Iyabo ojo

CHAIRMAN Edirin Abamwa

MANAGING EDITOR Joy Isi Bewaji

CONTRIBUTORS Mfonobong Akpan Yvonne Williams William Irubor Yusuf Busari Mojola Aturamu Olubunmi Familoni Esosa Omo-Usoh Tega Williams

PHOTOGRAPHER King Solomon All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

ABOUT HAPPENINGS MAGAZINE Happenings Magazine is the close friend to every adult who seeks knowledge, entertainment, thrill and aims at being the very best in every area of their lives.

IYABO OJO ON SINGLE MOTHERHOOD, TATTOOS, AND SOCIAL MEDIA CONTROVERSIES AND SEX SCANDALS It was crazy many weeks back when actress, Iyabo Ojo was dragged on cyber streets regarding sexual allegations. The vitriol tore through thick air – what was real and what was a lie? It was all too sketchy like a Nollywood script. Iyabo isn’t talking. Why has she chosen silence?

Happenings magazine finds out more about the actress…

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The journey been so far

– a fashion icon who knows

The journey has been beautiful.

how the business should be

I started acting in 1998. I started

done. She supports celebrities

with the English industry before

by simply dressing and styling

moving into the Yoruba movie

us up without expecting

industry in 2001.

immediate financial rewards.

Peculiarities of English/ Yoruba movie industry

The movie, Silence, and the need to address Rape

I think it’s just the language.

The industry used to be all about the story; now there is a fusion of glamour and story to make it

I have a lot of young ladies that look up to me and have shared their stories with me.

Here in Nigeria, we only look

more intriguing.

at the physical aspect of rape;

Living up to the glamorous life

the victim forgetting about the

It’s a bit difficult here because everybody wants you to do publicity for free. There are no credit-based relationships to support the industry, yet we are expected to be on top of our fashion game. We shouldn’t be buying every product/item, partnerships should be nurtured to sustain the industry. Thank God for people like Toyin Lawani, CEO Tiannah Styling

the physical abuse meted to psychological and emotional trauma the victim suffers. So the movie ‘Silence’ highlights on the mental challenges rape victims go through. The movie was a re-introduction to the English genre it starred the likes of Alex Osifo, Tina Mba, Joseph Benjamin, Doris Simon, and Akin Lewis.

The response from the market was good. Apart from piracy which is a constant thorn in our

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flesh. The message of the movie was passed across and was well received by the target market.

That was the aim and it achieved that.

On Piracy, Copyright Infringement and Okafor’s Law I stand with her as a colleague and friend and I am happy her movie is now out in cinemas. It’s not easy to pour in money into a movie and at the end of the day you have to go to court to fight for the right and ownership. I can’t really say a lot on the matter because I do not know the details; but I recognize the hustle of our craft, and that is why I stand with her because I know she’d appreciate any support at this hour.

Investing and recouping money in movie business

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First you have to shoot

determine my style. For

a good movie if you

an award, I have to look

want to make your

glam. Simple but classy.

money back. DVD isn’t best option is to sell

Beauty – genes or regime?

your movie to online

I think it’s the genes.

media streams like

My family is blessed

Iroko, Ibaka TV etc.

with all body types

That’s where the money

- skinny and fat. As

is right now. You can

a woman, the more

also sell to TV stations

you age, you have to

too like Africa Magic.

pay more attention to

For cinema it’s a

yourself. You know as

win-win. The money

ladies we don’t want to

might not come in as

grow old. I take a lot

you desire because of

of water, I take a lot of

tax, but it’s good for

fruits, I don’t eat late, I

branding and meeting

watch what I eat, drink

a certain audience. My

and don’t eat much. I

movies like Silence,

am also into skin care

Black Val, Beyond

products. As a brand of

Disabilities, Astray

my products, I have to

all went through the

look good to represent

cinema.

what I promote.

Defining style My mood determines

Product endorsement

my style. Sometimes I

No, I am not an

just want to be casual,

ambassador or

then the kind of events

endorsed by any

I am heading to will

product just yet.

selling right now, the

‘‘

There are no credit-based relationships to support the industry, yet we are expected to be on top of our fashion game.

