Fashion Friday: KEZA

In the winter of 2009, I had the honor and pleasure of working with the amazing fashion team for the jewelry line, Keza. I have done plenty of runway shows, but this one stands out for me because of the amazing story behind the product. These handcrafted, beautiful, one of a kind pieces are a must have for any woman.

Take a look the team's journey from poverty and oppression to sustaining themselves through their own business.  It is beautiful and inspiring to witness.

KEZA is an ethical fashion label. We discover uniquely gifted artisans, expand their design capacity for the western market and connect them to the international luxury fashion industry.
We foster true independence and dignity for our artisan partners and their countries as a whole. KEZA utilizes excess and recycled materials and eco-friendly production methods in order to contribute to a greener earth.
   The KEZA brand provides an optimal viewing environment for showcasing the beauty and excellence of the developing world.
KEZA works closely with indigenous entities such as governments, associations, universities, artisans and workshops to bolster the fashion industry in the countries we work in.
In addition to advising on products catered to the Western market, we also advise on how to capitalize on high-end local markets and how to leverage the fashion industry to encourage more tourism and boost the local economy.
    In August 2011, KEZA partnered with the Mombasa & Coast Tourist Association (MCTA) to form the Swahili Coast Fashion Group, dedicated to developing the fashion industry on the Kenya Coast.                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                   ~(courtesy of Keza.com)


Here is highlights from the 2009 Fashion Show in Nashville... Look closely you'll see me strutting my stuff...                                                                                                            


~Ya Za

Flawed, Fabulous... and in a Funk

Yeah, I said it... funk. Navigating through some of life's trials can do that to you. Oh, we are suppose to be perpetually on our "A" game, that's just not reality. There are some things "stuck in my craw." Here goes....


I want to talk about my brother not being here anymore, how he could bop so cool, make more noise than his grand nieces and nephews when he's playing with them, and all the other things he was and wasn't. I know I will move on in time, but he still lives in my memories and not talking about him is not an option. He was my insight into the life of my maternal grandmother I never knew. Him being the oldest, had the most memory of my mother who passed when I was 10 years old.


I think because he had her the longest, he missed her the most. She passed while he was away in the Army. I'll never forget his red swollen eyes coming up the stairs in his uniform with just a glance at me and closing his bedroom door. I was excited as always to see him because he was such fun, but not that day. No, my big goofy brother's heart was broken and for 48 years on Septmeber 19th, I could hear a little of that heartbreak when he spoke of her, but the ache was out weighed by his great love and admiration of her. She was his biggest support, she was his greatest love.


He remember where we each lived, the description of our home. How mother would get my dad off to work and he and mom would spend the day a her parents house across the street, until time for her to prepare dad's dinner.


He would tell me of relatives, most I only knew by stories told of their "antics", my great uncles I knew only as a young child, their wives and women. People I thought were related because of their ever presence. All the whys and whos. He remembered everything of our growing up and it was wonderful to hear him recount each story. He took great pleasure in doing this, especailly if someone initiated the conversation.


His biggest dream was to own enough land that each female of his family owned a parcel to build her home, that will always be "hers". This land would have a family cemetary, which we would move my mother and her parents. My oldest sister told me he had actually drafted several layouts. One of his trades was drafting.


This dream was one we had in common without ever speaking of it until three years ago. It was eery that the dreams were so similiar. Now (God willing)when I get the land I will do the honors of moving mother, grandparent, nephew and big brother to the family's final resting place.


Please everyone, particularly young people who don't know about the real body (blood pressure, cholesterol, your family medical history), start now doing the things that will grant you a long life worth living. To not take care of your health (mental too!) is selfish and unfair to those who love and depend on you, even they don't know that they do. That strut ain't cute when that body's shot to hell!


Remember the caregivers. Thank them. A caregiver's life is timed around the needs of someone they love and who, without their care, quality of life would suffer.


Say thank you and I love you often. Kiss, hug and pray. Sometimes press your face in your pillow and cry. Or just sit and listen to the sounds and movements around you, footsteps in the hall, children laughing and crying, and those sounds getting closer to you. Light snoring, bed covers shifting, dishes clanking, scent of familiar foods cooking, and your own heart beating. Yes, I am alive and still in the game.


-- Lois

Preggo O.O.T.D. - 9/16/2011

Six months down and only four more looooooonnnnnnngggggggg months to go. I am expecting my third child who is scheduled to arrive on my 35th birthday. Another girl who, if she’s anything like her sister… OMG!!! 


With another addition to our family, I’ve had to make some adjustments in the budget. One thing I’ve learned from my previous pregnancies is the dread of shopping and buying maternity clothes. Clothes that I’d where during my time of expansion and get rid of or pack away after delivery. Although my plan was to still remain fashionable in my maternity looks, this plan was quickly stalled. For the everyday career woman, finding maternity clothes on par with my regular attire proved to be quit challenging. Not to mention the fact that the maternity clothes cost just as much as regular clothes. It’s hard to dish out the cash for items that are not only temporary but, sometimes, “ain’t cute.” 


