Allure

Vanguard

AUGUST 26, 2012

Matching your clothes with your bag

Cheerful Color-Blocking

Trendy Ankara jackets — ways to rock it

What item in his/her wardrobe would you thrash?

FOYEH TOJU

Unmasked

this week

INSIDE 4

6-7 What item in

Trendy Ankara jackets his/her wardrobe —ways to rock it would you thrash?

14-15

Makashe Ibru weds Kayode Awogboro

8-10

TOJU FOYEH: The Young Designer to Watch

12 Female Sexual Dysfunction

XERODERMA a.k.a Dry skin

anger D y e n d o R

field

Philip Lar k

in

My wife and I keep fighting about sex and money.

I think she charges me too much, you know.

Happy marriage' is a contradiction in terms, like 'young poet'.

We've been trying to have a kid. Well, she was trying.

I just lay there.

The old theory was: 'Marry an older man because they're more mature'. But the new theory is: 'Men don't mature. Marry a younger one'.

Bob Saget a Mordi E-UP: Azuk Cephas. MAK JEWELRY: . es li ol H by sa. DRESS oussa Mous

Rita Rud

ner

T

PHY by M PHOTOGRA

oju Foyeh is our cover choice because she epitomises the success and great strides of the fashion industry. Young, successful and very fashion forward, Toju has been able to carve her niche, commanding a strong following among Nigeria’s trendy celebrity crowd. It’s incredible how incredibly focused and confident the 24-year old is. So young and yet so knowing. Latasha Ngwube got talking with the designer. See pp. 8, 9 & 10.

Other features in this edition include Rummaging through His Wardrobe for that fashion item that irks you. Jemi Ekunkubor sniffed around. Read her findings on pp. 4, 5 & 6.

Another week ends. Hope you like...

Have a great week!

Allure is all about You

Remmy Diagbare

Cover: Toju Foyeh Photography: Bamiyo Iselema Emina Make-up: Azuka Mordi EDITOR: Remmy Diagbare DEPUTY EDITOR: Jemi Ekunkunbor ASST. EDITOR: Yemisi Suleiman

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CONTRIBUTORS: Princess Kate Emiko Jerome Onipede Folake Akinola Bamiyo Iselema Emina

ALLURE AUGUST 26, 2012

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Latasha Ngwube COPY EDITOR: DD William-West CORRESPONDENTS: Fatima Garba - Style Davina Ayodele - Beauty

LAYOUT/DESIGNS: Remi Oguntegbe Isaiah Amupitan PHOTOGRAPHY: Oscar Ochiogu

Printed and published by Vanguard Media Ltd Vanguard Avenue Kirirkiri Canal, P.M.B. 1007 Apapa, Lagos

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OFFICE ASSISTANT: Ebere Okoh

All correspondence to: P.M.B. 1007 Apapa, Lagos

AUGUST 26, 2012 ALLURE

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Trendy Ankara jackets —ways to rock it Titi

Kokoroko Queen

Copy the look

By YEMISI SULEIMAN

If you are not one for wearing a full ensemble ankara outfit, you can always wear an Ankara jacket and you will never go wrong.

Even when you think you have had enough of the indigenous fabric in your wardrobe in different designs, you cannot resist having these jackets, they are absolutely lovely and they add that elegant look to your outfit.

Pair with skinny jeans, or any style of jeans and wedge heels. They can also go with tailored pants, and skirt depending on your taste. Add a youthful and chic flair by adorning it with sequins, which you can get from the open market. .

Ankara jacket is the fad now, as most designers sent their models down the catwalk in jackets that cinched and pinched their waists to hourglass perfection.

Here are trendy ways to rock the trend.

Model

Trendy Ankara Jacket

On black pants

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ALLURE AUGUST 26, 2012

Ankara Rebel

Ndidi Obioha

Ndidi Obioha

Ankara tux

BY JEMI EKUNKUNBOR

I

t is not all true that when men and women dress up, it is just to cover the human anatomy. Most people wear what they wear because they want to be admired especially by the opposite sex. While some achieve this and even get the opportunity for a date, others never get a second chance to be admired because their firs choice was a complete a put off for the opposite sex for whom they craved admiration. So, we took the matter to Nigerians, men and women to tell us what they would like thrashed in people’s wardrobe-male or female. Here is what they said.

