Rayha – www.rayhaxo.com

In Lifestyle & Events

A trip to Lekki Conservation Centre

December 16, 2021 No Comments

They say “Dreams come true” Well, that’s right because I got to tick a thing off my bucket list!

A while ago, my friend (Ozi) and I took a trip to Lagos and we planned to visit the Lekki conservation Centre during our stay. I’m so glad we did!

If you’re a lover of nature you would definitely love the Lekki Conservation Centre. The monkeys, tortoise, crocodiles, peacocks amongst other beautiful creatures roaming around freely are such a sight to behold!

We got there at about 12pm on Sunday and got our tickets (at #1500 for each of us). Afterwards, we were given a tour guide. Our guide prepared our minds for what was ahead, we were told to remove some things from our bags to avoid being hijacked by the monkeys surrounding the wooden bridge.

As we started the walk on the wooden bridge, the monkeys started trooping out to say hi… lol. We took breaks in between our walks to take pictures and make videos. Not so long into the walk, we arrived at the suspended canopy walk.

The real journey begins!…

*Who would have thought I was a scaredy-cat*… lol

Immediately I saw the canopy walk, I ran out of breath for a few minutes. It didn’t even end there. When we began climbing, I started screaming for my dear life (like how did these people not tell me the walk was this high? it’s about 22.5 feet above the ground and 401 meters long).
As we progressed, my hands became slippery and my stomach jumped. The Canopy walk has six stages; the first three stages were the ascending stages, The fourth stage was quite leveled and the fifth and sixth stages where the descending stages. Stage four got the best of me, lol… Emotions were running up but the tower house at the end of each stage prepared me for the next. Also, Ozi came with a friend (Nene) and I was in between them throughout the canopy walk, that helped boost my confidence.
The tower house is a good idea for people who want to rest in-between. The fresh air and view from the top was really beautiful to experience. This minute you’re scared, next minute you start to regain your confidence and you find yourself enjoying the experience. The experience is one for the memory books.

The end of the canopy walk leads you to another wooden bridge (different from the wooden bridge which we started the canopy walk from) and this bridge leads you to the family pack; another great site and space to have picnics, family get together, hang out with friends and lots more. We didn’t get to do much at the family pack because our major focus was the canopy walk. Drinks, snacks etc are sold at the family pack tho.

Another thing I liked about the Lekki Conservation Centre was the fact that they had a few educative boards around (I learnt new things).

Oh! Did I mention that the tortoise is aged and so beautiful?!!

Few things to note when going to the Lekki conservation Centre

1. Wear sunscreen.
2. Arrive early, the canopy walk is better done when the weather is not so hot and trust me you don’t want to be on the long queues.
3. Carry a light backpack.
4. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing; sneakers are the best kind of shoes to wear.
5. Ensure your hands are free while on the canopy walkway so you can grip the railings properly.
6. Only six people are allowed to climb the canopy walkway at a time.
7. Have some snacks and water in your backpack.
8. Do not run, jump or seat on the canopy walkway.
9. Go with friends it’s more fun.
10. Keep your fears at home! This will help you enjoy the moment.

In all, the Lekki Conservation Centre experience was truly amazing and it’s one for the memory books. I am glad I get to tick this off my bucket list.

Was it scary? YES
Was it fun? YES
Was it worth it? YES
Will I do this again? YES

Have you had a canopy walk before? Share your experiences.
If you have been to the Lekki conservation Centre, I would like to know what your experience was in the comments.

Until my next post,

Stay Adventurous,

Rayha

In Fashion

My 2021 Lagos Fashion Week Experience

November 5, 2021 2 Comments

Fashion week may have come and gone but the experience still lingers! And it won’t be great if I don’t share it with you, loves. I attended Lagos Fashion Week for the first time and I must admit, it felt great working with all the creatives and learning while at it!

I got to work backstage, fixing the runway clothes, dressing up the models and basically just taking part in rehearsals.

