The muumuu style originated in Hawaii and was originally worn by native women as a traditional garment. Over time, it gained popularity as a casual, resort-style dress, particularly among tourists visiting the Hawaiian islands.
The characteristic features of a muumuu include a loose, tent-like silhouette that falls straight from the shoulders to the hemline. The dress often has wide, flowing sleeves and a square or round neckline. Muumuus are designed to be comfortable and forgiving, accommodating different body shapes and sizes.
In recent years, muumuu style has gained broader recognition in fashion trends, with designers incorporating its relaxed aesthetic into their collections. Muumuus can be found in a range of lengths and they may feature additional details such as ruffles, mixed prints or embellishments.
Muumuu style is characterized by its loose fit, vibrant patterns, and easygoing vibe, making it the perfect choice for casual and vacation style, as well as an everyday fashion statement. Are you here for this muumuu moment?
Know yourself: Spend some time getting to know yourself, your values, beliefs, and priorities. This will help you understand who you are and what matters to you, which will help you show up authentically.
Know yourself: Spend some time getting to know yourself, your values, beliefs, and priorities. This will help you understand who you are and what matters to you, which will help you show up authentically.
Be honest: Honesty is a key component of authenticity. Be truthful about your thoughts, feelings, and actions, even if it's uncomfortable.
Avoid pretending: Don't try to be someone you're not. Trying to fit into a certain mold or acting like someone else may cause you to feel disconnected from your true self.
Express yourself: Don't be afraid to express your thoughts, feelings, and opinions. Speak up for yourself and stand up for what you believe in.
Embrace imperfection: No one is perfect, and that's okay. Embrace your flaws and quirks, and don't be afraid to show them.
Practice self-care: Take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally. When you're feeling good, you're more likely to show up authentically.
Be present: Focus on the present moment and don't worry too much about the past or the future. This will help you stay grounded and connected to your authentic self.
Remember, authenticity is not a destination but a journey. It takes time, effort, and practice to show up authentically. Be patient with yourself and keep working towards being your true self.
#1 Wokie Wrap Blouse - Wrap blouses are sorta our thing. Our Makeba and Lango blouses are bestsellers because they cinch and smooth beautifully. They are the perfect mix of style and comfort. We updated the look with a full, long bishop sleeve that is perfect for cooler months but can we worn year-round. Get the look in warm Mustard (shown below) or cool Peppermint.
2) Wokie Wrap Dress - The only thing we like better that a great wrap blouse? A great wrap dress! Our new Wokie dress is our newest, flirtiest wrap dress yet. We chose the gorgeous deep blue print because it reminded us of our favorite hand-dyed adire prints. We also love how the stunning statement sleeves are a counterpoint for the mid-thigh length and ruffle trim that show off the leg and keep the look super flattering and fun. Like we always say, life is too short to wear boring clothes. Shop the new Wokie Wrap Dress - Indigo now.
3) Shayla Shirtdress - Fit and flare shirtdresses are a must-have item for your closet because they can be dressed down with sneakers or glammed up with a great pair of boots. We played around with our signature mixed prints in this season's Shayla dress and love how the vibrant neon/black wax print is softened up with a contrasting navy/red/cream print. Shop the Shayla Shirtdress - Neon/Navy now here.
We wanted this collection to bring joy and sense of creativity and rebirth in the midst of these stressful times and we love how it came together. Which look is your favorite? Shop the full collection here.
]]>Shop the new SUAKOKO collection here:
]]>What been your experience with creative collaborations? What do's and don't do you have with creating over long distance? Don't forget, our new SUAKOKO collection drops on 3.27.20.
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These three artists are making their mark on the design world and beyond, all while telling beautiful new stories about Black women. I'm especially impressed by the steps they took to hone their craft and how they've created distinctive styles. Read on to learn more about how they got started and the inspiration behind their work.
