The MAG weekly Blog by Lydia, every Friday 1700 hrs. Nr 48 19th May 2023
A MAG is a Modern African Girl, so no subject is taboo. My purpose is to share things which may interest a MAG.
This week's contributors: Lydia, Doré Fasolati, this week's subjects: .Rain Fashion, Sidewalk fashion, Poverty fashion.
Rain Fashion
It’s the rain season again and we definitely must enjoy it too. One must be thinking of how best to operate without getting soaking wet and hot at the same time due to the short hours of rain. Checking our weather app before leaving the house is something we, unfortunately, had to learn the hard way. We can’t even count the times we’ve been caught mid-rainstorm dressed in something fuzzy or — gah! — white, and those memories of soaking wet shoes and socks are still so clear in our minds.
Avoid wearing light colours like white and beige because they become transparent. Instead, flaunt bright colours like red, green, blue, indigo, yellow and stand out of the crowd.
If you tend to feel unmotivated and lazy on rainy days, it's worth adding a matching set to your closet. Now, your outfit is already put together for you (minus shoes), and you'll have less stress while getting ready in the morning.
You can also try some denims pants and jackets with a darker colored T-shirt and a stylish black rainboots to go in case the sun comes out unexpected, you can still rock them.
Wearing lightweight clothing with a pullover is another way to get through the rainy day; you keep warm while feeling comfortable at the same time. Sidewalk fashion. Someone recently wrote about sidewalk fashion in Mali, and this is indeed something I had wanted to write about for a long time, our sidewalks are like catwalks. Out of necessity a majority of our ladies end up buying imported second hand clothes, and sometimes little jewels can be found in there. It's a pleasure to see a girl hawking oranges and wearing a dress which can be worn to a charity ball. But the more interesting part is the combinations which are sometimes created, and my sketch book is full of design sketches which I literally picked from the street. Majority of those in the developed world have the money to buy what the consumer fast fashion houses propose, and walking on their streets I rarely turn my head, there is little real originality. Sharply contrasting with home here where anything goes. Poverty fashion. We are a developing country, 57 % of our population is under 25 with hardly a job in sight, so people want to join the armed forces, or become musicians, simply out of despair. It is said that poverty is the mother of invention, and inventions we have, like that mobile car washing plant I see visiting offices where there is no water. Or the many different packages of dried mangoes or chocolate coconut mixtures for sale. Many of our unemployed ladies try to become seamstresses, and in order to differenciate themselves from the crowd some try to create fashion, sometimes with very good results. Some of the stuff you see offered for sales on the streets is really nice. Unfortunately the sowing quality often is way below what is acceptable, but the same can be said for many of our “recognized” creators/tailors. It seems that quality is not something which has priority, quick money is. Nadia... do not forget to hit the subscribe button and confirm in your email inbox to get notified about our post. I have received requests about leaving comments/replies. For security and privacy reasons my blog is not associated with the major media giants like Facebook or Twitter. I am talking with the host about a solution, for the time being, you can mail me on wunimi@proton.me I accept invitations and payments to write about certain products or events, things, people, but I may refuse to accept and if my comments are negative then that's what I will publish, despite your payment. This is not a political newsletter. I do not discriminate on any basis whatsoever.
Even if you sleep well already – and especially if you don’t – there are several scents you can try that are perfectly suited for the evening hours, helping you release the stress of the day and get ready for sleep.
Peppermint. Peppermint isn’t just for toothpaste. When you diffuse peppermint oil in the morning, you’ll enjoy a clean, fresh, zippy start to your day.
Rosemary. Rosemary is great for fatigue in general, making it ideal for morning diffusing. You can also look for a blend that contains rosemary and eucalyptus for a herbaceous treat.
Our sense of smell is the strongest of the five senses, (some now say we have more than 5 senses) and also the one most tied to memory and emotion. 75% of all emotions generated every day are due to smell. Scent affects mood, concentration, memory recall, and emotion. Research shows there is a 40% improvement in mood after being exposed to pleasant scents.
The first quarter of the year is over and have you ticked your checklist for your resolutions!? Well, it’s pretty easier said than done. To the 1993 babies turning 30 or already turned 30 it’s ok to be a little anxious about your goals and dreams or how your life hasn’t turned out the way you expected. We are all still figuring ourselves out here, nobody has got it all put together perfectly; some are faking their perfect lives on social media but are depressed and unstable in reality.
Life happens!!! if you haven’t gotten that dream job, lifestyle or home, just know that we are all out here trying our best. Rather than being anxious, focus on what you have at hand, be thankful and grateful for what it’s worth. Most importantly make sure you are happy. Channel all your positive mantra into what you love and watch it flourish.
Wondering why celebrities with botched bodies are dissolving their cullulite;? That’s because slim is the new trend. Weight loss has been an issue right from the time celebrities and the media portrayed Slim to be the beauty standard. It is only until recently that the media and certain personalities are empowering people to embrace their natural selves and not conform to the so-called beauty standards the entertainment industry portrays.
Aside from not conforming to these ridiculous stereotypes and standards, one must believe and see the good in living healthy and being slim, since being overweight is rampant and lots of people are finding it difficult to lose kilos. The likes of Hollywood stars are undergoing reduction surgeries and are taking an unprescribed drug for diabetic patients to lose weight and become slim. Prevention is better than cure. One must not take unprescribed medications to lose weight, rather go through the process of cutting down on carbs, and eating less processed foods and more organic foods.
Ramadan is here again and we are in for all the forgiveness, miracles, and blessings this season has to offer. We are grateful to Allah for the gift of Life; Amin. Holiness is a norm for this period and we cannot do away with some fashion sense. Modest is key in this our first custom-made Ramadan clothing collection dubbed Habibi. This collection is well sourced from the highest quality and put together for the love of style, modesty, and People of Society; perfect for this season and beyond. It’s unique, luxurious, and simple but classy and speaks wealth and volume. This is a traditional Senegalese clothing called “Boubou”.
Here’s how to style up and incorporate Odefille’s Habibi Ramadan collection without showing skin this season. This collection consists of 18 different dresses and 10 different men’s shirts made of high-quality silks, chiffon, and bazin.
Over the weekend I attended a wedding in Swedru and it’s nice to see that Ghanaians are embracing our local fashion and made-in-Ghana materials.
The bride wore a gorgeous customized kente corset gown paired with an army green beaded veil and she looks Magnificent. Bridesmaids wore a wine-colored kente kaba and slit paired with 2inches high heels or flats since the venue didn’t have a smooth ground. More Kente gowns have become the main outfits for weddings, award shows, naming ceremonies, birthday parties, etc. and we can’t get enough of it.
by Honourable Couture and I am awe as I strunt in them.