n celebrating my recent travels to Bali to source more one of a kind, handmade goodies for the upcoming QAC webstore Fall relaunch ... This week’s Daily Fashion Fix style post is a dope cultural spin on an old classic - "The Fanny Pack."
Too Late to Say Sari
Welcome back to another week of The Daily Fashion Fix. This week's global goodies comes from the vibrant country of India! Long time readers know I absolutely love when vintage style and global history come together in one piece. And this weeks dress? ... A 1970's vintage sari styled dress directly from India is exactly that! Historically saris have been worn in Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka and most famously India for centuries.
Ghanaian Greetings
Anywho, in last week's Fashion Fix post, I talked about the need to wear modest clothing when in public spaces here in Qatar. That said, back when I was in the packing stage, I had the hard job of going through literally every item of clothing I owned and deciding whether it would make the cut and make it into my luggage ... Or end up in the trash / donation bin.
It was in this "toss it" or "take it" phase that I came across this beauty greeting me from the back of my closet. 100% West African wax print fabric ... Hand embroidered ... 20+ year old vintage dress straight from my dad home country of Ghana, West Africa.
Peruvian Quechua on the Cliffs
Afternoon Royal Fam,
Angela here, owner of Queen Adwoa’s Closet checking in live from the concrete jungle with, as always, another “globally classic” piece … This time? All the way from Peru! … Quick back story? I decided do a bit of garment hunting in Brooklyn recently in a super hush location (blog post on that next week) when I came across a few cute gems and yet another showstopper piece. Early on in Q.A.C’s launch I wrote a pretty in-depth blog post on the basics of thrift shopping.
If you haven’t read that particular entry yet, I highly recommend it. That write up, in addition to next week’s post, is pretty much my “how-to” bible on scoring really dope vintage in a sea of what are basically toss-outs from other people’s closet ... Or are they??? There's amazing treasures to be found if you know how and where to look!
At any rate, as I’m sifting through a bottomless pit of clothing piles, my friend Rosie hands me what initially looks like a blue blanket. Eyebrows furrowed, I start opening up the fabric thinking, “what the heck is this!?” .. Seeing the puzzled look on my face, she asks, "well, do you want it or not?" Clearly, if it made it to this blog post, I was definitely impressed LOL. What initially looked like a couch throw blanket turned out to actually be a Peruvian poncho, called a “Lliclla” or "manta" by the Quechua people.
In Peru, which was founded by the Inca people, and where the main mode of transportation was (and in some remote locations, still is) by Llama … Both aspects celebrated in the unique design of this particular wool cover-up .. The Lliclla is often worn by women who favor the traditional Quechua style of dress. Culturally a mashup of indigenous dress with colonial Spanish influence, this covering is primarily used to protect the women from the cold as they navigate chilly Andes Mountain air.
For those women with children, it's also used as a body wrap to carry their little ones while completing tasks outdoors. While this traditionally colorful wool is worn around the neck and secured by either tying, a pin, or button .. Even more colorful the mantas are worn for holiday's and festivals.
In short? To say I lucked up on this incredible find is an understatement, LOL! And? .. I just might be adding this beautiful cover-up to the QAC webstore .. Perfect for late spring nights or an evening at the beach. Interested? Awesome! Follow the Q.A.C shop on Instagram for announcements! New items arriving soon!
Till then? As always ... The (fashion) Journey Continues!
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Ecuadorian Vintage
It's rare these days that one particular piece make me completely speechless. After years of hard shopping and millions of pieces later, I found it. A dress so rare and amazing that I couldn't pass it up. On a trip back to my hometown last year, I came across, now wait for it .. A one of a kind .. Handmade ... 1950's vintage dress .. Straight from Ecuador! squeals in fashion nerd ... PS: did I mention the dress was in perfect, nearly untouched condition? ... Omg! swoons
What I love about this dress, is not just the rarity of it, but also the heritage. Throughout this dress are patterns and images of the indigenous Inca people. Briefly, the Inca were a members of an empire which spanned South America from Columbia to Argentina before the arrival of Columbus and other colonialist.
With over 10 million subjects, the Inca dynasty was the largest empire of its time! In addition to their development of 30 languages, commission of national roads, and temples, the Inca developed a distinct style of art that remains recognizable to this day.
Below, are a few of the shots I took in Central Park over the weekend wearing this amazeballs dress, along with images of ancient gold / bronze Inca artifacts found depicting the Inca people's sacred sun god deity. They considered themselves "Children of the Sun". As you can see, these same patterns and images were incorporated into my dress.
In short? This dress is exactly what I mean when I say that my personal style is a collection of global vintage with a modern aesthetic. A mint condition, handcrafted vintage item which also happens to acknowledge and celebrate a powerful ancient culture? ... How could I not!? ... Regrettably my fashion loves, this dress will not be listed in the Q.A.C webstore!
I've fallen hopelessly and completely in love with it! LOL There are some fashion finds that are absolutely priceless. :]) .. No worries, when the Q.A.C shop launches with new pieces this June, you'll totally forgive me. Even more global pieces awaits! ... 'Till then? As always, the journey continues!
