OH SEW FASHION | ALL THINGS FASHION... CREATIVE... FABULOUS

Black & Beautiful | Veronica Webb

2014-11-23T00:00:00.002+00:00

Veronica Webb is an American model amongst having other talents. She was the first African-American to have a major cosmetics contract and has appeared on covers of Vogue, Essence, Elle magazines and on the catwalk for Victoria's Secret and Chanel.

Veronica Webb

How to change a bodice block to a sleeveless block

2014-09-02T14:55:00.002+01:00

Do you want to make a strapless or sleeveless top? If so, you need to know how to change a bodice pattern into a sleeveless pattern. There are a few simple steps that you need to do in order to make the armhole tighter. To watch the full video, click on the link below.

Black & Beautiful | Salieu Jalloh

2014-02-04T14:00:00.000+00:00

Salieu Jalloh

This young, Sierra Leonean New York based model, Salieu Jalloh, was first introduced on the scene when he did some modelling campaigns for United Colours of Benetton and Sean John in 2008. Since then, he has modelled in just about every major fashion week around the world and appeared in the top editorials such as GQ and Vogue Hommes Japan. His look is exotic with his smooth, dark chocolate skin and full juicy lips. He is taking the fashion world by storm and with so much interest, i'm sure we will be seeing plenty more of him :)

Pattern Cutting II The Basic Set

2014-02-04T10:00:00.000+00:00

This is the basic set of master blocks (woven) needed to make womenswear garments. These blocks are:

Bodice (front & back)
Sleeve (one piece)
Skirt
Trousers

With these foundation blocks, you can make pretty much any woven womenswear garment that your creative mind can muster up! Besides the ones that i've mentioned above, the possibilities are endless... jumpsuits, shorts, dresses, corsets... you get my drift!

Fashion Illustrator | Jerron Couture

2013-06-23T13:54:00.002+01:00

Can't believe I haven't blogged for 4 months! Shocking! I've been so busy but have decided to return to it as I do miss it... a lot. So... i'm back!

I found this very talented New York fashion illustrator on instagram. Jerron Couture's style is fab. It reminds me a little of Hayden Williams style; cute, edgy and colourful! I love the amount of details that goes into his work.

Black & Beautiful | Ajak Deng

2013-02-04T17:28:00.000+00:00

Sudanese supermodel Ajak Deng is simply gorgeous. She is a picture of natural African beauty. Currently signed to IMG Models, she has walked the catwalks of all the major cities- London, New York and Paris- modelling for some of the biggest names in fashion such as Lanvin, Jean Paul Gaultier, Givency, Chloe and Vivienne Westwood to name just a few.

Mascara Review

2013-01-20T02:36:00.000+00:00

A good mascara is like gold dust, but finding one that is within your budget can sometimes be a bit of a mission. I would love the high end ranges but i'm not sure if i'm willing to pay those extortionate prices just yet! So for now, I will stick to the the good but lower budget ranges. Let's start with my two favourites... Rimmel Glameyes Day 2 Night mascara and Maybelline Falsies Volum' Express mascara.

Rimmel Day 2 Night:
This mascara is the shit!!! I absolutely love it. It has two applicators; a lengthening one and also a volume one. A lot of people use both applicators- the lengthening one first and then the volume one. Personally, I mainly use the volume applicator only as I feel this is enough to get the desired look with my eyelashes. It actually feels like my eyelashes double up in thickness and appear longer, which is great as there is definitely a noticeable difference. Sometimes, when using the volume applicator, my eyelashes can get a bit clumpy but i find if i apply it quite quickly and at an angle, then its usually fine!

Maybelline Falsies:

This is my second favourite mascara. Again, just like the rimmel one, it makes my eyelashes look lovely and voluminous without giving me a smudged look. I must admit, the brush took a while to get used to as it's made at an angle so can feel a bit odd at first when applying it. It's fab and what's great is that it doesn't clump!

Astor:

I do like this inexpensive mascara. Not only does it not clump but it makes my eyelashes look significantly darker and fuller. My eyelashes separate very well when using Astor and the bristles on the applicator are very soft too, which is a bonus as it doesn't irritate my eyes as much as some of the others.

Mistine:

This mascara is quite decently actually. It's a cheap one that i brought off ebay from china. I was intrigued by the applicator brush so thought i'd buy it and test it out. I love the intensity of the black on my eyelashes but the brush isn't that great. It's quite difficult to coat my eyelashes as there aren't any bristles so it doesn't separate my eyelashes when i am applying it, which means that it can get quite clumpy. So... what i do is use this one to get my eyelashes nice and black and then use one of the other brushes from the 3 mascaras to separate my lashes.

