The blazer has become a part of everyday clothing and is cut quite similarly to the jacket component of a suit. Main difference being that a blazer is more casual. Characteristics of a blazer include extra flourishes like shank buttons, and peak lapels.

There was a time when blazers were an essential part of EVERYONE’s wardrobe, but the continuous rise of casual clothing in the office has placed the women’s blazer on the back burner, leaving the men to forge ahead. Well, it’s time for the blazer to come blazing back (I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist).

Most females opt out of the blazer, scared they may look too masculine or that the blazer will emphasize their worst features. Meanwhile, it’s as simple as knowing the basics of dressing for your body type.

- Ladies with an athletic build – broad shoulders and more or less boyish hips – would be better suited with a cropped blazer. Avoid the boxy look by opting for blazers with minimal structure.

- Pear-shaped females with slimmer shoulders and fuller, curvier hips can go with a jacket that falls just above the hips or just below. Light shoulder pads and/or wide lapel will draw eyes upward and give your shoulders an illusion of width.

- Petite women skip out on blazers more often than most because they feel they get lost in them.  Shrunken blazers are one of the many new contemporary styles that can make you look older and sexy.

- While bustier females can rock a gown, the wrong blazer can make you look top-heavy. Opt for a blazer that provides definition beneath the bust line, or is tailored to highlight your waist. Blazers with a lot of structure or decoration are a no-go area.

- If you’re less than endowed chest-wise, a blazer with some detailing will definitely create a curvier look.

- Plus-size females will look amazing in both long and short bolero-esque blazers. Just make sure it isn’t too loose or bulky, or patterned.

Every female should have at least one blazer in her wardrobe, and we’re going to re-discover how to make it work for you with some design updates. Why should a blazer that was once your favorite piece of clothing lie wasting away at the back of your wardrobe?

• Revamp your blazer by:Pairing it with a short sleeveless dress, preferably neutral, that you think looks boring on its own. Throw in cute pumps and a tote in colors to make the look more interesting. If the look below is too mute for your taste, you can always throw in some statement jewelry.

•  Matching your blazer with a dress shirt ans slim pants is also another way to bring them back to life. Try something like the combo below or find your own unique mix.

• Jeans and a sleeveless button-down blouse will also look good under your blazer. Experiment with blouses and different styles of jeans to get several unique looks.

•  You might also want to try pairing your blazer with a t-shirt and skirt combo. A full skirt is effective for this look, as it adds a playful touch to the otherwise conservative look.

While there are several ways, some still undiscovered, the ladies can wear the blazer, I know the guys generally have no problem with wearing the look. Most even opt for it in place of the suit. What we’re going to do right now is look at how to wear it right. I’m not saying you don’t, I’m saying you PROBABLY don’t.

With Jeans & Dress Shirt

This combo works best with a navy or tweed blazer to give you a kind of schoolmaster look. Pair your blazer with a slim (not skinny) pair of jeans, and a white dress shirt with the collar undone. Not only will you look smart, girls will love it. You don’t have to, but if you want to wear a tie then a necktie with subtle stripes can complete the look.

With Black Slacks or Tan Khakis

Let me just say right off that this look is difficult to achieve and probably won’t work for some people. Also, instead of devoting otherwise use amounts of time to searching for a non-existent pair of matching slacks for your blazer you might want to take up a purposeful hobby. A blazer is NOT a suit. But that’s okay because what we want to do with this look is attain a sort of contrast.

You could try matching a navy blazer with tan khakis and a white dress shirt, or maybe a tweed blazer with a crisp blue shirt and black slacks. Experiment with different combos until you find tone that’s right for you.

With a Sweater & a Button-Up Shirt

This works best in cold weather. A button-up shirt will give your blazer the structure it needs, and the sweater will keep you warm Make sure your jeans are appropriate and not ripped or distressed.

With a Black Tie

For a high-class, modern look, matching a tweed blazer, a crisp, white shirt dress, and formal shoes with a black self-tied bow is the way to go. It may not be a suit, but it’s a whole lot classier than a simple sweater and jeans.

With the Sleeves Rolled Up

Females know this as “the boyfriend blazer look”; guys may refer to it as “awesome”.

To pull this look off, you will need a large, unstructured blazer with a flashy liner. Roll the blazer sleeves up so the liner is visible, and rock it as a jacket. Depending on your environment, you may complete the look with sneakers, a t-shirt, and slim jeans.

