Kehinde Fanimokun – Page 2

White Shirts & Whatnots

Growing up, a white shirt was a status symbol. It spoke at length in knowledge, uncovered depths of wisdom and expressed silent authority. Growing up, my Dad was not just the epitome of a white shirt, he was the very essence of it. It was the singular most dominant feature of his wardrobe and it could only ever be crisp… pristine… starched… SHARP! It earned him the nickname ‘GQ’ and in my book, anything short of this, just didn’t make the cut!

Naturally, as I progressed into the realm of employment, I too found the white shirt to be not just a staple, but supposedly critical for unattained heights of success. Accessorized with a Hermès 90×90 (*insert smug smile*), my white shirt wasn’t just my authority, it transformed to my cape! But I’ve since learned not to take life too seriously. SHARP! is nice, but as a lady, I much prefer my shirt (blouse?) to glide gracefully along my fashion scale, sliding from understated chic to refined grace.

Ever-adaptable, I often find that my white shirt is my blank canvas, capable of self-expression and open to my style interpretations. Somewhere between the flirty off shoulders, the hand stitched silks and the creaseless oxford cloth classics (Taiwo does this like a PRO!), I’ve found myself “at home” with this undeniable essential.

Below are my much desired white shirt chic goals

Tome | Open Back Shirt | My Chameleon — Source: The Chic Department

Cotton shirts are enjoying a new lease of life via architectural shapes. This neat bow detailing will nip in your waist too — Source: The Telegraph

I’ve learnt that maintenance is the greatest feat in owning a white shirt, but here’s a tip you (probably) didn’t know… they (Brooks Brothers, according to the WSJ) say your blend ratio shouldn’t exceed 60/40 Polyester/Cotton…. you can thank me later!

Ladies, have you invested in a white shirt? How does it work for you?

xXx

Ps: For those of you that don’t already know, I have Tory Lanez ‘Hypnotized’ on REPEAT!!!!

PPs: I can’t seem to decide if I want my hair in Senegalese twists or if I want to keep queening in my nappy ‘fro… thoughts?

Thirty Something

Last year was my Champagne 30^th (that was coined given Taiwo & I’s love for champagne) and in all honesty, I had mixed feelings. There are SO many misconceptions about the third decade of one’s existence, but when you fall short of your own standard as you turn that third corner, the pressure floods in and then THEN you have a real problem. Before we go on, let’s quickly examine that list of what (I thought) I ought to have done by last October:

Established a career in Investment Banking- I was certainly on the right path… Ag. Head of Project Finance at the age of 29, caaman! I was doing okay and I had the right support. This was the ONLY thing I had on lock down though… keep reading…
Bought a house- 7 months on and this remains on the to-do list
Married a steady boyfriend whom I’d have dated for c.3 years- Update: It’s official, I’m single!
Popped 2 babies at the minimum- After all, it’s harder to make babies with “fried eggs”. Besides, Then, I wanted 3! Today, I’d be content with 1!
Visited at least 30 cities- I’ve lost count to be honest. I’ve probably done about 25, not quite 30 but I’m no longer counting.
Bought an Investment bag- The Chanel 2.55 remains on my wish list. I’m open to donations… nothing is too small
Learnt French- Travil en cours- yes, I googled that. Sue me!

What I quickly realized is that there’s nothing wrong with making plans. In fact, I encourage everyone to do it. Falling short of your own expectations happens. What’s then important is to take stock of where you are and work to move forward. Self-pity, insecurity that’s just pathetic. When you focus too much on what wasn’t, you’ll lose sight of your achievements.

To cut a long story (somewhat) short, I ended up having the time of my life celebrating my Champagne 30th. I spent the actual birthday on the plane from Paris back to Lagos. My flight got delayed so I didn’t actually arrive until 9pm.

C30

But I’d never felt so loved when I got home. There were about 30 people waiting to celebrate with me that Thursday evening. Amazing individuals…. Every single one of them! The following night, I went out clubbing and my awesome friends totally covered EVERYTHING! We got a table and partied till the am.

Sip Champagne 30

The icing on the cake was a trip to Malta with Taiwo (of course) and Wura. What a beautiful, island!

Malta 30 A Malta 30 B

Today, I drew up a “Kehinde Four Point Zero” Bucket list. I’m not sharing that with you yet, but just know it’s a lot more fun and a lot less serious.

Before I leave you pondering on what made the Bucket list, I’ll drop some hints below in my update on what I’ve “achieved” on turning 30…

Changed jobs- I’ve decided I want to be an O&G guru in the medium term. PE is still the ultimate GOAL along with (maybe) being an Editor-at-Large (I find that so fascinating)
Started Yoga- My first class was last Saturday and it was AMAZING! Going back this weekend
Started eating healthier- I’m not quite vegetarian YET, but I’m mindful of what goes in
Got braces- The plan isN’T to totally close the gap, but I think my dentist has another agenda…. I’ll keep you updated
Got a helix piercing. Then ditched the helix piercing. I got a keloid so had to take it out… the keloid is gone now so I’ll try again later this year and see how that pans out
Got contacts- because I had to “babe up” even if it was only a nano notch
Invested in the Stella McCartney Falabella- YAAASSSS loved this bag FOREVER and she will do until my 2.55 arrives
I read a book! And now I’m reading ANOTHER book (Children of Blood & Bone)

Dare I say it, but 30 is looking pretty darn good on me despite my (self-) perceived short comings. The other day, a gentleman at Ikoyi club even thought I was 19!!! *blush* Could 30 be the new 20?

xXx

Ps: I won’t jinx things by saying “I’m Back!” but I’ll just leave that right here….

