Yummy Mummy Couture ჱܓThe Preggie Diva!
Posted on 02. Sep, 2010 by Lounge Lady in iStyle
Fashion choices for pregnant women are evolving everyday and staying fashionable during pregnancy has never been easier – or more fun! More than ever before women are beginning to embrace the possibility of staying pretty and comfortable instead of being frumpy during pregnancy.
Edidiong Amama Ekwere is a designer who is passionate about making trendy maternity clothing for women who want to stay beautiful while celebrating their pregnancies. She has been busy working on her fashion line called Yummy Mummy Maternity Couture®. Her desire is to craft and provide a unique African inspired touch to captivate the trendy, classy, sexy, sassy and bold modern day mummy-to-be.
Here is what she told Femme Lounge!
Edidiong Amama Ekwere
My name is Edidiong Amama Ekwere, Eddie or DeeDee for short. I studied Geology but have always had a flair for all things artsy and creative. I started sketching as early as 4 or 5, and designing, as a fall out, came naturally. I love design and the process of bringing something to life that was once only a figment of my imagination is pure delight. It’s an absolute ‘high’. With the creative arts, you can be certain that the best of you is out there for someone else to enjoy!
Yummy Mummy Maternity Couture®
Yummy Mummy Maternity Couture® is a subsidiary of “Maison de Bara” and boasts “Haute Couture” and Prêt-a-porter collections for today’s ‘unrepentantly preggo’ diva, providing her couture with a decidedly ethnic twist. Using African prints as a basic medium and playing it against and alongside other fabrics of varying textures, Yummy Mummy Maternity Couture® desires to craft and provide a unique African inspired touch to its products captivating the trendy, classy, sexy, sassy and bold modern day mummy-to-be and mother-of-xxx. We’ve also provided a range of fashionable, unique tee-shirts for the urban young lady. We are confident the vibrant colours and hard-to-come-by patterns will steal your heart right away, and they are just for that woman who ‘dares to be different’.
Inspiration
I wanted to uniquely express myself while creating stylish, afrocentric and wearable designs for the pregnant diva.
2010 Collection …
This is my debut collection. It boasts the Yummy Mummy Maternity line ‘proper’, the Materni-Tees™ and the Tribal Tees™. The Line itself showcases a range of luxuriantly crafted dresses for yummy mummies-to-be and yummy mummies. Each piece was carefully designed to either be worn as a day dress, or to transition nicely for a casual evening event or for church, and cut to accentuate and celebrate the ‘baby bump’ while still affording the wearer comfort uncompromised by style. The Materni-Tees™ are designed to snuggle the baby bump in a very bold and trendy way while the Tribal Tees™ are Ankara and embroidery infused t-shirts for every woman, in every walk of life. So you don’t have to be pregnant to wear a Yummy Mummy design.
What sets you apart from other maternity fashion lines?
We definitely stand out as being the fore-runners of ethnic inspired maternity wear. It is clear from research, there is no other maternity fashion line here in Nigeria today and when compared with foreign counterparts, we are the only ones providing maternity couture with a decidedly ethnic twist, that African inspired touch. Our tee-shirt line is also the first of its kind, infusing fashion and culture to give that unique quality that so many people have been waiting for.
When was Yummy Mummy Maternity Couture® established?
Yummy Mummy Maternity Couture® has been in the ‘dreamworks’ for a very, very long time but was finally established in May 2010.
Who is the typical Yummy Mummy Maternity Woman?
Every woman in the whole wide world, who wants to look and feel glamourous while she’s pregnant, after she’s had the brood, and while anticipating that facet of life.
What were the challenges you faced in establishing your fashion label?
Finding the time to invest in this project has definitely been my biggest challenge…
Did you have to get a relevant training about having a fashion line?
I’ve definitely had to rely on a love of fashion and a flair for the arts to get this project off the ground and to a flying start.
The hardest part of your job?
Finding the time……
The best part of your job?
Everything about it puts a smile on my face. I absolutely love my job……
Your most fulfilling moment on this journey
Seeing the designs come to life on the actual human form and in print….
People’s response to it so far
Extremely encouraging and very supportive.
What significant life lessons have you learnt on this journey?
It’s never too late to pick up and run with your dream.