Today, based on these previous experiences, I really was determined to find another option for my maternity wear especially for work. I had to figure it out quickly because three months in it was already a battle trying to button my regular size 10 pants. UGH!!!


During the summer months, I opted for dresses (some regular and some I just happen to have from my previous pregnancy two years ago that were still fashion-passable). Now the weather is changing and I was determined not to dish out a whole lot of money for unfashionable maternity wear. Then I found minefornine.com 


Through a Google search for “maternity clothes rental,” I found this website that specializes in name-brand maternity clothes for working expectant mothers. You have the option to rent or buy a fashionable variety of tops, pants, skirts, suits, and evening wear. I placed my first rental order a couple weeks ago and I’m so excited with the quality, fit, and look of the items I selected. 


Flawed and Fabulous presents... “Preggo O.O.T.D.” A segment that features looks from minefornine.com that fit the needs of the everyday working mother without sacrificing style and comfort.


Our first look proves that white after Labor Day is no longer a fashion faux pas.

 

Top – Rosalie Top by Ripe Maternity (1 month rental)


Pants – my own regular white pants I’m still able to wear with the help of a bellyband


Shoes – my own metallic floral wedges (only heel I can wear comfortably in my perpetual state of discomfort)


Jewelry – my own silver multi-chain necklace and CZ teardrop earrings I saved so much money by pairing the maternity top with items I already owned and will wear after delivery.

  So easy. So comfortable. 

So cute. So me!








Coming Soon... Flawed & Fabulous on YouTube

featuring O.O.T.D.s, candid interviews and more!!!

Opening the Flood Gates

Just days before Latifah brought the blogging idea to me, I was telling my sister that we, I, need something to help me break through the heavy-hearted feelings our family has endured in the last month.  The loss of my big brother signaled the beginning of a life without the people with my closest DNA.  Not that this situation is unique to my family, but it was just another jarring wave along with all the other waves constantly rushing over me during this time in my life.  In the mist of this loss, my husband became seriously ill, and although he is doing better, his illness brought a stark reality to light - the possible beginning of the end game.


So when the "idea woman," Latifah, announced that we were going to start a mother/daughter/sister blog, I thought this would be something new and different for me.  It would be something completely outside of my normal mode of operation and at the same time could possibly be the therapeutic rejuvenation I much needed.


So here I am, attempting to open the flood gates of my life that have been chained and locked for so long.  Yet, I must stay true to myself and test the waters before jumping in this vast sea.  I have a ball with these two nutty daughters of mine.  They have two different personalities, but can be so much alike sometimes - especially when it comes to trying to rule my life.  And I'm not having that!


We have done some joint projects together in the past that were always successful, with the most valuable "take away" always being the time we spend together; the laughs, the spats, and the final result of a collaboration of our individual talents.


I clearly remember every detail of both pregnancies, births, and the rearing of these two extraordinary women.  But during all that time, I never knew I was raising dear friends who would openly include me in their lives as a valued voice.


So here we go on another one of our joint ventures.  Hopefully, the waters won't get too deep before I learn how, and more importantly, gain the desire to swim.


- Lois

Ten Movies to Watch - Moms and Daughters Together

Here's just a few must-see titles in random order...

EAT PRAY LOVE
The Food.  The Locales. The Spiritual Journey.  The Love!

WAITING TO EXHALE
Covers the gamut of women's struggles, challenges, celebrations, and self-liberation.

FOR COLORED GIRLS
A concentrated perspective of the many woes
and heartaches of women. The book is a must read as well.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS
We can all see ourselves in one of these women.

CHOCOLAT
A wonderful perspective on the complicated dynamics 
of mother-daughter relationships.
Including a perfectly timed appearance by Johnny Depp (Love Him).
This movie is sexy, fun, and OMG... all that CHOCOLATE!!!

LEGENDS OF THE FALL
Seriously... it's Brad Pitt. 

THE JOY LUCK CLUB
When you really want to see the triumph
and resilience of women, this is the perfect movie.
It's so cool that despite the differences in culture, race, and traditions, 
these stories resonate with all women 
who face many of the same fears, 
challenges, heartaches, and joys.

THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY
Clint Eastwood - brilliant
Meryl Streep - authentic
The backdrop - beautiful
The story - honest and real

THE NOTEBOOK
For us, one of the all-time best love stories.

And last, but definitely not least...

DENZEL WASHINGTON
Any movie starring Mr. Washington.
Such a prolific actor and on-screen presence.
Oh yeah... he's quite easy on the eyes too!!!