I Am Beautiful - JesulOba

The main idea behind IAB is Empowerment, Motivation and Success. Many of us know that there are many issues concerning body image, social stratification and general emotional and psychological well-being of people. These issues have lead to too many devastating ends such as depression and death- in the form of suicide.
                                                                                                           
I would like to use this series as a way to destroy all that negativity and build up the self-confidence of our generation that is being tampered with by so many sources.

Relax and Enjoy...

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

1. What is your Name?

JesulOba Akinyele

2. What is your Nationality and Where do you currently live?

Nigerian and I live in the United Kingdom 

3. Which age group do you belong to? 0-17, 18-25, 26-40, 40 and above.

18- 25

4. Describe your personal style.

I'd like to think of my style as classy and elegant, but age appropriate. Think Victoria Beckham and Blair Waldorf from gossip girl. I love shoes (flats and heels). I don't do converses, high tops or creepers. I can stand toms occasionally :p 

5. What makes you feel beautiful?

My height and my smile. I like to think of myself as 'curvy'. Some people say fat, but I say curvy! At 5ft 10inches, I think I pull it off very well. When I smile, people smile back. I've never gotten a no with my smile. I know it sounds very cheesy, but when you have cheeks and an occasional dimple, who is going to say no to that? 

6. What do you think of the current issues concerning body image and race?

Concerning body image, it's mostly about being slim and being able to wear a size 6 (I think that's an American zero). I know girls who go on crazy diets to loose weight. I personally have done it all and I lost weight and put it back on. Name it: master cleanse done, eat and binge, atkins diet!

  I was a UK 16/18 when I decided to gym and eat healthy, and the weight went down. Girls especially need to know its not about size but it's about being healthy and feeling beautiful. Finding the things that are unique to them and making the most of it.

Race is a little bit difficult to answer because I don't think you can change your race without some form of magic! I have vague memories of my friends in high school who wanted to be lighter. They never bleached or anything, but they had the idea that being light skinned made people 'more beautiful'.

7. Do you think the media has had a negative or positive influence on these issues? Why?

I think it has a negative effect. I have never seen an advert concerning how to put on weight. Most of the models on E! or FTV are all skinny. Its all skinny skinny skinny... I remember starving myself till I fainted in the tube one day because I really wanted to be skinny. I remember looking at vogue and all the models in their dresses all skinny and beautiful; all the runway models with their hip bones showing...and I'll look down at my love handles. 

At the same time, there are some good shows out there that encourage healthy weight loss and talk about BMI and being healthy. There are also plus size models coming up. There just has to be more input of the "good weight and body image vibe".

8. What do you think of the current fashion industry and trends?

I'm quite liberal about many things like short dresses, revealing shirts and things like that. I might not wear these things but I don't mind them as long as they are worn properly. For example: I wont like to see a girl like me with a bit of tummy wearing a crop top!

9. What advice would you like to give?

My advice is very simple. Big can be beautiful. This is a very traditional thing to say, but "all fingers are not equal'.  Everyone is different. Different sizes, shapes, figures, faces and we can't blend into a particular form that has been created where we have to starve or worry about blending in. We have to be bold and strong because we are beautiful. 

10. Share a fun fact about you.

I love to sing but I can't sing to save my life, but I still sing my lungs out in the shower or whenever I hear a song I like. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

JesulOba, I really enjoyed reading your answers! I'm glad you spoke about the height-weight factor. 
A lot of people forget that's the important thing.  

LOL at the singing part... trust me, I know what you mean. :p You have reminded us again that we are different and beautiful in our own ways.

What do you guys think?

Check back next wednesday for the next feature. More info here.

I Am Beautiful

It's finally the 5th of February and the official launch of the IAB project. Yaay!

The main idea behind IAB is Empowerment, Motivation and Success. Many of us know that there are many issues concerning body image, social stratification and general emotional and psychological well-being of people. These issues have lead to too many devastating ends such as depression and death- in the form of suicide.

I would like to use this series as a way to destroy all that negativity and build up the self-confidence of our generation that is being tampered with by so many sources.

Relax and Enjoy...

1. What is your Name?

Kikelomo Omolehinwa.

2. What is your Nationality and Where do you currently live?

I'm Nigerian and I live in Accra, Ghana but school in Windsor, Canada.

