The Savvy Dial

Months ago, I read a ton of good reviews about  a couple of books that everyone was recommending around the internet (or at least on the blogs I read). The list looked so interesting that I just couldn't wait to get my hands on these books, most of which were about fashion. I finally got my hands on them but have only completed reading just one: The Alchemist (by Paulo Coelho).

And although the purpose of this post is not to review the books I am reading, I thought to share my thoughts on them here with anyone who has similar reading interests. Let's start with the list of my holiday reads:

• Grace: A Memoir (by Grace Coddington)
•  Style (by Lauren Conrad)
•  The Great Gatsby (by F. Scott Fitzgerald) 
•  The Alchemist (by Paulo Coelho).

As we know, fashion books, apart from being informative, can also be attractive enough to serve as decor. These all qualify. I got Grace Coddington's book because "Well, who wouldn't want to know more about the Grace Coddington!" She is such an icon in fashion and so worth learning from. If you want to work in fashion or aspire to become something in the fashion industry, I think you should get her book too.
Style by Lauren Conrad and the Great Gatsby were also highly recommended books that I basically got out of my own insistent curiosity.. haha. Flipping through the book though, I found that "Style"isn't exactly what I was expecting it to be; a novel. It is rather full of fashion and beauty tips and tricks that every girl should know. "Oh well, that's still a win for me since I get to learn what I do not know yet!" I plan to read 'The Great Gatsby' before the movie comes out.

As for Modelland by Tyra Banks, I got it a while back and added it to this list because it is indeed a fascinating read once you get into it. Think of this book as the fashion version of Harry Potter. If you love magical books like that, you'll certainly love this one too.
The Alchemist is the only book I have read so far among my newest additions and I am absolutely in love with it. It is an amazing, easy read which gives you very vital and helpful life lessons in story form. I highly recommend this book to everyone, young and old. Get it, get it get it! It is one of the best books ever written and now one of my new favorites.

So I hope you found this post helpful. Do try to read some of the books for yourself. And if you have already, let me know how you found them.

Merry Christmas and happy reading!

For the past few weeks, I have been trying to put together a simple and straight-forward means to managing my hair. I can hardly make time for those regular braids or twists these days and I end up wearing out my afro more often than usual. I grabbed these products off of the shelf of a supermarket to try a new routine. The shampoo and conditioners haven't been phenomenal for my hair but they do a good job in maintaining it, besides the added benefit of a super-fruity smelling hair.

Here's my easy 3-step process:

• Fruits-flavored L'Oreal shampoo and conditioner for kids (less harsh than a regular shampoo)
• Hair fruits conditioner (for co-washing) 
• Castor Oil  (the only product I use in my hair after shampooing or co-washing)

The Ghana Fashion & Design Week (GFDW) happened this weekend in Accra and I was so psyched to be a part of this beautiful experience. I had so much fun attending shows and making new friends from all over the world. Here is a recap of events and some highlights from the runway.

Warning: This post is photo-heavy! :)

Some exhibitors display their products

The exhibition by "Konfidence" fashion brand

Pre-show mingling

Gorgeous! I love her necklace.

Fantastic style by designer Ajepomaa Mensah

Streetstyle by fashion student Andrea

Streetstyle by fashion photographer Afua

My streetstyle

Posed with a couple amazing people in fashion:

With footwear designer Afua Dabanka. Her killer wedges are from her SS2013 collection, go grab!

With beautiful fashion model Doris.

With super talented fashion designer Ajepomaa Mensah.

With lovely model Deola.

With multi-talented designer Naana Tennachie Yankey.

And now, highlights from the SS2013 runway shows, excuse the blurs!

Here is an easy DIY project I made last weekend. You can try this too using any old phone cover or if you're just going for a more customised look on your current phone cover.

What you'll need:
*Spray paint (in grey primer, clear coat and metallic gold or any colour you prefer).
*Craft paper
*Any tool to scrape the old cover (I used my scissors)


Process:
1. Scrape off old paint or coloring from your phone cover.
2. Wipe cover clean.
3. Coat with grey primer and leave in open air to dry.
4. When primer is dry, coat cover with your metallic gold paint and let it dry for a few minutes.
5. Apply a second coat of paint.
6. After that dries, apply your clear coat to finish.

(Optional):
*The finished cover looks good by itself but if you want to bedazzle it like I did, just add some rhinestones and glue to create any design you want.

I hope you'll be able to try this sometime. Tweet me pictures if you do! :)

My name is Francesca Andoh. Welcome to my personal blog. You can join me here by following this blog.


Stay tuned and enjoy!