This must be costing you lots of money, where has the funding been coming from?
I haven’t found it too difficult to find investors to support my enthusiasm, business plan and sense.
Most successful women have had to climb on the shoulders of others to have a clearer view of the road ahead them, who are your own mentors?
Thank God for His dependable shoulders, for my mum who always believes in me and my abilities and my bestest friend, who totally believes in me even when I don’t believe in myself and has a wealth of advice and help to share and offer. And I can’t forget the few very special friends of mine who have supported me in every ramification, all the way. I am blessed.
Your greatest strengths and skills that have particularly been of help in achieving?
Prayer, you can’t achieve a thing if God is not in it and neither can you harness on what He has deposited in you if you don’t seek. Also, I would add persistence, the ability to not let go of a dream, hard work, mindless dedication and sheer determination.
What should we expect of Yummy Mummy Maternity Couture® in few years time?
A lot …
Where and how can we know more about your work?
While work is ongoing on our website, anyone can join, view and order directly from our Facebook page, Yummy Mummy Maternity Couture. There is a runway show planned for late this 2010, so keep your eyes peeled and be expectant …
Shoes Are A Girl’s Bestfriend?
Posted on 30. Aug, 2010 by Lounge Lady in iStyle
Most ladies relationship with shoes start off from an early age, mostly while they are in their early teens, looking at the shoes through the shoe shop window wishing that they could have them to add to their already increasing closet full of shoes, or just wishing that they could pull off those extremely high heels without wobbling with every step they take. As much as we realize our love hate relationship with shoes and the fact that we only wear one third of the amount of shoes we possess we still cannot deny that we’d much rather have them than not.
So here is a list of the types of shoes every woman needs to have in her shoe closet and the different types of shoes for different occasions.
Flats or Ballerina Pumps
Our early relationship with shoes often starts off with flats or the ballerina pumps as they are often called. They have little or no heel, are easy to wear, durable and absolutely pain free. They are very good for ladies who are into the casual look and are often the best shoes to go shopping with; they are also good for outings where you know you’ll be spending the day on your feet.
Sandals
These are often worn when the weather is warm because they are also as comfortable as ballerina pumps while allowing a lot more freedom to the toes. The higher they are up the leg the slimmer they make your legs appear, so if you want your legs to appear slimmer especially if you are wearing a short or knee length skirt get a pair with a little extra buckles up top. They come in a variety of colours and are also good for casual occasions.
Wedges
The wedges are another famous pair with the ladies although there is also an amount of ladies that would rather not wear them. Wedges are good for people who want a little extra lift but are not very comfortable with the idea of wearing heels. This can be worn with just about anything they are also very comfortable.
Kitten Heels
These barely there heeled shoes are great for people who are just learning how to wear heels, they do not give as much of a lift to the person and are often not as attractive but are very comfortable for a long night, it is worth having a pair as they can come in very handy.
Stilettos
These are often said to be the best of the lot, why, do I hear you ask? Because unlike all other types of shoes a nice pair of high stiletto can dramatically change the way you look. They are not as comfortable, but hey whoever said beauty was pain clearly knew a thing or two about what was going on. They are worth investing in, can be worn with any type of outfit and if you are a Shorty they can give you a major height transformation. They should mostly be worn when going out for an event or to the office as they are much more appropriate for such events but for some people they are everyday attires. Hey if Victoria Beckham can do it why not you. If you know you are going to be on your feet for a long time rounded toes, open toes or sandals are much better as you will have to deal with less pain which is often more likely with pointy toed heels. Wearing the right shoes for the right occasion is not only necessary it is also appropriate as it can make or break an outfit just ask Carrie Bradshaw and I’m sure she’ll tell you a thing or two. And if there is any lesson we have learnt from Cinderella it is that sometimes a pair of shoes can change your life, for all you know you just might find Prince Charming.
Writer: Yemi Babasanya blogs at http://yemibabasanya.wordpress.com
There Are No Ugly Girls, Only Poor Girls?
Posted on 16. Jul, 2010 by Lounge Lady in iStyle
“Tolulope , there are no ugly girls , there are only poor girls”. These are my sister-in-law’s words that keep echoing in my head every time I go out to shop. The first time she told me, I can remember arguing vehemently against her school of thought. I thought it was vain and sinful; my conservative mind could just not comprehend it. But here I am a year after, my walls of defense have totally crumbled, and I have come to believe that money and body beauty walk hand in hand.
