Tag: style

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Wardrobe Basic – The Little Black Dress

authenticallyritah

If you are about achieving more with less then this post is yours! Today I’m going to show you different styling possibilities with just one little black dress. I’m going to style it in 5 different ways by just making afew significant adjustments here and there.

Besides being elegant, the little black dress is one versatile wardrobe basic which can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

You can never go wrong with the little black dress!

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The little black dress which I’m going to style today is a double layered bodycon dress from Vivo woman. Please note that you are not limited to a body con dress. Work with what you have. The fact that it’s double layered makes it not a see through unlike most bodycon dresses. The fabric stretch is so amazing making it super comfy. For me comfort is key. Im wearing a size L which feels perfect for me as a size 16 UK. I’ve actually worn it for over 3 years. Clearly the quality is amazing because the rounds which it has done on my body are countless.

Little Black Dress (LBD)

Look 1: white sneakers

The first way in which i’d dress the LBD is by going for sneakers. I love my sneakers white. I feel like white sneakers are slowly becoming a wardrobe staple for me because of the fact that you can also style them with so many outfits.

This is a dressed down look. I would wear over the weekend when running errands but still want to look stylish and above all comfortable.

Look 2: Scarf + Belt

The second way in which i’d rock that little black dress is by throwing over a scarf and securing it with a belt. Besides being an adorable accessory, a belt has the ability to define your waist area.

This is a very elegant look in my opinion. You don’t have to use an animal printed scarf. You can use any sheer scarf of your choice.

Did some nude sandles. If you can rock 6 inched good for you. The max I can do is 3 inches.

Quick tip – When choosing what belt to rock, this will depend on the height between yor bust and waist area. If the space is small then you need to go for slimmer belts but on the other hand if the space is more,you can work with wider belts.

Look 3: Boots + a Butterfly Top

The third look I would pull with the little black dress with boots.

In this case I’m wearing midi boots. Got them from Qash Kali like 3 years ago. The orange butterfly top has added a pop of color. This is a look i’d pull when transitioning from the cold to warm weather when you don’t want something too heavy and at the same time too light.

Look 4: Adding Kimono

Another way I’d rock the little black dress is by throwing in a kimono. I love kimonos. I would wear this all the time. It’s so easy. You can do a floral one, a lacey one, a textured one. It just depends on your taste.

Look 5: Fancy Top

The other way to style the little black dress is to go for a fancy top. In this case I went for this jungle green fancy top which is kind of a high low. Got it from Jade collections last year i think. I feel like it introduces some edge to the overall look.

Clearly there is a reason as to why the little black dress is considered a wardrobe basic. Let me know which was your favorite outfit.There are so many ways of styling it. Please remember you are not limited to a bodycon dress. I just worked with what I had. Work with what you have & feel free to tag me your little black dress look on INSTAGRAM.

Thanks for stopping by and see you next time. Lovely day!

fashion color theory

Monochromatic outfits explained – Style and fashion

authenticallyritah

I believe we all love to look awesome but as much as the fashion world is flooded with so many trends, unfortunately most of them do fade!Today lets take a look at the Monochromatic Fashion. This is a trend which you most probably have rocked at some point.

But first things first;

What is a monochromatic outfit?

The word “monochrome” is actually a combination of two words. Mono means single. Chromatic on the other side means color. So simply said, a monochromatic outfit is one which consists of one color which dominates your overall look.

Model rocking a black monochromatic outfit

Black silver studded beret hat

Lets take a look at some of the benefits which you can reap from wearing a Monochromatic Outfit:

1. It’s Timeless

This trend  has stood the test of time and will always remain ageless. You can never go wrong with this one. When you are not sure of what to wear, go monochrome. It’s here to stay not this year not next year or even the years afterwards.

2. It’s effortless

You don’t really have to overthink when putting together a monochromatic outfit. Since you are going for one dominating color, you save yourself the hussle of looking for complementing colors. It actually reduces decision fatigue! As long as you master afew basics, you are good to go!

3. Gives you a refined look

Going monochrome actually makes you look simple but not boring. It’s a distinctive way of dressing that makes you look smart, elegant, mature and sophisticated.

4. Works with any color

The joy of going monochromatic is that it works with practically any color. You can actually play with a color of your choice be it pink, purple, green, red…you name it.

The thing is going for colors which go well with your skin tone. You don’t want colors which wash out your face or make you look pasty.

Final Thoughts

I hope this post has helped you understand what a monochromatic outfit is…just incase you didn’t. Monochromatic outfits don’t have to be boring. In my next post i will be showing you HOW TO ELEVATE A MONOCHROMATIC OUTFIT FROM BASIC TO FUN.

On the flip side, fashion trends do come and go. It’s hence wise to invest in trends which are timeless. The Monochromatic Trend is one of a kind. You can consider experimenting and having fun with it. Find pieces which flatter your skin tone, figure and be sure to keep it elegant!

Feel free to tag me your monochromatic looks on Instagram and let’s keep the conversation going on as you wait for my next post.

If you want more inspiration on putting together a monochromatic outfit you can consider checking out a monochromatic board which i created on pintrest…just for you.

