The rain!!!

In New York and New Jersey we have had a whole lot of RAIN!!! Sigh...It puts a big damper on EVERYTHING!!

You don't want to do anything...

You don't want to go anywhere...

Just Sleep(sex)and more Sleep...

But on a happier note, I put these few lines together and actually BLOGGED - LOL!!! I guess the rain is good for one thing - it's helping me do all the indoor stuff I need to do :-)

Stay dry everyone!!!

Friends and what they mean to you...

I met someone yesterday at Bergdorf Goodman. Her name was Lisa. She wanted to know if I had a lot of friends. I had to laugh...my answer? Urgh, yes I have LOADS!!! She mentioned that her circle of friends was very small and sometimes non-existent. That really made me think of my friends.

I have my very best friend - my husband. That's the one person I MUST speak to on a daily basis. OK that was an understatement, make that a few times during the day. My son is another one of my dearest friends. Well maybe he doesn't get the SAME heart to heart discussions that I have with his Daddy, but his conversations are pretty deep for a 6 yr old!!!

My family doesn't fall into the friend category , but they would chew my ear off if I didn't mention them :-)as they are really close to my heart!!!

I have my friends who have known me from high school and that I have kept in touch with.

I have my college friends that watched me and were part of my growth into this outspoken, extroverted, supremely stubborn individual you see today.

I have my friends who became friends through work. This is both within fashion and before fashion.

I have the people I have met through other friends that have grown on me and have become friends too.

Let's not forget the Facebook friends and the twitter ones. Weirdly enough, with as many people as I have in my life, I still seem to find space for more. ODD!!!

All in all, my friends mean the world to me. Each and every one of them. I don't need to speak to you on a daily basis; I don't have any doubts of what they mean to me (or vice versa); I know that should I need anything they are there for me and I am there for them. We give each other advice and I mean the no bones version - REMI style; knowing that I wish for you what I wish for myself ; knowing tough love is required sometimes and not everyone can take that(but my true friends CAN). I love the fact that each one has a purpose too, from keeping me grounded to making me feel loved to giving me the hard-assed facts knowing that I can take it. Friends are meant to be that way.

However just as we have the good ones, there are some that aren't. I tend not to dwell on them too much. We can't get along with everyone...I think that would be just tooo perfect!

So on that note, my friends know who they are. Thanks for putting up with me. I love you all and you all KNOW it!!! My friends mean the world to me. What do yours mean to you?

And before you ask, some of them HATE fashion - LOL!! It really doesn't matter! Accepting your friends, differences and all is a true sign of friendship!

Hey Lisa...welcome to my circle of friends :-)

I think she will fit right in!!!!

The Gucci High Heel Iman - my latest obsession...

OK - I might be onto something here.

I can't believe I am posting AGAIN so quickly. Maybe I should start a count and see how many consecutive days I can blog for. I might even surprise myself. Maybe March may just be my month to change...hm mm!!

I just found out that the new Gucci Iman High Heels are now in stock...OMG!!!

Let's first discuss my love affair with shoes, shall we? I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE (OK I trust we all get the picture by now) my shoes. Er...well bags too :-). It's just one of those things that get me feeling all gooey inside. If you're a big foot girl like I am, then you KNOW that the shoe size means NOTHING, its all in the fit. An 11 in one style, might not even fit your foot in another. So here I am using myself as the happy little guinea pig :-), whatever it takes to make the client happy right? Gucci however, tends to work for me at least 85% of the time...those are pretty good odds if you ask me.

Anyway, my darling friend Alee calls me up from Gucci to tell me that the sandals I have been drooling about have arrived...my husband looks at me like I am insane as he hears that I am going to check them out in this weather. What can I say? I LOVE my job!! Its research :-) Now only a handful have arrived at this point and my true size isn't one of them, but at least the 10 and half I could actually walk in...so there is hope for me yet!!! They are GORGEOUS!!! Of course they must be at least 5 and half inches high - PERFECT!! I certainly do not need another pair of black shoes at this point, but if that's all I can get, I will take em!!! I fell in love all over again, the height, the gladiator straps covering the ankle...am I gushing? Sigh...I guess so!!!