#1 - Monica Ahanonu (@monicaahanonu)
"After graduating from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts in 2013, Monica started her career at DreamWorks Animation. Monica decided to take a leap and become a full-time freelance artist in April 2017, after a few years at DreamWorks Animation." 1
"I taught myself how to use Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, and would animate gymnastics routines because I was unable to do them at the time. By the time I entered high school, I continued to edit photos and create graphics on my computer in my spare time." - Monica Ahanonu 2
#2 - Aurelia Durand (@4ur3lia)
"Aurélia Durand is an Ivorian-French graphic artist based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Her upbringing in Réunion Island shaped her interests in representing the power and beauty of multi-culturalism. Her recent works are characterised by Afro-pop culture, in which men and women proudly display Afro hair and braids with colourful African prints and edgy fashion accessories." 3
"When I was 19, I started my first year of art and design classes in Paris. It was from that moment I knew I would be an artist. I like to work on creative projects and to use my imagination to create innovative visuals—it gives me a reason to live. I can’t spend a day without thinking about new creative ideas." - Aurelia Durand 4
#3 - Erin Robinson (@brooklyndolly)
"Creative visionary Erin Robinson is a Fashion Designer by trade but also a trained fine artist from Parsons School of Design and the Corcoran School of Art. Her daydreamy, magical imagination is inspired by travel, color, texture, the feminine shape and the many shades and coifs of Brooklyn. She works in a variety of mediums that include watercolor, ink, markers, charcoal, stencil, collage as well as digital artistry." 5
"I’ve been drawing since I can remember. My parents are both very creative and made sure I had the tools to nurture my animated mind. I went into corporate America as a fashion design VP for children. I found myself stifled after a period of time and felt like I wasn’t really expressing who I truly was inside...what my true artistic capabilities were. I felt like I had climbed the corporate ladder as far as I could go, and after a sabbatical, a lot of thinking and stepping out of fear, and encouragement from a handful of friends, I decided to really share my art world. I was very nervous and had to let go of the perceptions of what others would think of it all. " - Erin Robinson 6
Source Credit:
1 - www.mahanonu.com/about
2 - www.21ninety.com
3 - www.omenkaonline.com, by Oyin Olaniyan
4 - www.omenkaonline.com
5 - www.etsy.com/shop/brooklyndolly
6 - www.create.adode.com
Originally posted on www.craftsavvymarket.com
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Here's our list of must-have items to get more bang for your beach vacation wardrobe:
1. Wide-leg pants: Perfect for shopping local markets during the day or for a long night of dancing.
2. Strappy maxi dress: Maxi dresses are comfy chic goals! Up the sexy factor with a great slit and tie straps.
3. Tailored shorts: Show off your leg game and stay cool in a great pair of print shorts. Add a solid-colored tank or a complimentary print blouse to rock your shorts two different ways.
4. Dusters with pockets: Dusters are the ultimate vacation item because they look amazing as a beach cover-up or cute dinner topper, and everything in between.
5. Jumpsuits, jumpsuits, jumpsuits: Can't muster up the energy to match the perfect top and bottom? Jumpsuits for the win to get dressed fast and still look cute.
Bonus: A vibrant headwrap or two for a grab and go hairstyle.
What on your list of vacation must-have looks? Check out this video for more vacation style inspiration.
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My family moved to the US as Liberian refugees and I could just hear my parents say, “We didn’t dodge bullets and bring you to this country for you to be a starving artist.”
I worked in product development for a consumer products company after college and after a few years, went back to school for Fashion Design & Marketing. To hear the rest of my story, click below!
]]>Click below to see how Abi rocked our bestselling Makeba Wrap Blouse in four different looks.
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#1 Set your budget - Working with friends, bartering or even DIY-ing it can help you save on costs. There's no magic number; make sure it works for you. If in doubt, ask around for cost estimates.
#2 Choose a mood/story for the shoot - Decide what type of vibe you want the images to have. Are you going for something warm and playful or cool and brooding? 80s inspired? I like to pull inspiration pictures from Pinterest or a google search to create a visual summary of my desired mood for the shoot.
#3 Assemble a team - I usually work with a photographer (my husband!), model, assistant, make-up artist and sometimes a videographer. I try to reach out at least 2-3 weeks ahead of time to ensure I can get on their schedule. You don't need an army of people to have successful shoot; just some creativity and clear roles.
#4 Plan, plan, plan - Secure a location for your shoot. Consider the following: Where will the model do their make-up and change outfits? What's the back-up plan for bad weather? I used to wait until the last minute to get accessories that reflected my inspiration and it always caused me a lot of unnecessary stress on the day of (and the day before) the shoot. Deciding on and securing the full look ahead of time can make things a lot easier on the day of the shoot and give a better result. Also consider how you plan to use the photos images. Do you need wider angles for your website? Whatever you decide, communicate with your team so everyone can be onboard and prepared.
#5 Set the atmosphere - On the day of the shoot, you have a lot of influence on the "mood" thermostat. Have fun and keep it positive; everyone tends to do their best work when they are enjoying themselves. I try to let my team know I appreciate them being there. Also, food and music go a long way!
#6 Leverage your team - I always get better ideas and perspectives when join brainpower with other creatives. Stay open and get input from others to get stronger images.
