SophieStylish

Hi cupcakes! 

You might be wondering why out of the blues I decided to talk about the facial structure. Well, Face shapes are as unique as they come and figuring out your face shape is the key to achieving a flattering beauty routine.

I bet you didn't know that your face shape is the key to achieving that perfect, magazine glossy look we all moan about. 
From eyebrows, Hair styles, Hair cuts, make up tips and what have you, your facial structure governs it all. Pretty much the same way your figure type decides which clothes fit you best.  

How to do this? 

It's easy, but can prove a little bit tricky, so I've narrowed it down to a few basic steps. 
I hope this guide helps you learn the looks that suit you best. 



The easiest way to identify your own face shape is by pulling back your hair and comparing your facial dimensions to the different facial categories. It has basically been narrowed down to six face types : oval, round, long, square, heart and diamond shaped faces. 


1. Oval shaped face:



The oval shaped face, much like Eva Longorias' has been described as the ideal face. It is longer than it is wide, with no major angles on the hairline or the jawline. The lucky thing about having an oval face is that you can pretty much rock any hairstyle under the sun.

Eyebrow Tip: A well balanced, subtly arched Eyebrow is best to highlight an oval face as an extreme arch would make you look witchy.A dark smoky eye is another great way to add dimension to an oval face.


2. Long shaped face :

If you have a long face like Gisele Bundchen, chances are that almost any hairstyle would suit you, except long, dank straight hair which would make your eyes look droopy.

Eyebrow Tip: a flat Eyebrow with a slightly arched tail would work like a charm. You wouldn't want to try high archs as you would be walking around with a perma-surprised look on your face.


3. Round shaped face:



For my round faced beauties,like Michelle Williams, I would most solemnly advice you to stay away from big hair. Added Volume makes the face appear wider than normal.

Eyebrow Tips: Soft archs on the brows are perfect to give the face more length and define the bone structure.
Makeup Tips: contouring works great for defining your angles. Apply blush under the cheekbones to elongate the face.


4. Square shaped face:



If you are square shaped like Heidi Klum, Hair styles that are soft and romantic are a no brainer. Long hairstyles and lots of layers are advisable as It softens up the strong, angular jawline.

Eyebrow Tip: rounded archs also soften up the face. But be careful, we don't want to have downturned brackets for eyebrows.


5. Heart shaped face:




Reese Witherspoon is one famous heart shaped face. Layered cuts, lots of volume, a side part or side swept bangs are ideal for this face. Avoid blunt bangs as it widens the forehead.

Eyebrow Tips: a nice medium round arch goes a long way to soften the pointed chin.
Makeup Tip: apply blush to the apple of the cheeks as this gives you a fresh look. Red lips are iconic for a heart shaped face. Just ask Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez.



6. Diamond shaped face:

It's Gingham season cupcakes! And in case you don't know what gingham is, it's that check red and black top you've been strutting around town *wink!

Ever since this killer trend appeared on the runway last year.... Scratch that. Ever since Chris Brown and tyga made it a point of duty to turn up in red and black gingham, it's been red and black everywhere.
Una no dey Tire?
I know we all love to keep up with the latest trends, but hunnie, style is all about thinking outside the box.

It's high time we chucked back the red and black shirt and explore the unlimited world of Gingham fabulosity. This doesn't mean that you have to go shopping for an all new wardrobe. One of the great things about this trend is that it goes with absolutely anything....

Here's some interesting new ways to rock the Gingham look!

Paired with a bomber jacket

Paired with a midi skirt

Paired with a floral print midi

paired with a different pattern

Gingham Tapered pants

See? It's so easy to maintain your sense of style and still stay trendy.
Well, well cupcakes...
Stay Stylish ❤❤

I ran into one of my besties the other day on my way back from the market. I hadn't seen her in ages, so it was quite a shock for her to see me on my Natural Hair. She was like "Sophie! Gosh I love your hair, it suits you so well... I would have loved to cut mine too, but I heard it's very painful...." 

Pause right there! Painful?! Says who? 

You can imagine my shock. I decided to do a little asking around and mehn, you can't imagine the things people believe and say about Natural hair.
If you are a newbie Naturalista or you are Thinking of going Natural, it's best that you have a clear understanding of what it means to embrace your hair from the roots. 
Its time to clear some doubts ASAP! 