Who wouldn’t change after having to listen to my friend’s daily chatter on her obsession for designers clothing and sophisticated makeup lines, who wouldn’t change after seeing throng of models that come to my office everyday in their flawless skin and long legs, and who wouldn’t change after my boyfriend’s subtle ways of telling me to step up my game?
Money and body beauty walk hand in hand, they are peas of the same pod, one can’t do without the other, it’s a very bitter pill to swallow because to be as beautiful as I want to comes with a hard sacrifice; I have to spend more.
So many times, I have tried to convince myself and others that the most important thing to do to be a fine girl is to have self confidence and charisma, but my daily afternoon window shopping says otherwise. Break time at work has now become a time of discovery for me, as I wander along shops to ‘feed my eyes’ on clothes seductively hanging on racks. Sometimes I even catch the mannequins winking at me, sometimes they smile coyly like shy virgins waiting to be devoured and I unashamedly lick my lips and swallow back my desire to possess them. Most afternoons I set out to conquer and remove smirks off their faces, so I buy things!
In those boutiques I always see a world where I am always beautiful, I have become a shopaholic and I am loving every bit of it.
Writer: Tolu Odeyemi
Photo Credit: G.I
Considering Permanent Makeup?
Posted on 09. Jul, 2010 by Lounge Lady in iStyle
Although tattooing is popular as an art form, tattoos are now being used as a form of permanent beauty and convenience. Permanent makeup has now gained popularity throughout the world as an easy way to keep the makeup on, day or night.
The most popular permanent makeup choices include tattooed eyebrows, eye liner, and lip color. Make no mistake – it’s not just for women. Men are also opting for permanent makeup for various reasons, including the cover up of burns and skin discoloration.
You can expect permanent cosmetics procedures to take one to two hours and cost about $600. The price will vary depending on the type of makeup you desire. The tattoo artist or technician will use standard tools, whether pen or rotary machine. You should carefully consider your options before deciding on the right procedure for you.
Should You Get Permanent Makeup?
Permanent makeup offers great convenience for many people. You can wake up in the morning and save yourself the time and hassle of applying makeup to certain areas of your face. It’s a great option for athletes because perspiration won’t affect tattooed makeup. You’ll also find that this type of makeup isn’t just for the face. Those with scars or discoloration on other parts of their body may also opt for permanent makeup. Color removed during surgery, such as the pigment of the areola, can be tattooed after a mastectomy.
For those with undesirable features, such as no eyebrow line or eyelashes, the decision to choose tattooed makeup may be an obvious one. It may help the individual enhance their appearance and boost their self-confidence. However, with other procedures, you have to make a tough decision to make because there is no turning back once the procedure is complete. You’ll have to live with the colors and type of makeup for a long time. Removing tattoos can be a painful procedure, and may be extremely difficult.
Permanent cosmetics are great for those who seldom change their makeup technique and pigments. To choose the right colors, be honest with yourself and examine the colors that you currently use. For lips, you may want to go with a light shade, since they can be covered up with darker lipstick if you want a different look. For eyeliner or brow, carefully consider the shape and thickness you desire.
Whatever you decide on, make sure that you find a qualified technician to do your makeup. The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals may be able to help. You can do background research on the technicians in your area and choose a reputable professional with the proper experience and training. When considering an artist, always visit the facilities. It should be clean, well-lit, and hold a professional appearance. Also, ask to see a portfolio of past work. Pay close attention to the pictures of those who received the procedure that you’re interested in.
After your procedure, you’ll see that your permanent makeup is darker than expected. However, this will lighten over time as some of the color fades. After several weeks, examine your new makeup and see if you like it. If you’re not satisfied with the look, contact your technician or tattoo artist. There may be something that he or she can do to slightly change the look.
Summary:
Permanent makeup offers great benefits to athletes, those with scars, or individuals who love the colors they currently wear. You can save yourself a lot of time and hassle for choosing permanent makeup. However, you should be sure of the colors and procedures you desire since removal can be expensive and difficult. A technician recognized by the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals may be able to help you make the right decision.
