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zinkata · 2 months

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Happy International Women's Day

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zinkata · 3 years

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Lady Clara Ijenwayo Chinkata

IN HER SHOES...

Lady Clara Ijenwayo Chinkata was a remarkable woman. Brave, Bold, Beautiful, Kind, God-fearing, fun, witty, smart, stylish, hard-working, business savvy, a consummate hostess, amazing home-maker and an outstanding mother to all (April 7th, 1956- May 10th, 2019)

I haven’t quite processed why I posed for a photo-shoot wearing my beloved mom’s dress from the seventies, shoes, sunglasses, earrings and jewellery. I went as far as trying to mimic her spunky vibe. No one can do Clara like the original Clara Ijenwayo Otutubuike Chinkata aka Gorgeous.

For me, Mother’s Day comes with its fair share of nostalgia and memories. A zip-zap of fleeting emotions all coming together in a truly complex mix, not altogether happy mind you, but not un-happy either. More like a lingering bittersweet state of being, peppered with major highs. My heart is bursting with all the love, feelings, memories and everything that was and still is you, Momshikum. I am truly blessed to have had you as a mom.

My heart goes out to all the women out there still a little hollow from losing their moms. Happy Mother’s Day. It is well. Truly it is. The Lord makes it all perfect at his time.

Xxxxx

Ezinne Chinkata (AKA Clara’s Little Girl) 📷 ReplyForward

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zinkata · 9 years

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zinkata · 10 years

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Migrated to Zinkata.com

Hello All😄😄😄😄.. My fantastic readers.. I have great news for you all.. I have migrated to zinkata.com. For better communication, a diverse range of interactive content and so much more.. I am very excited about this journey.. And truly hope you all would embark on it with me. Please visit the site, subscribe, share, comment and repost.. Thank you all ever so much, Yours sincerely, Ezinne Chinkata

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zinkata · 10 years

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Easiest way to get on the best dressed List..

Some days, we wish to be balanced in our fashion choices..Simply put, we aspire to have a nice fashionable wholesome silhoutte. No unnecessary attention, no raised eyebrows, no dramatic entries..Just a simple nice well dressed silhouette. In this instance, the smart way to go is to gravitate towards quality classics.

Three Easy Ways to make a great first impression:

1. A very nicely cut black dress: Not a little tight black dress! A flattering black dress at a decent length would always score high easy fashion points. It is a no brainer really. Team it with pretty hued pumps and a matching bag and you are certainly on the home run.

2. Bright Cheery Colours: Colours are very welcoming and create a great positive first impression. A nice pink, red or even pastel colour would always look nice and pretty. The secret is to keep the bright colour to just the clothing/garment.. No colour blocking, no bright makeup or matching coloured accessories. A pretty red suit or dress with neutral shoes and accessories will certainly cut a strong positive flattering silhouette.

3.A Crisp White Shirt: White shirts are quite a quintessential classic. A well pressed crisp white shirt would look great against anything. They are very flattering to any skin tone and leaves you looking stylish and at the same time not fussy.. Winner!

I am wearing a crisp white shirt. I got it from a vintage store from the men's section. I love the bagginess of it and the masculine cut. I teamed it with a colourful print ankara skirt from Zinkata. It is available in the store in different prints.There's something quite interesting about the skirt. It is very multifunctional and can be styled in 10 different ways. Here, I wore it as a dress (but in a different print) http://zinkata.tumblr.com/post/93114404803/caption-winner-drama-extravaganza

Okay, maybe my outfit would be a bit more wholesome without the hat… You tell me...

Have an awesome day all..

Ezinne Chinkata ([email protected])

Photography: Kola Oshalusi

Shirt: Vintage

Skirt: Zinkata (The Store)

Shoes: Hobbs

Hat: Asos

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zinkata · 10 years

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Androgyny is a Baban riga..

What is your take on Androgyny?? A lady dressed in male garments? Or an asexual silhouette?? There are innumerable takes on the trend but one factor loomed huge and inexplicable to me..Please take a cute minute out of your hectic schedules and kindly google Androgyny..

You are probably inundated with fancy Images of women dressed in Tuxedos, jeans, bow-ties and cropped hair..As a fashion Consultant/stylist based in Africa, I have been guilty of the same generalisation.. I remember styling editorials or individuals in my take on the Androgyny trend.. It obviously veered in the tuxedo/pants or a stark dress and butch accessories direction.

