Ankara – Chika Styled This

“You are my African Queen, the girl of my dreams. And you remind me of a thing and that is the African beauty”
– 2baba Idibia

I saw this tweet advising African designers to use more of “African Print Fabrics” a.k.a. ‘Ankara’. In the post, it showed some pictures from Dior’s latest Resort collection, which featured clothes in Ankara prints (at least they looked like it).

Honestly, I was astonished; to see a widely recognized brand like Dior make use of such, it made me appreciate this textile the more.

So in appreciation of African Style and simply being from this blessed continent (Nigeria to be precise), I styled this straight-forward but glamorous look, exuding the true African essence in a lady.

The amazing thing about Ankara is that, even just a piece of it on an outfit seems to bring the whole look together, make the ensemble appear more like a work of art.

Like in this look for instance; if it was a plain and dull print, the attire may appear unappealing.

But with the vibrant, authentic print of this fabric, one’s attire will always have a playful and stunning feel to it.

One wonderful thing about Ankara is that you can incorporate it in whatever type of style you choose to go for. For instance, this certain outfit can be used for several outings: out with friends, school, on a date, you could even use it to go and get groceries!

Whether it is used as an accessory (like the bag used in my last post), or in the full attire, like this one here, it not only makes you appear joyous and alluring, it gives you a feel of eminence and who wouldn’t want to feel that?

So don’t be shy and experiment with the different prints of Ankara: bright, dark, monochrome, multicolored, go crazy!

Do you, and let your choice make you not only look like royalty, but allow you to feel like the Queen you are – an African Queen.

So what your thoughts about the outfit?

How would you have styled it, which print or color would you prefer, or which other way would you have gone in creating a perfect Ankara Style?

You guys are free to share your thoughts and more in the comment section below. I would love to see them and get a chance to interact with you, and if you have any question, just let me know.

Alright so I’ll see you guys in the next one. Later loves.

“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.”
—Rachel Zoe

Some still believe that a woman should rely on a man financially. They see women as money hungry individuals “always begging on a n***a!” a statement I hear more times than I would want to. Some women end up accepting this ideology because of how often it is repeated, making them see it as an impossibility for a woman to succeed without at least one man providing for her.

Well, I’m here to say, that mindset is COMPLETELY false. And I would use this opportunity to introduce Ms. Elite.

Ms. Elite isn’t one of those rich clichés you read about in stories or watch on reality tv: she is a sophisticated, independent entrepreneur who built her business from the ground up, without the aid of a man. She knows exactly what she wants and works her way to attain it.

She is a smart woman who takes her work seriously while still enjoying the pleasantries of life. Whether she’s attending a business meeting or on vacation in a tropical paradise, she still keeps her choice in outfits refined, yet tasteful, letting her style speak for her: a swank, self-made woman who means business but likes to have fun.

So why not bring out your opulent self?

You may not have a life like Ms. Elite, but that shouldn’t stop you from expressing your inner “poshness”. You can even get inspiration from some of your favorite women whom you appreciate and look up to.

You can even be creative and come-up with new styles displaying your elegance in an unorthodox but stunning manner.

So try new lavish outfits – like this one for instance – making you feel like the high-class lady you are, who needs no man to administer to her every need, but rather, is her own ‘bread-winner’ and providing for herself like she should.

So what are your thoughts on the outfit?

How would you have styled it, would you have used more or fewer accessories, or which other way would you have gone in creating a high-class outfit?

You guys are free to share your thoughts and more in the comment section below. I would love to see them and get a chance to interact with you.

So good bye for now loves, and I’ll see you next time.