Writer: Brooke Hayles
Image: Image Source
Be Fashigeous!
Posted on 08. Feb, 2010 by Lounge Lady in iStyle
The Femme Lounge Fashion Patrol is here again and this time we are here to tell you how to be fashigeous! Yes you heard right – you can be fashigeous (fashionably gorgeous) with our easy to follow advice:
Here you go!
- When you go shopping for clothes make sure you get something that suits your figure and flatters your shape… get classic pieces and my rule of thumb is that if you have to ask a second opinion about it – it ain’t hawt! Buy only things you absolutely love and can already imagine at least two things to pair it with in your wardrobe
- Buy fashion magazines… and check out what the models are wearing…the hair dos, make up… you can keep the hot trends in mind that way… you might not want to follow them every inch of the way but you know what is going on and they will help your creative juices flow….
- Cute clothes are great… revealing cloth is not… be stylish and adventurous when shopping for your clothes… stop filling your wardrobe with black under the pretext that it’s a safe colour that goes with everything… the fashionistas have tried to get you to try other colours with all the “purple is the new black” “green is the new black” fads so even if they haven’t succeeded the idea is that ‘there are other colours out there apart from black’
- Wear bright colors - Like I said before… black is not the only colour out there, now take it further and wear bright colours, it will most likely give you some confidence.. so go after the pinks, yellows, turquoise blues and printed pieces… they will put a spring in your steps…
- Pay attention to your hair – woven, braided, straighten, curled, coloured…. Anything…. as long as it’s impeccable… and there are all kinds of cute accessories out there like headbands and ribbons to help you! Dirty hair and hair flying around is not cool and even though coloured hair is great, four or five colours is not! Femme Lounge Fashion patrol is big on hair… horrible hair will ruin the best of outfits.
- Beauty exists in all shapes and colors….Exaggerate your best parts….you don’t have to have best everything to be gorgeous… but if you have gorgeous eyes, show them with eye shadow and liner… if your hair is gorgeous…. Black… long wavy… show it! If its your nails or legs, teeth or lips the list of best parts is endless… play yours up… and if you are struggling with the fact that nothing about you is beautiful, then you are wrong… ask a girlfriend or male friend what your prettiest feature is… someone trying to get into your pants doesn’t count in this survey.
- Exercise- yes that dreaded word…. Sit ups, legs up, jogging, skipping…. Do something… you could join a gym or buy an exercise video and work out at home. If doing it alone is boring, get your friends together and exercise together…. It will encourage all of you and the idea of an ‘Exercise Thursday’ with the girls is fab… seriously… everybody can’t have a gorgeous face but EVERYBODY can have a gorgeous body!
- Watch what you eat! … Don’t starve but honestly cakes, chocolates and ice cream do not help your skin, waist or nothing… so don’t indulge so much. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables, protein, fruit, moderate carbohydrates and drink plenty of water.
- Smile – perfect and radiate a bright gorgeous smile. Say hello with a bright go lucky smile
- Finally a gorgeous attitude beats anything else so -Be Gorgeous with Attitude.Be kind, considerate, polite and respectful whenever possible. And if you remember that someone’s got it worse than you ever can, you have every reason to stay positive!
Now go ye forth and be fashigeous!
Your Fashion Patrol - Ronke Eni Akinboye
www.eniiakinbo.co.uk, style@eniiakinbo.co.uk
If Your Hair is Not Red…….
Posted on 24. Nov, 2009 by Lounge Lady in iStyle
This is the Femme Lounge Fashion Patrol and we are on the prowl…. Come out with your garish lemon purses up and put your hot pink suede wedges down. You are under arrest for making those horrid fashion mistakes…. Every thing you wear will be noted and discussed!
We have all made those fashion mistakes before at some point in time… “I used to have this horrid velvet blouse….” but Femme Lounge is here now to make sure you don’t get the fashion patrol arresting you again. Here are some tips, dos, don’ts and never nevers….
- If your hair is not red, your eyebrows have no business being red. And when I say red I am not referring to your weave, I am referring to your natural hair. So ditch your red eyebrow pencils – which I suspect are really lip liners, and go for dark brown. Get your eye brows trimmed to the natural line of your brow (that gives you a normal facial expression rather than a perpetually surprised look) and then fill them in with brown pencil as necessary – bushy eyebrows are not a crime… they are rather in, on the fashion scene now… as long as they are controlled.