Hair | Rock It Short

2013-01-03T15:44:00.002+00:00

Short hair is so sexy. I mean really sexy. As far as I can remember, I have always loved short hair. Think it started when my mum came home one day with a short pixie haircut. My favourites are the pixie cut and the graduated bob look. Pixie haircuts can look very boyish but they are so cute and easy to maintain.

Pixie cuts: Halle Berry, Alyssa & Emma Watson

Graduated Bobs: Rihanna & Victoria Beckham

Ciara's short haircut- it's a wig!

I really like this one with a heavy fringe swept to the side...

reminds me a bit of my old hairstyle!

Solange's very short boyish cut.

I absolutely love this natural hairstyle, especially when it's dyed a different colour! It looks so gorgeous and it is very easy to maintain. I'm not brave enough yet to go this short though lol.

Rihanna's short haircuts

Rihanna for me at the moment is the queen of short hairstyles. She rocks the shit out of them. Her short hair is always on point and just looks gorgeous. These are two of my favourite hairstyles that she has had in the past. I'm loving the copper colour too. I love the versatility of a short hairstyle... you can do quite a lot of different styles, depending on how short you go. You can go from cute and girly to rock chick and edgy in a matter of minutes! Love it!

My Week on Instagram #5

2012-12-26T14:13:00.000+00:00

My life on instagram (follow me @moyaahfashion)

Left to right, top to bottom:

1. MOYAAH dress, handmade by me for my beautiful sister. Ruffled layered peplum dress... loving the colourful print!

2. I love bright colours and these shorts were just too cool. I'm really liking the handmade jazzy print.

3. I could literally spend hours in a fabric shop, one of my favourite places to be!

4. My sister and I at work (Lynnike is in the fur hat) getting our geek chic on!

5. I love menswear too and will eventually start designing some key menswear pieces. For now I will just post lovely pix lol. Really loving this checked/tartan shirt and blazer combo... SWAG game on!

6. Hello, hello, hello... is all I can say right about now! Ok, this dude Willy Monfret is absolutely beautiful. You can 100% see why he is at the top of his modelling game!

7. Kate Menson, a Ghanian supermodel. Her skin is so beautiful and i'm loving that statement necklace.

8. Sexy ass spiked Louboutins... a girl can dream!

9. Male fashion... I'm loving the simplicity of these two designs but yet the models still give the outfits a bit of an edge.

10. My besties and I at an 80s roller disco for my my friend's (the one on the left) 32nd birthday. I couldn't skate for shit! Its crazy how I used to be the skating queen when I was in my teens but clearly I had forgotten how to do it. lol

11. I really believe that this is true. Rather than the trickle down theory, I strongly believe that is more like the other way... THE TRICKLE UP theory. It's all about the street fashion... that's what sets the trends.

12. Pretty model in african print and gorgeous colours.

13. Kylie Minogue on X Factor 2012 wearing an Anthony Price couture dress. This pleated gold evening dress with an oversized bow is just gorgeous. Beautiful.

14. Just because it's true!

15. Me with big curly hair earlier this year. I really miss it! lol Reminds me of the 80s!

16. The back of this lace dress is so pretty.

17. MOYAAH green african print dress. I love the shoulders on this dress!

18. Three gorgeous black models, including Jourdan Dunn in an editorial.

19. Love this whole ensemble... The triangle necklace is just too cool yet sexy at the same time and I love the print on the bustier.

20. More prints but this time in swimwear! Prints prints prints.... so lush! And the model is stunning as well!

21. This is one of my PET HATES. I find it so rude and insulting when people say you're/she's pretty for a dark skin girl... I mean SERIOUSLY, how ignorant can you get? It shouldn't matter about the colour of someone's skin and it should definitely not determine how pretty you are/ Absolutely ridiculous.

22. MOYAAH fitted jacket with an oversized hood and pleated detail at center back. The jacket is fully lined with yellow african print fabric. Lush! One of my favourite jackets ever!

23. Very cool body painting... such pretty colours.

24. MOYAAH print shift dress with ruffles at the neckline. Sexy!

Gwen Stefani in Harpers Bazaar

2012-12-18T13:16:00.001+00:00

I LOVE Gwen Stefani. I love her style to be more precise. She always looks gorgeous and effortlessly stylish. She graced the cover of Harpers Bazaar back in September 2012 and looked stunning in various high end garments in shades of pink and black.