1. Natural Hair Is Painful
This one I just don't understand. How exactly is it painful? Is it when it's being cut or what?
Sweethearts, there is nothing painful about your hair. We all know that Virgin hair can be a bit disagreeable when it comes to combing, but we know better than to comb the hair when it's dry!

2. Natural Hair Makes Me Look Churcheous
Just because you happen to be a Naturalista doesn't mean you've turned into a Bible hugger. There are a million and one women out there rocking their natural curls and they look straight out fabulous. Take Janelle Monae for example. F.A.B!
No offence to my chineke-loving sisters. You want to live the life of a purist and that's fine by me. 
Your hair is as you style it. How You look, baby, that's entirely up to you.

3. Natural Hair Can't Be Combed
Duh! It's called Virgin Hair babes, you can't expect to comb or style it the way you would your relaxed hair. It's like buying a Techno and expecting it work like an iPhone. Mebembu! 
You have to get a whole new mindset.
I never comb my hair when it's dry. It's either wet, damp or well conditioned.

4. Natural Hair Is Only For Black American 'Sisters'
Now wait a minute. So what happens to the hair on my head?
This statement is not true. Just because afro American women in the 60s and 70s used it as a form of self expression doesn't mean that is the case now. Personally, I went natural because I was bored with the norm of fixing and relaxing and all that BS. I know most women feel the same.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with my own hair, so I don't see why I should always cover it up with stuff that eventually does more damage than good.

5. Natural Hair Is Unprofessional
Shuuu!
This totally depends on the wearer. Like I said earlier, your hair is as you style it. There are lots of ways to style up your Natural Hair to suit all occasions, work included. I suggest that you invest in styling your hair the same way you would spend time thinking about the next weave to buy or hair style to fix.

6. Trimming Makes Hair Grow
I used to believe this too. Until I found out that all it did was get rid of split ends. Trimming actually has nothing to do with the hair that grows out of your head, it only helps make your hair healthier.

7. Too Much Washing Is Bad For Natural Hair
I hear a lot of girls say going as long as a month without washing the hair is good because the dirt protects their fragile hair. This may be true for relaxed hair, but for us Naturalista's, water is our hair's best friend. Feel free to wash and moisturise regularly. How ever, using shampoo that contain SLS can be bad for both types of hair, as SLS contains chemicals that cause the hair to dry off and break easily. Try a co-wash instead.

8. Natural Hair Means Faster Hair Growth
Most girls tell me they want go natural so their hair can grow faster. This is wrong.
Growth rate is basically the same, Natural or no. It just depends on how well you are able to retain the new growth.
Many women who are natural wear their hair in protective styles to protect the hair and retain their growth. This can also apply to women with relaxed hair.
The disadvantage relaxed hair has in retaining growth is that over time, the use of chemicals makes the hair thin out.

9. Natural Hair Is Unmanageable
This could be true, only if you don't understand what your hair needs. But then, you have to define what 'Unmanageable' means to you. Take time out to study what works best for your hair, and it would be easy breezy as far as styling goes. As long as you can remember to listen to your hair instead of fighting it, you would be fine.

Stay Stylish ❤❤

Holla cupcakes!
My, my it is a beautiful Wednesday and I am positively bursting with so much energy thanks to my boost of yellow *wink.

Today on my fashion radar, I happened  to come across the very next 'must have item'. Yes, it's by Burberry, and Yes it is called a 'Bucket Bag'.


This all new addition to the Burberry accessories collection fall/winter 2015 is already a huge sensation among the super superstars. It comes in 3 sizes; the bucket bag, the baby bucket bag and can you guess it?  No, not the grandma bucket bag, The baby bucket bagpack!

We all know that the fringe is a huge 'It' trend this season and with the whole revival of the 70s theme still going on, it's no surprise this bag comes wearing hers.


The bag also features a suede and an animal print version, and can range for as much as $2150 and $2750 per bag.
Mogbe!!


I know right! Just Hold on to your wigs sisters, it's totally twerkable... If it's cool enough for Naomi Campbell, it's cool enough for us. Right cupcakes?

Stay stylish ❤❤

I've got a confession to make...