- You can’t wear rings on all your fingers… no not even on four fingers! You only end up looking like a sad English pensioner or an “owambe gutter mama”… you are not either of those things, so leave most of your jewellery in your jewellery box. Never more than two ringed fingers per hand!
- Animal prints are lovely…. I know…. They are hawt and so cool… I know… but you can’t wear them from head to toe! In fact just like the colour red, try not to wear more than two pieces – your shoes and bag, or your shoes and blouse… you get? You can’t wear animal print shoes, bag, blouse and skirt… that is not accessorising that is a fashion nightmare!
- On the delicate issue of what to show, so you wanna be hawt and have the boys drooling? Don’t blame me for the outcome though – okay so you want to show flesh…. The rule is – “show one” you are either showing cleavage or legs… not both… that is “if your skirt is short, your blouse can’t be low. Otherwise you become “here comes the slut”. And if your blouse is low, then everything else is covered… capish?
- Get rid of that “weave” on your head. I know how expensive “Bobbys” and “Make me” are; they cost an arm and a leg. Even the corner hairdresser has woken up and charges good money. I know you spent hours in the salon getting it done all pretty…. I know. But… that’s no excuse to wear them for 3 months… apart from the fact that they stink to high heavens, you are ruining your hair and calling on the demons of dandruff to dwell with you. So take them off, give your hair a good wash and steaming and do something else to your hair…. Weaves day in day out are not right…. They are just not….and you shouldn’t wear them for more than 6 weeks… no matter how nice they still look!
- And then for the one that steals the spotlight – wear the right bra…. The number of women I see wearing the wrong bra just leaves me tired and in despair. Wearing the wrong bra size spoils the looks of your expensive clothes and destroys your whole look. Some people tell me their bra size and just looking at them I know they are wrong…. Seriously…
So to make your life and mine easier, I have inserted a link here to a reliable bra size calculator
http://www.bettyandbelle.co.uk/bra-size-calculator-14-w.asp
or
http://www.knowmysize.net/BraSizeCalculator.aspx
Get a tape rule, do the measurements, enter it here and voila you know your bra size – you can now ditch that bra that rides up your back and the ones that have you spilling over the top and give you four boobs instead of two.
Now don’t let me catch you breaking the rules…
Your Fashion Patrol
Ronke Eni Akinboye
The Secret Life of a Fashionista!
Posted on 15. Nov, 2009 by Lounge Lady in iStyle
Beauty, Confidence, Attraction and Approval, were few of the factors that motivated my decisions of what to wear or not to wear, I considered other people’s opinion and perception important when it comes to what I wear and how I look. I wanted to be seen as someone that is trendy and fashion savvy.
I once tried going the skimpy route as a teenager, for the love of seeing heads turn when I pass by, then I also did the pink lipstick for a signature look, sometimes I still do super high heels for an extra dose of confidence, and I often go for dark colors to hide a few pounds around my waistline.
The trendy outcome of my careful and conscious selections would always earn me compliments from other people, I loved the compliments that came with being fashionable but despised the ache of keeping it all together, I wished I had chosen comfort ahead all the other motivating factors. But like they say, being fashionable comes with sacrifice; I had to learn how to smile in pains, I would do anything for the perfect chic look.
So I would tie Gele, though it felt like a bucket full of water on my head, caused my scalp to itch and slowed me down from having fun at parties.
I would wear a svelte and sexy dress though it’s tight and restrictive, so super-figure-hugging-tight that you couldn’t visit the lavatory in it!
And for a complete chic look, I would fix acrylic nails, but no one would see me when I nursed my hurting fingers after scrubbing the bathtub, doing the dishes and washing clothes.
I would also let loose my 14″ Sensational Pro-10 Fresh Wave like Brandy, although unlike her, I live in a temperate region, and I do not have the luxury of being in a 24 hour air-conditioned apartment when the weather feels like its dripping hell.
