Photography: Vince Oyolo

Sustainable fashion is thus partly about producing clothes, shoes, and accessories in environmentally and socio-economically sustainable manners, but also about more sustainable patterns of consumption and use, which necessitate shifts in individual attitudes and behavior.

As a nation, at least 30% of it has thrifted an item once in there life not knowing that they are saving the planet one piece at a time. In this day and age with depleted resources and the impact human life has had thus far on the environment, sustainability isn’t just a fad or trending hashtag.

The main responsibility of fashion companies is obviously to change their production, distribution, and marketing practices and strategies towards greater sustainability. 

It also means considering fashion from the perspective of many stakeholders – users and producers, all living species, contemporary and future dwellers on earth. Sustainable fashion, therefore, belongs to and is the responsibility of citizens, the public sector, and the private sector. 

To help you incorporate more sustainable options in your shopping, other than thrifting, I’m sharing about a sustainable fashion brand I have stumbled upon in Kenya.

Introducing my Lilabare, more specifically, my Kimono.

Each Lilabare piece stems from there mission of zero-waste & preserving handcraft. Sourcing post-production industry excess that is borne of ancient spinning & dyeing techniques, they bring each piece to life in Kenya alongside small scale artisans in there atelier in Nairobi.

You should definitely check them out.

To be considered sustainable, brands must work to improve every single aspect of a product’s life cycle. They must use sustainable raw materials, store and transport clothing responsibly, and do their best to ensure that items can be repaired and recycled.

Fast Fashion has been the longest trend and because of it, many of today’s inexpensive fashion items are being discarded only after being worn just a handful of times. In fact, thanks to such practices, fashion has been introduced as one of the most polluter sectors.

Did you know that producing just one kilogram of cotton takes 20 thousand liters of water, for example?

Outfit Details

Neckpiece: Kadenyi Pop Up
Kimono: Lilabare
Watch: Guess

Belt and Pants: Thrifted

Shoes: Dumond

One specific issue that affects us all is the water usage in the manufacturing process. This depletes the amount of safe drinking water in the world which is already impacted by other industries and human waste. 

In an ecological context, sustainability would be achieved when all that is taken from the environment can be renewed.

Small steps make a big difference

Where’d you get those shoes?! I absolutely adore them!

Oh, you know. . . they’re vintage.

There’s a special rush that comes with knowing your fresh new thrift goods that are one of a kind, and even more so when they’re retrieved from the long-gone time of decades past.

Buying secondhand is not only a great way to discover some buried treasure and make it uniquely your own but also a meaningful stand against the damaging fast fashion industry.

As professional women, we need to take responsibility for our daily choices. Commit to buying less, limit your outfits per day, and invest in pieces that last longer.

Next time you’re shopping, do your research. Pay close attention to how brands use the term “transparency.” Do they really mean it and prove it? Does the brand take initiatives with the fabrics used? Are they committed to ethical/sustainable practices?

It’s easy to forget the impact of purchase or the power you have as a consumer. There are small steps we can take each day to pave the path toward a more sustainable fashion future.

Fashion has always been a way to indicate who you are to the world – so now is the time to think about what you want your clothes to say about the kind of world and future that we should aim for.

Stay stylish,
Kadenyi.

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This has proven true in past seasons with the resurrection of all-things-’90s. From tiny sunglasses to glossy lips, the decade has had me so happy because my mom was intuitive enough to save us a wardrobe full of her favorite clothes for us to break out and tell everyone “it’s vintage!”

Photography: Vince Oyolo: – https://www.instagram.com/patapic_ke/

One of the biggest ‘90s resurgences? Mom jean. Our skinny jeans are having (some temporary) time out because mom – or mum – jeans are having a much-needed moment in our wardrobes. I was lucky enough to thrift a good deal on vintage extra baggy mom jeans in the famous Toi markets.

Mom jeans are high-waisted, often lightly colored women’s jeans with a tapered leg, these jeans are super flattering and still come in your classic black, blue and ripped styles.  

Mom jeans with a rise that hit well above the belly button make our bottom appear longer and flatter than it otherwise might. And it gives me the illusion that I look taller.