Yinka Epega, PR publicity Africa Magic Mnet

Skinny jeans

T

Prince Akanni Oyefusi, Designer/President FADAN

Low rise trousers

I

think fashion should be considered in two ways functionality and comfort. When you wear trousers and the lines of your private parts are showing, that is dirty. What a woman should not wear are things that reveal her private body. There are some things are no, no for me. Fashion does not mean you should go mad. It should come with decency, smartness and appeal.

As a man, anything that shows your private body becomes unappealing and sometimes irritating. When you wear a low waist pant and a short blouse that does not cover your waist line, when sit down, your underwear is exposed. When this happens, you make everybody around you uncomfortable because you have made that the focal point of your dressing. So, trends like the low rise trousers or jeans should be dumped.

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ALLURE AUGUST 26, 2012

his whole skinny jeans riding just below the crack of their bum sometimes is touching too much on the male anatomy. Skinny jean doesn’t do it for me. It just looks wrong. It’s not decent looking. I don’t think it is fashionable, maybe I am old school. I know for a fact that it doesn’t look decent or tidy. I mean I like a guy to look really put together and neat but you don’t have to take the shine off the woman.. I think the woman should take the shine all the time. But as a man you should be more than presentable, more than respectable a man must just look well put together. Why wear skinny jeans and undersize t shirt? For me it’s a fashion no, no.

A man must not follow trend or wear things that don’t make him put together all in the

Elohor Aisien, Model agent

Earrings

A

n earring on a man’s ear is a put off for me. I think when you get to a certain age you should do away with it. When you are in your teens and you wear earrings, it is tolerable but when you get to 22-25, I think you are growing and you have passed that stage. It is a turn off for me and the first impression is that such a person is not responsible

Omoyemi Akerele,

Chima Ajaere

stylist

Fashion designer

Skinny jeans

Skirt or blouse that exposes

I

am not a fan of a man wearing a pair of jean trousers with his underwear or boxer showing. It means that the man is not a man yet. He is a boy. To see the boxer showing because he is sagging his trousers, that we can definitely do without. I like it when men look prim and proper and presentable. It is important to me for a man to be well groomed. I’d like to think of fashion forward. Another put off will be the skinny jeans trend.

There are so many men now who do not have any business wearing skinny jean. Nigerian men have thick thighs. Skinny jeans, is not designed for people with thick thighs. So to see men wearing skinny jeans and tuck in their t-shirt is a out off. Some men wear it and they can pull it off effortlessly. They look good. It doesn’t look tacky at all. Some others just have to stop it.

I

think people should wear what they are comfortable in and what makes them happy. However, we are Africans and therefore, I don’t think we should expose too much. A girl should try as much as possible to be decent and cover up and not follow western culture. She should cover both her boobs and her butt; up and down. Anything that exposes a girl’s body whether it is a skirt or blouse will be a put off for me and should be thrashed.

Ogechukwu Osih, TV presenter

Skinny jeans or leggings

Lanre Da silva, Fashion Designer

Too many colours

M

en are almost allowed to wear anything which is their shirts, t shirts and trousers. I remember at the beginning, I was wondering, can they really wear skinny pants? But they are carrying it off well so that I think of what they are not wearing well. Maybe one thing that puts though is to see a man wear too many colours at a time. I like colours but not on men.

In as much as people say I want to go with the trend, in my opinion, for those who care when you see a man wearing leggings and skinny jeans, what comes into your mind is that he is gay. To some people it does put them off. So when I see men wear leggings all in the name of fashion, they look like a joke!

Leave that for women to wear because you like funny, you don’t look nice. There is no way I’m going to appreciate a man wearing leggings or skinny jeans.

No way. It’s a no for me. And this is my opinion.

I don’t think men should go with every trend. You’d find that people who wear vintage or things that are not in vogue, it saves them money. If you do the skinny trend, when it is over, you’d have to change your wardrobe and you’d keep changing your wardrobe with every trend that comes and goes.