For an elegant look, I always chose a super high heel. Yet, I carried flat slippers all around in my handbag; waiting for people to take their eyes away from me so I could yank off the shoes and slip into my comfy slippers.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the rat race of being the latest, hottest, and trendiest, forgetting that fashion is not only about how I look but also what is comfortable. Why should I have to be uncomfortable in whatever I wear? It’s like torture!
If fashion really comes with sacrifice, then such sacrifice is: For whom? To what end? And at what cost?
I saw clips of “Secret Lives of Moms” on Oprah recently. She had a group of women who boldly broke their silence about motherhood, spilling the beans about not only the good side, but the bad and ugly sides of motherhood – the sides no one talked about for fear of being judged.
I wish we could have something similar, but this time it won’t be about mothers, it should be called “Secret Lives of Fashionistas – A Sisterhood of Fashionable Women”. Where there will be no holds barred, and women can reveal the exhausting, confusing, infuriating side of being fashionable without fear of being tagged ’fashion laid backs’ or ‘fashion challenged’. I am sure we will uncover a can of worms beneath the pretty faces and hip looks.
I have decided that when it comes to how I look, I will be more focused on defining my own style, what suits me and gives expression to who I am , trying to keep it all tight and high like the fashion world sometimes depicts it, takes me away from my comfort zones. That doesn’t mean that I won’t put care into my appearance, of course I will always dress appropriately and stylishly, I won’t wear a flip flop to office on a Monday morning in the name of comfort, and I also won’t wear a high heel shoe to hang out with friends on a Sunday evening for fashion sakes!
To look nice, I have to be comfortable and not tugging at my clothes and feeling all weird cause my outfit is uncomfortable as hell. If it’s not comfortable, it affects my countenance, and puts me in an unproductive mood, then how can I enjoy the moment?
Comfort shouldn’t have to take a back seat to fashion; in fact it should be one of the words that describe fashion, because you can definitely be stylish and comfortable. We don’t have to be stuck in the Victorian Times; we now live in the Michellean era, when we can dress for the occasion and yet be comfortable in our own style. That is what I now aim for, the stylish look that is effortless, and someday I will get there. Yes, someday.
10 Shopping Tips
Posted on 28. Aug, 2009 by Lounge Lady in iStyle
When it comes to shopping there are two major types of women, those who simply love it and have absolutely no problem carving out time and money for a little fun shopping and those who find it about as alluring as scrubbing the bathtub and puts it nowhere near their top priority. Whether you are a pro, an anti shopper or someone just in between you will find these tips helpful for a successful shopping.
Take Stock
First take stock of what you already have, throw out the unusable, give away the ones you are tired of, and mend the repairable.
Make a List
Figure out what items you need to get, make a detailed list in order of priority, it will help you know what items you should be looking for at the mall.
Budget
Impulsive buying makes you spend money you didn’t plan to and living in debts isn’t so chic. So before you go shopping determine how much you can spend. Make a budget, stick to it, don’t spend more than you can afford.
Feel Good
It is important that you go shopping when you are feeling really good about yourself, it boosts your self esteem and helps you go for the stuff that suits you best.
Be Comfortable
Wear light things that are easy to get in and out of when trying on the clothes, without smearing your make up all over, loosing your earrings, dropping your wig or needing the help of a co shopper every now and then.
Choose the right time
Shopping is also more fun when you choose to shop when the stores are least crowded, you will be able to take your time to search, try on and ponder before you choose, without getting in other people’s way or having them in yours.
Have Fun
This is particularly important for the anti shoppers, let it be a time out rather than a task. Invite your friends along, choose stores that you love, free the day of any other engagement and have fun.
Focus
Never give up on a sure thing, you know the cuts, fabrics, styles and colors that will enhance your figure and looks good on you, don’t allow someone to talk you out of what works best for you. And don’t compromise to buy just anything if you don’t find something you are absolutely sure about, go to another store or go back when they have new collection.
Mirror! Mirror! Mirror!
Don’t assume it will fit, always try cloths in front of a mirror at the store to be sure it’s your size and it fits the way you want. Don’t be in a hurry to leave, take time to ensure you look good in it
Go For Quality
Never ever compromise on the best quality you can afford. Yeah you might not be able to afford the top of the range designers but there sure are different grades of quality, don’t go lower that you can afford.
Source: Femme Lounge Library
