This article was originally published by Vivian Chiona of Expat Nest.
If you’re emigrating, presumably many factors in your life are changing. There’s a big adjustment period you may have to go through, and this can be stressful. For some, their wardrobe is a reflection of their personality, or even their mental state. A happy wardrobe may help you get through the cultural and lifestyle changes involved with becoming an expat.
What you wear and how you feel about your clothes can affect your mood, attitude and confidence. Image and style consultant Neha Bhandari discusses why and offers some simple tips to creating a wardrobe that you feel good about.
Clothing is about so much more than just “throwing a few items together”. The way we dress is a form of self-expression, and our “look” also influences the way others perceive and respond to us.
Studies affirm that what we wear also affects our psychological state. For example, when you catch sight of a garment that you’ve been complimented on before, all the good feelings that you experienced at the time return. You feel positive about that item, and positive about wearing it! Conversely, opening your wardrobe and being confronted by clothing you don’t like or that doesn’t suit or fit you well fosters negativity. And most of us will avoid an outfit we were wearing when something negative happened, such as an accident, breakup, or job loss.
Our clothes can bring up strong emotional associations – some positive, some negative. The good news is that we can actively enhance our happiness by wearing items that evoke positive feelings, elicit positive reactions from others, or remind us of positive experiences. We can all think of instances when we have chosen an outfit with the deliberate intent to change our mood – for example, to bolster our confidence before a job interview or a date.
Fashion is a powerful tool in your everyday life. As well as enhancing our psychological state, how we are dressed can improve our performance of tasks. We achieve more when we feel we are dressed appropriately for an occasion.
It’s all about style – your style
In our materialistic society, the fundamental purposes of clothing – like protection against the elements and self-expression – can be lost in the relentless pursuit of the next trend. Fashion trends come and go… style is forever and for everyone! Whatever shape or age you may be, you deserve to look and feel your best. You deserve to empower yourself and enjoy your wardrobe.
Attaining body confidence can be difficult, though, as it is influenced by how you view your physique and by your belief systems. We are our own worst critics; we shouldn’t be so hard on ourselves!
Here are simple ways to feel more positive and confident about the way you dress:
- Emphasise your best feature(s) in the way you dress – this will immediately boost your confidence. We all have at least one feature that is fantastic.
- Choose clothes that work for you and for your body instead of blindly following trends.
- Choose pieces that make you feel like your best self. Sometimes the wrong size or an awkward fit can trigger insecurity.
- Treat yourself to a visit with a personal style consultant – it’s fun to explore different options with an expert and you’ll learn what does and doesn’t work for you.
- Invest in a colour analysis done by a personal stylist – this will help you make better and quicker shopping decisions.
- Start with building your foundation/basics wardrobe – doing this will help you create multiple outfits with a combination of basic and high fashion pieces.
- Analyse your lifestyle to decipher how you spend your time – your wardrobe should represent your lifestyle. For example, if you go out or party 20% of the time, your party clothes shouldn’t exceed 20-25% of your wardrobe.
Create a happy wardrobe
Your clothing can make you feel frustrated…. or it can ignite an amazing sense of confidence and self-love, and give you the opportunity to show off your unique style and personality.
Everyone has a particular type of clothing that they gravitate toward when browsing through the items on display in a store – something you cannot walk past without stopping to touch it. Cosy wool knit, fierce leopard print, dazzling sequins or soft cashmere? Pay attention to your emotions when you shop and identify what makes your body and senses react. If you’re happy when you buy it, chances are you’ll be happy when you wear it!
Your goal is to create a wardrobe that you love dipping into every morning, and that makes you feel incredible. I like to call it a happy wardrobe. But remember, you’re never fully dressed without your smile!
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].
Expat Perspective: How to Create a Happy Wardrobe
This article was originally published by Vivian Chiona of Expat Nest.
If you’re emigrating, presumably many factors in your life are changing. There’s a big adjustment period you may have to go through, and this can be stressful. For some, their wardrobe is a reflection of their personality, or even their mental state. A happy wardrobe may help you get through the cultural and lifestyle changes involved with becoming an expat.
What you wear and how you feel about your clothes can affect your mood, attitude and confidence. Image and style consultant Neha Bhandari discusses why and offers some simple tips to creating a wardrobe that you feel good about.
Clothing is about so much more than just “throwing a few items together”. The way we dress is a form of self-expression, and our “look” also influences the way others perceive and respond to us.
Studies affirm that what we wear also affects our psychological state. For example, when you catch sight of a garment that you’ve been complimented on before, all the good feelings that you experienced at the time return. You feel positive about that item, and positive about wearing it! Conversely, opening your wardrobe and being confronted by clothing you don’t like or that doesn’t suit or fit you well fosters negativity. And most of us will avoid an outfit we were wearing when something negative happened, such as an accident, breakup, or job loss.
Our clothes can bring up strong emotional associations – some positive, some negative. The good news is that we can actively enhance our happiness by wearing items that evoke positive feelings, elicit positive reactions from others, or remind us of positive experiences. We can all think of instances when we have chosen an outfit with the deliberate intent to change our mood – for example, to bolster our confidence before a job interview or a date.
Fashion is a powerful tool in your everyday life. As well as enhancing our psychological state, how we are dressed can improve our performance of tasks. We achieve more when we feel we are dressed appropriately for an occasion.
It’s all about style – your style
In our materialistic society, the fundamental purposes of clothing – like protection against the elements and self-expression – can be lost in the relentless pursuit of the next trend. Fashion trends come and go… style is forever and for everyone! Whatever shape or age you may be, you deserve to look and feel your best. You deserve to empower yourself and enjoy your wardrobe.
