Mother’s Day Gratitude

Mother's Day was always one of my favorite holidays. The act of giving and to the women that gave me life was always so special. The older I became; the bigger my mom's smile and excitement would get on Mother's Day. It was her favorite holiday.

One of her favorite gifts was always a new handbag and a fancy dinner. She taught me everything about quality and buying products that last. Since my mother passed, I've never enjoyed the holiday or celebrated it, since I'm not a mom. This year, I feel blessed and grateful to smile this holiday season. I know my mom, would have loved my current line along with the new colors and bags launching soon. I’ve adopted her favorite quote” You don’t have to spend a lot to look fabulous”.

In memory of my mother and her love for quality handbags enjoy this “MOTHER40" promo code 40% off all items with free express shipping in 48 states.
Happy Mother's Day!

“The” Passport Holder

For those who frequently travel internationally for vacation or work, know the struggles of securing your passport while abroad.This most recent trip, I could not figure out how to use the hotel safe which normally keeps my passport and other personal items safe. This trip the Italia Bordeaux passport was used as my a personal wallet and protector of credit cards, and cash. This is the very first vacation where the passport stayed with me at all times. Checkout my review by watching the video below.

Hotel Safe in Italy 2023

Italy It is!!!

Colosseum Rome Italy

Greetings,

Let's close out the month of February and begin March with a recap of my visit to Italy. My goal is to bring you luxury, quality and timeless style at an affordable price.  I wanted you show you that process.Let’s face the facts leather is not cheap so deciding on what to pick and bring to market is strategic. The goal and vision is to have your products for years to come. I wanted to find out everything additional about leather that could shared . Off to Florence, Italy with a visit to the Pierotucci leather factory , I went. Check out the some parts of my tour with the video clips and images below

Highlights

• Every piece of the hide is unique so no two bags will ever look the exact same due to this

• Lamb skin and cow hide are used the most to create bags, which one to use depends on the structure and design of the bag

• Genuine Leather does not need to be cleaned for at least a minimum of 10 years

• Buying leather is an investment that is not cheap

• Leather’s appearance gets better with age

• You can identify genuine leather by the look, feel, and smell

• Quality leather pieces last for years to come

It’s a Birthday Celebration!

Hello 40!

Founder Ndidi Obi

It's another year and another reason to celebrate. It’s my 40th birthday! If you have been following me on social media over the years, I make a big production out of my birthday, lots of sun, drinks, laughs and memories.

Founder Ndidi Obi

This year, the word grateful is on my heart and mind. Grateful for my health, perseverance, and new beginnings. I've relocated and love every bit of my new space. I’m focusing on moving forward and taking everything in my life to the next level!
In order to truly bring in 40 with style, I will be offering my exclusive members 60% off on all handbags and sunglasses. See code below.
Let's Celebrate
Code:Bday60

Leather Care Must Haves!

Designer/ Founder Ndidi Obi

With winter arriving leather products tend to make their seasonal debut. I want to ensure that your leather products last for many years to come. Check out these must have tips below!

Leather Care instructions

• Do not put tape on leather! This can remove the finish.

• Do not use any household cleaning products, including baby wipes, on your leather! Only use quality products designed for this purpose.

• Remove stains as soon as you notice them.

• Never allow water to soak into your bag.

• If your bag gets wet do not use a hair dryer on it.

• Spills can be soaked up with a sponge or paper towel. Do not scrub spills but clean in a light circular motion.

• Test all products (even those for leather) in a hard to see area before applying generally.

• Keep leather out of direct sunlight. Failure to do this will result in significant fading over time.

• Most leathers (except full aniline) can be routinely cleaned with water and a lightly damp cotton cloth or sponge. Products are available where deeper cleaning is necessary.

• Take extra care of your bag when at the hair salon and keep it away from coloring solutions, hair sprays, and oils.

• When not in use keep your bag stored away in its duster.

• Stuff your unused bag with bubble wrap or tissue paper to restore and hold its shape.

How to Look Stylish Every Day

Get Rid of “Just Okay” 

The key to looking stylish is only to wear things you love. 

One of my biggest “Aha’s” was when I realized how many clothes women buy that are “just okay.”

Think about how many things you have bought just because (1) it fit, (2) it was on sale, (3) you needed something, or (4) all of the above. 

Almost every woman I know has an article of clothing or an entire outfit that they make do with, but they don’t love it or even like it. Sometimes it doesn’t reflex their style at all. 

If this sounds like you (and it probably does because this is all of us), get rid of it. I do this for a living, and I can immediately think of three to four things I wear that I am, at best, lukewarm about. 

