THE COME BACK #IAmKakuma

Sometimes it’s nice to take some time away from blogging…but is it really? Social media and blogging are all about consistency and when you break for too long, trying to make a comeback could be really stressful and can even take months.

Well. I had my reasons…. Very good reasons 

I took the break to fully concentrate on my master’s degree at the University of Nairobi…then immediately after I was done with the studies, I got a job in Kakuma…a town in Turkana county and home to over 200 000 refugees and asylum seekers from more that 20 different nationalities.

Okay now I’m tempted to tell you about the adventures of Kakuma…but not on this post.

BUT maybe just a little…. for starters, the sun was always scorching! If you were not fortunate enough to have an AC in your hostel room, then you always had your birthday suite on whenever  indoors. For someone who is terrified about any crawling living thing, I had to worry about scorpions, snakes and camel spiders 24/7, plus other species of weird and creepy insects from the desert it is. 

On the flip-side, it’s a beautiful place! The desert serenity, deep orange sunsets, the night life…one famous club called Bulls Eye…. totally rocks Kakuma for the agency staffers (shout out to DJ Rama). There’s an annual talent show dubbed Kakuma Got Talent! One word = Breathtaking!  I have no words to describe the depth of talent from the refugee community that’s so fearless, passionate and showcased as if it was their last performance on earth! 

Then there was Kalemchuch DING! DING! DING!…a very famous hill ..as famous as Muliro gardens where we would go for photo-shoots, dates, picnics, climbing and all…just to make life in Kakuma as exciting.

I made great friends: Lemy from SouthSudan…. this guy literally taught me everything I know about graphic design and photography…same guy behind the lenses on this specific shoot.

JohnThomas from Congo…he has the biggest heart I’ve ever known …and taught me everything I know about video editing.

Last but not least. such a cliche btw…..Team W made of awesome colleagues…shout out to you Kui, Tabz, Kagweyi, Shisino, Shakira, Bresh, Yegon, Zabdi , Imana , Papaa, not forgetting Benaa..our lead choreographer.

You guys made my life in Kakuma amazing and I can’t wait to be back on missions kama donor 😂

Now that all that is out…and out there. Can we now go back to fashion!!! And why is everyone lately all about the Maxi dress? Or was I in Kakuma for that long?! They just never run out of fashion, don’t they? Always seems to be in style and staple in many women’s closets. The floor-grazing and flowy appeal of maxi dresses is just undeniable for every body shape, every versatility and can make a fashionable and comfortable outfit for hot days. Perfect for Kakuma, Yes? 

With the right maxi dress in your closet, you’ve got a go-to piece that you can easily dress up and down for a daytime style, casual weekends, beach vacation, weddings and special evening out……not forgetting kuenda kuona mom – in- love!

I’ll be guiding you on how to fit that maxi dress and the right way to accessorize it for that slick, chic and comfy look in so many fabrics, colours and patterns.

·       Know your body shape: By now you know your body shape…right? The parts you are comfortable highlighting whether you have an hour glass figure yet petite or curvier …... having this in mind can help you find the most flattering maxi dress for your shape.

·       Find the right length: This will help you from getting caught in your own dress and tripping. Walk around in the house for a few minutes before stepping out to make sure that when you step on it, it won’t trip you. I’d rather have it tap the top of my shoes or at least the ankles for a sure walk around.

·       Consider color and print: Just as body shape, style and fabric can affect how you wear a maxi dress, so can the colour and print. Ask your friends what colours best suite you then consider your skin tone and what colours and prints might work best for you. Try larger or floral prints with solid colours if you are curvier and wear simple and small prints if you are petite.

·       Accessorize: Regardless of “the rules’ on how to wear this attire properly and how to match the dresses with different items of clothing and accessories are still an open question….