       









Hi cupcakes! 

Starting out as a newbie Naturalista might seem like a lot of work. Too many times we encounter particular hair issues we have no clue how to deal with. When we do find solutions, There's just too many things to look up, to learn and digest. 
And the slangs? Down right difficult to understand! 

I decided to put together a list of some of the slangs I've come across so far since my BC. This info really helped me a lot, so I'm certain that it would help you as well. 
The list will grow as my journey continues. 

Stay stylish ❤❤

1st, 2nd and 3rd day hair; this refers to how the hair looks or how well it held up after a few days.

2,3abc,4a, 4b, 4c ; this refers to hair typing  classification system.

ACV: Apple Cider Vinegar. A rinse, Used as hair detox.

Alopecia: this refers to an abnormal hair loss.

APL: armpit length

BAA: Big Ass Afro

BC: big chop. Cutting off all chemically altered hair, in other words, relaxed hair, to allow new growth.

Banding : a styling technique designed to stop hair shrinkage.

Bagging : is an attempt to lock hair moisture by moisturising hair and putting a plastic bag or shower cap or a hoodie on it overnight.

Bendy rollers: another name for flexi rods.

BNC: braid and curl involves rolling the ends of your braids on rods or flexi rods.

BSL: bra strap length

CBL: Collar bone length

CG: curly girl

CL: chin length

Clarifying : process of cleaning out product build up

Co-wash : also known as condition wash. The process of using only conditioner to wash your hair.

Cones: or silicones are ingredients found in hair products that are not water soluble. They require shampoo to be removed.

Detangling: process of removing all tangles, kinks and knots from hair. It is best done when hair is damp or wet.

DIY : Do it yourself

DT: Deep Treatment.  Also known as DC

DC: Deep Conditioning. Leaving some conditioning solution on the hair for a period of time to allow it soak before rinsing off.

Dusting: trimming off less than 1/4 inches of hair.

EO : Essential oils

EL: Ear length

EVOO: Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Flat twists : doing a two strand twist like you would do the corn rows.

JBCO : Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Knowing your hair : beeping in tune with your hair.

Leave In conditioner: conditioner that's meant to be left on the hair, without rinsing off.

Low Manipulation : refers to doing very little to the hair. It requires low maintenance and upkeep.

Manipulation : refers to the amount of work and time required to style hair.

Naturalista : refers to another natural.

MBL : mid back length

PJ : Product Junkie

PO : Peppermint oil

Protective styling : any hairstyle that tucks away the ends of the hair from exposure to harsh or damaging agents eggs sun, heat and constant Manipulation.

Regimen : your daily or weekly hair care routine or styling guide.

Sealing : to apply product to the end of the hair in order to keep them moisturised and limit breakage.

SLS : Sodium lautyl sulfate. Is a harsh chemical contained in shampoos which causes dryness in hair.

Transitioning : process of taking steps to stop relaxing hair in order to grow out natural hair.

TWA : teeny weeny afro. About 1/2 inches of hair after BC.

Two strand Twist : a form of styling involving twisting the hair in two strands instead of 3.

Virgin Hair : the natural state of hair from the roots without any chemical alteration.

Wet and go :a styling technique that involves spraying the hair with some water and leave in conditioner so as to define curls and enable easy styling.

WNG : Wash and Go, is a method of Co-washing with addition of styling gel.

Omigosh, I can't believe it!
Rapper M. I just took to twitter, releasing pictures of the man who has been threatening to kill him over a girl he dated before.
Joke or not, na him sabi. All I know is, let no man touch that my short black boy!!
Am sure you agree, right cupcakes?

Stay stylish ❤❤

Remember Bruce Jenner? Now Caitlyn Jenner? Good. I'm sure you do. 

Why wouldn't you, when pictures of her constantly bombard your Instagram and bbm feeds. 

This happens to be my favourite... Lol

Ever since her official debut as Caitlyn Jenner on the cover of Vanity Fair July edition, Bruce - sorry, I meant Caitlyn Jenner has become the most talked about person in the world. She has even overshadowed Kim K, who, if rumours are to be believed, is expecting baby number two! Crazy right? 

Nevertheless, here are some things you might have missed out in all the media frenzy surrounding Caitlyn. 