#7 Be flexible - When you shoot images, there are always a number of factors that are beyond your control. The sun is changing position, something distracting is happening in the background, you name it. On our last shoot, we planned to shoot by a pool, but the space had a beautiful garden as well. We adjusted our plan to shoot in the garden in addition to the pool and got some of our best shots.
I could say so much more on this topic, but take care of those seven areas for your next lifestyle photoshoot and you'll be well on your way. Above all, have a plan, leverage the power of others and have fun. Check out some behind the scenes shots from our last shoot here. Do you shoot a lot of lifestyle photo shoots? What are your favorite tricks of the trade?
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Here are my top five Cancun experiences:
1. Swimming in an underground cenote - A cenote is a natural pit or sinkhole created by the collapse of limestone bedrock; the collapse exposes groundwater underneath. There are over 30,000 cenotes in the Yucatan peninsula. Words and pictures really don't do this one justice. I had such a great time paddling around in the cool water, marveling at the cave and laughing with my travelmates.
2. Learning about Mayan culture - Our tour guide Tino shared how his wife asked to see his Mayan birth certificate when he proposed...because Mayan birth certificates explain your personality and would show if they would be compatible. He also schooled us on the mathematical, astrology and architecture dominance of the Mayans, and how a lot of their contributions to those fields were lost when they were colonized by Spain. As a West African, it was really interesting to hear about the impact of colonization on their society.
3. Exploring Chichen Itza ruins - Chichen Itza is a large pre-Columbian city built by the Mayan people. It draws tens of thousands of visitors daily, and for good reason. Visit to experience more of the technological brilliance of the Mayans, see their intricate stone carvings and learn about the grisly prize for winning an ancient Mayan ball game.
4. Ziplining through the forest - The views, the views, the views! The heights were scary (20 - 40 feet up) but think of it as a 2 for 1 where you get to see the forest from a birds eye view (literally) and conquer your fear of heights. The package we booked also included a cenote trip (see picture above) and ATV ride, so it was a great adventure.
5. Savoring street side churros - We went to the city of Valladolid for some quick local shopping and architecture, but fresh streetside churros were the highlight of the visit. I've had a few churros in the States, but they all pale in comparison to the hot, perfectly chewy ones I had in Valladolid. If you ever see an old lady, frying up some churros street side, get yourself one!
Source: Grub Street
Have you traveled to Cancun recently? What was your favorite experience?
Side note: In the weeks leading up to the trip I was a little worried about security and reports of tourists disappearing permanently. Fortunately, after talking to a few friends and some googling, I found that the Cancun is pretty safe if you stick with official tours and avoid going off the resort alone at night (aka common sense).
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Here's the scoop on what I learned;
1) Be yourself - During filming, I was nervous!! When I remembered they hired me to be me, not some fictional TV personality, it got easier.
2) Every job is tryout for the next one - If I had been Boo Boo the Fool in 2016 and not done my best as a vendor...welp, I wouldn’t be writing this post.
3) Add value - I decided to pitch the onstage headwrap tutorial as a way of contributing to the event planning and they were like, “Yeah, let’s do that.” Executing the tutorial stretched me from my comfort zone of simply vending to helping to enhance the overall event experience. That gave me courage to put my ideas on the table more often and get the help to make it happen even if I haven't done it before.
Bonus: Everything’s better with a team. So many of my friends came through to help sell, set up the booth, do the tutorial, model, you name it and it simply would not have worked without them. Period.
Special thanks to Ford/ESSENCE for making us part of this great event and to everyone who came out and supported us. We are grateful!
Check out my story in the video here and let me know what you think in the comments!
]]>Gorgeous museum with a vast collection of art from around the globe. I caught a special exhibit on the history of underwear called "Undressed" but I was most impressed by their permanent fashion history collection. I can't get this Western take on the kimono out of my head and this Lanvin dress was clearly ahead of its time. Gentle folds of creamy chiffon plus avant-garde rectangular shaped gold leather appliqués spread like confetti? Yes.
This black sequin jumpsuit also reminded me of the current Gucci collection of trompe l'oeil fame. The underwear collection was cool, but I could have used a cliff notes version. I can't believe that folks were actually out here getting their organs crushed in pursuit of an 18" waist using those corsets. Um, no. The contemporary collection of lingerie inspired looks tied it all together. Special shoutout to this gorgeous Lanvin "pajama" set (teal robe) and seeing an Alexander McQueen dress (ocean of gathers) up close and personal. And the gift shop?? It was chock full of inspiration. Totes, scarves, quirky toys and in gorgeous Indian block prints. I was so enamoured, I went to V&A twice to finishing exploring the shop and to take care of all my souvenir shopping, natch.