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DENIM, Fashion and Style, FASHION TIPS

What no one tells you about JEANS – 5 closet mistakes

authenticallyritah

Whether you like it cropped or not, jeans are one of the most versatile pieces of clothes which can elevate your look from fab to fabulous. In case this is your first time here, Authentically Ritah is a Style and Fashion Blog . You can consider subscribing right here to get instant notifications once i upload a blog post.

Today I’m going to share with you what no one tells you about jeans! Grab a cup of tea or what it is that you like and lets do this!

I don’t know about you but if I invest my money anywhere, i want to get value back. Whether its 2$ or 2000$, i want value for my money. My closet is not an exception either. If you want jeans which you’ve invested with your hard earned money to last you longer, you need to take good care of them.

Here are 5 closet mistakes that destroy your jeans:-

Jeans Mistake 1: Not pre washing your jeans in vinegar

Do you soak you jeans in vinegar when you first buy them?

It is always a good idea when you first buy your jeans, to pre wash them in vinegar. This step is very crucial because it helps prevent the dye from running off by locking in the color. What you need to do is simply add a cup of white vinegar into cold water then soak your jeans for one hour. Vinegar contains a mild acid called acetic acid which helps to lock in the dye hence preventing further bleeding.

If you find out that your jeans are still loosing color after doing this, you can give them an overnight vinegar soak. The beauty about this step is that white vinegar is easily available in your local store.

Jeans Mistake 2 : Not washing your jeans inside out

Washing your jeans without turning them inside out, directly exposes them to detergents and a lot of friction which makes the color fade so fast. Always ensure that you wash your denim inside out to prevent the color from fading.

Jeans Mistake 3: Washing your jeans too often

You don’t have to wash your jeans too often. Don’t get it twisted! This doesn’t mean that you don’t have to wash your jeans completely. The concept is if you wash your jeans too frequently, you wriggle them alot which causes unnecessary wear and tear.

You can probably consider washing your jeans after 3 to 4 wears but again this is very dependent on the kind of activities which you engage in. Some activities can expose you to a lot of dust and mud. Wash your jeans following the manufacturers special instructions.

Air drying, steaming your jeans, spritzing them with diluted vinegar or Spot cleaning stains where you use water and a piece of rug to clean your jeans are great alternatives to cleaning your jeans with water. The good thing about vinegar is that it helps neutralize any bacteria and it’s smell goes away so easily.

Jeans Mistake 4 : Hanging your jeans rather than folding them

Apparently, storage is another very important step if you want your jeans to last longer. Hanging your jeans actually destroys their elastin. When it comes to storage, you can consider folding your jeans instead of hanging them to help maintain their structure.

Jeans Mistake 5 : Washing your jeans in hot water

Heat destroys the elastin in your jeans, making them stretch out faster hence loosing shape. Using hot water is very common among st people who use washing machines with the wrong settings. Taking time to learn your machines specific settings is never a bad idea. Ensure that you use cold or lukewarm water and again remember to use mild detergents if you want your jeans to last longer.

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Final thoughts

Jeans may seem like a very tough fabric but it actually need delicate care if you want them to serve you longer which in turn means getting value for your money. Incase you know any other hacks that help jeans last longer, i would be so humbled if you shared your thoughts in the comment box down below!

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casual, DENIM, Uncategorized

The weekend denim vibe

authenticallyritah

The weekend is here again and it’s undoubtedly a favorite time of the week for many!

Who doesn’t loove weekends!The me time, unwinding, catching up with family and friends is among the little precious things that rock weekends. This is always the time to let your hair loose, dress down and just take a breather from the hussle n bussle of the week.

My go to weekend piece is denim. It’s such a chilled out timeless fabric which can give you that relaxed vibe. This denim skirt is so perfect for weekends. The darker wash is versatile and you can blend it with almost any colors of your choice. If you know me, you will know canvas are my staples for the weekend. I find this particular ones very comfy especially if you are going about your errands. There is something special about them in white!

I find that brighter tops pair really well with darker washed denim. This cute white floral top did just that. It brightened the denim beautifully.

In whichever way you rock that denim skirt, have a pleasant weekend.

Outfit details

Cute floral top – Lyl Fashions

Denim Skirt – Jamia Mall

White canvas – Bata Kenya

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chiffon freshness, Uncategorized

Chiffon vibes: Styling Midi boots with Jeggings

authenticallyritah

Last Sunday, as i was having a conversation with my friend Leila, I couldn’t help but notice how she kept telling me the way she’d already given up on year 2020! She expressed her frustrations about how she had so many plans and couldn’t believe none had gone through due to the current pandemic. For sure life is not always smooth. Today you can be overflowing with happiness but the next minute its the exact opposite. Miss Rona has caused a lot of anxiety not only nationwide but globally. I’m yet to know someone who hasn’t been affected whether directly or indirectly! I strongly believe that no matter what you are going through maintaining a positive attitude is what will propel you forward.

Well…that aside. Chiffon has this way of capturing the eye especially when the weather is smiling widely. Its such a fresh and loyal piece always waiting in the wardrobe, ready to have a chit chat with you right where you left it. The beauty about chiffon is that it pairs so well with most of the garments.

