African print takeover

I have always had a deep love for bright colors and prints. I can't help it, it is in my blood. My parents were born and raised in Ghana and though I was brought up in the US my mother wore her traditional attire when attending Ghanaian events, I grew up eating both Ghanaian and American food and grew up hearing my mother speak in her local language, Twi. How could I not be influenced by the culture? Traditional African cloth is cotton, has vivid patterns and often bright colors. As a child I saw my mom have the cloth sewn into kaba and slits as seen here.

I love that I am now seeing these fabrics made into shorts, dresses, jackets, blazers, etc. And now African prints have caught the eye of non-African designers outside of the continent. Just look at Burberry's Prorsum's 2012 resort collection as one example. I have had several dresses and skirts made by seamstresses and tailors during my visits to Ghana. I've also purchased African cloth garments off at the rack at places like Kiki Clothing. However, for those not traveling to the continent any time soon and not willing to pay Burberry dollars I've found accessible African cloth summer pieces at friendlier price points.

Interested? Find out where to purchase after the jump.

Mirror Pumps

I previously created a post called steel heels but since then the trend has kicked up full force so I thought I'd create another post called Mirror Pumps to list the various mirror pump options. These pumps can definitely take you into the summer as they would look fantastic with white, lighter denim, and floral dresses or skirts.

Style names and links after the jump

Fashion Inspiration: Zoe Saldana and Lola Ogunnaike

Entertainment Journalist Lola Ogunnaike recently acted as moderator for a Star Trek Into Darkness press conference featuring Zoe Saldana. Zoe looked casual chic in a button down blue shirt, faded wash skinny jeans and bright colored pumps. Lola looked her usual put together self in an asymmetrical neckline black sheath dress and white Christian Louboutin crosspiga pumps. I swear I think I may have to eat my words regarding white pumps. Anyway, I loved both ladies looks and have created similar looks featuring some affordable items.

Gladiator Sandals a.k.a Summer Boots

Rita Ora in Jimmy Choo mogul cage sandal, Ciara in Altazurra leather over the knee boots

Rihanna in Tom Ford strappy buckled sandal boot and Selena Gomez in Brian Atwood Electra

Julissa Bermudez in Gianvito Rossi leather gladiator knee sandals

This look isn't for everyone. In fact it is a whole lot of look. It requires showing lots of leg too, because the sandal/boots are so tall you have to balance the look by displaying lots of thigh. These are not shoes for conservative fashionistas. And while I do like the look I also realize these are not the most wearable shoes. Honestly, how often can you wear knee high stiletto caged sandals? For that reason I wouldn't invest a lot of money in this style. So, I have found some cheaper alternatives that will allow you to get a similar look for a lot less.