Faux Fur Weekend

I had no idea I knew so many February babies, every other day its someone's birthday and they just have to celebrate it, resulting in my donning glad rags every weekend to go forth and party 

*sidebar* I am neither employed nor in school, I'm in a weird jobless limbo and I constantly need activities to fill the chasm that is my daily life. I may never experience such halcyon days again so trust I'm enjoying it to the maximum.

Before I go on, thanks to you guys that recommended shows to me in my last post, I live for my TV shows and I got some awesome tips. My favourite so far is Suburgatory, I'm usually not a fan of tween movies or shows unless they're depraved like Gossip Girl, but this one is actually quite good. I've bookmarked it in my viewing schedule, top marks.

SATURDAY

This past weekend I left the comfort of my black satin sheets for two consecutive nights. It was my friend Tuckers birthday and he was having a house do so I didn't really see the need to go all out dress wise. Wore the backless houndstooth dress I had on in a previous post and my delish shaggy faux fur jacket.

ASOS houndstooth dress
ASOS oversize portfolio clutch
Zara faux fur jacket


I'm so in luurrrve with fur, I can't wait till I'm old and fabulously wealthy, I'm going to wear mink and chinchilla like its cotton.

I haven't really done the back to back partying thing since I was in Law School and I had no intention of going to a club but everyone was in such high spirits that I ended up being buoyed by the rest of the group and we ended up in a club where I proceeded to introduce myself to Jaeger bombs.

It did not end well.

This picture was taken at the end of the night, I'm surprised I even look sane, I sure as hell did not feel sane at the time.

Woke up the next morning rough as a badgers arse *in the voice of Marian Keyes*

What. A. Night.


SUNDAY

The next night it was my friend Jennifer's birthday and we had dinner at a Brazilian Churrascaria called Tropero.

I whipped out the faux fur again.

Miss Selfridges skater dress in Citrus
Topshop body jewelry
ASOS oversize portfolio clutch




It was kinda sad because Jen is moving back to Ghana next week, my sidekick is going :(

*sigh*

Jen

After dinner we went to a place I shall not name, then dancing for a bit where everybody tried to teach me Azonto but I still couldn't get the hang of it. I pick up dances pretty easily, the Chicken Dance and the Dougie being some of my personal triumphs but this Azonto just seems to elude me. First of all it doesn't really look like they're dancing, more like they're just messing around.

Anyhoo I've armed myself with Youtube tutorials, this thing must be learned by force or by fire.

Fun weekend, this week promises to be even more epic, London tonight.

Can. Not. Wait.

This post is dedicated to my boo/neighbour/dessert supplier/party partner/movie buddy, Jennifer Bawuah, I'll miss you.

Ugh, I hate goodbyes.

Love and light xx

The Geneva Report Giveaway

The Geneva Report lifestyle is a luxury lifestyle solutions brand that provides solutions for a stylish and fulfilling life. They sell dresses, bags and accessories by UK's biggest brands at accessible price points on our online store www.tgrlifestyle.naijastyles.com. They offer a concierge gift service with packaging and delivery anywhere in Nigeria, they also offer a bespoke shopping service on apparel and accesories from luxury brands like Rayban, ralph lauren,tom ford. They offer an exclusive wardrobe and styling consult service tailored made for you. As they believe that looking good is as important as feeling good, they also sell natural health and lifestyle products from Forever living products

Products: concierge shopping services; gift shopping service and delivery; dresses, bags and accessories by UK's biggest brands at accessible price points.  
Their Online Store is www.tgrlifestyle.naijastyles.com

The Geneva Report lifestyle will be having a flash-sale starting at 12.30pm Sunday, 26th of February and ending 12.30pm Monday, 27th of February with 10% discount on ALL items and two lucky followers of thegenevareport blog   that shop on our online store will also receive these gifts along with their purchases:

1. Our best selling studded pink bracelet with adjustable strap.
2. Christian Lacroix rouge body lotion.

To participate, simply:
1. Follow thegenevareport.blogspot.com, follow thegenevareport on twitter @thegenevareport and like TGR LIFESTYLE on facebook.

*The discount code is 2627, please enter the number at checkout to get your 10% discount.

This competition is only open to people within Nigeria. Discount is exclusive of courier costs.

