Merry Christmas

Hi dolls.... It's finally here. 

Quick message to wish you all a Merry Christmas full of love, happiness, good health and peace. 

May the magic of Christmas bless you and yours with heavenly gifts and fill your heart with divine light.

Fashion Business Part One

Hi dolls... As some of you may already know, I recently launched a store in Lekki.

I got a few emails asking about the business side of fashion, owning your own business (pros and cons), launching a store etc, so I decided to do a post on my experience(s) with you all.

If you do have more questions please feel free to email me, I would happily reply.

Virgioli

Hi dolls.. Today I want to share a new brand I came across and absolutely love. Snapchat (Jibby_West) has me obsessed with sunglasses at the moment.

Virgioli! A Nigerian based urban brand, that aims at appealing to the young (or not so young), trendy and fashionable. The brand is a eclectic mix of minimal and over the top, catering to the ever changing stylish crowd with fashion accessories and apparel that will NEVER break the bank! We wanted you to be the first to know about our debut Sunglasses collection! Its simple...minimalistic and designer inspired! Get more scoop on it right HERE

Any questions or interest about the brand? Don't hesitate to email them!

Follow on Instagram! @virgiolifashion

Bisous...xxx

Istanbul randoms

Hi dolls... Just wanted to share some random pictures from my last trip to Istanbul. I was super busy holiday shopping for the store that I actually forgot to do looks from my day to day looks.

I think I only wear jeans everyday when I'm abroad working. If the weather is good, I can do shorts but when it's autumn/winter, it's strictly denim to work!!!

Cathay Pacific Airways Limited

Hi dolls... So I got to work today and in the midst of all the drama this week, a FedEx package had my name on it. Like a little girl with candy, I unwrapped it gently not sure what to expect. After inspecting it closely, I noticed it was from Cathay Pacific Airways.

I didn't understand why they had sent me a parcel and even assumed it was a free ticket (a girl can dream) but it was better than a free ticket, I got my very own personalized baggage tags.

I could not contain my excitement (Christmas came early this year), I just had to share the pictures of the tags on the blog!!!

Darling Nigeria

DARLING INTRODUCES A BREAKTHROUGH NEW HAIRSTYLING APP: PHOTOS FROM THE PRESS CONFERENCE

Darling, the leading hair extensions brand in Sub-Saharan Africa, has stormed the digital space in Nigeria with the Darling Hair Booth App. The app will help women be their own stylists, transforming the way they style their hair.

Speaking about the breakthrough hairstyling app, Mr. Sanjiv Jetly, Managing Director, Darling Nigeria, said: 

"We are very pleased to offer this digital innovation which strengthens our commitment to bring the latest hairstyling trends to our customers in Nigeria. The Darling brand stands for beauty and is an enabler for every African woman to transform the way she looks. With this app, we have created an avenue through which women can express themselves in an exciting, dynamic way. Our customers can now try new and trendy hairstyles on the go!”

(Embed App Video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe7VPBOxDIw

For more information:

Download the App here: http://bit.ly/1MVjjDT

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarlingNigeria

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DarlingNG

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darlingnigeria

Beauty Post: R and R Luxury

Hi dolls... So I got these a while back but decided to try them out for a few weeks before doing a review on each product and an overall review on the brand.

R and R products are 100% natural and made in Africa. The brand was set up in 2010 featuring natural scented luxury candles but later evolved and offered Shea luxury body oil which is made from raw Shea butter.

I have heard a lot of good reviews about the lemongrass shea body oil so now I have something else to look forward to.

Print and Frills

Hi dolls... I spent thanksgiving in Los Angeles again. I'm starting to think LA is my new home especially during thanksgiving (this is my third thanksgiving here in a row).

The weather has been amazing even though its sunny, there is a slight chill but that's normal during winter. I spent thanksgiving weekend with my family (from my dad's side of the family) and I am obsessed with them. 

It's weird that I know all my uncles, aunties, cousins etc from my mum's side but not one person from my dad's (well now I do) :))

DIY: Homeless is the new chic

Hi dolls... I'm a mini project junkie and I love creating or recreating but I never share them on the blog. 

I've had this H&M tank for ages but got bored then later got inspired by Kanye West's line and the whole homeless look.

I made holes (different sizes) everywhere but for some reason it is not showing clearly in the pictures but you kind of get the idea!!!

