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Keeping your stunnas on and keeping your tan so fresh and so clean
Living in Africa is possibly one of the most resourceful places to be in fashion this summer.   From the natural products (Shea butter) for your hair and body to the jewellery made from local woods, everything seems to be just a step away. 
Again this summer the focus of fashion is on African print and organic jewellery. Kentai cloth to Kangas are making their way to runways and retail outlets in Europe and North America.

Living in Africa is possibly one of the most resourceful places to be in fashion this summer. From the natural products (Shea butter) for your hair and body to the jewellery made from local woods, everything seems to be just a step away. Again this summer the focus of fashion is on African print and organic jewellery. Kentai cloth to Kangas are making their way to runways and retail outlets in Europe and North America. The most essential aspect of keeping so summery is the print. Dresses and flow skirts mimicking the 1960s mini dresses or maxi dresses are hitting the stores in the UK. Diane von Furstenberg floral shift dress from the Cerisier line ($325) mimics the Kangas of Eastern Africa with large and simple patterns and color. A mini dress like this would look hot in the summer with a pair of tie side silk sandals from Topshop (£20) and some natural wood bangles to spice up such a look. So how does one mimic these styles in Africa? Well a return to the good old days where you had a seamstress and a pattern book is a new cost effective way to mimic the style. Take a trip to your local market, with amazing west African print and ranges of the latest Kangas you will find a treasure chest of materials to give to a seamstress or tailor. A simple halter maxi dress like the one sold at Topshop for £38 is reminiscent of the Afrocentric era of 1970s. Next step to bring the sunshine back to your life is jewellery, big clunky wood bangles or gentle glass bracelets are common in Africa in most open air markets or Asian markets. Bracelets made from wood are littering place such as Camden Market in London, however places in Masai Market in Nairobi allows one to buy some real creative original African products. Huge swinging brass earrings or small glass bead earrings always seem to complete any summer outfit. A simple pair of khaki linen pants with a white tank top topped with a chunky necklace and simple brass earrings purchased from your local African artisans takes a summer outfit to the next level. Finally makeup in heat is a bad idea, especially with most makeup not being heat proof. A simple swipe of black mascara, rosy blush and light bronzers takes one from lukewarm to sizzling. Don't forget a bronze lip color to bring out the sun goddess that you are.