·

Some Africa-Inspired Fashion

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

56 Comments

  1. I love the polka dots and the pops of red and I so get exactly what you mean. I struggle with the whole thing of spending too when some have so little…. Thanks for joining up with WW again. You look awesome!

    Reply

  5. I absolutely LOVE this outfit! And I love that it reminds you of Kenya! Why not take those memories with you to work! Hope you are feeling back in the swing of things soon!
    – Heather

    Reply

  6. I am so in love with that necklace…and I love that it has a story. Very cool. Polka dots and zebra stripes…it can’t get much better than that in my book!

    Reply

  7. 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

    Reply

  12. 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

    Reply

  13. 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!

    Reply

  14. 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

    Reply

    1. 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!!

      Reply

  22. I can definitely imagine that it takes a bit to get back into the swing of things after an experience like that! I like how you dressed with some Kenya inspo to ease your way back in – love that Kazuri necklace.

    Sea and Swank

    Reply

  23. 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!

    Reply

  25. I think it’s totally acceptable to take a few days to get back in the swing of things 🙂

    Love this cardigan…how cool that you saw zebras everywhere?!?!

    Reply

  26. Lovely as ever, Dear Molly. Love the homage to our striped friends, and the details that remind you of your life-changing trip. Praying you get back to feeling yourself, jet lag is so hard. Hugs, Darlin’!!! ~Sarah

    Reply

  27. So happy that you’re back! You have mission trip brain, I walked around in a fog for a week…..it’s such a hard adjustment coming back! Can’t wait to hear more about it!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.