Gwen is rocking beautiful outfits by designers Alender McQueen, Vera Wang, Diane Von Furstenberg, Versace, Oscar De La Renta and Jill Sander. To see more pics of her style, click here.

11 Basic Sewing Essentials

2012-12-17T02:14:00.000+00:00

Here is a list of some basic and essential sewing equipment that I think is quite useful to have and some can make your tasks easier and more interesting, as well as professional looking. Take a look at the list and see what they are used for. As your skills improve and your projects become more difficult, your need for sewing materials increase accordingly.

Straight Pins: For all of my sewing, I use quite fine silk pins as they don't leave big prick marks in the fabric.

Pin Cushion or Magnetic Holder: I have both of these. A Pin Cushion is a great way to keep pins close to you at all times as you just pop mine onto my wrist. I made my one by using some old fabric and some wadding- this is also a very cheap way too, so can save you quite a bit of money. If you want to know how to make one, you can click here.

A Magnetic Holder is also great as it's quick for picking up all those loose pins,

especially on the floor! There are many sites you can get one of these from such as

here.

Fabric Scissors: Bent-handle dressmaker's shears are best for cutting out fabric. The angle of the lower blade lets the fabric lie flat.

Pinking Shears cut a zigzag, fray-resistant edge. They're brilliant for finishing seams

and raw edges on many types of fabrics and for decorative uses.

Embroidery Scissors are useful for general needlework, unpicking, clipping and

making buttonholes.

Thread Clippers/Trimmers are ideal for repairs, trimming seams, alterations and
small cutting jobs.

Safety Pin: You can use this to thread elastic or piping through a casing. It can also be used to turn bias tubing right side out.

Awl: This handy little tool can be used to make the round holes needed for eyelets or keyhole buttonholes. Check out Morplan.

Blunted Tracing Wheel, which is used with carbon paper to transfer pattern shapes to muslin. Although, when i teach children, I do tend to use the blunted tracing wheel for general pattern cutting as it is safer for that age range.

Seam Ripper/Unpicker: This has a sharp, curved edge for cutting seams open and a point for picking out threads. It can also be used for slashing buttonholes but must be used carefully to avoid accidentally ripping the fabric.

Tailor's Chalk or Fabric Marker Water Erasable Pens: Ideal for transferring pattern markings to fabric and for fitting alterations. They're available in several colours. You can also get the chalk in pencil form, which makes thin accurate lines and is excellent for marking pleats, pocket positions, buttonholes and similar stuff. My favourite are the water erasable pens.

Measuring Tape: These are essential! I have linen measuring tapes as this type is the most flexible and doesn't tear or stretch. They are 150cm (60") long, which is the most common and have non-fraying, metal tipped ends. It can have metric (cm) and imperial (inches) on the same side or one of each on each side.

Metal Weights: These can be very useful as they are used to hold the patterns in place for tracing and marking. Click here to have a look.

Storage: There are many different ways you can store your equipment such as Toolboxes, which you can pick up at any crafts store. Toolboxes are useful as they swing open and have trays for you to organise your things. Biscuit Tins are also a great way to store all your equipment, try labelling them so that you know what is in them at a glance without having to open tin after tin. Glass or Plastic Jars are an inexpensive way for storing things like buttons, ribbons and threads and they're useful as you can see at a glance what's inside.

Foundation Review | Mac vs Maybelline

2012-12-09T14:50:00.003+00:00

When it comes to foundations, I do love me some MAC and maybelline. I'm not a massive fan of liquid foundations. At all. As my skin is an oily/dry combination, I stay as far away as possible from liquids as my face ends up looking like it's been dipped in oil! I know you can see a liquid foundation in the picture but i'm going to explain that in a minute!

I really like Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse foundation. I get it in the darkest shade, which is 070 cocoa. I only need a a little bit as I find it goes quite far. The coverage is really good and it works very well on my skin. It is a creamy and feels silky as i'm applying it. The best thing is it's so light that it pretty much looks like i'm not wearing any foundation! If i'm going out or it's a special occasion, I will simply apply more foundation. It's definitely good value for money too and lasts me approx 4-5 months, which is fabulous!

Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse foundation 070 cocoa

I brought Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid foundation ages ago... like when it first started emerging on adverts on TV. I admit it, I got completely caught up in the hype and marched straight to the shops and brought it. I think what sold it for me was the women on the advert. Their skin looked amazingly flawless and so smooth. In reality, it's not like that. Well maybe i'm being too harsh. I should say it's not like that for me, hence why I still have over half the bottle left over! I find it way too greasy, which like I said earlier, just leaves me looking ever so shiny. Not a good look! The good thing is though is that like the matte mousse, a little really does stretch far.

