FROM HEAD TO HEELS | Fashion & Lifestyle Blog | By Nkemdilim Oranye

OUTFIT | AUTUMN FLORALS

2016-04-04T16:30:00.000+02:00

Wearing florals in Autumn is always a good idea but would not totally recommend wearing a bralet during this time where the weather is still uncertain if it wants to be cold or hot. A sure way to catch pneumonia. Thanks for stopping by. x

FITNESS | SOME COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID AT GYM NEXT TIME

2016-03-30T16:30:00.000+02:00

Gyming can certainly be daunting. I know it certainly can be for me. If you are an amateur at the gym, you will certainly face problems which you will find baffling to deal with. These things often turn into screwing up your idea of coming to the gym further. This makes it important for you to first get introduced to all such common problems and find effective solutions for them. Although some of these issues may seem to be minor, but they often lead to huge setbacks in terms of benefits.

Waiting for equipment

People are bound to form bee-lines at an equipment in gym during the during peak hours. It's sheer wastage of time to follow the league. The best available option is to head to the gym during the off-hours; either early in the morning before 7 or after 7 in the evening. Also, try and have alternative options ready in the back of your mind in case the machines are busy. This way you will stay moving rather than wasting your time waiting.

Skipping warm-up

Believe it or not, dodging your pre-workout warm-up is a sure shot way to get injured when the workout gets tougher. It is very important to have a dedicated warm-up that involves body weight exercises like lunges, squats, push-ups, and jumping jacks. This helps in elevating the heart rate before you plan to attack the weights. If possible, make first set of each exercise you tend to perform lighter than the further ones as this also works as a great warm-up session.

Not planning the routine

Straight walking into the gym without a plan in mind is always a bad idea. Before starting anything you certainly need to have a plan for sure. Your plan of work-out should be well-thought out in advance and it must include the exercises, sets, and reps. You may even include the order in which you plan to perform the exercises. This helps in cutting down on the time wastage and rather ensures you straight get down to business.

Using same machines and sets

In case you go with the same repetitive routine every day, you will soon get bored and will lose interest in gyming. To avoid this, make sure that your workout routine changes after every few weeks. This can be done by either alternating the exercises or the acute variables which include sets, reps, and most importantly the rest times. To enjoy extended benefits, stick with a particular workout routine for not more than three to four weeks before changing it up.

Now I ain't no fitness expert, but here's a little fitness motivation from my fave trainer Obi [Obi's Anti Gravity/Fight Club] which really rings true for all work out: 1) Never go three days without exercise 2) Work out at least three days a week 3) Never miss a Monday 4) Never give up!

[AB]

OUTFIT | BLACK & WHITE

2016-03-28T04:30:00.000+02:00

Checking in with you guys with this black and white outfit look. Black and white clothing is something I strayed from wearing over the years. I barely own any neutral clothing [except black]. Over the years, I incorporated mostly colourful and bright clothing to my closet but I am now seeing the added benefit of adding neutral clothing to the mix. Neutrals are clean, simple but can still have personality depending on how you wear them.

NAILS | 4 NAIL ART DESIGNS TO TRY FOR THE EASTER HOLIDAYS

2016-03-25T20:28:00.001+02:00

Happy Good Friday All. Hope you are all enjoying the start of the Easter holidays. I certainly am. Watch my latest video of four nail art designs that you can totally try out for the Easter holidays.

Don't forget to subscribe and catch all the latest videos on From Head To Heels Youtube channel here - www.youtube.com/nkemoranye

OUTFIT | UNEXPECTED PAIRING

2016-03-23T17:00:00.000+02:00

When two similar clothing items unexpectedly match perfectly without looking trashy, it calls for some celebration. And top it off by wearing one of my all time fave MAC So Chaud lipstick. What more can I ask for? Hope you enjoy this unexpected outfit pairing and snaps nearly as much as I did.

OUTFIT | BLACK WIDOW

2016-03-21T17:30:00.000+02:00

Just a little outfit I put together on a hot summer day where the sun was shinning bright and definitely the Summer hat needed to be unleashed. Unintentionally trying to be a black widow here. Triple pun intended. A black widow (spider), an actual widow dressed in black and a witch brewing over her cauldron. Hope you're all having a great week! Ta ta.