Overwhelming in the best way possible. Street food heaven. Those are the best words I can come up with to capture how cool this spot was. Stop by there to see the world buzzing around you in one big, happy kitchen. Fresh, gorgeous produce, food trucks and fragrant baked goods abound. I met up with Laurene and her two handsome boys and we sat down for a lovely lunch at fish!. She told me tales of finding the perfect dance class and a great squad in Monrovia, Liberia (our shared hometown). I wrapped up with a chocolate chip cookie the size of a personal pan pizza and wish I could have stayed longer. I'll be baaack.
I stayed there because it was highlighted as the hipster neighborhood of London and it was close to my Saturday stops. Shoreditch did not disappoint and felt like an expanded, glossier version of the Little Five Points neighborhood in Atlanta. I stayed at the Hoxton, which looks like a jaunty bachelor pad, complete with a respectable book collection in each guest room. The wall art scene in Shoreditch was impressive and I would have explored more if I wasn't so tired from walking 10 miles from Borough Market to the hotel (really girl?). I feasted on Peruvian food for dinner at Andina and saw the magic happen from a barstool seat near the open kitchen. Uber zipped me back to the Hoxton, but there was lots of nightlife left for the taking. Speaking of, why was the hotel lobby lit like a club? Uber driver was like, "Oh, you staying at that club hotel!" Right! Fun times in the city.
It’s a timeless classic that has a sleek style with a chic simplicity that’s ideal for any occasion. No matter what the season, this classic piece will take you from a busy work day to an evening out with the girls for a cocktail.
From bold colors and prints, to embellishments and sparkle – there’s a shirt dress out there for you and your style.
Here are five style inspirations on how to rock a shirt dress.
1. A-line fit and flare:
2. Plaid and sleeveless:
3. Denim Style chic:
4. Graphic print with a skinny belt:
5. Vibrant Arican print – suakoko betty Grace Shirtdress:
Shayla Shirtdress
]]>A Betty Girl is definitely a well traveled adventurer and what better place to explore her style and curiosity but in one of the fashion capitals of the world?
With the perfume of flowers in the air, a thrilling bike ride through the city and a delicious French pastry as a sweet treat, it’s definitely a romantic and charming place to be during that time of year. Here are my favorite pieces for a chic and fun trek across this beautiful city.
Here’s a little fun fact: The Eiffel Tower officially opened on this day (March 31sT) back in 1889. That’s 125 years of oohs and aahs.
{1} Floral Dress {2} Green Peep-toe Flats {3} Flower Studs {4} Gold Bracelet {5} Handbag {6} Chanel Hair Mist {7} Sunglasses {8} Ideas Notebook {9} Butter London Pink Polish {10} Color-block Mobile Charger {11} Bicycle {12} iPhone 5 dot case {13} #ThingsWeLove Pencil Set
Q: What city would you like to visit in the spring? What would you bring and/or wear? Comment below!
xx, Monia
Keep up with all things Suakoko Betty
]]>Why not add to the style and character of your home decor with these vibrant additions today! Shop these pillow covers here!
]]>Get inspired by Olivia’s classic outfit with a pop of color without breaking the bank.
sunglasses // heels // bag // white blouse // jeans
xx, Monia
]]>^^Mindy’s style on The Mindy Project is fun and colorful with a little bit of a vintage flair. She layers with printed trench coats, accessorize with shoulder bags and gloves, and wears bold prints from head to toe.
^^ When Mindy hits the Red Carpet, you will know it! From embellishments, belts and bright colors, Mindy shines through and through.
^^ Fun and flirty with lace, heels, skirts, dresses, Mindy dresses with style and confidence, making her a Bettylicious Betty Girl!
Q: Do you watch the Mindy Project? What are your thoughts on Mindy’s style? Comment below!
xx, Monia
]]>SB Jesse Wrap Dress // SB Orange Ruffle Vest
Q: Is orange the new black? Would you wear orange? How would you wear it? Comment below. Happy Monday!
xx, Monia
]]>The Suakoko Betty Almond Malaika Dress is a super cute strap-less sweetheart neckline dress made with authentic, African Holland wax fabric. The dramatic cut-out back with closure ties gives this dress a little something extra. It can be worn as is with a chunky statement necklace and strappy heels or with a blazer and tights for those cold nights.
Q: How would you style the almond malaika dress? Share in the comments!
xx, Monia
]]>The weather has been crazy cold for most of the United states, and here in Atlanta, we have record breaking lows (single digits!). All I want to do is stay inside with a good book, a mug of hot tea, and with the heat blasting. But if you must venture out into the arctic air, a turtleneck with multiple socks, long johns, a scarf, gloves, and a thick winter coat is a must.
