Bi*ch stole my look. How?

The biggest story from the red carpet at this year’s MET Gala was all about how Kim Kardashian stole Beyonce’s 2012 look to the same event. I have taken time to look at the dresses and yes, the critics are right. Both are sheer, tight, long sleeved with feathery train. Kim took it a notch higher by replicating even the ponytail. Whether all this was a ploy for media attention or Kanye West worked with designer Roberto Cavalli to make a fool of Kim, we may never know. At least we are sure different designers made the gowns.

In Kampala, however, you walk into a shop and it is obvious the outfits were shipped from China and are the same grade, colour, and fabric with the same suggested combination, if it is a two-piece. For some reason, a lady walks into a shop and buys one piece and leaves another 499 ready for the next customer to choose from. The funny thing is when she meets another person wearing the same outfit she still goes like: “B**ch stole my look.” Really? So you thought the pieces that remained in the shop you bought yours were going to stay there forever? If I were you, I would just go for only unique pieces if you want to look the part.

Secondly if you buy the whole ensemble, take it apart. If it was a combined skirt and blouse, substitute the top with another matching piece or switch the skirt for a pair of pants. Every time you were the outfit as bought, you risk finding someone who bought the exact piece. And the “she stole my look” looks between our unique fashion-loving ladies will stop.

 

 

Do not chase every trend

Recently, I got involved in a heated debate with a friend. Apparently she had nothing sexy to wear to a party but as I went through her wardrobe, I came across this beautiful black bandage dress.

She tried it on and looked really beautiful, but said it was out of style so she could not wear it.

Dear ladies, just because a style is no longer popular on the red carpet or Elle magazine says it is out of style does not mean you should throw it away. It is all about how great you look and how it makes you feel on the inside.

Truth be told, not many of us can afford to buy the latest designs as soon as they hit the market. Even if you are able to get what the top designers have for this year’s spring/summer collection, there is no guarantee that they will look good on you. Getting caught up in chasing trends can result in wearing the most recent outfits but looking so off in them. Someone wearing what could be termed as ‘last season’ but turning eyes towards her is way better.

The trick is to not buy the obvious looks when a trend hits town. For example, the gladiators were an in thing but up to now you meet someone showing off a pair of well-manicured feet in subtle gladiators and you cannot help but notice.

Would it be the same for the knee high gladiators? No. If you live in NYC and follow trends, maybe. But if you are in Kampala, you bought the right outfit and still look as hot in it as you did last year, go on rock it. To hell with chasing trends.

Travel chic and comfy

A bus trip is way different from flying to your destination. But in both cases it is easy to tell who is the frequent traveller and who is not.

When travelling, comfort should be number one priority. When you are comfortable in your clothes and shoes, not only will you have a smooth trip, the people seated next to you will have no reason to complain.

Some fashionable people you may follow such as Kim Kardashian can dress in certain ways because they expect to find paparazzi at the airport and don’t want to appear in the tabloids looking anything but hot.

But have you ever wondered what is in her carry-on luggage?

You do not expect her to wear those heels throughout the flight, plus the inconvenience they can cause if she has to make her way to the lavatory.

Since there may be unexpected changes in the temperatures, it is better to wear layers so that you can shed off the scarf or cardigan when it gets warmer or put them on when temperatures drop.

The shorts, sandals and chiffon top may look cute before takeoff but after 10 hours of a cold flight, you will feel and look horrible to your receiving party.

Do not count on the inflight blankets. You will be disappointed.

So wear something that covers your legs, comfortable shoes and keep a simple sweater or scarf within reach.

If you still want to look super elegant for whoever is receiving you upon arrival, there is an option of visiting the ‘ladies’ and getting your swagg on before exiting.

Whatever you do, do not compromise your comfort.

(Internet pics)

Ugandans not ready for some styles

 There is so much fashion craziness going on in the industry. Designers and fashion icons are pushing boundaries with new looks every day.

The level of experimenting with style is so fast it is hard to keep up.

With the all these platforms including magazines, TV fashion and the unlimited online resources, fashion lovers are living in fashion heaven, especially if they can afford to replicate the looks.

However, the biggest setback could be the community one leaves in. Can you walk around your neighborhood in those totally ripped short shorts, or do you, like most people, sneak out the door and into the car and only feel free once in the nightclub?

