FLIRTwithFASHION!

About iAmStillGeorgia

Georgia-Lorene McEbong of the fashion blog iamstillgeorgia.com is the fourth of five siblings, sister to four boys. A devoted catholic, I attended Our Lady of Apostles Private Schools for my primary and secondary education. I went on to study Pharmacology at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos from where I graduated earlier this year.

 

Blogging for me is just a natural coming together of my favorite things: fashion, creativity and writing. I’ve always been a big fan of poetry and I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. As I grew older, I tried my hands at writing poems and found it came naturally to me. I guess I’ve always had a thing for fashion too although it wasn’t something I developed consciously. Fashionable things have always caught my eye and over time, I noticed my mum would ask for my help in selecting her outfits and combining stuff. Eventually, I figured I have a keen sense of fashion.

I then put more conscious effort into observing the way people blend their outfits and adding my basic stuff to give it my own unique feel. I even tried out modeling in my third year at University but decided it wasn’t for me. I didn’t like the way people were trying to buy their way in and all. It was about that time I started my fashion blog as a way to help me connect with fashion. My first post was in February 2012. Initially, I’d just put up posts and reblog and it was a lot of fun. Then in May, I started Cynosure.

 

 

 Cynosure is a platform on which, we at iAmStillGeorgia, showcase the lovely fashion sense of the everyday fashionista. It’s been really great fun but there have also been challenges. A major challenge is to get people to know you’re out there and what it is you do. Social networks make it easier though. There’s also the pressure of keeping up a certain standard and not disappointing readers. I think to myself, “so many people read this thing, I have to make sure it’s great”. Time is another constraint, particularly as I’ve been busy with school until recently. Then, sometimes I’d be driving in traffic and see something I’d love to share or put up on my blog but I wouldn’t always be able to find the time.

 

In terms of style, I like to be really unique. To be honest, I’m really a teeshirt and jeans sort of person, and occasionally, flip flops because I’m into being very comfortable. Unless of course we’re talking about heels. In that case I throw all comfort to the wind ‘cos you know what they say: ‘the more uncomfortable the shoes are, the prettier’. I can dress up though, if the occasion calls for it… to dinners, weddings… most times I dress up to church too. But even then I keep it simple, not because I can’t go crazy on the outfit but ‘cos I’m a little lazy. That’s not exactly a good thing but I’m working on it.

 

My favorite thing in my wardrobe has to be my Christian Louboutin shoes. I just love CL, but then who wouldn’t? Red bottoms yeah? ;) I am actually obsessed with shoes, I live for them! From flats to heels, straps to pumps, sandals to flip flops…  Footwear is MY thing… Lady Gaga shoes, Jessica Simpson shoes, Zara shoes… as long as they are shoes, I’m sure to love them.

 

When it comes to trends though, I’m the worst person to ask. I do not do trends AT ALL… like AT ALL!! Sometimes I work into a store and find something in season that I like. But I’m not one to follow trends normally, I’m a bit of a rebel. But I do take note of trends ‘cos it’s my job to. My favorite of the most recent trends has to be prints. I love prints because they are awesome anyway you want them, whether it’s a print dress that goes great with your skin tone, a print top with something plain beneath or if it’s a print top and skirt of the same design in different colours. Prints are like MAGIC; put them on and you stand out. And Nigeria is blessed with great fabric, I see international celebrities wearing our fabric and I’m like ‘yeah! that’s the shit!’. Also, they’re never out of season over here.

 

Favourite designers…. well obviously CL…emm Jessica Simpson. Saw this pair of shoes by her and they are just awesome!! I like Mango as well. There’s also Russell and Bromley; they have fine taste in leather, very fine taste. Locally, I like Lanre Da Silva, she’s really good. I like Orange Culture and iAmISIGO. iAmISIGO has very simple, very unique taste. I could go on and on.