Continues on pg 11

AUGUST 26, 2012 ALLURE

7

TOJU FOYEH The Young Designer to Wat

BY LATASHA NGWUBE Growing up, she was surrounded by several family members who were into fashion. In the early ‘90’s, her mother sold unique fabric pieces and her grandmother was a designer who attended the London College of Fashion. Putting Education before her passion, she obtained an LLB Law from the University of Reading, UK and an LLM in Intellectual Property from the University of Manchester, also in the UK. Determined however to make a name for herself in the fashion industry, Toju embarked on a degree programme at the world famous Instituto Marangoni in Milan, the fashion capital of the world. She enjoys turning her ideas and sketches into distinct high fashion pieces.

Since entering the Nigerian market after relocating last year, her label has caught the attention of several high profile fashion magazines and her pieces have been featured in countless fashion shoots.

Her appreciation for a woman’s silhouette and superior craftsmanship combined with a natural talent for creating show stopping pieces has made the Toju Foyeh label one worth patronising in our highly competitive fashion industry. Some of her work includes dressing cover girls in WOW Magazine’s previous editions as well as fashion spreads in Genevieve Magazine, Bella Naija and YNaija magazine.

Toju was among the 50 designers selected from across Africa to participate in the maiden edition of ARISE Magazine Fashion Week (AMFW) that took the entire continent by storm and was called upon to showcase in it’s second edition, proving that she has what it takes to make it in this cut throat profession.

In this interview Allure’s LATASHA NGWUBE spends time with the diminutive, artistic and articulate Toju, who opens up about her wonderful world of fashion and why it would always be her first love.

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ALLURE AUGUST 26, 2012

WHAT’S YOUR FULL NAME? Toluwaloju Olowofoyeku HOW OLD ARE YOU? I’m 24 years old.

WOW, SO YOUNG...I LEARNT YOU HAVE A LAW DEGREE, A MASTER’S DEGREE AND YOU’VE TIDIED AWAY YOUR NYSC PROGRAM. HOW WERE YOU ABLE TO JUGGLE ALL THESE WITH YOUR CREATIVE CALLING? It’s not an easy task, but my passion keeps me going. I also put everything I do to God. I have a very good team and staff structure who understand my goals, which makes working together easier. I also a very supportive and loving family, my parents especially, are the best, they encourage me.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN FASHION DESIGN? I have always been interested in fashion design.

Growing up I was surrounded by different aspects of fashion, my grandmother was a seamstress and studied at London College of fashion. My parents owned a clothing company for a couple of years when they got married. My mum later sold fabrics.

So I was influenced indirectly, and somehow developed a passion for it over the years.

MOST NIGERIAN DESIGNERS WOULD TELL YOU THEY HAD A FLAIR FOR DESIGNING AND JUST RAN WITH IT BUT YOU ACTUALLY TOOK A YEAR TO STUDY FASHION. WOULD YOU SAY IT MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE OR COULD YOU HAVE DONE WITHOUT? Having a flair or creative spark is great but going to fashion school to hone those skills and learn from the best is absolutely essential. I was fortunate to have attended Instituto Marangoni, one of the best fashion schools and alma mater to greats like Domenico Dolce and Franco Moschino. It was not a walk in the park I can tell you! Did it make a huge difference in my approach to my craft? Absolutely.

Htch

I was fortunate to have attended Instituto Marangoni, one of the best fashion schools and alma mater to greats like Domenico Dolce and Franco Moschino.

The things we were taught, cutting, pattern design, working under pressure…It was an experience that would forever shape me as a designer.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE BUSINESS OF ‘TOJU FOYEH’ AND WHAT SUSTAINED IT SO FAR? I officially started in 2010 when I moved back to Nigeria. I juggled this and Law school and this was not an easy task, but like I said my passion keeps me going and I’m determined to succeed.

WHO ARE YOUR DESIGN MENTORS OR INSPIRATION? My inspiration: Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, Valentino, Karl Largerfeld, Yves Saint Lauren, Alexander Mcqueen.