 2. Let Go of Dated Clothes

In a similar spirit, if you want to look stylish, please stop trying to get a lifetime’s worth of wear out of your clothes. 

Clothes. Wear. Out. 

Of all the advice I give, this is the one I get the most push back over. I promise you on all that is holy; if you are wearing clothes that are 20 years old, they are dating you. 

You are not supposed to keep clothes for decades. There are, of course, exceptions, but they are the exception. Even the most basic garment will become dated with time. This is simply because lines, cuts, and silhouettes change and slowly start to date your look.

Patterns, prints, and color combinations will go out of style too. 

How long should your clothes last? That’s a difficult question to answer because it depends on what it is and the frequency of use. While there is no specific expiration date, it’s safe to say goodbye if you are hitting the 20-year mark.

Staying aware of trends and the expected shifts in fashion will help train your eye to notice when a piece isn’t up to date anymore. Also, ask your best friend, sister, or daughter; they’ll tell you the truth 🙂 

3. Choose a Neutral Color Palette

This tip is not for everyone; however, if you lean more classic and traditional, with a twist, stick to neutral, tonal colors is an easy way to look stylish. Not only do neutrals mix and match easily, but you can also quickly create a monochromatic look – which is pretty much the epitome of chic. 

Love bold color and pattern? Go for it! The key for you to stay current is to evolve with the ever changing cut and construction of clothes. And as I mentioned above, patterns and prints will date you eventually, too, so let them evolve within your wardrobe as time goes on. 

4. When In Doubt Wear Black

When did people start hating on wearing all black? I find the resistance to wearing black baffling. All-black outfits translate across so many styles. It can be artsy, euro, classic, city chic, anything! You can wear it unadorned or use it as a canvas to showcase statement jewelry.

Some of the chicest women in history made head to toe black a classic. So if you like black, wear it, it’s always in style, it’s simple, and it helps you look stylish on days you don’t want to think about what to wear.

10 basic style rules that every woman should know

1. When you find your ‘look’, stick with it

While we’re all for experimenting, you will find that some of the most stylish men and women around the world work their outfits around one or two key looks. Find the look that you feel most comfortable in (jeans, shirt and blazer; nipped-waist skirt and blouse; leggings and oversized T-shirt) and build your wardrobe around this.

2. Try men’s clothing

You would be surprised what you pick up in the men’s department, whether it’s a fantastic oversized pinstripe shirt or a funky T-shirt that you can tuck into a skirt. Don’t let the gender on the label prevent you from experimenting.

3. Dress for your body shape, not the trends

Sometimes the trends can really tickle our fancy, but when we try a piece on it just doesn’t ‘fit’ with our style – this is okay! There’s an old saying which goes: ‘trends fade, style is forever’ – the most stylish people are those who are comfortable in their own skin, regardless of whether their outfit is ‘in’ or not.

4. Invest in good underwear

How many times have you ventured out in an amazing outfit, only to fall victim to the dreaded ‘double boob’ due to a poorly-fitting bra? If your underwear is right, the rest of your outfit will fall over it flawlessly, so make sure you spend the time and money on good knickers and bras.

5. Don’t ‘save’ your outfits

Okay, so there is a time and a place for a ball gown, but why keep some of your favorite pieces locked away in a drawer just because you don’t have an ‘occasion’ to wear them to? Create the occasion! Those leather leggings will look fabulous underneath a casual sweater, and that beautiful floor-length floral skirt will work perfectly with a plain T-shirt and sandals while doing the grocery shopping.

6. Accessories can transform a look

The best way to channel a trend in a chic and subtle way is to invest in good accessories. Take for example this season’s Grecian-goddess look: a simple maxi dress can be transformed with an arm cuff and a chunky gold necklace.

7. Your LBD is your best friend

Too often we are stuck for something to wear, or an outfit that we were so sure about just doesn’t work out. For those last-minute outfit dilemmas, your little black dress is your best friend. Not only is it a failsafe, classic look; but you can completely transform it simply by adding on some jewels and a pair of killer heels.

8. Buy clothes that fit you in the store

It may sound like a silly thing to say, but how many of us have purchased a pair of jeans or a dress in the hope that we will someday grow or shrink into it? There is no point in wasting your money on something that you can’t wear right away, or that you have to work to fit into! Buy clothes that fit, flatter and make you feel comfortable in the here and now.

9. Look after your investment pieces

Get those shoes heeled, bring that stunning winter coat to the dry cleaner’s as instructed, and keep those designer purses in their dust-bags when you’re not using them; if you’re going to splash the cash, you might as well get your money’s worth and make them last.

