The Kilimani Street Festival is an event that has been taking place regularly since 2014 and is hosted by Kilimani Project Foundation,a community and residents association that seeks out to build a community of choice in Kilimani. My good friend and photographer Vince Oyolo has been trying to get me to attend the event for months now and I am glad I finally did as it was lots of fun.

The fun-filled day offers a perfect platform for family and friends to mingle and sample some of the products, including kids entertainment, sales from organic farmers market, fashion item vendors, food vendors and soul soothing entertainment flowing through the day on display.

The Kilimani Street Festival initially targeted the  cultural diverse population of people who live and work or play in Kilimani but It has over the time grown to an event that attracts an attendance of hundreds of Nairobi residents and their friends of all walks of life.

HOW TO ACCESS THE EVENT:

 Private/Personal vehicles:

• Use Dennis Pritt Road and Park at St. Georges Primary School

Public Means of Transport:

• From Westlands: Alight at Dennis Pritt Road and walk down the road. The venue is 2mins from Road House on your right.
• From Town: Take a No. 46 and alight at Quality. Walk down the road toward Lenana Road. The venue is a few minutes from Spinal Injury Hospital.

When there, I noticed that Fashion also took center stage of the festival, with different designers showcasing their creativity on interiors and fabrics. I loved this as I got to snap some fabulous Pictures for Nairobi street style.

If its something you have not attended before I would highly recommend it. Prepare yourself  and come and enjoy a carnival affair with fan, food, drinks, kids corner and wide variety of vendors dealing with arts and fashion. The aim of this event is encourage familiarization with your neighbor for a safer and friendlier community feeling. I mean, How cool is that?

If you live in Kilimani, then you should come experience a special day of shopping and having a good time with your friends on your street. How fun!

On To The Outfit

Boho chic is one of my all-time favorite style vibes, but it can be tricky to pull off. Fret not as I have a simple, easy cheat sheet to help you nail bohemian style in a flash. Maxi dresses represent an easiness  and femininity often seen in boho chic style. The color white and the maxi dress goes so well as you often create a breezy and refreshing outfit.

One advantage of wearing a maxi dress is that you really don’t have to do much to style it. It literally covers your entire body. So it comes down to the style and cutting of the dress, and the accessories and shoes that affects whether the outfit looks good. In this case, I simply wore the beautiful dress with black sock boots and it looked amazing.

If you are one of those who like more creativity or you simply like more layers, this one may be for you. Simply drape a denim jacket over your shoulders for a super chic look. Turn this outfit into a boho outfit by wearing a boho style statement necklace and some chic African rings. Whether your prefer distressed leather or cloth, fringe or suede, a tiny cross-body or an oversized hobo bag, having a reliable and fantastic purse is key to tying your outfit all together.

Outfit Details

Jacket: Thrifted

Dress: Forever 21

Rings: Maasai Market

Bag: Old

Boots: H&M

If it were a sunny day, Oversized sunglasses would have been the choice as  they transcended boho girls and became a huge fashion trend just a few years ago. Although they aren’t as popular in the mainstream anymore, they’re still a bohemian staple. I tend to break, scratch, and lose sunglasses, so I typically just get inexpensive pairs from Kadenyi Pop Up.

If you have reach this point of the blog post, I really want to encourage you to take just one little step further. That is to go to your wardrobe or your local stores to try out a bohemian maxi dress, got to the Kilimani Street festival and get out of your comfort zone.

Stay Stylish,

Kadenyi.

The post What I wore: Kilimani Street Festival 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.

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.

The post The Double Denim appeared first on Kadenyi.

A common phrase to describe this city is “Mombasa Raha”. Raha in Swahili means joy or happiness.

The Coast is breathtakingly beautiful and I spent a weekend relaxing, and just chilling by the beach or pool.

The whole coast is stunning with jaw dropping cliffs and majestic whitewashed pastel villages built into the cliffs that seemingly look to plunge into the turquoise waters below. If you ever get the opportunity to visit this stunning part of Mombasa, I highly recommend it and guarantee you won’t be disappointed! Here’s a selection of some of my favorite photos and memories from this trip.

My Hotel Room

I happened to stay at the most cozy Air Bed and Breakfast cottage in Ukunda Named Frangipani. However, there are cheaper option in the same vicinity like this One which still had the perfect view to the pool and great service

The Surroundings

When not lazying around you would catch me walking around the area just to explore or just head to the beach

The Beach

My Favorite Bikini

While in coast i lived in these shorts, hat, bag and bikini outfit. It was so hot I had no other option.

Oufit Details

Hat and Bag: Thrifted (Toi Market)

Sunglasses: Old

Choker: Town (Nairobi Stalls)

Bikini: Xhilration

Shorts: Bohoo

Love you all, Thank you for always reading my blog. Can’t wait to post another travel post.

Stay stylish,

Kadenyi

The post My Diani Coast Photo Diary appeared first on Kadenyi.

However, This day wasn’t a win for me as I only got this one and was stuck between buying it or not because it wasnt exactly what I was looking for then it hit me: YES buy it, it’ll make the perfect casual chic even glam dress once it gets sunny again.

This 90’s trend is officially back. Now landing as one of closet essentials, The slip dress (or pajama-style cami dress) is making it’s way through the fashion world to become a celebrity and street style favorite. The most popular way to style it: slip dress over t-shirt.

However, I know that the slip dress isn’t an easy one to pull off. With its silky figure hugging design, it can be quite daunting trying to wear a dress which quite frankly looks like lingerie.

It’s a perfect outfit for running around in the Nairobi heat.  I went for the really retro route by wearing a t-shirt underneath and adding a vintage denim jacket. Paired with this cool hat, my go-to wedge sneakers of the moment  which adds a little edge to my look and not to mention, super comfortable which is so important.

Outfit Details

Hat and Dress: Thrifted Toi Market

Chocker: Forever 21

Jacket: Valentino

Tshirt: Zara

Shoes: Atmosphere

If you’re after something a little more fashionista, try a pair of ankle boots completed with a denim jacket; you’ll certainly turn heads with this number.

I love the versatility of these two pieces – rocking the tee with a pair of jeans or wearing the slip dress by itself for a night out on the town is definitely in my future. These are two key pieces in my wardrobe I know I’ll be wearing on repeat.

Though the slip dress may seem like a daring addition to the wardrobe, it really can be worn in many, many ways making it a fashion must have.

I can’t wait till it warms up a bit and I can work the bare legs look more often too. I think this dress would look really nice with ankle boots as well so that’s how I’m going to wear it next time.

What is your favourite way to wear a slip dress?

Stay stylish,

Kadenyi.

The post The Slip Dress Over T-shirt Trend appeared first on Kadenyi.