THE BELLANAIJA HOT LIST II

Happy Monday!
I said I had something special planned for today so here goes.
It’s the BellaNaija Hot List II
Its my take on the hottest things of the moment – People, Destinations, TV Shows and many more…
Its my opinion so you don’t have to agree but I would love you to enjoy so here goes…

__________________________________________________________ THE LOOK – Yellow & Puff-Sleeves
Without a doubt, Yellow is the colour of the season.
You don’t have to go all out with this and do a matchy yellow outfit.
Throw on a yellow dress or bag or even just a yellow headband, a dash of yellow is enough to make you look uber-fab….
Puff-Sleeves are definitely in! They are flattering to people with various figures. Try a puff-sleeved shirt with a more classic bottom (jeans/pants/skirt) or go all out with a puff-sleeved dress in a bright colour.
Check out Deola Sagoe’s embellished yellow puff-sleeved dress or Kemi’s more avant-garde Lanre da Silva-Ajayi outfit. The yellow bag is by celebrity-favourite, Nigerian handbag designer, Onna Ehrlich.

THE SPOT - 6°n
6°n (sixdegreesnorth) is the spot. With its high concept design, atmosphere and crowd, 6°n is THE Hot Spot.

THE DESTINATION - Cross River State, Nigeria Cross-River State is the ultimate tourist destination in Nigeria. From Obudu Ranch Resort to Tinapa, there is a mélange of possibilities for you to explore. Ask anybody who has been, its totally worth a visit! You will be quite proud of Nigeria.

THE MAG - What's New

What’s New? I’m sure you’ll like to know.
To find out the hottest and freshest places to visit in Lagos, you need to grab a copy of ‘What’s New – The Lagos City Guide’. Photos, articles, reviews and all you could possibly want to know about the current Lagos social scene. I guess the first form of flattery is competition so look out for new city guides such as Time Out Nigeria.

THE BIZ - Nigerian-Owned Makeup Lines

Nigerian-owned Makeup Lines such as Tara Fela Durotoye’s Tara Orekelewa, Toni Payne Makeup, BM Pro by Banke Meshida-Lawal and LISE by Enitan Balogun are doing extremely well. They are a favourite among women who want quality makeup that is especially made with the African woman’s lifestyle in mind. Some of the lines also offer young Nigerian women an opportunity to earn extra income by acting as retailers of the products. Entrepreneurship + Beauty = Definitely HOT.

THE READ - Yellow Yellow

Kaine Agary’s ‘Yellow Yellow’ has built a lot of buzz! From the editor-in-chief of Takaii Magazine comes a surprisingly poignant tale of a lost soul with the Niger-Delta region as a worthy backdrop. Yellow Yellow is definitely worth checking out!
ORIGINAL IMAGE SOURCE

THE PHENOMENON - TV Talent ShowsLast year it was Big Brother Nigeria, this year, its Nokia First Chance, Shine, Star Quest and most famously, Idols West Africa, there are so many current TV Talent Shows yet the viewing audience can’t seem to get enough. TV Talent Shows are the hot phenomenon.

THE CAREER - Styling/Image Consulting
Last year it was Make-up Artistry, this year is the Year of the Stylists.
From former Miss Lux, Ifeoma Njoku Williams to uber stylists - Omoyemi Akerele and Bola Balogun back to Ezinne Ihe Okuneye and Chalya Shagaya, stylists are doing big things. From the photo spreads you see in True Love Magazine to styling the contestants on Idols West Africa and Nokia First Chance to fashion shows. Styling/Image Consulting is a fun and HOT career. Worth exploring? That’s up to you!

THE WOMAN - Osayi Alile Oruene

Through encouraging and teaching young Nigerians about the merits of entrepreneurship and training them for their future entrepreneurial ventures via the FATE Foundation, Osayi Alile Oruene has made an indelible mark on the next generation. She was recognized as one of 250 Young Global Leaders for 2007 from the World Economic Forum.

THE MAN - Matthew Mensah Health PR’s Matthew Mensah along with Femi Amure conceived the idea for the UN CatWalk the World – Fashion For Food Program - See CatWalk the World Accra coverage which has raised immense awareness and thousands of dollars for the World Food Program provides food to the World’s most vulnerable hunger victims. He is currently involved with SAVE OUR CHILDREN - Orphanage Campaign Africa which raises funds and awareness for orphaned children via celebrity endorsement and other innovative campaigns. Previous campaigns include orphanage visits and fundraining in Sierra Leone and Liberia.