Mentors: Mai Atafo, he’s like a big brother to me, he’s always there when I need him.

DO YOU HAVE ANY MUSE THAT HELPS THE ‘TOJU FOYEH’ CREATIVE PROCESS? I draw inspiration from different things, music, art etc depending on what I’m trying to make, so its hard to decide on just one muse but I LOVE Beyonce.

A TOJU FOYEH CLIENT IS ...?

An elegant lady!

'My passion keeps me going' WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUR LAW DEGREE? I might practice law at some point, but not until my clothing line is fully established, because this is my true passion.

different goals. For some people it may be having stores round the country, for some people it may be breaking into the international market.

Personally I’d say, breaking into the international market.

YOU HAD A SHOW IN NEWYORK LAST YEAR DURING FASHION WEEK. WHAT WAS THAT LIKE AND WHAT DID YOU DRAW FROM THE WESTERN ENVIRONMENT IN TERMS OF THEIR ATTITUDE TOWARDS AFRICAN FASHION? It was amazing. It was different from any other show I’ve participated in. Different audience, different location. It was truly rewarding, knowing your work is appreciated outside ‘home’. I think the western environment is very receptive towards African fashion because in most cases it’s a different interpretation/perception of fashion, especially with the fabrics.

DO YOU HANDLE BOTH THE CREATIVE AND BUSINESS ASPECTS OF YOUR BRAND? Yes I do. Having a law background has definitely helped with the business side of things. My mum’s a banker so she helps too.

WHAT ARE THE HALLMARKS OF A SUCCESSFUL DESIGNER? It’s hard to say because different people have

WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE AS A DESIGNER? Getting into the mind of the client- trying to foresee what she might like/expect and also overcoming self criticism- I’m my biggest critic.

YOU WERE NOMINATED THIS YEAR FOR THE FUTURE AWARDS’ FASHION DESIGNER OF THE

AUGUST 26, 2012 ALLURE

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creativity - in the fashion world you are only as good as your last design. But truth be told going into fashion can be a very expensive endeavor.

HOW DO YOU RELAX WHEN YOU ARE NOT WORKING? Cooking, baking, staying in, eating good food and catching up on movies/series.

WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY IN YOUR LIFE LIKE? I typically wake up around 7-ish, check my emails and messages and then get ready to go into the office or meet a client or supplier etc. A busy day entails supervising fittings, having consultations and designing stuff as well (either for the new store or for clients). I have lunch if I remember and then it’s back to work. Some evenings I might meet friends for dinner/drinks or both.

I KNOW YOU HAVE A CLOSE KNIT RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR MOM. WHAT ARE HER FEELINGS TOWARDS YOUR FASHION CAREER? My mum is really my biggest fan. She’s been there since the very beginning and her hopes are that Toju Foyeh becomes a household name in terms of high end fashion.

IS THERE A SPECIAL GUY IN YOUR LIFE AT THE MOMENT? Laugh Out Loud! I would never discuss that in an interview. I believe it’s best to keep your private life private and out of the public eye.

Sir 'It’s Ken best Okolugbo to & Family

keep your private life private' Toju Foyeh

YEAR. HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT? I was really humbled and honoured to have been acknowledged by The Future Awards committee and just simply grateful to all those who helped bring this dream to life. From my family and friends to my faithful clients and customers. Not forgetting all the stylists, fellow designers, my publicist and support base who have made all this worthwhile. Even if I don’t win, I’d take this means to say thank you to everyone who has supported the Toju Foyeh brand.

CAN YOU TALK US THROUGH THE CREATION OF A GARMENT FROM INCEPTION TO FRUITION? Creation starts from the sketch, once this is done I decide suitable fabric that will best suit the design, then making the pattern, then cutting the fabric according to the pattern then sewing.

YOU STARTED OUT AS A COUTURE DESIGNER BUT I HEAR YOU ARE MOVING INTO READY-TO-WEAR AND THERE’S TALK OF A DIFFUSION LINE? Yes that’s right, but I would still focus on both. My new store will focus on the ready to wear diffusion line which would be smart casual wear. It would be more affordable everyday wear.

