Boom! Nailed it in time for Xmas

Christmas time. Mistletoe and wine...

It's time to get into the Christmas spirit. Pull out the tree from the shed, decorate the house and bring out the Christmas fashion. And yes that means the awful Christmas jumpers will be out in full force. I'm not a fan of Christmassy clothing.The childhood memories of being forced into matching outfits with my siblings sends a shiver down my spine. I'm not a grinch but need to find another outlet to shows my festive spirit in my fashion.

My answer, nail art. Nail art has taken over the fashion world as becoming a staple to any look or show. It has evolved from airbrush stencil designs in a seedy looking nail shops (or someone's basement in some cases...don't judge times were hard) to actual creative design.

Boon Nails created by Emma Zentner create such amazing designs when it comes to nail art. Their work has been featured in fashion week, magazines and favourited by celebs such as Eliza Doolittle. Being able to create flawless designs like this would take years of practise so instead contact Boom Nails www.boomnails.co.uk to book an appointment or you can catch the at one of their pop-up shops. Follow @BoomNails on twitter for more info.

After getting the low-down from the blog A London Steal (www.alondonsteal.wordpress.com), I got a chance to learn from the master herself at one of the Christmas pop-ups which were set up by Indytute. Based in the 4th floor of Selfridges, they have put together different classes to reflect the Christmas spirit. You can do other classes such as learning to play the ukulele and papercutting. Check Indytute's website www.indytute.com for more details on the classes available and to book your space.

Warning: Get booking quick as the class fill up quickly!!!

Me being me, I ended up getting there a tad late...not my fault at all but Emma was kind enough to still teach me the basics

Emma teaching away

Not bad for my first attempt at a Snow Man...well Emma thought so :)

Emma is doing her last session for Indytute on Decemeber 12th from 6pm. Make sure you book spot and don't miss out. 

My prezzie from Boom Nails and Indytute

Now I'm off to practice my new found skills...

Until next time...

Stay MsChiVious xoxoxo

P.s. My first attempt at nail design using my gifts. Not really Christmassy I know...but I like it lol x

The Wedding Season: Something old...

...symbolising continuity with the past...

Hey beautiful Divas and Gentleman,

Following on with the 'Wedding Season' I should be one dress down in my search for my four wedding guest outfits for the wedding year. As the time for the first wedding approached, another rule which I forgot to mention last time popped into mind:

Make sure your outfit suits the wedding you are attending

No point showing up in the dress from Three Floor if the wedding is taking place in a pub. It would just look out of place. Lucky for me I know the bride and know for a fact this wedding would definitely suit the dress. So the dress order was placed and I was ready to wow with my choice.

Problem! The dress would not arrive in time for the wedding. Panic! WHAT DO I WEAR NOW?

Back to the drawing board or in this case back to my closet. As with any outfit hunt, the closet is the first port of call for any outfit solutions. Some of us are even lucky to know around 80% of its contents from memory, but it never seems to hold no answers or solutions to the outfit dilemma. The age old statement 'I have nothing to wear...!' plays out like a broken record. It was only out of pure frustration that I found myself looking in my sister's closet to see if I could find anything there and I did. A maxi skirt made from Ankara (traditional African material) which my aunt made for me years and years back. Perfect! 

Then got me thinking 'I wonder if I can find or create outfits for all these weddings I have to attend using traditional African material and somehow linking it to each line of the famous wedding rhyme?'

Challenge accepted!

With the increase popularity of African print in the world of fashion, it just made sense that I would embrace my culture and find new ways to make it fabulous. If Solange and Gwen can do it, then so can I.

So here it is, my look for wedding number 1 'Something old...'

Top, ASOS

Bag, my sister (really need to ask her where she got it)

Jacket, Miss Selfridge

And for the reception just took off the jacket and I'm ready to party!

In a way I'm glad my Three floor dress didn't make it. I love it to bits but who am I to argue with the universe? Clearly the fashion angels had other plans for me and the dress. 

Until next time...

Stay MsChiVious xoxoxo

Outfit of the moment:

Is it me or do you just sometimes outfits in your closet that you never seem to find an occasion to wear? Just me then...? I know I'm not the only one. Well I happened to stumble across a pair of lime green high-waisted trousers which my favourite stylist Emma (from Back of the Wardrobe) found for me at Judy's Vintage fair in Spitafield market. 

I have an engagement party to attend so time to actually show these bad boys off.

