ZANZIBAR DIVAS FASHION NIGHT OUT: Bright, Bold, Creative and Street!

ZANZIBAR DIVAS FASHION NIGHT OUT: Bright, Bold, Creative and Street!

Fabulous tailoring and bright colours

Very original dress coats

Great leg warmers in kitenge and well cut coat dress!

Clever use of scarves on a simple tunic dress

Yes, yes, yes to a unique design

A wonderful interpretation of a three print maxi dress

A trendy summer hood 

Street looks African style
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF MITINDO KLICKS,Zanzibar

FASHION TIPS

Creative fashion requires stepping a little out of the box to get a unique and modern look

How to Wear Dresses & Skirts with Sneakers

How to Wear Dresses & Skirts with Sneakers

Thought you couldn't pull off a Dress or skirt with sneakers? Think Again..  I'm personally obsessed, I own at least a dozen pairs of heels, but every time I put on a dress this past few months I left my heels in the back of my closet in favor of… sneakers. 


Dresses and sneakers: two very different styles, right? But when done correctly, the feminine and masculine styles can create a totally on-trend look.  Luckily for our feet, the sneaker trend is still going strong. Here are, some styling tips so you can make this tricky trend a fashion "do." 

The secret to making this combination just flattering enough is: First, leave off the socks, or at least wear them so that they aren’t visible. I’ll go a step further by saying that I personally prefer it when the laces are tucked away too, but that’s not essential. 

When putting together a sneakers and dress kind of outfit, you want to achieve a casual and chic look, not an athletic one. To make sure you don’t commit this mistake, avoid wearing a dress with a pair of sneakers that you would wear to the gym or workout in. Cross trainers don’t exactly look pleasing with a girly dress so go for off-duty brands instead Stick to pairing Converse, Vans, Keds, Pumas, slip-on Sketchers or retro styled sneakers with your dresses and skirts.

It’s very important to keep proportions in mind. No woman dresses to look shorter than they are, even when they opt for shoes without heels. If, unfortunately, you weren’t blessed with long and slender legs, try to avoid wearing high-cut sneakers with a dress, especially short dresses. High cut sneakers will make your legs look even shorter and sometimes stubbier too. They’re okay to wear with maxi dresses, though, but still tread carefully when trying to pull that off.

Make sure your sneakers are in good condition

Go for bright coloured sneakers if your outfit has a neutral colour palette.

See how these ladies wore theirs and get inspired.

Will you wear sneakers with dresses or skirts? If so, do you stick to fashion sneakers, or will you be more daring and wear the chunkier athletic styles? If it’s not your look, can you appreciate the combination on others? tell us by leaving a comment below.

Fashion: tips for wearing Maxi Skirts For Summer

Fashion: tips for wearing Maxi Skirts For Summer

A maxi dress is more versatile than you might think and can easily be transformed from casual to elegant to workplace-ready depending on how you accessorize.  Striking a balance between casual and glamorous, it's no wonder the maxi skirt continues to be a major trend.  This closet staple works year-round, but feels most at home in our summer wardrobes—lightweight fabrics and pretty prints go hand-in-hand with the super-feminine style.

Length is Key: Just like with the maxi dress, the maxi skirt should be ankle/heel-skimming. If you need to tailor your skirt or get it hemmed so that it’s just right, it’s worth it!

Waist Height (Rise): Some maxi skirts are low-rise and others are high-rise. A mid-rise skirt is, obviously, the most versatile — if you’re looking for an investment piece that can cover a number of different occasions, mid-rise is for you. Mid-rise generally sits at the top of the hips, or just above. A high-waisted skirt should sit comfortably at your natural waist (near the navel), and a low-rise one should sit easily (and securely!) around your hips.

Volume: Maxi skirts are great for balancing your frame. A slim skirt will emphasize narrow hips, or balance a bigger booty if you’re smaller on top. A voluminous skirt will visually balance a larger bustline, or create a little more oomph in the back. Work your awesome body however you want to!

Try the skirt on under good lighting before buying. Walk in it, swish around in it and see if it feels comfortable first. If you're tripping up, it's too long. Then check how it looks in the mirror––the more streamlined styles will be the most flattering, while the flouncy Bohemian styles can add weight and don't flatter all figures.  

While maxi skirts have proved themselves to be a classic item, many of this season’s hottest options incorporate trends like tie-dye or high-low hems. To achieve a fully on-trend look without looking too overdone, try keeping your outfit monochromatic.

Wear the right shoes. If you're petite, wear heels to give you the added height to cope with the skirt length and to elongate your silhouette. If you're taller, flats or heels will work with a maxi skirt, although heels are usually preferred for evening wear. Most heels will work well with maxi skirts but always check in the mirror before deciding.

• Beaded sandals are appropriate for a flowing, Bohemian maxi skirt look. Espadrilles also look very casual and beach-like.
• Wedge shoes look great with maxi skirts and give you added height to carry off the longer skirt.
• Avoid flats that are completely closed in, or loafers. These look frumpy with long skirts. Pointy toes and knee-high boots don't work either. And clogs and sneakers tend to look too chunky.

And always remember to accessorize. Accessories are your friends. Wear a necklace, a watch, a bracelet. Add a belt, thick or thin, over the maxi skirt or over your shirt. Add a cute hat or a fun pop of lip color. And try different shoes. I love wearing flats or sandals with my maxis, but heels work too. Just have fun with it! 

Project Style Minute: Nick Verreos Summer Style Tips on Shoptopia.com

Project Style Minute: Nick Verreos Summer Style Tips on Shoptopia.com

Summer Style Tips for Summer 2012 c/o ME!!!

 Nick Verreos, Fashion Designer, Red Carpet Expert and "Project Style" Fashion Guru and Judge

As Fashion Guru, Judge and Host of the Project Style 2012, Shoptopia asked me a few questions about what I thought were this Summer's must-have's and trends...and well, I told them!!!

So, Fashionista Ladies, if you are getting ready for Summer 2012--in terms of fashion and how to "give style", then here are my suggestions:

 1) Flapper Gal: 

It's all about that "Flapper Gal"-silhouette--inspired by the Gucci dress above. Think: loose, off-the-body tunic shape.



2) Life Aquatic:

Inspired by the iconic Alexander McQueen Spring 2010 Collection, look for aquatic prints--anything watercolor, "Ocean Graphics", like seashells and corals under the sea. Imagine looking at the sea through your goggles and seeing all that under-the-water vegetation---similar to my NIKOLAKI silk chiffon gown here:

Aquatic Fierce: Model Amanda Fields in a silk chiffon strapless NIKOLAKI Collection aquatic-print gown

3) Mini or Maxi...or High-Low:

High Low Diva: Model Amanda Fields models NIKOLAKI Collection ivory silk organza high-low gown with hand-beaded top section

It's all about the extreme and the most popular choices are Maxi or Mini
dresses. If you want to combine BOTH, then get a "high-low"
dress--meaning short in the front but longer in the back-like my NIKOLAKI strapless High-Low gown above.



4) Neon Krazee:

NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos and David Paul Neon: Model Lauren Gish in NIKOLAKI silk chiffon and silk duchesse satin dress with sequined waist trim

Neon is BIG for summer. Bright pinks, aqua, lime or canary yellow--wear
the bright neon's with camel tones for the perfect contrast. Take a look at the photos above for your Neon Summer 2012 Inspiration.



Click HERE for my complete Summer 2012 Style Tips.