fashionifah.

Pageants!

2013-08-13T11:08:00.002-07:00

So if you follow my madness on other social media you would know that I am taking part in Miss Uganda UK. To be honest, I first signed up for fun but now I am financially and emotionally invested now and it would a wonderful and great opportunity if I won. So I would like to ask all you, my great readers to follow my Facebook page for support: https://www.facebook.com/HanifahRMmissugandauk2013

Thank you x

Smells Like Teen Spirit

2013-07-09T14:30:00.003-07:00

I'm kinda glad to see the UK embracing the American jock and geek. It seems like every where I look there is a football jersey dress or a top with the term 'geek' in bold printed on it. Primark are really enjoying their movement as top dog of the high-street, with this trend.

I tried the trend, I loved it

from Topshop

I could overload this page with various picture of hockey dresses, but I think my clear winner was Rihanna and Co.

I don't own this picture

Just a little inspiration for the sunny days ahead!!

Daft Punk - Get Lucky ft Pharrell Williams

2013-04-28T08:45:00.001-07:00

Top/Dress: Topshop, Bag: Miss Selfridges, Earrings: Asos, Shoes: Debenhams

I went to Manchester for the weekend to see the boy and to take my mind off revision and exams. It wasn't as sunny as I hoped it would be but Manchester is always a beautiful sight to see.

I recently bought new fragrance for summer, its very fruity compared to what I usually wear but I'm really enjoying it and I got a free Hugo Boss shopper bag so, #WINNING!

Keeping with the summer theme, my new favourite song is Daft Punk - Get Lucky; can't wait for the new album!

Life Is But a Dream

2013-04-28T07:22:00.001-07:00

So I just watched Beyonce's documentary, 'Life Is But a Dream,' and yes I know I'm late but I was putting it off on purpose. When I heard that Beyonce would be directing, editing and producing the documentary it put me off and all I could think that it was going to be another perfect snapshot of her. And to be honest I was right, most of the scenes are close ups of her and yes I know she is a very beautiful woman, but who wakes up in the middle of the night with perfect hair?

The film, if we can call it that, was the most narcissistic montage. The whole thing came over like a PR effort, rather than an insight into her life. When most people do an inside feature, they let go of some control and 'let' the viewer in. I already knew Beyonce was a business women, what I really wanted to her to do was to fight against the rumors and open up more about her pregnancy. It all seemed like a very well timed effect to make Beyonce look more open and appealing to the general public before her tour started.

I'm not asking her to tell all, in fact when she mentioned making love to her husband I became very uncomfortable, but she just needs to let go a little bit. So where is the line between Jodie Foster and the Kardashians?

Don't get me wrong, I am a Beyonce enthusiast, but there are some scenes which made me question her as a person. After revealing her pregnancy at the MTV awards, backstage a staff member says to her 'you are free' and she replies 'we are all free'. Reading too much into it made me question, did she make her staff sign confidentiality contracts? It is such a celebrity thing to do and they would have known she was pregnant during rehearsals and fittings. It was a bit odd that after the birth her mother was doing her hair, ready for a photo shoot!?

I can't say at the end of the film that I know much more about Beyonce now, because I don't. In my opinion she is now more closed off than ever. However, one of the more magical moments was seeing her swear; she looked far less robotic than she usually does.

In recent news, Beyonce (or her management) has taken image control to the extreme by banning press photography at her Mrs Carter World Tour, only releasing official images via her site. There are speculations that this is to due with the large mass of unflattering photos from her super bowl performance.

I do know this, that woman works hard and it shows, there is no aspect in your life that Beyonce hasn't affected. Whether is was the film you watch, she produced it; the make up your wear, she had some input; the music videos your watch, she was in them or budgeted them. Even if you are not a fan you have to respect all of the work she puts in.

'Bow down, bitches" -Beyonce Knowles-Carter

Summer Nights

2013-04-21T18:14:00.002-07:00

My best part of the summer are the nights, when there is no sign of rain, the air is refreshing and the birds are mute. The only sounds are that of laughter, live music and glasses clinking. Since the sun made made an appearance I've been on a look out for the best buys and pieces. I was just reminiscing of times back at home (Uganda) when I thought to create a simple evening outfit for the days ahead.

