Get ready for AFWL 2012

With the Olympic frenzy on the high, athletes are not my major concern. Africa Fashion Week London is my only concern, and this year has claimed to be a HIT with top fashion couture designers casting their spells on it already. The event will be held at Spitafields market in Piccadilly on the 3rd-4th of August. I was at the event last year as a guest, I was totally blown away by the number of people that attended. It was absolutely magnificent. This year, I've been granted full access to the show......yay! It feels amazing to be an official press pass holder at AFWL because I finally feel like I'm been recognised for my work. I cannot wait to connect and interview lots of amazing people, and of course take pictures.....click! click!

If you are interested in coming and meeting with me, you can get free tickets here;
http://africafashionweeklondon.com/africafashionweek/free-show/

After getting your tickets, you naturally ask yourself  "what should I wear? The answer is simple, I have created some simple as well as dramatic outfits to inspire your styling. I would recommend an African print or bright colour just like the first one below, which is from my own collection. Dress to stand out so you can be approached for pictures :) The organisers' expect nothing less than 10,000 guests....mwahhh. You REALLY want to stand out!

See you there xoxo

Flare skirt £30
Crop top £20
To purchase, contact Sales;
Email: salimatkah@yahoo.com or
Mobile: 07886985688

This outfit is from "Ladylike Collection" (click this tab above for more pieces in the collection)

Please do not copy this images without my permission. Thanks

Photo credit: Eighteen Forever

Africa Fashion Guide At Bread & Butter Berlin 2012

From the 4th to 6th July 2012 took place one of the biggest sports and street tradeshows in Europe if not the world – the infamous ‘Bread and Butter’ (BBB) tradeshow. Founded in 2001, and this year titled ‘THE ROCK’ Bread and Butter now houses around 600 of these fashion exhibitors. It presently takes place at the historical venue which is the Berlin-Tempelhof Airport and all I can say is that this event is DOPE! (even if my flight back to London got cancelled…tut tut Easyjet…)

Firstly I would recommend visiting BBB in the summer show as Berlin can be biting cold at times in the winter Jan shows, and can be very warm in the summer July shows, secondly book ahead and register ahead in time so you don’t have to go through the huge queueing system to register once you arrive; thirdly book ahead of time your flights and your hotel as you can imagine thousands of people are hitting Berlin during this season and even Easyjet can take advantage of this time and extensively overcharge you for a near 2 hour flight into Berlin from London…the next show lands in Berlin from January 2013 so you have been pre-warned.

Another…the 2nd to last point to note is to wear comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes. Airport Berln Tempelhof is a huge airport and spans a 1.2km quadrant so if you are like me and once you get to one end and realise y ou need to meet a company at another end then flat comfy shoes are the way to go as you WILL be walking lots and for hours too. AND the final point is to bring plenty of business cards – come stacked up…even myself, I ran out of my Africa Fashion Guide bcards as I tend to network with everyone I meet.

My very short trip was brief and my focus on this trip varied but I did want to being to you the Africa focused fashion streetstyle that I came across at the trade events I visited which on this occassion were Bread and Butter and also Bright Tradeshow too.

See below for the streetfashions I spotted who were repping African threads.

Author: Jacqueline Shaw

Photo credit: Africa Fashion Guide 

Website: www.africafashionguide.com 

Festival Fashion

It is that time of year again! We travel long distance, scream, spend too much, in mud, all in the name of "festival". Not sure about you all, but I'm giving long distance festivals a miss this year. The only music festival in my diary is in 10 days "Africa Oye". Africa Oye is the largest free music festival in Europe which takes place in Liverpool. I will be hunting down best and worst festival fashions at this event, so look your best ladies!

I have created few festival looks to inspire your festive wardrobe and perhaps summer shopping . A mix of style is trendy and fashion forward. I recommend you try a slash of colour in an effortless style; like tangerine shorts (see style 1) or a red backpack (see style 2). Hats, sunglasses and sandals are a must-have for festival looks, you can try nude or brownie tones to your style. 

Need further help, just leave a comment Xx

Harvey faircloth ikot short
Cat woman bamboo jersey shirt £90
Patent and faux viper sandals £330
Camel round tote with detachable shoulder strap by DKNY £223
Mirrored lens classic silver avaitor sunglasses £118

Pink paisley liberty print trilby, Christy's hats £68Cut-off denim shorts £365Hershel pop quiz backpack £65Boyfriend Tee with American flagboyfriend with American flag £110Pandora black leather bracelet £40Daisy throat chakra black- silver £58Linda farrow luxe- Shell & Matt sunglassess £370Original green tall wellington boot by Hunter £69Macho necklace £34

O.P.I Great Britain nails £25Karma purple gunmetal stretch bracelet £12Ash black leather buckle wedges £145Black cherry small shoulder bag by See by Chloe £290Black studded grosgrain headband- Jennifer Quellette £18Sleevless dress by DKNY £190Handwritten scallop leather belt £85Mirrored lens classic silver aviator sunglasses by Rayban £118

Pamela mann fishnet ankle sock in pastel pink £3
Black box brownie box £250
Single spike ring £240
Playered layered mini skirt £335
I love my tees Trilly sweater top £90
Luxe casetto sunglasses £300

Image created by Fashion blogger at Eighteen Forever

British invasion

The largest British retail store does union jack in classic road trip flag. Long live M&S!

