Grown and Sexy...

So as you may or may not know, I have an obsession with men's fashion. It really influences my wardrobe. That is part of the reason why I started the Man Of the Month feature. I love a well dressed man. I don't care what your style is, as long as you can pull it off and feel comfortable doing it. I don't care for guys who call themselves sneaker heads. I would choose a man in beat up loafers over a sneaker head any day, but that's just me. While I say this, I would like to just throw out a few tips to help some of you struggling brothers out there. It's time to step your game up. I find it sad when I dress better than some of you men.

Rule number 1: Fit is everything...

• Button ups: Get a slim fit in your size. Not a size up or size down…get one that fits your body! You’ll look better, trust me.
• Tees: They should cut a little above your elbow, and sit right at your hips. Unless you’re The Rock, there is no need to wear under armor as tees. Anything smaller and we'll think you're shopping at Baby Gap, and anything too big, we'll know you hit up the big and tall section. 
• Dress pants/jeans: If it's hanging off your hip, you need to quit. Measure yourself and get a pair of slim/straight leg dress pants. They will go a long way and the look is timeless.
• Blazers/sports coat: It can dress up or dress down a look. But make sure it is well structured. If not, then get it tailored. When you have tailored pieces that look well on you, you're more likely to reach for that item. 

Rule number 2: Invest in quality items...

• Crispy white button up: Easily the most versatile piece in your arsenal. You should always have one on stand by. You never know what occasion might suddenly arise. 
• Dark blue denim jeans: Invest in a solid dark blue slim/ straight-leg pair of jeans. Again... they will go a long way.
• Shoes: Sweetie, they say everything about you. A nice pair of shoes will do you justice. And I'm talking about oxfords, loafers, sneakers, everything. Better to have them for the long run, rather than cheap shoes that will break on you in a month. 
• Topcoat: During those winter months, this will be the first thing, and sometimes the only thing people will see when they see you. You want it to look good, but you also want it to do it's job. Invest accordingly please.

Rule number 3: Accessories...

• I don't care what it is, if you throw on an accessory, we will notice. It's all in the details. I always emphasize this when I am doing my interviews each month. It shows that you have character. 
• Shoe laces, bow ties, rings, pins, bracelets, socks (cashmere is worth the money), cuff links, ties, pocket squares, EVERYTHING!
• However: Less is more. Accessories should be accessories. Do it tastefully, and in moderation. If you don't have the ability to pull off the rainbow, then don't try.

Rule number 4: Wrist Game...

• To me, a watch is extremely sexy. How a man wears his watch speaks volumes to me. People invest in a nice time piece. It's like the equivalent to a designer bag. You don't have to spend a long of money on it, it just needs to look nice. Check out etsy.com if you want a high end one for a decent price.  

Rule number 5: You better own a suit...

• A NICE navy or gray suit: I would go for a navy over gray first, but it's up to you. But make sure to get it tailored to fit you. You don't want to walk around looking like you borrowed your dads suit for the interview. And every man should have at least 2 good suits. 
• Black is for when you've already gotten the job or for dinner. It is more formal. Unless you want to be cocky at an interview... 

I hope this helps because your woman cannot keep up her appearances while you walk around in basketball shorts everyday. In the end, these are just suggestions.

Something about a well dressed man...

The definition of beauty...

So many times we get on the internet looking for inspiration, finding women that we admire, basking in their beauty. But so many times, we come back also, analyzing everything that we think they have that we don't. So we constantly watch these make up gurus and read these blogs, trying to transform ourselves into the perfect Sara, Ashley, or Khabi that we can be. We forget to find the beauty within ourselves, even though we hear it repeated through our heads over and over again.

I love this project that a friend of mine, Lilian made about the definition of beauty. She really hit all the insecurities that we women face on a day to day basis. I admire her for being so creative and touching on such a topic that we often like to ignore or shy away from. Check her out. It is really beautiful.

My Name Sake...

Keeping up with my Nigerian theme for designers, I have stumbled upon a lot of inspiration for a few of my next DIY's, when ever I have the time. But on my quest for new designers, I found Funmilayo Deri. I'm not sure if it's because her cloths are so much fun, or for the fact that she is my name sake, but I do love her work. Personally, I'm not sure I would wear her pieces, maybe if I live some where like New York or Paris, but they are still fun to look at and dream. They are simply too much for little old Lubbock. But come December, I will be breaking out of here (fingers crossed, InshaAllah).

Her style is glamorous and elegant but not overly serious. Most of her pieces seem modern, with a feminine twist in an unconventional way. I love they patterns and fabrics that she uses. You can see this girl has an eye for simple detail.

LLULO!!!!!!!!!!

This is a brand that I have been watching grow for the past year. Oh how eagerly I was ready to work the amazing master mind behind all her brilliant creations, Michelle Olomojobi. I still remember the fateful day that one of my friends, who happens to be cousins with the creator, strolled into my office with on of the crew neck sweaters. I was instantly obsessed and immediately tried to get in contact.

This toddler brand has come a long way. The only thing that drives me insane is how quickly everything sells out so fast. I cannot wait till the day she really blows up and has a store that I can simply go into and grab what ever I want. Especially some of the designs that she had back in the day. I want my Yoruba tee! I simply fall in love with everything that she comes up with. Keep it up girl.

Not only is this an amazing brand, it also works closely with the Non-Profit organization Echoes of A Kora, who makes it possible for children in Africa to have school supplies. I love that they are trying to make a difference in the world in any way possible. How many companies can you say gives directly back to it's roots? You guys should definitely check her out.

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