Check out more of my work:

Website: http://kadenyi.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/kadenyi_m

Facebook: http://facebook.com/kadenyi

Snapchat: @Kadenyi_M

The post Nairobi Weekly Vlog, Gibsons High Tea, Kitchen renovation, Fave Concert, Moving Out, Meet The Kids appeared first on Kadenyi.

Check out more of my work:

Website: http://kadenyi.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/kadenyi_m

Facebook: http://facebook.com/kadenyimichelle

Snapchat: @Kadenyi_M

The post I’m baaaack! Weekly Nairobi Vlog, Nairobi Street Kitchen, Samaki Samaki, Savara concert, Dubois Haul appeared first on Kadenyi.

Prepping your skin before putting on your foundation is a major step. Face primer is the first and most important step to achieving the perfect base for a smooth and long-lasting makeup look finish right after applying moisturizer.

If you’ve tried primer before and haven’t seen great results, the chances are that you didn’t choose the right one for your skin type. Like any makeup or skincare, using the correct primer for your skin is essential to achieving the best results.

Luckily, today that is what we will be talking about in order to help you find your perfect primer match that I have tried and tested so that you can experience sensational skin all day long.

  Most common primer mistakes?

Applying makeup too soon afterward.  You want to wait a full minute or more to allow the primer to dry completely before going in with makeup, as this will help to curb pilling or patchiness.

My favorite make up primers

The Mattifying primer

1. Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer

This primer is a true moisturizer for oily skin. The POREfessional’s translucent, oil-free formula complements all skin tones if you would like to create a smooth canvas and mattify shine.

The formula also contains vitamin E, which is known to protect the skin. I love it because it mattifies and totally hides the look of pores.

The Dewy Primer

2. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Radiance

This moisturizing primer gives the skin a wet-looking glow that is perfect for those days when your skin is looking dry or dull, or simply anyone that needs a glowy pick-me-up.

It helps makeup glide on easily and last longer, so your look stays fresh and color-true for hours. The gel formula is enriched with moisturizing ingredients like castor and jojoba oils making it excellent for all skin types, except for the very oily.

The Everyday primer

3. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea

There is so much goodness in this facial mist. If I feel like my skin is looking dull or tired, then this is what I pick up. With an infusion of Cucumber and Peppermint Essential Waters, this facial mist delivers a cooling boost of hydration as Green Tea provides powerful antioxidant protection—leaving the skin feeling refreshed and revitalized.

To give your makeup a dewy finish, spritz your favorite brush or sponge before blending in foundation or concealer. Once you’re done, mist your face as a final step to add radiance.

For an extra refreshing and cooling boost, store the bottle in your refrigerator.

I hope its post has helped you learn more about makeup primer. Regardless, before choosing a primer do your research, get recommendations, and try different formulas in store.

Stay stylish
Kadenyi.

The post My Current Favorite Face Primers appeared first on Kadenyi.

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.

The post Sustainable Fashion appeared first on Kadenyi.

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.

I am constantly drawn to the Delta corner branch in Westlands (a.k.a my local) due to the beautiful aesthetics as well as the super awesome graffiti wall which is all about giving its patrons an authentic Kenyan experience.

PSSSSSSSST….. You can definitely get your Instagram, worthy images here.

Most of my favorite solo dates as well as family dates have been had here. What keeps me coming back? The ambiance ( I cannot emphasize this enough), happy hour cocktails, the food, and the super friendly wait staff services.

When you get into the indoor seating, there are two entrances. Straight in front of you are the open kitchen and the bar. The other leads to the washbasin and the area near the ramp is a larger seating area decorated with wooden furniture covered with vibrant, colorful dynamic kanga (Kenyan cotton fabric) printed pillows. You will see this Kanga in different prints throughout the restaurant on pillows and the super chic lamp shades.

There is a larger lounging area on one end where you can also see the bar (of which is my favorite spot for solo dates) and the open kitchen where we could watch the talented chefs cook.

I can honestly say what differentiates Nyama Mama cocktails with other restaurants is that they serve them in the iconic metal Vikombes (metal mugs popular in Kenyan homes).

Nyama Mama cocktails…

If you ever find me there, it is normally during happy hour (which is EVERY DAY from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.). The most fun aspect of these delicious cocktails is that they are served from those metallic cups you probably drank uji (Porridge) in ushago (upcountry).

My go-to cocktails are;

1. Mamas ‘Lion share – Ksh. 850
Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch, Martini Rosso, pomegranate, fresh ginger, lemon, and watermelon

2. Mama’s Mule – Ksh. 800
Ketel One vodka, ginger syrup, lime, and Kisampa honey syrup

3. Charcoal Manhattan – Ksh. 950
Charcoal infused Bulleit bourbon and Martini Rosso and chai bitter

4. Yes we Can – Ksh. 950
Ketel One vodka, Kisampa honey syrup, lime, chai bitters and coconut water

Now let’s move on to the food…

Now we all know an empty stomach ad alcohol are a HUGE no, no. I highly advise you to not do a quick perusal of the menu. Just take your time and read them, you will so impressed with the choices… You will love it!

I ordered Mama’s BBQ half chicken, with sautéed sweet potato and arrowroot – Ksh. 1350

Migalusia ordered the Spicy traditional fried matumbo with ugali – Ksh 900 with a side of Buttered terere & managu – Ksh. 150

This made for a beautiful flat lay

And boy was this food delicious, we thoroughly stuffed ourselves while sipping on some great cocktails throughout the night. Expect the extraordinary at this modern African roadside diner and you’ll fall in love it!

Nyama Mama is also conveniently located in central locations delivering a dose of hearty mama’s food on the go in Nairobi’s Kilimani area at Yaya Centre and in Gigiri at the Village Market. Try it sometime and let me know what you think.

