Love: Eyola Online

We've blogged about this wondrous corner of the web before but we think it bears repeating. We've lived through the eras of the statement necklace and the statement pump at every corner, but if you're serious about sourcing the most expertly-executed couture pieces that don't look much like anything else you've seen before, make a pit stop at Eyola's online boutique and prepare to be blown away by piece after piece of statement luxury. The Merrasuq Octave (above) is our obsession of choice and the very height of perfection.

Happy shopping!

XO

Love: Fulani Necklace by Muso Masiri

We've blogged about Fulani Earrings before but etsy seller Muso Masiri has taken the conversation a step further with this beautiful bronze necklace. A unique statement piece for $35? Not bad.

Be sure to visit Muso Masiri's etsy store to see - and buy! - an assortment of Africa-inspired necklaces and earrings.

XO

Love: Kwesi Abbensetts//Those pants!

These pants make us want to take a voyage to a faraway place wearing nothing but loose print bottoms, a roomy tee and sandals. Love the use of contrasting fabric on the high waist and love the relaxed, perfectly-happy-in-my-own skin vibe the model exudes. 

See more photos here, courtesy of the very, very amazing Kwesi Abbensetts, whose photographs never cease to spark conversations and desire.

XO

Love: H&M's "Festival" Sandals

We're putting all our buddies in London on speed dial...because these sandals are SO worth the hassle! H&M debuted a "Fashion Against AIDS" collection last month, featuring lots of building blocks for our summer wardrobe, including these gorgeous statement sandals! What's more -- 25% of sales go towards funding AIDS awareness programs! Win-win. The entire collection is well worth a look here.

XO

Love: KemKem Studio's Lime Aso-oke Suit!

[Scanned by ShopLiquorice]

Several Sundays ago, two stunning dresses from Kemkem Studio (by  Kemmy Oguntosin Solomon)graced the cover of Elan Magazine. For the uninitated, Elan is the free Sunday style supplement for 234NEXT.com, a vibrant daily out-of-Nigeria newspaper. 

Back to the clothes. Both dresses are absolutely gorgeous, but it's the lime aso-oke suit that did it for us [N69,000]. Aso-oke (a woven fabric usually reserved for special occasions) is by no means as mainstream as ankara (african print) and this piece stole our hearts for its simplicity and uniqueness. The words "lime" "green" and "suit" generally don't belong together but this look is such a hit that we couldn't help but share. It also helps that it was fabulously accessorized. Here's a closer look:

[Scanned by ShopLiquorice]

Here are other models wearing the same piece:

[Photos courtesy of KemKem Studios]

Stunning and definitely on our wishlist!

To shop in Lagos, please visit KemKem Studio @ 5 Abiola Close (Shonibare Estate), Lagos and/or call 0807 2933 179.

See more of KemKem Studio's pieces here.

XO

ShopAfrica/Spotlight: Handbags by Olas

Our quest for the perfect everyday purse has taken us high and low...but we've finally found love :-) Handbags by Olas (founded by Olusunbo Lawal) debuted in 2009 with this chunk of handbag heaven from her "Fancy" range. The design elements are quite spectacular - from the handles, tassels, supple leather, quilted detailing to the roomy main compartment. And if you thought things couldn't get any better, try this on for surprise -- this purse retails for a very affordable $125! Amazing!

"Fancy" was available in black, red, camel and dark brown, but last we heard from the brand, they only have the dark brown Fancy in stock. Contact the brand at info@handbagsbyolas.co.uk for more details.

Shop Africa when you can :-) We hope we make it easier for you. Become a facebook fan of the brand today to stay updated on their upcoming collection scheduled for release next month!

You like?

XO

Who Wore What: Jewel by Lisa spotted @ Leila Fowler

A few weekends ago, ultra lush Lagos hotspot Leila Fowler boutique hosted a big sale to make room for spring. We spotted a guest wearing a Jewel By Lisa shirt we've been wanting long time from her Arise Africa Fashion Week show last June. This gorgeous piece strikes the perfect balance between bright and subdued, with turquoise highlights and JBL's signature bling. We like how JBL's model's wearing it, but we love how this lady pairs hers with jeans, jewelry, and the highly coveted Chanel 2.55 Caviar Jumbo purse. Perfecto.

Shop JBL here.

XO

Spotlight: Bunmi Koko 2010

Sculpted sleeves and bodices characterize Bunmi Koko's latest ready-to-wear collection Geisha's Reform - a tribute to "Japanese costume, interior deco and old English architecture." The homage to shape and texture is truly extraordinary, while the rich colors and patterned pieces make this collection - and designer - spectacular.

Enjoy:

We suspect several of these pieces will form the backdrop of our daydreams for several days to come. Read more about the inspiration behind the collection here.

- - -

Connect with Bunmi Koko:

Website: Bunmi Koko

Facebook: Bunmi Koko

XO

audi joburg fashion week day 3: david tlale [contd]

[this post continues from the entry above]

no words.

xo

source

spotlight: ReneeQ's 0110 Collection

we woke up to this yumminess from ReneeQ on our facebook mini-feed this morning. they released the lookbook for their 0110 collection yesterday and we're in pure lust.

ABOUT ReneeQ:

An Afro chic and culturally inspired line of tee shirts embellished with African fabric, beads, trimmings, etc...

Bespoke brings the evolution of the Afro Diva! Sizes range from a UK 8-18.

Bespoke? Because no 2 tees are the same. Each one is unique, thus, you're ordering the same style but never in the same colours and combinations.

To order, please send an email with the code of what you want (RQBxyz) and your size to orders@reneeq.com

what a vibrant, colorful, and innovative way to incorporate african print! pure genius. purchasing another ReneeQ piece is certainly high on our to-do-list this year. see the entire lookbook here and get to shopping. need to know more about ReneeQ? we've featured the brand a number of times. read past posts here!

xo

spotlight: korto momolu's statement necklaces

we're biiiiig suckers for statement necklaces, so it was with copious amounts of joy that we looked through korto momolu's e-store and found some of the most beautiful necklaces...of all-time!

about the collection//in korto's words:

"I use a lot of African beads as well as a lot of things made out of resin because my necklaces tend to be chunky and bulky, so I try to use materials that are not as heavy as using the actual stones and metals. A lot of glass beads. Some of the beads are from Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania. I love texture, there’s a lot of texture, my variation of textures, in all the pieces. I love turquoise. I also used feathers in some of the designs, I’ve always loved feathers and there are many different variations of feather earrings, so I thought “How can I make mine different?” I like the chains and the feathers. It has a soft and a hard feel to it. They’re made out of silver." [source]

to purchase, visit korto momolu's e-store, where she also has tees and purses for sale.

xo