Look Book: Vlisco "Delicate Shades"

Vlisco just blown Elegancy101 away with this brand new look book.
‘Delicate Shades‘, the new collection by Vlisco will officially launch tomorrow but as always, Elegancy101 has the exclusive scoop.

The 411 on Nicki Minaj's Barbie make-up look

Say what you want about Nicki Minaj (I tried to do that but then I oddly find myself bopping my head to her music!) but the chick is making her way in the industry whether we like it or not. While her wardrobe may not be my cup of tea, I do admire that she takes risks with her bright makeup,(it actually suits her).

Look Book: Busayo Fall 2011 2011 Collection

Shop the Fall 2011 Collection by Busayo NYC . The vibrant fall pieces are beautiful and elegant with vivid colours and patterns for the modern woman. The collections can be worn to work, party or dress down as day dresses in traditional African fabric. Take a look:

Style of the day!

No words just an image! What do you think?

Style Inspiration

Happy Monday Girls!
What are you planning to wear today? What, you dont know? Dont worry Elegancy101 provides you some style inspiration!

MTN Lagos Fashion Week Day 3: Grey

Now this collection was anything but GREY or dull. A delicious colour palette burst forth from the runway ranging from orange and fresh yellow to purple and pink and blue. Great techniques (square tucks and fabric folds) used in conjunction with feminine silhouettes and strong luxe fabrics of silk, chiffon and satin.

MTN Lagos Fashion Week Day 3: Jewel by Lisa

Different places and different faces… yet JBL is back again with her Spring/Summer collection, still in all its glory.

Just like we were back in the 1950s set of Nigeria, Jewel by Lisa schooled us all the way back to the old times; the music and the models strutting out in ‘Nigerian Men’ hats ticked all the boxes.

Style of the day

Dont you just love her outfit?

MTN Lagos Fashion Week Day 2: Sunny Rose

Just what we needed, Sunny Rose took us in a time machine back to the 70s; it was a tribal-bohemian party, making our decision based on the showcase of hippie behavior through the hipster trousers, exaggerated belt buckles, boyfriend blazers, minis/midis/maxis and gypsy-esque jumpsuit. A pretty narrative assemblage as it embodied tribal tribute with western influences paying attention to structure and texture & the occasionally appearing fringing [neckline inclusive].

MTN Lagos Fashion Week Day 2: Maki oh

Maki Oh introduces her S/S 2012 collection The velvet with wax print underlay still keeps us in love with the entire collection.
Paying strict attention to the female form, Maki Oh’s pristine and light-weight tailoring included body-conscious pieces oozing a sensual yet prim appeal, we like the underlay of sheer highlighted with alternate fabrics as a shade from the absolute nude-glam.

Try a trend and DIY: Fishtail on the side

Looking for a fun and different hairstyle to try this fall?
The side fishtail braid is absolutely the best hair style for autumn, it tames frizz and gives you style at the same time. Oh wait there is more… you can un-braid it for naturally gorgeous waves at night!

MTN Lagos Fashion Week Day 1: Phunk Afrique

Funke Ogunde, Creative Designer behind the Phunk Afrique brand, chose to depart from her classic styles opting for simpler and softer silhouettes with intricate print details. The fusion of lace and silk chiffon, created fluid movements as the models strutted down the runway. With dramatic thigh high slits, plunging necklines and sleek cutouts, the designer certainly captures the the sultry, feminine essence. Take a look at the pictures:

Forbes 40 Most Powerful Celebrities In Africa:

According to Forbes, several of your favorite icons were mentioned as part of “The 40Most Powerful Celebrities In Africa”. The 40 Most Powerful Celebrities In Africa includes actors, cerebral authors, musicians, movie producers, supermodels, TV personalities and athletes, drawn from all across Africa and traverses the generational divide.Just to mention a few: Akon, Genevieve Nnaji, Tuface Idibia, P-Square, Don Jazzy, D’Banj, Asa, Awilo Longomba, Femi Kuti and many others.

MTN Lagos fashion week: Day 1

MTN Lagos Fashion week started yesterday. A fantastic start to day one of the much anticipated MTN Lagos Fashion and Design week which kicked off at the Expo Centre, Eko Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria.

New Music: Beyonce - Party!

Who likes to party? Beyonce does! She just released the much anticipated sixth video off her 4 album yesterday night, where she rocked a big hair bow tie and a lot of neon colors. The much anticipated clip features cameos from J. Cole (who's featured on this version of the track), Kelly R, as they drink it up and party it up, and Solange on the 1's and 2's.

Try a trend: Snake print

While we love a good leopard print here at Elegancy101, this autumn is all about borrowing from another member of the animal kingdom: snakes!
Snake is gorgeous, plastic, and full of grace. But at the same time we are all afraid of that creation. Snakes are mean, wise and heartless. And have the most beautiful skin in the world! From the Ancient times women tried to make snake print dresses.

