Grounded Narratives

As a follow up of last week's outfit post, I thought that this week, I could share with you more information on shift dresses and give you a few styling tips. WHAT IS A SHIFT DRESS? A shift dress is a simple, loose-fitting dress that is often knee-length. It should not be confused with the sheath dress which is quite similar but more fitted particularly around the waist and skirt. A shift dress has a loose skirt which tends to move about when you are walking. HISTORY Shift dresses were popular among historical figures like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy in the late 1950s and 60s (a time period whose fashion we are currently enjoying). STYLE TIPS I love this style of dress for the warmer months (summer) mostly because with the rise in temperatures, you might not want to have fabric clinging on you. Shift dresses can be dressed up or down. Pair them with heels, wedges or flats and you will still look chic. For accessories, a belt can be added to define the waist. Nec...

It's no secret that I love a good pair of jeans. I am a huge fan of the skinny variety because I think they are a great way to show off your legs without baring any skin. However, I have always been in love with flared trousers and for this post, jeans. I remember when I was about 12 years old, I had these flared toursers (circa 1970) that I was in love with. Of course with puberty came changes in body weight, etc. so I had to let those go. Then, just before I had Elly I ventured out and bought three pairs. One had lace trimming and I had to give them up as soon as there was news of a baby. The other two saw me through my maternity period. With that in mind, I have been looking for ways in which I can wear flared trousers without a #throwback moment coming to mind. I want to wear flared jeans in a chic way that says 2015 and not 1999. So off to Pinterest I went and I came across these gorgeous outfit ideas that I had to share with you. Style Tips: ~Wear flared jeans wi...

These have to be the most versatile pants I have ever owned! Dark blue skinny jeans are a must-have in any girl's wardrobe. I've had these for the last 5 years and I cannot complain. They have seen me through many travels, a few parties (as part of a last minute outfit choice), and of course moments when I didn't feel like thinking too hard about what I want to wear. After wearing them for three consecutive days (in an effort to see if I can style them differently) I have now come to the conclusion that when styled well, dark blue skinny jeans can look chic whether paired with a t-shirt, boyfriend shirt or feminine chiffon blouse. Below are 3 ways to style your dark blue, or any dark coloured, jeans. 1. Dark Blue Jeans, Purple Top, Nude Mary-Janes I wore this outfit to meet my mum (was dropping something off to her at work). I love the contrast of fitted trousers with a loose tee. To make the outfit look intentional and not like I had just run out of the house...

Happy new month everybody! I love a stilletto heel as much as the next girl. They add a level of sophistication to an outfit that no other shoe has been able to. However, there is another heel in town which I have fallen in love with, the block heel. I remember wearing block heels when I was younger and when they began making a comeback, I couldn't resist acquiring a pair. I love these shoes because they add more height while ensuring that you remain comfortable. There is none of that teetering associated with stilettos. Even the girl who has trouble balancing on skinny heels can wear block heels without much trouble. Also known as chunky heels, block heels come in a wide range of colours, prints and styles i.e. sandals, closed toe and even boots. Block heels can be paired with anything from a dress to jeans. You can dress them up for the office or down for lunch with the girls. Below I have collected a few outfit inspirations with block heels as their centre. Photos: ...

I like that it is now hot enough to wear crop tops ALL THE TIME! I mean, unless you work Monday to Friday in a corporate setting with dress-codes and all, there is no reason why a crop top should not be a part of your outfit in these coming weeks. I've mentioned before how much I like them with high-wasted skirts and trousers particularly because I like to show a hint of skin more than my whole mid-section. I have also fallen head over heels for the matching set trend where you wear a crop top and skirt cut from the same cloth. I made one myself and it is one of my favourite wardrobe pieces. Below I have shared with you some styles that I have been lusting after. Some are from bloggers and others I just stumbled upon. I hope you not only enjoy the photos but also draw some inspiration on how you too can include this trend in your current wardrobe. Would you try out this trend? Do share your views on crop tops in the comments below.  Thank you for stopping by.

When I had my daughter, I suddenly found myself with a problem I hadn't had in a very long time. My stomach was suddenly too visible for my liking. I have never been one of those girls fortunate enough to have a very flat stomach (abs even!). But I was happy with the one I had because hiding it was very easy. All I needed to do was suck it in and I would have a semblance of a flat stomach. I became such a pro at tucking in my pot that I did it unconsciously. And then I had my daughter and every time I would dress up, the only thing I would see was my pot. I was so self-conscious with it that I started to look for ways to hide it. A good number of clothing styles that I like are not pot-friendly (is that a word?). I'm a HUGE fan of bandage dresses but they are not meant for me at this point. Even jumpsuits have just become a favourite of mine. Wearing a top tucked into my skirt or trousers was not an option for a long time, until I started losing my post-baby tummy...

While writing  this post on appropriate summer office wear, I couldn't help but feel like I needed to put up a post on nice dresses that our curvy sisters can wear to combat the January-February heat that we are currently experiencing in Kenya. I've mentioned several times that just because one is curvier, clothes don't need to be frumpy and shapeless. You can look fashionable and chic even in the hot weather. Below I have picked some of my favourite plus-size blogger looks in cute dresses that will inspire you to go all out with your summer wardrobe. Which of these dresses would you like to try out? Do share in the comments below. One You know those cute skater dresses that all stylish girls are in love with these days? You can wear them too! Keep yours knee-length so as to manage the fullness better. A pair of heels will be just as flattering as some flats or strappy sandals. Remember, the more leg you show the better since it downplays the fullness at the h...

When the weather has warmed up a bit, it's inevitable that wardrobe choices will need to change, especially if you have to go to work, keep cool and look smart all at once. All this is possible even if you have to dress formally to your place of work. Below I've chosen 5 office-appropriate looks that are sure to get you through the warm weather. One Flowy silhouettes are your best bet if you are looking for styles that will keep you cool and smart. A pleated knee-length skirt and soft, loose-fitting blouse like the one above will work great for the warmer weather. Add a belt at the smallest part of your waist to accentuate your waistline. Two This is the best time of year to break out your cute tops and dresses. And if that isn't possible, invest in some statement belts with interesting details like the bow above. This is sure to add some personality and interest to basics like pants and a top. A loose blouse when cinched with a belt will have a peplum effect...

This time of year always seems to have a very full social calendar. From weddings to graduations, office parties, Christmas parties to meeting the in-laws, not to mention spending time with your loved ones. With tailors and designers getting more and more creative with Ankara designs, why not incorporate these in your holiday outfits? Below I have selected 5 outfits to help you get celebration ready. Outfit 1: Office party For this year's office party you need not restrict yourself to dark coloured outfits. Why not opt for an ankara pants with a matching peplum top that is sure to leave your colleagues admiring your creativity. And if trousers aren't your thing, make a statement with a one-of-a-kind skirt with a contrasting top. Outfit 2: Meeting the in-laws I usually think that when you have to meet the in-laws you want something respectful that will not offend anyone. Maxi skirts are a great, not to mention safe bet. Get one in your favourite colour combination and ...