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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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.

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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.

Photographer : Vince Oyolo

I am always out and about exploring fun events, restaurants and new Art/music in Kenya. The Kenyan creative scene is growing every day with so much variety it makes my soul swoon. On this road of discovery, I happen to meet one of my Favorite performers and now good friend; Kenyan-American rapper Barak Jacuzzi. He hosted  first ever “Barak Jacuzzi & Friends 90s Jam” at the Creative Garage to celebrate his latest release and the theme was 90’s. The crowd and I did not waste any time and had so much fun creating oldie looks like we were back in the 90s.

This time round, he held a casual documentary film of the making of the Juice Bar 2 Album at J’s Bar which was such a different feel to his last event.

I went with a bunch of my friends and Sister Yimbiha, watched the film, drank some cocktails and had thee most amazing chicken skewers. I have a whole vlog (Video Blog) about it HERE.

If you are ever looking for a weekend plan just check our Barak Jacuzzi instagram, he is always doing a show and never disappoints.

 Outfit Details

Sunglasses & Choker : Kadenyi Pop UP

Denim Jacket: Denim Co

Crop Top: Thrifted

Watch : Aldo

Rings and Bracelet : Maasai Market

Jeans: Zara

Boots: New Look

I have been loving a simple pieces outfit looks currently with thick heeled black booties. For this look, I went for a bohemian style floral crop top with slim straps from partnered with black high waist skinny jeans from . Since the event would be running late into the night I added on my faded, ragged but fitting blue denim jacket (I’M OBSESSED) which I wore off shoulder until it was too cold outside.

My hair was in twist outs which makes me look so street. To accessorize, I wore my gold choker and brass cuff  finished the look with green lipstick to just throw off everything lol.

If you read this blog post up to here, you are the greatest

Stay stylish,

Kadenyi.

The post What I Wore: Barak Jacuzzi ‘MoLife’ Documentary Screening Party. appeared first on Kadenyi.

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.

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.

Photography: Fardosa Hussein

COLOURS:

– On a  safari, the colour of your clothing makes little difference. Everyone says, wear only khaki/brown/beige but it doesn’t really matter if you’re not walking out in the bush.

– What I learnt is I would not take white or very light-coloured clothing again because they get ruined by the red dust. For the same reason it’s not a good idea to take white shoes or any fancy shoes on game drives.

CLOTHING:

– You don’t have to buy safari shorts, cargo pants, trekking shirts etc. for the trip. Wear normal casual summery stuff: capri-length lightweight jeans, tunic tops, sandals. A simple skirt and top would have been ok too, or leggings and a tunic. There is a lot of climbing in and out of vehicles so leggings are a good idea, if your skirt is short. Just make sure your clothing is comfortable because you’ll be driving a LOT.

– Wear only cotton – acrylic or polyester would be so hot!

HATS:

– I found a scarf tied round my head much better than a safari hat. It wasn’t that sunny (it had been raining just prior to our safari) so sunglasses & scarf & lots of sunblock were more comfortable on the windy drives. If you do wear a hat, it has to tie under your chin.

– When the roof is open, the wind messes up long hair, so definitely take something to tie it back with and maybe a bandana too.

SHOES:

– I just wore simple sketchers sneakers; Converse or Toms would be OK too but you’d have to wash them after the safari. No need for heavy trainers, let alone walking boots!

OUTFIT DETAILS

Sunglasses:Kadenyi Pop Up

Scarf: Vintage Hermes

Choker: Maasai Market

Watch:Casio

Jacket:Denim Co

T-Shirt:My Simple Tee

Pants: River IslandShoes:Sketchers

Have you been on safari? Did you enjoy it? What did you wear?

Keep Styling,

Kadenyi.

The post What I Wore : Nairobi National Park appeared first on Kadenyi.

Till next time…

Stay Stylish,

Kadenyi.

Website:
http://kadenyi.com

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Background Music Credit:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEickjZj99-JJIU8_IJ7J-Q

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