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That's it Folks! Have an absolutely fabulous week!!!! Pleaaaaaase leave your comments 'cause that's what makes it all worth it! In case you missed the First Edition or the Year End 'Best Of 2006' Review just click. Ciaooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

WEEKEND LUV - THE RED EDITION

Photo of the Week: Geneveieve Magazine Editor, Betty Irabor at her 50th B-Day Party

Hi Everyone!!!!!!!!
I was trying to ‘dodge’ doing Weekend Luv this week because I am soooo sleepy. I went to bed really early last night so I ended up waking up at 2AM. I finally went back to sleep at 5AM.
Sooooo how was your week? This week went by sooooo fast, didn’t it? Wow! Anyways, it was a fun week. I didn’t do much but I enjoyed it all the same. Here is Weekend Luv - The Red Edition

The Blogs
Mandy Brown-Ojugbana’s Blog
OMG, I am sooo excited. She sang the song ‘Taxi Driver’ back in the day. Make sure u check out her blog!
Omohemi Benson’s Blog
Pink-Satin’s Blog
Mimi’s Blog

The Clicks
You just have to visit the fabulous new Peridot & Ruby website. Luvvvvvvv it! – HERE
So I was reading a Nigerian newspaper this week and I read this story, oh my!!! It freaked me out! Nigeria scares me sometimes (the story is about a woman who claims to be a ‘mermaid’. Jesus take the wheel! - HERE
Ini Edo has been ‘banned’ from acting for a year - HERE
BabaAlaye is back in the building - HERE
Some interesting interviews below:
Miss La Casera

World Miss University (Nigeria)

Prettiest Girl in Nigeria (LOL at the numerous beauty pageants in Nigeria)

Model, Theodora Dike

Genevieve Magazine Editor/Publisher, Betty Irabor’s 50th birthday was some weeks ago. She held a huge soiree at the Civic Centre. Here are some exclusive pics. Uber fab! The theme of the party was red and gold.



The Hits
A dear reader emailed me this link yesterday, it’s a Yoruba love song. Luv it!


See President Bush trying to give us some African dance moves. LMAO. Jesus take the wheel.


The ever-popular, Throw Some Ds Naija Style (Thanks Omolabake)
Mona featured it on her blog as well. Hella funny!


*Please do not use any photos from bellanaija without permission and/or a link stating bellanaija as the source

That's it! Come back early on Monday! I have something utterly fabulous planned.
Have a great weekend.....

~Bella

WEDDING DRESSES - MADE IN NIGERIA

Hey people!
How is your week going? Gosh...its sooooo boring this week, absolutely nothing is happening.
No awards, no fashion shows! No bellanaija?
Anyways, thanks for still checking up on me despite the slow updates.
I was flipping through a Nigerian wedding magazine and noted that some of the Nigerian-branded Wedding Dresses looked really good! I was impressed....
Have a look at some of my favourites and let me know what you think.

So for your wedding, would you be willing to go with a Nigerian-made/branded wedding dress or are you strictly for the Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier etc...My fave from the bunch is the Mon-Ami dress.
Also, are you one of those women who has completely planned out her wedding even without being engaged or having a bf? Dont be shy, share the details with us!
Have a fabulous day....Ciao!

RUNDOWN

Hey Everyone!
First up, how was your weekend? I hope you spent the weekend praying and fasting for Nigeria lol....its not even funny, the way this election thing embarrassed us, I'm sure some of y'all had to hide your heads when your 'foreign' workmates, schoolmates, friends started quizzing you about it. You know how they do, because they managed to watch CNN or BBC, they think they know all about Nigeria.

