African Pride

I have a new found appreciation for all things African and because of issues way too intense for me to share on here, I feel like it’s our duty to embrace our heritage and stay true to our roots.{ I mean if you are always trying to copy someone and be like them the assumption is that they are better than you, right?} so anyway… I think afro print fabric is the coolest thing since sliced bread and I will gladly say why…

1. Versatility

There are countless ways to incorporate the African vibe into your wardrobe and it can be in subtle ways like fabric wrapped jewelry,  hair clips and bands or in big bold pieces like dresses bags and jackets. (Pretty Perfect makes plenty of these accessories J here are some pieces by us…)

There are products on the market like African fabric shoes, tote bags, clutches…

One thing I love seeing is Afro print used in decor on everything from cushions to drapes to upholstery. Nothing screams “This is Africa” louder…

There is versatility not only in the uses of the fabric but also in the prints, colors and textures...

 

Don’t be afraid to rock a dress with bold African print or vibrant colors. It’s a great way to make a statement and stand out. Be it an elegant fitted cocktail dress, a fun day time piece like a jumpsuit or a tailored blazer for your work outfits; Afro print is multi dimensional and can be tailored to suit whatever weather, function or figure.

2.       Trend proof

      i.e. never goes out of style. You don’t need to worry about your pieces looking dated or going out of style; there are always fun ways to keep the fabric modern and stylish.

   3.  Accessibility

Being that I live on the continent from where these lovely textiles originate, availability is limitless and you always have a wide variety of colors, textures and print to choose from. Just the other day I was in the middle of my meal at the Garden City food court when a young man suddenly pounced on me with a bag full of kitenge fabric for sale, so a scenario like this where I hadn't sought after it but it was still very available to me, is just proof of how easy it is to get your hands on this fabric. The prices are also very friendly for the most part.

4.    Uniqueness

I am sure I share the fear of walking down the street or showing up at party only to spot someone wearing a piece of clothing identical to yours with many women. The one thing Afro print guarantees in you seldom have to worry about this due to absence of mass production and duplication. Feel free to confidently step out in your outfit and own it.

Don’t you just love it?!

Runway review

Quick look at Spring 2013 collections from the major fashion houses this year and a few trends stood out. Here's a run down of them.

 Sheer and cut out

Brought forward from last year, sheer  and cut out were spotted on runways everywhere; Alexander Wang, Bottega Veneta, Marchesa as well as Alexander Mcqueen all featured the trend in funky new twists and textures like leather, python and very boxy silhouettes. I personally LOVED this black dress with cut out detailing by Michael Kors

  Stripes

Bold and graphic Stripes were probably the most prominent look spotted at Marc Jacobs (virtually the entire collection!), Tommy Hilfiger, Dolce and Gabbana as well as Michael Kors. Striped pants were also big however I am not so sure how wearable those are. (Luckily we got over our fear of stripes just in time to rock this trend)

Shorts

Tailored shorts in varying lengths from Bermuda shorts to short shorts and short suits were also very big in neutrals like grey and black, but were also featured in rich colors like purple, tangerine and electric blue by Tory Burch and Michael Kors among others.

Python

Python rocked the runways and was featured on bags, dresses and shoes at Gucci, Roberto Cavalli, Valentino and Salvatore Ferragamo

Black and White 

Classic and always fresh, black and white was a major trend on s/s runways featured in stripes, checks and floral prints that were all large, graphic and bold.

Checker

This I am not sure how to incorporate into the everyday wardrobe yet without looking costume-y but fashion houses like Louis Vuitton, Marni and Sportmax featured checker in different scales on the runway.

White

White cut out dresses from Alexander Wu, white oversized shirts from Victoria Beckham and Lacoste and white blazers from Preen.

 

 Statement Sunglasses

Statement sunglasses in retro shapes and bright colors are a big accessories trend and were spotted at Diane von Furstenburg and Phillip Lim

Leather

Leather is also another trend being brought forward from last year and features at Monique Lhuillier among other fashion houses. Luxe leather fitted dresses, skirts and trousers in colors from black and white to pastels

Lately...

So the blog was alive for a couple of weeks over a year ago and then died till yesterday afternoon. In that time Phyllis and I took a leap and started something that i can't quite call a business yet, but well... its something... and after numerous failed attempts, thinking outside the box, googling, burns and applied creativity, here's what we have been up to lately...