 

My philosophy with work is simple: ‘as long as you love what you do, you’ll never have to work a day in your life’. When I’m not working, I can watch Comedy Central for Africa!! There’s also E! and Fashion TV; I can watch those three channels for Africa and the Middle East! I also love to eat and there’s nothing better than free food. Free food is GOOD!

 

I also like all kinds of music. As long as I understand the lyrics anyway ( I don’t like the new rap, hardly makes sense). I like Eminem, T.I. , Nas, Natasha Beddingfield… I kinda like country music and soft rock. I LOOOOOVE Nigerian music, the songs don’t even have to make sense. If it can be moved to, I WILL MOVE! My favorite local artiste right now is Banky W. Some songs on his latest album have this crazy effect on me. I also like Falz… there’s this song of his, ‘Highclass’… crazy. Makes me want to lose all sense of control. Lol. Just kidding.

 

I see a big future for Cynosure. Writing and blogging are the first steps in my career in fashion and I intend to branch out into design and consulting.

CYNOSURE: Anniversary Edition Finale… ADEBAYO OKE-LAWAL!!

The first time I got in touch with him saying I wanted to do an interview, he immediately asked me to let him know when I wanted to get started. I was surprised at how easy he was to talk to even though he dint know me. Although I can’t say I know him well enough but ‘down-to-earth’ is a phrase anyone would use while describing Adebayo Oke-lawal, CEO of the quirky menswear brand, ORANGE CULTURE– fearless, fun and fashion forward.

CYNOSURE: Anniversary Edition Day 2… Emeka Nwune. It’s HYPNOTIC BABY!!!

Lately, we’ve heard a whole lot about Hypnotic Entertainment and have since followed the career of the brilliant and talented Emeka Nwune. Finding his balance between his music and the pursuit of his medical career, Emeka effortlessly shows off his love for all things fashion in every way possible.

Talking to iAmStillGeorgia on his brand, he said “It all started in 2006 when i was almost rounding up with high school. Being one of the ‘cool kids’ back then, i joined forces with some of my close friends at that time and we formed a Clique we named ‘Hypnotic Entertainment’. Ever since, we’ve known we have a role to play. We started to do events, parties, promotion, artist publicity and all. And we’ve been at it since.

Emeka says that his love for fashion isn’t something that begun suddenly. “Looking at photos of myself as kid, I see a little boy ‘dripping swaggu’..lol. That little boy’s style from back then isn’t much different from my style right now. Adventurous, Different and all in all… fashionable”

Background

The third of four boys, Emeka Nwune attended St. Finbarrs College, Akoka Lagos and is currently in his third year at Lugansk State Medical University, Luhanska Ukraine.

About his journey thus far, Emeka says “life isn’t easy, and nothing good comes easy. At the same time if you stay focused and ignore those who do not support you, you’ll definitely reach any height” Emeka says that his love for his work is what gets him ahead, “I do what I do because I love it”, he says.

Personally

“When I’m not working, I like to listen to GOOD music, I play a lot of basketball as well and I write lyrics”. His love for music spreads on to the kind of music he listens to. The Ukraine based Nigerian says, “Omg, i love African music, afro-beats… Shoutouts to the likes of Wizkid, Davido, 2face, D’banj for headlining that area. I like Iceprince’s music too. With Foreign music, I love listening to 2pac, Jay-z, Wiz Khalifa, Kendrick Lamar”

On Fashion and Style

“My style is simple, colourful and fun”, Emeka says. “I have a thing for works and pieces by Moda Giovanni, Louis Vuitton, Guccccccccccci lol… I love Gucci”. He tells iAmStillGeorgia about his fashion waknesses “I love Ankara prints, studs and animal skin… There’s this denim jacket I made on my own. I studded it in front and the entire back has a leopard skin sewn in it. That has to be my favourite piece in my wardrobe!!”