Late post: October 12

Hi dolls... Most of you already know my birthday but for those who don't, it's the 12th of October and I also have a half birthday on the 12th of April.

I'm really big on birthdays, growing up I had four every year. It's awesome being the last child. If my brothers or my sister had a birthday, I had one too (hence 4 birthdays). I would not wear my uniform that day, I would be in a proper birthday outfit, cake and party packs for my friends.

Missing Summer

Hi dolls... Sorry I've been MIA again but I have a new project coming up and I'm super excited to share. I've been working on a few projects and with your help, support, and by God's grace, everything will be ready for Christmas.

I took these pictures while I was in Germany but for some reason, I never got around to editing and uploading them on the blog.

Carmen and Matt's wedding: What I wore!!

Hi dolls... Quick post share my outfit details for my friend Carmen's wedding. Saying goodbye to summer is always hard, the waether was a bit chilly so I had to be covered up but still serve a little bit of sexy without being trashy.

Normally I work with the color code when attending weddings but I didn't plan any color this time  because there was no color code for the wedding but I figured since it was Autumn, a dark shade would be appropriate.

Funny story, I thought I would have time to shop for barely there silver sandals to wear with this dress because it was missing that oomph and needed a bit of sprucing up.

Wurst und Käse

Hi dolls... Last week I went to Germany for the first time for my friend's wedding. It's just a different experience and if you love old cities and architecture, you would love Bremen and Oldenburg.

Trying to get a Schengen visa, in short any visa, in Nigeria is a task. I remeber when I applied for a Cypriot visa, even though I'm a last minute.com girl, they almost made it a nightmare but luckily, I got my visa on time.

The New Hipster

Hi dolls... I've been MIA for a while even after all my efforts to be more 'bloggerish' lol. I have been a bit busy but I've been working while being under the weather. 

Last week, Maju (one of my favorite Nigerian fashion brand) debuted their new collection, La Sorella. If you know me, you would know I'm a shopping addict, partial to Nigerian brands but most especially Maju. You can imagine how bummed I was to be away during the shopping party to debut the new collection but fear not, their creative director is awesome!!!

Trend: Wide Leg Pant

              

Hi dolls... I've been seeing a lot of this trend lately but this isn't a new trend, it's a trend that has always been around but has it's season.

I got mine from one of my fave Nigerian brands Maju. Maju has to be the most affordable brand in Nigeria at the moment. 

New uniform: Turtle Necks

Hi dolls... I have a thing for basics. It's just the easiest thing to throw on when you are looking for a quick fix. 

The turtle neck vest top recently crawled into my closet and I'm never letting it go. It's perfect for rainy season yet still dressy enough to be worn to work. 

I styled it in three different ways but it still looks chic, elegant and effortless. 

If you have that skirt that is always giving you a headache to piece together with a top, or a pant that nothing seems to fit, you definitely need one of these. 

Black and white

Hey dolls... I've always been a big fan of black and white. There's something so cool and chic about the look. 

Last week, I played with a lot of old pieces in my closet but styled them completely different but stuck to my black and white theme.

There are loads of pictures on my Instagram page @jibbywest. Will do a lot of style tips on here and a post on how to revamp your closet on a budget.

Little Black Suit

Hi dolls... I'm a big fan of black because I believe you can't go wrong with it and in it. You can easily have a cheat day in anything black and it's the perfect color to wear when you have something to hide.

I love having little black dresses because when in doubt, I wear black. It is my go to color but it also saves me time when I think I have nothing to wear even though I have a million and one items still with their tags on.

This is actually a playsuit but it looks like a dress. I love the little apron-like flap in front covering the shorts.

Miss Dotty

Hi dolls... Polka dots can be a bit boring or should I say repetitive but I like the trend because there is a lot you can do with it. When you have pieces like shorts or a skirt, you can print clash with stripes or add a pop of color or use metallics or pick the color of the dot for the top.

A dress on the other hand can be tricky. I could have styled this dress with a belt or a statement neckpiece for a wedding. If I was wearing it to work, I would have settled for navy or black pumps to keep it conservative. 

I decided to add a pop of color to brighten the look seeing as I was going to church so I settled for bright heels, lips and a headpiece.