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‘‘

I had to learn how to effectively multitask and make plans, so I don’t sacrifice one for the other.

However, I am currently

at a young age, and as

in talks with Forever

a single mum it wasn’t

Living Product to be

easy. I had to learn how

the face of one of their

to effectively multitask

energy drinks. We are

and make plans, so I

working on that for now.

don’t sacrifice one for

If you are to pick a product you would like to represent in the entire world what would it be?

were much younger it restricted my ability to truly build my career outside Lagos. I had to be home with my kids

That would be my

every day, even if filming

product. I am working

ends by midnight. I had

on my makeup collection

problems with producers

and I am working to

shooting outside Lagos

register my skincare

because I had to come

because I mix my creams

home to check on my

locally. I want to do this

kids, get them ready for

for my daughter, hoping

school for the next day,

by the time she is 18 I

check their homework

would be ready for her.

and all. I channel out

Motherhood and being a celebrity

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the other. When they

time to spend with them.

I take a week break in December from work;

Motherhood gives you

every holiday is spent

the depth of what love

with the kids, I get to

means. It allows you

bo bond with them and

understand what it

share moments with

means to truly be in love

them. It’s not an easy

because your kids fill up

one but as they grow,

your heart. I had my kids

they have learnt how to

handle things better.

How old are your kids?

maturity, sex, marriage, all the supposed taboos parents shy away from. As

My son will be 18 in June,

parents we are always in

and my daughter recently

denial, thinking our kids are

clocked 16.

the best; we ignore these

Sex, teenagers and open conversations?

important conversations thereby resulting in our kids learning from their

I advise parents to be open

peers. Parents should bond

about sex issues with their

properly with their kids,

children. My life history

talk to them rather than yell

brought that up. I grew up

at them. Don’t push them

with my granny and there

away.

was no one to talk to me about sex and biological

The love for tattoos

changes in the female

Tattoos are just something

anatomy. I was naïve about

I love. The crown tattoo

so many things. I grew up

signifies my being a queen,

with that mentality that,

and the rose - love. I hope

‘if a guy touches me then

to have my children’s names

I will get pregnant’. As a

tattooed underneath the

mother, I owe it to myself

rose and crown. The tattoos

to educate my daughter on

on my body simply do not

these things. I am giving

have any significance to

my daughter proper talk

anything, I just love them.

on sex and the female body It has bonded us to the

Nollywood Yoruba caucuses

level that we talk about

We had one initially -

everything - from boys,

ANTP (Association of

since she became a teenager.

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‘‘

Parents should bond properly with their kids, talk to them rather than yell at them. Don’t push them away.

Nigeria Theatre Arts

needed to be cleared so

Practitioners), the

as to give a report back

group broke after some

to their Oga at the top.

issues resulting in other

I was given a witness

groups formed. But right

form which I filled. I

now I am not part of

didn’t even know it was

any group. I work with

going to be used against

everyone. I do not want

her. I had to call my

to be limited or stifled.

lawyer who gave me the

I used to be part of

permission to fill the

Odunfa caucus which

witness form since it

belongs to Ogogo and

wasn’t a petition form.

Yinka Quadri and Abbey Lanre.

Accusations and Kemi Olunloyo

No comments, please.

has been duly informed.

Social media, controversies and bad branding

I haven’t met her before

I wouldn’t like to talk

and according to her

about anything that has

someone sent her a

to do with social media.

message, I don’t know

The last time I talked

about what. All I know

to a media station,

is that I was called to be

Channels TV, on how the

an ambassador of the

young ones can handle

Nigeria Police Academy

pressure on social media,

and they said they heard

I used myself as an

a rumour about me that

example and the story

My lawyer has addressed the issue, and the public

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On Apostle and Men of God

was turned around to spite me.

As a celeb, social media is important. Do you still want to continue to build your social media presence or are you learning from all the experiences in the last few

months not to put yourself out there anymore?

I am going to continue bringing myself out on social media because a lot of people draw inspiration from me. Fans want to see you and a lot of people get encouraged on how you handle certain challenges of 15

your life. I am just going

I am a woman and I

to be mute on things that

understand her pain.

would cause a distraction.

so it really doesn’t make

At what point do you speak up against the allegations?

any difference.