I hope this inspires you for your spring/summer shopping.

*The top is left to your discretion, you can choose to dress the earrings with a simple black or plain top or continue with the print theme with a bold shirt.

1. Shourouk earrings

2. Topshop skirt

3. Ted Baker shoes

4. Zara clutch

The lovely air so thin

2013-04-17T16:55:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful opportunity to work with Matt Jones (check him out), it was such a windy day, something out of a thriller but he managed to capture the little light there was. I will be working with him again in the future; I'm gonna have to as I don't think my pictures will ever look this good again without him.

Don't let the Ray-Bans fool you, there was no sun until we finished shooting. Typical English weather.

Blazer: River Island, Necklace and Trousers (lovely buy, just don't blend your legs in any way): Primark

Have a lovely day, wherever you are.

Spring goodies

2013-04-09T10:45:00.002-07:00

Spring has finally come, bring on white tops, pastels, iced coffees, scandals and over sized handbags. And make way for the denim.

My dark skins means I find its difficult to find a near perfect shade of foundation, this Clinique is the closet I've gotten. The nail polish is from Bodycare, because its not Spring without sparkles!

I've been experimenting with my makeup recently, trying to step out of my comfort zone.

These shoes are one of my favourite purchases this Spring – the colour and the chunky heel, perfect for barbeques and garden parties.

Random picture of my breakfast.

Does fashion have an age limit?

2013-03-17T16:33:00.002-07:00

French Vogue December 2010

When I turned eight my mother bought me a box of accessories, which included plastic heeled slippers with a matching necklace and bracelet set. Aside from my barbies, those heels were my most prized possessions, I wore them any chance I got and I even tried to go to school in them! I got my first bra at the age of 10 and it was from Marks and Spencer's Angel line.

However, while out shopping in Manchester's Kurt Geiger store I saw a girl wearing a pair of shorts, which can only be described as denim underwear, with high heels. At fist look I thought this girl was my age but, as I eaves-dropped on her conversation, I began to realise that she was in fact still in secondary school (high school). I just couldn't get my head around it, when I was in secondary school I wore ballet shoes and jeans and so did my friends!

Later on that same day I was on my way to the coffee shop and I saw another young girl, this one was with her parents, wearing small shorts which again resembled french knickers. There were too many questions, "why would her parents let her!?" "does she think she looks good?" etc. I'm not blaming the parents, I understand that when teenagers come of age they may feel that they're entitled to their say. However this shouldn't be an excuse for a 12yr to dress like a street-walker!

It hurts to sound like an old fart but I guess times have changed, with today's society glued to pop culture, its no surprise these girls can walk half naked down a street with their heads held high. Everywhere we look there is semi-pornographic material being pushed in our faces, and these female celebrities are passing it off as stylish. The pressure to confirm to an ideal can be overwhelming.

A good pair of examples would be Rihanna and Lady Gaga, who are set on becoming live sex toys/objects, whose fan base comprises of mainly young girls, it's easy to see a strong correlation. Corporate paedophilia is the only way I can summarise it!

Back in 2010, I was in the Primark children's department with my mother shopping for my little sister, when I saw a padded bra for kids and a t-shirt with 'future WAG' printed on the front. For you American folks, a WAG is a British term used to describe soccer players' wives and girlfriends. I would like to think that young girls are aspiring to be more than just a 'WAG'. Its degradation from an early age, what does it say about out society's values of women, if retailers are influencing young girls to desire to be a WAG/Socialite and to have no greater goals?

If are you reading, leave a comment and let me know what your take is on the situation.

Nifah x

Sunny day

2013-03-16T15:42:00.000-07:00

Here in England, we have an interesting relationship with the weather. I've been watching for some daffodils but Spring is nowhere to be seen. So when I saw some sun, I threw on my crop top.

Wayfares: Ray-Ban, Watch: D&G, Top: Topshop(alternative here), Bag &Shoes: Zara

I love these boots so you guys are going to see them a lot, I don't like wearing flats so I wear these boots as a compromise for my feet.