Talking about the future of himself and of his brand, Emeka Nwune says “Optimism is one of the major keys to success. I’m a versatile person with a wide scope, my plan is to try not to be deficient in any area then as time goes on i would have made up my mind on which field to develop. Constant handwork and creativity will help you reach any height”

CYNOSURE: Anniversary Edition Day 2.. Getting to know Tolu Adeosun!!

Adeosun Toluwalase, is the co-owner of TAPdesigns.  She’s a young lady who loves to design clothes and is gradually trying to influence the fashion industry positively with the brand TAPdesigns.

TAPdesigns is a fashion brand,that brings you fashion with a contemporary twist. Co-owning it with partners,Thorpe Weyinmi and Patrick ifie and together, they make pieces that are very stylish and affordable.

Telling us about the first signs of her gift for fashion, Tolu says,  “let’s just say growing up as a kid, I loved to sketch dresses, and as I grew older I got better with sketching up designs. And the passion for everything fashion was just a push to better myself”

Background.

Toluwalase is a twin, the last born of the family. She attended GRACE schools for my primary and high school and is  currently in her final year at Houdegbe North American University, Benin Republic, where she’s studying law”
Now widely known nationally and internationally, the purpose driven young designer says that getting to this point in her career haven’t been a walk in the park. “To be honest, nothing good comes easy”, she says. “There has to be hard work and dedication and  I believe that having partners has helped a lot. So no it hasn’t been easy but I believe it will all be worth it”

When asked about the main challenges herself and the team have faced, she said that the main challenge is actually getting support. “Some Nigerians still don’t patronize products made here in Nigeria, which shouldn’t be so. The fashion industry is competitive but I feel fresh young designers should be given a chance to grow. People shouldn’t feel like its the same old people they see all the time. It makes it difficult to gain support”

TAPdesigns recently featured in the Miami Fashion Week and about the experience Tolu says, “My experience at the miami fashion Week was a wonderful one. It was a good platform for networking also. There was a lot of interest in the African showcase, as it was the first time there was an African segment. There was so much appreciation of the African local print fabric (Ankara and adire) which we used in our collection. I was able to meet various designers and learn one or two things about the fashion industry. All in all it was a very productive journey and I thank God for making it possible”

“My work philosophy would have to be staying focused, getting things done on time no matter the circumstances. I try to learn from mistakes, and expect to improve next time”

Personally.
“When it comes to music, I just love to listen; r’n’b, rap and a lot of nigerian music”. “With fashion, I don’t believe you have to wear the most expensive clothes to look stylish. I believe fashion should be things we love and feel confident in/about. Style is the way we put those things together to make it our own. Everyone should have their own style,its a way you express yourself”
“ My style is simple, I don’t like the dramatic look. I don’t show too much skin either. I think covering up is the new sexy. I love prints and I’m a big fan of our local made fabrics,adore.(tie-dye)”

“ I really don’t have a favorite piece in my wardrobe, but let’s say I love wearing things I am comfortable in”

“Designers that wow me? The list is endless. I love Chanel, Marc Jacobs and Micheal Kors though, to name a few”

“When it comes to fashion trends, I feel like I really don’t follow trends. To be honest, I wear what I like and what feels good to me. When I do follow trends however, I add a little twist to it. I am a kind of person that can decide to wear a sweat shirt and heels….Just ‘cause”

“I cant decide if my  fashion obsession is with shoes or clothes, but like most fashionistas, getting a new fashion piece just puts a smile on my face.”

The future:

“The plan is to keep growing and to take TAPdesigns international while making sure clothes are affordable, wearable and readily available . I believe in the brand and with hard work, dedication and God, we will achieve it”

More photos from the Miami Fashion Show at  http://fabmagazineonline.com/fab-runway-tapdesigns-at-miami-fashion-week-africa-designers-showcase/

CYNOSURE: Anniversary Edition Day 1.. with the lovely twins; Doreen and Doris!!

Twins Doris(Adaora) and Doreen(Adanma) are both 500 level students at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. While Doreen is studying to be a pharmmacist, her sister Doris is on her way to becoming a physiotherapist. Before the move to Lagos, they had spent their childhood in Delta state where they completed their primary and secondary schooling.