It’s a choice to want to

People are going to believe what they want to believe,

On Tonto’s video confessions and pain

do things in a particular way. When my marriage fell apart. even though

A lot of people wonder

social media wasn’t the

why I walked out of my

in-thing then, I could have

marriage four years after

gone to the press to air

and a lot of people wonder

my issues, but after the

why I have kept certain

whole brouhaha, what

things private. Truth is

next? I would have to sit

certain things need to be

down to have a rethink

dealt with privately as

and ask myself ‘why did I

they would certainly affect

do this?’. Those who are

your kids. My kids are all

my true fans know me

grown and it’s even more

and whatever it is that

sensitive now as they have

would have warranted

their own lives; I have

what happened the truth

to give them the respect

would definitely come out

they deserve. I am not

someday. I do not have

saying Tonto should have

to defend myself. The

being quiet but when it

only time I would defend

started she should have

myself is if and when it

quietly taken legal actions

has to do with legal issues

because you see a lot of

like the Kemi Olulonyo

people would say things.

issue that had my lawyer

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coming out with a statement concerning her re-arrest. I have heard worst stories about me in the past and if stories about me get to me, at most I would get my lawyer involved.

Kemi said something about me, whether it was true or not, I didn’t give a statement but the other party involved, I heard, got her arrested. I was expecting a court case, evidence and all though‌ I am not interested or ready to sue anybody; I do not want her family coming all up on me and saying stuff. The thing is I do not know anything about what is going on.

Current projects I just shot two movies: Twisted Twins and Blue Prints. My daughter was in the former as my double, as well as myself and Mike Ezuronye.

The movie is for Africa Magic.

The movies are currently in the studio and would be out soon.

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Sex & Boundaries

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF KEMEN’S ALLEGED ACT IN THE BIG BROTHER HOUSE ESOSA OMO-USOH

T

he just-concluded Big Brother Naija Reality TV Show on DSTV left in its wake as much social furore as it did when it commenced in

January 2017.

Housemate Kemen was disqualified from the show prior to a scheduled eviction show. His disqualification was on account of his alleged unconsented and inappropriate touching of fellow Housemate Tboss’ genitalia whilst she was asleep.

The act had been captured by night vision cameras installed in the house.

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The Criminal Code Act in

unnatural offence, indecent

Nigeria makes provisions for

assault on males, indecent

an array of offences with sexual

assault on females, incest,

connotations. These range from

bestiality, sodomy, defilement to

rape, attempt to commit rape,

abduction.

assault with intent to commit

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Positioning Kemen’s alleged

The Nigerian Criminal

act within the context

Code Act defines rape

of the ingredients of the

thus:

aforementioned offences, the offences most likely to succeed

“Any person who has

against Kemen are rape and

unlawful carnal knowledge

indecent assault on females.

of a woman without her

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consent or with her consent if the consent is obtained by force or by means of force or by means of threats or intimidation of any kind, or by fear of harm, or by means of false and fraudulent representation as to the nature of the act, or, in the case of a married woman, by impersonating her husband, is guilty of an offence which is called rape”.

‘‘

Aside rape, the other offence already identified above for which Kemen could be charged is indecent assault on females as provided in the Criminal Code Act.

The punishment for rape as

However, a charge of rape

provided by the Criminal

could be sustained against

Code Act is imprisonment for

Kemen if brought under the

life, with or without caning.

Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 (the

It is clear from the above

VAPP Act). The Act defines

definition of rape that a

rape thus:

charge of rape cannot be sustained against Kemen

“A person commits the offence

under the Criminal Code

of rape if-

Act. This is because the important ingredient of penile

(a) He or she intentionally

penetration is absent in the

penetrates the vagina, anus or

facts of the matter as captured

mouth of another person with

in the video.

