I Am Beautiful - Brenda

 1. What is your Name?  

Brenda G Chuinkam

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

I am a Cameroonian living in Canada

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

I'm in the 18-25 age group (YAYY!)

4. Describe your personal style. 

My style is color meets print meets curves! Haha I like to show my curves off without being overly sexual. I also love trendy pieces that are versatile.

5. What makes you feel beautiful? 

To be honest, lots of things make me feel beautiful-a well-fitted dress, a certain "look" from a guy that instantly lets you know they're interested, an honest complement, a good workout...those are the ones that come to mind immediately.

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

I think our society has turned into a "bashing" and "who can bring you down the most" fest. People have found courage behind anonymity behind their keyboards and focus too much on what they think are other people's flaws. People are so narrow-minded when it comes to images of beauty and what they think is beautiful to the point where a girl like Jennifer Lawrence is considered thick and Mindy Kaling is considered plus sized? I can relate to so many young women out there when it comes to body image  issues-having been made fun of because of my thick legs and thicker frame. When it comes to race, that's a whole other  story but what I will say is this- as a black person in North America, you CANNOT do mediocre and expect anything PERIOD. You have to work 10 times as hard to get 1/10th the recognition others may get.

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

Media has had both a negative and positive influence but the negative has overcome the positive influences. The constant shoving down our throats of "beautiful" celebs and lack of coverage on curvier/more normal celebs as well as the free bashing of everyone on sites like TMZ are just examples, in my opinion, of the negative influence.

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

I think the fashion industry gets confused at times and no one should follow trends to the T because you're going to wake up one day thinking that it's okay to wear a hat with a shoe in it to a job interview for  a law firm, haha. Trends should be worn according to how they simulate with your personal style (in my humble opinion).

9. What advice would you like to give? 

All I will say is: life is short, try new foods, try new styles of clothes, travel when and where you can and save a little. Also, listen to your parents' advise, bearing in mind that they have lived their lives, now you go live yours!

10. Share a fun fact about you.

 I could probably fix your TV for you if it's currently not working, Lol.    XOXO

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Well spoken Brenda. I couldn't agree with you more! One thing I like that you mentioned is following trends religiously. It's important to consider your personal style and body type first before diving in. 

 I'm sure many of you recognize Brenda of Can Never Be a Skinny Bish. Thank you Brenda for taking the time out to answer these questions. Check out Brenda's Fashion Blog HERE.

Chip in your views. Until next time, remain blessed!

Xo

Kike.

I Am Beautiful - Faith Imaralu

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?

Ehimare Faith Imaralu

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

I am a Nigerian and I currently reside in Ontario, 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.

I will say it's classy and elegant with a twist of casual chic. I dress age appropriately taking the weather into consideration, as well, and I love to be confident in my outfits. My policy is, “If I don’t feel it, I don’t wear it”. I love heels and flats but you will never see me in heels at school unless I'm making a presentation. I basically dress for myself and nobody else.

5. What makes you feel beautiful?

Knowing that I can brighten up someone's day either with an act of kindness or by smiling. Like my high school friend says: “Faith, your smile makes my smile smile”. It is not just the physical, but the ability to connect with someone and make their day or even more.

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

Ahhhhhaaa, I love this one. People need to understand that you can’t really have a perfect “V or S” shape. If you are not born with it, there is little artificial stuff can do. You can’t belong to a race were people are predominantly on the curvy or slender side and expect to look like a person from a different race. Dieting or denying yourself of the essential things your body needs is killing yourself while looking at the mirror and saying you look good. 

For instance, eating once a day and supplementing with a specific drink which some girls do, or eating mostly protein based food (guys) and excessively being obsessed with the gym is not going to provide you with the necessary nutrients, vitamins or body size you want. Taking supplements isn't going to help because after a while, it can become toxic especially the fat based ones. Since I knew ABC, I can’t remember when Anorexia or Bulimia became sexy. 