3. Which age group do you belong to? 0-17, 18-25, 26-40, 40 and above.

18-25

4. Describe your personal style.

Versatile, dynamic, spontaneous and comfy

5. What makes you feel beautiful?

Happiness. I know this may seem weird, but that's it for me. I like to be happy. I'm at my optimum level when I feel happy. Being happy makes everything beautiful to me and because I feel comfortable when happy, I feel beautiful... inside out.

6. What do you think of the current issues concerning body image and race?

I think they're quite interesting. We're kinda hanging in the middle. Although, there's still the stereotyping of the female body size which leans towards being skinny, these days having a little more flesh is beginning to be encouraged. At this point, I feel like there might just be a breakthrough for ladies. I sometimes wonder why these stereotypes don't really affect the men. Even though the 'ideal' man portrayed by the media is the 'husky, bulky, muscular, tall' guy, no one ever questions the male body image or size. Even 'plus size' guys (is that what they're called?), are accepted in our society, so why is it a different case when it comes to the ladies? 

Concerning race in terms of skin color, on a general level, I feel society has gotten rid of negativity with respect to that. The only issues still present are issues concerning the characteristics of the different races and ethnic groups. For example: the eye lids of most Asians. You know what I mean? If we can get rid of these issues, the world would be a much better place.

7. Do you think the media has had a negative or positive influence on these issues? Why?

I feel the media is two-faced. Again, because of the transition I spoke about earlier. Honestly, for the most part, it's been negative. The media is broad and some of the most influential parts include the social media, electronic (TV), and paper (magazines). A lot of people have become victims of eating disorders, depression, low-self esteem, suicide and many more just because of what these sources put out. They are so influential that they've become the dictators of our society. It's so sad.

8. What do you think of the current fashion industry and trends?

I'm not even sure where fashion (especially ladies's fashion) is headed.  Fashion designers and the media have managed to commercialize women's bodies so much that I'm so scared to imagine what fashion will be like in a few years. I feel that all the originality and talent in fashion design has been lost to a world that is now based on sex appeal.

9. What advice would you like to give?

Be yourself and  Stand by your values. This is the greatest and most profitable thing you can do for yourself. There is a reason why we are not photocopies of each other. Don't try to fit in because you will get lost in the crowd. Anyone who truly loves you will love you just the way you are, so don't try to change anything for anyone.

10. Share a fun fact about you.

I'm a very shy and reserved person, but I can be a chatter-box when I feel comfortable in an environment. :p

What do you guys think?

Check back next Wednesday for the next feature. More info here.

I Am Beautiful Project

Hi guys so I've got some important news for you!

I want to begin a series on the blog called 'I Am Beautiful' aka the IAB project.

The whole idea behind this is Empowerment, Motivation and Success.

Many of us know that there are many issues concerning body image, social stratification and general emotional and psychological well-being of people. These issues have lead to too many devastating ends such as depression and death- in the form of suicide.

I would like to use this series as a way to destroy all that negativity and build up the self-confidence of our generation that is being tampered with by so many sources. For example: The media (Including social media)

IAB will cover different body shapes/types and how to dress them up.

We all have flaws, nobody is perfect and we must learn to understand that.

How is IAB different?

- The goal of IAB is to remind people that everyone is uniquely beautiful. IAB will try to achieve this goal through fashion and style. All races, ethnicities and sizes are beautiful irrespective of what people or society thinks.

How Does It Work?
- The IAB project will be a weekly series on my blog posted on Wednesdays.
- There will be 10 questions to be answered by each person featured. (Questions are at the end of this post)

- IAB aims to prove that irrespective of race, or size, everyone is beautiful so there will be an element of fashion and style incorporated into IAB.

Who Can Participate?
- Anyone, anywhere at all can participate. As far as you would like to impact on our generation in some way: this is a little way you can. Optional: Follow this Blog via GFC. This way, you get to see other features too!

Do I have to be a Fashion Blogger?
- No, you don't have to be a fashion blogger or any kind of blogger at all to participate.

Is IAB open to both males and females?
- Yes, both males and females can participate as stated above.

How can I participate?
Email your answers with 1-5 very clear pictures to kikilehin@gmail.com.