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any other part of his or her body or anything else; (b) The other person does not consent to the penetration, or (c) The consent is obtained by force or means of threat or

intimidation of any kind or by fear of harm or by means of false and fraudulent representation as to the nature of the act or the use of any substance or additive capable of taking away the will of such person or in the case of a married person by impersonating his or her spouse�

The glaring differences between the provisions on rape in the Criminal Code Act and 25

the VAPP Act are that: (a) Unlike in the Criminal Code Act, under the VAPP Act; both a man and a woman are capable of committing the offence of rape. (b) Unlike in the Criminal Code Act, under the VAPP Act; penile penetration is not the only proof of rape.

The punishment for rape as stipulated by the VAPP Act is thus: “Any person convicted for an offence under subsection (1) of this section is liable to imprisonment for life except(a) Where the offender is less than 14 years of age,

‘‘

the offender is liable to a maximum of 14 years

imprisonment; (b) In all other cases, to a minimum of 12 years imprisonment without an option of fine, or (c) In the case of rape by a group of persons, the offenders are liable jointly to a minimum of 20 years imprisonment without an option of fine” In addition to the punishments listed above, the VAPP Act also makes two noteworthy provisions to wit; Firstly, the Court shall award appropriate compensation to the victim as it may deem fit, and secondly; a register for convicted sexual offenders

Under the law, nothing short of a “yes” or “no” is required to ground the presence or absence of consent in sexual matters.

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shall be maintained and

Under the law, nothing short

accessible to the public.

of a “yes” or “no” is required to ground the presence or absence

Aside rape, the other offence

of consent in sexual matters.

already identified above for which Kemen could be charged

Having identified above the

is indecent assault on females

offences that could constitute

as provided in the Criminal

possible legal consequences for

Code Act.

Kemen’s alleged act, there is a glaring legal snag in the matter

Indecent assault is essentially

that cannot be avoided. It is the

an assault that does not involve

fact that the alleged act did not

rape. Under the Criminal Code

take place on Nigerian soil. The

Act, the offence is punishable by

show was shot in South Africa

two years in prison.

where the Big Brother House wherein the alleged act was

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perpetrated is located.

matter. The South African criminal justice system is

This necessarily robs the

therefore the appropriate

Nigerian criminal justice

authority vested with the

system of the requisite

requisite jurisdiction to

jurisdiction to address the

address it.

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offence of rape”.

In South Africa, the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and

In its definition section, the Act

Related Matters) Offences

defines “sexual penetration” to

Amendment Act No.32 of 2007

include:

makes provision for the offence of rape. The Act defines the

“any act which causes

offence of rape thus:

penetration to any extent whatsoever by-

“Any person (‘A’) who unlawfully and intentionally commits an

(a) The genital organs of one

act of sexual penetration with

person into or beyond the

a complainant (‘B’), without

genital organs, anus, or mouth of

the consent of B, is guilty of the

another person;

(b) Any other part of the body

alleged act, the question then

of one person, or any object

arises; does that mean he is off

including any part of the body

the hook?

of an animal, into or beyond the genital organs or anus of

Whilst it is clear that Nigerian

another person; or

courts cannot exercise criminal

(c) Genital organs of an

jurisdiction in the matter, the

animal, into or beyond the

alleged act having not been

mouth of another person�.

committed on Nigerian soil, Nigerian courts can, however,

With Kemen having since

exercise civil jurisdiction over

returned to Nigeria, and

the matter.

having observed that it is the South African criminal justice system that can address his

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SLOW COUNTRY: THE WORST SCENES FROM THE MOVIE William Irubor

I

was at the premiere of ‘Slow Country’, the latest effort from director, producer, screenwriter and editor, Eric Aghimien.

His 2014 debut movie, ‘A mile from home’, won at both the AMVCA and the AMA awards. So yes, I had grand expectations.

Slow Country is a story about love,

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trust, betrayal and redemption.

Abandoned by her baby daddy, Osas (Tope Tedela), a single mum, Kome (Ivie Okujaiye) is sucked into an under worldly life of crime and grime headed by Tuvi (Sambasa Nzeribe) all in a desperate bid to cater for her son, Peter (Adebayo Thomas).

Over all, it was a fair attempt at an action movie.�Action 34

movie� for Nollywood is still and uneasy venture lacking confidence. The technology is yet to be perfected in Nigeria.

Make-belief is money-gulping business, and action movies eats a chunk of that dough.