Never did it cross my mind to look inwards and imagine Androgyny with an African spin.. Here I am today, doing just that.I am wearing a Vintage Baban riga/Agbada I scored from my dearest dad. I love the intricate work on the garment and the colour..

The Grand Boubou as it is commonly called usually comes as a four piece, with a long sleeve shirt (Danshiki), flowing buba, pants and a matching embroidered hat. They are quite popular in the Western African Region.It is worn very popularly in Northern and Western Nigeria for ceremonial occassions.

A male in the full four piece regalia is quite a commanding site to behold. I opted for just one piece of the garment; the wide open stitched sleeveless gown. I folded it over my shoulders, mimicking a motion I had seen countless times growing up as I watched my dad admiringly.

I felt quite grand and awesome in this outfit..and would certainly wear it again in different ways.. I may wear the other garment (Danshiki) over jeans.. Or repeat this look with a white shirt underneath.. The possibilities are endless and it excites me no end to conjour different combinations..

In all this I learnt a very important lesson.. To always remember to see the absolute big picture. I love my tuxedos.. Baggy boyfriend silhouettes and so forth… But what about the other side of Androgyny? The androgyny stemming from our own culture and traditions.. It should not be overlooked…

.. In some of the pictures below, I am with my adorable God daughter; Maya.. She warms my heart to no end. She is my friend Ejay's daughter and the whole God mother journey has been quite a dynamic one.. Maya is quite a poser!

Have a great Monday!

Happy Eid Mubarak!

xxx

Ezinne Chinkata

Photography: Kola Oshalusi

Bag: Qamin

Shoes: Sam Edelman

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zinkata · 10 years

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My Lovely Africa..

Hello all…

I hope Friday dawns bright and beautiful for you all.. I am great and thankful.. Today.. I bow in allegiance to continent Africa..I am wearing a red Kaftan/Boubou I got from the Lagos Lekki Market. Boubous/Kaftans are quite a quintessential West african garment, tracing it's roots mainly from the Islamic tribes.

Mine is quite the more casual version.I love the vibrant colours and pattern. It is very comfortable and can be thrown on easily on a casual Fashion day... The fabric is cool and breathable; perfect for the African weather..

I teamed it with black and white shoes from Irregular choice(Just because it was such a fun combination) and my Zashadu Clutch. It was a very cool and easy outfit and I felt carefree and happy in it all day long….

Sometimes.. we find great fashion finds in the simplest and easiest of garments.. It all boils down to our mind sets and attitudes… Free your mind!!!!

Stay Happy, positive and productive.. We must conquer..

Have a blessed weekend...

Yours sincerely,

Ezinne Chinkata

Photography: Kola Oshalusi

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zinkata · 10 years

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NIGERIA WILL SURVIVE

My beloved country Nigeria is 54 years old today…In 1960, on this very day,we achieved Independence and started our journey.. It has been quite a tumultuous ride, with the civil war from 1967-1970 and many more challenges both religious and political. In all this, we have ploded on..

I believe strongly in Nigeria.. I am very thankful for all the blessings that have been bestowed upon us.. as well as the abundance of talent and natural resources..

Imagine a nation where everybody works very hard, has solid values and puts only their best amazing feet forward? How amazing would Nigeria be??”The change we desire starts from us”..That statement is very loosely used..but it is indeed a very true one. Let us all actively and consciously be the change we want..

My outfit for today is only slightly strategic. I am wearing a hat from Lagos Laidbac.. They are a Nigerian brand with really lovely branded accessories..I love that it has Lagos emblazoned on it.. Lagos in my opinion is the heart of Nigeria.. Let the celebrations begin!!

Have a great Independence everyone.. Stay happy.. Stay Positive. Nigeria Will Survive..

Blessings…

Ezinne Chinkata

Photography: Kola Oshalusi

Smiley Dress: Asos

Shoes: Faith

Bag: Vintage

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zinkata · 10 years

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L'oreal Luxe New Line Launch

Friday the 26th day of September saw me setting off quite purposefully for the press launch of the new lines of L'oreal Luxe. They are a subdivision of the L'oreal group (The largest beauty company in the world) and specialise in luxury beauty products.

It was an intimate and interactive session at the Essenza store in Shoprite, Ikeja, Lagos. Mr Hazem Zahrouni; the Retail Education Manager for L'oreal Luxe enriched our minds with information on the history of the Armani Haute Couture fragrances as well as the Lancome and YSL brand DNA.

