Nominated: Fashion Blog of The Year at BEFFTA Awards UK

Many thanks to all those who nominated Eighteen Forever for Fashion Blog of The Year 2012. We really appreciate you.

At the Launch Party with Jimmy Akingbola.

Photo credit: Eighteen Forever 

Nicki Minaj & Co

Red hair, yellow heels, blue clutch bag? Yep! Embracing colour is the new paradigm in fashion. Take a bliss......Why not try multiple colours with your outfit. This outfit breaks style rule from all era with multi-colour combination is every way. Wondering where to get this fabulous shoe? No wonder, just shop at Milano for only £65. How could you ignore this cut-out tailored pencil dress from Oasis £80. I wore this dress on my graduation in January - not with the shoe of course. This outfit is "classy meets bright colour" which is unique but intensified. To avoid looking like a drag rather than a chic because of the "red hair"- I opt for supreme and natural make-up with a long-stain lipstick in nude colour from KIKO. Did you just ask where the earrings are from? One place for statement accessories particularly those inspired by geometrics- drum roll please.....its..... Topshop!!

Remember- fashion is about experimenting and evolving with shapes, patterns, styles and presentation. Just give it a try and have fun doing it!! Happy shopping xoxo

I love flowers- they are so beautiful I could collect them all day. 

FF- Clutch bag from Shu £20

KIKO nail liquor £9.99.

Young money maker- what you say? Not a fan of her music but I adore the unusual hair colour and make-up. Yellow was HOT during Spring but it looks like it is here to stay. Embrace COLOUR!!

Photo credit: Eighteen Forever & The Internet 

10 Office Outfits You Can Wear

When it comes to office-wear, it can be very difficult to decide what is "smart", "acceptable" and perfect for our body shape. From all of the outfits created, few items stand-out the most....blazers, skirts, A-line dresses and LS Shirts. This is not to say that blouses are not acceptable because they are. But you have to be sure of your body-shape before shopping for them. Blouses can make you look bigger!! Make sure you try them on. Blazers are great and an easy way to turn a casual look into a smart and attractive outfit. They are every fashionistas must-have "IT" item. If you are the type that works long hours and travel often, a mid-heel shoe would be perfect with your outfit. My job requires travelling and sometimes touring (on campus), I always have a flat shoe in my bag for "just-in-case" situations...if you know what I mean. It is important to think of your health when it comes to heels and make-up. Too much of it can be detrimental to your health!!

Some of you might be overwhelmed by the prices of this items (see below). Not to worry, I'm in the process of designing affordable pieces for office-wears which would be available by 2013. In the meantime, take a look at the post "Eighteen Forever Fashion Line" for current collection!!

If you are like many women who like to leave the office and head to a bar or a party.......take a look at the outfits below. This should inspire your look!! Any questions, just ask!

Hybrid Dress with Botton and Belt £85

Camilla & Marc Dress with Peplum Detail £245

Asos Sexy Pencil Dress with Zip Detail £26.50

Reiss Perle Court Shoe £129

Exclusive Black Glitter by Lucy Choi £168

Beyond Skin Bow Front Heeled Shoes £90

Classic White Shirt £50

Washed Silk Skirt with Gathered Side £340

Debutante Set of Three Necklaces £290

Reiss Janice Lace Detailed Court Shoes £159

Pauric by Pauric Sweeney Embossed Box Bag £201.50

Glamourous Leather Look Playsuit £32

Ted Baker Tailored Blazer £199

Tokyo Shoe Boot £35

Fendi AW10/8M0247 FOGHM Green Plastified Fabric Portamonete £165

Reiss Tali Large Bowling Bag £169

                                                    Double Breasted Cotton Coat £21
                                                    Pure Silk Washable Blouse £140
                                                    Gabi Black Belt £65
                                                    Savana High-waisted Cotton Short
                                                    Suede Shoe Boot £65
                                                    River Island Buckle Satchel


Celandine Yellow Size Sweater by Burberry Brit
Honey Pleat Trouser by Burberry Brit
Mandu Chelsea Coat by Malene Birger
Pallion Basket Bag from Boticca
DY114 Coral & Cream Shoe