Pps: Super excited about the Lancome Teint Idole launch in Nigeria. Can’t wait t find my shade

PPPs: Kehinde Three Point Zero…. Kehinde FOUR Point Zero, that makes me giggle, I don’t know why

Komole Kandids Series 2

*WARNING: This post is highly opinionated. In the event that your view differs from mine, feel free to express yourself in the comments section*

House of Deola is in a class of its own. Yes, I said it and I refuse to take it back! I’m yet to master the art of making culture contemporary, so when I see a designer that fuses the two so effortlessly, elegantly, beautifully, naturally…. I go GaGa! I actually lose it. Staring uncontrollably, drooling helplessly, wide eyed in amusement. It’s a mix between a kid in a candy store and a man that has found that woman that holds his “mumu” button, lol.

Let’s dig into the detail shall we??

One word: Intricacy.

There’s a resonating theme with each piece in the Komole Kandids Series 2. You know the link that new designers fail to grasp…. The underlying theme that undoubtedly links one piece to the next in a beautiful harmony… yeah, that’s the one! There’s beading, there are cut-outs, beautiful prints, appliques… gosh, it’s got the works!

Some background: Research.

Does anyone bother studying anymore? I don’t just mean reading. Studying, absorbing, understanding. House of Deola clearly put in the hours. I understand that over 12 years of research went into the development of the lace and now they weave the fabric themselves. Fantastic!

The Experience: Royalty.

You know when you look so good you’re gliding on air. When the world gazes at you in awe because you’re mingling with the gods. When your smile radiates from the inside at the slightest twitch of your lips. Yeah… that’s what I imagine the Komole Kandids Series 2 feels like. Can’t believe the target audience is wedding guests.

The Styling: Minimal.

When your clothes do all the talking, it’s best to keep the styling simple. Sleek low buns and perfectly pleated geles for the win.

Do I need really need to explicitly state that I love this collection? Or did my write up justify this already? LOL

Imani - One shoulder celadon floor length dress with attached ruched ‘ipele’. Dress patterned with Komole Kandids Forest motif.

Komole Kandids Series 1_House of Deola_Aso Oke_Nigerian Wedding_BellaNaija21

SOPHIA Alice blue Aso-oke, A-line dress patterned with Komole Kandids Nectar motif.

Komole-Kandids-Series-2_House-of-Deola_Aso-Oke_Nigerian-Wedding_BellaNaija_11

Komole-Kandids-Series-2_House-of-Deola_Aso-Oke_Nigerian-Wedding_BellaNaija_10

LEILA Apricot and gold gilded Aso-oke dress patterned with Komole Kandids Forest motif.

FARI X YASMIN Dark raspberry liquid metal corset. Floral A-line skirt.

TALLULAH. Aquamarine Aso-oke top and skirt patterned with Komole Kandids Fractal motif.

xXx

Ps: I need a holiday.

The Midas Touch

The V Label Maida dress is one of my favourites. It’s ironic because when I first received it, I was mad with anger. Let me give you a bit of a background on our turbulent history…

It was about 10:00am on a Saturday morning when my dress first arrived. Beaming with excitement, I tore open the plastic bag wrapping and lo and behold:

Issue 1: I was blinded by the golden shimmer; and

Issue 2: I was appalled by the size. You see the dress fit like a 12 except I’d ordered a 6.

As I tipped over the edge about to explode in a hissy fit, my Mum offered her sewing machine to take in the gaping sides. More often that not, I’m melodramatic, but what do you expect when there’s a wedding in 2 hours and your only option is two times your size?

Fast forward to the following Summer and I’ve worn the V Label Maida three times and I’m still receiving compliments. Because of her golden shimmer and the endless compliments, I call her “The Maidas touch”. Below are the benefits of The Maidas Touch:

Benefit 1: I never need more than dainty earrings and an expensive bracelet to accessorize her, she does all the work.

Benefit 2: She’s so comfortable it’s surreal!

Benefit 3: The decent length is fit for a wedding with my Dad but mini lining is the ultimate flirt for a wedding with the MR.

Below are pictures of The Maidas Touch, what do you think?

Photo Credit: Tadera Studios (aka Taiwo) LOL. The photo was taken at about 9pm though. I need to remember to take photos before the event rather than after *sigh*

xXx

Ps: The Maidas touch also looks fantastic with coloured shoes.