Bag: Faith

Bangle: Some vintage store in Carnaby street. Very Versace-esque 

Ring: Kenneth Lane

Shoes: Aldo

The full look. What do you think?

Until next time...

Stat MsChiVious xoxoxo

1987: Taking it to the Max

Trainers (or Sneakers if you are American)! Oh how I've missed thee. They were my staple foot ware choice during my days in uni. I know its hard to believe but trust me you would never see me in a pair of heels. Believe it. I was that girl who embraced tomboy chic and made it fabulous. Though to be fair, I did have a standard pair of heels to cover nights outs.

Even though I lived in my trainers and had a fair few pairs to my name, I would never call myself a 'Sneaker-head'. That title is reserved for a dedicated few, like Mr Van Willjamz. His love of sneakers is legendary. I personally think he has clear over 1000 pairs in his collection but like all mysteries the true figure will never be known.

The great wall of Trainers...Shoe mountain has nothing on this 

Van Willjamz along with Stevey Ryder and Stephen Kavanagh, came together over the weekend to showcase the trainers they love so much. First released back in 1987, the exhibition's focus was celebrating the Nike Air Max 1. This to me is one of the sneaker classics and definitely has stood the test of time. But what do I know. I just love the variety of styles available.

The exhibition also featured art which was inspired by the Air Max, all available for sale

So cool. Air Max in ice

The Sneaker-heads were out in full force

The exhibition was a great fusion of art, fashion and music. It was so well received that it got extended for an extra two days. Look out for more shows like this in the future from these guys as they definitely know how to put a show together.

For more info check out www.foot-balla.com

Until Next time...

Stay MsChiVious xoxoxo

Sitting on top of the world with Brandy

Last week Diva's and gentlemen, I was up in the rafters to see the fabulous Brandy in concert at the O2 Indigo and she took me back to the great times of yester-years..memories

Time to get my dancing shoes on!!!

Hmmmm...which dancing shoes should I choose from Shoe mountain. The choice should depend on whether you have a seated ticket or not. Wearing heels to a standing show is such a bad idea. Did it once before and I regretted it for the rest of the week. Before I even got to the main act my puppies were killing me. Needless to say that my enjoyment levels for the rest of that show dwindled. Lucky for me we had seated tickets for Brandy leaving my choice wide open.

My shoe of choice ended being a newbie to the Shoe Mountain. As I transition to the winter closet, Shoe Mountain seemed to be lacking in winter suitable foot ware. In particular I have been looking to add a casual ankle boot to my collection. I have been looking for a while now and have not been able to find any that really took my fancy. Lucky for me New Look seem to have stepped up their shoe game and I found my pair.

Aren't they lovely? :)

At £27.99 they're cute, comfortable and won' t break the bank. Winners all around I say. 

Jacket -TopShop

Necklace - from a vintage market stall in Egypt 

Skirt - American Apparel

Statement Ring - can you believe New Look as well...?!?!?

Bag - Vintage (Mumzy's closet, circa 1985)

Outfit completed and I ready to party. And Diva's and Gentlemen Brandy did not disappoint. She brought the party vibe performing a great selection of her hits, from 'Sitting up in my room' to 'Put it down'. She really showed what a great vocalist and performer she actually is. Thank God I made the right shoe choice because I shook a serious leg that night.

Until the next concert...

Stay MsChiVious xoxox

Me and girlies are all smiles at the show

Disney is a GoGo

I love Disney! There I've said it. 

I am a Disney princess. Don't hate! At the moment I'm still waiting on my happily ever after but in the meantime, I'm enjoying what life has to offer. I could try and say that I'm the shy girl who waits on others while hoping for Prince Charming to save me from my dyer existence of servitude, but I won't. I can't, for fear I would be struck down by the heavens for lying. I'm not really that type of girl to stay in one spot waiting around. Haven't really got the time or the patience for that. In fact I think that's how my appreciation for Disney started. As a young child I was easily distracted. Jumping from one thing to another (not sure I have actually changed that much lol). The TV/Video combo was the saving grace for my mumzy. The bright colours and great catchy songs of Disney had me hooked. I confess, I think I have watched nearly every Disney movie ever made (including some of the many questionable sequels). 

Coming across the Disney collection by Gogo Philip was so exciting for me. It was like brining my childhood into the present day. They have taken the fun spirit of Disney and mixed it with their signature vintage style to created a collection that even the non-Disney fan (if there is such a thing) would love. 