TRAVEL | HOW TO EARN FLYER MILES WITHOUT FLYING

2016-03-16T17:00:00.000+02:00

Airline miles, also termed as frequent flyer miles or travel reward points, are earned reward points that travellers earn based on their travel: how far they fly and how much money they spend using their credit cards.

Generally, a traveller racks up reward miles over the period and thenhe/she can easily redeem the earned points in course of buying other air ticket. If looking at the significance of airline miles for frequent flyers, they can translate their earned points into the best economical deals for their next fly.

The term "Miles" doesn't denote to the number of times you have flied; rather it speaks of the miles you have travelled through air. For example, if you earn 2500 miles for your fly from Miami to Seattle, it doesn't mean that you have got another free ticket for your next fly.The airline miles that you collect on every ticket are just similar to accumulating reward points on using your credit cards.

Generally, there are two main ways to earn miles in the airline industry – by signing up with airline and by using credit card that specifically offers airline miles. Some of the available credit cards do dedicatedly offer airline reward point program for a specific flight.

To attract more and more customers, almost all airlines have their own flyer program generally known as a loyalty program. They offer lucrative welcome deals, giving some airline miles to welcome your new membership.

Other ways to accumulate miles:

Other than purchasing air tickets, there are some other ways to accumulate miles in adequate volume. In fact, you can earn miles by shopping at certain stores, dinning, and many more.

Another popular way is to reach out to miles and reward points brokers who purchase and sell miles of different airlines. If you lack some points for your next trip, you can approach such brokers and get the points easily without spending much on travel.

If you are not a frequent flyer and don't want to spend much on air travel, you should select a reliable broker who offer airline miles for sale. You better check each and every detail carefully so that you can purchase miles through a safe and protected gateway.

Make sure the select broker does meet the guidelines so as to keep the transactions safe and secure against feasible IT threat. The brokers build a robust portal that can manage all transactions and thus sustain any threat.

OUTFIT | PEACHY

2016-03-14T17:00:00.000+02:00

OUTFIT DETAILS | Dress: Fashion World | [Peplum Skirt worn as] Peplum Belt and Flats: Selfast | Accessories: Mr Price |

I am at a stage where I up-cycle and recycle my closet. If a clothing item can serve two or more purpose, then it's a total score. Here are the full outfit of the day snap shots for a Wedding breakfast I attend late last year. I shared one or two pictures on From Head To Heels Facebook Page last year but thought it would be noteworthy to finally share the full look and details on the blog. P.S. If you're not part of the From Head To Heels Facebook Page family, go on and join the wagon here for day to day posts. x

OUTFIT | KENTE

2016-03-09T17:00:00.000+02:00

I can share a little secret with you and tell you that I was not too thrilled with the way I looked here. I had no make up on, which I often don't wear much. But adding a touch of red lipstick, certainly did the trick. It lifted my mood, demeanor and outfit. Perhaps, there's a secret ingredient in red lipstick that just seems to be a great outfit booster. If you love my neck piece, you can purchase my ready to wear UCHE Kente neck piece here.

OUTFIT | BLACKISH

2016-03-07T17:00:00.000+02:00

OUTFIT DETAILS | Crop Top: Mr Price | Shorts, Bag, Heels, Belt and Sunnies: Boutique | Revlon Lipstick: Clicks |

You can never go wrong with an all black look with some (p)leather details. When all else fails, wear BLACK. When in doubt wear BLACK (unless it's 50 degrees, then refrain from it). I spiced up the outfit with edge worth chained glasses. A great way I notched up the outfit from blah to boss!

FOOD | BASIC TABLE MANNERS WE LIKE TO FORGET

2016-03-02T17:00:00.000+02:00

Whether you're eating at a fancy restaurant, in the cafeteria, or at home with friends and families, some basic table manners should never be forgotten and good table manners make for a more pleasant meal.

Rules may be different from person to person and based on the situations, but there is one rule of good manners that is "always treat others the way you want to be treated by others".