Maybelline Dream Satin foundation

My ULTIMATE FAVOURITE is without a doubt MAC Studio Finish Concealer, in shade NW50. I
LOVE LOVE LOVE this product. This shade matches my complexion perfectly and the concealer lasts forever, like literally 9-10 months as I only need a tiny bit. I use this as a concealer mainly under my eyes and on my blemishes but sometimes when I really can't be assed to wear foundation, I just quickly whip this baby on. As I don't wear much, it looks very natural too!

MAC Studio Finish concealer

I fell in love with MAC Studio Fix foundation some years ago, again in shade NW50. It's amazing. I can't give a high enough praise of this product. It blends so well and gives me a gorgeous matte coverage. It also give me the full coverage and what's great is I use very little! It lasts me ages, like 4 or 5 months. Each application also lasts a very long time, averagely around 5 or 6 hours but with my primer, it usually lasts all day and night (only blotting about once) and I don't go all shiny by the end of the day! I don't need to top up. It's a powder and foundation, so the coverage is excellent... you don't want to apply too much as you could end up looking all cakey or like somebody could dip their finger in your face and leave an imprint! Not cool. It doesn't feel harsh on my skin and isn't heavy. I have noticed that my skin goes a little darker in the summer for obvious reasons, which is why this shade matches my complexion perfectly. But... in the winter, like now, I find that it is too dark, so again I may need to buy this in the lighter shade.

MAC Studio Fix foundation

Fashion Illustrator | Dudu Gonzaga

2012-12-05T11:00:00.000+00:00

Dudu Gonzaga's fashion illustrations are simply beauitful. His attention to detail and use of colour in his sketches are just fabulous. I can't believe he is self taught and started at the tender age of four! I don't even think I could draw a stickman at four!

Gonzala's so young as well, like 19 or 20! What a wonderful, gifted talent to have. I absolutely love looking at beautiful fashion illustrations, it's like I almost get lost in the drawings! He lives in Brazil and dreams of one day going to fashion school and becoming a stylist. Give it time and I think he will be snapped up in no time! My favourites are the first black and gold print dress and also the second from last sketch of a beige evening dress with lots of frills and the red strapless evening dress with roses... AMAZING!

Which ones do you like? They're all so gorgeous, it's quite hard just to choose one!

My Week on Instagram #4

2012-12-04T00:49:00.000+00:00

My life on instagram (follow me @ohsewfashion)

Left to right, top to bottom:

1. This man's gold pyramid ring is DOPE!

2. This black African model looks stunning and her lipstick colour really stands out.

3. I love this male model's swag in this photo and his outfits looks nice too, plus he's gorgeous!

4. I love a crop denim jacket, they look great with almost anything.

5. These satchel bags are so cute and I love the colours.

6. Wise words!

7. Gorgeous dark skin black African model rocking purple lipstick.

8. This male model is just gorgeous! So handsome.

9. I like this guy's outfit, especially his Lil' Wayne tshirt.

10. Loving this photo of a dark skinned black African model. The contrast between her complexion and the gold makeup and accessories is beautiful.

Star Style | Will.I.Am

2012-11-29T13:50:00.006+00:00

This guy is just too cool! I love Will.i.am's sense of style. From back in the day when he was part of the Black Eyed Peas, his style has always been quite out there, pushing the boundaries. I love the fact that he isn't afraid to wear whatever he wants and doesn't give a damn what people think!

His lego hat is dope!

Will.i.am is very eccentric and he's usually dressed sharp on and off stage. He likes to wear futuristic style clothing and sometimes flamboyant garms too. A lot of men usually steer clear of bright colours but Will.i.am embraces them, often wearing a piece that is bold! His style is definitely creative, modern and unique. He is 100% a trend setter of male fashion, especially in the music industry.

Kendall Jenner in Miss Vogue

2012-11-27T13:05:00.001+00:00

Kendall Jenner looks gorgeous on Miss Vogue Australia's cover. She looks all grown up! So classy and chic but yet sexy! She looks every part the model. I love that black backless dress too... it's beautiful.

My Week on Instagram #3

2012-11-26T18:59:00.003+00:00

My life on instagram (follow me @ohsewfashion)

Left to right, top to bottom:

1. This black leather handbag is lush. I love the simplicity of it but yet it still looks chic and sophisticated. The gold tips on the shoes are really cute too!

