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‘Dressing’ for a date - a cautionary tale

How one simple dress stopped me from looking like a fool when I felt like one..

About a year ago, it began with a laid back build up to what was to be a 1-on-1 evening with my kind friend Bob*. We spoke regularly, catching up on life/work and the universe. One evening he said “You always have fun – let's do something fun one night?” I said yes and he said he would think of something for us to do. (Note: the word Us)
From his tone I thought, “Is he organising a date or what?” These days you never know! The night was a Friday. We were friends, so I decided to take it as such (even though there was definate mutual attraction).

So…what to wear? I have a variety of what I call ‘Friday dresses’ versatile outfits with more juooosh than an every day work number but nothing over-the-top. I made a conscious decision (premonition) NOT to ‘dress’ for a date, as one: It’s not my style, two: wanted to look good for my own self-esteem as well as wear something he’d appreciate and three: it smacks of desperation. So my figure hugging Isabel de Cat dress was out and my Manoush 60’s style above the knee woollen smock dress was in. No believe me - it’s a fab dress..

Friday came; I left work and went straight home. Didn’t really feel like going out as that morning became my time of the month. So, if plans changed I was home already and could just chill. I’d just got out of the shower when he called to tell me it had been a full-on week and he hadn’t had time to sort anything out, so would I like to join him and his friend John* (Okkkk?) at their members club blah blah. I accepted and said I’d be there in an hour…Ladies, I so took my time getting ready seeing as he already had company. Can I get an Amen?! I thought of my good friend Tanya* who I’d blown out that same night, was slightly peeved as if I’d known she could’ve come with.

When I got there, I sat in between them and felt like I was on live tv! After a glass of sauvignon I relaxed somewhat. The evening continued with us chatting and drinking away. At some point John*, left the club as he had to be up early in the morning - so he said.

Bob* and I carried on, the conversation just flowed. His phone had been ringing a few times during the evening. This time when it rang he answered and began directing someone up to the floor where we were. Seconds later Pebble* appeared (when I relayed this story to one of my girlfriends she said I quote “..Anyway, how can you take someone called 'Pebble*' seriously, it's not even a real name!") I digress; When she saw me the look on her face is one I will never forget! I also thought “Oh no he didn’t!” Turns out this pretty young lady (I give credit where it’s due) was quote: “This girl I’ve been seeing.” 

The level of awkwardness rose to an unbearable high. Staccato conversation ensued, at points I zoned out. Not long after Pebble* arrived she went for a cigarette break outside – a long one, which I assumed included a call to a girlfriend to try to get to grips with the situation. That was my cue to take myself and my ‘Friday dress’ the hell up out of there – Can I get an Amen?! I called Addison Lee - I could be in Timbuktu and they’d come to my rescue – they came in record time. So, off home I went in my cab. Three’s a crowd and all that crap...

So ladies, you can imagine how mortified I would have been if I hadn’t got it a little but totally twisted that night and instead opted for a little black number or sexy similar. Well, to be honest, blatant seduction has never been my style. It was just my mind that got it wrong. Imagine if it were both that would have been just horrible!

What happened afterwards? Whether I was misled by or I misread Bob. That night definitely gave me clarity. We are still friends and have agreed that’s all we’ll ever be. Yes there’s an attraction, the good thing is, it’s not love…

What I do LOVE though - my ‘Friday dresses’ especially the Manoush one, it holds a special place in my wardrobe for very obvious reasons...

Amen!


*I've so obviously changed the names. I don't know any guy called Bob in their early 30s nor do I know anyone called Pebble ... ;)

© Karma-Style 2010

Am I the only woman on the fashion planet that hates….UGG boots?!

A long awaited rant….

I was on the tube today and in my section alone 7 out of 10 women were wearing them!! What the UGG! The clue is in the brand name for sure. I tell you why I can’t stand them; they look cheap, are shapeless, unattractive and oh so common!

When, on any other occasion would any style-conscious woman buy boots in sandy biege?! Yes I said beige; don’t give me all that “they are chestnut” nonsense. The signature colour is sandy beige that in itself is one of the biggest fashion footwear crimes of the noughties, in fact ever! What the UGG! So many usually stylish folk have fallen victim to one of the most successful marketing campaigns of the decade. I take my hat off to the makers for that and that only.

And don’t get me started on the cream fluffy lining. Are they not a remake of the 70’s sheepskin coat in the form of a boot? I’ve googled a picture below for your viewing pleasure...Ummm!


And another thing how much are they? Not cheap that’s for sure! The people I know who own a pair always defend them by saying “Ohh but they are so warm!” I actually feel embarrassed when I’m walking with anyone wearing them. It’s true - I have to keep it real.

Fashion/able they maybe but style/ish they ain’t! People - please don’t be sheep (pardon the pun) find your own unique fabulous pair of Autumn/Winter boots that tick all the boxes for practicality, fashion and style. There are many gorgeous alternatives please see below (from my own collection).


Black Gianni Melani fur-lined bling detail


Purple Pompili patent and rabbit fur

Maybe I am the only woman on the planet who hates them and will NEVER own a pair but trust me you devotees out there, if in time there is any photographic evidence or memory of them being worn, you will look back, cringe and say to yourself and whoever’s listening “What the UGG was I thinking!?! Those boots were sooo UGGly!!!

That rant felt good! I am indeed ready for the backlash…UGG devotees bring it on ;)

© Camille Adomakoh – Karma Style

My Style entry into twenty-ten and a new decade!


London, 8pm, New Year’s Eve 2009

The Karma-Style theme for the night: Relaxed glamour


It all began with this Nicole Fahri leather skirt.

One of my fave winter staples, sexy and warm! Everything else had to work with it. I was determined.


So, I added a touch of bling rock chic with this ZN 100% tee – keeping it light on top.

Yes I ironed the bottom of it before wearing!


Then a Glam-POP of colour! Costume Nationale fitted silk satin blazer. Cost a bit a few years back – worth every penny though.

I prayed to the universe: “Please let no-one spill a drop of anything on this tonight!”



Next, my Gucci slingbacks (bought in Milan c.1999)..I love them so. These are living proof that it pays to look after your wardrobe.



I look a bit lop-sided don't I? Not a drop of Champagne had passed my lips at this point, honest!


 Too many things to deal with..don't move..hold in stomach and breath..smile..quick got to leave soon. Oh Geez! Anything else!

I'm tall, so a full-length shot is quite a challenge..



Another prayer: "I know I live in London but PLEASE no rain - not tonight!"



Can you read what this says? So many that night tried but no-one could..ummm I wonder why..



Wore sparkly gold hoops, no other jewellery. I'm sure you'd agree didn't need anything else. As you can see a size zero I am not.
  


The whole outfit came together perfectly I’m pleased to say, with no drama and no changes..A perfect way to enter a new decade..by the way my prayers were answered.

Hair: Tamed the 'fro
Make-up: Light and subtle

My personal style entrance into the new year and decade.


Oh yes, the bag I wore was a simple black leather (not obviously) Fendi clutch - sorry no pics, totally forgot.


So..what do you think?


p.s. This is my first WIW (What I Wore) blog. I ummed and ahhhed about publishing (because of my insecurities) want to give people who don't know me more of an insight. After all I am a fashion blogger.