Here are some easy-to-follow tips for good table manners.

Always sit straight and do not rest elbows on the table. Instead keep your hands on your lap while not eating.
It is good to swallow the food before speaking.
While chewing food, keep your mouth closed. Do not talk with food in the mouth.
Do not eat too fast in the company of others.
Do not gulp down the food. It is not a healthy habit.
Make sure that you keep pace with others and not linger over the first course while the others are already waiting for their dessert.
If food particle stuck between the teeth, don't pick at it while at the table.
Do not keep your personal belongings like wallet, keys, spectacles, purse, etc on the table.
Never blow on any hot soup or liquid. Wait till it is cool enough for you to consume.
Cut the food into small pieces and instead of stuffing your mouth with huge chunks.
Use salt and pepper (Cruet set) after tasting your food.
When you want to butter your toast, take some of it on to your plate, and then spread it on the toast.
Do not make noise while using cutlery.
Pass the food to your right side, unless someone on your left side specifically asks for a particular dish which is near to you.
Do not push your plate away and push your chair back once you finished eating.
If inadvertently you belch, cover your mouth with a napkin and say ‘excuse me' to no one in particular.
Children should be taught the correct usage of cutlery like how to hold the fork, knife or spoon like which hand to hold the sppon and fork, etc.
Used cutlery should be placed on the plate and not on the table.
Do not ever wave cutlery around to make a point.
If napkin is removed for use from the table, it should be placed on the lap.

[AB]

OUTFIT | IVY & TASSELS

2016-02-29T17:00:00.000+02:00

OUTFIT DETAILS | Dress and Heels: Mr Price | Wooden Clutch Bag and Ankara Tassel Earrings: UCHE | Rimmel Lipstick: Clicks |

I first debut this green dress a couple of years ago here on the blog but it is still a sworn favourite. If you carry your weight around the middle, it is a good flattering dress to wear. Extra brownie points that it is in my fave colour - GREEN. I did dress up this look with statement pieces from UCHE and double brownie points that the Ankara tassel earrings are in a second fave colour of mine - PURPLE. Two fave colours in an outfit. This must be heaven. You can purchase my made to order UCHE Ankara tassel earrings here.

NAILS | 3D BROKEN/SHATTERED MIRROR GLASS NAIL ART

2016-02-26T17:00:00.000+02:00

Glass Nails!! It's the latest #nail trend from Korea! No need for iridescent cellophane/tissue paper as you can use aluminium foil to re-create the look. Watch as I show you how to get the look of a broken/shattered glass or broken/shattered mirror. Two looks for the price of one :)

Don't forget to subscribe and catch all the latest videos on From Head To Heels YouTube channel here - www.youtube.com/nkemoranye.

OUTFIT | BLACK & GREEN

2016-02-24T17:00:00.000+02:00

Here's to breaking style rules in 2016 and rocking a dark lip in Summer! Why wait till Winter? When the moment to live in is NOW! The idea was not to go for a from head to to heels black look (see what I did there?). So I paired the look with green UCHE tassel earrings that inadvertently complements the fringe bag that I am wearing. The earrings are a nice touch from making the look look overly dark and goth! You can purchase my made to order UCHE Ankara tassel earrings here.

OUTFIT | BLUE STRIPES

2016-02-22T17:00:00.000+02:00

How to be hard ass? Rock a heavy duty chain as a body chain! I like the element of surprise in this outfit. It is hard. Yet soft. Badass. Yet feminine. The chains brings a welcomed twist to an ordinarily plain casual outfit. These chains were first DIYed as a chain necklace (check out the outfit here) but I am recently loving it as a DIY body chain. I am all for not playing it safe. Safe is boring!

TALK | 7 THINGS I HAVE LEARNT THAT RECRUITERS SAY THAT MEANS SOMETHING DIFFERENT

2016-02-17T17:00:00.001+02:00

I have been in the job application process. The application process is a long and tiring road. It requires patience, diligence, and sometimes mind reading. Well, not really mind reading. But applicants must have a penchant for reading between the lines, as interviewers, hiring managers, and recruiters don't always say what they mean.