When will IAB be launched?
IAB will be launched on the 5th of February, 2013.

When can I send an e-mail?
You can send the e-mail at any time from now, and I will notify you once your feature is up after IAB is launched.

What do I need to know?
Be enthusiastic. Be positive. Be yourself. Share your Knowledge.

IAB Questions

1. What is your Name?
2. What is your Nationality and Where do you currently live?
3. Which age group do you belong to? 0-17, 18-25, 26-40, 40 and above.
4. Describe your personal style.
5. What makes you feel beautiful?
6. What do you think of the current issues concerning body image and race?
7. Do you think the media has had a negative or positive influence on these issues? Why?
8. What do you think of the current fashion industry and trends?
9. What advice would you like to give?
10. Share a fun fact about you.

Weekly obsessions will now be posted on Fridays.

*See all IAB features so far here*

**If you are a blogger this is a great way to get more traffic, views, and followers to your blog**

Thanks for reading. If you like this idea, please share it and spread the word. Feel free to re-blog this also!

Thanks for reading and please leave your thoughts, suggestions and questions in the comments!

Xo

Kike.

HOW TO DRESS AN OVAL BODY SHAPE

Hey guys, I'm continuing with the series, finally!

Make sure you know your correct body shape. find out here

Let me remind you of some of the characteristics of an oval body shape: Your body frame is generally heavy. You have a prominent, low stomach and this is where you will most likely gain most weight. Your have sloped shoulders, you also have chunky thighs, wide hips and large bust.

REMEMBER: There are different versions for every body shape. (fuller and slimmer)

The key to dressing an oval body shape is minimizing the mid-section by 'creating' a waist. Always have this in mind! :)

1.Monochromatic outfits work wonders for this body type. Sticking to the same color on the top and the bottom lengthens and slims down the whole silhouette. Have fun with it by trying different shades of the different colors.

2. If you are on the fuller end, make good use of dark colors (not necessarily black) to create the illusion of a slimmer look.

3. Elongate the upper part of your body. V-necks do this perfectly. Try to go for the perfect fit. NEVER go for tops that are too tight. you can try loose tops but make sure you add a belt to the top to avoid looking baggy. Belts create a slimming effect around the waist therefore, 'creating' a 'visible' waist!

4. Try an empire-waist shirt that draws attention away from the stomach region.

5. Go for dresses with 'A-line' skirts.

6. Use a lot of colorful accessories like statement necklaces, embellishments, earrings and camisoles. These will help to more focus attention on these areas.

7. To make you hips look more in-line with your bust, go for shirts or blouses that stop at the fullest part of your hips!

8. Avoid tapered and tight bottoms like skinnies. If you would like to put on skinnies, your top/blouse should be long and slightly loose to create a slimming effect.

9. Go for boot-cut or wide-legged bottoms. This helps to create a long and lean look.

10. Go for wide necklines and off-the-shoulder blouses and dresses.

11. DON'T wear slim miniskirts, this will make you seems a lot heavier than you really are; wear shirts than are lower than your waist to avoid creating the 'muffin-top'.

12. The best accessories you can possibly have are great and eye-catching pairs of shoes.

If you have any questions or would like to add anything, Please post it in the comment section!! :)

Have a great day! :)

Check out this website to calculate your body shape if you're still not sure.

A POP OF COLOR!

Hey guys! What's up? Today's post is a very simple yet chic and elegant look! It's nudes with a pop of color.  :)

Did you notice I have earrings on? In case you didn't check again!! :D

Lipstick: Elf ( From the essential line - Fearless) | Earrings: From Ghana | Necklace: From Ghana | Blouse: Urban Planet | Skirt: boohoo.com | Shoes: Urban Planet | Bag: From my mum's closet ;)

So, if you're going for nudes or dark colors make sure you try adding a pop of color to the outfit so it doesn't look boring! :)

Have a wonderful weekend!!

HOW TO DRESS AN HOURGLASS SHAPE

Hey guys, What's up? Hope you're all doing great!

Hourglass ladies, it's your turn today! Let me remind you of some of your features!

1. When you gain weight it is evenly distributed all over your body
2. You have full bust, things and bum.
3. You have a small, well defined waist

Hourglass!!!

So here's how to flatter your body shape!

