Introducing Besida, my online boutique.

In the midst of working full time at a news station, I decided to do this. I wish launching Besida was as simple as that last sentence. This brand has been many years in the making, mostly in my head hahaha. Finally I have the financial capital to launch what I've dreamt of for at least three years. I won't be a bore with my life story though. Firstly the name Besida is from the Itsekiri tribe of Nigeria, meaning "destiny determines all." I am Itsekiri and I believe this. Whatever God has planned for you is your destiny and it determines your footsteps, your victories, and even your failures. Besida is one step to reaching my destiny. All the clothes are made in Nigeria. That's not a term used much and you seldom see items labeled "Made In Nigeria." I want to change that, and it begins with Besida. What do you think of these styles? I know it's just a few, but I plan on expanding soon. Shop the styles www.besidaonline.com and use the code SUMMERSALE15 for a discount!

Who's ready for Mini Skirt Season?

Okay so maybe this skirt isn't as mini, but this is as mini as it gets for me in the day time. The outfit is a product of a random trip to the thrift store. Yes I still thrift! The skirt originally came from Express. I fell in love with the stripes on the blouse at first glance. However the shoes are not thrifted. I scored them at Ross, but they are Chinese Laundry in case you want to search online from them. It was a beautiful day Saturday, so bare legs were appropriate. Rather, it was an early celebration of freedom from winter's grip! Stay fresh!
Blouse: Joan Leslie | Skirt: Express | Shoes: Chinese Laundry | Purse: Vintage |

Buried Treasures

I bought this ankara blouse with a matching skirt from a thrift store about three years ago. I wore the set once, but wasn't really feeling the look. After that, it was tossed into my suitcase of old traditional clothes(my africans know what I'm talking about). Today, I was looking for something to wear to the flea market and thought I should bring Macon, Georgia some traditional flavor. I landed on the set but felt the matching skirt would be a bit much. I decided instead that matching them with some white pants would be more flea market appropriate. Of course the white pants got dirty (duh). So I decided to wear this yellowish/orangish pencil skirt afterwards. Everybody loved the blouse! A variety of people complimented, I mean I was shocked! Moral of the post is don't forget about your old clothes. One day you may gain more appreciation for those threads. Stay Fresher!

Blouse, Skirt, Clutch: Thrifted | Earrings: Burlington | Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Summer of Shorts: High-Waisted

Maybe I should rename the series Summer of Legs! Hahaha. But yes high waisted shorts are not off the trend list yet. Especially if their tribal print like the ones I'm wearing. I was shocked to find these shorts at a boutique called KnowStyle in the mall. I am Nigerian and this fabric mimics a traditional kind of fabric called Ankara. The fabric is actually very popular right now. Superstars like Beyonce, Solange and Rihanna have been spotted wearing custom pieces. This is yet another reason that I'm proud to be African. But I paired them with this yellow long sleeve. I know it's summer but today was rather cool outside, so I didn't dread the sleeves. Remember to match patterns with solid colors during the summer! I mentioned that on a former blog post. Also you won't want to miss Part 3 of the series. You'll be feeling "flawless" after it *wink wink* Stay Fresher!

Blouse: TJ Maxx | Shorts: KnowStyle | Shoes: Bakers | Collar Necklace and Clutch: Vintage

Summer of Shorts: Lace

Part two of the summer of shorts series... I bought these lace shorts when I went to Daytona for my birthday in June. When you think lace, you usually think of soft and prissy... but leave it to me to completely think the opposite. I wanted a more edgy look with these shorts for some reason. The oversized denim shirt was an after thought. Since it is summer, I decided to roll the sleeves. The gold bling was that final touch to the hard look.. Overall I enjoyed the way I felt and looked in this fit! Stay Fresher loves!
Shorts: Pure Hype | Tank: Ross | Denim Blouse: Thrifted | Shoes: Shoe Land | Necklace: C.R.

Summer of Shorts: Prints

Summer time is the perfect reason to wear less clothes.. Sue me if you like. Hahaha.. Prints always look lovely when matched with a solid color... and combined with summer, you can't go wrong. Try it out and tell me what you think. Remember to be bold and beautiful... oh and stay FRESHER

Shorts: H&M | Blouse: Loft | Shoes: DSW | Bracelet: Vintage | Bangle: Burlington

Belated Bday Post

Soo I mean to put up these pictures last week after my birthday but I’ve been busy with moving. I must say this was an epic bday weekend! I spent the whole weekend in my favorite city in the whole world NY, and I loved every moment of it. The most important part of the trip was being able to experience New York with my closest friends. We even went as far as sewing Aso Ebi together. Nigerians do the most and I am guilty of it! Whatevs, that’s my nature. If you are in the ATL area and would like designs like these made for you, contact my seamstress at Nikky Fashions: she is fantastic. 6787895044. I also ate at 3 African restaurants in NY that I highly recommend. Queen of Sheeba(Ethiopian), Madiba(South African), and Buka(Nigerian).