I don’t have to tell you the blazer is a great piece of clothing descended from greatness. Now, you no longer have to relegate it to the back of your closet or misuse it. Keep experimenting, and I’m sure you’ll come up with several other ways to maximize your blazer

Abeni knew that this child would not back down

She knew that she would have to try too

To provide a suitable answer

Because you know

There comes a time

A time when the child

Lost in the jeers of youth

Needs to find itself.

**

Baba paused his fable

And suddenly started dancing in one direction

The whole village knew who it was

‘Temilade

Omo Omolola

The whose beauty mirrors beauty

The one whose feet kings will kiss

And lay claim to

*The drummers stopped abruptly*

You have been chosen

*The drumming continues*

Temilade stepped out in style

And danced towards the royal family

She knelt down on one knee

Bowed her head  low

And said

‘Kabiyesi O

I have been deemed worthy

May his name be praised

Kabiyesi OOO’

The kind smiled wryly.

The queen began to sweat.

She called for water.

All of a sudden she became uncomfortable.

As she tried to drink water,

The cup fell

Slipped from her fingers

She looked up and saw Omolola

Smiling at her

No one seemed to notice

The queen seemed agitated

But Omolola did.

It was her job to notice.

Baba continued his dance

And fable**

“So Abeni looked upon her child

Pitifully

‘She doesn’t know what she’s asking of me

Oh she doesn’t” Abeni said to herself

Abeni’s insides were in conflict

Revealing the identity of the girl’s father

Brought with it great tragedy

To them both

Abeni had to be wise about it

Omo mi

My child, she said

Your father is king of a great kingdom

He has  great riches

He is wealthy beyond measure

But he is dead

The daughter would not have it

‘Surely Surely’ She said

‘if my father was as rich as you say

He would have left behind something

Something worth fighting for’

Abeni smiled

The child continued

‘Why do you talk like he’s alive though you say he’s dead?

Can one be alive and dead, both at the same time?’

Her daughter was not sated

But she understood one thing

That her mother was not answering any more questions.

The child needed to know more.

The child was done.

Baba Danced on in another direction.

The people looked on.

Baba paused his fable.

“Atinuke

Omo Oluwapelumi

Oko Olufunmi

*The drumming stopped abruptly*

You have been chosen

*The drumming resumed*

The queen’s face grew darker

The prince smiled

Baba had listened

Atinuke danced forward

It was time

The die has been cast long before

Now all could see it.

She danced forward

Went down on one knee

And said

‘Kabiyesi O

I have been deemed worthy

My his name be praised

Kabiyesi OOO’

But this time

The king did not smile

He face was blank

Expressionless.

Written by Akinbobola Adeyemo

10 Exclusive Designers will showcase as 30 smoking hot models storm the runway with 10 Artistes for the fashion show alongside the Queen Globe Beauty Pageant.
[Music+ Fashion+ Pageant+ Exhibition]
10 Designers 30 Models 24 Contestants 10 Artistes 1 Runway 1 Event
The winner of Queen Globe walks away with ONE YEAR SALARY, A BRAND NEW CAR and Represents Nigeria @ Miss Globe International in Cyprus.
1st Runner up reps Nigeria @ Miss West Africa International
Runner ups represent Nigeria @ WORLD SuperModel in Carin, Australia and A teen Queen will be crowned to rep Nigeria @ the Teen World SuperModel in Carin, Australia.
For Tickets & More info call: 08085437008, 08037371477, 08037646093 Or Request for it on our handle @dsinatrae
QUEEN GLOBE 2013 FINALIST.

The Nigeria Entertainment Awards is a few weeks away, and all the nominees, members of the entertainment industry and the fans are looking forward to a great night of celebration anchored by a great host!
It is with great excitement that the producers announce that the host of the 8th annual Nigeria Entertainment Awards is none other than the incomparable comedian Bright “Basket Mouth” Okpocha. Basket Mouth is a well-known and respected comedian who has won numerous awards and hosted lots of shows and so is no stranger to such a task. The comedian who recently concluded a US Tour titled Basket mouth Uncensored, is honoured to be hosting the NEAs, and looks forward to a wonderful event that supports the industry.