I applied to Intern at the Lagos Fashion Week and so when I got the mail, I was a bit nervous. Because it was my first time, I didn’t know what to expect. I wasn’t sure of what it would entail but I was sure I wanted to do it and boy! I’m grateful I did because I’ve always wanted to see what goes on backstage as we’re so used to seeing the finished work and the glam that is presented to us. Anyway, let’s dive in already. Lol

Day 1

I went into day 1 with so much energyyy!!! I was eager to see everything start already. I was itching to see all the amazing designs that would be on the runway but guess what? My energy died in no time! This was because we waited for 4 hours before the backstage work started. By the time we were starting to prepare for the main show, I was exhausted but I still managed to put in the work. At about 6pm, we were done with fittings, steaming and ready for the show to start. The show started some minutes past 6 and I was assigned 4 models to dress. As soon as the show started, I started to feel alive again because the whole atmosphere changed; designers started coming in, there was loud music and majorly because I got to dress people up (if you know me well, you’d know how much I love play dressing up.)

I repeated the dress up process for as long as the show was on and I didn’t even complain because I was enjoying it! The show ended at about 10pm and we called it a day!

Fun Fact: I didn’t eat before coming in for Day 1. I got to eat in between though. I wish someone had told me to eat before going in.

So yes, if you’re going for the Lagos Fashion Week, please make sure you eat before going. You’re welcome!

Day 2

“What doesn’t kill you, prepares you for another day!” -Rayha, 2021.

I guess you thought that quote was about life, lol… Bruhhh!! I ate like someone that was going to the war front before going in for Day 2. I stuffed my tummy and had a lot of snack in my bag just in case… haha!

Well, Day 2 was much more lighter than Day 1, perhaps, because we didn’t have to wait for long before starting or because I was already enjoying the work process from Day 1. Anyway, in terms of the process, Day 2 was a slight repetition. The only difference was – a different set of designers were on the runway, and it took longer to start and end because it was the closing ceremony. They were more performance and more designers compared to the first day.

My Outfit

I was working and needed to be comfortable so I kept it really simple. We also had to be on black. I tried to bring in a little bit of street style too because that’s what the Lagos Fashion Week is about.

What I loved about the Lagos Fashion Week

– The opportunity to meet other creatives and key industry players

– The interpretation of street style from different creatives’ perspective

– The decor outside was lovely and also great for taking pictures

– The runway stage and lighting

– The choice of location.

One major thing I didn’t like about the fashion week was the fact that they did not keep to time. Show times were delayed and they were behind schedule. Well like they say “This is Lagos”.

Runway Shows

They were so many designers who put up a show at the Lagos Fashion Week but my favorite in no particular order were;

– Emmy Kasbit

– Assian

– Ejiro Amos Tafiri

– Cynthia Abila

– Austrian Lace

– Bridget Awosika

Tips on attending Lagos Fashion Week as a Newbie

– Go early so you can have enough time to get all the dopeass pictures

– Go with a friend or try to make new friends while you’re there. Trust me, you don’t want to be standing or sitting alone while the show is going on. You also need someone to help you capture ‘em nice angles

– Eat! Eat! Eat!! Honestly, if you’re going to be working, I advise you eat before going. However, if you’re attending (as a VIP), I guess there’s a food for you in between.

– Network! Be open to meeting people because trust me, it helps. I’m not the best at this but I tried while I was there

– Lastly, have a full battery and a standing power bank because you don’t want to miss capturing all the beautiful moments.

FAQs

When I posted my Lagos Fashion Week pictures, I got a lot of questions but the most common were:

– How do I get my brand to be on the runway?

Well, I’m not Omoyemi Akerele lol! But one thing I know is that Lagos Fashion Week has a talent discovery platform called Green Access and it aims to discover raw talent from Nigeria and encourage them. So I would advice you follow @lagosfashionweekofficial and @stylehousefiles on Instagram to stay updated so you don’t miss out when the application is out.

Also, make sure you stay on top of your game! Keep doing amazing stuff and put your brand out there!

– How can I attend?

For VIP guests, I guess you’d have to be invited particularly now that Covid is outside!

Tickets are also sold but you have to stay informed so you don’t miss out because they get sold out really fast!!

If you’d like to attend as an intern, member of the press, production team etc, you would have to apply for the position you want when application forms are out. (it’s usually a month or so before the main event)

Lastly, if your goal is to be a model on the runway, there’s usually a casting call for models.

And that’s it on my experience at the Lagos Fashion Week 2021, guys. I hope you enjoyed this and you found this helpful. Also, I hope I was able to answer your questions as you’d love me to.

Before I say goodbye, I’d like to know if you’ve ever attended a fashion week. Kindly share your thoughts and experiences with me in the comments.

