Creative Director: Rukus ft. Fatimat Following You Music Video

Rukus a talented artist/rapper who I worked with on a previous project (Myoa ft. Rukus - Christmas Wish) contacted me regarding being a creative director and styling his music video Following You ft. his then girlfriend now fiance Fatimat.

This was an extremely exciting project to be part of as it doubled up as a surprise engagement by the end of the shoot day! Picture this, a full on production, hair, make up, wardrobe stylist, basically receiving superstar treatment for the day while shooting what you thought was "just a music video", first set, second set, third set, then cut to the final set - the party scene; while the cameras are still rolling your mum, dad, bro and friends from out of town "randomly appear" on set! You're left perplexed and before you can get your inspector gadget on Rukus gets down on one knee and pops the question! 

Surpriiiiiise!! lol 

she had literally NO IDEA. Mission Accomplished.

Let's rewind it back and get into the concept for the music video.

Rukus provided current visual references that gave a nod to the 90's and expressed this as the direction he'd like to go in. Expanding on this

I presented the idea to have scenes shot in "His" and "Her" styled bedrooms which to me was a constant feature of the 90's. Think Brandy, Monica, it was a theme back then to shoot videos in a bedroom like setting, whilst singing your heart out.

We decided on this concept, with the two meeting at a house party earlier (another 90's constant), being in their prospective rooms singing about each other, with an all white dream like sequence scene signifying "unity" to top it off.

Sounds easy enough right, however early on we identified the challenge we had was flipping a regular bedroom twice over to give 2 different looks and vibes to represent "His" bedroom and "Her" bedroom.

We made it work. I teamed up with Stephanie the set designer for the project and together we hunted down items to add character to each room setting creating a different design feel and vibe.
"His" bedroom we went for minimalism, hunter green. Her bedroom more eclectic/boho gypsy decor, orange.

The original bedroom setting we worked with to transform.

Details matter to add extra character and lifting of a set

Her bedroom: colourful, gypsy vibes

Styled looks were kept in the 90's theme.

For Rukus' first look we went for a printed short sleeve shirt in neutral colours, black jeans and black sneakers. Fatimat a cropped top and cheked pants (very Moesha) with styling choice to hair being slicked down and a curly attachment.

Second look "unity scene" was a "dreamlike" scene, white was opted for here as the choice of background along with white items of clothing to be consistent with the feeling of being on cloud 9.

I wanted to add extra styling elements with Fatimat to lift the styling and scene a little more by

incorporating worded hair pins that spoke to the scene; words such as 'Dream' 'Feelings' 'Love' and so on were used. Hair pins were a key 90's feature hence why I decided to incorporate these into the styling also.

This went really well with the slicked back and wavy ponytail hair look she had for this scene, and of course staying true to the 90's we made sure to get the baby hairs popping here.

Third look: Party Scene

Issa fiance.

The happily newly engaged couple.

Director Colin capturing the party scene

Be sure to be on the look out for updates on the video release.

x x x

Salmon and Polka Dot

I came across these polka dot shorts in Zara and immediately became drawn to them due to the colour and flirty style. I wouldn't usually wear skirts this length but soon realised they were shorts and in the spirit of trying something new I loved them immediately as they still maintain ones modesty!
I paired it up with a salmon blouse also from Zara.
My hair was put in braids in time for my birthday vacation!

Love the convenience of braids and being able to get up and go!
 The colour and lay of hair is very Beyonce When Jesus Say Yes Video! Don't you think? lol
(definitely wasn't intentional).

This look is comfortable super fun and chic

Happy Birthday to Me! :D x x x

Get The Look:

Earrings: Stopshop London

Blouse: Zara

Shorts: Zara

Ronnita B. Huff Press Shoot Image Update

It's always great when a client trusts you and books you for repeat business/service.

Ronnita B. Huff whom I have styled previously, wanted to update her press shoot images going into the New Year.

Ronnita has been working hard on her physique and wanted to show off her current results with sexy yet still "bawsey" looks; so we hit the stores! Giving that it is the holiday season, styles felt somewhat limited with a lot of sequence, glitter and faux fur on the racks, however I was able to find looks to match her desired style direction we both agreed upon.