Here’s all the inspiration you need to rock them:

The baggy fit of the jeans already evokes a menswear-feel, so make the style look totally intentional with other masculine pieces like a button-up. Add a feminine touch with a kimono. 

There’s something très chic about the juxtaposition of baggy, distressed jeans and sleek black booties. Showing just a little bit of ankle is unexpected, and the combo of high waist jeans and heeled booties make legs look never-ending (perfect for the vertically-challenged!)

Outfit Details

Tiny Sunglasses – Kadenyi Pop Up
Lipstick – Huddah Beauty
Kimono – Lilabare
Shirt – Old
Watch – Guess
Mom Jeans – Thrifted (Toi Market)
Boots – Mango

A white button-up and kimono can make for a sophisticated casual Friday workwear look, but when paired with mom jeans, give a lax vibe that can be your new everyday uniform.

If anything makes or breaks an outfit is the final touches a.k.a accessorizing.

Just when you thought we were running out of trends to revive from the ’90s, another nostalgic piece has slowly been making its comeback: teeny, tiny sunglasses. Tiny sunglasses are a fashion cue ripped from The Matrix.

The micro frames reigned as the ultimate cool-girl statement in the ’90s and early 2000s. The whole point is that they are very small and narrow — so small that they should just cover the tiniest sliver of your face.

Give your skinny jeans a break and try a straight-legged, looser fit mom jean.

I personally really loved how this whole look came about. Any thoughts?

Stay Stylish,
Kadenyi.

The post Your Girl Finally Got Some Mom Jeans! appeared first on Kadenyi.

Details

Photography; Jenkins Kuyoh

Make Up Artist; Cynthia Wairimu

Hair: Sistar Kenya Marley Braids

While researching, many articles suggested using baby oil to create a “wet look” eye shadow, We of course tried it out with Cynthia with foundation underneath but the oil mixed with the foundation making my face muddy. So I had to clean my face and douse myself in oil as she sprinkled a beautiful Morphe shade on my eyelids. Just as I opened my eyes we found it collected in my eye lid crease almost immediately. Not getting defeated, we had to do this whole shoot with my eyes shut which was so nerve wrecking because I really didn’t know how the final look would come out.

Quick Tip

If you want to re purpose your broken shadow, mix a little shadow with Vaseline for a pigmented gloss. When I tried this, the sheen ended up being somewhere between a lip gloss and a lipstick. I’d recommend this if you want to create a custom color or wear a crazy hue (like blue, green, or black) for the night — it beats purchasing an entire tube of lipstick you’ll only wear a few times. You can also use clear lip balm if you don’t have Vaseline, but Vaseline is definitely the cheapest route.

I love how the final look came out, going with my theme of hairstyles inspired from the past, my curly fringe partnered with the glossy body complemented the entire concept. Who knew glossy eyelids would become decidedly more ethereal than editorial?

What do you think of the final look? Have you tried glossy lids before? Lemme me know in the comment section below.

Stay stylish,

Kadenyi.

The post Crushed Eyeshadow appeared first on Kadenyi.

Photography:Jenkins Kuyoh

Make Up Artist:Cynthia Wairimu

Hair: Front Darling Kenya Elegant Braid Back SISTAR Kenya Marley Braids

Done At: Posh Palace Kenya by Doreen The Stylist

Nails: Soch Solo Of Posh Palace Kenya

In the past few years, we’ve all got used to using more complexion make-up, as they call it in the biz. Sculpting and highlighting products have become a new normal for many women’s cosmetics bags. But it is quite an effort. There are signs, though, that the grip of this fashion for a multitoned chiselled face is loosening.

In ancient Egypt, ground red ochre (a natural pigment) was mixed with fat to create a red tint that people would smear on their lips and their cheeks that popped against the harsh black kohl around their eyes. At the recent catwalk collections, many of the make-up artists used just a pop of pink on the cheeks. Chanel and Simone Rocha sent models out looking flushed.

Trendy makeup companies aimed at young women are trying to make it seem super cool again too, launching liquid and stick blushes that people are currently obsessing over. We were totally inspired by Rihannas look in the Met gala when creating this look but added our own touch to it as its a slightly over the top blush look.