Drake's top 10 loneliest lyrics... "sigh"

Drake claims the title of one of the most relatable rappers in the game right now, and he will be releasing his sophomore album November 15.
With songs like "Marvin's Room" and "Trust Issues," his fans and critics understand that Drake isn't just a rapper, he's a rapper very in tune with his emotions.

We all know that Drake haves mad love for Nicki Minaj!

Discussion: Is Hip-Hop and R&B really dying?

The following is an opinion that might touch some nerves. Especially for the younger generation. All those grown ups (experienced Hip-Hop lovers) are telling us that we have have no idea about quality Hip-Hop because it was before our time and that we shouldnt't take it personal. They say that we are only aware of the ”yeah, I make money” music that is being installed in us via the radio. And that we just dont know any better. But lets be real, we all see that Hip-Hop and R&B is dying!

T-pain and Wiz Khalifa reppin Amsterdam!

YAY T-pain and Wiz are making Amsterdam famous again. T-Pain and Wiz Khalifa had to travel across the pond to shoot the music video for "5 'Clock", Wiz's favourite city in the world, Amsterdam! (lol). The American pair walk the city at night and visit the infamous Red Light district.

How To Get Rid Of Cellulite And Stretch Marks Simultaneously!

Good morning or what ever it happens to be in your corner of the world.
This has to be one of our biggest annoyance. No matter what we try we can never seem to stop them from coming. When we put on weight, when we get pregnant and even when we maintain the same weight they seem to just turn up. What are we talking about? STRETCH MARKS!! How to get rid of cellulite and stretch marks during pregnancy? Is that possible? Can stretch mark cream act as a cellulite cream and vice versa. It is a reasonable question to ask although scars and cellulite are not the same, they do have many similarities.

The House Of Madmoiselle Aglaia Presents:‘Feroce et Calme’ Look book

Directly translated from french as Fierce and Calm, London based Nigerian Designer, Mariam Afolabi entitles debut collection under the Aglaia label, “Feroce et Calme”. The designer is inspired by a Marilyn Monroe quote: ”I don’t mind living in a man’s world, so long as I can be a woman in it.” With sheer, maxi and punk rock pieces for the female collection and touches of tribal prints for the men’s, there is a symbolic strength highlighted in each piece.

Angela is rocking Bangs

Our girl Angela Simmons hit the town 2 days ago and posted pics of her outing on twitter.Besides looking fashionable, Angela caught our attention as she showed off a new look that she's rocking with confidence: bangs!

What should an perfect winter diet consist of?

The winter has not officially arrived yet (21th december), but it sure feels like it. The flu, colds, bronchitis and other illnesses are at our doorstep. Therefore, how should one get necessary nutrition during winter? Stay away from desserts and pastries, don’t eat snack foods and consume many fruits and vegetables.

How can you shape your eyebrows?

Ok ladies, let’s talk about brows: bushy, thin, barely there, and everything in between. This might take a bit long so grab a seat, buckle up, its gonna be a bumby ride! Your eyebrows frame your face and believe it or not can help improve the appearance of your skin AND it makes you appear much more younger. Plus, what’s a fabulous eye look without equally fabulous brows? (hint: the answer is nothing).

Style of the day

I love me some African print! And her shoes are killin me! What do you think?

KACHI Designs: Revealed!

KACHI Designs has set the standards above and beyond. With her sense of her color and style, she transcended her very own “trunk show” into a colorful platform of pieces that represented in every way “ Mood Swings”. An extensive collection that will insure you with both class and poise. The Zanzibar was transformed into a boutique with models being portrayed as live mannequins while displayed as a work of art. The ambience was set with light appetizers and the signature drink of KACHI Designs.

Look book: Versace x H&M

YAY! Its finally here. The long awaited look book images from Versace x H&M’s mens and womens collection have hit the web! Get ready to drool over lots of bright separates, tailored suits, mini dresses, studded bags, and bold pieces with daring cuts. Take a look!

Make-up tip: Purple smokey eye

Can I just say that I’m a little down about the winter steppin in! I have few events coming up at the end of the month to look forward to, but let’s just say I’m contemplating to have a long winter sleep.
Anyway, even though its cold, the sun is still shining *big smile*. Lets get the summer feeling back by rocking a purple smoky eye. The traditional smoky eye doesn’t have to be black and purple is insanely flattering on all skin tones.

Nicole Miller for Indego Africa

Dont we just love it when successful fashion designers take the clout they've attained and use it to do good for the world?
Instead of just making a donation to charity, fashion designer Nicole Miller has actually been helping these Rwandan women, most of whom survived the horrors of the 1994 genocide to lift themselves out of poverty and become successful entrepreneurs. She's doing this by collaborating with them to produce clothing and accessories which she can then sell. !

Vanessa and Angela Simmons Rivalry!

Our favorite sisters, Angela and Vanessa Simmons, appear on Bravo’s new show Mad Fashion and they prove that even the closest sisters get a little jealous sometimes!

MTN LFDW 2011 Awards – From The Road Show to the finalist

Great news for all the African fashion lovers! MTN, in conjunction with Style House, will launch the first ever MTN Lagos Fashion and Design Week (LFDW) on October 26th 2011 in Lagos, Nigeria. The 4-day event will be held at the Eko Hotel Expo Centre, until October 29th 2011. (Nigeria is steppin up! Let me here you say YEAH!)