Photography: Jorgie Shaw

Its the little things- fashionifah Beauty

2013-01-29T15:20:00.002-08:00

Aside from the amazing dresses and the living male accessories, my love this award season had to be the small details, mainly the nails. Nude nails can be so boring; yes they're classy and match with about every glamorous outfit there i,s but they're also safe and fashion doesn't like 'safe'.

Zooey Deschanel is always perfectly polished. *cuteness overload*

I always love Adele's nails, they always remind me that she is still a South London girl. *woop woop* Adele is always in black its nice to see some colour even if its just nails. The colour is so loud, I love it

Anne Hathaway's butterflies.

My favourite though had to be Kelly Osbourne's pointy/stiletto manicure at the Screen Actors Guild 2013.

It was all nudes at the Critics Choice Awards and People's Choice Awards and a lot of nothing at the London Film Critics and LA Film Critics. When I say nothing I mean the nail art, of course the dresses are always showstopping! However, we do have the BAFTAs and Academy Awards to look forward to —the season is not over yet!

I forgot my camera at home, I've had outfits in mind I just don't have a camera to express myself currently but I am going home this weekend so watch this space.

Nifah x

**I do not own any of these pictures**

Forgive me

2013-01-28T14:00:00.001-08:00

Sorry I've been MIA, however I did connect my instagram to this blog so you could keep up if you you desire. I also forgot to mention I have a formspring account so you can ask me anything, I am fluent in sarcasm, gibberish, smart ass and English, so fire away.

Nifah x

2012-11-04T15:07:00.002-08:00

“If you think too much about the past

you're present is second hand.”- Karl Lagerfeld.

don't you just love mondays

2012-07-23T10:48:00.000-07:00

No, not really, but with this one I'm sure we can make an expectation. Lovely, sunny and looking hopeful. As mentioned previously I am sucka for black, its my comfort zone. Rain or shine you will find me in black.

The leather skirt is River Island and my new found love (shoes) are from New Look. I usually don't shop in New Look but something told me to go in and there they were, hiding behind the rainbow of espadrilles.

fancy seeing you here

2012-07-05T08:11:00.000-07:00

jacket: river island, lace top: debenhams, shorts: zara (oh how i worship them), shoes: zara and clutch: sunday market

Just a bit of pink

2012-07-01T11:05:00.003-07:00

shorts: not old enough to be considered vintage. top: zara (funny story how i got it but not enough to post). shoes: zara

Oh summer, what else can you offer me?

2012-05-31T15:44:00.002-07:00

2012 is packed fulled with events, we have Diamond Jubilee, whats not to love?- cheap food and an excuse to be drunk in the street before lunch. There's Wimbledon, hayfever and the sudden boost of strawberries and cream in supermarkets. And of course the Olympics, so look forward to more traffic jams, increase in crime and of course higher prices on everything.

With summer coming I thought I should take the opportunity to blog about the simple essentials for everyone's favourite season. There is no arguing that the past few mouths we've been slowly adapting our wardrobes to fit the terrible weather and though the above comments may feel rather melancholy, I'm actually feeling optimistic for the days ahead. Last week was a good week (that is all).

There are few items that shouldn't be without as the sun finally sees the skin.

Plain white tee- this is a wardrobe staple and will make a return season after season, so if you're on a budget or have the cash to dash you have options. Add pretty pastels to turn up the dial or just throw in some demin.

Little white dress:
I love white on white but if you feel it is just too much then a white summer dress will do you just fine. This season look to Céline and Jil Sander for the inspiration.

(http://www.asos.com/Free-People/Free-People-Lace-Skater-Dress-With-Daisy-Trim/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2217676&SearchQuery=summer%20dress&Rf-200=5&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Ivory)

Foot notes

Flatforms: part wedge, part flat. You're still taller but your feet do not ache as much, you get my point. The fashion-eye will have seen that this trend was storming the runway LAST year, seen on Prada, Chanel, Derek Lam and Vena Cava.*gasp* queue the 'so last season' comments. But I don't care, I am in love with this shoe. On many occasions I've said 'shoes are for fashion not function' but this shoe... its like fashion married comfort.

