Shoe Shine

If there is only one thing you invest in, in terms of your wardrobe let it be a great pair of heels. A great shoe is always necessary. You can be caught in a disaster of an outfit but from the ankle down you should always do your best to make a lasting impression. When investing in a gorgeous pair of heels label and price should make no never mind, but quality and style should be the most important factors. Whether buying vintage or new you should invest in shoes that are classic and timeless. Spending a lot of money on a pair of shoes that only follows a short-term trend is never worth the money. It is much more cost effective to buy shoes that can be worn with many outfits, making the shoe you select more like an investment than a burden. Although style is almost always the main factor for women when picking out a pair of heels never forget that you have to walk in them so comfort should always be considered. There is nothing worse than a poor walk in a stunning pair of heels. Shoes must carry you through out your day, so you must be able to walk effortlessly in the pair you choose.

 

"I don't know who invented the high heel, but all men owe him a lot."  ~Marilyn Monroe

 

-Contributed by Morgan Bryant of Urban Vintage

VINTAGE PUNCTUATION

Vintage Punctuation is a term describing how a vintage accessory can be added to an outfit. Vintage Punctuation can be very helpful if you are weary of buying vintage or have some vintage items in your closet but are not sure how to use them. Let a vintage item punctuate your wardrobe the same way a comma punctuates a sentence, always needed but only in the right place. Many people are simply afraid to purchase something someone has worn before them, so you can eliminate that feeling by looking for an item that was not actually "worn".

Starting with vintage accessories like:

-belts

-brooches

-handbags and clutches

 

is a great way to get your feet wet in the world of vintage buying.

Whether you are a veteran or new to wearing vintage items, accessories is the best way to make your outfit one of a kind.

-Contributed by Morgan Bryant of Urban Vintage

Stylish vs. Trendy

Classic and timeless are both words that come to mind when thinking about true style. Those gifted few who dress every morning in current fashionable apparel without looking dated in trendy clothes understand that style should be effortless. Spending excessive amounts on trends that change as quickly as the hands on your watch is not only wasteful but guarantees a "why did I ever wear that" moment.  

The best way to keep your wardrobe stylish is buying classic pieces and build from a good foundation. 

For Example:

-The little black dress

-A great pair of jeans

-a classic blazer

-a statement necklace 

-and a pair of pearl earrings (whether real or costume)

Are all great pieces that every woman should have in her closet. 

After starting with a strong foundation adding one of a kind vintages pieces or a lost and found object such as a broach or a an old silk scarf is a great way to finalize your look. No matter what your aesthetic, a solid foundation is the best way to begin.

Contributed by Morgan Bryant of Urban Vintage

CHIC FOR CHEAP

CHIC FOR CHEAP

Isaac Mizrahi was one the first designers to branch out into a less expensive market, inspiring many of his peers to do the same. In the time of Mizrahi’s expansion the economic climate was not as cold as it is today. However the women of both time periods still have one thing in common, saving money. Designers like Zac Posen, Jean Paul Gaultier and Rodarte have all partnered with Target to create collections that are inspirational in color and cut but without the hefty price tags of their couture lines. Designers understand that making a more affordable line not only makes them profitable but they also become a household name accessible to every income. Anna Sui may understand this more than any designer she continues to cover all markets and price points, from Anthropologie to Target. Although the items sold in stores like Macy’s and Kohl’s are far less expensive many of the brands do not sacrifice quality for price, giving buyers much to look forward to in longevity and originality. Sonia Rykiel, Christian Siriano, Rachel Roy, Michael Kors, the list of designers branching out into less costly markets is endless. Today’s top designers understand that stay with industry trends it is in their best interest to cater to all and not just a select and elite few. 

-Contributed by Morgan Ashley of Urban Vintage

Khanga ---- Africa in FASHION!

Khanga ????  What is Khanga?  

Khanga, is a fabulous patterned and bright colored cotton fabric made and worn in Eastern Africa by women and sometimes men. Traditionally Khangas are worn over womens skirts while working in the fields to keep the dust off of their clothing.  They too are worn as head wraps. Khanga in Swahili means guinea hen(fowl), whom are known for their bright colors.  Rightly so Khangas  are normally very bright and colorful.  Many times along the border of the Khanga  are messages in Swahili other  countries will many times use the main language of their country rather than Swahili.  These messages are usually riddles or proverbs. 

