Warmer weather for us means mixed prints and bright colors. To some, mixing prints and colors might seem kind of scary but to us it comes naturally. We like to mix and match our African and American pieces together. Think something like the sisters from Half Of A Yellow Sun, Kainene and Alanna. Our styles are very much so 70’s vintage meets Afro-beats inspired.
I (Chi-Chi) recently found this amazing Ankara dress on Ife’s Closet. I loved how beautifully the two patterns intertwined seamlessly without looking crazy or odd. The dressed looks like something I myself would design, so I just had to buy it. Plus, I always try to make sure to support businesses owners who look like me.
The Haba Flare Dress sleeves was very 70’s inspired which is my favorite decade when it comes to fashion, especially anything that looks like I could of been kicking it with Fela durning that time period. There is something very bold and fun about mixing funky patterns.
My sister Nonso, was also inspired by the 70’s, hence the similar sleeve designs. She chose to pair her Zara lemonade yellow dress with fuchsia tassel heels…brilliant idea right? She thought so too lol
In true NkemLife style she chose to pair it with a bag she bought from Fest Africa a few years ago. At the festival , Nonso gravitated towards the bag because of it’s West African inspired fabric, Ghanian Kente to be exact.
We hope this inspires you to add a bit more color and mixed prints to your life and style.
All photos were taken while strolling the streets of Adam’s Morgan in Washington D.C.