1. Go with 'V'-neck tops/dresses to accentuate your bust
2. Don't over-do ruffles, bows or any other frills. This will draw to much attention to that part of your body and it will destroy your naturally balanced body.
3. Stick to classic cuts.
4. Just like the pear-shape, wrap tops and tops with belts or tops banded at your waist area are good ways to show of your fabulous figure!
5. Try as much as possible to wear sheer and soft fabrics. This means that you should try to avoid bulky fabrics.
6. Avoid high necklines for example: turtle neck. This will make your bust appear way bigger. 
7. Wear dresses that are very well fitted around the bust, hips and your behind! This will accentuate your figure very well.
8. Your jackets should be well fitted and tailored and any length will flatter your figure.
9. For trousers, go for wide-legged and loose-fitting trousers.
10. Don't wear skirts that end or stop at the thickest part of your calves or thighs. It will make that part of your body wider.
11. Wear jeans that have a small-cut waist. OH! and feel free to wear skinny jeans. You are proportioned to handle it very well.
12. Maintain balance on both your upper and lower body if you want to keep to your body shape.
13. Wear high-waisted pants and skirts a lot to show off your legs, hips and bum.
14. Also, go with boot-cut, cargos and straight leg pants
15. For colors, you'll do just fine with solid colors. You can also do prints just make sure they're not too heavy in you! You should also do vertical lines to make you look slimmer and taller.

Scarlett Johansson showing her hourglass figure!

Those are the basics. But, the best part is, you can be flexible! Try out different things and see what works best for your own unique type of hourglass shape!

Enjoy the rest of your week guys!!

Stay blessed. :)

Xo

Kike.

HOW TO DRESS AN HOURGLASS SHAPE

Hey guys, What's up? Hope you're all doing great!

Hourglass ladies, it's your turn today! Let me remind you of some of your features!

1. When you gain weight it is evenly distributed all over your body


2. You have full bust, things and bum.


3. You have a small, well-defined waist

If you're not sure what your body-shape is, please click here

Hourglass!!!

So here's how to flatter your body shape!

1. Go with 'V'-neck tops/dresses to accentuate you bust


2. Don't over-do ruffles, bows or any other frills. This will draw too much attention to that part of your body and it will destroy your naturally balanced body.


3. Stick to classic cuts.


4. Just like the pear-shape, wrap tops and tops with belts or tops banded at your waist area are good ways to show of your fabulous figure!


5. Try as much as possible to wear sheer and soft fabrics. This means that you should try to avoid bulky fabrics.


6. Avoid high necklines for example: turtle neck. This will make your bust appear way bigger.


7. Wear dresses that are very well fitted around the bust, hips and your behind! This will accentuate your figure very well.


8. Your jackets should be well fitted and tailored and any length will flatter your figure.


9. For trousers, go for wide-legged and loose-fitting trousers.


10. Don't wear skirts that end or stop at the thickest part of your calves or thighs. It will make that part of your body widder.


11. Wear jeans that have a small-cut waist. OH! and feel free to wear skinny jeans. You are proportioned to handle it very well.


12. Maintain balance on both your upper and lower body if you want to keep to your body shape.


13. Wear high-waisted pants and skirts a lot to show off your legs, hips and bum.


14. Also, go with boot-cut, cargos and straight leg pants


15. For colors, you'll do just fine with solid colors. You can also do prints just make sure they're not too heavy in you! You should also do vertical lines to make you look slimmer and taller.

Scarlett Johansson showing her hourglass figure!

Those are the basics. But, the best part is, you can be flexible! Try out different things and see what works best for your own unique type of hourglass shape!

Enjoy the rest of your week guys!!

Stay blessed. :)


Styled BY Kalack


Promote Your Page Too

HOW TO DRESS YOUR PEAR BODY SHAPE

Hey guys, 

This is the beginning of the series for dressing for your body shape. I will be starting with the PEAR BODY SHAPE. 

I have decided to make the series posts instead of pages :)

Enjoy!!

Remember:

1. You are smaller on the top
2. You have a very clearly defined waist
3. When you gain weight, it normally accumulates first and fast on your lower half.