2. Hahahaha! This made me chuckle. People that make up these photos are too funny. It's kinda true though... everyone is a model these days!

3. I love Rihanna with short hair, it really suits her and makes her that little bit more edgier. This pixies hair does make her look very boyish but it's still a really nice hairstyle.

4. Rihanna again... yes I can admit I do LOVE Rihanna! She's my girl crush. Wearing clashing prints are very on trend at the moment and Rihanna rocks it well.

5. Mmmmmm hello Mr. This male model is gorgeous. I don't know his name but just look at his body! He has beautiful eyes too!

6. This was taken a few years back at my sister's birthday spa weekender. We had such a great time! I really miss my short hair, especially when it was red but it's all about au naturale now!

7. This photo needs no words... it's just too cute!

8. Marilyn Monroe is a true beauty. Classic.

9. This bridge (sorry I can't remember which one it is!) in London looks so pretty at night time.

10. I really like this leopard print off the shoulder black tshirt. Very cool... and easy to make!

11. This picture for me symbolises black beauty and love. I love everything about it, especially their natural hair.

12. This outfit looks great! Combining different size checks always look lush together!

Socks with Open Toe Shoes

2012-11-23T13:56:00.002+00:00

I know wearing socks with open toe shoes is on trend right now and has been for a good few years. A lot of celebrities- including Rihanna, Kate Moss, Beyonce and Fearne Cotton- are dong it, but i'm really not feeling this look. I personally don't think it looks right. In fact it looks quite odd and should be avoided by all means!

I would NOT be seen in this look... BUT I can appreciate that it looks nice on this girl. Who would have thought that leopard print ankle socks with patent heels and rolled up jeans would go together? But somehow it works!

Now, if you must wear socks with heels, then this is definitely the BEST look. Team up white patterned ankle socks with black (closed toe) heels. This look is just too cute! I love it. It's very girly and chic. I could see myself rocking this look but i'd obviously have to make sure the rest of my outfit was on point too!!

Tights with open toe shoes looks very nice plus it keeps your toes nice and warm in the winter! Sheers tights can look good but i think the best type of tights to wear for this look is opaque. I have been know to rock this trend on several occasions and I must admit its very comfortable too!

What do you guys think of this look and have you worn anything similar?

To Prime Or Not To Prime

2012-11-20T17:30:00.000+00:00

Apparently "not to prime is a crime" and I must say I totally agree, although at first I just thought everyone was on a hype and it was just another marketing ploy to get women to buy yet another makeup product. I wouldn't give in and buy it mainly because I do take my skin for granted! I have very soft skin and I hardly ever get spots. I just have a few blemishes from where I scratch my spots but i'm not majorly fussed. So because my skin is in pretty good nick, I hardly bother with any facial regimes such as facial scrubs or masks. I shouldn't be admitting this, but 7 out of 10 times, I don't even wipe my make up off at night time (unless it's really heavy make up). A CRIME I KNOW! I can admit it's partly down to laziness but I thought well if it ain't broke why fix it! I had been doing this for years and my skin is just fine.

But one day after watching some youtube beauty videos, I felt the urge to go and try one of these supposedly amazing primers... just to see what all the fuss was about! So I went about researching which brand to get... I immediately went to MAC as I use their foundation and concealer... but I really wasn't feeling their prices. In fact, I wasn't feeling any of the brands prices! NOT ONE BIT! The top primers that kept popping up were MAC Prep and Prime, Smashbox Photo Finish Primer, Nars Multiprotect Primer and Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch. Now, I'm not no cheapo, I will spend money on quality products.... BUT.... this was a trial... a TEST, just to see if it lived up to it's hype! So NO, you're damn straight I would not be spending that much money on a product I didn't even know was going to work for sure. I've done that too many times with other beauty products... getting caught in the hype... and I was left feeling majorly disappointed and pissed off that I wasted my money and couldn't return it because it had been open!

So having sampled these top brand primers and not feeling happy with the silly price tags, I jumped back on the net and typed in alternatives to makeup primers on google, which led me to yet another beauty video on youtube, but this time the woman was reviewing a chafing gel powder as a primer substitute!!! Hey! If it worked, why not!!! I was a bit dubious at first. I mean was she just giving such high reviews because she had been sent the product to review or was what she was saying genuine. I watched quite a few more videos reviewing this product, then I jumped back onto google to find written reviews. I WAS SOLD! I went straight to one of my favourite sites...Ebay and purchased the gel. What was the product I hear you all asking? Well, it's called...