Delivery within Lagos is free with the exception of Lekki, Ikorodu, Epe and Badagry which cost 400naira. For deliveries outside Lagos but within Nigeria,  check their online store for costs

Supreme Chillin'

I've been taking this week tres easy, either staying home watching tv shows or doing the occassional lunch with friends. Conserving my energy for next week, I'm going to London and I definitely get little sleep when I'm there so I'm enjoying my joblessness now.

Speaking of tv shows I need suggestions for new ones to watch, if you follow me on twitter you'd know I'm the Ratchet Reality Show Queen, if its trashy, on VH1 and probably has the word "Wives" in its name I'm all over it, but I've exhausted all my favourites and I urgently need new shows to watch. I started New Girl and House of Lies recently and they were fantastic, House of Lies in particular; I stayed up till 5am watching all the episodes and though I still think Don Cheadle is vile and his whole demeanor screams sex symbol by force its still a very solid show, I highly recommend.

My usuals are Modern Family, Glee, How I Met Your Mother, Desperate Housewives, Gossip Girls, Fringe, Any "Wives" reality show, New Girl, Game of Thrones, Suits, Spartacus, Greys Anatomy, True Blood, Revenge.......so if you know any fantastic ones outside of these I mentioned pleeaase let me know, I'm desperate for entertainment.

During the week I did Nandos with my friend Amaka, I really don't get why people are so crazy about Nandos. I mean its alright but I've never thought it was worth the stress of leaving home to go eat there. I'll definitely cross oceans for TGIFs sesame chicken or Jack Daniels ribs though, definitely.

 Amaka

Love the hardware, another overworn item in my jewelry collection. 


I should really do a post on my jewelry one day......yay? nay?


Today I had lunch with my friend Titi at a surprisingly good Chinese restaurant called Zen, fab decor, great food, I was very pleasantly surprised. Aberdeen is quite the gastro-city but everything is so hidden and tucked away in these obscure areas that you'd be forgiven if you thought McDonalds was the only place to eat here but luckily Titi takes fine dining very seriously and she's constantly finding new places to eat.

The weather we've been having so far has been seriously mental, it snowed a few days ago and yesterday was so hot I was perspiring. Thinking today we would have repeat warm weather the wind decided to show me what's what. In this picture I'm actually being blown by the wind that's why I'm listing dangerously to the side, in case you thought my bad posture was as a result of my boozy  lunch, it was the weather.

Honest injun.

Aqua By Aqua Tan Flasher jacket
River Island striped blazer
H&M tank dress
Topshop denim cutoffs
Dolce & Gabbana aviators
Tory Burch flats

I'm excited for the weekend for no reason other than I can sleep late and be comfortable in the fact that everyone else is being as lazy as I am.

Oh and I'm taking my weave out tomorrow, can't wait to hit it with that creamy crack.

Hope you all had a productive week.

Love and light xx

Elsie Vintage Blog Sales

Gear up for the February Edition of Elsie Vintage Blog sale.

Elsie Vintage is a monthly blog sale selling trendy vintage pieces every last Saturday of the month. Created by Fashion blogger and Stylist,Onyinye Fafi obi whose love for all things vintage inspired her into selling affordable vintage pieces.
The store is named after her alter ego,Elsie who derives joy in getting the best affordable vintage clothes she can find. 


The joy and uniqueness she gets from rocking a "one-of-a-kind" vintage piece is priceless. 

As we all know vintage is a great way to recycle and look distinct without being scared of appearing in the same piece being worn by another person.  It is also environmentally conscious because wearing vintage clothes reduces waste. The vintage pieces to be sold range from blouses, trendy print skirts and dresses. This service is only available for people living in Lagos and Abuja. 

All vintage pieces purchased from Elsie Vintage are in good and pristine condition. Since vintage pieces have been worn in an previous era, do expect little' signs of wear.

DATE:- February 25th 2012
BLOG/VENUE:- www.fashionphoenix06.com
TIME:- 12pm
Follow us on twitter:- @ElsieVintage
Like us on Facebook:- Elsie Vintage
Instagram:- ElsieVintage  

LPM February Edition

Hey beautiful people!

The LPM team had a fabulous start to the year with the January marche! The L’Espace store was the centre of the fashion industry, as just about everyone in Lagos came out to be a part of the first market of the year. Everyone had an awesome time, and you can find information as well as see pictures from the event on BellaNaija.com and LadyBrilleNigeria.com.

Now February is almost at an end, which means that it’s time for another edition of your favorite addiction! This month marks LPMs 3^rdanniversary, and as usual they will be bringing you a special weekend, one to be remembered fondly for a long, long, long time to come.