WHEN SHOULD WE EXPECT YOUR FLAGSHIP STORE TO OPEN FOR BUSINESS? God willing on the 30th of September 2012 IS IT TRUE THAT IT’S USUALLY SILVER SPOON KIDS WHO CAN TRULY PURSUE AND SUCCEED AT THE DREAMS OF BEING DESIGNERS? Not really because at the end of the day it’s all about ALLURE AUGUST 26, 2012

10

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES THAT INTEREST YOU IN GUYS? God fearing, confidence, style, gentle, caring, sweet.

Thoughtfulness is something I look out for as well.

WHEN ARE YOU AT YOUR HAPPIEST AND LOWEST? I am happiest when I’m sleeping in a freezing dark room. (Laughter).

I’m happiest when I’m with family or on holiday. I guess I am at my lowest when I know I could have done better..

WHAT HAVE BEEN THE BEST MOMENTS SINCE YOU STARTED YOUR CAREER? New York Fashion week and designing and stocking my store.

WHAT’S THE MOST RIDICULOUS THING YOU’VE EVER HEARD OR READ ABOUT YOURSELF? I have heard that I’m spoilt. That is FAR from the truth I can assure you.

WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? No one can make you feel inferior without your permission. Always believe in yourself.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL SENSE OF STYLE? I usually wear classic fitted pieces which I build my wardrobe around each season. I also like eye catching accessories.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ANYTHING ABOUT THE NIGERIAN FASHION INDUSTRY WHAT WOULD IT BE? I would make it less ‘elitist’.

Continues from pg 7

Kenneth Okoli, Actor/Model

Toe rings

A

woman wants to look beautiful at all times so I don’t really know what to take off her or toss away. But as a man, I don’t like anything too revealing. But if there is one thing that is a put off for me with women, it will be the toe ring. I don’t find ladies who wear toe rings attractive. It doesn’t make any sense. They should throw such things away.

Uti Nwachukwu, Model

Combo of mini leather skirt, tube and fishnet

P

Eric Arubayi, Musician

Full pants

I

think ladies should do away with all those grand mother’s pants that cover everywhere. They should go with the trend. Guys find under wears like the g string more exciting than the full ones.

Why should any young girl be wearing those kinds of pants? For outer garments, I hate to see women wear terribly tight skirt or dress with flabby tummy. Please there is what is called body magic.

They should go and get that.

atent micro mini skirt especially the colourful ones is a put off for me. It’s just nasty. Except you are a stripper on a holiday, I don’t think you should wear that kind of thing.

I think the only time you are permitted to have that kind of thing is if you are a stripper on the pole. I hate those micro mini skirts For the tops, I hate boob tubes. It should never have been made. I am referring to those kinds that cover only the boob area. You see some ladies wearing them as blouses.

A third item in a woman’s wardrobe that should be thrown away is the fish net. I don’t like to see it on women. Some of them are even torn and you won’t know. If you want to wear silk stockings, wear silk stockings. It’s very sexy. But when you wear fish net, it’s just funny. When you now combine these three items in one dressing, micro mini skirt, boob tube and fish net, please that is too much. Women should thrash all three items.

AUGUST 26, 2012 ALLURE

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Healthy Living101 terimendes@gmail.com

By Teri Mendes

Quote of the week: A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book. ~Irish Proverb

DID YOU KNOW?

XERODERMA

The symbol on the “pound” key (#) is called an octothorpe.

a.k.a Dry skin

X

eroderma or xerodermia or xerosis, affected by the amount of water vapor in the powder-like appearance of the skin. If this is

is derived from the Greek words for “dry skin. Dry skin is a very common skin condition characterized by a lack of the appropriate amount of water in the most superficial layer of the skin, the epidermis.

While dry skin tends to affect males and females equally, the skin in elderly individuals tends to have diminished amounts of natural skin oils and lubricants.

Areas such as the arms, hands, and particularly lower legs tend to be more affected by dry skin. Dryness of the skin is

surrounding air, the humidity.