MONISTAT CHAFING RELEF GEL POWDER

OMG I LOOOOOVE this product! Yes, I know it says for intimate care but don't be scared off! Just IGNORE that bit! lol. It has exactly the same ingredient in as all the expensive primers, which is silicone.... but at a fraction of the cost!!! I brought mine for about £7.50 inc p&p but I think it's actually cheaper in the shops... I just couldn't find it anywhere (think is's more readily available in America)! That's fine, even it is a few pounds more, i'm still saving bucket loads of money, which I can spend on other lovely things! It's a blimming bargain for how excellent it is!

This product is amazing and in my opinion (after sampling the top brands), there is absolutely no difference! I moisturise my skin as per usual and then apply a thin layer of Monistat Chafing Relief Gel to my face. The gel goes a long way, you literally need about four tiny blobs on your finger to do your whole face. It glides on and dries to a gorgeously silky finish. It's hard to describe, but it kind of feels like velvet! So so soft and silky! Then I apply my foundation on top of it.

Before I started using this, whenever I wore foundation, my face would shine a couple of times throughout the day and i'd have to pat it down to get rid of the shine. No word of a lie, with this gel, ANY foundation I use pretty much lasts ALL day and all night. Sometimes, I may have to pat down like once throughout the day, depending on how busy I am but that is a HUGE improvement from before! There literally is no shine, which means I don't have to keep retouching my makeup! I have a combination of dry and oily skin but my face never feels greasy and my foundation seems to glide on much more smoothly... it doesn't get stuck in the lines under my eyes!

Now, remember I said this was initially just a test to see if I liked it. So, I would have ended up buying it anyway because I LOVE it... but i'm just glad I found this product rather than waste my money on a top brand, when this does EXACTLY the same!

What primers do you guys use? Have any of you tried this out before and what do you think of it?

Liebster Blog Award

2012-11-20T01:37:00.001+00:00

So, i've been tagged for this award by two lovely people, Lili Julian at Lets Get Lippy and Janine at What Renee Made. Thank you guys for showing some love to my blog, means a lot!

The rules...
Post 11 random facts about yourself
Answer 11 question's from the person who tagged you
Create 11 new questions for who you tag
Tag 11 blogs with under 200 followers, and no tag back

11 Randon facts about me...
* I am the eldest of three siblings and my sister is my BESTEST friend!
* My favourite colours are black and purple
* I cry really really easily and over silly things, which can be a bit embarrassing at times!
* I'm a country girl at heart (from Gloucestershire) living in the Big City
* I love lipbalms, lipsticks and lipglosses... don't think I go a day without wearing them!
* I am a badass fashion designer and pattern cutter
* I have 9 piercings
* I wear glasses, which I hate as i feel very nerdy! You will not see many pix with me wearing

them!
* I am half Nigerian and half Jamaican... best of both worlds!
* I have a very sweet tooth... not the best thing for my stomach or thighs but I don't mind my
ass getting bigger!
* I can be quite shy at times

Lili's questions...
1. Why did you choose this name for your blog?
I chose Oh Sew Fashion because my main passion is fashion. I am a fashion designer and pattern cutter and wanted my blog to be focused around that and give tutorials including sewing. Plus, I think it's quite catchy!

2. Designer or High Street?
I prefer high street or up and coming designers.

3. If you had a genie within a lamp; what three things would you wish for?
* world poverty to vanish
* to be wealthy and have a very successful fashion business
* to find a genuine, honest, decent guy and fall madly in love and have a family!

4. What is your GO TO Emergency food?
Anything sweet! Such as vanilla and strawberry cheesescake, biscuits, especially chocolate, malted milks and shortbread, skittles and WHITE chocolate.
5. What does your beauty regime consist of?
Erm, not a lot really! I begin with a primer, then apply foundation or sometimes just concealer depending on the occasion, some eyeliner and mascara. I use face wipes to take off my make up or if I don't have any, go back to basics.. flannel and water!

6. If you could be President or Prime Minister for a day, what laws would you change or enforce?

Dunno! Too many to think of!
7. Forget Celebrity ‘Come Dine With Me’; there could be one for Bloggers! Which 4 Bloggers would you bring to your dinner party?

Ha! My sister, Lynnike at Cherry Lips Cocoa Hips, my friend, Janine at What Renee Made, and i'm struggling for the other two!
8. Lipstick or Lipgloss?
Lipgloss for sure! I like my lips to be popping!