10. Make an occasional splurge

Sometimes you just can’t beat the comfort of an expensive pair of shoes, or the quality of a stunning leather bag. Don’t be afraid to spend the money on pricey pieces that you know will stand the test of time and take you anywhere.

8 Fashion Tips to Ensure You Always Look Stylish

1.     Work your capsule wardrobe. Make sure you have reliable wardrobe staples: an iconic little black dress, a pair of jeans that fit perfectly, a classic blazer, simple T-shirts and button-downs in neutral colors, and an effortless leather jacket (or denim jacket). Investing in a capsule collection of mix-and-match basics (and learning how to style them) is the key to looking put together.

2.     Make sure your clothes fit perfectly. One trick to making any item of clothing look amazing is to hire a good tailor. Tailored clothing not only looks polished, but it also feels more comfortable. Pants that drag on the ground and dresses that bunch up awkwardly won't make you feel stylish. If your capsule wardrobe fits you well, you can start to play with over- and under-sized items in a way that feels fashionable, not sloppy.

3.     Learn how to balance proportions. Balancing proportions is about styling your outfits to create an overall aesthetic harmony. The way you achieve this is by wearing clothes that are fitted to your body shape. When you want to play with oversized clothes or unusual shapes, make it a fashion moment by keeping the rest of the look fitted. For example, try pairing a tight crop top with wide-leg jeans, or a puff-shoulder top with straight-leg pants.

4.     Find your personal style. Developing a signature style can take years, but you can get started by creating a mood board. Remember that personal style is an experiment; you never know what amazing looks await you until you're in the dressing room. The categories "menswear" and "womenswear" shouldn't dictate how you shop. Take time to play with colors and shapes to find what looks great on your unique body.

5.     Become a better shopper. Learning how to shop for exactly what you want will help you avoid filling your closet full of items you never wear. When your wardrobe consists of pieces that you love, styling an outfit will become second nature.

6.     Add a belt. Adding a belt to your look is one of the easiest ways to make any outfit look more put-together. It's also a great trick for bringing balance to a look that otherwise might not work—like a long cashmere sweater and billowy midi skirt.

7.     Play with color. If you're nervous about adding color to your look, start with just one colorful piece, and keep the rest of your look neutral. As you get more comfortable with colors, you'll learn which color combinations work best for your style. Take a look at a color wheel for inspiration.

8.     Mix patterns and textures. The days of matching your handbag to your shoes are over. Clashing textures and prints make a bold fashion statement. Start small with neutral patterns like stripes and low-key textures like leather and knits, adding in the sequins and paisleys in small amounts (like a scarf, tie, or clutch) until you learn what works for you

8 Simple Ways To Improve Your Dressing Sense

1. Wear Outfits That Are Appropriate For The Occasion

 Wearing outfits that are suitable for the event is essential if you want to be known for a great dressing sense.

For example, if you’re dressing for work, observe how those in your management roles dress. You don’t need to copy them but noticing a few key elements in their style can add a lot to your own office attire.

It’s almost like you’re dressing for the role that you want to work up to and, believe it or not, this can cause your superiors to take you more seriously. It can even improve your chances of promotion!

2. Do Not Shy Away From Colorful Clothes

 Yes, wearing neutral colors can help you to mix and match without effort, but having a few colorful pieces adds a real twist to any wardrobe! If you want to improve your dressing sense, dare to experiment and find some colors that make your whole personality pop.

Buying items with color may be awkward and uncomfortable at first, especially if it’s not something you usually wear… Still, it can be fun to incorporate new colors into your daily outfits (even if it’s just by wearing some pastel!).

3. Care About Your Shoes

 Shoes make a big part of your style too. Carefully selected shoes can dress up a casual outfit to appear more dressy or make a fancy outfit more casual – depends on what you need!

If you don’t want to horde too many pairs of shoes, invest in two high-quality pairs: one for fancier occasions and one for everyday wear. Then, you can easily mix and match them with various outfits to dress up or dress down whenever needed.

  4. Buy Good Quality

 To develop a good dressing sense, practice scouting for high-quality stuff (which is not necessarily expensive if you know where to look for).

Buying good quality can have an immense impact on your whole look. Not only do such items last longer – better materials tend to have that “quality” feel to them, which instantly adds more weight to the whole look.

 5. Make Sure You Have the Right Fit

 I used to think that skipping trying clothes on is great (“I will return it later” … never returns it, cries, then donates), yet it can significantly impact your dressing sense and how your fashion appears in the public eye.