People like to dress up differently. I'm pear-shaped. I don't really care about balancing my upper half with my lower half. In fact, sometimes, I like to show off the difference. There are people who would feel like they need to balance it up and others who love to show it all off. Depending on where you stand, you can take out the important points from here. :)

DO's

1. Go for dresses and tops with shoulder details. For example: Wear Jackets/Blazers with shoulder pads. NOT the ones with extravagantly huge shoulder pads. Just enough to balance out your shoulders with your hips.
2. If you are to wear stripped clothes, go for vertical stripes instead of horizontal stripes. Horizontal stripes will make you look bigger and wider.
3. Go for boot cut or low waist pants. You can try wide leg trousers too!
4. Put on DARK colors on your lower half. Dark colors give the illusion of slimness. If you like to accentuate your shape, then, this may not be of concern to you!
5. Wear tiny belts on blouses to accentuate your tiny waist.
6. Wear ruffles  also, to balance out your body.
7. Go for shorts that stop right above your knees.
8. Wear a lot of 'A-line/shape' dresses or skirts. This will balance out your hips. If you don't like 'A-line', you can go for gathers. For gathers, it should be from the smallest part of your waist.
9. Wear strapless dresses preferably with nipped in waist and flare skirt. This is look very beautiful on you and compliment your figure (I will make an outfit post for this point to show you how it will come out)
10. Your blazers should cut above your hips. Check this one out.
11. Wear bright colors and bold patterns on upper half.
12. Wear prom-shaped dresses. This will help to balance your hips
13. You accessories belong on top. Wear a lot of accessories around your neck area
14. You should have at least one wrap with an open neck dress in your closet!
15. Tops should be fitted on you not baggy
16. Basically, look for clothes that flatter you stomach, arms and waist.
17. For shoes, wear a lot of wedges. They will help to keep you balanced. Also, go for pumps with thick heels. I personally think, pear-shapes look better in heels.
18. Feel free to wear ankle boots.

Show off arms, accentuate waist with belt,a skirt with gathers to balance out the hips!

Bright colored tops + dark colored bottom. Blazer just above your hips.

DON'Ts

1.  Avoid bright colors on your lower half. Even if you want to go against this, balance the bright color below with an even brighter top or with a dark colored blazer.
2. Avoid big pockets especially back pockets. Also avoid pockets with detailing. This will many your back side look bigger.
3. Don't be too much of a skinnies freak. Skinnies will over emphasize your heavy bottom especially your hips. But, if that's what you want, why not? Just don't do bright skinnies, please!
4. If you're short, DON'T wear 3/4 length dresses, skirt or pants. They will make you look short and round!!
5. Try as much as possible to not wear dresses, skirts or pants that stop right below your knee.
6. Don't wear pants that settle above your waist
7. Try to avoid boots that end mid-calf. They will make your calf look huge and if it's quite tight, it will cause you skin to squeeze out of the boot.

balance out bright colors with a dark blazer, jewelery in the neck region

 Now, when you go shopping, have these little things in mind. When you do, you'll notice a big difference in your looks and you'll feel even more confident in yourself.

Please,  share this with your friends and families you think will benefit from this. 

Thanks for stopping by and , enjoy the rest of the week :)

Please follow this blog on Bloglovin :)
Styled BY Kalack

Promote Your Page Too

WHAT TYPE OF BODY SHAPE DO YOU HAVE?

Hello lovelies,

I will be discussing the different types of female body shapes. I'm sure at least once you've come across a situation where you and a friend got an outfit that is either the same or very similar but it looks very good on one of you but not so much on the other person. This is because as girls, we are built very beautifully and we have very unique features individually that make us stand out. What may look very good on me, may look bad on you. So it's very important to know your body type to make sure you're always looking good. 

I'm going to name the different body types and their characteristics so that you can identify what category you belong to and follow up on the posts.

NOTE: There are slimmer and fuller versions of the shapes. :)

1. Pear body shape: This is the category I belong to. If your lower body measurements are generally bigger/wider than the top you have a pear-body shape. Generally, you have a slimmer upper body half, you have a clearly defined waist and full thighs. Your shoulders are narrow. From your waist downwards, your body grows wider. When you gain weight, it's mostly visible and distributed in your thighs, hips and bottom. You also gain weight quickly in these areas before gaining on your stomach or arms. For clothing sizes, you wear a smaller size on your upper half and a bigger size for the bottom half.