Uche Jumbo new movie: Damage!

The much anticipated United States tour of Damage, the latest movie from Uche Jombo has kicked off in earnest. The movie has been already been screened in New York and Minneapolis. The movie is scheduled to premiere in Houston (TX) on October 21, and Richardson (TX) on October 22. With Uche on the tour are co-stars Kalu Ikeagwu, and Tonto Dikeh. Also on the tour is the director of the movie, Moses Inwang. The US tour of the movie coincides with the US Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Uche Jombo is using her movie to raise awareness about domestic violence.

African inspired collection by Bahati

The African inspired label is for women and children, founded in Kenya in 2009 by Patricia Wakaimba. With Africa being the focal point of inspiration for the brand has been limitless. Through the use of bold, rich and vibrant prints Bahati seeks to embrace the beautiful continents infinite cultural diversity.

Move over Relaxer, here comes the Brazilian Blowout!

I heard a lot of fellow beauty bloggers saying that the Brazilian blowout is the bizznizz. Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie and Jennifer Lopez even tried it out.
And then my friend when to America and got the Brazilian Blowout done, and that is when I became interested. They say that the Brazilian blowout is way better than the Relaxer, but my issue is that I don’t want to damage my hair anymore. By the way it cost can cost $500 ( it sounds too expensive for my blood…lol), I did some research.

Honorable women of substance 2011 in Nigeria

On Frifay 30th September 2011, Nigerian Fashion and Lifestyle Magazine TW hosted honorable women of substance in commemoration of the magazine’s 4th Anniversary. The event saw a colourful collaboration between Fashion Designer, Lanre DaSilva Ajayi and Fabric multinational, Vlisco.

The Elite Model Look contest in Nigeria

And YAY! We got a winner. On Saturday, 3rd of September, the winner of the Elite Model Look Nigeria was announced as 17 years old Chinwe Princess Ejere. After grueling sessions of rehearsals and fittings, it was down to the judges to make a decision on who would be crowned the winner. Following a mini interview session with the six runner ups, International model Millen Magesse took to the stage to announce the winner. Take a look!

African models for Manish Arora Spring/Summer 2012

African models for Manish Arora Spring/Summer 2012 – Backstage during Paris fashion week. I really like the green neon skinnyjeans the girl on the right haves on. It fits her dark skin perfectly. This gives me some style inspiration dont ya think? Take a look:

Style of the day

I like this outfit. It reminds me of summer with all the bright colors! What do you think?

How can my hair survive the winter?

I often find myself thinking of what’s actually good about winter besides the holiday vacation. I mean other than that, winter is just one big season of too much snow, too much cold, and too little daylight. It makes you depressed to *smh*
Black hair.....that’s already dry enough to begin with, and it can take a serious beating during the winter. It’s important to treat our hair like the delicate flower that it is. Here’s three quick ways to do just that…

Black girls rock - second annual

DJ Beverly Bond and BET Networks teamed up again to shoot the second annual Black Girls Rock! awards show.
Named for the non-profit youth empowerment and mentoring organization of the same name, Black Girls Rock! is dedicated to honoring exceptional women of color around the world who serve as inspirational and positive role models.

Look Book: Virtue Clothier

Virtue Clothier, a young hip and trendy label, established by Oladipo Abiola, focuses on tees, hoods, jackets, jeans and caps for the men; dresses, maxis, tops and cardigans for the ladies.

Vybz Kartel is launching his own bleach skin cosmetics

Is this for real? Wait, black men, exactly how much do you hate yourselves? If the answer is “a lot,” you might want to get a new skin lightening product for men containing hydroquinone by dancehall artist Vybz Kartel!
I guess reggae artist Vybz Kartel hates himself that much, but it’s not his fault. The dancehall musician lightened his skin and has experienced a backlash from fans who are appalled by his physical changes. In a recent interview, Kartel linked blacks who lighten their skin to white people who tan.

Nigerian handbag label Rebirth presents: YOU!

Nigerian handbag label Rebirth is out with its new collection ‘YOU’. The collection is a fun selection of oversized clutches and satchels.

How to avoid the winter blues

Oh no, Winter is in full force. As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, even the best of us can get a little down. The "winter blues" are characterized by the mild depression, lack of motivation, and low energy that many people experience during this cold season. Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to both prevent the blues from coming on and get yourself back to normal if they’re already here.

DIY: How to apply your lace wig

Are you tired of going to the hair salon all the time? Are you fed up of blending your leave-out hair with your weave? What about when they aren't done properly?
Then just use Lace wigs! But the question is how do you apply and maintain it?

Nadia Buari and her family get there own reality show

Move over Kardashians and all your spin off reality TV shows! The world of ‘celebrity family’ reality TV shows may soon have a new addition from Ghana as star actress, Nadia Buari and her family threaten to launch their own TV show dubbed ‘The Buari Ville'.