How To Maximize Your Wardrobe Whilst Buying Less: Featuring the Mimiri Oversized Print Coat

I am a serious repeat offender when it comes to clothes. I learned very early on from my mother; the art of mixing, matching and shopping in my closet first, before going out to purchase something new. Whenever there is an event, my first instinct is to shop. Because naturally there is never anything to wear.


I don’t know if you, like me, have made those last minute purchases and ended up wearing the outfit never again. That is because you settled or ran out of time. When we shop without an event in mind. We are often more relaxed and are able to make a sound decision. With fast fashion, you find yourself with a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear.

The Mechanic: A Two-Piece African Print Overall

High waist and crop tops cover all sin. I take time to connect with how I feel before designing an outfit. I wanted to make something that does not require any buttons or zippers. I call this outfit the mechanic.

I love the freedom an overall gives you (onesie). I have never worn one, but I find them incredibly appealing. I have imagined myself  wearing a greasy one with heels on many occasions. *Is that a fetish?* This is the closest I could come to that fantasy.

My Go-To Staple Coat

I'm thrilled to be back to share with you on this platform. I have been working tirelessly behind the scenes. I obtain so much pleasure in my work and sharing with you is the cherry on top.

Gloria Fashion Show 2016

Originally published in my previous blog post, the edge hunter, during 18 September 2016.

Dressing up, is one of my pick me ups. Seeing people well dressed, is like going to an art gallery for the art lovers. I enjoy every moment of it. When I was a teenager, I changed my clothes about 3 times in a day. I did not realise this, until somebody pointed it out. I was so surprised , one might have thought he was speaking of someone else. I spent the past two weeks planning an outfit for a fashion show. I knew what I was going to wear but the pressure was on when I found out I would be on the front row. I love fashion shows! I love clothes in ways words cannot describe. I feel that dressing well can change one's life and even attitude.

La Joie De Vivre (The Joy of Living)

Originally published on my previous blog, the edge hunter, during 14 June 2016.

The image of Otis chewing gum while fixing his wire and rubber toy car,is forever ingrained in my mind...his rich dark skin and how he tilted his head to the side when he was concentrating. The only other person I have seen chewing gum like that, is Brad Pitt in Oceans 11. I don’t remember him speaking much, but I was so mesmerised in  his presence, that there was no need for words. He made toy cars for most of the boys and he enjoyed the attention they gave him when there was a loose wire . Those were the moments I stole to sit next to him and watch him chew gum, while he repaired the toy cars. There is something about watching people do what they love or know.  He most likely never even knew how so smitten I was.  He was to me the most beautiful boy I had ever seen. As a family, we spoke about him and his family often. At the age of 9, I could speak freely about a boy without raising any suspicion.

No Limits

Originally published in my previous blog, the edge hunter, during 2 September 2015.

I'm going to begin with a quote that I love so much, but never quite experienced the truth of it until recently. " There are no limits except those in our minds". A few months ago, I had a bathroom renovation that went on for months. I could not wait for it to be complete, so that I could do all the things  it was holding me back from doing. I made promises and a reasonable amount of excuses during this period. Every time I arrived home, my obstacle was staring me right in the face. I enjoy cooking and house parties and this became a great inconvenience for that. I had an estimated date of completion and as a result, promised my friends great things as soon as it was ready  and pushed any important visits towards the end of that month.

My Heritage

Originally published in my previous blog, the edge hunter, during 11 September 2015.

I have a dream, to travel the world photographing all these beautiful people who have maintained their way of being and expression. Today, I'm honouring my heritage with these words and deed. With words, I say thank you, and in deed I dedicate this outfit to the Maasai people.

Genius Within

Originally published on my previous blog, the edge hunter, during 16 June 2015.

Growing up, I was fortunate to spend a lot of time with my maternal grandmother.  I adore her for many reasons aside from being a wonderful grandmother. She had several nicknames for me, one being Mimiri the name I have chosen for my designs. Mimiri means beloved.

Royalty

Originally published on my previous blog, the edge hunter, during 8 June 2015.

When I first saw this fabric, I loved it. No, I didn't. Maybe the lighting at the shop was not so good. Maybe it was, but I was looking for something else. It was laying flat under a big pile, with a label, African Fabrics. Well, the African fabrics that we get here, are not exactly what we are accustomed to. About 99% of them have glitter, of which I have come to embrace for lack of options. No, I think there is a part of me that really loves glitter.

Repeat Offender: Another White Shirt

Originally published on my previous blog, the edge hunter, during 2 May 2015.

I've always steered away from prints and African fabrics in general until recently. I just did not know how I would wear them. There has been an unspoken rule about how to design the fabric and to me that was not appealing at all. I remember all the dresses my mum had tailored for us during Christmas and other occasions. I started rebelling against them at a very young age. I've always known what I wanted to wear and saved my allowances to buy the kind of clothes I wanted. I developed a wonderful relationship with the clothes vendors in our small town and as a result, I got my clothes at a bargain that my mum found very hard to believe. Rebelling against hideous childhood designs has been one of the most rewarding experiences, it has taught me to express myself through clothing and to be comfortable in being different.

The Miracle of the White Shirt

Originally published on my previous blog, the edge hunter, during 14 April 2015.

Those who are close to me know that I wear white shirts quite often. I always say that you will almost always catch me wearing a white shirt. I believe it can save you from those days when you have a pile of clothes on the bed or the floor frustrated because you cannot find anything to wear.  Another thing I always say is, when I do not know what to wear, I wear a white shirt.