Ankara

 

Ankara top: gifted, Jeans: gifted, Shoes: Chinese Laundry, Leather belt: ex, Jewelry: gifted/random

Photographer: Carmen Daneshmandi (Happy Birthday!!)

Shimmer me timbers what an eventful week.  For those of you who don’t know, ya girl was featured on Black Girl Long Hair as a “Style Icon” and on Fly as “Fly Girl of the Week.”  It was such an amazing honor to be represented on both of these sites embodying what they stand for.  Andrea and Leslie are phenomenal women, thank you both for the opportunity and to everyone who shared their lovely comments, I really appreciate it!

So this past October I went home to visit my family in Nigeria.  In addition to being a pivotal aahh-haa moment, I was gifted with various Ankara creations.  Ankara is a traditional type of fabric used in Nigeria.  It has recently become ever so popular here in the states with a slew of designers.  Gwen Stefani’s label LAMB has used Ankara and “Boxing Kitten,” a label stationed in New York, uses only Ankara fabrics for its contemporary designs.  Anywho, of course I designed some outfits myself, putting a modern spin on the traditional look (coming soon), but this particular blouse was given to me by my Grandfather.  I love the leopard print detail against this starchy fabric.  I rapped a belt around my waist for shape since the blouse may seem a bit boxy without one.  I paired the look with my favorite jeans (ya’ll have seem me in these time and time again), and basic criss cross detailed heels. 

For those of you who own Ankara at home and adore it, but need help modernizing it up, start by opting out of the pants/skirt and top combination.  Instead do a modern top with your Ankara skirt or vice versa.  Pair your Ankara piece with a very basic staple, then go high with the heel to glam up the look.  I stress keeping your modern piece basic and blank because Ankara fabric is already heavy with prints, so anything with a pattern will clash, anyways you want the Ankara to make the statement and not everything else.

Lastly, I have to introduce this amazing photographer I’ve been working with, Ms. Carmen Daneshmandi.  I must say this woman is beyond talented; it was only by the Lords grace that we stumbled into each other.  We’ve been being very adventurous with our shoots to say the least (wait to ya’ll see them).  For more info about Carmen and her work, check out her blog HERE.  Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone.  xox

 

Vs of the Day - Matthew 10:24

“A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.  It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master.”