Sample conversation below -
Clueless 'oyinbo' CNN/BBC watcher with a smug smile on their face: Hey Bella, the elections were pretty bad huh?
Bella *trying hard not be irritated*: Yes
Clueless 'oyinbo' CNN/BBC watcher with a smug smile on their face: Did you vote?
Bella *trying hard not be irritated*: No
Clueless 'oyinbo' CNN/BBC watcher with a smug smile on their face: Why not, because its your civic duty.
Bella *In my mind I was thinking, this dude is still speaking 'grammar' to me, civic duty ko, civic duty ni? hissssss. Is that government class? I already finished that in SS3, I don't need a refresher from you oo*: I couldn't vote
Clueless 'oyinbo' CNN/BBC watcher still with a smug smile on their face: You don't seem fazed by this travesty
Bella *losing patience*: I'm not
Clueless 'oyinbo' CNN/BBC watcher *now chuckling*: The guys on CNN said that they were stealing ballot boxes, how hilarious is that?
Bella: Umm...I have work to do. Bye.
LOL. Its not their fault that our election has turned to 'cinema' for them, its ours!

Anyways, sorry for being MIA; No I wasnt kidnapped as suggested by Kpakpando. She said, 'was bella kidnapped by the yar'adua camp to ensure his victory abi na wetin?' LMAO, girl u r tooo funny. Basically, nothing much has been going on as per because of the elections so I had nada to blog about.
Well, here are some photos from the African Movie Awards which took place in Nigeria some weeks ago. Various African moviestars along with Monique and Cuba Gooding Jnr. attended. Check out the photos below.
Oh and Mercy was eliminated from Idols West Africa, I'll update the links later in the day.

Omotola ~ Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey with Empress Njamah

Ejike Asiegbu ~ Saheed Balogun ~ Madam Kofo

Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme ~ Ghanian actresses

Segun Obe ~ Bruno Iwuoha

Kanayo O Kanayo ~ Ramsey Noah

Empress Njamah ~ 2Face

Olu Jacobs with Monique ~ Chioma Chukwuka

Emeka Ossai ~ Francis Duru ~ Toyin Ajayi

Tony Tetuila ~ Nkem Owoh (Osuofia) ~ Nkiru Silvanus

Muma Gee ~ Ramsey Noah ~ Guest

Ibinabo Fiberisima ~ Madam Kofo with Actors Guild President, Ejike Asiegbu

Thanks to Mona for the link and Trendy Africa for the pics


Temitayo - ‘What a Feeling’ by Irene Cara
Jodie - Tina Turner’s ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’
Eric - Fugees’ ‘Killing Me Softly’
Jerrilyn - Celine Dion’s ‘All By Myself’
Timi - Lionel Richie’s ‘Stuck On You’
Omawumi - Gloria Estefan’s ‘Rhythm of the Night’
Mercy - Stevie Wonder’s ‘Part Time Lover’ *Eliminated*

Anyways, that's it! Have a fabulous day....
Tell us what you think 'bout the African Movie Awards and Idols WA so far....
Ciao!

AUNTY BELLA - MRS. TRAPPED

Hi Everyone,
Its been a while the last Aunty Bella so here is a new 'case'.
Please offer her some advice.
I really feel her pain.
Also, RIP to the victims at V-Tech. My heart goes out to their families.
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Dear Aunty Bella,
I am a young married lady and I have a problem that I hope your audience can help me with. I attended a higher institution in the East and during one of my Christmas holidays in my hometown, I met my husband.
Any Igbo person will relate to the Xmas trips, all the guys from overseas arrive and during this time many people meet their future spouses. That was how I met my husband, he saw me at a cousin’s house and didn’t say much but the next day, my cousin told me that he had asked her all sorts of questions about me.
I saw him again at a wedding and we got talking and things blossomed from there.
He seemed gentle and intelligent, not like some of the other guys that arrive and think they are the best thing to land of earth.
Before he left, he made his intentions known to my parents and they approved. We kept in touch through email for some months. Immediately I finished my course, he started making plans for me to move over.
Bella, he couldn’t make it to our wedding but they did the marriage without him (his people were there and his picture was in his place). He sponsored the whole thing and kept calling and emailing as usual. After about a year, my visa was processed and I finally arrived.
I had heard some bad stories about women arriving and meeting a bad situation but I did not experience any of that, we have a nice house, he has a good job (engineer), responsible friends and every other thing a woman could want but Bella I am not happy at all.
From the very day I arrived, I realized that I do not love him and he does not love me. We do not kiss or hug each other, I just feel like I am a housegirl who sleeps with her oga. He does not abuse me but he talks down at me as though I am dumb. He has told me not to speak Igbo when I talk to my friends on the phone and that I need to refine my accent because I sound local. He said the way I dress is poor and took me shopping but all the things he picked were so old fashioned. When his friends come (his friends are all white), they do not talk to me, they just talk and laugh among themselves. These things hurt so much and I am losing so much faith in myself. We live in a town without many Africans so I do not have any friends here. I am about to start a course in nursing but so far I just stay at home from morning to night. I feel like going back Bella but I cant. I have told my mother and she has asked if he beats me, I said no. If he denies me food, I said no. So she said I should stop complaining, that many girls will kill to be in my shoes. I am ashamed to tell my friends because most of them were already jealous about my marriage to such a sought-after guy.
Please what should I do? Can I get him to change? Should I just escape back to Nigeria and face the taunts?