Thanks for reading.

Until my next post,

stay informed!

Rayha.

In Uncategorized

20 Lessons From 2020

December 31, 2020 7 Comments

Putting this together and I’m filled with so much joy and gratitude. To think that I wrote a post here at the beginning of the year about doing things at your pace and the year turned out to reveal that there’s not so much we can do at our pace except God wills.

I recall being hard on myself towards the end of last year because I wasn’t in good health and I couldn’t meet up with some of the jobs I had to do but today I’m singing a different song. I’ve come to realize that to be alive is indeed a gift and to be in good health is a plus to that gift.

As 2020 ends, all I can feel is gratitude! And if I had to describe this year, it would be “An eye opener on several levels.” In that light, I would like to share the few things I learnt this year with you.

Make the most of every moment. It’s no news that 2020 came with different surprises for all of us. This year I learnt to just live in the moment, create memories and just enjoy every bit of living. You don’t have to wait until you’re at a certain place or destination, just find beauty in the moment and appreciate it.
No one owes you anything. Yes! Not your father, not your mother, nor your siblings or friends. You owe it to yourself to grow, be happy, and just generally improve on yourself.
The relationships you keep matter. A good number of jobs that came to me this year were from referrals and my network. I’m not going to act as though I’m so good at keeping or building relationships but I’ve come to realize that meaningful relationships can bring you good fortune.
Gratitude is a lifestyle. When you’re grateful, it just opens door for greater opportunities.
Eating healthy goes a long way in contributing to a healthy lifestyle. I made it a decision to start eating healthy in 2019 and so far, the result has been amazing.
If you don’t ask, chances are 90% you won’t get. The universe is powerful and I’ve learnt that when you ask, you either get a ‘Yes’ or a ‘No’. Whichever way, you’re not going to die so I’ve learnt to just ask away and be optimistic and so far, it’s been great.
Accountability. When you become more accountable for your actions, it helps you align with your purpose. The earlier you accept your flaws and work on them, the better.
Sow seeds of kindness wherever you go. The world is already a tough place. A lot of people go through things they can’t speak of, your kindness will go a long way in putting smiles on their faces.
Do not attach your happiness to a person, place or material things. You’re the only one that can truly make yourself happy, just search within.
The words you say go yourself are powerful. I’ve seen the results of doing this so speak positive words and watch them manifest.
Forgive. Life is short! I don’t know who measured it but it is. As we go through life, there are people who will offend us knowingly and unknowingly. While we may decide to keep grudges or cut them off, it is important we forgive them and just move on. I mean, you don’t have to go back to being friends with them or speaking to them but just be sure that you have forgiven them. I’ve come to realize that forgiveness brings peace.
Money is important, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Regardless of how bad 2020 was, a lot people made money and did so many beautiful things. I’ve tasted and seen that money is important. I know there’s a lot of backend work to be done but please, make your own money.
Be intentional. With your career, your business, your relationships, your love life and everything generally. I’ve learnt that the power to determine the outcome of certain things lies within us.
Stop waiting for a perfect time to start. There’s never a perfect time, just start where you are and with what you have. This year had taught me that we really don’t have time to waste and there’s no such thing as perfect time.
Save. I’ve always known the importance of saving and all but this year came with more reasons on why we should save. So if you’re reading this, as you’re making that money, please remember to save some!
Not everyone will be happy for your success/achievements and that’s okay. I’ve learnt to journal my successes rather than publicizing them because not everyone really cares.
Patience! Patience!! Patience!!! Everyone has their timing and moves at their own pace so I’ve learnt to be more patient with people and myself.
Never underestimate the power of people. One phone call, one person, one opportunity or one big thing could change your life so don’t look down on anyone.
Do you! People will talk regardless so just be yourself. I’ve learnt this the hard way but it was worth it.
God exists! Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, so find God, trust him and hold on to him.

That’s it, I can’t say these are the only lessons I learnt but I just thought to share these 20 with you. It been a beautiful year regardless of the hurdles here and there. This year, I lost friends who are still alive but I’ve been truly blessed. I’m grateful for all the beautiful memories that I cannot post and excited about the coming year because I know it’s definitely going to be better.

I’d love to learn from you too, so feel free to share all the lessons you learnt in 2020 with me in the comment box.