Turtlenecks are perfect for the fahsionista who doesn’t want to compromise her style for warmth and comfort – It’s where function meets fashion! They may seem outdated, frumpy and geeky but they can be preppy and classy or flirty and chic. If you’re still a skeptic, here are some of my favorite ways to rock the classic turtleneck.
Love this dark gray sweater turtleneck paired with patched denim jeans and a tan clutch.
Mustard yellow + houndstooth printed pants? Yes please!
A navy turtleneck paired with these patterned green pants and a statement necklace makes this look super chic.
This cute a-line midi skirt is a classic silhouette and I love it paired with a black turtleneck and statement necklace.
You can never go wrong with neutrals and a blazer!
The unexpected pops of color make this look super fun and flirty.
Turtlenecks not only come in solid colors but cute patterns like this black and white striped one. That statement necklace adds a nice edge too.
The classic black and white is very elegant. Love the textured black turtleneck paired with the black blazer.
Q: Are you loving these turtleneck styles? Do you wear turtlenecks? How would you wear them? Let us know in the comments!
xx, Monia
]]>She was born in New York City in 1952 to parents who were versed in the arts. Her mother was a painter and her father a saxophonist. Her modeling career happened by chance when she was only 15. She was on her way to classes at the LaGuardia Performing Arts school and was spotted on a New York Subway by Carrie Donovan, an assistant editor at Vogue magazine. The assistant editor was so impressed by her style that she invited her to Vogue to do a trail shoot. She was even published in a feature as an up-and-coming young designer in the world famous magazine.
She was soon modeling for Ebony magazine, which gave her a platform and she began to attract the attention of major fashion designers. But success was bittersweet. She grew tired of racism in the US and the modeling industry and moved to Paris in 1970 where she vowed never to return to the US until Vogue printed its first black cover (Beverly Johnson was the first African American model to grace the cover in 1974).
Paris was a fresh start for her. She began modeling for big names designers such as, Christian Dior, Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent, and Oscar de la Renta. The runway became a new success for her because she brought an artsy flair. Janice Dickinson once said, “when she moved, she painted the air around her with the clothes.”
Cleveland continue to model into the 80s. She slowed down her modeling career when she married and had two children. Today she is still a force to be reckon with as an ageless beauty. In her latest gig, she teamed up with her daughter Anna Von Ravenstein (they look like twins!) to model for Zac Posen’s 2014 resort collection.
Q: Gorgeous right?! Who are some of your favorite fashion models? Share in the comments!
xx, Monia
]]>You might remember this lovely Suakoko Betty Peplum dress from this blog post here. It’s the perfect transitional dress and looks great styled with this orange sweater for those cold nights.
Here are a few cozy sweaters to try out for yourself!
one/ two/ three/ four/ five /six/ seven
Q: Which sweater is your favorite? Share in the comments!
xx, Monia
Keep up with all things Suakoko Betty
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Here are a few gift ideas for that girl in you life:
1. Recipe box /2. Mini nail lacquer set /3. Over the rainbow macaroon collection /4. Mug with gold tone lip print /5. Hello metallic graphic card case /6. Smokey warm eye-shadow palette /7. Monogrammed soaps /8. Paris- New York earrings /9. Bow collar necklace/10. Red gloves with bow /11. Professional make-up brush kit /12. Chanel flower foil print /13. Scallop gold ring /14. Hello tee /15. Color block leather passport case /16. Ceramic jewelry tray /17. Twisted peppermint gift set /18. Quilted black cooper grand strap watch /19. Hunter rain boots /20. Metallic dottie sheet set / 21. Busted: The Foundations Guide to Bras that Fit, Flatter, and Feel Fantastic (book) / 22. Gold jewel cuff
xx Monia
Keep up with all things Suakoko Betty
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He’s bold, dapper, takes risks, and doesn’t shy away from prints and color. He accessorizes with sunglasses and hats and the occasional watch or bracelet. He understands the meaning of a tailored suit and mixing prints. He values eccentricity over convention, especially when it comes to fashion, and is confident in whatever he wears.
Follow Suakoko Betty on Pinterest for more style inspiration!
xx, Monia
Keep up with all things Suakoko Betty
Shop / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter / Facebook
Be the bell of the ball at your next holiday party in this Suakoko Betty flutter dress!
Keep up with all things Suakoko Betty
Shop / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter / Facebook
xx, Monia