The awards are scheduled to take place on September 1, at the NYU Skirball Performing Art Centre here in New York City. So far the line-up of confirmed artists, actors, actresses and entertainers expected to attend include; Timaya, Wande Coal, Davido, Omawunmi, Sean Tizzle, KCee, Iyanya, Chidinma, Burna Boy, Jaywon, and Olamide. Also in attendance are Denrele Edun and Bovi amongst others. Representing for Nollywood are Rita Dominic, Funke Akindele, Ramsey Nouah, Uti, Ali Nuhu and OC Ukeje.  With more names being confirmed and added to the list, this year’s award show is on track to be another fun-filled, star-studded show for the memory books.

Red carpet begins at 5pm, and the award show begins at 6pm prompt. To avoid last minute scrambling, all attendees are encouraged to get their tickets as soon as possible on the website: www.nigeriaentawards.com and also, to arrive on time.

The producers are thankful to all current sponsors and partners, and will in the coming weeks unveil more details for the pre-events leading up to the awards.

VENUE: NYU Skirball Performing Art Centre, 566 Laguardia Pl (at Washington Sq. S). New York, NY 10012.

TIME: 5pm

DATE: 1st SEPTEMBER, 2013.

The NEA Awards is sponsored and supported by Arik Air, CoolFM, MTech, BeatFM, YSGHubs, Mayven PR, Bella Naija, 360Nobs, Jaguda, Firematic, and a host of others. – See more at: http://www.eventsinnigeria.com/index.php/2012-08-28-11-10-47/item/1280-#sthash.9smBMm19.dpuf

“It’s a divine light. God gave the sun to everyone, and light is for everyone. Whoever wants it saves money. You can’t get an electric shock from it, and it doesn’t cost a penny.” – Alfredo Moser

The inspiration for the “Moser lamp” came to him during one of the country’s frequent electricity blackouts in 2002. Now because of Alfredo Moser’s invention, thousands of lives in over 15 countries are being changed. While he does earn a few dollars installing them, it’s obvious from his simple house and his 1974 car that his invention hasn’t made him wealthy. What it has given him is a great sense of pride. Pride in the fact that a man was able to raise enough money to cater for his new baby from installing Moser lamps for locals. Following the Moser method, MyShelter in the Philippines started making the lamps in June 2011. They now train people to create and install the bottles, in order to earn a small income.

So how does it work?

Refract sunlight by simply fill a clean and empty bottle with water, add two capfuls of bleach to prevent the water from turning green overtime, make a hole in roof with a drill then from bottom upwards, push bottle through roof and seal roof with polyester resin. Easy peasy.

Moser may never have imagined that his invention would have a global impact and he may not win a Pulitzer Prize for his invention but he is content with knowing that he has made life a little brighter for some thousands of people.

News source: BBC News 

Actors – Idris Elba, Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day.

Director – Guillermo del Toro

Release Date – 12 Jul 2013

Genre -Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi

Duration – 2hours, 11 minutes.

Rating – PG 13

I saw this movie sometime this week because of the two main actors, Charlie Hunnam and Idris Elba. The preview looked attractive enough so I decided to go in for it and I’m happy to say I was not disappointed at all.

The action was on point. The story-flow was good, role-playing was amazing  So if you are looking for great entertainment and a little something to wow you, this is the movie for you.

Pacific Rim tells the story of the Kaiju, monstrous creatures rising from the sea and invading the earth. This leads to the beginning of a war that would take millions of lives and consume humanity’s resources for years on end. To deal with the giant Kaiju, Jaegers were devised. These Jaegers are a special type of weapon, massive robots which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes – a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi) – who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind’s last hope against the mounting apocalypse.

I actually commend the director for this movie. From an unbiased, stand-alone movie point of view, this film does an incredible job of being exciting from beginning to end. My hands really are itching for a period when I’ll give something less than 70 but I haven’t gotten the opportunity to.

For this, I give an 82. Ah-may-zing!

So maybe you should see this movie next time you’re at the cinemas okay? And do well to tell me how it was when you do!

RATINGS

70 – 100 : HAYY! You should see this movie as soon as you can. It is so ah-may-zing and I’m this close to finding flaws

60 – 69 : Beautiful movie. A few flings here and there but the flings are quite few compared to the wonderful elements

50 – 59 : Average. The film is just in between. Balance between the flings in the movie and the good parts.

40 – 49 : I won’t advise you to spend your money on this but you just might like a few things

0 – 39 : Epic fail, thank you.