The epidermis is normally composed of fat (lipid) and protein. The lipid portion of the epidermis helps prevent skin dehydration. As a result of this, when the skin’s fatty oils are removed, the skin loses its protection and loses moisture more easily. As skin becomes dry, it also may become more sensitive and prone to rashes and skin breakdown. This condition is sometimes referred to as xerosis. Dry skin may be an entirely invisible skin condition, or may cause a fine dry

left untreated, dry skin may become irritated and result in a red rash also known as xerodermatitis.

Moreover, untreated, dry skin may result in complications, including rashes, eczema, secondary bacterial infections and skin discoloration. Fortunately, dry skin is usually mild and can be easily remedied. Today I have put together 10 quick fix it tips to help treat and prevent dry, scaly, and unsightly looking skin. For we all know good health is wealth!

10 ‘FIX IT’ TIPS 2 3

1

Pat down not wipe After Showering: Use a

Avoid hot showers, using warm water Instead: Taking lukewarm baths or showers (instead of hot ones)decreases your chances of dry skin because hot water strips the natural oils out of your skin faster which increases evaporation of the skin’s moisture. It’s the naturally-retained water that keeps the skin supple. Avoid showering more than twice a day on a regular basis.

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is used for many different things, but most commonly for swimming pools.

Chlorine is used for sanitation purposes and also to disinfect water. You will find chlorine in any treated swimming pool. Some people who are not exposed to chlorine regularly will probably notice a few symptoms once they have come in contact with chlorine, S so if you have to swim often, have a good rinse and shower after swimming and moisturize.

: Similar to applying moisturizer right after you bathe, apply a moisturizer right after you wash your hands throughout the day; Keep a bottle of moisturizer with you at all times and apply to your hands regularly to get soft hands. Doing this on a regular basis will guarantee your hands to be always soft and supple.

pat towel technique when drying off to leave moisture on the skin. So to do this, after getting out of the shower, pat your skin dry (never rub the towel vigorously against your skin).

Apply a rich moisturizer all over your body immediately because that is the time that your skin will absorb moisture the most.

Avoid Harsh/ Detergent Soaps:

Avoid Excess Exposure to Chlorine: Chlorine

Moisturize

Instead use moisturizing soaps of a thick creamy consistency.

Limit the use of harsh soaps to areas that develop an odor, such as armpits, genital area, and feet. Use mild cleansers everywhere else, preferably something moisturizing, like bees wax etc.

10 Keep Lips Moist

Even the best quality makeup will have a tough time concealing dry, flaky lips. For this reason, it’s essential to moisturize often. Lip balms with shea butter, petroleum jelly, or vitamin E work well. Look

7

Avoid prolonged skin exposure to heating devices:

Fireplaces to avoid excessive drying of the skin.

Drink More Water: This

point is very simple, but often overlooked. Your skin needs water to stay soft and smooth. While applying the water on the skin dries out more, put it in the body as this is essential to maintain hydration. In addition, drinking enough water will also make you feel better, thereby making it a win-win!

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A Snack for your Skin:

Moisturize with Coconut & Olive Oil: A quick

shower is the best choice for both your skin and the environment. Use a mild natural soap sparingly. Complete the work with natural coconut oil, not to squeeze out the moisture. The coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil are great for hydrating the skin and treat many dry skin conditions. You can get coconut oil 100% natural, which is used both for cooking and as a moisturizer, in most health food stores.

For an excellent moisturizing facial, mix equal parts of yogurt and oatmeal cooked with the juice from a cucumber. Yogurt and oats help to moisturize and soften, while the cucumber juice closes the pores. If your facial skin is particularly dry, the best treatment is probably the simplest and least expensive Honey! This has been used for centuries to moisturize. Apply honey on your face like a mask, let dry for 30 minutes, then rinse. Your face will feel fresh, clean and healthy.

The Hard Facts Avoid too many hot showers, use warm water Moisturize immediately after towel drying which helps the outer skin layer retain moisture.

Reapply body lotion/moisturizer twice to three times per day Avoid prolonged skin exposure to chemicals such as chlorine Avoid prolonged skin exposure to heating devices, fireplaces etc.

for a product with sunscreen to protect against the sun’s drying effect. If you use extended-wear lipstick, be sure to let the stain dry completely before applying lip balm.

