Sir Trevor McDonald, Fabrice Muamba, Eddie Kadi & More

On the 27th of October, I attended the BEFFTA Awards an event only by invitation. This was my second  experience and I have been looking forward to it since the launch party at Mayfair. Before the event, a congratulations message was posted on Eighteen Forever Facebook page for newlywed Fabrice Muamba. It was a surprise meeting him. The event was as always spectacular with lots of entertainments and surprises. I can tell you Fabrice is one of the nicest, gentleman I have ever met. When asked for a picture, he looked unexpectedly surprised and of course willing. I thought that was really humble of him. He presented an award and thanked everyone for their support throughout his ordeal. Sir Trevor McDonald was present to receive  a lifetime achievement award. His speech was inspiring yet full of humour. He joked about aiming for "Best Male Model" but missed out. Really?  Moving on....a surprise performance from Star Boy Nathan and his mother Gil who was super entertaining and a little bit manic. But it was great!! Other top personalities were present- Lamar, May7even, Adebayo Jones, presenters, designers, models and more.......

Sir Trevor McDonald inspired me with his speech during his award for Lifetime Achievement in Television *special moments*

The funniest guy ever- Eddie Kadi host the show with founder of BEFFTA Awards Pauline Long. Eddie Kadi is a record breaker- He happens to be the first African Comedian to sell out tickets for his comedy show at the O2 Arena. Edz-dazzling!!!!

With my friend Nancy- who came to support me on the night. Thanks girl!!

I opted for a Black PU and lace panel bustier peplum dress from River Island. I heart the straps- they are detailed in gold florals. 

The guy in the middle is a photographer who decided to take a picture with someone else's award. What a grim!!

With May7even- If you don't know who she is then Google it. She is an Afrobeat/RnB singer based in London. Her first single was in the top 40 UK hits chart 2011. She won best female artist at this year's BEFFTA- well done!!

One of the guest at the award ceremony and finalist at Top Model of Colour UK 2012. This dress is slim fit to her figure but the hair and accessories should have been given extra attention. 

Photo Credit: Eighteen Forever (a special thanks to Nancy for taking the pictures)
                     www.beffta.com

Why Do Women Wear High Heel Shoes?

In the last few months, I have been feeling some excruciating pains in my back and it seems this has transported to my left toe. I worry going to the GP will waste time and well I know what he/she might say “lay off heels and get some flat shoes”. Just like they always say! So like any smart young lady will do, I decided to keep on some painkillers and accept it will go away in time. Then it suddenly occurred to me that I cannot live on painkillers for the rest of my life. I need to do something drastic that would relief the pain- and fast. So I am opting for flat shoes! It seemed like the scariest thought I’ve ever had.  This is proving rather difficult after a week. Much effort is needed to accomplish this aim. In respect of this, I embarked on a research leap to find out- why women wear heels. Why women chose to ignore the evasive discomfort to mere pleasure- if at all is it pleasure when it hurts. Logically, the answer is simple- we just feel good in it.

 

Personally, I heart high-heeled shoes because they are attractive. The thought of not wearing them anymore really scares me. They are elegant in shape, supports good body posture and most of all created for different fashion styles. My favourite “Rouge” heel as seen in the picture below is styled with an African print. 

Recent research by the savvy foot care company Compeed revealed that British women wear high heel shoes than their European counterparts. British women on average wear a 3.3inches heel compare to 2.4inches in France and 2.7 in Germany. From this result, I can fairly interpret this information by concluding that British women on average are shorter than women in France and Germany. British women admitted to endure the pain caused by high heels because they are perceived as prestige. Hence, perception is a key factor to women’s decision to wear high heels.

So what are the medical effects of wearing such high heels?

A study by Dr. Kerrigan et al explored the effects of footwear on the knees. Their result showed high relationship between heels and strains on the knees. Therefore, all heels have detrimental effect on the knees which is likely to cause osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis otherwise known as wear-and-tear arthritis is as a result of degeneration of cartilage in the joint resulting to severe pain and loss of motion in the joint. That is not all; wide-heel shoes are of greater risk than narrow heel shoes because greater force is placed on them. So if you are opting for wider heels with the assumption that it is safer and low-risk to your muscle- think again!

So is it worth it? I think not!

From my findings, it is clear that all heeled shoes have incurable health effects. They can be controlled with painkillers, but is that a wise lifestyle when you can purchase fashionable flats less than your health value.

Be smart, Be fashionable!

 

Article by: Eighteen Forever

Photo credit: Eighteen Forever

 

Please ask for permission before using this information. Thank you

Nominated: Fashion Blog of The Year at Black Weblog Awards 2012

We have been nominated for Black Weblog Awards in US. So thrilled! Thank you for your support peeps. 