Have the Happiest New Year.

I’ll see you in my 2021 post,

Rayha.

In Lifestyle & Events

It’s our Anniversary

August 8, 2020 4 Comments

2 years ago, I put my first post out here. I was skeptical; I didn’t know what to expect, I didn’t think anyone will take their time to read my post but I hit the publish button anyways.

To my surprise, I came back to beautiful comments. I was excited, I didn’t know how to act anymore. It felt like I had just written my first book… lol!

In the last 2 years, I have tried to keep it active. I’ve learnt, made mistakes and learnt again. I still fret when I hit the publish button though (well, it’s only natural).

Blogging has brought me several good things. It’s been an avenue for growth and exposure. I’ve been privileged to meet amazing bloggers who have inspired and supported me. I’m grateful for the experience; I’m glad that I’m able to connect with y’all through this little space of mine. Reading your comments gives me reasons to carry on and that’s why I’m still here doing this regardless of the hurdles.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn from you through your comments. Please, don’t stop.

I look forward to doing more with you and for you. I look forward to creating a community with you. So help me God.

Here’s to many more.

Thanks for sticking around,

Rayha.

In Fashion

Finding your style: Episode 6 (Finale)

August 6, 2020 4 Comments

Hey there!

It’s the final episode of “Finding Your Style” and I’m so glad to be on this episode. In the previous episodes, we had several creatives sharing their journey with us.

In this episode, yours truly will be sharing her style journey with you and just like we’ve done previously, I’d love to introduce myself to you. My name is Huraira Abdul and I own www.rayhaxo.com. It’s no news that I’m a fashion enthusiast; I own a womenswear fashion brand here and I do Fashion modeling (sometimes). Okay this feels weird, kindly read more about me here. Thank you.

Style to me is an expression of my thoughts, feelings and emotions. It is how I want to be seen, felt and addressed.

When it comes to style, it’s the little details that does it for me. I love to make a statement while keeping it simple.

How I found my style

I’ll date the journey to finding my style back to my childhood days. As a child, I enjoyed the idea of dressing myself. In my eyes no one could get it right when it comes to dressing me, not even my mum… lol.

As I grew older, I became more aware of myself. I took note of my body type, my size, what I was comfortable in and what I enjoyed wearing the most. As a petite framed lady, I realized that not everything works for me and that’s fine. For example, you’ll hardly find me wearing skirts; not because they’re not beautiful, but because I don’t feel comfortable and they don’t compliment my body type. ( I try to make it work here sometimes tho)

I love the idea of colors, prints and patterns as well. I love that I can make statements with them. Presentation also matters to me, I love to look smart and sharp.

How I Stay True To My Style

Avoid Following Trends: While it’s okay to stay stylish in every season, it’s not okay to be a person of trends. Trends come and go! Being a person of trends comes with a lot of disadvantages, you’ll end up being a person that owns fashionable items that they can’t use… lol! So if you ask me, I’ll say; I always find a way to incorporate trends into my style without altering it.

Being Confident in Myself : You already know that overconfidence is not a good thing! (Well, if you didn’t know before, now you do) With the right amount of confidence, you’ll own your style any day, anytime and anywhere regardless of what people will think or say.

Constantly Remind Myself of My Awesomeness and Uniqueness: You’re doing just fine and as long as you’re comfortable and powerful in what you wear, you’re good. Don’t bring yourself into thinking otherwise.

Tips on finding your personal style 

Study Yourself: You need to take time to understand who you are. Your personality plays a great factor in finding your style. Discover what works for you. Everything is not for everyone and that’s totally fine.

Be Open Minded: Do not confine yourself into a box. It’s okay to explore different styles before finding what works perfectly for you. There’s a style for everyone.

Be attentive: Take note of the things that catch your attention when you go shopping. Take note of your body type and the kind of fashion items you find yourself fantasizing about the most. This will help you greatly.

Copy like a pro: We all have role models, Fashion icons etc and while it’s okay to be inspired by them, it’s not okay to do exactly like them because they’re not you and you’re not them (It’s as simple as that). Take necessary notes from them and incorporate into your own lifestyle. This will give your own uniqueness.

Whew!!! Everything that has a beginning, has an end and I’m glad to say that finding your style episodes has come to a beautiful end.