Mrs. Trapped

URBANKNIT + IDOLS WA

Hi Everyone!!
Sooo how was your weekend? Mine was really fantastic ‘cause I did nothing all through! Just relaxed and took things easy…
Friday was a different story though but I have to report that I successfully made the Jollof Rice. Yay! Thanks to the 2 sweeties from Peezy in ATL for the fab recipe!

On to this week, I heard about UrbanKnit a while ago and have been meaning to do a feature on them.
UrbanKnit is the duo of Dolapo James and Dayo Omikunle. These two architects have been designing their uber fabulous accessories using African fabrics such as Aso Oke and Ankara combined with more western fabrics like suede and demin for a couple of years. They also make some gorgeous knitted scarves and other knitted goods. I am so impressed by these two ladies because you can see the craftsmanship (I cant believe they are self-taught!) and effort that they put into their work. Their prices are also very reasonable!
Despite the fact that they both have their full-time architect jobs, no two pieces by UrbanKnit are the same. So when you buy one of their clutches or totes, you know that it’s a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Anyways, check out some of their accessories below.
To buy (In UK Pounds) - HERE
To buy (In US Dollars) - HERE
Thanks to Naijadoll for cluing me into UrbanKnit

So Idols West Africa is still trudging along, I have to say that I really enjoyed this week’s episodes because the contestants performed some modern hits!
I’m sad that my boy Uche was sent home L.
Though y’all need to check out Jerrilyn’s performance…She is not taking matters easy. I am so sure the majority of her fans are guys…U go girl! LOL…Luv it!
Omawumi - ‘Cry’ by Faith Hill
Jodie - Natasha Beddingfield ‘These Words’
Eric - ‘Walking Away’ by Craig David
Mercy - ‘If I Ain’t Got You’ by Alicia Keys
Jerrilyn - ‘Work it Out’ by Beyonce Knowles
Temitayo - Christina Aguilera’s ‘I Turn To You’
Timi - ‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me’ by Elton John/George Michael/Clay Aiken
Uche - Rob Thomas’ recent hit ‘Lonely No More’

That’s it! Let us know what you think of UrbanKnit and this week’s Idols West Africa.Meanwhile, I felt so lifted yesterday when I saw this on Funmi Iyanda’s blog! Needless to say, I love, respect and admire Funmi!

Oh, Its Mona's B-day today! Happy Birthday darlin'! (Thanks Dimples) + It was my brother's birthday yesterday tooo....Happy B-Day, u r a star!

WEEKEND LUV - THE YES EDITION

Hey Everyone,
How was your week? I can’t believe its Friday already!
WOOOOT! The week went by sooooo fast….
I don’t have work today! Yay! So I’m going shoe shopping….very exciting lol
On the flipside, I decided to be a good wifey and cook for the lad….
Can I make a confession, U see I have any talents (I like to think so anyway lol) but cooking is not one of them! I just hate cooking! Honestly, I don’t know why but I’m not proud of it anyway but there I can honestly say that I didn’t cook for like 2 years (2005 & 2006) not even once! Sad…isn’t it? Please don’t blame my mum; my younger sisters who are teenagers can whip up dishes just like that…
The funny thing is that when I actually cook, it tastes good!
Well, I take that back, there was one exception.
So I am going to try to cook some jollof rice today….I have only tried to make it once, that was like a month ago…So I took my laptop, searched for the recipe and carried the laptop to my kitchen. I followed the instructions and all that but hmmmm I don’t know. My friend, T dropped by
And I was like ‘Please taste this’….
U should have seen her face…LMAO…
Side note: the rice had this weird pink colour
She tasted it and was like ‘umm it tastes burnt!’…
LOL….she must have seen the ‘I'm about to start crying’ look on my face
Then suddenly she said ‘I mean it tastes like party rice’
Sooooo wish me luck….I’m going to need it!