Easy going with a love of music ranging from rock to jazz and r’n’b, Doreen enjoys shopping, dressing up and watching movies. Doris meanwhile describes herself as “generous, playful and spirited”. When she’s not studying, she enjoys shopping, eating for fun and the company of her friends.

The sisters agree that looking good and feeling good go hand in hand. “I think everyone’s fashion and style is an insight of who they really are”, says Doris. “Personally, I wear anything that makes me feel good; I won’t be caught dead wearing anything uncomfortable.” There is one exception though: shoes. “As the shoe saying goes, ‘the more it hurts, the prettier.’” Her favourite piece is “my ankara plaited beads. I absolutely love them.”

For Doreen, “as a lady, being sexy is about how you carry yourself. I wear whatever suits the occasion but most importantly, I have to be comfortable,” she says to FLIRTwithFASHION. Dresses, bags and rings are personal favorites. “I personally don’t think fashioncan be defined by anyone; you just create your own style and rock it!”

On the designers they like: Doreen absolutely loves the Kardashians’ clothing line; “they have an awesome sense of style”, she says. With shoes, she loves Giussepe Zanotti. I love me a truckload of designers, just can’t list everything.”

Doris, in no particular order loves “Christian Audigier, Thierry Mugler, Deola Sagoe, Yves Saint Lauren and so many others.”

Doris’ take on trends: “At some point, we all follow the trend but I really love the comeback of vintage clothes and fashion… there’s this sense of confidence about them.”

Doreen says: “I’m into trends, although like I said, I’d only wear what I’m comfortable in. I like the uproar of vintage and prints and the way they come with so many different approaches is very thrilling and refreshing. Personally, I love prints; they just seem so sexy. I will wear them anytime.”

Doreen confesses to a weakness for perfumes, bags, rings and footwear. Doris has an obsession with shoes, wristwatches and perfumes.

This pair of twins effortlessly stand out in any crowd and are fashionistas to watch!

Anniversary Blog sale: SHOE ADDICTION!!

Hello fashion flirts….!!

And welcome to the blog sale for the Anniversary Edition. The Title of this blog sale is ‘Shoe Addiction!’ and we are going to bring to you shoes for both sexes. This sale is going to contain items from Femme Ver and Leather ‘n’ Soul.

Here’s how this works;

1. Look through the photos.

2. Find something you wanna purchase?

3. Send a mail to georgia_lorene@yahoo.com indicating:

- The item number

-The product owner

-Your shoe size

-Your location

-Your phone number

A reply would be sent to you shortly letting you know the day your item will be supplied and details on getting your purchase.

Please Note: Delivery is within Lagos.

Delivery costs an additional N1000 charge.

FEMME VERTUESE

Item 1: Size 38. N3500

Item 2: Size 41. N3700

Item 3: Size 39. N5500

Item 4: Silver Stunneres Size 39, 40. N5500

Item 5: Size 10. N8000

Item 6: Size 39. N 5500

Item 7: Size39. N6500

Item 8: Sizes 38,39. N6500

Item 9: Size 39. N5500

Item 10: Sizes 9&10. N4000

Item 11: Size 38&39. N 7500

Item 12: Size 39. N 5,500

Item 13: size39. N6800

Item 14: ) Size 10. N7000

LEATHER N SOUL!!!

Item 1: N13,000

Item 2: N4000

Item 3: N4000

Item 4: N13000

Item 5: N4000

Item 6: N15000

Item 7: N15000

Item 8: N15000

BLOG SALE!!!!

This anniversary edition of Cynosure is going to have a blog shoe sale in it with products from ‘Leather n Soul’ and Femme Vertueuse!!! Shoes for all tastes and fashion senses… Look in! You just might find something you like!!! :****

Letting You Know…

All my love and so much more… iAmStillGeorgia! :* :D