I’m grateful to all the bloggers who collaborated with me on these episodes. I’m grateful to you; my amazing readers. Thank you for staying around through my inconsistencies. It’s been from Episode 1–6 and I couldn’t have gotten here without y’all.

I hope that you’ve been inspired by at least 2-3 episodes (if not all) and I look forward to doing more with you and for you.

Until my next post,

I. LOVE. YOU.

Rayha

In Fashion

Finding your style; Episode 5

June 7, 2020 2 Comments

Hey Loves!

It’s been a while I said “welcome back to Rayhaxo.com” Well, welcome back! I hope you’re doing good? I’ve been having off & on sick days so I decided to take a break but I’m a lot better now and I’m glad to be continuing the style episodes from where we stopped. In this Episode; TobiFusika who is a Faith, Fashion & Lifestyle blogger will be sharing her style journey with us. She shared some insightful tips and I’m not about to spill it out to you before you read through so I’ll just let you find out yourself. I’ll see you at the end!

Hi everyone, my name is Oluwatobi Ogunfusika (You can call me TobiFusika) and I am a Faith, Fashion and Lifestyle blogger at thetobifusika.com. I also have a podcast (anchor.fm/tobifusika) and mentor young girls (www.instagram.com/ysbeautiful) during my free time.

Style to me is staying true to yourself and not putting yourself in a box. I’m a creative so I dress like one. I love being adventurous with my style. I can go from rugged to minimalist to sporty to glamorous to anakraish( a new word- google it). I don’t like to be confined. I love experimenting with as many looks as my body type,size and budget would allow me.

How I found my style: I discovered that since I was little that I didn’t like looking like everyone else. I didn’t like wearing what everyone else was wearing. I didn’t like it in a condescending way I.e. wanting to be the only fab one in the room. I wished(and still wish) everyone would discover their style and what works for them. I wished that they would wear what fit them instead of wearing what everyone else was wearing because it was trendy or the most expensive thing on the block or because of the designer.

I found mine by designing my outfits from a young age. Nigerian tailors were popular for handing catalogue over to anyone who wanted to make an outfit. Funny thing was that I would take a plain paper from the house and draw what I wanted. My mum always smiled and she never put me down but encouraged me. Most of the time, the tailors got my designs right. I started designing really early and this made me confident in my style.

Fun fact:- I love Ankara DIYs. You can check out my 100 days of Ankara challenge on my Instagram Story Highlights (Link:www.instagram.com/tobifusika)

How I stay true to my style:

Ensure that I’m not jumping on trends- Why do you want to get that fashion item? Really why?. I know its in vogue but you don’t have to get it. Do you have items in your wardrobe that can complement it? Do you have to buy more fashion items to complement it before you can wear it? Do you have a plan to wear it or an event to wear it too? I ask myself these questions before buying anything.

My current size(kg) and body type: My current weight and body size determine what I wear in certain times. When I was less than 55kg, I could get away with wearing short dresses but now that I’ve added some weight, I’m readjusting my entire style.

If your body type changes, your style has to change else you’ll be trying to force the old on the new and it simply won’t work.

Fashion isn’t imagination: Despite what they have told you about feeling good and then looking good, if it doesn’t fit you, it doesn’t fit you. Fashion isn’t what you imagine but what is real. Please look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself the truth. The whole truth and nothing but the truth before you step out. Ask a friend about how you look before stepping out. Get real friends that have an eye for fashion please.

My personality(My growth process): As I grow and mature, I’m realizing that my style changes. I have realized that how I look affects how I’m perceived so I put the work into it. Before I was a fashionista that just didn’t care sometimes like abeg. Lately, I’m putting more effort into how I look every time because who knows who you might meet on the way out. Trust me, it affects how you are perceived overtime.

Tips for finding your personal style

Who are you: You personality is everything when it comes to figuring out your personal style. There are different style personalities: daring, bold, conservative, showstopping, trendy, glamorous,minimalist, modest etc. Deciding this would help you discover who to follow as regards fashion and who to constantly watch out for. Don’t try copying the style of someone whose style personalty is completely different from yours. You’ll find yourself constantly trying to fit in and you’ll be uncomfortable

Body type: There are different body types for women and it should be considered first before choosing any fashion item. We have the triangle or pear shape, apple or inverted triangle shape, hourglass shape, rectangle shape, top hourglass shape. Dress based on your body type. Look for style tricks that would hide your flaws(I wear heels to hide the fact that I’m petite) and use fashion tricks to also improve your best parts and make them looks more fabulous(It could be your face, legs, waist etc).