All in all the 40 and half just won't work, the half an inch would do my poor feet a world of good. For a 41, I will break the bank ...and it's truly breaking the bank at a resounding $1275 during a recession? Why must I be such a shoe fiend??

God Help me!!!!

Aleeeeeeeeee hold the 11's when they arrive in gunmetal, red or was it purple? Sigh...OK BLACK!!!!

To Auntie Funmie and my Lost Gucci Bag!

I got an email this morning from one of my favorite Aunts in London. Auntie Funmie wanted to know why I hadn't blogged in awhile. Her exact words were "I check everyday and nothing" as she is used to seeing a blog from me at least once a month (ouch). Where some people blog more consistently (like Folake Huntoon :) ) me, I can barely pull the monthly blurb off - LOL! Sad , I know... Folake, someone needs LESSONS!!!

So, I decided to devote this one to her:)

Updates ....

December was the craziest time for me with Christmas shopping for clients, gift fulfilling and the birth of my new nephew, I had my hands FULL!!

Come January, I was trying to catch up and trying to set myself up for the year. Sounds easy...sooooo NOT!!! My husband was out of town for about 3 weeks which meant, I was juggling ALL by myself. And I was sooooooo looking forward to FASHION WEEK. Thinking back I can only groan!!!

This was supposed to be a super exciting week for me. One of my celebrity clients was coming to town, had two photo shoots lined up...all exciting stuff right??


WRONG!!!!

First my client canceled , no brainer there... The client is always right. And there was always a fifty-fifty chance that he may or may not show up. So, I just took that in stride and looked forward to the rest of the week.

Well bad stroke number 2...

As I am leaving the tents after the Domenico Vacca Show I realize I was missing one of my three bags - the most important one, my hand bag!! Now if you know me, you know my bags are always big and have everything PLUS the kitchen sink in it! This day was no different! I was literally in tears!! If at any point in time you saw me during fashion week at the tents and I wasn't my usual bubbly self, now you know why! I was DEVASTATED!!! 2 shows and that was it! Every time I went back to the tents after that it was to check if anything turned up or to the command center to find out if anything turned up on the cameras...I think I probably attended one more show on the last day, but my heart was no longer in it.

Sigh!!!

Through it all , I learned that New York's finest are actually the best people to turn to when you have problems. The policemen were truly the best. As I was crying my eyes out and feeling the worst...they totally pulled it together. Between the police , my hubby , Ava and Rain...phew, they pulled ME together.

Rain darling, I owe you a total apology for turning your trip down here into a police station hangout session...I missed not getting my hair done and all the shows and parties. I am truly sorry!! But I love you so much for being the shoulder I cried on through it all. I will NEVER forget that. With me its the little things.

As they say , what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. For the people that know the details, you know it was more than just a bag. But I can't really talk too much about it because the investigation is still underway.


So...

Since I know I am not the only one who has lost a bag before. Tell me your story. What did you lose? Trust me, no one's could be as bad as mine.

Thanks to everyone that helped and especially to my hubby for understanding.
Detective Ann Guerin...THANKS!!!!

November and my birthday...

There are often some serious decisions that need to be made and emotions sometimes hold us back from making the right decisions. This last trip to Nigeria was one of such times. My calendar is often FULL of a few things going on at any given time from work (its fashion and entertainment so that means events) to personal and family events(my birthday, my son's birthday, charity events and school events)Its a constant juggle. Why? Well, you never want to let anyone down. I love being a mother,wife and fashionista...but sometimes I have to make decisions that I HATE!!