Attaining body confidence can be difficult, though, as it is influenced by how you view your physique and by your belief systems. We are our own worst critics; we shouldn’t be so hard on ourselves!
Here are simple ways to feel more positive and confident about the way you dress:
Create a happy wardrobe
Your clothing can make you feel frustrated…. or it can ignite an amazing sense of confidence and self-love, and give you the opportunity to show off your unique style and personality.
Everyone has a particular type of clothing that they gravitate toward when browsing through the items on display in a store – something you cannot walk past without stopping to touch it. Cosy wool knit, fierce leopard print, dazzling sequins or soft cashmere? Pay attention to your emotions when you shop and identify what makes your body and senses react. If you’re happy when you buy it, chances are you’ll be happy when you wear it!
Your goal is to create a wardrobe that you love dipping into every morning, and that makes you feel incredible. I like to call it a happy wardrobe. But remember, you’re never fully dressed without your smile!
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].
Update on COVID-19 and Immigration Guidelines in Nigeria
This information was provided courtesy of Famsville Solicitors.
Arrival of Migrants with Expired Residency Permits
The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) stated in the circular dated May 22, 2020, that visitors and migrants whose permits expired outside the country from the March 20, 2020, will be allowed entry into the country. the returning holder of any expired permits or their dependents should renew their permits within thirty (30) days of arrival to avoid sanctions under the relevant Immigrations laws.
General Information for persons arriving in Nigeria
On the 8th of June, 2020, COVID-19 Response-: Revised Quarantine Protocol was released by the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19. the protocol provides general information for persons arriving in Nigeria from any country including returnees/stranded Nigerian. The Protocol is divided into the pre-departure/onboard and on arrival in Nigeria. The protocol came into effect from the 8th of June, 2020.
Pre-departure/onboard
1. Passengers arriving/returning to Nigeria must have tested NEGATIVE for COVID-19 (pre-boarding PCR test in country of departure). PCR test MUST be within 2 weeks before departure and preferably not less than 5 days pre-boarding.
2. Onboard, passengers are required to correctly fill in the Health Declaration/Self-Reporting Form & the Sample Collection Time Allocation Form.
On arrival in Nigeria
3. Passengers are to queue orderly and in batches while disembarking to avoid overcrowding.
4. Passengers are to proceed for health screening and fill the health declaration form that will be provided.
5. Passengers are requested to comply with all safety regulations.
6. Persons who have arrived in Nigeria are advised to self-isolate (in their homes or make arrangments for accommodation) for 14 days in the State where the Point of Entry is located (i.e. Lagos or Abuja).
7. Passengers will be cleared through the Nigeria Immigration System’s Migrants Identification Data Analysis System (MIDAS) and their passports retained until after successful completion of the 14 days self-quarantine.
8. Passengers will be given an appointment time and date to present themselves at the Sample Collection Centre located in Lagos or Abuja for a repeat COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of arrival.
9. Persons who are unable to remain in Lagos or Abuja throughout the period of self-quarantine
may return to their States of residence ONLY after:
(a) They have had their samples collected and are NEGATIVE for COVID-19; and
(b) They have provided Public Health Officials with their full and correct address and phone number where they can be reached
10. Persons who have completed the 14 days of self-isolation/quarantine will undergo an exit interview. Their details will be forwarded to the Nigeria Immigration Service for release of their passports. Alternative arrangements can be made to collect passports via Special delivery e.g. DHL.
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].
Lock-down Restrictions Easing in South Africa
During South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address on 17 June, he announced that certain restrictions would be eased, including those on accommodation and restaurants. The dates and exact details around safety protocols involved with the below have yet to be announced.
Ramaphosa announced that following further discussions with cabinet, the government has decided to allow restaurants to offer a sit-down services as well as allow accredited and licensed accommodation establishments to accept visitors.
“Following further discussions with industry representatives on stringent prevention protocols, and after advice from scientists and consultation with Premiers, Cabinet has decided to ease restrictions on certain other economic activities,” said Ramaphosa.
Activities allowed under eased restrictions include:
– Restaurants for ‘sit-down’ meals
– Accredited and licensed accommodation, with the exception of home sharing
accommodation like AirBnB.
– Conferences and meetings for business purposes and in line with restrictions on public gatherings.
– Cinemas and theatres, to be aligned to limitations on the gathering of people.
– Casinos.
– Personal care services, including hairdressers and beauty services
– Non-contact sports such as golf, tennis, cricket and others. Contact sports will be allowed only for training and modified activities with restricted use of facilities.
South Africans were reminded during the president’s address to continue practicing social distancing, staying at home and wearing masks when leaving the house for essential goods or to exercise.
Ramaphosa stated that in order to continue slowing the spread each and every South African would need to change their habits for the better and ensure they practice good hygiene and frequent hand washing consistently.
To read the full speech, click here.
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].
Relocation Africa Immigration Interview With immVest’s Roderick Cutajar
Lynn Mackenzie, our Immigration Lead, recently had the privilege of interviewing Roderick Cutajar, Co-Founder and CEO of immVest International, which, based in Malta, provides a one-stop shop for immigration by investment advisory services (B2B & B2C) to those aspiring to find a second permanent residency or citizenship. Roderick is also a member of the Investment Migration Council.
To listen to Lynn and Roderick’s conversation about immigration in the current context, click here to view the recording, or view it below.
We would like to say a huge thank you to Roderick for his insights. We hope you enjoy the recording.
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].