#ShopTosyn 3 cool ways to get away with rocking Shorts, to Work!

Hi all,
Did you have a good weekend? I did, mostly.

While i was looking through pictures for what to post on instagram earlier this morning, i went past a couple of my 'shorts' pictures. I do love shorts and i wear them to work, for meetings and conferences, when i travel, to hang outs... Now i work in Media and Entertainment so it is fine in my case but not everyone can get away with wearing shorts to work, or school.

I wore this to host my Tosyns Buzz Live show at Pulse

Or can you?

Check out three things to note if you do want to rock shorts to work!

This has been one of my favourite pairings. This was for work at the radio station and then off to host TBL

1. Know your office culture
Some offices allow you wear anything any day, while others are more relaxed on Fridays only. Whatever it is, find out so that when you do rock those shorts, you are not also rocking your way into a suspension!

2. The length, colour and fabric choice matter
The truth with most clothes is, it is not just what they are called, but also how they are presented.
For the office or a more formal environment, look for longer shorts or culottes (a little above knee length), go for neutrals and darker colours like black and grey, and stay away from fabric like lycra!

This is re-rock chic right here, taking the shirt from one look and pairing with shorts from another for the #YoutubeNG training

But what is a Tosyn without her hat?

3. Pair them right!
What you wear WITH the shorts is just as important as the shorts too. Aim for a dressy top, white shirt, and jackets which are always great at turning anything including leggings, into office wear so a cute jacket would also work.
For shoes, if you go for flats, make it the less casual type, so a pair of brogues or loafers, and if you like heels, remember not too high.
Style your hair properly and use minimal accessories and you are good to go!

When the patterns clash but clash so well!

These are more short cullotes and i love how versatile they are

This is actually a play suit underneath the jacket but same effect. This was more for a night event though

Which of my 'shorts to work' look do you like the most?
A, B, C, D, E, F or G?
Vote below!

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

#TravelThursday: Staying healthy while on holiday

Travelling is a lot of fun but you know what is not fun? Falling ill while on holiday. Yuck! Who wants to go through that?

To avoid falling ill and spending your holiday in bed, check out some of the things you can do.

BEFORE YOU GO!

- Get a check up!
Have your doctor do a quick once over to ensure everything is a okay!

- Get your travel insurance done!
While some visa applications require you to have travel insurance, if you are going to a visa free place, still get some kind of insurance for yourself.

- Take the meds you need
If there are certain medications you need to take then you should take them along. Have your own mini first aid kit which includes bandages, plasters, pain relievers etc.
Lastly remember, the fact that something is over the counter in your country does not make it same all over.

You know any health issues you might have. So ensure you stock up on meds to take with you. Do not forget your meds!

- Do your research!
Check out what precautions are necessary for where you are going and also what to avoid.

- Have a medical contact!

DURING THE TRIP.

- Mind what you eat. ..
And Drink!

I am pretty adventurous when it comes to food but always be cautious, especially if you have allergies. Most restaurants will tell you what's in the food so that's fine but be careful about eating at just any place or even fruits etc. And be extra careful when it comes to water!

- Stay active and alert
Exercise a little but don't over exert yourself.

- Wear appropriate clothing
If you are in a cold place, stay warm. If it is warm, ensure your clothing is loose. It might seem basic but it is easy to forget. Shawls and jackets are a girl's best friend!

- Be careful with insects and animals
(Even here please. Lol)

WHEN YOU COME BACK
- See a doctor!
Do another post trip check up

- Ease back in
Rest for an extra day if you can before going back to work / school to avoid breaking down!

I hope these help.

Tosyn's Guide to enjoying the 2016 Olympics

The 2016 Rio Olympics are upon us but it really does feel more like doom and gloom right? From the Rio Village being criticised, to the Nigerian tournament being treated shabbily but for those of us who crave our dose of Olympics, here is my quick guide to enjoying the Olympics!


OPENING CEREMONY

This is a must watch. If you do not watch the opening ceremony, you have missed out on a huge slice. This year's opening ceremony is set to be great (Amen!). Supermodel Gisele Bundchen and more will be a part of the program.

BEST SPORTS TO WATCH

We all have our preferences, but i am pretty sure football is first on this list, seeing that Nigeria is participating this year. So after football, what other sports are best?

