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

FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS!

Yes. You read that right. My version of ‘fwb’ is basically friendship that grows and builds you positively; whether it’s spiritually, emotionally or financially. Other than her bffs, every girl needs a close friend, the one who you pour your heart out to without holding back, or disagree with but in the same breath still find uncountable reasons to be together.

Today I celebrate my beautiful sisters Jakie (who helped me caption this read) and Sarah, for a friendship that has lasted more than eight years. Just like any relationship, we have had our ups and downs but it has been nothing but love, loyalty, companionship, commitment and lots of fun times.

One of the fond memories I have is the day we role played some scenes from the first season of Single Ladies. I was Keysha because of my no-nonsense attitude and crazy* side; Sarah was April and Jakie was Val since she was passionate about fashion and modeling. Each of us saw a bit of them in us from their drama, lifestyle and even unlucky love lives. Heck we even swore that some day we will have our own Fashion House just like they did. Well, we don’t run a Fashion Empire, but it’s in the pipeline. My son Keith joined us too and courtesy of April/Sarah of Bree’s Fashion, we were able to pull off this amazing photo shoot.

Green and black summer bandage solid maxi dresses

Green gives you the camouflage and appreciation of mother nature. 

Black is a safe color and at the same time classy; the fabric is light to complement the summer weather. You definitely can never go wrong with black. 

 

Maroon casual long jumpsuit

The maroon casual long jumpsuit works excellent for a day or night out with friends. Don't worry about the bare back. A little showing of the skin doesn't hurt as long as it's not exaggerated. If you cover up your legs, show off your shoulders or back and put on some moisturizing lotion. Enhancing these looks goes heavenly with a pair of heel, whether it is a gladiator or pointed stiletto. 

 

 2 Piece bandage dress turtle neck body-con
Passes for both party and red carpet since the pink gives it the edge.

 

Sexy back hollow out bandage midi dress
For both curvy and lean women. The pearls at the back create a prestigious feel.

   
Body con mermaid formal maxi dress
 It accentuates the curves.

 

 Pinup long sleeve tunic cotton & Long sleeve tunic business dress

Here are other photos from the photo shoot. Enjoy!

Photography by Dixon Andiwa of ADD Concepts- +254 710 947 195

Dressed by Sarah Wairimu of Bree’s Fashion- +254 727 280 136

Knowing how to dress your petite body!

Dressing and dressing it affordable!

The common woman would love to look good and appear sexy in every situation or occasion. Sometimes we try too hard as women to pull that which is in our minds but we fall flat to the ground. Who doesn’t want to pass through Mr. Price and have the latest trends? Deacons maybe?! But what we haven’t understood is that fashion is different from style and doesn't have to be expensive. Not every lady will have a sense of style and that’s why fashion bloggers, designers and "fashionistas" are there for that lady out there to understand their body and how to dress it.

Fashion is freedom, fashion is expression.

Today,why don’t we try save a little for a smashy look! 

Skirt;Kshs 200; knee high black & white stripped skirt, can be worn both at office or a drink out with friends or the loved one.

Blouse;Kshs 800;blue long sleeved blouse.

Green pointed heels;Kshs 5000; compliments the blue blouse and the white on the skirt, with white you can never go wrong!

Hair; shows an open and diverse arena in which the flashy and kinky hair is classy and cool at the same time, can also go well with the typical African woman. 

Little white dresses have become the new LBD! White party ready, sunny afternoons, garden events, wedding essential wear and date night perfect, show off your flawless skin to make you stand out in the crowd.

Off-white laced short formal evening cocktail dress Kshs 3000.

Strapped Ankle Wedges Kshs 4000.

Caption written  by Jackline Kinyua and Yvonne Baraza.

Below are other photos from the amazing Photoshoot!...

Photography by Dixon Andiwa of ADD Concepts-http://www.dixonandiwa.blogspot.com/