Your size: I am a petite girl so I can’t wear some things.That’s okay because every body type has its fashion disadvantage. Heels work for me every single day and I wear them effortlessly. High waist outfits are also a plus because they make me look taller. What body type do you have? Try to discover fashion icons, celebrities that have same and try to see if you can try out their looks. Some don’t have great designers so be careful lol.

Budget- Your budget is very important in discovering your style. If you can’t afford it, you can’t afford it. I don’t support breaking the bank to look great. You can look good effortlessly https://thetobifusika.com/style-tiphow-to-look-good-effortlessly-_/

One of my favorite bloggers (www.instagram.com/siainstyle) is a minimalist. She wears only thrifted clothes and she has a store where she also sells them. I’ve seen her put an entire look together that costs N500. So each man to his own and yes, you can make it work.

Okay guys, that’s the end of Tobi’s Story. Wow! That was a very interesting read guys. I’ve known Tobi for 11 years now, we talk almost everyday and I can tell you that I learnt new things from reading this.

The Take Home: Always listen when your friends or people you know generally are called to speak about a topic. You never know what they’re going to spill. Don’t assume that you know them so there’s a possibility that you know what they’re going to say. A wise man once said “Assumptions are always wrong!”

If you read up to this point, thank you for stopping by. I hope that you have learnt a thing or two from this episode.
I’ll see you in the next episode,

Rayha

In Fashion

Finding your style; Episode 4

May 7, 2020 9 Comments

Hey Fashionistas,

Yes! Fashionistas because if you’ve been following the episodes from the very first to this point, I rate you.
Welcome back to ‘Finding your style’ episodes, I hope that y’all are safe and not going anywhere? I know the lockdown has been relaxed in some places but the numbers are still sky rocketing so please if it’s not necessary stay home. I trust that this will pass.

On Today’s episode, We have Deborah; an Uber stylish blogger sharing her ‘Finding your style’ journey with us. She’s a lifestyle blogger at www.debwritesblog .com and also the founder of debs clothier; an Afrocentric Interior design brand. You can find them here

This particular episode is a little different, I like that she gave it a unique approach by teaching us through her post. Well, at this point, I’ll let you find out more yourself. I’ll see you at the end.

Style for me is a way of expressing myself. So when I’m unhappy, it’s easy for you to tell in how I look. When I’m the most excited in the room, you can also tell. Before becoming a style blogger, I just love to play dress up and wearing whatever makes me comfortable and stylish.

I love when I walk into a room and everyone turns to stare (cover eyes), don’t judge me, it’s just how I have come to be. I’m not really one to jump on trends, I just pick my style and stick to it. I’d describe my style as a bit of classic, glam and edgy/flirty.

Unsure what your style it, ask yourself what you always look out for to buy more when shopping or when you look through your closet.

Below are a few style options and any of this can give you an idea of what your personal style is. If you see yourself tending towards wearing more of any of this, then that’s what your style is.

However, to be more definitive, look through your closet and put together pieces you wear more and de clutter the ones you wear less. The ones you wear more can help you define your personal style and guide you more when shopping for pieces.

In a world of trends, it’s easy to want to fit in and try to dress like others but first ask yourself, ‘Is this my style?’ If the answer is no and you attempt it, you may end up not getting it right. And this will definitely make you feel uncomfortable and discomfort is bad for style. So just do you, and rather, find a way to make your own statement and trend in your personal style.

Okayyyyyy! Rayha here… Lol. I really did enjoy reading this, and boy must I say her style is impeccable. I love how she infuses colors into her style.

Thanks for stopping by guys. I’d love to know your thoughts in the comment box as you already know your feedback is important to me.

I’ll see you in the next episode,

stay safe,

Rayha

In Fashion

Finding your style; Episode 3

May 2, 2020 7 Comments

Whew! We’re halfway already? How did we get here so fast??
Well, welcome back to the Episodes on ‘Finding your style’. I’m particularly excited about this episode because it’s a little different from the previous episodes. If you missed the previous episodes, you can find them here and here.
In this episode, we’ll be having a guy tell us about his style. I meant it when I said I had my male readers in mind… So, sit back, relax and enjoy!