(http://www.asos.com/Whistles/Whistles-Cecile-Flatform-Sandals/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2167313&SearchQuery=flatform&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Black)

For the punk in you, go down to Camden (UK readers) or a thrift store and get yourself some creepers.

Spring inspirational mood board:

2012-05-06T13:14:00.002-07:00

Nifah x

Hipster? Me? ...Nope wrong person

2012-05-06T12:17:00.000-07:00

I was surfing through Youtube the other day, well I was meant to be doing work however we all know how that goes. Your meant to be doing work but you end up doing everything other than that. Anyway, I was on Youtube, I came across a video titled "what hipsters say but what they really mean"

This video got me thinking, am I a hipster? After watching several similar videos, I rushed to my bf with the shocking news but instead of getting the sympathy I expected I got a firm "you only just realised". I always thought he was joking when he called me a hipster. All the videos had one common ground, hipsters will never admit to being a hipster, which makes it even more confusing for me, I just becomes a catch 22.

His arguments being that I study law but I put all my affects into creative projects, such as my art, photography and this fashion blog.

I blog because I love fashion and not in a bratz kinda of way, my idea of fashion is not all about the clothes and "stuff" but more about the excitement and energy that the industry brings. Hipsters are meant to judgemental of others taste, and I only come ascross like that because I'm passionate. anyway if I was getting paid to judge people's dress sense, others would praise me but because I have not authority and a bang of royal fans I just come across as caty and rude. I hate to come across as a mean girl which I am not, in fact I grew up at the opposite end.

The video also informed me that hipsters blog however the difference being I am actually a blogger, publishing one post takes me hours, looking for grammatical errors (which I know I still get wrong), the initial idea for a post requires inspiration etc. Whereas hipsters attend to use tumblr, now I'm no tumblr-hater, but it seems their idea of blogging, is re-posting pictures from other person, and taking pictures and adding quirky captions.

I am a vegetarian simply because I dont like meat, I can't fully say for animal rights purposes because I own several leather and suede shoes. I love esoteric films because well hollywood is simply running out of ideas and it seems these days my idea of a great movie comes from theatre clubs, film festivals and independent distributors. I take the same view with my music. I am not saying I stay away from all things commercial, I love John Mayer and you can't beat good old house music in a club because nothing gets drunk people moving faster than repetitive song lyrics.

After all of that complaining, I've come to direct conclusion, I have some hipster traits in me but I'm not a hipster I'm just poor.

Moving on, it is exam season which explains my absence, during this period I loss all my sense of fashion even on my best days, because you need to be Megan Fox in jennifer's body to keep up with the pressure.

This is picture of me during exams season, I spend most of time indoors like a vampire. That's why I'm squinting, the sun burns.

After the exam period

I dont understand why they put pressure on us in the first year when it doesn't count to our final degree. I cannot wait for May 16th, so I can finally sleep in without feeling bad.

New in:

2012-05-03T10:13:00.001-07:00

I got these babies from Zara

fashionifah beauty

2012-05-03T08:34:00.001-07:00

When thinking of nail designs, I look to tumblr for ideas. I like the deigns more on paper than actually on my nails, I prefer simple colours. I usually go for crimson, but recently I've fallen in love with metallic colours so I went for a bright purple.

1 9 9 7

2012-04-08T16:01:00.003-07:00

With the re-release of Titanic, it got me thinking 'what was I doing during that time?' Considering I was only 4yrs old I should imagine I was being a nightmare to my mother. Titanic is one of those films that leaves you with emotions and everlasting memories, when you hear that song it always takes you back to a moment which is why I'm more than excited to go see it again.

My boyfriend told me a story of his mother, she's the only woman he knows that watched the first hour, fell asleep only to wake up for the final hour and still cry at the end! Just shows how magical Titanic really is.

I remember watching it for the first time in 2002 with my mum and my older brother, at the time I was in primary school (Elementary School for you American folks) and I can say they were the best times of my life. Where we didn't have to try so hard and relationships/friendships came so easy, I remember I had my first boyfriend (Louis), as I recall he was the cutest and he was only my boyfriend because he played pat-ball together at break and we both loved McDonalds after school.