I loved it so much that as a prezzie to myself I got the Mickey Mouse necklace. Definitely had to go classic Disney in my choice.

And also the earrings :)

So now I have the perfect set. They go hand in hand like a Disney princess and her Prince Charming

I was going to get the bangle as well but unfortunately it was out of stock on their website and on ASOS (who are selling the collection too). To be fair, three is a crowd and there was never a Disney mistress involved in the happily ever after, so it's best to keep the set to two.

Having a collection based on Disney brings to mind the younger days and can push designers to create collections which can be childish and overly theatrical. Throughout the collection of Gogo Philip it is evident that simple designs makes statement and works so well. It's a mature collection which nods to the fun of Disney.  

Here I am working it with a basket ball jersey. B-ball chic I call it. Look how happy I look with my new bling :)

You can find more info about Gogo Philip and the Disney collection on their website www.gogophilip.com or follow them on Twitter for daily updates in the world of Gogo Philip. This brand has definitely been added to my favourites list and should be on yours too.

Until next time...

Stay MsChiVious xoxo

Why so blue MsChiVious...?

I am blue because I have reached the end of an era! The time has come to say goodbye to an old friend. A friend who has served me well over the last 10 years by providing comfort and protection to me. R.I.P to my dear friend Maybelle...

Let us take a moment to mark the passing of Maybelle, my wellies (from Schuh)

With the summer festival season in full swing, the passing of this shoe closet staple could not have come at a worse time. So as the ghost of Maybelle rises to shoe heaven to meet the other greats which have passed before her, I must solider on and find her replacement. 

When it comes to day festivals I usually follow the same fashion formula; 

FOOTWARE = WELLIES 

and everything else works around it. 

Pretty simple really. With the British weather being the way that it is, rain should always be expected, so it's best to be prepared. And besides I'm not really about that muddy festival look so wellies are really the only option for me.

Wireless 2011 I went with a bright orange 'le sac' dress from American apparel which can be worn a number of ways. I chose to wear it in the Grecian style.

Wireless 2012 was cold so had to wrap up warm with the hoodie, woolly hat and leggings. And again Maybelle make her appearance.

It's a tried and tested formula which has worked for me over the years and I plan to stick with it. So the time has come to locate a replacement. But where to start...

The choices are endless in the world of wellies from the more traditional farmer style to bright colours and prints. I'm going to share with you my picks:

Cheap and cheerful

These cute ankle wellies by Joules just totally make sense. Bright and fun, they will brighten up any festival outfit

Priced at £34.95. Available from www.joules.com

Cash Madame

Neon and Black? You can never go wrong and these boots prove that...I luv them!!!!

Priced at £155. Available from www.hunter-boot.com

With the surprising heatwave we had in this great city of London, this year was the first time I was wellie-free during a festival. For Wireless (note the festival trend) I played it safe and comfortable and threw on a pair of trainers. It just made sense.

The chosen look for Wireless festival this year. 

Denim shorts

Black sheer spike top, New Look

Shades, Jeeper Creepers

Chain and bangle, Disney collection by GoGo Philips

Instead I used my make-up as the way to make my outfit pop (and i'm feeling blue remember)

close up on the make-up: Blue lips, blue hair, don't care ;)

what do you think?

lips: sleek blue lip stain, Superdrug

face: MAC Studio fix powder, MAC

hair: dyed the tips with Pravana Blue, eBay

The great thing about festivals is that it's all about being comfortable, having fun and enjoying great music. So have one item in your outfit that's a bit fun and out there and just make it work for you.

Until next time....

Stay MsChiVious xoxo

Out of this world: Pacific Rim

Ladies and gentlemen, this is a bit different from the norm but I really wanted people to know. Go and see PACIFIC RIM!!!!!

I absolutely loved it!!! It's an action-packed sci-fi alien shoot-em up with giant robots called Jaegers and Idris Elba. What more can you ask for?!?

This man is too fine!!!

For those of you looking for the deep emotional drama, you are not going to find it here. Once aliens and robots are involved, how deep can it really get? The human stories are usually kept to a minimum in order to keep the focus on the action. I would suggest watching something like 'Defiance' staring Daniel Craig if you are after that kind of drama. (Its a good film by the way if you haven't already seen it. No aliens but nonetheless a good watch)

The storyline is just your typical humans fighting for survival against the alien Kaiju intent on wiping us out. No biggie really. It's not the story that matters in this film. It's the way director Guillermo Del Toro brings the concept to life. It's almost like his inner 10 year old self got together with some friends and made a alien v robot film that he, and boys like him, would want to see. The aliens are big and ugly and the robots have to bad-assed and strapped up with crazy weaponry to deal with them. Boys and their toys. 