Dajana and Stavros Wedding - The D Day

Hi dolls... As promised, pictures from the wedding I attended last month in Cyprus. The bride is a talented bridal designer and she made her beautiful weeding dress (she also made the dress from the night of the beach party).

Everything about this wedding was planned to perfection. I loved the fact that it was my first Greek wedding but yet it felt so familiar, almost like a catholic service in Greek.

As soon as we got to the venue, we were offered light refreshments before we took our seats. The ceremony started at 5.30pm on the door. I figured they wanted to start late because of the sun (remember I said planned to perfection).

Black Widow

Hi dolls... Quick post to share this outfit on the blog. Wore this to church some Sundays ago and my sister said I was overdressed. What does that even mean? I asked.

Cyprus - Halloumi with cats!!!

Hi dolls... Finally sharing some pictures from my Cyprus trip and tips on how to get the visa plus places to visit when you are there.

I only had four days, well one day because of the wedding but I decided to make the most out of eat by eating local food, visiting a few places and hanging out with my friends.

If you have a Nigerian passport, to get a visa to Cyprus can be one of the longest process ever but trust me it is well worth it. A UK or EU passport holder has no issue whatsoever. 

First thing you need to know is that there is no Cypriot embassy in Nigeria, there is a Consulate of Cyprus in Apapa for those in Lagos. Click here for the address. 

Dajana and Stavros Wedding - What I Wore!!

Hi dolls... With so many amazing spots in the Elysium Hotel, it was pretty hard trying to decide where I wanted to shoot my OOTD post. 

Initially I was supposed to wear a Virgos Lounge dress I got for this wedding but the zip was having issues so thank God I held a spare dress.

I've had this dress for a year now and seeing as Dajanas mood board for the wedding had nude, pale blues, baby pink and white, the dress was appropriate.

Dajana and Stavros's Wedding (Part 2) - Surprise Day Out

Hi dolls... After partying really hard the night before, we had to be up bright and early for the Surprise Day Out. Luckily the sun woke me up 30 mins before we had to get the coach.

I literally swallowed a quick breakfast to subdue the hangover I could feel coming and ran with my other friends to get the coach. We got there on time and only when the coach started moving did we realize we were missing two people.... Drama begins!!!

Dajana and Stavros's Wedding (Part 1) - Beach Party

Hi dolls... My dearest friend Dajana got married last weekend, if you follow me on Facebook and Instagram, you would have seen sneak peeks to this post. I got to Cyprus the night of the beach party after all the drama prior this trip.

If you have a Nigerian passport and you want to get a Cyprus visa, it's the hardest thing ever.

Sheer is the new black!!

Hi dolls... Sorry I've been MIA again. I've been on holiday for my friends wedding in Cyprus. It's so beautiful there and I can't wait to share the pictures. 

I wore this outfit to a meeting before my trip. I got a few pieces including this top from Maju's new collection. Maju is one of my favorite Nigerian brands because they are very trendy and super affordable. 

Hey Mickey!!!

Hi dolls... I feel like I have a lot to say sometimes but I can never find the right words sometimes and other times I do but my internet provider won't let me.

For the first time in a while I'm blogging from the comfort of my room in Lagos not an airport or a hotel room.

I have a lot of new and exciting discoveries in Lagos that I can't wait to share here especially beauty secrets like where to get the perfect semi permanent human hair lash extensions for N5000 and trust me, you won't even see the glue. Plus the best place in Lagos to get the perfect nails fixed that can last for a month without affecting your nails.

50 Shades of Grey

Hi dolls... I'm on one of my trips again. I was in NYC for a while to attend a wedding and it had to be one of the best weddings I had been to in a while. 

The view, the service, the decor, the bride and don't even get me started on the food. We were literally facing the sea and I could spy the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty.

Lost my Iphone in NYC so I won't be able to share all the amazing pictures I took on instagram but I do have a few on my camera (a few being the keyword lol).

Nude velvet

Happy Sunday dolls!!! Apparently I bring the sun every time I visit London town. 

Unfortunately, I couldn't get a proper picture of my make up but I have on the Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro in 500 (will do a selfie post on Instagram).

It's the first matte lacquer by Giorgio Armani that combines the velvet finish of a matte lipstick with the intensity and flawless result of a lip lacquer. The best part is that it suits all skin tones.