To drive the point home, here are 7 things that HR officers usually say and what they actually mean:

1. You'll fit well for the job, but we're still looking at other candidates."

MEANING: "There's someone much better than you, but if he/she doesn't accept our offer, you're next in line."

This isn't the case all the time; for some, this can also mean, "I think you're it. It's just that we have to finish the round of interviews. Protocol, you know?" If this is what the HR personnel meant, good for you. But how can you tell? Analyse the hiring manager's body language the entire time you're together.

2. "We'll keep your resume on file for future opportunities."

MEANING: "Your resume will be stored in our database and we'll probably forget about you as soon as you leave the building."

Hiring managers say things like this to soothe a rejection. Unfortunately, you shouldn't bank on it. Unless you reapply after a few months, they won't even know your file is already in their database.

3. "Salary depends on experience."

MEANING: "We already have a set offer that we'll most likely not change."

There are times that the offer does change depending on the candidate, but it won't adjust by much. If you're too good, then they won't be able to afford you.

4. "You'll hear from us soon."
MEANING: If you're accepted, we'll call you ASAP. But if not, we'll send you a template rejection letter when we have the time."

Soon can mean different things in the job hunt process; it can be a day, a week, or a month. Again, to have the right expectation, you must read the HR staff's body language.

5. "Where else are you interviewing?"

MEANING: "Just how interested are you in this line of work?"

If you're applying for different positions in different companies, don't let the hiring manager know. You must let the interviewer know that your eyes are set on just one path. You can give a vague answer like, "That's not something I can share, but I am interviewing elsewhere. I'm just keeping my options open."

6. "Have you ever had problems with your superiors?"

MEANING: "Let's see if you struggle with management. Come and rant about your old boss. I dare you."

It is never a good idea to share details about a conflict you had with your previous employers. And you should NEVER rant about your old boss. Answer with, "I won't call it ‘problems'. At times we don't see eye-to-eye, we talk about it in a professional manner."

7. "I received your name and contact details through a confidential source."

MEANING: "I found your details online."

It's no secret that recruiters use the internet—social media, to be exact—to look for viable candidates. That's why it's highly recommended that you keep your online accounts updated and professional.

You must always put your best foot forward. No matter how many times you're rejected, you must brush yourself off and continue the search for your dream job. Have your professional resume, cover letter, and awesome self ready at all times to face all the obstacles the job hunt process will throw your way.

[AB]

OUTFIT | NEWSPAPER & BLUE

2016-02-15T17:00:00.000+02:00

I like what I wear. I wear what I like. Blue is so unconventional but so is my middle name. Bold lips can be tacky if not worn well. The success, I found to wearing bold lips is to have well moisturised lips and dollops of confidence. Bold lips may be for you. Take it or leave it. Wear what you like and you will like what you wear. You can still purchase my ready to wear newspaper neck piece here for Valentine's Month.

OUTFIT | SHWE SHWE

2016-02-10T17:00:00.001+02:00

I like what I like. Red lips. High buns. Laughs. Smiles. Quirky and often ridiculous poses. And this UCHE red shwe shwe neck piece. Great thing that I could combine all that I like all in one post. Get my ready to wear shwe shwe neck piece here for Valentine's Day. Like what you like this Valentine's month. No shame in that. Happiest of Valentine's to you this month. x

OUTFIT | SMILEY FACE

2016-02-08T17:00:00.000+02:00

In this world, I'd like to stay this age and wear fun animated crop tops like this and go around throwing around bucket full of smiles. Because life's too short not to wear tops that don't have character written on them. Instead of wearing your heart on a sleeve, wear it on a top!

BEAUTY | TOP TIPS TO KEEP YOUR SKIN HEALTHY

2016-02-03T17:00:00.000+02:00

Growing older, I have found that my skin was anything than its former youthful exuberance that it once was. I have resulted over the last six months to taking better care of my skin and formulating a simple skincare regime that works for me. In due time, I would love to share this with you but here are a couple of pointers, I found helpful to restoring your skin to its former glory days.