 

  

 

 

 

Khangas have been worn now  for 80+ years. It seems though that they are starting to fall out of favor in parts of African as younger women prefer to dress in more Western  styles.  Ironically Western designers and too some African designers  are revitalizing Khanga and Khanga inspired prints into very fashion forward pieces. Both high end designers and department retail stores are locking in on this FABULOUS trend. While it is a TREND, I feel, believe and know that these patterns will always be in vogue, and with the proper styling, accessory and shoe you too can stay fashionable for years to come.

Celebrities too have taken to wearing Khanga and Khanga inspired items, both on the red carpet and in music videos.

Alicia Keys

 

Beyonce   

 

Estelle

 

Kimora

Victoria Powell

Solange

Designers that use Khanga and Khanga inspired prints:

 LaLesso

 

  

ChiChia London 

  

  

  

Suno 

  

 

Boxing Kitten 

 

Mustafa Hassanali

 

 

Shakirmalindi.com 

 

Marc Jacobs 

 

Khanga Skirt

 

If you are unable to afford or even find some of the above mentioned clothing lines or likewise inspired clothing lines opt for vintage pieces that you can get altered, or buy your own fabric and find an affordable seamstress to copy and or create a pattern for you.

My take on Khanga, and inspired Khanga clothing: I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Find what works for you and give it a try! 

Peace, Love & VINTAGE!!!!

Waris Dirie – Supermodel to UN Ambassador – AN INSPIRATION

A few weeks ago while looking through one of my fashion mags I came across the name of Waris Dirie and Liya Kebede in reference to a film that was coming out based on the life of supermodel Waris Dirie to be played by current supermodel Liya Kebede. The basis of the article point how this film was to show the rise of Waris Dirie from a young nomad girl in the deserts of Somalia to a supermodel to an ambassador in the spreading the word about female circumcision or FGM (female genital mutilation). I immediately logged on to Amazon and purchased the book, thinking it would be great for my blog and to help share a story of inspiration from our African sister Waris Dirie. 

The book is entitled Desert Flower and is the true story of supermodel Waris Dirie. She grew up in the deserts of Somalia with her family whom were nomads and herded goats and camels through the desert. At the tender age of 5 years old, Waris had begged her mother to be “a woman”, which meant being circumcised. In her culture this was a custom that was thousands of years old and there were no second thoughts given to it. A woman that was not “cut” was considered unclean and unfit to marry, and this certainly was not what any family would want with their daughter. Waris, unlike many girls she knew survived this and continued to live her life as a nomad with her family until she was set to be married. At the age of 12 she ran away from all she knew to avoid getting married – from the desert of Somalia to Mogadishu to eventually London where she was discovered. 

 

 

Throughout the ups and downs of her life and career Waris became a supermodel but never forgot where she was from or what she came from. Waris was bowlegged as a result of riding camels much of her young life and as a professional model was often fired from jobs because of it. Her thoughts on this, “Well, these are my legs, and they’re a result of who I am and where I’m from.” Waris worked with many of the top designers and was in all the top fashion mags; too she was the first black model to work with L’Oreal. She also was in a James Bond movie, “The Living Daylights”. 

 

 

Upon her travels, working, growing up and learning she found out that not all women were as she was. She grew up thinking that all women got “cut” and that this was a part of every woman’s life. She later found out how different she was. As her celebrity increase she felt it was her duty to do what she could to help prevent this from happening to any more girls and women the world over. With documentaries by the BBC, interviews in Marie Claire and on 20/20 she was able to share her story with the world. She at first was nervous to share this guarded and secret ritual of her culture but knew it was her duty. “Somebody must speak out for the little girl with no voice.” 

Because of her stance on FGM she later became an ambassador to the United Nations. FGM is a Very serious topic and a very real life plague. African women are still in danger of being subjected to this custom, in Africa and abroad.

 

 

Waris says in her book, Desert Flower, “For people like that insecure bitchy art director, it’s tough to handle the fact that some women can be beautiful AND smart.” Waris truly proved that she was both of these things as well as courageous. Being a model and a supermodel for that matter is a privilege in its own right but only if you use it for something other than fame and fortune cause in the end none of that matters. 

I suggest you read Desert Flower. While it isn’t the best written of books it is a great story of inspiration and a look at a black woman and African woman that has help to make a difference. I surely will be viewing “Desert Flower” the film when it is available in my area.

Below is the trailer: 

"Desert Flower" - Film Trailer 

To Learn more about FGM please go to the Waris Dirie Foundation: 

Waris Dirie Foundation

“All I know is that my way of thinking is an African way, and that will never change.” –Waris Dirie 

Peace, Love and VINTAGE!