New in: ToyShades

Hi dolls... I recently came across this brand of refreshed vintage eyewear styles on one of my many trips into topshop and couldn't help but fall in love.

They have really cool designs and super affordable too.

Dots, Spots, Circles and more...

Hi dolls... I've been away from blogging for so long it almost feels like I'm coming for confession and have to say ''it's been over a month since my last confession'' but I've been working on a few projects. 

Follow me on Instagram (@jibbywest) to keep up with all the weird and sometimes cool things I like and get up to. I might not blog regularly but everything happens on Instagram first :))

Happy Mother's Day

Hi dolls... Here are a few gift ideas for Mother's Day (tomorrow the 15th of March). Get your mum the perfect gift but don't forget to show her how much you love and appreciate her!!!


Bisous...xxx

New in: Quay Australia

Hi dolls... I recently came across a really cool sunglasses brand on Instagram Quay Australia (@quayaustralia) and the best part is how affordable everything on their site is. Quay is pronounced as key and I love the quirky, cool range of sunnies.

As soon as I stumbled on their Instagram page, I had to check out their website. Apparently they started in 2004 but launched in the international market in 2009.

The best part is you can also purchase their sunnies in store (some shops like Topshop, Urban Outfitters etc) and online (ASOS, Nasty Gal etc). ASOS currently have some of their sunnies on sale from £12. They offer international shipping on their website so you can order from them directly to get more options.

Food Chronicles: Ayamase

Hello dolls... If you are into spicy food then you would love this post. My aunt once made Ayamase (I think that is the spelling lol) and I had never tasted anything like it before. 

There are different methods of making this dish but my method has to be one of the easiest!!!

The best part about cooking this dish is you don't have a lot of cutting or chopping to do. You also have a lot of free time to do other things while cooking.

Food Chronicles: Okro Soup

Hi dolls... So this is completely out of my comfort zone but I promised to share this post and a lot of people are counting on me so...

If you know me, you would know I'm a very picky eater. Its easier to count the things I eat and scratch off everything else from that list than to ask what I don't eat.

I'm not big on African soups. In short, I don't eat any soup (Egusi, Okro, Afang, Ogbono, Edikiakong, Banga, Owo, Efo, Waterleaf etc) but not eating something does not mean you shouldn't know how to cook it.

I can only touch swallow and by swallow I mean garri with Okro & stew. There is a difference between Okro & stew and Okro soup.

I decided to make okro soup with the help of my fave food blog afrolems but added a few of my own little touches.

Treble and Bass

Hi dolls... the second I saw this 'fit, I knew I had to have it. I love music (who doesn't) but I know I can't sing to save my life. 

The only people that suffer my vocals are my family members because I can turn any statement to a song lol. 

The pictures were taken with my iphone so the quality isn't the best but I just had to share this outfit with you all!!!

Out of focus..

Hello everyone... It feels like forever since I've been on here and like the title of this post, I feel like I've been out of focus for a while now. A lot of major projects are happening at the moment and I'm super excited to share them but I have to keep mum for now.

I got my little cousin to take these pictures a while back (while I had silver braids) and forgot to take my camera off manual focus so the pictures are a bit blurry. I love taking pictures manually and I've never really thought of it as anything well until I saw these pictures.

These jeans have got to be my new fave jeans of all time. If you follow me on instagram, I did a sneak preview of this post a while back and I expressed my love for the jeans.

Baggage Claim: Travel Essentials

FLATS

Miu Miu

Hi dolls... Hope everyone is having a relaxed Sunday. I personally believe Sunday equals family time so I tend to visit family members I haven't seen in a while wherever I am. 

It's freezing in London at the moment but a girls got to do what a girls got to do. 

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

Hello dolls... New year, new giveaway ;)

Oriental feeling

Hi dolls... Was clearing up space on my lappie and found some pics that never made it to the blog.

I miss my blue braids but I'm in love with grey hair at the moment. Will do a post soon on protective styles for natural hair. 

Camel and black

I'm in love with this look this season. Perfect way to keep warm while looking chic. 

Bisous...xxx

Gold Goddess

Happy New Year everyone!!!

I'm sorry I've been a terrible blogger but I lost someone really close to me and only bounced back recently. Not a good start to the year but I'm hoping it gets better.

My friend Ugo got married last Saturday and I couldn't wait to wear something other than black (hence my lack of posts).