Wear sunscreen! Daily use of sunscreen, even in winter months, helps prevent sunburn. Sunburn leads to premature aging of the skin, and can lead to skin cancer. Wearing a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen will block out up to 97% of UVA and UVB rays. Wearing a sunscreen with moisturiser will keep your skin hydrated in the winter months to maintain that healthy look and feel.

Eat a well-balanced diet. Vitamin A helps reduce wrinkles, Vitamin B3 reduces redness and hydrates the skin, Vitamin E moisturises the skin, Vitamin B1 gives your skin the glow you desire, and silica improves the skin's elasticity and heals wounds.

Exercise regularly. Sweating from a workout is the body's natural way of eliminating toxins that may build up below the skin's surface. You also pump up your blood flow which improves the skin's look.

Clean your face each night removing makeup while moisturising the skin.

Take short, cooler showers. Long and hot showers reduce the skin's moisture and protective oils.

Avoid tanning. Whether at a tanning salon or under the summer sun, tanning results in the premature aging of your skin.

Plug in the humidifier at night. Not only is a humidifier great for helping you get over a cold but it also keeps the room moisturised to help prevent dry skin and itchy skin.

Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to one drink. Smoking ages the skin significantly. This happens because smoking speeds up the reduction of collagen resulting in more wrinkles. Alcohol dehydrates the skin making drinkers look older and more tired than non-drinkers. When drinking alcohol be sure to drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated.

Get a good night's sleep. Sleeping 8 hours is optimal for keeping the skin looking fresh. Lack of sleep makes an individual look tired and older leaving you with bags under your eyes. Regular exercise also helps your body become tired more naturally.

Visit a dermatologist. Have a dermatologist take a look at your skin and check for moles. You can ask them for more information about how you can better take care of your skin.

You only need about 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure to get your daily dose of Vitamin D, which you get even without trying. Most people get those 10 minutes of sun exposure on the arms and legs anyway, because people often don't remember.

[AB]

OUTFIT | ABSTRACT ORANGE

2016-02-01T17:00:00.000+02:00

One of the biggest mistakes, I had been making in 2015 was not incorporating simple basic tops and tees, like this one, in my closet. It is such basic no fuss (neutral) tops that can elevate your outfit and make your accessories stand out. I am an accessories girl through and through and what better way to wear my Ankara bib necklace than with a basic white tee. You can purchase my made to order Ankara bib neck piece here.

OUTFIT | PINK CHECKERED

2016-01-27T17:00:00.000+02:00

OUTFIT DETAILS | Dress: PQ Clothing Outlet | Sunnies, Sandals and Hat: Mr Price | Essence Lipstick: Clicks |

Hands up all outfit repeat offenders. I cannot lie I am an outfit repeat offender. Period. Time and time again. Tried and tested. If something works for me, it works. No shame in my game. I have worn this dress a couple of times on the blog (see here) but never backwards. It was great to realise, the other day that the dress looks even better worn backwards. So, why not switch up that outfit you have on repeat? You might find it works better worn backwards and you can still get more wear out of it.

OUTFIT | MUSTARD & MINT

2016-01-25T17:00:00.000+02:00

On days when you want to keep it simple, I find that an accessory like this bow tie can give your outfit a new dimension. I wanted the casual, yet chic/cute look, so I paired this bow tie with a simple mint top, mustard/brown colour bag and chunky block heels. These are outfits I live for - simple with a touch of cute. You can purchase my made to order bow tie here.

OUTFIT | LACEY

2016-01-20T17:00:00.000+02:00

Although, heels would have spruced up this look, I decided it was best to retire the heels for today. I am not a 8-5 heels girl, so I very much welcomed wearing flats for the day. This is one of the outfits I gravitate towards if I am meeting up with friends. Definitely a no fuss outfit but still quite chic!

LIFE | 2016 REFLECTIONS & RESOLUTIONS

2016-01-18T17:00:00.000+02:00

I always believe that New Year's resolution are superfluous.That I have resolved over the past couple of years to not make any grand promises and declarations at the beginning of the year but instead to just take the year as it comes.

