THROWBACK! TO MY LAGOS FASHION AND DESIGN WEEK 2015 DIARY

I just came across a photo I took in Lagos last year and it reminded me that I didn't blog about my time at the Lagos fashion and Design week 2015.

It was a super fun and enjoyable trip to Lagos with my Ghana team, which included MUA & Hair Stylist Hamid Vijay, Designer and stylist Doneal, Blogger and TV producer Chriskata, Model Karen Abiba , Blogger and Creative director Nuel Bans of Debonair Afrik and Model and Pr student Ekow Barnes.

It being my first time in Nigeria, I was definitely excited yet I didn't know what to anticipate . So thankful for all the people I only knew virtually and got to meet in person, the okada rides and five days of living on bread and malt/coke because the food wasn't what I was used to :-). 

On the next trip I will try all the delicacies including the infamous Nigeria Jollof.

Fashion week was funnnn! The designers were on top of their game , I was blown away by so many of the collections on the runway, the models and the makeup. 

Designs from Mai Atafo, Loza Maleombho, Andrea Iyamah Swimwear , Maki Oh, weizdhurm, Orange Culture to name a few were very impressive.

It was in all a very well organized  event. I especially enjoyed the street style segment as we hardly get that during fashion weeks in Ghana.  

Thanks so much to DZPRT Fashion for choosing me as the individual with the best street style during fashion week , well I came prepared :-) .

And to Sterling Bank I love my phone case , I showed it off wherever I went. I pray  you'll be at fashion week this year, my phone case has seen the worst of the Ghana sun.

Thanks to my Ghanaian designers Hazza, House of Paon ,dzign Apparel and Bohten who provided my outfits/accessories .

I can't wait to visit Lagos again for the LFDW 2016, to meet more beautiful people and hopefully stay longer to work on some projects with creatives.

Love....Laurie x

INNOCENCIA DE FLORENCE FALL/WINTER 2016 LOOKBOOK BY AMARELIS ATELIER

Nigerian fashion brand Amarelis Atelier presents their Fall/Winter 2016 Collection dubbed " Innocencia de Florence ".

The collection which focuses on a lineup of elegant dreamy dresses and functional pieces was inspired by a painting, “Innocencia de Florence” the designer saw in Las Vegas a few years back.

Check out the beautiful and detailed pieces in this collection;

Watch behind the Scenes of Amarelis Fall/Winter 2016' https://youtu.be/Q8_tMUrIzgk

SHOOT CREDIT


Shoot Direction & Styling: Sharon Ojong (www.sharonojong.com)
Photography: Tope Adenola (@Tope_Horpload)
Model: Nwando Ebeledike (@TheNwando)
Makeup Artist: Ara by Laide (@ArabyLaide)
Hair: Fred (@FredMakeover)

Label: Amarelis Atelier
Creative Director: Omolara Cole

Website: www.amarelis.com

BEGINNERS GUIDE TO BUY OPEL CARS IN GHANA

Have you decided to get an Opel car?
Here's what to know;

Opel, one of Europe's largest automakers is a very common car brand in Ghana,I grew up seeing a lot of Opel cars around like the Opel Astra and Kadett .

It should not be too difficult to find an Opel car of your choice in Ghana, if you're thinking of a used one , then check out Ghana's biggest e-commerce website for lots of options.

Opel offers a wide range of cars with precise and sculptural designs and innovative technology.
Unlike older models, new Opel models do not only scream comfort but also look very sleek and luxurious.

These cars are still very common in Ghana today mainly because of their affordability and  ability to withstand our weather and road conditions.

Factors to consider when getting either a used or new Opel car include, fuel consumption , safety, the model and its specifications. Be mindful of the little details and be sure it is exactly what you're looking for.

Spare parts for an Opel car should be relatively easy to find.
Be sure to do some research yourself on both newer and older models and make your choice.
Happy driving in your Opel car.

RECRUITMENT IN GHANA'S PRIVATE SECTOR. WHAT YOU MUST KNOW

The private sector I must say has become the backbone of employment in recent years , with the public sector not employing as it used to due to some policy constraints, the private sector is holding the fort and helping to reduce the high rate of unemployment in the country.