Written by Franklin Ugo

Hey y’all!

Yes! Monday-like-a-friday posts are back! Sorry for the hiatus and the cobwebs here. I was having a quarter life crisis. Moving on, I will be doing this column with Otas, a new member of the team. Otas will be handling the news and gist that you might have missed over the weekend because you’ve been under a rock and I will be sharing tips on surviving and enjoying your week! Stick around and enjoy!

Otas here!

Many of us, especially those of us on social media have kept up with the story concerning Senator Yerima and the #ChildNotBride phenomenon. If you’re like me you were mostly amused and concerned with the slogans the administrators of this “movement” chose. Tags like #GiveHerPenNotPenis #EducationNotEjaculation and many other just ridiculous and inappropriate slogans for a child movement. I, being the helpful person that I am, went ahead and created a few slogans of my own, my favorite being #GiveHerChickenNotCock. I’m not mocking this movement. I think child marriage in Islam is something that needs to be contained but if you insist on coming up with ridiculous slogans, then I insist on not taking you serious.

My main quarrel with this movement is the absolute lack of research put into this supposedly serious movement. Upon closer look, it was ascertained that the actual bill passed involved the issue of citizenship for married females, regardless of Age. While the Underlying factor allowing under aged girls to marry under Islam is a problem, Section 29 itself is not a problem, thus protesting a constitutional change that didn’t happen calls the legitimacy of your entire protest into question.

The legal age for marriage in Nigeria is 18. How Senator Yerima openly is able to flaunt that rule and still be a Leader is really a testament to how much decay is in the government and how little is being done to fix it.

Now In response to this movement, a well-known Nigerian Actress, Stella Damascus followed the steps of her counterparts and fellow #ChildNotBride supporters and released a ‘Rant’ on Youtube titled “Stella Damascus Spits fire”. If you haven’t seen it, go see it because that shit was hilarious. It was like watching a badly made and badly researched Nigerian movie. That video excelled at failing. It was a wonderful example of what not to do. She went back and forth on insulting the senators, especially the female ones. How you can be so passionate about a cause that you couldn’t manage to research is beyond me. As a celebrity the least you can do is prevent yourself from looking stupid on International channels such as Youtube. Actually I wouldn’t have half minded the stupidity if she had at least managed to get a proper weave and makeup artist. There is no excuse to look like that and then not research.

I hope she releases an apology video and I hope this time she is in possession of a flat iron and a brush.

Ibukun here!

I searched high and low and found tips for you to use so you can enjoy- as unlikely as it sounds-  your week! Ready? Go.

1.  Put your joggers on and work it

Working out in the morning right before your day officially starts is the best thing you can do for yourself this week and on. It may sound like a death sentence but working out in the am release endorphins that improve your mood so you don’t go through your day with an unexplainable scowl on your face. Who doesn’t want that?

2.  Stop. Listen. Feel good

You want to listen to your favorite get-up-and-go music first  thing in the morning. I recommend using it as your alarm tune and/or playing it in the shower while you take a bath. Heck, you can even sing along! Play it once, twice, three times or until the day starts to look less gloomy. That’s guaranteed to help you enjoy  your day!

3.  Take a lunch break

Start a new habit: set a time each day when you step away from work or school to have an actual lunch (no, not a bottle of Coke and not a doughnut either). It gives you time to slow down and gives your brain a much needed break. Stay out for at least 25 minutes even if you manage to gulp down your meal in 5. Window shop, check your Twitter or Facebook or whatever helps you relax. Then dive back into work or school.

There you go! You can thank Otas and I in the comment box below. Enjoy your week and have a Monday like a  Friday!

Dear diary,

There is nothing in this life. I am just sitting here wondering why I made such mighty fusses over the things I fussed over. One minute, I am sulking and planning my grand tantrum because I was refused money for clothes. I was not even refused, I was told ‘not now’. The next minute I had my daddy’s arms around my shoulder and I am dragging him to the car. My elder sister is barking orders and my mother is driving like she is in a car race and we are headed to the hospital.

They called it a cerebrovascular accident. I scoffed. Accident? Did a car hit him? Did he hit a car? He was fine then he realized he could not move the right side of his body and you are telling me something something accident.

The senior registrar told me ‘you should be explaining all this to your mom now, you are one of us. You know all these things’.