If you have attended a church wedding and the bride is not wearing a white or ivory gown, consider yourself lucky. I have not. And I will make sure my bride wears pure white and not off-white or cream to keep within the tradition. No pink gown, please. Ugandans are smart enough not to copy everything they see on TV, unless they are Eva Mbabazi or Tracy Bora.

Tracy Bora, a city socialite turned heads at Billy Ocean’s concert last Friday. Her black, lacy see-through dress left nothing to imagination.

One could even see the path her G-string had taken.

She knew what she was doing, because she made sure she arrived very early and sat still. Trust the prying eyes of paparazzi to catch her at the end of the show. A case of one girl who watches way too much TV!

But there is a limit to what we can replicate on our local fashion scene. Certainly not Rihanna’s naked dress look, please.

Flaunt it all you want

Dressing up is not all about covering your body. I assume that you already know that.

Ever seen a lady who wears long skirts and pants all the time but the day she decides to wear something that shows some leg, you all be like, “Where have you been hiding those?”

If you hear that comment, learn that whenever you hide those legs, waist, cleavage or even the face, you will be doing yourself a disservice.

I am not saying you go all ghetto to the levels of indecent exposure or to wear a crop top to that board meeting. There are appropriate times to show off what your mama gave you and never miss that opportunity. Ugandan women are curvaceously gifted. So why not flaunt it?

I am not going to tell you to stay within the boundaries of your body shape when choosing clothes. Thinking of yourself in terms of hourglass, figure eight, an apple, pear or coke bottle shape, will help you not to cross the line, but it is better to focus on the aspects you love not on the ones you must cover up.

So, pick a dress that will support and enhance your bust, wear something to show some leg, pull your hair back sometimes so we can get to a clear view of your eyes and facial features. Flaunt your behind in fitting jeans or flowing dresses; show off your arms in short sleeves. Do not let your time spent in the gym go unnoticed. Most importantly, wear whatever makes you feel beautiful and confident. Go on and flaunt your curves!

Get that chunky smart watch

The smart phone is no longer just a trend; it is now part of life.

For a gadget to have your music, pictures, calendar, periods tracker and all your appointments, it is definitely part of you.

As trends evolve, so have the gadgets and their accessories.

The latest being the Smart Watch.

This accessory helps to connect directly to the phone. Big brands including Apple, Samsung, Huawei and LG have developed smart watches for their devices. Is it a fashion statement? Yes. That is why they come in different colours and sizes.

If you look closely you will realise that the smart watch has become more like a guys’ thing. Years since the first one was made, they are still big and masculine. The search for that feminine Smart Watch is still on.

But there is absolutely nothing wrong with rocking the Samsung Gear or the Apple Watch, set to hit stores next month.Get ready to part with $ 24,000 for the 18 carat gold edition, ladies.

But all hope is not lost. With the likes of Gucci and Tag Heuer also jumping into the smart watch business, it could be a matter of time before we see a luxury smart watch made especially for women.

As we wait for female-specific options, it looks like you may have to invest in a couple of watches.

The Samsung Gear comes in gold, black and white. If your phone runs on Android OS, you even have options from less-known brands including Pebble Steel, Neptune or Motorola’s stylish Moto 360.

In the meantime, know that you cannot wear your masculine Samsung Gear to every occasion. It will do justice to your casual look, but not that evening gown.

Invest in a strapless bra

 

It is finny how a simple undergarment can spoil an otherwise would-be great look. A case in point is the bra.

Many people pay attention the fitting – which is very important – but not so much to the straps.

That explains why the disgusting look of bra straps peeking their ugly eyes underneath a strapless dress is common.

If you are going to wear a strapless dress or top, do not leave the house unless you are wearing a strapless bra underneath.

You are better off going bra-less if you can pull that off than kill the look with a bra with straps.

The unease or fear of having a strapless bra fall off could be the reason some women are not familiar with the undergarment. But they are designed to prop your mounds up steadily.

To avoid that awkward moment when you feel the need to hide behind a friend to subtly adjust your bra, here are a few tips.

The most important reason for the fall could be the fabric. So invest in a high-quality strapless bra because the fabric and quality of the bra is one of the major reasons why your bra may be falling.

This kind of bra must also be the right size. Stores such as Woolworths offer free services to ladies seeking to know their bra sizes.

Alternatively, go for a strapless, long-line bra that covers your full torso, or up to your rib cage. This makes it hard for it to slip.

Many opt for the clear or transparent straps – a highly recommended option – but if you can go totally strapless, the neater.