I love the 'throws'- javelin, shortput etc, and the 'jumps'- long and high jump. Swimming is also interesting, and of course, what would we do without our races and gymnastics?

ATHLETES TO WATCH OUT FOR

So as always this year's Olympics is star-studded. Neymar of Brazil, Mikel of Nigeria, Serena Williams, Usain Bolt, Djokovic for tennis lovers, Blessing Okagbare for track and field, Nigeria's Segun Toriola for table tennis too.

Rio is set to blaze with stars.

There you have it, my quick guide to enjoying the Olympics. And of course, don't forget to renew your subscription. Also shout out to Facebook and Google; Facebook Live will show the games and Facebook lets you change your profile picture while Google has this amazing tab open for those who want to keep up with the Olympics on mobile, complete with schedules, medal table, fixtures, etc.

Let's go Rio 2016!

#TBDaily x Monday Motivation: Power

Today during a chat with a tv host, he asked me about this power on air personalities seem to have over music careers.

Let me be the first to say it here that I don't believe a radio or television presenter can make or break your career. First, there are too many ways for an artiste to shine than some random on air personality that won't play their song. Secondly, radio is more than just music and artistes. We talk, break news, do non music personality interviews and the like.

But I digress.

Back to power.

Everyone is powerful. Disagree? Then try buying fuel when there's fuel scarcity and watch your neighbourhood attendant become a king. Or meet with the security guard at an estate or a company you need to absolutely go into.

We all have some kind of power and in wielding same we need to be careful. While a degree of firmness, a dose of toughness and some lines are needed, you have to be careful not to cross over to 'wickedness' or 'spitefulness'.

What do you think about power and how can one handle power with care?

#ShopTosyn My First Week of Clothes from Vintage Closet

When I began 'A Week of', I wasn't sure anyone was paying attention. But some of you really got into it, even making suggestions.

While I still want to try sporty week and maybe a week of heels (*hides*), I was most challenged by a week of skirts (gosh). Guess what though? I looked into my wardrobe and found my jeans and let's just say, I had weaned myself off them.
Good thing or bad?

'A Week Of' had me challenging myself and dressing to a theme and the exercise was actually therapeutic and exciting. I would think of a theme, check my wardrobe then mix and match. I loved the skirts and the dresses and the clothes. I mean, who doesn't love clothes?

Thankfully, the cool kids at 'Vintage Closet' also noticed and they sent me some stuff from their collection. I follow them on twitter and know they have amazing stuff but to get some to test drive? Ma ma mia!
It was disney of vintage wear.

I started with this floral top that spoke to me first.

What does a tomboy do with a floral top? Mix it up! I threw flats and leggings for a modern day 'joker' feel.

Then I went on to this skirt next.

When I kept looking at the skirt, I just knew I had to try something I haven't tried since my first year in uni- clashing patterns.
I think it turned out quite well with the whole styling making me look like a prim and proper tutor.

The school theme continued with this burgundy pants but this time, I became the cool school girl. 

And then I wrapped it up with a very simple casual look on Day 4.

Check out @vintagecloset9ja on instagram

Tosyns Tips
1. If i could i would raid Temi Dollface's wardrobe because she does vintage right.
How is this a tip? Well get inspired! That's the tip

2. Belts, Hats, Gloves, Scarves, Fun
This is the week that lets you dare. Old is in, it never left

3. Mix and Clash
I'm surprised i immediately went for clashing patterns but it worked. The secret to clashing is pairing the patterns right or having a colour theme.

#TBDaily 3 Ways to Kickstart your Day!!!

Hi everyone,

It's been a busy day today and I'm writing this on my way home.

I wanted to give you some tips on some things I do (sometimes the day before) that help my 'get up and go' and general core daily.

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

1. Plan today yesterday
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.

Let me explain.

I noticed that some days I left home late because I hated the jeans I had chosen or I just couldn't think of what to do with my hair. Then I'd go through the day hating what I'd picked.
So now I lay out my clothes and think about my hair. It actually helps.

2. Eat!!!
My friend was telling me at 5pm today that she just realised she had not eaten all day because she left home early. So I told her to buy cereal and take that in the morning.

Like her, I used to leave home with nothing in my tummy, not even water. It meant I would be at work hungry and end up eating snacks or being unhealthy.