Have a look at the vendors they have lined up this month!

Liwhan. Ours by Juliada. Maju. Jewelry House. Annie’s Shoe Hut. Biddy’s Mondo. Hedges & Smith. Tionni. iLashes Bar. Kitschai. Akpos Okudu. Y Craig. Virtue by FocusWear. Thots on Tees. UrbanFU. Cookie Jar.

Also on display will be an amazing assortment of items from the L'Espace store, with new arrivals from Eclectic by Sasha, Alter Ego, andTote. There will be a 20% sale on gorgeous pieces from the Obsidian brand, and 20% off fabulous jewelry from Didi Rose. And for the guys,ARMI will be cutting 20% off ALL items, while the must-have, understated SWIMS loafers will be on sale for a giveaway price of N20,000!!! Now you can’t say they’re not good to you!

Now that you know the kind of weekend the LPM team have planned for you, hurry on down to L’Espace from 12 noon and be a part of the fun!!!

LPM February

Venue: L’Espace, 19a Olosa Street, off Karimu Kotun, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Time: 12 noon – 7 pm

TWP Hearts Topshop "Monkey" Necklace

I am just the teensiest bit obsessed with my Topshop "monkey" necklace. Got it for the absolutely ridonkolous price of 1.50....yup, you read right. It was on sale for a pound and 50p, I wasn't supposed to be shopping but I could not resist.

Worn here with my River Island leather and metal tipped collar.

Worn here, as a bracelet..

And in this rocking arm party

The green "bracelet" is also a necklace.

Worn here with a tank and H&M fur gilet

*swoon*

Love and light xx

Huntly: Day Two

The next day I was up bright and early armed with a guidebook, a loose top in case I over-ate and my parka and Hunter wellies because despite the fact that the weather looks so nice in these pictures it was FREEZING and the ground was a slushy mud fest.

I stopped by the stream just by Huntly castle before I set out, its apparently really good for salmon fishing but sadly I was not allowed to fish.

After oohing and aahing at the stream I set out for the nearby town of Elgin to visit Johnstons.

Johnstons is a woolen mill in Elgin that was established in 1797 and they are the number one producers of luxury fibres in the world. They produce Alpaca, Guonaco, Camelhair, Mohair, Angora, Chinchilla, Mink, Vicuna (Vicuna is the finest, rarest and most exclusive fibre in the world and it was introduced by Johnstons) and their main product, my primary reason for going there....cashmere.

Every luxury fashion house gets their cashmere from Johnstons; Chanel, Paul Smith, Christopher Kane, Pringle, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci....the list is exhaustive; basically every design house worth its salt buys cashmere spun by Johnstons of Elgin. The mill is about half an hour from Huntly and it was only natural that I visit.

The walls are lined floor to ceiling with cashmere. Gorgeous sight.

Obviously I couldn't leave without getting an original Johnstons of Elgin cashmere sweater, so I got this button down in Mint.

Yay for ice-cream colours.


The Johnstons Mill has been turned into a mini sight-seeing centre with mill tours, the store, a restaurant and a souvenir shop. Had high tea at the restaurant; scones, clotted cream, carrot cake....delish.

I'm wearing this Topshop "monkey" necklace as a bracelet. Its my new favourite accessory, I wore it three out of five days last week.

The souvenir shop was super cute and chock full of the most unnecessary things I just had to have. I got this mini traditional sweets set and a larger one in a proper jar. I actually got the mini ones in the bag for my mother but forgot to send it to her. They are way too pretty to eat, they're currently decorating my windowsill.

Not sure if you can tell through the windows but it just started snowing, first snowfall in the Deen this year, not looking forward to the slushy mess tomorrow.

River Island Leaf Print blazer
Donna Karan chiffon pussy-blow blouse
Topshop supersoft "Leigh" jeans in Forest
Bill Blass "Oliver" lamb bag
Hunter wellies

Got back tired AF but the hotel is seriously old fashioned and dinner is from 6.30pm to 8.00pm and I didn't even have time to have a bit of a lie down, got back and had to change immediately for dinner.

It was however time to break out my Virgos Lounge "Vanessa" dress for the first time. The gold beading on the dress is such a statement I couldn't wear any jewelery besides tiny pearl studs.

Virgos Lounge "Vanessa" dress
Topshop golden orb purse.