Aline Leather Shoulder Dress by Michael Michael Kors

Ted Baker TUNDA Flared Skirt Coat £229

Pepe Jeans Leather Ken Gloves £30

Asos Suede Shoe Boot £65

Braids Together Charcoal Bag

Two Layered Scarf from Boticca £114

River Island Earring £6

Red Print Pant by Preen Line £81
Black Wetlook Animal Print Peplum Top £25
Ted Baker Check GHRA Tailored Blazer £199
Pandora 14ct Onyx Pear Earring Charms £165
London Rebel Heeled Shoe with Toe Cap £32
Chainlink Black Purse £170
Ri2K Leather Satchel £65

Icrystal Print Silk Shirt by Thesyken's Theory £345

Vava Voom Pencil Skirt £30

ALDO Romelia Suede Court Shoe £70

Leopard Print Blouse by Just Carvalli £240

Red Clara Basic Short £30

Signature Black Silk Shirt £230

Audrey Blue Cropped Trousers £205

Cream High Waisted Pencil Skirt £447

Leopard Print Shirt by Just Carvalli £240

Women Stretched Tailored Blazer £59

Asos Scala High Heels £22

Lle Monaco Shoulder Bag from Boticca £248

Chinese Laundry Traffic Jam Heels £35

Armani Exchange Cream Bracelet Watch £99

Image Created by: Eighteen Forever

Nana Afua Antwi: Britain's Top Model

My previous post about Nana was by mere opportunity. I found Nana's profile on Fashions Finest website and decided to write about her on the blog. Now I got the chance to interview her. Are you asking....who is she? Here is a bio about her!!

Nana Afua started modelling when she was scouted at H&M in Central London mid 2009. Same year she started her catwalk experience at La geneve north events working for establish and emerging designers. Nana Afua is one of the few African models to recently grace September/August Issue 2011 of Black hair Magazine which was voted best cover celebrating black beauty in America. She also appread in Pride Magazine as the face of the feature for 'real women' and did editorials for Fabulous Magazine. Nana Afua has walked in London Fashion Week for Matthew Williamson and the face for E'lon Cosmetics in America. She has grace most fashion and lifestyle magazine in the UK and also for American Online Magazine E'lon.

She has appeared in the Barking & Dagenham Post Newspapers six times continuous spread for her work ethic as well as the The Voice (newspaper). Nana Afua is an upcoming fashion designer with the clothing brand 'adopted culture' which was selected for Vogue Fashion's night out September 2011. In record the label is the first ethincal brand to ever grace Savile Row in Sartoria Bar Central London. She won Best Female Model of the year in October 2011 for Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television Awards (BEFFTA Awards).

Hi Nana, from the recent online voting, you have been titled Britain’s Top Model. How did you get into this ranking and how do you feel been No 1?

      Honestly have no idea how I got into the Hottest British Fashion Models ranking it’s been 8weeks and still voted No 1 so that’s a dream come true.

                                                                                                                                                    
Have you always aspired to be a model? Be honest *smiles*

Modelling has been part of me growing up so it’s definitely something I passion to pursue

 If not, what were your ambitions?

My ambitions were to be a Model and a fashion Designer which I am doing now so very pleased with that accomplishment having said that I always thought I would be a lawyer.

Who are your role models in this industry?

My role model in the modelling industry right now will be Tyra Banks the more I watch her I want to be better than her ‘laughs’

Have you ever comprised your principles or values to meet the want of a designer or your agent?

Well they say models don’t have a say in the industry but am kind of a girl that always say my mind. I do respect the job of a designer and an agent but still confident to make my point across if inconvenient.

Which magazines/brands would you like to cover?

American Vogue, Ebony Magazine, Love Magazine

What was going through your mind when you were ripping the runway at AFWL?

Freedom! that’s how I feel whenever I hit the catwalk

What is your highlight(s) of the event (AFWL)

Finale show for Adebayo Jones was fantastic finally got my ‘Yes Dress ‘signed by himself for me to grace on the catwalk

Describe “Adopted Culture”?