As someone who loves Anime, my inner geek spotted the influences from the Anime and Manga genres, where the alien v robot stories are very common place. In fact while watching it I was reminded of shows like Neon Genesis Evangelion, Patlabor and Gundam Wing. This made the film even better to watch. 

*Geek alert!!!* Neon Genesis Evangelion

The effects are so amaze-balls that by the end of the movie I wanted my own Jaeger. Maybe not a full grown version...imagine the amount of polish and man hours required to keep it spotless. Aint nobody got time for that!!! It is the perfect date movie. The fellas get the action, the ladies get Idris. Very fair I think ;)

Until next time...

Stay MsChiVious xoxoxo

GOGO Gold Fever

Beware people! I have caught the fever and it's contagious. It takes over your body making you weak and addicted to all things shiny. Like a moth to a flame, you become completely hooked. I want it all!!!!!

I have Gogo Gold Fever!!!!!

#GimmeGoGo

I visited the trendy store off Brick Lane for the exclusive viewing event Gogo Philip had to showcase their different collections for SS13.

Their latest collection 'Rocks' is as bold as the name suggests.

Big stones, bright colours! Definitely makes a statement and definitely worth investing for the summer closet. 

What I love most about this brand is that they have pieces which range from completely AbFab to simple and delicate. There is something for everyone.

Someone is a happy with their find...

The evening couldn't get any better for me. But it did! I found this missing piece to my Disney collection. You know, the bangle from my previous post 'Disney is a GoGo'. 

But alas it was not meant to be. 

My keen eye spotted the other pieces in the Disney collection

And completely fell for the 'Mickey Bangle'

My Disney collection is now complete...for now

And to top off the evening I met Gogo himself! 

Check out their website for more information www.gogophilip.com or you can visit the London store, 68a Cheshire street, London, E2 6EH

Until next time gorgeous people...

Stay MsChiVious xoxoxo

Time to 'STANDOUT'

After a stressful day in the office (yes, they made me go in. And on a Monday no less) I was ready to crash out in bed with the perfect cure of a good movie and chocolate cake. As I gathered my belongings to make my great escape, my alarm goes off revealing I had to be at the Hospital. Wait! Did I already book an appointment with the doctor to cure my 'Monday blues'? 

There were even balloons!! This collection is going to be popping!

In fact I had but no doctor required. The launch of the Nosa Khari 'STANDOUT' Collection held at the glamorously exclusive Hospital Club was the cure I needed. Heaven!!! 

I love accessories. Almost as much as I love shoes. I love the power they hold over making or breaking an outfit. If used correctly, they can transform the most basic outfit into something to amazing. The 'STANDOUT' collection does exactly that.

Here is what designer Nosa Osadolor said when I put him on the spot about his collection

Stop trying to act shy Nosa...lol

Nosa has used something as simple as beads and through amazing craftsmanship created pieces which will make any outfit pop.

Black on black....pop pop pop!!!

Now I don't know about you but when I think of beads the first thing that comes to mind is grannies sitting at an arts and crafts table droning on about the good ol' days. No droning when it comes to the collection as the guests appeared as impressed as I was with his different creations.

In my mind, Nosa has done the impossible and made beads cool again.

Love love love the snoods. It's so Grace Jones, don't you think? Nosa wouldn't let me try them on though :( 

Model Rachael Williams @ITSRACHAELJW and Jarel are all smiles at the launch

To top it off the evening, J Appiah (@JesseSings) graced the launch with an acoustic set. Definitely a singer on the rise and one to watch out for.

The evening was a success. I can't wait to see what else Nosa Khari has in store. I head home cured from my 'Monday blues' ready to take on the rest of the week :)

A quick snap of me and the man himself

You can find more info on the collection at www.Nosakhari.com or follow him on twitter @NosaKhariLondon

Until next time...

Stay MsChi-Vious

P.s. I have to give a quick shout out to the guy who was rocking the purple patten shoes. Those were definitely a 'STANDOUT' pair. Not one for the faint hearted lol. Two thumbs up from me :)