If the clothes do not fit right, they can look sloppy and show that you don’t care about yourself – and I’m not sure anyone would like to be seen as that. Make sure to try things on before you decide to buy the item. Try to find a fit that is not too tight and not too large or something that emphasizes your features instead of overwhelming them.

  6. Start with The Basics

If you’re just starting to develop your unique dressing sense, it might feel a little hard at first. This is fine! You can simply start with the basics.

Having a few essential pieces that you can incorporate into any outfit is an integral part of your wardrobe. These items can include button-down cotton shirts in a variety of neutral colors (like navy, beige, gray, and white). More basics include cardigans and pullover sweaters that can be paired with any outfit.

Plaid and gentles patterns are also safe, “basic” pieces that you can experiment with until you feel ready to try something bolder.

 7. Accessorize!

Accessorizing your outfit has an enormous impact on your appearance – and scouting for the items you like is one of the best ways to improve your dressing sense.

Simple things, like stylish watches and classy belts, will make your outfit look more put together and you can get lost in accessory stores for hours (it’s a nice way to clear your head!).

 8. Give Some Credit To Skirts

 Pants are incredible, yet they’re all kind of identical, and they’re not your ONLY option for legwear. Change up your closet and improve your dressing sense by experimenting with other types of bottom wear. Try skirts in various lengths, shorts, chinos, leggings – there are so many options to choose from!

These are just a few of the ways to improve your wardrobe and even though it takes a little bit of effort to develop your unique dressing sense, once you manage to do it, you’ll be able to create fantastic outfits in a flash. And it’s not even about your investment – expensive is not necessarily stylish. It’s the time you put in your searches, and the willingness to experiment that matters the most.

Brand story (Repost)

(The Colosseum)

Italy 2023

I was told every great company has a brand story, what is yours? It was at this moment; I took the time to truly think about what was my story. During Christmas holiday of 2019, while facing the ocean view, my sister posed her brand story question to me and the following came to mind: What is my back story? What is my vision for this company? What is my vision for women who would want to wear these goods?

 I wanted to be real without telling my whole life's journey all at once. I figured it would bore you. Seriously, if I were to perish would my brand story still be relevant 200 years from now? Heaven only knows. All of these questions helped me to craft the story, I wanted to share with you.

The desire to build a brand that not only inspires but provides hope and insight to anyone who dares to live out their dreams.

May you find hope and inspiration in my vision for Ndidi Obi USA OBI.

 Check out my brand story below.

 Ndidi Obi is a strong passionate visionary, aiming to take women to the next level in fashion. Born in the wee hours of the night in a house.; Ndidi made her entry into a world full of endless possibilities.  

Though of Nigerian ancestry, she was born and raised in the United States of America. Ndidi’s interest of launching a luxury handbag line was first sparked in the late 80s; after falling in love with a Nigerian made leather handbag.

While working in corporate America, Ndidi desired to stay fashionable. Wanting to wear quality leather handbags that look and feel better with time was a must. Quality, class, and timelessness at affordable prices became the vision that bore Ndidi Obi USA OBI.Her mission strives "To bring the finest quality of luxury goods to people who desire more!” May you enjoy and love our product (s) just as much as Ndidi Obi.

Ndidi Obi USA OBI

Est. 2019

Gratitude

I have made it into 2021 healthy and safe. When, I think of gratitude everything regarding 2020 comes to mind. Beginning that year working on launching my handbag and accessories line. From selecting colors, material(s), design (s), and trademark (s), I was moving full speed ahead.

Around February is when things with manufacturers began to slow and changes took shape. I did not let this stop me; I did what I could.

Going into a new field can be stressful because of the unknown and the research on what must get done. I kept moving to understand what needs to be done, talking to people who can help guide me in moving forward. Disregarding those who did not see my vision or offered negativity.

I have prayed many of nights for the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit and to be grateful and anxious for nothing.

 Through the entire year of 2020, I have encountered setbacks but have not allowed them to stop me. I am grateful for the setbacks because everything happens in God’s timing. Grateful to have learned what was to be needed to help tailor my plans and vision for Ndidi Obi USA OBI. I am grateful to not have given up and to keep moving forward daily, planning, and working towards launching this line shortly.

I am grateful to see all that 2021 has to offer. I am walking forward gracious in knowing, I have total control over how, I respond to what is thrown my way.

Let’s go 2021!

This Christmas!

Christmas 2020 having fun with Roxi

Here we are again, blessed to see another year and holiday. Christmas is approaching are you ready? I can't say that I am, it feels a little different with covid19 still roaring its ugly head.

I associate the holidays with the spirit of giving, mailing holiday baskets, catching up with friends and family. It is not Christmas without food; cheese wine, popcorn and everything else I don't need.