Abi Gideon Joheobe is the Chief Costumier at PageantCityNg, he is also a commercial Model and a style enthusiast. For him, dressing up started quite early as his mother was into clothing business. He started… errrrmmm, you know what? I’d let you find out yourself in his post. I’ll see you at the end.

“Style to me is a reflection of fashion fused with Personality”.

Well, finding your style is finding some way to communicate your personality through fashion, look for something you will always feel good in when you wear to whatever function or any situation.

Growing up, I became comfortable with the”corporate way ” of dressing. Becoming more mature, I had to tap into my innate divine nature and allow it to be expressed through the way I dress.

How I found my style: My style was derived particularly from my background, my mum had a mental picture of how she wanted her kids to look, then she used to deal on children clothing..

Finding my style was quite easy I must say, although I have tried on several styles in the past until I found the exact one that really interprets me in the way that I want to.

I figured that I love my body/ skin, I saw it as the sun in all its glow and beam. Now considering that, have you ever tried to look at the reflection and view you get from putting a net or any transparent fabric with any design up at the sun. Or when you put up anything that glitters into the sun, be it sequins, ruby, diamond etc.

That’s exactly why I chose to live through anything transparent and shiny, be it; tulle, organza, nets, laces and then sequins, damask, glitter etc. Because always want to see my skin or atleast a part of it, or my body and I want the world to see me as someone who appreciates his skin irrespective.

Staying true to my style: This simply means staying true to me, although as trends come and go, I Infuse that which could blend into my style. My style is bold, simple, comfortable, Unapologetic and a little bit daring.

Style to me is not naturally about fashion and trend or whatnot, it’s more about myself, my image and how I’d like to be addressed or even perceived. Style is me, myself, introducing myself without having to say a word, now I cannot control how people would choose to interpret my style, but the fact still remains that my style is my own.

Staying true to your style is a personal choice, most times new trends might come up and you want to belong, rather than giving in to the trend, why not merge it with your signature style and create something fantastic out of it, thereby following trend and still maintaining your style.

Guys out there can find their style by:

knowing what form of dressing they’re comfortable in

understanding their personality

Understanding their kind of occupation

Your style is really what you make of it.

Daily I get different inspirations on what to wear and how to style it. Styling for me is not about wearing a tuxedo or an agbada I consider that “fashionable” styling is those extra details, the extra pieces and also the extra drama you put into the outfit that makes it an unusual piece. Trends has absolutely nothing to do with styling, a person who has a good sense of style can wear an outfit that is considered out of fashion and still pull it off.

Finding your style should be about what you love, what inspires you and what excites you.

Do not be afraid to play with colors, patterns and stripes. Just be you and be creative.

Rayha signing in here… lol! Hope you had a good read guys? I must say that Gideon’s style is Top notch. I met him sometime last year and I’ve since been drawn to his style and charisma. I love that he ended my saying “Do not be aftraid to play with colors, patterns and stripes.”
So my dear men that believe color is strictly a feminine thing can you see that Gideon isn’t dead from wearing colors?? Lol! please dears don’t be scared to play around colors and patterns… I do hope that this post inspires someone out there to let their alter ego out!

Until the next Episode,

hugs and kisses,

Rayha!

In Fashion

Finding your style; Episode 2

May 2, 2020 4 Comments

Hey guys,

Happy New Month! I trust you’re good and still staying safe. It feels good to be here again. If you’ve been following my blog, you’ll notice that I started an episode on Finding your style recently. Well if you haven’t, you can find the first episode here.

Today on the second episode, we have another beautiful creative telling us about her style and how she’s been able to build a brand around it. Can we meet her already? Yes!
Have a good read, I’ll see you at the end of this post.

Shalom Scarlet is a Fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogger at rigaonlinne.wordpress.com and here’s what she has to say about ‘Finding her style’

“Style to me is comfort and chic. At the same time, I wouldn’t really overly expose my body in the process of being stylish”

I would say that I feel most stylish in outfits that sit well on my body without much stress and discomfort. This is my mindset when I try to get ready for a day or pick out looks I consider stylish.

