Posts Tagged ‘vogue’

So when I first arrived in Mombasa, Kenya, I was horrified to learn that designer boutiques were more or less non-existent. Instead, the dust-laden streets teamed with second/third-hand thrift stores and cardboard cafes that screamed the words “food poisoning”. It was hell. Or so I thought.

Some days later whilst sunning my dear self on the sugary sands of Diani Beach, I spotted a local donning an exquisite leopard-print sarong and somehow the word “hell” just seemed utterly barbaric and unnecessary. After all, when it comes to fashion, inspiration lies in people, in cultures, and not so much in the designer shops themselves. Right?! Right. Not only that, but as far as I’m aware, the fashion industry owes a lot to Africa and its cheap but equally creative designs. Think wooden accessories, think tribal patterns, think sarongs and wonderfully eye-catching animal prints. I think that’s enough to justify the lack of designer boutiques. Prada, Chanel, Cavelli, Versace – who needs ‘em when you’ve got Kenya?!

In other news, the past fortnight has unleashed the opportunity for me to revel in my creative side and explore new trends I otherwise wouldn’t dare to explore. Take, for example, the Kate Moss turban. Before Kenya, I’d spotted a couple of celebrities rocking the pashmina turban with their beachwear, and somehow, I thought I’d have some superior sikh-like ability to rock the look myself. Verdict: don’t do the turban unless you’re Gandhi, Kate Moss, or represent some other deity figure.
Other trends explored by yours truly included the “bangles, bangles bangles” look, in which bangles of all materials, shapes and colours are stacked up the arm to achieve the “summer warrior goddess” look. Whilst this trend appears something wonderful in the designer pages of Vogue, I can guarantee it is something you would never want to contend with in the sticky heat of the jungle.

Of course, as we all know with failure comes success (or something like that anyway), and this most certainly applied to my safari wardrobe. The first day of safari saw me donning the notorious khaki belted dress (see left!), teamed with a locally bought safari hat (sorry, couldn’t resist…) and some not-exactly-couture Nike trainers borrowed from the mother, who insists they are very high fashion because they were bought “on Rodeo Drive, L.A.” Oh right! I was initially going to go for some flat gladiators, but the dodgy terrain definitely proved such footwear really wasn’t recommended. Plus, I didn’t fancy the idea of a Boa Constrictor snapping at my toes, ugly as they are.
The second day of the safari saw me in the same hat, the same trainers, but with a pair of denim hot pants and a zebra-print kaftan which certainly confused the poor Grevys. Not bad for 2 days in the safari I thought!

Well, it certainly is nice to be back in familiar territory, and I am now going to proceed to check out the fashion blogs and catch up on what I’ve missed. Thank you for all your previous comments and keep them coming! They are very much appreciated!

Stay tuned for more posts on ditching the make-up and vintage jewellery!