Of course I have made and set goals during the years but not any grand declaration(s) at the beginning of the year. This has been largely due to the fact that I believe that we often commit to a large set of unachievable resolutions and by the first month of the new year most of our resolutions are largely just fragments of our imaginations. However this year is a new turning point in which I will dedicate 2016 to building my personal and corporate self/brand. To be frank, during past years, I have done so whether unconsciously or consciously. The only difference with this year is being consistent.

Building my personal self is really quite explanatory in which I become an all round better person physically, mentally and spiritually (you know the whole shenanigans). I will refrain from delving into the intricacies of building my personal self as it's best not to bore you with the cliche resolutions of improving oneself. Not so far on the spectrum involves building my corporate self which involves honing my skills/talent in the work industry/environment, becoming more financially sound and savvy, being more adept to the corporate world.

This blog I find is yo-yoing between my personal self (because it is a reflection of who I am) and my corporate self (because the skills I have learned in the corporate world I have (un)/consciously injected into the blog). As you may have noticed, the blog has gotten a new look and has been expanded to include more of beauty and lifestyle. Going forward, my aim is to make From Head To Heels and all its platforms a source where YOU learn something new, get entertained/have fun or be inspired.

Lets talk more resolutions...

New Year Resolutions are contracts we make with ourselves, but share openly with others. Avoid disappointment and make them reasonable.

How many times have you promised yourself that tomorrow will be better? You'll give up smoking; lose weight; take up exercise; eat more healthy meals; go and enjoy yourself; apply for that job of your dreams or maybe do some study. How many times then? I know - the list is endless. Too often, tomorrow just doesn't come.

The idea of the resolution dates back to about 150BC to the time of Janus. He was the ancient Roman God of what's now termed ‘Gates and Doors'. He was believed to have two faces: One pointing to the past and the other to the future. He could therefore look in both direction.

He found his position at the head of the yearly calendar where he was best placed to look forward and backward. This period became one of hope where Romans sought forgiveness from their enemies. It was a time for the exchange of gifts with neighbours as all welcomed in the New Year.

Today is very much the same. The time signifies a new beginning. We make our resolutions – many of which are over ambitious - and we promise to be the very best we can in the year ahead. It's a time for working harder and smarter to achieve our dreams and goals.

Many people make a joke of their resolutions and don't treat them with the seriousness they deserve. About 40% of the population makes resolutions. Of those, about 60% keeps them initially but after 6 months, that percentage dwindles to about 45% and as time passes, the percentage shrinks even more.

The following seven points can assist in embracing the concept of resolutions and understanding how important they can be to your life:

Make it a time for reflection and introspection
Embrace the power you have to initiate change
Ask positive questions; formulate powerful answers
Keep your focus no matter what you encounter
Know the impact your resolutions can have on your future
Believe that your future will become more empowered
Rewarding small and large successes builds confidence

Sometimes a mentor or coach is a great acquisition to help you formulate those resolutions. This individual has the experience to help you stay on track and remain focused and determined. You can also use family members and friends to help you stay the distance.

Don't allow others to push you from your path. Make up your mind that your end goal is going to be achieved, irrespective of what you encounter, even the negativity from others. They just don't have the same resolve you do.

You don't ever have to wait for the New Year to begin your resolutions. Any time during the year is an ideal time to empower and enrich your journey. You can make those life-enriching resolutions at any time of the year. When you feel inspired by someone or something, put that new found enthusiasm to work and begin to build on your dreams and goals.

Don't stand by and do nothing – the future doesn't stand still and neither should you.

Be grateful for every positive step you take and understand the place that faltering also has in your life. If you fall off the wagon just shake yourself off, take stock and get back on. That becomes a very positive and powerful step in itself.

As you achieve your successes, write them in your journal/diary in red ink: Celebrate them and be grateful for just how far you've come. Formulate positive sentences to commemorate those achievements: ‘Thank you for the win in the weekend game': ‘Thank you for the very successful outcome with the operation': ‘Thank you for the fantastic party with family and friends over the weekend': ‘Thanks for the successful signing of the contracts'. The list is endless.

At the end of the year, stop and look back on your many successes. Don't spend too much time worrying about the places where you faltered. Be grateful for how far you've come and remember to celebrate your success, no matter how small it might be.

Imagine the possibilities ….

[AB]