Tribe of Dumo Collabo/ An Ankara story

 

Before it was a fashion fad Ankara was typically worn by poor Africans. It was also considered to be a traditional garb for cultural celebrations and holidays. It's now no secret that Fashion enthusiast all over the world just can't get enough of Ankara pieces. celebrities such as Beyoncé (king Bey), Rihanna, Lupita, First Lady Michelle Obama have embraced the Ankara style. In fact it is safe to say that Ankara designs have become so popular that they are now part of main stream fashion scene

 

 

However because Ankara prints tend to be very bold and bright, they are not for the fashionably coy. Which brings me to my post. I collaborated with up and coming Houston sister  designers of 

Tribe of dumo 

 

I instantly fail in love with their pieces when I saw them at African fashion week Houston. Reason being, they have creatively figured out ways to mix polka dots (a classic and fave of mine) with Ankara prints. This not only gives them a signature design that stands out but it adds a new edgy, flirty and urban twist to the traditional Ankara look. 

 

As you can see,  the playsuit speaks for it self in that regard. Love the fact that it can easily be dressed up with killer heels or down with flats which clearly was what I opted for. 

 

How would you guys style this look? And lastly do you think it's culture appropriation or just an inclusion/recognition that Ankara is now part of main stream fashion? Keeping in mind that according to CNN Africa, Ankara has become one of the most commonly exported textile items from Africa. Thoughts? 

As always thank you for stopping by. 

Xo Lulu

 

 Jumpsuit: 

tribe of dumo

Shoes 

choies

Boho Chic

 

I have found that am in my style element when I put on an outfit that has various bohemian, hippie and especially cultural influences in it. Just love the easy not so well put together yet chic the boho style screams. By definition, boho is shortened from bohemian meaning someone who dose not confirm to society and is often focused on the art. You know the free spirits of the world who are daring and wander from the norm (hi great to meet you)

 

Today's post is in sync with the above definition. The whole outfit come together solely inspired by what is referred to as "Munchile" in my native lingo. This is used as a grinder for various food items such as spices, corn, peanuts( makes yummy organic peanut butter) etc. Think of it as a manual blender of some sorts. Anyway the earth tones on the "Munchile " were my primary focus. 

 

With that in mind I bought this gorgeous jumpsuit from misguided for 50% off. I Paired it with a brown belt from forever 21, scarf from Zara, my blessed bracelet sent to me by a Christian jewelry store  called All that glitters. And finally to finish off my boho ensemble I went cave men chic in the shoe department (barefooted lol) 

When are you in your style element? As always thanks for taking a read

Xo Lulu 

 

 

                   Seen on me 

Jumpsuit 

missguided

Scarf 

Zara

Bracelet allthatglitters7 (thank you) 

Vanity J Fashion Show/Lunch Party

 

On April 15th I attended the Vanity J Fashion Show/ Launch party a birth child of creative and talented designer Juanita Wolford. All white attire was a must! And everyone in attendance looked angelic chic in their all white outfits. After all it was around the Easter holiday. As guests arrived they of course checked in with the patrons, then they had the option of taking a flick on the fabulous red carpet or having a mini session of retail therapy with the different and enticing products various vendors had on display 

 

   

The next room was where the magic would happen later. The bar had drinks and cocktails that guests sipped on as they mixed, mingled and networked with other attendees. Opposite to that was the beautiful runway, goodie bags for VIP guests were in site on the front role and of course what's any show without a DJ. 

 The show opened up with performances. First was a talented ballerina dancer 

 

Songtress Skyrah Bliss

 

And last but not the least, the talented Sotrel 

 

And then it was the much anticipated fashion show. Morden, chic and contemporary bold woman was the storyline to the collection. Denim and leather were like a perfect inseparable marriage in my favorite piece ( refer to the main pic of the blog post). The collection gave you different outfits choices for whatever outing you would fancy. It be going to church, black tie event, cocktails with your girls, birthday, or a cozy dinner date. She had it all. 

 

  

After show, the designer elaborated on what inspired her line, all the hard work and how long it took to get to the nights event. It was moving to hear a woman follow her dream despite the many obstacles and set backs she had faced. Goes to show how consistency, persistence and determination can help you attain your passion and goals

 

 

Thank you so much Latoya Hurley for giving me the opportunity to see the collection first hand. As always thank you guys for taking a read be sure to check out the vanity J collection ( links bellow) 

Xo Lulu

Vanity J

Latoya Hurley

 

    

Designer Love: Alice McCall

  

If I had only one choice as to which designer I would pick for every piece of clothing I would wear; and I mean everywhere from church to brunch, or a night out, Alice McCall would be my choice. I love the fact that she is very eclectic, playful yet sensible, contemporary/ modern but her designs remain timeless . I feel her eclectic collections sum up my sense of style. I am boohoo chic at heart hance my big dramatic choice of hair but I love to switch my outfit choices here and there. What Fashonista doesn't (hahaha)

 

As much as I love her designs, her price points are a little too high for this single mother of one. I of course have to improvise. I literally wait (I mean cross my fingers that the item dose not sale out) for items to go on sale. And I mean a good sale am talking at least 40% off or more. That is how I got the blue playsuit ( which by the way I kept going back and forth between the blue and white color choices they had, but clearly the blue won) on sale for $80 from$275 ( 2 years ago) Same goes for the lilac playsuit bought this one for $75 from $280. (4 years ago)

 

I also found that some Aussie boutique and other online clothing stores such as she inside and choies carry pieces inspired by her designs such as this dress I bought for only $60 at online store called little lace.