Apologies for the snap commentary on the first image, realised post shoot the full look wasn't captured on the day hence the use of snap image.

Look 1 we went for a gold sequin blazer dress, with a lace dress inside.
Ronnita has great legs so wanted to show this off with this look. The lace inside the sequin jacket dress added an element of grown yet sexy.

Look 2 a fitted shimmer dress with ankle books, incorporating Ronnita's love for hats into this look.

Look 3 a snake print v cut long sleeve blouse with faux leather pants and ankle boots. Mixing tough and feminine silhouette.

Will be posting the final images to blog once released.
Till then, which look is your favourite? Comment below and let me know x x x

Outfit details

Look 1

Blazer dress: Zara

Look 2

Dress: Zara

Ankle Boots: Zara

Hat: Ronnita's Wardrobe

Look 3: 

Top: Zara

Trousers: Zara

Shoes: Zara

Hair by Ronnita.

MAC Shadescent Candy Yum Yum

A scent I am currently loving is MAC's Candy Yum Yum.

It comes with a lipstick and is priced at £35.00 / $57.00.

Described by Mac as A flirty fragrance with electric fruits, like pink guava at the heart.

and is part of a 6 shadescents series inspired by current MAC lipsticks.

It certainly seems to be a favourite with guys as I always receive compliments of "smelling amazing" when wearing it. I find it to be a perfect blend, not too floral, not too fruity, not too sweet whilst giving off a sophisticated girly scent.

 I am yet to try the others from the set, however Candy Yum Yum has definitely set the bar for me in trying/testing the others and may be hard to beat for me.

Have you tried all the scents?

Which MAC Shadescents colours are your favourites? Let me know in the comments below

x x x

Red, Pink and Slogan Tees

I've always liked and enjoyed the comfort in wearing a t shirt can give as well as the idea of slogan tees; Tshirts that convey a message without one having to open their mouth and generally make for great conversational starters and good icebreakers lol.

I opted for red trousers to team up with this slogan tee from Boohoo - of which 100% of profits are donated to the Manchester Emergency Funds. 

The message "One Love, One Heart, Together".
A message of unity.

I completed the look with these gorgeous gold spiralled shaped earrings and clutch from Stopshop London. 

I am definitely focused on growing my slogan tee collection with messages of empowerment, bold statements, humour and so on that resonate with who I am as a person whilst keeping it chic! and already have my eyes set on some more slogan tshirts to add to the collection. 

T shirts can be dressed up or dressed down but are always definitely comfortable in my opinion,  making for great staple pieces in any wardrobe.

x x x

Earrings: Stopshop London

Tshirt: Boohoo

Trousers: Asos

Clutch: Stopshop London

Aria Suya Kitchen

Hi all! Had meant to have posted this post a few weeks back but have been kept super busy with shoots and projects of late. 

After successful completion of a shoot/project I creatively directed, the designer, model and I were in search of some great food to fill and quieten our hungry tums! I had heard of Aria Suya Kitchen but had not yet been and had suggested we all go there to munch and try it out.

Maaaaaan, we were not disappointed.

Immediately, when we entered the restaurant the first thing that I noted and loved was the attention to detail with the decor. I'm always big on attention to detail and loved the monochrome vibes followed through to a T from the seating to the art displayed on the walls to the menu. 

We were greeted by a waitress who was welcoming, was happy to answer our questions and offer top picks/recommendations as well as great customer service.

Plantain chips (if you're in the states) or Plantain crisps (if you're in the UK) with a spicy stew used for dipping the chips was first brought out to us; these are complimentary on the house and got our taste buds going for our orders.

We ordered the suya chicken wings, which tasted great.

I ordered a beef suya dish with spinach, model ordered a suya wrap that came with yam chips. I was impressed by the presentation of such dishes as usually when I have ordered suya from other establishments such attention to detail isn't present.

We finished off our meal with chin chin cheese cake. 

I have a thing for desserts which I have cut down over the years but still enjoy a great dessert now and again. The combo is so creative and I loved every bite.

I was so impressed by everything and was wondering why I had never come across this place since I had been in Houston! 

 I had to speak to the owner (who stated he had opened the store 7 weeks ago) and congratulate him on the opening of such a great spot in Houston, Texas, the meals, presentation and attention to detail was on point - I definitely will be coming back and taking many others to try this spot.

