Hi bbs and hello Friday! Whoop. Can you believe that it’s already the end of the work week?! I know I can’t especially this week becaaaaause… *cues the drumroll. MY BIRTHDAY IS TOMORROW y’all. I wasn’t as excited a few weeks ago, but I sure am now. I feel like everyone says they’re not excited for their birthday, until it’s the day before and then you’re about to shit yourself with excitement. Go figure. My good girlfriends from school are coming into town and I have no idea what they have planned for me, but I’m sure it’s going to be a good time. P.S. be on the lookout for a new post tomorrow! I’m turning 22 and figured what better way to commemorate that than writing a letter to my younger self (Thelms at 16 yay!).
BUT. We’ll leave that till tomorrow babes. ANYWAY.
As many of you may or may not know, I’m Nigerian. I’m very proud of my culture, my heritage, and where my family comes from. When I was much younger, sadly I wasn’t as proud because some kids (definitely not all) could be very cruel and ignorant.
No, we don’t live on trees, Diane
No, I’m not an African booty scratcher, Sean (can’t believe this actually used to hurt my feeling lolz, it’s so ignorant it’s funny now)
No, not everywhere in Africa is poor and poverty ridden, Sophia
To be honest, many Africans live quite colorful lives no matter their circumstances and a part of that color and culture can be found on and within ankara fabric.
Ankara Fabric popularly known as African Wax Print; African Prints; Dutch Wax; or Holland Wax is unique because it is made through “an Indonesian wax resist-dyeing technique”. Through this technique an assortment of rich colors are maintained and printed in various ways.
Personally, I have grown up with this print surrounding me because of my parents and relatives wearing it in various styles. The vibrancy of the ankara and different styles you can choose from is out of this world, and definitely not fabric you can find at any store! Ankara fabric is something that embodies the African culture and can usually be found at privately owned shops dependent of course on the community in which you live (or are surrounded by).
When purchasing you will be sold the fabric 99% of the time and have to locate your neighborhood tailor to bring your style and designs to life.
This look: out of all the ankara prints I have, this one happens to be my favorite. This ankara fabric is one of my favorites because it’s so me! You guys know how much I love anything that exudes femininity. The fabric does just that! I love the docile vibrancy of this print because it can be worn in any setting. I love that it’s short and stuffed with tulle underneath. Did I mention it’s versatile? This can be your go to brunch, early dinner date, afternoon picnic hangout, Sunday praise, I just want to look pretty fit.
Being able to sketch the style and watch it come to life is always my favorite part of the process.
I seriously can’t.get.enough. of it.
So do you babes love or do you freaking love?
Whenever I wear it or any other ankara fabric, I always get so many compliments! It’s sure to be an attention grabber when you hit the streets in it.
By hash tagging #ankarafashion, #ankarastyles, or just searching Google — you’ll be sure to locate places to purchases the fabric from as well as ideas on what designs to get sewn.
Happy Shopping babes and as always love + light!
xx Thelms
No Comments