There was much more.. I got a chance to network with the press/bloggers..

I met the Assistant Editor of TW Magazine, Ifeyinwa Ojekwe! She is in the peplum navy blue top in the picture above. I Absolutely loved Samantha Dimka's outfit.. She is the editor of Style Vitae.

We were warmly welcomed by Mrs Nnenna Ukadike, The Brand and retail Manager for L'oreal Luxe, Nigeria.

Famous Make-up artist Banke Meshida Lawal; gave a very thorough demonstration of how to create classic looks using Lancome and YSL beauty products. I was particularly impressed with the YSL mascara.

Drinks, canapés and sessions over..

.. AND thus the day ended.. with a distinct taste of luxury..

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zinkata · 10 years

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New Habits.. New Beginnings..

Hello everyone.. I trust we are all ready to have a fantastic Monday… This week, I am at it with renewed vigour.. How about you?? I aim to start very early, stay focused and finish well.. I woke up by 5am, worked out, dashed off to church really briefly and was fresh and ready at work for 7.30 am..

Today’s outfit is by a very talented Nigerian Designer; Meena. It is a very well thought out outfit. They put a very fresh spin on the traditional skirt suit.. It feels very powerful, very strong and full of positive agenda.. Exactly how I feel today.. i also love the cheeky criss cuts running across the skirt as well as the back-view.

I teamed the skirt with a giant black bag by Nigerian Accessories Designer; Qamin. My shoes are by Sam Edelman and I bought it quite recently from Asos,

This outfit can be worn for diverse work functions.. Lawyers, Bankers or even advertising.. Wear a black vest underneath the top and a black half-slip with the skirt..

Have a really powerful Monday and let us all take resounding steps towards fulfilling our destinies.. We must conquer!

…. Also.. take time out and visit the store..

Sincerely,

Ezinne Chinkata

Photography: Kola Oshalusi

Outfit Meena

Shoes: Sam Edelman

Bag: Asos

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zinkata · 10 years

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Should we dress how we want to be addressed?

I have often heard and read this saying " Dress how you want to be addressed".. I never really paid much attention to it, till today... Most times, I dress just the way my soul or body yearns to be clothe on that particular day.. Giving this more thought , I acknowledge this may be a bit of a tricky way to go about your daily pursuits.. Leaving it all at the mercy of our rather erratic emotions..

However, I feel like, if we are solidly in tune with our emotions and how we feel, and learn to interpret where we are at particular times, our fashion choices would ring even truer and we can stride into situations more assured and with more of a confident stance..

Well.. Some days we wake up and we are absolutely not in the mood to bother with fashion, heel teetering or making any sort of statement.. I believe when we are in this zone, we should listen to our inner selves.. and vice versa.

Yes, we have to dress to be addressed respectfully, and this can still be achieved by listening to our inner minds… Take this look below for example.. This is my absolute easy fashion look.. Easy make-up, Flat Sandals and easy silhouettes..

If we in our heads keep constantly obsessing about how someone else feels about our outfits, we end up very confused..

I have come to some sort of impasse with this!

"Always strive to look well put together..However, whatever choices you make should be greatly dependent on your personality and who you truly are"..

Stay true to your inner chii!!

Have a fantastic weekend all..Stay blessed, happy and safe..

Please write in.. I would love to hear from you.

Yours sincerely,

Ezinne Chinkata

Photography: Kola Oshalusi

Dress: Dahlia

Bag: Oliver Bonas

Sandals: Dune

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zinkata · 10 years

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An Evening with Sujimoto..

I was invited to the SujiMoto party at the Wheat Baker.. It was an event for brand awareness and information about the Sujimoto brand.. I got there slightly not as early as I wished and walked smack in the middle of Sijubomi Ogundele's (Sujimoto) presentation.. What a powerful speech it was.. In less than 15 minutes it was absolutely clear what he was about; Construction and Real Estate. He had the guests spellbound and his was quite a detailed presentation; very thorough, in-depth and delivered with passionate aplomb. It ended to raucous applause. A phrase from his presentation sort of stuck.. "I do not wish to satisfy my customers, I plan to blow their minds".. He was dead serious.. We certainly shall be hearing a lot more from Sujimoto..