Now I drink tea or have some cereal and it actually helps. Have handy things at home for when you have to leave early (yoghurt, sliced bread, coffee / cocoa mixes, fruits etc).

That way, you at least have something in your stomach!!!

3. Pray!
When I don't start my day off with prayer, I feel lost and listless.
Take at least fifteen minutes to yourself every day to pray, meditate and centre yourself. I find Lagos to be the kind of place where anything can happen so be careful! You want to be emotionally and mentally ready for anything and what better way than to pray?

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

#Hairsyn Getting your Hair into a Bun

When my hair was short, all i wanted was for it to be long. Then when my hair got long, i felt like there were no styles to work with.

My default style is the quick pack and go but whenever i sit with a professional, they would work magic on the hair and i just wanted to do the same!

Now you might have seen my previous hair tutorial on a style you can do in under ten minutes and if you haven't, here is the link.

10 min braid for natural hair

Back to my buns!

Hair packed in a bun is just so chic that it transforms every look. I had been trying but i never succeeded... until now.

First, thank you to Love Layefa and Sisi Yemmie for their up do challenge; it inspired me.

Sisi Yemmie and Love Layefa's Hair Up Do challenge

I'm going to make a youtube video soon (fingers crossed) but till then, what have i learnt.

* Brush your hair real well before your up-do or packing so that it stays in place and looks neat for longer. 

* Apply pressure. Sorry o, but up-dos will hurt. For the first few seconds. Then you'll be fine. Grab that hair tight and pack

* For my back bun, I used a trick I saw Love Layefa do. Basically you first pack with a rubber band, then you take in smaller strands each and plait, then tuck each plait into the rubber band.

* For the front bun, I used a cheat. There are some big buns you can pack your hair with then just tuck the strands into.

Let me know what you think and if you try it!

#ShopTosyn My First Week of Black and Blue

My themed week challenge continues. By the way, I set this challenge up for myself and have no clue when it will end.

I still have to try 'traditional outfits', skirts, sporty chic and more as a lot of you have suggested but this week felt random.

Till I noticed a pattern in my randomness- I was wearing a lot of blue and black.

Now blue and black are usually both dark colours, although there are different shades of blue like sky blue that are very bright. One usually doesn't reach for blue after black and vice versa, but as my week shows, it's actually a fun combination.

Check these out.

My Tips

Denim 

We tend to think of blue in terms of anything else but jeans but hey, guess the simplest way to style your black top? With a pair of jeans!!!

Shade

The shade of blue is important. A very dark shade turns the look into a black outfit while a light shade gives a little pop. Either works, but remember my favourite tip- accessorise right.

Colours

Since black is neutral, you really can go crazy with what else you rock this look with. I went comfortable and stuck mostly with brown but try pink and even white.

I hope these tips help.
Let me know what you think

#ShopTosyn My First Week of Cartoon Tops

That should read 'cartoon tees' actually. I mean, what do you do when some of your favourite tees have cartoon and other characters on them?

I'll tell you what! These are my tips

* Toughen up!
Rock your cartoon t shirt with leather, with boots, with anything that makes it feel modern and tough. You'll love it!

* Be cute
Look, cartoon tees are cute so why are trying to be anything else but? Cute hair-styles, a 'Hello Kitty' button or hair pin here and there or even a skirt will make you cute. Don't over-do it though!

* Throw a Jacket on
I just keep extolling the virtue of jackets because they really are the "superman" of outfits. A jacket will transform your cartoon tee into a nice everydayy look, paired with jeans and heels (for work) or flats (for casual stuff).

Cartoon tees tend to be casual though so remember that.

Here's what else I rocked

Rocked my Minnie Mouse tee when Geoffrey and Shola from Project Fame swung by!

#TBDaily x #SkincareSaturday I've been washing my face wrong....

I had an illuminating facial over the weekend courtesy Spa Royale and learnt one amusing fact- I've been washing my face all wrong!!!

It started with a simple question from Omoh, the spa CEO about what I clean my make up off with. I told her excitedly that I use baby wipes expecting a pat on the back. She seemed shock. But she did say that's at least not as bad as using some chemical products.

She mentioned that she first washes her face for about two minutes using a face wash...
Wait
Hol up

Two minutes?

