#goals2017 – Day 7: Dots, blue and leopard

Keeping with my theme this week it seems: checked capris, laced leopard shoes and a simple white tee. Day 7 of 365 completed 🙂

t-shirt/pants/shoes(review)/bag

And Day 7 is done🙂 …. 358 more days to go!

#goals2017 – Day 6: Dots, blue and leopard

Today’s outfit, all old purchases to keep my resolution for this year. Day 6 so far and going strong (ehhehe let’s see for how long ;-). Forgot to take a full “on” picture though…re-using the shoes and bag from yesterday since they were staring at me…

sweater(reviewed by Gigi and Audreybella)/skirt/shoes(sim.)/bag

And Day 6 is done🙂 …. 359 more days to go!

#goals2017 – Day 5: Stripes, tweed and leopard

shirt/coat/skirt(review)/shoes(sim.)/bag

And Day 5 is done 🙂 …. 360 more days to go!

Style book: How to mix patterns?

I love colors and patterns. After all, the entire African continent is widely known as the Wax continent, where colorful and bold patterns reign supreme. The “African” cotton wax fabric is so intrinsic to fashion in the multi-cultural continent I was born in that people forget its true origins: Indonesia. But I digress…

When I was asked to share my approach to styling the cotton wax through Zigida, I met many women who found the fabrics and my designs very appealing, but struggled to incorporate the bold patterns into their closet. Many reached back to me that, while they were quick to purchase my skirts and dresses, they could not pair them with anything they already own, without looking like clowns or fearing to be labelled with cultural appropriation.

I will leave the topic of “cultural appropriation” to next week’s post on Africa and Fashion. As far as rules and tips on mixing/pairing patterns, I usually follow the three rules below.

Rule #1: “Pair bold patterns with solid colors, in the same color family”.

I would typically pair my printed skirts with a neutral colored blouse or tee (beige, white, black, navy, or a pop of bright color), or a matching solid colored shirt. You can also pair any print with a simple white tee and a solid colored jacket, sweater or vest. Rule #1 is fail proof if you’re just getting started.

Below, I pair the Zigida Minda skirt with a simple white tee (I have a houndstooth jacket on my arm…see rule #2) and further down, it’s a simple white blouse and matching shoes.

You can also use a very soft print, almost solid-like pattern to pair with your bolder patterns once you get more confident, as I’ve done below with another Zigida skirt paired with an old J.Crew sweater.

Another combination from this model below (image credits per link).Rule #2: “Pair bold patterns with stripes, animal prints or ‘simple’ houndstooth patterns – in the same color family”.

The idea here is that stripes and animal prints play the role of neutrals. This also applies to very simple houndstooth patterns. I saw this combination on many runway looks during fashion week. Below is how I’ve paired stripes with the Zigida circle midi skirt.Another example is what Morethanturquoise has done with her Zigida skirt (image courtesy of linked source):

Below is an example of Olivia Palermo in a leopard print (shoes) mixed with bold florals (image courtesy of linked source):  

Rule #3: “Stick to a maximum of three different patterns together”.

I read somewhere a while back that any more than three bold patterns is too distracting to the eye and I tend to agree. My favorite pattern mixing blogger, Blair Eadie, does it well here, mixing dots, stripes and animal prints (image courtesy of linked source).

Note – This post is sponsored by Zigida, a market place for modern apparel and accessories inspired by high quality and colorful cotton fabrics.

A&F: Designer spotlight on Duaba Serwa

My latest designer crush is on Duaba Serwa. Oh, how much in love I am 🙂 🙂

As usual, I was looking for the eBelandi’s designer of the week and came across a nice write-up by Afrobougee on the designer behind the brand, Nelly Hagan Aboagye.  I am inspired by those enterprising women who turned their interest for fashion into a concrete business despite already being successful in their career.  In the case of Nelly, she went from a trained surgeon nurse to an emerging designer.

 

My weekly spotlight below, all images credit to duabaserwa, Google Images and GhanaGossip.net

The Brand: Duaba Serwa

The IT Factor: Interesting use of geometric figures and colors, understated at times, vibrant, simple lines, comfortable style

The Inspiration: “Luxurious and Bold Effortless Beauty”.  Per

The Main Designer: Nelly Hagan Aboagye

Notable Awards: WON African Fusion Designer of the Year at the GUBA (Ghana UK Based Achievements) 2013 Awards, 2013 Glitz Africa Fashion Award for Couture Designer of the Year 2013.  NOMINATED for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2013 Awards Designer of the Year

Website: DuabaSerwa

Sissi’s Notes: The simplicity of her cuts mixed with very bright colors and geometric shapes is definitely refreshing.  Sad that the items cannot be purchased online yet (pre-order at $0 ?? ) but I am definitely following her progress!  Again, she is pretty inspiring.  Below an excerpt from an interview:

“Duaba Serwa, is simple sophistication. I prefer understatements to extravagance and believe there is beauty in simplicity. This is what you see, in every piece I make,” Nelly says.  “I have always been against the idea of angel investors and believe in growing my business organically. Every item purchased for my work is drawn from money that has been re-invested into the business from my own funds, which are generated from sales,” she says.

What do you think of Duaba Serwa? Please share!