My sense of fashion and style have been greatly influenced by West African wax prints, therefore it should not come as a surprise when you see me wearing African prints. Most of the pieces I tend to wear are bold and elegantly designed with patterns that have a meaning behind it. Wax prints are easily accessible in any West African market where you can bargain prices with market women or you have the option to go to an African store if you live outside Ghana.

I developed a taste for wearing this during my days as a high schooler at Achimota Secondary School, Accra where students had to wear something African inspired during the week. The female students had the option of an African print culottes with a matching top which was worn for evening studies and the kaba and slit (traditional inspired skirt and top) on Sundays, whiles the male student draped an African cloth on Sundays. These formative days allowed me to be proud of my culture and find creative ways to wear designs which I gave to my seamstress to sew.

First image of me by Nancy May Photography. Second image is by E.L. Photography.

 

Growing up in Ghana, West African wax prints designs were primarily worn during special occasions such as weddings, church, baby outdooring However, in recent times, the youth have totally revolutionized it and made it very acceptable to wear African inspired to professional settings. The current fashion designers incorporate different African prints in their dresses and accessories that they create. There is nothing off limits that can be created or infused with West African wax prints. The final products worn by both sexes will amaze and make you want to run to your nearest African store or call your seamstress or tailor. Enjoy these inspirations I found on google.

What are your thoughts and will you wear it if you had the chance. Enjoy and leave your comments!

 

Looking effortlessly beautiful and stylish should not break your bank. Countless times, we find ourselves debating whether to get new clothes and accessories when we really can do without going to the shop. These are my tips for staying stylish and keeping your money in check.

• Check in your jewelry box and take out some chunky necklaces, stud earrings, and a bracelet you have not worn in a while. Then pick out a dress,  a skirt or pants matched with a top you always wear and deck it up with one of the jewelry pieces,  I just mentioned and throw on some nice flats or pumps. I will also suggest you put on some lipstick, mascara and foundation. Your look is complete. You can also in a belt and a purse. Accessorize,accessorize, but do not overdo it!   
• Exchange clothes and accessories with a friend, sister, or any other close female relative who are also adventurous or just want to try a different style of clothing on a budget. In swapping, you will be amazed at how you can match a new bright scarf to your black dress or add a sparkly earring with a pair of jeans.
• If you are artsy or feeling the artsy bug, sew on some embellishment or simply add a fancy brooch to a plain office shirt.

 

Do not be afraid to mix and match and create a different, unique style. This saves you time and lots of money.

• Do not follow the crowd. It is better to use what you already have than to try and impress someone with expensive clothes you cannot afford!! (That sucks! lol)

I am loving all the inspirational images from google. Make me proud of you and share some inspirations in the comments below. It s super easy! Now you go into the big world called your CLOSET !!

 

Have you found yourself rummaging through your one million clothes in your closet only to find out you are missing that statement piece to make you standout? Many millennial moms feel guilty splurging a little, but that investment can create lasting impressions. A boutique can be one place to find those pieces and if you are lucky enough you might just score big during a sale. Yes, ladies some boutiques have some sales so don’t look the other way.

If you are in the Minnesota I will recommend DUGO, a trendy woman owned boutique located in the Galleria, Edina where you can find it all from casual pieces, bridal wear, to jewelry and purses. I have also had the chance to work with the wonderful team of this store to create a look book which is currently featured on their website. However if there are any fun boutiques you know off in Minnesota or that ships to Minnesota, comment below and I will check them out and do a review.

These are three pieces found at DUGO which I highly recommend to add to your closets to create some envy in your closets.

Look 1: The soccer mom’s colorful yellow jacket by Eleven Elfs  paired with Jeans. Being a mom should not put you in the boring box.  Continue to be creative and let that color shine through your children.

Look 2: The sophisticated millennial woman by Lafayette148ny. This is perfect for the cold weather. You can still pull off a dressed up look without feeling like you are putting yourself out there to get frozen!

Look 3: The fierce and fiery woman in a Nicole Miller cocktail gown ready to turn heads. Why be ordinary, when you can create waves as you walk confidently in this dress. Do not limit yourself to colors and be a dare devil with style.

 

Makeup: April Rocha Makeup Artistry          Photography: E.L. Photography