The Theresa Cotton collection is all about bright, bold and colourful West African prints and the catwalk is no stranger to this fabulous fabric.

In the Spring/Summer ’16 collections, many designers were using African-inspired patterned fabrics. From traditional leopard print to abstract modern patterns, it is clear that this print is a summer wardrobe must-have. Designers such as Missoni, Dries Van Noten and Kenzo featured beautiful African-style fabrics.

Whilst we all wouldn’t mind owning an item from the catwalk, we have to be realistic. Not all pieces are affordable and, more importantly, wearable day to day.

How Do You Make A Print Work For You?

• Wear a patterned top with your favourite pair of jeans and heels. This is a great way to introduce pattern to your wardrobe. Keep everything else simple.

• If you love patterns, then some black wedges and clutch bag, along with under-stated makeup and accessories are all you need to make an outfit stand out from the crowd.

• As well as being fun and bright, patterns are great at hiding those dreaded wobbly bits or areas of the body you’re not happy with. Geometric designsor a swirly, modern, flowery print work well on all ages, body shapes and are extremely wearable.
• When deciding on accessories, chose from the pattern’s colour palette and use this to match your shoes and bag.This will really make the outfit flow from head to toe (tip: use just one colour from the pattern to create a seamless, coordinated look).
• If you’re still feeling wary of print, why not wear it as an accessory? A patterned clutch, scarf or even patterned shoes teamed with a monochrome/neutral outfit can give you a pop of colour without being too bold.

When printed in bright colours, the daring, bold patterns of West African fashion transform into a modern, contemporary material. Pair this with excellent tailoring, wearable, comfortable shapes and cool fabrics, such as cotton, and you have an addition to your wardrobe which won’t gather dust!


Some days, you need a lift and patterns will certainly give you this. I’m sure you won’t be able to look at yourself without getting a warm and happy feeling. Your confidence will shine through. Prints will definitely brighten up your day (and everyone else’s!) so why not give them a try.

Be bold. Be confident.

Theresa x

_{This post was first published on Boudoir & Beach Blog and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author.
Edited by Nedda Chaplin
Images from Boudoir & Beach store}

_{Source: Boudoir & Beach store}

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The post Catwalk Style: Bright, Bold And Colourful West African Prints appeared first on Connected Women - Entrepreneurs, Freelancers and Professionals..

I know – it’s February and Valentine’s Day so it is typical to have a lingerie feature. But I want to put a twist on this month of love and turn that love inwards.

Too often we worry about what we look like and, particularly at the beginning of the year, we look at various ways to be fitter/slimmer/happier. Did you know that “what you think about yourself extends to how the world sees you”. Love yourself and your confidence shines through.

One way you can increase your confidence is by picking the right clothes, and where better to start than your undergarments!

How many of us have those ‘safe’ and ‘comfortable’ sets of lingerie? Ones we rely on each day just because of their functionality? Did you know that lingerie can help you feel empowered, sexy and confident? The right set of matching undies can do wonders for your mood, even if you’re the only one to see them. (Of course, husbands/partners/boyfriends will also appreciate the effort!)


Use February as an excuse to try out a new set of lingerie; perhaps it will become a habit. Of course, we all need those nude-coloured items, ones that reduce lumps and bumps or are seam-free for that sleek silhouette, but having some bright/patterned/textured lingerie (that matches!) will bring some cheer to your underwear drawer.

Why not treat yourself to some gorgeous lingerie by Eberjey (as featured in the Boudoir & Beach store)?

Remember, February is the month to show some love so don’t forget to show yourself some affection.

"The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows and the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years." - Audrey Hepburn

Boudoir & Beach wants to show you some love! Enter valentine20 to receive 20% off all orders until 14th February 2016. Go on, treat yourself. You deserve it!

_{This post was first published on Boudoir & Beach Blog and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author.
Edited by Nedda Chaplin
Images from Boudoir & Beach store}

_{Source: Boudoir & Beach store}

Did you enjoy this post? Please comment, like and share!

The post Valentines Day: It’s All About You appeared first on Connected Women - Entrepreneurs, Freelancers and Professionals..