Thank you so much for reading and hope you try this amazing space,

Stay stylish,
Kadenyi.

The post Cocktails and Dinner at Nyama Mama appeared first on Kadenyi.

Since I began my blogging venture back in 2012, I’ve taken quite a few breaks, some of those breaks lasting just a few weeks, while some a few months.

Photography: Vince Oyolo

This time though,  a few months went by, then six months and now I have done less than 10 posts in the last two years! How did that even happen?!

One of the biggest barriers of me getting back into blogging was that I became uninspired —I started to look at it as business rather than my little creative outlet to just explore my writing and photography, something needed to change.

This break has been great for me as I got to seat back and do “normal” things without always having a camera infront of me and thus reminding myself of my writing and photography loves making me ready to go back into blogging.

I am going to be honest, between now and the last time I blogged, a lot of interests have changed a bit but arent humans supposed to? I cant wait to share all these new topics and ideas I have but dont fret, I will still be writing about all my core topics on here with a bit of a twist.

I started by changing out the look (template) from my old blog. What are your thoughts on this new template?

I plan to go back to the dreamer university girl who would jump headfirst into creating fantastic posts. I have made peace with the reason for my break. No more doubting myself, the less time I have between thinking of the idea and implementing it, the better. 

Outfit Details

Sports Bra – Reebok
Pants – Nike
Shoes – Adidas

“The longer you take a break, the harder it is to come back,”

The reason for using these images was to mark them as my “Day one” Images as I get back into fitness. As you can see I have gained quite a bit of weight. Though cliche, I want to start 2020 with a progressive step forward integrating a couple of days of flexibility workouts in order to increase blood flow and circulation while assisting my range of motion and joint mobility. Once my body has properly readjusted to the new demands that will be placed on it.  I will work back into my goal weight which is 55kgs.

I also intend on doing a lot of small, everyday healthy changes that are going to help me eat more nutritiously, have more energy and just feel a whole lot healthier, because that’s what it’s all about. I hope to share as much as I can with you throughout this journey. I hope you stay for the ride.

MY DREAM

You might giggle while you read this. However, my ultimate dream is to live by this blog, travel and take photos. I hope to never let my beloved blog wither in the shadows of neglect.

Let’s see how this goes

Stay stylish,
Kadenyi.

The post Getting Back To It appeared first on Kadenyi.

Photography: Pata Pic Kenya 

The term modest fashion can be interpreted in a number of different ways. However, it is typically used to describe clothing that conceals rather than accentuates the shape of the body.

The clothing can include hijabs and burqas, as well as tops, trousers, jackets, and dresses that feature a modest cut. While the decision to wear this type of clothing can be due to religious or cultural reasons, it can also be worn to attain a more modest aesthetic (e.g this post).

The modest fashion movement has become prominent in the Kenyan fashion scene where fashion bloggers and designers offer examples of appropriate clothing that allows for self-expression without sacrificing one’s religious beliefs with the inclusion of long-sleeved dresses, high necklines, midi dresses, and maxi skirts.

This blog post is my rendition of the modest style with the incorporation of pleated skirts which is one of my favorite pieces to wear to work. Sometimes separates can seem like they’re more difficult to put together, but you can wear a pleated skirt with anything. I love to pair pleated skirts with everything from tees and moto jackets to sweaters, button-ups, and even off the shoulder tops.

They’re also versatile enough to wear round. You can pair a pleated skirt with boots and a sweater during the colder months, and in the hot Nairobi days, I love the look with cute sandals. It’s also an easy piece to dress up or down.

Team a pleated skirt with a graphic tee and sneakers for a more casual vibe, or wear a pleated skirt with a button-up and pumps for a classic work look.

This right here is next level fashion genius — and a cute going out outfit, when you want to show up in something a bit unexpected.

How many of us dreamed of being an astronaut at some point when we were younger? NASA fits into the mold where it not only has broad appeal, but there is almost nothing to dislike about it. Just for this reason, I am obsessed with this shirt. In order to snatch my waist, I tucked it in and paired it with this is a lovely belt: well made, with a quality Western-style buckle, definitely a keeper.

For eye-wear, I went for the pointy V-shape cat-eye frames sunglasses that have become another favorite of mine. It makes everyone’s face look wider, so if you’re self-conscious about having a wide face (which some people are!) then they might not be for you. But in general, they’re probably the most approachable, universally flattering sunglasses you could own.

Plaid jackets are my new obsession, they double as a really trendy top when you button it up! When shopping for one, make sure the blazer is just a little oversized, you’re going to want to get your hands on one you can wear to any occasion. I am borrowing the plaid menswear button-up from Sherlock Holmes and making it my own. Mark my words — a plaid blazer is the “it” fashion item of the season

Outfit Details

Sunglasses: Kadenyi Pop Up

Jacket: Zara

Necklace: Forever 21

T-shirt: NASA

Belt: H&M, sold out but found one on Amazon

Skirt: Gifted

Bag: DKNY

Watch: Movement

Rings and Bangles: Maasai Market

Boots: Mango

I am loving the modest fashion look within the industry because it’s also shone a light on the (obvious) facts that women of different shapes, faiths, colors, sizes, and backgrounds can be just as stylish and can be equally valuable customers.

So why not skip the little black dress for your next evening out, and put together a fresh, fashionable outfit in a colorful pleated skirt and a matching top, or even better, a classic modest fashion look, with a long striped jacket or cardigan layered over top. Venturing out from your personal style to try other silhouettes and trends is how we evolve our personal style.

Thank you so much for reading this, and see you in the next one…

Stay stylish,

Kadenyi.

The post Modest Fashion: Kadenyi’s Rendition appeared first on Kadenyi.

Check out more of my work: Website: http://kadenyi.com

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Snapchat: @Kadenyi_M

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