Today i’m rocking a long chiffon top, jeggings and midi boots.

I easily gravitate towards jeggings when wearing long chiffon tops. Acting as a building block, you can create endless looks with jeggings.They are such staples which can be worn this year, next year and the year after if you invest in good quality ones of course. What you will love most about the jeggings i’m wearing is that they are made of thick material and stretch so well.

Combining jeggings with long chiffon tops gives such a relaxed subtle look. You can crown this look with shoes of your choice but i appreciate this look with midi boots.

Outfit details

Long chiffon top – Vivo Woman

Midi boots – Qash Kali

Thick Jeggings – Midland Boutique at Monrovia Street, Nairobi

Thank you for reading today’s article. Choose to keep a positive attitude by focusing on what you can control and rejecting pity parties. You will be pleasantly surprised by how much you can achieve despite the situation at hand.

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Why you need a chic sweater dress!

authenticallyritah

If you are looking for a great trans-seasonal piece which will see you through from cold to warm weather consider incorporating a sweater dress into your wardrobe. I am so excited that i finally started this Fashion and Style Blog. It gives me a great platform to express myself. I feel so awakened when i indulge in such conversations.

As the weather changes over from cold to warm, sweater dresses are quite something! Most of the weekends when I’m up and down running my errands i always rock canvas shoes. I find that pairing a sweater dress with these kind of shoes gives me an ultra comfy yet extremely chic look.This look makes me feel neither overdressed nor under-dressed. What a perfect transitioning attire. I distinctively adore my canvas in white! Very specific…huh! I know right! I find them very practical with most of the outfits in my wardrobe.

Style serving: Chic navy blue stripped sweater dress paired with the versatile white canvas

Whoever said that money can’t buy happiness, simply didn’t know where to go shopping! I am always delighted when i get value for my money. If you are in Nairobi, Kenya and you’d like to get high quality sweater dresses at great prices, Toi Market at Adams Arcade is the place to go for shopping! You will be spoilt for choice as they have a variety of sweater dresses and much more. As for the white canvas shoes, check Bata Kenya. They have lots of varieties.

I hope you enjoyed today’s post. To get more of fashion and style ideas, don’t forget to subscribe to my blog and you will be alerted once i post every week.

Meanwhile let’s continue flattening the Covid 19 infection curve by washing and sanitizing our hands regularly.

Have a great week!

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COLD WEATHER OUTFITS, FASHION TIPS

Cold Season Wardrobe Necessities

authenticallyritah

The cold weather is here again! As you observe the COVID 19 guidelines to help reduce spread of this irritating virus, i hope you are keeping warm as well. Combining outfits that are warm and stylish at the same time can be taxing at times.

There are lots of outfits out there which can keep you warm and stylish. Today i’m delighted to share with you three wardrobe pieces that will keep you not only warm but stylish as well effortlessly.

  1. Poncho

One of the greatest ways you can clutch the cold season, is by rocking a poncho! A poncho is a clothing mostly woolen in material designed to keep your body warm. Ponchos were originally worn by the South Americans. They come in various designs and sizes.

Style Serving: Gorgeous grey checked poncho plus luscious  navy blue jeggings crowned with classic ankle boots

2. Jeggings

Since most of the ponchos are oversized, combining them with something more fitting like jeggings works really well. It balances the look which works very well for curvy women. The beauty about jeggings is that they are super comfy and warm.

navy blue jeggings

3. Ankle Boots

This look gives you that undoubtedly classic charm when you complete the ensemble with ankle boots. The additional benefit of investing in ankle boots is that they go well with almost all attires.

Outfit details

I got the Poncho from Jade Collections. The heavy Jeggings are from Midland Boutique at Monrovia Street, Nairobi and the Ankle Boots were sourced from Heel to Toe

Its amazing how this look can give you warmth but still make you feel super cute and comfy. Have a great day.

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Welcome to my fashion blog!

authenticallyritah

When i enrolled in university for a Business Management Course, my sisters used to tell me that I’d chosen the wrong career path! They knew i had burning passion for style and fashion. True to that, i have a very keen interest on style and fashion. I enjoy experimenting pieces of garments together. Getting dressed is like having a ”happy hour” to me.

My body frame is what I’d call “plus size”. This has never stopped me from dressing it in a flattering way! My late brother played a great role in encouraging me to follow my dream and start this blog. Unfortunately, i kept on postponing this hence limiting myself with excuses which didn’t hold any water. I now echo the sentiments from this famous quote “the only limits are the ones which exist in our minds”!

My aha moment happened during the Covid 19 Pandemic. As we were locked-down, i had a lot of reflections about my life and got inspired to finally start my own fashion blog, ”Authentically Ritah” which i launched on 23rd June, 2020.

Styling plus size body frames can be challenging at times in so many different aspects and that’s where I come to your rescue! I’m not a fashion guru but I believe I can share with you one or two things which i’ve learnt about fashion in my own authentic way. The fashion world has endless possibilities to be explored.

I will be showcasing to the world that curvy ladies or as some would call them ‘plus sized’ have more stylish options. Stay tuned!

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