There were a couple of meetings that I KNEW had to happen before the end of the year. Traveling to Nigeria for Christmas wouldn't work because of our son's school calendar and our holiday obligations, so that meant I needed to go BEFORE the holidays. Here's the problem...we were already in October, my son's birthday was coming up, as well as mine and I was also cooking for thanksgiving and I usually take him to all of the parade's and trick or treating - HELP!!!

Now I have to talk about my husband for a second. He is absolutely AMAZING!! He is my best friend, my business partner, my fashion sounding board...and my biggest supporter!! He encouraged me to go and soothed my fears (yes I have them too) told me there would plenty of birthdays to come... I love my Husband. He makes me feel very fortunate to have him!!!

With that in mind, I booked the trip!

A lot of my work is done well in advance and its simply about finalizing things which is always a good thing.

Anyway...I have to say my thank you's to my friends in Nigeria who always make me feel welcome...Tola, Titi, Bukky, Ebi, Niyi, Bodunrin, Morin and Dolapo. We have been through so much together I am so happy to have had you as friends for the past 10+ years!!!

To my new friends...Nobs, Jibbs, Dayo and the rest who know exactly who they are - thank you for even understanding me and caring enough to know about me and attend my birthday dinner...it really made me smile - THANKS!!!

Enjoy the pictures.

All at my birthday dinner.Thanks to my darling Tola for organizing this for me. Love you LOADS!! Thanks to everyone who attended too :-)


A day in my life, the Nigerian version filmed for Nigeria International while on this trip. Here we are in Emmy Collin's Store looking through some of his new gear.


Joy and I...We have our work cut out for us come 2009 darling...I cant wait!!!



Mr Taj Adepetu and I...Its a good thing I have a thick skin. this meeting was long overdue! Thanks!!


Chenna and I...I'm sad we didn't meet sooner. I enjoyed meeting you and can't wait till you get here next week!!!


D-1 and I , Thanks Dayo for taking the time to meet with me...I learned A LOT!!


Tammz and I after the M.I album release party


Tola, Dolapo, Me and Titi - No. 10 V.I, Lagos


All of us at Bodunrin and Lola's wedding...

What does "married " look like?

I have been in Nigeria for almost 2 weeks now and I can't wait to get home!!!

I hate apologizing for lapses, so I won’t. But please know, that I know I should have …but been rather busy to do it.

I am up ridiculously late because I am finishing up a proposal…but I took a break to reminisce on my day. Had an impromptu show on Channels TV to attend (thanks to Mr. Debola Williams for thinking of me) and later went to a friend of a friend’s birthday party at a private residence. The celebrant walked over to me and we started talking. As is usual for me, I steer the conversation towards my family and what I do (I never want people to get the wrong impression)…his first comment is you don’t look married! I get this comment a lot and its part of why I am blogging this late at night.

What does “married” look like??

Since I deal with image, I cannot act like I don’t know what people mean when they say this. I have been very quick to point out that the women of today are not like the women of old. But as a wife myself I know it isn’t easy to look great all the time and be a wife, mother, daughter and business owner or worker. It’s much easier to do when you’re single because your focus is only on yourself. Once you get married, it’s so easy to fall into the ”why bother” phase. I mean you’re already married right? No point to get all dolled up for the man, right? WRONG!!!! If anything, this is the time when it’s even more crucial to keep your body looking right and stay on top of yourself as well as your family. Is it easy? HELL no! It’s actually easier to let it all go!! I have never liked the easy way out so I would rather keep myself looking the best I can, while I am still able to do so…I am known to be very STUBBORN!

Now men, this isn’t just for the ladies though. A lot of men that used to work out don’t anymore…and a lot of flat tummies of old which have disappeared are often blamed on the cooking of the good wife. Mind you, if you don’t cook, you’re an awful wife! Sharp dressing…out the window. Marriage is tough enough on its own without adding the additional changes that come due to lack of foresight or certain nonchalance to staying attractive for your spouse. So newlyweds don’t say you weren’t told…and for others who are in this rut and are trying to get out of it…CALL ME!! We can schedule a consultation!

