Doing the Gele Thing

 So I decided to do the gele (African Head wrap) thing. For the longest time my mum has been trying to get me to wear hats or african head wraps.
Gele's are traditionally used for many occasions from sunday services to weddings
and they have been part of Nigeria's history for a long time.
They come in various colours as well as texture,
but generally they are hand made from damask, brocade or asoke.
 I decided to give it a go as I observed from one of my aunty's,
 you don't have to wear the whole traditional outfit to wear a gele.

You  can actually wear these colourful materials with your usual english get ups like i did.
This was my first time tying the gele by myself
(many times someone ties the it for you)
I think i did a pretty ok job lol

Enjoy the pics!

Here is how my beautiful cousin (Peach gele) and other beautiful ladies wore their gele on their traditional wedding day

Check out some of House of Dara has hand made head wraps available on 

http://shop.houseofdara.com/

Perfect to style up your outfit or cover up a hair do. 

Edges are sewn to make for easy styling.

Read more for a video on how to tie your own gele.

Its Wedding Season!

This is definitely the season for weddings. I enjoy wearing African print material to all kinds of events from weddings, to shows, and church events  they are stylish and customized to your fit so why not. 

Do not be afraid or ashamed to step out in your cultural wear find a material/print you like, and

a seamstress you can trust with the the design you have in mind.

Here is one of the outfits I wore to a Nigerian wedding of one of our pastor friends.  

In my culture we have two weddings 

a traditional and white wedding.  This was my get up to to traditional wedding.

Have a blessed day.

In my Month of Faith!!

As the month of June comes to an end I am so happy and greatful to God for all his mercies towards me. In this month not only did I graduate but my boo proposed!!
I am so excited for these new chapters that are about to begin.
It's been four long years of school and honestly
 I could not have done it without my saviour Jesus Christ.
WATCH OUT FOR NEW DESIGNS COMING TO HOUSE OF DARA
LOTS OF AFRICAN PRINT:-)
Bellow are some of my favourite pics!
Yes they are the proofs. lol

Thank goodness we dont have to wear these anymore!

cheesing!

Staying fly lol

http://shop.houseofdara.com
dont forget to subscribe
~Dara~

Britain's Got Talent!!!

I dont know if everyones been watching, but Nigerians all over the world are really putting us out there!! From fashion to music and dance and I am so excited. 

I recently viewed this video and wish we were able to

watch Britain's got tallent here in Canada.

It looks like this season is going to be a promising show.

I have to give these three ladys props for following their dream and giving this a try takes a lot of guts to go out there and share with the world what you got, hoping they will love it.

The african song the girls danced to is Kukere by Iyanya

who recently tore it up in Toronto this past weekend. 

The T-Shirt fresh off the press

Email info@houseofdara.com to order yours today!

Mc Bonde wearing his House Of Dara

T-Shirt on stage at the Toronto concert.

I also loved the performance by this choir as they were underestimated 

but they really showed up and showed God!!!

For your customized clothing email us at info@houseofdara.com
and subscribe to our blog--->>

One love

~Dara~

HOD Button earrings

House of Dara Button earrings!!! 

I love these earrings because they are so versatile and the colours

are bold and stand out with any outfit. 

Below are pictures of how I dressed mine up

shop accessories

Order yours Here 

My self and Yetty!

 Doing my fashion thang! lol

 On the streets of Toronto

Have a wonderfully blessed week.

Dont forget to subscribe to our blog post ---->

~Dara~

Inspiration for all 2 (Cecelia Cassini)

Cecelia Cassini is the main lady in our second series on inspiration for all. 

I first heard of her during her feature on the 2nd season of Project Runway All Stars.

She is the youngest! let me say it again youngest! fashion designer 

known of in the United States. She provide "Kiddi Coutour" clothing that you

see her rocking in her photos. 

 She has dressed celebrities such as Zack Ephron. 

ceciliacassini google.com

She is really passionate about encouraging young individuals  that you do not have to wait to become an adult in order to achieve your dreams. 

Cecilia began with little lessons but became more skilful  through trial and error. With a lot of broken needles later she sells clothing for as much as $450.00

So for everyone young and old 

its not too late to start working on your dreams

~Dara~

xoxo

shop.houseofdara.com

Sunday Look (Gold head band)

Happy sunday everyone,

As most of  my friends and fam know my lilfe is ridiculous busy with not much going out involved for now lol.  So, I look forward to my sunday get ups. I thought why not share these days with you all. 

 I worked my beautiful natural do this week. lol 

If you have not checked out our new collection

go to 

http://shop.houseofdara.com

Head band is from House of Dara accessories

get yours 

Here

Love my fishnet stocking 

The weather is still a bit cool

in Toronto

 Have a blessed week ladies and gents

~Dara~

Duro Olowu meets J.C. Penney

As we all know african fashion na # 1 right now lol meaning (African Fashion is #1).
 I am so excited to see the Western and African world merged in a way that the glory is shared. In the recent years we have seen western shops and use african print and overpriced it to the max, not saying african designers dont too. Its just that I am glad that this collaboration offers 

clothing in such an affordable way. According to okay africa the price

of the clothing and accessories will start from $10 to $100.00 which is pretty fair.

Bellow are pictures of clothing and accessories from the collection that are my favs.

     

Just Do it!

To be honest with you all, I always wanted to have my own fashion line, but I really did not see it as a business; I just saw it as designing clothes.

So, as we continue in this New Year.

I want to share some tips with all the individuals out there

Who desire to get something started,

Maybe a new career, business, or even life in general.

#1 Just do it. 

Many times I speak to people and everyone has great ideas in mind but are scared as to how it will turn out, wondering if people are going to like what they do, if they will succeed.
 The big thing is if we don’t start, nothing will happen.
In 2008 a young woman asked why Hillary Clinton was campaigning for presidency when no woman has ever won it. She replied no woman will win if they don't venture!

#2 Find people who are doing what you doing and learn

I always say this to my family and friends some people were born all filled with talent,

While some of us have to learn and polish the ones that we have.

#3 Do not procrastinate!!!!!!! Do it now!

 This year procrastination is a behaviour I am working on. Just start, the first T-Shirt I made for my mum from House of Dara took me 1 year!. 
Late last year I realized that I could accomplish so much during the time I spent watching TV. Turn off the TV!

#4 Stay strong

Having faith, I feel is what brings us through hard times. There will be times when you feel like you cant do this any more, and more things happen that can be discouraging. Find help in your faith, religion, family and friends even online support groups that will build you up to keep going on. 
Many people did not become success overnight. Keep believing and seeing the finished picture.

# 5 Roll with the punches

 Society changes, so do trends flow with it dont let it overwhelm you and dont get stuck.

And by Gods grace, God will help us all as we embark on new journeys & goals