Avoid excess sugar, salt, and fatty foods but please, feed and take care of yourself. Know your body and adjust your lifestyle to carter for it. You can’t be like B neither can B be like you, so love your body and let it be radiant. If someone does not like it, tell them to get lost. (BAM!)

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

I will say the Media has reinforced the skinny trend. People on the curvy side are called fat, given names, and asked to go fix their flappys. There are more ads about weight reduction and gym memberships than there are about health living and nutrition. Photos are edited to give abs and skinny curves that might not really exist.

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

I really don’t mind. Although some designs make me wonder how the concept came about, I understand fashion is fashion. As long as you wear what fits you and is appropriate to your size, then it's cool.

9. What advice would you like to give?

Just be you and enjoy even the littlest things in life. Don’t feel bad because of your looks or way of expressing yourself. Though some people might hate it, there are others wishing they can pull it off just like you.

10. Share a fun fact about you.

Unlike popular belief, I am not a fan of books although I love intriguing/suspense novels. I love to watch action movies at home, try out new recipes or go to the countryside/tourist attractions.

LOL @ your 'get lost' comment in question 7. Just like Faith, I find that people will always talk about anything, so it's BEST to be yourself always  This way, you are happy and you cannot be bothered by what others say or think. Do you agree with Faith? I'd like to know, what Influences your daily outfits?

Xo

Kike.

IAB Is Back.

After several weeks of putting IAB [I Am Beautiful] on hold for so many reasons, IAB is returning. For those who don't know what IAB is all about, you can check out this post here. It contains all the information you need to know about IAB. The next IAB feature will go up next Wednesday. As a refresher, here are the 10 questions you need to answer to be featured on IAB:

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? (Eg. Body size, interracial marriage). And how important do you think these issues are to the well-being of people?
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.

 The Reason For IAB

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)

Anyone can participate in IAB, so it doesn't matter if you have a blog or not. However, if you are a blogger, this is a great way to show what you've got. To get answers to any questions you may have about IAB, go to this post to see all the FAQs answered.

So if you would like to get featured on IAB and share your views, send your answers with 1-5 CLEAR pictures to kikilehin@gmail.com to be entered.

You never know whose life you are saving by doing this. Read previous IAB entries.

Xo

Kike.

I Am Beautiful - Ona

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?

Ona Odum

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

I am Nigerian by birth, residing in 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.

My personal style is very simple but dressy. That's all I know for now, because I am still learning about myself.

5. What makes you feel beautiful?

When I look beautiful, I feel beautiful. Its a cycle really, cause when I feel beautiful it shows.

6. What do you think of the current issues concerning body image and race?
To be honest, I thought twice about sending in this post, because body image is a very sensitive topic for me. I am very conscious of my figure, always have, and I don't know if the constant worry will ever truly fade. I have always had friends with the "perfect bodies", and the media gives us a certain standard as women to look a certain way. However, I feel that as long as you feel good looking the way you do, nothing else should matter... nothing else matters! If I decide to be as skinny as a stick, or I prefer thickness and curves, that is entirely my business, as it is my body. It is always about feeling good and being healthy first. Once I accepted the features I have, and learned how to dress to look half decent, I started loving my body.

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

I cannot recall where I read that the media sets a double standard, but I completely agree. Dealing with what we see on the internet and on television as the 'ideal' woman can certainly drive women into complete frustration about their image, but there ARE positive things we see every now and again that remind us of the things that are important. On one hand the media motivates us to look good, and on the other hand promotes negativity towards certain body types.

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

The world of fashion has always greatly interested me. Lately we are seeing designers and the likes push the bars a little too far. I still appreciate designers and fashion labels that still give us things that are wearable, but still very stylish. Not one to spend too much on clothing and accessories, so as long as forever 21 and Zara stay sane, I'm good!

9. What advice would you like to give?

The key is to NOT follow every trend. I preach simplicity always! Also, accept your body, begin to love it, and you will look and feel good for certain.

10. Share a fun fact about you.

I LOVE FOOD. Nothing more fun than food :)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Ah food! Who doesn't love food? LOL! You can check out Ona's blog here.