What else was amazing about the night?? There was a fantastic buzz to the evening..Dj Cuppy kept us well entertained.. I had one of the best nights I have had in a while and caught up with old friends and acquaintances..

i bumped into Ulo Oputa.. She works in PR for the Bobby Taylor company.. Absolutely loved her matching pants and top set by Vonne Couture..

Then the Designer Yvonne Nwosu of Vonne Couture saunters in.. much tardier than me! Also wearing one of her pieces..Gorge!

I also bumped into the delightful Fade Ogunro...

It was quite an eventful evening.. I left with joyous feelings and a resounding point seared clearly in my mind..

"DO IT WITH PASSION".. and you are certainly more likely to succeed..

Have a great Wednesday all..

Ezinne Chinkata

Photography: Kola Oshalusi

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zinkata · 10 years

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Mai Atafo, Mother Dearest and an Evening with Zashadu..

I walked into Mai Atafo’s fancy pancy studio and was instantly struck by this dress…It was on the mannequin and the frothy fluffy extravagance of it beckoned to me..I actually went to Mai’s studio on a separate agenda..solely to get his fancy Male tuxedos for a photo-shoot I was working on..That was the original plan..

It was love at first sight and bag it by all means. Mai was kind enough to give me the dress at a special price..Fashion insiders discount..

"All the while I was working out how to wear the dress in my head"…. YES I AM SICK LIKE THAT.. I totally planned to team it with an olive green jacket in my wardrobe.. Not for any particular reason..I assumed it would totally be too girly and sugary bubble gum pink sweet by itself… I WAS WRONG…. I wore it out the weekend gone past for a family wedding with my darling mommy..

My shoes are from Hobbs and bag by Qamin (Awesome Nigerian Designer).I accessorised with matching SILVER Swarovski earrings and neckpiece from mother dearest. Mom and I’s outfits totally matched..

It was a terrific wedding and I had a mighty great time… The next event was an intimate cocktail at the Wheatbaker hotel with Zashadu.

Zashadu is a luxury sustainable brand, that specialises in handcrafted leather pieces..It was a lovely interactive evening with the designer; Zainab Ashadu.. We got to listen to her speak passionately about the ethos of the brand..Sustainability.. and basically watch a visually appealing Zainab talk about her childhood and challenges… whilst viewing amazing bags and hobnobbing with fashion insiders… It couldn’t be a better evening.. Did i also mention fantastic food?

The Zashadu pieces are totally awesome.. I fell in love with this piece..called the Justice, pictured below and totally think I will order it.. It’s made of the finest leather..

We also got really amazing goodie bags.. I mean this quite literally.. I bagged a really cute leather Zashadu bag in the goodie bag.. I also got a chance to get a selife with my main ladies of the evening…

L-R Onah Wachuku, Yours truly and Funmi Daniels.. They all work in the pretty exciting world of fashion…

…and finally my evening ended with a major bonding session with Veronica Odeka (Vane Style) and her bump… Quite an emotional moment…

Have a great week all! Stay blessed.. Stay Happy.. and Keep in touch!!

..and Please Visit Zinkata! I would love to have you!

xxxx

Ezinne Chinkata

[email protected]

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zinkata · 10 years

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Re-use.. Reduce... Recycle..

Today.. we are going green! Do we all practice the 3 magical R’s.. which is to re-use, reduce and recycle?? It is actually easy to take this for granted and more or less not pay it any attention..However..it is real.. Green house emissions are real.. we need to be more responsible for our carbon footprints in the environment..

What better way than to be quite frugal in our fashion ways…In Africa, we have quite a colourful tradition..very rich..very vibrant… How many of us have countless traditional pieces we wore previously for weddings and have not really worn them again?

We can re-use them, we can recycle them and reduce waste..In the picture below, I am wearing a velvet long skirt from a friends traditional wedding. It was originally matched with a white vibrant silver blouse. I love the skirt..even though it is velvet and quite rich.. It has been in my wardrobe for a while and I decided to give it a spin.. as opposed to buying a new garment ..or even throwing it away..

I teamed it with a lilac tunic type top my darling friend Ejay scored for me from Asos..It has quite a delightful billowing back-view.

My bag is really cool.. It is a metallic purse from Nigerian based Accessories Designer Qamin.. She has really cool pieces.

There are countless ways of making your traditional skirts not so traditional and even wearing it for formal events..

I am obviously going through a MAJOR cropped top phase..Please feel free to tow a different direction..

