Lydia's Weekly Lifestyle blog is for today's African girl, so no subject is taboo. My purpose is to share things that may interest today's African girl.

This week's contributors: Lydia, Pépé Pépinière, Titi, this week's subjects: Baggy Jeans at the Office? Behind the scenes at Hermès, the theft of the century, $14 billion missing, Always have an encore, secrets from the music world, and Tomato Restaurant

Baggy Jeans at the Office? Here’s How to Style Them for Corporate Life in West Africa. In many West African cities—Lagos, Accra, Abidjan, Dakar—the corporate dress code is evolving. While traditional suits and Ankara prints still hold their place, there's a fresh wave of fashion-forward professionals reimagining the rules. Once reserved for weekends and casual streetwear, these relaxed-fit denims are now making their way into the office—yes, even in corporate settings. Let’s dive into how to style your baggy jeans for the corporate world in West Africa. Pair with a Structured Blazer: A blazer is your best friend when trying to elevate denim. Choose a well-fitted blazer in breathable fabrics like lightweight wool, cotton-linen blends, or even Ankara for a bold Afrocentric touch. Pairing a neutral blazer (black, navy, or tan) with classic blue or black baggy jeans instantly balances the relaxed vibe of the jeans. Style tip: For an Afro-modern twist, go for a fitted Kente or Adire-print blazer to celebrate local heritage while keeping things professional. Tuck in a Crisp Button-Down Shirt: Whether it's white, pastel, or pinstriped, a crisp button-down shirt brings instant polish. For men, opt for long sleeves rolled up just above the elbow—stylish and heat-appropriate. For women, consider a tucked-in shirt with subtle puff sleeves or ruching for shape. Layer a slim belt over the jeans to define your waist and add structure to the outfit. West African practicality: Lightweight cotton or batik shirts are breathable and local—perfect for hot office days with unreliable AC. Footwear Matters: Keep It Clean and Smart. Your shoes will make or break the look. Steer clear of overly casual sneakers unless you work in a very creative industry. Instead: For women: Block heels, loafers, or clean mules. For men: Leather loafers, monk straps, or sleek sneakers in neutral tones. Pro tip: In cities like Lagos or Accra, where you might hop on okadas or trotros, consider bringing your work shoes in a bag and changing at the office.

Behind the scenes at Hermès, the theft of the century, $14 billion missing. Mr. Thierry Hermès founded his company in Paris in 1837, almost 200 years ago. They initially made horse harnesses and bridles, later expanding to horse saddles and saddle bags for the elite across Europe, Russia, North Africa, Asia, and the USA. Hermès was the first to be granted permission to use the then-just-patented zipper, which they incorporated into leather golf jackets, as golf gained popularity among the elite. Today, the company is renowned for its bags and scarves, with Birkin bags selling for tens of thousands of dollars. The company is now worth USD 280 billion, ranking second in luxury fashion with only Hermès as its sole brand—trailing behind LVMH, which owns 75 brands. Since 1837, many little Hermèses have been born and inherited shares in the Hermès fortune. One of them was Nicolas Puech, now 82 years old, who once held 6 million shares worth $14 billion. Nicolas Puech To be able to swim in all that money in a relaxed way, Nicolas hired Eric Freymond, a Swiss wealth advisor and manager, to manage his estate. Everything was fine until Nicolas started asking too many questions and was eventually told he no longer owned shares in Hermès—de ting no dey. He sued his wealth manager, but the case was cut short when the wealth manager committed suicide. Suspicion falls on Bernard Arnault, the main owner of LVMH. To be continued. (No, so far no Ghanaian politicians involved).

Always have an encore, secrets from the music world. A friend of mine has a music band, Della Hayes and her Women of Colour Band. It's an all-women band and has done over 150 concerts throughout the sub-region. Her music is not what you hear regularly on the radio, though I think she has many songs that make you want to move. She says it is very tricky to play for a public that has never heard your songs, the more so if your songs are in English and your public is francophone. So she does 2 things. First of all she engages 5 to 6 “clacqueurs”, a French word for clappers. These sit at various places between the public and at the end of the song; they clap. The crowd then often follows, and once they are clapping, they clap for every song, enthusiastically. She starts with 2 nice catchy songs, then intersperses them with more difficult or not so nice songs. And she ends with her best song but one. Why not with her best song? Sometimes the crowd asks for more, an “encore” (French for once again). And it is then that you do your best song, so that they remember that one. You are not in music? But you can apply these tricks.

Tomato Restaurant (6, Dodi Link, Airport Residential Area, Accra) serves original Italian dishes; the boss is an Italian. They have good pastas and real pizzas (not those thick cakes with only molten industrial cheese on them as is served in most places). We had a creamy chicken spaghetti, which had a lot of flavours and a calzone, which is a folded pizza, nicely crispy. The restaurant is small, and the service is prompt; the food arrives quickly. The owner likes paintings and the walls are full of them; it's a nice, quiet place. The only problem may be the price, to which they add 8% service charge as well.

Lydia...

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