If you are like me, you spend more time on your body than your face in the bath. You probably rub, rinse and leave?

Two minutes?

You have to rub that soap in and massage for two minutes? Who Has Time For That?

Well now I do because I kid you not, I washed my face for ONE minute (you can't walk if you don't crawl) last night and got more make up off that I usually would have in the past. Apart from getting more (if not all the dirt) off, washing your face for longer means you are actually also treating yourself to a massage which helps circulation.

Remember now, let us do this together- wash your face for two minutes... two full long could-be-doing-other-things minutes!
Whoop!

#TBDaily x #SkincareSaturday: Egg Yolk Mask

Hi,

I'm at it again, trying things and staring in the mirror.

Remember when I washed my hair with cocacola?

What happens when you wash your hair with Coke?

 And don't forget that time I had lemon water every day for a week?

Is Lemon Water good for your body?

Even slept with onions on my feet. Yup. The things I do.

Yesterday I saw something about egg yolks and the face so a light bulb went off in my head and this morning I did a quick face scrub.

But first, what does the internet say about egg yolk? Well for one, they say it locks moisture into your skin cells and is great for people with dry skin. It helps to moisturise and protects.
Okay o.

You can make egg yolk masks with avocado, honey, bananas, olive oil etc but please ensure you read up on each ingredient and combination before going ahead.

I used one egg (used the yolk and the white though), some sea salt and my favourite face soap and mixed together. I thought I would hate the smell or having it on my face but it honestly smelt nice and didn't feel bad. There was some left over so my feet got a treat too!

I left it on for about fifteen minutes, washed off and honestly, my face looked better than when I wash with just soap.

Do I recommend it?
Yes.

A plain egg yolk mask for days you are rushing out the door, and a few more ingredients at the weekend when you have more time. But as a friend warned once, don't put all the products on your face and neglect to put IN your body.

#OAP101 How to Schedule and Create your Content

Hello lovelies! I have this week's edition of 'OAP 101 Podcast' ready and this week, have i got tips for you! Get tips on 'Scheduling and Creating Content' for your radio, television and other shows. I give you practical tips, lace it with examples and a lot of giggling. Lol. Please check it out and then let me know if you have questions or comments.
 

#ShopTosyn A Week of Hats for #OnlyTheBest

I love hats. They protect you from the sun, hide a multitude of dodgy eyebrows and give your outfits a lot of pop!

So last week, inspired by my favourite travel style look (jeans, top, jacket and hat), I decided to have a week of hats.

I was going to be in Mauritius all week long for the Multichoice Africa #OnlyTheBest Content Showcase and since I knew it would be sunny and I'd have to leave the room early most days, head gear was a really good idea.

Now you should know that there are different kinds of hats. From Fedora to Baseball (Face) Caps, Straw hats and Boater.

The hat you choose should depend on the look you are going for. For example, if the dress code (like ours said on Friday) is 'sporty', then face caps are your friend.

MY TIPS

* Know which hat suits what look. On sporty day, i first wore my blue bowler-style hat but it made it dressy and clashed!

* Do not neglect your hair. Sometimes we slap the hat on and don't style our hair then you have to take the hat off for some reason and you look weird. Pack, pin, do something!

* Simplify. Hats can be dramatic so if you go heavy on your accessories and make up, it will have an adverse effect. Pair with simple accessories and lipstick and one dramatic item!

See how I paired each look up.

Feel free to switch it up and rock head wraps too

#TBDaily x Taking Mauritius in Pictures from #OnlyTheBest Content Showcase

#ShopTosyn My First Week of Jackets

Hey guys.

So i don't know you plan your week but me i like to plan ahead. I don't want to risk waiting till the morning to decide what to wear as that has caused me to be late in the past.

For some reason, last week i opened my wardrobe and just saw jackets. I decided on a week of jackets.

Do you know there are different kinds of jackets? There are Blazers,  Denim, Leather, Bomber, Bolero, Capes, etc.
I learnt that recently.

Jackets help you with layering, to give your simple outfit a little extra and to cover up.

My Tips:
* Rock your shorts! Yes! You can get away with shorts and jackets but mind the length to get it right!

* Invest in classic colours like black and dark blue, then go crazy with other colours as you go along.

* I also recommend at least one blazer to start with.