So, here’s to blush, not only for its ability to survive a gruesome and lengthy history and come out as one of the most effective makeup items of our time, but also for constantly adapting to trends and the women who love to wear it.

Stay Stylish,

Kadenyi

The post Born To Blush appeared first on Kadenyi.

Set in the sunshine coast of Kenya, Wild waters boast a wide range of fun and exhilarating entertainment facilities for all ages! With 15 Adult and Kids Water Slides, a unique Rain Dance Disco Arena, a Gaming Arcade, Bumper Cars, and a number of theme rides, Wild Waters is the complete entertainment facility equipped at maximizing your amusement. They also have a large food court and bar that serves both local and internationally branded cuisines.

Prices

Wild Waters charges are based on whether customers choose to use the water facilities to swim and slide. The fees are therefore based on sliders and non sliders as follows:

“Kindly note that prices are subject to change without notification”

The winding tunnels at Wild Waters look like they just sit, lazily basking in the sun, waiting for you to hop on so they can spit you out in to the pool. They do not look like much, especially when the place is empty and there’s no water flowing through them. You know the adventure that awaits you from what everyone says, but some of these things need to be experienced to be believed.

On the second day of our #ATSTravelSquad trip, Me and Susan decided to be young again and try on the rides… Here’s the thing – you cannot really prepare for the things that those tunnels make you feel. Screaming is going to happen but it helps take my mind off the fear. For the first ride they let me share a floater with Susan in the tunnels and it was so much fun! Th drop was not something we expected and so it was quite exhilarating. If you take that control freak friend of yours who just needs to take a chill pill, or that other one who’s too stiff. If you have letting go issues, hop on to that train as well and start with the tunnel in your favourite colour.

If you like a challenge, start with the black tunnel/ black hole. Lie on the floater facing up and close your eyes – or keep your eyes open because it will be so dark, it will not matter anyway. Press the scream button, which although pretty effective, will become harder and more embarrassing to do if you’re past 20. And then let the water lead you to wherever it pleases. Let go.

By the time you’re on your 5th ride though, you will not know what fear is. Those landings though – those may take some getting used to! Good thing, most of the tunnels empty in the shallow pool, so you need not worry if you can hardly swim. Just get going already!

After all that swimming we had a scrumptious coastal meal from the food court and called it a day.

Outfit Details

Hair: Posh Palace Kenya

Make Up: Willy Collins

Swim Suit: New Look

Kimono: Amanda Fashions

Wild Waters is something you should definitely try out.

Stay stylish,

Kadenyi.

The post Wild Waters appeared first on Kadenyi.

Photography:Jenkins Kuyoh

Make Up Artist:Cynthia Wairimu

Hair: Front Darling Kenya Elegant Braid Back SISTAR Kenya Marley Braids

Done At: Posh Palace Kenya by Doreen The Stylist

Nails: Soch SoloOfPosh Palace Kenya

In the 50’s Sky high ponies were the go to hairstyle as well as cornrows for Africans. They were the trademark of the powerful women who wore them, And because beauty, just like fashion exists in a cyclical universe. Classical hairstyles constantly re-emerge from the past in a 2.0 form. Accent braids are the perfect addition to any ‘do’ when you need to spice up a plain pony, loose waves, or bone-straight locks.

I have partnered with Posh Palace Kenya to start showcasing to you some fun and different hairstyles with a major historical inspired revival this season. It’s the perfect time to have fun with a sexy summer look during this cold weather. Be sure to keep checking out my website and soon you’ll be rocking way back when styles like a true style icon!

For this beauty look we had to try out the newly raved make up look that is Faux Freckles. There are some beauty traits that not everyone is blessed with — and one of these traits come in the form of tons of teeny, tiny freckles that grace your face. The good news is that even if you don’t naturally sport freckles on your bare skin, they’re super easy to replicate with a little makeup.

Freckles instantly make the complexion look fresh, as if you have no foundation on. It’s a beauty trick I use more often than you may think. If your foundation or powder looks cake-y, pop a few freckles on top. It will fool everyone into thinking you just have gorgeous, perfect skin, and that you’re not wearing much makeup.