I. Had. A. Blast.

I left the next morning and I actually missed the solitude of Huntly, nothing like hearing old men performing "Sex On Fire" on karaoke night at the pub opposite my flat in Aberdeen to make me long for the quiet of the countryside.

A girl can dream.

Love and light xx

Rundown; Huntly: Day One

I have been a bad blogger.....

I know I'm not exactly the most consistent blogger but the lack of personal posts over the last couple of weeks is inexcusable, I have no explanation for this besides laziness.....zero, zilch. I am however redeeming myself by writing a post today chock-a-block with stuff I've been up to over the past week.

Before I begin, how was V-Day? And Sidechicks Day? Equally amazing too I'm sure, guilt really loosens the purse strings.

Anyhoo, I've been meaning to see more of Scotland for a while now, I've only visited Edinburgh and Glasgow and they were very brief visits so when the opportunity arose to see more of the country I grabbed it with my spiced vanilla scented hands.

Last week I spent a couple of days in Huntly, a small village just outside of Aberdeen and I stayed in an 18th century country house hotel called the Castle Hotel.

It was dope, dope, dope.

Miles and miles of emptiness, I loved it.

We were only about an hour (by train) away from the city but it was like a completely different world; breath-taking scenery, vast highland landscapes, ice-capped hills.....I'm not an outdoorsy person, in fact I loathe the outdoors but this was an experience. In my JJC mind I felt like I was in a storybook.

Right at the foot of the driveway of the hotel was the ruined Huntly Castle which was once the stronghold to the Gordon clan, the historical aspect of the place was more my thing so I was really excited about having a real live castle near me.

Most of the castle was still intact and seeing as it was built in the 1300s that's a hell of an achievement. Nearly all the original structures were still standing; the brewery, fireplaces, the prisons, latin graffiti, the chapel, the great hall.....I felt like I was in a Jude Deveraux novel.

*sidebar* i don't know how many of you read Jude Deveraux but she's a phenomenal American romance writer who seems to have a bit of an obsession with Scotland. She likes to write about a family called the Montgomerys who were originally from Scotland and members of this family tend to pop up in the unlikeliest places in all her books. Reading Jude turns the Highlands into this terribly romantic place with red-haired men in kilts and strong calves (her words not mine), burning peat, whisky, wild women and bitter cold. Anyway before I came to live here my impressions of Scotland were primarily from Jude Deveraux books.

The hotel I stayed in was built by the Gordons after Huntly Castle became too dilapidated to live in and the owners kept most of the elements of the original house. The rooms had four poster beds and fireplaces and the view from the windows were nuts. There was even a chamber pot in my room (including a bathroom but seeing an actual real chamber pot was hella cool) and my bed was an actual 19th century four poster.

Tres cool.

I arrived at Huntly in the afternoon and spent most of the day sleeping.

H&M peach pussy-bow chiffon blouse
Aqua By Aqua high waist Travolta trousers in Stone

Decided to give a nod to Spring colours and rock pastels and nudes.

Later that night I went down for dinner. You guys remember the vintage blouse I copped from my one and only successful thrift shopping experience right?

Sequinned vintage wrap blouse
Topshop bandage skirt
Topshop fringed box purse
Topshop Art Deco earrings


My new Topshop "spike" ring, been using it to poke people when they annoy me, trust I've been doing a lot of poking.

I had read countless reviews of the cuisine in the hotel before I got there to ensure I wouldn't have to subsist on crisps and coke the entire time.

*sidebar* I remember last summer when my friend Nwabugo and I were trying to book a hotel in Paris to stay at, we had almost decided on a particular hotel, nearly entered card details when we read a review which swore the hotel had rats and numerous other horrors to gruesome too write here, we clicked the "x" at the top right hand of the page sharply and found another hotel.

The moral of this story is that reviews save your life. I never go anywhere or try anything new without reading reviews first.

The Castle Hotel however had excellent reviews and a four star rating so I was satisfied that the food won't be disappointing and thank God I was right, the food was pretty good; except this under the sea horror my friend had;

I love seafood but I have a peculiar aversion to anything that comes in shells: mussels, clams, oysters, scallops.....yuck. Can't abide the lot of them. I had something a little saner;

Paella, prawns, salmon and vegetables.....much kinder to my stomach.

My second day in Huntly was even more fun, I went out a bit and got to see a lot of the countryside and villages in the vicinity, coming up in my next post.

Love and light xx