9. What has been your biggest life challenge so far?

Getting through uni with all that coursework and very little sleep! Never again!

10. If Jack Sparrow [the pirate] delivered you a chest full of riches, what would you spend it on?
I'd buy a gorgeous house or two, go on quite a few holidays, go on a shopping spree, put money into my own business and help out family and friends. The rest I would save!

11. What will you do after you finish answering this question?
Make something to eat!

Janine's questions...
1. Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging to express my creativity and stuff that I love and find interested.

2. What is the reason behind your blog name?

I chose Oh Sew Fashion because my main passion is fashion. I am a fashion designer and pattern cutter and wanted my blog to be focused around that and give tutorials including sewing. Plus, I think it's quite catchy!

3. What 's your favourite food?

Fish, especially prawns... I could eat them all day every day! I also love salmon and haddock. Besides fish, I love macaroni cheese and homemade coleslaw.

4.Where would you like your blog to be in 2 years time?

Erm, just to keep growing it really and providing content that people find interesting and helpful!

5. What is your pet hate?

I HATE when people say they will call you and they don't, I absolutely hate when i'm annoyed or pissed off and the person i'm pissed off with is smirking at me... that drives me crazy and arrogance, bad manners, being lied to, materialistic people... the list can go on forever so I will stop now!

6. Is there a beauty product you can't live without?

MAC studio finish concealer.

7. Vintage or high street?

I do like vintage but would probably go for high street.

8. Where in the world would you like to visit?

Thailand, Jamaica and Nigeria to see my family and Hawaii. The are loads more places, but think this would be my first choices!

9. Who is your style icon?

Don't really have one but I do love Rihanna's, Beyonce's and Gwen Stefani's style.

10. Which do you prefer reading magazines or blogs?

I used to love reading magazines, I would buy them every month without fail... Sugar and More springs to mind! BUT nowadays, I much prefer reading blogs... so much more diverse and interesting!

11. What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
To never watch what people are doing, concentrate on yourself and never give up and to follow your dreams/goals no matter how hard or how long they take to achieve.

The blogs I am tagging...
Cherry Lips Cocoa Hips

Life, Highs, Lows and the Garb Inbetween

Ready...Dressed...Go

Crystal Cosmic Chic

Peculiar Chick

Silly Girls Fashion Dream

She Loves The Finer Things

Miss Princie

Ms Versatile Tips

Le Petite Moustache

My questions for them...
1. What is your dream job?
2. What is the reason behind your blog name?
3. Going to an island, what are the 3 beauty products you would take?
4. Favourite way to spend your free time?
5. If you had 3 wishes, what would they be?
6. Favourite item of clothing in your wardrobe?
7. If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
8. Favourite place to shop?
9. Lipstick or lipgloss... and what's your favourite colour?
10. Who is your favourite fashion designer?
11. What do you think of my blog?

So that comes to the end of the tag, hope you enjoyed reading my answers and if I tagged you, please feel free to let me know when you've done it so I can have a nose at your answers!

Thanks again for nominating me!

OOTD | Black & Gold Print Jumper

2012-11-19T15:50:00.001+00:00

Black & gold print jumper, h&m

Black leggins, New Look

Red wedges, New Look

Accessories, Primark

Hi guys, hope you all had a lovely weekend. Mine was OK... well actually I was pretty much on my own and quite bored as my sister went to Paris for one of her friend's birthday. She has an urban lifestyle blog, which you can check out here.

Anyhoo, before she went to Paris, we did a quick photoshoot. I LOVE this jumper. Not only is it really comfy and warm but the print is gorgeous. Most of my friend's don't like my jumper, they say it's too loud! TOO LOUD!!! Are they mad?! Ah, what do they know anyway! It has a gold and brown print all over the jumper. When I first saw it in h&m, I liked it but kept doubting whether to get it because I did think it was quite busy too and it would draw attention to me, which I don't really like, but whilst shopping around, I kept getting drawn back to it... so I thought what the heck... obviously I like it so stop being silly and just buy it. So glad I did! As the jumper is quite busy, I like to wear it with plain colours, usually dark colours like black... like I said I love prints but don't want to end up looking like an over decorated christmas tree!

I wanted quite dark and dramatic make up, hence the dark lipstick and heavy eyeliner. My day-to-day make up is VERY simple and quite natural so I thought i'd change it up a bit! As you guys know, I struggle majorly with my ticks when doing my eye makeup. Don't ask me why! I just can't seem to get the angle right for some reason lol. Applying eyeliner normally- without the ticks- is just fine... it's just those damn ticks! So I usually get my sister to do them for me or just don't bother with them at all, which is a shame because I think they can make your eyes look really pretty. If you have any tips for me on how to do it, it would be much appreciated!