How I found my style: I guess I’ll say that I discovered my style quite early as a teenager, and Over the years have just built on that and made it better in ways that I feel most beautiful. I generally settle for looks that adorn my body in the most appealing and comfortable way. So I’ll normally go for something longer and more fitting as opposed to loose fitting wears. I like clothes, skirts or pants that accentuate my figure and are still morally appealing .

How I stay true to my style: Basically, in a world where trends come up frequently, I try to just stay true to my moral values and preference. So even if I have to hop on trend and wear certain things, I’ll still have to figure out ways in which I can incorporate them ie the looks into my personal style and taste. As a result be more comfortable wearing them.

Most recently, with working and the launch of my female wears brand (@_shop.riga on Instagram), my style is evolving more into corporate chic. I like pieces that allow me to restyle for day time and night time and still be comfortable without losing my fashion/style essence.

Did you enjoy reading this? Well I did and I look forwarding to sharing the next episode with y’all in my next post.

Let me know your thoughts in the comment box.

See you in the next episode!

Rayha

In Fashion

Finding your style: Episode 1

April 28, 2020 7 Comments

Hey there,
I hope you’re well and staying safe? If you’re a new subscriber I’d like to welcome you; I’m glad to have you and I hope you enjoy your stay. And to my old subscribers/readers, welcome back! Thanks for keeping it real.

Earlier this month, I carried out a survey; the essence was to find out how well people understood themselves when it comes to their style. Apparently, a good number of people do not really know/understand their style and so I thought to collaborate with a few like minds (bloggers) to share their journey to discovering their style and staying to it. I decided to do this because having studied the trends on social media and the world generally, I realized that so many people just want to rock the next new fashion that’s out and while that is cool, I also believe that it’s great to set your trend and own it!

Time to cut the long story short! On the First Episode of Finding your style, We have a personal style blogger telling us about her style. When it comes to style she’s actually one of the people that inspires me, I’ve followed her blog and social media for a while; even before I started blogging… okay, at this point, I’m just going to let you meet her. I hope you pick one or two things from her. Have a good read guys!

Hi everyone, my name is Grace Gigi and I am a personal style blogger at https://epiphany29.com/, a women’s wear tailor and a content creator.

To me, Style is personality. It’s a reflection of who I am, the lifestyle I live and my expressions/moods. It’s saying ‘this is me’ without the words. Style is simply identity, a sense of self.

How I found my style:- well first of I’m a reserved and conservative person and due to this personality trait, I’ve always been drawn to items that aren’t too revealing but are comfortable, stylish and represent my personality. And as a child at heart, I am drawn to animated, quirky pieces that make a statement in a subtle way if you know what I mean.

I’ve always been comfortable in free comfortable clothing and when it comes to colors I tend to do a lot of Black and neutrals. I love expressions and inscriptions and I wear a lot of tees so I figured, why not put them together. That’s why and how I own over 30 tees with funny, witty inscriptions on them (mainly in black 😄).

Fun fact:- I make my tees and I also run it as a side gig as well.

How I stay true to my style: I’d like to say that when you’ve found your style, you’d stay true to it easily. You’re not easily swayed by what’s new & trending.

Finding your style means you’ve found what you’re comfortable in, what fits your body type, colors that look good on your skin tone. It means you’ve found what your identity is and if trends easily influence your style, then you’d know you’ve not found your true personal style.

For me, I always find ways to incorporate my style into the trends I find interesting. Like when the boyfriend jeans started trending all over again, it was easy for me to jump on it cos they go so well with tees and sneaks and are super comfortable and stylish too. When people started wearing wrap skirts, I liked them and yes I still paired them with my tees. You just have to find a way to incorporate your style with the trend you like that’s if you must jump on it. Basically, when it comes to trends, I find the ones that I can fine tune to fit me and my personal style. That way I’m staying true to myself and my style.

Tips for finding your personal style- You first of all have to be true to yourself and accept that not everything out there is for you.

Your personality also plays a major role in finding your personal style. Are you conservative or outgoing?

Do you feel comfortable in daring colors, cuts & patterns, do the things you like flatter you body?

When you walk into a store, what kind of items are you drawn to?

Do these items reflect who you are, your pets and moods?

These are some major things to consider when trying to find your personal style.

I hope this post helps someone out there who has been wondering how he/she can find their personal style.

Truth is fashion is everywhere but style is personal.

Until the next episode,

Remain stylish!

Rayha