Photo credit: Black Weblog Awards 

Voting Line Now Open

Eighteen Forever is a fashion blog with an emerging fashion line. 
Aim: to share bold, bright and current fashion trends through personal style and fashion shows......

Objectives: 1. connect with bloggers, designers, retailers and the 

social enterprise sphere.

2. Promote sustainable fashion, beauty and fashion events.

Current partners: ANGLO NUBIA Face Of Colour RuShee

Events and contribution: Press at Africa Fashion Week London 2012
and contributed to Africa Fashion Week Magazine August Edition

Awards: BEFFTA Awards and Black Weblogs Awards 2012 Nominee

Absolutely humbled to be nominated for this awards. It would mean everything if "Eighteen Forever" gets the trophy- so please vote and share the link www.beffta.com/voting THANK YOU!!

BEFFTA Awards 2012: King of Couture Hosts Launch Party

Another hectic week off my schedule. It all started with the undergraduate recruitment fair in London, followed by the BEFFTA (Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television Arts) Awards nomination launch party on Wednesday 26th September at Babble Mayfair- then Face of Colour audition and photo shoot in Birmingham on Saturday 29th September at the Custard Factory. Uhh.... It's exhausting but fun!! BEFFTA launch party was prodigious!!!! Lots of people attended- celebrities, bloggers, presenters' and of course emerging talents' too. One thing I admire the most about BEFFTA Awards is its "inclusiveness". Everyone is given the chance to share their talents and gain well deserved recognition. This year's nomination launch party was hosted by Mr Adebayo Jones aka King of Couture. He is one of the most humble people I have ever met. His designs are high-fashion couture, heritage and ladylike. Loved the showcase at Africa Fashion Week London in August.

The highlight of the event is the nominee announcement.  I am so humbled and delighted to be nominated for Blog of the Year in just 8 months of establishment. Thank you to everyone who nominated. Voting opens 7th of October #EighteenForever.

Fashion wise, it was average I guess everyone is saving their style-savv for the award night on the 27th of October at The Hippodrome North London. I cannot wait to see you all there.

Founder of BEFFTA Awards Miss Pauline Long with Ken Smart (L- Actor/Producer/Director at Genesis Producxions Ltd) and Mr Adebayo Jones (R- Fashion Designer aka King of Couture). Love the bright colour with natural make-up. 

         Fashion blogger meets Legendary Fashion designer- Mr Adebayo Jones... *Special moment*

Fashion blogger with Jimmy Akingbola from Holby City. Battle of the Darkest. Who is darker? 

Uhh..can you see what I'm seeing. Leyton keep your legs straight!! Didn't see this until editing. Your suit is super bright!! Samuell Benta well tailored suit in electric blue was my favourite on the night. *best-dressed*. 

I will be very happy to offer my service "what suits your body shape" to the lady in red. Nice shape- wrong dress + too much bling!! The lady in pink dress got the shape right for her body- however there is too much accessories going on.....ditch the necklace and keep earring and bracelet. Love the hair!!

You have committed a great offence by wearing that shoe with the frill skirt (lady on the left). What were you thinking? Love the jumpsuit (lady in the middle)

I introduce you to....Shiikane! They can sing. I mean they can sing!! Please perform on the award night. Love their style too. Animal print is NOT going anywhere. OK!" The clutch bag in the middle is from Miss London £32. I am definitely getting one *smiles*

Elaka performing at the launch party. Lace is very tricky to pull off. This dress did NO justice to her figure. Keep up the good work though!!

   Focus please.....focus on the right!! Lovely Victoria from Focus Organisation is nominated for Best  Events Promoter. She is definitely promoting with that "Top". To find out more about Focus Organisation, please follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Focus-Organization/224250857613337?sk=info

Left: Fashion designer (The House of Adjeiwaa) and her friend. House of Adjeiwaa is nominated for fashion designer of the year. Good luck lady....I hope you WIN!!!! To see House of Adjeiwaa's designs, please follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-of-Adjeiwaah/207719175908850?fref=ts

They got it right. A/W 12 is all about black, colour and statement shoes!!! Well done to the lady in LBD. For more black fashion this winter, visit Zara, Topshop and Warehouse. For bright colour fashion, see Eighteen Forever fashion line on this blog. 

Miss West Africa Winner was also at the event. She seemed nervous and overwhelmed by it all. Welcome to the world of entertainment!!!! Don't worry...you will get use to it.

Photo credit: Eighteen Forever

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