 

All in all. I try to wait on them to go on sale or I search to see if there is a dupe that way I still slay on a budget. Who is you guys one stop designer? Do they sum up your sense of style? 

As always thank you for taking a read. 

Xo Lulu 

 

 

  

                 Seen on Me

playsuits: 

Sold out

Jacket &a shorts : sold out 

Black dress: here

3 color dress combo

 

Do you sometimes struggle to pull an outfit together and wish there was a set of style rules you could follow to look simple and chic at all times, without having to think too hard or spend too much time? Well Look no further i may have the answer for you: three colour dressing. You have probably never head it before but you actually subconsciously do it. And It is a well kept wardrobe secret

It's  basic premise is not wearing more than three colours at any one time. Now, I know this may seem overly pedantic,but the reasoning behind the concept is to do with simplicity and how you achieve that in an outfit. I don't know about you but when I look at an outfit my eyes travel from head to toe ( sometimes toe to head if the shoe is killer lol) and I have to admit there’s something about dressing in three colours that’s particularly effortless and easy on the eye

 

Which brings me to today's post. I went with the combination of black, white and yellow. And to keep the three color theme going I accessorized with yellow tinted sunnies. Now for some old reason I am not a hand bag or clutch girl (unless I absolutely have to) but in the spirit of the 3 color combo theme let's close our eyes and pretend I had one. Hahahaha. I would probably play it safe and opt for a black one because the yellow and white already speak volume in the fit

 

What do you guys think of the 3 color rule and how would you go about styling it? I hope you like how I incorporated the rule. Thank you for taking  read. 

Xo Lulu 

 

         Picture credits:    

Calvin visuals

                               Seen On Me

Sweater by River Island $62

here or here ( cheaper) 

 Skirt: River Island $28

here or 

here

Shoes: from Just Fab ( 4 years old took bow off)

Sunnies : $8

here

Sisters in power Recap

 

Sisterhood, Girl power, Friendship can be a complicated thing especially in this social media infused world we live in. As much as most of us would hate to admit, we are largely influenced both positively and sadly negatively by posts we see on Instagram, and shows we watch especially reality tv shows. Some of these shows include Love and hip hop, Real housewives, Braxton's, The Kardashians to mention a few. For the most part Female to female interactions on these shows is not always depicted in a positive or amusing way. Being " a Bad Bitch" is more glamorized while being good and more reserved is not so glamorized and usually viewed as being weak

  This is where in my humble opinion movements such as sisters in power play a vital role in reminding the everyday woman, friend, single mother, wife etc that together as women we are force to reckon with. That we should uplift one another and not bring each other down. That what we may watch or see maybe for good TV/ratings but if emulated in our day to day lives may have negative life implications . We may look different, come from different backgrounds, ethnicity or walks of life but we all in our own unique ways face the same day to day challenges as women. 

 

  This past Saturday, I had the honor of attending their event  held in Dallas Texas. Needless to say I had a flat tire on my way there and pretty much missed my opportunity to do interviews with the amazing guests but the devil is a lair!!! thanks triple A ( for fixing my tire) and most importantly my Camera guy ( Thanks Dre) who managed to capture it all until I made it there. With that said back to the recap.. lol 

  The panel was diverse and included women from different entertainment/ Inspirational genres. These included Supper Model, business woman and reality Tv star Cynthia Bailey 

 

HIV AIDS educator and Walgreens brand ambassador Kecia J 

 

Hollywood star and actress Kyla Prat 

 

Former producer of Tom Joyner and dating strategist Deya Smith 

 

Houston very own Hot 97.9 Dj and motivational speaker DJ Jillian JJ Simmons 

 

And last but definitely not the least Spiritual Muse and confidence coach Dr MeMe Brown 

 

Each of these accomplished women shared stories that almost everyone (yes including the few men) could relate to. If you have been cheated on, divorced, single looking for love, single mother or wife juggling having a job and trying to still look put together, in between jobs, feeling lost and wanting to give up you name it, it was an open no judgment zone environment. The panel and attendees equally learned and encouraged each other. Motivation, positivity and togetherness infused the room. 

 

   

I honestly would write a whole book about what an inspiring and great experience I had at the sisters in power event. But not to worry that will not happen. Lol. However in all seriousness I would urge you  to to go to their website click here

sisinpower  

And look up tour dates and when they come to a town near you.

We are all human and at some point we need that motivational booster to remind us that it's ok to not always have it all figured out but do our best and most importantly know we are NEVER ALONE we have sisters in power 

Thank you for stopping by and reading 

Xo

Lulu 

Pictures by 

drevizionmedia