Enough of the story telling, this is Weekend Luv – The Yes Edition

The Blogs
Chioma’s Blog - Proud Naija Wife and Mother
I really love this blog, the tagline says it! Proud Nigerian Wife and Mother…..Observations on Nigeria from a personal perspective. Luv it!
Ugo Daniel’s Blog – Nigerian Blogger in Cyprus
I just find this blog very interesting….Glad to see a new guy join the blog crew. CHeck on it!

What’s Hot
Don Chi is back in the building! - HERE
You know another Nollywood actor was caught attempting to traffic drugs some weeks ago. Here is his pic and an article on the situation. His name is Uche Odoputa…. Watch Nollywood movies but I don’t recognize him

The Grand Opening of Tinapa was this past week; here are photos of some of the people that attended the event
Photos courtesy http://www.purefoto.com/
Kaine Bode-George ~ Buki de la Zaria ~ Zizi Cardow

Lanre da Silva Ajayi ~ Florence Ita-Giwa ~ Funmi Iyanda

Charles Okafor ~ Pete Edochie ~ Ramsey Noah

Chinedu Ikedieze ~ Olusegun Obasanjo ~ Nduka Obaigbena

Hirut Ibru ~ Ifeoma Williams ~ Ijeoma Chiori

Ali Baba and wife, Mary ~ Justice Esiri ~ Sunny Neji

Florence Ita-Giwa ~ Ibinabo Fiberisima with Hilda Dokubo ~ Ini Edo

Funmi Iyanda ~ Ini Edo with Nkem Owoh ~ Joke Silva

Hilda Dokubo ~ Shan George ~ Uche Jombo

Pete Edochie ~ Grace Amah ~ Donald Duke

Its was Toni Payne’s bday…HERE
Uzo is crushing on a Spartan – HERE
It was LondonBuki’s mummy’s birthday on Saturday. Please show her some love - HERE

The Hits - Videos
Styl Plus - Imagine Dat

Styl Plus - Iya Basira

Faze - Kolomental

Sound Sultan - Motherland (Area)

Kemistry ft Terry G - Shake

2Face - For Instance

I'm out! Have a great weekend...If you are in Nigeria, make sure you vote...and pray!
Much Luv!!!

THE ROUNDUP

Hi Everyone,
How is your day going so far?

Just thought I should do a quick random roundup....Let's go!

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Here are the performances from this week's episode of Idols West Africa.

Joan got voted out this week.
Timi - Diana Ross’ hit ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’
Jerrilyn - ‘Don’t Leave Me this Way’ by Thelma Houston
Eric - Stevie Wonder’s ‘Signed Sealed Delivered’
Omawumi - Leo Sayer’s 1977 hit ‘When I Need You’
Uche - Nat King Cole, ‘Unforgettable’
Joan - ‘You Light Up My Life’ by Kacey Cisyk
Temitayo - Judy Garland classic ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’
Mercy - ‘If I Can’t Have You’ by Yvonne Elliman
Jodie - Respect by Aretha Franklin

Onyeka Onwenu attended the show and said this “Onwenu believes the contestants would sing from their inner beings if they performed in their languages. She says their languages will allow them to express all the locked nuances they possess. She clarifies that the contestant’s expressing themselves via their languages will not negate the essence of the show and the fact that the show is looking for a pop-star.”

THANK U ONYEKA! I wholeheartedly agree! I am tired on these same old songs! LOL…Ok if they don’t want to sing Nigerian songs, I wont even mind some modern hits like some Beyonce or something exciting.
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Adidas has released a collection inspired by Africa.

I absolutely luv it! This is our year, everyone is trying to jump on the African bandwagon.

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Inspired by People Magazine, here is our BellaNaija Edition of 'Who Wore It Better', I think both Omotola and Nike look absolutely gorgeous in this Mya by Maria Odunsi dress.