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I

hope you were able to try some of these tips let me know how you get on; I know many readers were eager to read this piece I hope it was worth the wait!

For comments and questions please email terimendes@gmail.com, I would love to hear from you, till next week it’s ta ta for now! XOXO.

TERI SPEAKS Hi,

Dear Anon,

In one of your previous columns you talked about using shea butter or vitamin E oils to help get rid of stretch marks. I’ve had stretch marks for quite a while now & have used about two products (one with cocoa butter) that haven’t helped & so I’ve started using shea butter (for about two weeks now).

Please how long should it take before I start seeing results?

Thank you for writing in.

Stretch marks take a while to fade off, and usually turn silvery and blend with your skin colour eventually.

Using the shea butter (original state) also called Ori, is great. You can also mix some vitamin E with it. Alternatively, you can buy the Palmers body butter it’s really good for stretch marks too.

Let me know how you get on in another 8-10weeks of using 2ce a day (after morning + evening showers).

Best wishes,

Anon

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ALLURE AUGUST 26, 2012

Teri M

You need that professional poise!

First Date Etiquette For Women K

1

Part

iki was over the moon with joy. She had finally gotten that first date with Ayo, the man of her dreams and naturally, she wanted the occasion to be a success. At the very least, she wanted a second date.

A first date is always exciting, something to look forward to – but most of us are nervous and overly concerned with trivial matters that overshadow the enjoyment of what might lie ahead, and the frisson of a potential new relationship.

Even if there is no fool proof advice or absolute guarantee you’ll have a successful first date with a man, first dates can be successful if you avoid the major pitfalls and follow a good date protocol.

The Look: As a feminine and classy woman, how you dress for a first date is very important. If you know what your date has planned, it’s so much easier for you to decide your outfit – and if you don’t, you need to think carefully and decide well.

A first date is a time to impress. However, don’t dress to create a false impression of who you are. And be sure to match your outfit to the location and activity, as well as work hard to be both attractive and comfortable.

You want your attention to be on your companion, not on an ill fitting top that slips off your shoulders or a pair of spanking new shoes that pinch like crazy. This is really just wardrobe common sense.

If your date is taking you for a soccer match for instance, wearing your most seductive outfit will not really make much sense will it?

However, if your first date is dinner at a nice restaurant, do look lovely, feminine, and seductive - in a classy way.

The Preparation: Allow yourself plenty of time to get ready. If you are already feeling flustered, rushing around beforehand, being undecided about what to wear or not knowing how to do your hair is certainly not the best preparation.

When you arrive at your date you should be cool, calm and collected, the picture of alltogetherness. Please don’t overdo the makeup or wear very strong perfume.

Timing: It’s definitely not okay to be fashionably late on a first date. If he finds your tardiness annoying, this could turn his mood sour before you’ve even sat down. Also, arriving too early is a faux pas. Men are put off by over-eagerness. A strong confident woman is never over-eager to be with a man.

Next week we will continue with how to enjoy that first date, and make a great impression. Until then, it’s good bye, and put your best foot forward.

Ngozi Chantal Caulcrick is a business image coach, trained and certified by the Protocol School Of Washington. She offers seminars in Business Etiquette and Protocol Intelligence, as well as Fine Dining Skills. You can reach her on 08082365506, or courtneyinglis1@gmail.com

Continues from previous week

Female Sexual Dysfunction

Clinical evaluation

F

ew women volunteer a history of FSD, and therefore the doctor as part of the routine medical history should actively seek information. The initial question a clinician could ask is, "How is your intimate life?" Questions regarding interest, arousal, orgasm, and pain can also be asked. The evaluation should include the specifics of the patient's FSD, review of over-thecounter, prescription, and street drugs, and tobacco use. Physical evaluation should include a pelvic examination to search for evidence of vaginal atrophy, dryness, and pain-triggering spots. The clinician should refer the patient to other health professionals if she/he does not have the time needed to perform a thorough evaluation and discuss appropriate treatments. A sexual therapist should be consulted early because the patient's symptoms may have many factors and because sexual education and psychological evaluations are the important parts of every evaluation and treatment plan.