Nonetheless, let me state that bullets ricocheting off walls and bursting windows as grenades explode, was quite the thrill. So impressed to

he was trying to catch a bus.

That whole scene was a laugh.

It could have been done better.

Even the cameraman seemed to be running with them and the whole scene was visibly shaking terribly. When he was caught, he didn’t even put up a fight. We are not talking about a marijuana dealer here, a COCAINE dealer.

Most of them even carry personal protection like a switchblade or pocket revolver or 9mm because of the dangerous nature of the business.

some degree, yes I was.

Yet it was riddled with “obvious” flaws too many to count on both hands and feet. I would only highlight a few…

• Inspector Dave was chasing a drug dealer down the street in a bid to get information from him, and it was as though they were jogging. The drug dealer was supposed to be “running for his life”, instead he ran like

• The whole scene where Tuvi murdered his father was totally unnecessary because there was no “apparent” reason for killing the man. He was bedridden, dying of cancer and Tuvi was already running the family business, so why kill him?

Not like he was obstructing or hindering anything. Then the room was a joke. It looked nothing like the bedchamber of a once rich and affluent kingpin (as we were made to believe). It 35

was mediocre at best. And

would “instinctively” plunge at

by the way, do all dying

the gunman who shoots their

cancer patients bleed from

kid. They would rather die in

the nose profusely?

the process. But no, the director decided it was okay for a father

• Kome and Osas were

to sit and whimper like a little

quarrelling and she

puppy after witnessing his

pressed a knife very close

child’s murder. Even if the father

to his neck before backing

wouldn’t rush at the assailant,

away. It would have been

he would at the least rush to the

nice to see a little blood

body of his dead child.

trickle from the place where the knife “pricked”

• The one that killed me was

Osas, and then they were

Inspector Dave’s partner who

supposed to have had crazy

wore a very shiny, crispy,

sex…… But again, what do

sparkling “fresh from the

I know.

cleaners” white native attire to a gun battle at the hideout

• Tuvi was rounding up his

of a notorious criminal. White

late father’s debtors. He

native, up and down, to match…..

holds a man at gunpoint

someone please shoot me

while threatening to shoot

already. Who in heaven’s name

his son and daughter who

was the costumier?

had been drugged to sleep.

And then the man just sits

• At the end when the trio (Kome,

there whimpering. Tuvi

Osas and Inspector Dave)

shoots one of the kids,

leave the warehouse, it would

and the man still sits there

have been nice to see back-

whimpering. The strongest

up (branded) police cars and

bond is that between a

ambulances arriving after a gun

parent and child, even the

battle that lasted for a very long

most cowardly of parent

time with multiple casualties.

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#ASKHAPPENINGS Dear Tope,

I caught her pants down again, does she deserve another chance?

Dear Happenings, My girlfriend and I have been together for 2 years; however, she has cheated on me a few times.

The first time was with some guy she met on social media and we managed to work things out after she begged, wept and promised it wouldn’t happen again. Then she cheated again with a different man but I still forgave her.

Recently, I went to visit her at her house and caught her again with another guy. I just walked away – it was too much hurt. Now, she is begging again, and wants me to forgive her because she loves me and not them. She says she has ceased contact with those guys and would do anything to make this better. Should I give her a second chance?

Thanks Tope.

First off, you don’t say you love a person and then turn around and stab them in the back repeatedly. That being said, the biggest problem with cheating on a significant other is not necessarily the sexual liaison itself, but rather the betrayal of trust, and trust is the glue that holds a relationship together.

From your narration, this lady is not committed to, nor does she value or respect neither you nor your relationship. Commitment is all about trust, about making a promise and then consistently keeping that promise. It’s all well and good if she feels bad, but what is she actually going to do differently now from the previous chances you’ve given her? Ask yourself.

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In my opinion you’ve given her one too many chances and she clearly thinks it’s okay to keep doing it because she knows how to bat her eyelids, cry a few tears and all is forgiven.

Keeping in mind that this has happened several times, your best bet is to walk away. It may be difficult considering the time put into the relationship but, it’s not healthy; it’s emotionally draining and selfish. You both aren’t on the same page as regards what you want from a relationship – You want commitment but she’s clearly still having a good time.