Have a great day.

Much love....

NIGERIA'S NEXT TOP MODEL - THE EVENT

So a lot of people have been emailing and asking me about ‘Nigeria’s Next Top Model’.
Anyways, ‘Nigeria’s Next Top Model’ is an EVENT not a TV reality show/competition like America’s Next Top Model. It will be taking place later this month in London.
I think it’s a great idea although I really wish this would have been more like the American Top Model reality show format with the whole thing taking place in Nigeria but I guess this is a start. I understand that subsequent ‘seasons/cycles’ will attempt to follow US Top Model format.
A contact at Bankable Productions informed me that they are yet to secure the official rights to officially use the Top Model name (all other top model competitions worldwide like Britain’s Next Top Model, Canada’s Next Top Model, Germany’s Next Top Model etc…had to buy the official franchise rights from Tyra’s Bankable Productions) so I hope they sort that out soon.
Anyways, below is the criteria that was used and also information on the prizes that the winner will receive.

Criteria
Female aged between 18 – 28 yrs
Of a minimum height of 5.8”
No more than a size 12 (UK) dress
Currently engaged in formal studies/professional career woman
Nigerian by birth, parentage, grand parentage (they reserve the right to ask that the contestant prove this fact at any time)

The Winner Gets
- Worldwide recognition as the Nigerian Top Model 2007 and featured on TV, Radio and Print advertising campaigns and fashion promotional campaigns and events.
- Featured in prominent ethnic and mainstream UK magazines.
- The opportunity to be showcased as the ‘Face of New Nigeria’ as part of the ongoing ‘Heart of Africa’ rebranding campaign
- Opportunity to take part aboard the CATWALK THE WORLD Charity Fashion Event in Johannesburg South Africa
- Sessions with award winning professional photographers in order that enviable professional model portfolios can be put together
- A cash prizes of £1000
- Wardrobe maintenance for the year
- A working holiday trip to Nigeria as part of the worldwide exposure campaign to work aboard UNICEF projects in Nigeria with young children
- Free spa weekend
- Editorial spread and photo shoot courtesy of the very excellent Diamond Touch Magazine and top class couturier
- Make up sessions with a leading makeup artist to the stars - MINK Cosmetics
- Several styling sessions with award winning hair stylists.
Free nail and body care maintenance for the whole year courtesy of Harriet Stein – Beauty Inn – London
Plus many other prizes.

Exclusive Pics

Here is the flyer for the event

Looks like it will be a fun event so do attend so if you are in London, check it out! Their website is http://www.nigerianexttopmodel.com/index.html. A portion of the proceeds go to the UN Hunger For Food Program so support the great cause. The winner also gets a True Love West Africa cover and also win a contract with O Models South Africa (Owned by Oluchi and Jan Malan) www.janmalan.com

So what do you think of the concept? The contestants? and what direction would you like to see the competiton head in the future?

Have a fabulous day!

ASHIONYE IN TRUE LOVE WA

Hey Everyone,
First things first! HAPPY EASTER!!!!!!!!
So sorry that I didn’t say so earlier but its still Easter Monday so its not too late.
So how did you celebrate? I had a really great weekend starting Thursday night. I got a home-cooked dinner…tres fabulous. The whole Easter weekend was quite interesting.
I am so excited because T-Minx is back to blogging, so endeavour to check out her new updates and blog design.
Anyways, a lot of people have been asking about the Nigeria’s Next Top Model….don’t worry, I got you covered.

I just realized that I haven’t featured anything from my favourite mag, True Love WA in a while. I was reading last month’s issue which had entertainer, Ashionye Michelle Ugboh on the cover styled by the uber-talented Omoyemi Akerele and it just cracked me up.
I really admire Ashionye’s drive for success. The girl is truly a go-getter!
That said, her statement that she ‘acquired her American accent when she stayed with her Aunt and Uncle in the USA for nine months when she was 9 years old and that it has stuck ever since’ got me shaking my head….LOL. Only in Nigeria really!

That’s it for today.
Please leave your comments…
You can always email me with any ideas or suggestions as well – bellanaija@gmail.com
Have a blessed week!

