With all this rain and flooded roads, I find myself spending more quality time at home. It has never been more important to have my sanctuary; doing the most to bring me peace and tranquillity. I decided it was time to ‘adult up’ my space with some key interior design pieces. Don’t mind me, it all sounds frightfully serious and it really isn’t.

This is Oddbod and the City – My Lagos Adventure.

iDesign Art Party

The bare walls in my apartment have been crying out for something, anything really, to bring them to life. Unfortunately, I am no expert when it comes to ‘art’, but I know what I like, and I know what moves me. So, on the one hand I am not necessarily going to be too influenced by anyone else’s taste; but on the other hand, one does worry about not getting value for money.

This is why I love attending the affordable art parties by iDesign. This was their fourth instalment and the art on display is always spectacular. The head curator is non other than interior design guru and Creative Director at iDesign, Tola Akerele.

She has an uncanny knack for finding great, up and coming artists and pieces from established artists, in a price range that’s very user friendly.
I always go with a group of friends, have cocktails, wine and canapes, it makes for a lovely evening out.
One piece at a time my gallery wall at home is shaping up nicely and I have to say, it is delightful to be surrounded by beautiful things.

Aralia by Nature

A few weeks ago, I had a few friends over for a spot of dinner. My friends are so awesome that they came bearing gifts, and one of the presents was a lovely potted plant.
A little bit of background here: my mother’s fingers are green, and she grows plants with the sound of her voice. My dad is a farmer, so it’s tragic that I can’t keep anything green alive. Sadly, and much to my personal disappointment, I have killed a cactus before.

I decided my new plant was to be the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I love the positive vibes this living thing brings to my space, so I decided to go get my plant, “Patricia”, a sibling.
I took myself to see the plant whisperer, Oghogho Asemota at her establishment ( Aralia by Nature) in Ikoyi Mall. I ended up spending most of the afternoon there, it’s so peaceful among the plants. I hung out in the lush orchid rain forest, zoned out in front of the fish tank, and watched fascinated as she created floral masterpieces for her clients.

We decided due to my unfortunate history with plants, it would be best to proceed with caution. So, I went home with a few bamboo sticks in a gorgeous hand painted vase. All manner of plant accessories are available in store but my favourites by far, are customised work by Oghogho herself.

Patricia and her brothers, naming ceremony still pending, are doing well and bring nothing but joy to their house mate.

It’s Black or White

Cotton Loops, a relatively new womenswear brand, has only been around for a little under a year; yet already, it has a strong and dedicated following.

Creative Director, Bolupe Adebiyi, has a keen eye for creating edgy, original, pieces that are exceptionally well made.

All the outfits are black and white, and the price points are very reasonable with nothing costing more than N25,000

I wore my new wardrobe favourite, the Bubble Shift, to an event at the Alliance Française. It’s a deceptively simple dress, easy to throw on and comfortable; yet, utterly feminine and chic. I felt fantastic in it which, as we all know, is the most important thing.
From her super-efficient factory in Nigeria, new designs drop instore every couple of weeks. The team are off to exhibit at Pure London next month with the view to expanding the brand to an international customer base. I wish Cotton Loops all the luck. With Bolu’s drive and consistency, I know she can’t fail.

For further information about my adventures check out my Instagram @le_Oddbod