pair with Formal Accessories
I think every 'How-To' style post I write has something about accessories in it and that is because accessories can style a look up or down.
In this situation, you want accessories that will make your t shirt look more formal so reach out for formal pieces like a watch, earrings and bracelets. Aim for solid purses and heels and voila, you will be work ready!


Pair with Pants.
Jeans are common with tshirts but if you do wear a pair of jeans, remember to throw a jacket on as well.
If you want to ditch the jacket however, then a good way to go is pants.
Wide-leg and Culottes will give you the edge while simple tailored pants keep it classy and formal.

Pair with Shorts
Not bum shorts nor hot pants though. Pair with shorts that would work for work.

What are some items you like to pair your t shirts with?

How-To Style a Multi-Coloured Top

I woke up a lot earlier than I usually do this morning but it's all good!

I am using that extra time to do some blog posts and then publish for days when I am rushing out of the house.

Speaking of rushing out of the house, the other day, I had to make some quick last-minute decisions because I changed my mind last minute as to what to wear.

I eventually reached out for this multi-coloured top and the next challenge was how to style it.

Naturally busy, one must be careful not to end up looking over the top.

After trying a couple of things, I went with this look- Multicoloured top with shorts, red hat and white shoes.

What I learnt while styling include:

Pick a Colour

Pick a colour or two from the item and work with that. In this case, I picked green and played around with that.

Be careful though not to throw on every single colour on the outfit.

Accessorise

Naturally with accessories you want to go quiet because the top itself is the statement.

If you do have a statement piece you absolutely must wear, stick to just that one piece.

When in doubt, go Neutral

(And remember, Pink is a neutral).

On the real though, reach out for our favourite neutrals to help complement your look perfectly.

I am super partial to white shoes these days but black and nude would work as well.

What's your own tip for styling a multi coloured tip?

MCM: RIC HASSANI

Happy New Week Fellaz,

Today is such a light Monday for me and I couldn't be happier! I thought it would be a great time to ask our MCM the most trivial questions he's probably ever answered and guess what, he was a perfect gentleman about it! Our MCM is the singer and songwriter Eric Ahiauzu, You might know him as Ric Hassani. Enjoy :)

Hi Ric!

1)     If you had the chance to exchange voices with anyone in the world, whose voice are you taking?
RH:  Definitely Craig David.
2)     What’s your most favourite song by you?
RH:  Police

3)     Three things you can’t do without?
RH: Glasses, Tooth brush & Paste, and Roll-on

4)     What’s one event you think changed the course of your life and why?
RH: Malawi, 2015, Lake of Stars. I headlined that event. Changed by life coz before then I'd wanted to give up music. I'd gotten a PhD admission that I'd actually turned down for that show, coz it was supposed to start same day in England. So it was either music in Malawi, or Academics in England. I chose Malawi.


5)     What’s one subject matter you’d love to sing about but haven’t yet done?
RH: A Bad break up with someone that you don't want back.

6)     If you could give a piece advice to your 20-year old and your 50-year old self, you’d say…
RH:Relax, just Relax.

7)     What’s on your mind this Monday?
RH:Work, Music, Food, Gym, and Black Panther.

That's it guys!
Stay inspired :)