ELLA BROWN

Ella Brown
The name connotes femininity, elegance and a dash of soul.
Ella Brown Couture is the new design brainchild of Adefunke Adegbola.
Adefunke began designing when she was 15 years old and released her first collection in 2004. All through her teen years in Nigeria, she taught herself to cut, sew and make patterns. Hence honing the skills that have allowed her to pursue her design career.
Adefunke left a lucrative career in finance to establish her label and the dividends are now paying off. There is a lot of buzz surrounding her label, most especially her accessories and she will be featured at the 2007 Miami Fashion Week on April 17th, the 2007 Chicago Fashion Week on April 28th and Couture Fashion Week in New York City.

Tidbits from Ella Brown
Influences
Personally, I love sophisticated femininity with an exotic raw edge. Roberto Cavalli and Consuelo Castiglioni for Marni are my greatest influences because of their playful yet dangerously sexy designs for modern women. I also draw inspirations from baroque architecture, scroll work and anything gold.

The Ella Brown Look
The idea is to create elements alongside my clothing line to complete the Ella Brown Couture look. I just don't think the Ella Brown look is complete without the perfect clutch, sunglasses or jewellery. Even if you don't wear my clothing, you can still mix and match my accessories with pieces from your closet.

The Future of Ella Brown
My main goal is to grow the brand into something even more solid and sustainable which would continuously allow me to produce the work I believe in.
This is a very exciting time for Ella Brown Couture with the Fall '07 collection being showcased at the Miami Fashion Week next week, the cosmetics line and fragrance will be launching very early next year and the footwear collection will follow. I'm just very excited and thank Almighty God for everything he has done for me, and I'm looking forward to the future with great anticipation.

I absolutely love the simple yet detailed clothes but my favs have got to be the accessories. I know u guys will say that Bella has started with her 'I'm proud' anthem again but cant help but say it! I am sooo proud of her! I know how hard it is to leave the comfort of Corporate America for a risky career. I wish her all the best.
Anyways, let us know what you think of the clothes and accessories. Have a fab day y'all.

NOLLYWOOD MODELS + IDOLS WA TOP 10

Hey Everyone,
So how was your weekend? Mine was obviously a bit too exciting..lol.
That is why I am just getting around to blogging on Tuesday.
Anyways, I promised exciting and exclusive stuff this week and I aim to deliver so check on it!
Have a great week and enjoy!

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Here is a look at some of Nollywood's hottest female stars, modelling clothes by top Nigerian designers for Genevieve Magazine. I love Dakore's Jewel by Lisa outfits!

OMOTOLA Jalade Ekeinde



DAKORE Egboson


FUNLOLA Aofiyebi


RITA Dominic


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Our dear Mr. Nigeria, Ikenna Bryan Okwara was able to reach the Top 12 at the Mr. World competition in Sanya, China. I am so glad for him, even though he didnt win! Juan Garcia from Spain won the Mr World 2007 Title.

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So the Idols West Africa Top 10 performances were last night. Honestly, they did quite well but I still expect a lot more from them! Check out the performances. 19-year old Olabisi Onabanjo university student, Omodele Fatoki was voted out.
Mercy - ‘I Have Nothing’ by Whitney Houston
Timi - ‘Dance With My Father’ by Luther Vandross
Eric - Boyz 2 Men number ‘End of the Road’
Jodie - ‘Natural Woman’ by Aretha Franklin
Joan - ‘Save The Best for the Last’ by Vanessa Williams
Jerrilyn - ‘Unbreak My Heart’ by Toni Braxton
Omodele - Luther Vandross’ ‘Here and Now’
Omawumi - ‘Dance With Somebody’ by Whitney Houston
Temitayo - ‘River Deep, Mountain High’ by Tina Turner
Uche - John Legend’s ‘Used to Love You’
At this point, if I had to pick a guy and a girl, it would be Eric and Omawumi.
I cant wait till they sing different genres of songs...I am getting a lil' bit tired of the same ol', same ol' ballads and uptempo pop songs. Someone should please tell Mercy to chill on the facial expressions, I honestly couldnt listen to her sing 'cause I was distracted by the look on her face. Uche, Timi and Temitayo (her mum owns the All-Saints Orphanage) also delivered good performances. The rest were just ok.
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That's it for today!
Please show some love and let us know what you think by leaving a comment.
Have a great week!