The clinical assessment of FSD may include the use of questionnaires to monitor the success of the treatment. An endocrine evaluation may be needed for some patients. Many hormones control both the male and female sex drive. An imbalance of these hormones will affect a person's sexuality. Such an evaluation may include measurement of the following hormones such as the serum follicle-stimulating hormone or FSH, leuteinizing hormone or LH, serum estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA, total testosterone, free testosterone, and prolactin levels. After the deficient hormones have been supplemented the doctor will then test vaginal PH, genital blood flow, vaginal wall compliance, vaginal engorgement with use of pre-stimulation and post-stimulation, and genital vibratory sensation thresholds to see whether the hormone treatment is working.

Research on F.S.D is becoming popular. The basic physiologic processes in normal female sexual function and female sexual dysfunction are being defined. It is known that sexual response in women depends on the woman's body, her nerves and her mind. In fact sensation is important in arousal, and therefore poorer levels of sexual functioning may be expected in diabetic women with nerve damage to the limbs. Vaginal lubrication to enable arousal is dependent on a good flow of blood from the pelvic. Therefore, if the blood vessels are damaged it reduces lubrication and leads to painful intercourse and orgasm. Therefore organic disorders are common in female patients with spinal cord injuries.

Treating the problem

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ducating the patient and her partner about the normal functioning of her body is often necessary. Additionally, physiologic changes associated with aging and/or disability and blood vessels dysfunction should be explained. The clear correlation between the patient's general health and sexual function must be

emphasized. Thus, maximizing physical health and avoiding medications likely to produce FSD are the first step in restoring normal sexual function.

The patient should be encouraged to stop smoking and consuming alcohol to maintain or regain sexual function. For physical condition, the doctor must also treat the underlying cause of the dysfunction. For example patients with renal failure may be given renal transplantation. Because FSD is commonly caused by antidepressants patients with FSD may respond to a reduction in dose of the antidepressant drug or the doctor may switch to another antidepressant that the sufferer responds better to. Drugs like Viagra have been known to help in some cases of FSD. Physical changes brought on by menopause, such as vaginal dryness and thinning might require the use of hormonal therapy or vaginal lubricants. To help strengthen the vaginal muscles or to increase sexual stimulation, the doctor may recommend a set of simple exercise such as Kegel exercises, masturbation, use of a vibrator, or a clitoral-stimulation device available by prescription.

In postmenopausal women, estrogen replacement therapy may be helpful in treating vaginal atrophy, which should decrease coital pain, and improve clitoral sensitivity. Thus, estrogen replacement may be helpful in arousal disorders.

Androgen levels in women decline substantially before menopause and then plateau. When a woman gets older and has lower free serum testosterone levels, she is likely to have sexual dysfunction. For the doctor to treat her with androgen supplementation he must first determine the appropriate level of supplementation to bring her hormones to balance.

Other helpful suggestions may include position changes during intercourse, muscle relaxation exercises alternately contracting and relaxing the pelvic muscles, or vaginal dilation exercises using a vaginal dilator.

For psychological or relationship problems, the doctor may recommend counseling or psychotherapy. Therapy often includes sex education, to include such topics as the physiology of the body and techniques to produce the stimulation needed to achieve orgasm.

A type of psychotherapy called behavior therapy includes self-guided exercises, such as nonsexual touching or sensual massage without intercourse, to increase sexual pleasure. The focus of these exercises is on stimulation, not intercourse.

Knowing what to expect and talking frankly about sex with your doctor as well as your partner can help you feed free to discover a deeper, more satisfying intimacy.

There is no age at which loss of interest in sex is considered to be a normal finding.

Research is finding that the life span of men and women is closely linked to sexual interest. Pay attention, and do something if your sexual interest begins to flatten out.

Prof. Oladapo Ashiru OFR CEO-MART-LIFE detox clinic AUGUST 26, 2012 2 Olatubosun Street,

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