Some Africa-Inspired Fashion

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You guys, my first day back to work was yesterday. I still don’t feel 100% myself or totally back in action. I don’t know if it’s jet lag, or that longing I was telling you guys about, or what, but I’m in a wee bit of a funk.

So, I figured it would be appropro to have some subtle Kenyan reminders in my first “outfit” back in the real world. Or something.

So, I rocked my favorite zebra print cardigan as a nod to those zebras we saw everywhere. Seriously, zebras are like deer in Kenya. EVERY-WHERE, they are.

I also had to rock some of my new Kazuri beads. Kazuri is this AMAZING bead factory where they train underprivileged women the craft of bead making and pottery and give them an opportunity to work and earn money. 100% of the proceeds go to the women there. We took a tour of the factory and it was amazing to see the love that goes into EVERY piece of jewelry.

I like to call this my Kenyan arm party, you know… minus the watch. But these bracelets give me a constant reminder of where my heart is. My handmade KENYA bracelet, my NILISAIDIA band (Nilisaidia means “I helped” in Swahili), and my Resonate HOPE band that is the mission of HOPE Missions at our church.

And my red TOMS seemed even more appropriate. I mean, ONE for ONE, of course.

And I know this is something I go through every year, but it just seems especially hard now. I mean, I think about how much I love my TOMS. They’re probably my favorite, most comfortable shoes. But then I think about the fact that they were $45, and that’s like one and a half month’s salary for my friend Philip in the village – it just seems tough to justify something like that.

I mean, I’m just being real.

I’m not saying that to say that spending $45 on a pair of shoes is wrong, because it isn’t – it’s just a mentality of a consumer-driven society that we live in. And I think as long as we keep ourselves in check and we remind ourselves of what’s most important – God, our family, our friends – not STUFF, then it’s okay.

Or something. I know I probably am not making any sense at all… this is more me word-vomiting the jumbled post-mission trip thoughts I have going through my head.

[Cardigan: JCrew (old, similar here) | Tank: LOFT (similar) | Pants: Old Navy (old) | Shoes: TOMS | Jewelry: Kenya | Sunnies: Target | Watch: Target]

Forgive me. I promise my dry, creative wit will return soon enough. In the meantime, I leave you with Christopher’s lion story to make you laugh.

Happy Tuesday, y’all.
Linked up with Transatlantic Blonde and Wardrobe Wednesday

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

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56 thoughts on “Some Africa-Inspired Fashion”

  7. brooke @ what2wear

    I think maybe everyone should get a little dose of what life is like outside of their own bubble and maybe we would all (including myself) be more aware of how thankful we should be :) Can’t wait to see you soon :)
    brooke @ what2wear
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  12. Stephanie

    Love the homage you are paying to those zebras with this outfit Molly! When you go from one cultural extreme to another, it’s hard not to have those feelings you’re experiencing right now. It really puts things in perspective and is a good reminder to appreciate the wonderful people and blessings in your life instead of just the “stuff” you accumulate over time. I hope the jet lag wears off soon and you’re able to settle back into life again…what you did was so inspiring and amazing and I loved reading about it. Hope you’ll share more memories and photos from Kenya soon :)

    Stephanie
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  13. Crystal

    I think it’s so cute that your outfit on the first day back was Kenya-inspired. I get what you’re saying about the Toms. Sometimes I try not to be so attached to my stuff, but reading all these fashion blogs doesn’t help either! LOL. Thanks for the post!

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  14. Sharon

    I imagine it would be hard to get back into the swing of things after taking such an amazing trip! Cute pattern mixing and I love that you’re wearing some reminders of your trip :)

    -Sharon

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    1. Molly Stillman Post author

      aw thank you so much, lindsay! there is a website but i don’t know if you can order it online. i do know there are some “Kazuri America” shops – but it’s tough to find :( i love it so much!!

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  23. Katie

    I love that cardigan! I’m it’s hard to come back and realize how easy it is for us to spend money on things and how much money means to them and how easy it is for us to spend it here. I think it’s important to have a good balance. You can still spend money you just have to know where material possessions lie in God’s eye and then be wise with what he’s given you, which I think you are!
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