Go through the job listings on Ghana's biggest classifieds and you will notice that almost all of the  Current jobs in Ghana are by or for private owned businesses.
Now that we know where you are most likely find a job these days, here is what to know to make sure you actually land the job as well.

~ A lot of private companies recruit through agencies, so take note of that and apply through the right channels.

~ There are several job postings daily, and many come with attractive remunerations, however take time to read about the job requirements and qualification before applying. Don't get over excited and make mistakes or apply for the wrong position.

~ Employers today are looking for an all round person, not just academically good individuals but those who are creative , team players , people with problem solving abilities and can work under pressure. You must be a positive person with a great personality to go with it, they want clients to come and stay, and as such you must embody what their brand represents.

~ And finally, it is always better to be over prepared than underprepared. Develop skills that will make you stand out and easily book the job.

Photo credit: Dextdee Photography

5 QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE ON A NEW OR USED CAR IN GHANA

There are several factors to consider when deciding to buy a new or a used car, money, type of car, safety and trust are a few of those factors. Depending on the options available to you, these factors might be the deciding factor in determining the type of car to buy as well whether to buy a used or brand new one.
Finding one should not be too hard, you can even do that in the comfort of your home or office by visiting Ghana's biggest online marketplace .
Here are five(5) questions to help you make your choice;

1. How much are you willing to spend?
Your budget might be the single most important determinant of the type of car you end up with. After you've decided the amount of money you can spend on a car, you can then check for market prices of the vehicle you want . You can now decide whether it's possible to buy a brand new one or go for a used one.


2. Is it a private or a commercial car?
Either way you need a strategy. Finding a used car in a good condition might be a great way to save some money. Then again a new car might give you less problems, especially  if the car will be used for longer distances on not so good roads.

3. What are your maintenance plans?
A new car will need maintenance less often than a used car, but a new car might require periodic servicing from professionals hired by the car company which might cost more.
A used car can easily be serviced by local mechanics.

4. Do you trust your car dealer?
Trust is very important , thankfully tonaton had put in place measures to help reduce fraudulent activities on their website. You're assured of up to date documents when you are buying a brand new car from the car company but if you opt for a used one make sure you do your research, ask about any faults.Verify all documents before making payment.

5. Does the car come with a warranty or a return policy?
What if the car develops a fault not long after acquiring it?, Is there a guarantee that you will receive support to help repair it or be given a new car. To make sure you don't incur additional cost, insist on a written and signed warranty or return policy.

These questions should help you to decide on new or used cars in Ghana.

BIRDS OF PARADISE , THE REMAKE LOOKBOOK BY TOTALLY ETHNIK

Accra based Ivorian luxury fashion label Totally Ethnik was established in 2012 with Marie Kipre as the Creative Director of the fashion brand. 

It is a luxurious lifestyle brand for the confident woman who exudes ethnic beauty in all spheres. 

The brand has since the launch of its first collection, BIRDS OF PARADISE in 2013 produced breathtaking designs. 

Totally Ethnik is a reference for exquisite, quality, luxurious and elegant clothes which captures the minds of every fashion enthusiasts in Africa and the rest of the world.

About their new collection, “ I am completely smitten by every piece in there. A beautiful collection by all standards as expected from this brand”. 

Inspired by the “Birds of Paradise” kingdom where the most beautiful and extraordinary creatures are found, Totally Ethnik’s The Remake Collection expresses astounding beauty, romance and sensuality while being fierce to take on the world.

Creative Director for Totally Ethnik, Marie Kipre, states “BoP The Remake is a more daring collection from our earlier version of Birds of Paradise.” 

She decided to fuse silk, lace and 

crepe with applique designs of birds of paradise flowers fabric pattern to create a blissful summery feel.

Birds of Paradise The Remake shares a story of the untold possibilities of our inner strength.

Models: Chantell Dapaah & Ama Ayirebi

Photography: Phloshop

Makeup Artist: Maquillage by Abena

Stylist: Marie Kipre

Website: www.totally-ethnik.com 
​Facebook: Totally Ethnik 

​Twitter: @totallyethnik

Instagram: Totally.Ethnik​