A celeb with this shape: Rihanna

2. Hour glass shape: Your body shape is basically like an hourglass, hence, the name. The measurements of your bust and hips are the same or almost the same. You have a well defined short waist. When you gain weight, it is evenly distributed all over your body. your shoulders are in line with your hips.

A celeb with this shape: Beyonce

3. Oval/Apple Shape: Your body frame is generally heavy. You have a prominent, low stomach and this is where you will most likely gain most weight. Your have sloped shoulders, you also have chunky thighs, wide hips and large bust.

A celeb with this shape: Jennifer Hudson

4. Rectangle Shape: You have slight curves and your waist is not clearly defined. You may have small to medium sized bust. When you gain weight, it will be distributed mainly around your waist (not stomach) first.

A celeb with this shape: Gwyneth Paltrow

5. Inverted Triangle/Wedge shape: Your shoulders are wider than your hips and you may have a flat bottom, narrow hips and an athletic body with a full chest. When you gain weight, it normally would be noticed in your arms and chest.

A celeb with this shape: Demi Moore

These are the main and distinct shapes. Some people fall in between so, don't worry if you think you didn't find your category. Here's a picture with some of the shapes side by side so that you can compare.

If you are still not sure or you have any questions, please post them in the comments section below and I'll be more than happy to help you out as much as I can. 

Remember there is no 'ideal' body shape. So don't feel bad about your body. Just try to embrace it and do your best to dress it up nicely. OK?

Have fun figuring it all out. You can ask a friend to help you out with the measurements so that you're certain.

Thanks for your time and have fun!!! :)

WHAT TYPE OF BODY SHAPE DO YOU HAVE?

Hello lovelies,

I will be discussing the different types of female body shapes. I'm sure at least once you've come across a situation where you and a friend got an outfit that is either the same or very similar but it looks very good on one of you but not so much on the other person. This is because as girls, we are built very beautifully and we have very unique features individually that make us stand out. What may look very good on me, may look bad on you. So it's very important to know your body type to make sure you're always looking good. 

I'm going to name the different body types and their characteristics so that you can identify what category you belong to and follow-up on the posts.

NOTE: There are slimmer and fuller versions of the shapes. :)

1. Pear body shape: This is the category I belong to. If your lower body measurements are generally bigger/wider than the top you have a pear-body shape. Generally, you have a slimmer upper body half, you have a clearly defined waist and full thighs. Your shoulders are narrow. From your waist downwards, your body grows wider. When you gain weight, it's mostly visible and distributed in your thighs, hips and bottom. You also gain weight quickly in these areas before gaining on your stomach or arms. For clothing sizes, you wear a smaller size on your upper half and a bigger size for the bottom half.

A celeb with this shape: Rihanna

2. Hour glass shape: Your body shape is basically like an hourglass, hence, the name. The measurements of your bust and hips are the same or almost the same. You have a well-defined short waist. When you gain weight, it is evenly distributed all over your body. your shoulders are in line with your hips.

A celeb with this shape: Beyonce

3. Oval/Apple Shape: Your body frame is generally heavy. You have a prominent, low stomach and this is where you will most likely gain most weight. Your have sloped shoulders, you also have chunky thighs, wide hips and large bust.

A celeb with this shape: Jennifer Hudson

4. Rectangle Shape: You have slight curves and your waist is not clearly defined. You may have small to medium-sized bust. When you gain weight, it will be distributed mainly around your waist (not stomach) first.

A celeb with this shape: Gwyneth Paltrow

5. Inverted Triangle/Wedge shape: Your shoulders are wider than your hips and you may have a flat bottom, narrow hips and an athletic body with a full chest. When you gain weight, it normally would be noticed in your arms and chest.

A celeb with this shape: Demi Moore

These are the main and distinct shapes. Some people fall in between so, don't worry if you think you didn't find your category. Here's a picture with some of the shapes side by side so that you can compare.

If you are still not sure or you have any questions, please post them in the comments section below and I'll be more than happy to help you out as much as I can. 

Remember there is no 'ideal' body shape. So don't feel bad about your body. Just try to embrace it and do your best to dress it up nicely. OK?

Have fun figuring it all out. You can ask a friend to help you out with the measurements so that you're certain.

Thanks for your time and have fun!!! :)