So, what do you guys think of my jumper? Do you agree with most of my friends?!

My Week on Instagram #2

2012-11-18T12:52:00.001+00:00

My life on instagram (follow me @ohsewfashion)

Left to right, top to bottom:

1. I had to take a snapshot of this eye makeup as I think it's pretty. I love her ticks and this is how I want mine to look. I have tried and tried to get my ticks at the right angle but for some reason I just can't get it. It's so annoying but I will keep trying!

2. This pic is just beautiful. I love the stark contrast between the model's dark skin tone and the bright, bold coloured prints in the garment. Even her lipstick is just popping. Bright colours on dark skin look amazing.

3. These black ankle boots are cool. I like the gold buckle and zip details.

4. DIY customised denim collar with embellishments. I'm going to make some of my own soon, so will keep you guys posted.

5. My sister and I messing around at The London Eye. We went for her birthday and we actually had a lot of fun. I'm wearing my DIY green print leggins, which can be seen more in detail here.

6. This shoe is crazy! It's so creative... it almost doesn't look real, like it shouldn't be worn and just be kept in a museum to look at! Just look at the sculptural design around the foot piece! Love it.

7. SWAAAAG!!! Not many men can pull this look off. Usually, i'm not too sure about such bright colours on men, especially as a complete outfit... BUT this dude looks fab... I would look twice! I love these colours together... any man that is confident enough to wear these kind of colours without looking like a clown is definitely a winner!

8. Ooooh statement necklaces... gotta love them! They can totally make an outfit. I'm loving the statement bow necklace... so cute!

9. These are all of my womenswear and menswear pattern cutting blocks, graded to different sizes. I have so many! I am actually running out of storage space to store them.

10. Loving this outfit, it's quite rock chick.... the Pray for Kart tshirt is cute and quite quirky!

11. This is me in my DIY customised little black dress (you can see more pics here).

12. I really like these watches and bangles, especially the black set. I love black in almost anything... such a sexy colour!

MOYAAH 2012 Collection | Heritage

2012-11-16T12:58:00.000+00:00

This is my second collection entitled Heritage...

Inspiration came mainly from architect Zaha Hadid's work. Her buildings are extremely beautiful and cleverly structured, with so much detail. I particularly liked her buildings with lots of line detail and soft curves. I used the line details in her- and other creative buildings- to experiment with pleating and the gorgeous curved shapes in the buildings, particularly the Oceanografic building in Valencia, which was the inspiration for the soft curved panelling throughout the collection. The palette is black with a mix of bright bold African prints in the designs of modern, contemporary, playful dresses with flared inserts, a high waisted skirt, cute shorts, a crop jacket and jacket with an oversized hood. I made all of the accessories too. My favourite? Oh gosh! I can't decide... I LOVE them all lol!

So, what do you guys think about my collection? Do you have a favourite piece?

OOTD | DIY Green Print Leggins

2012-11-15T12:45:00.001+00:00

I live in leggins. That's because I love them... they are so comfortable and yet sexy too! I have lots; black ones, floral one, print ones, cutout ones... you get the point! I think they can be dressed up or dressed down, depending on what other items you team with it.

I found this lush green jersey fabric with black floral prints on in one of my favourite fabric shops in Brixton and I managed to haggle the price down too! I'm becoming quite good at haggling lol. I paired my DIY leggins with my sister's black 'Alrite Still!' off-the-shoulder t-shirt, black lace up wedges from Aldo and neon yellow accessories made by moi for a more casual look. Oh and in the second photo, i'm not just pulling that silly face for the sake of it! The sun was beaming down on me and without realising I squinted!

What do you guys think of my leggins? x

Nasty Gal | AW 2012

2012-11-14T18:29:00.001+00:00

Nasty Gal, an online retailer has recently released their autumn/winter lookbook entitled 'Weird Science'. I love love love their collection, especially the dresses with the beautiful dramatic sweetheart necklines. So gorgeous! Their clothes are quite quirky yet very sexy. Their palette includes shades of black with bright, bold colours in the designs of provocative bodysuits, bustier tops, leather jackets and denim shorts with fringing, oversized graphic jumpers and cutout bandage dresses. The collection is fun and quite retro too! Another piece I love it is the oversized pink jumper with numbers and letters on... so cute! I can totally see me in it!