Adopted Culture is a clothing brand with an idea of different blend of fabrics to create unique creativity.

Adopted culture was not exhibited or showcased at AFWL. What happened?

Adopted Culture was showcased last year’s AFWL. I don’t rush making loads of collection just to show off. As a designer I study the market and know when to promote my samples

What’s in your handbag?

I love shoulder bags with a little funky twist. I am a big fan of big bags as well

How often do you go for beauty treats?

I must say I’ve never had beauty treats outdoor I do my own beauty treats I don’t like wearing makeup so I like staying natural at most occasion

Congratulations on your TV show!!

Describe your fashion style for your presenting role?

One word CHIC

Care to share some future projects?

  

Probably acting it’s something I feel I was born to do as well it runs in my personality

Advice to aspiring models?

Well just keep doing you not just for attention but as a positive role model

Thank you so much for honouring this interview.

For more about Nana, follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/nanatopmodelofcolour.uk 

Photo credit: Eighteen Forever

                    Adopted Culture

Favourite High Street Buys

For a great outdoor fashion shoot, all you need are- perfect weather, outfits, company and a big smile. Today's shoot was just that. Saturday's are usually relaxing, but for this fashion editor, it is the perfect time to create fashion forward outfits. Below are images from the shoot with new arrivals at Topshop and H&M. Here is how to create a new look....moving from the natural hair colour to Cha-Cha Rouge. Complimenting a new look with a coral lacy dress and nude heels.

Accessory: Pyramid ring & noddles ear ring both from Topshop
Make-up: KIKO, MAC & Sleek

Photo credit: Eighteen Forever

Africa Fashion Week London 2012

This look is fashion forward and relaxed. Brogue mixed with Afro-print LS shirt is well styled and matched. *Thumps* up from moi

Perfect colour duo. The lady in purple LS blouse gets it right! Very well done. Love the shoes x

Afro-print jumpsuit is a way to go!

See Eighteen Forever Jumpsuit £30 below. Contact sales 07554173992

Top model @AFWL. She is awesome! Would like to interview her. 

Afro-print jumpsuit with a HOOD! Rock that out! 

Too busy talking.....that's what African ladies do best. They are always catching up with friends even if they live together :)

Two words: Simple and Sassy

If this is not fashion addict best spot, I don't know what to say. I adore the head-wrap, and the oversize bag too. On my wish list! Tried the head-wrap a while back, so difficult to do though! *Thumps* up or down!

Photo credit: Eighteen Forever

10 Hot New Bags

One of the most important accessory in your wardrobe is your handbag. They are visual art with delightful patterns to the female arm. We need them all day, everyday. Bags are important accessories because they express our personality and protect our personal belongings wherever we go. The mistake we make is owing too many, therefore loosing the purpose of styling them. It is advisable that you invest in unique styles and colours that can be wearable differently without loosing the edge of your style. We often think that we don't have to wear the same things twice. The question is....why not?

Bags have evolved considerable over the years. They are constantly on the extremes; oversize bags for weekend getaways or the gym and the really small clutches that your perfume cannot fit into. The picture below depicts variety of styles and colours for different occasions. I particularly adore "Kate Spade New York Clutch Bag £223.10 (top right). It is unique, stylish and definitely worth every penny. I would style it with a lacy purple dress, black stiletto and gold jewelleries. Yep....colour YORK it ladies!

From top left: New look multi-coloured clutch bag £15.99, Black snakeskin £16.99, Kate Spade New York "brushstroke" £223.10 Nordstrom.

From below left: Sara 3 in 1 block £25 Boohoo, Ellie Saab grid box clutch £747- Boutique 1

These bags are handy for work and evening outings with the girls. Adding colour to your fall season fashion is amazing as it brightens your outfit creating the right attention. The bright green bag from Ralph Lauren is an A-list choice. Get shopping ladies.

Don't forget to like the FB page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eighteen-Forever/353084814708768?ref=hl

Photo credit: Eighteen Forever