 I just think the world has changed to be in a way where the society feeds off the media compulsively. Whatever they throw at us is most likely what we take in, and because they know this for sure, they play with out thoughts and beliefs. A solution to this could be to set your own standards and beliefs (still socially acceptable), but unique and independent, and then live by those rules. 

Guys, IAB is a universal project, don't be just an observer, get involved. So far, we've had only Nigerians featured, and I know the demographics of my blog readers... and you are all definitely not Nigerians. So I'm just encouraging you to join in! :)

Xo

Kike.

I Am Beautiful - Funmilayo

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?

My name is Olufunmilayo Adeleke

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

I am from Nigeria and I live in the US

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

18- 25

4. Describe your personal style.

My personal style…hmm. I love being comfortable and being me. I can withstand a little pain from my shoes as far as I look good. I rarely wear makeup. I'm more of a Jean and shirt person but for events I love to get dressy. Not a big fan of chunky jewelry. I do not like any outfit or accessory that competes with my natural beauty. Overall, I am open to trying different styles as long as I’m comfortable with whatever I throw on. 

5. What makes you feel beautiful?

My eyes, my legs, my personality and the fact that I am beautiful. I feel beautiful because I am beautiful J

6. What do you think of the current issues concerning body image and race?
I feel society has put a lot of pressure on body image and race. They portray imperfect people as perfect and the youths and teenagers feel the need to be perfect. About race, different countries have different reactions to race but at large racism is going to stay for a long time, it’s just the way we teach our youths and children that matters. If we can set good examples for the little ones, we would be able to gradually eradicate the notion of perfection (skin color and body wise)

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

 The media has both positive and negative influences but the negative outweigh the positive. Like I said before, the media has displayed the imperfect people as perfect, teaching the world to see the need to cover up their imperfection. However, I have seen quite a number of articles, in the media, condemning the media. These articles are showing us the dangers of trying to be perfect and what some of these celebrities have to do to remain “perfect”.

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

I think it is very interesting. I do not follow fashion very closely but looking at the different styles, I see creativity in fashion. A lot of styles keep revolving and its interesting how they have added twists and turns to these old styles. I'm very impressed with the creativity of the fashion industry .

9. What advice would you like to give?

Welcome change, always believe in yourself, and remember whosoever we are trying to impress is very busy trying to impress another person. Just be yourself!

10. Share a fun fact about you.

I want to have 6 kids.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

I agree with you so much Funmi! One of my favourite things you said is the part about 'teaching the world to see the need to cover up their imperfection.' 

I sometimes wonder how all this talk about 'imperfection' and 'ideal-ness' came to be. Who began pointing out 'flaws' in people, who gave the person the power to? How did certain things become the 'norm'? 

Do these thoughts also come to you?

Funmi and I have been friends since the beginning of High School in Queens College, Lagos, Nigeria. She has a blog where she writes and she is beginning to get into Fashion Blogging.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Xo

Kike.

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.

Plum

 

Sweater: Walmart Pants: Suzy Shier Boots: Michael Antonio via BeyondTheRack Hat: Ardene

Total Outfit Cost: Approx. $58.60

I scored these boots for $7.58 (yes, you read that correctly!) about two weeks back! This has to be my greatest deal so far! I'm absolutely in love with them and they just look super gorgeous in person! Guys, Suzy Shier, one of my favorite stores, now ships to US!

It's been freezing cold, and I don't know if I can continue shooting outside. We'll see! I was searching for affordable leather pants everywhere, but the only ones I could find were leggings! I finally got these ones over the Christmas break for only about $17.

Some shopping tips: study the stores where you shop, be specific about the items you want to buy, stalk them for a while if they're too pricey, then get them when they're on sale. It pays to wait... sometimes!

IAB  is launching tomorrow! Yaay! I will begin the series and then other features will be put up from next Wednesday, so come back tomorrow to check out my answers.

Xo

Kike.