PPs: My shoes are courtesy of my boo boo Ilobe 🙂

PPPs: I did my make-up myself (I’m improving… trust me), but Wura highlighted which was kinda cool. I might be highlighting some more going forward. LOL

Afternoon Tea anyone?

I’ve got work to do. A lot of work. It’s got to be done this evening and yet, here I am sitting at my desk at 6:50pm thinking about what I like to call “Afternoon Tea”.

Anya Hindmarch recently designed a whole line of delicious clutches, hold-alls and Ebury bags. She’s included Bourbon, Custard Cream and even crisps, you know…. just a few divine pastries you’d find stacked on your Afternoon Tea cake stand.

Now I know there are no scones or gateauxs featured in the collection, but you have to admit, the craftmanship of these bags are pretty sweet (okay, okay, I’ll stop with the food references, it’s getting cheesy… Lol)!

What are your thoughts on Anya’s Autumn/Winter 2014 collection? Does it go down quite the treat or is it not your cup of tea? (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself!)

Crisp Packet clutch, main

Source: AnyaHindmarch.com

She’s also got a refreshing line of breakfast cereals including Cornflakes, Frosties and Coco-pops so really this blog post could have gone either way…. “Breakfast is served” or “Afternoon Tea Anyone?”

Anya Hindmarch Imperial Coco Pops Snakeskin Clutch

Source: Purseblog.com

Frosties Maxi Featherweight Ebury

Source: AnyaHindmarch.com

xXx

Ps: I think I had too much fun with the food references in my description.

PPs: Happy Democracy Day to all my Nigerian Followers…. Let’s hope this Change will be for the better.

Lipstick Love

I’m not big on makeup. Never really have been, but recently, I’ve taken a real liking to the art and would like to believe that I’ve significantly upped my game!! My first love will always be deep, dark, sultry eyeliner but recently I’ve been adulterous and toyed with lipstick and even flirted with foundation. My love affair with the latter is very new and still requires a lot of work, but the real focus of this post is centered on the dynamic and seductive results achieved with lipstick.

My collection of lipsticks is pretty basic and easily broken down into 3 categories:

1. The Neutrals;

2. The Reds; and

3. The Berries.

The Neutrals: This includes MAC’s Modesty and MAC’s Shy Girl. Both are cremesheen and glide on to moisutrised lips with an effortless stroke. As the names suggest, these classic shades are incredibly humble. The kind of nudes that allow you to slip away just as Prince Charming catches a glimpse of that smile. The Cinderella effect if you like!

L-R: Cremesheen Modesty and Cremesheen Shy Girl

The Reds: Ever making a statement MAC’s Ruby Woo and Russian Red need no introduction. They are who they are, persuasive, intense and rich…. Fiery by nature! I must admit, the matte nature of these reds could be as detrimental as they are passionate and although both last for unimaginable hours, they dry out my lips leaving a chapped and hideous residue. I find that an intense exfoliation exercise needs to be carried out ahead of application.

L-R Matte Ruby Woo and Matte Russian Red

The Berries: These are my Prima Donnas! Need I say more? Diva is a matte finish but my all time favourite, Rebel is the perfect satin finish. She’s the right amount of edgy and announces herself upon arrival. Best of all, Rebel’s satin finish makes it easy to re-apply and goes with almost any skintone!

L-R: Matte Diva and Satin Rebel

You might have noticed that I was silent on my Topshop ‘Partition’ right at the back of my lipstick line. That’s because I’m still trying to figure it out. I’m not sure how long it lasts but I must say it’s an easy application.

Addicted to (MAC) lipsticks? Do tell!!!

xXx

Ps: Shout Out to Oyinkan (office intern aka APC!!!) for inspiring this post and stealing my Shy Girl!

Pps: Music Update!!! Currently addicted to Ellie Gouldings “Love Me Like You Do”, Ariana Grande’s “One Last Time” and MI’s “Mine” ft. WizKid.

Viktor & Rolf: BonBon

BonBon! I could say it all day…. “BonBon”.

BonBon is French for “Candy” (I never knew until I googled it on Sunday and Wura gave me the – You’re an idiot but I’ll let you off seeing as you’re supposed to be my older sister-look). Thanks to a very kind Mister, Viktor & Rolf’s BonBon has been my scent for the past couple of months and I am crazy, stupid in love with the sweet fragrance. Let me explain why…..

BonBon is the right amount of sweet with a very subtle sexy undertone. She glides with a feminine flair subconsciously flirting with passers by. BonBon is rich yet subtle; juvenile but still sophisticated. She’s my perfection if ever perfection was confined to a single fragrance.

The BonBon bottle is an orchid coloured sweet wrapper (I didn’t realise this until my googling exercise on Sunday, I thought it was a bow!) and mine came in the most exquisitely wrapped sweet package.

BonBon is my scent of the season (I lie, it’s my scent till it’s finished) it might be a while till I find a fragrance to top this one!

Have you tried BonBon? What are your thoughts?

xXx

Ps: My next review should be on Prada Candy. I’ve noticed that people often compare Viktor & Rolf’s BonBon with Prada’s Candy. Well, they definitely have more than the name in common so I just might be headed there next.