Look at the screen for the Olympic torch in Liverpool. 

Topshop screams..... Britain! I honestly didn't see these guys when I took the picture. I was so distracted!

I witnessed it!

Royal mail distributed iconic British fashion celebrating The Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
Image: yumi magazine

Photo credit: Eighteen Forever

Street Style: Scousers

Copious activities were going on in Liverpool last Friday, starting with the Olympic torch passing by the city center  followed by music festival courtesy of Liverpool University students' and the ever wonderful British preparation for street parties celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. It was a beautiful atmosphere. I  witnessed all of these and more. Liverpool is known for many things...the Beatles, scouse brow, rollers in the hair, pyjamas on the street, fashion but not style to name a few. For those of you who don't know what scouse brow is, there is no exact word of describing it. Here it is (first image)...in other words "ludicrous brow". The worst thing about this is that people walk around the street looking like this and think it is cool. No darlings it is not cool. You are scaring the kids!!!!

Regardless of this shambolic trend, I met some relaxed and fashion look girls on the street. Fashion is a "trend" and style is your expression of that trend. Therefore style is distinctively individual. My mission for the next few weeks is to bring you fashion and style from Liverpool like you've never seen it before. I was too busy catching up with friends but I managed to hunt some fashion vultures in the city. From London chic style to retro glamour. Check them out....

This is my favourite look of all. Her look is London Chic, effortless and absolutely beautiful. Love the blazer! Very well done! 

There is nothing more exciting than a relaxed fashion statement. She has everything going here...jumpsuit, canvass, and this season hot colour pastel (handbag). Love the statement necklace! Perfect for the movies!

Lunch time in LA look meets Liverpool is a great style for attention. I love the sunglasses and the denim jacket. Perfect look for a city chic. Well done!

Denim short and canvass is quite a popular look in Liverpool. A bit more make-up and hair attention would have been great.

Very relaxed look for Friday evening in Liverpool. She must be from Chelsea. Leather jacket is hot this season. Swap the flats for heel sandals or high heels and you are good to go. Love the make-up!

This hair is so Beyonce? Union jack colour, statement piece necklace and lots of shopping bags tells me she is trendy. Happy shopping!

Spotted by Topshop L1

It was destined. I saw this young lady earlier that day around Smithdown road and I wished I was close to take a picture. Later that evening, I saw her in L1 in this skirt. We were meant to meet. Thanks to mother nature!

Beautiful skirt by atmosphere. Her style is retro glam. Love the lipstick and the bag. Keep hydrated honey!

A blend of fashion and style. Everything is going on right with this young lady. Studs, spiky necklace, flare skirt and check out that biker jacket. I love it!

Photo credit: Eighteen Forever
Courtesy: To everyone in this post

How To Wear New Trends

We have seen so many fashion trends and styles this season more than any other season this century. I captured this amazing styles (as seen below) from "a MUSE", what I captured isn't just pictures but how you can wear this season hot buys. They are hot new trends straight from catwalk to high street. So why not get shopping and mix and match this fashion trends to your individual style. Take a look;

Photo credit: Eighteen Forever
Taken from MUSE

Where to buy statement pieces

I have received few emails asking where I get my clothes from especially my latest obsession "statement tee and tops. I love high street fashion...River Island, Topshop, H&M, New Look, Warehouse, Oasis, Pull & Bear and many others. But my statement t-shirts and tops are from "Rebellious" in Liverpool. I came across the store during my high street edit week and I love it! You can find hot new trends or mix and match styles for perfect trend-setting adventure. I was permitted to share some new items perfect for your fashionary summer. Take a look.....



Shorts are always in season, but floral shorts are trendy for NOW season. You can wear this with T-shirts or LS shirts/ sandals or convass.

Top image: studs are quick way to make your outfit stand-out. Think rock! go studdy.
Left: I know the weather is warm now, but sometimes it can get chilly in the evening after a decent night out with the girls. Stay trendy and warm in a metallic blazer.
Right: Statement tee is bold & bright and very eye-catchy. Check me out!

Top left: A mixed statement tee can be worn with skinny jeans and heels or shorts with sandals or even under a skirt. Playful but perfect!
Below left: Beautiful butterfly top for my girlie fashionistas. Looking for a simple look this summer? just put some leggings on or a green skinny jeans and you are good to go. Don't forget your clutch!
Top right: Perfect for geek chic and city look in summer land. Think London!
Below right: Go gracien with this white embellished dress. Accessorise with gold earning and bracelets. Think Egypt!

White is classic but don't go safe. Mix with geometric patterns and asymmetric.

Every fashionista should have a leather jacket for unforeseen situations. But why not get hot new jackets in colours. You can make it unique by adding some studs and spikes.

All items taken from Rebellious in Liverpool St.Johns.

Photo credit: Eighteen Forever