1. She had a panic attack after the facial-feminization surgery - according to Jenner, she had felt the surgery would take only 5 hours, but it took 10 instead. She recalled waking up the next day thinking "what did I just do? What did I just do to myself" she told vanity fair. 
Hmmm.... I personally think that question was rightly asked. 
3. Her mother still calls her Bruce - Esther, 88, admitted to having difficulties adjusting to the change and occasionally still calls her Bruce. On seeing Caitlyn for the first time, she had this to tell Access Hollywood,
"she is beautiful! "
Esther maintains that she is genuinely happy for him - or her.

4. She gained 2 million followers on Twitter within four hours of the vanity fair cover release - apparently the world isn't as adverse to change as we would like to think. For some people, Caitlyn Jenner is a hero.

Hi cupcakes! 

How has your week been? Hectic? Dry? Fun? Boring? 
Mine has been seriously busy; waking up at six, leaving the house by 8, coming back by heaven knows when - plus still doing all the cooking! 
"All in a days job of being a girl"  says mum. 
Haha. Very funny. 
I'm so glad the weekend is almost upon us. I guess I have earned major rights to scream Thank God It's Friday! 

Speaking of things that are almost upon us, it's that time of the year when shoes spoil the most, cars break down and umbrellas become a necessary accessory.
Yes Loves, the rains are here.

Rainy days aren't really anyone's favourite, except all you want to do is cuddle up with your duvet. It restricts movement, causes massive traffic jams, leaves you feeling all depressed, gloomy and cold. Plus the everlasting challenge of deciding what to wear... *sigh*

You are probably in that department right now, trying to figure out how to remain stylish despite the weather. Some of us are already thinking of stowing away our crop tops till December. Lol. That won't be necessary hunnie. I'm here to give you tips on keeping in style with the rains. Crop top and all *wink*

First of...

Get on the colour train:
You know you don't necessarily have to  wear dark colours right? Forget the theory about dark colours and their ability to retain heat. It works, yes. But there's no limit to being fashionable. Style, I say, is as you make it.
Spice up the season by adding bright, fun colours to your wardrobe. Red, orange, fushia pink.... Don't be shy, get bold. Make like Rihanna and pop, pop, pop!

1. 

Turtlenecks are so In ;
Yep. What better way to fight off the cold and still look chic doing it? I especially love the black turtleneck crop top. It's just perfect for the season! You can dress it up or down, pair with a jacket, or throw on some chunky jewellery for an edgy look.
The best part is, you can never go wrong in black. Just ask RiRi.

Try this beauty for size!

Invest in the Cape Jacket ;
This jacket is a must have Ladies. It's super comfy, very chic and can be worn wherever and whenever. I'm serious. It can be dressed up with a pair of sleek pants or skirt on the job, paired with jeans for a casual look or worn with a dress for date night. It's one look that can take you from day to night in flash.
If you don't own a cape jacket by now, you better make like Cookie Lyon and get yours! (I sha hope you've seen Empire. That movie rocks).



V-neck Cardigan... *Drool*
There's nothing sexier than a Tall, (dark), good looking hot blooded male in a V-neck Cardigan. Just take a look at Pharrel!
I know it's not Christmas or valentines yet ladies, but do your man (and me) a favour and buy him a Cardigan. It's such a turn on.... *double drool* Lol


Pamper your shoes;

Kate Spade New York

It's in with rubber soles and out with the suede shoes this season. I'm sure you wouldn't want your very expensive favourite shoes getting ruined by rain. The best way to avoid this, apart from sidestepping puddles is by investing in some rubber soles. They come in different varieties and are fun and comfy.

Valentino rockstud gladiator

Try the faux locs ;
Every girl wants great hair. That's a no brainer. Every girl also wants hair that is up and go. Low maintenance. How to kill two birds with one stone? Try the faux locs. It's all the rave this season, little wonder too, as it's unisex, super fresh and tres chic. To all the bold beautiful ladies (and gents) who aren't afraid to walk on the edgier side, this one's you.






Get an umbrella ... Duh!!!
Should I be talking about this? Really? I think not.

Do share your favourite style secrets for the rainy season. We all would love to learn. 
Stay stylish ❤❤