1. You can wear your traditional skirts with a classic white shirt or blouse.. tucked in …

2. Depending on the length of the skirt.. it could be teamed with a really coool tshirt..

3. With a camisole and a blazer over it??

The list is endless.. Do you have garments laying"in waste" in your wardrobe? Feel free to drop me a few lines.. I shall very gladly point you in the right direction.

Have a blessed Sunday!

Re-use, Recycle,Reduce…

Ezinne Chinkata

[email protected]

Photography: Kola Oshalusi

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zinkata · 10 years

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IAFL

IAFL is…. an acronym for "Isi Atagamen Fashion label".. It is A Nigerian Based fashion brand with former model; Isi Atagamen at the helm of affairs.She has the most amazing personal style..a definite plus!!

This piece is a bit different from her usual aesthetic but still pleasant! It is a multi layered floral dress with interesting cutout details at the shoulders…

It is quite a cheerful print and automatically sets the tone for my mood without me realising it.. Fashion is a very powerful tool..Wear what makes you happy!

I teamed it with really groovy blue and gold Jeffrey Campbell sneakers.. They are such a statement piece..

…and thus comes the end of the Isi Atagamen visual Spiel..

Style Tip: The dress can be worn in a variety of ways.. With strappy sandals or even pumps...

Do you balk at the thought of showing as much skin?.. The dress can be worn over skinny jeans or pants and with a belt to cinch in the waist.. Finished up with a nice long neckpiece.. Now that would be quite an awesome look..

Have a great Friday all.. Stay fabulous!!

XXXXX

Ezinne Chinkata

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zinkata · 10 years

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What is your cropped top persona??

...musings…..or do we even have cropped top personas...

Hello all.. I hope you are having a fantastic Wednesday.. Mine has been packed with some twists to original plans.. Still we are grateful and plodding on doggedly..

Do you ever wear cropped tops?? I feel like I am almost at the last lap of being able to carry off the cropped top trend.. Firstly.. I am getting almost too old for society's standards for baring midriffs..(if i ever listened to such drivel) and secondly, my work out regime has been totally nonexistent lately.. At least this I have control over... I started out a spanky new work out regime today..

In today's post.. I shall be exploring two different styles of wearing cropped tops and leaving you to decide on which you would go with..

The first style is my number one go to option..it is comfortable and quite versatile.. "Wearing a cropped top with a high waist skirt..or high waist trousers"

Here I am wearing a black cropped top from Asos..it has a sort of soft inbuilt corset.. with sheer sleeves and a sheer back.. I teamed it with my long black Roberto Cavalli skirt.. I scored it about 2 years ago from the Harrods sale.. and it is still one of my favourite pieces..

For the days..when I am in a tough as nails mood.. when I feel very body confident..YEAH..those type days..I would go for this look..

I teamed the top with baggy boyfriend jeans from Topshop and my Orange Bag from Oliver Bonas.. This is a more laid-back silhouette..The trick for this look is to come across as really chilled.. Because there is such a wide surface area of skin showing, I had to be really careful not to come off as tacky.. I went for slouchy jeans.. a hobo styled bag and hair roughly held together..

What look would you go for??This is the end of my cropped top 101 module.. I hope you can find your persona??? There may be some other tricks… Please write in if you have any comments or questions..

Stay positive!!!

Ezinne Chinkata( [email protected])

Photography: Kola Oshalusi

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zinkata · 10 years

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Sundays are Great Days...

Hello Lovely people!!!

I hope we have all had a great week, regardless of whatever challenges life threw at us…

I am in major Praise and Gratitude mode… It has been quite a long and emotional week. An acquaintance..a Fashion Pr girl was shot/killed on her way to work.. The news sort of hit me really hard and spiralled me into a very dark and heavy place.May her soul find eternal rest.. I Wish her family strength and the peace of The Lord.

Unto lighter topics..I love wearing pieces by African Designers.. It has come to mean a lot to me..My biggest wish is to have the capacity to showcase a wide range of designers and African creatives on this platform at a huge frequency.. Baby steps.. We shall get there.. We have so much creative talent..So much Art to share with the global community..

Today.. I am wearing this really cute dress from Agu.. He is a pretty spectacular designer.. Agu has a penchant for really cute back details.. Take this dress for instance.. At first glance.. It is a pretty simple shift.. Which is what it is essentially..but with details, that sort of enhance the female form in a very understated sophisticated manner.. Genius!