So, wear it with;

•    Sneakers – This look is perfect for those who don’t like high heels and are afraid to get tangled up in the long dress. 
•      Denim jacket – Other than looking fresher and younger, the colour of the Denim  jacket is quite neutral and blends well with any skin type.
•      Add a neutral belt – If you wear a maxi dress with a belt, be sure that this will accentuate your small waist. This will instantly make everyone you be jealous. But if you don’t like belts, you can still lock very attractive in a sexy slit dress that will not only accentuate your waist but your legs as well.  Adding a belt will not only highlight your torso’s slimmest points and create pretty curves but will also add fashion cred
•      Heels: Want to look taller? Well this is one of the best ways to do it because your maxi dress will hide the heels.
•      Add some sparkly drop earrings and a trendy clutch for a dress up-dress down look that feels young and beautiful
•       Off the shoulder maxi dress? Read my post on how to wear and accessorize an off the shoulder outfit 👍😘
•     See link https://yvonnebaraza.blogspot.com/2017/11/how-to-wear-off-shoulder-tops.html

#IAmKakuma

Photography by Mc Lemy Dhieu 

Dressed by La BELLE fashions

Hair by Beatrice Achieng

MakeUp by @PaulOhdiambo - 0723037655

How to wear off the shoulder tops.

To say off-the-shoulder tops are just a trend is a big understatement. They are an undeniable presence on the runway, red carpet and streets. Whether they are worn casually with jeans and flats, or dressed up with a mild skirt and heals, off-the-shoulder tops are popping up at every occasion. Their versatile nature combined with that stunning neckline make them a winning style that you simply must try. Whether you are headed to brunch, dinner, or even a fashion show and looking to be the wow factor across the room, here is everything you need to know about how wear the off-the shoulder-tops.

v Casual Wear.

When you are in need of a dose of feminine fashion in your everyday wardrobe, look for the casual off-the-shoulder top as your solution. The unique neckline of this style cuts across the chest and upper arms to create bare shoulders. This flash of skin elongates the neck and creates a look that is both flirty and fun. The relaxed style will provide a ruffled look that is perfect for daytime causal. Pair with jeans, jeggings or pencil skirts for a relaxed summery vibe.

v Evening Wear.

While the bohemian and peasant style off-the-shoulder tops of the 70s still exist, a new breed of off-the-shoulder tops has been born. Off-the-shoulder tops have been around for a long time, but they have never been as versatile as they are today. With a little sleek, and minimal structure, they provide attractive contours and unique silhouettes. Try a lengthened variety in a neutral colour with matching pants for a super sophisticated cocktail look.

v Bodysuit.

Cropped, flowy, off-the-shoulder tops can create a great relaxed look, but if your style is more about the city than Coachella you may want to try a different style. Bodysuit off-the-shoulder tops are the perfect option for anyone looking for a sleek polished version of this trend. To nail this look, choose simple styles in comfortable stretch fabrics and a pair of pants and heels. The catch here is, you will never come untucked or have your top brunch up messily thanks to this chic style.

v Cold Shoulder Tops.

As we fall in love with off-the-shoulder tops, they may at times not be practical. Go for cold shoulder tops as well. They are similar to off-the-shoulder tops except that they feature straps that are added to this style or full sleeves with cut- outs at the shoulders. The extra fabrics of this style helps to support the top and anchor it in place. This style is perfect for anyone wanting to take this trend into a formal or business setting.

Accessorizing Off The Shoulder Tops

The unique neckline of an off-the-shoulder top is what makes it unique and a special piece of clothing. That clean line, straight across the chest and upper arms, creates a striking contrast between fabric and flesh that should not be interrupted. That is why when accessorizing of-the-shoulder tops you should aim to accessorize around the neckline instead of over it. 

 A thick fabric choker that matches your top is a great option as it adds to the graphic nature of the look. Bold, statement earrings can have a similar effect, offering decoration while keeping the chest area bare.

 You can also accessorize with sunglasses, a watch and light bracelets. Whatever your style, finish your look with a clutch or small carry bag to avoid straps getting in the way of your top.

                                  

 Dressed by La-Belle Fashion.

          Photography be Ann Ndichu, IG> photographics_ studios_ke

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