Stay Stylish,

Kadenyi

The post Hairstyles Inspired From the Past appeared first on Kadenyi.

Photography: Jenkins Kuyoh

Getting to the Nairobi Terminus is a trip on its own, you know Mombasa road and its traffic not to mention it’s past the Syokimau Railway station. The tip alone to the station Cost us Kshs1,100 on Taxify from town.

Who would have thought that Mombasa is now so much closer for us folks living upcountry. I was really excited because I had never used the train before. I was traveling with my girl Susan Kaittany for her travel show Platinum Lifestyle that I cannot wait to showcase to you guys. We were traveling with her whole crew for a week in Mombasa and boy didn’t I have a great time.

Getting to the station

The Nairobi terminus has lots of options to get you from the station to your destination:

• The Commuter train, which costs 50/- per person
• Taxi services, from your regular cab guy, to Little, Uber, Mondo Ride, Taxify and others being available
• Public transport buses outside the station

We got to the station at around 11 ‘O’ clock and was met with numerous security checks; I counted at least 3 checks in both the Nairobi and Mombasa Terminus:

• One, outside in the open area, with sniffer dogs and the army guards.
• Second one just after your ticket is first validated by security guards, with a scanner (separating the men from the women)
• Third one just as you get through the main terminal building’s doors, and is not gender specific. Your ticket is validated again.

You are not allowed to carry any contraband material: drugs, weapons etc. No alcohol is allowed on board too. Camera equipment is treated suspiciously, so either have it packed well, and/or have the right permits especially if you intend to film or photograph on board or around the station (It costs about Kes. 50000)

Ticketing

Tickets are mostly sold in advance, so you have time to plan ahead for your travel. You can buy the tickets between 7:00 am and 4:00 pm daily. You can also get a refund on any tickets/extras before the train departs, with a 20% cancellation fee charged. No refunds after the train departs.

Ticket Price: Kes. 700 – economy, Kes. 3,000 – First class

Children:

• Under 3 years – Free
• 3 – 11 years – Half price
• 11 and above – Full price

Do not forget to carry your train ticket and ID/passport. You will need them at various stages, such as when boarding, and (the ticket) when leaving the station after arrival. It may be quite costly if you lose it.

We boarded First Class Coach Number 8 at 1:30 am. The ambience of the coach was beautiful and well thought out as one feels at home immediately with soothing music all through the journey. The aisle was wide and the leg-room comparable to Business Class and it was way more than I anticipated. I have to commend the architect and interior designers as they did a wonderful job.

Food

The train ride was so smooth guys I couldn’t believe I had not tried it earlier.  One hour into the trip we were hungry and decided to check out the menu. Food and drink orders take time. We however were on First class so we got that platinum experience. The rest of the crew was in coach ad they ordered while in Nairobi and got the food and drinks past Mtito Andei.

The snacks at the station are quite affordable and tasty with the price range not exceeding KSH 2000 of which I thought was fair considering you will be served fresh tasty food and lets not forget the experience. I ordered some mashed potatoes with meat stew and suma wiki while Susan ordered the chicken sandwich with some wine but we kept interchanging and eating ea others food as everything was delicious

It takes 4 hours from Nairobi to Mombasa, and 4 hours 16 minutes back, and this could be a long time to stay seated. Here’s some tips and tricks:

• Carry some food/snacks. Food/drinks service doesn’t begin until you’re well under 2 hours into the trip. Considering the time you get to the station, a lot of passengers haven’t had their breakfast. So either take time to have a good solid breakfast at home, or carry some snacks. Water, tea, juice etc are allowed in regular portions, as well as snacks. Baby food is allowed. You can also wait till the catering team starts service, but their prices are slightly expensive.

• Seating is comfortable, but if you can secure a window seat, do so. Most of the spaces seat 6 pax on one side of the train, and 4 on the other, so you can plan your group travel to sit together comfortably. If you have kids, it would be prudent to secure their own seats too, to avoid them disturbing other passengers, or tiring you. No standing is allowed.

