Wrap Around

OUTFIT

Hat - Thrifted

Coat - Thrifted

Button up - Polo

Shirt Around Waist - Tommy Hilfiger

Jeans - Cheap Monday

Boots - Dr. Martens

For sure this post is a lot more experimental and free from what I have been offering as of late. Some days you just got to throw on whatever you want spontaneously and see how it turns out. This outfit is most definitely one of those moments. If it isn’t really noticeable yet I am in love with the abstract patterned Tommy button down. It just works so well for me with a lot of things. It’s one of few pieces that I own that can be classy if worn but add character to itself without any major modifications/adjustments.

Dr. Martens really is probably at the epitome of quality and durability when looking for a good pair of boots. I 'm really drawn towards them because it’s not easy to find boots. That can not only maintain their quality during while trekking through heavy snow storms and falls. But as well still be able to wear comfortably as well as adapt to your personal spring/summer wardrobe. Pretty much they can be worn all year round, and not look awkward on your feet if pairing them up with shorts in the summer.

1 WEEK LEFT FOR GIVEAWAY

For give away details Click Here

Kente Bowtie Giveaway

Outfit

Blazer - Thrifted

Button Down - Polo

Scarf - Thrifted

Bow Tie - Akeyno

Belt - Thrifted

Drop Crotch Pants 

Socks - Happy Socks

Leather Lace Ups - Thrifted

As I have mentioned in previous posts. I was planning and upcoming giveaway, and here it is. For my first give away I have teamed up with Washington D.C native Yinka. Yinka is a D.I.Y accessory designer.

Everything in this shop is designed by Olayinka Onyeka Oni-Orisan, and is lovingly handmade in Washington, DC; no two pieces are exactly alike. From the use of African wax fabrics, to the unique choice of colors and patterns, Yinka’s creations clearly reflect her Nigerian heritage and culture. She integrates vintage treasures and recycled materials to create pieces that are sustainable and 

fashionable as well.

Check out http://www.akeyno.com/   for more of her work.

Historical accounts trace the origin of Kente weaving to early weaving traditions in ancient West African Kingdoms that flourished between 300 A.D. and 1600 A.D. Some historians maintain that Kente is an outgrowth of various weaving traditions that existed in West Africa prior to the formation of the Ashanti Kingdom in the 17th Century.

Kenta cloth is not only used for its beauty, but it also carries strong symbolism. Each cloth has a name and a meaning; and each of the numerous patterns and motifs has a name and a meaning. Names and meanings are derived from historical events, individual achievements, proverbs, philosophical concepts, oral literature, moral values, social code of conduct, human behaviour and certain attributes of plant and animal life.

The abstract patterns and motifs are generally created by the weavers who also assign names and meanings to them. It is said that weavers tend to get their inspiration to name their creations from dreams or contemplative moments in their life. In which they have an encounter with the spiritual world. 

There are over 300 different types of cloth designs, each with its name. Each cloth design comes with numerous variations-in color and distribution of motifs. This chart presents names of 54 different cloth designs, and 42 motifs, their literal meanings and their symbolic significance. Symbolism are given interpretations on the basis of the general Akan culture.

RULES OF GIVE WAY 

The way it works is fairly simple.

1) You must be following my blog.

2) Follow AkeynoHandmade on twitter Or like her Facebook page 

3) Lastly, leave a comment stating how you would wear the bow tie. And as well leave me your first name and email address.

I will decide a winner at random and announce it on here on my blog.

The give way closes APRIL 9th.   
Good luck everyone :)

Fashion Week : Ottawa S/S 2011 - 2012

This past weekend I packed up my stuff and headed out towards Ottawa to attend my second Ottawa Fashion Week. Well more like weekend but you get the idea. It was really great for me to be able to meet up and catch up with a few old friends back home in Ottawa. The three days were filled of excitement, hype, and anticipation as everyone was curious and awaiting each collection.

            Gabryela From :  http://figuresofstyle.blogspot.com/

Photo Credit : Andrew Szeto 

Presenters at Ottawa Fashion Week Spring / Summer were: 

Yola Couture

Veronica MacIsaac Apparel

Khala Morgan

Birds of North America

Micalla

ElizBourk

Serendipity by Kelsey McIntyre

Rachel Sin

Emily Woudenberg &

Anastasiya Kuyevda

!Nu.I

Adib Simon

Escape Movements 

Anomal Couture

Karen McClintock

Illyria Design

Florian Jayet

Adrian Wu

Photo Credit : Richard Tardif

Presentation wise of the venue I was really surprised, even though it was held at The National Gallery Of Canada the same venue as the previous season. The layout and presentation was beautiful. As well a lot more people came out to the view runway shows. It’s great to see the fashion world back in Ottawa making some progression and opening up new talents. My favorite part about attending fashion week, from no matter what city, is meeting amazing individuals. There is nothing better than being in a room with a large amount of people who have the same care and interest as yourself and building contact but more importantly new friends.