The best part is shopping for others and getting them things, I hope they like. Although this year, I'm not really feeling it.

The holidays are not always exciting for everyone, it comes with shelling out money and for others dealing with the loss of loved ones and depression. Remembering your loved ones are no longer around can be daunting.

A year after my mom passed we decide to start traveling to make the holidays feel better. We uncovered a lot of other families doing the same. So I know this Christmas will be hard for a lot of us due to covid19.

What can we do this season to stay sane?Considering my aim is to focus on the present and try to enjoy the moments within this season. I am going to make the most of this holiday eating and drinking with my family and friends. Honestly, I pray for 2021 to zoom in with us all being healthy and alive.

How will you be spending your holidays? Share your thoughts below.

Fabulously you!

Gray military print coat with fox fur tri,

Ladies the season is upon us to feel fabulous. Regardless of your hair length, skin completion, weight, makeup or no makeup this season is for you! I feel Covid19 lockdown makes it so easy for us to be our authentic selves.

I know many of us are working remote but for those of you that commute to work, I am sure you are encountering less people than prior to Covid 19. This is the season to try a new hairstyle. Let your hair down or pin it up and work on being your best self.

I won't deny the fact that a lot around us has changed and emotions during this lockdown are running high. However we have to find peace and joy in the little things that we can control. I noticed, I buy more of everything online clothes, shoes, food and accessories.

I have brought so many dresses and shoes hoping we would be free eventually but I'm still waiting. In the meanwhile covid19 is not stopping my show! I put dresses on to walk my dog and run little errands , the shoes I will be honest haven’t worn many of them. I love a good heel and will soon make my own.

The holidays are fast approaching and sometimes we lost in all of the things we have to do for our family and others. Ladies I want to encourage you to find time for you. Whether its time alone, changing your hair style, wardrobe, or food plan go for it!! You deserve to feel fabulous doing what brings you joy, peace or comfort.

Fall baby!

Rainbow Lakes, New Jersey

Tan Shearling with Fox collar

I love the ocean, sea, lake, anything with water and beautiful scenery. Being born and raised in New Jersey, I lived for the summer months and winter vacations in the tropics. So, when fall comes around, I tend to get a little sad because it means cold weather for the northern east coast of America.

Even though I despise the fall and winter, I love a good coat; anything furry, and eye catching, faux or real fur. We had some fall seasons where I had to pull out the furry coats in October. This year so far has been good in comparison.

Every year, I try to get a few eye-catching coats but normally end up wearing the coats that keep me warmest and make me feel fabulous.My love of coats has softened my tone and disdain for the fall and winter months. In fact, I am sad to put my big furry coats away when April arrives.

Yes, ladies sometimes it is cold here until April. With no where to go and a few coats that no one has seen me in, I will be debuting them at my local grocery and hardware stores. I have learned a good coat can be paired with almost anything, dressed up or down.

I can get lost playing dress up in coats, no matter how old you are find fun in silly things. I sure do!  Ladies what is your favorite go to coat for the fall and winter months? Those of you in warm climates and rainy seasons tell us what you wear during your cooler seasons?

Share your thoughts below

Awaken Your Dreams

I hope everyone is staying safe during this pandemic. Being on lock down with travel restrictions among most of the countries I’ve enjoyed visiting, brought me to thinking about dreams. I am not talking about sleeping dreams but dreams we all have as children, teenagers, and young adults.

Before we understand who we are, we dream about the future. We dream about who we want to become, when we grow up. Sometimes we even speak into existence as children, who we will become. Children are innocent and untainted by life's hardships and complexities. When they see the world, they envision endless possibilities; I was one of those children.

As a small child, I wanted to make handbags, become a writer, model, and lawyer.  During my teenage years, I wanted a fashion empire. As I grew older and finished college life got real and the dreams, I had as a kid, became just that dreams. Adult hood brought about a quest to pay my student loans, afford my own apartment and make a lot of money fast. How quickly did I learn life does not always go the way we plan. Once, I stabilized myself and felt comfortable with my place in life, it was nothing like I dreamed as a child. Did I have a fun? Yes! Was I able to support myself? Yes.

When, I thought about my childhood dreams it became a sore spot. I went on a spiritual journey to remove the distractions and toxins from my life. For once, I was able to listen, hear and feel.  I truly wanted to do all the things, I dreamed about as a kid and plotted on in college. Here I am, launching a luxury handbag and accessories line. This was the one dream that made it to adult hood. What were your childhood dreams? Are you ready to make any of your dreams a reality?

Share your thoughts below!

Failure is never our option!!