No, I do not. I know it is in the textbooks. I know I have read about it but it is my daddy lying down on the bed. It is my daddy who cannot move. I am sorry but I do not know. I will keep on shouting at the nurses and anybody else I perceive as slightly incompetent. It is my daddy lying down on that hospital bed.

I always said it. I never acted it. I did but not towards my daddy I guess, I should have given him the flowers when he could still smell them. I should have thrown tantrums for money left and told him how I think he is a super hero. Training seven children in this economy is no joke. Adding two extra to that is even less funny. Yet, I have the best of everything. He gives his life work to us his children and now he cannot move his right side.

My friends came around yesterday. I love them for it. I could see the slight irritation on their faces when I would not let them into my dad’s side room. What did they want to greet him for? They never came to greet him all this when he was well. Now this happened and they all want to greet. I cannot let them see him. I cannot let them see my daddy vulnerable. And weak. And confused. I cannot let them see my father helpless and stripped of all his dignity.

That is another reason why I hate sickness; there is nothing dignified in it. You are fed and bathed and you poop yourself.

I am so tired.

Love,

Serena.

P:s : first my big sister.

Now my daddy.

I hate this year.

Photo credits: Ball addict

New post by Akinbobola Adeyemo in his Iyawo Oba series today! Read, enjoy, share!

{Interlude}

Like rodents in grey

They sneak up on the unsuspecting

Watching

Praying

Preying

Predators.

Bringing wonder to the once clueless

Oh for sure they were once oblivious you see

And rage to one..

Who has known only calm like sunshine

Leading you to death

Bringers of rain

Harbingers of hope?

FALSE?

No no

Don’t tell me that

For they came when….

They hide under shadows

Moving as you move

Stop when you stop

Turn around in wonder with you too

They hang around your person

Not Imitations

They move unnoticed

Unperturbed by illumination

And emotion.

They can also mirror the elements

Oh my God,

Are you serious?

Baba said so too

He said: They rise with the sun and the moon

They are day

They are night

**

Baba continued:

‘But no

I lied

Did I say the child was done?

The child is never done asking

For something flows from the eternal fountain of youth

An elixir the child cannot control

The child will not control

There is nothing to do about it

To the curiosity of youth

Curiosity fueled by the evasiveness of elders

Why do they shield such wisdom?

See? Another reason to be young…

For the young

The child thought by virtue of her mother

That she was stupid

Young and stupid she called it

The child thought to herself:

Mother has two hands

So do I

Two eyeballs

So do I

Two legs

So do I

She has seen the years flash by

I have seen them too

So tell me why?

Why won’t she let me know of my father?

The child was plagued

The elders, fabled to have all the answers

They had refused her such wisdom.

But the young,

Always seeking for answers

And in never relenting

Never laying on back to catch breath

With fate beckoning

And destiny a stone throw away

Urging them on

Almost can they taste victory

But the sweetness eludes them

Everything seems sour

Like unripe fruits and spoiled vegetables.

Mother nature watches the children

Strutting aimlessly

Bragging about instant riches

Riches as fickle as the life they cling to

Loathing the weak

And despising the poor

They spit on the memory of hardwork

But once in a while

Like the coming of a newborn

Youth emerges

Complete with innocence

Breaks free

Well maybe not completely

Trapezes through treacherous caves

Unperturbed by whips

As applied to dampen imagination and resolve

So comes in the child laden with doubt

And quest for knowledge

The kind that knows no limits.

The child had had enough

So she decided to challenge ‘Fujabi the village masquerade’

She had never understood why her mother,

Every morning since childhood

Had taken breakfast to the masquerade.

The mere significance of this act struck the child

And she decided to challenge her mother’s authority

So the child went to the village square

And threw a stone at Fujabi’

Baba sighed:

“OmoBolanle

Omo Omojolape

Oko Ojo

*The drumming stopped abruptly*

You have been chosen

*The drumming resumed*

Omobolanle smiled and danced forward

The queen had promised her after all

Olori Folake let out a smirk

The prince noticed this

And smelled trouble.

Another wonderful post by Ibukun Awosika this Wednesday! Enjoy!

How can we appreciate the Peace
When we didn't see the War
Now we have seen the peace
And the war...
We know Peace is better. 
How can we love the laughter
When we didn't know the tears
Now we let things be
We apologise even when we are right
Because we have seen the peace
And the war...
And we know Peace is better.

Guest post by Ella Nwankwo

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