To learn more about the powerful and vast ancient Inca culture click HERE
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Gimmie Shuka
Greetings culture lovers!
It's 65° degrees here in NYC today, so you know what that means ... Either global warming is going into overdrive this week, or Spring is almost here!! .. I'm going to think positively and go with Spring LOL. That said, I took advantage of the amazeballs weather by grabbing my camera and shooting downtown! .. Hope you enjoy!
This week's Daily Fashion Fix feature is another super cool cultural piece from Kenya called "shuka cloth." Seen in the nomadic Maasai Tribe of East Africa, the shuka is worn as a protective garment while out in the in the field, either tending to cattle or on the hunt.
While original shuka wraps were crafted with sheepskin or calf / animal hides, around the 1960's the Maasai people replaced traditional shuka with modern fabrics created from cotton woven in various tartan-like (think Scottish plaid) patterns. Additionally, in keeping with tradition, the modern fabric now used still maintains the overall vibrant red coloring found in the first shuka capes
Originally, created by taking and processing red ochre clay from the earth, historically, the red coloring in shukas held important significance in not only helping tribesmen camouflage from wild animals by blending into the terrain .. But also serving as a warning signal to aggressive animals when discovered (warding them off) as warriors set out on the hunt.
Today, shukas can be wrapped and worn in countless ways, as its style often varies by the creativity of the wearer. For a bit of style inspiration, check out my modern take on rocking shuka cloth in this week's post! As you all know, I love all things vintage. For this look, I brought together a plush butter leather 1980's crop jacket ... A simple body-suit .. And a pair of super distressed high-waisted vintage mom jeans. Can you tell I wear these a lot?
No seriously, they're probably going to fall apart any minute with all the fraying, but I can't let them go .. LOL! Shoes included these gold booties I was gifted by my mom, practically unworn from last winter. They honestly had to grow on me style wise, because I wasn't originally a fan (sorry mom!) .. But I'm so glad I decided to keep them. LOL .. And there there you have it! A few classic basics paired up with a unique statement piece and you have a really cool look all your own.
Interested in learning how I created some of these folded fabric looks? Tap HERE to view my Q.A.C tutorial, where I show you how to replicate my top five favorite wrap styles! ... Thanks for stopping by. ~ xo
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Indigenous Luck
Greetings loves!
As you all know, I'm a fan of a good cultural or vintage piece ... Finding a cool garment or accessory that combines the two? .. Absolutely love! This week, I was able to find just that.
Since the new year, I've found myself wearing quite a few pieces with cowrie shells recently
From being used to connect with the gods .. To symbolizing wealth, health, and good luck .. Cowrie shells have long been regarded as both culturally & spiritually important in African, Asian, Arabic, & Pacific Islander culture.
While I've been drawn to cowrie shells recently, as you many of you know, I also really like the idea of wearing a garment with deeper symbolism and meaning.
This vintage 1980's kimono I found while out on a recent vintage hunt, gives a stylish nod to the historic use of cowrie shells, while also celebrating indigenous people in the beautiful patterning.
Stylish .. cultural .. with a bit of history. The perfect fashion trifecta!
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Luxe Eco-Fashion: feat. JORD Watches
Hey culture lovers! This week on the “Daily Fashion Fix” I have a very special treat for you, so get excited : )]
As always, we know the foundation of quintessential Q.A.C style is the beautiful marriage between quality vintage pieces juxtaposed with amazing global selections … And this week, is no exception! Today’s look inspired by luxe style for the global and environmentally conscious, young creative. Like so many, as I grow into my own personal style and self-discovery, I’m moving away from trendy, “style of the moment” pieces and toward a more timeless aesthetic. Nothing’s worse than spending your hard-earned money on the coveted fast fashion “must haves” … Only to have it be deemed “out of fashion” the following season. Listen, I don’t know about you, but my coins are far too precious for that! … LOL! Instead, now more than ever, I’m all about investing in unique conversation pieces with longevity. My wardrobe consists of selections that not only lessen my impact on the environment, but also communicate my close connection to global culture. This week I chose a few select pieces from opposite ends of the globe, which highlight these concepts … Proving once again, that quality is always better than quantity.
First up? We take look at the beauty of African nation, The Congo as brought to us from JORD Watches. If you follow me on Instagram, then you might have seen my “Instagram Story” excitedly hinting at a mystery box recently arriving in the mail. As a West African girl myself, and an avid collector of global accessories, I was beyond excited to add this piece to the collection.
y loves? The classically understated navy watch face paired with the rich zebrawood stripped coloring of the wood. If you’ve been reading the Daily Fashion Fix for some time, then you’ll know that pairing of a solid statement color with an engaging print (be it subtle or bold) make for the perfect jumping off point when creating an amazing outfit using my “Color Pop Method.” Additionally, the simplicity of design also makes it easy to build upon if like me, you love accessories and a good arm party! Here, I paired my JORD watch with vintage bangles direct from India and an amber necklacefrom Gambia, W. Africa ... As you can see, I’m entering full eccentric fashion mode and I love it! LOL!