Have a great week everyone!

Accessories...

Accessories…

Getting dressed is something we all do, that is unless you live in a nudist colony. But despite the fact that we all do it, HOW we do it varies. I have always been a huge fan of accessories (handbags, belts, sunglasses, necklaces, cocktail rings, earrings, cuffs, bangles..I have an endless list!) and they are an important part of my wardrobe.

So, why accessorize? Well, the obvious answer would be because you want to stand out, which is absolutely RIGHT!! My motto is Image is Everything and as such I want to make sure I always make the right impression. I don't wear an outfit without fully accessorizing the entire look. There is a big difference between wearing a simple black dress without accessories (you might look like you’re in mourning or attending a funeral) and wearing the same black dress with an AMAZING belt, a brooch (I am currently in LOVE with them) and a pair of killer pumps…sigh, I could go on and on with so many different variations!! It also makes your closet seem bigger than it really is. How? Well imagine wearing this same black dress with a chunky gold statement necklace, gold studs (never pair statement necklaces with elaborate earrings, doing that = OVERKILL!!!), bare legs with a lovely pair of hot colored pumps (I love purple right now, it could change in a month, lol) this is one look. Look 2 – same black dress, this time with a big colored belt, elaborate silver earrings (lacking in elaborate? Try big hoops), a brooch and boots…I could go on and on. But the point is your options are limitless as long as you have enough accessories to play around with.

Should I talk about shoes? Nah…that would be a really LONG post – LOL!!!

Anyway before I go totally off topic (I do have that bad habit at times) let me give the men out there a quick tip too. Guys, invest in some unique cuff links, funky bow ties/ties (you need a LOT of colorful ties to stand out) tie pins/clips (two different things that do the same job but achieve different looks), pocket squares, socks, an assortment of belts (don’t say one in black and one in brown is enough, or that you can wear the same belt for denim on slacks. The more effort you put into it, the better you will look. And women love to see a man who is put together …it leaves an impression.

What are your favorite accessories and why?

Image is Everything!!

Tony Hsieh and Aaron Magness of Zappos.



One of the major disadvantages of long weekends...SLOW STARTS!! I feel like it takes longer to get my act together!

Now besides working on international shopping and shipping for my clients (and the rest of the world) outside of the USA, I have also been busy working on updating my own company image, sigh like I am not busy enough!!

I feel that in order to grow, you must be able to learn from your mistakes - right? So as I am revamping everything, I had to think of every single complaint or comment I had received in the past 3 years. Now its not like take every single comment to heart...but I do try and weigh comments against what I want and if they make any kind of sense - that's the only way NOT to become narrow-minded.

Now when I chose my plastic cards, I knew I wanted them to stand out. Are they unique? Totally and they said exactly what I wanted them to say...Style. I wanted something that showed it without opening my mouth and it definitely achieved that. But what it didn't do was tell people how I could help them(list of services) and some people even after looking at my card, still asked for my email address. Funny right? Not to me...all of that is going to change.


How often do you change your image?? I think that both professionally and personally, its very necessary. My image and wardrobe has changed dramatically in less than a year. Why? As an employee , I dressed down to work to make sure that I was appropriate to where I was in the corporate world. How would you feel if your assistant dressed better than you?? I got fired once for this and obviously learned a valuable lesson from it. So in this case...I kept the fabulousity for after hours.

Now that I am running my own ship - I can truly be me. And trust me, I dress accordingly and so should you!!!

Have a fabulous day everyone and stay tuned to the unveiling of the new improved Versatile Shopper.

xoxo
Image is everything

P.S I am working on a few things with zappos. That's also why the website has to change. Above is a picture with me and the zappos men. Thanks Tony and Aaron for squeezing me into your busy schedule.
Go Zappos!!!