• Luggage on board is allowed, but up to certain limits. The limit is currently at 30kg maximum. 1.6 metres length, height, breadth maximum. This translates to two large suitcases. You have to be smart though and think through how you’re going to lug them across the station grounds, since there are no trolleys/support staff. You also have to get them to fit in the overhead racks or below the seats.

The trip to Mombasa is smooth filled with various amazing nature and views to check out. Me and Susan chatted and viewed all this during the trip.

Arrival

Just like Nairobi, it’s so far away from the CBD…..however, here there is no public transport. We arrived late into the night so luckily for us ATS travels had already arranged a driver to pick us up. Keep your ticket with you through the trip, as you will require it to scan yourself through the exit gates.

The Mombasa terminus also has some options:

• Public transport (large matatus), at 100/- per person, into Mombasa CBD. These are many, and are the best and fastest option.
• Uber is only an option if you have pre-arranged the travel. Most drivers will not come to the terminus unless pre-booked.

Overall the SGR is something you should try if you are tired of buses or the quick plane trip. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and cant wait to use the SGR again. Have you tried the SGR? Feel free to share your experience in the comment section too….

AW! I also have a vlog on this trip, Have you checked it out? Link is

Stay Stylish,

Kadenyi

The post My SGR Experience appeared first on Kadenyi.

We are trying to do a monthly Travel on a budget series where we will teach you guys how to travel without breaking the bank. To get to Naivasha, we took three Matatus; Nairobi-Naivasha then another to the camp which cost us a total of Ksh 200.  Just an hour and a half from Nairobi, it offers a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city,to relax by the lake or set yourself for an amazing Kenyan adventure!

We first arrived at the Bottom Camp, at the shore of Lake Naivasha which is a beautiful campground covered by acacia trees, which house a wide variety of wildlife such as the resident colobus monkeys, lovebirds, African Fish Eagles and the occasional marabou stork. You can even watch hippo grazing at dusk from your tent – but don’t worry, an electric fence deters them from venturing into the main camp! Tents can also be hired on request and they also have 4 rustic bandas (chalet) with toilet and hot shower and a fully equipped cottage if you prefer to sleep in more comfort.

We however stayed at the Top Camp which sits above South Lake Road and looks out over Lake Naivasha with breathtaking views of the Aberdare Mountains. It was quite a hike but the views were definitely worth it.  They have a number of cottages to suit a range of budgets, all with a veranda looking out to the Lake.

The prices are as follows:

Kusini cottage (4 pax), Kwazi cottage (3 pax)and Kitete cottage(4 pax)

5,000/-

Karibu cottage(5 pax)

12,000/-

Kongoni banda (5 pax)

5,000/-

Little Kwazi and other small bandas (2 pax) 1,000/- (communal showers and loo.)

We happen to stay at Little Kwazi which was a lovely little cottage and it only cost us Ksh 1000 each! Can you believe that?

The Fisherman’s camp has a that Bar overlooks the campground and offers a wide variety of meals, from traditional ugali, tasty local steaks to a hearty fry up, not to mention a cold Tusker beer or honey Dawa cocktail as you watch the sun go down.

I definitely recommend you to go and visit this beautiful cottage, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a cold Tusker beer whilst watching the hippo grazing at the lake shores. Safari njema!

Outfit Details

I went for a casual and comfy look for this trip and I quite liked it.

Hat, Sunglasses and Top : Kadenyi Pop Up Shop

Jeans: Mango

Shoes: Gifted ( A bad choice for walking/climbing hills. Wear sneakers instead)

I have a vlog on this trip on my youtube channel, Have you watched it? Where else have you visited that’s pocket friendly and I should visit? Let me know in the comment section below.

Stay Stylish,

Kadenyi.

The post Naivasha Fisherman’s Camp Travel Diary appeared first on Kadenyi.

Photography: Jenkins Kuyoh

Make Up Artist: Willy Collins

Hair: Posh Palace Kenya By  Dorothy Ohada

Outfit Details

Hair;  Posh Palace Kenya

Jacket and Shirt; Kadenyi Pop Up Shop

Shorts; Bohoo

Stay Stylish,

Kadenyi.

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