Last, but certainly not least … To know me, is to know that I’m a huge proponent of ethical and sustainable fashion. No amount of style is ever worth owning large amounts of clothing created from factory sweatshop labor or deriving from a company with a large environmental footprint. What I absolutely love and applaud JORD for is the transparency of sourcing. While the sustainability on my Frankie series Zebrawood watch could be a bit more on the eco-friendly side, several of the global wood materials used to create their luxury watches certainly are. Not only do they outline the country of the wood’s origin, but they also indicate the levels to which the tree / wood materials are considered “at risk.” In essence, you’re shopping pieces based on both personal style as well as your level of environmental comfort. Does your fashion fave do that?
Finally, as we head to Europe, Paris specifically, I decided to pair my accessories with this super chic vintage dress from none other than fashion house Lanvin! With a keen eye for vintage shopping, I was able to spot and snag this 50’s styled, A-lined dress from the luxury designer for under $100! ... An amazing deal, when considered many dresses from this designer can start at $1,000 each. In all, by shopping vintage and quality pieces, you’re incorporating pieces with longevity that you’ll literally have for years ... Ultimately reducing the pull on natural resources and impact on the environment ... All while looking amazingly unique in the process! And that always a great look!
Tap HERE to replicate this colorful luxe look!
ALSO? ... As a surprise this week .. *drumrolls* .. I’m partnering with JORD Watches and hosting a free giveaway for all of my Q.A.C fam! This one is for the ladies and the fellas and is just in time for the holidays ...
Tap HERE for details! on how to enter!
This post was sponsored by JORD Wood Watches ... Note: Opinions remain 100% my own. Thanks loves for stoping by! xo ~Angela
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African Street Style Layering
Greetings Culture Lovers!
Last go 'round on the Daily Fashion Fix, we talked about how to recreate a great Fall transition look in just 3 easy steps! This week, I'd like to keep on this vein and take it one step further with layering. As the weather gets cooler, adding a few basic chic layers over a bold statement piece can take your fall outfits from yawn to yes!
In this week's example, the foundation of my look is a bold dashiki print romper I custom designed myself for the Q.A.C webstore. Dashikis, originally worn in West African nations such as Nigeria, Togo, and Benin .. The print evolved during the 1960s into political statement of African-American pride and solidarity .. With the energy of the world, ESPECIALLY here in america .While great in the summertime, with a few tweaks, this romper becomes a fierce transition piece ... And who doesn't love getting double duty from your wardrobe?!
To warm things up a bit, I begin layering my basics over this romper using my previously discussed "Color Pop" method. Blue tights with a blue cardigan serves to color block an already busy dashiki design. The same is idea is repeated with oxblood toned boots and classic leather moto jacket.
In both cases, these colors are added to both the top and bottom of the outfit to not only add a sense of uniformity, but it also anchors the entire look around the dashiki print.
As a special note, take a look at the length of each cover-up. The shorter length of the leather jacket .. Followed by the bit longer length of the cardigan .. Then finished off by the longest length, the romper. This layering of materials on top of one another, coupled by the different layered lengths create this great structural look visually that I'm absolutely in love with. To wrap things up, I cinch my waist with a thin belt because as you know, I absolutely love a good hourglass shape!
And there you have it! Another fun look brought to you from Q.A.C, with several basics from your own closet! Colder weather is when the real fashionistas shine ... That said? Let's get layering!
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Retro vs Vintage
The fashion world is abuzz with it's love of vintage. From major retailers to your favorite indie blogger, like myself ... the excitement over all this "old school" has never been higher. Even my own web fashion house Queen Adwoa's Closet has high quality selection of quality vintage pieces for purchase.
But, as the love for vintage pieces grows, and seemingly everything is being attached to the term "vintage," what exactly is it and what qualifies an items to be called vintage? The official rule of thumb is 20 years. Clothing items, accessory pieces, shoes, styles, ect originating from a time period of over 20 years can be considered authentically vintage.
That skirt with a vintage feel, but manufactured 3 years ago is certainly not vintage. However, that well crafted 60 year old dress from your grandmother's closet? Definitely vintage. As mentioned previously in my post on Learning to Shop Vintage, identifying quality vintage doesn't have to be difficult.
Label tags, fabric texture, year of creation, stitching are all viable ways to identify vintage impostors with mislabeling from the real thing. Retro items on the other hand, are throwback pieces which have a bit of age to them, but have not matured enough to be called vintage.
To the contrary, retro items are quality pieces that are at least 10 years old ... wardrobe staples from yester - year that had the height of their popularity not long ago, but still too young to achieve iconic vintage status.
This weeks outfit is a mashup of vintage looks from various time periods. Case in point, this Adinkra symboled, scalloped shaped, silk wrap-dress is direct form my personal closet ... And I've worn it since middle school! Yes, you read that right.
I've had this dress since middle school (I've been tall since forever lol). I love this dress and the look and style is absolutely timeless. The leather jacket if vintage from the 1980's. Pompadour hair-style is from the 1950's.
Again, these fashion points all derive from eras well over 20 years, yet when pulled together they all work effortlessly.
