Fitted Maxi Skirt Style

Hard to tell looking at me, but at one time in my life dresses and skirts were repulsive to me! My poor mother was at her wits ends as her one and only daughter insisted in dressing like a tomboy. I recall once, my dad drove past me not realizing that the figure in baggy pants, oversize sweatshirt and beanie hat was his daughter. The long maxi skirts are back in fashion and I am giddy with delight as this was the style that transitioned me from the tomboy style to the feminine style.

Nairobi is awash with these long fitted skirts as well as the midi versions. I love the neon and printed versions of these skirts. I finally went against my no clothes shopping for 6 months rule to get two pairs in neon hues. I love how these skirts provide full coverage while still showcasing the curves we so love to flaunt :)

Below are various ways to rock these skirts:

This is like in my wishlist. The ruching on the hips area and the color makes this skirt so cool. I like that the top is not a full crop top just giving a teasing glimpse of the belly.

Ruched side slit maxi skirt with a knotted Tee.

This is perfect for a more dressy or official look for a maxi dress. The animal print shirt works so well with the bright colored skirt. The belt ties the two perfectly

Effortless

Leather maxi skirt with a high front slit.

Poncho Top, Pencil Skirt and Wrap

Feb 2015 Swap: Review

I held this year's first swap and I must say it was a roaring success in my books. For me the swap is an opportunity for ladies to come update their closets while also editing out what no longer suit them. Secondary to that is  to meet other ladies that they would not meet if it were not for that event hence a networking opportunity in a relaxed environment that does not have that forced familiarity that we all hate. Thirdly is to have a fun afternoon or evening from their usual hectic schedules.

This swap was an open swap meaning I did not set a limit on the number of items the participants had to bring . That actually worked out to ensure we got a variety of items that made the event a success. The group of ladies that came were mostly new to each other but they had such an open mind and positive attitude that one would have thought they were life long friends. More than that each person was patient as some ladies came much later due to unavoidable circumstances yet it still worked out that each lady left with clothes that they felt were a golden find.

Once the business of the clothes and shoes was done the ladies all settled down to socializing and it turned into an inspiring evening for all those who were present.

The pics just tell a part of the story but I am sure the next swap will be even more interesting :-)

Giambattista Valli Couture 2014: Inspiration for Bridemaids outfits

I was catching up with project runway season 13 and the alternative bride challenge caught my attention. I applaud those who are able to stay true to themselves even if it means going against the grain in the eyes of society. Several of my friends have gotten married and if you do a search for bride-maids dresses the result is more often than not a very narrow range; a fact that irritates me to no end seeing as I have been a bridesmaid a few too many times. This brings me to this post which was inspired by project runway and my own personal experience. I am hoping this post will be resourceful for a bride or bridesmaid who would want something slightly different( not different to goth proportions) yet still within the traditional wedding umbrella.  Haute couture is fashion that is constructed by hand from start to finish, made from high quality, expensive, often unusual fabric and sewn with extreme attention to detail and finished by the most experienced and capable seamstresses, often using time-consuming, hand-executed techniques. While Couture is not made for the ready to wear market, I still feel it can provide a rich source of inspiration for your different design needs. The two design houses whose couture collection always has me in anticipation  in January and July during Paris Fashion week  are Ellie Saab and Giambattista Valli

Giambattista Valli is an Italian designer and three celebrities come to mind to reference his work; Amal Alamuddin, Lupita Nyong'o and Blake Lively. Below are dresses from his Spring and Fall 2014 Couture collections that perhaps may provide an alternative design idea for bridemaids.

My favorite from Spring 2014 Couture collection

Merlot red.

I love stripes and this would be such a cool bridesmaid outfit more so for a black and white wedding.

nuff said!

love love love!

This was the outfit Amal wore in Venice the day after her wedding with Clooney of course :-)

Another favourite. When Lupita wore this outfit it got folks talking as none were on the fence on it. Those who loved it, loved while those who hated it did so completely.

This would have to be for a very non traditional bridesmaid and an open minded bride.