However, if you feel that once again you can rebuild that trust, it’s your decision to make.

Best of Luck!

Am I his sidechick?

Why won’t he post my pictures on social media?

Dear Happenings, I have been dating this guy for about six months now, he’s a great guy but while I have posted photos of him on my social media platforms, there is none of us on his and this bothers me. He does post other aspects of his life, like photos with friends and family but not any of us together. Should I be worried? Is he playing me?

Thank you Sola.

Dear Sola, Should you break up with your boyfriend just because he doesn’t post photos of you on social media?

I don’t think so. Should you be concerned? Yes, because it could be a red flag.

It’s 2017, and social media plays a significantly important role in the lives of many especially the millennials. People tend to share

39

every milestone in their

obligation to do this?

lives for the world to see

So as much as it could be

because that’s basically

a warning sign, It’s not

the times we’re in. So if

necessarily fair to expect that

a guy you’ve been dating

just because it’s important

for a period of time has

to you means it should be

no problem posting other

important to your partner.

activities/events in his

I think if he’s cool with you

life, safe for you on social

tagging him to the photos

media, something could

when you post them and

be up.

doesn’t complain about you

On the other hand, having

doing this, there probably isn’t

PDA photos splashed on

much to worry about.

social media isn’t so much

I think if he is a great guy that

of a guarantee that your

treats you right, like you’ve

relationship would be

said, you should focus more

peachy.

on that. The important thing

Have you talked to him

is that you both love each

about it? Find out if

other and agree on making

there is a valid reason

compromises regarding

he chooses to keep your

matters that are ultimately

relationship offline. Have

beneficial to your relationship.

you thought probably

Wish you the best!

he had a nasty past experience with previous relationships online?

Is he just a grown man who’s chosen to treat you differently, or it’s just not his thing, plus he feels he owes the world no 40

THE STYLE GUIDE TO VERSATILE WORKWEAR Does your workwear become monotonous and boring as months go by?

Learning to perfect the art of making versatile combos for work is not rocket science, by adding bursts of color, mixing and matching, and simply a surprise element can improve your look tremendously.

Here are a few fun tips to making work-day slay-day.

With Blazers, Everything Is Legal

Blazers are the holy grail of work wear, that’s why they can make anything look work appropriate. If you’re fond of buying trendy outfits that don’t seem to fit into your work days, throw on a blazer. Blazers make everything look great! From pleated skirts, to denim, and even mom pants- throw on a blazer during the day, and take it off at night, it’s a great transitioning staple.

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Never Underestimate the Power of the Pencil Skirt

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Pencil skirts are evergreen. As

good. The rains are upon us and

long as the corporate world exists,

the weather is starting to call for

they’re never going away. They can

thicker outfit choices to ward off

be paired with literally, anything!

the cold- ever thought of matching

From tee shirts, to sweaters,

your pencil skirt to your sweaters?

bomber jackets‌ you name it.

Just tuck in a corner of the hem in

Pencil skirt makes everything look

front and thank me later.

Layering Never Gets Old

Layering is defined as the art of perfecting your mix and match game.

Having to pair complementing colors together is a fantastic way to spice up your work wear. Got a sleeveless dress? Layer it with a dress shirt, a turtle neck blouse, or a long sleeve fitted tee and give your dresses a new look. This also works with short sleeve dresses too.

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You get to play with colors and silhouettes, you can also belt the dress for added oomph.

The possibilities are endless.

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Throw In Some Unexpected Bling

Depending on the work place

better. You get added confidence

rules, jewelry can add character to

to take on your day, you walk

a seemingly regular outfit. It could

with a skip in your step, and you

be a bangle, it could be a lapel pin

always look forward to work when

(yes, women can wear lapel pins

you know a bomb outfit has been

too), or a long pendant. Whatever

planned for the next day. Utilize

your choice of accessory, make it

your wardrobe to its full potential.

pop!

Happy Slaying.

Looking good makes you feel good,

Photo credits are from instagram, @ stylepantry, @_tostos @awedbymoni @ kefilwemobote

when you feel good, you work

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