I thought it might be a cool idea to you back time, revisit 1997.

I love this song, I still do and I'm still crossing my fingers for a reunion. Even though their idea of girl power (was just a marketing strategy)— kicking up a fuss, being outspoken and dressing however they liked was hypocritical considering they were dress like school children and would make the likes of Susan B. Anthony turn in her grave. I give them props for making the most of their fame.

(Princess Diana died August 1997)

(Christian Dior Autumn/Winter 1997-8)

(Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 1997)

(Gianni Versace died July 1997)

(Givenchy Fall Haute Couture 1997)

(Vogue January 1998)

(Givenchy Fall campaign)

(Gianni Versace Spring/Summer 1997)

(Vogue US January 1998)

(Alexander McQueen Givenchy Haute Couture, S/S 1997)

I had about three of these things, I guess some people are not pet people, me being one of them.

Foot Notes

A big trend in the '97 was thick highs and mary jane, not much to say there we saw the chunky heel make a back come in the fall of 2010 of course it was more decorated.

I got my first high heel when I was 8, it was not so high and it was a chunky heel. I wore them everywhere, I remember my mother telling me I wasn't allowed to wear them to school.

Its been a while

2012-04-05T17:51:00.001-07:00

Between Law and trying to uphold the ideal university social life somewhere inbetween I manage to run a fashion blog, whether I'm successful or not you decide! Obviously I use the word "manage" very lightly and well, Law, I don't even think I fully understand the doctrine of the Rule of Law and I'm never going to understand my lecturer's unhealthy obsession with Dicey (bless him).

I've always known at some point in my love affair with fashion I would want to have an 'effortless' style, something that screams Grace Kelly, but with the summer coming up I'm much happier in lots of jewellery and layers than a white tee and denim shorts.

Most of my wardrobe is made up of black, I find the colour mysterious and fashion always tells us its safe, but that is the very word the makes you end up on shows like Gok's Fashion Fix. With terms like 'black is the new chic' and 'black is back,' how is a girl meant to avoid not wearing a thermal suit on a hot sunny's day.

(Prabal Gurung spring 2012)

Nifah Loves...

Lindsay Lohan in 60 seconds

If you haven't since it yet, which would be impossible unless you've been trying to avoid all things pop culture, even then I don't think you'd succeed because this video has been everywhere. It shows the faces of the 25yr old actress/singer turned poster child for why you shouldn't do drugs, from childhood to the present day though morphing.

Foot Notes

Socks and heels

Fashion faux pas no more, ankle sock with your favourite heels is now a trend, its time to embrace the look. If you're feeling skeptical consider the plus side — they cost near nothing and they don't take put much space in your wardrobe.

Mules

The classic backless shoe, in my opinion is this spring's best trend, they're vintage heritage. Once worn by prostitutes until Marilyn Monroe showed the way, this season look to Miu Miu and Louis Vuitton (left) for guidance.

If you look carefully you can see that they're a cross between clogs, last summer's trend and the ubiquitous pointy heel.

Everyday should be Valentine's day

2012-02-15T11:00:00.000-08:00

A bit late but I was always told its never too late, Happy Hallmark holiday and for those who actually believe well, Happy Valentine's day.

BLD (Bin liner dress)

2012-02-11T11:41:00.000-08:00

I went out on Wednesday and I was impressed by some of the girls' confidence. Well I didn't get the memo that bin liner dresses are back in fashion, as bizarre as it may sound some of the girls didn't do so bad with their designs.

Excuse the picture quality I was using my phone camera.

What do we do when we have a camera?

2012-02-01T12:07:00.000-08:00

When I first started my blog it was called thestylemonki, this was back in 2010 but out of fear and my A Level work load I cancelled it. However in 2011 my lovely mother bought me a very expensive camera, so I ask the obvious question, what do you do when you have a camera?— Why you take photos of course! My blog was cancelled at this time but me and friends thought I might be a good idea to take some picture for future purposes, so here we have me in an old outfit.

I bought this clutch from a Sunday market in Surrey, London. Necklace: Debenhams and the rings are from Miss Selfridges.

Top: Primark. Mullet skirt: Miss Selfridges. Shoes: New Look.