If you're ever in Houston, Texas I recommend you try this spot, hopefully your tastebuds will be satisfied like mine were.

x x x

Gala Night - YAP Honors

I attended YAPHonorsBall for the first time this year.

I don't want to get into how I was disappointed at elements of the night, however overall the sheer class, quality of the event and individuals attending was highly commendable.

The event celebrated Nigerian excellence within the Houston community, with 40 inspirational creatives being awarded. It's great that such a forum has been created to celebrate and support one another/peers on our journey. 

Style wise; I opted for a maxi off the shoulder black dress with a high slit; balancing classy with a little sexy, keeping the jewellery minimal.

Out the manor; 91210

When in California one should get their shoot on. 

When you only have one useable shot from the bunch taken.. it bums. 

I could really do with my own personal photographer; to follow me around and capture amazing views and dope imagery. This is probably why I haven't been as frequent in posting as I'd like to. It's been a challenge getting a rhythm going on fashion/outfit posts because of this. I don't give up easily so will definitely find a great photographer out in Htown. 

LA has always been a city of interest to myself, I always told myself I wanted to travel and explore different cities. I never wanted to be that girl who was close minded to places and people. Being "out the manor" so to speak in a different area code, more specifically L.A. was bliss.

Beverly Hills is a beautiful place. California is stunning. Look forward to going back.

x x x

Outfit

Top: H&M

Trousers: Small boutique in Woolwich, South London

Watch: Vintage Casio

Flavour - Virtuous Woman

Hey Guys,

it's been a while since I lasted posted, I'm sure you're all familiar on how life happens and how extremely busy things can be, however going to aim for more regular posts moving forward.

I wanted to share with you the music video Virtuous Woman by Flavour Directed by Sesan I had the opportunity to participate in as a Casting Director! The song is the first release from his fifth studio album titled "Ijele - The Traveler".

In the video; I casted the leading role; Ileisha - who plays the bride and Jessica who played a bridesmaid. God is sooo good, the doors that He has been opening for me since moving stateside has been amazing, especially at times when I may feel discouraged on this creative path. Let's just say this project came at a time where a boost was much needed <3 <3

This song is set to be another Flavour hit and classic, it was definitely an honour to be a part of this project and to be working with the likes of Sesan; a creative in the industry I've always admired his work ethic and craft was such a huge blessing. Special thanks to Sesan The Director for the opportunity. Highly looking forward to working on more projects in the future.

Enjoy x x

Ronnita B. Huff Press Shoot

I had the opportunity to be a personal shopper and style Ronnita B. Huff of Studio Lux; a talented hair stylist I have gotten creative with on numerous projects since being in Houston for her official press shoot. Ronnita wanted to try something new so I wanted to give her just that; and gravitated to the more colourful and patterned items.

We hit the stores, trying many looks before agreeing on four.

Look 1 I opted for pattern play teaming a vertical top and trousers to give the illusion of a longer more streamline figure. Hairstyle was slick straight black hair which really complimented the colours within the garments.

Look 2 Went with a mustard lace dress with some cute pineapple pumps, accessorised with bracelets from Stopshop London to go with the red wavey hair do.

Look 3 Ronnita expressed her love for hats, which I made sure to incorporate; teaming it with this gorgeous pinstripe wrap top, vibrant red pants and a blunt cut chocolate brown bob for a look that's sophisticated chic.

Look 4 we went for these cute cobalt blue pants and a more riskay top adding hat for final touch and wavy brown locs.

Ronnita was a happy lady :)

Will be posting the final images to blog once released.
Till then, which look is your favourite? Comment below and let me know x x x

Outfit details

Look 1

Top: Zara

Trousers: Zara

Look 2

Dress: Zara

Heels: Zara

Bracelets: Stopshop London

Look 3: 

Hat: Ronnita's wardrobe.

Top: Zara

Trousers: Zara

Watch: Casio vintage.

Shoes: Ronnita's wardrobe.

Look 4: 

Hat and bracelet: Ronnita's wardrobe.

Top: Ronnita's wardrobe.

Trousers: Ronnita's wardrobe.

All hair looks were created by Ronnita.